Vol-22-No-10-March-11-2024 Archives

GGB PODCAST: Cynthia Kiser-Murphey, General Manager, Palms Casino Resort

This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Cynthia Kiser-Murphey (l.), the general manager of the Palms Casino Resort, on the success of the first Las Vegas property owned by a Native American tribe.

Sportradar: North America Draws Fewest Suspicions

Sportradar published its annual “Betting Corruption and Match Fixing Report” for 2023. The report catalogs everything you need to know about suspicious scandals. Good news: North America has few events.

The Loss of a Sports Betting Titan

The loss of John English (l.) in February shocked the gaming industry like few others. English was a trailblazer in the legal sports betting field and introduced mobile wagering to the U.S., along with being generous with his time and expertise.

Giannantonio Highlights Uncertainty of AC Industry in Latest Talk

At his recent state of the industry meeting, Casino Association of New Jersey President Mark Giannantonio (l.) touched on all the pressing issues surrounding the Atlantic City casino industry, ranging from casino sale rumors to nearby developments in New York City and more.

A’s Release Updated Renderings of Stadium Along Las Vegas Strip

The Oakland A’s have released new renderings and concept photos for its $1.5 billion ballpark project (l.), complete with a layered, non-retractable roof structure, the largest-ever cable-net glass window offering views of the Strip and an 18,000-square foot jumbotron, the biggest in Major League Baseball. Oh, and a 2,500-spot parking lot.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Virginia Passes Bill to Legalize Skill Games

A bill to legalize, regulate and tax so-called skill games has passed both houses of the Virginia Legislature and awaits action by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Wynn Slaps Fontainebleau with Contract Infringement Suit

Wynn Las Vegas has filed suit against Fontainebleau Las Vegas, alleging that the latter has interfered with and broached several employment contracts in attempts to lure executives to make the switch as it attempts to establish itself on the Las Vegas Strip.

Alabama Senate Bill Keeps Lottery, Removes Sports Betting

The Alabama Senate revised the House version of gambling legislation by keeping a lottery but removing sports betting. The bill also would allow historical horse racing and authorize the Poarch Band of Creek Indians to operate Class III casinos.

Cambodian PM Considers End to Gambling

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced a ban on new casino licenses, the possible revocation of existing licenses, and the “elimination” of all illegal gambling operations.

888 Cuts Ties With Sports Illustrated, Reviews U.S. Asset Sale

888 had the right idea—Partner with the iconic Sports Illustrated to develop a sportsbook in the U.S., among other betting businesses. But they found out the cost of such business took too much of a toll on the profit margins.

Minnesota Legislators Move Unfinished Bill Forward

At least one state senator in Minnesota thinks his colleagues have the wrong idea about the sports betting bill. Zach Duckworth wants to settle the outstanding issues before moving to the next committee. They don’t.

Court Takes Away CA’s Ability to Regulate 5 Tribal Casinos

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that California no longer has any gaming enforcement jurisdiction on five gaming tribes, including the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians. The state has lost this ability forever.

Rhode Island Launches Online Casino

Bally’s Corporation, the sole operator in Rhode Island, has launched the state’s first online casino, making the state the seventh in the U.S. to offer online casino gaming.

GGB PODCAST: Siobhan Lane, CEO, Gaming, Light & Wonder

Since its lottery and sports betting divestitures, Light & Wonder has been on a heater, with soaring revenues and a stock surge to match. The company’s CEO of Gaming, Siobhan Lane (l.), has been a central part of this surge, with no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

Imperial Pacific Settlement Offer Still Uncertain

Embattled Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International has offered to pay $49 million to surrender its gaming license and exit the jurisdiction for good. But at the last minute, the governor of the CNMI said no dice.

Bloomberry Courts Buyers for South Korean IR

Philippine casino giant Bloomberry Resorts Corp. has announced it is “open to the possibility” of selling its stake in the Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in Jeju, South Korea.

Indonesia, Malaysia Want Help to Stamp Out Online Gambling Ads

Indonesia and Malaysia have invited social media platforms X and Telegram to join them in the battle against illegal gambling ads posted on their sites.

Will Vietnam Price Out Sports Betting Bids?

Vietnam may open the bidding for sports betting licenses, though past efforts went nowhere because of investment minimums. In 2017, the government asked investors to pony up $43.5 million to enter the market.

Gammix Nailed With Record Fine by KSA

KSA, the Netherlands gambling regulator, has fined Malta-based gaming firm Gammix Ltd. with record fines. It levied a fine of €19.6 million (£16.8 million/$21.2 million) on the company for allegedly offering games to the Dutch without a license.

Finland Blocks Payments to Betsson

The government of Finland has made it impossible for gamblers to pay Betsson’s BML Group. Betsson has been put on a list of organizations blacklisted from payments by the country’s banks and payment services.

Interpol Probe Leads Spanish Police to Arrest 53 Over Illegal Gambling

Interpol and Spanish police have arrested 53 alleged members of an illegal gambling network. The participants are alleged to have had access to sports results ahead of other bettors—and to have raked in millions.

Belgium to Raise Gaming Minimum age to 21

Belgium’s Gambling Authority (Kansspelcommissie) has raised the minimum age for gambling to 21. This new rule applies to online and land-based gambling.

Sri Lanka Squeezes Casino Licensees

Sri Lanka, a nation near India, has introduced new restrictions on new casinos. Higher fees and a minimum investment of $250 million went into effect January 1.

Crown to Cut Additional 194 Jobs

Crown Resorts has announced plans to slash 194 positions across the company, not long after cutting 95 additional jobs late last year.

Maryland Majority Oppose Online Gambling

A survey conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of the Maryland Retailers Alliance indicated 64 percent of respondents oppose online casinos and iLottery. Still, the state House and Senate are considering legislation to allow both.

Mexico’s Online Gaming Expected to Bloom

Mexico’s online gaming industry is projected to increase by 70 percent in the next three years. This is due to a crackdown by the government on land-based casinos, especially on slot machines.

Fed Agency Wants Extension In Florida Sports Betting Case

West Flagler and Associates is on the verge of having its day before the highest court in the land. The defendant, the Department of the Interior, wants to delay its response by a month.

North Carolina Disperses Seven Sports Betting Licenses

It was more than symbolism that the first sports wagers will be bet on March 11 in time for the coveted Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. And to get the timing right, the state issued seven sports betting licenses.

Missouri Sports Betting Effort Moves Closer to Ballot

If you want some muscle to get a job done, call on your pro teams. In Missouri’s case, the pro teams took the initiative to launch a signature campaign to put sports betting on the November ballot.

Maryland Joins Ohio as Latest To Ban College Player Prop Bets

Following on the heels of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, Maryland Lottery and Gaming has put an end to college player prop bets. The decision in both cases is to protect players from irate bettors.

PGA Tour Joins Response Betting Advertising Group

The PGA Tour joined the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, a voluntary association of sports leagues and media founded in 2023, and renewed its participation in the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Leadership Circle.

Virginia Appeals Court Rules Against Cordish

The Virginia Court of Appeals dismissed Cordish Companies’ $100 million lawsuit against Norfolk, alleging Cordish should have had exclusive casino development rights. Instead, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe will develop the HeadWaters Resort and Casino.

Mississippi Senators Consider Tidelands Requirement

A bill requiring Mississippi Coast casino developers to get a tidelands lease from the Secretary of State is heading to the full Senate. Earlier it passed the House in a 113-6 vote. But Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich (l.) objects to the “additional layer of red tape.”

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