Currently, the regulation of gambling activities in Maine is in the hands of the Maine Gambling Control Unit. An ongoing goal for the agency is to oversee gambling activities across the state, providing effective, efficient and consistent regulation.

As such, the authority constantly monitors the activities of land-based casinos. Online betting, which launched in November, is also scrutinized by the Maine Gambling Control Unit.

While the constant monitoring of casino operators was among the requirements set by Maine’s residents when they approved such activities, internal changes to the gambling regulator’s policies may result in more lax control.

This is according to a recently released report by WGME, which highlights the concern of one gambling inspector who complained about the actions of their boss who allegedly created a hostile work environment and implemented changes to the monitoring schedules for the inspectors.

Gayle Craig currently holds the role of a gambling inspector for Bangor’s Hollywood Slots and Casino. She is a subordinate of the Maine Gambling Control Unit’s director, Milton Champion. According to the recent report, Craig complained that her boss retaliated after she raised different concerns.

Decreasing the Monitoring Frequency as a Result of the Changes

The gambling inspector said that she and the other inspectors’ schedules changed from 10 hours for four days to eight hours for five days. But Craig’s main concern is that the changes in schedule deprived the casinos across Maine of 24/7 monitoring, something which was a standard practice before.

In the words of the gambling inspector: “Removing us two days a week is really impacting the casinos, and as far as I’m concerned the public would be interested because when people voted to bring casinos into Maine they voted for strict oversight and he’s removing it.”

Craig explained that the aforementioned change in the inspectors’ schedule means that there won’t be a representative of the gambling regulator in the late hours. Moreover, she warned that the changes mean that there won’t be a casino inspector present on Sundays and Mondays.

Michael Sauschuck, a commissioner with the Department of Public Safety, supported the change made by the gambling regulator’s boss. Sauschuck spoke in defense of the gambling regulator’s boss during a meeting earlier this week.

The recent report did not reveal what concerns the gambling inspectors raised with their boss. It is yet to be seen how the sector or gambling addiction groups will react to the change.

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Mississippi’s Tidelands bill has raised concerns about the future of coastal casinos. The bill received unanimous approval from the Senate and has 30 days before a final vote is held.

Senate Bill 2780 passed the Senate on Thursday after receiving two amendments. The first amendment allows cities to control properties on ports and harbors as long as there is not a “gaming component” to them. This means that the state cannot restrict the public use of a coastal property, as long as it is for public purpose.

However, the amendment maintains the points that provide the Secretary of State with control over coastline casinos. Under the new bill, developers must secure a lease from the state, instead of from the local government. Additionally, new casinos cannot be located on or adjacent to sand beaches but still have to be located within 800 feet of the shore. Finally, the casino developer must control all property.

Overall, the bill has the potential to hinder the creation of new casinos, some believe. Critics furthermore claimed that coastal leaders were not consulted about the Tidelands bill, depriving them of their input.

The bill highlighted a discrepancy between the state government and the local governments.

Mississippi’s Government Doesn’t Want to Repeat the Recent Biloxi Hassle

David Blount, chair of the Senate Gaming Committee, ushered in the first amendment to Senate Bill 2780. He explained that the government is not interested in micromanaging local harbors and instead wants to create a “consistent environment” for the casino industry.

His comment echoed the recent approval of RW Development’s casino in Biloxi which was greenlit by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. The project was initiated by a partnership between the developer and the city of Biloxi and Harrison County to rebuild Veterans Avenue Pier. The Secretary of State blocked the initiative – a decision that was later disputed in the Supreme Court. As a result, RW Development was later able to secure approval for adding a casino to the pier.

Mike Thompson, chairman of the Senate Ports & Marine Resources Committee, explained that the Tidelands bill seeks to make sure that nothing precludes government authorities from having exclusive control over their ports and harbors. He acknowledged that the bill has generated concerns among coastal leaders and added a reverse repealer amendment that ensures the bill will have more time for adjustments to be made.

In the meantime, the House version of this measure, HB 1659, passed the House by a landslide after 113 representatives voted in favor of the bill against 6 who opposed it.

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North Carolina succeeded in getting legal sports betting approved but failed to legalize casino gaming in 2023. While proponents of casino resorts plan to continue pushing for legalization of the vertical, opponents of such a measure are anxious that the game might be rigged.

For reference, North Carolina recently vowed to provide several counties, including Anson, Nash and Rockingham, with funding for major infrastructural improvements. The move caused some to think that the measure might be a preparation for the launch of casino gaming in the Tar Heel State.

For reference, Anson is set to be provided with $6 million for wastewater projects. Nash, on the other hand, will receive some $17 million for similar reasons. The biggest winner of all is Rockingham, which will be provided with a whopping $54.5 million for infrastructural upgrades. The money is part of the $2 billion North Carolina will allocate to infrastructure projects across the state.

The Government Has Been Planning This Investment for Years

According to uneasy opponents of the expansion of gambling, the infrastructural improvements in question are a setup for the launch of Las Vegas-style resorts as they will facilitate the construction of such venues.

Opponents of the launch of casino gaming were quick to point out that last year’s legislation sought approval for casino resorts in these exact counties. The legislation was the brainchild of Sen. Phil Berger and was supported by The Cordish Companies, a major casino and hospitality company. Berger’s promise to reintroduce the measure in 2024 is another factor that caused concern among anti-gambling activists.

For reference, the majority of voters in North Carolina oppose further expansion of the state’s gambling industry. At the same time, Berger believes casino resorts are not just about gaming but about nurturing the economic growth of rural areas as a whole.

In any case, the government was quick to point out that there is no correlation between the proposed improvements and some local leaders’ support for casino resorts. According to the authorities, the infrastructural investments are something they have been planning for years.

Anson County Manager Leonard Sossamon, however, did confirm that the infrastructure improvements would benefit a potential casino resort – a project that would be impossible at the moment.

In other news, NC recently approved the second batch of sports betting rules.

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Italy has taken a significant step towards a comprehensive reform of its online gambling sector in 2024, as the government has decided to proceed with the Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF)’s decree to reorganize the gambling sector. However, newly envisioned licensing fees have caused significant friction with operators who accused policymakers of their haphazard and chaotic approach.

The New Decree Aims to Bolster Customer Safety

According to the Italian government, the new legislation aims to safeguard players, especially minors, combat criminal activities, and bolster tax revenues for public projects and social causes. The new decree encompasses measures to tackle illegal gambling, protect vulnerable players, introduce self-limitation tools, disseminate cautionary messages, and enforce customer restrictions based on deposit levels. 

Licensing fees will also receive a significant revamp, rising drastically to €7 million ($7.66 million) from 2018’s €200,000 ($392,000). Operators will also be subject to a 3% operating fee on their net revenues, along with an additional annual 0.2% fee contributing to responsible gaming campaigns under the jurisdiction of a dedicated gambling department of Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM).

The reformed concessions system will impose a cap of five licenses for each operator, aiming to eliminate ‘skin websites’ and single concessionaire product sales, a concern previously raised by the ADM. The government anticipates generating significant revenues, estimating €350 million ($383.6 million) from competition and an additional €100 million ($109.6 million)  annually from concession fees.

Italian Operators Strongly Protest Some of the Changes

Despite the government’s best intentions, some measures have raised significant concerns among industry stakeholders, like the Italian Association of Public Games Operators and Italy’s Association for Slot Machine Vendors. They urged the government to involve the industry in making necessary changes before proceeding with the decree, warning that the proposed changes would disproportionately hurt smaller businesses.

With 83 existing operators in Italy, the government expects at least 50 to apply for the new concession, signifying a notable industry shift and a means to resolve legal disputes surrounding licensing extensions. While the government has envisioned new measures to block unlicensed websites and transactions with illegal operators, the broader industry warns that they may fail to achieve their desired effect.

We urge the Council of Ministers to reconsider the proposal, as it will make the country’s online gambling black market problem even worse, not better.

Maarten Haijer, European Gaming & Betting Association secretary general

Despite rising discontent from industry representatives, the Italian government appears determined to proceed with its planned revisions. Treasury Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo and PM Giorgia Meloni have expressed their support for the reorganization, focusing on the economic benefits and improved customer safety. However, the refusal to engage with the industry raises growing concerns that the new decree may have unintended consequences.

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Lucky Eagle Casino found itself embroiled in a fatal shooting incident over the weekend, leading to the temporary closure of the establishment following a harrowing encounter between law enforcement and a murder suspect. This development perpetuates November’s unfortunate trend, as armed violence inside US casinos is becoming a regular occurrence. 

Witness Testimony Revealed Additional Details

The victim, identified as 33-year-old Darren Evans of Yelm by Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock, was fatally shot by a Chehalis tribal police officer at Washington State’s Lucky Eagle Casino. Evans was the subject of a warrant for two counts of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in Pierce County. The charges stemmed from a September 2022 incident in Graham, where Evans was wanted for murder.

On Sunday, Chehalis Tribal police and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office personnel received information suggesting Evans was inside the Lucky Eagle Casino. Upon attempting to make contact with Evans, an officer fired shots, resulting in fatal injuries to Evans. Eyewitness Dee Thomas, speaking for KOMO, described Evans running towards the casino exit before the officer discharged his firearm.

I think he tried to get to the front door exit, and then all of a sudden, I see the officer shot him right in the middle of the floor. I didn’t see a direct threat from the man.

Dee Thomas

Authorities have not disclosed the specific circumstances that prompted the officer to fire, nor have they clarified whether Evans was armed or posed a threat to the officer before the shooting. Efforts to save Evans following the shooting were unsuccessful, according to reports from the sheriff’s office. 

Casino Shootings Are Becoming Concerningly Common

Lucky Eagle Casino, operated by the Chehalis Tribe and located near Rochester, about 25 miles southwest of Olympia, announced its temporary closure in response to the tragic event. An establishment representative confirmed it would remain closed until further notice, expressing sorrow over the incident and the necessity of the closure during the ongoing investigation.

This newest shooting represents a concerning trend of armed violence at high-profile gambling venues. November saw a triple homicide near a casino in Robinsonville, MS, and similar reports of homicides related to the gambling industry have become increasingly frequent. While the courts often issue swift judgments regarding such cases, preventative measures remain lacking.

You think you’re going to a public place that’s a safe place, that’s secure, and anything could happen.

Dee Thomas

The rising frequency of such incidents should prompt casino operators to invest more in security, safeguarding consumers and reducing the chances of similar tragedies. Lucky Eagle Casino demonstrates how an unfortunate incident can substantially impact a venue’s bottom line and damage its reputation, justifying some extra expenses.

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Tribal gaming leaders in Oklahoma, alongside their national counterparts, have called upon Gov. Kevin Stitt to support tribal-led sports betting initiatives. 

Tribal Chiefs Express Concerns Over Las Vegas Sands’ Dallas Mavericks Deal

The call for action was made during a recent webcast titled “The New Normal,” hosted by Victor Rocha, conference chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, and Jason Giles, executive director of the Indian Gaming Association. 

Matthew Morgan, chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, was interviewed during the webcast, where concerns were raised regarding the recent acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team by Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, and the subsequent move by the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Adelson’s family, known for controlling the Las Vegas Sands Corp., has committed to purchasing the majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks for a reported $3.5 billion. This move has sparked apprehension within tribal circles as the Adelsons have been actively lobbying to legalize gambling in Texas. Mark Cuban, the current owner of the Mavericks, envisions a new arena with an integrated casino in an entertainment district. 

According to the terms of the deal with Adelson, Mark Cuban, who took ownership of the Mavericks in 2000, will retain a stake in ownership and continue to oversee basketball operations.

Oklahoma Tribal Chiefs Skeptical of Stitt’s Sports Betting Tax Rates

Gov. Stitt, a member of the Cherokee Nation, recently proposed a sports betting plan for Oklahoma. However, tribal leaders assert that the proposal, which includes a 15% tax rate on retail sports betting at tribal casinos and a 20% tax on mobile licenses with a $500,000 license fee, caught them off guard and lacks feasibility. Despite Stitt’s efforts to diversify the state’s revenue streams, stakeholders remain skeptical.

Jason Giles pointed out the inexplicable tax rates proposed by Stitt, emphasizing the robustness of the Oklahoma gambling industry and its potential for growth. Giles argued for a more forward-thinking approach, urging the state to move beyond dependence on the fluctuating oil market and consider economic diversification.

Highlighting the regional competition from neighboring states like Kansas and Arkansas, as well as potential future entrants like Missouri and Texas, Giles stressed the need for strategic planning. 

Morgan echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of Oklahoma becoming a pioneer in sports betting before other states capitalize on the opportunity. In response to the economic concerns raised by Giles, Morgan expressed optimism about the resilience of Oklahoma’s gaming industry. He emphasized ongoing investments by tribal nations in casino properties, citing recent openings and renovations across the state.

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Betting giant Bet365 has decided to part ways with former footballer Steven Caulker as a pundit for an online video series it sponsors. The decision came in light of Caulker’s public statements about gambling, raising concerns within the company.

Former QPR Defender Caulker Excluded by Bet365 for Gambling Addiction Advocacy

Caulker, a seasoned centre-back with a history at QPR and Tottenham, recently found himself without a club after leaving Wigan Athletic following a stint in Turkey, The Guardian reported. The 31-year-old athlete disclosed that he had initially signed up for broadcasting work but was subsequently dropped by Bet365 due to the betting company’s apprehension about his outspoken stance on gambling addiction.

The revelation surfaced through The Big Step, an organization advocating for the end of gambling sponsorship and advertising in football. Caulker had previously shared his personal struggles with gambling, alcohol, and depression in a candid interview with The Guardian back in 2017.

The Big Step and other anti-gambling campaigners in the UK have criticized the Premier League’s attempt to compromise with the government by voluntarily giving up front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships, stating that the proposed move does not address more visible hoarding sponsorships, which are considered more problematic. 

Bet365 Explains Decision to Drop Caulker from Video Series

Bet365 addressed the situation in a statement, clarifying that Caulker had applied to be a guest on a video series exclusively sponsored by the company. The series is published on an online video platform, not traditional television, through one of Bet365’s sports publishing partners. During the approval process, the company became aware of Caulker’s candid discussions about his negative experiences with gambling.

Bet365 conveyed in their official response that they appreciated Mr. Caulker’s commendable efforts in raising awareness about problem gambling. However, as a betting company, they considered it inappropriate for him to appear on a Bet365-sponsored series of that nature. The company expressed regret over any miscommunication and emphasized that their position had been inaccurately conveyed to Caulker by their media partner. The specific online video platform for which Caulker was commissioned remains undisclosed.

Caulker, who made headlines by scoring on his England debut in a friendly against Sweden in 2012, underwent a notable career shift in 2021 when he transferred to Sierra Leone, where he currently serves as the captain. Despite his athletic achievements, Caulker’s off-field challenges have brought him into the spotlight, sparking discussions not only about the struggles athletes face but also the delicate relationship between sports and the gambling industry.

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According to The Gambling Atlas report based on data that was compiled in 2021, around one-third of German adults engage in a form of gambling. 

While the report presented by Germany’s federal drugs commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, at the start of the week marked a decrease compared to the 55% figure that was determined 14 years earlier, in 2007, it also revealed a series of disturbing data. 

7.7% of German Adults Deal with Gambling Addiction Problems

According to the report that was published jointly by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research in Hamburg, the German Centre for Addiction Issues based in Hamm, and the Gambling Research Department part of the University of Bremen, 7.7% of Germans over the age of 18 experience social, financial, or health distresses tied to their gambling addiction. 

In other words, there are currently around 1.3 million adults suffering from a gambling disorder.

Commissioner Blienert argued that gambling “rarely makes participants happy” while also mentioning that an additional 3.3 million German adults are currently showing the first signs that would indicate they are likely to suffer from gambling addiction in the future. 

Using the voice of Christina Rummel, the German Center for Addiction Issues also expressed its opinion on gambling, calling it “a disease.”

Who Is More Prone to Deal with Gambling Problems 

The same report offered a comprehensive overview of the way young adults and men aged between 21 and 35 are more susceptible to dealing with gambling problems. 

The same risk was identified in the case of individuals suffering from psychological disorders as well as people who consume large amounts of alcohol.

Another category at risk of tackling problem gambling issues is represented by migrants who, as explained by gambling expert Tobias Hayer via Germany’s Catholic News Agency, use gambling as self-medication to handle trauma, financial struggles, or the feeling of being marginalized by other members of society.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the rise in the number of gambling addicts. The report explained this through the vulnerable categories of individuals who were suddenly forced to isolate themselves and deal with financial problems. 

Besides the classic slot machines located in gaming arcades and halls, the same report mentioned the rise in live sports wagering as an important element that leads to gambling addictions.

Betting on soccer is one particularly problematic issue, especially in the context of popular betting company BWIN inking a large number of partnerships with the German Football Association and important soccer clubs in the country, including Borussia Dortmund and Dynamo Dresden.

Former goalkeeper, captain, and CEO for Bayern Munich, Oliver Kahn, was also appointed as the public face of Ticipco, another popular sports betting company in Germany, for eight years in a row starting in 2012.

Commissioner Blienert issued a warning regarding the perils of trivializing gambling by connecting it with live sports while also asking for more restrictions. For the time being, it is almost impossible to watch live soccer in the country without being subject to adverts tied to betting.

The Commissioner asked for a TV ban on gambling advertising prior to 11 pm, in spite of the industry reaching massive gross revenue figures of €13.4 billion ($14.3 billion) in 2022 and €5.2 billion reaching the state’s treasury in the form of taxes in 2021.

At the end of September, Germany’s gambling regulator presented information regarding the measures that are meant to keep online players protected from gambling addiction and harm. 

During the same time, regulations in relation to loot boxes in video games reached the national parliament. Members of the parliament from different parties expressed support for more restrictive regulations that should be imposed on the mechanics to cut the risk of gambling addiction.

The previous month, the association of sports betting providers in the country criticized the misinterpretation of data in regard to problem gambling as represented by a 2021 Gambling Survey. 

The Deutsche Sportwettenverband commented on the way the number of people identified as problem gamblers was presented in the media. 

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Richmond voters dealt a blow to the proposed $562 million Richmond Grand Resort and Casino, rejecting the project for the second time in three years. In 2021, Richmond voters were presented with the decision to support or reject a casino project, with 51% opposing and 49% favoring it. 

Child Care Advocates Express Disappointment as Richmond Rejects Casino Funding

One of the significant promises tied to the casino project was the allocation of funds for childcare programs, with an initial upfront payment of $26.5 million and an annual commitment of $19 million in casino revenue earmarked for the city. The rejection of the casino plan has now raised questions about the future of childcare funding in Richmond.

Child care advocates, including Ann Payes, CEO of the early childhood school readiness group Thrive Birth to Five, expressed disappointment over the failed casino project, reported The Richmond Times Dispatch. Payes highlighted that the annual $19 million could have significantly supported early childhood education programs, addressing issues such as lengthy wait times for child care and reducing financial burdens on families.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, who invested considerable political capital in supporting the casino effort, emphasized the potential benefits during a September news conference. Stoney proposed using the casino revenue to build childcare and education centers, fund parks and recreation projects, and establish a trust fund to expand childcare access to low- to middle-class families.

Mayor Stoney Grapples with Childcare Funding Void After Casino Rejection

With the rejection of the casino, Stoney acknowledged that the plans for addressing the childcare shortage were no longer viable. The proposed $26.5 million upfront for child care centers and the annual commitment of $19 million to the Richmond Child Care and Education Trust Fund are now off the table.

Stoney’s office indicated that without the casino funding, alternative measures would need to be explored to address the childcare crisis. However, there are currently no plans to seek a tax increase for childcare funding, according to Stoney’s spokesman Gianni Snidle.

The rejection of the casino has left childcare advocates and officials exploring other avenues for funding. Organizations like Thrive Birth to Five are turning to state and federal governments for increased funding. Payes emphasized a commitment to making early childhood care happen, even if at a slower pace. The Richmond Public School system is also applying for Head Start and Early Head Start grants to increase the number of available childcare slots.

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Defending the sport’s right to benefit from responsible betting sponsorship, English Football League (EFL) Chairman Rick Parry emphasized that there were no magic answers to eliminate addiction issues, calling for empathy and support for affected players. His statements closely follow several betting scandals, highlighting the contentious nature of gambling partnerships.

Education and Rehabilitation Efforts Remain a Priority

The recent 10-month ban imposed on Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali due to gambling addiction has intensified scrutiny of soccer’s relationship with betting. Parry, defending the sport’s association with betting companies, stated that the industry had generated billions since the 2005 Gambling Act, noting that marketing agreements channeled some of this revenue back into sports.

According to Parry, the EFL had commissioned extensive research and did not see any correlation between sponsorships and increased gambling harm. He noted that eliminating the issue would be incredibly challenging, so the organization focused on minimizing problem gambling through various initiatives.

Educating players is something we’ve been doing for at least the last five years, and we’ll continue to do more of that.

Rick Parry, EFL chairman

Parry remained convinced that individuals would gamble regardless of the sponsorships, noting that prohibition was not a viable solution. He added that the recent cases in Italy demonstrated that rehabilitation was just as needed as punishment, and investing more resources in identifying and aiding players with genuine addiction problems could lead to significant improvements.

June saw the EFL renew its collaboration with operator Sky Bet, extending it through the 2028-29 Season. The two partners reaffirmed their commitment to deliver financial support to communities in England and Wales via the Sky Bet EFL Community Fund. This collaboration received praise from the UK government as a socially responsible model.

Chairman Parry was adamant that this partnership would not impact players, stating that some athletes would still choose to wager regardless of sponsorships. He emphasized the need for responsible marketing arrangements and improved gambling operator accountability, noting that such measures would be significantly more beneficial for players and non-players.

Parry’s observations happened during the ongoing EFL Week of Action, highlighting the organization’s life-changing community work as all 72 member clubs unite to make a positive impact. Despite his reassurances, the balance between responsible betting partnerships and addressing addiction concerns remains a hotly contested topic in the soccer landscape as stakeholders search for an optimal solution.

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