North Carolina’s fledgling online sports betting market is off to a robust start, but the prospect of expanding legalized gaming further this year appears increasingly unlikely. Discussions to extend casino gambling in the state have hit a snag, with House Speaker Tim Moore indicating that last year’s legislative deadlock may impede any progress in 2024.

Legislative Stalemate Hinders Casino Expansion

In 2023, efforts to legalize commercial casino gambling, including proposals to install video lottery terminals (VLTs) in various locations such as restaurants and bars, faced significant opposition from members of the Republican party. This opposition has cast a shadow over current discussions about gaming expansion. Moore highlighted that gaming is the primary issue delaying the state’s budget.

“I do think that the conversation last year as it related to casinos has put a shadow over the discussion about updates to the lottery with VLTs and so forth,” Moore told CBS 17.

Moore initially supported Senate President pro tempore Phil Berger’s attempt to add a casino amendment to the state’s 2023-25 budget bill. Berger’s proposal aimed to create gaming licenses for multiple counties and grant casino licenses to The Cordish Companies. Berger argued that these casinos would retain legal gambling revenue within North Carolina, preventing it from flowing into neighboring states like Virginia. Estimates suggested that legalizing VLTs could generate about $1 billion in annual revenue for the state.

Despite public support for casinos, House Republicans were divided, with concerns about the discussions happening behind closed doors without public input. As a result, Moore withdrew his support for the casino bill, and Berger acknowledged in February that he would not pursue casino legislation this year, leaving the decision to the House.

Online Sports Betting Market Thrives

While casino expansion faces obstacles, North Carolina’s new online sports betting market is thriving. Launched in March, the market has seen players place over $1.3 billion in bets. In April, the first full month of operations, operators reported a handle of nearly $650 million, matching the figures from March, with $105 million in gross gaming revenue.

Promotional bets significantly contributed to the market’s early growth. In March, operators distributed over $200 million in bonus bets and promotions, which decreased to below $80 million in April. Overall, the market showed positive month-over-month growth, with sportsbooks generating $105.3 million in gross wagering revenue in April, and netting $171.7 million in revenue since the launch.

Prominent operators like bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook and FanDuel are active in the state, each partnered with a professional sports team or venue as required by state regulations. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook operates through a partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Future Outlook

The North Carolina legislative session extends until July, but forward movement on casino expansion seems unlikely. The success of online sports betting highlights the potential for legalized gaming, yet the legislative hurdles suggest that significant changes to the state’s gaming landscape may remain on hold for now.

Source: “North Carolina casino legalization push hits roadblocks”. SBC Americas. May 28, 2024.

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Resorts World is under federal scrutiny after revelations that three gamblers, currently under investigation for their involvement in illegal sports betting rings, lost nearly $24 million at the casino since its opening less than three years ago. The venue reportedly failed to detect this suspicious activity, which could result in substantial fines if proven true.

A Black Market Operation Allegedly Operated Undisturbed

The investigation, led by federal authorities from California, aims to determine the extent of the alleged money laundering activities and could result in a significant fine for Resorts World. A recent report by local news outlet The Nevada Current revealed that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has also launched a related inquiry into multiple casinos.

This suspected money laundering operation connects to the legal case against Ippei Mizuhara, a former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, who reportedly stole $4.5 million and gambled them away with a black market betting ring. Illegal bookmakers are known to launder money by wiring illicit funds to casinos, later withdrawing most of these funds.

Matt Bowyer, who has admitted to taking bets from Mizuhara, made 32 trips to Resorts World, losing $7.9 million between 2022 and 2023. Some of Mizuhara’s weekly payments to Bowyer, up to $500,000 each, were reportedly deposited into another suspect’s gambling account at Resorts World to obfuscate the source of the funds.

Resorts World Faces Pressure over Sibella’s Actions

Damien LeForbes, another high-roller who reportedly lost $12.3 million over nearly four dozen trips to Resorts World, and Real Housewives of Orange County star Ryan Boyajian are the other two individuals suspected of aiding Bowyer. The three men have not faced charges, but the situation may change as the authorities collect more evidence of their alleged illegal activities.

The ongoing investigation follows the court case against ex-Resorts World executive Scott Sibella, who received a sentence for his earlier anti-money laundering (AML) violations. Sibella turned a blind eye to suspicious activities, not unlike Bowyer’s alleged gambling ring. By opting not to report such transactions, Sibella effectively violated the federal Bank Secrecy Act and was sentenced to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

As the investigation continues, Resorts World could face significant penalties if found complicit in the alleged money laundering operations, underscoring the complexities and risks of maintaining compliance in the high-stakes world of casino gambling. Recent revelations highlight how such black market schemes may be more common than expected, necessitating increased vigilance by casinos.

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Resorts World, a leading hotel and casino complex in Las Vegas, has come under fire from investigators who are looking into alleged money laundering activities by three heavy-spending gamblers. The Nevada Gaming Control Board is examining several gambling establishments including Resorts World in light of information that came to their attention about huge losses incurred at these facilities.

Trio’s $24M Loss Ignites Concerns of Criminal Activity at Resorts World

Those close to the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity said the trio currently being investigated by federal authorities for their involvement with illegal sports betting rings lost a combined $24 million over three years while gambling at Resorts World, reported the Nevada Current. This announcement has prompted fears about possible criminal behavior within said premises.

There have been no official charges made against the gamblers but if found guilty in any way connected with this investigation it could be disastrous for Resorts World as well. The seriousness attached to these allegations can be seen through the active participation of California-based FBI agents among others.

According to reports, Damien LeForbes is among those mentioned as having lost an enormous sum – $12.3 million during his many visits to Resorts World. In addition, it has also emerged that he gave them a worthless $2.5 million cheque which however did not result in legal actions being taken against him up to now.

Ryan Boyajian visited the casino 21 times and lost 3.7 million dollars during the visits. He is a reality TV star known for starring in “Real Housewives of Orange County”. 

Additionally, a California bookie by the name of Matt Bowyer went to Resorts World 32 times between 2022 and 2023 where he lost 7.9 million dollars.

Alleged Illegal Activities Connections Prompt Las Vegas Casino Probe

No formal charges have been made against any of the three gamblers notwithstanding their colossal financial downfalls. Nonetheless, their involvement with illegal gambling operations which include stealing money from well-known sports personalities’ accounts has led to more questions being asked about their honesty in their gambling activities.

In addition to Resorts World, several gaming facilities in Las Vegas are being investigated. The Nevada Gaming Control Board and federal authorities are both looking into potential cases of money laundering and other illegal activities at casinos in the area. Scott Sibella, a former president at Resorts World, is another example of someone who has gotten in trouble for supposedly helping with unlawful gambling while working for MGM Grand.

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Morm Rithy, who is one of the leaders in Cambodia’s labor movement, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for a Facebook post he used to criticize the treatment of a casino worker.  

Union Leader Rithy Faces Legal Battle Over Facebook Critique

Rithy who is also the president of the Cambodian Tourism and Service Workers’ Federation (CTSWF) and the vice president of the Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC) was charged with incitement and discrediting judicial decisions, reported The Camboja News. 

The reason behind the charges is a Facebook post from February 24, 2022, with which Rithy expressed concerns about the arrest of Morm Sreyleak, a female employee at the Jin Bei 2 casino, and questioned the legitimacy of her being detained. He also called for more transparency in the judicial proceedings. As a result, the Chinese-owned Jin Bei Group filed a complaint against him.

Following prolonged legal proceedings, Rithy was arrested on May 7 this year outside the offices of CLC in Phnom Penh. Scheduling conflicts prevented Rithy from attending the hearing and the verdict was pronounced in his absence. 

Cambodian Rights Groups Decry Union Leader’s Sentence

Licadho and other human rights groups have spoken against Rithy’s prison sentences. The have labeled the imprisonments an attempt to scare labor unions and thwart their activist operations. 

The incident is part of a wider crackdown on activists and union leaders in Cambodia. A couple of days before Rithy’s arrest Cambodia’s Supreme Court confirmed the verdict of Chhim Sithar who is also a labor unionist and several other individuals who organized a strike at NagaWorld Casino.

Cambodia has faced criticism that such activities undermine its reputation as a democratic state and violate fundamental freedoms. The Cambodian government has stated that it abides by the law, however, it is still the subject of allegations of politically motivated prosecutions and judicial harassment.

Cambodia has a history of authoritarian governance including former Prime Minister Hun Sen. Against this backdrop the country is still struggling to uphold democratic values and protect human rights and the freedom of speech. Despite a change in leadership, observers have yet to witness significant improvements in the country’s human rights landscape.

Following Rithy’s arrest and prison sentence, fellow union leaders and activists have vouched for his release. They see the incident as a threat to the labor movement‘s ability to advocate for workers’ rights.

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JetBlue Airways faces stringent scrutiny after a Jewish passenger, who was traveling to Las Vegas, was allegedly discriminated against by crew members. Paul Faust, a 54-year-old telecom entrepreneur from Parkland, Florida, got involved in the controversial exchange as he voiced his objections against a flight attendant’s display of a “Free Palestine” pin during the flight.

Paul Faust’s JetBlue Encounter Goes From Discomfort to Confrontation

According to Paul Faust, the incident began as mere discomfort but gradually escalated to outright confrontation, reported Daily Mail. It all started with Faust observing that the flight attendant is wearing several pins on her uniform, including one with the Palestine flag and the slogan “Free Palestine,” alongside a Black Lives Matter badge. 

Initially, Faust did not make any comments about it but after the flight attendant moved the “Free Palestine” pin prominently and deliberately to her apron when serving coffee and drinks Faust decided to speak up. However, all Faust did was mention the situation with the pin to the flight supervisor.

To his surprise, the situation escalated after the plane landed as an official from JetBlue made accusations that Faust has caused a disturbance during the flight. Eventually, even Las Vegas law enforcement was involved.

Faust insisted that he had not engaged in any disruptive behavior on the plane, however, his statement remained unheard. In the end, Faust’s return flight was canceled by JetBlue and the airline even banned him from any future travel on its flights. The company cited his non-compliance with crew instructions as the reason for the ban.

Following the JetBlue incident Faust has referred to it as an act of “blatant antisemitism”. His fellow passenger Rachelle Almagor also commented on the incident confirming Faust’s version of the sequence of events that took place. She also mentioned that she felt discomfort in connection with the flight attendant’s “Free Palestine” pin and its prominent display.

As a result of the allegations, JetBlue has ordered an internal investigation. The airline extended its apologies to Faust and referred to the incident as a breach of company policies. Additionally, the airline has initiated a revision of its pin policy, aiming to facilitate a respectful environment for all passengers and crew members. Social media is afire with criticism toward JetBlue Airways following the incident. The majority of posts are in support of Paul Faust and are calling for a boycott of JetBlue.

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The anticipated hearing for the lawsuit filed by Atlantic City casino workers seeking a smoking ban has been postponed, marking a significant setback in their ongoing fight for safer working conditions. Initially scheduled for April 25, the hearing has been delayed by two weeks following a request from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office.

Lawsuit Delay Heightens Battle Against Smoking in Atlantic City Casinos

This delay comes amidst a longstanding effort by the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union to challenge the exemption allowing smoking in Atlantic City casinos. Their lawsuit contends that the exemption violates the principle of equal protection under the law and is unconstitutional.

Expressing frustration over the delay, Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of CEASE, highlighted the continued exposure of tens of thousands of casino workers to hazardous secondhand smoke. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, asserting that the current environment not only poses dangers but also infringes upon workers’ constitutional rights.

The postponement of the hearing adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. Workers, represented by the UAW, have long advocated for a smoking ban in casinos, citing concerns about their health and safety. 

Similar campaigns in other states such as Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia have underscored the broader significance of this issue, resonating with workers across the country.

Casinos Maintain Stance Against Smoking Prohibition

Recent financial reports revealing a downturn in physical visits to Atlantic City’s casinos have heightened concerns. However, workers and union leaders assert that implementing a smoking ban is imperative to safeguard the well-being of both employees and customers, viewing it as a crucial step toward addressing the city’s existing challenges.

Earlier this year, Sen. John Burzichelli presented a bill aimed at addressing the grievances of both workers and the casino sector. However, the proposed legislation was heavily skewed in favor of casinos, leading workers to advocate for a comprehensive ban to reject it. 

Despite growing calls for a smoking ban, the Casino Association of New Jersey remains steadfast in its opposition, citing apprehensions regarding its potential impact on competitiveness with neighboring states. Nevertheless, workers are resolute in their pursuit of change through legal means. The quest for improved working conditions has struck a chord across New Jersey, garnering widespread public backing.

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Petersburg Governor Glenn Youngkin has sent Senate Bill 628 back to the General Assembly with a recommendation to amend the legislation, indicating that a do-over vote is unnecessary for setting up Petersburg as the fifth casino-host city in Virginia. While this move has raised some concerns, it should not affect the bill’s expected success.

The Legislation Remains on Track

The bill, one of 11 amended by the Governor’s office on Friday, had a hastily added re-enactment clause attached to it, requiring it to be reconsidered by the General Assembly even after the House of Delegates and Senate had approved it in the 2024 regular session. Governor Youngkin was surprised by this sudden update, motivating his decision to mandate a do-over.

By amending the bill instead of vetoing it, Youngkin aims to ensure that it proceeds smoothly through the legislative process and gets in front of Petersburg’s voters this November. Unlike a veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override, an amendment only needs a simple majority, significantly improving Bill 628’s chances.

The Governor’s request for the General Assembly to review the re-enactment clause raised uncertainties about the bill’s fate as the bill’s second vote must happen during a regular or a special session. Lawmakers reconvene later this month, but the casino re-vote cannot occur then. However, a special session later this year could provide another opportunity for the vote.

Petersburg’s Casino Dream May Soon Become Reality

The establishment of Petersburg as the fifth casino-host city aims to bolster the economies of historically disadvantaged communities in Virginia. Although Bristol, Danville, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Richmond were the state’s original choices, only Richmond did not pass referendums. With Richmond stepping back, Petersburg now has the opportunity to secure the final casino license.

Sen. Lashrecse Aird, one of the bill’s primary sponsors, remained optimistic regarding its chances. She highlighted the importance of allowing Petersburg to obtain the fifth casino license and for citizens to vote in a referendum. Aird was looking forward to hearing the proposals of interested operators, hoping they would bring lasting prosperity to the region.

With the removal of the re-enactment clause, this legislation moves one step closer to final approval to allow Petersburg to obtain the fifth and final license.

Sen. Lashrecse Aird

The move to amend the legislation comes after Governor Youngkin signed bills earlier in the week preventing Richmond from revisiting casino referendums until Petersburg has its chance. An upcoming town hall meeting hosted by Senator Aird will allow citizens to meet the five vendors who have submitted bids for Petersburg’s casino business, indicating the significant progress in the casino licensing process.

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Playtech, a prominent gambling software firm, finds itself embroiled in a financial dispute with its largest client, Mexican gambling platform Caliplay. 

Playtech Battles €122 Million Payment Dispute with Caliplay

According to Playtech, Caliplay has declined to settle its dues, amounting to a staggering €122 million ($131 million) in fees accumulated between 2023 and 2024.

The refusal to pay comes amidst a protracted legal battle between the two entities. Caliplay has sought to terminate its contractual obligations with Playtech, sparking a contentious legal tussle that has yet to reach a resolution. Despite the mounting financial strain, Playtech remains optimistic about recovering the outstanding funds through legal recourse, reported The Evening Standard.

The repercussions of Caliplay’s non-payment have reverberated through Playtech’s financial statements. Notably, the company reported a significant surge in profits for the fiscal year 2023, reaching €235.8 million ($253 million). This substantial increase in profits includes the unreceived fees from Caliplay, reflecting Playtech’s confidence in eventual reimbursement.

The company disclosed a revenue figure of €1.7 billion ($1.84 billion), reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7%. Conversely, EBITDA reached €406.5 million ($440.3 million), marking a 12% increase.

Mor Weizer, the CEO of Playtech, conveyed his unwavering confidence in the company’s resilience amid the ongoing challenges, stating that they remained confident in their ability to execute their strategy and to continue delivering value for their shareholders.

Playtech Faces Uncertain Future Amid Takeover Rumors and Legal Challenges

The situation has also fueled speculations surrounding Playtech’s future, with the company becoming a focal point of takeover discussions. Both its depressed share price relative to earnings and recent acquisition attempts on other industry players have intensified the speculation. 

Weizer hinted at Playtech’s active involvement in potential acquisitions, emphasizing the company’s robust financial position with a substantial cash reserve.

However, industry analysts caution against overlooking the potential ramifications of the Caliplay dispute. Neil Shah, director of research at Edison Group, highlighted the significance of the impending trial in October, suggesting that an unfavorable outcome could inflict substantial financial losses on Playtech.

Despite the looming uncertainty, market sentiments remain somewhat buoyant, with Playtech shares experiencing a marginal uptick in recent trading sessions. Analysts at Jefferies remarked on the market’s apparent pessimism, underscoring the likelihood of a negotiated settlement and the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship with Caliplay.

As Playtech braces for the legal showdown in the coming months, the outcome of the dispute with Caliplay will undoubtedly shape the company’s financial trajectory and market standing in the foreseeable future.

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The legalization of online gambling in New York has been a hot topic for years. Sen. Joseph Addabbo, one of the supporters of iGaming, has been pushing for its legalization since 2019. Despite his previous proposals which have not gained enough traction to be passed into law, earlier this year, he filed his latest proposal for iLottery and iGaming in New York. Introducing Senate Bill 8185 earlier this month, the Senator stayed true to his word after hinting about such plans last year.

The iGaming and iLottery proposal seeks to further expand the gambling options available for New Yorkers. Since the state legalized and launched its online sports betting market, it surpassed records that have taken years to set in other jurisdictions. In fact, January was another record-breaking month for online sports betting.

Just like online sports betting, Sen. Addabbo seeks to legalize iGaming with the state reaping all the benefits that come along. The legalization of the activity will not only generate tax revenue but provide New Yorkers with platforms that are licensed to offer such services thus reducing the share of the black market.

Despite the benefits, not everyone agrees with the proposed iGaming legalization. The initiative caught the attention of the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union with workers from Resorts World casino voicing their concerns about the potential negative impact of online gambling.

iGaming Opponents Warn the Activity May Hurt Brick-and-Mortar Casinos

According to a report by the New York Post, close to 700 brick-and-mortar casino employees opposed the iGaming proposal, citing concerns about the future of their employment. “We find it appalling that you are pushing legislation that would hurt workers like us and our industry in order to benefit a handful of companies who are seeking massive profits at our expense,” reads a letter sent by the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union.

In their letter, the workers spoke about the proceeds from gambling at retail casinos, saying that such activities help support not only dealers but hotel workers, cooks, servers, bartenders and more related jobs. The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union’s letter explained that if New Yorkers can gamble from their smartphones, they won’t visit a brick-and-mortar casino, adding that the money gambled “would go straight into the pockets of gaming companies, rather than to support the livelihoods of thousands of New Yorkers who support the state’s gaming industry.”

But Sen. Addabbo disagreed with the workers’ concerns. He explained that the legalization of online gambling is only a matter of time highlighting that the legal iGaming market can generate between $800 million and $1 billion in revenue annually.

Moreover, Sen. Addabbo said that based on studies, the online gambling sector would not reduce the work for the retail casino industry. Finally, he said that an estimated $25 million per year would be dedicated toward protecting jobs in the casino industry while at the same time, iGaming dealers would be a part of the state’s union.

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Samuel Eto’o, a globally recognizable soccer player with an extensive career, was appointed to the role of president of the Cameroon Football Federation, Fecafoot, near the end of 2021. The outstanding athlete with a lustrous career has played for England, Italy and Spain and has four African Player of the Year Awards along with two Africa Cup of Nations Titles while with Cameroon, among other recognitions and awards.

Despite his achievements and extensive career in the sport, Eto’o was tangled in a scandal with claims related to abuse of power, match-fixing and even threats of violence against people who did not agree with his intentions, a newly released report claims. On Wednesday, The Athletic announced it received a wide range of alleged evidence, including letters, emails, WhatsApp messages and sound recordings accusing Fecafoot’s president of the aforementioned unlawful activities.

Reportedly, the information was supplied by Henry Njalla Quan Junior, Fecafoot’s former vice president. The aforementioned details were also sent to FIFA’s Ethics Committee last summer, while an investigation into the matter by Africa’s football federation, CAF, is reportedly ongoing.

Previously, CAF confirmed that it is investigating different claims against Fecafoot’s president. Despite that, according to The Athletic, while CAF continues to investigate this matter, Eto’o is “presumed to be innocent until an appropriate judicial body concludes otherwise.”

Allegations about Match-Fixing, Favoritism

Some of the supplied messages, audio recordings and emails by Njalla Quan Junior are indirect or anonymous. Notably, the former Fecafoot vice president alleged that Eto’o was involved in match-fixing activities. According to the data supplied by Njalla Quan Junior, one of the match-fixing incidents involved a team he owns, Njalla Quan Sports Academy (NQSA).

He claimed that NQSA’s match against Kumba City FC was orchestrated by Eto’o. Njalla Quan Junior said that the aforementioned match was “the most scandalous… in the history of mankind,” claiming that Eto’o provided instructions to referees via a phone that was on speaker during the half-time of the first leg.

Supporting his claims, Njalla Quan Junior said that they were based on discussions with an anonymous third party. After the two legs, Kumba City FC ultimately won against NQSA with a score of 3-1.

Additionally, Njalla Quan Junior alleged that Valentine Nkwain, the owner of Victoria United, was given assurances by Eto’o that his team would be promoted to a higher division. In a recording, Eto’o allegedly promised that “there are things” that can be done for Nkwain’s team. Victoria United went on to win 11 out of their 17 matches, actions that ultimately bumped the team to the first division.

Eto’o has previously denied any wrongdoing. Yet, the ongoing investigations and the serious accusations put Fecafoot’s president in a difficult position.

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