Casino Group Eyes Vacant Virginia Mall
Gambling is illegal in Virginia but that’s not stopping a group from lobbying to turn a vacant 450,000 square foot mall (l.) in Bristol into a casino resort. A sign on the property already reads, “We’re betting on Bristol!” Project officials said the venue could create 2,000 jobs and help plug the city’s budget deficit.
Eldorado Resorts and William Hill US Partner on Sports Betting
William Hill US will oversee sports betting operations for Eldorado Resorts under a new agreement giving the regional casino operator a 20 percent ownership of the bookmaker. The deal is seen as giving William Hill an even larger stake in the U.S. sports betting market where it already operates in five states, including more than 100 locations in Nevada. Eldorado has 21 casinos in 11 states, including Atlantic City’s Tropicana (l.).
Florida Court Rules Pre-Reveal Games Are Slots
A 3-judge appellate court panel recently ruled pre-reveal games are illegal slot machines because they include an element of chance. The ruling supports last year’s decision by a circuit court judge. The lawsuit was filed by the developer and vendor of the games after regulators forced two businesses to remove the machines.
New Jersey’s first online sports books offer an array of betting options
PlaySugarHouse.com, Borgata.com (through the playMGM app) and DraftKings are the first online sports books to launch in New Jersey—and, more are likely to come. Here’s our rundown of how the sites work and the promotions they offer.
PA Lottery unveils Eagles, Steelers Fast Play Games with Second-Chance Drawings
The Pennsylvania Lottery has unveiled new Eagles and Steelers Fast Play progressive games ahead of the new NFL season. The games have progressive top prizes at $50,000 and second-chance entry drawings starting on September 6.
Hatch Threatens Federal Oversight of Sports Betting
Senator Orrin Hatch (l.), one of the authors of the overturned Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, thinks the federal government needs to act over the rapidly expanding sports betting industry. He claims he’ll introduce a bill soon, but it maybe too late since he’s retiring at the end of this session of Congress.
Penn National Files for First Pennsylvania Sports Betting License
Penn National Gaming is the first Pennsylvania casino operator to file for a sports betting license in the state. The filing said the company will partner with William Hill to offer sports betting at its Hollywood casino (l.) and at Penn National Race Course. The application, however, isn’t likely to be approved before the state’s gaming Control Board meets October 3. Meanwhile, West Virginia and Mississippi are well on the way to legal sports betting.
Survey: U.S. Headed for a Betting Boom
The vast majority of American sports bettors moved to the regulated market as more states legalize the fledgling industry—that’s according to a new poll commissioned by the American Gaming Association. For casinos it could spark a surge in younger, more affluent customers.
Three Casinos Granted Online Gambling Licenses in Pennsylvania
Caesars Interactive Entertainment announced it has received an online gambling license in Pennsylvania and will launch its WSOP brand online poker site in the state when it is fully cleared by regulators. The license was granted in partnership with Caesars Entertainment’s Harrah’s Philadelphia. Pennsylvania also approved licenses for Parx casino and Mount Airy Casino Resort.
ESports Being Pushed in Atlantic City
The head of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance said the economic development group is exploring bringing eSports contests to Atlantic City. The group feels eSports is natural fit for the city and is working to increase available technology and facilities for the growing industry.
University of Akron Become Esports Leader
The University of Akron says it now offers the most space for esports than any school worldwide. The university recently added three new esports facilities and fields five eSports teams. The university will spend about $750,000 to equip the facilities.
Unikrn Sued Over Cryptocurrency
Seattle-based eSports gambling startup Unikrn is the target of a lawsuit filed by one of its investors which charges the violated securities law in relation to the sale of its cryptocurrency, UnikoinGold. The suit alleges that officials misrepresented the purpose of the cryptocurrency as a gaming token, when it was actually meant to be used as an investment security.
