Welcome to iGB’s State of the Union, a look at the biggest North American sports betting stories we’ve covered over the week and briefs on others we found interesting.
Leading problem gambling advocate bids adieu
The gambling world was surprised to see the 15 January announcement that Keith Whyte is stepping down as executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Whyte, a titan of the RG/PG sector, had held the position since 1998. The NCPG press release said the resignation was effective as of 13 January.
Nancy Green has been appointed interim executive director and the council said it would appoint a permanent successor later this year. In a LinkedIn post, Whyte said it’s “time for a new challenge” after nearly 30 years with the NCPG. Over that time, he was a key advocate for problem and responsible gambling, often as the lone voice in the room.
“There are far too many to thank here, but I hope you know how deeply I appreciate all the innovative leaders, passionate advocates, dedicated staff, engaged members, generous supporters and friends who have inspired, challenged and helped me on my journey over the years,” Whyte wrote.
“I will continue to work on responsible gambling and gambling addiction issues and look forward to a time when comprehensive prevention, education, treatment, enforcement, responsible gambling, research and recovery services are available, accessible and affordable for all.”
What have you done for me lately?
The last weeks of Joe Biden’s presidency have been anything but status quo for Indian Country. In a short span of time, the outgoing administration has made several controversial approvals of tribal casinos.
One such casino is near Windsor, California, proposed by the Koi Nation and approved by the Department of Interior (DoI) on 13 January. Early plans call for a casino with 2,750 slots, 105 tables, a 400-room hotel and more. The tribe first requested that the land be put into trust in 2021. If all goes to plan, construction is tentatively slated to start in 2026 and last for 18-24 months.
The Koi’s biggest detractor is the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, among California’s most powerful tribes. According to the Press Democrat, Graton chair Greg Sarris said the decision was a “clear failure” by the government that sets “a dangerous precedent” of off-reservation approvals.
Another controversial decision came in Medford, Oregon, where the Coquille Indian tribe got DoI approval on 10 January for an off-reservation casino project that is a decade-plus in the making. According to KTVL, three dissenting tribes filed suit in federal court the same day asking for a temporary restraining order. Additionally, Senator Ron Wyden told the outlet that he would “fight this senseless decision with all the options available”.
Despite the controversy, the Coquilles wasted no time installing Class II slots at the site of the proposed casino. According to a 15 January report from the Rogue Valley Times, there are a couple of dozen machines available to patrons at a building that was formerly a bowling alley.
FanDuel taps Manning brothers for Super Bowl ad
FanDuel announced on 10 January that NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning will headline the bookmaker’s Super Bowl campaign. The brothers, who’ve won two Super Bowls each, will go head-to-head in ‘Kick of Destiny 3’. This will include a live kicking competition on Fox where each will attempt a 25-yard field goal. FanDuel is allowing users to make free picks on the contest for the chance to win bonuses.
“With the Kick of Destiny, we set out to make FanDuel a part of Super Bowl Sunday,” FanDuel executive vice president of marketing Andrew Sneyd said in a statement. “For year three, we’re raising the stakes by introducing a rivalry and a head-to-head Kick of Destiny competition. Peyton and Eli Manning will make history by competing against each other live for the first time in Super Bowl history. May the best Manning win!”
Kindbridge extends services to LA fire victims
Problem gambling counseling provider Kindbridge Behavioral Health announced on 15 January that it is offering free mental health services to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. The fires, still active, look to be among the costliest in US history. They have destroyed thousands of structures and displaced thousands of residents.
Kindgridge said the services were made possible through its partners. Those mentioned include “the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), EPIC Global Solutions, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PrizePicks, Underdog, DruvStar and Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC”.
For those interested, visit Kindbridge.com/wildfire-support or contact 1-877-426-4258.
Caesars, Bragg ink wide-ranging deal
On 15 January back-end supplier Bragg Gaming Group and Caesars Entertainment announced a technology platform and games development partnership for the US and Canadian markets. Bragg will collaborate with Caesars’ in-house studio to develop content for the latter’s online platforms. This includes Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.
The new partnership elevates Bragg’s relationship with Caesars from a content supplier to a technology partner. The deal is projected to help drive double-digit growth in both Bragg’s revenue and profitability in 2025, particularly in North America – a key strategic focus for Bragg’s expansion efforts in 2025.
Worth the read
Stakeholders around the gaming industry have long said that they are losing the PR battle. One such example is this recent Esquire piece from Mitchell S Jackson. In it, Jackson explores the growth of legal sports betting and how the industry is predatory to the black community. Similar criticisms have been levied at the lottery industry for decades. Now sports betting is facing similar pushback.
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