Welcome iGB’s State of the Union. Here you’ll find a summary of the most important sports betting news in North America that we covered this week, as well as briefs about other stories we thought were interesting.
PA and MA fines
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on 22 May announced that it had fined Wind Creek Bethlehem $125,000 (PS98,089/EUR115,156) for 10 times allowing minors onto the gaming floor. In a release, the regulator stated that 11 people were involved in these incidents over a period of 20 months.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined Fanatics Sportsbook $10,000 a day later on 23 May for allowing bets to be made on the Boston College team. The consumer bet $50 on the Golden Eagles Bowl game against SMU, 5 December 2023. The bet was discovered a day after the game and cancelled by fans. In most Massachusetts cases, betting on college teams within the state is prohibited.
SI will leave Michigan by the end of 2024
According to PlayMichigan, Michigan’s SI Sportsbook is expected to leave the state before the end of this year. SI Sportsbook, owned by Evoke now, had the lowest performing iGaming operators in Michigan during the first quarter 2024. Its sportsbook also ranked in the lowest revenue tier during that same time period. SI Sportsbook will launch in September 2022, and it is partnered up with Island Resort & Casino.
Hard Rock Bet is likely to replace SI Sportsbook. Evoke (formerly 888 holdings) bought 888’s US assets in the first quarter of this year. Michigan Gaming Control Board will have to approve and vet a new operator.
SI Sportsbook will be one of the two operators to leave in 2024. WynnBET has decided to close its doors in multiple states. Caesars Sportsbook purchased the WynnBET licence earlier this year. In Michigan, digital platforms must partner with either one of Detroit’s three commercial casinos or a tribe casino. SI Sportsbook has partnered up with Hannahville Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
What about more credit?
Two bills that are currently being considered by the Rhode Island Legislature would enable Bally’s Casinos to offer a $100,000 credit. Dominick Ruggerio is the author of Rhode Island’s sports betting law and has backed this senate measure.
The Providence Journal stated that Bally increased credit to remain competitive. Massachusetts, a neighboring state, does not limit the amount of credit that can be given to a customer. Connecticut’s tribal casinos are free to set their own credit limit.
Nevada: Made a bet? Keep your ticket
Nevada Gaming Control Board rejected the proposal Thursday, 23 May to allow bettors to sell their wagering tickets and cash them out earlier. According to Gambling News, PropSwap – which is active in Nevada but not other states – made the proposition. NCGB determined PropSwap’s business model was illegal in part due to Nevada not licensing such businesses. This proposal also included creating a new licensing category.
Illinois Dave & Busters may get a ballot
Illinois’ bill, which would have banned Dave & Buster’s from “facilitating” gaming on Wednesday (22nd May), was merged into a bill regulating horse racing. HB 394 was approved by the gaming and rules committees on Thursday, 23 May, and now sits before the House. This language prevents amusement centers from offering their customers to wager against one another. Dave & Buster’s has proposed such wagering through its loyalty program, but multiple states are concerned. Illinois was the first to pass a law on the subject.
Illinois’s legislative session was scheduled to conclude today. However, since the budget bill, which included a gambling-tax hike that hasn’t been passed yet — the extended it into the weekend.
Big money
Circa Sportsbook has announced a payout of $16m for its Circa Million VI contest and Survivor NFL contest. The Survivor Contest will feature a guaranteed $10m prize, while Million VI has a guarantee of $6m. Sign-ups in person begin today, 24 May at Circa Sports Nevada locations and will be open through 7 September 2 pm local time.
There is no rake in the contests, but there will be mini-contests all year. In the Survivor Contest, bettors must pick one straight-up winner each week during the entire season. A team can’t be used again. In order to be eligible for the Million VI, you must make five weekly picks. Both contests have $1,000 entry fees and allow players to submit multiple entries.
Read this article.
Do sports betting companies target Blacks? James Trumm, of the Toledo Blade, did a thorough investigation into this question and came up with conflicting views.
Other news
Beth Bresnahan was announced as SciGames Chief Communications and Brand Officer on Monday, 21 May. She is the former executive director of DC Office of Lottery and Gaming and Massachusetts Lottery. She had previously served as the vice president for strategic communications.
BetMGM has announced that they are now the official odds providers for Associated Press. The Associated Press’ daily sports betting fixtures will include BetMGM odds.
Maryland Lottery granted Betr an initial license Thursday (23 may). Betr is currently available in Ohio and Virginia. It has not been revealed when it will be launched. The Massachusetts market was exited by the company earlier this year.
ICYMI for iGB
Illinois to increase tax rates? Over the weekend, we’ll know.
West Flagler responds to the federal government before US Supreme Court
Massachusetts operators are snubbed by gaming commission
FanDuel’s 30 day DC performance is nearly 90% better than GambetDC’s in the same period of last year
DraftKings-Jackpocket integration underway
