Michigan Proposes Responsible Gambling Education

Michigan state Senator Joseph N. Bellino Jr. (l.) introduced a bill requiring the state education department to create age-appropriate curriculums on responsible gambling by July 1, 2024. The program would be available to all school districts.

The Numbers Are In: Super Bowl Betting Shows Dramatic Increase

The Numbers Are In: Super Bowl Betting Shows Dramatic Increase Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates on the podium with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowl LVII was a boon for most sportsbook operators ,with several reporting record figures. GeoComply also had record-setting geolocation checks, but William Hill experienced its mobile app crashing.

Featured Stories More

Bally’s Names New CEO, Proposes Bronx Casino

Bally’s Corporation has named Robeson Reeves (l.) its new CEO, replacing Lee Fenton, who is stepping down after one and a half years on the job; Reeves will oversee efforts to win a license for a Bronx casino.

Macau Rally Continues, MICE to Grow

The end of China’s zero-Covid policy and the return of Macau tourism has analysts buoyant on the gaming mecca’s continued recovery. Meetings and conferences could rise significantly throughout the year.

Petersburg Out, Ball in Richmond’s Court

A Virginia Senate committee last week denied the opportunity for voters in Petersburg to approve a $1 billion+ casino in the city, but opened the door for Richmond to hold another second referendum to approve a casino (l.) after the first one narrowly failed.

Online Gaming Bill Introduced in New York

Senator Joe Addabbo has introduced a bill to legalize online gaming in New York state even though Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently proposed budget claims no revenue from the activity.

Tribes Buying Boarded-Up Motel on LV Strip

Three tribes based in North Dakota—the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation—have begun the process to buy the former White Sands Motel (l.) property on the Las Vegas Strip. The tribe will pay $10.25 million for the 1.1 acre parcel that is surrounded by other land owned by the tribes.

Ohio Governor Wants to Double Tax Rate after Two Months

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (l.) must know a good thing when he sees it. With less than two months in the books for sports betting, DeWine is pushing to double the tax rate to 20 percent. Sports betting supporters aren’t buying it.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Could Flutter Join in on the U.S. Party?

Sometimes you just can’t argue with success—despite numerous economic fears and uncertainties, the U.S. gaming market continues to post strong figures, and January was no different. That begs the question, could international giant Flutter flutter its way across the pond and join in on the festivities?

ASIAN GAMING More

Hornbuckle Pushes for IR Decision in Japan

Japanese lawmakers were expected to announce their decision on two proposed integrated resorts in the new year. It hasn’t happened yet, and Bill Hornbuckle (l.), CEO of bidder MGM Resorts, says time is wasting.

Macau Trade Group Asks for Tax Break

A trade group representing Macau’s remaining junkets has asked that the city roll back its decision to reinstate a 5 percent tax on commissions paid by casinos to VIP promoters.

Analyst: Hiccup in Okada Merger Could Increase Value

An entity created by the merger of Okada Manila and 26 Capital could actually benefit from a delay in the deal’s completion. That’s the word from an analyst who is looking at greater recovery in Philippine gaming.

Singapore Moves Beyond Covid

Singapore has done away with travel restrictions related to Covid-19. In a sign of ongoing regional recovery, tourists need not carry proof of vaccine, though pandemic measures could be reinstated.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

UKGC CEO: Gaming Market has Settled Post-Covid

UKGC CEO: Gaming Market has Settled Post-Covid Andrew Rhodes CEO of Gambling Commission
The head of the U.K.’s Gambling Commission (UKGC), Andrew Rhodes (l.) February 9 shared his perspective on the “latest research shaping regulatory decisions in U.K. gambling.” He was a keynote speaker at the ICE London 2023 expo.

BGC Calls for No New Gaming Taxes

The CEO of the U.K. Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Michael Dugher, February 10 called for the new secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer not to burden the sector with new taxes. He also asked the government to expedite the release of its long awaited gambling white paper.

ONLINE GAMING More

Bally’s Supports Rhode Island Online Gaming

Bally’s officials said they support a bill allowing its two Rhode Island casinos to offer online slots and table games, generating an estimated $93.3 million in gross gaming revenue in the first year and $130.6 million by the fifth year.

SPORTS BETTING More

New York Lawmaker Pushes Bill To Ban Sports Betting Ads

New York Rep. Paul Tonko (l.) recently introduced the Betting on our Future Act. The bill bans any ad in any medium under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Drastic? You bet. But unless sportsbooks curb their ads, that becomes the law.

Missouri Lawmakers Reconsider Sports Betting

Missourians couldn’t bet on their home-state team, Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs, since sports betting isn’t allowed in the state. But a bill legalizing retail and online wagering has been introduced in the House.

Mississippi Legislator Introduces Mobile Sports Betting Bill

In a 110-4 vote, Mississippi lawmakers passed a mobile sports betting bill sponsored by state Rep. Casey Eure (l.) that was amended to create a task force to recommend oversight and regulation. Sports betting is allowed on-site at retail and tribal casinos.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Nevada Lawmakers Push Back on Biden’s Attack on “Junk” Resort Fees

In his recent State of the Union address, U.S. President Joe Biden (l.) introduced a new bill that would eliminate various kinds of “junk fees,” with resort fees included among them. A number of Nevada lawmakers, however, have since pushed back, arguing that the fees are justified and transparent.

Las Vegas: Use of Public Funds for A’s Relocation Still Undecided

As talks about a potential relocation for the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas continue on, it’s unclear at this time whether or not Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (l.) will be open to granting public funds towards a new ballpark, much like his predecessor Steve Sisolak did for Allegiant Stadium.

Hawaii’s Chang Clarifies Stance on Proposed Ban of NV Gaming Ads

Hawaii state Senator Stanley Chang (l.) recently submitted a bill that would ban gambling advertisements in the state, especially those coming from Las Vegas casinos, but that’s proved to be controversial. Chang recently clarified his stance in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

N.J. Governor Phil Murphy Talks About PILOT Lawsuits

The subject has been out of the news cycle for a while. But New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (l.) brought it back on Ask Governor Murphy when responding to a question from reporter Nancy Solomon. He says the casinos will pay their share.

Monarch Agrees to Hefty Fine for Proxy Wagering

Monarch Casinos has agreed to pay a $400,000 fine to Colorado authorities, acknowledging that three of the sportsbook employees at its Black Hawk casino (l.) placed proxy bets on behalf of customers.

Congressional Gaming Caucus Re-forms

The bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus has been reactivated in the new Congress. Chaired by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) (l.) and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), as the name implies it is concerned with public policy as it relates to U.S. gaming laws.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Massachusetts Tribe Wins Lawsuit, Reviving Casino Hopes

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has won a judgment in a federal lawsuit. Some residents of Taunton, Massachusetts sued to prevent the Mashpees from building a $1 billion casino resort. They challenged the federal government putting land into trust for the tribe. The residents lost.

Mohegan Tribe Gets Credit Extension

Mohegan, which operates the Mohegan Sun and other gaming properties of the Mohegan Tribe, has gotten a credit extension for $233.5 million in debt. The second amendment to Mohegan’s January 2021 credit arrangement extends the maturity date until November, 2025.

CNIGA Adds 5 Gaming Tribes

The largest organization of U.S. gaming tribes, CNIGA (California Nations Indian Gaming Association) has added five members. They include Alturas Indian Rancheria, Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians, the Colusa Rancheria, the Karuk Tribe and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

California Casino Hosts Indian Gaming Conference

California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman James Siva (l.) presented the State of Tribal Nations address at the 26th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference at Sycuan Resort Casino in El Cajon, California.

PEOPLE More

Mississippi Regulatory Leader Dies

Al Hopkins, the chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, passed away last week at 81. He chaired the commission since 2015 and helped approve sports betting in the state.

Casino Arizona Appoints New CEO

On February 15, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort announced the appointment of John Dinius (l.) as president and CEO. He succeeds Dennis Leong, who held the position for 13 years.

GOODS & SERVICES More

Kambi Sees Uptick in Bet Builders for Super Bowl 57

The Kansas City Chiefs’ dramatic victory over the Philadelphia Eagles produced Kambi’s second highest turnover game of all time, with approximately 25 percent of pre-game money placed on Bet Builder bets.

TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More

ICE London Sets New Attendance Record

The official attendance numbers for ICE London 2023 are nearly complete, and event host Clarion Gaming has said that it expects to set a new record, with over 40,000 attendees.

NUTSHELL More

THEY SAID IT More

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.