Gambling.com Insider News, Trends and Gaming Analysis
Caesars Expects ‘Best Month’ Ever In March
March 7, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg is the latest casino executive anticipating a record-breaking March in Las Vegas.
“Vegas is exceedingly strong,” Reeg told CNBC’s Contessa Brewer. “As we head into March, we’re looking at a March that could be the best month that we’ve ever had at Caesars.”
In a tweet on Tuesday, Brewer posted a portion of her interview with Reeg. She tweeted, “The concern over consumer spending pullback just isn't hitting Las Vegas.”
Earlier, MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle said March could be the best hotel revenue month “in our history.”
These optimistic expectations come as Las Vegas embarks on a packed calendar of tourist-attracting events, including a NASCAR race, Taylor Swift concerts and NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments.
The expectations for this March follow a strong 2022 for casino gaming in Las Vegas. Last year, the Las Vegas Strip led all commercial gaming markets in total revenue and was the only one in the Top 20 with a double digit increase (17%) over 2021.
Time Rapidly Expiring In New York To Legalize iGaming, Senator Says
March 7, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
The final horn is about to sound on any chance a New York iGaming bill will pass at this year’s legislative session in Albany.
Because of time constraints imposed by the budget process, an iGaming bill needs to be resolved by the end of this week, said state Sen. Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens.
If that doesn’t happen, then “we’re done” for this year, Addabbo said.
The senator spoke with Gambling.com over the phone after conducting an iGaming roundtable on Tuesday in New York City.
Addabbo said failure to approve an iGaming bill this year will cost the state at least $1 billion in revenue that can be used for education and other state needs.
However, the senator is confident iGaming will be legalized in New York at some point, if not this year.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when,” he said.
Online gaming, called iGaming, allows gamblers to use their computer or cellphone to play Las Vegas-style casino games such as craps, blackjack and poker. It is legal in seven states, including three that border New York — Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The year, Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, have introduced legislation to legalize iGaming statewide.
Delaware Lottery Receives 7 Bids For Online Gambling Contracts
March 7, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
The Delaware Lottery put out a request for proposals to fill its expiring online gambling contracts. Seven companies submitted proposals to the Delaware Lottery prior to the March 3 deadline:
- 888
- Evolution
- GeoComply
- Kambi
- LexisNexis
- Light & Wonder
- Rush Street Interactive
The RFP was for any platform operator or vendor, which is why companies like LexisNexis and GeoComply appear on the list.
"The Delaware State Lottery (“DSL” or "Lottery") is issuing this Request for Proposal (the “RFP”) to invite interested Vendors to submit a Proposal for the implementation of its Internet Wagering System and Services Solution (the “Internet Wagering Solution” or “Solution”) comprised of a player account management (“PAM”) platform, operational and support services (“Managed Services”) and games from multiple vendors including casino table games, Video Lottery games, poker, bingo, and keno with the option for the Lottery to add internet sports betting (“Game Vendors”). The option for internet sports wagering may be at (1) Production Operation launch date, (2) at some point in the future or (3) not at all i.e., outside the scope of this RFP."
Delaware is currently an online gambling monopoly (run by 888), with each of the state's three racinos licensing the same platform from the lottery.
There is some hope the Delaware Lottery will expand its options when it selects a new vendor or vendors. As Gambling.com Founder Charles Gillespie wrote in an op-ed:
"The Delaware Lottery’s recent announcement to select a new vendor for iGaming, and the potential to expand into online sports betting, has created excitement in the industry — is Delaware ready to leave its woefully aged system of parlay cards, retail sports betting, and bland run-of-the-mill iGaming options behind? The answer, unfortunately, is still unclear. But they should certainly think twice before sole-sourcing the entire contract to a single vendor again."
Give Slot Jackpot Winners A Break On IRS Paperwork: House Gaming Caucus
March 6, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
U.S. House members from states with legal gaming want to reduce the hassle factor of filling out IRS paperwork on slot machine jackpots of at least $1,200 — a threshold set in the 1970s before the nationwide spread of casino gambling beyond Nevada.
The tax threshold would be raised to $5,000 under a recent congressional proposal, according to U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa. That figure would go up over time with inflation.
Reschenthaler and Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., co-chair the congressional gaming caucus. These two House members, along with three others, have introduced legislation they are calling the Shifting Limits on Thresholds (SLOT) bill.
A former Nevada state legislator, Titus said the current $1,200 threshold creates “excessive paperwork” for jackpot winners having to fill out IRS W-2G forms. When that threshold was set in 1977, $1,200 was considered a more significant win than it is today, lawmakers said.
“While I believe appropriate taxes should be collected on winnings, raising the threshold would reduce paperwork and ensure this is accomplished more efficiently,” Titus said.
NY Lawmakers And Regulators Take Aim At Sports Betting Ads
March 6, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Sports betting ads are under attack on multiple fronts in New York.
Last week, the NY Assembly passed a bill, A 1118, that:
- Requires all advertisements for gambling and sports betting to include warnings about potential harmful and addictive effects of gambling;
- Requires the state gaming commission to cooperate with the commissioner of addiction services and supports to ensure that all advertisements for gaming activity state a problem gambling hotline number.
the bill now sits in the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
At the same time, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) unanimously approved draft rules that would impose stricter controls on advertising and marketing.
Among the restrictions are:
- A ban on the use of "free" and "risk-free" terms in advertising
- Prohibiting affiliate marketing in the state
The latter was borrowed from Massachusetts, but New York's neighbor to the east recently issued a waiver to affiliates as they look to loosen these restrictions.
the rules are now in a 60-day public comment period. Following the public comment period, the NYSGC will consider changes to the rules before a final vote is taken.
The U.S. Legislative Landscape - March 6, 2023
March 6, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Our weekly look at legislative efforts and launch updates in the U.S. online gambling space.
Sports Betting Bill Goes Down In Flames In The Georgia Senate
March 3, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A bill that would have legalized sports betting and pari-mutuel horseracing through the Georgia State Lottery was resoundingly rejected by lawmakers earlier this week. The Georgia Senate rejected the bill, SB 57, by a 19-37 vote.
The Georgia House will consider a similar bill (the House version does not include horse racing), and a third effort seeking to legalize sports betting through a constitutional amendment is still active.
The constitutional amendment approach would require a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers as well as a voter referendum.
MA Regulators Grant Affiliate Waivers For Sports Betting Launch
March 3, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to grant a waiver to affiliates allowing affiliates to enter into CPA (cost per acquisition) deals with licensed sports betting operators.
The MGC granted the waiver until April 14, giving itself time to amend the current regulation that prevents marketing deals with third-party vendors.
The MGC plan is to create a bifurcated system with affiliates able to register for CPA deals with operators but needing a higher level of licensing for revenue-sharing deals.
MGC is issuing a waiver on CPA agreements until April 14. MA will have affiliate marketing, with Rev Share licensing structure to be determined https://t.co/2tvXQlFOAt
— Steve Ruddock (@SteveRuddock) March 2, 2023
FanDuel Official Sports Betting Partner of MLB
March 2, 2023 | Richard Janvrin | @RichardJanvrin
FanDuel is the co-exclusive Official Sports Betting Partner of Major League Baseball. In an announcement Thursday, FanDuel and MLB noted that the deal is a “multi-year partnership.”
With this deal, FanDuel will have rights to official MLB branding and “category designations” for products like the sportsbooks, DFS, and Faceoff platforms, as well as marketing campaigns.
FanDuel and Major League Baseball have a relationship dating to 2019, with FanDuel as an Authorized Gaming Operator.
Starting in the 2023 season, FanDuel will stream MLB.TV’s Free Game of the Day on the sportsbook app and FanDuel+ platform. FanDuel will also have the right to use highlights as part of the programming on FanDuel TV.
The companies announced that the partnership will “also create new opportunities for MLB and FanDuel to collaborate on projects for other sponsor partners of both FanDuel and MLB platforms, as well as to work together to bring consumers new sports betting product innovations to drive deeper fan engagement.”
Tennessee Regulators: 10% Hold In Legislatures Hands
March 2, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
At a hearing this week, the Tennessee Lottery Sports Wagering Advisory Council decided to delay any potential punishment of sports betting operators for violating the state's mandatory 10% hold requirement.
Instead, regulators are working with state lawmakers to change the rule, per SWAC Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas.
Per the Center Square:
"Thomas noted she has met with representatives from the sports gaming industry and operators and has been given “appropriate assurances” the industry will negotiate a legislative fix to the issue. She suggested the operator punishment be delayed until after the legislative session ends in May."
In other Tennessee news, regulators approved Fanatics as the 13th licensed sportsbook in the state.
Sportsbooks Spend Heavily During Ohio Launch
March 2, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Ohio sports betting came out of the gates at a full sprint, but behind the huge handle and revenue numbers are equally huge promotional spend totals.
- Handle = $1 billion
- Revenue = $205.7 million
- Promotional spend = $320 million
Only two operators generated revenue in excess of their promotional spend, Caesars and Betr. Barstool Sportsbook's promotional spend was ever so slightly more than its revenue.
As usual, the market was dominated by FanDuel (50%) and DraftKings (27%), with BetMGM coming in third with an 8.5% market share.
Ohio also provides an opportunity to look at some of the lesser-known operators, including new entrants like Bet365, Betr, and Tipico, and the hyper-local BetJACK.
Bet365 had a solid debut in Ohio, garnering 4% of the market ($38.6 million handle). The showing was Bet365's best U.S. performance to date.
Tipico was below 1% market share with handle of $10 million. Betr (the micro-betting site that includes Jake Paul among its owners) barely registered, with handle of just over $1 million.
BetJACK, which was marketing early and often didn't fare much better, with just over $4 million in handle.
Sports Betting Operators Are Getting Cold Feet In MA
March 2, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
In a recent edition of the EKG Line (a free newsletter from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming), the team put forth several reasons operators have either avoided Massachusetts or are withdrawing their licensing applications.
- BetRivers never applied
- Bet365 and PointsBet have withdrawn their applications
The EKG team pointed out that Massachusetts has a middling population, but that is offset by the state's near-the-top median income.
A more salient point is the competitive environment. In other locales, it's usually a matter of dealing with FanDuel, DraftKings, and MGM. That provides opportunities for a company to become a Top 5 operator. In Massachusetts, outsiders will need to leapfrog a much larger group. The state's three casinos are all major players in the national sports betting space:
- Wynn
- MGM
- Penn
The state is also the birthplace of Barstool Sports and the headquarters for DraftKings. Factor in FanDuel, and outsiders will have a hard time cracking the Top 5.
Another point raised by EKG was marketing. Boston is a very expensive advertising market, and its TV and radio markets bleed into New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont.
According to EKG, Massachusetts operators will need a 7-8% market share to reach profitability.
Las Vegas Casinos Banking On Massive March
March 1, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
March is expected to be a major money-maker for Las Vegas casinos, with several tourist-attracting events on tap.
MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle said March could be the best hotel revenue month “in our history,” according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Throughout the years, March has attracted large numbers of people wanting to hang out at casino sportsbooks and bet on NCAA men’s basketball tournament games. This year’s March Madness games begin March 14 at arenas across the country, culminating in the championship game on April 3 in Houston.
That traditional basketball tourism surge is expected again this year, but other major events also could attract big crowds. The following events are set to take place this March in the Las Vegas Valley:
- Pac-12 women’s basketball tournament at Mandalay Bay resort, March 1-5
- UFC 285 fight card at T-Mobile Arena, March 4
- NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 5
- ConExpo-Con/Agg construction trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, March 14-18
- NCAA Men’s March Madness West regional basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena, March 23 & 25
- Taylor Swift concerts at sold-out Allegiant Stadium, March 24 & 25
These events and more are expected to push the Clark County casino gaming win over the billion-dollar mark again. In January, Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, recorded its 23rd straight month of more than $1 billion in casino wins.
Don't Count Out Mobile Betting In Texas
March 1, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
First reported by the Compliance+More newsletter, analysts at Jeffries said, "source and channel checks suggested there was “notable movement” on both land-based and/or OSB “for the first time in recallable history through a statewide voter referendum”."
The news comes from Gov. Greg Abbott's continuing softening on gambling expansions in the Lone Star State.
Abbott recently told the local press that he would support an entertainment-led resort that included gambling.
There are many moving parts and numerous stakeholders, with opponents and proponents swarming the statehouse to make a case for and against:
- Resort casinos
- retail sports betting
- Mobile sports betting
Read Gambling.com's previous reporting on the speedbumps and roadblocks Texas will need to traverse.
NFL Slots Slated For Casinos This Year
Feb. 28, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
NFL-licensed slot machines are coming to casinos in Las Vegas and other cities.
On its website, Aristocrat Gaming notes its NFL-themed slots will be available later this year in an as-yet-unannounced number of casinos.
The company is allowing fans to “customize their experiences” by going to the Aristocrat website and entering their team’s favorite jersey (home, away, throwback) and other choices. The fan-favorite leaders so far are the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas Chiefs and Denver Broncos.
In the past, the NFL attempted to distance itself from gambling and Las Vegas. Underworld figures such as oddsmaker Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, who illegally operated four Argent Corp. casinos in Las Vegas for Midwestern crime families during the 1970s, were often in the news, raising concerns about fixed games and rigged sports betting. In the move "Casino," Robert De Niro portrays a character based on Rosenthal.
Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who retired in 2006 after 17 years in that position, opposed putting an NFL team in Las Vegas.
Since then, sports betting has become legal and live in 33 states and Washington, D.C.
Now Las Vegas is home to two major sports teams, the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. In addition, Major League Baseball’s Oakland A’s are considering relocating to Southern Nevada from the Bay Area.
Minnesota Sports Betting Bill Makes Progress
Feb. 28, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A bill that would bring legal sports betting to Minnesota passed the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee by a vote of 10-to-6 on Monday. The bill, introduced by Rep. Zach Stephenson, will move on to the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.
Stephenson's bill would put tribes in complete control of mobile and retail betting in the state, while a separate effort by Sen. Jeremy Miller would include retail betting at the state's two commercial racetracks.
That lone sticking point led to last year's failure, but as reported by local media, "One committee member said progress is being made on a deal that would include the state’s two horse tracks, which are not yet part of the bill."
AGA Responds To Maine's Proposed Sports Betting Advertising Restrictions
Feb. 27, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
In a letter to the Maine Department of Public Safety, Gambling Control Unit, American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller pushed back on proposed advertising rules the state is considering.
"Legal sportsbook advertising has an essential role in drawing bettors away from the predatory illegal market to the protections of the legal, regulated market," Miller said in the letter. "Particularly in new markets, advertising helps to inform the public about which sportsbooks are legal, as well as to ensure customers receive responsible gaming messages."
Miller also highlighted the AGA's responsible advertising code its members abide by:
"The AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code on Sports Wagering sets a high standard for operators by prohibiting targeting underage and vulnerable populations and mandates inclusion of responsible gambling resources. It also provides a means for any member of the public to file a complaint to ensure compliance with the code."
Under Maine's proposed controversial rules, sports betting ads would be severely limited, including restricting ads to the network televising the game or event and a prohibition on promotional offers.
Louisiana Casinos Near Texas Booming
Feb. 27, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
The two Louisiana gaming markets closest to Texas lead the Bayou State in casino revenue, outpacing the larger cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Below are the January revenue totals for Louisiana’s 16 commercial casinos (14 riverboats plus one land-based property in Lake Charles and another in New Orleans):
- Lake Charles: $63.59 million
- Shreveport-Bossier City: $45.3 million
- New Orleans: $39.1 million
- Baton Rouge: $19 million
Because commercial casinos and sports betting are illegal in Texas, Lone Star State bettors are continuing to wager legally in the Louisiana cities closest to the border.
Lake Charles is 35-40 minutes from the Texas border and 2 1/2 hours from Houston, the nation’s fourth most populated city, behind New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
The Shreveport-Bossier City area is 25 minutes from the Texas border and fewer than three hours from Dallas.
The Texas Legislature, meeting in Austin until May 29, is taking a handful of casino and sports betting bills into consideration, but resistance from religious groups is expected to create obstacles.
Tennessee SWAC Will Take A Look At 10% Hold Rule
Feb. 27, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
On Wednesday morning, the Tennessee Lottery's Sports Wagering Advisory Council (SWAC) is expected to revisit the state's rule requiring sports betting operators to have a hold percentage of at least 10%.
According to the meeting agenda, SWAC will:
Issuance of Notices of Violation of Rule 1350-01-.09 and Disciplinary Action for the Following Operators:
- American Wagering, Inc. d/b/a Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM, LLC
- Crown TN Gaming, LLC d/b/a DraftKings
- Gamewise, LLC d/b/a Betly
- Penn Sports Interactive, LLC branded as Barstool Sportsbook
- SBOpco, LLC d/b/a SuperBook
- Tennessee Action 24/7 LLC
- Wagr Inc.
- WSI US, LLC d/b/a WynnBET
The list indicates Tennessee is going to increase enforcement of the rule.
A Single Issue Stands Between Minnesota And Mobile Sports Betting
Feb. 27, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Minnesota sports betting is trending positive, but a looming issue could upset the process.
As it stands, the state's gaming tribes and professional sports teams are on board with two bills, HB 2000 and SB 1949, that would grant tribes exclusivity over sports betting.
The only hurdle is two commercial tracks in the state, both of which want a piece of the sports betting action. Efforts to bring retail betting to Running Aces in Columbus and Canterbury Park in Shakopee derailed last year's sports betting efforts.
The racetracks (and their supporters) still want in on the action, and per local reports, if they do, the state's professional sports teams also want a piece of the pie.
The U.S. Legislative Landscape - Feb. 27, 2023
Feb. 27, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Our weekly look at legislative efforts and launch updates in the U.S. online gambling space.
PointsBet Calls It Quits In Massachusetts
Feb. 27, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
PointsBet has decided to withdraw from the Massachusetts sports betting market. In a statement, PointsBet called it a strategic withdrawal:
"We have chosen this path to emphasize our continued focus on our 14 live states of the US (plus Ontario) and how we can best optimize those markets which provide an immense TAM for us to go after."
PointsBet isn't the first company to call it quits in the Bay State, as Bet365 bowed out before it went through the licensing process.
Massachusetts was expected to have more than 10 mobile sports betting apps. With the withdrawal of PointsBet, Massachusetts will launch its mobile betting industry on March 10 with seven operators:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- WynnBet
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Caesars
- Betr
Bally Bet and Fanatics have told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission they plan to launch in May, while Betway has yet to pin down a precise launch date.
New Hampshire Online Casino Bill Clears A Hurdle
Feb. 24, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Indiana's online casino went up in smoke, but one of the darkhorse candidates cleared a hurdle this week. New Hampshire lawmakers passed SB 104 by a 13-11 margin on Wednesday, February 22. The vote (second reading) was required to keep the bill active.
The next steps include passage by the Finance Committee - Chairman James Gray voted in favor of the bill, which bodes well. Before it can pass the Senate and head over to the House, the bill will also need to pass the full Senate again.
The legislation has a long way to go, but if a state is going to squeak an online casino bill through, it is likely to be a state like New Hampshire.
Encore Casino Takes Illegal Bets For Second Time
Feb. 24, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
For the second time since it launched on Jan. 31, Encore Boston Harbor has self-reported a betting violation. Once again, the mistake was attributed to a glitch by GAN, which helps run the backend of Encore's sports betting offerings.
As with its previous transgression, the casino took an unspecified number of bets on Boston College women's basketball games. Betting on in-state colleges is prohibited under Massachusetts law.
Encore Boston Harbor spokesperson Beth Gibbons said a “programming error as it relates to NCAA women’s college basketball markets and are currently working with our provider on a permanent solution.”
In the interim, Encore has decided to take all women's college basketball games off its betting menu.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission in a no-nonsense regulatory body. With this being the casino's second violation, the fine or penalty handed down by the MGC could be quite significant.
New Sports Betting Effort In Kentucky Could Be Spoiled By VGTs
Feb. 23, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Kentucky has a new sports betting bill that would bring retail and sports betting to the Bluegrass State.
The bill, HB 551, was introduced by Rep. Michael Meredith. If enacted, it would create a robust industry with retail betting at the state's nine licensed horseracing tracks and up to 27 mobile apps (three skins per licensed racetrack).
"This is about regulating something we already have in the state," Meredith told FOX 56. "If you look, the estimates are that there’s about $1,000,000,000 each year in Kentucky illegally and unregulated."
Unlike existing bills, HB 551 is sports betting exclusive, as Meredith eliminated poker and daily fantasy sports from the equation.
That said, there is a growing debate over VGTs in Kentucky (and across the region), with the pro and con side of the issue topping lobbying spend in 2023, per the Courier-Journal.
District Court Sides With Tribes In Washington State Sports Betting Case
Feb. 23, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A federal judge dismissed Maverick Gaming's lawsuit against Washington State's current prohibition on sports betting by commercial operators. Maverick Gaming is expected to appeal.
Maverick Gaming owner Eric Persson filed suit in January 2022. The filing states that the state's sports betting laws violated IGRA, which allows tribes to offer Class III games if the state has legalized the activity for non-tribal operators.
Washington State allows retail sports betting at tribal gaming properties, while the state has a blanket ban on Class III gambling (sports betting falls into the Class III bucket).
Maverick Gaming's argument is the opposite side of the IGRA: If the state allows tribal sports betting, non-tribal entities should also be allowed to offer sports betting.
Of note, Persson is a member of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, and it was the tribe that filed the motion to dismiss the case.
“This is a significant victory for tribal sovereignty,” Washinton State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. “Washington law strikes the right balance by permitting sports betting and confining it to tribal casinos, where tribes have experience carefully regulating gambling where individuals must be physically present.”
Persson suffered another big loss recently, losing a nearly $2 million pot in a televised poker game.
Indiana Online Casino Bill Withers And Dies
Feb. 22, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
And the No. 1 Seed has been eliminated. Indiana's online casino bill is dead, after it failed to meet a committee deadline this week.
There were high hopes in Indiana this year, but several issues derailed the effort. The biggest issue was the inclusion of VGTs in the discussion.
Also mentioned as an impediment was a fiscal note that claimed online casinos would cannibalize land-based casinos. The problem was the note cited a 2011 study that predates legal online casinos in the U.S. by two years.
The good news is there are five other candidates with online gambling bills:
- New Hampshire
- Kentucky
- New York
- Illinois
- Maryland
The bad news is none of the states are expected to pass legislation this year.
South Dakota Mobile Sports Betting Bill Falls Short
Feb. 21, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A bill, HJR 5006, that would have brought online sports betting before South Dakota voters failed in the ND House by a 41-28 margin last week.
The bill text summary reads, "Proposing and submitting to the voters at the next general election an amendment to the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, providing for wagering on sporting events via mobile or electronic platform."
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Greg Jamison told the local press, "What's happening in effect is that all these revenues are bypassing the state of South Dakota. This question I think, is intended to bring those individuals back into compliance, let them enjoy the gaming that they would like and the revenues help go to the city of Deadwood."
Opponents pointed to the recent WalletHub study that painted South Dakota as the second-most gambling-addicted state in the country.
Analysts Aren't Buying What DraftKings And FanDuel Are Selling In NY
Feb. 21, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
In a hearing last month, the top dogs at DraftKings and FanDuel made a case for a lower mobile tax rate in New York. The pair made several arguments, saying that while it's counterintuitive, a lower rate would eventually bring in more tax revenue for the state.
As reported by the Earnings+More team, Paul Leyland from Regulus wasn't buying it, saying, “They put forward pretty bad arguments. The case for why they would want a change in the tax rate is blindingly obvious.”
Leyland also pointed to the failed campaign in California and how it points to DraftKings and FanDuel's unwillingness to change their lobbying strategies in a rapidly evolving climate where they are increasingly painted as the "heel". At the same time, lawmakers hold all the cards as the "face" looking out for the consumer.
California "demonstrated that the current way that online gambling companies lobby puts off the voters,” Leyland said. “They haven’t learned the deep lesson in California yet and, until they do, they are not going to win any big state lobbying.”
Georgia Sports Betting Bill Passes Committee
Feb. 21, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Georgia has several sports betting bills in play. One, SB 57, recently stirred to life, as the Senate Economic Development Committee passed it by an 8-1 margin.
Unlike other efforts, SB 57 would legalize retail and mobile sports betting in Georgia without a constitutional amendment. Instead, SB 57 would put sports betting under the purview of the Georgia Lottery.
According to gaming law attorney Daniel Wallach, this would allow Georgia to legalize sports betting without bringing the matter before the voters.
The bill still has a long way to go. Its next stop is the Senate Rules Committee. An affirmative vote there would put it in the queue for a vote on the Senate floor.
Oakland A’s Eyeing Three Possible Las Vegas Ballpark Sites
Feb. 17, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
The Oakland Athletics are eyeing a third potential site in Southern Nevada for a $1 billion, retractable-roof stadium.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, this comes as the team has at least 11 lobbyists, including President Dave Kaval, registered at the legislative building in Carson City.
The three possible stadium sites are:
- The Las Vegas Festival Grounds at the north end of the Strip.
- The land where the Tropicana hotel-casino sits at the southeastern end of the Strip near the airport.
- The land where the Rio hotel-casino sits just west of the Strip.
Uncertain the team can work out a deal for a new ballpark in the Bay Area, the A’s for months have been looking at the Festival Grounds and Tropicana hotel-casino sites.
The Festival Grounds site is north of Circus Circus in the area where the El Rancho resort was located before burning down decades ago.
The Tropicana is a Mob-era resort investigated in the 1970s for a casino skimming pipeline that sent untaxed gaming revenue from there to the Kansas City crime family. The Tropicana’s new operator, Bally’s Corp. of Rhode Island, has indicated the resort will be rebranded or demolished.
The Rio site has recently been added to the list of possible locations for a stadium, according to what a source told the newspaper.
Louisiana Among Nation Leaders in Gaming Options
Feb. 16, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
In LA, people have more ways to gamble, from table games to horse racing to sports betting in Louisiana, compared to other states.
According to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the state collected tax revenue in January from the following:
- 14 riverboat casino licensees (including the land-based Horseshoe Lake Charles)
- One land-based casino in New Orleans (Harrah’s)
- 18 on-site casino sportsbooks
- Eight mobile sportsbook operators
- Four horse tracks with slots
- 12,191 video slot devices in 1,411 locations statewide
Louisiana is the only Gulf Coast state, from Texas to Florida, with legal off-site mobile sports betting. (In Mississippi, two MGM Resorts casinos offer on-site mobile sports betting, but off-site mobile wagering is illegal. Mississippi has 26 commercial casinos, with eight of those in the Biloxi area along the Gulf Coast.)
Sen. Addabbo Drops New York Online Casino Bill
Feb. 16, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo unveiled his online casino bill on Wednesday.
Per the bill, any licensed sports betting operator, casino, tribal casino, or racetrack would be eligible for online casino licenses, in addition to a competitive bidding for three additional licenses. That would enable plenty of New York online casinos to go live, given the big presence of operators in the state at the moment.
Addabbo's bill (S 4856) is mainly standard fare. The exceptions are it:
- Calls for a hefty 30.5% tax rate
- Has an accelerated timeline to launch, with immediate licensing (likely based on existing licenses) and a launch date of 120 days after regulations are published.
- has a unique requirement that any live dealer games must be union jobs.
The accelerated launch timeline likely means New York will allow games tested in other jurisdictions not to have to go through a second round of testing in New York.
The bill's chances of passage are tenuous. Addabbo's counterpart in the Assembly, Gary Pretlow, has introduced online casino legislation of his own, and Gov. Kathy Hochul did not include revenue from online casinos in her budget.
All three will have to find a compromise for a bill to pass.
Bally's Is Moving On From Bet.Works
Feb. 16, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A buying spree predicated the entry of Bally Bet Sportsbook into the U.S. sports betting space. The company tried to catch up with peers with a number of acquisitions. One of the more prominent was the acquisition of the Bet.Works sports betting platform.
that experiment is coming to an end, as Bally's announced it is looking for a third party to handle its sports betting platform.
Per the EKG Line newsletter:
"Bally's is focusing on a “near-term path to profitability” and “leasing technology structures that integrate quickly”— in other words, finding a third-party sportsbook supplier who can provide an immediate product upgrade."
EKG went on to say that in-house tech may work for major firms, but smaller firms may begin to shift back to suppliers like Kambi.
Willam Hill App Back Online in Nevada After Crashing Super Bowl Sunday
Feb. 16, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
After crashing during the Super Bowl on Sunday, the William Hill app is up and running again in Nevada.
In a statement issued early Thursday, William Hill tweeted that the William Hill Nevada and Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill apps had been restored to “full functionality” in the state on Wednesday evening.
The company, a subsidiary of Nevada-based Caesars Entertainment, did not indicate why the app crashed or what fixes were required to get it back online.
“All customers should now have access to their accounts,” William Hill tweeted. “We are deeply sorry for the frustration and inconvenience this outage cause our customers.”
The incident created an online backlash from Nevada's angry William Hill customers who had been unable since Sunday to withdraw their money.
By early Thursday, Nevada gaming regulators, nor William Hill, had indicated what steps would be taken to ensure a similar crash will not happen again. There was no indication whether William Hill or Caesars would be fined.
William Hill App Still Down in Nevada, Bettors Angry
Feb. 15, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
Though Nevada casinos have begun to accept in-person bets at William Hill sportsbook ticket windows, bettors remained locked out of the app early Wednesday, unable to withdraw money.
The William Hill app crashed toward the end of the second quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl. This knocked the Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill and William Hill Nevada apps offline in the state, the company said. The on-site casino sportsbooks also crashed in Nevada.
William Hill, a subsidiary of Nevada-based Caesars Entertainment, operates 113 on-site casino sportsbooks in the Silver State.
By early this week, William Hill and the Nevada Gaming Control Board stressed they are looking into the matter.
That has not placated bettors who have been unable to access their winnings on the app.
Early Wednesday, a Nevada bettor messaged this reporter, saying, “2/15/2023 at 2:20 am -- The William Hill mobile app is still not up. Maybe all their data is lost? Or their app is being held hostage by a hacker?”
One social media user tweeted, “@NevadaGCB please look into this. @WilliamHillUS is not letting us take out any money from our accounts, and their customer service says they have no way to access our account ... I have 3000 being held hostage #WilliamHill #SuperBowl #Nevada.”
MGC Discusses Betting Violations At All 3 Massachusetts Sportsbooks
Feb. 15, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
All three Massachusetts sportsbooks gave the Massachusetts Gaming Commission something to talk about, as all three operators took wagers on in-state colleges, something that violates Massachusetts sports betting law.
Latest violations from Massachusetts sports betting apps:
- Encore Boston Harbor accepted a bet on the Boston College Women's Basketball Team as part of a five-leg parlay.
- MGM Springfield accepted wagers on two Harvard basketball games.
- Plainridge Park took 33 bets on a Merrimack College game due to a supplier error that mistakenly listed the school in Florida.
All violations were self-reported.
The MGC did not issue fines or punishments on Tuesday, but the IEB noted that similar violations in other jurisdictions resulted in penalties between $5,000 and $10,000.
William Hill App Crashes In Nevada; Bettors Unable To Cash Out
Feb. 14, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
Nevada gaming regulators this week are looking into what caused the William Hill sports betting app to crash Sunday, leaving winning bettors unable to cash out at least through Monday night.
The William Hill sports betting app crashed in Nevada on Sunday about the time of the Super Bowl, a Reno bettor told Gambling.com on Monday. The bettor has been unable to cash a winning ticket either on the app or at a William Hill ticket window in a Reno casino, he said.
William Hill, a subsidiary of Reno-based Caesars Entertainment, operates 113 race and sportsbooks statewide and also has a mobile sports betting app available for Nevada bettors.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board issued a statement indicating it is “aware of the issue,” adding that “board agents from the Enforcement and Technology Division are investigating the matter.”
By Tuesday morning, that status had not been updated. The board earlier tweeted that bettors placed $153.18 million in Super Bowl bets on all mobile platforms and on-site sportsbooks statewide this year. On a last-second field goal, the AFC’s Kansas City Chiefs defeated the NFC’s Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35.
William Hill’s latest tweet, posted on Monday, states that the company is “aggressively working to restore full functionality to the William Hill Nevada app.”
“We understand how frustrating this is for our guests,” the online bookmaker tweeted, “and we apologize for the inconvenience. We are moving quickly to resolve the problem.”
Sports Betting Boosting Traffic At Ohio Casinos
Feb. 14, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Retail sports betting is often overlooked, but retail betting can be very beneficial. Case in point, Angela Matthews of Jack Entertainment said the Thistledown Racino has seen a 10-15% boost in foot traffic since the retail sportsbook opened.
Even more important than how many, Matthews pointed to who was coming to the property. “What we’ve seen is actually a demographic we haven’t seen," said Matthews. "A little bit younger crowd."
The experience at Thistledown isn't unique. Operators across the U.S. have noted increased traffic, food and beverage sales, and/or table game revenue following the introduction of retail betting options.
A New Sports Betting Effort In Georgia
Feb. 14, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Georgia has yet another sports betting bill to choose from this year following the introduction of HB 380 by Rep. Marcus Wiedower.
HB 380 differs from a separate piece of legislation (SB 57) introduced by a group of 11 state senators on Feb. 1.
- Wiedower’s bill would create two classes of licenses, one for mobile operators (capped at 16) and one for retail operators.
- Wiedower’s bill also has a lower tax rate, 15%, compared to SB 57’s 20% tax rate.
HB 380 has the support of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, “a privately funded 163-year-old organization representing businesses, colleges, universities, and nonprofits across the 29-county region that makes up the nation’s eighth-largest market.”
“This legislation would legalize responsible sports betting in Georgia and generate additional revenue for education under the Georgia Lottery,” said Marshall Guest, senior vice president of public policy and public affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.”
Of note: SB 57 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee today at 8 a.m. ET.
Sports Betting Scheme Busted in Nevada
Feb. 13, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has disrupted an “alleged embezzlement scheme” connected to sports-betting kiosks.
The board did not name the sports-betting operator, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that a local judge recently heard an embezzlement case of $100,000 or more involving sports betting operator William Hill, a subsidiary of Reno-based Caesars Entertainment. Two people face felony charges in the investigation.
The newspaper reported that William Hill, the largest sports-betting operator in Nevada, has 113 race and sportsbooks in the state.
In a news release, the board said the suspects, employed by the operator, used IT systems "to illegally add money to sports wagering kiosks, and then print and redeem fraudulent wagering vouchers.”
In a separate incident, a Reno sports bettor told Gambling.com on Monday that William Hill’s mobile app was down after the Super Bowl on Sunday and also on Monday. The bettor said no one was getting paid as late as Monday afternoon. A message from William Hill indicated the company was experiencing “technical difficulties with the mobile application.”
The U.S. Legislative Landscape - Feb. 13, 2023
Feb. 13, 2023 | Steve Ruddock and Larry Henry | @SteveRuddock and @NEWSLarryHenry
Our weekly look at legislative efforts and launch updates in the U.S. online gambling space.
AGA Opposes Federal Sports Betting Advertising Restrictions
Feb. 13, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has issued a statement opposing the federal sports betting advertising prohibition introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko last week.
The AGA's Chris Cylke wrote, “The American Gaming Association (AGA) and our members adamantly oppose any legislation that seeks to ban or limit casino gaming advertising, including for legal sports betting."
Cylke said the advertising restrictions would reduce awareness of legal betting options and benefit illegal operators.
"Congress should instead focus its attention on combatting the predatory and pervasive offshore illegal market that offers no responsible gaming measures, age verification or problem gambling resources," Cylke said.
SC Bill Would Legalize Parimutuel Betting On Horse Races
Feb. 13, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
South Carolina is constantly touted as a dark horse candidate to legalize sports betting, but the state legislature appears to be focused on another type of online betting, parimutuel horseracing.
A new bill would legalize parimutuel betting on horse races. Up to three licenses would be made available by a newly minted commission.
However, online parimutuel betting faces an uphill battle in one of the most anti-gambling states in the country. Not helping the situation is a governor who openly opposes gambling.
Supporters have pointed to neighboring states that offer online parimutuel betting, and better incentives for horse owners. “Unfortunately, we’re getting kicked to the curb by other states who have incentives,” Deborah McCutchen, who runs McCutchen Training Center, told a Senate subcommittee on Feb. 7. According to McCutchen, other states offer incentives to owners if their horses are stables in-state for a minimum period.
Ohio Gov. Wants To Double The Sports Betting Tax Rate
Feb. 13, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's 2024-2025 budget includes a provision that would increase the current tax rate on sports betting operators from 10% to 20%.
The increase would have to be approved by the legislature during budget talks, where it will face an uphill battle, considering Ohio sports betting launched in January.
DeWine's budget also included a prohibition on using free or risk-free terminology in advertising and automatic exclusion for anyone threatening athletes, coaches, referees, or anyone involved in a sporting contest.
Watered Down Mississippi Mobile Sports Betting Bill Passes House
Feb. 13, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A bill that would bring statewide mobile sports betting to Mississippi easily passed through the House of Representatives by a 109-5 vote last week. However, by the time of the vote, the bill had morphed from a Mississippi online sportsbooks legalization effort to creating a mobile sports betting task force.
The text of HB 606 reads:
"[Creates a] Mobile-Online Betting Task Force to undertake a comprehensive analysis of all matters related to legalizing online betting, online gaming and/or online wagering for a fee within this state and to recommend the proper oversight and regulation of the online betting, online gaming and/or online wagering with a fee."
The 11-member task force must submit their recommendations to the legislature by Oct. 15, 2023. that timeline puts the legalization of statewide mobile betting off until 2024, at the earliest.
Mississippi was one of the earliest states to launch sports betting following the repeal of PASPA, but operators are currently limited to retail betting and on-site mobile betting.
‘Trust Isn’t There’ Between California Tribes, Online Bookmakers
Feb. 10, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
A path exists to legal mobile sports betting in California, but it’s a “very long” path, according to a tribal leader.
“Yes, there is a path, but it’s very long,” Victor Rocha, editor of Pechanga.net, tweeted this week. “The trust isn’t there.”
Apparently, this was about the strained relationship between California tribes and national online bookmakers such as FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM.
These national companies backed a measure on last November’s statewide ballot that would have legalized mobile sports betting. The tribes opposed that measure, instead seeking voter approval for in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and four horse tracks.
Both ballot measures failed. Attack ads left each side bruised.
Tribal leaders say national online bookmakers can’t come into California again and overlook the tribes.
“It’s going to take time for the stench of this mess to dissipate,” Jacob Mejia, director of public affairs for Pechanga Development Corp., told Gambling.com last year.
In his tweet this week, Rocha implied an opportunity exists in California for the online bookmakers that didn’t participate in last year’s bruising ballot fight.
Illinois Is The 5th State To Introduce An Online Gambling Bill
Feb. 10, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Illinois has joined the list of online casino candidate states in 2023. But just like the other members of the small list, the Land of Lincoln has a long way to go before it joins the current group of legal online casino states.
State Sen. Christina Castro introduced SB 1656 on Feb 8. The legislation would legalize online casino gambling through existing casinos and racetracks. Each potential licensee could launch up to three online skins, allowing plenty of Illinois online casinos to go live.
Illinois joins Indiana, Maryland, Kentucky, and New Hampshire as states with active online gambling bills.
If legalized, Illinois would join Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut as states with legal online casino and/or poker.
A Solution To The Expired California Cardroom Moratorium Emerges
Feb. 10, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
California cardrooms and tribes have long been at odds when it comes to gambling in the Golden State. With the 25-year moratorium on new cardrooms ending, the two sides are again on opposite sides of the issue. Although, this time, larger cardrooms, are on the side of tribes, as the moratorium has prevented competitors from entering the market.
With the moratorium ending, the California Bureau of Gambling Control (CBGC) started an application process for new licenses.
A new bill (AB 341), introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos would reinstate the moratorium, but with a compromise solution that many cardrooms support.
Per the legislation, small cardrooms can add two tables, and then two more tables every four years until they reach a 10-table cap. The bill would also invalidate any new licenses issued in 2023.
The California Cardroom Association (CCA) supported the bill in a statement:
"We appreciate the leadership of Assemblymember Ramos in bringing together cardrooms and tribal casinos with the introduction of a balanced legislative proposal. Assembly Bill 341 addresses the need for an expansion of tables at California cardrooms while maintaining a cardroom license moratorium that has been in place for decades. We look forward to working with the tribal community, the State Legislature and the Governor’s Administration to pass a measure that supports communities across California.”
2 Massachusetts Sportsbooks Took Illegal Wagers During First Week
Feb. 10, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Massachusetts sports betting is in its infancy, but two of the state's three retail betting operators have already caught the eyes of regulators after taking bets on Massachusetts' colleges during the first week of legal sports betting.
Per Statehouse News Service, "Encore Boston Harbor accepted wagers on a Boston College women's basketball game and Plainridge Park Casino took action on a Merrimack College men's basketball game."
Both sportsbooks self-reported the violations, which appear to be due to a vendor error.
"Due to a data input error by one of our vendors, we notified and self-reported a violation to the MGC. We regret that this mistake happened, take full responsibility, and have added several remedial steps to our compliance process to help prevent this from happening again," Plainridge Park General Manager North Grounsell said.
The violations came to light during an MGC hearing. Regulators are determining their next steps - precedent in other states would indicate a fine.
Massachusetts Regulators Set A March 10 Mobile Betting Launch Date
Feb. 9, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
This morning the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced the state's long-awaited mobile sports betting launch date, which will take place on Friday, March 10, according to MGC Executive Director Karen Wells.
The launch will give the state's mobile sports betting operators several days of lead time for the NCAA Tournament, one of the biggest events on the sports betting calendar.
The MGC has approved the following mobile sports betting apps:
- Bally Bet
- Barstool
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- betr
- Betway
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- WynnBET Sportsbook
Illinois Bills Take Aim At Responsible Gambling Standards
Feb. 9, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Illinois is a top sports betting market, and lawmakers are starting to look at the negative impacts of its success.
A new bill (HB 2204) would add gambling disorders to the Substance Use Disorder Act.
“… In provisions requiring the Department of Human Services to establish a public education program regarding gambling disorders, requires the program to (i) promote public awareness to create a gambling informed State regarding the impact of gambling disorders on individuals, families, and communities and the stigma that surrounds gambling disorders and (ii) use screening, crisis intervention, treatment, public awareness, prevention, in-service training, and other innovative means to decrease the incidents of suicide attempts related to a gambling disorder or gambling issues…”
A separate bill (SB 1508) would enact one of the most proactive intervention policies in the country, as it requires operators to display a pop-up message with problem gambling links after every 10 bets a player makes.
“Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Provides that the Illinois Gaming Board shall require an online sports wagering licensee to, after every 10 wagers made online by an individual, display a pop-up message directing that individual to websites on gambling addiction help.”
SB 1508 is far more controversial. Even problem gambling advocates have stated concerns about this level of hectoring. As Responsible Gambling consultant Jamie Salsburg recently wrote about interventions:
“How will we know if the intervention is successful?… Are you sure they are going to want to hear from us? Like really? Won’t they be pissed off and angry? What do we do if they start yelling at us? Is it possible it might set them off even more? Could it act as a trigger to gamble even more?”
Public Hearing On Missouri Sports Betting Bills
Feb. 8, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Two sports betting bills are up for discussion today during a public hearing in the House Emerging Issues Committee:
Even if the hearing focuses on the issue at hand, there is the elephant in the room, and the elephant’s name is VLTs – the issue that derailed Missouri’s sports betting efforts last year.
In the Senate, Sen. Denny Hoskins has introduced sports betting legislation that includes VLTs.
Missouri Sen. Hoskins has prefiled a gambling expansion bill that would authorize sports betting (retail and online) and VLTs - For those that remember, the VLT issue sunk this year's sports betting effort https://t.co/OtmnMbTSBu
— Steve Ruddock (@SteveRuddock) December 2, 2022
Until Missouri lawmakers resolve the VLT issue (casinos are vehemently opposed), it will be difficult, if not impossible, for the legislature to pass any gambling expansion.
Sports Betting, Casino Bills Introduced in Texas
Feb. 7, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
Nationwide, sports betting is not allowed in the three most populated states — California, Texas and Florida.
But a push is underway in Texas to legalize sports betting and, to a limited degree, commercial casino gambling.
Below are a half dozen bills introduced so far at the Capitol in Austin to expand gaming in the Lone Star State:
- HJR 97 by Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth
- HJR 102 by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano
- HB 1942 by Leach
- SJR 17 by Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston
- SJR 39 by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham
- SB 715 by Kolkhorst
Some of these measures would authorize mobile sports betting.
A number of prominent Texans, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, contend legal sports betting is inevitable in the Lone Star State.
However, Houston furniture store owner Jim McIngvale, a multimillion-dollar sports bettor known as Mattress Mack, told Gambling.com he doubts sports betting and commercial casino gambling will be legalized in the near future because of opposition from religious groups.
The legislative session began Jan. 10 and is set to end May 29.
The U.S. Legislative Landscape - Feb. 7, 2023
Feb. 7, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Our weekly look at legislative efforts and launch updates in the U.S. online gambling space.
Is 2023 The Year For North Carolina Mobile Betting?
Feb. 7, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
North Carolina gave mobile betting the old college try in 2022, but the effort fell short by the slimmest of margins. With 26 new members in the House and 12 new state senators, there is some hope that 2023 will produce a different result.
Speaking to the Carolina Journal, Senate leader Phil Berger thinks there is enough support to pass mobile betting in 2023.
In a June survey, VIXIO GamblingCompliance spoke with 600 likely voters in North Carolina about sports and sports betting. The results highlight the difficulties of passing a mobile betting bill in North Carolina.
One of the interesting results was that just 33% of North Carolinians believe it violates religious and moral ethics. A plurality (46%) was more swayed by the argument that it undermines the integrity of college sports. A whopping 57% support retail betting but oppose mobile betting.
these results should help shape arguments, and a very good piece of news was that after hearing the various arguments, 50% of respondents strongly or somewhat support legal sports betting. Only 39% opposed it.
What’s Next in California for Sports Betting?
Feb. 6, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
This week at ICE London, a gaming technology convention, California tribal leaders plan to discuss the next step regarding legal sports betting in the nation’s largest state.
Victor Rocha, editor of Pechanga.net, says sports betting will come up at the Tribal Gaming Seminar on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the ExCel London, Capital Suite, Room 17.
“We’re having an important conversation on California sports betting with tribal leadership,” he tweeted. “Don’t miss it.”
In November, California voters rejected two sports betting ballot measures. One would have legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and four horse tracks. Another would have allowed statewide sports betting on mobile apps and computers.
Rocha and other tribal leaders have vowed to fight an expected effort in 2024 to legalize mobile wagering in California.
Online Casino Efforts In Indiana Hit A Roadblock
Feb. 6, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Indiana is seen as the nation's best bet to legalize online casinos and online poker in 2023. While it is still the top candidate, the Hoosier State's efforts have stalled out, with online gambling hearings delayed indefinitely.
Per sources, the cause is a trio of things:
- Video Gaming Terminals inserting themselves into the conversation.
- Newfound cannibalization concerns among some potential stakeholders.
- A failure to highlight the size and scope of the iCasino black market.
Getting the state back on track before the legislature adjourns at the end of April is going to be a difficult, but not impossible, task. So we still might see Indiana online casinos being regulated at some point.
Is Tennessee Getting a Casino?
Feb. 3, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
A national cable news network recently reported that Memphis, Tennessee, is among cities with a casino or “plans to build one.”
Currently, it is a mobile-only state with 13 Tennessee online sportsbooks offering apps to bettors wanting to wager on sports from football to cornhole. The nearest commercial casinos are in Tunica, Mississippi, and West Memphis, Arkansas.
So is a land-based casino or brick-and-mortar sportsbook coming to Tennessee soon? No, says Mary Beth Thomas, executive director of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council.
“A constitutional amendment would be required to permit casinos to operate in Tennessee,” she told Gambling.com this week. “I am unaware of any legislative change or movement to allow brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in Tennessee.”
5 States Are Considering Online Poker in 2023
Feb. 3, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Within the first month of 2023, five states have introduced legislation to legalize poker:
- Kentucky – a gambling expansion package featuring sports betting, DFS, and online poker.
- Indiana – legislation legalizing online casinos and poker.
- Maryland – a bill to place online casinos and poker on the ballot.
- New Hampshire – A bill legalizing online casinos and poker.
- New York - (A 1380) A bill defining online poker as a game of skill.
that's the good news.
The bad news is passage doesn't look promising outside of Indiana. And even Indiana has run into some speedbumps (VLTs and cannibalization concerns) that have delayed a hearing on its online gambling bill indefinitely.
New Jersey Casino Smoking Ban Gets Legislative Hearing
Feb. 2, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
In New Jersey, legislators have scheduled a hearing to discuss a proposed ban on smoking in Atlantic City casinos. The hearing in Trenton is set for Feb. 13 in the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
Smoking is allowed on up to 25% of the casino floor in New Jersey, the Associated Press reported, but casino workers and health advocates are seeking a total ban.
In other states, casino employees also are continuing to push for a smoking ban. Here is a list that Gambling.com posted last year of smoke-free casinos nationwide. An updated list will be provided as new information becomes available.
Sports Betting Is Technically Legal In Nebraska, But You Still Can't Bet
Feb. 2, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Nebraska legalized sports betting through a ballot referendum in November 2020. The state has taken its time to launch, considering it only allows retail betting.
Technically, sports betting is now legal in Nebraska, following the publishing of official rules. But according to Nebraska Racing and Gaming Executive Director Tom Sage, the infrastructure is not in place to launch.
Only two facilities meet the requirements to offer sports betting:
- WarHorse Casino in Lincoln
- Elite Casino Resorts in Grand Island
Minnesota Has A New Sports Betting Bill
Feb. 2, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Minnesota State Sen. Jeremy Miller plans to introduce legislation legalizing sports betting in the state. Miller's proposal would see tribes hold a monopoly on mobile betting, but commercial racetracks and professional sports teams would be able to offer retail betting alongside the state's tribal casinos.
One interesting wrinkle is major sporting events (everything from the Super Bowl to the Big 10 Championships to WWE events) would be able to apply for a temporary on-site sports betting license.
Minnesota was a darkhorse candidate to legalize sports betting in 2022 and were it not for the late addition of commercial racetracks to the mix, the state would likely be setting up its mobile sports betting rather than taking another bite at the apple in 2023.
Inside Scoop: Per sources, Miller's bill is unlikely to gain traction. We expect a second bill to be introduced by a Democrat lawmaker in the coming days. that bill is expected to be the vehicle for sports betting discussions this year.
Does iGaming Hurt Brick-and-Mortar Casinos? No, FanDuel Says
Feb. 1, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
For years, Las Vegas casino owners, including the Sands’ Sheldon Adelson, opposed any form of online gaming.
The thought was that a gambler using a computer or cellphone to bet on sports or play blackjack won’t bother driving to a traditional casino.
At a brick-and-mortar casino, unlike a living room couch, a customer presumably would drop money not only at on-site table games and slot machines but also in restaurants, bars and gift shops.
That attitude still exists. To this day, Nevada bettors wanting to use a mobile sports wagering app have to register in person at a licensed gaming site. iGaming is illegal in the Silver State.
Outside Nevada, some casino operators have the same attitude.
At the G2E conference in Las Vegas last fall, Jay McDaniel, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, told Gambling.com that off-site mobile sports betting has had trouble winning approval at the Legislature in Jackson because casino operators are concerned that mobile wagering will keep customers from going inside casinos. Two of Mississippi’s 26 commercial casinos allow on-site mobile sports betting, but off-site wagering is illegal, as is iGaming.
No Harm Done: Geneski
This week during a New York legislative hearing in Albany, FanDuel Group President Christian Genetski addressed concerns that iGaming will hurt the land-based casinos’ bottom line.
Mobile and in-person sports betting are already legal in New York, but iGaming is not.
Genetski told New York lawmakers that data from states with iGaming, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, shows iGaming doesn’t cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos. It helps, he said.
“It’s attracting a different kind of consumer to casinos that would never come before,” Genetski said.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens, told Gambling.com he hopes to win approval this year for an iGaming bill linking iGaming apps to land-based casinos.
Georgia Senators Introduce Standalone Sports Betting Bill
Feb. 1, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
A group of 11 Georgia senators has introduced a standalone sports betting bill (SB 57). The bill will likely compete with a separate, comprehensive bill to bring casinos and sports betting to the state via a constitutional amendment.
The standalone bill authorizes up to 18 mobile licenses, with nine reserved for professional sports teams and venues that host PGA and NASCAR events. The remaining licenses would be up for grabs in a competitive bidding process.
The measure calls for a 20% tax rate. The bill does not allow promotional deductions but does allow Georgia sports betting operators to deduct the federal excise tax from their tax obligations.
What sets SB 57 apart is it would bypass the constitutional amendment requirement by placing a wedge between traditional casino games of chance, and sports betting, which can be argued is a game of skill. That is accomplished by having the Georgia Lottery run sports betting, which has been argued can be done without a constitutional amendment.
Texans Support Sports Betting, Big-City Casinos: Poll
Jan. 31, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
A University of Houston poll shows Texans support Senate Joint Resolution 17 to allow statewide sports betting, a casino in each of the four largest metro areas — Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth — and limited casino gambling at horse and dog tracks.
Those who support SJR17 include:
- 69% of born-again Christians
- 78% of people who do not identify as born-again Christians
- 83% of Black, 77% of Latino and 73% of white Texans
- 78% of men and 72% of women
- 80% of Democrats, 74% of Independents and 72% of Republicans
- 75% of urban Texans, 74% of rural Texans and 66% of suburban residents
The university’s Hobby School of Public Affairs conducted the online survey in English and Spanish from Jan. 9-19. In total, 1,200 Texans ages 18 and older participated in the survey. The margin of error is +/-2.8%.
Online Bookmakers, New York Legislators Dispute 51% Mobile Tax Rate, Support iGaming
Jan. 31, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
Executives from FanDuel and DraftKings urged New York legislators on Tuesday to lower the 51% tax rate on mobile sport betting revenue. Some legislators expressed concerns about lowering the rate.
Speaking at a legislative hearing in Albany, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins and FanDuel President Christian Genetski said the rate is too high and could lead to a falloff in wagering statewide.
That falloff could occur, Robins said, because of adjustments the bookmakers will have to make to survive in New York. Those adjustments include offering less favorable betting odds than neighboring states with mobile wagering. Such steps would drive bettors to illegal websites, he said.
‘Color Me Skeptical’
Sen. Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens, said it was “no secret” when mobile sports wagering began statewide in January 2022 that the tax rate would be 51%. He said it is a “hard argument” to make that a reduction would not hurt education funding.
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D- Round Lake, said, “Color me skeptical,” regarding the idea that a lower rate will bring in enough new bettors to offset the lost revenue the state depends upon.
iGaming Support Urged
Also at Tuesday’s hearing, Robins and Genetski urged legislators to approve iGaming in New York.
Addabbo, who supports iGaming, said he will continue the discussion on that topic at a future date. He previously told Gambling.com he plans to push for legislation this year to legalize iGaming.
The hearing Tuesday was a fact-gathering session among members of both legislatives chambers. No votes were taken.
Hearing Scheduled For Maryland Online Gambling Bill
Jan. 31, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Maryland lawmakers will hold their first discussions on a proposal to legalize online casinos and online poker.
The hearing is scheduled for February 15 with the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
The proposal, (SB 267) was introduced by Sen. Ron Watson and Sen. Nancy King. If passed, it would put online gambling in the hands of Maryland voters on the 2024 ballot.
Per the bill's synopsis:
Authorizing the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to issue certain licenses to certain video lottery operators to conduct or participate in certain Internet gaming operations in the State; authorizing the Governor, on recommendation of the Commission, to enter into certain multijurisdictional Internet gaming agreements with certain other governments, subject to certain limitations; and submitting the Act to a referendum of the qualified voters of the State.
Massachusetts Retail Betting Launches Today
Jan. 31, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Mobile betting is still weeks away but beginning today at 10 AM Massachusetts bettors will have the option to place retail bets at one of three locations in the state.
- Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA
- MGM Springfield in Springfield, MA
- Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA
All three locations will feature an on-site sportsbook and sports betting kiosks in other approved areas of the casinos.
- Plainridge Park will start with a temporary Barstool-branded sportsbook with five betting windows and 18 kiosks.
- MGM Springfield will boast a BetMGM Sportsbook sportsbook with eight betting windows, along with 18 kiosks.
- Encore Boston Harbor's WynnBET Sportsbook Sportsbook features 10 betting windows, with 120 kiosks placed around the property.
Each location is bringing in former Massachusetts athletes and local personalities for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies and to place the historic first bets.
New York’s 51% Mobile Sports Betting Tax Expected to Come Up at Hearing
Jan. 30, 2023 | Larry Henry | @NEWSLarryHenry
In-person sports betting in Massachusetts begins tomorrow (Jan. 31) at 10 a.m. ET, but 30 minutes earlier, a separate event regarding sports betting kicks off in New York’s capital city, Albany.
At 9:30 a.m. ET, Sen. Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens, and Assemblyman. Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, are holding a legislative hearing on mobile sports wagering’s first year in New York and its impact on the state budget. In addition to the 51% tax on mobile sports betting, topics such as iGaming and downstate Las Vegas-style casinos might also come up.
New Hampshire Enters The Online Casino Conversation
Jan. 30, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Sen. Timothy Lang introduced a bill seeking to legalize online casinos and poker in New Hampshire. The legislation (SB 104) would license 3-5 online sites through a bidding process and run by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. This model is similar to the state's sports betting industry.
The bill was discussed in the Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 25, but no vote was taken.
The bill will pit big national brands (the likely winners of the bidding process) against the state's small brick & mortar retail gambling establishments that fall under New Hampshire's "charitable gaming" law.
The legislation is tied to an effort to create free in-state tuition at two-year colleges for eligible residents.
Sports Betting Faces An Uphill Climb In Alabama
Jan. 30, 2023 | Steve Ruddock | @SteveRuddock
Alabama Sen. Greg Albritton announced his plans to introduce legislation legalizing a state lottery, casinos, and sports betting once again, hopefully with a different outcome.
A 2020 study painted a positive picture of gambling in Alabama. Gov. Kay Ivey supported a 2021 gambling package, and newly elected House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter is lukewarm to gambling expansion. Still, any gambling expansion in Alabama will take a Herculean effort.
- A constitutional amendment will be required, which means any effort will have to pass the legislature, the governor, and the residents.
- According to AL.com, gambling bills are 0-180 since 1999. The 2021 package passed the Senate but was never considered by the House.
- The state's electronic bingo halls (the only form of gambling in Alabama) are under fire from Attorney General Steve Marshall and the Alabama Supreme Court.
The new legislative session begins on March 7.
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