#27 Weekly Digest – Latest News in US Gambling World
There have been a number of interesting developments in the gambling market of the US in the past few weeks. If you have a stake in this market, you need to keep yourself updated with all of the latest happenings. To that end, you should go through this online news digest for all the latest updates and developments in the gambling industry of the US.
LeoVegas Reaches Partnership with Caesars Entertainment to Launch ‘Rhino’ Platform in NJ
The Swedish gambling giant LeoVegas is all set to accept its first American customers. The world renowned online gambling platform is reportedly teaming up with Caesars Entertainment. The online casino is all set to launch in New Jersey, and will be available from the first half of 2022. It is reported that LeoVegas will launch their ‘Rhino’ platform in the US, which is capable of taking control of 60+ game integrations and is Google Cloud-compatible.
Before LeoVegas is able to start offering NJ players their proprietary gambling technology, they will have to get the go ahead from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). NJ is currently one of the most successful gambling markets in the US. The state reported more than $1 billion in revenue over 2020. New Jersey has a competitive online gambling market, with more than 20 brands vying among each other for the market share.
The Group CEO of LeoVegas, Gustaf Hagman, has said that the company is very excited to be able to serve US customers for the first time. Online gambling is a lucrative market in the US, and the market is burgeoning and expanding as of now. Over the past year, many states have started to initiate proceedings to legalize and regulate online gambling. Hagman said that his company will provide US citizens with the best experience.
Caesars Entertainment is now making efforts to expand their reach from the US to Europe. In April, their $2.9 billion takeover of the British William Hill sportsbook was concluded. Now they are teaming up with the Swedish LeoVegas to bring another branch of their casino to the Garden State. New Jersey is a favourite entry point for new online operators. The DGE is very open to new businesses and has fostered a welcoming environment.
Connecticut HoR Passes HB-6451: Finally Allowing iGaming and Online Sports Betting in the Nutmeg State
The state of Connecticut has taken a definite step towards the legalization of sports betting and iGaming. On Tuesday, the CT ‘House of Representatives’ passed HB 6451 at a 122-21 majority. It is expected to breeze through the State Senate, after which it will land on the desk of Governor Ned Lamont for ratification. All iGaming in the state will be the exclusive purview of the two Native American tribes – the Mohegans and Mashantucket Pequots.
After a speedy approval by a joint committee in the CT state house, the bill was introduced for a vote. According to the current timeline and speed of the bill, online sports betting in the state should be active just in time for the start of the 2021-22 NFL season. After the bill has been implemented, the state will receive 18% tax for the first 5 years and 20% for the next 5 year period.
However, the bill is putting the fantasy sports market in CT in an alarming and perilous condition. There was a 2017 law concerning fantasy sports as well. According to former chairman of the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association Peter Schoenke, the bill is set to knock out all the fantasy sports operators in the state. The application process is also very confusing, which will prevent existing fantasy operators from being ready in time for the NFL season.
The FSGA took to social media to express their concern for this situation in CT. They expect the CT legislators to do what Florida legislators did earlier this week – they killed a bill that would have removed DFS operators from the Sunshine state until they could receive their licenses. Also, on the sports betting front, there have been 4 selected operators out of 15 applicants. The CT Lottery has a lot on its plate now.
Henry Williams Confirmed as New Executive Director of the MGCB by the Michigan State Senate
Richard Kalm, the erstwhile director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board tendered his resignation in April 2021, after staying for 2 years longer after the end of his 6-year term. Kalm was one of the key persons responsible for shepherding in online gambling to Michigan. Now that the iGaming and sports betting market is doing well, the mantle is all set to be passed to Henry Williams, who was the regulatory head of Detroit casinos.
Williams was nominated by Kalm, and they have worked together in the MGCB for more than 14 years. Williams’ nomination was only left to be confirmed by the State Senate. Just last week, the Senate voted 34-1 to grant Williams the position of Executive Director of the MGCB. He will retain that post for 6 years and will work hard to usher in the state of MI to new heights in the world of iGaming.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer already gave the go ahead for Williams’ appointment and now he is all ready to assume the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director. Williams has said that he is looking forward to sustaining the industry in MI and ensuring its continued success. He also singled out his former boss Richard Kalm and thanked him for providing him with the guidance and opportunities which in turn led to his appointment as ED.
Before his appointment as Executive Director, Williams was in charge of all gambling operations in the city of Detroit. He was in charge of overseeing the ‘Gaming Lab’, which is an agency tech platform that oversees licenses, gaming software, self-exclusion compliance, etc. Williams is also going to be responsible for nurturing and sustaining the burgeoning iGaming and online sports betting market in the Great Lakes State. There are many big expectations from this civil servant.
Bally’s Corporation Becomes A New Entrant In Mobile Sports Betting With The Introduction Of Bally’s Bet
Bally’s Corp. and Bet.Works jointly launched ‘Bally’s Bet’ in Colorado, which will surely turn out to be a great app for sports betting enthusiasts. It will not only come up with an advanced version of the already-existing content, but also reflect Bally’s diversification strategy. David Wang, the founder of Bet.Works has projected Bally’s Bet as one of the reflections of the team’s hard work and unique strategy.
Since Colorado is an upcoming platform for sports betting, Bally’s Bet will surely find an impressive market out there.
South Dakota Emerges As The Latest State To Introduce Sports Betting
The South Dakota Commission made sports betting available on 20th May. The new rules have started formulating from March, and the final acceptance will take place by 1st July.
The license fee is $2000 as well as service fee happens to be $5000 for enthusiastic operators, who are planning to introduce the sports wagering opportunity.
The senate of South Dakota has already given approval, and Kristi Noem, the Governor has given her approval to make the approval a law. The annual renewal fee would be $2000.