MGCB Busts Illegal Gambling Site
The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Thursday, 20 June that agents and state police officers raided a gambling illegal site on the 5th of June. Agents confiscated 6 slot machines and $2,820 worth of gift cards, as well as $5,161 cash, from Red Horse Bar, Saginaw. The MGCB sent a cease and desist letter after receiving a tip to the bar owners Christopher Adams and Nicholas Adams. The bar owners did not comply and the MGCB conducted a raid.
Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director said in a press release that the Michigan Gaming Control Board is committed to complying with state gambling laws. We will work tirelessly to eliminate illegal gambling that threatens the integrity of industry and public welfare.
In recent months, the MGCB’s focus has been on closing down illegal markets. In May, it sent a letter of cease and desist to the black-market sportsbook Bovada.
Same look for new owner
Caesars Entertainment, on Tuesday (18th June), announced that it has completed the acquisition of WynnBet’s Michigan-based online gambling platform. Caesars has a partnership with the Sault Ste Marie Chippewa tribe. According to CDC Gaming Reports consumers will not see immediate changes.
WynnBet will remain the brand and name of this platform. Caesars plans to change its brand in 2024’s second half, once Michigan regulators have given their approval. The existing customer base will then be “ported” over to Caesars.
Massachusetts operators will be at the table
Last month, betting operators failed to show up for an event with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission regarding wagering limits. Jordan Maynard, interim chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (Massachusetts), said that the six operators who were present at the event had accepted the invitation. The issue at hand is whether the operators want to discuss the topic in executive session.
Maynard expressed a positive view of revisiting this issue. However, his colleagues voiced doubts about Maynard’s change of heart. Nakisha skinner, commissioner, said, “It cannot be a Roundtable just for the sake of having a Roundtable, where people are coming and saying that they can’t speak because they have sensitive information.”
The date of the meeting has not been announced.
Smoking in Caesars is OK for shareholders
Caesars Entertainment’s shareholders followed in the footsteps of Bally’s and Boyd Gaming, who voted to keep smoking allowed at casinos. At the shareholder meeting on 11th June, 81.1% voted against a ban. Nearly 200 millions shareholders voted.
A Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing revealed the vote.
State of NJ forms RG Task Force
Phil Murphy, the governor of New Jersey, created a task force for responsible gaming by signing paperwork late last week. The task force will make recommendations on responsible-gaming programmes, and how to help those who have gambling problems. Murphy’s office is required to submit a final report by 31 March 2020.
According to a NJ press release, statistics on problem gambling are increasing in the state. According to a report from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies, six percent of NJ residents may be at risk for developing a gambling problem. Nationally, the average ranges between 1 and 2 per cent.
Read this article.
Annette Choi, CNN’s Annette Choi, explored the increase in professional athlete sports betting offenses through charts. This compilation brings together a variety of statistics and scandals related to sports betting. Here’s a link to look at.
Other news…
David Grolman, who spent more than 10 year at Caesars as the SVP Retail for Fanatics Betting & Gaming announced his new position via LinkedIn. Grolman served as the SVP of retail operations at Caesars and was also its chief retail sportsbook executive.
On 18 June, the WNBA questioned the head of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority . LVCVA had previously signed sponsorship agreements with WNBA Las Vegas Aces athletes. The Las Vegas Sun reports that the WNBA has launched an investigation to determine if the salary cap was violated. Steve Hill, the LVCVA’s chief executive officer, said that $100,000 per year sponsorship deals were “legitimate agreements”.
Boston Celtics , the 2024 NBA Finals winner , are early favorites to win in 2025. USA Today published a report on 17 June that BetMGM was giving the Celtics +310 odds to repeat as NBA champions and +950 to the Dallas Mavericks, the runner-up. Brooklyn, Charlotte Detroit Portland Washington and Portland are the five teams with +50,000 odds.
Daily Fantasy provider PrizePicks partnered up with State Farm Arena. According to a press release from the company dated 20th June, PrizePicks would receive “highly-visible in-arena advertising in State Farm Arena during every concert, comedy show, hip hop event, and other sporting event”.
This week BetMGM announced, a partnership digital with Brian Christopher. Christopher is a social media star who plays slot machines. BetMGM is livestreaming Christopher on its various platforms, according to The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
WarHorse Casino Omaha announced its plans for a permanent casino opening on the 6th of August. This property has 800 slots, 20 tables games, sportsbook, and new parimutuel facilities.
North Carolina’s Catawba 2 Kings Casino now offers live table games. This is according to WSCOTV. About 135 employees have been hired to man 12 gaming tables, which include blackjack, craps and mini-baccarat. Roulette, too, is also available.
Connecticut Lottery launched its online lottery in a soft launch late last week. Online purchase of draw games is currently available. Scratch-offs, instant-win and other tickets will follow. Connecticut’s Lottery announced last week it had hired DC Lottery Chief Frank Suarez who will start in the summer.
ICYMI for iGB
Bally’s is a busy place. It’s all a bit much.
US Supreme Court refuses to hear Florida Sports Betting Case
True: ESPN Bet is undervalued by the market?
If the market opens, FanDuel will terminate its DC Lottery agreement.
Ohio to introduce new rules on advertising and integrity monitoring
Companies must be aware of cyber threats and act accordingly.
