Brazil’s Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJ) has taken a significant step by approving a bill that legalizes casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho, and horserace betting. The bill, known as PL 2,234/2022, passed with 14 votes in favor and 12 against on June 19. Having been under consideration since 2022, it now advances to the Senate plenary for further voting, following its prior approval by Brazil’s chamber of deputies.

A Great Opportunity for Brazil

During the CCJ meeting, Senator Irajá highlighted the potential benefits of regulating betting and gaming in Brazil. He emphasized that this move represents a significant opportunity for the country, promising job creation, increased income, and enhanced tax revenues, which could be redirected toward essential sectors such as health, education, social services, and infrastructure.

“We can no longer lose this great opportunity that other competing countries have already understood and is seen to generate jobs, income and taxes, which will obviously be reversed into benefits for the Brazilian people in the most essential areas, such as health, education, social and infrastructure,” Irajá stated.

Regulations and Taxes

The bill sets forth specific regulations for various forms of gambling, including casinos, betting machines, bingo, and animal racing. It also introduces two new types of taxes: the Gaming and Betting Inspection Fee (Tafija) and the Economic Intervention Contribution levied on the marketing of games and betting (Cide-Jogos). Tafija would be paid quarterly, amounting to R$600,000 for casinos, R$300,000 for online gaming locations, and R$20,000 for bingo halls, Jogo de Bicho operators, and tourism companies. The Cide-Jogos tax rate would be set at 17% of gross revenue, with prizes over R$10,000 subject to a 20% income tax.

Casino Operations

Should the bill become law, casinos would be permitted in tourist centers or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and hotels with bars, meeting spaces, and a minimum of 100 rooms. Additionally, casinos could operate on boats and ships with at least 50 rooms, given certain river length parameters. There would be a limit of one casino per state and the Federal District, with São Paulo, allowed up to three casinos and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará up to two each. Each casino would be required to have a minimum paid-up share capital of R$100 million.

Bingo and Racing

The legislation also covers the legalization of bingo in card, electronic, and video formats. Each municipality could have one bingo house, with larger cities allowed one per 150,000 inhabitants. Licensed bingo houses could operate for 25 years, subject to renewal, and would need to provide proof of a minimum paid-up share capital of R$10 million.

For animal racing, the bill allows one legal racing entity per 700,000 inhabitants, except for Roraima, which would have a jogo do bicho operator due to its lower population. Bets on horseracing would be managed by Brazilian tourism entities accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, which could also operate bingo and video bingo games within the same grounds as the races.

Protections and Enforcement

PL 2,234/2022 also proposes several measures to protect bettors. This includes a self-exclusion program called the National Registry of Prohibited Persons (Renapro), requiring venues to check if anyone attempting to enter a casino is registered. Additionally, the bill outlines the National Policy for the Protection of Players and Bettors, promoting honest conduct in gambling and discouraging compulsive behavior.

The bill introduces new criminal penalties for illegal gambling activities, with up to four years in prison for partaking in or advertising unlicensed games, doubled if minors are involved. Tampering with games or results could lead to up to seven years in prison, with penalties doubled if the victim is elderly, a minor, or registered with Renapro.

Legal and Economic Impact

Federal Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino indicated that the Supreme Court might eventually need to rule on the constitutionality of this bill due to its potential interface with organized crime. The proposal aims to attract substantial investments, create millions of jobs, and generate significant annual revenue for Brazil.

Since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved Bill 3,626/2023 in December, which legalized sports betting and iGaming, Brazil has been moving rapidly towards establishing a regulated gaming industry. The Ministry of Finance expects sports betting and iGaming to be fully legal by the end of July, currently working on the regulatory policy for technical and security requirements for operators.

Source:

Legalization of casinos and bingos in Brazil could reach the Supreme Court, gamesbras.com, June 21, 2024.

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Bovada, an offshore and unregulated sportsbook and casino operator, has ceased operations in Michigan and Colorado. This decision comes after the respective gaming regulators in both states issued legal notices to the parent company, Harp Media B.V., demanding the cessation of its activities.

Regulatory Actions in Michigan and Colorado

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada on May 29. The board gave Harp Media B.V., based in Willemstad, Curaçao, 14 days to stop Michigan residents from accessing their gambling services or face legal repercussions. The MGCB cited violations of several Michigan gaming laws, including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act, and the Michigan Penal Code. The board warned that operating unlicensed gambling services in the state could result in imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

Colorado followed suit shortly after Michigan. Although the exact date of Colorado’s notice is not specified, the state also issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, prompting the operator to add Colorado to its list of restricted states.

Expanding List of Restricted States

As of June 20, Bovada updated its Terms & Conditions to exclude residents of Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, and Colorado. Bovada has complied with direct orders from state regulators to cease operations in these states, but it remains illegal across the entire United States under the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act. The offshore operator only exits state markets when explicitly instructed by regulatory authorities.

Lisa Keith, the public information officer for the MGCB, emphasized the board’s vigilance: “The Michigan Gaming Control Board is encouraged to see that Bovada has now identified Michigan as a restricted state on their website. While this is a good indication that they are taking our cease-and-desist letter seriously, we will continue to closely monitor the status of their offerings in Michigan and take appropriate action as deemed necessary.”

Potential Connecticut Exit

Connecticut could be the next state to see Bovada’s exit. The state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issued a cease-and-desist letter to Harp Media B.V. on June 14, threatening criminal and civil penalties if the operator does not halt its illegal online gambling services. The DCP’s letter highlighted the violations of state law and required Bovada to allow Connecticut residents to withdraw their funds.

Kaitlyn Krasselt, DCP Communications Director, confirmed the issuance of the cease-and-desist letter: “There are only three companies licensed to operate in Connecticut: DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, including Mohegan Sun Casino powered by FanDuel Group.”

Massachusetts Considering Action

Massachusetts is also contemplating measures against Bovada. During a June 12 meeting, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) discussed potential actions but did not reach a decision. The commission is aware of the enforcement actions taken by Michigan and Colorado, and Commissioner Nakisha Skinner proposed a formal assessment to determine the necessary steps. MGC Chair Jordan Maynard agreed, indicating that the matter could soon be on the agenda for a public meeting.

Chris Cylke, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the American Gaming Association, stated: “Successful enforcement actions against Bovada by Michigan and Colorado are proof that states have tools to fight back against offshore operators and should serve as blueprints for other states to follow. But states should not have to take on this battle alone – the DOJ [Department of Justice]

must also use its powers to aid the fight against illegal gambling, which Congress has clearly identified as a department priority.”

Source:

Bovada now restricted in Michigan and Colorado after cease-and-desists, sbcamericas.com June 21, 2024.

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The largest casino-entertainment company in the United States and operator with one of the most diversified casino-entertainment providers in the world, Caesars Entertainment, announced the completion of the acquisition of WynnBET’s iGaming business in Michigan. The move represents a major expansion of the company in an important online gambling market.

Besides acquiring WynnBET’s iGaming operations, Caesars also closed a long-term extension of an iGaming market access deal with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Upon announcing the completion of the acquisition, the company said that existing WynnBET brand users won’t experience any interruptions. Assuming the ownership of the WynnBET iGaming business in the state, Caesars said that it plans to keep the existing platform’s name, at least for the moment.

Eric Hession, Caesars Digital’s President, acknowledged the importance of the latest announcement. He thanked the gambling regulator in the state, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, as well as the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, for their efforts that ultimately resulted in the closing of this landmark acquisition.

“Caesars Entertainment would like to thank the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Michigan Gaming Control Board for their collaboration through this process.“

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital

Transitioning from WynnBET to a New Brand Expected Later This Year

Although initially, Caesars will retain the existing platform by using the WynnBET brand in Michigan, the company hinted at the possibility of introducing a new online casino brand. Once this is completed, the company said it will proceed with the transitioning of the existing WynnBET customers to the new iGaming brand.

Still, Caesars confirmed that such a move remains subject to the relevant regulatory approvals. The company disclosed that it expects to complete the aforementioned processes at some point during the second half of this year.

Still, a solid date or an exact name for the new iGaming brand in Michigan was not disclosed.

Recently, Caesars’ shareholders rejected a proposal to study the benefits of going smoke-free. The announcement came despite the growing opposition from anti-smoke organizations who have repeatedly raised concerns about the negative impact of smoking on casino patrons and employees.

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Ontario’s regulated iGaming market has made significant economic strides, generating more than CAD$2 billion in revenue for the provincial government since its inception two years ago. According to a recent report by Deloitte, in its second year, Ontario’s competitive iGaming market (excluding the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s iGaming offering) has sustained nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs, marking an increase of 2,800 jobs from the first year.

A Recognized Leader in iGaming

“Our made-in-Ontario iGaming sector is being recognized internationally for its success as a leader in this space,” said Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey. “Working together with our partners and industry, we will continue to drive innovation and deliver robust player protections, all while displacing the unregulated market. Our iGaming sector is not only a job creator here in Ontario but it shows the world our ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and responsible iGaming industry.”

Deloitte’s report highlights that the total government revenue generated through the iGaming market reached $1.24 billion in the second year. This revenue includes $790 million supporting provincial government revenue, $75 million bolstering municipal government revenues, and $380 million aiding federal government revenue.

“This report puts Ontario’s iGaming market government revenue contribution at over $2 billion since it launched and with job contribution up by 24% from its first year, the benefits to Ontarians are significant,” said Heidi Reinhart, chair of the iGaming Ontario board.

Economic Contributions and Growth

Ontario’s iGaming market contributed $2.7 billion to Ontario’s GDP in its second year of operation, up from $1.58 billion in the first year. For every dollar spent by iGaming operations, an estimated $1.40 of GDP was supported in the Ontario economy, an increase from $1.14 in the first year.

The iGaming market has already achieved or nearly reached many of Deloitte’s year-five projections in its second year, with government revenue at 94%, direct jobs sustained at 120%, total full-time jobs sustained at 9%, and GDP contributions at 93% of the initial expectations.

“Through the development and growth of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, we’re helping achieve the government’s goals in terms of job creation, innovation, and development while providing a safer experience for consumers,” added Martha Otton, executive director of iGaming Ontario.

Detailed Economic Impact

The report from Deloitte indicates that Ontario’s regulated iGaming market sustained 14,935 full-time equivalent jobs in its second year, a significant increase from the previous year. The market’s contribution to the GDP amounted to $2.7 billion, with a notable portion of $1.3 billion supporting labor income. This economic activity resulted from both operational activities and capital investments by licensed iGaming operators.

The breakdown of government revenue supported by the iGaming market is substantial: $790 million in provincial government revenue, $75 million in municipal government revenue, and $380 million in federal government revenue. These revenues include various taxes such as the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), property taxes, and corporate and personal income taxes.

Comparing Year 1 and Year 2 Results

The growth from Year 1 to Year 2 of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is significant. The estimated contribution to Ontario’s GDP grew by 70%, from $1.6 billion to $2.7 billion. The contribution to labor income increased by 45%, rising from $905 million to $1.3 billion. Employment contributions saw a 24% rise, growing from 12,070 full-time equivalent jobs to 14,935. Additionally, the contribution to provincial and municipal government revenue in Ontario increased by 66%, from $525 million to $865 million.

This robust growth illustrates the dynamic impact of Ontario’s regulated iGaming market on the province’s economy. The sector not only creates jobs but also drives significant revenue for the government, supporting a variety of public services and initiatives.

Source:

ONTARIO IGAMING MARKET SUSTAINING 15,000 JOBS IN SECOND YEAR SINCE LAUNCH, gamingintelligence.com, June 20, 2024.

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Chris Cylke, vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), has pointed out that attractive promotions, better odds, and the ability to gamble with cryptocurrencies are some of the things that lure people into illegal gaming.

Illegal Gaming Threatens Consumers and Undermines the Legal Industry

Different aspects are included in illegal gaming such as offshore online casinos, unregulated slot machines and illicit sportsbooks. These hidden activities present significant threats to customers and undermine the legal gambling sector.

However, Cylke further noted how important it is to educate consumers about the risks associated with these illegal platforms, reported local media outlet Vegas Inc. According to him, illegal gambling is not a victimless crime as many believe. Users may expose their personal and financial details to unregulated entities which could be located anywhere since there is no oversight over them and customers do not know where their money ends up.

Legalized operators face stiff competition from such illicit operations which do not incur costs like getting licenses or paying taxes. In 2022 alone, reports indicate that illegal betting houses took in more than $510 billion worth of bets while legal establishments lost over $44 billion due to this unfair competition. The legalization of sports betting in numerous jurisdictions in the US has led to a decrease in illegal sports betting, but online casino gaming remains a major issue, with over $337 billion transacted illegally.

Illegal Sports Betting: A $13.3 Billion Tax Drain

Cylke reiterated on consumer education saying that sometimes individuals unknowingly visit sites considered illegal because they appear prominently on search engines. He further stated that some users knowingly choose these sites to avoid scrutiny, a practice that further complicates the problem.

Alan Feldman who is UNLV’s director of strategic initiatives highlighted the absence of consumer protection safeguards found within unauthorized gaming websites together with the fact that they do not pay taxes and thus deprive state coffers of revenues meant for local economies. An AGA report also pointed out that state governments lost $13.3 billion in tax revenue due to illegal and unregulated sports betting.

Feldman called upon all US states where gambling has been legalized to acknowledge the damage caused by unlicensed gambling establishments arguing that legalization of sports betting was primarily done with an aim to generate additional tax dollars for public use. Additionally, he mentioned that people affected negatively by illegal gambling rarely come forward thereby complicating matters even further.

To fight against the illegal gaming industry leaders are calling for stricter law enforcement coupled with creating awareness among the general public. Feldman cited Nevada as an example where they have employed GeoComply technology among others which help to identify and block unauthorized betting activities whilst Cylke commended the Michigan state government’s move of issuing cease-and-desist letters to major illegal sites.

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Gambling has existed in some form for thousands of years, providing players with the excitement of taking risks for potential rewards. With so much time to develop, it’s no surprise that the gambling landscape has changed dramatically over time. Today, we have the luxury of choosing from traditional gambling at brick-and-mortar casinos and online gambling, like the many NZ casinos operating online, that can be played from the comfort of our own homes.

There are many similarities between traditional gambling and online gambling. Both options are popular and involve wagering real money on various games of chance or skill, whether land-based or virtual. However, while there are many commonalities, there are also key differences between the two. This article provides aspects of both traditional and online gambling in an attempt to identify the best player experience.

Traditional Gambling vs Online Gambling

Gambling’s rich history dates back centuries, and since online gambling wasn’t established until 1994, it makes sense that traditional land-based casinos have been preferred by gamblers. Brick-and-mortars offer a variety of games, including casino classics such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as player favorite slot machines. The face-to-face interactions with other players and dealers that are a part of real-life gambling make it more of a social experience. The excitement experienced at a busy casino is unmatched.

Convenience, Accessibility & Game Selection

However, as the gambling industry embraces the digital age, there has been a significant rise in online gambling. Unlike traditional casinos, internet gambling offers the convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home via smartphone, computer, or tablet, whenever you want. Accessibility is a convenience offered by online platforms that is unparalleled.

Players can also typically choose from a wider variety of games at online platforms versus traditional casinos where there may be more of a limited selection due to space constraints and less variety within each category. Online casinos offer a broad range of slots that feature advanced game mechanics, immersive storylines and sequels to players’ favorite titles; table games and live casino games that give the real feel of TV game shows, and even sports betting. These offerings provide players with a realistic and thrilling gaming experience that recreates the atmosphere of a traditional casino while delivering all the advantages of online play.

Online gambling is considered by some a “lone-wolf” activity and can be isolating. However, an increasing number of platforms are starting to address the social aspects of gambling. Unlike the virtual casinos of old, many of today’s online casinos offer live dealer games with real-time chat among fellow players, tournaments and leaderboards, each providing a greater level of social interaction.

Bonuses & Promotions

Another real benefit of online gambling is the level of anonymity and privacy offered, which cannot be matched by traditional casinos. Meanwhile, perks such as bonuses, promotions and loyalty programs are often offered by online gambling sites. Meant to attract and retain players, these incentives are not as common in land-based casinos and are proven to be effective drivers of traffic to virtual casinos.

Payment Methods & Payouts

Online casinos also offer a larger selection of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies and digital wallets, whereas traditional gambling venues are typically limited to cash and credit cards. Payouts are an important aspect and one that most consider to be the most important. This is one area where a physical casino has the edge. Winnings are immediately paid in cash when the game is over at a traditional casino, while you can wait anywhere from 10 or 15 minutes to up to a week, depending on the online casino’s payment methods and policy.

Safety & Security

Whether you choose traditional or online casino, you want to be assured you’re betting at locations you know are safe, secure and fair. That means licensed and regulated by reputable gaming authorities, so you know your personal information and payments are handled securely. Personal preference and circumstances also go a long way when considering when choosing one form of gambling or the other.

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As summer heats up, so does the collaboration between Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco, signaling an exciting new chapter in the Italian iGaming landscape. This partnership introduces some of Hacksaw Gaming’s most popular and innovative titles to Newgioco’s platform, promising players an exhilarating and fresh gaming experience.

A Promising Partnership

Newgioco, a leading leisure betting technology platform, offers regulated online and land-based gaming and sports betting throughout Italy. A. Merola, CEO of Multigioco Srl, expressed enthusiasm about the new collaboration:

“The Newgioco casino adds Hacksaw Gaming as a new partnership with which we are sure we can aim together for excellent results in terms of satisfaction from our users. Extending the offer with high-profile suppliers represents another step in our strategy aimed at making the widest range of innovative and safe entertainment products available to Newgioco users. Welcome to Hacksaw Gaming in the Newgioco stable!”

Exciting New Titles for Players

Players can look forward to a selection of Hacksaw Gaming’s star titles such as Wanted Dead or a Wild, Le Bandit, Hand of Anubis, and Chaos Crew II, among others. Known for their visually stunning art styles and innovative features, Hacksaw Gaming’s offerings are set to provide a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, shared his excitement about the partnership: “Another new client and another successful launch under our belts! We’re avid to see how Newgioco players enjoy our content, and equally as eager to solidify this new collaboration.”

Enhancing the Italian iGaming Experience

This partnership between Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco is poised to elevate the gaming experience for players across Italy. By combining Hacksaw Gaming’s cutting-edge game design and Newgioco’s robust platform, the collaboration aims to deliver exceptional entertainment and enhance player satisfaction.

As both companies look forward to a successful partnership, Italian players can anticipate a summer filled with exciting new games and enhanced gaming experiences. This collaboration not only marks a significant milestone for both Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco but also promises to set new standards in the Italian iGaming market.

Source: Coming in Hot! Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco Toast to New Beginnings!, Hacksaw Gaming, June 18, 2024.

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In his recent column, Tom Waterhouse from Waterhouse VC delves into the burgeoning opportunity of crypto wagering and how operators can distinguish themselves in an intensely competitive landscape.

Waterhouse underscores the quote by Steve Jobs, stating, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.” He highlights that the wagering industry has historically led innovation in areas such as user experience (UX), marketing strategies, and payment solutions. Crypto operators, like Sportsbet.io and Stake.com, are exemplars in this space, boasting UX comparable to traditional fiat-based platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings while pioneering advancements in marketing and payments.

Unprecedented Turnover and Market Impact

As of May 2022, Sportsbet.io reported a staggering turnover of US$2.7 billion per month, a figure that likely continues to grow. For context, in 2023, Australia’s largest operator averaged US$1 billion in monthly turnover, commanding approximately 45% of the national market share.

The Power of Micro-Influencers

Waterhouse notes the dominance of crypto wagering giants like Stake, which leverage influencer marketing through high-profile collaborations, including partnerships with celebrities like Drake. In contrast, emerging platforms such as Shuffle.com target micro-influencers with smaller yet fiercely dedicated followings of 1,000 to 10,000 engaged fans. This strategy proves cost-effective, as these influencers often yield higher returns per dollar spent compared to influencers with larger, less engaged audiences.

Shuffle: A New Player in Crypto Wagering

Launched in 2023, Shuffle has rapidly carved out a niche in the crypto wagering sector, facilitating over US$6 billion in bets to date. Led by Noah Dummett, whose expertise stems from roles in high-growth crypto exchanges like Bitmex, Shuffle aims to rival the scale and profitability of its exchange predecessors.

Strategic Growth and Marketing Initiatives

Shuffle’s approach includes strategic partnerships with Tier 1 sports teams and mainstream celebrities, akin to industry leaders like Stake. However, it initially focuses on securing high-return advertising deals before pursuing larger-scale endorsements. This meticulous strategy ensures optimal conversion rates for every marketing dollar spent.

Enhancing User Experience and Retention

Critical to Shuffle’s success is its commitment to user engagement and retention. The platform features a custom-built UI and proprietary games designed for speed and seamless navigation. Notably, Shuffle’s casino games boast industry-leading Return to Player (RTP) rates, with house games at 99% and slots at 97%.

The Role of B2B Suppliers in Innovation

Waterhouse VC emphasizes the importance of B2B suppliers in driving innovation within the wagering industry. By investing in these suppliers rather than direct-to-consumer operators, Waterhouse VC believes in fostering differentiation through superior product offerings and enhanced user experiences.

Market Penetration and Localization Strategies

New entrants in the wagering market can maximize success by focusing on niche markets devoid of dominant players, as demonstrated by Shuffle’s early success in Japan. Waterhouse advises leveraging local expertise and cultural alignment to optimize marketing strategies in diverse regions, such as newly regulated markets like Brazil.

Companies like Shuffle, Stake, and Sportsbet.io exemplify how innovation in product differentiation, marketing strategies, and user experience can propel rapid growth in the competitive wagering industry. By staying agile and attuned to market dynamics, these operators continue to shape the future of crypto wagering.

Source: “Waterhouse VC: Crypto wagering”, iGaming Business, June 18, 2024.

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IdPair, Inc., a leading provider of safer gambling technology, is gearing up to introduce free self-exclusion assistance across Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee starting this August. This initiative marks the inaugural phase of the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP), aimed at streamlining access to self-exclusion services for individuals across multiple jurisdictions.

Free Remote Notary Services Facilitate Access

As part of NVSEP’s commitment to accessibility, individuals seeking self-exclusion in states requiring notarized forms will benefit from free remote online notary services via the NVSEP platform. This removes financial barriers and ensures that the process remains straightforward and cost-free for participants.

Tailored Self-Exclusion Options Across Jurisdictions

NVSEP acknowledges the diverse gambling landscapes in each state, offering tailored self-exclusion options that cater to various forms of gambling, including casinos, online sports betting, poker, fantasy sports, and horseracing. For detailed information on supported products and properties in each jurisdiction, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.NVSEP.com/jurisdictions.

Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of NVSEP’s expansion: “With this launch, individuals can now self-exclude seamlessly across multiple states, enhancing their protection significantly. Our goal is to eliminate barriers and ensure that everyone seeking self-exclusion can access these vital services.”

Advancing Efficiency Through Integrated Systems

Future phases of NVSEP aim to deepen integration by potentially linking directly with the Player Account Management (PAM) systems of gambling operators. This integration promises to streamline the self-exclusion process further, potentially enabling instantaneous enrollment and providing immediate protection to participants.

This initiative by NVSEP in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee represents a pivotal step toward the nationwide adoption of responsible gambling practices. For ongoing updates and more details about NVSEP, including future expansions, please visitwww.NVSEP.com.

Source: “National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) to Begin Free Self-Exclusion Assistance in Four US Jurisdictions”, Business Wire, June 18, 2024

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Caesars Entertainment’s shareholders are apparently not on board with a recent proposal to study the effects of smoke-free casinos. While activists continue to fervently promote the idea of smoke-free casinos, citing health-related concerns, gambling companies and their investors remain obstinate in maintaining the status quo.

The proposal was filed by public health and labor advocates from the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation and healthcare provider Trinity Health. The aforementioned organizations suggested that implementing a non-smoking policy across Caesars’ 52 properties in the United States could help the company save up money.

However, approximately 80% of Caesars’ shareholders voted against the proposal, following Caesars’ claim that change isn’t needed. For context, the casino operator described its smoking policy as a “complex business decision” and added that it currently complies with local regulations.

Caesars further explained that it doesn’t believe compiling a report on the effects of smoke-free casinos wouldn’t be an “effective use of company resources.”

Smoke-Free Activists Are Encouraged to Continue the Fight

While the proposal was rejected, its proponents said that they were encouraged by the support it received and plan to bring it back in 2025. For context, almost 19% of Caesars’ shareholders voted in favor of the support, sparking hope about the future of smoke-free casinos.

Paula Larson-Schusster, president of United Auto Workers Local 3555 and dealer at Caesars’ Flamingo casino hotel in Vegas, said that the support represents a “forward move.” She added that companies will not be convinced to go smoke-free easily but added that the proposal was but the first step in raising awareness on the matter.

Larson-Schusster was firm that a smoke-free policy would not hurt casino companies’ product but would actually make it more valuable.

Indoor smoking continues to be one of the hot topics of the American casino industry. Many states exempt casinos from the indoor smoking ban, allowing them to dedicate a portion of their gaming area as a smoking zone.

However, proponents of banning smoking at casinos argue that this exposes casino workers to high levels of unhealthy smoke and can potentially lead to health complications.

While casino companies fear that going smoke-free could deal a blow to their profits, supporters of this change point out that there are already casinos that prohibit smoking without seeing a decline in profits.

The multi-front war on smoking also continues in states such as Pennsylvania where CEASE and UAW recently asked lawmakers to end the loophole that allows casinos to offer indoor smoking.

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