Three daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators in Florida recently received cease-and-desist letters, a newly released report suggests. The letters, Saturday Down South confirmed, were sent by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) and received by PrizePicks, Betr and Underdog Fantasy, three operators that currently offer such activities to customers in the state.

Florida’s gambling regulator urged the three operators to discontinue their operations within 30 days of receiving the letter. According to the publication, the cease-and-desist letters were sent to the three operators on January 31, 2024. This otherwise means that the trio will have to discontinue their offering effective from March 1, 2024, to comply with the FGCC’s request.

According to the Commission, PrizePicks, Beter and Underdog Fantasy must stop “offering or accepting illegal bets or wagers from (Florida) residents,” and at the same time discontinue “any illegal lotteries.” The trio was notified by the Commission about the potential actions it may take against them if they fail to comply with the request.

The FGCC said that if the operators do not halt their offering within the aforementioned timeframe, they will be referred to the state’s Prosecution or a relevant state attorney. “If this cessation is completed within that timeframe, the Commission will deem the company and all its officials, directors, and employees have complied with the demands of the cease-and-desist order, and the Commission will not take further action, including referral to the Office of Statewide Prosecution or to any State Attorney,” explains the letter sent to PrizePicks, Betr and Underdog Fantasy.

The State Anticipates Changes to the DFS Sector

While the three operators received a letter from the Commission, other two who currently operate in Florida did not receive such correspondence. Reportedly, DraftKings and FanDuel, two leading betting and gaming companies that currently offer traditional DFS games did not receive a cease-and-desist letter from the FGCC.

The announcement comes at a time when a DFS bill is gaining traction in Florida. Two proposals are making their way into the state’s house, PCB COM 24-01 and PCB COM 24-02, with the first one calling for the establishment of DFS regulation. The latter proposes the implementation of license fees, applicable to DFS operators.

Currently, Hard Rock Bet is the only authorized sports betting operator in the state. After a prolonged legal battle, the sportsbook relaunched its services back in December.

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Churchill Downs Racetrack’s Jockey Club Suites, built and officially opened just in time for the 2004 Kentucky Derby, will undergo a massive renovation valued at $14 million. The purpose of the renovation procedure is to modernize the luxurious hospitality offerings at the iconic racetrack home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest yearly sporting event in the US held every year since 1875. 

All of Churchill Downs’ 61 suites located on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors at the Jockey Club in the tower adjacent to the historic Twin Spires along the homestretch will be included in the renovation project. Plans also include all restrooms, dining spaces, and common areas of the club used by up to 2,500 guests, which is the Jockey Club Suites’ maximum accommodation capacity. 

The Suites, “a Core Premium Hospitality Product” 

According to Churchill Downs’ president, Mike Anderson, the modernization project has the purpose of guaranteeing that both existing and upcoming suite holders will be granted the premium entertainment experiences that Churchill Downs is best known for, especially during the much-anticipated Kentucky Derby Week along with the rest of the popular racing events including the thoroughbred horse race meets in spring, September and fall held in Louisville.

Prices for a suite at the Jockey Club start at $750 and they go up during the biggest events throughout the year. For example, during the Kentucky Derby, guests frequently pay more than $200,000 for a single suite. Single suite options can accommodate up to 24 guests while double suites can host up to 50 guests. All suites offer food and beverage options that can be customized by guests according to their personal needs.

All rooms feature private self-service wagering terminals, reserved parking, souvenir glasses on Derby Day and Oaks Day, along with a dedicated wait staff, a wet bar, temperature-controlled bar and kitchen areas with dedicated lounge seatings, and private balconies with panoramic views over the racetrack.

The Jockey Club Suites Clubhouse features dining tables suitable for ten guests per table. The same Clubhouse is also home to the Grand Foyer, the Triple Crown Ballroom, and the Derby and Oaks meeting rooms. The freshly opened Triple Crown Balcony is a top-tier rental space for special events held during the year.

The Makeover to Be Completed in Time for the Next Derby

While Churchill Downs has not offered any details regarding the exact modernization that will take place at the suites, the process is expected to be over right in time for the upcoming 150th Kentucky Derby that will take place on May 3-4, 2024. 

The 149th Derby held on May 5, 2023, once again gathered over 150,000 exuberant fans eager to watch America’s greatest race. Next year’s derby is expected to bring together the same vibrant and spirited public, many of whom will be able to seek accommodation in the freshly renovated suites at the Jockey Club. 

At the end of June, FanDuel’s director of communications, Alexander Pitocchelli, confirmed their plans to sign up a partnership with Churchill Downs in order to secure access to Kentucky’s sports betting market.

Last September, Churchill Downs Incorporated acquired Ellis Park Racing and Gaming in Henderson, Kentucky as a result of a cash deal valued at $79 million.

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The gambling regulator in Michigan, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), would benefit from nearly $51 million in funding, after the state’s legislators reached an agreement for the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Overall, some $50.7 million would be dedicated to the regulator, allowing it to continue to effectively monitor the market and promote responsible gambling.

Within the new budget, some $3 million in annual funding is allocated for MGCB’s responsible gaming messaging campaign called “Don’t Regret the Bet.” The responsible gaming initiative seeks to raise awareness of problem gambling and help residents of Michigan to keep their gambling under control.

According to the gambling regulator, as a part of the new 2024 budget, it will benefit from $2.2 million which will be allocated for 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) employee positions that can support new gambling programs. Additionally, the regulator will benefit from a one-time funding of $2 million which will be used “to create an accounts receivable system that is integrated with an existing internal agency database and the state’s financial system, SIGMA.”

The new budget agreement is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Once that happens and the new bipartisan budget agreement is signed into law, the allocation of funds is expected to be completed on October 1, 2023, which marks the start of the state’s FY2024 budget calendar year.

The Funding Will Provide Vital Support for the MGCB

Henry Williams, MGCB’s executive director, spoke about the importance of having a gaming regulator that is sufficiently funded. He explained that the MGCB plays a key role in combating illegal activities and fraud, while at the same time promoting safer gambling.

Finally, Williams pointed out: “I sincerely appreciate the support from Governor Whitmer and the Legislature of a budget that will help the MGCB continue its responsible gaming messaging campaign, support our state’s growing gaming economy, and allow us to grow our team and make investments into efficient systems that help strengthen our mission and integrity while supporting those we serve.”

“A well-funded gaming control agency is crucial for ensuring fair and honest gaming in the State of Michigan, preventing fraud and illegal activities, and addressing problem gambling.“

Henry Williams, executive director at the MGCB

The announcement about the new budget comes after the results for the three casinos in Detroit for May were released recently. Judging by the latest report by the MGCB, the state’s three casinos reported $105.6 million in monthly aggregate revenue. This helped raise some $8.5 million in taxes, which was in line with the $8.6 million in taxes collected in May 2022.

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Rivalry, an international sports betting and media company will receive $7.34 million (converted to USD) in funding through a new financing round. To that end, the company will issue up to 6,666,666 subordinate voting shares at a price of $1.10 each.

The funding round will be led by Pinnacle and will feature a variety of tech and payment shareholders. Rivalry will use the proceeds to speed up its operational objectives and pursue further strategic growth opportunities.

The funding round follows 2+ years of record-breaking financial results for the company. Rivalry’s progress has seen it average double-digit month-on-month revenue growth. The company targets mainly Millennial and Gen Z customers, who make up 97% of its users. The company’s appeal among younger audiences can be attributed to its cutting-edge esports betting products.

The funding round and the issuing of extra shares, Rivalry said, are still subject to corporate and regulatory approvals. Rivalry added that securities issued in connection with the offering will be subject to a hold period of 4 months and a day.

Rivalry Is Glad to Have Pinnacle by Its Side

Steven Salz, Rivalry’s co-founder and chief executive officer, commented on the funding round. He noted that the participation of so many stakeholders in the round represents a “vote of confidence” in Rivalry’s unique team, market strategy and ability to evolve.

Salz also noted that his company’s industry-leading platform is built around a generational opportunity to interact with and engage a new generation of bettors and sports fans with exciting content.

We are growing rapidly with a successful strategy in place and talented team behind us, and with this funding we anticipate both continuing our pace of growth and our trend toward profitability.

Steven Salz, co-founder & CEO, Rivalry

Speaking of Rivalry’s relationship with Pinnacle, Salz said that the latter company’s esports and risk management solutions have proven integral to the Rivalry experience. He thanked Pinnacle for its commitment to supporting the financing round, saying that it will add a layer of credibility to Rivalry’s approach.

Pinnacle’s chief executive officer, Paris Smith, also spoke on the matter, saying that his company is always on the lookout for partners that share its values. He said that this is exactly what led him and his team to Rivalry.

The company’s long-time focus on product innovation, brand equity, and next-generation consumers is disrupting traditional ways of thinking in the industry and blazing a trail for industry economics that were previously not thought possible.

Paris Smith, CEO, Pinnacle

Smith said that Pinnacle has a front-row seat to follow Rivalry’s “incredible growth.” He concluded that he is confident in the latter company’s trajectory.

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Two women from Moreno Valley, California, have been given life imprisonment without parole for the murder of 84-year-old Afaf Assad at Pechanga Resort Casino in 2019. 

Victim’s Family Seeks Justice as Women Receive Life Sentence for Elderly Murder

Kimesha Monae Williams, aged 39, and Candace Tai Townsel, aged 42, were convicted in February this year of murder, robbery, and elder abuse. The murder was aggravated by the crimes of theft and mistreatment of the old woman, resulting in a life sentence for both women. The sentences for robbery and elder abuse were stayed as part of the single act that led to the murder of Assad.

The Mercury News reported that during the sentencing at Southwest Justice Center in French Valley on April 21, 2023, Mary Assad, the victim’s daughter, delivered an impact statement, saying that this had been a painful journey through the court justice system. She said that she could not believe her mother was the victim of such a violent crime. The family was seeking a reckoning for the heinous act committed by the two women, but not vengeance.

Kimesha Monae Williams, in a statement read to the court by her attorney, expressed her condolences and stated that she had not killed anyone. She added that the court found her guilty of the charges, but the truth was known to God. Townsel did not make any statement.

The statement made by Williams did not move Superior Court Judge Timothy F. Freer. The judge said that the idea that neither Williams nor Townsel were responsible for the death of a human being was laughable. 

Calls for Greater Security Measures After Elderly Murder at Pechanga Resort Casino

Judge Freer further mentioned that the victim, who had lived a long life, did not deserve to be violently murdered in a casino. He added that she was left on a bathroom floor with her head exploding. Several family members and friends of the victim wiped tears and sobbed as Freer pronounced the life sentence without parole.

The Riverside County District Attorney, Mike Hestrin, did not seek the death penalty. This case has attracted significant attention in California, and the sentences are expected to send a strong message to criminals who target the elderly. 

The incident at the Pechanga Resort Casino has raised concerns regarding the safety of senior citizens who visit such places. There have been calls for greater security measures and more robust screening processes for visitors to prevent future occurrences.

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The National Human Trafficking Hotline reports at least 200 cases of human trafficking in the state alone, and there are suspected to be hundreds more than go undetected.

Some of the victims of human trafficking are sent to casinos, which is precisely why the Lincoln Warhorse Casino and its parent company, Ho-Chunk, are going through training to help members of staff spot the signs of human trafficking and act preemptively.

Fighting Human Trafficking Before It Has a Chance to Take Off

Human trafficking cases have been on the up between 2017 and 2021. Now, casinos are taking the matter even more seriously and offering extensive training to their employees so that they can identify and stop the crime.

Commenting on this new initiative, Ho-Chunk director of government affairs Rachael Johnson said that casinos and businesses in general need to be aware of the issue and sober up to the fact that unpleasant as the reality is – this kind of crime may be permeating into local communities.

The initiative has brought together a number of individuals and experts, including Lynnette Grey Bull, founder of Not Our Native Daughter, which is an organization that raises awareness for raising awards about exploited and murdered indigenous women. Bull explained that indigenous women are most susceptible to violent crime and becoming the target of ethnic or violent crime:

I am both Lakota and Northern Arapaho. The statistics that hang over my head is I am the most stalked, raped, murdered, and sexually assaulted out of every woman in this country.

Not Our Native Daughter’s Lynnette Grey Bull

Focus on Protecting the Victims and Stop the Traffickers

Meanwhile, Women’s Center for Advancement president and CEO Jannette Taylor emphasized how important it is to work towards tackling the issue. Human trafficking has a serious impact on people’s lives. It may take up to five years in order to save victims. Yet, proper training could happen.

Taylor is confident that businesses can do their role, and notes that there are certain periods of time when trafficking “spikes:”

In Omaha, we have the College World Series, we have Berkshire Hathaway, we have all these big events where people from all over come to the city. And trafficking during that time, it just sort of sparks.

Women’s Center for Advancement’s Jannette Taylor

Hotels, casinos, gaming venues, and other businesses need to be aware of the problem and seek to resolve it by offering continuous training to their staff and monitoring for the early symptoms of the issue as well.

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Bally’s, the multinational casino entertainment company, has cleared a major regulatory hurdle towards the realisation of its plans to build a $1.7 billion flagship casino and entertainment complex in River West, Chicago. On Wednesday, the corporation received final approval from the Chicago City Council through a majority vote of the city’s Aldermen. Bally’s now awaits approval of its casino license from the Illinois Gaming Board.

The city’s Aldermen voted 39-5 to give the go-ahead for an amendment to Planned Development No. 1426, which authorized the zoning for the project’s construction. With this approval, Bally’s is on its way to building Chicago’s first casino, which will be located at the Chicago Tribune Freedom Centre along the Chicago River and near the intersection between Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue.

The first phase of the project includes one million square-feet casinos, a hotel with 500 rooms, a 3,000-seater event center, retail space and a large public park. Future phases will feature 4,800 apartments and condos, retail space, 250 hotel rooms and multiple dining options. The casino will have 3,400 slot machines, 170 table games and several designated spaces for eating and drinking. The project is expected to create up to 3,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs for residents of Windy City.

In a press release, Bally’s Chairman, Soo Kim, with enthusiasm noted: “This is a significant achievement and another critical step forward in the process of developing Bally’s Chicago.” “We are confident that the casino will bring numerous long-term, positive economic benefits, including good-paying, union jobs, to this great city.”

The final vote from the City Council was preceded by a recommendation for approval by the Plan Commission and Committee on Zoning earlier in the week. At the time of the vote, many of the Aldermen expressed support for the project with Ald. Walter Burnett called it a “a big deal.” Nonetheless, criticism still came from some quarters who believed the mayor rushed the selection process during the casino bids. Others criticised the location of the proposed casino as adding to the congested traffic in the area.

Bringing a casino to Chicago is a major priority for Mayor Lori Lightfoot, especially as the city envisions the casino ultimately generating $200 million annually for the city. The tax revenue will be used to fund the city’s struggling police and fire pension systems, amongst other needs of the city.

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