Viewers everywhere tune into Twitch to watch people play video games, react to news or sporting events, and, more recently, gamble on offshore iGaming sites. However, the proliferation of these gambling streams has become increasingly controversial, even leading to scams and other scandals. Now, the platform has announced a ban on such streams, but has left poker and sports betting alone.

The battle between Propositions 26 and 27 is expected to turn out as the most expensive campaign in U.S. history. At their heart is a battle between tribal casinos and sportsbooks, with cardrooms as a potential casualty.

Two online gaming operators in the Philippines have closed due to the alleged human trafficking of foreign workers. In response, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva (l.) has filed a bill to ban all types of online gambling.

Ben Heap (l.), interim chairman of Star Entertainment, has released a statement apologizing for his company’s shortcomings, which were recently made public via the Bell Report. The company could lose its NSW casino license entirely, but many expect the state’s regulator to suspend it and appoint an external manager instead.

Gaming analysts are doubtful that a subsidiary of Genting Malaysia will win an “outright” concession in Macau. But its surprise bid could position the company as a “prospective rescuer” of an incumbent operator.

A new four-party coalition has come to power in Sweden, led by Ulf Kristersson (l.). The new regime is now tasked with finishing the reform of the country’s iGaming industry. Meanwhile, its gaming regulator, Spelinspektionen, has already begun implementing new responsible gaming measures.

Pennsylvania legislators received a free trip to Wyoming’s Cheyenne Frontier Days (l.) from skill-game maker Pace-O-Matic, supposedly to learn how the skill-game industry is regulated in that state.

A partnership has been formed between six leading iGaming operators regarding responsible gaming efforts. BetMGM, FanDuel, Entain, Bally’s, MGM Resorts and DraftKings released a joint commitment featuring 12 principles that they will become standard.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson (l.) called a special legislative session to deal with tax cuts. Rep. Dan Houx tried to sneak in a discussion of sports betting. Parson’s reaction: No can do.

The online sports betting and iGaming sector is expanding rapidly, and that comes with innumerable partnerships, outlooks and estimations. But at the end of the day, there is a clear, established hierarchy—-it’s FanDuel, BetMGM and DraftKings, then everyone else can fight for what’s left.

This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Anthony Gaud, the CEO of G3, a company dedicated to finding solutions to responsible wagering on esports.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (l.) has ordered a “strict crackdown” on illegal gambling, including lotteries, poker and cockfighting. He cited concerns about gambling addiction among Cambodians.

Imprisoned former junket runner Alvin Chau (l.), now on trial on charges of illegal gaming, fraud and money laundering, says he had no involvement in multiplier betting at Macau casinos. But an IT executive says the company developed a program to account for such bets.

A Manila court has dismissed a complaint against casino magnate Kazuo Okada (l.) that charged him with falsifying records. The court cited a lack of evidence against the Japanese billionaire and his team.

An incomplete casino resort project in Incheon, South Korea, may need help getting over the finish line. The developer is reportedly looking for a partner to both invest capital and act as operator.

The Malta Gaming Authority canceled seven licenses and issued over €150,000 in fines last year, according to its 2021 annual report. CEO Carl Brincat (l.), also said the authority is seeking ways to cut back on red tape and make things more efficient.

Norway’s gaming regulator, Lotteritilsynet, has issued a final warning to Kindred Group and its Trannel affiliate, saying that it will levy daily fines against the company until it ceases operations. Lotteritilsynet director Henrik Nordal (l.) said the agency owes it to the Norwegian people to get Kindred out.

Following last year’s Royal Commission into the operations of Crown Melbourne, the Victorian government has introduced new legislation in efforts to curb money laundering, problem gambling and other missteps highlighted in the report. The state’s top regulator, Melissa Horne (l.), has said this is Crown’s last chance for reformation before its license is revoked.

A committee of Australian officials, headed by Peta Murphy MP (l.), is launching a new inquiry into the country’s online gambling industry. The investigation will explore current legislation regarding problem behavior and illegal sites to determine whether or not new restrictions are needed.

The Tasmanian government has announced the implementation of a new, mandatory “pre-commitment” program for all of the state’s 3,000+ poker machines. Per the new guidelines, players must set loss limits before playing, and will not be allowed to continue playing once those limits have been reached.

As part of its expansion into Latin America, Swedish operator Betsson has brought its online gaming mix to Mexico. The deal also includes localized sports betting.

Gateway Casinos’ $99 million Cascades Casino Delta (l.) will open September 29 with a 42,000-square-foot casino floor featuring 500 slots, 18 table games and six electronic tables, plus a 124-room hotel and dining options.

A government panel in India is pushing for the country to create an agency to regulate online gaming in response to concerns over gambling addiction.

Mohegan Digital, along with Kambi and Pala Interactive, have developed a gaming platform under the Fallsview Casino Resort banner in Ontario. It includes a full suite of casino content and live dealers.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (l.) expects to approve seven untethered mobile licenses. But until those approvals, the state is thinking of allowing up to 30 temporary licenses. However, more than 20 could be forced to shut down in less than a year.

When PointsBet opted out, BetMGM stepped in to partner with NBC Sports for the 2022 NFL season. The deal offers betting insights and entertaining content geared to Football Night in America.

Two recent polls have shown that Minnesotans appear to be much more accepting of sports betting than Ohioans, where it is actually legal. Just under half of Minnesota respondents were in favor of legalization, whereas over 80 percent of Ohio respondents say they will not be participating.

As Louisiana sports betting continues to grow in popularity, the state has allocated $2.5 million for problem gambling services, free of charge, to state residents. An estimated 280,000 Louisiana adults may have gambling addictions.

Bally’s has applied to the state of Illinois for a management services provider license. If approved, the license would operate as Bally Bet.

Asian betting platform M88 Mansion has announced that Philippines boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (l.) will serve as its newest brand ambassador. Pacquiao has won 12 world titles in eight categories.

Churchill Downs Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson, Kentucky, from Enchantment Holdings for $79 million.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission granted a gaming license to Saratoga Casino Holdings’ Magnolia Bluffs Casino (l.) in Natchez. Saratoga Casino Black Hawk General Manager Tim Morrissey will assume the same position at Magnolia Bluffs.

In Louisiana, the Belle of Baton Rouge riverboat casino (l.) will invest $35 million to move ashore downtown. The project will create 200 jobs and be completed in May 2024.

Ground will be broken this week for Hard Rock Casino Rockford (l.) in Illinois. The venue’s temporary casino has been operating for 10 months. The permanent facility will include a 65,000-square-foot casino, Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Live.

Gold Strike Casino Resort (l.) in Tunica, Mississippi unveiled its $4 million renovated and expanded High Limit area, featuring 111 slots and nine table games in five distinctively designed and decorated zones.

The Platte County Ag Society will lease its basement exhibit hall at Ag Park (l.) to Caesars Entertainment for a temporary casino for 15 months while a permanent facility is built in Columbus.

New Mexico track owners and breeders need an overhaul to succeed. The wish list includes sports betting, in-person and online, and advance deposit wagering.

Fifth Street Gaming has announced that its Lucky Club Casino (l.) in North Las Vegas will be renovated and rebranded as the nation’s first Latino-focused casino, in partnership with Ojos Locos Sports Cantina. Come next year, the property will be known as Ojos Locos Sports Cantina y Casino at Hotel Jefe.

The Cherokee Nation’s insurance policies do not cover losses suffered due to Covid-19 shutdowns in 2020, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled. The decision reverses a district court’s earlier ruling.

The Spokane Tribe Casino (l.) in Washington has contracted with U.S. Integrity to provide sports betting monitoring at its Caesars-powered sportsbook. Currently the venue offers only on-site retail wagering.

Eclipse Gaming Systems recently partnered with the Northern Quest Resort & Casino and Prairie Band Casino & Resort to donate backpacks and school supplies to kids at the Real Life Ministries Newport and the Boys & Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

The U.K. Gambling Commission has formally confirmed that Allwyn Entertainment will be granted the license to operate Britain’s National Lottery beginning in February 2024.

IGT will introduce self-service lottery terminals in Ontario as part of a 15-year contract with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as its primary technology provider for the devices.

Veteran executive Mark McWhinnie has been appointed CEO of Crown Sydney. McWhinnie had a lot of previous success in Macau with Sands China, and will look to replicate that success in Sydney as Crown continues to get back on its feet.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee has promoted Kerry Janovitch (l.) to chief financial officer. Concurrently, Garret Finocchiaro has joined the resort as its first chief information officer.

JCJ Architecture has expanded the leadership team in its Las Vegas studio. Mike Larson (l.) has been elevated to principal and JoyceLynn Lagula to associate principal. Derek Sola joins as design principal.

Former DraftKings executive Jamie Shea has been appointed chief marketing officer for Strive Gaming, a Canadian-based iGaming platform. Shea also brings experience with multiple high-profile Las Vegas casinos, including the Venetian and Hard Rock.

Veteran gaming executive Marc Crisafulli (l.) has announced his retirement from Bally’s Corp., stepping down as the company’s executive vice president of government relations effective September 16.

A district judge in Rhode Island has ruled for IGT in a lawsuit over online betting filed by the Department of Justice, affirming that the 1962 Wire Act applies only to sports betting.

Rather than treat the problem after it’s well established, experts at a webinar sponsored by the AGA say technology could provide an early detection system. Operators can already leverage data.

IGT Lottery S.p.A. has completed the previously announced sale of its Italian proximity payment business to PostePay S.p.A. – Patrimonio Destinato IMEL for €700 million.

Global Gaming Women held the first event in its partnership with MGM Resort International, hosting a professional development session at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

Zitro announced that it has surpassed 6,000 machines installed in Codere’s Latin American markets, led by the Glare cabinet line and the Megashare progressive link.

BMM Testlabs has secured a license to test and certify sports betting equipment in Massachusetts, and is now accepting submissions for testing.

Sports betting and iGaming supplier FSB has entered into a multi-year partnership with Olympic Entertainment Group to supply its over-the-counter retail solution to OEG casinos.

Pragmatic Play announced plans to launch a new live casino studio in Bulgaria, to expand its capacity to live-stream table games to online gaming sites.