#18 Weekly Digest – Latest News in US Gambling World
FanDuel and Boyd Gaming Launching the Iconic Stardust Brand in New Jersey And Pennsylvania
The online gaming platform, FanDuel, and Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming Corp. announced that they had become partners to launch Stardust in Pennsylvania and New Jersey next month. By that, Stardust is stepping into the online casino sector again. But the unique thing is it is coming as a pair of online casinos bearing the brand name Strip resort.
In New Jersey, the Betfair gaming platform of FanDuel will also be rebranded, and an e-casino will be launched in Pennsylvania as a Stardust platform. Android and IOS users can start using a single Stardust Casino app to play games in both states. As for five decades, the Stardust brand has worked as one of the popular casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, while the resort for a decade. So, Stardust is a well-known name, as stated by CEO and Boyd President Keith Smith.
He also said that he is excited and looking forward to working with FanDuel with their first real-money online gaming platform. They are confident that this association is the right way to connect with gamblers looking forward to experiencing online games.
The platform will be created out of FanDuel’s apps, front-end, and player account management system. Bettors can connect Boyd loyalty program accounts through which they can earn points, credits, etc., via the Stardust. Casino games like blackjack, slots, roulette, baccarat, video poker and live dealer games will be available. The popular game loved by players on Betfair online casino will be present on Stardust with new styles and unique things and the looks capture of old Las Vegas. It is revealed by Amy Howe, the Group President of FanDuel. The gaming platform is subjected to regulatory approval, so it is available to only Pennsylvania and New Jersey players.
The Social App of Stardust
Players can play on Stardust Social Casino mobile app without investing their real money. Download the app, and you can gamble with virtual coins over a period. After the coins get over, wait for the time till it reappears again, or you can purchase by making some investment. The Stardust brand has been a familiar name, so the online casino will be a great platform to gamble. Connecticut with the Mohegan Tribe reached an agreement on online gaming and sports wagering. Governor Ned Lamont revealed that the state of Connecticut with the Mohegan Tribe had sanctioned online gaming and sports wagering. It will permit the state to increase gaming options present to players. It is a 10-year agreement, permitting Connecticut Lottery to operate 15 retail sports betting locations.
The new venues can be in Bridgeport and Hartford and an online sportsbook. It shows the immense amount of dedication and hard work they have put in to crack the deal. With that, the residents can move forward in the world of gaming. It is estimated that tens of millions of dollars in revenue will be generated for the state.
The key features of the agreement are:
- On sports wagering, the tax rate is 13.75%, and on iGaming and new online gaming, it is 20%.
- Connecticut Lottery has the authority to sub-license some places to the state-licensed pari-mutuel operator. They will undertake new betting venues in Bridgeport and Hartford.
- The license is for ten years, which can be extended for five years.
Governor Lamont said they are fortunate enough to have a devoted partner, like the Mohegan Tribe. They have been open to honesty discussion, negotiations, etc., to move ahead positively that can be beneficial both for the state and the tribe. About the revenue sharing of the state, they believe in maintaining equality and fairness. But still, the lawmakers are closely viewing the agreement terms, after which the decision will be taken. The time of launch has not been revealed yet. The state has estimated that online gaming and sports betting can bring around $175 million over five years. However, this is the time to act so residents can start betting on online sports.
The Residents of Texas Support Casino Gambling
As per the recent poll, the residents of Texas have supported gambling expansion in the state. The poll was conducted by the University of Texas and the Dallas Morning News. However, the lawmakers are still not in favor of sanctioning online gambling.
The new poll revealed that 57% had supported casino gambling while 43% back sports wagering. 29% of residents have opposed it, while 13% said they are not interested in it. Out of the total, a group containing 52% of white evangelicals who have blocked the expansion of betting routinely are in favor of casinos in Texas.
The Texans have supported sports betting by a 43% to 26% margin. Around 31% of them said it does not matter whether sports wagering exists or not. The white evangelicals have opposed it by a 26% to 44% margin as they were less thrilled with sports wagering. The poll was not surprising as Texans were always in favor of gambling. The parking lots in Louisiana and Oklahoma show that it is always filled with cars. Before the Covid-19, many people used to take day trips to land-based casinos in other cities.
According to states, the residents of Texas spend around $2.5 billion annually on gaming operations in several other states. If the revenue could have been retained in the state, it would have been better to enhance education and other sectors. But sessions after sessions in the legislative assembly, the gambling bill is crapped out. The people against gambling are some religious groups, Las Vegas, and Native American tribes operating brick and mortar casinos.
After the ban by the Texas Constitution, it is difficult to expand gambling. Most importantly, two bills will be required if it ever takes place. One is to enact regulations and licensing, and another is to amend the constitution. For that, at least two-thirds of votes from the Senate and the House are required. The last decision is always on the voters, so the residents have to rely on them completely.
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