FANTINI’S FINANCE: Best in Class

For investors with a buy-and-hold strategy, solid companies like Wynn Resorts and Red Rock have reaffirmed their staying power. Nearer term, Flutter, now on the NYSE, could offer investors a chance to profit.

Super Sunday in Vegas

The gaming business got a boost last week when the NFL Super Bowl was held in Las Vegas, setting records for sports bets in Nevada and worldwide.

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Alabama Governor Supports Lottery, Casino Bills

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.

Virginia Senate Committee Rejects Casino Referendum

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.

Global Suspicious Betting Alerts Down 35 Percent

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 Sportsbook, iGaming Expected Live by July

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.

Georgia Senate Passes Sports Betting Bill

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.

Mississippi House Approves Online Sports Betting

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.

Tribal, Local Leaders Sign Wisconsin Casino Agreement

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.

ASIAN GAMING More

Macau Government Waives Operator Tax

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.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Dutch Regulator Targets Cashback Bonuses

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.

ONLINE GAMING More

SPORTS BETTING More

Iowa Loses PointsBet, Gains Fanatics

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.

XLMedia Partners with Star Tribune Media

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.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Gaming and Leisure Buys Tioga Downs Casino

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.

Florida House Bill Targets Illegal Gambling

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

Majority Approve Casinos in North Carolina Poll

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.”

TRIBAL GAMING More

LOTTERY More

Allwyn to Operate U.K. National Lottery

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.

PEOPLE More

IGSA Names Board President, Chairman

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

QCI Enlists Pala CEO as Advisor

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.

HBG Design Welcomes Mabry

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.

GiG Names Ryan Collinge SVP

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.

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L&W Partners with Everi Digital, RubyPlay; Invests in Flows

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.

BetMGM Sports Betting App Launches in Nevada

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 Partners with Maxxsure

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 Gains Pennsylvania Approval

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

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QUOTABLE QUOTES

Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.