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.
MGM Cuts Continue
MGM Resorts last week chopped 254 management positions, with another round coming up soon, according to Chairman and CEO James Murren (l.). The job reduction is part of the MGM 2020 plan that will result in a new operating model.
Operators Form Sports Betting Monitoring Group
A group of U.S. sportsbook operators have announced the formation of the non-profit Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association. The organization will monitor the sports betting industry to detect and discourage fraud and other illegal activity, the group said. The organization is modeled after ESSA, a European sports integrity monitoring association, says George Rover (l.), the association’s chief integrity officer.
Jonodev Chaudhuri Resigns as NIGC Chairman
After six years in office, Jonodev Chaudhuri has resigned as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. He lists many accomplishments during his tenure, including new initiatives that served tribal sovereignty, technology improvements, and complete transparency.
Iowa Sports Betting Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
The Iowa legislature approved a sports betting bill and forwarded it to Governor Kim Reynolds (l.), who hasn’t publicly expressed whether she’ll sign it. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would regulate sports wagering. The measure allows Iowans age 21 and older to wager online or at the state’s 19 casinos, several of which are readying sportsbooks.
Indiana Governor Expected To Sign Gambling Bill
The Indiana legislature passed a comprehensive gambling bill and forwarded it to Governor Eric Holcomb, who is expected to sign it. The bill allows mobile and on-site sports betting. It also allows Spectacle Entertainment to move one of the Majestic Casinos (l.) to downtown Gary; it must surrender the other license for a bidding process for a Terre Haute casino.
First N.Y. Racino Closes Its Doors
The gaming floor at Monticello Raceway didn’t last much more than a year after owner Empire Resorts opened its $1 billion Resorts World Catskills just six miles away. Empire says it will keep the 60-year-old harness track open, but its future doesn’t look too promising either.
Buyer Found for Vegas’ Shuttered Lucky Dragon
A Las Vegas businessman has bought the failed Lucky Dragon casino hotel (l.) for $36 million. He plans to reopen the 203-room hotel, closed since October. But the once-heralded Asian-themed casino is gone for good.
