Fanatics Sportsbook has launched a new retail location at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, which opened on September 5. This brick-and-mortar sportsbook is situated in a 100-foot elevated bar/lounge area called The Gallery. The space accommodates 60 guests, features 140 feet of LED TV walls, and includes teller windows and betting kiosks throughout the casino. According to Fanatics, the sportsbook aims to provide a "VIP sportsbook experience" within The Gallery, a 12,000-square-foot gaming and bar venue at the center of the casino.
The company operates in 22 states, offering online gambling in four, and is one of just two companies to have a sportsbook inside an NFL stadium—alongside BetMGM, which operates at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. Fanatics' first physical location, named Commanders Field, opened in Maryland in January 2023.
In another development, reports on September 2 revealed that BetSafe will cease operations of its Colorado betting platform. This announcement marks the second exit from Colorado's market in one week, following BlueBet's decision to shut down its U.S. operations to refocus on its Australian business. BetSafe, owned by Betsson, will stop operations on September 30, with the last day to place bets on September 16. New deposits and account creations will end by September 6, with players generally allowed to withdraw funds until September 27.
On September 5, a group of industry stakeholders announced the formation of the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA). This new organization aims to promote responsible gaming practices related to social sweepstakes and develop player safeguards and a regulatory framework.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is scheduling a meeting with operators on September 11 regarding bet limits. This follows a previous attempt where all live operators boycotted out of privacy concerns. Interim chair Jordan Maynard expressed the need for attendance this time around, as the MGC will address this issue, potentially making it the first regulatory body in the U.S. to do so.
BetMGM unveiled a new advertisement campaign on September 3, featuring Academy Award and GRAMMY winner Jamie Foxx. The commercials highlight BetMGM's origins in Las Vegas and cover aspects like hospitality and customer service, set to air during prime time and on various video platforms throughout the season.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) reported on September 4 that it forecasts bettors will wager at least $35 billion during the 2024-25 NFL season. This is the first time the AGA has made season projections, noting that 67% of U.S. adults reside in states with legal betting. In prior announcements, the AGA had only released projections for the Super Bowl, estimating $23.1 billion in bets for Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year.
On September 3, FanDuel announced a collaboration with former NBA player Randy Livingston and his wife, sports agent Anita Smith, for Responsible Gaming Education Month. They will launch a video series titled "Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting," which will cover Livingston's journey through NBA stardom alongside his struggles with gambling addiction and will also provide a resource hub for those seeking support related to gambling issues.
Xavier Babudar, known as 'ChiefsAholic', a Kansas City Chiefs superfan, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of bank robbery and money laundering. Authorities stated that Babudar laundered money through casinos across the U.S. while heavily betting on sports.
DraftKings received a fine of $19,000 from Connecticut regulators for a malfunctioning online slot game with a zero odds setting. The company has also been instructed to return $23,909 to players affected by the issue, which occurred with their game 'Deal or No Deal Banker’s Bonanza'. The game launched with problems identified within 48 hours, but the issues were not reported to the Department of Consumer Protection until August 31, after the game was already fixed.
In sports news, Shawn Lemon, a defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after an independent panel upheld a CFL ban due to violations of league gambling rules. Lemon, a three-time Grey Cup winner, was suspended following evidence that he bet on his own team, although match-fixing was not established.
In other developments, Chris Hebert, the new chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, sent a cease-and-desist letter to offshore operator Bovada in August, as reported by Statehouse News. The agency has yet to comment further until Bovada responds. Additionally, the Maine Gambling Control Unit is facing scrutiny as all casino inspectors signed a letter of "no confidence" regarding unit chief Milton Champion, citing a poor work environment.
Greg Small, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, is stepping down, amid a transition period as Governor Eric Holcomb reaches the end of his term and cannot seek reelection. Meanwhile, in Iowa, 26 athletes have filed a federal lawsuit against state agencies due to alleged warrantless searches in a sports betting investigation. The state’s public safety department is seeking dismissal of the lawsuit, but the athletes wish to amend their filing.
The Colorado Department of Revenue reported that 288 individuals signed up for the state’s new self-exclusion list, just ahead of the program's one-year anniversary. Chris Schroder, the division of gaming director, emphasized the importance of providing resources for individuals managing their gaming habits.
Additionally, on September 3, Caesars Sportsbook announced a partnership with the Detroit Lions, becoming the team’s official sports betting and igaming partner. Caesars plans to introduce live-dealer blackjack with custom Lions tables in Michigan, with branding prominently featured at Ford Field during games.
Lastly, a study by the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences indicated that legal sports betting had minimal impact on the state’s illegal market in 2022 and 2023, although it did observe a rise in legal bettors.
