Harrah’s Philadelphia Debuts Poker Room
The new World Series of Poker room at Harrah’s Philadelphia completes a major renovation project at the casino, moving the poker operation to the main floor.
Pennsylvania to Launch Mobile Sports and iGaming July 15
Members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said at the board’s meeting last week that the state’s online gaming program will kick off July 15. There are currently no plans for intrastate compacts with other iGaming states.
New Jersey’s Lesniak Calls for Regulated Sports Betting Information
Former New Jersey state Senator Raymond Lesniak (l.)—a principal architect of the state’s fight to overturn a federal ban on sports betting—says that government regulation of sports betting information is needed. Lesniak said in a recent interview that regulation should be similar to the stock market to uncover unusual betting trends.
Scientific Games Launches SciPlay IPO
Scientific Games has launched the initial public offering of its social gaming business, putting 22 million shares of the company to be called SciPlay. The new company will include the company’s leading social games like JackpotParty.com (l.) website.
Indiana House Passes Sweeping Gambling Bill
In a 78-15 vote, the Indiana House passed the major gambling bill SB 552. The measure addresses moving a casino license from Gary to Terre Haute, legalizing sports betting (but not mobile wagering) and Governor Eric Holcomb’s flights on private aircraft. The measure now moves to a House-Senate conference committee where observers said changes are certain, according to sponsor Senator Jon Ford (l.).
Michigan Lawmaker To Introduce Online Gambling Measure
In addition to a sports betting bill, Michigan state Rep. Brandt Iden is sponsoring the Michigan Lawful Internet Gaming Act. The legislation had bipartisan support last year but was vetoed by former Governor Rick Snyder. Iden said he hopes Governor Gretchen Whitmer will sign the measure into law by this summer.
Delaware North Sues Over Sportsbook Closures
Delaware North’s two West Virginia casino sportsbooks have been unable to take bets since March 6 due to a dispute between Miomni Gaming and a third party supplier. Delaware North sued Miomni, claiming it “fraudulently misrepresented ownership of a key part of the BetLucky (l.) sports wagering platform and breached the companies’ joint venture contract.”
Scientific Games Launches ‘OpenSports’; Partners with Wynn
Scientific Games has launched OpenSports, a new end-to-end sports betting portfolio of products and services built around the company’s leading OpenBet technology, and announced a new partnership with Wynn Resorts. Keith O’Loughlin (l.), Sci Games senior sportsbook VP, says “the game had changed.”
Report: DraftKings, FanDuel Made $1 Million in Campaign Contributions
A new report finds that daily fantasy sports giants DraftKings and FanDuel have made more than $1 million in campaign contributions including in states where legal sports betting is expanding. The two companies have both launched sports betting. The report by PlayUSA found the largest amount of contributions were made in Illinois.
Wynn Resorts Mulls Banning Founder
It’s not often you can choose your own punishment. However, that’s what Wynn Resorts International wants to do. It sent a brief to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last week suggesting that the panel require that it ban Steve Wynn (l.) from all of its properties as a condition for keeping its casino license.
Rodio Appointed Caesars CEO
Tony Rodio, a 30-year gaming industry veteran, was Carl Icahn’s pick to replace Mark Frissora. He also assumes Frissora’s seat on the board of directors, further solidifying Icahn’s control of the casino giant, which appears now to be marching toward an imminent sale. Eldorado Resorts and Landry’s Tilman Fertitta are both in the running for Caesars.
Big Bookmakers Back Total Ban on Broadcast Gambling Advertising in UK
William Hill and GVC Holdings PLC, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, are calling for a complete ban on gambling ads during sports broadcasts, either live or rerun, as well as gambling logos on the shirts of English football teams. An exception should be made for horseracing, GVC said in a press announcement.
