## Current Affairs: Gaming and Sports Betting Penalties, SI Leaves Michigan
Greetings from iGB’s overview of the major developments in the North American sports betting scene from the past week, featuring some intriguing stories.
**Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Issue Sanctions**
On May 22nd, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board levied a $125,000 fine (98,089 GBP/115,156 EUR) against Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino for permitting underage individuals access to the gambling area on ten separate occasions. Regulators stated in a press release that the incidents occurred over a 20-month period and involved 11 individuals.
The next day, on May 23rd, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission penalized Fanatics Sportsbook $10,000 for enabling wagers to be placed on a Boston College team. A customer placed a $50 futures wager on the Eagles against SMU in a bowl game on December 5, 2023. Fanatics detected the bet the following day and nullified it. In Massachusetts, betting on in-state collegiate teams is generally prohibited.
**SI to Depart Michigan by Year’s End**
Based on PlayMichigan, SI Sportsbook will be withdrawing from the state of Michigan by the end of this year. The SI Sportsbook platform is currently owned by Evoke and was the least successful online gambling operator in Michigan during the first quarter of 2024.
Furthermore, its sports wagering income was the lowest during the same timeframe. SI Sportsbook debuted in September 2022, collaborating with Island Resort & Casino.
It appears Hard Rock Sportsbook will take over SI Sportsbook. Evoke (previously known as 888 Holdings) bought 888’s US assets earlier this year. The Michigan Gaming Control Board must review and authorize the new operator.
SI Sportsbook is one of two operators leaving the state in 2024. WynnBet is reducing its operations and withdrawing from multiple states. Caesars Sportsbook acquired WynnBet’s license earlier this year. Digital platforms in Michigan must team up with one of Detroit’s three commercial casinos or a tribal casino. SI Sportsbook partnered with the Hannahville Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Additional credit?
Two proposals being considered in the Rhode Island legislature would permit Bally’s to offer $100,000 in credit at its casinos. The Senate bill is backed by President Dominick Ruggerio, who crafted the state’s legal sports betting law.
The Providence Journal reports that Bally’s is expanding credit limits to remain competitive. Neighboring Massachusetts has no restrictions on how much credit customers can obtain. And Connecticut’s two tribal casinos can set their own credit limits.
Nevada: Did you place a bet? Keep your ticket.
Nevada authorities rejected a proposal to allow individuals to sell their wagers prematurely. This proposal was conceived by a firm known as PropSwap, which operates in other jurisdictions but not in Nevada. The authorities asserted that PropSwap’s concept was unlawful as Nevada does not issue permits for such ventures.
In Illinois, a legislative measure that would have prohibited Dave & Busters from enabling individuals to wager against one another was incorporated into a horse racing bill. The bill successfully navigated a committee and is presently advancing to the full House. Dave & Busters facilitates gambling through its application, which has generated issues in other states. Illinois is the pioneering state to enact legislation addressing this matter.
Illinois’ legislators were scheduled to conclude their deliberations today, but they will continue their work over the weekend due to the absence of a finalized budget. This includes a tax hike on gambling activities.
A prominent gambling enterprise called Circa Sports announced its intention to award $16 million in prizes for two significant competitions. One contest will feature a $10 million prize pool, while the other will offer $6 million.
Commencing on this day (May 24th), individuals can register for the Circa Million VI and Circa Survivor competitions at any Circa Sports location within Nevada. The final day to register is September 7th at 2:00 PM (local time).
These competitions are free of commissions and will continue throughout the year with smaller events. The Survivor competition necessitates participants to select one victor each week, achieving an outright victory, and refraining from selecting the same team twice. The Million VI competition mandates participants to place point spread wagers on five matches each week. Both contests have a $1,000 entry fee, and players are permitted to submit multiple entries.
Worth a Look
Are sports betting establishments targeting Black patrons? The Toledo Blade’s James Truem delves into this query and discovers that viewpoints are varied.
Additional News…
Beth Bresnahan, previously the executive director of the Massachusetts Lottery and the District of Columbia Lottery and Charitable Games Office, was appointed as the chief communications and brand officer of SciGames on Monday (May 21st). Previously, she held the position of vice president of strategic communications within the company.
BetMGM declared on Thursday (May 23rd) that it has become the official odds provider for the Associated Press. BetMGM odds will be featured in the AP’s daily sports odds data and sports news.
Maryland Lottery approved Betr’s initial license application on Thursday (May 23rd). Betr presently operates in Ohio and Virginia, and its launch date remains undisclosed. The company withdrew from the Massachusetts market earlier this year.
iGB News You May Have Overlooked
Will Illinois increase its tax rate? We will ascertain over the weekend.
A prominent firm in the industry, West Flag, has submitted a legal rejoinder to the federal administration through the US Supreme Court.
Gaming operators in Massachusetts are withdrawing from the Gaming Commission.
FanDuel’s initial month in Washington, D.C. was a resounding triumph, exceeding GambetDC’s performance by nearly ninefold during the equivalent timeframe last year.
DraftKings and Jackpocket are consolidating their operations.
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