Reporter:
Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, entertainment and gaming news on the East Coast.
Devin's passion for politics and background in the world of pop culture television gives him insight into the gaming industry backstories that often drive news these days.
After graduating from Penn State University with a theater arts degree, he worked at MTV Networks/Viacom from 2005 to 2010 as a writer and producer. His credits included Total Request Live, New Year's Eve specials, and a special featuring poker superstar Daniel Negreanu.
He later moved on to the HGTV/DIY Network, where he created, wrote, and produced three series specials: That's So House Hunters, That's So 80s, and That's So 90s.
Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014. He lives in Pennsylvania and is an avid marathoner, having completed 15 races.
Contact Devin at [email protected].
Areas of Expertise
6500 stories by Devin O'Connor
Shuttered Majestic Star Casino Hotel Serving as SWAT Training Ground Before Demolition
The former Majestic Star Casino Hotel in Gary, Ind., is set for demolition. But before the 300-room, four-story structure is brought down, the property is being utilized for SWAT and police training exercises. Organized through US Sen. Mike Braun's office (R-Indiana) in...
President Biden’s Resort Fee Crackdown Opposed by American Gaming Association
President Joe Biden is targeting resort fees and other so-called "junk" charges that hotels and casinos often tack on to an advertised rate at the end of the booking process. But the nation's leading casino lobbying group -- the American Gaming Association...
Albany Sheriff’s Employee Allegedly Stole $68K in Civil Forfeiture Funds to Gamble
A former employee with the Albany County Sheriff's Office in New York has been charged with grand larceny in the second degree and five counts of forgery -- all felonies -- for allegedly stealing $68K to cover his gambling habit. A recent...
$1.35B Mega Millions Winner Comes Forward in Maine, Picks One-Time Cash Option
The Mega Millions winner of the $1.35 billion jackpot hit on Jan. 13 has come forward in Maine, but they're utilizing a newly formed limited liability company (LLC) to limit their public exposure. The January 2023 drawing was only the fourth time...
President Joe Biden’s Approval Rating Improves Along with 2024 Odds
President Joe Biden's first two years in the Oval Office were marked by the country's emergence from the deepest perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, record inflation, and increased political polarization. But the latest polling suggests an increasing number of Americans generally approve...
Michigan iGaming Sets Monthly Revenue Record, Online Sportsbook Win Retracts
Michigan iGaming revenue reached a new monthly record in January as online casinos operated by commercial and tribal interests won nearly $153.7 million. Tallying $153,694,392.91, officials with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said January's iGaming haul represents a 27% year-over-year increase...
Las Vegas Restaurants Might Soon Offer Water Only Upon Request
Las Vegas restaurants could soon offer tap water only when asked by diners. That's should new state legislation find an adequate appetite among lawmakers in Carson City. With water levels remaining low in Nevada and neighboring California despite some recent rainfall, concerns...
Hard Rock Atlantic City Distributes $10M in Bonuses to Casino Workers
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City continued its February tradition of distributing bonuses to the property's employees. Owned by Hard Rock International, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Boardwalk casino has made it a habit of...
Georgia Sports Betting Bill to Receive Senate Vote, Statute Would Circumvent Referendum
Sports betting in Georgia remains illegal, but that could soon change now that a state Senate committee has approved a measure that would create the regulatory framework to allow such gambling. Senate Bill 57 was introduced last month by state Sen. Billy...
Former Chinese Government Official Reportedly Lost $730K Gambling in Macau
A former Chinese government official is said to have endured a severe gambling addiction during his decades of public service in the Hubei province. Chinese media reports suggest that Mei Yunnian, a former deputy director responsible for policy reform and economic development...