By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

A number of gaming interests have signalled their support of the state of New Jersey’s legal case against the prediction market Kalshi.

By the end of the day June 17, it felt as though the entire gaming world had descended on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to fight Kalshi’s right to make use of sports events contracts.

A total of five amicus briefs were filed in support of New Jersey’s legal case against the New York-based prediction market. Kalshi has been operating in New Jersey through a preliminary injunction it obtained in response to a cease-and-desist order issued by the state in March.

This week’s filings in support of the state’s case were submitted by the following, in order:

● A coalition of anti-gambling groups, including Stop Predatory Gambling, Texans Against Gambling and the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.

● A coalition of tribal organisations, including nine groups and 60 individual tribes.

● A coalition of attorneys general from 34 US states, Washington, DC and the Northern Mariana Islands.

● The Casino Association of New Jersey.

● The American Gaming Association.

The New Jersey case is the first involving prediction markets to reach the appellate level since the Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed its appeal of election betting last year, which was ultimately dropped.

This step-up in the court system is a chance to appeal to a new audience, which is increasingly important as stakes rise. While the filing by the anti-gambling groups was somewhat of a surprise, the other four all came from parties that have already waded into this debate in various ways.

“The amici are doing exactly what they’re supposed to: explaining the importance of this case,” gaming attorney Andrew Kim told The Closing Line. “Unlike judges in the district courts, the Third Circuit has a more complete picture of the seismic regulatory upheaval Kalshi’s legal position would unleash.”

The brief on behalf of dozens of states was submitted by Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. In addition to New Jersey and Nevada, Kalshi is also involved in a lawsuit against Maryland, which is included in the filing. Ohio was among the group of states sending cease-and-desist orders to Kalshi this spring, but so far it has not been involved in legal action against the platform.

Overall, the group of states included in the brief spans the entirety of the U.S. and features the full range of gaming markets. Utah and Hawaii, which have no legal gaming, are featured alongside sizable markets like New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Michigan and Louisiana.

“Online sports betting, while convenient and entertaining for many, comes with life-altering consequences for some,” the brief reads. “Thus, depriving the States of the power to regulate naturally increases the dangers to a vulnerable population of citizens. Because no federal law requires that potentially devastating result, the amici states urge reversal.”

As with the states, the list of tribes and tribal groups participating in their respective brief is expansive. In addition to the 60 tribes, the groups include

the Indian Gaming Association, National Congress of American Indians, California Nations Indian Gaming Association, Arizona Indian Gaming Association, Washington Indian Gaming Association, Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, Native American Finance Officers Association, United South and Eastern Tribes Sovereignty Protection Fund and Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations.

Their filing is notable in that it is the first time Indian Country has entered into the prediction market legal debate. Tribal interests had previously submitted public comments to the CFTC and participated in a call with acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham in late May. That meeting was reportedly largely unfruitful, which could have pushed tribes to get involved in litigation instead.

“KalshiEX LLC’s (“Kalshi”) unlawful and unfair entrance into the gaming market has adversely impacted tribal gaming revenue and the benefit of tribes’ bargained-for compacts,” the brief reads. “Additionally, by offering its so-called sports event contracts under the guise of commodity trading pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), Kalshi impedes tribes’ inherent sovereign right to regulate gaming activity on Indian lands.”

The two trade groups to file briefs – the AGA and one representing New Jersey casinos – took different approaches to emphasise the impact that the growth of prediction markets could have on their members, financial and otherwise. As the home team, the New Jersey association understandably highlighted its state’s casino interests, which are among the biggest outside of Nevada.

“If Kalshi wins this appeal, it is positioned to leverage its considerable influence to sic the federal government on casinos that comply with state law,” the association wrote. “Kalshi’s suit is thus not just an effort to circumvent New Jersey law. It is a stalking horse for Kalshi to displace state regulators while crushing competitors.”

The AGA, as a national group with members from the entire gaming industry, took a more measured approach. Nonetheless, it too argued that Kalshi’s “disruptive” rise and the CFTC’s non-action have been a bit too hazardous.

“Given the particular expertise and commitment of resources necessary for effective oversight of sports-betting markets, AGA is concerned that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) is not equipped to carry out the regulatory role traditionally played by state governments,” the AGA wrote. “More broadly, AGA and its members have a strong interest in orderly application of federal law, which consistently complements and facilitates state regulation of sports wagers – rather than preempting it as Kalshi asserts.”

The brief from anti-gambling interests is perhaps the most unexpected and illustrates how prediction markets have galvanised opposition from an unlikely collection of legal allies.

The two gambling-specific groups are less surprising than the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, whose members “see first-hand the harm being caused by the growing pandemic of commercialised gambling”, the filing said. Collectively, these groups see Kalshi and other federally legal prediction markets as a huge threat to responsible gambling and harm minimisation efforts.

“The public interest is strongly against the preliminary injunction issued below,” the brief said. “The district court devoted merely one cursory sentence to this factor, without considering the immense public harm to be inflicted by unregulated commercialised gambling. The rate of suicide by gamblers is 15 times the overall population.” According to InGame, a Kalshi spokesperson said in a statement that it was “no surprise that individual states would take this position”.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

Two of three candidates put forth by investor HG Vora were elected to the board of Penn Entertainment, though the matter will continue in court.

For a gambling-industry event as hyped as any shareholders gathering since the historic PASPA decision, Penn Entertainment’s annual shareholder meeting on June 17 largely failed to bring the sizzle.

As expected, Penn shareholders elected Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez to the company’s board of directors as part of a continued reshuffling of the board. Their additions were sought by HG Vora Capital Management, a top Penn shareholder.

But Penn did not consider the nomination of William Clifford, a third independent director sought by HG Vora. Clifford’s nomination represents a key sticking point in contentious discussions regarding the future composition of the board.

At the conclusion of the 10-minute, 30-second meeting, Penn CEO Jay Snowden announced the election of Hartnett and Ruisanchez, based on the preliminary results of the vote. But without a resolution to Clifford’s nomination, the brief meeting ended on an anti-climactic note. As a court hearing in HG Vora’s lawsuit against Penn over board seats approaches next month, the meeting arguably produced more questions than answers.

Speaking on behalf of HG Vora, a New York-headquartered hedge fund, Mandy Lamb put forth Clifford’s nomination at the meeting. Clifford has deep experience with Penn, where he formerly served as the company’s chief financial officer for nearly 13 years. He left the company in November 2013, seven years before Snowden’s appointment as CEO, to join Gaming Leisure and Properties.

Snowden abruptly dismissed Lamb’s proposal, immediately quashing any possibility for the election of a third director. Pursuant to Penn company bylaws, the board set the number of Class II directors at two, Snowden stated. He deemed a proposal to nominate a third director as “out of order” and not permissible.

The proxy battle on board composition has been the subject of an intense months-long dispute between Penn and the hedge fund. After his departure, Clifford subsequently interviewed with Penn for a position on the board in 2020.

Penn indicated that it still has some of the same concerns on Clifford’s expertise in digital gambling that it raised five years ago. In a May letter to shareholders, Penn asserted that Clifford lacked digital gaming and online sports betting experience, areas that are “essential to the future” of its business.

In May, HG Vora filed a lawsuit against Penn accusing the company of violating Pennsylvania Business Corporation law. The suit also accuses Penn of breaching its fiduciary duty by reducing the number of seats available on the board. In response, Penn filed a motion to stay, urging a Pennsylvania court to temporarily halt legal proceedings. According to Penn, the merits of HG Vora’s claim do not “constitute good cause.”

In addition, Penn argued that the plaintiffs have not established the likelihood of “imminent and irreparable harm.” There, Penn addressed HG Vora’s arguments on board composition. Speculation about a future board action cannot constitute “good cause,” Penn contends. A speculative matter is not even a dispute ripe for adjudication, Penn added, because it rests upon contingent future events that may not occur as anticipated, or may not occur at all.

Penn also criticised HG Vora for its failure to abide by disclosure standards in other instances. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced a $950,000 settlement with the fund in March 2024 for its failure to make timely ownership disclosures in the lead-up to a May 2022 acquisition bid for trucking fleet company Ryder System Inc.

According to the SEC, HG Vora disclosed that it owned 5.6 percent of Ryder’s common stock as of Dec. 31, 2021 and certified that it did not have a control purpose. The fund subsequently built its position to a 9.9 percent stake in the first half of 2022 and formed a control purpose in May of that year. However, HG Vora did not make the proper disclosures until 13 May 2022, the same day it made a proposal to buy all of Ryder’s shares for $86 a share, a sizable premium over the trading price.

Ahead of the meeting, HG Vora urged shareholders to vote using its “gold card,” which featured the nominations of all three directors. By noon, more than 55 percent of all votes cast in the election were submitted on the gold cards, HG Vora wrote in a statement.

At the same time, HG Vora claimed that approximately five of Penn’s top 30 institutional investors voted on the company’s white proxy card, based on preliminary tabulations from the fund’s proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners.

“Penn’s shareholders have voted overwhelmingly for genuine change, including for the election of William Clifford to the board,” said Parag Vora, founder of HG Vora. “There can be no mistake about the mandate from Penn’s shareholders that the status quo is simply unacceptable.”

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

New York finalizes bid terms, sweepstakes feel the pain, ICE raids Louisiana track and more.

New York Finalizes $500 Million Casino License Fee, Capital Minimum

In a meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes on June 16, the New York State Gaming Commission’s Gaming Facility Location Board finalized two significant details for three available downstate casino licences.

The board voted unanimously to approve a $500 million license fee as well as a $500 million minimum capital investment. Bids will be due by June 27 and the commission will award licences by the end of the year.

There are several other steps applicants will have to navigate. For example, all entitlement processes such as zoning and environmental reviews must be completed by Sept. 30. Zoning issues in particular have created a time crunch this month, as most of those cases have tight windows.

Bally’s Corp secured rezoning approval for its Bronx bid from both the New York City Council and the state legislature last week. The Coney proposal from Thor Equities and other partners on Coney Island still needs de-mapping approval and a vote on that won’t come until June 19 at the earliest. All three Manhattan bids are undergoing environmental reviews.

So far, the various New York bidders have spent considerable time fulfilling the necessary obligations related to the process. This includes garnering community support and endorsements in addition to all requisite approvals. Once the official bids are finalised, the process will in essence begin again.

Every bid that is submitted will have a community advisory committee assigned to it. Per the NYSGC, these CACs “will be created to review the application, gauge local support and ultimately issue a finding determining whether there is adequate support for the proposed project.” Each CAC will host multiple meetings garnering feedback and each will hold a binding vote on whether a bid can continue, with the threshold for approval a two-thirds majority.

The makeup of each CAC will depend on whether a bid is located inside of New York City or out of it. For those inside the city, each CAC will consist of Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and the applicable state senator, assembly member, borough president and city council member.

As of now, only the proposal by MGM Empire City in Yonkers is outside of the city. MGM and any other such bidders will have a CAC consisting of Hochul and the applicable county executive, state senator, assembly member and the locality’s senior elected official. For cities, that is the mayor; towns would be the town supervisor; and villages would be fulfilled jointly by the village mayor and town supervisor.

CACs must hold their respective binding votes by Sept. 30. Bidders receiving their approval will then pay a $1 million application fee and submit all previous materials to the facility location board, which will embark on its own review process. Notably, the tax rate will be negotiated as part of the bidding process.

The commission states that an applicant “may propose a tax rate on gross gaming revenue as part of its application, so long as the tax rate is at least 25 percent for slot gross gaming revenue and 10 percent for gross gaming revenue from all other sources.”

There are four primary categories the board will review: economic development, local impact siting, workforce enhancement and diversity frameworks. Economic development will constitute 70 percent of the consideration, with the other three categories representing 10 percent each. Selections must be made by Dec. 1.

Selections made by the board will then be considered once more for a final ruling by the commission. Three licences are available, but the commission has discretion to issue fewer, or none.

Sweepstakes Face Tough Week from Legislators, Regulators

It’s safe to say that this past week was decidedly unfavorable for sweepstakes operators.

On June 17, regulators in Louisiana and Mississippi, both big retail casino states, issued a spate of cease-and-desist orders to various sites deemed to be operating illegally. These include offshore sportsbooks and iGaming sites as well as sweepstakes. In Louisiana’s case, there were 40 orders issued, with Mississippi issuing 10.

Both states took aim either directly or indirectly at VGW Holdings, the secretive Australian-based sweepstakes giant. VGW operates several well-known brands such as Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots and Global Poker. Louisiana sent a cease-and-desist order directly to VGW whereas Mississippi issued one to Chumba, regulators announced.

Outside of legislative and regulatory scrutiny, the company has come under fire from investors for its diminishing financial reporting. Founder Laurence Escalante earlier this month defiantly declared that anyone unconvinced of his leadership should sell off.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board order comes shortly after a bill banning sweepstakes altogether was passed through the state legislature. However, Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed the bill on June 13, saying that regulators were capable of policing their own industry.

This initially drew praise from the Social and Promotional Games Association, a vocal trade group representing some sweeps operators but not VGW.

“Governor Landry’s veto is a powerful affirmation that not all online games are gambling and that innovation should not be met with prohibition,” the SPGA said at the time. “This legislation blurred critical legal distinctions and risked punishing legitimate businesses that comply with well-established sweepstakes laws and offer free-to-play experiences.”

A separate sweeps group that does include VGW – the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance – said the veto “gives all stakeholders an opportunity to pursue a sensible solution to allow Louisiana residents to continue playing online social games” and create a licensing framework.

But that goodwill faded quickly, as the board saw it differently. In a release, the LGCB called its crackdown a “show of enforcement strength.” Chairman Chris Herbert said it sent a “clear message” that “Louisiana will not tolerate illegal operators who put our citizens at risk and undermine the fairness and integrity of our gaming industry.”

While the Mississippi Gaming Commission was not solely targeting sweepstakes in its orders, it nonetheless affirmed via release that there is no legal online gambling at all in the state, sweeps included.

“While some games might be advertised as free to play, if there is an opportunity for the player to provide consideration and win something of value, and an element of chance exists in the game outcome, it is gaming under Mississippi law,” the commission said.

In addition to those developments, the New York Legislature also on June 17 passed its own sweepstakes ban. The legislation, Senate Bill S5935A, passed both chambers in less than a week, including a 141-0 vote in the state assembly.

If the bill is signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Empire State would join Montana, Connecticut and Nevada in enacting sweepstakes bans this year.

In early March, New York also issued its own flurry of 26 cease-and-desist orders to sweeps sites, in this case from Attorney General Letitia James. All three of VGW’s primary brands – Chumba, LuckyLand and Global Poker – were included in the actions. In late May, the company announced it was ceasing its sweepstakes operations in the state.

“These so-called ‘sweepstakes’ games are unscrupulous, unsecure and unlawful,” New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer said via statement. “I have been very vocal about the need to crack down on these operations and I am thrilled that Attorney General James has taken this significant step to eradicate the illegal gambling market. We encourage those of age who wish to gamble to do so with legal operators.”

Immigration Raid Conducted at Louisiana Track

As immigration crackdowns continue to create controversy around the U.S., state and federal authorities conducted a raid June 17 at Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel in Calcasieu Parish, La.

According to the Associated Press, the raid led to more than 80 arrests. The agencies involved included Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and Border Patrol, as well as state and local police. Authorities had been tipped off about businesses employing undocumented stall workers at the track, per the AP.

Boyd Gaming, which owns Delta Downs, said in a statement: “Our Company complies fully with federal labor laws, and to our knowledge, no Delta Downs team members were involved in this matter.  We will cooperate with law enforcement as requested.”

Las Vegas F1 Extended Through 2027

The Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix has been extended for two years through 2027, per the Associated Press. Originally, the event was added to the calendar on a three-year contract, although Clark County approved a 10-year contract. This November will be the third installment.

Overall, the race has had mixed reviews in its first two years. The first event was beset by months of severe traffic delays and construction, to the extent that some businesses filed lawsuits for damages. However, the race itself was fantastic and generated $1.5 billion in economic impact. The second iteration featured far fewer disruptions but also less-than-stellar performance, clocking less than $1 billion.

“We want to make sure that we’re continuing to evolve what we’re doing. But the intent is a much longer-term arrangement,” Emily Prazer, president of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, told the AP. “As we all know, the race has had its challenges, but we’re coming out the other side. So we want to make sure that it continues to work for both sides.”

Lawsuit Over Failed Las Vegas Arena Project Postponed

A racketeering lawsuit filed against former UNLV basketball player Jackie Robinson and his company All Net Land Development LLC has been postponed until September, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Proceedings were originally supposed to start this month.

Robinson tried for many years to develop an NBA-ready arena on the site of the former Wet n’ Wild waterpark in between the Fontainebleau and the Sahara. However, the project never got off the ground despite the investment he received, and Clark County ultimately pulled the plug on the project in 2023.

An investor in the project from California subsequently filed suit against Robinson, alleging he misappropriated his and others’ funds with no plans of actually following through on the development. That land has since been acquired by LVXP, another developer who has taken up the quest of building an NBA arena there.

Fairmount Park Celebrates Reopening

Accel Entertainment’s recently acquired Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, the first racino in Illinois, hosted a grand opening week June 16-20. Various promotions were held each day, ranging from drawings, food deals and more.

“This celebration is a thank you to the guests who’ve already helped make our opening this season a success and an invitation to everyone to come experience everything Fairmount Park has to offer,” Fairmount’s Vice President of Marketing Dana Mueller said in a statement. “Grand Opening Week combines the excitement of live racing and casino gaming with live music and outdoor activities for all ages.”

By Nicole Macedo   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

Malta clashes with European Commission about domestic protection laws, most U.K. election betting defendants plead not guilty, Norway MP calls for market liberalization and more.

European Commission Warns Malta Against EU Law Non-compliance

The European Commission has ordered Malta to comply with E.U. rules, after it determined Article 56A in the country’s Gaming Act was unfairly protecting Malta-licensed operators from being taken to court in another E.U. state.

Article 56A was introduced as an amendment to Malta’s gambling act in 2023. The clause insisted that Malta would not uphold any European court judgment that deemed their services illegal in that market.

The clause is a reflection of Malta’s interpretations of the E.U. ‘s Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which Malta says allows services (like online gambling) to be provided across E.U. states.

In response to the EC letter, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) defended its laws and upheld its belief the TFEU enables its services to be offered across the EU.

Majority Plead Not Guilty in U.K. Election Betting Scandal

The UK Gambling Commission’s general election betting case hit Southwark Crown Court in London last week for the 15 people previously accused of betting on the date of last year’s U.K. general election.

The accused allegedly used insider information, resulting in charges of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Of the 15 facing charges, 12 have denied the charges, while three did not enter a plea. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s parliamentary private secretary and former Montgomeryshire Member of Parliament Craig Williams were among those not entering a plea. Former police officer Jeremy Hunt and Jacob Wilmer, a special advisor for the Conservative Party, also gave no indication of their pleas.

The case dates back to an investigation launched by the regulator in June 2024 after an operator flagged that a bet had been placed on the date of the upcoming general election, by someone it considered politically sensitive.

Veikkaus Dismisses Claims its ‘Abusing its Market Position’

Finnish monopoly operator Veikkaus has been reported to Finland’s Competition and Consumer Authority (Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto) by Swedish horseracing operator ATG for “abusing its dominant market position” in Finland.

The claim suggests Veikkaus is trying to maintain a competitive advantage in the soon-to-be liberalized Finnish remote gambling market.

Finland is preparing to open its iGaming market to private operators from January 2027. Veikkaus will operate an independent licensed business which competes with others.

In a statement to iGB, Veikkaus has denied the claim it is abusing its market position. Hanna Kyrki, EVP, general counsel for Veikkaus, said the allegations made by ATG about the abuse of its position are “incomprehensible and completely false. We categorically deny them.”

ATG has also called out Veikkaus for its plans to stop distributing Swedish trotting races to the Finnish public, a move ATG Director for Finland Mikael Bäcke says has already commenced.

“ATG and Veikkaus have been partners since 2008 and, during this time, Finns have placed bets on all Swedish horse races. Over the past 10 weeks Veikkaus has limited the number of Swedish races that are available to their customers,” Bäcke told iGB.

Norway MP Looks to Finland and Denmark for Open Market Inspiration

Norwegian Progress Party MP Silje Hjemdal has reiterated the party’s desire to end the country’s gambling monopoly and is looking to its Nordic neighbors for inspiration.

The Progress Party has been calling for an end to the gambling monopoly in Norway since its 2021 election manifesto. With the next general election scheduled for Sept. 8, Hjemdal has reaffirmed her party’s plans to make significant changes to the current framework.

Speaking at a May conference held by Norway trade body Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill, Hjemdal pointed to fellow Nordic nations Finland, Sweden and Denmark as remote gambling frameworks to learn from.

However, she told the audience the party is not yet sure which model Norway would follow. “I haven’t landed on a concrete model, but I think what’s happening in Denmark is very exciting. And I’d gladly take a study trip there to learn more,” she said during the conference.

This is the closest Norway has been to liberalizing its remote gambling sector, NBO chief Carl Stenstrøm previously told iGB. He believes the market could be opened by 2028.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

DraftKings, Underdog get a jump on Missouri licensing, Ohio AG Yost leads coalition of states against prediction markets, match-fixing scandal unearthed in the U.K. and more.

DraftKings, Underdog Submit Licensing Applications in Mizzou

As Missouri nears a fourth-quarter launch of legal sports betting, a pair of operators have gotten a jump on the competition in meeting their licensing obligations.

Two sportsbooks, DraftKings and Underdog, have submitted licensing applications with the state, the Missouri Gaming Commission confirmed. As of June 19, the companies are the only two operators that have turned in the requisite filings, according to the MGC. FanDuel, DraftKings’ archrival, is also expected to submit an application before the deadline imposed by the MGC. In total, FanDuel and DraftKings spent more than $40 million in support of a ballot measure advocating for the legalization of sports wagering in the state.

There are several pathways to attaining licensure in the Show-Me-State. The most immediate deadline falls on July 15 when applications for so-called untethered licenses are due. The MGC will award those licenses by August 15. In addition, another classification of license applications must be submitted by Sept. 12.

Operators have the option of gaining market access through partnerships with professional sports teams. Already, bet365 has inked a partnership with the St. Louis Cardinals of MLB. Century Casinos has also named BetMGM as its sports betting partner.

Missouri is on track to go live with sports betting by Dec. 1. Days later, the Kansas City Chiefs will appear in primetime on Sunday Night Football. The Chiefs are seeking their fourth straight AFC Championship.

Ohio AG Yost Leads Coalition for Reversal on Prediction Markets

A large swath of state attorneys general have joined Ohio AG Dave Yost in pushing an appellate court to overturn a ruling on the legality of prediction markets in New Jersey.

Yost and 35 other state attorneys filed an amicus brief on June 17 urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to side with New Jersey in a legal battle with Kalshi. Amid the contentious battle, questions remain on whether a provision in the Commodity Exchange Act allows the federal government to preempt state regulations on sports wagering when the betting propositions are offered through event contracts.

While Kalshi is partnering with third-party providers to establish anti-money laundering safeguards for its platform, event contracts are not currently taxed on the state level.

“States rightfully have the ability to protect their citizens through the negative consequences of online gaming no matter how it’s packaged,” said Yost in a statement. “We’re protecting the unprotected.”

Yost has been joined by a number of prominent states on the East Coast, including New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The brief also gained support from a number of states throughout the Midwest such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour has levied criticism toward state attorney generals for attempts to restrict event contracts on sports. Mansour supports regulation of prediction markets on the federal level through the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Earlier this week, the Third Circuit granted Kalshi a 14-day extension until July 24 to file a brief in response to New Jersey’s opening brief.

British Basketball Players Caught Up in Match-Fixing Scandal

The British Gambling Commission, British Basketball Federation (BBF) and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have announced a series of sanctions against six basketball players after deeming they helped fix matches.

A joint investigation by the commission’s Sport Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU), BBF and FIBA focused on the British Basketball League (BBL). The league disbanded at the end of the 2023-24 season after 38 years of competition.

This probe uncovered wrongdoing among former Surrey Scorchers players Quincy Taylor, Charleston Dobbs, Shakem Johnston, Padiet Wang and Joshua McFolley.

The players were found to have fixed matches during the 2022-23 season, including at least six Scorchers games. Incidents involved taking payments to fix the results of matches or being involved in the planning to fix games.

As such, the BBF handed lifetime bans and £3,000 ($4,080) fines to both Taylor and Dobbs. Meanwhile, Johnston and Wang were issued worldwide bans by FIBA, while McFolley was suspended until Sept. 2034.

The other individual in the case was Dean Wanliss, another former player who previously played for the Scorchers. Wanliss was found to have bet on basketball matches between 2019-2021, in breach of regulations.

Wanliss was investigated by FIBA, Spanish Basketball Federation, the International Olympic Committee Monitoring Unit and the wider British betting industry. He was fined £3,000 and will serve a three-year ban from the sport.

“This case underscores the commitment of FIBA, the BBF, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders to maintaining integrity in sport and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward betting-related corruption,” the commission said.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

Maine tribal iGaming bill still alive, tribes file amicus brief against Kalshi and Oregon casino celebrates big milestone.

Maine Tribal iGaming Bill Passes Legislature but Faces Hurdles

A bill that would legalize iGaming in Maine by allotting licenses to the four tribes of the Wabanaki Nations has passed the state legislature but, due to technicalities with the state’s procedures, still has a ways to go to become law.

The bill essentially came out of nowhere after seeing little action for months, and features an 18 percent tax rate on adjusted gross revenue as well as a $50,000 annual license fee. However, despite passage from the legislature, it was placed on the “appropriations table,” an additional step through which only about 10 percent of bills typically survive.

“Last session, over a dozen bills died on the appropriations table — they just never came off,” Steve Silver, chair of the Maine Gambling Control Board, told Casino Reports. “It’s a weird mechanism of Maine government. Things can vanish down there for no real reason.”

Even if the bill were to advance, approval from Gov. Janet Mills is not a guarantee. Her office has not indicated a position on the bill, but it was opposed by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services as well as Silver. If it was vetoed, it would then need a two-thirds majority to override it, which appears unlikely.

Tribes Enter Prediction Market Legal Battle with Amicus Brief

Of the flurry of amicus briefs filed this week in support of New Jersey’s legal case against Kalshi in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, one of the most notable came from a comprehensive tribal coalition of nine organisations and 60 individual tribes.

The 45-page brief represents Indian Country’s official entry in the legal debate after long signalling its displeasure. Since prediction markets such as Kalshi began offering sports contracts over the winter, tribes have been among the biggest detractors. A public comment portal opened by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission earlier this year has been dominated by tribal interests. And in late May, acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham hosted a call with tribal leaders, although not much came of it.

For the most part, the brief tackles a significant overarching issue: how prediction markets coexist with IGRA. The legislation has been mentioned briefly in other cases, but the tribal filing sought to address the issue with full context.

Enacted in 1988, IGRA is the federal framework for gaming on tribal lands while defining a gaming classification system. Classes I and II are less well-known, but Class III is traditional casino-style gaming, including slots and table games. Tribes contend in the brief that sports betting is also included under Class III, and therefore is under IGRA’s domain.

Sports betting is not defined explicitly in the act, but tribes pointed to 31 U.S. Code § 5362, which defines bet or wager under the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act:

“[T]he staking or risking by any person of something of value upon the outcome of … a sporting event … upon an agreement or understanding that the person or another person will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”

This definition applies to “precisely what Kalshi is offering”, attorneys wrote. Sports event contracts “stake or risk something of value upon the outcome of a sporting event based on the understanding that the person will receive something of value based on that outcome” and therefore each contract traded on tribal land violates IGRA, they said.

Another key issue in this debate is whether IGRA is preempted by the Commodities Exchange Act, the primary legislation governing the CFTC.

But the tribes’ brief contends that “the CEA neither preempts nor conflicts with IGRA”. It further argues that the CEA “is only preemptive with respect to lawful transactions that fall under the CFTC’s exclusive jurisdiction”, which tribes allege is not the case with sports contracts.

It is “inconceivable”, attorneys wrote, to believe that Congress intended the CEA to be a federal sports betting regulation “without explicitly stating as much”. This is especially true “in the face of comprehensive statutes and regulations governing gaming on Indian lands”.

Opponents of prediction markets have from the beginning pointed to the CEA’s “Special Rule” amendment – 7 U.S.C. § 7a-2(c)(5)(C) – enacted after the financial crisis of the early 2000s. This rule states that the CFTC has authority to review and disallow contracts involving certain activities in the sake of public interest. Gaming is expressly mentioned as one of those activities.

Tribes contend in the brief that Kalshi has incorrectly interpreted the review process to believe that the CFTC must review and rule against contracts for them to be barred.

Instead, they assert that “§ 40.11(a)(1) is a categorical prohibition on event contracts that involve gaming or activity that is unlawful under federal or state law; there is no two-step process because the CFTC has already determined that such event contracts are contrary to the public interest. Additionally, this determination negates the need for a 90-day review of such event contracts.”

Chinook Winds Celebrates 30 Years

Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Oregon, owned by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 and is hosting a celebration June 20-22, per the Lincoln County Leader. The weekend will kick off with performances by Jay Leno and Arsenio Hall, and will also include a fireworks show and other festivities.

By Marjorie Preston   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

Thai residents petition for casino referendum, Philippines’ AML fight continues, Hawkins takes the reins at Bloomberry and more.

Thailand Petitioners Demand Casino Referendum

A network of civic organizations has collected almost 54,000 signatures on a petition demanding that the Thai government hold a referendum on legal casinos.

Thailand’s controversial Entertainment Complex Act would legalize integrated resorts with gaming, licensing up to five complexes in the first phase of development. Petition coordinator Kornkanok Makboon told the Bangkok Post the groups began circulating the petition in early January and exceeded the 50,000-name minimum in May. It has since been filed with the Thailand Election Commission.

Thanakorn Khomkrit of Thailand’s Stop Gambling Foundation says a referendum would give the government “a clear mandate from the people,” no matter the outcome. It would “reduce public resistance and give investors confidence in the legal framework” supporting casinos.

The Electoral Commission has 30 days to verify the signatures before forwarding the petition to the Office of the Secretariat of the Cabinet for review.

Philippines DOJ Pledges Continued Fight Against Money Laundering

On June 13, the European Commission removed the Philippines from its list of markets at high risk for financial crimes. In response, the Philippines Department of Justice has promised to continue its battle against money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

In a statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the delisting “is an affirmation of our government’s unyielding stand against money laundering and terrorism financing. It will serve as a catalyst for the DOJ to further strengthen the rule of law not just within the Philippines, but at a global stage.”

In recent years the Philippines has cracked down on crime associated with gambling. Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations, or POGOs, following widespread reports of financial crimes, online scams and human trafficking.

A Manila Bulletin editorial warned that delisting from the EU watchlist is “a milestone to celebrate—not an endpoint. It is a stepping stone toward a more transparent, trusted and inclusive financial system.”

Earlier this year, the Philippines celebrated its exit from the Financial Action Task Force “grey list” of countries vulnerable to financial crimes.

Cambodia’s Star Vegas Feels Brunt of Thai Border Restrictions

Thai nationals are now prohibited from crossing the border to work or gamble at Cambodian casinos. The order came down from the Thai Royal Army, in response to a violent border conflict that killed a Cambodian sergeant in May.

Since the incident, Thailand has threatened to cut power and internet access to Cambodia. Cambodia has banned Thai media and the shipping of fruits and vegetables from Thai purveyors. Starting June 8, both countries restricted border-crossing hours.

On June 16, the military ordered all Thai nationals who work at border casinos to stay home until further notice. According to the Bangkok Post, leisure travelers also are barred from crossing into Cambodia, including for “gambling reasons.”

Donaco International, operator of Poipet’s Star Vegas Casino, has since posted a 62 percent drop in casino traffic and a 42 percent decline in hotel occupancy. In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange, the company acknowledged the disruption will affect revenue in June. It promised to “update shareholders as appropriate.”

Chan Steps Down from Macau Legend Development

At a June 13 general meeting of Macau Legend Development, two board directors retired. Melinda Chan and Charles Hongxin Wang were replaced by Lam Shu Yan and Ma Cheuk Ling.

According to Macau Business, Chan became CEO of Macau Legend in March 2022 following the arrest of former boss and junket magnate Levo Chan. Chan was later sentenced to 14 years in jail for illegal gambling. Melinda Chan maintained the chief executive position until early 2023.

Macau Legend provides casino services for SJM Resorts at Legend Palace, one of 11 satellite casinos that will close by the end of 2025.

Hawkins Joins Bloomberry Resorts as President, COO

The board of directors of Bloomberry Resorts has announced the appointment of Gregory Francis Hawkins as director, president and chief operating officer, effective June 11.

Hawkins joined the Philippines gaming operator in November 2023 to head Solaire Resort North as COO. In December 2024, he succeeded longtime Bloomberry president and COO Thomas Arasi as acting COO of Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels.

In a statement, Bloomberry cited Hawkins’ “extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industries,” having previously held senior roles in the Philippines, Macau, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition to Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North in the Philippines, Bloomberry runs the Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino in South Korea.

Genting Group Named Top Asian Gaming Company in Fortune 500

Malaysian casino giant Genting was named the top Asian gaming company on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list. According to the Malaysian Star, companies were ranked by revenue for the most recent fiscal year.

Genting ranked 53rd on the list, one rung higher than in 2024. It saw a 1.6 percent increase in revenue to $6.06 billion.

Others on the 2025 list include Bloomberry Resorts Corp., operator of Philippine IRs Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort North; NagaCorp, operator of Cambodian casino NagaWorld; and Alliance Global Group, which runs Manila’s Newport World Resorts.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

Cirsa announces IPO plans, Brazil casino bill faces opposition, CPI rejects betting report and more.

Cirsa Plans €400 million IPO to Support Future M&A Activity

Spanish operator Cirsa has announced plans to move forward with an IPO on Spanish stock exchanges, aiming to raise €400 million ($460.4 million).

Cirsa announced June 18 that its IPO will include a primary offering of new ordinary shares, targeting a €400 million raise to fuel growth and bolster its capital structure.

The IPO proceeds will also support future mergers and acquisitions, as Cirsa plans to maintain its aggressive M&A strategy, having completed over 130 acquisitions since 2015.

Cirsa holds a presence in 11 countries, including the LatAm markets of Colombia, Mexico and Peru, the latter of which it entered last year after acquiring a 70 percent stake in leading Peruvian operator Apuesta Total.

Brazil Senator Opposing Land-Based Casino Bill Over Criminal Links

Sen. Eduardo Girão has voiced opposition to the bill legalizing land-based casinos in Brazil, citing concerns about a potential rise in criminal activity.

Girão has consistently opposed gambling regulation in Brazil, but with the licensed online market already live, a vote on legalizing physical casinos is now reportedly being considered before the Senate recess in July.

Girão argues that recent media reports on increased betting-related money laundering show why legalizing land-based casinos would be a mistake.

“You can read the headlines of O Globo, Estadão and Folha recently, showing that organized crime has never laundered so much money, never made so much profit from the advent of gambling,” Girão explained. “And what is the problem in Brazil today? Basically, it is public safety.”

Betting CPI Report Rejected in Rare Move

The report of the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on betting has become the first to be rejected in a decade.

The CPI on betting was established last November, and the report of its rapporteur, Senator Soraya Thronicke, sought to indict 16 people, while also proposing a number of measures aiming at making the betting environment safer for players.

However, in a rare move the CPI report was rejected by four votes to three, meaning none of Thronicke’s measures will be adopted.

It ends the work of the CPI, which has been hugely controversial, facing accusations of extortion in December, before the Senate President refused to extend its deadline, describing it as a “circus”.

Betano Named Official South American Partner for Club World Cup

Betano has been named as the official South America partner of FIFA’s Club World Cup soccer competition, which is currently being held in the U.S.

The partnership between Kaizen Gaming-owned Betano and FIFA follows on from the pair’s collaboration for the international World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

It also demonstrates a continuation of Betano’s commitment to sponsoring major soccer competitions, with the company also sponsoring the top-flight leagues in both Argentina and Brazil.

Kaizen Gaming co-founder and CEO George Daskalakis revealed his excitement to be once again working with FIFA, saying: “It is a privilege to work closely with FIFA for a tournament that brings together millions of fans from all around the world as they get to watch the best club teams and players football has to offer.”

Brazil’s ANJL Goes to Court Over Anti-Gambling Supermarket Association Video

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has filed a lawsuit demanding the Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (ABRAS) clarify the source of claims made in a social media video critical of betting.

On June 16, ANJL criticized ABRAS’ video “History of Bets,” which connected the legal betting industry to food insecurity in Brazil.

ABRAS’ video says each real wagered on betting means “one less dish on the table” and a “bill that is late,” claiming the retail sector lost BRL103 billion ($18.7 million) in 2024 revenue because of gambling.

ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge responded, saying: “The retail sector has decided to choose someone to blame for the rise in food prices on families’ tables. And, in their opinion, betting companies are responsible. This is absurd.”

By Frank Legato   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

The latest announcements from Brightstar, Zitro, JCM and more.

IGT Lottery Becomes Brightstar Lottery

International Game Technology PLC announced that its global lottery organization will begin doing business as Brightstar Lottery, effective immediately.

Upon completion of the sale of IGT’s Gaming and Digital business divisions, which is expected to occur as early as July 1, to Voyager Parent, LLC, a holding company owned by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc., Brightstar will be a premier pure play lottery business designed to elevate lotteries and inspire players.

“We have a nearly 50-year history of reliability, innovation, and leadership in lottery, a bedrock from which we are launching Brightstar with a future-forward mindset of helping lottery customers around the world succeed in an environment of digital adoption, shifting player expectations, and an increasing variety of gaming choices,” said Vince Sadusky, CEO of Brightstar.

Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers and their players on six continents. It is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the U.S. and seven of the world’s 10 largest lotteries.

Zitro Digital Content Launches on Games Global

Zitro Digital, the online division of global gaming supplier Zitro, has announced a strategic partnership with Games Global, a leading supplier of iGaming content, to distribute its digital portfolio through Games Global Plus.

This partnership will introduce a curated selection of Zitro Digital’s most popular game titles—adapted from its successful land-based offerings—including the Legendary Sword, Fu Frog, Link King and Link Me game families, among others, into Games Global’s extensive network of operators across multiple regulated markets.

“Zitro’s proven success in land-based gaming, now translated into the digital space, brings fresh momentum to our portfolio,” said Andy Booth, chief product officer at Games Global. “We look forward to growing together and delivering exceptional experiences to players around the world.”

“Partnering with Games Global is a significant step in our digital growth strategy,” said Jose Javier Marti, COO at Zitro Digital. “Their world-class aggregation platform perfectly showcases Zitro’s distinctive game portfolio, allowing us to accelerate our global reach and bring our proven titles to new audiences.”

JCM Global Installs First Digital Signage Solution for BCLC at Hastings Racecourse & Casino

JCM Global has finished its first digital signage solution at Hastings Racecourse & Casino in Vancouver, British Columbia for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The installation was a joint project with R2 Gaming, JCM’s official distributor and strategic partner in Canada.

JCM installed a 2.5mm FLEX-S LED display stretching an incredible 19 feet by 3 feet on curved soffit above the edge of the gaming floor. The property intends to use the digital sign to advertise various themes of games available on the casino floor along with targeted marketing messages.

Michael Soll Named Next President of ICRG

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) announced the appointment of Michael Soll as president beginning July 7.

Soll succeeds Arthur Paikowsky, who is credited with facilitating significant growth in high quality, peer-reviewed research at ICRG, transforming its ability to mitigate player harms and creating a more sustainable environment for the gaming industry. Paikowsky will join the ICRG board of directors and remain a valuable voice in the organization’s future.

Soll has served on the ICRG board of directors since 2022 and brings nearly 30 years of gaming industry experience to the organization. Most recently, he has served as president of The Innovation Group (TIG), a premier research and advisory firm serving the global gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries. Soll’s experience in gaming is matched by two decades of philanthropic leadership, where he has served actively as a board member, fundraiser and day-to-day administrator.

“I am honored and privileged to begin leading the ICRG, whose mission I became passionate about while serving its board of directors,” said Soll. “During his tenure, Art and team have instituted transformational changes that create a sustainable future for the organization. I’m excited to build upon Art’s work and help drive significant, high-quality research with actionable results.”

The Innovation Group Names Brian Wyman President

The Innovation Group (TIG), a premier advisory firm serving the global gaming, entertainment, and hospitality industries, announced the appointment of Brian Wyman as its new president and chief executive officer, effective July 1. Wyman succeeds Michael Soll, who is taking on a leadership role at the International Center for Responsible Gaming.  Soll will remain in an advisory role for TIG.

Wyman, currently executive vice president, has been a key force in shaping TIG’s trajectory over the past decade. Since joining the firm in 2016 with a background in operational strategy and advanced analytics, he has developed several of TIG’s fastest-growing verticals.

Under Wyman’s leadership, TIG expanded its presence in online gaming and sports betting, built a data science practice focused on performance optimization and player segmentation, and introduced new solutions in property planning, loyalty strategy, and enterprise operations. He played a pivotal role in relaunching Innovation Marketing and is critical to TIG’s work advising commercial and tribal operators on emerging technology and regulatory shifts.

Under Wyman’s leadership, TIG partners Tom Zitt, Chris Irwin, and Mike Vanaskie will continue to anchor the firm’s core strengths in feasibility analysis, strategic planning, and market forecasting. Senior Vice President Kevin Dennis will lead international business from the firm’s newly established Toronto office.

By Frank Fantini   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

The gaming industry and its adjacencies are moving at the speed of light, such that the landscape of years past is almost unrecognizable.

The gambling industry faces a dizzying number of legal and regulatory actions that will dramatically affect its future.

The headlines come daily:

• State after state considers legalizing online wagering, whether sports betting, iCasino or both.
• Regional brick-and-mortar casino operators form the National Association Against iGaming to do as the name implies, work against the proliferation of digital gaming.
• Illinois imposes a per-wager tax on sports bets that will slam operators, especially the largest of them.
• Other states consider more conventional tax increases on digital gaming.
• State after state pushes back on prediction markets, which amount to gambling.
• However, prediction markets may continue to operate legally nationwide and be regulated by the federal government under laws originally intended to allow hedging of agricultural product prices, in essence making events betting a federally permitted and regulated activity.
• State after state wrestles with whether to legalize, outlaw or just tolerate the proliferation of gambling in taverns, restaurants and fraternal halls under guises that range from pull tabs to to skill games.

And if you’re a casino company paying high taxes on your revenues, investing millions and billions of dollars to build your operations and employing tens of thousands of people, quit complaining, the poor tavern owner has his state rep’s ear.

• Charitable gambling, once a cottage business that, as its name suggests, benefitted local charities, is in the early stages of morphing into a big-time casino industry, at least in New Hampshire and elsewhere.
• Pari-mutuel wagering, which long meant betting on horse races, is blossoming into a full-fledged casino industry in states where legislators did not intend to legalize casinos, but no one could have predicted novel interpretations of how computers could turn racing into slot machines any more than a generation ago anyone thought bingo would transform into slot machine gambling.
• Lotteries are going online in more states.
• And if you happen to live in a state where lotteries aren’t legal, no problem, a new type of company, the lottery courier, will buy tickets for you from states where lotteries are legal. Plus, you don’t even have to go down to the nearest convenience store to buy a ticket. It’s all done online, unless you live in Texas, which has decided courier services are illegal.

It all kind of makes the days when states began legalizing gambling on riverboats look quaint.

It’s also a mind-boggling number of unintended consequences such as mechanically aided bingo and computerized libraries of old horse races leading to multibillion-dollar slot casino businesses. Now, it may mean that laws aimed at hedging the price of a bushel of corn lead to national online gaming.

How this new world settles out is uncertain. It could lead to a national approach to gambling, at least online. It could just as easily lead to efforts at limiting, or even prohibiting, online gaming.

What is certain, is that there will be a myriad of investment ramifications.

We’ll look more closely at the dynamics in coming weeks and what they could mean for investors. Meanwhile, I’ll look back nostalgically at the days when gambling simply meant walking up to a cashier window and telling the clerk, “I’ll put five bucks on the number three horse to win.”

By Roger Gros   Fri, Jun 20, 2025

In this episode we sit down with Sal Semola, CEO of Gun Lake Casino Resort, which recently unveiled its long-awaited Wawyé Oasis expansion project.

With a long history in gaming, including running  the Greektown Casino in Detroit and the Eastside Cannery in Las Vegas, Sal Semola joined Gun Lake Casino Resort in 2017 with a mission to dramatically expand the casino. Recently, Gun Lake added a 252-room hotel, and the Wawyé Oasis, an enclosed pool area that also hosts special events and concerts. Semola spoke with GGB Editor at Large Roger Gros in May.