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.
EGBA Opposes Norway’s Block of Gambling Payments
The European Gaming & Betting Association has come out against a Norwegian government plan to block payment transactions for online gambling services. The trade association says the requirements for the blocking will be unproductive and won’t protect consumers and the country must move away from allowing only state-owned companies to be licensed.
MGM Springfield Opens First Massachusetts Casino
Massachusetts first resort casino, MGM Springfield, has opened. It offers 2,550 slots, 120 tables and 23 poker tables, along with a 250-room hotel, bowling alley and movie theater. The casino opens seven years after a bill permitting legalized gaming in the state passed in 2011. One racino at Plainridge Park opened several years ago, and Encore Boston Harbor, a project by Wynn Resorts, is slated to open next year.
Evolution Gaming Opens Live Casino Studio in New Jersey
Evolution Gaming has opened a live casino studio for online play in Atlantic City making it the company’s first facility in the U.S. The company has agreements with several Atlantic City casinos for offering live play. Three online casinos have already begun offering live play through the studio.
Encore Boston Harbor Next Up in Massachusetts
Now that MGM Springfield has opened, the full attention of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will be dedicated to the 2019 completion of Encore Boston Harbor. Re-named from the former Wynn designation, the property is still owned by Wynn Resorts—at least for now.
Pennsylvania Mini Casinos Progressing
Among the five new gaming licenses issued in Pennsylvania, the owners of Philadelphia’s Stadium Casino (l.) will build a 100,000 square foot facility in Westmoreland County with 750 slots and up to 40 table games, creating 600 new jobs. Mount Airy plans a $21.19 million Beaver County casino with 750 slot, 30 table games and a high-limit area, employing 700.
