Alabama lawmakers will convene on 6 February to deliberate on a comprehensive gaming bill that could usher in a new era for the state’s gambling landscape. The proposed legislation aims to introduce many of the most common types of gambling and institute the formation of an Alabama Gaming Commission, a brand-new regulatory body.

Gambling in Alabama Remains a Contentious Topic

Alabama’s constitution currently prohibits gambling, but there are 18 constitutional amendments allowing specific forms of gaming in certain regions. The legality of these provisions has long been a matter of contention among officials. However, unified gaming legislation should finally settle the matter and significantly expand available wagering options while introducing updated customer protection standards.

Governor Kay Ivey’s 2020 Study Group on Gambling Policy Report reveals that the potential windfall from gambling could reach up to $710 million annually. A lottery could generate $200-300 million, casino gaming $300-400 million, and sports betting $10 million. Revenue generated from taxes and fees under this bill would contribute to the Education Budget and the General Fund Budget.

Updated Regulations Should Create a Level Playing Field

Local news outlet 1819 News revealed that the upcoming bill likely intends to repeal all 18 constitutional amendments related to gambling. Additionally, the legislation aims to intensify efforts against illegal gaming, upgrading it from a misdemeanor to a felony with substantial financial penalties. Penalties for repeated offenses will also see an increase.

The bill proposes allowing Class III gaming in specific areas through an open-bidding process, replacing existing constitutional amendments. These areas include locations on federally recognized tribal lands operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Birmingham, Macon County, Greene County, Lowndes County, Houston County, Mobile County, and an undetermined county in Northeast Alabama.

Alabama Voters Will Have the Final Say

Each Class III gaming operation licensed by the commission may apply for one sports gaming license. The commission will issue all other sports gaming licenses not associated with a Class III gaming establishment with provisions for online sports betting. Other forms of online gaming will remain prohibited, but this measure still marks substantial progress.

Officials stress that this bill would not legalize gambling in Alabama without input from state voters but rather substantially reduce the number of gambling establishments due to the crackdown on illegal gaming. As a constitutional amendment, the bill would need a three-fifths majority in both legislative chambers, followed by a successful referendum, likely during the November general election.

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In a bid to settle a contentious and long-standing dispute between California Indian tribes and cardrooms, the California Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC) has introduced proposed regulations that could significantly alter the landscape of the state’s gambling industry. 

California Cardrooms to Undergo Major Changes as Blackjack Faces Ban

Under the proposed rules, any form of blackjack, including player-banked versions, would be expressly prohibited in cardrooms across the state. The regulations also mandate that player-banked games rotate the dealer position at least twice every 40 minutes, a change meant to address concerns raised by tribal communities regarding the rotation of the bank between third-party proposition players and regular players at the table.

Although the regulations prohibit traditional blackjack, they do allow for a modified version of the game where players aim to get closest to a target point, similar to 21. However, unlike blackjack, players cannot exceed the target point, and the winner is determined based on proximity to the target, regardless of whether the player’s card total exceeds the specified number. These modified games cannot use the term “blackjack” or incorporate the number 21 in their names.

The proposed changes come in response to a protracted dispute over house-banked games between California Indian tribes and cardrooms. Tribal communities have exclusive rights to offer house-banked games in the state, a privilege that excludes other gambling establishments from offering games involving a “bank” or “percentage,” specifically referencing the game of “21.”

BGC Seeks Public Feedback Amidst Brewing Legal Battle between Cardrooms and Tribes

The BGC has invited public feedback on the proposed regulations until October 26. While the fate of these regulations remains uncertain, it is evident that the proposed changes could have a profound impact on California’s gambling landscape, leading to further debates and discussions among stakeholders in the coming months.

At the same time, in July, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee passed a bill, SB 549, allowing Indian tribes to sue cardrooms, aiming to resolve a longstanding conflict. California’s cardrooms use third-party proposition players (TPPPs) who act as banks in games. The bill enables tribes to file a one-time lawsuit, asserting that cardrooms’ games breach the state constitution. 

Tribes have a three-month window starting January 1, 2024, to sue. The move comes after years of dispute, with tribes claiming cardrooms’ banked games infringe on tribal casinos’ exclusivity. Cardrooms opposed the bill, arguing the approved games should not be subject to lawsuits, and that they cannot countersue competitors under this arrangement.

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Superbet unveiled several new high-level changes to its management core, onboarding Stephen Parry as COO, Andrei Dușu as CBDO, and Glyn Hughes as CFO. These appointments coincide with the promotion of Adam Lamentowicz to VP of Superbet International, extending the operator’s ongoing restructuring efforts. The new talent will be instrumental in Superbet’s continued growth, helping it remain competitive despite challenging market conditions.

The Appointments Represent a Significant Injection of Talent

The most notable of the recent appointments is the addition of former William Hill International CEO Stephen Parry. His appointment as chief operations officer will leverage his two decades of leadership experience, strengthening Superbet’s operational capabilities and optimizing all verticals across its global footprint. Parry’s vast industry knowledge and successful track record make him the perfect fit for such a responsible position.

Andrei Dușu becomes Superbet Group’s chief business development officer (CBDO). His track record includes senior leadership positions at Google and OLX Group and co-founding the automation platform Flawless. His expertise and familiarity with the latest technologies will be instrumental in identifying new growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and driving Superbet’s international expansion plans.

Finally, Superbet chose former IWG CFO and executive VP Glyn Hughes to assume the post of chief financial officer (CFO). His extensive financial acumen and experience across several distinct industries will be crucial in managing the operator’s fiscal operations, enhancing performance, and ensuring robust governance. Hughes’s strategic mindset will support Superbet’s growth trajectory, strengthening its market position.

Internal Achievements Also Received Recognition

Adding to the three new hires, Superbet recognizes and rewards internal talent, as evident in Adam Lamentowicz’s promotion to VP of Superbet International. Lamentowicz has been integral to the company’s success in Poland, contributing to its expansion and delivering exceptional results. His promotion will utilize his skills in the European market, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Such drastic leadership changes continue Superbet’s ongoing restructuring efforts. The company recently appointed two new chairpeople to aid its strategic vision. Superbet CEO Johnny Hartnett noted that the new appointments would provide the operator with crucial capabilities across many sectors and geographies, advancing the company’s ambitions.

“As we embark on the next stage of our growth journey, it is incredibly exciting to add experienced and capable leaders like Stephen, Andrei, and Glyn.”

Johnny Hartnett, Superbet CEO

The new appointments mark a milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. Adding experienced leaders and promoting internal talent reflects Superbet’s dedication to operational excellence, strategic growth, and delivering an unmatched gambling experience to its European clients. The team’s collective expertise and industry knowledge will help the company excel in the evolving landscape of the global sports betting and gaming industry.

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