The SAFE (Supporting Affordability and Fairness With Every) Bet Act would eliminate sportsbook advertising during live sporting events and ban advertising designed to induce gambling, such as ads that hype bonus bets and odds boosts.

Rep. Tonko introduced the legislation just hours before the tip-off of the NCAA basketball tournament.

The New York lawmaker says the sports betting industry has been operating since 2018 in “a Wild West, largely unregulated environment.”

Just as in the tobacco industry when it was determined that that industry was posing a public health situation, we have now displaced Joe Camel with celebrity spokespeople and, yes, free product,” Tonko said.

Joining Rep. Tonko at a news conference were representatives of Northeastern’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, led by law professor Richard Daynard.

“We are not talking about an activity. We’re not talking about gambling. This is not an attack on gambling,” said Daynard, while referring to the artificial intelligence in the betting programs of many companies. “Whatever one thinks about gambling as it was known five years ago, before the gates opened to online sports betting, this is a different product.”

Given that ruling, there are questions as to the legality of Tonko’s proposal. That’s because the Supreme Court ruled sports betting is essentially a states’ rights issue.

What the SAFE Bet Act Proposes

The SAFE Bet Act replaces a previous proposal called the Betting on Our Future Act that Tonko introduced more than a year ago. That bill didn’t gain any traction.

Rep. Tonko couches the measure as a public health initiative, and says the bill would also require the creation of a nationwide self-exclusion list, along with a surgeon general’s report about “public health challenges associated with sports betting.”

AI in the SAFE Bet Act Requirements

The SAFE Bet Act also seeks to ban operators from using artificial intelligence to track a player’s gambling habits to offer individualized promotions. The bill would also ban the use of artificial intelligence to create betting markets, such as microbets.

Tonko says he will formally introduce the bill later this year. Other lawmakers have attempted to enact similar legislation since 2018. But none of the measures have ever made it out of committee.

The post Sports Betting Marketing Facing New Restrictions Under Proposed Legislation appeared first on Casino.org.

The revenue reported by the PGCB shows the increase was boosted by a $77.3 million haul by Penn National’s multiple internet casino platforms. Penn’s February figure was 36% higher than 12 months prior. Penn National is home to online platforms DraftKings, BetMGM, and its internal platform.

All-time internet casino operator revenue in the Keystone State has surpassed $5 billion since iGaming launched in July 2019.

February’s record revenue total came despite a decline in handle from January. The state received $51.1 million in tax receipts from iGaming in February. That’s the first time Pennsylvania crossed the $50 million benchmark.

The first two months of 2024 have now seen $94 million enter the state’s coffers, which is more than $20 million ahead of last year’s pace.

Total Gambling Revenue is a Mixed Picture

Total gambling revenue in February amounted to $499.1 million. That’s 9.3% ahead of the $456.8 million in Pennsylvania for the same month last year. But, the February total for all forms of gambling is 1.6% behind the $464.4 million booked in January.

Retail slots remain the largest source of revenue in the Keystone State generating $202.7 million.

The PGCB’s February report indicates momentum early in this year for all forms of gaming and follows a record 2023. As reported by Casino.org, iGaming, in-person and online sports betting, brick-and-mortar casinos, and fantasy sports combined to win $5.697 billion in 2023. That’s a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

Other Notes From Pennsylvania

There were small gains for brick-and-mortar casinos in February. Retail casino revenue totaled $279.4 million, up 0.7% compared to last year.

Nine of Pennsylvania’s 18 venues saw at least $10 million in slot winnings. Three casinos surpassed $20 million.

The sports betting market did see a decrease in revenue in February, however. Year-on-year sports betting revenue declined 30% to $30 million.

Sports betting advertisements have come under scrutiny in Pennsylvania, as they have in many U.S. states. Operators in Pennsylvania have been told to remove certain words and phrases from ads and marketing materials. The PGCB joined other states in mandating that licensed sportsbooks don’t use phrases such as “free bet,” “risk-free bet,” “free play,” or similar language.

The post Pennsylvania Sets iGaming Record in February appeared first on Casino.org.

The early days of online sports wagering are living up to expectations in the Tar Heel State, according to GeoComply. The geolocation company conducted more than 5.3 million geolocation checks in North Carolina during the first 48 hours of legal mobile sports betting.

By comparison, Virginia’s online sports betting market recorded slightly more than 2 million geolocation checks. Virginia has been live with sports betting since January 2021.

It’s early, but North Carolina is already delivering on lawmaker expectations when they legalized sports betting last year,” said GeoComply SVP of Compliance Lindsay Slader. “The state’s well-structured approach to mobile sports betting safeguards consumers and opens up significant revenue streams. With March Madness around the corner, we are excited to see continued growth.”

The NCAA tournament is one of the most wagered-on events in the U.S.

There’s another metric showing North Carolina emerging as a competitor to neighboring Virginia’s online sports market. That’s the nearly 370K active online sports betting accounts created in the first two days, compared to Virginia’s 134K active sports betting accounts.

SportsBooks in Full Court Press

North Carolina became the 30^th state, in addition to Washington, D.C., to offer online sports betting, and sportsbooks were ready. As reported previously by Casino.org, eight sportsbook operators began registering players on March 1.

Each of the sportsbook operators paid a $1 million licensing fee.

Expect this to be the most-bet March Madness in BetMGM history,” said John Ewing, BetMGM’s PR manager.

The University of North Carolina was the most-bet team to win March Madness during the first 24 hours of online sports betting in the Tar Heel State, according to BetMGM. The first bet in North Carolina history was placed by a person who bet $100 on UNC to win the tournament.

Cooper’s office also used the occasion to release a video of the bet with a tagline that reads, “Bet Responsibly, North Carolina.”

Who’s Live in North Carolina?

North Carolina law dictates that all sportsbook operators must partner with an existing Carolina sports team, venue, and/or Native American tribe.

The state’s eight operators and their partners include:

• Bet365 with the Charlotte Hornets
• BetMGM with the Charlotte Motor Speedway
• Caesars with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• DraftKings with NASCAR
• ESPN BET with the Quail Hollow Club (PGA Tour)
• Fanatics Betting and Gaming with the Carolina Hurricanes
• FanDuel with the Carolina Panthers and PGA Tour
• Underdog with the Sedgefield Country Club (PGA Tour)

North Carolina is taxing the operators 18%, and state officials say the money will be used to help fund everything from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, youth sports, state universities, and gambling addiction services.

The post Basketball-Crazy North Carolina Welcomes Online Sports Betting appeared first on Casino.org.

The main thrust of the legislation, which must be approved by April 11, contains changes for casino owners and the charities that depend on the gaming revenue from those casinos.

Current New Hampshire state law requires casinos to partner with charities to operate. House Bill 1203 prohibits casinos from charging charities rent to host game nights. Therefore, charities would no longer have to give up some of their winnings in rent payments to the casinos with whom they partner. Some charities pay as much as $750 a night, which is sometimes half of their winnings.

Meanwhile, under Senate Bill 472, municipalities with casinos could join charities in raising money through charitable gaming. The proposal would allow municipalities to raise funds on up to 10 nights per year at each casino it hosts. Nashua, which is home to three casinos, would get up to 30 nights a year of charitable gaming to help raise money.

There is fine print, however. Municipalities cannot displace charities to run their own fundraisers, but instead, can only receive game nights if a charity doesn’t want to use them.

The interest level in the SB472 is underscored by the long waiting list casinos currently hold of charities that want to participate when any spots open.

A third bill under consideration, SB 432, would expand the number of charities that could benefit from charitable gaming revenue. SB 432 would also give the state 1.5% of certain horse races placed via an app.

Senator Tim Lang (R-District 2), who sponsors the measure, said the tax could bring in $300K annually.

Historic Horse Racing Moratorium Expiration

On July 1, 2024, an existing moratorium on new venues offering historic horse racing expires. Historic horse racing looks and plays like slot machines and generally generates far more revenue than table games. Two bills under consideration would continue the state’s moratorium, which was put in place to evaluate the impact of HHR when the state legalized it in 2021.

Fourteen casinos in the state are eligible to hold HHR licenses, five of which have applications under review. There are only nine casinos in all of the other New England states.

Venue owners support a limit on competition.

“I know there are people who just like (with) the Oklahoma land rush are sitting at the border just waiting for the bell to go off, and you’ll see these things pop up just about everywhere,” said Rick Newman, a lobbyist for the NH Charitable Gaming Operators Association.

Lawmakers have also expressed concern about having too many casinos with HHR games and the potential to siphon off revenue from the existing sites.

Bigger Tournament Winnings?

House Bill 1549 would cap withholdings on what players pay to enter a gaming tournament. That could mean those with higher entry fees could mean bigger tournament winnings. Many casinos host nightly gaming tournaments.

For a tournament with a $2,500 buy-in, the prize pool would drop $500 per player, which could reduce the incentive to play. HB 1549 would cap the fee at 20% or $250 per player, whichever is lower.

The post New Hampshire Bills Benefiting Casinos and Charities Have Deadline Nearing appeared first on Casino.org.

Total gross online gambling revenue, which includes iGaming and sports betting, amounted to $229.6 million in January. That’s more than 22% ahead of the $187.3 million in the Great Lakes State in the same month last year.

The January numbers build on momentum from a record 2023, when total iGaming and sports betting gross receipts in Michigan hit $2.3 billion.

Those numbers added to January’s totals, even though the online sports betting handle of $577.4 million was down slightly from December’s handle of $583 million

The January figures include licensed commercial and tribal operators in Michigan.

The State’s Take

Michigan earned $31.3 million in taxes and fees from January’s revenue. The state brought in $30 million from iGaming taxes and fees, and $1.3 million in revenue from internet sports betting.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board says tribal operators paid $3.6 million in taxes and fees to the state.

Land-Based Operations See Decrease

In Detroit, customers seem to prefer online gaming and sports betting rather than land-based operators. That preference is revealed in a revenue decrease of 8.8% for land-based operators in January compared to the same month in 2023.

Over the last year in Michigan, the state focused on expanding the online gaming and sports betting industry. Michigan has allowed 15 operators, both commercial and tribal, to launch online sports betting and gaming options. All 15 of those operations launched iGaming operations.

The post Michigan iGaming Sets New Monthly Revenue Record appeared first on Casino.org.

In addition to the year-on-year numbers in the Magnolia State, the January 2024 total is well ahead of the $4.9 million in revenue generated in December. That’s a 36.7% jump, which occurred despite players spending less.

The total handle for the month dropped 22% to $44.6 million from the $57.2 million in the same month last year. The overall hold was just shy of 15%.

Football is another driver of revenue in January, with operators collecting $2.4 million thanks to a 15.2% win rate against a $15.9 million handle. Basketball bettors fared slightly better, with the house at a 7.1% hold winning operators $1.1 million.

Golf, tennis, soccer, auto racing, and mixed martial arts are covered in a catch-all “other” category and provided nearly $940K in operator revenue from $4.6 million in bets.

What About Online Sports Betting?

The latest monthly report comes as Mississippi lawmakers consider several online sports betting bills. Currently, legal sports wagers can only be placed at licensed retail sportsbooks. But legalized online sports betting is a step closer. HB 774 cleared the House by a 97-14 vote and the bill has now entered the state Senate.

HB 774 would legalize mobile sports betting, but require bettors to use online services from existing casinos. The Mississippi Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force says there are 26 casinos in the state.

Supporters of those measures are buoyed by the recent American Gaming Association annual report that shows the sports betting industry posted a record $11 billion in 2023 revenue.

Coastal Casino Revenue Also Climbs

Mississippi coastal casinos remain popular with bettors. About $29.1 million worth of bets were placed with retail sportsbooks in January, with revenue hitting $4 million. Football topped the action with $12 million wagered on the sport.

As previously reported by Casino.org, Mississippi casinos remain at odds with lawmakers and oppose an expansion of sports betting.

The post Sports Betting Revenue Jumps in Mississippi appeared first on Casino.org.

In-person sports wagering has been legal in the Magnolia State since 2018. But online betting remains outlawed over worries mobile bets could erode casino profits.

HB 774 would legalize mobile sports betting, but require bettors to use online services from existing casinos. Rep. Casey Eure (R – Saucier), House Gaming Committee chairman, is the bill’s primary sponsor.

The number one goal is to protect our brick-and-mortar buildings,” Eure said. “Every mobile sports wager will be tied to a brick-and-mortar building.”

Eure has been a key figure in moving sports betting regulations forward since the Mississippi Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force meeting last October. There are 26 casinos in Mississippi, according to the task force.

The current House proposal would require online sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel to partner with a physical casino before customers can participate in mobile betting.

The 122-member House Chamber could vote on the measure this week.

Other Bills in Mobile Sports Arena

Eure’s is the third sports betting bill introduced in the Mississippi House of Representatives in the last two weeks. But it is the only one that’s garnered bipartisan support.

Eure’s HB 774 would place a 12% tax on sports wagers, with 4% going toward the local municipality where the sponsoring casino is located and 8% going to the state.

As reported in Casino.org, Mississippi casinos remain at odds with lawmakers and oppose an expansion of sports betting.

House Minority Leader Democratic Rep. Robert Johnson III (D-Natchez) is concerned about smaller casinos being choked out of the market, with larger casinos more quickly partnering with sports betting outfits.

How Much and How Soon

Eure estimates the “Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act” could generate between $25 million and $35 million in revenue during the first year if enacted. He believes changing the current laws would undercut the influence of illegal offshore sports betting platforms in Mississippi.

Once you legalize mobile sports betting, you do away with a lot of that illegal market,” Eure said.

In presenting his bill, Eure noted that illegal betting sites see about $64 billion in wagers yearly. Mississippi makes up 5% of that market, about $3 billion in illegal bets.

The American Gaming Association says mobile sports betting is legal in 29 states and Washington, D.C.

If the Mississippi House passes Eure’s proposal, the bill will move to the Senate. Consideration in the Senate includes a committee and a full vote on the Senate floor. If there are any amendments to the bill in any way, it would go back to the House for approval.

The post Mississippi Mobile Sports Betting Bill Advances appeared first on Casino.org.

It’s the second sports gambling bill filed in the chamber this month. The first measure, SB 172, advanced earlier this month. The difference is that SB 386, sponsored by Sen. Clint Dixon (R-Buford), wouldn’t require a voter referendum to pass a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting.

Voters amended the constitution to allow a lottery in 1992.

“There is no constitutional amendment required because all the funds are going to the lottery to fund pre-K and HOPE,” said Dixon.

HOPE Scholarships are for students who achieve at least a “B” average in high school.

We believe this bill has brought a win for Georgia.” Said Nick Fernandez of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. The Chamber supports the plan along with Atlanta’s pro sports teams.

While the bill does have some bipartisan support, lawmakers stalled gaming expansion over constitutional amendment questions in 2023.

The Senate Rules Committee must now decide whether to put the legislation before the full Senate.

Constitution Requirement Debate Heats

Opponents warn SB 386 could be declared unconstitutional, saying voters in 1992 likely never believed they were authorizing sports betting when they approved the lottery.

“I don’t believe this end-around is going to work,” said Mike Griffin, a lobbyist for Georgia’s Southern Baptist churches.

Supporters believe sports betting would bring economic benefits, while opponents dismiss those claims with addiction concerns and oversized losses of personal money.

“The disastrous effects of problem gambling are well-known and well-documented,” said Mack Parnell, executive director of the Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition.

Louisiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky were the first three states in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to legalize sports gambling.

What’s in the Bill

The bill, called the “Georgia Lottery Game of Sports Betting Act,” is limited to online wagering only. The bill would tax gamblers’ winnings at 20%.

The state lottery would be allowed to hold a license and would be allowed to award seven sports betting licenses to operators through a public procurement process.

Georgia sports betting would be open to adults 21 and older.

The bill requires wagering to begin in the state no later than Jan. 31, 2025.

The post Georgia Sports Betting Bill Skips Constitutional Amendment appeared first on Casino.org.

Watson tried to get online poker and casino gaming legalized in 2023, but the bill never left the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee. Despite the failure and opposition from some unions, iGaming still had public support at the end of 2023.

In dollar amounts, that comes to about $218 million in revenue in 2029 when and if Maryland online casinos reach maturity.

Del. Jheanelle Wilkins also raised concerns about the study’s lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion information. Lawmakers said women and minority-owned businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) must be addressed in a bill.

There are also concerns regarding potential job losses at physical casinos, as the study found a possible loss of 2,700 jobs driven by less foot traffic to the properties.

What’s in the Bill

Some of the items in the upcoming proposal include a $1 million fee for a four-year license. Watson had previously proposed a $500K fee. The new bill also calls for levying a 46.5% tax rate on online gambling.

The proposal includes an allowance for multistate online poker. That means Maryland could join the Multi-State iGaming Agreement (MSIGA) and allow operators to grow networks in Maryland.

Watson says online gaming will allow casinos to reach new customers and bring in more money for the state.

We can play at microstakes, you can play for nickels, dimes and quarters, you know, 24 hours a day.” Watson said. “And that is just a continuous revenue stream for the state that we’re currently not capturing.”

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency says its study shows the state could generate $533 million in the first year if online gaming is legalized.

Currently, Maryland faces a $400 million deficit.

Concerns Continue, but Voters Tend to Favor Gaming

Maryland voters have approved expanding gaming three times over the last 16 years. Voters approved five land-based casinos in 2008. In 2012, they approved a sixth. Voters OK’d sports betting in 2020 and it launched two years later.

Watson is pushing back on the early concerns by saying he believes the addition of casinos in Virginia will cut into the Maryland casino industry. He also pointed to promotions as “one of the most valuable pieces” that casinos can offer to drive people into brick-and-mortar casinos.

You’re using the online platform to advertise the brick-and-mortar offerings,” he said.

If Watson’s bill was passed and signed by Governor Wes Moore, it would need voter approval in November.

The post Online Casino Discussions in Maryland Begin, Marked by Concerns appeared first on Casino.org.

Total iGaming and sports betting gross receipts for 2023 hit a record $2.3 billion. That’s more than 18% higher than the revenue generated in 2022, and well above the $1.4 billion from the first year of legal betting in 2021.

Sports in the Great Lakes State were in the national spotlight in January with a College football championship and the Detroit Lions advancing to the NFL’s NFC Championship game this Sunday.

The Michigan Wolverines’ first national championship since 1997 was a source of big bets, and as reported by Casino.org, the Detroit Lions are now driving more action heading into the championship weekend and after having drawn the highest rating for an NBC divisional game broadcast in 30 years with their defeat of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Michigan’s internet sports betting handle hit a new record of $583 million in December, marking a 2.5% increase from November’s $568.8 million. The annual handle totaled $4.6 billion in 2023.

2023 Record Driven by December Surge

Michigan’s total gross gambling revenue in December hit $181.4 million — its highest monthly total ever — and more than 20% higher than in December 2022. IGaming led the way with a revenue record of $181.4 million. Gross sports betting receipts hit a new monthly high at $61.1 million.

Total online gambling Adjusted Gross Revenue for December was up almost 30% year on year at $198.4 million.

Operators paid Michigan $36.7 million in taxes in 2023, with more than $34.1 million coming from iGaming, and $2.6 million coming from sports betting.

Other Items of Business

The MGCB says board members Joni M. Thrower Davis and Andrew T. Palms were reappointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“I appreciate Governor Whitmer’s decision to reappoint Joni and Andrew to the Board, which is well-deserved recognition of their dedication, expertise, and valuable contributions to our agency’s mission and vision,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.

Their terms expire at the end of 2027.

The MGCB has also taken action against illegal operators in the state, with cease-and-desist letters being sent to three online gaming companies it says are operating illegally.

The post Michigan iGaming Posts Record Revenues in 2023 appeared first on Casino.org.

Miller has unveiled the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0, which he says includes modifications of previous bills based on his feedback from legislators and constituents.

In 2023, state lawmakers in St. Paul were unable to move multiple bills to advance sports betting. Such was the case in 2022 as well, when lawmakers criticized the process, which killed the effort for that year.

Last year’s sports betting bills differed on the level of exclusive access to state operation licenses for the state’s Native American tribes. Native American tribes own the casinos in the North Star State.

“This updated proposal combines ideas from my original Minnesota Sports Betting Act, along with provisions from other sports betting bills that were introduced last session,” Miller said. “The goal of this proposal is to bring folks together to work toward a bipartisan solution to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. I strongly believe we can get it done this year.”

Miller will introduce Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0 on February 12.

What’s Included in the Revised Bill

Miller says the Minnesota Sports Betting Act 2.0 includes licensing opportunities for Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations to offer retail and mobile sports betting. License holders would have the option to operate retail betting on the premises of horse racing tracks or professional sports stadiums in Minnesota.

Sports betting revenue would be taxed at a 15% rate. Tax proceeds, according to Miller, would provide charitable gaming tax relief to local charities, boost horse racing, and attract major sporting events.

The revised bill includes some charitable gaming options eliminated in the 2023 tax bill, including free plays and bonus games on electronic pull tabs.

In 2023, an amendment to include a portion of the sports gambling revenue to the state’s horse racing tracks was considered a sticking point for some Republicans.

Revised Bill Faces Early Opposition

Even before the matter comes before lawmakers, there are challenges. While Miller calls the measure 2.0 and says it is based on modifications and combined ideas based on previous efforts, it is not getting early approval from Canterbury Park.

The sports betting proposal doesn’t allow racetracks to hold a license.

We believe that both tracks and tribes should have full sports betting licenses,” said Canterbury spokesperson Jeff Maday. “The market is mature enough for all of us to succeed. We just want that opportunity.”

Miller said a bill giving racetracks licensing opportunities doesn’t have the votes to pass.

The Senate and House meet in regular session for 120 days in the two-year term. Minnesota is the only state in the region without a legal sports betting option.

Thirty-eight states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting.

The post Revised Sports Betting Bill Already a Hot Topic in Minnesota appeared first on Casino.org.

The December revenue report from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) shows Bay State sports bettors wagered $658.6 million with online and retail operators. That’s a record number since online sports betting launched in the Bay State in March 2023, and brick-and-mortar sportsbooks began operations in January.

Since the launch of legal sports wagering, Massachusetts online and retail sportsbooks handled just under $4.9 billion in bets. Taxable sports betting revenue totaled $471.1 million, and operators paid about $93.8 million to the state.

Casinos Second-Highest Revenue Total

Massachusetts casinos closed out 2023 with a strong showing. The state’s three brick-and-mortar casinos combined for $103 million in wins from bettors. That is the second-highest monthly revenue total of 2023.

The momentum of casinos and sportsbooks has attracted attention from legislators on Beacon Hill and from the governor.

Gaming Revenue Helps Fill Budget Gap

The expansion of gambling in Massachusetts has opened up a new revenue stream for Governor Maura Healey (D). Healey, a one-time opponent of casinos, is now planning to close a $1 billion budget shortfall with gaming revenues.

Since casino-style gaming began in Massachusetts in 2015, the state has brought in $1.623 billion in taxes and assessments from casino operations.

In FY 2023, total gaming revenues were about $330.7 million. That’s up from about $310 million in FY 2002 and $233.1 million in FY 2021, according to the state. Add that to the $93.8 million in the year since legal sports betting began, and the outlook appears bright.

The Healey administration says it expected net profit from the lottery of around $1.2 billion, and has since added another $75 million to the expectation.

The post Massachusetts Sportsbooks Post Record Numbers in December appeared first on Casino.org.

Iowa Gaming and Racing Commission (IGRC) numbers show Iowans wagered 3% more in 2023 than in 2022, generating a year-end handle of $2.4 billion.

The state begins 2024 after filling its coffers with $1.8 million in sports betting taxes in December.

Iowa players won $256.5 million from sports betting in December. The Super Bowl and March Madness will likely fuel sports betting momentum early in the new year.

Online Sports Betting Dominates in the State

Online sports betting comprised more than 91% of Iowa’s December handle, with retail sportsbooks generating $24.4 million in wagers. Operators report 20% more revenue year-over-year, and the 12-month hold average stayed above 8%.

DraftKings led the Hawkeye State with a handle of $94.7 million in December, while FanDuel came in second at $67.6 million.

Iowa Casinos Finish Strong

Iowa’s gaming revenue from the state’s 19 brick-and-mortar casinos came in at slightly more than $156 million in December, a 9.5% year-over-year increase from the 142.48 million won in December 2022.

Most of the money came from slot machines, which generated more than $140M in income, while table games took in more than $15 million.

The IRGC lists Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino as the top performer of 2023, with more than $22 million in revenue. Ameristar II and Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs round out the top three, taking in around $17 million.

Other Items from Iowa in 2024

Look for a comprehensive study on the horse racing industry by the summer of 2024. The IGRC approved the study before Brian Ohorilko stepped down in December after nearly 20 years.

The study is really focused on understanding the impact of racing and in trying to understand different ways and different tools to continue to ensure that that industry is sustainable,” Ohorilko told Radio Iowa, a news consortium for the state’s stations.

A new IRGC administrator is expected to be appointed this month. Tina Eick was appointed as interim administrator.

Currently, the IRGC is moving its Des Moines offices, according to its website.

The post Iowa Sports Betting Revenue Sets New Record in 2023 appeared first on Casino.org.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Sarasota) introduced House Bill 1417, which is focused on spending most of the revenue from gambling. Senate Bill 1638, introduced by Sen. Travis Hutson (R – 7th District), specified funding for environmental management and protections, including research.

Florida’s Senate President Kathleen Passidimo (R-Naples) told Senators in her opening remarks she supports gambling revenue to fund land acquisition and conservation.

Using these new revenues to acquire and manage conservations lands and invest in our clean water infrastructure will be a phenomenal return on investment for our state,” Passidimo said. “I hope the legislation will earn your support.”

House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) also backs the idea of using funds from gambling for conservation-related projects.

Florida Bill Funding

SB 1638 would use an “indeterminate” amount of revenue available from a gambling deal that Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) reached with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The gaming compact deal was struck in 2021.

On Nov. 1, 2023, the Seminole Tribe said it would launch retail sports betting at its casinos on Dec. 7, 2023.

As reported by Casino.org, the Hard Rock Bet app became available to eligible users in Florida on Dec. 5, 2023.

Under the compact, the tribe pledged to pay $2.5 billion to the state over the first five years and perhaps billions more during the three-decade deal.

?Florida’s Sole Betting App

The only legal sports betting app in the Sunshine State is Hard Rock Bet, which is available on iOS and Android. All other sports betting platforms licensed in other US states aren’t allowed.

The amount of money from sports wagering that would fund the environmental goals still needs to be negotiated.

The post Florida Lawmakers Eye Gambling Revenue to Fund Environment Initiates appeared first on Casino.org.

Vermont is the last of the New England states to allow this type of gambling. The sports betting launch will only be online, as retail sports betting hasn’t been approved. As of Thursday, January 11, the Green Mountain State is the 38^th state to offer online sports wagering.

The state with the second-smallest population opens online sports wagering with three major sportsbooks, including DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel. The state has three open licenses remaining.

The Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery (VDLL) is Vermont’s sports betting regulator.

“We looked at the proposals compared to the evaluation criteria,” said VDLL Commissioner Wendy Knight. “The legislature intends to prioritize selection based on protecting Vermonters from problem gambling, converting the illegal market to a legal market, and then maximizing revenue to the state.”

All operators will have revenue taxed at 20%, and Commissioner Knight looking for the sites to generate $7 million in revenue in the first year of operations.

NFL Super Bowl is a Major Motivator

Vermont legalized sports betting during the summer, and Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law in June. Scott said he wanted to launch in time for Super Bowl LVIII, which will be played on Sunday, February 11.

The game will be played in Las Vegas and the launch of online sports betting will keep bettors from leaving Vermont into nearby states, including Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, where sports betting is already legal.

The most bet-on game of the year has also become part of the conversation around the new 2024 push for sports betting initiatives in California.

Massive sports betting revenue is likely to be had in 2027 and 2028, as Santa Clara and Los Angeles are the sites of Super Bowls in those two years.

The NFL owners awarded Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium the 2028 Super Bowl just last December. While sports betting wasn’t part of the decision, it is now part of the conversation, as supporters and opponents of California sports betting ramp up their arguments.

Long Road and Long Odds

Petition signatures are now being gathered for new gambling initiatives in California, following approval by California’s secretary of state.

California voters have rejected similar initiatives previously, and the state’s largest Tribal casino operators oppose current efforts.

California and Texas are the nation’s two most populous states, and would be the biggest prize for sports bettors. Sports betting remains illegal in those two states, as well as Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii.

The post Vermont Online Sports Betting Industry Going Live Today appeared first on Casino.org.

The Senate Regulated Industries Committee advanced Senate Bill 172 by an 8-4 vote. The measure now goes to the full Senate for more debate. SB 172 would allow sports betting in the Peach State with the aid of a constitutional amendment and set up a gaming commission to regulate the industry.

Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) is the bill’s sponsor and said he believes there will be a “push” from some constituents.

And I just think it may be time and I certainly wanted us to address the issue this year, list, decide it once and for all, and move on.”

In 2023, several bills failed that aimed to legalize sports betting, including online and in-person at sportsbook kiosks.

The 2024 legislative session is the sixth consecutive term with at least one bill aimed at gaming expansion on the docket in either chamber.

State of Play in Georgia

SB 172 doesn’t legalize sports betting on its own. Lawmakers must draft another proposed constitutional amendment, which would then require approval by two-thirds of the House and the Senate, and approval from Georgia voters.

Sen. Cowsert said an amendment is needed because Georgia voters approved a lottery in 1992 when sports bets could only be placed in-person in a Nevada casino.

“There’s no way that was contemplated when the voters allowed lotteries, in my opinion,” Cowsert said.

As reported previously by Casino.org, former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton wrote in an opinion last year that sports betting doesn’t require a constitutional amendment.

Proposals, Paths, and Opposition

After the former Chief Justice’s opinion, and the rejection of bills to legalize sports betting last year, the search for other paths toward legalized sports betting intensified.

State Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) said in December he plans to introduce such legislation. Sen. Beach wants to bring three casino resorts, a pari-mutuel race track, and mobile sportsbooks to the state.

There are differing opinions on destinations for gambling proceeds. Many Democrats want sports betting to fund needs-based college scholarships. Many Republicans, on the other hand, oppose the passage of sports betting on moral grounds.

Currently, 38 states and the District of Columbia allow some form of sports betting.

The post Sports Betting in Georgia Sees 2024 Bring Another Push appeared first on Casino.org.

Two Missouri lawmakers filed two separate bills kicking off the new legislative session. Both bills seek to legalize sports betting in the Show Me state.

Casino.org has previously reported on professional teams, including MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, that have stated their willingness to bankroll a statewide initiative to legalize sports wagering.

SB 852 suggests a 12% tax rate, with tax revenue going to the state’s education fund.

The second bill in this 2024 session is SB824, filed by State Sen. Denny Hoskins (R-Warrensburg). SB824 is similar to SB825 and suggests a 10% tax rate. Sen. Hoskins supports legalizing Video Lottery Terminals, which is a primary aim of the bill. The legislation would also allow riverboats to partner with just two mobile sports betting providers.

Odds of Passage in 2024

If history is any indication, the odds of passing sports betting legislation are slim. All of the previous attempts to legalize sports betting in the past few years have been unsuccessful.

Six of the seven states that neighbor Missouri have legalized sports betting. The effort to stop money from leaving state borders could add some legislative momentum.

There is also a push by Missouri’s Secretary of State, John Jay Ashcroft, and the coalition of Missouri’s professional sports teams to change the state’s Constitution via a referendum to place the question of sports betting on the ballot.

Where Sports Betting Remains Illegal

Missouri is one of a dozen states where sports wagering remains illegal. More than five years ago, the US Supreme Court cleared the war for states to adopt the practice.

Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah are the states where sports betting remains illegal.

As lawmakers in Missouri begin 2024 working through legislative frameworks, petitions filed by the Missouri Pro Sports Betting Coalition seek to revise the Missouri constitution and allow sports betting to launch no later than Dec. 25, 2025.

The post Missouri Sports Betting Bills Begin 2024 Legislative Session appeared first on Casino.org.

Republican Casey Eure, chair of the House Gaming Committee, says he plans to pass a bill legalizing mobile sports betting during the 2024 session.

Rep. Eure (R-Saucier) made his plans known during the final 2023 meeting of the legislature’s Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force. But plenty of unanswered questions remain about what legalizing this form of gambling would look like in Mississippi.

Jay McDaniel, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, says bills have been introduced yearly since 2018. Still, none of the proposals have made it out of committee to an actual floor debate.

Your guess is as good as mine as to whether we’ll get to that,” McDaniel Said. “So, I think you can expect in January to see a bill. The question will be whether that bill actually comes out of a committee for debate to be passed.”

Democratic Senator David Blount, who is also a task force member, says whatever form the bill takes, it should protect the state’s already highly successful gaming industry.

“My primary interest, as it relates to gaming in Mississippi, is to protect the jobs of tens of thousands of Mississippians who work in this important business that has a big economic impact,” Blount said. “How will that be affected by betting on cell phones?”

The Mississippi Legislature’s 2024 regular session will convene at noon on January 2. The deadline for the introduction of general bills is February 19.

Regulations and Opposition Take Shape

Mississippi was one of the first states in the U.S. to authorize sports betting in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in May of 2018 to legalize gambling. As reported previously by Casino.org, not everyone on the state’s 13-member task force is sold on expanding Mississippi’s gaming industry to include internet sportsbooks.

Some lawmakers are concerned mobile sports wagering will jeopardize destination gaming. The Mississippi Gaming Commission reported more than $272 million in tax revenue in FY 2023.

Mississippi casinos also remain at odds with lawmakers over online sports betting efforts. Land-based casinos are the state’s most vocal opponents of online sports betting.

Pearl River Resort Race and Sportsbook Director Chris Hopwood is just one casino executive who has urged lawmakers to oppose an expansion of sports betting. Hopwood said such a move would harm brick-and-mortar casinos, and revenue would leave the state.

Supporters Make Their Case

Twenty-six casinos in the state, some of them operated by Penn Entertainment and Caesars, have spoken in favor of online sports betting. They say bettors are leaving for neighboring states such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana, where online betting is legal.

Rep. Eure said his goal is to “protect bricks and mortar.”

The Mobile Online Sports Betting Task Force findings were due to be delivered to the state legislature by December 15.

The post Lawmakers to Look at Mobile Online Sports Betting in Mississippi — Again appeared first on Casino.org.

The Green Mountain State will become the 38^th state to offer online sports wagering. Scott signed the sports betting bill into law in June.

Vermonters and visitors alike will soon be able to access a regulated sports wagering marketplace, which will come with important consumer protections and generate revenue for the state,” said Scott.

Commissioner Knight believes the state can earn up to $7 million in revenue in the first year of operations.

Knight says the plan was to launch the framework in time for the NFL season. But it’s now expected to be up and running for the Super Bowl, the most bet-on game of the year.

Mobile Platforms Selected in Vermont

DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics were selected to operate mobile wagering platforms in Vermont. The sports betting law signed by the governor allowed up to six online sportsbook wagering licenses to be issued to qualified operators.

Commissioner Knight says it’s possible the state could add more operators in the future. Healthy wagering is another topic of focus as January 11 draws near.

Responsible gaming was something that was very important to the administration and the legislature, so we build in safeguards to protect players from the health risks or financial risks from excessive betting,” said Knight.

The sports betting law doesn’t allow physical betting sites in Vermont, and credit cards cannot be used for betting purposes.

The operators will pay the department $550K in fees plus a percentage of the adjusted gross sports wagering revenue.

First Things First

Players can now preregister their accounts. Those placing bets must be over 21 and can deposit funds using a debit card or personal bank account.

Five sportsbooks were considered during the bid process, and the three chosen selected a six-year term with extensions if both parties agreed to continue.

Sports betting is already legal in nearby states, including Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

The post New Year Brings Online Sports Betting in Vermont appeared first on Casino.org.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R) unveiled the unexpected plan on November 2. Tribal leaders, including the Choctaw Nation, say they weren’t consulted. Spokespeople for the House Speaker and Senate President also say no one from the Governor’s office disclosed any plans with legislators before Stitt’s announcement.

The Governor’s office unveiled the plan while Stitt was traveling in Israel last week.

In a statement, the governor said his plan would allow Oklahomans to place in-person bets at gaming sites operated by federally recognized tribes. Revenue would be taxed at 15%. Stitt’s plan doesn’t offer tribes the same exclusivity on mobile sports betting.

I promised Oklahomans if we pursued sports betting, we would do it right – and this plan does just that,” Stitt said. “Thirty-five states have already legalized sports betting, and it’ll be a great revenue stream for the state.”

Chocktaw Nations Chief Gary Batton responded.

Upon initial review, we do not believe the plan represents the best interests for the people of Oklahoma or the tribal nations that have done so much to support the state,” he said in a statement.

Tribal gaming compacts in Oklahoma reserve the sole right to offer gambling in the state to the tribes.

Legislators Express Dismay

Oklahoma State Senators and Representatives who have co-sponsored legislative attempts to pass sports betting say they weren’t asked for any input on the recent proposal.

It’s frustrating that he didn’t feel it necessary to collaborate with those of us who have been diligently working on this major issue for over a year now, but I’m hopeful that will change in the coming weeks,” said Sen. Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City).

Sen. Coleman blamed a lack of coordination between the executive branch and tribal leadership as the main reason sports betting bills have stalled.

Legislation to legalize sports gambling passed the House this year but stalled in the Senate. It is believed House Bill 1027 could be revived in February 2024. That proposal adds in-person and mobile sports betting to supplement the state’s model gaming compact with the tribes.

Stitt’s Relationship With Tribes

Governor Stitt has had a rocky relationship with many of the state’s tribes since his unsuccessful attempt to renegotiate Oklahoma’s tribal gaming compact to get more revenue for the state.

Last year, the tribes paid the state $191.5 million in gaming fees on more than $3 billion in revenue.

Just last month, a legislative committee rejected a gaming compact the governor had negotiated with two tribes in the state. As reported by Casino.org, it was another setback in Governor Stitt’s long-running effort to modify the state’s approach to tribal gaming.

Also included in Governor Stitt’s surprise plan was mobile wagering, which would be conducted by organizations licensed by the state and taxed at 20%. There would be an initial licensing fee of $500K, and an additional $100K annual fee.

Any proposal to legalize sports betting that doesn’t have tribal support is unlikely to pass the Oklahoma Legislature.

The post Surprise Sports Betting Plan Unveiled in Oklahoma appeared first on Casino.org.

Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens) said he plans to introduce an iGaming expansion bill in December for the upcoming legislative session in January 2024.

Some state officials believe online gaming could bring over $1 billion in revenue for the state. This revenue could ease the burden of projected budget shortfalls, according to?Sen. Addabbo Jr.

Recent forecasts project a $36 billion gap over the next three years. The iGaming proposal would tax online casinos at 30.5%.

The state senator’s iGaming bill last February failed to make it into the state’s budget. Addabbo serves as the chairman of the Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering. But Sen. Addabbo says new efforts revolved around launching online casino gaming, including peer-to-peer poker and, possibly, vocabulary to allow the state to enter into a multijurisdictional compact.

The neighboring states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut are among the seven that already allow iGaming. The idea, says Addabbo, is not to lose business across state lines.

iGaming Impact in Focus

A multijurisdictional compact, such as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, has been called “a critical component in the quest to establish a national online gaming regime” by Jeff Ifrah of Ifrah Law in Washington, DC.

Multijurisdictional poker “is something that I’ve thought about. When I’m looking at tournaments, I’m looking at not only in-state tournaments but also state-to-state tournaments,” Addabbo previously told media.

While national online gaming is much larger than current New York iGaming goals, New York State has almost 20 million people. It could be a major addition to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement.

Mobile Sports Betting Also a Part

Although mobile sports betting debuted in New York state in January 2022, the legislature didn’t rush to change the laws that allowed mobile sports wagering.

Language to increase the number of online sportsbook operators could be folded into bills in the next legislative session, too. That could result in a possible reduction of the state’s online sports betting tax rate imposed on AGR, which is currently set at 51%. DraftKings and FanDuel have appealed to legislators to reduce that rate.

The post New York State Senator Plans iGaming Expansion in 2024 Legislative Session appeared first on Casino.org.

And there’s something else to celebrate; iGaming is on an upward trajectory. iGaming operators have generated $16.3 billion in total gross gaming revenue (GGR), which has produced more than $4 billion in tax payments, according to the AGA.

Pennsylvania tops the list for total iGaming revenue, accounting for $1.83 billion in tax revenue. The second spot finds New Jersey and Michigan running closely together at slightly more than $1.3 billion.

So far, in 2023, iGaming states netted slightly more than $3.9 billion. That’s a 22.7% year-over-year increase.

Where is iGaming Legal?

iGaming is currently only available to about 13% of the adult U.S. population.

Reining in the black market was among the goals of legal online casinos, and it’s a goal still largely unmet. Americans still wager as much as $338 billion a year with illegal operators, according to the AGA, because the legal options are still limited.

AGA Focusing on Casino Industry Economic Impact

In October, the American Gaming Association released a study highlighting the casino gambling industry’s impact. The AGA study showed nearly $329 billion a year in economic activity. It was the first study released by the association since 2018. The study showed that 2023 is on pace to exceed records.

I think it speaks to the continuing popularity of casino gambling in the United States,” said David Schwartz, a gambling historian at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

The AGA is looking toward the 2024 legislative calendar in several states for the potential of successful new iGaming bills. New York, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and New Hampshire were among the states where online gaming bills failed to pass in 2023.

The post American Gaming Association Celebrates 10 Years of Online Casino Gaming in the US appeared first on Casino.org.

The online portal for applications opened in September, but applicants have not been able to register until now. Licenses in Curacao will now include strict conditions and internationally recognized standards on anti-money laundering and responsible gaming.

Curacao’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Javier Silvania, called the license application process a landmark.

The first of November 2023 will be noted as a momentous day in the history of Curacao’s position as a gambling jurisdiction,” said Silvania. “This day was the tipping point of a very lengthy process of revolutionizing the country’s gambling landscape.”

Gaming licenses from Curacao have been associated with offshore online gambling operators worldwide.

In 2020, the Netherlands government requested that Curacao reform its gambling regulations to receive financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curacao is a “constituent country” of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Registration Process

The online portal has two main purposes. First, it is to process applications under the current legislation with the Curacao Gaming Control Board. To be considered a verified account, it must be registered with a Curacao company. They must also use an email address attached to that company and have a signed authorization letter.

The GCB will verify the information before the completed application can be submitted.

Second, the portal registers all sub-licensees that want to keep operating after the National Ordinance for Games of Chance is enacted. When that takes effect, the new Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) will be established.

Big Step in Transition Period

Curacao-based offshore operators have been known for minimal player protection rules and illegally offered gaming services.

In the two months since the online portal launch and the acceptance of applications, Curacao has taken a major step in transitioning to the National Ordinance for Games of Chance. That is the new regulation seeking to ensure online gambling operations align with international best standards and practices.

This is already exceeding our highest expectations,” said Aideen Shortt, Advisor to the Minister of Finance.

The application process consists of three forms, each requiring relevant supporting documentation.

The post Curacao iGaming Portal Begins Accepting License Registrations appeared first on Casino.org.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board reports sportsbooks brought in about $41.8 million in combined mobile apps and brick-and-mortar locations. That tops the previous record of $37 million set in December 2022. The state made around $5.3 million in sports betting tax revenue, topping the previous record of $4.4 million from December 2022.

The numbers aren’t unexpected, as college and professional football were predicted to boost the dollar amounts.

I think it shows you what football, college and the NFL, mean to sports betting. We’re going to continue to watch those numbers,” said Ronnie Johns, the chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, at the board’s October meeting.

Data from the LGCB shows about $280.1 million was wagered in Louisiana at retail locations and mobile apps. That’s the second-highest single-month total since sports betting began in the state in 2021.

Mobile Sports Betting Hits Highest Mark Yet

Mobile sports betting was up 44% in September for the state’s nine mobile operators, totaling $248.8 million. That’s roughly $110 million more than August. Those wagers resulted in a 447% year-over-year jump, with about $36 million in net proceeds.

This is the highest monthly total generated by mobile sports wagering since inception,” said Donna Jackson, a supervisor with the Louisiana State Police’s gaming audit section, during the LGCB meeting.

Mobile sports betting launched in February 2022.

The state’s 18 retail sportsbooks saw wagers decline 0.8%, but net proceeds were up from the prior year. Total wagers were at $31.2 million, with net proceeds at $5.7 million.

Shout Out for Queen Casino After its Move

Louisiana Gaming Control Board chairman Ronnie Johns also highlighted a significant boost in revenues for the Queen casino in Baton Rouge.

As reported by Casino.org, the Queen of Baton Rouge nearly doubled its gaming win in September. A strong first full month in operation after the riverboat moved to a land-based casino last month.

I want to congratulate the Queen here in Baton Rouge on their first full month, an exceptional month for them,” Johns said. “I think it just shows you what land-based properties are capable of doing. And I think the most interesting number is they grew the Baton Rouge market by almost $3 million from the prior year, so it wasn’t a matter of cannibalizing anybody else.”

The Queen opened on August 24.

The post Louisiana Sportsbooks Have a Record Month appeared first on Casino.org.

The license approval starts the clock on the $1.7 billion permanent casino, which must be open by September 2026. The date for opening is dictated by the three-year time limit on the license to operate its temporary casino at the historic Medinah Temple.

Bally’s opened the Medinah location in September with a temporary license. Illinois state law gives casino operators two years to run a temporary site, with an optional 12-month extension while a permanent site is being constructed.

Bally’s permanent site in River West is billed as the city’s first urban casino. The entertainment complex will include a casino with 3,400 slots and 173 table games. There are also plans for a 3,000-seat theater and a 500-key hotel tower.

It’s that $1.7 billion plan that won former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s approval over three other casino bidders last year.

We’re all very confident that we’ll meet the timeline,” Bally’s Chicago general manager Mark Wong said to gaming board members. “However, it is a huge project.”

Bally’s has until Sept. 9, 2026, to complete the 505,000-square-foot casino complex.

Bally’s Temporary Location Gets Attention

While construction on the new location is expected to begin in July 2024, the temporary location is in the spotlight.

The historic Medinah Temple location contains roughly 800 slot machines and 56 table games. According to state regulators, it has already generated about $695K in city tax revenue. Chicago’s former mayor, Lori Lightfoot, believes it will bring in $12.8 million to the city by the end of 2023.

Mayor Promises Vibrant Future

Chicago is banking on $34 million from Medinah in 2024. It’s located at 600 N. Wabash Avenue, which has been idle since 2020. Its three-year operation is expected to create as many as 700 jobs.

When current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson cut the ribbon at the Medinah location in early October, he called it “more than just an entertainment venue.” “This project is going to secure Chicago’s fiscally strong and vibrant future.”

Thousands of construction jobs are promised by building the permanent casino in River West, with as much as $200 million annually going to the city.

The post Bally’s Chicago Granted Casino License, Clock Ticking on Temp Operation appeared first on Casino.org.

Legalized sports betting began September 7 in the Bluegrass State. The bulk of the sports betting handle came in the last three weeks when sports wagering through mobile devices began. About $232 million has been wagered through mobile devices since September 28.

In a statement, Beshear called sports betting a “win-win” and added that Kentuckians have opened nearly 50K betting accounts.

Kentucky is approaching $250 million wagered. That is a strong number that certainly reflects excitement for the opening of sports wagering.” said Beshear. “It has taken many years to get here, but sports wagering is finally a reality in Kentucky.”

“Win-win” is a phrase often used by Beshear as the Democratic incumbent looks to election day next month. The legalization of sports wagering has been his key pitch to voters, as reported in Casino.org.

Gov. Beshear helped kick off sports betting in Kentucky with his own wager on September 7.

New Retail Racing and Gaming Center

Ashland, Ky., is the site of a new gaming and entertainment center opening. Sandy’s Racing and Gaming begins operations on October 26. Revolutionary Racing Put $75 million into the center, expected to generate $11 million in annual state tax revenues and produce 250 new jobs.

Since the September 7 launch of sports betting, an estimated $15.7 million has been wagered in the state’s licensed retail sportsbooks, far less than the $232 million wagered through mobile devices.

The Ashland location in Eastern Kentucky will also feature an equestrian center and quarter-horse race track. Construction is expected to be completed in 2025.

Kentucky’s Sports Betting Age

When Kentucky kicked off sports betting last month, it became the largest market to allow 18-year-olds to wager.

All but five states require residents to be at least 21 years old to participate. Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Washington, and now Kentucky have an 18-year age limit. The age limit and the expansion of gambling is raising concerns among responsible gaming advocates, as reported by Casino.org.

The National Council on Problem Gambling doesn’t recommend a standard sports betting age limit. However, the group applauds sports books with a 21-year-old rule.

Earlier this year, responsible gaming concerns prompted sportsbooks and schools across the US to end numerous partnerships.

The post Mobile Devices Increase Sports Betting Handle in Kentucky Weeks after Launch appeared first on Casino.org.

It comes as sports betting is expected to increase in the fall. But the additions also follow criticism from a Maryland state lawmaker of how the sports betting law is being implemented.? As reported in Casino.org, delegate Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) says sports betting is not serving the state population adequately.

Buckel says the physical sports betting locations are mostly in cities and more populated areas, leaving other areas underserved.

It remains to be seen if the new retail sportsbooks will address the lawmaker’s concerns.

The latest location by Green Turtle opened in Towson. The chain sports bar and grill has five other spots in Maryland and has a presence in six states and Washington, D.C.

Six businesses in total applied last year for competitive licenses, three have yet to receive approvals.

Maryland’s wagering law designated 17 businesses for retail licenses. So far, 10 are open for bets.

Just last week, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency recommended that MSF Sports, a subsidiary of the Maryland State Fair and Agriculture Society, which oversees the annual state fair, be approved for a retail sportsbook license.

The commission is scheduled to meet on October 18^th.

Sport Betting Numbers in Focus

During Maryland’s first full year of legalized sports betting in 2022, September brought the biggest revenue numbers, bolstered by college and professional football. Attention will be focused on those September 2023 numbers when the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency meets on October 10^th.

Sportsbooks are required to contribute 15% of their taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

That fund plan has lofty goals to transform public education systems with increasing annual funding for public schools by $3.8 billion over a decade.

Mobile apps account for the vast majority of sports wagering across the state. App betting accounted for almost 95% of the $238.8 million in total wagers in August.

Nearly 82% of the state’s sports wagering revenue came from mobile bets.

Betting Handle Increases in August

August was fairly hot for sports betting, as the handle reached $263.7 million. That’s a 6.5% increase over the previous month.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission’s numbers show FanDuel Sportsbook in the top spot, with $104.1 million in online handle. DraftKings accepted $91.9 million. That’s roughly 37% of all betting dollars wagered through the state’s betting apps that month. Fanatics launched in June and is increasing its monthly handle, hitting $6.7 million.

Maryland?sportsbooks combined for $17 million in August revenue as the state collected $2.6 million in taxes.

The post Maryland Adds 13th Retail Sportsbook, Lawmaker Criticizes Coverage appeared first on Casino.org.

More than 100 gaming companies and investors, including Tiger Global and Peak XV, have asked the government to reconsider, calling the 28% tax an “existential threat” to the industry.

In August, the GST Council agreed to keep the door open to review the levy six months after its implementation but stuck to the decision to impose the tax.

The Council also clarified valuation rules for the levy, saying that online gaming would be taxed on the full-face value of the placed bets in online gaming, casinos, and horse racing.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the idea isn’t to hurt the industry but to close a loophole and not allow any distinction between a “game of skill” and a “game of chance.”

India’s online gaming industry is currently valued at roughly $1.5 billion, and as reported by Casino.org, online gaming is one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer internet businesses.

Actions Leading Up to October Implementation

The Indian government has mandated offshore online gaming companies operating in the country to register the business locally. They may also appoint a representative to pay tax on customer funds.

Overseas online gaming companies operating in India will be blocked if they fail to do so, according to the GST Council.

Offshore online gaming companies will not enjoy any tax arbitrage and would be treated at par with their domestic counterparts,” said Rajat Mohan, a partner at AMRG & Associates.

Last month, the Indian gaming app Mobile Premier League said it will lay off 350 employees as it takes steps to “survive” the tax imposed by the government.

In April, Casino.org reported on gaming operators targeting India being put on notice for violations of the country’s tax laws. An effort the government says will also target money laundering.

Hiring Pauses Increase as Tax Nears

The online gaming industry has seen rampant growth in recent years. According to Tracxn, there are more than 1,000 gaming startups in India attracting domestic and foreign investors.

Since the announcement of the new tax, staffing firms and job portals are reporting drops in job postings from 25% to 60%, both by large and startup companies. Perhaps a sign that companies are considering new strategies.

Despite the storm of comments, the government says the tax is justified, and companies have so far paid very little tax on the fees they charge for providing real money games.

The post India Government Clears Way for New iGaming Tax appeared first on Casino.org.

Iowa State starting QB Hunter Dekkers has agreed to a plea deal for a reduced charge of underage gambling. Attorney Mark Weinhardt says Dekkers received a $645 fine. Iowa State offensive lineman Jake Remsburg and former Cyclone Dodge Sauser accepted the same deal, according to Weinhardt.

All three were charged with tampering with records in a wide-ranging Iowa sports betting probe. Charges in the case carried up to a two-year prison sentence if convicted.

“The original records tampering charge against these young men never fit the case, either legally or factually. Hunter, Jake, and Dodge are not and never were guilty of that charge. The charge has nothing to do with gambling. Other than the fact that Hunter, Jake, and Dodge placed some bets before they turned 21, nothing about those bets was a crime under Iowa law,” Weinhardt said.

As reported by Casino.org, the criminal complaint stated Dekkers bet on 26 Iowa State sporting events in more than 366 wagers on DraftKings, totaling $2,799.

Former Iowa kicker Aaron Bloom and former baseball player Gehrig Christensen also entered underage gambling guilty pleas.

Betting Probe Casts Wide Net

Sixteen current and former Iowa and Iowa State student-athletes have been charged as part of an ongoing probe. Casino.org covered the NCAA announcement of multiple student athletes’ involvement.

The NCAA gambling rules say student-athletes wagering on their own team could face permanent ineligibility.

ESPN reports Dekkers, who was the 2022 starting QB and expected to be in the same position this year, is not taking part in team activities and is facing a possible permanent loss of collegiate eligibility.

Remsburg is expected to receive a six-game suspension.

While the legal proceedings have concluded, the story will continue to be in focus as football season gets into full swing.

Other Iowa Sports Betting News

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission reports a drop in sports bets in the fiscal year that ended in June.

The IRGC says sports bets dropped 8% overall, marking the first fiscal year drop since Iowa launched legalized sports gaming in 2019.

Even though statewide sports bets dropped from $2.46 billion to $2.25 billion, Iowa still collected more in taxes. In fact, Iowa collected nearly 35% more because sports wagering operators made more money.

The American Gaming Association says overall gaming revenue in the state reached more than $16 billion in the second quarter of this year. That’s the 10^th consecutive quarter of annual growth, according to the AGA.

The post Iowa Sports Betting Case Sees Guilty Pleas Before Rivalry Football Matchup appeared first on Casino.org.

One way of looking at the numbers, as reported by the Virginia Lottery, is that sports betting surged more than 10% compared to July of 2022. Total wagers for the month were $293.6 million compared to the $266 million in July 2022. On the other hand, the data reveals an 8.8% monthly decline from the $325 million gambled in June of this year.

Either way, the state, like many others, is betting the NFL season kickoff on Thursday, September 7, will end any summer slump and lead to profitable months to end the year.

An American Gaming Association survey shows more than 73 million Americans plan to bet on the NFL this season. That’s a nearly 60% increase from last year. The AGA survey also shows that 14% of those placing bets will do so online as sports betting becomes legal in more states.

Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020.

Sports Betting Tax Revenue Looking Up

The legalization of sports betting in Virginia was largely intended to be a source of tax revenue. After closing a loophole in 2022, as reported by Casino.org, lawmakers believe they are closer to annual projections of roughly $55 million.

So far this year, sports betting in Virginia has generated more than 38.5 million in tax revenue.

Most of the tax revenue goes to the state general fund, with the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund Allocation getting 2.5%.

Gaming Handle Breakdown

The breakdown of July’s $293.6 million handle shows mobile operators accounted for $290.9 million and casino retail totaling $2.6 million. In the Adjusted Gross Revenue column, mobile operators generated $27.6 million and casino retail contributed $579,077.

Retail sportsbooks kept 23% of their wagers, and online books held 11%. A contributing factor to the state’s increase in the monthly tax bill is a slight 1% increase in hold for the month.

To reach the state’s projected $55 million annual tax revenue, a monthly average of $4.58 million is required.

The post Virginia Sportsbooks Ready for NFL Regular Season Kickoff appeared first on Casino.org.

The Ohio Casino Control and Ohio Lottery Commissions released data from July, which is typically a slower summer month for wagering, and it was as well for Ohio. In fact, coming in at just under $332 million, July was the slowest month for sports wagering this year.

While the sports betting handle for the month was down 8.6% from June sports betting, taxes do not reflect that dip. That’s because, as reported by Casino.org, Ohio doubled its sports betting tax at the beginning of July from 10% to 20%.

Under the new tax law, the state generated $61.4 million in revenue.

In July, Ohio’s 18 betting apps brought in $320 million in bets. The state’s 14 physical betting lounges took in $11.5 million, and the lottery kiosks took in $847,000 in wagers.

For the first time since sports betting launched in Ohio in January, DraftKings took the top spot with $116.1 million. FanDuel handled $106.6 million as the second-most popular app in the state.

Gambling Establishments Ahead of the Game

So far, in 2023, casinos and racinos in Ohio have taken in $1.41 billion in gambling revenue. That’s up from $1.38 billion last year over the same period. The figures do not include revenues from the first seven months of legalized sports gambling.

The state’s four casinos offering slot machines and table games brought in $86 million in gambling revenue. That is slightly down from the $88.7 million last year. The state’s seven racinos took in $117.5 million.

Responsible Gaming Education Month

As a part of the effort to legalize sports betting in Ohio, plans were put in place to funnel 2% of sports betting revenue into a Problem Sports Gaming Fund. So, since September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, it is interesting to note that the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) is gaining some national recognition for advocacy and rulemaking efforts.

The PGNO has been selected as a finalist in the 2023 American Gambling Awards for the Responsible Gaming category.

We are committed to the gambling support service system, and it is truly rewarding to be recognized for our contributions in this space,” said Derek Longmeier, executive director of PGNO.

According to the announcement by the PGNO, it has made significant contributions to protect players and expand the support service workforce.

Winners in the 11 award categories will be announced later in September.

The post Ohio Sports Betting Tops $4B in Wagers, DraftKings Leads July Tally appeared first on Casino.org.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) says the province is banning gambling commercials featuring sports stars and celebrities. The new restrictions will go into effect beginning on Feb. 28, 2024.

The AGCO’s decision comes after it determined that restricting the use of athletes and celebrity endorsements “would help safeguard children and youth who can be particularly susceptible to such advertising content.”

Following the first year of Ontario’s open, regulated iGaming market, the AGCO identified advertising and marketing approaches that use athletes, as well as celebrities with an appeal to minors, as a potential harm to those under the legal gaming age and is taking this step to reduce the risk,” said the AGCO in a statement.

The move follows a push for new rules after authorities were asked to deal with what was described as a torrent of ads.

In April 2022, Ontario became the first Canadian province to launch an open, regulated iGaming market when it expanded to include single-event bets.

In April 2023, Casino.org covered the efforts by regulators to ban the use of athletes in online betting ads.

What the New Rules Cover

As of Feb. 28, 2024, no athletes, either active or retired, can be used in ads or marketing for internet gaming in Ontario. An exception will be made for those athletes who are advocating for responsible gambling practices.

The ban further includes the use of role models, social media influencers, entertainers, cartoon figures, and symbols likely to appeal to minors.

The new changes won’t affect the volume, location, or style of ads, and that may not please everyone. There have been numerous complaints and criticisms surrounding the rise of online gambling ads, particularly during live sporting events. Some sports fans even noted the total run times of commercials in comparison to the total game clock, and voiced concern.

iGaming is Hot in Ontario

There’s a reason why so many ads flooded the online gaming market in Ontario.

Total wagers for the first three months of the year came to $2 billion, according to iGaming Ontario.

While AGCO is the regulatory agency in Ontario, iGO is a subsidiary and manages internet gaming in the province.

The post Gambling Ads Featuring Athletes and Celebrities Banned in Ontario appeared first on Casino.org.

First, the time. Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, marks the one-year anniversary of legalized sports betting in the Sunflower State.

“Now, for us as a full resort destination, we get a whole new group of folks coming in to watch games, and it’s allowed us to introduce them to what we have here at the Kansas Star,” Doug Lang, the property’s vice president and general manager told the local NBC affiliate.

In the 12 months since the first sports bets were placed, the Kansas City Lottery reports about $6 million in revenue, which brings us to the second measure of sports betting — impact.

Show Me the Money

To be specific, the tax dollars generated by the first fiscal year of sports betting in Kansas came to $5.8 million, according to figures released by the Kansas Lottery.

Fiscal year totals for Kansas sports betting came to $1.67 billion in handle between July 2022 and June 2023. Kansas sportsbooks generated $149.1 million in revenue.

Analysts say summer months are typically slower with fewer sports betting options, but add that the beginning of football season generally creates dollars and excitement.

The amount of taxes paid under Kansas tax gambling laws depends on annual income and tax brackets. On big wins, the Kansas Lottery withholds a flat rate of 5% to cover state tax.

Sports Wagering Influence

As previously mentioned, the third measure of the impact of legal sports betting is the influence. Specifically, the influence on neighboring states, which Casino.org has covered extensively.

Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri are separate incorporated cities that, together, make up the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

While the Missouri State House has passed legislation in the past two years bills to legalize sports betting, the bills have stalled in the Senate.

Now, some lawmakers and sports organizations are pushing for a 2024 ballot initiative placing the matter before voters if the legislature fails to act this session.

Missouri is also bordered by other states that have acted to legalize sports wagering, including Kentucky, where sportsbooks open at the end of September, as reported by Casino.org.

The ripple effect is even more noticeable when looking at the interactive sports betting map maintained by the American Gaming Association.

The post Kansas Marks One Year of Legal Sports Betting appeared first on Casino.org.

A Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of the city’s petition to hold another casino referendum on November 7. The judge’s ruling is in response to a local nonprofit group’s motion to stop the referendum. As Casino.org reported earlier this month, Richmond Lodge No.1 of the Good Lions, Inc., argued the new casino would damage the nonprofit’s income. The group hosts charitable gambling twice a week.

The judge essentially ruled the government action isn’t fairly traceable to the alleged harm.

State Sen. Chap Peterson (D-Richmond) represented Good Lions in court and called the judge’s decision “unfortunate.”

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney issued a statement saying the casino would “change the economic trajectory of the Southside for years to come.”

So now, the decision for a new casino is once again in the hands of voters. A ballot initiative was narrowly defeated in 2021. Since then, city leaders have been pushing for a new ballot initiative.

What’s at Stake

If voters approve the referendum in November, Churchill Downs Inc., in partnership with Urban One has agreed with the city of Richmond to build a $562 million entertainment and gaming venue.

The venue would create thousands of jobs, according to officials from Churchill and Urban One. And, as reported by Casino.org, city officials believe the project would generate some $30 million in annual tax revenue.

Richmond is the last of five economically challenged Virginia cities to vote on a casino referendum. The Virginia General Assembly allowed Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond to have one commercial casino per locality if voters approved.

The location of the new complex, if approved, would be adjacent to a Phillip Morris manufacturing campus along I-95.

How We Got Here

In June, all but one member of the Richmond City Council agreed to add the casino to the ballot. But this time around, the partnership was updated.

The original proposal in 2021 was a joint venture between Urban One and Peninsula Pacific Entertainment. Churchill Downs, as reported by Casino.org, acquired PPE last year.

The 2021 referendum failed by a 51-49% margin.

The post Richmond Casino Project to Remain on November Ballot appeared first on Casino.org.

The state’s handle stayed above $100 million in July. That is a slight decrease from earlier this year, but because of a roughly 10% hold in July, operators actually increased their revenue, as did the Hawkeye State’s coffers.

That’s more than 40% higher than June’s $7.1 million. The state collected $713,722 from July’s receipts, which is a 25% increase.

On the other hand, player spending for July was down from the previous month. Total handle for the month was $109.7 million, compared to $115.6 million in June, amounting to a 5.4% decrease.

Online spending in July totaled $101.3 million, with retail wagering at $8.4 million. While the July handle is the fourth consecutive month of spending decline, summer can be slower, and fall is typically busier. Fall tends to pick up the dollars for casinos, too.

Iowa Casinos Aim For $2B, Currently Falling Short

According to the latest release from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), Iowa’s 19 brick-and-mortar casinos are roughly in line with previous July performances.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) reports that adjusted gross revenue for the month was roughly $150 million. That’s down just over 4% from 2022, but so far this year, revenues are fairly consistent.

The IRGC report measures slots and table games for the 19 casinos. The second half of this year will need to see an increase if the state is to reach the $2 billion milestone. There is some momentum to build on, though; 2022 was a record year, with Iowa casinos reporting $1.76 billion for traditional casino games and slots with an additional $139 million in sports wagering.

While admissions to the state’s casinos were also a record in 2022, so far in 2023, they are down approximately 2%.

The biggest difference in July was the amount of fees casinos paid to the state and municipal governments. That amount dropped by nearly $2 million compared to last year.

Iowans’ Poker Face

Following up on reporting from Casino.org on Iowa football players betting on their own games. Iowa State confirmed defensive lineman Isaiah Lee has left the program.

Lee was accused of wagering on his team’s games, including one where he bet against the Cyclones. Lee started all 12 games last season and was among the athletes charged last week in connection with the state’s investigation into illegal sports wagering at Iowa State and Iowa.

Meanwhile, a new survey says Iowans have the best poker face.

The survey considered four factors: frequency, proficiency, comfort level while lying, and, of course, the success rate in getting away with a lie.

Massachusetts residents came in second with a 70 score out of 100. The survey says Ohio has the worst liars, scoring 9.4 out of 100.

The post Iowa Sports Betting Revenue Looking Up for Fall Football appeared first on Casino.org.

The survey highlighted several positive trends for tribal gaming revenue. Last year, tribal casinos saw an average of 17% revenue growth. That follows double-digit increases of 35% revenue growth in 2021. While 17% is slower, it is more “stable,” according to Wipfli, and marks the industry’s third consecutive year of double-digit growth.

That’s even though 2020 included government relief to help cover payroll and expenses.

Inflation and labor shortages also continue to drive up costs for operators, as noted by the survey.? There is also more stringent competition on the horizon and more competition for discretionary dollars for tribal casinos compared to the pandemic era.

The study examined the financial performance of Tribal gaming facilities. The 2023 report includes data from 132 Tribal Casinos in 17 states. This is the 25th annual report from Wipfli.

New Metrics on Sports Betting

The 25^th annual Cost of Doing Business Report for the first time includes some metrics on sports betting. While it is not a major income stream, sports betting did help tribal casinos attract new clients, according to Wipfli.

Sports betting is now legal in 37 states. Tribes are the sole sports betting offers in California, Connecticut, and Florida. However, this does not guarantee future revenue as battles over sports betting continue to play out.

As reported by Casino.org, a Florida cardroom operator has asked a federal appeals court to reverse its decision to uphold an agreement that gives the Seminole tribe exclusive rights to sports betting in the Sunshine State.

Notable Revenue and Expenses

Indigenous casinos widened their operating expense margins by almost 2% despite higher interest rates, inflation, and higher spending on staff and marketing.

The primary source of gaming revenue continued to be slot machines. The average net profit margin for Indian gaming casinos was about 30%, about 6% lower than the previous year.

The post Tribal Gaming Casinos Faces New Challenges with Inflation, Labor Costs — Report appeared first on Casino.org.

“Karin has held numerous senior roles in the Government of Ontario, including as Chief of Staff to ministers in multiple portfolios, during which time she guided the development of public policy, legislation, and regulations related to key government priorities,” the release stated. “Recently, Karin served as Chair of the Ontario Government’s Task Force on Women and the Economy.”

In a LinkedIn post, Dr. Schnarr said she was “honored” and “excited” to join AGCO as the new CEO and Registrar.

Dr. Schnarr will replace AGCO CEO Tom Mungham.

“My sincere thanks to the board for this opportunity – I am aware of the large shoes I will be filling of retiring AGCO CEO Tom Mungham,” posted Schnarr. “[I’m] excited to be joining a strong and vibrant organization that works every day to ensure consumer protection, efficient business practices, and a people-first focus.”

Outgoing AGCO CEO Tom Mungham’s retirement was announced in March.

Why This Matters

The announcement of Dr. Schnarr comes as Ontario’s iGaming sector continues to grow. The AGCO regulates sports betting sites in Ontario, which is Canada’s most populous province, and according to AGCO, the only competitive market for online sports betting.

As previously pointed out by Casino.org, more than 60 online casinos and betting sites are operating with legal licenses in Ontario. IGaming Ontario reported more than $35 billion in total wagers since the sector launched in April 2022.

The AGCO has proposed a ban on athletes and celebrities in iGaming ads. A decision on that proposal has not been made public.

It’s possible the appointment of Dr. Schnarr could lead to a final decision on the advertising proposal.

AGCO Turnover

In addition to a new CEO, there have been a series of personnel changes at AGCO and IGaming Ontario, which is the entity legally responsible for overseeing the province’s sports betting and internet casino gambling market. Essentially, IGO is a subsidiary of the AGCO.

“iGaming Ontario welcomes Ms. Reinhart and extends a sincere thank you to Mr. Forestell for his leadership of this agency from its inception,” iGO said in its release.

The post Ontario Sports Betting and iGaming Regulator Has New Chief appeared first on Casino.org.

Commercial and tribal operators reported $176.1 million combined gross revenue, according to the MGCB. That tops June’s total of $169.3 million, overcoming a month that can typically show a summer slump.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s sports betting receipts for July came to $22.5 million compared to $18.3 million in June.

The MGCB also breaks down July numbers in combined adjusted gross receipts (AGR) for internet gaming and sports betting, which comes in at $154.6 million. IGaming contributed $138.2 million of that total, with sports betting at $16.4 million.

The AGR numbers released by the MGCB show an 18% bump in online gaming and a 16.8% increase in mobile sports betting compared to July 2022.

Michigan Sports Betting Competition

Total sports betting in Michigan, including online and in-person betting, came in at $208.8 million. There’s been no summer slump for Michigan sports betting apps either, as 96% of bets were placed online. Great Lakes State sports betting apps accepted $200.8 million.

BetMGM was Michigan’s third most popular sports betting app in July, with $32.9 million in handle.

The state collected a total of $1.5 million in sports betting taxes in July.

Land-Based Gaming Increased Too

The MGCB released a separate report for physical casinos earlier this month. Detroit’s casinos reported a monthly revenue of $107.2 million, with most of that attributed to table games and slots at $106.7 million. Retail sports betting added an additional $477,543 to the total.

Among the three Detroit casinos, MGM Grand Detroit topped the group with 47%, followed by MotorCity Casino at 29% and Hollywood Casino at Greektown at 24%.

In its August 15 meeting, the MGCB unanimously approved the three authorized Detroit casinos a one-year license renewal.

“Renewing a casino license reflects an ongoing commitment to operate a reputable and responsible establishment,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. “It signifies a dedication to maintaining high standards of quality, security, and fair play within the industry. The renewal of these licenses is validation of the casinos’ commitment to operating as responsible and valued corporate citizens within Michigan that contribute positively to the state’s gambling industry while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons.”

Licensees are taxed at an 18% rate.

The post Michigan iGaming and Sports Betting Surges this Summer appeared first on Casino.org.

The Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission approved the casino’s request to offer players craps, roulette, and other table games, making it the first property in the state to do so. The NRGC took up the matter during its August 18 meeting as commissioners put into place the gambling issues approved by voters in 2020.

“This is historic,” said Commission Chairman Dennis Lee.

Grand Island is now the second property allowing Nebraskans to legally bet on sports. Sports betting officially kicks off on August 23. WarHorse Casino in Lincoln was the first on board with sports betting in June.

For Grand Island, the past several weeks have been centered around training and hiring dealers for the tables. Preparations for this week’s sports wagering launch have also been intense.

“We hope to open the Elite Sportsbook with two kiosks and two sports windows to bet in person,” said Sharon Haselhoff, regional vice president of Elite Casino Resorts.

Nebraska law requires all sports bets to be placed in person at a betting kiosk at a licensed racetrack.

As reported by Casino.org, the Nebraska Gaming Commission has been ramping up staff in preparation for the gaming expansion.

Nebraska Communities Seek More Horse Racing

The gambling commission this week also launched a market study to determine whether more racetrack licenses can be awarded, and several communities have already submitted applications.

Communities eager to approve those applications must wait about 12 weeks for the study to be completed.

The study, which Innovation Group is conducting, will focus on the current racing market, in particular the racetracks in Adams, Dakota, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, and Platte Counties.

Nebraska law requires that the study be completed no later than Jan. 1, 2025.

Other Nebraska Notables

The NRGC says casino-generated tax revenue in Nebraska increased in July. Nebraska’s three casinos, currently open in Grand Island, Lincoln, and Columbus, brought in more than $1.54M in tax revenue in July, which was roughly $200K more than the previous month.

So far this year, Nebraska casinos have generated more than $9.7 million in tax revenue.

Bill Harvey of Big Red Keno said the decrease can be summed up in one word: “casinos.”

Sports wagering is also moving regulators to look at sports betting programs to protect athletes. Preventative measures are being examined to try and avoid gambling scandals that are making headlines.

Jim Brown, the head of Integrity Services & Athlete Wellbeing, North America, at Sportradar, said Colorado is the only state to implement an athlete well-being program for gambling.

“Kudos to Nebraska. You know, to the Racing and Gaming Commission, if they are considering moving forward with a Nebraska athlete well-being program, that they’re being proactive,” Brown said recently.?

Online sports wagering isn’t currently legal in Nebraska. Wagers must be placed at a licensed facility, and no bets can be placed on Nebraska teams while playing inside the state.

The post Nebraska Welcomes New Era in Gambling, Launches Table Games appeared first on Casino.org.

“BetMGM is a proven brand in the sports betting and iGaming space, and we look forward to welcoming international players into our platforms designed specifically for them,” said MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle. “Today’s announcement represents a key step forward in our international growth strategy, which has been advancing rapidly since our acquisition of LeoVegas.”

MGM Resorts, a land-based gaming giant, acquired the Swedish gaming company LeoVegas and its technology and platform last year for $604 million.

The new UK offering includes new product features, according to Hornbuckle, including frequent and large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive sports promotions, and slots. The product is currently available for desktop and mobile web, with mobile apps planned for mid-September.

Partnerships and Geography

BetMGM and its new UK foray features its partnership with LeoVegas, which is currently growing and employs more than 1,000 people in Europe. It offers online casino, live casino, and sports betting via 10 brands in nine jurisdictions.

As reported by Casino.org, there’s been talk of a BetMGM takeover of Entain, particularly after reporting positive Q2 earnings and results for the first half of the year.

Projections from the company are also positive for the back half of 2023.

As for the UK launch, the company says the new sports and casino experience leverages the BetMGM brand and best-in-class traditional entertainment from the MGM Resorts Las Vegas category to deliver an engaging and secure online experience.

Attraction to the UK Market

The United Kingdom online gambling market was valued at $7.8 billion US in 2022.

We’ve had great success in the US and Canada with our BetMGM brand, and we’re confident we can duplicate that success in other markets, starting with the UK,” said Gary Fritz, president of MGM Resorts International Interactive. “The UK is a mature online gaming market and we believe the BetMGM brand will provide distinct relevance to both sports bettors and iGaming consumers,” concluded Fritz.

Projections of the UK online gambling market growth remain strong, with an $11 billion value by 2028. That’s a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.4% between 2023-2028.

The post BetMGM Now Live in the UK appeared first on Casino.org.