Gambling in the USA

Mississippi sports betting to go live at tribal casinos soon

Published

6 years ago

June 15, 2018

Niji Narayan

Photo credits: www.inquisitr.com

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has passed the modifications to its gaming commission regulations. The new regulations allow sports betting, according to a report from WTOK. The changes have been approved unanimously at a special tribal council meeting, the amendments also make room for horse racing.

Pearl River Resort and Bok Homa Casino will offer sports betting, and they might even start sooner than the state’s other operators. Proposed regulations to govern Mississippi sports betting remain in a 25-day public comment period.

Once that period ends later in June, the Mississippi Gaming Commission can consider approving the rules.

Mississippi sports betting will be entirely land- and water-based, with mobile wagering allowed only within licensed casinos. It appears the regulations will be adopted at a meeting on June 21, per sources.

Compacts and sports betting

Like most tribes, the Choctaw operate casinos under a compact with the state of Mississippi. These compacts generally govern what types of gaming tribes can offer and what revenues the state receives from tribes. Other states including Florida and California face complicated challenges in amending those compacts to include sports betting.

“As more and more states begin to legalise sports betting, the vast majority of tribes in those states are going to need amendments to their existing compacts in order to operate a sports pool or sports book,” said Daniel Wallach, an authority on gaming and sports law. “Such amendments are time-consuming, do not always succeed, and even when successful, impose a higher revenue-sharing obligation on the tribes.”

So how did MS tribes get involved?

Here’s more from Wallach on why the Choctaw can move forward with sports gambling so quickly:

The reason why the Choctaw Tribe can legally offer sports betting is due to the interplay of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and the Mississippi Gaming Control Act. Under IGRA, federally-recognised Indian Tribes (such as the Choctaw) can engage in “Class III” gaming (such as sports betting) so long as the state in which the tribe is located “permits” such gaming and there is a state-tribal “compact” (or agreement) between the tribe and the state which expressly allows the tribe to engage in that form of gambling.

Here, both conditions have been met. In 2017, the Mississippi Legislature amended its Gaming Control Act to broaden the definition of “sports pool” to include “wagers on collegiate or professional sporting events or athletic events,” and also eliminated the prior prohibition on casino licensees accepting wagers on athletic events that take place off the licensed premises. As a result of these two amendments, Mississippi became the third state (after Nevada and New Jersey) to legalise single-game sports betting.

Further, the 1994 Compact between the Choctaw Tribe and the State of Mississippi (as approved by the US Department of the Interior) recognises that “sports pools” (defined as the business of accepting wagers on sporting events) “is allowable gaming under this Compact only if such wagers are allowed on non-Tribal lands under the law of the State.” Thus, when sports wagering became legal in Mississippi by virtue of the 2017 amendments to the Gaming Control Act, it also became an “authorized” form of gaming for the Choctaw Tribe under its long-ago negotiated compact with the state.

Choctaw Indians in “a great position”

In Mississippi, the compact forged in 1994 needs no changes. Language in the regulations reads that sports betting can be conducted in tribal casinos “if such wagers are allowed on non-tribal lands under the laws of the state.”

“Some tribes are in a great position to immediately enter the land-based sports betting market as soon as their state-licensed land-based casino competitors do so, even if authorizing legislation does not explicitly mention them,” said gaming attorney Jeff Ifrah of Ifrah Law.

Thanks to a 2017 change to Mississippi law, that is the case in the Magnolia State. Lawmakers used a bill approving daily fantasy sports in the state to repeal Mississippi’s prohibition on sports betting. While some legislators claim ignorance of the language in the bill, none are making serious efforts to stop sports betting.

Other changes address more gaming options

The council also approved changes that address a wide range of gambling options. This includes skill-based games, DFS, esports and slot products that award community-based bonuses to groups of machines.

Pearl River Resort looks to be the first of the tribe’s casinos that will offer sports betting.

“The resort is very excited about the opportunity to offer these new products for our guests in a vibrant and advanced gambling environment,” Phyliss Anderson, Choctaw Resorts Development Enterprise board chairman and tribal chief, told WTOK.

Source: LegalSportsReport.com

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – November 4-10

Published

6 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.