New California Online Poker Bill Introduced
For the ninth year in a row a California lawmaker, this time Rep. Reginald Jones-Sawyer (l.), who was responsible for last year’s effort, has introduced a bill that would legalize iPoker in the Golden State. Sacramento watchers give the bill long odds and tribal officials say the same problems remain.
Texas Lawmakers Sponsor Fantasy Sports Measure
More than 4 million Texans play fantasy sports games. State Rep. Rodney Anderson has co-sponsored House Bill 1457 to clarify state law to reflect current technology and declare that fantasy sports are legal games of skill. Last year state Attorney General Ken Paxton (l.) said the games were illegal; FanDuel left and DraftKings sued.
Fantasy Site Goes Under; Players Out $1.3 Million
New York regulators are investigating Fantasy Aces, a DFS service that has filed for bankruptcy with less than $2,500 in its players account against almost $3 million liabilities. But a rival site, concerned about the repercussions for the young industry, could be coming to the rescue.
NBA Creates eSports Basketball League
The NBA will team with Take Two Interactive to create an eSports league based on Take Two’s NBA 2K series. NBA franchises will support eSports teams. Games are expected to begin in 2018. Officials said about half of the NBA’s 30 teams are expected to field eSports teams in the first season.
Caesars Merger Moves Ahead
The end of the gaming giant’s long bankruptcy saga got a boost from an agreement on key terms of a planned merger between parent Caesars Entertainment and its Caesars Acquisitions subsidiary. Caesars Acquisitions shareholders will get 1.625 shares in the new company for every share they hold.
More Mohegan Trouble
Investigations by the Gaming Control Board and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission into questions about operations at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs could explain the sudden departure of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority President and CEO Bobby Soper, who served in the same position at the Pocono facility.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers File Gaming Expansion Bill
Pennsylvania lawmakers have filed an omnibus gaming bill that would legalize and regulate online gaming and daily fantasy sports, create tablet gaming at airports and install a new host-community fee. However, a bill to allow VGTs in the state introduced by state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (l.) could derail the entire proposal.
Tribes Ready For Location Reveal for Third Connecticut Casino
Promising they are “days away” from revealing the location and design of Connecticut’s third casino, Mohegan Tribal Chairman Kevin Brown said the legislature needs to pass a bill immediately. Lawmaker Joe Verrengia (l.) will be holding hearings on the proposed third tribal casino, a partnership between the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots.
Florida House, Senate Gambling Measures Differ
Two Florida gambling bills are headed for floor votes when the legislature meets March 7. The House measure would stop recent gambling expansion and give future control of gambling to the legislature. The Senate bill would allow slots and tribal gaming to expand. House Speaker Richard Corcoran (l.) says the bill in his chamber would actually contract existing gaming.
N.Y.’s New Rivers Casino Opens Strong
What’s a snowstorm or two on opening week? No big deal for the new Rivers. The Schenectady gaming hall posted $3 million in win in its first seven days, putting it almost neck and neck in the early going with its new cross-state competitor del Lago.
Atlantic City to Borrow $72 Million to Pay Borgata
Atlantic City will borrow about $72 million to pay off its tax debt to the Borgata casino according to officials in Trenton. The state is currently managing the city’s finances and announced the settlement of the longstanding issue last week. Borgata agreed to take $72 million despite being owed about $165 million in tax court judgements. The city will pay the debt by issuing state-backed bonds.
eBay Stops Sale of Trump Taj Mahal Sign
Online auction site eBay has stopped a sale of a large “Trump” sign from the closed Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City over an ownership dispute. The bidding on the sign had reached $7,500.
