Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has given the green light to revised ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment. This amendment aims to strip the Arkansas Racing Commission of its authority to issue a casino license in Pope County and mandates local voter approval for any new casino licenses outside of three specified counties.

Arkansas Ballot Initiative Advances Amidst Casino License Controversy

Attorney General Tim Griffin‘s certification of the ballot language sets the stage for the Local Voters in Charge ballot committee to initiate signature collection from registered voters. The committee needs to gather 90,704 signatures, including representation from 50 counties, by July 5 to secure a spot for the proposed amendment on the November 5 general election ballot, reported Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The proposed amendment comes amidst ongoing disputes over the issuance of a casino license in Pope County, stirring up legal battles and community tensions. With billions of dollars at stake annually in the state’s gambling industry, the proposed changes could have far-reaching implications.

Hans Stiritz, spokesperson for the Local Voters in Charge committee, expressed gratitude for the attorney general’s approval. He highlighted in a written statement that the measure would prevent casinos from entering communities that oppose them and would enable local voters to define the identity of their respective hometowns. 

Meanwhile, Allison Burum of Cherokee Nation Businesses reiterated their commitment to their proposed Legends Resort & Casino project, emphasizing its potential economic impact.

Revised Ballot Language Signals Shift in Arkansas Gambling Laws

Griffin’s decision to revise the ballot language reflects concerns about clarity and accuracy. He stressed the need for precise wording to ensure voters fully understand the implications of the proposed amendment. Changes were made to align the language with legal definitions and to provide a clearer summary of the measure’s content.

The amendment seeks to repeal existing authorization for a casino in Pope County and mandates special elections for any future casino licenses outside of specified counties. This move represents a significant shift in the state’s gambling policies, prompting intense debate among stakeholders.

At the same time, at the end of January,  the Arkansas Racing Commission confirmed it is going to revise casino rules, potentially paving the way for the final casino license in Pope County, concluding the state’s casino expansion. 

The approval of the revised ballot language sets the stage for a heated campaign season as both proponents and opponents gear up to sway public opinion. With the potential for major changes to Arkansas’ gambling landscape, the upcoming months promise to be pivotal for the state’s future.

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Novig, an innovative sports betting market that seeks to redefine the wagering sector, has been greenlit to launch in Colorado by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Now boasting an Internet Sports Betting Operator license, the company will be able to make a foray into the lucrative US market.

Colorado will notably be Novig’s first state. The company plans to launch there next month in partnership with Full House Resorts and its Bronco Billy’s Casino property in Cripple Creek.

Coloradoans will soon be able to experience Novig and its exciting wagering markets. The Noivg app will be available to both iOS and Android users, providing players with tons of betting excitement at their fingertips.

However, at least initially, Novig will serve as a regular sports betting operator, instead of as an exchange. Should the CLGC greenlight exchange wagering, Novig plans to launch its flagship exchange wagering options in the state as well.

At first, the Novig app in Colorado will offer wagering options for some of the biggest leagues in North America, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF and NCAAB. The company plans to further diversify the markets it offers in the state in 2024.

Novig Looking Forward to Launching in Colorado

Jacob Fortinsky, Novig’s co-founder and chief executive officer, commented on the launch in Colorado, praising it as a major development for his company. He thanked the Colorado Division of Gaming for its incredible help throughout the entire licensing process.

Fortinsky added:

We’re committed to building an unparalleled, community-led betting experience, and we look forward to becoming the go-to destination for sports fanatics and sharp bettors alike.

Jacob Fortinsky, co-founder & CEO, Novig

Founded by Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah, Novig is backed by a number of major investors, including Joe Montana, Lux Capital and Y Combinator. Novig hopes that exchange wagering will secure approval from the CLGC, allowing the company to launch the first commission-free, high-frequency sports betting exchange in Colorado.

A month ago, Novig forged a new comprehensive agreement with US Integrity, a leading technology-driven sports betting monitoring company. This move proved Novig’s desire to fortify the foundational elements of its products and protect the integrity of the sports betting sector.

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BetDEX Labs’s BetDEX Exchange has been greenlit for launch in Ireland. The remote betting intermediary license is effective as of July 1 this year, allowing the exchange to offer online sports betting in the country.

As a result, customers in Ireland will now be able to access the BetDEX Exchange and play. The company offers high speeds, attractive costs and flexibility that few other companies can match.

Another thing that sets BetDEX apart from its competition is its non-custodial model that never places BetDEX in charge of players’ money. Instead, the bets are held on transparent blockchain-based contracts. This model results in lower fees compared to other betting companies.

The launch in Ireland couldn’t have come at a better time for the company, considering the recent approval of in-play bets for tennis and cricket games. In addition to in-play markets, BetDEX promised to launch a variety of side markets for soccer and tennis matches.

In the meantime, BetDEX will continue to expand its offering by launching more markets for its global audience. At the same time, the company will pursue further growth opportunities. In 2022, for example, the exchange secured a license from the Isle of Man.

New but Familiar Territory of Operation

BetDEX’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Varun Sudhakar, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He emphasized that Ireland is a familiar yet new territory for his team, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom.

Sudhakar praised Ireland’s rich history of sports betting and said that the new license is a huge opportunity to introduce blockchain-based solutions to the local market.

Ireland has a rich history of being at the forefront of sports betting advancements, and while this license provides Irish citizens with the opportunity to bet using our platform, it also introduces the region to the power and benefits of blockchain and web3 technologies.

Varun Sudhakar, co-founder & CEO, BetDEX

The executive concluded that his team will continue to promote web3 betting platforms across the globe.

BetDEX Labs’ co-founder and chairman, Nigel Eccles, described Ireland as a “leader in innovation and the adoption of new technologies.” He added that the new license attests to the country’s desire to remain at the forefront of betting advancements.

On behalf of the BetDEX team, we are excited to provide a superior betting experience to the people of Ireland.

Nigel Eccles, co-founder & chair, BetDEX Labs

In March, BetDEX added Indian Premier League markets to its platform, hailing the move as a major milestone.

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Deals between professional sports organizations and gambling companies help bring valuable proceeds for the clubs, allowing them to continue to grow. Yet amid concerns about an increase in sports betting activities and consequently risky or problem gambling behavior, many countries around Europe are strengthening their regulations. This applies not only to gambling sponsorships but external advertising and Belgium is one of the countries that is set to implement new strict rules.

Last year, Vincent Van Quickenborne, Belgium’s Minister of Justice, proposed changes related to the promotion of gambling activities. The proposed changes called for a strict ban on gambling advertising that seeks to curb problem gambling and at the same time reduce the exposure of such products. The proposed changes immediately captured the attention of the regulated gambling sector, as well as sports organizations that filed lawsuits with 11 courts, urging against the nationwide ban on gambling advertising and tough new restrictions.

Now, it seems that those efforts were in vain, at least for the moment, considering that the lawsuits were dismissed, clearing the path for the new regulations to come into effect starting from July 1, 2023, a report released by Het Nieuwsblad reveals. Van Quickenborne commented on the topic pointing out: “Hopefully this will put an end to all attempts at lobbying and legal sabotage from the gambling sector and sectors that are addicted to gambling money.”

Tough Restrictions Come Into Effect in July

The new restrictions would significantly limit the options for gambling advertising in Belgium. Starting from July 1, gambling ads will not be allowed to air on TV, at cinemas or via radio or social media.

The rules ban gambling advertisements from websites, as well as newspapers and magazines. Gambling ads will not be able to appear in public places in the form of banners, posters or stickers. Any printed gambling advertising will also be prohibited while customizable ads distributed via post, online messaging services, social media or emails will be prohibited.

Per the new regulations, owners of businesses such as casinos are allowed to place the name and logo at the front of the venue. Advertisements would be permitted to appear on the inside of betting venues and casinos.

The tough new restrictions echo the changes planned in Belgium’s neighbor, the Netherlands. Similar to Belgium, the company plans to introduce a ban on gambling advertising starting from July 1 but featuring even more restrictions.

It is clear that betting and gaming companies in Belgium are not happy with the upcoming changes to gambling advertising. Sports organizations are similarly concerned, especially football clubs that have established deals with gambling operators. While further appeals and court cases aren’t impossible, it is likely such legal actions to take place after the ban is already enforced.

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This comes after the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission granted a license to Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s owners, and the company’s local investors and representatives, the necessary licenses to press on with the opening.

Harrah’s Nebraska to Open Temporary Venue as Construction Lasts

This is going to be the third commercial gaming venue in the state. As the constriction of the property lasts, however, the company will be able to operate a temporary casino out of Platte County Agricultural Park in Columbus. The permanent venue is expected in 2024.

Caesars Entertainment and local investors spent a considerable amount to ensure that the project will come to fruition. The project has cost $75 million and the casino will cover an area of 40,000 square feet. Right now, the casino is supposed to commence operations with 500 slot machines and 20 table games, but expansions may be available later on.

The casino and hotel will be managed separately, with the gaming floor falling within the remit of a local partner whereas the hotel will be run by Marriott International. The temporary property is set to open on Monday, June 12, at 9 am. Harrah’s Nebraska is already looking up to fill various positions and ensure that its project is feasible.

Meanwhile, Nebraska has seen a mounting interest in casinos with WarHorse Casino Lincoln opening back in September and the Grand Island Casino at Fonner Park launching in December. The quick succession in openings is indicative of the state’s increased and sustained interest in gaming as well as the liberalization of the activity.

Expansion in Nebraska’s Casino Landscape Continues

WarHorse is presently to also expand its reach with a new $300 million project, the WarHorse Casino Omaha at Horsemen’s Park, which will be forthcoming either later this year, or as a more likely timeline puts it – in 2024. The fact that there have been so many casino projects recently is not surprising at all.

The state voted to back commercial gaming during the November 2020 election and essentially expanded racetrack casinos to Vegas-style casino resorts that feature slots, sports betting and table games, a major stride forward for the state which has long pushed back against the idea of expanding regulated gambling in any capacity. Things are now changing with Harrah’s Nebraska almost on the horizon.  

The post Harrah’s Nebraska Clears Licensing Process, Opens in June appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The move comes as the Spelinspektionen, the country’s regulator, is preparing to issue changes to the regulatory landscape. Stakelogic, and the company’s subsidiary, Stakelogic Live, join a fleet of companies to have successfully received a license from the regulator, which will allow the company to continue serving the important European market and provide authentic and high-quality content to local players.

Stakelogic to Continue Providing Slots and Live Games

As a result, Stakelogic will continue to deploy a mix of its games, including the company’s classic slots that have focused on harking back to the traditional gambling experience, that involves nostalgic symbols, such as BARs, Bells and 7’s.

All of this is done with sound core mechanics that guarantee strong engagement and player retention, with popular features such as Free Spins, Multipliers and Wilds underpinning the experience. Commenting on this important milestone, Stakelogic CEO Stephan van den Oetelaar said:

Our games have really hit the mark with players in Sweden, and securing approval from the regulator means that we can continue to offer our slots and live content to operators and their players once the expected regulatory change comes into force.

Stakelogic CEO Stephan van den Oetelaar

The executive reiterated that Stakelogic remains laser-focused on regulated markets and is interested to bring the highest-grade products to local audiences with the best operators in each jurisdiction.

Some of the games Stakelogic already has on the market include Multi6Player, Big Runner Deluxe, Multi4Player, and others. Besides the classics, players in Sweden will keep discovering some of the most popular video slots by the company, including Greedy Fox, Spartans Vs Zombies Multipays, Devil’s Trap, Diamond Staxx Multipays and more.

Stakelogic is also happy to continue offering some of its outstanding live casino games, named European Roulette, American Blackjack, and more original takes, such as Runner Runner Roulette 5000X. There are also Live Game shows that Stakelogic will continue to provide to partner operators in the market.

The post Stakelogic Clears Swedish iGaming License Process appeared first on Keno Wizard.

As sports betting continues to expand in the United States, more and more states are trying to get the vertical legalized. One such battle is being waged in Vermont where an online sports betting bill moved closer to getting written into law.

House Bill 127, which was recently introduced by Democratic Rep. Matt Birong and nine other House members, seeks to legalize online wagering on sporting events. Under the law amendments outlined in the bill, the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery will serve as the state regulator.

Operators will be able to enter the Green Mountain State through a contract with the Department of Liquor and Lottery. Operators will be taxed 20% of their revenue and will also have to pay an annual fee that will depend on the number of companies that enter the state.

Vermont will allow for a total of six sports betting operators. If six companies join the local market, each of them an annual operating fee of $125,000. If fewer operators opt to enter Vermont, each of them will have to pay a bigger fee.

Following the latest amendments to House Bill 127, the measure was passed by the House with overwhelming approval. The Bill will now be handed to the Senate, which will decide whether to send it to the Vermont Governor to be written into law or not.

The Bill Addresses Problem Gambling

Proponents of gambling have argued that the legislation will benefit Vermont as it will create an alternative to the dangerous black market. Citing geolocation data from GeoComply, they said that thousands of players in Vermont are wagering illegally. As a result, the state is losing millions in taxes, pro-betting lawmakers claimed.

Others, on the other hand, are concerned by the dangers of gambling harm. Currently, Vermont lacks the framework to address the issue if problem gambling becomes the norm. Because of that, some agree that even if House Bill 127 makes the vote, Vermont ought to secure problem gambling resources and education before launching online sports betting.

The bill itself outlines a number of safer gambling regulations, such as the creation of a Responsible Gaming Special Fund, which will be used by the Department of Health to address and treat gambling harm.

Vermont is not the only state fighting for the legalization of sports betting. Currently, Texas lawmakers continue to debate the legalization of wagering on sports. A few days ago, HB 1027 passed the House vote in Oklahoma and is now headed to the Senate. Elsewhere, a North Carolina bill proposes the expansion of the state’s betting industry.

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In February, Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City filed House Bill 1027, bringing sports aficionados and gamblers from Oklahoma one step closer to finally seeing sports betting legalized in the Sooner State.

After the legislation went through a smooth review from a friendly committee that was chaired by Luttrell, KOKO-TV announces that the House Committee on Appropriations and Budget has decided to pass the bill on Thursday.

27 “Yes” Votes, Four “No” Votes

Luttrell’s second trial to introduce sports betting to Oklahoma gathered 27 “yes” votes and it was only opposed by four “no” votes in the Appropriations and Budget Committee.

According to its initiator, the main purpose of the bill is to allow additional changes that might be necessary during the lawmaking procedure. In its current form, the legislation would enable Native American tribes to make their way into new sports betting compacts that legalize both in-person and mobile sports betting.

Tribes eager to participate would be allowed to ink partnerships with larger online sports betting sites or create their own gambling sites and platforms and sportsbooks. They would also be allowed to set limits to mobile betting and only allow the vertical on tribal land.

Luttrell explained that the new bill is the result of his lengthy work and collaboration with the tribes and gaming partners in his own districts as well as several other districts in Oklahoma.

While the bill was successfully passed out of committee at the start of March, this still does not offer any guarantee on the fact that it would also reach the House. Nonetheless, Luttrell has expressed his optimism that this would occur.

In the event that the bill would reach the House floor, it would still require clearance from the House and Senate prior to being signed into effect by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The Power of Example

Further strengthening his argument that Oklahoma is currently missing out on a lot of money, Luttrell explained that after sports betting became legal in nearby Arkansas, the three casinos there generated a massive total bid of $500 million, with $11 million reaching the state’s treasury.

The bill’s initiator also argued that sports betting was already legal in New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas, while adding that the purpose of the bill was not to expand gambling or gaming, but to offer “another option for those tribes that would like to provide this to their customers.”

If it would come into effect, the legislation would follow the same distribution of the fees that currently come to the state from other compacts.

Accordingly, 80% of the money would go to education while a separate provision would be used to combat problem gaming and provide counseling to problem problems and persons at risk.

While the legislation still has a long time to go before it turns into a palpable reality, the fact that it currently enjoys the support of both the tribes and the Governor can be taken as a good omen.

The post House Committee Clears Bill That Would Legalize Sports Betting in Oklahoma appeared first on Keno Wizard.