By Jill Dorson   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

California’s gaming tribes fought long and hard for their day in court against state card rooms. Now that they’ve gotten it, expect the fight between both sides to be knock-down, drag-out.

A California State Superior Court judge Jan. 8 denied a motion for a temporary restraining order and show-cause request for a group of seven tribes. The request was the latest move in the case filed by the tribes against the state’s card rooms.

Though Judge Lauri A. Damrell declined to order the card rooms to suspend offering certain games, she did not deny the request from the tribes for the card rooms to provide video surveillance of the games in question in the lawsuit. Instead, she gave the parties until Jan.  10 to agree on a way to provide such video footage. An informal discovery hearing will also be held today.

Late last year, the California state legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom approved a bill giving the tribes one shot to sue card rooms. At issue is the legality of how the card rooms offer their table games.

California’s tribes have exclusivity for house-banked gambling. Card rooms have traditionally offered player-banked games but, beginning in 2007, started using player-dealers, also known as third-party providers of proposition player services (TPPPS). The tribes say this violates their exclusivity.

Because they are sovereign nations, tribes cannot sue other entities in the U.S. But SB 549 gives them one chance and would allow the courts to settle the lingering issue. The tribes had until April 1 to file, but did so Jan.  2. Seven of the biggest tribes in the state filed the suit against every card room in California.

The judge also acknowledged that the case will be cumbersome – seven tribes are suing all 87 card rooms in the state. She directed counsel for both sides to determine the best way to meet and move forward to avoid “waste of judicial resources.”

By Jess Marquez   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

In the era of subscriptions, DraftKings Sportsbook+ makes perfect sense—but does that mean the company’s latest idea will actually gain traction with bettors?

On Dec. 28, DraftKings quietly launched a new subscription service, dubbed DraftKings Sportsbook+, for select customers located in New York. The new service, which allows for odds boosts on parlays, is the first of its kind–and it could be the company’s tax savior. But will bettors actually subscribe?

Essentially, Sportsbook+ allows subscribers to get better odds on parlays. Each applicable parlay must be at least two legs, and each leg must have odds of -500 or narrower. For each leg added to the parlay, the odds would be improved by 10  percent . In other words, a two-leg parlay would be boosted 10  percent , a three-leg bet would be boosted 20  percent , and so on. Parlays with 11 or more legs would be boosted by 100  percent , or double the original payout. The maximum applicable bet is $25.

Sportsbook+ is not the first attempt by DraftKings to lessen its tax burden. In August, the company announced and then quickly nixed a surcharge on winning bets in Illinois. That plan came in response to the introduction of a higher, tiered tax framework in the state, which is also among the top performers in the U.S.

In addition to the added revenue, the subscription service also drives more bettors toward parlays. Parlays have become the backbone of the modern sports betting business, especially for major operators like Flutter and DraftKings. According to data from Pikkit, an app that lets players sync wagering accounts and track bets, parlays accounted for 50  percent  of all the 323 million bets it tracked in 2024. Approximately half of all parlays were same-game parlays, where there are multiple bets on one contest.

But will consumers embrace this fee-based service? In the digital world, we pay for subscriptions for many things. Click here to see how $20 a month for improved parlay odds compares to other services that cost about the same.

By Jess Marquez   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Lawmakers in Maryland and Virginia to discuss iGaming bills, new racino proposed for Decatur, Tysons developers make first comments and more.

Legal iGaming Will Be on the Agenda in Maryland, Virginia

State legislatures across the U.S. will consider legalizing online casino in 2025, including Maryland and Virginia, where bills have been filed, writes iGB.

Del. Vanessa Atterbeary, chair of the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee, will again try to move an online casino bill in Maryland. HB 17 would allow for iGaming regulated by the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (MSLGCC). It was pre-filed in December and was officially filed Jan. 8, the first day of the legislative session.

The bill is similar to one Atterbeary filed last year that passed the House but didn’t get to the Senate floor. Concerns about how digital gambling would cannibalize retail casinos became a sticking point. A Senate bill suffered the same fate.

Atterbeary’s latest version would allow for existing video lottery operators and sports betting facilities to apply for online casino licenses. The MSLGCC would also be able to issue five licenses for applicants who “meet the requirements for an internet gaming license under the subtitle.”

In Virginia, Sen. Mamie Locke pre-filed a bill that would legalize online casino in that state, including live-dealer games. Operators would be taxed at 15  percent of adjusted gross revenue. The proposal would allow for licensed retail casinos to apply for digital licenses. Casinos could have up to three digital partners.

Licenses would be valid for five years and would be required to pay a $1 million application fee. According to the text of the bill, each platform must have its own distinct brand. A second brand for online poker platforms would be allowed.

New Racino Coming to Decatur?

In 2019, Illinois enacted a large-scale gambling expansion package that included regional casino licenses and the ability for tracks to convert to racinos. The city of Decatur was not granted a casino license, but a new bill has been filed to allow for another harness racing license that would make way for a new racino to be built there, according to a Jan. 6 report from the Herald & Review.

The new license would technically be open tender but Virginia-based Revolutionary Racing has proposed a $150 million facility that would open in late 2026 if approved. In addition to the Decatur racino, the new bill would also reportedly put a deadline on nearby Hawthorne Race Course to build its racino.

Shortly after the gambling expansion was enacted, Hawthorne was granted preliminary approval for its racino and began some work before the project was halted due to financial difficulties. Stakeholders have grown tired of the inaction as Hawthorne technically has veto power for any proposed track in a 35-mile radius.

GOP Lawmakers Ask NH Supreme Court to Overturn Sanborn Ruling

In New Hampshire, several Republican lawmakers have reached out to the state Supreme Court to consider hearing an appeal for the revocation of Andy Sanborn’s gaming license, which happened in November after multiple deadline extensions on a forced sale of his Concord Casino ran out.

Sanborn, himself a former Republican state Senator, faces a litany of legal troubles centered around pandemic relief fraud. He was ordered to shutter and sell the casino in Jan. 2024, but was unable to do so after nearly a year of court proceedings. A prospective buyer had been in place for months and had reportedly cleared suitability proceedings, but the state refused to sign off on the sale for fears related to the deal’s financing structure.

In their request, the lawmakers made clear that they were not doing so in support of Sanborn—rather, they highlighted the fact that the casino is a key revenue driver for local charities and nonprofits. Refusing to allow a sale, they said, only hurts local communities.

“Charitable gaming’s impact on New Hampshire would be hard to overstate,” the lawmakers’ filing said, per New Hampshire Public Radio. “The revenue generated via charitable gaming raises funds for the budget (thus keeping taxes low for all citizens) and provides critical support to New Hampshire charities (many of whom rely on gaming revenue as their primary or even sole source of operating revenue).”

Potential Tysons Casino Developers Make First Comments on Proposal

The Comstock Companies has been working for two years to develop a mixed-use development that includes a casino near Tysons, Va. However, it wasn’t until recently that representatives commented publicly on the matter.

In a Jan. 7 online forum hosted by the Fairfax County NAACP, Comstock’s Executive Vice President for Development John Harrison said the project represents “an opportunity to bring an entertainment anchor” to the area, per FFXnow. Aside from a casino, the full development might include apartments, an entertainment venue, a hotel, a movie theater and other amenities depending on how much land is available.

That same day, Sen. Scott Surovell filed Senate Bill 982, which would permit but not require a casino referendum in Fairfax County. A similar bill was introduced last session but was deferred and ultimately killed. The license would be made available to bidders and Harrison acknowledged on the forum that the process would be “a very public competition.”

NJ Smoke-Free Law Sponsor: End Casino Loophole

Anti-smoking advocates and a casino dealer group in New Jersey have been battling for years to get the state to end the exemption to the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act that allows smoking in casinos. This week, one of the original sponsors of that act came out in favor of ending the loophole and banning smoking in casinos.

In an op-ed for NJ.com, former New Jersey State Sen.  Loretta Weinberg, who was a key sponsor of the original bill banning indoor smoking, called on lawmakers to repeal the act’s casino exemption.

In the op-ed piece, Weinberg noted the pressure from the U.S. tobacco industry that led to the exemption of casinos from the 2006 indoor smoking ban.

“Eighteen years ago, I was a sponsor of the Smoke-Free Air Act,” Weinberg wrote. “With other legislators, I fought the powerful tobacco industry and the third-party advocates the industry manipulated and mobilized to fight smoking restrictions.

​​“Unfortunately, we were unable to pass the Act unless we excluded casino workers from its protections. We simply did not have the votes, so we acquiesced, trying to protect as many people as possible while expecting to close this unjustified loophole in the near future. I never imagined that nearly two decades later, casino workers and patrons would still be subjected to poisonous secondhand smoke.”

Weinberg called on Gov. Phil Murphy and Department of Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston to drop their opposition to a lawsuit filed by the dealer group, Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), and their union, the United Auto Workers, asking a court to declare that Murphy and Baston have failed to protect the safety of the casino workers by excluding them from the protections of the Smoke-Free Air Act.

“Gov. Murphy and Commissioner Kaitlan Baston of the Department of Health have been sued by casino workers who simply want to breathe clean air like every other worker in New Jersey,” Weinberg wrote. “The governor and commissioner should not defend this injustice. They could—today—agree that casino workers (and patrons) deserve safety and health like everyone else under the New Jersey Constitution, which prohibits corporate favors and guarantees equal protection.

“Or the Legislature could finally, quickly, end this long-running travesty because we now know the truth. Sen.  Joe Vitale and others have been fighting for casino workers for years. How many more workers have to suffer, get sick, or die before we act?”

Weinberg also disputed casino operator claims that revenues will drop and casinos will close if smoking is banned. “We’ve seen it in the 21 states with thriving smoke-free casinos, including every state in our region except Connecticut and Pennsylvania,” she wrote. “In Pennsylvania, the most successful casino is voluntarily smoke-free. And what does it tell you that five of the nine Atlantic City casinos are seeking licenses in smoke-free New York? It means that they know smoke-free is good business.

Bills to end the casino exemption to the indoor smoking ban failed to reach a floor vote last year. The effort I expected to be revived in the new session this year. Murphy has said he will sign any casino smoking ban bill that reaches his desk.

Rivers Philadelphia Impacted by Data Breach

Rivers Casino Philadelphia has announced a data breach, but most of the details–including how much data was accessed from whom or even when the breach took place—remain unknown. In a statement to media, the casino said the following:

“Rivers Casino Philadelphia recently responded to and investigated an incident involving unauthorized access to certain Rivers Casino Philadelphia computer systems. Upon identifying the incident, Rivers Casino Philadelphia immediately secured the involved systems and launched an investigation. Through the investigation, Rivers Casino Philadelphia determined that an unauthorized actor accessed and/or took certain files stored on our computer servers. Rivers Casino Philadelphia is mailing letters to individuals whose information may have been involved in the incident.”

Notably, New York-based law firm Levi & Korsinsky LLP has announced its intention to represent those affected in a class-action lawsuit and has set up a website for that purpose. The firm is claiming that the breach happened before Nov. 18, but has not commented further as of writing.

Maryland Casinos Generate $164.1 Million in Gaming Revenue During December

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $164,105,250 in revenue from slot machines and table games during December 2024, a decrease of -0.9 percent   compared to December 2023.

Casino gaming contributions to the state during December 2024 totaled $69,837,949, a decrease of $357,058 (-0.5 percent  ) compared to December 2023. The December 2024 contributions included $50,413,308 to the Education Trust Fund, a decrease of $247,243 (-0.5 percent  ) compared to December 2023.

Through the first six months of Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024 through December 2024) casino gaming revenue is up 1.2 percent   compared to the first six months of FY2024. Contributions to the state are up 2.5 percent   year-over-year, and contributions to the Education Trust Fund are up 2.6 percent  .

Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Station Begins Durango Expansion

Station Casinos Jan. 6 began work on the previously announced $116 million Phase II expansion of its Durango casino in Henderson, Nev., which opened in late 2023. The new expansion, expected to take one year to complete, will feature 25,000 additional square feet of gaming space and 230 more slots. About 2,000 more parking spots are also being added.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the property will still offer valet and garage parking during construction.

Live! Louisiana to Open Feb. 13

The Cordish Companies announced the highly anticipated grand opening of the $270 million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will take place Feb. 13.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce our grand opening date. We are so ready to go Live! in 2025 and deliver this top-tier gaming and entertainment experience that is unmatched by anything else in the four-state region,” said John J. Chaszar, executive vice president and general manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. “Live! is truly a one-of-a-kind destination, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a sports fan, a foodie, a gaming enthusiast, or just seeking an unforgettable night out, you’ll find it all under one roof.”

By Nicole Macedo   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

U.K. consumers spend big on gambling, Tipico snaps up Admiral Austria, French operators to reduce promotional spend and more.

Gambling Accounts for 11 Percent of U.K. Consumers’ Monthly Leisure Spend

Raw bank transfer data from over 300,000 consumers, collected by the Department of Trust (DoT), has found gambling accounts for 10.69 percent  of U.K. consumers’ leisure spend each month.

DoT CEO and founder Charles Cohen said the data suggests the majority of UK gamblers are generally doing so “as part of a healthy mix of different activities and socializing.”

According to the data, gambling is fifth on the list of what consumers are spending with their disposable income, after entertainment and media subscriptions (making up 12.29 percent of the total), dining out (11.81  percent), holiday and vacation expenses (11.67 percent ), and food deliveries (11.37 percent).

When broken down further by operator, the data showed McDonald’s was by far the most popular food delivery or takeaway consumed by gamblers in the U.K., with 87  percent of consumers reviewed frequenting the fast-food chain each month.

Tipico to Acquire Novomatic’s Admiral Austria Business

Tipico Group has signed an agreement to acquire a 100 percent stake in Atlas Group, the parent of Novomatic’s Admiral Austria business, to bolster its betting and gaming portfolio across German-speaking markets.

Admiral Austria, a betting operator and terminal supplier in Austria, will help extend and strengthen Tipico’s reach in the market, it said. The company also provides gaming terminals for the state lottery across the country.

Tipico Group CEO Axel Hefer said Admiral would also help the operator meet its goal of achieving dominance in German-speaking markets. No financial details of the deal have been released and it is currently subject to regulatory approvals.

Novomatic said the sale of Admiral would enable the gaming technology provider to focus further on international expansion. It has been investing heavily in its U.S. growth of late, installing a new CEO in December.

French Operators Ordered to Reduce Promotional Spend in 2025

French gambling regulator l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has ordered top-tier online operators to review and reduce promotional spending plans in 2025 after revealing this is expected to rise by 11 percent in the coming year.

Each year, licensed operators in France are required to submit their plans and budget for upcoming promotional spend to the ANJ. The regulator then considers the plans in terms of whether they may encourage gambling harm or appeal to minors.

The ANJ has examined the 2025 promotional strategies of France’s 16 licensed operators as well as those of the La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and horse-racing focused Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU) monopolies. It has also called on the four biggest operators to moderate their sponsorship spending to limit the impact it could have on problem gamblers and minors. Updated budgets are to be presented to the regulator in February.

Based on the ANJ’s evaluation overall n promotional investments across the 16 licensees were expected to rise 11 percent in 2025 to $724 million. Investment in player bonusing will increase 11 percent, representing 58.5 percent of the sector’s allocation for promotions.

Bet365 Returns to Profit in FY2023-24

Bet365 has returned to profitability in its 2023-24 full-year earnings, as the company cites product improvements and US expansion as performance drivers.

A Companies House filing outlining the operator’s performance for the 12 months to March 31, 2024 reported 2023-24 financial year group revenue of $4.65 billion. This marked a 9 percent increase on the operator’s 2022-23 revenue of $4.2 billion.

The earnings report said Bet365’s betting and gaming revenue had also increased 9 percent year-on-year to $4.55 billion. Its football club and facilities segment, which included Stoke City Football Club at the time, recorded $29.3 million in revenue.

Looking at the bottom line, profit before tax for the betting and gaming segment was $770.9 million. However, the Stoke City FC business suffered a $37.3 million loss, more than the $5.3 million loss it reported in 2023.

By Jill Dorson   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Minnesota hearing lacks industry rep, Flutter succumbs to unfavorable NFL results, Penn continues ESPN Bet sportsbook rebranding and more.

Minnesota Lawmaker Draws Industry Ire

In Minnesota, a state in which lawmakers have considered legalizing sports betting since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018, Sen.  John Marty Jan. 8 held a hearing on the issue. But he didn’t invite industry reps.

The decision to keep the industry out of the hearing before the state Senate Finance Committee was by design, reports iGB. In his comments before testimony began, Marty acknowledged that the state has been struggling with whether or not to legalize.

But he also said that no previous hearing had “focused on harm.” While “harm” may not have been a focus in previous hearings, problem and responsible gambling advocates testified many times in the state.

Marty also suggested that sports betting “is currently legal in Minnesota.” He said betting with friends or strangers is legal. But “sports bookmaking where a corporate entity can come in and profit off of your betting” is not legal. He went on to qualify gambling addiction “as powerful as any opioid or any other addiction.”

Testimony from recovering addicts was poignant. And the figures provided by academics and problem and responsible gambling advocates were compelling. But not one gambling operator was invited to testify. And, according to sources, they were told they were not welcome.

The IDevelopment and Economic Association (iDEA) confirmed that their request to offer comment was rebuffed, according to spokesman John Pappas. He said Marty’s office told the online gambling industry trade association, “we’re interested in hearing about the harms, not the benefits.”

“Apparently Sen. Marty does not want to have a serious conversation about gaming and the media circus he had today did a disservice to every constituent in the state of Minnesota,” gaming consultant Brendan Bussmann, principal at B Global, told iGB. ” If the senator believes everything in the constructed hearing he held today, I hope that he brings a bill that does away with the lottery and charitable gaming. Because if he believes everything he heard today, that should be his only response. And that is going to take millions of dollars away from education and local communities in the state.”

Flutter Issues Profit Warning

Flutter Entertainment warned it is likely to fall approximately $370 million short of U.S. revenue expectations for FanDuel following a period of “very unfavorable” sports results during November and December.

In a trading update published Jan.  8, Flutter said strong player-friendly results offset U.S. player momentum, according to iGB. When it released third-quarter results in November, the company said growth across all regions was “excellent.”

Since that report and into December, FanDuel has endured “unfavorable U.S. sports results” primarily affecting NFL parlay and same-game parlay outcomes.

The operator went as far as calling the 2024-25 NFL season “the most customer friendly since the launch of online sports betting with the highest rate of favorites winning in nearly 20 years.”

The results, the update said, generated an estimated adverse gross gaming revenue of $438 million.

Revenue took a $390 million hit and adjusted EBITDA $260 million. This covers the period between Nov. 12-Dec. 31.

Missouri Sports Betting Regulator Ahead of Schedule?

Legal Missouri sports betting could be available sooner than mandated. The new law, passed by voters last November, requires the state gaming commission to launch operators by Dec. 1, 2025. But Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) Chairman Jan Zimmerman Jan.  2 told Sports Betting Dime, “Depending on how quickly the process goes with getting the rules to the governor’s office, getting them signed, getting everything to the attorney general’s office, we could be looking at earlier in the summer than we anticipated.”

The emergency rules process is moving more quickly than expected, said Zimmerman. She is hopeful that the emergency regulations will reach the governor and attorney general for approval by the end of January. Should that happen, the MGC could open the licensing process in late February or March.

The new Missouri law allows for statewide retail and digital betting. Existing casinos and professional sports teams/venues can each have one brick-and-mortar sportsbook. For digital licences, the MGC last year interpreted the rules to say that each retail casino and pro sports venue can have one online partner. The interpretation of the law is different than expected, as it initially appeared that each casino company would get a skin, but not each location.

The MGC’s first meeting of 2025 is set for Jan. 15.

Penn to Rebrand 10 Retail Sportsbooks to ESPN Bet

Penn Entertainment Jan.  9 announced that it will rebrand 10 of its brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in early 2025. Penn is partnered with ESPN to offer digital and retail sports betting under the ESPN Bet brand. ESPN Bet is available online in 19 states.

Penn has plans to rebrand the following locations:

Colorado: Ameristar Casino and Resort Spa Black Hawk

Indiana: Hollywood Casino and Hotel Lawrenceburg and Ameristar Casino East Chicago

Iowa: Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Ohio: Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Pennsylvania: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Hollywood Casino at The Meadows and Hollywood Casino York

West Virginia: Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

That’s a Lotta Dough

Circa Sports announced Jan.  6 that it will pay out a record $14.2 million to its eight Circa Survivor winners and a record $20.3 million across all of its season-long football contests. In the Survivor contest, eight participants went 20-0 for the 2024-25 season, and each winner will bank $1.73 million. Entering Week 18, there were 18 entries still in play, but 10 lost by picking Atlanta and Green Bay. This is the first time in Circa Survivor history where multiple entries have lost in the final week of the season.

In the Circa Million VI contest, Team BP won $1 million. The entrant was in second place entering Week 18, but went 2-2-1 to finish the season with 62 points, winning the contest by 0.5 points.

In Other News …

FanDuel Jan.  6 announced that it is now the sports betting partner for TGL presented by SoFi, the new, prime time team golf league backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports. FanDuel will sponsor TGL’s intermission segment between its Triples and Singles sessions.

By Jill Dorson   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Michigan casino project reaches end of the line, Seneca Niagara workers mull unionization, Mohegan posts FY24 losses and more.

Little River Band’s MI Casino Project Looks to be Dead

After many years and many millions invested, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ (LRB) proposed $180 million casino project in Muskegon County, Mich. appears to be dead. According to a Jan. 6 report from the Manistee News Advocate, LRB chief Larry Romanelli said ” it looks like we’re at the end of our line.” He went on to add that his attorneys told him the deal looks “pretty much dead.”

If approved, the casino would’ve been located at the site of the former Great Lake Downs track, which the tribe purchased in 2008 after it closed the previous year. The so-called Lakeshore Casino and Resort would have featured 1,700 slots and 35 tables. The LRB operates an existing casino in Manistee.

The reason why the project likely won’t move forward is that it is off-reservation. Despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Interior agreed to take the land into trust in 2020, any off-reservation casino projects must receive approval from the state’s governor. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer refused to do so in 2022 because of conflicts with another nearby tribe, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians (GRB).

The GRB sought federal recognition and claimed ties to the land that the LRB casino was planned for. The tribe was eventually denied federal recognition in 2023 but the LRB project still looks to be finished.

Medford Casino Project Can Move Ahead

A U.S. District Court judge denied a motion that would have halted plans for a tribal casino in Medford, Ore., per a Jan.  7 report in the Rogue Valley Times. Three regional tribes filed for an injunction against a Coquille Indian Tribe proposal to build a casino.

The Coquilles are a federally recognized tribe while the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Karuk Tribe and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation are not. The trio had hoped to keep the U.S. Department of the Interior from greenlighting the project.

The local tribes say the casino will wreak economic havoc, and “would cannibalize the gaming revenues that support Tribal governmental services.” They also highlighted cultural and environmental concerns.

Report: Seneca Niagara Workers Mulling Unionization

On Jan. 4, the Niagara Gazette reported that workers at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino have been organizing for potential unionization since at least Dec. 12. The last unionization attempts at the casino came in 2004 and 2005, and were unsuccessful.

According to the Gazette, workers are organizing with Teamsters Local 449, which represents workers in Niagara and Erie counties. Labor laws stipulate that 30 percent of workers must sign cards or petitions in favor of a union before the National Labor Relations Board can conduct and certify an election. Workers can also voluntarily recognize a union with a majority. Neither the union nor Seneca Gaming Corp. commented on the report.

Although the Senecas’ gaming compact with the state of New York makes no mention of allowing unionization, labor courts have ruled over the years that as private employers, tribes are still subject to federal labor laws.

Mohegan Reports FY 2024 Loss

Mohegan, the commercial business arm of Connecticut’s Mohegan Tribe, reported a $234 million loss for FY 2024, according to the Hartford Business Journal. The company pointed to start-up costs and low table hold at its new South Korea integrated resort as the culprits, per the Jan.  6 story.

In FY 2023, the company had $22.9 million in net income. Mohegan lost $63.3 million in the fourth quarter alone while taking in a record $1.9 billion in net revenue.

Mohegan opened the $1.6 billion Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea in March.

In Other News …

The Ho-Chunk Nation’s compact with the state of Wisconsin is now operational, the Beloit Daily News reported Jan.  7. The tribe in October broke ground on a new casino project.

By Marjorie Preston   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Macau continues its post-Covid rejuvenation, the great POGO purge drags on, Resorts World Genting unveils new gaming floor and more.

Analysts: Macau Post-Covid Recovery Could Be Complete by 2026

Macau’s post-Covid recovery will continue through 2025 and could be complete by 2026, say analysts.

Casinos in the world’s premier gaming hub saw a 2 percent dip in gross gaming revenue (GGR) last month, to MOP18.2 billion (US$2.27 billion). But it was the only monthly decline since the city reopened for business in Jan.  2023. The drop was widely attributed to a three-day visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, in town to mark the 25th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony’s return to Chinese rule.

Xi also presided over the inauguration of Macau’s new chief executive, Sam Hou Fai, who succeeded retiring CE Ho Iat-Seng on Dec. 20.

Last year, Macau GGR grew 23.9  percent to MOP226.78 billion, more than the official target of MOP216 billion, and almost 80 percent of the MOP292.5 billion achieved in 2019. Jeffries analyst David Katz says the industry could return to pre-Covid levels by next year. As reported by financial website Seeking Alpha, Katz says the special administrative region will benefit from “monetary policy initiatives focused on improving the health of the overall consumer” in Macau.

Another positive indicator is increasing tourism. Macau International Airport (MIA) has announced that airport passenger capacity exceeded 7.64 million in 2024, up 48 percent year-on-year. The city expects 35 million visitors in 2025, up by 25 percent over last year.

Mass gaming is also expected to grow. This year’s official GGR target is MOP240 billion, per the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

According to the Macau Daily Times, Citigroup analysts George Choi and Timothy Chau project a 7 percent increase in GGR year-over-year, for a total of MOP244 billion. More smart tables “will also allow casinos to better understand the true value of their players through detailed data collection on their gaming behaviors” they added.

Philippine Lawmakers Want Anti-POGO Law

Last July, in his third State of the Nation address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned crime-ridden Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). Marcos ordered operations to cease immediately and wind down fully by year’s end. He also enshrined the ban in Executive Order 74, issued Nov. 8, to prevent POGOs from returning to the country.

But concerned lawmakers say the order isn’t enough to keep the industry from making a comeback. For example, about 11,000 foreign POGO workers are still living in the Philippines, in defiance of government orders to leave the country by Dec. 31.

Moreover, since the ban, law enforcement has continued to uncover pockets of POGO activity. Last October, one stealth operation was found in Pasay City, in sight of the Senate office building where an official POGO probe was underway.

On Jan. 2, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who spearheaded the investigation, issued a statement saying, “I hope the year 2025 is the year we finally pass the Anti-POGO Act. We need a comprehensive law to ensure that there will no longer be POGOs that scam, hurt and deceive people.” She noted that EO 74 only prohibits POGO licensed by PAGCOR, the state-run regulator—which she perceives as a gaping loophole.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian agrees. He told Channel News Asia that proposed new legislation “expands the definition to make sure that … regardless of who issued the license, (it) will be captured in the law.”

Largely run by Chinese interests, POGOs allegedly conducted online scams, took part in money laundering, and engaged in kidnapping, human trafficking and torture, among other crimes. The proposed anti-POGO legislation would work in part by addressing immigration checks, foreign interference and espionage, CNA reported.

POGOs are now masquerading as other legitimate business entities, infiltrating the hotel and restaurant industry, and posing as business process outsourcing (BPO) entities, Gatchalian stated in a Jan. 7 news release. “More than ever,” he said, “we need to sustain our efforts to clear out all criminal syndicates that are products of POGOs.”

Resorts World Genting Debuts New Casino

There’s a new gaming floor at Resorts World Genting (RWG), the flagship property of Malaysian gaming giant Genting Berhad.

But the new floor, with 36 live gaming tables, low-volatility slots and a selection of EGMs, may not be meaningful when it comes to revenue. Maybank analyst Samuel Yin Shao Yang, who visited RWG’s Genting Casino on Dec.  30, said the new Genting Casino “does not compel us to revise our earnings estimates upwards.”

Last February, RWG closed its Hollywood and Circus Palace casinos without notice, leaving only the newer SkyCasino open to players. Genting Casino will do little to take up the slack, suggests the New Straits Times. At fewer than 20,000 square feet, it adds less than 10  percent  of the capacity of the two shuttered casinos.

As a result, following Genting Malaysia’s third-quarter 2024 results, Maybank trimmed its long-term mass-market gross gaming revenue (GGR) forecast by 25 percent , from RM3.1 billion (US$6.882 million) to RM2.85 billion.

Despite the uncertainty, Maybank “continues to believe that Genting Malaysia’s valuations are attractive” and maintains its “buy” rating.
RWG opened in 1965, and is Malaysia’s only licensed casino resort. It is located in Genting Highlands, a mountainous region outside the capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Philippine Resort and Casino Ordered to Close

Officials in the Philippines’ Clark Freeport Zone have ordered a 130-acre leisure park and casino to close, citing unpaid bills totaling PHP203 million (US$3.473 million).

On Jan. 6, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Fontana Development Corp. and Fontana Resort and Country Club. The order directed the entities “to immediately stop all operations indefinitely within their leased area … pending compliance with their contractual obligations,” said Astrud Aguinaldo, CDC communications division manager.

The CDC claims Fontana has repeatedly breached the rules, failing to obtain approval for construction activities and failing to comply with building codes. According to the Philippine Inquirer, in 2016, it shut down after allegedly running an illegal gaming operation. In 2020, authorities found an unlicensed Covid facility running inside one of Fontana’s villas.

Lio Chi Chong Named Interim Director of Macau DICJ

Lio Chi Chong, deputy director of the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), will serve as acting director for a one-year term. He succeeds Adriano Ho, recently appointed customs commissioner under new chief executive Sam Hou Fai.

According to Macau Business, Lio first joined the DICJ in August 2020 as a senior technician and became deputy director in February 2021. He was previously an investigator with the Judiciary Police and a supervisor at the Office for Personal Data Protection.

Other members of the new administration are Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Transport and Works Tam Wai Man, Director of the Commission of Audit Ao Leong U, and Commissioner against Corruption Ao Leong Sheong.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

Loterj sees appeal dismissed, Paraguay ends gambling monopoly, Colombian president calls for tax increase and more.

Loterj/Federal Gov’t Dispute Rumbles on as Appeal Rejected

André Mendonça, minister of the Supreme Federal Court (STF), has dismissed the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery’s (Loterj) appeal challenging the ban on its licensees operating nationwide in Brazil.

Mendonça’s preliminary ruling prohibited Loterj-licensed brands from accepting bets beyond Rio de Janeiro state borders, while also enforcing mandatory geolocation tracking from operators. Mendonça gave Loterj five days from Jan. 2 to introduce those measures.

Loterj appealed the ruling, highlighting “defects, omissions, obscurities and material errors” and claiming it would lead to reduced tax revenue for the state and disrupt the legal betting market in Brazil, newly regulated from Jan. 1.

The appeal failed, though, with Mendonça stating Loterj’s legal rebuttal was simply due to “mere disagreement” with the ruling. The five-day deadline remained in place.

Loterj has since launched another appeal, again citing errors and omissions in Mendonça’s preliminary decision.

Paraguay President Enacts New Gambling Legislation to Demonopolize Sector

The president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has enacted the law to eliminate the gambling monopoly in the country.

In December, the Paraguay Chamber of Deputies approved amendments to the nation’s existing gambling legislation (Law No 1,016/1997), liberalizing the market and seeking to empower the regulator, the National Commission of Gambling (Conajzar).

Peña’s decision to enact Law 7438 was announced by Conajzar head Carlos Liseras earlier this week. Conajzar will be placed under the National Tax Revenue Directorate (DNIT) with the hopes of boosting tax collection from the gambling sector.

Brazil Working Group Launched to Oversee Gambling Tax Compliance

Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has partnered with the Federal Revenue Service (RFB) to ensure compliance with tax obligations in the legal gambling sector.

The betting tax working group established by the SPA and RFB, known as GTI-Bets, was introduced through Joint Ordinance RFB/SPA/MF No. 3, published in Brazil’s Official Gazette of the Union on Jan. 8.

GTI-Bets will primarily focus on ensuring tax compliance while also working to prevent money laundering and other related crimes.

The group will operate for an initial six-month period starting on Jan. 8, with the option for the secretaries to extend its duration if necessary.

Colombian President Renews Push for Gambling Tax Increase

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has once again called for taxes on gambling in the country to be increased after a previous attempt failed.

According to local news site La Republica, Petro is seeking higher tax collection from the Colombia gambling sector in order to boost the country’s health sector.

In December , a proposal to implement a new 19 percent value-added tax (VAT) on online gambling operators failed after it was rejected by the Colombia Congress.

The Colombian Association of Gaming Operators (Asojuegos) warned that tax could have “devastating consequences” for the nation’s gambling sector.

Brazil Regulator Chief Confident Regulations will Restrict Black Market

Regis Dudena, head of the SPA, is confident betting regulations will curb the black market in Brazil, with IP and payments blocking making it unsustainable.

The black market continues to be a major concern in Brazil, especially for licensed operators who have paid a substantial BRL 30 million ($4.8 million) license fee.

However, Dudena has faith the regulations introduced by the SPA in 2024 will successfully block illegal sites by making the environment financially unviable for black market operators.

Dudena told EXAME on Jan. 3:“The trend is that, over time, the economic incentives to operate illegally in the country will increasingly diminish. What we believe is that, over time, operating illegally will become less and less viable, both due to the regulator’s actions and the market’s adjustments.”

  Thu, Jan 9, 2025

The latest announcements from Interblock, Novomatic, Everi and more.

Holland Casino Amsterdam Debuts Interblock Pulse Arena

Holland Casino Amsterdam announced the debut of Interblock’s Pulse Arena, a dynamic and immersive gaming environment that blends Interblock’s industry-leading electronic table games with an entertaining club atmosphere.

The new 29-station Pulse Arena offers live and electronic versions of roulette, blackjack, and punto banco. Integrated with Interblock’s Black Pearl Golden Ball Roulette, this cutting-edge installation is designed to engage players with its innovative game play and sleek design.

Pulse Arena combines live gaming with advanced technology for a truly unparalleled experience. Players can enjoy roulette balls spun on physical wheels and cards dealt by live dealers, placing bets through an intuitive touchscreen interface. This streamlined system ensures 100  percent  accuracy in payouts and game results while making the gaming process faster and more convenient.

Additionally, players can simultaneously wager on up to four games at the same time through split-screen functionality, enhancing engagement and offering more opportunities to win from a single screen.

Interblock’s Pulse Arena has garnered industry acclaim, earning the title of Best ETG Product at the European Casino Awards 2024. This recognition underscores Interblock’s commitment to excellence in design and innovation, further solidifying its position as a leader in gaming technology.

Zitro Places First WAP in Argentina

Zitro, a leading global gaming company, has announced the successful launch of its first wide-area progressive (WAP) in Argentina, with over 45 slot cabinets initially installed in five gaming halls located at the Hipódromo de Palermo.

The product selected for this project is the successful game Mighty Hammer Ultimate on Zitro’s premium cabinet, Altius Glare.

According to the company, the system represents the first WAP in South America. A shared jackpot called “Mega Pozo Mighty Hammer” starts at 50 million pesos and grows progressively, making it the largest accumulated prize in the region.

Novomatic Previews ICE Display

Austria-based slot supplier and operator Novomatic AG has previewed its display that will be unveiled at the ICE trad show in Barcelona, Spain, Jan. 20-22.

Novomatic will present its full range of products and gaming solutions, such as land-based casino products, AWP gaming machines, casino and arcade management systems including biometric access and player tracking technologies and secure cash handling devices, as well as sports betting products and online gaming solutions. This 360-degree portfolio fulfills the highest demands in terms of technology and quality.

Additionally, Novomatic subsidiaries and technology partners such as Novomatic Spain, Novomatic Gaming UK and Novomatic Italia, Lowen Entertainment, Apex and Ainsworth Gaming Technology will showcase their current product portfolios. As a special highlight this year, a separate area has also been set up for our guests from Latin America.

The spotlight is on the V.I.P. XTM cabinet series, which sets a new standard for premium gaming entertainment. Adding even more brilliance to the show, a highly anticipated new version of one of the Diamond XTM cabinets will be revealed.

Playtika Partners with IGT

Playtika, a leader in mobile gaming and interactive entertainment, has announced a partnership with gaming supplier IGT. The collaboration brings several of IGT’s most popular slot themes to Playtika’s category-leading social casino games.

IGT slot titles will appear in Slotomania, Caesars Slots, and House of Fun. The first fan-favorite, Cleopatra II, debuted on the Slotmania site Dec.  26, with more top-performing IGT slots slated to follow throughout the next year.

Players also can look forward to popular IGT games anticipated to launch in Caesars Slots and House of Fun.

NetBet Partners with Flows

Flows, the leading automation platform, has welcomed NetBet as its latest customer. By integrating Flows’ no-code automation solution, NetBet aims to streamline operations, boost player engagement, and strengthen its market position. NetBet, with a strong presence in regulated markets, offers extensive online sports and casino products.

Renowned for its dedication to quality and entertainment, NetBet serves a global audience, consistently delivering exceptional gaming experiences.

Flows exists to make businesses more proactive, productive and profitable by giving them the power of digital automation and the freedom to create without code. By eliminating technical barriers and helping businesses to innovate without constraint, Flows accelerates their growth and enables them to realize their true potential more quickly.

The platform will provide NetBet with a solution that eliminates development barriers and reduces resource demands, allowing them to build new products and features from gamification through to player protection.

Everi Launches HHR TournEvent

Everi Holdings Inc. announced the expansion of its TournEvent electronic slot tournament platform into historical horse racing markets with a debut installation at New Hampshire’s Gate City Casino.

This launch marks a milestone in Everi’s ongoing commitment to emerging markets across North America. The introduction of TournEvent into the HHR market brings cutting-edge slot tournament capabilities to players at Gate City Casino, enhancing the gaming landscape with a unique competitive experience.

TournEvent is an industry leader across North America with more than 5,000 TournEvent-enabled slots at over 400 casinos. The platform has revolutionized the slot tournament experience with its fast-paced game play, competitive tournament structure, and real-time, player-focused engagement. By bringing TournEvent to Gate City Casino, Everi continues to expand its presence and support in the HHR market, offering players an electrifying tournament experience in this new venue.

Gate City Casino in Nashua, New Hampshire, features more than 500 HHR machines and other gaming and hospitality amenities. It is owned and operated by global hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North, which acquired the property in 2022 and completed the addition of HHR gaming in 2023.

Cordish Appoints Greg Hinton VP of Finance in Louisiana

Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, has appointed Greg Hinton as vice president of finance for the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, opening February 13.

Hinton will oversee financial operations across key departments, including accounting, analytics, casino cage operations, finance, income and revenue auditing, count rooms, purchasing/warehouse, and scheduling. He will lead financial strategy, development and operational management, providing insights to guide the financial health and performance of this new premier destination.

A finance and operations veteran, Hinton began his career at PriceWaterhouse in 1983. His most recent role was as Galveston-area director of finance for Landry’s, a diversified hospitality, gaming and entertainment company based in Houston, Texas.

Previously, he served as chief financial officer position for Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack, Coushatta Casino Resort in Lake Charles, and Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City.

Hinton has also held significant leadership roles, including president and general manager of Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa in Greenville, Mississippi, vice president and general manager at Penn National Gaming, Inc., and various executive roles with Caesars Entertainment Inc./Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Interblock Introduces Reel Roulette to Latin America

Electronic table game leader Interblock announced the first installation of its revolutionary Reel Roulette in Latin America, at the iconic Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo in Buenos Aires, where the game is now a centerpiece in the casino’s Digital Lounge, offering players a fresh and thrilling twist on roulette.

Reel Roulette is a bold reimagining of traditional roulette, blending classic game play with slot-style payouts and multipliers for a completely unique gaming experience. With straight-up payouts of 40X and multipliers that can climb as high as 1,000X, the game is designed to keep players on the edge of their seats.

The game’s unique features are powered by Interblock’s patented ball-launching technology, which adds an element of unpredictability and fun. The choice between a white or gold ball determines payout scales, creating an added layer of suspense with each spin. The white ball offers payouts starting at 30-1 in the Main Game, with multipliers from 40X to 200X. In the Feature Game, the gold ball raises the stakes with payouts starting at 40X and multipliers that can soar to 1,000X.

Kelly Comboni named CEO of Clarion Connect, Jeff Davis named EVP

Kelly Comboni has been promoted to CEO of Clarion Connect, the  global division of Clarion Events dedicated to delivering meaningful connections through innovative one-to-one event formats, digital platforms, and community-focused experiences.

Since joining Clarion in 2017 through the acquisition of LeftField Media, Comboni has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to fostering growth and delivering value across every brand she leads. Her efforts have been instrumental in shaping Clarion Connect into the world’s largest organizer of one-to-one events, uniting brands that facilitate more than 60,000 connections annually through a portfolio of over 80 summits, forums, and networks.

In her new role, Comboni will oversee the entire Clarion Connect portfolio, which includes Quartz Network, Consero Events, Connect Events, Eaton Hall, and LeftField Media, while continuing to report to Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion North America, and Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America.

In other Clarion news, Jeff Davis will be joining Clarion Events North America as executive vice president of retail and specialty, overseeing Gift & Souvenir, Halloween, WWIN, AX, Coffee, NGA, and IGA. He will report directly to Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America.

Davis brings decades of experience in the events and media industry, with a deep knowledge of the retail and specialty sectors. He is widely recognized for his ability to build high-performing teams, develop innovative strategies, and deliver exceptional results. His sales acumen, coupled with his collaborative leadership style, aligns perfectly with Clarion’s commitment to driving growth and excellence across our organization. Davis will be working remotely in Dallas.

As EVP of retail and specialty, Davis will lead Clarion’s efforts to continue to elevate its portfolios, strengthen customer relationships, and identify new opportunities to bring value to the markets the company serves.

Aruze Previews ICE Lineup 

Aruze Gaming Global (AG2) has announced its participation in the upcoming ICE show in Barcelona, taking place Jan.  20-22. Visitors can find AG2’s booth in Hall 3, booth number 3H20, where the company will be unveiling a variety of its latest innovative gaming solutions.

Among the standout products to be featured are AG2’s popular Triple Treasure Pot series, which continues to make waves in the industry. The game will be showcased on the impressive Muso 55 cabinet and offers two engaging titles, Eternal Prosperity and Heavenly Wealth.

Since its debut, Triple Treasure Pot has maintained a strong presence in both the U.S. and EMEA regions, consistently ranking on the Eilers Reports with remarkable performance, achieving zone average numbers of up to 2.43X.

In addition to Triple Treasure Pot, AG2 will introduce one of its newest games, Tomb Treasure, which will be displayed on the Muso Triple 32 cabinet. With a mid-high volatility, Tomb Treasure promises an exciting gaming experience that is sure to captivate players and operators alike. The company is eager to gather feedback from industry professionals on this new title.

Optimove Partners with Captain Up and Gamanza

CRM Marketing leader Optimove announced partnerships with gamification leaders Captain Up and Gamanza Engage (a business unit within Gamanza Group AG), delivering a first to iGaming and Sports Betting operators: AI-orchestrated gamification. Optimove is the #1 CRM Marketing Solution used by iGaming and sports betting operators.
More than just gamification, these partnerships seamlessly integrate

Optimove’s AI-orchestrated marketing with Captain Up’s industry-leading engagement and gamification platform, and Gamanza Engage’s innovative suite of loyalty and gamification features.

AI-orchestrated marketing is a hallmark of Optimove. Optimove was the first CRM marketing platform to natively embed AI with the ability to predict customer migrations between lifecycle stages in 2012 and with OptiBot, starting in 2016.

Its most recent major announcement, in November 2023, was OptiGenie, a comprehensive AI-powered suite empowering marketers to optimize workflows from Insight to Creation and through Orchestration.

Inspired, Caesars Launch ‘Caesars Big Money’ at Caesars Palace Online Casino

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading provider of B2B gaming content, systems, and solutions, announced the launch of Caesars Big Money™, an exclusive slot game developed for Caesars Entertainment’s marquee online casino platform, Caesars Palace Online Casino.

Caesars Big Money offers players an action-packed iGaming experience with a 5×3 reel configuration and 10 win lines. This slot combines cutting-edge design with Inspired’s engaging “Big Money” game-play mechanics. Enriched with Wild symbols and mixed pays, Caesars Big Money’s features also include:

• Super Bonus Reels: Enhances the reels to increase the likelihood of triggering the Big Money Bonus.
• 5-of-a-Kind Wins: Introduces multipliers and shield symbols, delivering the potential for increased rewards.
• Big Win Reel Modifier: Showcases an iconic Centurion character who announces wins of at least 20 times the player’s stake.

The Big Money Bonus features vibrant wilds, cash-on-reels symbols, multipliers, and a progressive trail that builds the anticipation for big wins. Collectively, these features ensure a highly entertaining and rewarding experience for players with a customized feel that pays homage to the Caesars brand.

In addition to its core features, Caesars Big Money offers players additional game play options to enhance their experience.

IAGA Announces 2025 Berlin Conference

The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) will hold its 42nd International Gaming Summit Monday, June 9 through Thursday, June 12, at the Ritz-Carlton Berlin in Germany.

As a premier event that brings together leaders from all global gaming sectors, the summit will provide operators, suppliers, attorneys, investors, bankers, regulators and other delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to meet and discuss the most important issues facing gaming.

“We are looking forward to holding our 2025 Annual International Gaming Summit in Berlin, a historic city with a vibrant art and culinary scene,” commented Jeff Barbin, IAGA president and a partner with Phelps. “Our 2025 agenda addresses numerous issues of critical importance including the growing illegal market, the potential impact of AI across gaming operations, the progression of online casinos and navigating due diligence challenges in M&A transactions.

“Additionally, our agenda again includes a full day focused on issues unique to sports betting operations, including a current look at the state of advertising restrictions, growing conflicts of interest, and a session focused on lessons learned from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the Euro Cup in Germany.”

IGT Receives RG Accreditation

International Game Technology PLC announced that it is the first gaming industry supplier to receive the Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) Ready accreditation for its iLottery operations from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

Based on the original iCAP designed for gaming operators, iCAP Ready is a U.S. accreditation program designed for gaming suppliers who are committed to upholding responsible gaming standards across their products and services. Supported by the NCPG, iCAP Ready utilizes best practices from the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards to ensure suppliers implement and maintain responsible gambling policies, provide effective staff training and offer comprehensive player support tools.

To obtain the iCAP Ready accreditation, IGT’s responsible gaming policies and practices were audited by an independent agency. An overall compliance assessment was also performed by a third party on behalf of NCPG to ensure IGT’s responsible gaming framework met iCAP Ready’s objective of protecting the consumer and ensuring safer gambling practices for players, beginning with the supplier.

By Frank Fantini   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

By now, it seems likely that retail and online gambling are two verticals that may not grow in tandem. If lawmakers are set on iGaming expansion, it may be at the peril of brick-and-mortar investment.

iGaming, or iCasino, if you prefer. It’s talked about almost as an inevitability.

It is more profitable than online sports betting, its investor-oriented advocates say. In states where online sports betting has been legalized, iCasino is just the next logical step, they add. And, whenever the next economic recession or round of tight state budgets hit, there will be iCasino, waiting as a means for politicians to raise government revenues without having to raise taxes.

But before you rush out to put your money in the next big internet thing, consider another legislative axiom: No major bills will be enacted for an industry that is not united.

And the casino industry is not necessarily united on iGaming.

Indeed, some of the casino operators that invest hundreds of millions and billions of dollars in their brick-and-mortar entertainment palaces, and which employ tens of thousands of workers in good-paying jobs, might have some misgivings about giving life to a creature that could become a monster that devours them.

For evidence, look no further than the big casino and iGaming states with sufficient history, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where digital gaming soars while land-based lags. Indeed, in New Jersey, digital (casino and sports betting combined) now generates more revenues – though not more jobs and capital investment – than brick-and-mortar gaming.

One of the most outspoken opponents of iCasino is John Farahi, CEO and, with his family, principal owner of publicly traded Monarch Casino.

Farahi puts his opposition in moral terms citing what he calls the devastating impact of iCasino on society. Recent studies done since the spread of iCasino show its negative impact on individuals and on people, generally, in a country where 60 percent of the population lives paycheck to paycheck, he says.

Speaking as an émigré from Iran who is a naturalized American citizen, Farahi also talks of personal commitment: “We all have a responsibility to this incredible land” to avoid an industry that leads to financial ruin, even suicides, he says.

Farahi, however, also talks in financial terms of interest to investors.

What happens, he asks, to an industry and its capital investments that is fighting over the crumbs of a business where two or three operators control 70 percent of the revenue?

The result is already clear, Farahi says. Many brick-and-mortar companies are not reinvesting in their properties. And those properties are losing ground financially.

Even the big boys in brick-and-mortar, as Farahi calls the largest publicly traded casino operators, are feeling the impact even as they try to capitalize on iCasino, he says.

Farahi makes a distinction between online sports betting and online casino, though he says the former comes at greater costs to customers than in-person sports betting.

An illustration of possible future battles over iCasino just came in Colorado, where Monarch operates one of its two casinos (the other being Atlantis in Reno). Online sports betting has been legal in Colorado for a while, but not iCasino. And the casino association just voted 5-2 against legalizing iCasino. Among the “no” votes, Farahi said, was Penn National, which has its own digital gaming operations elsewhere.

So, the effort to extend iCasino to more states may present a dilemma for legislators who hear the siren call of iGaming to generate revenues but also see the sailors of existing brick-and-mortar taxpayers and their employees dashed against the rocks.

By Roger Gros   Thu, Jan 9, 2025

In this episode we sit down with Jonodev Chaudhuri (l.), principal at Chaudhuri Law, to talk about issues impacting tribal gaming and the future of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Jonodev Chaudhuri spent almost six years as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). During his term, he smoothed over disagreements between the commission and the gaming tribes by concentrating on training and better communications between the two sides. Since leaving the commission he has been named ambassador for the Muscogee Creek Nation, of which he is a member. During this interview he discusses issues such as tribal sovereignty, sports betting in Indian Country and the future of the NIGC in a new administration. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros at G2E in Las Vegas in October.