Gambling in the USA

Online Gambling in Illinois Scrutinized in House Committee Debate

Published

3 years ago

May 21, 2021

Online Gambling in Illinois Scrutinized in House Committee Debate

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Illinois legislators have pushed forward with their promise of considering the legalization of online betting. In a recent House Executive Committee meeting, they talked about matters regarding sports betting.

The proposed Internet Gambling Act could change the landscape of sports betting in the state. Some of the proposed issues are getting rid of in-person registration, and betting on collegiate sports. During this meeting, the committee discussed almost a dozen proposals.

The Future of Illinois Online Gambling

From the eyes of onlookers, the future of online gambling in Illinois is bright. The Illinois General Assembly seems to be favoring the act. If there is any cause of doubt, it probably is regarding the launch date. Even though sports betting was legalized in 2019, the first app wasn’t launched until June 18. Illinois is looking to speed up the timeline for iGaming legalization. Some of the best Illinois online gambling sites can be found here.

The law on sports betting demands that gamblers register at local retail casinos within the first six months. This law is contained in the Internet Gambling Act. Betting enthusiasts in Chicago will be forced to travel out of the municipality to register.

The city has been considering proposals to establish its first retail casino. However, it won’t be choosing a winner until the beginning of 2022. It isn’t clear how long the construction process may last. Luckily, there are a few casinos close to the official city limits.

In-Person Registration Still Receiving Critical Support

The head of William Hill government relations, Trevor Hayes, proposed the removal of in-person registration requirement. His proposal was backed by John Pappas, a spokesperson of the trade group iDEA Growth.

Both of them believe that in-person registration is unnecessary and a waste of time. According to Hayes, 75 percent of all the bets at William Hill are placed online. In some states, the number goes beyond 90 percent. Penn National Gaming official, Jeff Kaplan also proposed the removal of this registration requirement.

In-person registration isn’t good for the market. As an illustration, Gov. JB Pritzker suspended these registrations twice during the peak of the pandemic. The suspension may have propelled the growth of sports betting in the state. The numbers quickly surpassed Pennsylvania in February. It is pretty clear that in-person registration is not necessary anymore.

Iowa, the state next door, is another great example of in-person registration and why it is bad for the industry. Its handle leaped to $149.5 million in January. It was a 42.7 percent increase from $104.8 million in December. This improvement was only recorded after ending the in-person registration requirement.

The House Committee Chairman Concerned Over Retail Casino Layoffs

In a long sitting, Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Rita stated that the opinions of stakeholders were welcomed. They would shape the gaming package of Illinois. The chairman specifically raised concerns that the Internet Gaming Act may cause many employees to be laid off.

When pandemic restrictions were enforced, retail casinos were forced to either close or lower their capacity. This caused a massive loss of employment. Speaking on behalf of iDEA Growth, John Pappas acknowledged that the question of layoffs was difficult to speak answer.

The association represents sports betting and online gambling operators. It supports the idea of legalizing online poker and iGaming.

Before the hearing, John Pappas expressed his appreciation for input from industry representatives. These representatives were from 30 companies in the association. They include Sports radar, and Daily Fantasy Sports leaders FanDuel, and DraftKings.

According to Pappas, iGaming may actually increase employment opportunities. Jeff Kaplan agrees that iGaming is unlikely to cause the ‘cannibalization’ of retail casino revenue. He points to Pennsylvania as an example of this. According to Kaplan, it will actually be beneficial to land-based casinos.

Trevor Hayes of William Hills explains that iGaming may be great for land-based casinos. Since online bettors are generally young, they are likely to visit casinos to supplement their online play.

Some Representatives Aren’t Receptive

A few representatives, including committee chair Rep. Robert Rita, aren’t in support of the new legislation. They continue to defend the 2019 legislation requiring in-person registration.

The 2019 law had an 18-month period within which you could sign up in person. The committee chairman insisted on the importance of supporting land-based casinos. However, there is no evidence that online registration may hurt their operations.

The Possible End of In-State College Sports Betting Ban

Rep. Michael Zalewski is proposing the removal of the ban on in-state college sports. He reports that even though the prohibition may be well-intentioned, it isn’t meeting its goal. He uses offshore books and the neighboring states as examples to illustrate his point.

According to Pappas, this ban limits the betting market by up to 15 percent. He supports Zalewski’s remark that the ban isn’t meeting its purpose. It isn’t upholding the integrity of betting or protecting college players.

However, Josh Whitman, University of Illinois Athletic Director, opposes these sentiments. According to him, student-athletes are susceptible to bad influence. They need to be protected. According to him, the ban is good for protecting athletes’ mental health. It limits negative messages from fans.

IGaming Could Help Illinois Generate $1 Billion In Five Years

According to Pappas, the revenue from Illinois operators may hit $250 million in the first year if iGaming is legalized. He anticipates that the state may receive direct and indirect benefits amounting to $1 billion within the first five years.

These sentiments are echoed by Kaplan, who also believes that iGaming will be profitable to the state. He estimates that the revenue may surpass Michigan’s. He believes that it will be a good way to make up for the money lost when the pandemic struck.

Brendan Bussmann of Global Market Advisor, has the same testimony. He believes that the demand for iGaming is high, and it is time for the State to meet it.

Even though the bill has received a lot of support, it has received its share of criticism. However, the most appealing part of it, for most proponents, is the removal of the in-person registration requirement.

They believe that bettors shouldn’t have to travel when they need to register. Since online operators have plenty of safety measures in place, there is no need to believe that in-person registration will make bettors safer.

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Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 30-October 6

Published

4 days ago

October 7, 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

Jackpot Digital, a leading manufacturer of electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables, announced that it has received approval from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to act as a registered supplier of gaming supplies and services to regulated casinos in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The approval follows the Company’s news release dated February 6, 2024, announcing the signing of a licensing agreement with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority to install the Company’s Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs into SIGA casinos.

Underdog Fantasy, one the fastest-growing sports gaming and media companies in the US, was recognised as the number 15 company on LinkedIn’s 2024 Top Startups list in the US, alongside startups recognised for employment growth, engagement, job interest and attraction of top talent. This marks the second consecutive year Underdog has made LinkedIn’s top startups list. Underdog is the only sports gaming company to make the list in 2024, and is the only sports gaming company to make LinkedIn’s list since Underdog’s founding in 2020.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel announced the opening of the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge, a cutting-edge gaming area showcasing some of the most popular slot games by Aristocrat Gaming. The lounge is conveniently located near to the hotel lobby, offering easy access for guests. The Aristocrat Gaming Lounge houses 32 popular game titles by Aristocrat Gaming including fan favourites like Dragon Link, Buffalo, Mo’ Mummy, Whisker Wheels and more.

NIGC Compliance Officer Jo’Elle Thompson was inducted into the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) “40 Under 40” Class of 2025. The ELG “40 Under 40,” designed by The Innovation Group (TIG) in collaboration with Global Gaming Business magazine, recognises the significant contributions that gaming professionals under the age of 40 have made to the casino gaming industry. Recipients of this award are not only being honoured for their achievements, but also paving the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders in the gaming industry.

Partnerships

Fanatics Betting and Gaming has integrated a range of White Hat Studios’ award-winning games into the new online Fanatics Casino for customers in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Known for bringing branded entertainment to life, White Hat Studios will offer Fanatics Casino players access to popular slots, including the hit titles Goonies Hey You Guys and Ted Cashlock. Each title offers engaging gameplay and immersive visuals that connect players with their favourite brands.

Slotomania, the free-to-play slots game from Playtika, has announced an extended collaboration with the hit game show “Let’s Make a Deal”. From October 1 to 24, Slotomania will sponsor The Big Deal of the Day round on “Let’s Make a Deal,” offering lucky contestants the chance to win big with even more exciting prizes in the ultimate showdown of chance, luck and fun.

Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with betPARX. This partnership will integrate Pavilion Payments’ cutting-edge Real-Time Payments (RTP) solution—fully supporting FedNow and RTP networks—into betPARX’s platform, revolutionising the payout experience for patrons by enabling instant access to their winnings.

Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 23-29

Published

2 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Latest News

International Game Technology PLC (IGT) has announced that Shondra DeLoach-Perea, IGT Vice President Field Services, Call Centers and Technology Operations, has been named a recipient of Global Gaming Women’s (GGW) 2024 “Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award”. The annual award programme honors women in the gaming industry who have contributed to GGW’s initiatives and helped support women in their organisation and community.

Caesars Entertainment has launched the Caesars Sportsbook Muckleshoot app, which is now accepting mobile sports bets at Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington. Guests 21 and older who are interested in wagering on mobile devices can download the Caesars Sportsbook Muckleshoot app and must be physically present on the property at Muckleshoot to verify their registration for an account and place wagers during their visit, in accordance with state law.

Aristocrat Technologies, a leading global provider of gaming solutions, has achieved a significant legal victory in Aristocrat’s case against Light & Wonder (L&W) concerning infringement of Aristocrat’s intellectual property, including misappropriation of Aristocrat’s trade secrets in connection with L&W’s Dragon Train game. On September 23, 2024, Judge Gloria M. Navarro of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada issued a decision granting Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction on its trade secret claims against L&W.

Jim Collopy has become the champion of the 2024 Poker Masters presented by the PokerStars NAPT. Collopy cashed in four consecutive events during the eight-event series, amassing $521,600 in prize money and securing the coveted Poker Masters Purple Jacket. He also earned a $25,000 PokerGO Tour (PGT) Passport and a PokerStars Gold Pass for his victory.

JCM Global has been licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming, authorising JCM to sell the TITA Table Game System directly to customers throughout the state, in addition to its other leading transaction and automation solutions. The license builds on JCM’s more than 170 active gaming licenses the company holds and maintains across North America and around the world. Most recently, JCM earned licensing in the State of New Mexico.

New Partnerships

LexisNexis Risk Solutions has announced a strategic alliance with Radar, a recognised leader in geofencing technology. This collaboration integrates Radar’s robust geofencing, mapping and geo-compliance capabilities with the advanced data and technology from LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Together, they will deliver a robust solution for gaming and gambling operators, that will help ensure that devices used for online gambling in the US comply with applicable state regulations.

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and The Casino at Nemacolin have announced a strategic partnership that promises to revolutionise the gaming and hospitality industry in the western Pennsylvania market. This strategic alliance sets the stage for an exciting fusion of technology and hospitality, with The Casino at Nemacolin at the forefront.

Sportingtech has announced a new partnership with 23:59. The partnership reinforces Sportingtech’s dedication to offering operators efficient tools to enhance their ability to develop localised campaigns and reach clients globally, particularly in Brazil. 23:59, with its global sports events and holiday consolidation, simplifies the planning of successful campaigns aligned with these events.

Gambling in the USA

Dealer’s Choice: Uncovering the Truth About Casino Dealer Salaries in 2024, OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos Reports

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

With the gambling market booming, the role of the casino dealer is becoming an increasingly enticing career prospect for many. As demand for dealers continues to rise, an estimated 43,370 jobs will be filled in the US by 2029, opening up a promising path for those interested in the industry.

While entry-level positions offer modest wages, the potential for substantial earnings is significant. Typically, dealers start with a baseline rate (with experienced individuals earning more) and boost their income through tips or “tokes,” as they’re known in the industry. Historically, dealers pocketed these tokes directly. Now, casinos are adopting a more even-handed approach by pooling and distributing them among staff.

Although Las Vegas would appear to be the pinnacle of lucrative tips for casino dealers, the reality is more complex. In an oversaturated market such as Sin City, where staff numbers are large, tip-sharing often results in lukewarm wages. In 2024, the average salary for casino dealers in Nevada is $19.96 an hour, closely aligning with the national average of $19.25 per hour. Nevada didn’t even make the list of the top five highest-paying states. The ranking is as follows.

Arizona: The average salary of casino dealers in Arizona is $66,370 yearly, the highest in the nation, with 1760 employed.

Washington: In Washington, 4030 dealers make an average of $61,290 annually.

New York: New York employs 1660 dealers, making an average of $56,080 annually.

West Virginia: The 630 casino dealers in West Virginia average $55,700 a year.

New Jersey: With 3490 dealers, New Jersey offers an average of $46,120 annually.

Aspiring casino dealers should carefully consider location and casino size when searching for opportunities. Nonetheless, many find that job satisfaction can outweigh these elements.

Jeffrey Biship, a former dealer in Missouri, said: “I dealt blackjack and craps in the worst casino in St. Louis. But even in the worst casino in probably one of the worst gambling markets in America, it had its definite plusses. On a good night, it was a blast. Sometimes I couldn’t believe that I was paid to have so much fun.”

Heather Ferris, founder and CEO of Vegas Aces and former Las Vegas dealer, said: “Dealing table games was the best job I ever had! Once you know how to deal, you don’t even think about it anymore. It becomes routine. So basically, you spend your entire time talking to people from all around the world…”

She also highlighted how events can significantly boost tips, “Special events or holidays, such as boxing matches or New Year’s Eve, can drastically increase a dealer’s tips. For example, during the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, some dealers made up to $1500 in a single shift.”

As potential dealers enter the industry, setting realistic expectations and balancing enjoyment, salary and location is essential.

For more about casino dealer salaries in 2024, check out Heather Ferris’s article at Online United States Casinos, where she dives deep into pay rates and shares insights from her first-hand experience navigating this career.

Online United States Casinos is a comprehensive resource for gambling information with an adept team of specialists committed to accuracy. It is dedicated to empowering readers to make well-informed choices through in-depth research, unbiased reviews, and expert insights.