In a surprising development reported by Washington City Paper, Alex Koma disclosed that Frank Suarez, the chief of the DC Lottery Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), has resigned. Suarez will transition to a similar role with the Connecticut Lottery. His resignation comes after a period of intense scrutiny and questioning from councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and amid ongoing considerations by the DC Council to dismantle the District’s monopoly on lotteries. Suarez, who has been under fire for the direction of the OLG, will officially vacate his position in D.C. on July 31, as confirmed by the CFO’s office, which oversees the lottery.
Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court justices gathered on Thursday, June 13, to deliberate whether they will hear oral arguments in West Flagler Associates, Ltd., et al. v. Deb Haaland, et al. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of legal sports betting in Florida. The SCOTUS website announced that the results of the conference would be made public on June 17 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The core issue of the case revolves around whether U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s 2021 approval of a compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe was appropriate. This compact posits that bets placed anywhere in Florida, routed through tribal servers, would be considered as being placed in Indian Country. West Flagler, a parimutuel operator, argues that Haaland exceeded her authority by greenlighting the compact. Complications also arise regarding the legality of the compact itself, including whether the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act covers off-property wagering and if the compact violates the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Meanwhile, famous competitive eater Joey Chestnut might not participate in Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog-eating contest due to a dispute over his endorsement deal with Impossible Foods. Chestnut and his longtime rival, Takeru Kobayashi, have instead agreed to a live Labor Day hot dog-eating competition on Netflix, scheduled to air on September 2, as per the Associated Press. Major League Eating (MLE) expressed disappointment in Chestnut choosing to represent a competing brand and hoped for his eventual return to Nathan’s contest.
In Kansas City, Kansas mayor Tyrone Garner announced a bold initiative to attract the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Royals from neighboring Missouri.
. This strategic move comes in response to a failed sales-tax initiative that was intended to fund Arrowhead Stadium renovations. Kansas legislation permits the use of wagering tax revenues to draw professional teams to the state, although the revenue alone may not suffice. Lawmakers are considering issuing bonds to finance new stadium constructions. The Kansas legislature is set to hold a special session focusing on tax cuts on June 18.
Bernie Kosar, former Cleveland Browns quarterback turned NFL broadcaster, has filed a lawsuit against BIGPLAY media. According to Cleveland.com, Kosar claims that company employees coerced him into placing a real-money bet on launch day in Ohio. This bet, placed on the Browns to beat the Steelers, ultimately resulted in Kosar losing his radio job with the Browns due to NFL employees being prohibited from betting on their own team or league. Kosar seeks $850,000 in damages, which includes $25,000 in attorney fees.
On June 12, Arkansas’ racing commission accepted a bid from Cherokee Nation Entertainment to develop a casino in Pope County. The approved proposal features a comprehensive 200-room hotel and a 50,000-square-foot casino equipped with 1,200 slot machines and 32 table games, along with a state-of-the-art sportsbook and dedicated poker room. By law, the Arkansas Racing Commission must issue the casino license within 30 days. In contrast, an alternative bid from Gulfside Casino Partnership was deemed incomplete and thus not considered, due to the absence of a necessary letter of support from the local governing body.
Elsewhere, Eric Raskin of CasinoReports gives readers an in-depth look at the operations within a live-dealer studio, revealing a day in the life that defies common perceptions. Meanwhile, Mega Millions will offer players better odds and higher payouts starting in 2025, following a price increase to $5. These changes were elaborated upon during a Montana Lottery Commission meeting held on June 12.
In related news, digital gaming company Greentube plans to enter the Ontario market through a strategic partnership with Caesars Entertainment. This partnership will offer players access to popular titles such as Thunder Cash, Dolphin’s Pearl, and other games designed specifically for North American audiences. Greentube also recently launched Silver Lux: Big Win Spinner.
Jefferies Equity Research released a monthly overview on June 13, reporting a 5.1% year-over-year increase in foot traffic at land-based casinos in regional markets, although this figure remains lower compared to 2019 levels. Later this summer, Hard Rock will open its permanent location in Rockford, Illinois, on August 29. The grand opening will feature a guitar-smashing event, and the new establishment will offer 1,300 slot machines, 50 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook, as reported by Beloit Daily News.
Lastly, daily fantasy sports provider PrizePicks announced a partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health. This collaboration will provide PrizePicks customers and front-facing employees with free access to problem gambling services, emphasizing both corporate responsibility and customer welfare.
