Miami Heat Acquires Stake In Misfits
The Miami Heat NBA team is the latest to partner with an eSports team, with its acquisition of a stake in Misfits, formed by Miami native Ben Spoont in June 2016. The Heat will help Misfits in the areas of marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation.
Antigua Hopes Trump Administration Will Settle Gambling Dispute
Officials for Antigua and Barbuda expressed optimism that a new Trump administration will settle the island nation’s longstanding gambling dispute with the U.S. The dispute stems from the U.S. barring players from gambling on online sites based in Antigua. The country says that failing a resolution, it is prepared to go forward with punitive actions approved by the World Trade Organization.
Portugal Submits Poker Player Sharing System to EU
Portugal has proposed a plan for the sharing of online poker players across jurisdictions and submitted it the European Union. The model would include European online markets as well as be open to other international jurisdictions provided they meet technical requirements. The move comes as many European jurisdictions are moving away from “ring-fencing” in their jurisdictions and hoping to launch new liquidity agreements this year.
Sports Betting Bills Floated in N.Y., South Carolina
Lawmakers in the two states are letting fly with a couple of Hail Mary passes in the face of a longstanding federal ban on sports betting. New York already has a law on the books authorizing the activity provided Congress reverses the ban. The South Carolina measure would require a constitutional amendment just to get to that point.
Senator Files First Florida Gambling Bill
Florida state Senator Bill Galvano (l.) recently filed the first gambling legislation for the upcoming session. The 112-page bill would allow blackjack to be expanded beyond Seminole Tribe casinos, decrease the number of state gambling licenses, allow decoupling and expand slots to parimutuels where voters have approved them, among other provisions.
U.S. Legislation Could Impact Sports Betting
FanDuel and DraftKings claim their games are skill-based. But under legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (l.) of Kansas, DFS and sports betting could be considered games of chance and taxed at 23 percent. Moran’s “Fair Tax Act of 2017” also would abolish the Internal Revenue Service and repeal the federal income tax.
Straub Gets Concession From New Jersey Regulators, But Not On Licensing
Glenn Straub (l.), owner of the former Revel casino in Atlantic City won a small concession from New Jersey gaming regulators, but the main issue of whether he needs full licensing to lease casino space was not resolved. Instead, the state’s Casino Control Commission ruled that reports on Straub compiled by the state’s DGE could remain sealed.
iGaming Back on Table in Pennsylvania
Despite the retirement of the Senate champion for online gaming in Pennsylvania, a bill was introduced by state Senator Jay Costa (l.) last week that would legalize, regulate and tax both online gaming and daily fantasy sports.
Tribe Not Giving Up on Online Bingo
The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel is not giving up on its dreams for online bingo. Despite a slapdown last month by a U.S. District Court the tribe is very optimistic that it will someday offer online bingo and online poker.
Vera & John Online Casino Exits Australia
With new gambling laws about to go into effect in Australia, several online casino sites are expected to leave the market. One of the first to withdraw was the Vera&John online casino. The Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill bans in-play sports betting and also prohibits online poker and casino games.
New Jersey Cites State’s Rights to Supreme Court on Sports Betting Case
New Jersey has filed briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in its challenge of a federal sports betting ban saying that Congress violated the Constitution since it is barred from forcing states to repeal or reinstate their own laws. The argument put forth by Governor Chris Christie (l.) maintains that states cannot be forced to govern their citizens by Congress’ instruction. This is New Jersey’s second attempt to have the court hear its sports betting argument.
Florida House, Senate Seek Slots Compromise
A lucrative compact with the Seminole Tribe hangs in the balance as Florida legislators address slots expansion where county voters approved the games. House Commerce Committee Chairman Jose Felix Diaz (l.) said allowing the slots would be an expansion of gambling. Senate President Joe Negron said the voters have spoken but compromise is possible.
