New Jersey CRDA Defends Its Financial Performance
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority responded to a state audit critical of its spending and accounting procedures by saying that the agency—which is charged with distributing casino funds for redevelopment—has conducted its own regular audits and vowed to work with the state to address any problems.
Politics Complicates California Sports Betting
The Golden State, befitting its enormous economy, has a complicated political structure. So complicated, with so many interests, that it seems unlike it will legalize sports betting for a long time. Steve Stallings (l.), chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, says tribes are unified in opposing sports betting at racetracks and card rooms.
Boyd Takes Over Valley Forge Casino
Boyd Gaming has officially taken title to Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge Casino Resort (l.), announcing plans to move quickly with expansion plans under the state’s new gaming law.
Penn National Proceeds With Pennsylvania Mini-Casinos
Penn National Gaming will invest $120 million in a mini-casino in a former Sears department store at a mall in Springettsbury Township (rendering at left). The facility will open in 12-18 months with 500 slots and 20 table games at first, plus a restaurant and sports bar. Penn National officials also have narrowed down Berks County locations for a second mini-casino.
WSOP Brings Circuit Events Online September 18-30
WSOP is taking its Circuit Events online for the first time on September 18-30. The event offers $700,000 guaranteed over 13 days for New Jersey and Nevada players. Check out our overview of these events and more.
September iGaming Promos: Trip to Hawaii, Double Bonus Dollars + More Monthlong Offers
In September, VirginCasino.com is giving away a trip to Hawaii. GoldenNugget.com is doubling its bonus dollars. Several iGaming sites offer monthlong promotions—they take more on-site play to pay off, but the rewards are usually pretty great. Here’s an overview.
Federal Betting Oversight Gets Real
While nothing is likely to be decided before the midterms, regulatory legislation is coming, and proposals already are being aired on Capitol Hill regarding the shape it will take. They include controversial measures that would give sports leagues a say in which bets are acceptable and exclusive control over data. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (l.) has joined Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, and may be joined by the newest senator, John Kyl, the replacement for the late John McCain.
Sports Books Explosion Continues in New Jersey
FanDuel, William Hill and Caesars Entertainment have launched online sports books in New Jersey brining the state’s total to six. The new online sports books are associated with Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands racetracks and all Caesars properties. Also, two Atlantic City casinos—Golden Nugget and Ocean Resort (l.)—opened their permanent sports book facilities. All of the six sports books in the city initially opened in temporary spaces.
DraftKings Suffers DOS Attack
Fantasy sports site DraftKings said it suffered a denial of service attack in August and is attempting to sue the perpetrators. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order allowing DraftKings to seek the identities of those who launched the attack. The company says the attack overwhelmed its site for more than 20 minutes with three times the number of requests for information it normally receives.
Why CBS Won’t Mention NFL Point Spreads During Games
CBS President Sean McManus (l.) says CBS is not ready to begin discussing sports betting issues during NFL telecasts despite sports betting now being legal in several U.S. states. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, McManus said that the number of states with sports betting is still too small to change the network’s policy of not mentioning point spreads.
Belarus Legalizes Online Gambling
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko (l.) has signed a decree legalizing online casinos in the country. Online gaming sites, however, cannot launch until April 2019. Online bingo, slots and card games are permitted under the decree. Live dealer casino games are also allowed.
Jack For Sale?
Dan Gilbert (l.), the founder of Quicken Loans and the owner of Jack Entertainment, is putting his casinos up for sale, according to Bloomberg. Gilbert, who also owns the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, is reportedly interested in buying a major league baseball team, which bans ownership by gaming interests.
