Welcome to “Spin Cycle,” Casino Reports’ weekly Friday roundup of all things impactful, intriguing, impressive, or idiotic in the gambling industry. Pull up a chair, grab a stack of chips and a glass of your beverage of choice, and take a spin with us through this week’s news cycle …
Sweeps never sleeps
This week, the gambling spotlight shines bright on sweepstakes, with multiple stories surrounding legislative efforts to ban sweepstakes casinos in several states. In Florida, efforts have stalled, while Connecticut’s and New Jersey’s similar bills are slowly making progress.
Particularly noteworthy is New York’s Senate amendment to SB5935, which aims to clarify the use of a “dual-currency system.” The distinction between non-redeemable “Gold Coins” and cash-redeemable “Sweeps Coins” is central to this legislation. The Social and Promotional Games Association has critiqued the amendment, stating it doesn’t resolve key issues. Meanwhile, Swedish gaming firm Play’n GO has publicly distanced itself from providing games to sweepstakes casinos.
A Stake in the ground
Another legal development has surfaced as an Alabama resident has filed a class-action suit against Stake.US, an unregulated operator. The plaintiff alleges that Stake offers illegal casino games under Alabama law, where commercial casinos are not allowed. The case raises questions about celebrity endorsements in the gambling industry, with Rapper Drake’s promotion of Stake in the spotlight.
Poker’s wild
Two significant poker updates this week include:
- PokerStars has decided to delay merging its Pennsylvania player pool with others, focusing on current global priorities despite competitors like WSOP Online moving forward.
- The upcoming World Series of Poker has introduced new rules, banning smartphones from final tables and prohibiting any sort of electronic assistance, a move prompted by controversy over previous tournament wins.
House Rules: Insights from around our network
- PURE MADNESS: Nationwide online casino revenue tops $900 million for March, setting a new record – by Chris Altruda
- BIBLE BETS: Betting on religion, from the pope back to creation – by Jeff Edelstein
- RODEO CLOWNS: Texas lottery’s future and a promising ruling for Lotto.com – by Eric Raskin
- SILVER STAIN: The Nevada regulatory discussion continues – by Richard Schuetz
- ACROSS THE POND: The UK’s mixed product promotion ban – by Sam Davies
- PENN-DING FURTHER REVIEW: Penn reports revenue loss, but optimistic about new ESPN Bet integration – by Jill Dorson
- WHAT’S A BET?: How language could reshape sports betting – by Jeff Edelstein
- ROCK SOLID: Hard Rock’s plan if it wins the New York casino license bid – by Chris Altruda
The Bonus Round
This week on the Casino Reports podcast Low Rollers, we explored a busy week of CFTC-related news and the potential for Ohio to legalise online casinos and poker. We also touched on celebrity involvement in the industry and more.
Why should I read this?
If you’re in the gambling world or just curious about it, this article shines a light on the latest legislative moves, industry controversies, and developments in various sectors, from sweepstakes to poker. Stay informed on how these changes might affect gambling practices in your area. We’ve sifted through the details so you can stay in the loop without the fuss!
