In an evolving shift towards tighter regulations and heightened safety measures, New York is on the precipice of becoming the latest state to implement stricter guidelines on gambling advertisements. After a pivotal move by the Senate, a new bill mandating that all gambling ads include warnings about “harmful and addictive behavior” now awaits final consideration. Originating in the House and known as AB 1118, this bill has successfully navigated through the Senate and been sent back to the House for ultimate approval. A core stipulation of the legislation demands that all gambling advertisements prominently display a problem gambling hotline number. However, with the general assembly’s adjournment on June 6th, additional action remains pending.
Parallel legislative movements also witness stagnation in New York as another impactful bill, SO 9673, aimed at expediting the licensing process for three downstate casinos, fell short of a final vote. This bill set an ambitious deadline of August 31st for license applications and December 31st, 2025, for final approvals, underscoring the state’s urgency in bolstering its gambling framework.
Meanwhile, in Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed a significant budget bill into action on June 5th. Notably absent from this enactment was the eagerly anticipated HB 4951, poised to introduce a graduated tax increase on wagering. According to sources, Pritzker is expected to sign this bill by the end of the month. If enacted, this tax structure will levy a 40% rate on sports betting’s annual adjusted gross revenue exceeding $200 million and will take effect starting July 1st. Governor Pritzker remains confident that industry giants like FanDuel and DraftKings will not withdraw from Illinois despite the substantial tax hike, potentially due to sophisticated geo-fencing technology.
In Massachusetts, the discourse surrounding bettor limits has taken a transparent turn. Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) Chair Jordan Maynard reiterated on June 3rd that such discussions would only transpire in public forums. This announcement followed a recent roundtable where all active operators declined to participate. Despite their openness to dialogue, operators insisted on private discussions. Maynard emphasized that compliance with Massachusetts’ open-meeting law necessitates transparency and that he would continue to engage operators such as FanDuel on these terms. During the same meeting, first-quarter reports showcased Massachusetts’ sportsbooks bringing in $171.1 million in revenue, with DraftKings leading the charge at $91.9 million.
Across the state lines in Arkansas, the Cherokee Nation Entertainment aims to leave a significant mark.
. On June 5th, the organization submitted a comprehensive proposal for a new casino in Pope County. This proposal follows a legislative move six years ago that legalized sports betting and authorized up to four brick-and-mortar casinos. The proposed complex includes a 200-room hotel, a 50,000 square-foot casino featuring 1,200 slot machines, 32 table games, a sportsbook, and a dedicated poker room. Additional amenities encompass a music venue, water park, RV park, and dog park, encapsulating a $300 million investment for the Legends-branded casino resort.
In Louisiana, the gaming landscape continues to evolve as Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI) is set to relocate the Belle of Baton Rouge casino resort from the Mississippi River to land, capitalizing on a change in state legislation. The company has committed up to $111 million for this transition and renovation project, as reported by The Baton Rouge Advocate. Casino Queen & Entertainment will operate the revamped facility.
A deeper look into how casinos and sportsbooks manage their VIP clientele was recently unveiled by CasinoReports’ Brett Smiley. This exploration sheds light on the training of VIP hosts and the identification of potential problem gambling issues.
Significant construction work at Las Vegas’ Mirage site is also on the horizon, according to a report from KTNV. Over the next 18 months, demolition and new construction will occur in three phases, starting with the iconic volcano, followed by deep excavation and the erection of a distinct 660-room guitar-shaped tower.
Similarly, Hard Rock’s property in Bristol, Virginia, announced a delay in the opening of its permanent casino location, initially slated for next month. The new grand opening is now anticipated by the end of the year, while a temporary casino continues operations in the meantime.
FanDuel is nearing a landmark deal to acquire naming rights for the Diamond Sports regional sports network, replacing Bally’s, as reported by Bloomberg News. Additionally, Ontario Lottery and Gaming has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to advance its backend technology, aiming to enhance customer choices and experiences while boosting provincial revenue, per CDC Gaming.
Lastly, the gaming compliance landscape has expanded with Continent 8 receiving licensure to operate in Nevada, marking its presence in 30 U.S. jurisdictions.
These developments indicate a dynamic and rapidly evolving gambling landscape across North America, reflecting both regulatory tightening and the continuous growth and innovation within the industry.
