A proposed bill would expand the number of so-called “gray” skill games in Virginia from 9,000 pre-pandemic to 91,000, and regulate and tax the games. Opponents have launched a campaign against the machines.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (l.) says, “Now is the time” for a statewide vote on a lottery and up to 10 casino locations. Lotteries and casinos currently are banned under the Alabama constitution.

A Virginia Senate committee has rejected a proposal allowing Fairfax County to replace Richmond as the state’s fifth casino host city. The move makes it more likely Petersburg voters will have that chance in November.

The International Betting Integrity Association says a decline in suspicious betting alerts demonstrates the effectiveness of IBIA’s global monitoring network in collaboration with sports organizations and regulators.

Brazil is anticipated going live with regulated sports betting and online gaming by July. José Francisco Manssur, special advisor to the Brazilian Ministry of Finance confirmed this to an ICE audience February 6.

The Kindred Group out of Malta has reported a decrease in the percentage of revenues it received from harmful gaming last year. Its goal is to reduce such revenues to zero.

The Georgia Senate has passed a sports betting bill that would require a change to the state constitution. If it passes in the House, a voter referendum could be held in November, with wagering starting in 2025.

The Mississippi House has passed sports betting legislation, but it was a bumpy ride. The state, home to 26 casinos of various sizes, may not be able to compete at the same level as the big ones.

In Wisconsin, Menominee tribal leaders and city and county officials have signed intergovernmental agreements for the proposed Kenosha Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (l.). Governor Tony Evers remains mum on the subject.

Last month, Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng announced that casino concessionaires will be exempt from paying taxes on gambling operation profits. The renewed deal is effective through 2027.

The Dutch gaming regulator KSA wants to discourage cashback bonuses. It has defined the practice as a “bonus based on loss” and considers it a violation of the Dutch Gambling Act.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. will reduce the tax paid by domestic online gaming providers in an attempt to quash illegal operations.

Hawaii has faced tough sledding in efforts to bring sports betting to a state with no gambling. But this year may prove different. The reason: tax revenue would go towards wildfire relief.

BetMGM was recently fined $20,000 by Massachusetts regulators for offering bets on markets that were not approved for betting. Meanwhile, Wynn and Betr have announced plans to leave the state.

The replacement of PointsBet by Fanatics in Iowa marks a turning point for sports betting enthusiasts in the state. Fanatics officials said they are looking to revolutionize the sports betting landscape.

By calling for a ban on college prop bets, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (l.), NCAA President Charlie Baker and Ohio State University aims to protect student-athletes from harassment and threats related to sports betting.

Kansas doesn’t want more responsible sports betting ads. To reduce the chance of problem gambling, the state is considering a bill to drop the ads altogether.

XLMedia has partnered with new organization Star Tribune Media to be the exclusive provider of sports betting content. Star Tribune is the largest news provider in the Upper Midwest.

Tioga Downs (l.), part of American Racing & Entertainment’s portfolio, has sold its real estate to Gaming and Leisure Properties. The deal includes a facility that underwent a recent overhaul.

A Florida House bill that would raise penalties for operating and advertising illegal slots passed its second committee. But opponents questioned possible unintended consequences.

A new poll indicates that 54 percent of respondents approve allowing casinos on non-tribal land in North Carolina, compared to 35 percent opposed. The casinos would be part of “rural entertainment districts.”

New York state Senator Joe Addabbo (l.) has introduced a new bill that would provide more tax revenues from sports betting to combat problem gambling in the state. Currently, the total is about $6 million annually.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is joining with Caesars Entertainment to launch mobile sports betting in North Carolina. Online sports betting will launch in the state next month.

As of February 1, Allwyn is now the operator of the U.K. National Lottery. The U.K. Gambling Commission granted the fourth national lottery license, with a term of 10 years.

The International Gaming Standards Association has announced a number of appointments, including that of Mark Pace as president and new members of the board.

Software developer Quick Custom Intelligence last week announced that Fred Buro (l.) is now an advisor with the company. The CEO of the Pala Casino resort in California has more than 25 years of industry experience.

Architect Ray Mabry (l.) has joined HBG Design’s Dallas office as leader and principal. Mabry has 24 years of experience in “the hospitality and entertainment market sector,” says HBG Practice Leader Nathan Peak.

Gaming Innovation Group has announced Ryan Collinge will move up from COO to CEO. Collinge has more than two decades of experience in the industry.

Light & Wonder has struck partnerships with Everi Digital and with online gaming content supplier RubyPlay, bringing content from both operators to worldwide markets. The company also announced a strategic investment in automation platform Flows.

The launch of the newly redesigned BetMGM Nevada app marks a new era in the world of sports betting, with its advanced features, expanded betting options, and seamless integration with the BetMGM Rewards program.

BIG Cyber has partnered with Maxxsure to offer the latter’s M-Score, technology that measures cyber risk and enables companies to make informed cybersecurity decisions.

EveryMatrix has received interim approval to place its online games in Pennsylvania, marking the sixth North American jurisdiction to host the company’s content.

Everi Digital is launching its online gaming content in the U.K. through a partnership with Jumpman Gaming Limited, a licensed U.K. iGaming solutions provider.

The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States will convene July 17-20 at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh. More than 100 lawmakers and regulators are expected to meet.

This year’s East Coast Gaming Congress is set for April 17-18 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.