The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has released its March 2024 revenue report, revealing a notable surge in revenue for the month. The combined taxable revenue from the state’s four casinos amounted to over $94.7 million, marking a significant 13.4% increase from February 2024’s gaming revenue of $83.5 million.

Moreover, there’s a modest 1.4% annual rise in revenue compared to the previous year. It’s worth noting that this revenue encompasses earnings from both slots and table games and excludes in-person sports betting, as online casinos are not yet legalized in Ohio.

While Ohio has yet to legalize online casinos, recent discussions among lawmakers suggest a potential shift in this landscape. Lawmakers have convened to deliberate on the feasibility of legalizing online casinos, citing the state’s interest in this burgeoning sector and the thriving markets already established in neighboring states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Monthly Revenue Surge Across Ohio Casinos

The OCCC’s March 2024 revenue report indicates across-the-board monthly revenue increases for all four casinos. Of the total taxable revenue of $94.7 million, slot revenue contributed $69.0 million, with table games bringing in $25.7 million. Notably, Hollywood Columbus demonstrated the most substantial monthly progress, with a revenue of $25.6 million, reflecting a robust 13.3% monthly growth. Other casinos also saw notable increases in revenue compared to the previous month:

• Jack Cleveland Casino: $24.5 million in revenue, a 13.3% monthly rise
• Hollywood Toledo: $22.5 million in revenue, a 16.8% monthly increase
• Hard Rock Cincinnati: $22.2 million in revenue, up by 10.5% from February

Annual Revenue Trends

Examining the year-over-year performance, there are varied trends among the casinos. Hollywood Toledo and Hollywood Columbus both reported annual rises, with increases of 8.2% and 5.1%, respectively. Jack Cleveland Casino saw a marginal annual increase of 0.4%. However, Hard Rock Cincinnati experienced a notable annual decline of nearly 7.5%, the only casino to do so in March. This contrasts with February, where Jack Cleveland Casino had shown a year-over-year decline.

Recent discussions among Ohio lawmakers have revolved around the possibility of legalizing online casinos. The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, in its initial meetings, has delved into the topic, with upcoming sessions slated to address various aspects, including iLottery, racinos/charitable gaming, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. Proponents argue that regulating online casinos could aid in addressing issues related to problem gambling while potentially generating significant tax revenue for the state. Estimates suggest that Ohio could generate between $205 million and $410 million annually in new tax revenue if online casinos were legalized.

The success and revenue generated by neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where online casinos are thriving, serve as compelling examples for Ohio lawmakers. With these states raking in substantial tax revenues from iGaming, the pressure mounts for Ohio to consider legalizing online casinos, possibly in the near future or by 2025.

Source: “Ohio Casino Control Commission. “Monthly Revenue Report: March 2024.” [pdf]

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Marking a groundbreaking move toward Thailand’s trials to address the highly-debated topic of gambling legalization, the Finance Ministry will take the lead on an important study exploring the potential legalization of casino gaming. 

16 Additional Agencies to Consider the Study

As ordered by way of an “urgent letter” sent by the Secretariat of the Cabinet at the start of the week, the Finance Ministry will thoroughly examine the House of Representatives study alongside 16 other agencies, which it will also lead. 

The list will include the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Office of the Council of State, the Royal Thai Police, and the National Office of Buddhism.

Several ministries will also be consulted, including Social Development and Human Security, Tourism and Sports, Justice, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, Transport, Culture, Labour, Public Health, Industry, and Education.

According to English-language outlet The Nation, the Secretariat of the Cabinet gave the Ministry 30 days to send its recommendations.

IAG reports say that the casino study received approval from the cabinet a week ago after the House passed it at the end of March. 

Recommended 17% Tax on GGR

The casino study advises a 17% tax should be placed on gross gaming revenue. This would turn it into one of the lowest tax regimes in the area. 

Licenses would be valid for 20 years at first, with the possibility to renew them every five years. 

Locals would need to pay an entry levy of an amount that has yet to be determined. 

Larger casino complexes would require minimum investments of $2.7 billion.

Last week, when the cabinet endorsed the study, it also recommended a series of joint investments between private operators and the Thai government, similar to Macau’s concession model. 

The cabinet also suggested that integrated resorts should be located near international airports for the comfort of international visitors.

According to a note from Maybank, the country might see its first integrated resort open in 2029. 

This would translate to Thailand legalizing casino gaming before Japan where MGM Resorts International’s $10 billion integrated resort development in Osaka is expected to be completed in 2023.

At the start of April, Thailand announced it blocked over 25,000 online gambling platforms since October 2023, in an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed online gambling. 

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Las Vegas Sands, which recently acquired a controlling stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has made a bold move by filing a petition aimed at legalizing casino gambling in the state of Texas. 

Las Vegas Sands’ Petition Pushes for Casino Resorts in Texas

Las Vegas Sands acquired a significant portion of the Dallas basketball team back in December 2023 and is now setting its sights on reshaping the Texan gambling landscape, reported CBS News.

The petition, submitted by the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, established in 2021, emphasizes its commitment to bringing high-end entertainment, luxurious resorts, and fine dining to Texans. Their strategy involves advocating for the expansion of casino-style gambling within the state.

This is not Las Vegas Sands’ first attempt at influencing Texan gambling laws. Back in 2022, the company launched the Texas Sands political action committee, investing a considerable $2 million to lobby for the legalization of casino gambling. 

Despite facing steep opposition, including skepticism from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who highlighted the lack of Republican support in the state Senate, Las Vegas Sands and its allies remain undeterred.

Furthermore, back in December, Village Walk RE 2 LLC, affiliated with Las Vegas Sands, acquired a 108-acre property in Irving, Texas, near the former Texas Stadium site, sparking intrigue following Las Vegas Sands’ majority stake acquisition in the Dallas Mavericks. 

While the purpose of the land remains undisclosed, Sands expressed interest in developing an integrated resort in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, hinting at future acquisitions. This move further signaled potential shifts in Texas’ stance on gambling, with analysts speculating on the Adelson family’s influence in advocating for legislative changes.

Texas Gaming Landscape Shifts with Legislative Efforts and Industry Backing

State Rep. Charlie Geren introduced HJR 97 in February last year, outlining a potential pathway to amend the Texas Constitution and permit the establishment of casino resorts. The Chickasaw Nation, operators of Oklahoma’s Winstar Casino and owners of Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, have also expressed support for the introduction of casino resorts in Texas.

Moreover, upcoming developments such as the opening of the Choctaw Landing Casino and Resort in Oklahoma’s southeastern region further highlight the growing interest in expanding gambling opportunities within Texas’ vicinity.

Separate bills advocating for sports betting have also gained traction, with notable figures like former Gov. Rick Perry and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones endorsing legislative efforts to regulate this activity.For any significant changes to occur, legislative approval and subsequent voter endorsement would be required. With the upcoming 89th Legislature, proponents of legalized gambling are gearing up for a renewed push to sway lawmakers and public opinion in their favor.

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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.

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