Alberta may seem like the frontrunner, but Quebec is also emerging as a contender in the debate over which Canadian province will follow Ontario’s lead in implementing a regulatory model for online gaming. 

Report Reveals Ontario Gaming Model as Solution to Quebec’s Budget Woes

With Quebec facing budget challenges, the government has tasked crown corporations, such as Loto-Québec, with finding cash savings totaling $1 billion. Now, the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition has unveiled a report highlighting the economic benefits of Ontario’s regulatory model.

Chartered accounting firm Mallette conducted an economic analysis of iGaming Ontario for the fiscal year 2022-23, its inaugural year of operation. The report revealed that iGaming Ontario, in collaboration with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), generated approximately $230 million in revenue for various levels of government after expenses. Specifically, iGaming Ontario contributed at least $145 million annually to the Ontario government’s coffers. Moreover, OLG’s revenue from online gaming surged by 31% during this period.

The Quebec Online Gaming Coalition, comprising prominent industry players such as Betway, Bet99, and DraftKings, sees potential in replicating Ontario’s success in Quebec. Nathalie Bergeron, spokesperson for the Coalition, emphasized the profitability of Ontario’s model and its ability to address budget deficits. She highlighted that such a regulatory framework not only generates new revenue but also facilitates the implementation of responsible gaming measures.

Quebec’s Gaming Sector Pressure Sparks Interest in Ontario’s Economic Success

The economic impact of iGaming Ontario extends beyond revenue generation. The province experienced a significant boost to its GDP, with nearly $1.6 billion added in the first year alone. Additionally, the industry created over 1,800 jobs with salaries averaging $103,000, well above the provincial average.

The Quebec government faces mounting pressure to modernize its gaming sector, especially considering the substantial revenue leakage to unregulated markets. A November 2023 report from GeoComply revealed that thousands of attempts were made in Quebec to access Ontario-regulated mobile bookmakers during the 2023 NFL season. 

Back in December, GeoComply actually partnered with the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition to safeguard the integrity of the industry and prevent fraudulent access. 

Furthermore, polling conducted for the Quebec Online Gaming Coalition indicated strong support among Quebec-based online gamblers for a licensing system to regulate private-sector operators.In light of Quebec’s fiscal challenges and the Finance Minister’s call for optimization efforts from crown corporations, the Coalition proposes a regulatory framework akin to Ontario’s. Such a model, while tailored to Quebec’s needs, could yield similar economic benefits, providing a viable solution to the province’s budget deficit.

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Representatives from mental health organizations voiced tentative support for proposed Alabama bills that could pave the way for widespread online sports betting, retail sports betting, casinos, and lotteries across the state.

Alabama Mental Health Advocates Call for Increased Funding Amid Gambling Expansion Debate

During a hearing before the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, Holly McCorkle of the Alabama Council for Behavioral Health and John Kilpatrick of Alabama Veterans Recovery Resources refrained from outright opposition to the bills. Instead, they emphasized the need for increased funding for mental health services in the state.

McCorkle emphasized the necessity of a new revenue stream for mental health, stating that they supported the proposal because mental health desperately needed it. 

Kilpatrick echoed her sentiments, highlighting the plight of veterans and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that a significant portion of the generated funds is allocated to mental health and veterans’ services.

The proposed bills, HB 151 and 152, mark a significant potential expansion of gambling in Alabama, a state currently without a lottery but home to Indian gaming operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians at three casinos.

If passed, the legislation would permit up to 10 brick-and-mortar casinos, including existing tribal locations, along with additional tribal and non-tribal gaming facilities. 

Advocates Highlight Consumer Protections, Critics Raise Societal Concerns

However, concerns have been raised regarding the current wording of the bills, particularly by Robbie McGhee, representing the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. McGhee expressed reservations about certain aspects of the legislation but affirmed the tribe’s overall support for expanding gaming.

FanDuel president Christian Genetski, an Alabama native, testified in favor of the proposals, highlighting the demand for legal wagering among Alabamians. Genetski emphasized the importance of consumer protections provided by the legal market, including robust responsible gambling measures.

Despite some vocal support, opposition to the bills also emerged during the hearing. Individuals with a history of compulsive gambling, as well as organizations such as the Public Policy Institute and the Alabama Farmers Federation (AFF), raised concerns about the potential societal impacts of expanded gambling.

Tim Richie, a former compulsive gambler, cautioned against the negative consequences of gambling addiction, while Preston Roberts of the AFF argued that the bills would primarily benefit gambling operators and weaken communities.

Previously, Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama addressed the 2024 legislative session, particularly supporting the current proposal for gambling expansion in the state. With the hearing concluded, the Economic Development and Tourism Committee is now poised to vote on the bills. The committee is scheduled to reconvene on February 14 to further deliberate on the issue.

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Hawaii has made an unexpected entry into the US online gambling discourse as a new bill offers to implement a limited form of online gambling in 2024. Despite not being a likely candidate for gambling expansion, Senator Ronald D. Kouchi has introduced bill SB3376, proposing the creation of a single-operator market for online poker and sports betting.

Legalized Gambling Could Solve Several Issues

The proposed bill establishes the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission (HGCC), consisting of seven part-time members appointed by the Governor. It aims to regulate online-only gambling, keeping Hawaii free of any regulated retail gambling. The HGCC would be responsible for selecting a single operator for licensing, with a 10-year renewable license, prioritizing ease of regulation.

Senator Kouchi’s legislation aims to address the tens of thousands of Hawaii residents engaging in illegal online gambling, often on offshore platforms. The bill argues that a regulated market would capture lost revenue and benefit the state and its citizens. Hawaii urgently needs extra income, especially after the 2023 wildfires, as it still struggles to recover from the disaster.

The selected licensee may offer sports betting and online poker but not casino games. The financial terms involve a unique profit split, starting at 70% for the state and 30% for the operator in the first year. This ratio gradually shifts in favor of the operator by 5% each successive year, reaching a minimum of 5%.

The Bill’s Future Remains Uncertain

While Hawaii’s proposal is unique in structuring the revenue split and proposing online poker without casino games, the bill faces several immediate issues. The state’s small population size and the niche nature of poker could make it less attractive to operators. The bill omits any references to negotiations for interstate compacts, leaving questions about sustaining online poker traffic.

Hawaii’s strategy mirrors past proposals in Kentucky that prioritized sports betting over poker due to broader appeal and potential revenue. Mounting financial pressures mean the legislation has very ambitious timing, aiming to become effective on 1 July 2024. This timeframe gives the HGCC 120 days to accept applications and an additional 90 days to select a winning candidate, setting a probable market launch in the first half of 2025.

House sports betting bill, HB 2765, does not yet have a hearing date, making its fate even more uncertain. It reflects a continuing trend of states exploring online gambling as a source of revenue and regulatory control. Industry experts are keenly observing the situation to see how Hawaii’s unique approach will fare in the legislative process.

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To ensure that specific individuals cannot access casinos across Nevada, the state has created a “black book,” or otherwise a list of patrons who are permanently banned from visiting any of the casinos in the state. Different people can land on that list, but they do need to meet certain criteria such as receiving a ban from court or having a felony conviction.

Following a meeting of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), the list of banned individuals may increase with the addition of a person who was convicted of stealing chips several years ago. The person, identified as Neal Ahmed Hearne, may become the 37th individual who will be permanently banned from all casinos across Nevada after his nomination to the black book, as announced by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

John Michela, Senior Deputy Attorney General, spoke in front of the NGCB during the meeting that took place Wednesday. He showed video evidence of Hearne where the person is seen grabbing chips from a table and running away. In a separate video, also presented in front of the gambling regulator, Hearne can be seen grabbing chips from a table as one customer temporarily left their seat. He then flees the area on foot.

According to Michela, the two presented cases aren’t the only ones for Hearne, who was eventually arrested for his crimes and subsequently sentenced in January 2018. The Senior Deputy Attorney General explained that Hearne engaged in the same unsophisticated crime that involved him taking chips from tables in more than a dozen casinos across Clark County. In light of this, Michela said that the person needs to be added to the state’s black book, effectively banning him from visiting any casino across Nevada.

One Step Away from Joining the State’s Black Book

Kirk Hendrick, NGCB’s chairman, was shocked to see the actions of Hearne on video. “Sometimes reading the documents is one thing, but seeing it actually happen,” he pointed out. Additionally, Hendrick explained: “It’s clearly obvious that Mr. Hearne’s criminal actions are not only brazen — that he would do this right in the middle of a casino floor — but his criminal activities are prolific.”

It didn’t take long to convince NGCB about Hearne’s recommendation to be added to the black book, especially considering his felony conviction, something that is a part of the criteria to be added to the list. As a result, the NGCB voted unanimously, nominating Hearne to be permanently banned from all casinos in the state.

With the nomination in place, the person will now be given a chance to defend himself. After the formal nomination, the Nevada Gaming Commission will have to officially decide whether or not to add Hearne to the list and that will happen after an organized hearing where he will be invited to attend.

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A controversial new ordinance by the Clark County Commission seeks to solve the rising issue of pedestrian traffic jams on the city’s iconic walkways. Despite recent measures to improve traffic flow during the F1 Grand Prix, passersby stopping to sneak a peak at the race caused significant problems, motivating this newest proposal. However, this move faces substantial public scrutiny and may prove unlawful.

The F1 Grand Prix Highlighted Walkway Deficiencies

Las Vegas’ newest ordinance aims to establish “pedestrian flow zones” encompassing bridges and areas within 20 feet of adjoining escalators, stairs, and landings. Pedestrians within these zones would be prohibited from stopping, standing, or engaging in activities that impede movement or cause others to stop or stand, improving traffic across such chokepoints.

Clark County, the governing body of the Strip, justifies this move by emphasizing its interest in ensuring safe pedestrian access along the bustling Las Vegas. The proposal’s timing suggests a response to recent crowd behavior during events such as the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, which saw bridges packed with pedestrians trying to catch a glimpse and record the race.

To combat the issue of passersby clogging the pedestrian bridges, event organizers installed view blocks on several key junctions. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful as hopeful fans paused in search of a vantage point. Ironically, the crossings were constructed to alleviate pedestrian traffic, but recent data suggests they may be doing more harm than good.

Vegas Must Rethink Its Approach to Infrastructure

UNLV’s Department of Criminal Justice highlights that bridges were responsible for a significant percentage of disorderly behavior cases. These chokepoints also frequently face issues related to unhoused individuals, raising public safety concerns. The pedestrian bridge closest to the MSG Sphere has caused the most problems as pedestrians regularly pause to film the colossal external screen.

Despite Clark County’s ostensibly good intentions, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) raised concerns, noting the ordinance could violate the First Amendment’s right to assemble. While acknowledging its impact on free speech, the Vegas authorities contend that the surrounding sidewalks would leave ample space for such activities without restricting the affected flow zones.

An upcoming public hearing on 5 December will offer a platform for public input and potential revisions. Clark County has proven willing to acknowledge feedback and cooperate to find the best solution. However, the issue highlights Las Vegas’ intensifying infrastructure problems. While local authorities take frequent steps to alleviate car and pedestrian traffic issues, a long-term solution would likely require a complete overhaul of the current system.

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Several years after the repeal of the PASPA, Minnesota might be next in line for legalizing sports betting. The prospects of another wagering vertical, however, sparked worries among people struggling with gambling harm and treatment organizations.

StarTribune, a Minnesota-focused news outlet, spoke with a woman it referred to as Teri on the matter. A former addict, Teri expressed her concerns about the introduction of sports betting.

Remember those Nancy Reagan “Just Say No” buttons? That’s what we need for sports betting.

Teri

In her youth, Teri won $500 in a church raffle. This small victory eventually spiraled into a gambling addiction, causing her much trouble.

Gambling was a way for Teri to escape reality. At first, she would win small sums of money or break even. Eventually, however, she started losing. Like many people, Teri chased losses, which eventually caused her to file for bankruptcy. Sadly, this didn’t stop her either.

Luckily, Teri was eventually sent to Project Turnabout’s Vanguard residential gambling treatment program. Funded through unclaimed lottery proceeds, the program is free for residents of the North Star State, allowing those struggling with harm to find help.

Project Turnabout Offers Free Help to People Struggling with Problem Gambling

As Minnesota prepares to discuss the legalization of sports betting, Project Turnabout’s chief executive officer, Marti Paulson, wants to raise awareness of the services offered by her team.

Project Turnabout treats problem gambling much like chemical abuse, providing patients with a facility where they can stay and receive help. The project believes that problem players need around 10 days of withdrawal which often include symptoms such and anxiety, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Participants in the program are required to eat well and participate in various activities alongside people treated for chemical dependency.

Paulson and Teri are among the people who are especially concerned about the introduction of mobile sports betting. They believe that online betting implies higher chances of harm.

Teri also told StarTribune that she is very concerned about the ever-increasing number of young gamblers. She lamented that the legalization of betting is probably inevitable but hopes that college students will be mindful of their bank accounts.

Teri asked people to be vigilant and keep an eye on teenagers isolating or a partner making excuses for unpaid bills.

The post Project Turnabout Promotes Services as Minnesota Considers Legalizing Betting appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets MLB franchise, has plans to construct a new casino next to the team’s home stadium, Citi Field. Cohen hopes that the new property would attract more people to the area. The move would mirror other franchises’ efforts to attract people to their stadiums.

During Sportico’s recent Invest in Sports conference, Cohen regretted the lack of activities around Citi Field. He jokingly said that the only thing people can do around is “get their hubcap changed or maybe get back a catalytic converter.” He described the area as “50 acres of cement.”

According to Cohen, the new casino would provide NY Mets fans with something to do before the game or after the game, increasing interest in the area.

The MLB franchise owner also noted that his team will no longer “invest in ballparks” and will instead try to create experience sports fans actually care about.

I have tons of ideas I want to implement. You can’t spend an unlimited amount of money, so you’ve got to budget. And also, dealing with the underinvestment that I had to deal with coming in. I call it the money pit.

Steve Cohen, owner, NY Mets

The owner concluded that Citi Field is an “unpolished gem” that he hopes to turn around.

Cohen’s casino proposal isn’t the first time someone has tried to develop the area around Citi Field. A year ago, NY Mayor Eric Adams unveiled plans for an adjacent MLB stadium.

Cohens’ proposal comes as the race for NY’s three casino licenses rages on.

Cohen Is Passionate about Investing in the Mets

Cohen purchased the NY Mets from the Wilpon and Katz families back in 2021, prior to the start of the MLB season. The deal cost the businessmen a staggering $2.4 billion.

Despite the significant investment, Cohen revealed that he enjoys being a team owner to the point where he would consider buying another team. However, the businessman prefers to get the NY Mets right first before considering another such investment.

Cohen said that his job as a team owner has been much more satisfying than his hedge fund ventures because people now actually “care about him.”

Meanwhile, Cohen continues his search for a chief executive officer of the Mets. He said that many of the candidates seem nice at first but fail to impress him once he meets them a second time.

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A day after launching in Serbia, Betsson unveiled its plans for further expansion through acquisitions. As announced, the gambling group has completed a EUR 75 million (around $80.4 million) bond issue to fuel its M&A ambitions.

The company explained that the issue is under a framework of up to EUR 250 million ($267 million) and has a tenor of three years. The bond issue also has a floating interest rate of EURIBOR three months plus 460 bps. Finally, Betsson said that the bond issue is set to mature in September 2026.

The group noted that Nordea has acted as the global coordinator of the move. At the same time, Nordea and Swedbank jointly acted as bookrunners for the issue. In the meantime, Gernandt & Danielsson served as the legal counsel of the bond issue.

The Funds Will Be Used for Acquisitions and Other Purposes

Bettson confirmed that it plans to use the funds from the issue of the bonds for various company purposes, which may include acquisitions.

The company’s chief financial officer, Martin Öhman, released a statement on the matter, pointing out that the new bond is in line with Betsson’s strategy and will provide his team with new opportunities.

The new bond provides us with additional financial flexibility and supports Betsson’s long-term strategy, which means continued investments to drive profitable growth.

Martin Öhman, CFO, Betsson

Betsson Is Cultivating a Brand Identity

In other news, Betsson recently strengthened its esports betting offering thanks to a new partnership arrangement with BETER. Facilitated by BETBAZAR, the deal saw BETER provide Betsson with esports odds feeds and ESportsBattle tournaments for Dota 2 and CS:GO.

Earlier in August, Betsson rebranded its Denmark-facing subsidiary. Previously Casino.dk, the site will now go under Betsson’s name, allowing the company to popularize its brand. The move, the operator confirmed at the time, aligns with its strategy to cultivate a global brand identity.

Speaking of the promotion of Betsson’s products, the company recently unveiled a new global marketing concept. Under the slogan “A bet makes the difference,” Betsson seeks to promote the excitement sports betting can bring and the ways in which wagering can enhance the overall experience.

The company’s global brand director, Kay Höök, said in a statement that Betsson cannot control the outcome of a game but can make sure that its players feel engaged each time they place a bet.

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Enjoy Group, a South American casino and hospitality company, has contacted the Chilean Commission of Financial Markets (Commission for the Mercado Financiero/CMF) about a potential sale of casino properties in Chile and Uruguay. The decision comes in the wake of a failed merger with DREAMS SA.

Enjoy was supposed to merge with the aforementioned company but the deal was abandoned in April. Since then, Enjoy Group has been seeking other long-term strategic plans to boost its profitability.

The announcement follows a publication by the Diario Financiero on July 30, which claimed that Enjoy’s operations in Chile and Uruguay are up for sale.

A sale of its operations in Chile and Uruguay could lead to a favorable transaction that may benefit the company. The move has been coordinated with ASSET Chile, a financial advisor that Enjoy Group hired to explore potential business deals.

ASSET Chile is tasked with seeking interest from potential investors and finding a deal that would benefit the company.

Enjoy promised to keep the CMF informed about any relevant developments in relation to the potential sale.

Chile Seeks to Launch iGaming, Joining the LATAM Revolution

In the meantime, Chile continues to consider the legalization of online gambling, as attested by the recent advancement of an online gambling bill. The measure was first introduced in March and gained traction in June after being stuck in limbo for a while.

For reference, the only legal gaming companies in the country currently are Lotería de Concepción, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia and Teletrak.

The bill still needs additional approvals but its advancement was hailed by the gambling industry. More recently, the country approved changes to the bill, further highlighting the interest in exploring the online vertical.

In other LATAM-related news, Galera.bet, a Brazilian sports betting brand, just joined the International Betting Integrity Association as its latest member. This highlighted the company’s desire to protect the integrity of professional sporting events in the region and oppose sports and betting-related corruption.

The move comes as Brazil prepares to regulate sports betting, paving the way to a revolution in the local gambling market. However, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, a newly-founded industry body, expressed its disapproval of changes to the envisioned taxation rules, believing them to be harsh and unsustainable.

The post Enjoy Group Considers Sale of LATAM Assets Following Failed Merger appeared first on Keno Wizard.

However, the approved legislation has left both industry insiders and Atlantic City casinos puzzled due to unexpected changes made earlier in the week.

New Jersey’s Internet Gambling Extension Cut Short, Causing Concern Among Stakeholders

The original plan was to grant a ten-year extension to Internet gambling, which has been in operation for a decade now. But, surprisingly, an Assembly panel secretly shortened the extension to just two years, causing confusion and concern among stakeholders. Shortly after, the extension was amended again to a five-year term without any official explanation.

The state Assembly and Senate approved the bill with little resistance, and now it awaits the decision of Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, who has the final say on its implementation.

The Atlantic City casino industry, through its trade association, has voiced strong support for a full ten-year extension, citing its critical importance for the casinos’ sustained success. Daniel Heneghan, a gambling industry consultant, expressed his reservations about the shortened extension, saying it could send the wrong message to potential companies interested in entering the online gaming market, reported the Associated Press.

Since the introduction of Internet gambling in November 2013, the casinos in Atlantic City, along with their online partners, have generated an impressive $6.29 billion in revenue from online gamblers. This growth has been widely attributed to the survival of Atlantic City casinos during the challenging months of the pandemic, where online gambling proved to be a lifeline for the struggling industry.

New Jersey Legislature’s Move Spurs Debate on Gambling Tax Rates and Market Uncertainty

Despite the state’s thriving online gambling market, there are concerns that the Legislature’s decision to cut the extension may have already had adverse effects. Experts fear that uncertainty surrounding the industry’s future could deter potential investors, hindering further growth in the nation-leading internet gambling market.

There is also speculation that the Legislature’s move might be a strategic attempt to gain leverage over Atlantic City in terms of increasing future gambling tax rates. Presently, the state taxes in-person winnings at casinos at a rate of 8%, while online sports betting and internet gambling are taxed at 13% and 15%, respectively.

The fate of internet gambling in New Jersey now lies in the hands of Gov. Murphy. If he signs the bill, online gambling will be authorized to continue for another five years. However, should he reject or veto the bill, online gambling will be limited to Atlantic City casinos only. 

During the month of May, New Jersey lawmakers also put forward additional legislation to tackle the increasing issue of gambling addiction among college students. The proposed bill mandates educational institutions to prominently display a hotline number for gambling addiction. In May, another bill was introduced in New Jersey, signaling a change in the state’s approach to dealing with underage gambling. The legislation aims to offer assistance and support to young individuals facing gambling addiction, rather than focusing on punitive measures.

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