Spain’s Sports Betting Rising
According to figures released by Spanish regulators to Spain’s Europa Press news agency, Spaniards spent around €5.2 million on sports betting operated by the government and by the State-owned Lottery and Gambling Society in 2016. That’s up from about €4.3 million in 2015.
Stars Group Points to Potential Problems in Russian Market
In its 2017 earnings report, the Stars Group pointed to possible new regulations in the Russian market as potentially troublesome. The company—owners of PokerStars—expects that new online gaming rules in Russia could impact its ability to process payments from gamblers. The new rules, expected to go into effect in May, would mean Russian banks will no longer be able to do business with foreign payment processors or gambling operators who have been blacklisted by the government.
Italy Receives 80 Online Gaming License Applications
According to Italian media, the country’s gaming regulator has received about 80 online gambling license applications. The regulator, Agenzia delle dogane e dei monopoli began accepting bids in January and recently closed the application process. Regulators are set to open the bids in April.
Report: Blockchain Could Fuel Rise in eSports
A report released by Wall Street research firm Macquarie Research predicts that blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies could bring eSports into the mainstream and further drive its explosive growth. Macquarie expects the worldwide eSports market to grow from $892 million in 2016 to $5 billion by 2020. Blockchain could help the industry in several ways, the report said, including providing stable and transparent betting platforms.
New Hampshire Powerball Jackpot Winner Can Stay Anonymous
A woman known simply as “Jane Doe,” in the courtroom will be able to keep her name out of the public eye, despite having won a $560 million Powerball jackpot. That was the ruling of a New Hampshire judge last week.
Wynn Exits; Galaxy Enters
A stormy two months for Wynn Resorts are drawing to a close on a couple of decidedly positive notes. Disgraced founder and ex-Chairman Steve Wynn (l.) is no longer a shareholder, as he was able to see his entire equity stake in the company within a few days. And a surprise partnership with Macau casino giant Galaxy Entertainment could reshape the company’s prospects worldwide.
Packer Exits Crown Resorts
Billionaire casino mogul James Packer (l.) has resigned as director of his company, Crown Resorts, for what he called “personal reasons.” His investment company referred to “mental health issues.” Crown has pulled back from its international operations, and Packer endured a messy breakup with Mariah Carey.
Gamers’ Paradise Opens on the Strip
It’s game on at the Luxor. Esports Arena Las Vegas is open for business with 30,000 square feet of state-of-the-art live gaming and streaming featuring the top competitors in the field, a touch of VR, multimedia production facilities, and a gaming-inspired F&B offering.
Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Gambling Changes
Louisiana gambling laws last changed in 2001 when riverboats were allowed to stop cruising. New legislation would permit the state’s 15 riverboats to move ashore within 1,200 feet of their current locations, lower taxes on promotional giveaways and limit casinos to 2,635 slots. Governor John Bel Edwards (l.) said he’s open to change.
Mohegan Executive to be Witness in Cosby Trial
Tom Cantone (l.), an executive of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, could be called to testify in the sexual assault trial of disgraced comedian Bill Cosby. Apparently the executive, Thomas Canton, witnessed the meeting of Cosby and a woman who has accused him of sexual assault.
Future Florida Gambling Could Be Up To Voters
Florida lawmakers couldn’t agree on a gambling bill, so any future expansion of gambling could be determined by voters if 60 percent approve a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The Seminole Tribe had hoped lawmakers would extend the compact giving it exclusive rights to blackjack (l.) in return for $300 million a year.
Caesars Entertainment Waitresses in Atlantic City Protest Automated Replacements
Casino cocktail waitresses at Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City are protesting the installations of an automated process for ordering drinks recently introduced at Caesars casinos. The new system allows customer to order their drinks through the system, reducing their contact with waitresses.
