Welcome iGB’s State of the Union. This is a quick look at the most important sports betting news in North America that we have covered this week, as well as a few briefs about other stories we thought were interesting.
The SCOTUS has set a date for a conference on the Florida gambling case
US Supreme Court to hold conference on 13th June for West Flagler Associates Ltd vs Deb haaland. This case may change Florida’s legal sports betting. WFA filed a certiorari writ earlier in the year. This case concerns whether US Department of the Interior secretary Haaland had the right to allow the 2021 Compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe be “deemed approved.”
According to the compact, Seminoles can offer digital and retail wagering in Florida. According to the compact, bets made anywhere in Florida through a tribe’s server will be considered as being placed on tribal land. The scenario described above is unique to the US. WFA argues the compact is in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which regulates gaming on tribes’ lands.
The SCOTUS site states that the results will be released on 17th June, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Maine retail betting still non-existent
Maine’s Gambling Control Unit reported a total of $239m in digital wagering during the first half of 2016. DraftKings dominated the market with $197m, compared to Caesars Sportsbook’s $42m. Tax revenue of $2.5 million was collected by the state.
In November 2023 sports betting will be available. The new law also allows the four tribal nations of the state to place wagers in person. So far, however, there have been no brick-and mortar sportsbooks. According to News Center Maine, Senator Joe Baldacci stated that it may take legislation to achieve this. Baldacci criticised MGCU, as he represents the district that contains the Hollywood Casino. The new law prohibited sports betting at retail casinos.
Baldacci stated, “There is no other place that you can find such stagnation.” Some believe that it may have been intentional.
NC will not legalise any new gambling
CBS 17 reported that gambling talk will probably stall in North Carolina this year. Speaker of the House Tim Moore said as much. Why? Last year’s meeting left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. He said, “I think the last session’s discussion on casinos cast a shadow on the discussions about the updates for the lottery and VLTs.”
Republicans 2023 will accuse Democrats of holding secret meetings, excluding the GOP from the discussion. This could end the current debate about video lottery terminals. These machines may bring $1bn to the state. According to a proposal for 2023, the revenue generated by VLTs was to be used for student loan forgiveness. The revenue would also have been sent to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities of California.
Betr gains Pennsylvania market access
PlayPennsylvania reports that microbetting website Betr secured access to the Pennsylvania market. Cordish Companies is the company’s partner. Betr will launch its digital casino and offer sports betting in New Jersey.
It is currently live in Ohio, Virginia and Colorado. Colorado, Indiana and Kentucky also have market access. The company plans to introduce its updated V1 platform into all of the four states, plus Ohio and Virginia. Betr has also begun the application process for sports betting in Maryland.
Oklahoma tornado kills horse, damages casino
News Channel 8 Tulsa reports that an Oklahoma tornado damaged the Cherokee Casino Will Rodgers Downs and killed one horse. Casino suffered some external damage and lost water, as well as power. The track had 200 horses stabled, 10 were damaged “significantly”.
The RV park on the property was also damaged, although “there were no severe injuries”. The campers and belongings of people were scattered. The park had been evacuated prior to the tornado.
Other news
TheScoreBet and Golf Canada announced Wednesday (29 May) a multiyear extension of their partnership. TheScoreBet will be present at Canada Golf Events, such as the RBC Canadian Open or CPKC Women’s Open. TheScore Bet created unique viewing experiences in the past, such as theScore BET skyline seats.
It doesn’t appear that will introduce injury reports in football matches, however it is not too eager to talk about the NCAA’s request for states to prohibit college-player prop betting. Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner said on Monday that his conference was still discussing multiple betting issues.
According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, permits have been granted for demolition of the Mirage Volcano. The dust control permit was issued to contractors on 20 May, which they will need for the demolition. Hard Rock Casino and Hotel will remain open through 17 July.
According to multiple media reports, the Pro League Network raised $2.2 million. Investors include Roger Ehrenberg, gambling investor Chris Grove, former NBA sstar Kevin Garnett. Pro League Network offers niche betting such as slapfighting.
Tuesday announced (28 May), that IGT has extended its partnership for another three years with Rhode Island Lottery. This extension will last until 1 December 2029. The company is launching a “convenience app” for mobile devices, as well as kiosks and “retail automation tools.”
ICYMI for iGB
The ‘Caitlin effect’ goes beyond the basketball court
Legal Missouri sports betting will fail if the election was today
GiG launches US social sweepstakes platform
Illinois House sends Governor progressive, “penal” progressive tax
