UK Advertising Watchdog Warns Gambling Firms on Targeting Children
The UK Advertising Standards Agency has sanctioned three gambling operators over advertisements that could specifically appeal to children. Three specific complaints were made against online casino m88 about games titled Fairytale Legends Red Riding Hood, Fairytale Legends Hansel and Gretel, and Fairies Forest. The agency barred ads that appeal to children on the sites.
Russia Tightens Online Gambling Payment Laws Ahead of World Cup
Russia has instituted an announced ban on Russian credit institutions and payment systems in the country transferring money from individuals to illegal bookmakers, casinos and totes. The ban goes into effect as the World Cup approaches. Russian President Vladimir Putin (l.) signed the law in November and it went into effect in late May.
PokerStars Shuts Down Hong Kong Betting
PokerStars has announced that it will no longer offer real-money play to Hong Kong residents. No reason for the move was given, but coincides with an agreement between the Stars Group—which owns PokerStars—subsidiary Lucky Genius and Hong Kong-listed casino investor International Entertainment Corp. to operate land-based live events and poker rooms under the branding of PokerStars in some Asian countries.
Delaware Launchs Sports Betting
The First State has become the first state to offer full-scale sports betting. Delaware, by virtue of being grandfathered by PASPA, already has a sports betting law and regulations in place, but now will be able to accept wagers on a wide variety of sports with single-game action. Dover Downs (l.) and two other casinos will open on June 5.
New Jersey Sports Betting Legislation on Track
Sports betting bills before both houses of the New Jersey legislature are expected to be voted on this week. The biggest point of contention remains whether the bills will include an “integrity” fee payment to professional sports leagues, opposed by Senate President Steve Sweeney (l.).
MGM Buys Empire City
The gaming giant MGM Resorts has added another key piece to its East Coast strategy with the purchase of Empire City Casino (l.) in Yonkers, N.Y. The $850 million deal positions MGM as a major player in New York sports betting and a formidable competitor for the greater New York City market across all sectors.
Four Regulators Issue Sports Betting Manifesto
States should proactively decide to implement sports betting, but the federal government should not take the leading role. That’s the conclusion of a statement made by four state gaming regulators, including, Stephen Crosby (l.), chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
NBA Defends Right to ‘Integrity Fee’
The National Basketball Association issued a statement defending its right to a cut of the action in the form of a royalty or integrity fee in state or federal sports-betting regulation bills.
Penn National, Jamul Tribe Separate
The tiny Jamul Indian Village last week took possession of the Hollywood Casino Jamul from Penn National Gaming. The San Diego tribe immediately changed the name of the casino to Jamul Casino. Erica Pinto (l.), tribal chairwoman, proudly proclaimed, “We’re finally doing it for ourselves.”
D.C. Looking at Sports Betting
A member of the District of Columbia council says the district is seriously looking into sports betting through the D.C. Lottery in the wake of the removal of the federal sports betting ban.
Belmont sees soaring wagering with possible Triple Crown winner Justify
With Justify poised to be the second Triple Crown winner in the past four years, the 150th Belmont Stakes on June 9 is seeing a wagering euphoria. Churchill Downs, Santa Anita and Delaware Park follow with big races on June 16.
Slingo, ‘The Voice,’ video poker variations—Online casino sites cater to adventure-seekers
Many online players like to stick to the basics: blackjack, roulette and slots. But, others like to get a little adventurous. Online casino sites offer an array of games catering to players wanting to try something new.
