Casinos across the United States offer different incentives for their customers. While many leading operators offer loyalty programs that allow their users to accumulate points and unlock different prizes, others offer raffles, promotions or giveaways. Hardly anyone can say no to something that is free, especially if that involves casino credit. This is precisely the case of an Oxford, Maine casino.

Oxford Casino, operated by Churchill Downs, has some 27,000 square feet of gaming space, offering 28 table games and 970 slot machines. The premier gaming and entertainment destination also offers a variety of dining outlets and a hotel with nearly 110 rooms. On a weekly basis, Oxford Casino engages in a special promotion, picking five customers who receive credits for slots.

The weekly draw grants five random clients with $250 in free slot credits, informing them via email. While usually, the number of customers is only five, recently, a number of other patrons also received such email. To their disappointment, this email was sent by mistake, as announced by FOX 23. Five lucky guests picked randomly received an email informing them of the $250 in free slot credits on January 10. However, shortly after, an unspecified number of customers were also sent the same promotional email.

Matt Gallagher, Oxford Casino’s general manager, revealed that five patrons were notified correctly about their winner status on January 10. Yet, he explained that as a result of a human error, other patrons who were not winners in the promotion also received the same email, notifying them of the free slot credits.

“Unfortunately, the same email was incorrectly sent to a number of patrons who were not winners. This was the result of a human error.“

Matt Gallagher, general manager at Oxford Casino

Upon uncovering the error, Oxford Casino contacted the state’s gambling regulator, the Gambling Control Unit. The operator sought and received approval from the regulator to email the customers who were mistakenly notified about the winning credits, notifying them about the annulment of the offer.

Despite the swift actions of Oxford Casino, a dozen people filed complaints with the Gambling Control Unit. Currently, it remains unclear what is the total number of customers who were emailed with the promotion by mistake.

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Peter V’landys is facing widespread criticism for these recent comments defending the National Rugby League’s (NRL) foray into the sports gambling market. 

Recovering Addict Slams V’landys for Dismissing Devastating Impact of Gambling

V’landys’ remarks have drawn the ire of public health experts and individuals who have struggled with gambling addiction. Many argue that major sporting leagues, including the NRL, have become vehicles for promoting and normalizing gambling, thereby exacerbating the societal harm caused by the industry.

One recovering addict, Mark Kempster, expressed his outrage at V’landys’ comments, calling them “disgusting” and highlighting the devastating impact of gambling on individuals and families, reported The Guardian. Kempster, who had lost approximately AUD100,000 ($67,885) to sports betting, spoke from personal experience, emphasizing that for most people, gambling is far from entertainment.

Prof Samantha Thomas, a gambling and public health expert at Deakin University, criticized V’landys’ perspective, stating that sporting organizations have a responsibility to prioritize the health and social well-being of the community. 

While V’landys has rejected claims that the NRL’s future is dependent on gambling revenue, Tim Costello, the chief advocate of the alliance for gambling reform, expressed his concern over V’landys’ intent to further entrench the league with the gambling industry. Costello described V’landys’ approach as appalling, particularly given the harm caused by gambling within the community.

Debate Rages as NRL Pursues Sports Gambling for Financial Gain

Despite the criticism, V’landys remains steadfast in his position. He sees the expansion into the sports gambling market as an opportunity to generate additional revenue for the NRL through broadcast subscriptions and partnerships with wagering operators. V’landys believes that if fans are betting on the games, they will be more inclined to subscribe to the broadcast.

The NRL’s plans to launch the 2024 season with two showcase games in Las Vegas have attracted support from Australia’s biggest sports gambling companies, who anticipate significant financial gains from increased broadcast fees, sponsorship deals, and gambling revenue. However, critics argue that the potential monetary benefits should not outweigh the potential harm caused by normalizing gambling within the NRL and the wider community.

As discussions and negotiations continue, it remains to be seen how the NRL will navigate the complex and contentious issue of its involvement with the sports gambling industry. The controversy surrounding V’landys’ comments serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of sports, entertainment, and the promotion of responsible gambling practices.

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