On May 22, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced a $125,000 fine against Wind Creek Bethlehem. This penalty was imposed for allowing minors onto the gaming floor on ten occasions over a span of 20 months, involving 11 individuals. The following day, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined Fanatics Sportsbook $10,000 for permitting a bet on a Boston College team. On December 5, 2023, a consumer placed a $50 futures bet on the Golden Eagles' bowl game against SMU. Fanatics discovered the bet the next day and canceled it, as regulations typically prohibit betting on in-state college teams.
In Michigan, SI Sportsbook will exit the state by the end of 2024, as reported by PlayMichigan. Owned by Evoke, SI Sportsbook had underperformed significantly in the first quarter of 2024, ranking as the lowest-grossing igaming operator and generating little revenue. It was launched in September 2022, in partnership with Island Resort & Casino. Reports suggest that Hard Rock Bet is likely to take its place, as Evoke acquired US assets from 888 Holdings earlier this year, pending approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. SI Sportsbook marks one of two operators leaving Michigan in 2024; WynnBet is also exiting several states after its license was purchased by Caesars Sportsbook. In Michigan, digital platforms must partner with one of Detroit's three commercial casinos or a tribal casino; SI Sportsbook is affiliated with the Hannahville Indian Community in the Upper Peninsula.
In Rhode Island, two legislative bills under consideration would enable Bally's to extend $100,000 in credit at its casinos. State senator Dominick Ruggerio, who authored the legal sports betting bill, is backing the proposal. Bally's contends that increased credit would enhance its competitiveness, especially as Massachusetts has no cap on such credits, while Connecticut's tribal casinos can set their own limits.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board made a decision against allowing bettors to cash out early by selling their wagering tickets. The proposal from PropSwap, which operates in other states but not in Nevada, was rejected as the NGCB deemed it illegal since the state does not issue licenses for such businesses.
In Illinois, a bill targeting Dave & Buster's gaming operations was merged into a horse racing bill. The amendment to HB 394 passed both the rules and gaming committees and is now awaiting a house vote. This legislation would block amusement centers from facilitating customer-to-customer betting through their loyalty apps. Illinois is the first state to take action on this issue, although many other states have expressed concerns. The legislative session will extend into the weekend due to unfinished budget legislation that includes a proposed wagering-tax increase.
Circa Sportsbook announced a substantial payout of $16 million for its Circa Million VI and Survivor NFL contests. The Survivor contest guarantees a $10 million prize, while Million VI is set at $6 million. In-person registration began on May 24 at Circa's Nevada locations and will remain open until September 7 at 2 PM local time. Both contests have no rake and will feature mini events throughout the season. The Survivor contest requires participants to choose one winner each week, while Million VI involves selecting five picks against the spread, with each contest's entry fee set at $1,000 and multiple entries allowed.
In other news, an article by James Trumm of the Toledo Blade examined whether sports betting companies are specifically targeting Black consumers, revealing differing viewpoints. On May 21, Beth Bresnahan was named the chief communications and brand officer at SciGames, a role she stepped into after previously serving as the company's vice president of strategic communications. Additionally, on May 23, BetMGM announced its new status as the official odds provider for the Associated Press, meaning BetMGM odds will now be included in AP’s daily sports coverage. The Maryland Lottery also granted initial license approval for Betr on May 23, though details about Betr's launch in Maryland remain undisclosed, following its exit from the Massachusetts market earlier this year.
