
Archive: Vol-21-No-37-September-18-2023

Do colleges and universities have a responsibility to monitor the gambling by their students, faculty and athletes? According to Stockton University professors Jane Bokunewicz and Sarah Grady (l. to r.), the expansion of legal sports betting has led to more institutions of higher learning implementing programs to help.






Treating the Problem
Responsible gaming has a dark side, those that are afflicted with the disease of gaming addiction. But it can be treated successfully, writes Stephanie Goodman (l.), executive director of the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center.






The Future of Responsible Gaming: Harnessing the Power of Digital Payments
Tracking the financial stake of players becomes much more transparent when they utilize digital payments rather than cash. And that makes it easier to identify gamblers who may be at risk, according to Sightline Payments CEO Omer Sattar (l.).






U.S. Compulsive and Problem Gaming – Another Patchwork
When European countries come to the U.S. to participate in iGaming or sports betting, they are often shocked about the invasiveness of U.S. regulators. Renowned gaming attorney and former regulator Susan Hensel (l.) explains why it happens and how to deal with it.






Cyberattacks Disrupt MGM Resorts, Caesars
An apparent cyberattack against MGM Resorts International affected hospitality and gaming systems at several of the operator’s properties, while a cybersecurity breach at Caesars Entertainment may have breached customer information.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: IGT Courts Buyers
Bloomberg reported last week that Apollo Global Management was just one of the companies interested in buying IGT’s gaming division, including its Wheel of Fortune franchise. IGT confirmed the approach, which could mean a deal in the range of $4 billion to $5 billion.
Four North Carolina Casinos Unlikely
North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore (l.) said a proposal for four statewide casinos does not have majority support and probably will be dropped from the long-overdue 2023-2025 state budget. But Senate majority leader Phil Berger said including casinos still is possible.
Las Vegas: Tensions Rise as F1 Race Approaches
We’re approximately two months away from the inaugural Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, and surely that means everyone in Las Vegas is excited, right? Well, not exactly.
Judge: Okada Manila Doesn’t Have to Merge with 26 Capital
A U.S. court has ruled that Philippines integrated resort Okada Manila (l.) is not obligated to complete a planned merger with 26 Capital Acquisition. The judge cited “conduct that should not be rewarded” by the latter.
Australia Moves to Ban Credit Cards, Crypto for iGaming
The Australian federal government has proposed new legislation that would ban credit cards and cryptocurrencies for iGaming. Notably, however, the bill would not apply to online lotteries.
Irish Report Cites Huge Increase in Underage Gambling
The Irish Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the Tobacco Free Research Institute Ireland (TFRI) recently issued a report citing a growing trend of underage gambling.
GeoComply: 242 Million Betting Transactions in NFL Week 1
GeoComply has built a business reporting where bettors are located when placing a bet. Sort of like a GPS in reverse. But the data it reports also tells a lot about the popularity of games and leagues and sports.
Seminole Tribe Scores What Could Be Decisive Win in Florida
As of now, it would appear that the Seminole Tribe has finally cleared all of the legal hurdles needed to launch (or re-launch) sports betting in Florida. However, West Flagler has the option to petition the Supreme Court—whether it will or not is the question.
Training the Best
RG24seven is bringing free and effective responsible gaming education to the global gaming community, writes CEO Wendy Anderson (l.).
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Take a Closer Look…
Overall, the U.S. economy and the press surrounding it isn’t very bubbly. So, surely that must mean that there are little to no opportunities for success in this market environment? Think again.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Peter DeRaedt and Mark Pace, President and Vice President, IGSA
What started with an open letter from John Acres has transformed into something truly special—the International Gaming Standards Association has become one of the most important organizations in the industry in the last 25 years, thanks in large part to the work and dedication of its president and vice president, Peter DeRaedt (r.) and Mark Pace (l.).
ASIAN GAMING More
MGM Reduces Gaming Floor Specs for Japan
Bill Hornbuckle (l.), president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, says the gaming floor at the U.S. firm’s planned integrated resort in Japan has been pared back by up to one-fourth.
Sluggish September in Macau
Seasonal weather has been bad news for Macau’s recovering gaming industry. The impact of Typhoon Saola, which struck September 1, briefly closed casinos and most borders and also affected transportation.
Macau Jockey Club Hangs on for Another Season
In welcome news for Chinese racing, the Macau Jockey Club will begin a new season starting September 29. Rumors had swirled that the facility would be forced to close before the end of the month.
Nepal Casinos Should Boost Anti-AML Protections
A watchdog group says Nepal casinos “should significantly enhance risk-based” oversight of casinos to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing. It cited the country’s “porous border” as a hazard.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
KSA to Tighten Responsible Gambling Rules
The Netherlands gambling authority KSA (de Kansspelautoriteit) has announced it will issue stricter controls for responsible gambling. It will also ask the parliament to enshrine its proposals into law.
UKGC CEO puts out Fires on Financial Risk Checks Proposal
The U.K. Gambling Commission is trying to calm fears that its financial risk checks proposed by the gambling white paper will be inconvenient for individuals. Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes (l.) says only 3 percent of accounts will be affected.
Google Dodges Italian Fine
An Italian appeals court has struck down a fine that was imposed on Google by AGCOM, Italy’s Communications Authority. AGCOM had claimed Google violated its Dignity Decree—which bans all forms of gambling ads.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Brazil’s Lower House Approves Online Sports Betting, Casinos
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies September 13 approved of Bill No 3626/23. This makes it possible to launch Brazil’s regulated online sports betting and casinos market. The bill amends the initial provisional measure by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (l.).
Dominican Gambling Revenues Rebound
The Dominican Republic’s gambling industry has recovered after decline during the years of the Covid pandemic. General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) statistics indicate that gaming revenues increased 6.5 percent in the first half of the year.
Offshore Casinos Evade New Zealand’s ad Laws
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs' (DIA) is trying to crack down on illegal offshore gambling sites. They avoid the country’s gambling ad bans by advertising free-to-play games nearly indistinguishable from their cash sites.
Crown Launches New VIP Player Program in Sydney, Melbourne
Crown Resorts has launched its revamped Premium Player Program at its casinos in Sydney and Melbourne, in efforts to remove itself from any junket affiliation.
ONLINE GAMING More
Chile Near to Launching Online Gaming Market
Recent action by the government of Chile will make it possible to launch the regulated online gaming market in 2023. This will replace the current gambling monopoly operated by the government.
PAGCOR Warns Against Deceptive Logo Use
In its ongoing fight to shut down illegal iGaming sites, the Philippines gaming regulator is going after operators that are trying to pass as legal by appropriating the PAGCOR logo.
SPORTS BETTING More
Missouri Sports Teams Aim for Sports Betting Ballot Measure
With a group of officials with Missouri sports teams fed up with state legislators unable to pass sports betting, they are taking the matter to voters.
NCAA Says No to Iowa Player’s Suspension Appeal
Noah Shannon bet on Iowa. After all, he's been an integral part of the school’s football program. But it wasn’t on football, and he broke no laws. However, the NCAA said the bet alone was enough to turn down his appeal.
New Delaware Contract Brings Online Sports Betting
Delaware contracted with Rush Street Interactive to replace 888 Gaming to run online sports betting in the state. Digital casino games will still be offered through the three casinos.
Lawyers Argue Fliff’s Terms and Conditions Not Enforceable
Lawyers for a client suing Fliff have countered the social media game company’s assertion that their client is bound by terms and conditions of the agreement he signed.
DraftKings Issues an Apology Over September 11 Parlay
From the “we didn’t think it was a bad idea” department: DraftKings concocted a parlay involving three New York teams. If all three won, well yada yada. It was September 11. And it was a bad idea.
UFC Takes Steps to Reduce Illegal Betting by Teams
The fighters and trainers and other hangers-on didn’t know they couldn’t bet on their people. It’s a no-no. But by vowing to follow integrity-based programs, they hope to get on the straight and narrow.
Kansas Has Stellar First 12 Months in Sports Betting
The first 12 months in business, four retail sportsbooks and six mobile ones collected $1.85 billion in bets and collected more than $7 million in taxes. Even with deductions for promos, that’s a darn good record.
Ohio Welcomes Bally Bet App and Bally's-Browns Partnership
Bally’s Corporation revamped its sportsbook app through Bally’s Interactive. The company also partnered with the Cleveland Browns with new plans for a restaurant sports lounge.
NFL RedZone Signs Deal with DraftKings
The NFL Networks show NFL RedZone has signed a partnership deal with DraftKings that should help the sportsbook gain even more exposure.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Las Vegas Unions Call for Strike Vote on 9/26 if Deal Not Reached
Union leaders in Las Vegas have set a strike vote for September 26 if contract negotiations with some of the biggest operators, including MGM, Wynn and Caesars, continue to stall out.
Bally’s Temporary Chicago Casino Opens
The historic Medinah Temple (l.) now houses Bally’s temporary Chicago casino, which opened at 8 a.m., Saturday, September 9 to visitors who began lining up at 6:30 a.m. The venue will operate for three years while Bally’s $1.7 billion permanent facility is built.
Ex-Legislator Wants Public Hearing to Save Casino License
Former state senator Andy Sanborn (l.) is requesting a public hearing with the New Hampshire Lottery Commission to try and save his casino license after fraud allegations.
Wynn Resorts Settles Sexual Harassment Claims Tied to Former CEO
Wynn Resorts Ltd. has paid an undisclosed sum to settle claims with nine women who accused former CEO Steve Wynn (l.) of repeated sexual misconduct.
Trio Merge to Create Crown Properties to Oversee Marquee Venues
Three companies, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., Sphere Entertainment Co. and Oak View Group, recently announced a merger that will manage marquee properties, including the Las Vegas Sphere.
Genting Malaysia’s Revived U.S. Casinos Could Boost Profits
An analyst at Maybank Investment Bank issued a report saying Genting Malaysia could see profits and its stock price rise because of two revived casino projects.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Holds Job Fair
Fontainebleau Las Vegas (l.) will hold a 5-day job fair starting September 25 to hire the first 1,500 of its anticipated 6,500 employees. The facility’s grand opening is scheduled for December 2023.
LOTTERY More
Light & Wonder, Oregon Lottery Partner for VLT Deal
The Oregon Lottery has agreed to purchase more than 1,000 Light & Wonder Video Lottery Terminals for placement throughout the state.
PEOPLE More
Sibella Ousted as CEO at Resorts World Las Vegas
Scott Sibella (l.), the first CEO of Resorts World Las Vegas, was removed last week. He was replaced by CFO Peter LaVoie.
Kentucky Hires 10 New Regulators with No Gaming Experience
The 10 new Kentucky gaming regulators have plenty of experience, just not in gaming. Not a single one comes from a gaming background. No matter— Governor Andy Beshear (l.) said they’ll learn on the job.
Allwyn Finalizes U.K. Lottery Leadership Team
Allwyn Group announced the finalization of the new leadership team that will assume operation of the U.K.’s Fourth National Lottery beginning in February 2024.
South Korea Casino Hires Chen Si As President
Mohegan INSPIRE in Incheon, South Korea named Chen Si (l.) as president and Wade Howk as chief operating officer. The $5 billion integrated luxury resort will open later this year.
Bacta Confirms National Council, Completes Restructuring
The U.K. amusement and gaming machine association Bacta has completed its restructuring. It elected a new 11-member national council and new President John Bollom (l.). Bollom proposed the restructuring in March.
GOODS & SERVICES More
New Acres Study Reveals $37 Billion in Annual Free Play Losses
In the latest in a series of loyalty research papers, Acres Manufacturing has released new findings that show how U.S. casinos are losing approximately $37 billion per year on outdated player loyalty programs.
Dynamic Gaming Revamps FAA Building for OKC HQ
Dynamic Gaming Solutions has revived an old FAA building to serve as its new headquarters in Oklahoma City.
Flutter Upgrades in Hopes of Reviving VR Casino
Flutter recently announced changes to PokerStars in an effort to get more exposure to its virtual reality and free-to-play social casino.
Star Entertainment Expands Konami Deal for Cashless, Carded Play
Star Entertainment has expanded its partnership with Konami Gaming that will see Star roll out several new additions to Konami’s SYNKROS casino system, including cashless and carded play.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
Ainsworth to Honor Past, Look to Future at G2E
Slot supplier Ainsworth is ready to introduce a new gaming cabinet and more than 20 unique games for this year’s G2E.
SUZOHAPP Readies for G2E 2023
Supplier SUZOHAPP is preparing to unveil new and improved offerings for this year’s G2E.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.