Author: IGP Staff

Fantasy Sports Becomes Legal In Ohio

Ohio has legalized fantasy sports and put it under the watchful eye of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The new law has the support of the state’s sports teams, including the Cleveland Indians.

Spain Offers New Window for Online Gaming Licenses

Spanish gambling regulators are offering a new window for applications for online gaming licenses in the country. The extension comes as Spain is readying for shared online poker liquidity with other European jurisdictions. The country hopes to attract about 10 new operators, officials said. Winamax is expected to make a bid.

UK Online Casinos Faulted by Regulators for Money Laundering Protections

The UK Gambling Commission has ordered all online casino operators presently taking UK bets to review their policies for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. The order comes as the commission is investigating 17 online operators, which includes five that could face a formal license review. The crackdown comes after the commission said it made findings of a “serious nature” into how such organizations are meeting their social responsibilities.

Online Gambling Ban Goes Into Effect in Uruguay

A ban on online casino and poker games went into effect in Uruguay as of January 1. The law states that unlicensed sites cannot target the country’s residents. However, online sports betting is still permitted. Changes to the country’s gambling laws also include a new tax law on land-based gaming.

Swiss Plan to Block Online Gambling Sites Could Go to Voters

The Swiss government’s plan to block the domains of internationally licensed online gambling operators may be headed a voter referendum. The plan, scheduled to go into effect in 2019, is opposed by Swiss internet service providers and several civil libertarian groups. That opposition has resulted in a petition seeking a public referendum on the law.

UK Bookmakers Suspend Bets on Football Clubs Relegation

UK bookmakers have suspended betting markets on whether the Scottish Professional League football club Glasgow Rangers will be relegated to a lower division. Reportedly, online rumors are circulating that the club is facing financial problems. In 2012, financial problems with the club led to it being relegated several divisions.

Will States Squander Legal Sports Betting?

Anticipating the U.S. Supreme Court to allow sports betting, Indiana state Rep. Alan Morrison (l.) proposed legislation giving national sports leagues a 1 percent “integrity fee” from the state’s potential sports-betting handle. The American Gaming Association called the proposal a “short-sighted, misinformed idea.” At least a dozen states are preparing legislation to cash in on sports betting, but ideas like this could kill the golden goose.

First Female Chair Named in Nevada

State Senator Becky Harris has been named as the first chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. She is only the second woman to sit on the board, following Patty Becker who served from 1983-85. She replaces AG Burnett who resigned in December.

MGM Springfield to Open This Fall

The pace towards the September opening of the $960 million MGM Springfield in Massachusetts is picking up. The casino structure will soon be sealed and indoor work will begin. The administration has moved into its permanent headquarters.