This is iGB’s State of the Union. It’s a quick look at the most important sports betting news in North America that we covered this week, as well as a few briefs about other stories that we thought were interesting.
Nevada at Dave & Buster’s: No gambling
Nevada has been the latest to be informed about Dave & Buster’s plans to allow betting between friends. Gaming Control Board officials met with Dave & Buster executives and told them that betting in the amusement centres would not be permitted.
Kirk Hendrick, the Board Chair, said that in a Monday statement (13 May), “the board opposes activities which could promote gambling by minors, and wagering activity carried out by businesses who cater to significant numbers of young clients.” A lawmaker in Illinois has filed a proposal to ban the practice, and officials from Ohio and Pennsylvania have also taken action.
Date set for Mizuhara plea change
According to the US Attorney’s Office, Ippei Mzuhara’s hearing for a change of plea is scheduled for Thursday 4 June. Hearing will take place in Orange County’s federal building. The previous court dates were held in Los Angeles. Mizuhara, the former interpreter of baseball player Shohei Ahtani, has pleaded not guilty as a matter of procedure on Tuesday, 14 May. A federal affidavit and his plea agreement show that he has admitted to stealing money from Ohtani.
Mizuhara could face up to 33-years in prison, and fines of $1.25. He’s accused of moving nearly $17m out of Ohtani’s account to settle debt.
Louisiana’s top regulator retires
Ronnie Johns announced last week that he will be retiring on June 30, 2019. Johns, then governor John Bel Edwards’s nominee to this position was in July of 2021. Johns has been working in public service since 1977, 22 of those years in the State Legislature. Johns was responsible for the regulation and launch of the online sports betting market.
Johns said to the American Press that it’s time for him to prioritize his family. The time has come to chase our grandchildren from one ballpark to another, to school functions, or wherever their life journey may take them.
ESPN Bet has the latest news on…
ESPN Bet launched a new advertisement featuring Stephen A. Smith earlier this week. You can check it out here:
New York senator tries to amend betting laws
This week, New York State Senator Joe Addabbo filed a proposal that would allocate 1 percent of the tax revenues to initiatives promoting responsible and problem gaming. Minimum amount for problem and responsible gaming programs is $6m. A percentage of the tax revenues will be allocated to funding youth teams sports, youth sports education and funding youth sports.
Addabbo submitted a bill last month that would increase the age of legality for daily fantasy games from 18 to 21, SB 9044 would allow peer-to-peer DFS. New York’s session of the legislature is scheduled to end on 6 June. Bills do not carry forward to 2025.
Ontario Sports betting is legal and regulated
The Associated Press reported that an Ontario Superior Court ruled Monday (13th May) the online gambling and casino model in the province is legal. Mohawk Council of Kahnawa:ke filed a suit to question the legality of the way government agencies regulate gambling. In June 2021, Canadian legislators voted to decriminalize single-event betting. The operators went live on 4 April 2024.
According to AP, the MCK has licensed gambling operators since 25 years ago for the Mohawks in Kahnawake. According to the group, Ontario’s gaming laws will cause losses in their community.
Circa Sports live in Kentucky
The company has announced that Circa Sports will launch in Kentucky on Tuesday, 14 May in partnership with ECL Corbin/Cumberland Run. Circa Sports claims to offer the best betting limits and odds in the business. Kentucky is the fifth US state for the company. The minimum deposit for consumers is $20. Kentucky regulator has launched legal, live digital sports betting on 28 September 2023.
Justin Thomas is the first athlete who has signed a deal with Fanatics
The company announced on Tuesday that golfer Justin Thomas has signed an agreement to represent Fanatics. Thomas, who is currently in Valhalla for the PGA Championship, will highlight new products enhancements and create social content, according to the company’s press release.
Other news
Borough officials rallied in front of the office of a New York State Senator on Monday (13th May), to support a casino near Citifield. Steve Cohen, the Mets’ owner is driving this project. It would need legislation to proceed.
On Wednesday, 15 May, the Colorado Division Gaming sent an update on its wagering revenues report for March 2024. The agency, after discovering an error in the Top 10 Sports section by Total Wagers, “revised”, according to an email announcement. This update has no impact on handle, bets or taxes.
Citing children’s risk, a Prince Edward Island Senator (Canada) says he is in favor of a framework for national gambling advertisements, reports CBC. My concern is the effect on youth. The ads feature a number of athletes and celebrities. Some young people are aspiring to that lifestyle and thinking “Oh, I could make easy money. Are we increasing the number of gambling addicts in the future?”
Fontainebleau Miami Beach has announced that it will open a four-story, 45,000 square foot convention center during Q4. This space features a grand staircase and LED walls. It will also have floor to ceiling windows. The space will have a rooftop terrace of 7,000 square feet with views over the ocean.
Joe Biden on Thursday (16 May), appointed Sharon M. Avery, associate commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission as chairperson. E. Sequoyah Simermeyer left FanDuel in February to take up a position as an executive at FanDuel. Avery will hold both positions until the Senate confirms a chair. This appointment became effective on 15 May.
ICYMI for iGB
New Jersey’s online casino and sports betting revenues are up, but land-based casinos are down
GLPI purchases three casinos in the US for $105 million
Flutter CFO: North Carolina won by continuing investment
US DoJ: Florida case not within your jurisdiction
Ohtani’s former interpreter enters not guilty plea with plans to alter plea
AGA announces record US quarter revenue
