Super Betting

More than 50 million people in the U.S. will bet on the Super Bowl being held for the first time in Arizona, a state where sports betting is legal. It's clear that Americans have accepted legal sports betting

Rincon Band Makes History, Secedes from State Oversight

In California, tribal sovereignty is not to be taken lightly—just ask the leading U.S. online bookmakers. Now, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians and Chairman Bo Mazzetti (l.) are making their own display of independence by disassociating with state regulators and opting instead to deal with the NIGC one-on-one. A bold new idea, but If it’s successful, more tribes may look to do the same.

Researchers Tripping Out on Mushrooms as Gambling Cure

Researchers Tripping Out on Mushrooms as Gambling Cure A growing body of research suggests psychedelic mushrooms may have therapeutic benefits for certain conditions. Now a movement seeks to decriminalize them.
Using a derivative of magic mushrooms has been promoted as a cure for several addictions, including gambling, and now researchers at the University of Miami, Ohio are showing promising results.

Massachusetts Launches Legal Sportsbooks

Some legislators hint that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission took too long to approve regulations for the opening of three sportsbooks. Cautious or not, the Commission delivered on its promise to be ready before the Super Bowl.

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Poll Shows Texans Open to Casinos

A surprising new poll by the University of Houston has revealed that 75 percent of Texas voters support online sports betting and the establishment of at least four integrated resorts in Texas cities. Governor Gregg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan (l.) are both open to the idea.

Soloviev Names Mohegan As Operator for Proposed NYC Casino

Soloviev Group has named Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment as the operator of its proposed casino at Freedom Plaza near the United Nations headquarters in New York City (l.). Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands has partnered with a local community college to train employees for its proposed casino.

PAGCOR Revenues Soar, but POGO Controversies Continue to Unfold

The Philippine gaming industry saw a marked rebound in 2022, with receipts of more than US$1 billion to the country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR. However, after pledging to “nurture” its offshore gaming trade, the regulator added that it “denounces” crimes allegedly associated with those operations, and will “not hesitate” to sanction offenders.

Chaos for ClubsNSW; Landis Ousted, Proposal Facing Backlash

It’s been a hectic few days for ClubsNSW—the trade body was already facing criticism for a regulatory proposal that many considered to be lackluster, and now it’s been forced to fire longtime CEO Josh Landis (l.) after he made derogatory remarks toward Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Liechtenstein Votes to Keep Casinos

Liechtenstein’s voters on January 29 resoundingly rejected a referendum that would have banned the six casinos that have operated since legalization in 2017. The vote in favor of casinos was 73 percent, with 27 percent supporting the ban. About 70 percent of eligible voters participated.

ICE Presents ‘Landmark Awards’

ICE Landmark Awards will honor inspiring individuals and outstanding brands at this year’s trade show next week, including Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. and gaming pioneer Roy Student.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Who Doesn’t Love Dividends?

This week, dividends are the name of the game, and surprisingly, none of the big-time casino operators or bookmakers elicited any mention whatsoever. That alone should be an indicator of what investors can expect in 2023 and beyond.

ASIAN GAMING More

South Korea Casino Needs More Time to Open

R&F Korea, which is building a casino resort in Incheon, South Korea, has asked for another year to complete the project. R&F also wants to scale back on the size of the development, eliminating Phases 2 and 3.

Cambodia Watchdog Eyes Border Crime

Cambodia’s National Committee for Counter Trafficking has reiterated its pledge to combat crimes including illegal iGaming along the country’s border. It claims it’s already made notable progress in Preah Sihanouk.

Macau Business Leaders Testify for Chan

Business leaders in Macau took the stand at the trial of former Macau junket king Levo Chan (l.) to testify to his good character. Chan, like the recently convicted Alvin Chau, is charged with illegal gambling in the city.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

U.K. Gambling White Paper Could Come Soon

After several years of waiting, the much anticipated “white paper” detailing proposals to reform the U.K.’s Gambling Act of 2005 could be on the verge of release. Gambling Minister Paul Scully (l.), speaking to the Betting and Gaming Council, said the paper would drop “in the next few weeks.”

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Maryland Begins Process to Pass iGaming

Maryland is pointing to the success it has had with sports betting as a reason to try and pass online casino gaming legislation and two lawmakers— state senators Nancy King (l.) and Ron Watson have introduced legislation.

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Operators: N.Y. Sports Betting Tax Rates Could Worsen Odds

New York’s mobile sports betting market achieved record success in its first calendar year in terms of handle. However, representatives from the state’s top bookmakers, including FanDuel President Christian Genetski (l.), recently warned lawmakers that if the controversial 51 percent tax rate stays in place, users will likely be met with worse odds to compensate.

Greenblatt Confident BetMGM Will Reach Profitability in 2023

BetMGM has enjoyed a lot of success and a lot of expansion over the last half-decade, but investors are still waiting for that expansion to translate to real-world profitability. On the company’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Adam Greenblatt (l.) and his team made it clear that they expect 2023 to be the year where things turn from red to black.

Lawmaker Proposes Illinois Sports Betting Exchanges

Illinois state Rep. Robert Rita (l.) would like to see Illinois become the second state, after New Jersey, to allow sports betting exchanges, in which sports bettors wager against one another. Currently the state permits online sports wagering and retail sportsbooks.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Virginia Casino Advances In Legislature

Twin bills allowing a casino in Petersburg, Virginia are advancing in the House and Senate. The bills would disallow a do-over vote in Richmond, where a casino referendum narrowly failed in 2021.

CA Lawmakers Seek to Revive Cardroom Moratorium

A bill that would revive a 25-year old moratorium on new card club licenses and additional tables has been introduced by Rep. James Ramos (l.). Members of the cardroom industry and five gaming tribes support AB341, which would reinstate the Gambling Control Act of 1997 with a few tweaks.

Nebraska Bill Would Tax, Regulate Skill Games

Nebraska state Senator Tom Briese (l.) proposed a bill to raise the tax and charge a fee of $1,000 each on so-called “games of skill” proliferating in the state. Tax revenue from the games would provide property tax relief.

Trotter To Be All American Ruidoso Downs Sole Owner

Trotter To Be All American Ruidoso Downs Sole Owner Johnny and Jana Trotter
Famed Texas horseman Johnny Trotter and his wife Jana (l.) will be the only owners at All American Ruidoso Downs, All American Ruidoso Horse Sales and Billy the Kid Casino, pending New Mexico Gaming Control Board approval.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Proposed Legislation Forbids Kansas Tribal Casino

Bills in the Kansas legislature would transfer ownership of the historic Shawnee Indian Mission site (l.) in Johnson County to the Shawnee Tribe, but the tribe would not be allowed to open a casino on the land.

Coquille Tribe Makes Case for Medford Casino

The Coquille Tribe of Oregon, operators of Mill Casino in North Bend, would like to open a second casino in the old Roxy Ann Lanes in Medford. The Department of the Interior has issued a 250-page environmental impact report on the proposal. The public has until February 23 to comment.

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Lipparelli Elected Chair of ICRG

Mark Lipparelli (l.), former head of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, has been elected as the next chairman of the International Center for Responsible Gaming.

Australia’s BetMakers Makes Changes at the Top

Making a change at the top is one thing. But making three is a whole different ball game. Mark Davey (l.) is now executive chairman and president, Todd Buckingham is now chief growth officer and Jack Henson is CEO.

eCOGRA Names Mark Brooker Chairman

Industry veteran Mark Brooker (l.) has been appointed chairman of eCOGRA, succeeding Matthew Peacock. Brooker previously held executive-level roles at Betfair Group and William Hill.

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Kentucky Approves Arrow Pull-Tab Games

Arrow International, the world’s largest manufacturer of charitable and social gaming products, was approved by the Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming to offer its cabinets and pull-tab games.

Novomatic Extends Partnership with Apex Pro

Novomatic Americas has announced that it is expanding its partnership with Apex Pro to include the North American and Caribbean markets. Novomatic will also acquire select assets of Apogee Gaming.

TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More

ICE Looking for Other Host Cities After 2025

International Casinos Exhibitor (ICE), which has always been in London, is beginning a competitive bidding process to award the hosting of the industry event from 2025 to 2029. Clarion Gaming, which puts on the event, has been under increasing pressure to widen the numbers of host cities.

G2E Asia Will Be Live in Macau this July

For the first time since 2019, G2E Asia will be presented live and in person in the gaming capital of the world. The July conference and trade show will be preceded by an associated event in Singapore, organizers say.

Win Systems Set for ICE London 2023

Technology provider Win Systems will be showcasing its portfolio at ICE London 2023, including updates to its renowned WIGOS casino management system.

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