Gambling in the USA

Gambling expansion in Illinois no sure bet

Published

7 years ago

January 16, 2018

Gambling expansion in Illinois no sure bet

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Proponents of gambling expansion in Illinois are split on whether major legislation will get signed into law in 2018, with some going as far as saying there’s a better-than-even chance.

But, as in past years, others are betting efforts will come up short.

Those who follow gambling issues closely at the Capitol say expansion is no sure thing in 2018, but some lawmakers say a newfound urgency to compete with surrounding states and stay up to date with new technology will be enough to get all kinds of gambling legislation through.

“I think there’s enough critical mass and opportunity in the General Assembly to get something done,” said state Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside.

Zalewski, long a proponent of gaming, is sponsoring legislation, House Bill 479, which would legalize and regulate online daily fantasy sports sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

Such websites have operated in a legal gray area the past few years as state attorneys generals, including Lisa Madigan, have deemed such activities illegal gambling under current law. Zalewski said “it makes no sense to operate in a regulatory vacuum.”

The measure passed the Senate overwhelmingly last May but stalled in the House.

Many bills under consideration, from Zalewski’s to one that calls for a massive expansion of riverboat casinos, have been proposed before. But perhaps altering the landscape this year is a U.S. Supreme Court decision expected this spring that could legalize state-sanctioned sports betting.

The pending case, Christie v. NCAA, will address the constitutionality of a federal law that prohibits sports betting in most places outside Nevada. Should it be overturned, states like Illinois could try to cash in on the windfall.

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, a research firm that tracks the gambling sector, said in a report that Illinois is one of 11 states likely to move sports betting legislation this year, hoping to take advantage of an industry previously relegated to a handful of states and offshore websites.

“It would be wrong to not study this and see if it would be beneficial for the state should sports betting be legalized in the United States,” said state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. “If this is going to be a viable legal business, we don’t want to be behind 30 other states who have legalized it.”

Lang, though careful not to stake out a position, said the legislature will likely hold committee hearings on the topic in the upcoming session.

“If the Supreme Court does overturn Christie v. NCAA, it would be smart to have some enabling legislation in place,” said Steve Brubaker, a lobbyist for the horse racing industry.

Gambling legislation comes up nearly every session as lawmakers seek to fill the state’s coffers with desperately needed tax revenue, while giving an economic boost to the industries and communities they serve.

With the lottery, riverboats, horse racing and video gambling, Illinois received more than $1.3 billion in tax revenue from the industry in 2017, a nearly 8 percent increase from the prior year, a Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability report found.

But the report and industry experts say Illinois could be close to a saturation point, brought on by the meteoric rise of video gambling across the state.

“What’s happened is states have sort of maxed out their capacity to expand gaming,” said Clyde Barrow, a gaming expert and professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “Sports betting is really one of the last frontiers of expanding gaming.”

Barrow said a lot of variables play into the amount of tax revenue states could receive from sports betting, but the nationwide market right now “is in the billions of dollars,” despite the federal ban.

Senate Bill 7, another bill that passed the Illinois Senate, would allow for the creation of new casinos in Chicago, south suburban Cook County, Danville, northern Lake County, Rockford and Williamson County in southern Illinois. The legislation would also permit slots at racetracks to help prop up the state’s struggling horse racing industry.

Though the legislation is similar to the framework of previous gambling expansion bills that have failed, including two vetoes from former Gov. Pat Quinn, state Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said they cannot wait any longer.

“We’re hoping the House would take up the gaming bill and pass it and save northern Illinois from what would be a really big blow,” Syverson said. “Even if they hold it up for another year, we’ll be too late.”

Syverson said a proposed Indian casino, hotel and convention center just a few feet north of the Wisconsin state line threatens to devastate Rockford’s convention and tourism industry. Leaders in other areas near state borders have expressed similar frustrations.

“Some would say that Chicago has a casino, and that casino is in Indiana,” Lang said, referring to the multiple gambling locations just over the state line.

Lawmakers and lobbyists say gaming legislation can happen this year, but the big lift will be holding together an industry that’s often at odds with one another. This may mean a “Christmas tree” bill where everyone gets something.

“It would make sense to pull everyone in,” said Donna More, a lobbyist who previously served as general counsel to the Illinois Gaming Board. She adds that there’s an ‘arms race’ for gaming revenue, so, for example, “unless you tie additional casinos with slots at the tracks, it doesn’t work.”

But not all are convinced additional casinos are coming down the pike soon. Illinois Casino Gaming Association President Tom Swoik said he would be surprised to see gaming expansion pass this year.

Brubaker was even more blunt. “We won’t see any gambling expansion of any kind become law in 2018,” he said, citing election-year politics, the relatively short legislative session and competing gaming interests.

But Lang was more optimistic.

“It will happen, whether it’s this year or next or the year after,” Lang said.

Source: sj-r.com

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 4-10

Published

3 days ago

November 12, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

PENN Entertainment and ESPN announced that account linking between ESPN BET and ESPN is now available for customers, creating an even more deeply integrated media and betting experience. By linking accounts, fans now have the ability to seamlessly track upcoming, live and settled bets within the ESPN app and on ESPN.com. With this product enhancement, ESPN BET will soon bring fans more personalised bets and timely promotions based on their favourite sports, teams, players and fantasy rosters.

Accel Entertainment Inc. has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 85% of the ownership interests of Toucan Gaming LLC and LSM Gaming LLC, two Louisiana-based route operators and owners of multiple licensed video poker establishments (collectively, “Toucan”), for approximately $40 million. The combined business will operate as Toucan Gaming throughout Louisiana and will be led by Stan Guidroz, an industry-leading gaming executive and current CEO of Toucan Gaming. Mr. Guidroz owns the remaining 15% of Toucan’s ownership interests and will lead the Accel team supporting Toucan’s continued growth.

INTRALOT S.A. has announced the undertaking of a new project between the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the sole lottery operator for the Government of British Columbia in Canada, and INTRALOT, its US subsidiary, for the provision of an online lottery platform. The project also includes the digitalisation of the existing land-based network. The solution will be based on the Player X platform, part of the Lotos X ecosystem, and adds to the company’s overall partnership with BCLC, which has been extended until 2028.

BetMGM Poker has become the third US operator to offer multi-state online poker. The company has merged its player pools in Michigan and New Jersey. Both states are a part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which allows online poker networks to share liquidity and players in participating markets. The two-state network went live Wednesday afternoon after morning maintenance.

Betsson Group has celebrated its success at the SBC Awards Latinoamérica 2024, winning two prestigious awards: Sportsbook Operator of the Year and Leader of the Year, which was awarded to Kevin Saliba, Commercial Director (Business Development) for Latin America. This marks the second consecutive year Betsson has earned the Leader of the Year accolade, following Andrea Rossi’s win in 2023 – an achievement that underscores Betsson’s consistent leadership in the region.

Partnerships

Play’n GO has announced a new operator partnership with renowned gaming brand Hard Rock Digital for their top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform in New Jersey. The Hard Rock brand is synonymous with entertainment worldwide, and this partnership will see Hard Rock Bet players in New Jersey gain access to hit Play’n GO titles such as Piggy Blitz, Book of Dead and Rise of Olympus 100.

SCCG Management, a global leader in gaming innovation and advisory, has announced a strategic partnership with Chata.AI, a technology provider specialising in self-service, proactive analytics that enables businesses to access real-time insights without requiring extensive technical expertise. This partnership introduces Chata.AI’s technology to the gaming industry, providing operators with powerful tools to streamline decision-making and increase operational efficiency.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 28-November 3

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

Elray Resources Inc. has announced a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. The company has completed the sale of proprietary technology to 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ:ATNF), a NASDAQ-listed company in exchange for preferred stock convertible into a 40% stake in ATNF and warrants to purchase 3 million shares of ATNF common stock, the conversion/exercise of which is subject to stockholder approval. The technology stack contained within Elray’s technology package will assist ATNF in launching an iGaming Blockchain casino.

PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, has announced that it has been awarded Daily Fantasy Sports Operator Licenses in Delaware and Missouri. The company will launch Arena, its innovative peer-to-peer fantasy sports contest, in both states. With these new state launches, Arena will now be available in 15 states across the US.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board) unanimously voted to renew the Category 2 stand-alone casino license of Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC, operator of Wind Creek Bethlehem casino in Northampton County. In making the decision, the Board determined that Wind Creek Bethlehem LLC had fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved casino operator’s license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional five-year period.

Aristocrat announced that the company was the first international slot and online technology company to be granted a Gaming-Related Vendor license by The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement grants Aristocrat the ability to provide the company’s land-based electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online games and technology solutions to commercial gaming operators licensed by the GCGRA.

Partnerships

SCCG Management, a leading global advisory and consulting firm in the gambling industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Slot Machines Unlimited, a premier provider of refurbished slot machines and gaming equipment. The partnership between SCCG Management and Slot Machines Unlimited leverages both companies’ strengths: Slot Machines Unlimited’s expertise in refurbished gaming equipment and SCCG’s deep industry insight, global network and strategic growth capabilities. The collaboration will enhance Slot Machines Unlimited’s international sales and service operations, ensuring gaming establishments worldwide have access to high-quality slot machines and support.

Galaxy Gaming Inc. has announced that the Galaxy Operating System (GOS) is now live on over 50 ships worldwide with Carnival Corporation & PLC, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Since the installation, tables powered by GOS have awarded over $5 million in jackpot payouts to players. GOS is the jackpot progressive system for all Carnival Corporation ships, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Launched in 2024, GOS is the next-generation game management system developed by the industry’s leading table game experts.

The hottest new game from Aristocrat Gaming, Phoenix Link, is now live on casino floors, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino being the first in North America to offer the highly-anticipated game. As the next evolution of the international hit game, Dragon Link, Phoenix Link features player-favourite mechanics from top games with all-new themes, features and bonuses.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – October 21-27

Published

3 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, announced the official launch of the Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Tennessee, marking its expansion into the tenth state. This milestone comes on the heels of recent successful Bally Bet launches in Massachusetts and Maryland. Sports enthusiasts across the Volunteer State can now revel in the comprehensive offerings of the Bally Bet sportsbook app. With a wide array of betting options, including spread, money line and total bets, as well as in-game betting and same game parlays, Tennessee sports fans will have an unparalleled wagering experience.

ESE Entertainment Inc., a gaming company that provides a range of services to leading video game developers and publishers, has announced that it has acquired Bombee Global Entertainment (Bombee Americas), the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, (Bombee), a global production company specialised in live production, special effects, broadcast and event management for the gaming sector. Bombee has successfully collaborated with ESE to bring its premier event production services and world class customer service to North America and beyond. The North American arm of Bombee, Bombee Americas, will continue to grow and scale in this new organisational structure under ESE, while maintaining its entire team and global support.

Matthew Wantman has become the overall champion of the PokerGO Tour PLO Series II presented by PLO Mastermind. Wantman secured the prestigious honor after an impressive showing at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, outperforming a talented field of the best PLO players in the world to earn the $10,000 PGT Passport bonus. The PGT PLO Series II featured a series of high-stakes pot-limit Omaha tournaments. Wantman’s consistent performance set him apart from the competition and solidified his spot atop the leaderboard.

Partnerships

SYNOT Games has announced its further expansion into the Colombian market through a partnership with BetPlay. This alliance highlights SYNOT Games’ commitment to increasing its presence in Latin America and providing its engaging and innovative games to a wider audience. Through this partnership, BetPlay’s online platform will feature a curated selection of SYNOTGames’ top-performing titles, including fan favourites like Aztec Jaguar, Diamond Fever, Realm of Lions.

Internet Sports International, a global provider of turnkey race and sportsbook software solutions, announced its partnership with the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, Arizona. Through this consultancy, ISI is powering the casino’s sportsbook and retail sports wagering operations on its gaming floor with its award-winning system. WKP Sportsbook is currently operating, allowing patrons to elevate their excitement by wagering on their preferred sporting events with up-to-the-minute odds and live action. The automated sportsbook kiosks provide access to a wide range of sports propositions for both the beginner and expert bettor.

Aristocrat Gaming, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of regulated slot games, announced it is now a promotional partner for Princess Cruises, one of the world’s most iconic cruise lines. Through this exciting collaboration, Aristocrat Gaming will design innovative gaming experiences for guests onboard Princess ships as well as create promotions with land-based casinos that offer Princess cruises as rewards.