New York state lawmakers Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow have submitted a bill, which aims to expedite the process of awarding casino licenses in the New York City area. 

New Bill Proposes Earlier Deadline for NYC Casino Licenses to Boost State Revenue

The proposal stipulates that all casino license bids must be submitted by July 31, 2024. The bill also requires the New York State Gaming Commission to approve three licenses by March 31, 2025. As a comparison, according to the current schedule, licenses have to be awarded by December 31, 2025. 

Addabbo and Pretlow submitted the new bill as they consider the current timetable inefficient, reported The New York Post. They further added that it is delaying economic benefits for the state and believe that speeding up the licensing can generate billions of dollars in additional revenue for the state.

Addabbo noted that the prolonged timeline is holding up about 5,000 jobs and that a streamlined process needs to be implemented. The bill’s goal is not to benefit particular bidders but to eradicate the inefficiencies in the current system.

Some industry sources think that the current system is advantageous for those of the bidders who are facing political and zoning challenges. 

For example, Mets owner Steve Cohen, who proposed a $8 billion casino near Citi Field in Queens, and the Related Companies, proposing a $12 billion casino and office tower complex in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, are some of the projects that are dealing with such hurdles.

However, the accelerated timeline that Addabbo and Pretlow are proposing could benefit existing slot parlors like Resorts World at Aqueduct and MGM Empire City at Yonkers. To get a license, all these entities need to do is expand their facilities to include live card games.

New Legislation Proposes $500M Upfront Fee for NYC Casino Licenses

As per the new legislation proposal, every bidder that gets a license must pay an upfront license fee of at least $500 million. The bill also allows two years to resolve any legal or land-use issues.

However, there are some significant challenges. For example, Cohen’s project needs state legislative approval to redesignate parkland around Citi Field for commercial use. However, state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the area, has not yet backed this approval.

Assemblyman Pretlow, whose district includes the Yonkers racino, has expressed his frustration over the slow pace of the process. He noted that New York state is potentially forfeiting $2 billion in revenue.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who oversees the gaming commission, has stated that she will review all legislation, which has been passed by both houses but has not made any statement either in support or against the accelerated casino licensing process. 

In addition to Cohen’s and Related Companies’ bids, other proposed casino projects in New York City include developments by SL Green/Caesars/Roc Nation in Times Square, Bally’s in The Bronx, Silverstein Properties in Hell’s Kitchen, and the Thor Equity consortium along the Coney Island boardwalk.

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Several years ago, in 2018, residents in Arkansas voted in favor of an amendment to the state’s constitution that proposed casino gambling expansion. Per the amendment, casinos would be established in Crittenden, Jefferson, Garland and Pope Counties. By now, all counties have already established their casinos with the exception of Pope County, where the fourth casino license was tangled in a legal dispute that is still ongoing.

In light of the ongoing legal battle, the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC), the gambling regulator in the state, confirmed its plans to revise casino rules with the ultimate goal of settling the dispute once and for all. This revision is expected to restart the application process under new guidelines, ensuring that a suitable bidder is selected for the Pope County casino license.

Yet, not everyone agrees with the casino expansion. Local Voters in Charge, a group that opposes the casino expansion, seeks to repeal the efforts for casino gambling in Pope County. The group seeks to change Amendment 100 which voters in Arkansas approved back in 2018. Local Voters in Change proposes to repeal the text that focuses on Pope County: “The Arkansas Racing Commission shall award a casino license to a casino applicant for a casino to be located in Pope County within two miles of the city limits of the county seat.”

The group intends to achieve its goal via a referendum where voters would be asked to remove the aforementioned text. This is in opposition to the ongoing efforts of the ARC and instead of resolving the legal battle proposes to end the possibilities for a casino in Pope County. Still, considering that the process is expected to be completed via a referendum, this doesn’t guarantee a win for Local Voters in Charge.

Local Voters to Determine the Future of Casino Projects

Besides the aforementioned effort, the activist group seeks further changes that would guarantee local voters’ opinion is heard when it comes to casino gambling. Local Voters in Charge proposed local voters in different counties to give the final green light when it comes to casino projects.

The group supports the idea of organizing a countywide special election that would determine the outcome of proposed casino projects with voters supporting or rejecting such projects. This would otherwise put the matter in the hands of the voters, who would have the right to vote in favor or against casino projects under the proposed referendum from Local Voters in Charge.

To put up the two topics for a referendum, the group would need a green light from Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office. Under the existing regulations, once the Attorney General greenlights the efforts, Local Voters in Charge would have to gather signatures from all counties equal to a minimum of 10% of the total votes from the last state governor election, representing nearly 91,000 signatures.

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In a significant move, a Mississippi House committee successfully advanced the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, paving the way for the legalization of online sports betting in the state. The bill aims to tap into the burgeoning demand for mobile sports wagering, addressing concerns about the thriving black market dominating the sector.

Legislators Aim To Protect Existing Businesses

While brick-and-mortar sportsbooks have been legal in Mississippi for some time, online betting has been conspicuously absent, partly due to fears that it might impact the revenue streams of the state’s physical casinos. However, with the growing prevalence of illegal offshore sports betting platforms, legislators recognize the need to regulate and capitalize on the lucrative market.

The Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, championed by Republican Rep. Casey Eure of Saucier, mandates that online gambling companies enter into contracts with brick-and-mortar establishments. The move is poised to bring substantial tax revenue to the state, with estimates surpassing $25 million annually. This approach should also guarantee that brick-and-mortar stores remain competitive.

Despite provisions to protect existing businesses, critics have raised concerns about protecting smaller casinos in rural areas, which do not benefit from the safeguards envisioned in the bill. Many fear that the ease of online gambling would dissuade many bettors from traveling, negatively impacting such establishments and their surrounding businesses.

A Legal Betting Alternative Will Curb Black Market Wagering

Rep. Eure contends that legalizing mobile sports betting will significantly diminish the illegal market, preventing it from siphoning funds out of the state. Mississippi currently occupies the leading position among US states in online black market sports betting searches. Eure emphasized that Mississippi lost approximately $3 billion yearly in illegal bets, while these funds could instead be taxed and used to cover vital expenses.

Once you legalize mobile sports betting, you do away with a lot of that illegal market. Across the US each year, illegal betting sites see about $64 billion in wagers. Mississippi makes up 5% of that market.

Rep. Casey Eure

GeoComply Solutions Inc., a geolocation data company, revealed millions of instances where mobile devices in Mississippi accessed legal sports betting sites in neighboring states. Tennessee and Louisiana, adjacent to Mississippi, have legalized online sports betting since 2020 and 2022, respectively, and have achieved significant success. Rising interest among the populace means that regulated online wagering in Mississippi is a matter of time, prompting legislators to try and capitalize on the trend as quickly as possible.

The bill has cleared the committee stage and now awaits consideration by the full House. If successfully passed into law, Mississippi would join the growing number of states leveraging online sports betting to boost revenues and provide residents with a safe, sustainable alternative to black market operators. However, lawmakers must gather the political will to push on with reforms and ensure that bettors receive all necessary protections.

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Identified as a public health issue, gambling is widely spread across Australia. Annually, Australians spend billions of dollars on different forms of gambling, including sports betting. Gambling ads contribute toward the record losses, but the country’s federal government is currently exploring options for a reform of the sector. Labor MPs have previously proposed a ban on gambling ads, but the federal government is currently reviewing whether or not this can be implemented.

The proposed reform is supported by Tim Costello, a chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform. With more people engaging in gambling activities, gambling ads are only putting fuel to the fire, at least for the moment.

In a recent report released by The Guardian, Annette Kimmitt, the chief executive of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the independent authority that regulates the gambling sector in Victoria, spoke about the impact of gambling advertisements and how those ads can push even children into gambling. She confirmed that she is “really waiting with bated breath for the federal government to respond to the inquiry’s recommendations.”

Moreover, Kimmitt spoke about an increasing number of parents who complained to her upon discovering that their children had created online betting accounts. The chief executive said she was bombarded with such complaints while others were asking her for a gambling advertisement ban. To the requests about a gambling ban, Kimmitt responded “I wish I could, but that is not up to me.”

“When people find out I am the head of the Victorian gambling regulator, I am bombarded with stories from parents of teenagers who have discovered that their children have online wagering accounts.“

Annette Kimmitt, chief executive of the VGCCC

Gambling Reform Is a Once-in-a-Generation Chance

Costello highlighted the importance of the potential gambling reform. He encouraged the federal government to consider major changes to the gambling sector, explaining that this is a “once-in-a-generation chance for reform.” Additionally, Costello said: “The public and parents are crying out for it and the regulator is in touch with the community and knows exactly how they feel.”

In an effort to reduce gambling ads, New South Wales implemented changes to its laws about external advertising. The new state regulations came into effect last year, prohibiting the display of gaming signage. The state’s gambling regulator, Liquor & Gaming New South Wales, was tasked with monitoring the compliance with the new rules and as of December, highlighted that 99% of the venues complied.

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There have been several moves that indicate that Comstock Holding Companies Inc. is gearing up to do just that with the media outlet citing evidence that the company has hired six lobbyists who should help argue its case when the Virginia General Assembly session commences on January 10, 2024.

Communicating Readiness to Build a Project If and When

However, this is not the only strategic move exacted by the developer, which is also said to have donated over $500,000 to various political candidates in a bid to secure legislative goodwill and push its case for the construction of a new casino.

The move comes at a time when the fight over who will get to build a casino in Fairfax County is intensifying and there has been sustained interest in the development of one, with Comstock Holding Companies Inc. not lacking any motivation to continue despite the challenges.

All lobbyists will focus exclusively on defending Comstock’s interests during the upcoming session. The Patch noted that Comstock had donated $244,500 to the Building a Remarkable Virginia Political Action Committee.

The media also specified that 14 Comstock employees had donated $29,525 to Del. Wren Williams’s political campaign, with the lawmaker introducing a bill that would have allowed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to propose a casino referendum on a future ballot. Williams though had been working on a bill prior to the donations it seems.

Comstock is a Fairfax County developer with supposedly well-established connections in the area and is also keen to continue securing work.

Donations and a Long Process That Ultimately Lies with Voters

Another donation was made to Dave Marsden who was also working on a bill seeking to bring a casino project to reality. Altogether, none of these donations raises any red flags, but they indicate that Comstock is very much willing and keen to see a bill that allows it to build in the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station area or around it.

Ultimately, however, the decision would most likely lie with voters as the bills, as they are outlined, are ultimately only going to give the public a right to determine if they want a casino. Comstock has already outlined its plans for a casino in Reston and has indeed presented detailed plans in September 2023, but a final push is still to come – both on the legislative front and then at the ballots.

Comstock’s donations may be trying to steer the ship in a direction that aligns with the company’s business interests, but it will ultimately be a decision made by Fairfax County residents whether a casino property will be arriving any time soon. Plans to open casinos are already underway in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with further plans discussed in Norfolk and Richmond.

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The supplier of online and mobile games to the betting and gaming industry committed to offering “the best entertainment out there for players to enjoy,” Push Gaming, has announced the upcoming release of its own leprechaun-themed slot version, Shamrock Saints.  

The provider with a portfolio boasting iconic titles that have captivated players from all parts of the world has once again set high expectations for its freshest creation with an announced official release date of March 5, 2024. 

The innovative supplier of business-to-business content for the online casino market also ushered in the acquisition of its operations by LeoVegas Group and MGM Resorts International in September. 

Before that, at the start of July, Push Gaming inked a content partnership agreement with bet365, marking another crucial milestone for the provider.

Shamrock Saints Metrics Overview

• Rows: 5
• Reels: 4
• Paylines: 20
• Volatility: Medium
• Max win: 10,000x
• Min/Max Bet: 0.20-50
• Release date: March 5, 2024

Enter the Mysterious World of Mischievous Irish Folklore Sprites

The studio decided to step out of the box and explore a never-tackled-before side of leprechauns that no other provider has touched on so far. 

The vividly colored video slot closely follows the antics of a foolish gang of noisy leprechauns determined to go on plundering and drinking sprees in the local tavern that they have taken over.

The mix between the fiery faeries and the gold has determined some of the most important elements of the game like the Chest Feature and the Tokens.

Fans of Push Gaming slots should have an easy time recognizing these popular mechanics from previous titles including some of the studio’s most popular releases, Razor Shark with the Razor Reveal feature and Mystery Symbols, and Wild Swarm with collectibles, the Chest feature, and Swarm Mode. 

Now, the two elements have been cleverly mixed into the 5×4 slot with 20 winlines and a maximum win capped at 10,000x, resulting in an eye-catching, adrenaline-pumping gambling experience for fans of these older games and newbies alike.

Push Gaming’s game producer, Anastasiia Mysan, explained the studio’s desire to “create a lively game full of action” while praising the gang-themed design, easily recognizable soundtrack, and numerous features hand-picked to accomplish their goal.

Mysan also spoke about the fusion of their previous successes used to create a theme that has never been explored in the past, resulting in a game with “irresistible charm and explosive gameplay” prone to put a smile on players’ faces.

At the end of June, Push Gaming strengthened its foothold in the Nordics while reinforcing Chanz as a leading local brand there through a newly inked multi-market deal with the gambling operator.

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In a statement, Push Gaming CEO James Marshall has said that he was extremely proud to see his company take this next step which will allow it to decisively consolidate its presence in key regulated markets and spread its award-winning and player-favorite games further and wider.

Push Gaming Embarks on New Growth Opportunities

“The acquisition is a testament to the talented team we have built along with their skills and industry insight that have led to where we are today,” Marshall said in a press statement and added that Push Gaming was determined to continue and deliver the same excellent quality product that its customers and players have grown accustomed to expecting from it.

Push Gaming is not going to be impeded by red tape in any way as part of this acquisition, as it would remain an independent and highly creative company unchained by unnecessary administrative tasks. Marshall said that everyone in the company was more determined than ever to prove what the company was capable of and the acquisition would no doubt play an important role in that.

With Leo Vegas Group and MGM Resorts International’s backing, Push Gaming is looking at entirely new opportunities. The supplier is already known for many exciting games such as Big Bamboo, Jammin’ Jars, and Razor Shark among others.

Pish Gaming has been in the meantime working tirelessly to ensure that its presence in global markets would be felt. The company has signed a string of prominent partnerships with well-established operators, including Kaizen Gaming in Greece.

Beyond pursuing local opportunities, Push Gaming has also expanded with Betway as part of a global content alliance that will see the supplier deliver its titular and cutting-edge titles to one of the best-established companies in the gaming sector.

In the meantime, Push Gaming already provides content for a string of trusted and established names in the industry, including Tipico, Betsson, Sky Bet, Svenska Spel, Entain, and bet365.

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Hacksaw Gaming, the provider of distinct quality games for the online gambling sector, strengthened its presence in the United States thanks to a new collaboration. Joining forces with the renowned betting and gaming operator, DraftKings, the iGaming content provider expanded the reach of its titles to customers in West Virginia.

The new collaboration designated DraftKings as the second operator in the state to benefit from Hacksaw’s award-winning content. Per the terms of the new alliance, the content provider for the online gambling sector agreed to deliver its slot games including Outlaws Inc., Hop’N’Pop, as well as Hand of Anubis for DraftKings’ players in West Virginia.

Thanks to the new content agreement, the aforementioned titles have become available for the operator’s online casino lobby catering to customers in the state. According to a statement released by Hacksaw on Tuesday, more fan-favorite and popular games are expected to arrive for DraftKings’ customers soon. Such titles would include Wanted Dead or a Wild, the company’s flagship title, as well as other thrilling and engaging games like Gladiator Legends and Stack’em.

Marcus Cordes, Hacksaw’s CEO, acknowledged that the company was busy over the last few months, growing its US presence. He reminded that last month, Hacksaw secured complete regulatory approval, allowing it to expand its presence in the state.

Cordes added that the company is excited to deliver its engaging games for customers of DraftKings in West Virginia. Finally, he spoke about the strong position the operator holds within the iGaming vertical across the US and predicted that its clients will find Hacksaw’s games appealing.

“DraftKings is a name that needs no introduction in the world of iGaming, and we’ve no doubt our top-shelf content will find scores of new casino fans through this partnership.“

Marcus Cordes, CEO at Hacksaw Gaming

The Provider of iGaming Content Continues to Expand

Recently, Hacksaw expanded once again the reach of its thrilling games via a deal with REEVO, the renowned B2B content and aggregation platform. Under the terms of that deal, the provider agreed to supply its products, helping grow REEVO’s extensive library of games even further. While the deal provided a boost for REEVO’s offering, it will also help Hacksaw engage with new clients across the globe.

Back in August, Hacksaw expanded further its global footprint by inking a partnership with N1 Casino in Greece. At the time, the leading provider of iGaming content agreed to roll out a plethora of its games, powering the Greek operator’s online platform.

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LeoVegas has made a move by acquiring Push Gaming in a deal valued at €350 million (USD $405 million).

The acquisition, set to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2022, entails the Malta-based online casino LeoVegas brand gaining ownership of Push Gaming’s shares.

Push Gaming is recognized as a provider of online slot games, boasting an impressive collection of over 50 titles.

Showing growth, the company’s revenue surged by 50% in 2021.

LeoVegas, a leading operator in the casino domain with a presence across more than 100 countries, has been experiencing rapid expansion.

In fact, their revenue soared by 40% year over year.

This acquisition marks a triumph for LeoVegas as it propels them forward in the online slots market.

With Push Gaming’s popular online slot games highly sought after by players LeoVegas expects to attract customers and retain their existing player base successfully.

“With an impressive catalogue of games that include fan favourites such as Razor Shark, Wild Swarm and Big Bamboo, Push Gaming will boost the group’s exposure into the booming slots content category and add key proprietary technologies essential for continued international growth,” LeoVegas said.

The consolidation trend within the gambling industry is further emphasized through this deal.

Companies are actively seeking scale and market share through acquisitions that have taken place over the years.

LeoVegas acquisition of Push Gaming represents a milestone that is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the online gambling industry.

More online casino news

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Supplier of online casino content, Push Gaming, announced today it has signed a partnership deal with bet365 to go live across multiple territories with its portfolio of slots.

In Line with the Company’s Expansion Ambitions

The new content deal reached between Push Gaming and the Stoke-on-Trent-based online gaming operator will see Push’s entire portfolio of slot titles, including the Fat Series, Big Bamboo, Razor Shark and Jammin’ Jars become available for players with bet365.

Commenting on the content deal, Push Gaming’s director of new business and markets, Fiona Hickey, outlined the importance of the partnership for the gaming provider and its global ambitions, hailing the magnitude of the deal and the established market position the company’s new partner has.

“Getting a deal of this magnitude over the line is fantastic news for Push and our growth plans,” Hickey said, highlighting that bet365 “is a brand that needs little introduction” and the deal with them “is a sign” of Push Gaming’s current ambitions as the business continues to expand into new markets.

“We’re excited about the future roadmap for the number of games we are bringing to a greater number of markets so it’s vitally important that we have our titles live with as many tier-one operators as possible,” she added.

A spokesperson for bet365 also commented on the partnership, welcoming Push Gaming into bet365’s roster of casino content providers while underscoring that Push Gaming’s “remarkable rise as a studio, and the quality of its games” as the main drivers for the deal, adamant that “the partnership should be a great fit into [bet365’s] Games product.”

The likes of Razor Shark and Jammin’ Jars will be a valuable addition to the breadth of incredible entertainment we already offer and we’ll have a keen eye on what else Push brings to the table going forward.

bet365 spokesperson

The content deal with bet365 is the latest in a series of significant agreements signed by the games supplier that was acquired by MGM Resorts’ subsidiary LeoVegas in May.

The partnership with the UK-based gaming brand comes shortly after deals with Chanz which saw Push Gaming’s content expand its presence in Nordic markets, Denmark, Estonia and Sweden, while boosting Chanz’s position in those markets.

In April, Push Gaming expanded its presence in the Dutch gaming market via an agreement with Kindred Group to power the group’s online casino offering with its latest slot title, Crystal Catcher. Following the initial success of the title with Kindred, three months later Push Gaming released the game for all operator partners.

Earlier this month, Push Gaming added another game to its portfolio, Razor Returns, a sequel to the provider’s popular title, Razor Shark.

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