New Jersey Considers Casino Expansion Beyond Atlantic City
Governor Phil Murphy has signaled openness to expanding casino operations beyond Atlantic City, marking a significant shift in New Jersey’s gambling policy. This move comes in response to New York’s aggressive casino expansion, including plans to issue three downstate casino licenses with a $500 million minimum price tag each. Murphy stressed the need to balance potential expansion with its impact on Atlantic City, highlighting the delicate economic considerations at play.
Maine’s Tribal iCasino Bill Faces Hurdles
Maine’s legislature has passed a bill granting exclusive rights to operate regulated online casinos to the state’s four Wabanaki Nations. However, the bill faces significant challenges, including potential vetoes and fiscal considerations. The limited fiscal impact may work in its favor, but political hurdles remain substantial, with concerns raised about oversight structure and potential market cannibalization from existing casinos.
Penn Entertainment’s Boardroom Shake-up
Penn Entertainment has elected two new board members, Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez, both affiliated with HG Vora Capital Management. This development underscores the growing influence of activist investors in the gambling sector. HG Vora is currently engaged in a federal lawsuit against Penn regarding board seat allocations, highlighting the high-stakes corporate governance issues facing the industry.
Brazil’s Casino Legalization Debate
Senator Eduardo Girão is leading opposition against the proposed legalization of land-based casinos in Brazil, citing concerns over potential increases in criminal activities and money laundering. Despite these apprehensions, 60% of Brazilian adults support the introduction of land-based casinos, indicating a significant divide between public opinion and political concerns.
AGI’s $85 Million Investment in Philippine Resort
AGI has earmarked $85 million for the expansion of Newport World Resorts in the Philippines. This investment is part of a broader $1 billion development plan, focusing on luxury gaming and hospitality. The centerpiece is the new Narra Palm Hotel and Villa, featuring 157 upscale suites designed to attract affluent guests and VIPs, signaling a strategic move to capture a larger share of the high-roller market.
Connecticut Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos
Connecticut has become the second state, after Montana, to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos. Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1235, effective October 1, 2025, introducing severe penalties for violators. This legislation reflects a growing trend among states to address the proliferation of unregulated online gambling platforms.
Malta’s Regulatory Dispute with EU
The European Commission is scrutinizing Malta’s gaming regulatory framework, particularly Article 56A of Malta’s Gaming Act. The Commission argues that this protective clause undermines mutual trust in legal jurisdictions across Europe and violates EU law. Malta has been given two months to address these concerns or face further action, potentially reshaping the landscape for online gambling operators across the EU.
Tribal Involvement in Prediction Market Debate
A coalition of nine tribal organizations has filed an amicus brief supporting New Jersey’s legal case against Kalshi, a prediction market company. The tribes argue that Kalshi’s sports event contracts should be classified as Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). This unexpected alliance highlights the complex interplay of interests in the evolving landscape of online gambling and prediction markets.
Sources
- CT Moreover – Connecticut Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos
- CT Moreover – AGI’s $85 Million Investment in Philippine Resort
- CT Moreover – Penn Entertainment’s Boardroom Shake-up
- CT Moreover – Malta’s Regulatory Dispute with EU
- CT Moreover – Tribal Involvement in Prediction Market Debate
- CT Moreover – Maine’s Tribal iCasino Bill Faces Hurdles
- The Global Practice – New Jersey Considers Casino Expansion Beyond Atlantic City
- iGaming Business – Brazil’s Casino Legalization Debate
