Quinn, now the chief executive officer of Women in Need (WIN), a non-profit group, endorsed the gaming venue because she believes it can be a jobs creator will driving revenue that could be used to ameliorate New York’s homeless problem. The former politician said Wynn New York City could generate tax receipts needed to address homelessness among families and women.

I am supporting Related and Wynn New York City’s bid for the Hudson Yards because it is the one that most recognizes that the biggest problem facing this city is that of homeless families with children,” said Quinn in a video posted on the Wynn New York City website. “I am ready for thousands of jobs for homeless moms working with Wynn New York City.”

Last week, Related and Wynn released updated renderings of the proposed $12 billion project on the West Side of Manhattan, noting it would likely create 35,000 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent union roles.

Wynn New York Casino Faces Plenty of Opposition

As is the case with nearly all of the other New York City-area casino bids, the Related/Wynn proposal faces opposition. Quinn, who started her career in Big Apple politics in 1999, didn’t comment on objections to the West Side gaming venue, but it is there.

More recently, the High Line, a non-profit group named after the historic park, said it objects to the Related/Wynn pitch because it could threaten the views in the Western Rail Yards area and also because the promised number of housing units is far less than hoped for. In 2009, Related reached an agreement with the city under which it would build between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units as part of its ongoing development of Hudson Yards. The plans released last week call for 1,500 units, including 324 affordable apartments.

The project also calls for a new K-8 public school, which has elicited concern about its proximity to casino. As for park space, Related and Wynn are looking to allay those fears, promising a 5.6 acre park that the two companies compare to the historic Bryant Park.

Quinn Sees Wynn Casino as Help for Homelessness

For her part, Quinn believes Wynn New York City could go a long way towards improving the city’s homeless problem. By some estimates, New York’s current rate of homelessness is as high as it’s been at any time since the Great Depression.

Whether or not a new gaming venue on the West Side will put a positive dent in that problem remains to be seen, but data confirm Quinn is right to call attention to homeless issue among families and women.

“In June 2024,?71 percent of those in shelters were members of homeless families, including?45,745 children,” according to the Coalition for the Homeless. “119,320?NYC schoolchildren experienced homelessness at some point during the 2022–2023 school year, representing?more than 11% of all NYC public school kids.”

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The property developer and the gaming giant added that the plan to bring an integrated resort to the Western Rail Yards area includes 1,500 new housing units, including 324 affordable apartments, as well as a new K-8 public school. Critics of the project claim that when Related reached an agreement with New York City in 2009 to develop Western Rail Yards, it promised to deliver between 3,454 and 5,700 housing units.

The proposed casino hotel plan, which includes a tower bearing the Wynn name, has drawn opposition from a newly formed community group, the High Line, which wants to protect the historic New York neighborhood and its famed views while drawing rebuke from politicians who believe their constituents see a gaming venue as a nonstarter in that part of the city.

Wynn, Related Highlight Selling Points

Related and Wynn are emphasizing the upside of their project, economic and otherwise. That includes the pitch for the aforementioned park, which would be known as Hudson Green.

In a statement, the two companies said the park would feature “a dog run, over 300 trees, 500 shrubs, flower beds, and various native plantings throughout the active landscape.” The companies added the property would be designed by Wynn Design and Develop, the team behind the posh designs of the gaming company’s casino hotels. The firms compared their park proposal to the city’s iconic Bryant Park.

Wynn New York City will anchor the development, completing a decades-long revitalization of Manhattan’s West Side,” according to the press release. “This new vision for Hudson Yards West adheres to the approved uses in the 2009 zoning, but has also evolved to reflect the city’s current landscape and economic infrastructure needs. Wynn New York City is the economic engine supporting the development and will create careers for thousands of New Yorkers while offering significant benefits to all sectors of the community.”

New York regulators have made no progress on opening the bidding window for the three downstate casino permits that will be awarded. It’s expected that process will drag well into 2025, if not beyond.

Wynn, Related Tout Economic Benefit

If there’s one way to get politicians behind a new casino project, it’s to tout economic perks, including job creation. Related and Wynn are doing just that, and their efforts could be meaningful in New York, which is grappling with budget issues.

“It’s easy for leaders to talk about wanting to create jobs and invest in the economy and infrastructure, but our proposal to develop Hudson Yards West would actually do it, which is why it continues to garner important support from unions, trade organizations, and small businesses,” said Related President Bruce Beal in the statement.

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Last week, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) said it is examining financial penalties against Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) — Genting’s lone Nevada property — over that venue’s role in allowing known illegal bookmakers to wager there. Nevada regulators alleged that Resorts World Las Vegas not only knowingly allowed those bookies to bet there, but also didn’t scrutinize the source of their cash. That could call into question the veracity of the integrated resort’s anti-money laundering protocols.

We think another risk is that a negative review by the commission could jeopardize Resorts World New York City’s bid,” wrote CIMB analysts in a recent report to clients.

Genting-owned Resorts World New York is a slots-only venue in Queens. The venue has been operational for about 13 years, and over that time, it’s delivered more than $4 billion in taxes for the state. That coupled with its status as one of the highest-grossing regional casinos in the country, despite having no table games, has led to speculation that Resorts World New York is almost a lock to win one of the three downstate permits.

Genting Could Face Hefty Fine in Nevada

CIMB Securities observed that Resorts World Las Vegas could have to answer for as many as 300 separate violations, which could result in fines totaling $75 million.

“Some industry experts say that this is rare and the commission is unlikely to go that far, due to the uncertain long-term impact from taking such a drastic measure,” noted the brokerage firm.

Scott Sibella, the former MGM Resorts International and RWLV executive at the heart of the scandal, pleaded guilty in January to violating the federal Bank Secrecy Act, and in May, was tagged with a $9,500 fine and a $100 special levy. In Nevada, he could face loss of his gaming license and up to $750K in fines.

Genting NY Casino Bid Could Withstand Controversy

To date, no New York regulators have commented on whether or not the goings on at Resorts World Las Vegas could endanger Genting’s Empire State ambitions. In New York, the current emphasis is on finding some way to expedite the start of the bidding process for the three downstate casino licenses — something that appears unlikely over the near term.

However, that’s just speculation and no New York regulator has publicly said the Genting and MGM bids there are in jeopardy due to controversies in Nevada. With both operators already established and known to New York policymakers, and with both pledging billions of dollars in enhancements to their existing venues and the creation of thousands of new jobs should they win traditional casino licenses, it’s possible their New York ambitions can withstand the Sibella-related imbroglio in Las Vegas.

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In an op-ed for Long Island Business News, Joshua Liebamn, a partner at Rosenberg Calica Birney Liebman & Ross LLP in Garden City, NY, opined that the saga of “Waiting for Kathy” is stalling the process through which gaming companies can bid for the trio of downstate permits.

In May, Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) proposed bills in their respective chambers that if signed into law by Hochul, would have opened the bidding window for the New York City-area licenses as soon as Aug. 31. With that date just 16 days away, the governor hasn’t shown any intent to sign the legislation.

Press reports suggest that her staff never asked for the bill to be sent to her office for review, much less for her approval or, for that matter, a veto. Rather, there appears to have been a conscious decision to ignore the proposed bill and, by doing so, push a regulatory decision far into next year,” wrote Liebman.

The Addabbo/Pretlow effort could pave the way for decisions to be made on the three winners of the casino licenses by the middle of next year. Without, that process could drag well into late 2025 or beyond.

NYC Casino Process Long Derided

In his op-ed, Liebman clearly noted that neither he nor his firm have any relationship with Sands nor do they have financial interests in the operator’s Long Island venture. The attorney believes the gaming venue could be a driver of economic growth for Nassau County.

“If Rick’s casino in the movie ‘Casablanca’ had been waiting for Governor Hochul’s administration to issue it an operating license, the amoral French Captain Renault would have died of old age long before being presented with his winnings,” wrote Liebman.

Hochul has consistently said she’s not directly involved in how and to whom the licenses will be awarded, but some New York political experts believe there are obvious links between the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC), the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, and political entities.

Sands Casino Could Boost Nassau County Economy

Owing to the sluggish pace at which New York regulators are moving, there’s nothing more than speculation regarding which of the more than 10 bidders will win the three downstate casino licenses. However, the Sands plan is widely viewed as one of the most viable.

Not only is the operator one of the largest gaming companies in the world, it’s already making significant investments in the surrounding community. Plus, Nassau Coliseum is close to Manhattan, but doesn’t a gaming venue at the Coliseum doesn’t pose a traffic threat to the already highly congested borough.

For his part, Liebman believes the LVS casino hotel could jumpstart Nassau County’s local economy while paying dividends over the long-term.

“This governor and her casino siting board need to recognize what the business community has long known. Delay is as much a decision as definitive action,” concluded the attorney. “Our region’s economy can’t be permitted to be deferred into oblivion. The casino decision should be issued ‘letters of transit’ and allow it to fulfill its economic potential.”

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DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb has requested documents from Intralot pertaining to its more than four-year stint running the controversial GambetDC app. That could be an indication that an investigation is already proceeding, but per an order by the DC Superior Court, filings on the matter are currently sealed.

As Alex Koma of the Washington City Paper reports, it’s not immediately clear exactly what Schwalb is looking into regarding Intralot, but under DC city code, the attorney general has the power to examine violations of “false claims laws.” The publication noted the AG could pursue financial penalties against the gaming company and even bar it from doing business in the city in the future.

Intralot Now Behind the Scenes in DC Sports Betting

In what was arguably a clear indication that GambetDC was a dud and didn’t deliver on revenue expectations, in March Intralot outsourced responsibilities for what was then the lone sports betting app in the city to Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel.

Under the terms of its agreement with the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG), Intralot was able to farm out its responsibilities, but it still holds the contract with the city. It’s not clear what would happen if Schwalb’s investigation leads to the company being booted from the city, but it’s possible OLG could simply execute a new accord with FanDuel.

It is, however, clear that Intralot is struggling to meet its financial commitments to the city. As the Washington City Paper noted, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development mandates that companies based elsewhere have to give extended slices of their large contracts to small local businesses, and Intralot has struggled to meet that objective.

Intralot previously claimed that part of the problem was that Veterans Services Corporation — one of its major subcontractors — wasn’t performing services as expected.

Where DC Sports Betting Goes From Here

Washington, DC sports betting is now more compelling than it’s ever been, jumpstarted by FanDuel and bolstered by the more recent entries of BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings. GambetDC is now a distant memory, and that’s to the liking of bettors who were dissatisfied with clunky technology and poor odds, and politicians disappointed by the app’s revenue failings.

None of that implies that Intralot is off the hook or that an investigation into the company’s potential missteps in the city will be performed with a light touch.

Rather, Schwalb’s inquiry could serve the aim of highlighting long-running issues with Washington, DC awards lucrative contracts — a process that’s long been criticized and subject to allegations of backroom dealings and cronyism.

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In a letter to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Assemblymember Tony Simone, and City Councilmember Erik Bottcher, whose areas of representation include the proposed location for Caesars Palace Times Square, union representatives said they back the proposal and believe a gaming venue in the theater district will benefit the entire city.

The team behind Caesars Palace Times Square knows and understands New York City,” wrote the union leaders. “They recognize that when Times Square thrives, the entire city thrives. And they are prepared to invest billions of dollars in converting the office building at 44th Street and Broadway into a world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destination, an investment that will transform the economic life of Times Square.”

Signatories of the letter are as follows: Steamfitters Local 638, Mason Tenders’ District Council, Cement & Concrete Workers District Council #16, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local Union 137, Cement Masons’ Local 780, Plasterers’ Local 262, Tile, Marble & Terrazzo BAC Local Union No. 7 of New York & New Jersey, District Council 9, Painters and Allied Trades International Union, Roofers Local Union No. 8, Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local Union No. 1, Sheet Metal Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local Union 28, Local 12 Heat and Frost Insulators of New York City & Long Island, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local One, United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the US & Canada, Plumbers Local 1, Building Material Teamsters Local 282, New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 3.

With Times Square Casino, Labor History Could Matter

The Times Square casino group is led by Caesars, real estate developer SL Green, and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment agency. Both the gaming company and the real estate investment trust (REIT) have extensive track records working with organized labor.

Still, not unions back the Times Square casino proposal. Last month, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) joined the No Times Square Casino Coalition. That union is comprised of Local One stagehands, Local 764 wardrobe workers, Local 798 hair/makeup workers, ATPAM theater company managers and press agents, USA 829 scenic artists, Local 306 ushers, Local 751 treasurers and ticket sellers.

Several other theater groups, including the Theater Development Fund (TDF), oppose the gaming venue because they believe patrons will stay inside the casino and not venture out into the surrounding? neighborhood to see shows and support local businesses.

Unions See Times Square Casino as Growth Driver

As is the case with many of the downstate casino proposals in New York, the Times Square plan has its share of detractors and supporters. Groups opposing Caesars Palace Times Square believe the venue will cause more crime and traffic congestion while not benefiting local businesses.

Conversely, backers believe the gaming venue will help Times Square regain tourism that hasn’t fully recovered since the coronavirus pandemic while serving as an important jobs creator.

“Not only will the development of Caesars Palace Times Square provide jobs for our members, it will also serve as a catalyst for local economic development, attracting visitors from around the world and stimulating spending at surrounding restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments,” according to the union letter. “SL Green, Caesars, and Roc Nation estimate that a gaming and entertainment venue in Times Square will attract in excess of 10 million new visitors to New York City annually.”

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Although Hochul hasn’t publicly said she won’t sign the bill, industry experts and New York political observers believe the writing is on the wall. Even if the Addabbo/Pretlow legislation was approved imminently, there’s not enough time for gaming operators to ready proposals for what are likely to be some of the most expensive casino hotels in US history.

Ominous Outlook for Speeding Up NYC Casino Bids

Even Pretlow acknowledged to Newsday that it currently appears unlikely that Hochul is going to move on the bill before the end of this month.

Michael Hershman, CEO of the Soloviev Group, echoed a familiar refrain, telling Newsday the expedited licensing bill is now a “moot point.” The Soloviev Group is partnering with Tribal casino giant Mohegan on a proposed gaming venue near the United Nations building on Manhattan’s East Side.

For contenders, an early opening of the bidding window would likely be met with applause because as things stand today, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board is eying June 27, 2025 as the date for applications to be submitted. After that, “Community Advisory Committees (CACs) will form immediately thereafter and commence their statutory work.”

The Board expects to make decisions by December 1, 2025, followed by Commission licensure by December 31, 2025. This ensures that New York State will collect the already-booked casino license fee(s) ahead of schedule,” according to the board.

Assuming that’s the timeline that’s adhered, 2026 would be the earliest at which ground could be broken new gaming venues, meaning it could be several years before they’re fully operational.

Why Speeding Up NYC Casino Licenses Makes Senses

By not swiftly moving to speed up the licensing process, New York is delaying receipt of millions of dollars in application fees not to mention $500 million per winning bidder — a figure some experts believe could drift as high as $1 billion per license.

It’s possible that if final approval of the three downstate casino licenses arrives at the end of 2025, MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Genting’s Resorts World New York in Queens could establish a lead over a third rival assuming those venues are selected for two of the permits.

Those properties are already operational as slots-only venues with both ranking among the highest-grossing regional casinos in the country. The operators have promised major enhancements if they’re awarded traditional casino licenses and that is the outcome, Genting and MGM can likely add some table games and other amenities without significant disruptions to day-to-day business.

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The Boston-based gaming company said the surcharge will be applied in states that have elevated sports wagering levies and multiple operators. Illinois, which recently implemented a graduated sports betting tax scheme that raised rates on the largest operators there, is one of the four states in which DraftKings will apply the surcharge. New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are the other three.

We plan to implement a gaming tax surcharge in high tax states that have multiple mobile sports betting operators on January 1, 2025 which could drive adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) upside on an annual basis,” said CEO Jason Robins in a statement.

DraftKings forecast 2025 EBITDA of $900 million to $1 billion — a forecast that does not include the potential benefit from the bettor tax.

DraftKings Surcharge Plan Met with Derision

In its investor presentation, the gaming company noted the surcharge will only be applied to winning wagers and it will be treated as a separate transaction when winning bets are paid. DraftKings added that the tax will be made clear to clients as it will appear on bet slips.

“The surcharge will be fairly nominal to the customer. In Illinois, for example, it will amount to a low to mid-single digit percentage of the Net Winnings a customer would previously have received,” wrote Robins and CFO Alan Ellingson in a letter to shareholders.

Some even went so far as to say black market bookies in New York are cheering the news. As of Thursday, DraftKings is the first major online sportsbook operator to announce such a surcharge.

Buyback Telegraphed, but Still Good News

While the surcharge commanded plenty of attention following DraftKings’ second-quarter earnings report, the $1 billion buyback wasn’t overlooked. Though analysts had increasingly telegraphed some form of shareholder rewards from the company was in the offing, it’s worth noting this is the first share repurchase plan in DraftKings’ four-plus years as a public firm.

In the earnings statement, Ellingson said the gaming company is excited about its free cash flow trajectory. As of the end of the second quarter, DraftKings had cash and cash equivalents of $815.88 million. Total liabilities stood at $2.91 billion, down from $3.10 billion at the end of last year.

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Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) — the frontrunner in the state’s US Senate race — said the foreclosure is political stunt by JP Morgan Chase, which is the bank holding the loan on the property. Justice acquired Greenbrier out of bankruptcy in 2009. In 2014, Justice received a loan for Greenbrier from the bank backed by a promissory note for $142 million. That agreement made Chase the holder of the deed of trust.

Last month, Chase informed the governor the loan on Greenbrier had been sold to Beltway Capital. In a statement, Justice claimed that upon purchasing the loan, Beltway immediately declared it in default.

The Governor and JPMorgan have been working in good faith under a mutual agreement since 2021 and under that agreement the Governor’s debt to JPMorgan has been reduced to $9.4 million, according to a statement issued by the Justice family. “Performance and payments to JPMorgan have even been made as recent as the end of June of this year.”

MetroNews reported that the property being foreclosed on includes the Greenbrier Hotel and the parking lot, but because other firms own the golf course and tennis courts, those assets are not part of the foreclosure. However, the casino is in the hotel, meaning it’s part of the default proceedings.

Justice Claims Foreclosure Is Political Stunt

Greenbrier is the only traditional casino hotel in the state with the other three gaming venues classified as racinos — casinos combined with racetracks. The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is operated by Century Casinos (NASDAQ: CNTY).

“This deceitful move by JPMorgan is nothing more than the latest political stunt by the Democrats to undermine the next Republican Senator from West Virginia. In recent days, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon’s staunch ties to the Democrat party and his support for the Biden-Harris administration and continued control of the Senate by the Democrats have been well documented,” added the Justice family in the press release.

While Dimon has traditionally donated to Democrats, there has been speculation that if former President Trump reclaims the White House in November, he’d name the JPMorgan chief executive officer as Treasury Secretary.

Auction Could Affect Greenbrier Casino

Should the Justice family not find a workable solution to maintain control of the Greenbrier, it’s possible that the new owners make changes to the casino or potentially close that part of the property, putting it different use. That hasn’t been determined of yet. The public auction for the property will be held in Lewisburg on Aug. 27.

Greenbrier is also home to a FanDuel sportsbook and that operator was the first to offer mobile sports wagering in West Virginia.

Today, the state is home to a variety of online sportsbooks and is one of just six to permit iGaming.

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The move, which has long been mooted in Boston, will “allow the lottery to keep pace with its competition and reach a new audience,” according to Massachusetts State Lottery Commission Chair Deborah Goldberg. A portion of the revenues from the online lottery will, by law, go toward supporting the state’s early education and care programs.

The “competition” Goldberg refers to is sports betting, which Massachusetts legalized in August 2022. Lottery officials have in the past expressed concern that the state’s new online sports betting market will eat into lottery revenues.

Equal Footing

Lottery Executive Director Mark Bracken told MassLive Monday that transferring the lottery online and introducing new products like instant-win tickets will place it on an equal footing with sportsbook operators.

While the age requirement for retail lottery games will remain 18, players will have to be at least 21 to play online, as is the legal age for sports betting.

The Massachusetts Lottery’s fears of cannibalization from sports betting have proved to be unfounded thus far. In 2023, the first year it experienced competition from online sportsbooks, the lottery posted a record profit of $1.17 billion on revenues of over $6 billion. The online platform is expected to pull in another $100 million a year.

Supplier Sought

Bay Staters will have to wait a while before the online service is up and running. The lottery first needs to launch a procurement process to find a supplier. The good news is that the MA Lottery app and Mass Lottery website were built with the capability to accommodate a future online lottery, and they already have 350K registered, age-verified players.

Bracken estimates that the whole process will take about 16 months, which means the platform should be ready to go live before the end of next year.

Bracken also addressed concerns that the online lottery would eat into land-based retailer revenue. He explained that there are plans for a player rewards system that would drive online players to brick-and-mortar stores. Although the finer points still need to be worked out, he added he believes an online lottery could increase footfall in land-based stores.

“It’s really a win-win for everyone,” he assured MassLive.

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Matthew James Wessels, 43, signed up for the program in January 2023, effectively meaning he agreed to ban himself from every state-licensed gaming venue in Iowa.

Nevertheless, Wessels visited the Isle Casino on May 17, 2024, where he gambled and hit a jackpot for an unspecified amount. But he used a false name and social security number when he filled out the paperwork to claim it.

Forgery, Trespass Arrest

Unhappily for Wessels, the true owner of the social security number was not down with the scheme and called the police, according to court documents.

Wessels returned to the casino on May 19 and was asked to leave, the filings state. Later, he was arrested on forgery and gambling charges, as well as trespassing.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s self-exclusion program, like those in many states, allows gamblers to bar themselves from casinos, usually because they have a gambling problem.

Customers identified by the casino as excluded must be removed from the premises and can be subject to prosecution for criminal trespass.

Casinos themselves can face fines or even license suspension for failing to comply with state regulations related to self-exclusion. But most states limit disciplinary action to violations linked to willfully or inadvertently marketing to excluded individuals.

FBI Drugs Sting

After losing out on his jackpot, and now facing criminal charges, things were about to get a whole lot worse for Wessels. On July 16, he agreed to sell four pounds of methamphetamine for $14K to an undercover FBI agent posing as a drug dealer, according to federal court records.

Wessels agreed to meet the agent in the parking lot of a restaurant in Waterloo that same day. On arrival, the suspect carried a tan bag filled with drugs into the agent’s car and was arrested on the spot.

He is now facing federal charges of possession with intent to supply a controlled substance. Wessels is no stranger to such charges. In August 18, 2017, he was sentenced to more than six years in a federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

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It was believed Bowser would sign the new budget into law on Monday, ushering in a new era of mobile sports wagering in the nation’s capital in which the market would expand beyond a mobile betting monopoly briefly held by FanDuel. Last week, BetMGM announced plans to launch mobile betting in the District on July 15, and it was reported that Caesars Sportsbook would join that party. Those operators didn’t debut in the city and on Tuesday, FanDuel went dark there because Bowser sent the budget back to the City Council, balking at proposed tax hikes.

I cannot support a budget that needlessly increases our residents’ property and income taxes, raises the paid family leave tax to untested levels, or harms our public schools,” wrote Bowser in a letter to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Tuesday.

The mayor hasn’t officially vetoed the budget and even if she doesn’t sign it, the measure would automatically go into effect on July 25. After that, Congress would have a month to review it and if it doesn’t pass muster there, Bowser and the Council would have to go back to the drawing board.

FanDuel Shows Some Commitment to DC

In late June, the Council added an amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget proposed by Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) to expand DC’s mobile sports wagering market. The amendment paves the way for up to seven gaming companies to hold sports betting permits in the District.

In the brief time since that transition, FanDuel has delivered gross gaming revenue (GGR) and handle well in excess of the pace set by GambetDC, thus delivering more tax receipts to the city. In the face of the budget hiccup, FanDuel reiterated its commitment to the District.

“FanDuel remains committed to providing the District and its residents with a best-in-class sports betting offering. Upon final approval of the FY2025 DC Budget, FanDuel will resume its sports betting offering as a Class A operator in partnership with DC United at Audi Field and continue to offer our citywide mobile app to the District of Columbia,” said the gaming company in a statement distributed to press outlets.

Not the Worst Time for DC Sports Betting Outage

Assuming the budget situation is quickly rectified, this isn’t the worst time for DC to be without a mobile sports betting option. Major League Baseball started its all-star break on Monday, and that runs through Thursday. There are no other major team sports currently in season.

The proposed budget calls for $21 billion in spending in 2025.

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Starting Monday, BetMGM will be live with mobile betting in the District and there are indications Caesars Sportsbook will also be available citywide on July 15. Currently, BetMGM runs a retail sportsbook at Nationals Park and can offer mobile wagering within two blocks of the stadium. Likewise, Caesars runs a retail book at Capital One Arena and, like rivals that aren’t FanDuel, is limited in the scope of its Washington, DC sports betting expanse.

In May, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics were among the gaming companies that testified before the city council’s Business and Economic Development Committee in a bid to get the council to open the market.

FanDuel Probably Not Pleased

FanDuel, a unit of Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT), likely isn’t keen on Washington opening its mobile wagering market to competitors.

Not surprisingly, FanDuel previously indicated to the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) that would seek to scrap its agreement with the city if the sports betting market was opened to other entrants. Flutter has yet to publicly comment on DC’s expansion plans, but FanDuel has made clear to the City Council that it has the right to terminate its contract.

“Should Subtitle R be enacted, FanDuel will transition its operations in the District under its Class A license under the new regime consistent with its pre-existing contractual relationship, and invoke its termination right under the subcontract,” wrote FanDuel President Christian Genetski in a June letter to councilmembers.

DC Sports Betting Expansion Could Harm Kiosk Operators

Retail businesses such as bars and restaurants that are home to more than 60 sports betting kiosks across the District previously told the city council that they’re fearful that broader expansion of the city’s mobile sports betting market could pinch the revenue they generate from those machines.

FanDuel previously told the council that it would not support those machines if the market is opened to other competitors.

Speaking of those rivals, it’s possible that DraftKings and Fanatics could enter the DC market as well, but they need to partner with a professional sports team there. BetMGM and Caesars already have those relationships, hence they can commence with offering mobile sports wagering next week.

The post BetMGM, Caesars Join Washington, DC Sports Betting Expansion appeared first on Casino.org.

McDuffie introduced the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024 in March. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) still has to approve the budget, but if she does, that could open the door to the city having more than one mobile sports betting option. Currently, FanDuel has a monopoly on mobile betting in the US capital city.

Last month, representatives from BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming testified before the Washington, DC City Council’s Committee Business and Economic Development Committee to advocate for a more competitive mobile sports betting landscape in the city.

Usual Suspects Likely to Eye DC Sports Betting Entry

Should Washington, DC’s sports wagering market be liberalized, forcing FanDuel to shed its brief monopoly, the typical names in the industry would likely seek entry.

A decision on the District’s sports betting market could boil down to simple economics. FanDuel paid a $5 million conversion fee to the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) to take over the Intralot deal and is promising $2 million to $4 million in annual operating payments to the city. If several other gaming companies made similar financial commitments, mobile betting expansion could be a significant moneymaker for the city.

However, there are market share considerations for operators. While Washington, DC is an enticing market for sportsbook firms, there are no guarantees adequate threats to FanDuel will be mounted. In the first quarter in neighboring Virginia, FanDuell commanded market share of 40.14%, or more than DraftKings and BetMGM combined.

Resistance to Open DC Sports Betting Market

FanDuel wouldn’t be thrilled about the idea of shedding its monopoly in DC, but there’s likely to be resistance to an open market from other corners — namely small businesses that have sports wagering kiosks.

Retailers that have those kiosks fear that if more mobile wagering options are permitted in the District, bettors will be less inclined to use the kiosks. McDuffie believes that other gaming companies could provide comparable devices to businesses should the Washington market be liberalized.

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During its first 30 days of operation in the US capital city, FanDuel’s mobile app and website generated a handle of $30 million and $5 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) — figures representing 673% and 887% year-over-year increases, respectively. The transition is also paying dividends in terms of elevated receipts to government coffers.

The successful conversion to FanDuel gives the District a 40% share of GGR, equating to an estimated $1.90 million in revenue for the District gained in the initial 30 days of operation, an increase of 690% over the same period last fiscal year,” according to a statement issued by the DC Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG).

Greek gaming company Intralot still has the sports wagering contract with DC, but after several years of lagging performance by the GambetDC app, the city council allowed Intralot to subcontract its responsibilities out to FanDuel. FanDuel is a unit of Dublin-based Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT). OLG noted that bettors who still have funds in a GambetDC account have until October 15 to withdraw that cash.

More Upside Could Be in Store for DC with FanDuel

Making FanDuel’s fast start in Washington, DC all the more impressive is that the launch occurred far removed from football season and with the Washington Capitals being quickly vanquished in the first round of the NHL playoffs. The NBA’s Wizards didn’t make the post-season.

“From September 2023 through February 2024, the District’s per capita sports wagering revenue (tax and GambetDC revenue) was $2.71. Based on FanDuel’s first 30 days of operation, it is likely that the District’s per capita sports wagering revenue may rise to over $19, placing it among the highest revenue generating markets in the country on a per capita basis,” added the OLG.

FanDuel guaranteed $5 million in revenue to the city in its first year of operation. Accounting for the gaming company’s impressive start, that estimate could prove conservative.

Other Sportsbook Operators Eyeing Washington, DC

FanDuel’s rapid success in the US capitol is unlikely to be lost on rival sportsbook operators that want the city to broaden the field of mobile sports wagering offerings.

Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) introduced the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which would do just that, but it’s not yet clear how much momentum there is for that legislation.

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Live greyhound racing has been illegal in New Hampshire since 2009, but the new law puts an end to all betting on greyhounds for good.

In the ensuing years, the Brook has transformed itself into a flourishing casino, offering charitable gaming via sports betting and historical horse racing machines (HHRs). Greyhound simulcasting is no longer a crucial part of its business model.

Connecticut Bans Live Racing

The move comes a week after Connecticut’s Democratic Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill to ban live dog racing. His is the 43rd state to outlaw the sport.

“Dog racing is a cruel activity and it has no place in Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said in a statement. “It’s mindboggling to think that at one time people considered this a legitimate sport, and I give credit to animal advocacy groups for their activism that has raised awareness about the abuse and extreme conditions these dogs face, leading to bans in nearly every state across the country. Signing this bill is an easy decision.”

‘Walls Closing In’

The move represents another nail in the coffin for a dwindling sport in the US. Live dog racing is now confined to?just?two venues, Wheeling Island Casino & Racetrack and Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, both in West Virginia.

Arkansas’ last track, Southland, pulled the plug at the end of 2022.

“The walls are closing in on greyhound racing in the United States,” Carey Theil, executive director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, an advocacy group for greyhound protection, told Casino.org. “Betting on American dog races is down by a whopping 47% since 2019, and one state after another is severing ties with this cruel industry.”

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Earlier this week, representatives from BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming gave testimony before the Washington, DC City Council’s Committee Business and Economic Development Committee. Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) sits on that committee. In March, he proposed the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024, which if approved, would expand the field of gaming operators permitted to offer mobile betting in the District.

While the transition from the controversial GamBetDC mobile application to FanDuel is widely viewed as a smart move by the DC City Council, some operators caution the city is still vulnerable to missing out on important revenue by allowing an online sports betting monopoly.

Consumers are either traveling to the surrounding states to wager or, worse yet, placing wagers in the illegal offshore market, where there are no responsible gaming protocols to protect customers,” said Brandt Iden of Fanatics at the city council meeting.

He added that almost two-thirds of the operator’s customers from Maryland and 10% of those from Virginia have attempted to access the app in DC.

Stumbling Blocks to Opening Washington, DC Sports Betting Market

While FanDuel is now the lone mobile sports betting offering in Washington, the unit of Flutter Entertainment attained that status because Intralot — the Greek company behind GamBetDC — outsourced its responsibilities to FanDuel.

Barbara Lang, the former CEO and president of the Washington, DC Chamber of Commerce, told the council that the sports betting kiosks are important customer attraction and retention tools for some small businesses.

“A competitive, mobile-dominated system would completely squeeze out retailers looking to generate revenue from in-person gaming,” she told the committee.

Operators Looking to Expand DC Footprints

All of the gaming companies mentioned here offer mobile sports betting in Maryland and Virginia. In the cases of BetMGM and Caesars, they run retail sportsbooks at stadiums in the District, but like their rivals, they want what FanDuel has: mobile betting access.

“I think the District of Columbia, the nation’s capital, should be in a better situation today, on May 6, than we are,” the councilman said at the meeting. “We should not have to make a decision under duress about generating revenue with a company that has failed miserably at managing our sports wagering operation. I think there’s a case to be made that they shouldn’t be a part of it.”

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The push comes after a previous bill sponsored by Addabbo, which would have legalized online casino gaming and online poker, failed to gain enough support and was excluded from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) budget in January.

That said, previous standalone online poker bills haven’t fared very well either. Addabbo or his committee chairman predecessor, now-retired State Senator John Bonacic, have been trying to legalize the online game almost every year since 2014.

Historically, these bills have fared well in the Senate but have come up short in the Assembly, where they have been championed each year by Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-89th).

Tax Halved

Addabbo’s bill would create as many as 10 online poker licenses, charging operators $10 million each. Revenues would be taxed at 15%, half the figure proposed by his online casino and poker bill.

The legislation would task the New York Gaming Commission to come up with the fine details and draw up a framework of regulation for the proposed future market.

Instead, the bill focuses on the justification for defining online poker as a game of skill. Addabbo notes that a New York federal court has ruled that poker is predominantly a skill game.

Meanwhile, state courts have interpreted New York law to apply a more rigorous test in identifying a contest of chance that is applied by most states in the nation, Addabbo asserts.

“As the internet has become an integral part of society, and internet poker a major form of entertainment for many consumers … regulatory oversight [is needed] to safeguard the integrity of the games and participants and to ensure public trust,” he writes.

Late to Party

The advantage of the legislature classifying online poker as a “nongambling” game of skill is that the bill would theoretically not need to be approved by a public vote, since gambling expansion requires an amendment to the constitution.

Addabbo’s bill is a latecomer to the state’s legislative session, which will recess June 6, although as a legislative leader, Addabbo could recall lawmakers for an extraordinary session.

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Anthony Diehl targeted convenience stores, presenting bogus “winning” tickets either in person or through his recruited network of vulnerable individuals, mainly drug addicts, according to prosecutors. These individuals would typically cash in the vouchers, either in exchange for drugs or for a cut of the illegally obtained “winnings.”

In this way, the network bilked numerous convenience stores and gas stations in multiple counties out of more than $20K, prosecutors said.

Diehl is accused of creating the vouchers himself using chemicals and printers to alter the information and inflate the prizes.

Return to the Scene of the Crime

Diehl was caught after he returned to the scene of an alleged crime, namely, the Carbon Mini-Mart in Palmerton.

On Jan. 28, 2023, a man matching Diehl’s description cashed out two vouchers for a total of $695 at the convenience store, which were later discovered to be forgeries, and the incident was reported to police.

Two days later, when Diehl returned to the Carbon Mini-Mart with an accomplice to present another fraudulent voucher, staff called the police.

Responders arrived to find Diehl and another individual. The accomplice told them Diehl had provided him with the ticket to cash and that staff had refused the request.

Police searched Diehl’s vehicle and found a printer, a laptop, and other equipment. Investigators who later examined the laptop discovered more than 100 forged vouchers inside Microsoft Word documents, as well as the watermarks of numerous skill game manufacturers.

Google Searches

Diehl’s Google search results showed hundreds of searches for businesses throughout Pennsylvania that deployed gaming terminals. Investigators were able to match some of the vouchers on Diehl’s laptop with those that had been fraudulently cashed at other stores in the state.

The full list of charges against Diehl include corrupt organizations, conspiracy to violate, forgery, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, unlawful use of a computer, unlawful duplication, possessing an instrument of crime with intent, and theft by deception.

Diehl is currently free on $100K unsecured bail and is due in court on May 31.

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Chen Huan Lin, 67, and Joe Jeng Chiou Lin, 65, benefitted from the scam that involved a dealer employing a shady spin that would then be verified by a crooked supervisor, according to a new criminal complaint.

The dealer, Robin Schnepp, supervisor Anthony Laush, and another player, Jack Daniel Mars III, were arrested and charged last month.

Different Ball Game

In mid-January 2024, Rivers received an anonymous handwritten letter in the mail alleging that Schnepp and Laush were involved in a plan to bilk Interblock Roulette machines at the casino.

These are electronic roulette machines that allow players to place bets and side-bets using touchscreens, which are settled electronically. But they can also employ a live dealer.

Normally, the ball should be spun against the run of the wheel. At this point, the Interblock system informs the players that no more bets can be placed. If the ball is spun in the same direction as the wheel, the system’s cameras and sensors do not identify that a spin has occurred. This means players can continue to place bets during the spin once the ball has landed on a number.

Bilked for Thousands

If this occurs, it’s correct procedure for a table games supervisor to be called over to void the spin and cancel all bets.

But instead of voiding the spin for all players, Laush would use his supervisor fob to verify the spin. This meant wins would be paid out to those players who knew that they could continue to bet when the ball had traveled in the wrong direction.

In total, across the three incidents, Joe Lin and Chen Lin won more than $14K according to the complaint. Mars and a female accomplice, who appears not to have been charged, cashed out more than $10K in wins they were not entitled to, per court docs.

All are facing a slew of charges including cheating, theft by deception, and receiving stolen property.

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The operator of the famed Kentucky racetrack of the same name said it earned $1.08 a share on revenue of $590.9 million in the first three months of the year. Analysts expected earnings of 76 cents on sales of $564 million. Churchill’s Kentucky historical horse racing segment drove a topline increase in that unit of $33.1 million to $248.9 million. Stifel analyst Jeffrey Stantial highlighted strength at the operator’s Virginia properties, including historical racing machine (HRM) venues.

Compositionally, we argue results evidence our select list thesis, in particular highlighting 1) meaningful sequential acceleration for CHDN’s VA HRM properties (mid-December skill game ban; improving HRM product), and 2) resilient operating trends at Rivers,” wrote the analyst.

Stantial has a “buy” rating and $150 price target on Churchill — forecasts that are under review pending the company’s conference call with analysts on Thursday morning.

Live, Historical Racing, TwinSpires Boost Churchill Q1 Results

Churchill Downs’ strong first-quarter results were supported by encouraging outcomes from the operator’s historical and live horse racing segments, as well as from the TwinSpires online betting unit.

Those gains come ahead of the Kentucky Derby, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. The 150^th edition of the crown jewel in horse racing’s triple crown could be another record-setter for Churchill this year as the operator has made significant investments, including a new paddock and more seating, at its eponymous Kentucky track to expand capacity and lure more affluent bettors.

Stantial pointed out that HRM properties in Virginia showed the most year-over-year growth, underscoring benefits for Churchill Downs, which is the largest gaming operator in that state.

Speaking of Virginia …

Be it by way of HRM venues or traditional gaming properties, Virginia figures prominently in the long-term Churchill Downs investment thesis.

Monthly data reported by VRC shows meaningful sequential improvement in Y/Y growth across most of CHDN’s VA assets, likely reflecting a combination of 1) annualization of new supply headwinds, 2) mid-December implementation of a ban on competitive skill games, 3) improving HRM product & layout at CHDN facilities, and 4) broader ramp at relatively new properties,” noted Stantial.

The analyst also observed that Churchill’s recently opened casino hotel in Terre Haute, Ind. is off to a strong start, and that venue is likely to be discussed in greater detail on the conference call.

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Salvatore Rubino, 61, aka “Sal the Shoemaker,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges of operating an illegal gambling business. He admitted to running card games and gambling machines inside Sal’s Shoe Repair in Merrick, NY.

Racketeering, Extortion Charges ?

Rubino’s is the last guilty plea of five defendants linked to the ring that prosecutors claim was a joint operation between the Genovese and Bonanno families. The others are former Genovese capo Carmelo “Carmine” Polito, 64, Joseph Macario, 69, aka “Joe Fish,” Joseph Rutigliano, 65, aka “Joe Box,” and Mark Feuer, 61.

The four pleaded guilty on April 5 to charges that included racketeering, attempted extortion, and illegal gambling.

Sal’s, which closed in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of several fronts used by the gambling ring. Others included a gelateria and coffee bar in Lynbrook, Long Island named Grann Café, as well as a soccer club and an Italian social club.

Each business operated “illegal joker poker-type gambling machines,” as well as poker games, and generated more than $2,000 for the Mob each day, according to prosecutors. Rubino and Rutigliano would collect the proceeds and distribute them to higher-ranking gangsters.

Under the Bridge

Polito additionally operated a pay-per-head sportsbook called PGWLines and would extort debtors who failed to pay their debts on time. In one October 2019 incident, he called a customer and threatened to “break his face.”

On another occasion, he instructed one of his agents to tell a debtor he would “put him under the f***ing bridge” if he did not pay up.

With their guilty pleas, these five members and associates of the Genovese crime family have admitted they committed crimes to benefit a criminal enterprise notorious for inflicting harm on our communities for generations,” said United States Attorney Breon Peace in a statement.

“As long as the Mafia doesn’t get it that illegal gambling is a losing proposition, they can bet on this Office and our partners vigorously enforcing the law and flushing them out of the shadows,” Peace added.

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In a recent report, Morningstar analyst Dan Wasiolek noted ESPN Bet averaged revenue improvement of 7% and 4%, respectively in Michigan and Pennsylvania, in February compared to the year-earlier period when Penn operated sports wagering under the Barstool Sportsbook brand. He added that ESPN Bet now has a high single-digit share in both states, and it appears some of that came at the expense of competitors.

Meanwhile, MGM’s share over the same time is lower by 3 and 5 percentage points; Caesars’ is flat and down 3 percentage points; and smaller competitors are collectively lower by 3 and 3 percentage points,” observed Wasiolek.

Michigan and Pennsylvania are critical states for any mobile sportsbook operator. Since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, just four states have outpaced Pennsylvania in terms of sports betting handle and revenue. Michigan is 10th on that list despite mobile sports wagering being legal there for just over three years.

DraftKings Cementing Leadership in Big States

DraftKings vies with Flutter Entertainment’s (NYSE: FLUT) FanDuel for the top spot in terms of US online sportsbook market share and in the bulk of the states in which both operators conduct businesses, they’re first and second, well ahead of their rivals.

“Based on data from these states, we have increased confidence in DraftKings’ intermediate revenue opportunity and have increased our 2024-28 sales compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to 24% growth from 23%, leading to a lift in its valuation to $47 per share from $44,” wrote the analyst. “We think investors should keep DraftKings shares on their radar for any pullbacks below our valuation.”

Wasiolek is less optimistic on Caesars Entertainment’s (NASDAQ: CZR) digital unit, noting it could be difficult for that segment to achieve earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) targets due to lower share sales in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

“As a result, we now expect Caesars’ digital margins to average low-20% during the next 10 years, down from the mid-20s, driving our fair value estimate to $73 per share from $75,” said Wasiolek.

Cautious Optimism on ESPN Bet

To its credit, Penn’s ESPN Bet has performed admirably since its debut last November, and its ability to grab share from non-DraftKings/FanDuel rivals could allay investor concerns regarding the app’s performance in states where competitors have been entrenched for several years.

Wasiolek sees some value in Penn shares, though he’s cautious about the regional casino giant’s debt burden.

“Penn’s $24 fair value estimate offers investors an attractive entry point to an emerging player in the growing sports betting market, with the caveat that its more leveraged balance sheet could keep shares volatile amid enduring high financing costs,” concluded the analyst.

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On March 19, the Winter Lodge building at the Nevele caught ablaze. Local officials continue to seek the cause of the fire.

Thanks to firefighters, flames didn’t spread to the main high-rise building on the 463-acre property in Wawarsing, New York. But the Winter Lodge was destroyed.

The whole building was fully involved,” Everett Erichsen, director of Ulster County Emergency Services, told News 12 . “It’s unfortunate. We are going to be investigating.”

The Nevele opened in 1901 and closed in 2009. In its heyday, the Nevele had 430 rooms, two golf courses, an ice-skating rink, swimming pools, and boasted some of the biggest names in show business as headliners.

Casino Proposal

After it closed, the Nevele was pitched as a gaming property with Las Vegas-style gambling. But nearby Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York, was granted the coveted license by state officials in 2014.

Last October, the Nevele was sold for $5 million to an entity called 1100 Arrow LLC. The Nevele remains vacant, generating many memories of a bygone era.

“The Nevele, it really has a special part in everyone’s heart,” Barbara Hoff, a local resident, told the JTA, a Jewish news agency. “Everyone worked everywhere, but the Nevele really was the largest. It was the hotel. The one with the TV commercials.”

Multiple Fires

The Nevele fire follows other blazes at nearby abandoned hotels in the Catskill Mountain region over the past two years. They were each investigated by fire officials.

In August 2022, a large building burned at the Grossinger’s Catskills Resort Hotel. Legend has it the hotel was the inspiration for the Dirty Dancing?movie.

Last June, it took firefighters six hours to extinguish a blaze at the Pines Resort Hotel. The following month, the Homowack Lodge caught fire twice in the same week.

Many of these vacant properties have been plagued by trespassers. No evidence has indicated that trespassers caused the fires, however.

Likewise, no evidence has been presented that any of these fires were purposely set, though posts on social media sites theorize they could have been cases of arson in an attempt to collect insurance money.

Recently, Ellenville Fire District Chief George Budd called the conspiracy theories “slanderous remarks,” according to the New York Jewish Week.

He confirmed that the hotels in the region were once popular with their mostly Jewish guests, giving the region the nickname of the “Borscht Belt,” a reference to the food many Jewish guests ate while staying at the hotels.

The Jewish community should not be bashed over these Borscht Belt fires,” Budd added.

Some posts have nefariously claimed that Jewish property owners purposely set fire to empty buildings, calling it “Jewish lightning.”

“That term, ‘Jewish lightning,’ it’s a horrible term and I’ve seen Borscht Belters throw it out there in the past few days on Facebook groups and it bothers me so much,” Marisa Scheinfeld, a photographer who has lived in the region, was quoted by the JTA.

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Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large) introduced the Sports Wagering Amendment Act of 2024 on Wednesday. A member of the Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED), McDuffie was among the legislators who highlighted flaws with the GambetDC app, the lone sports betting app available throughout the district. He wants more sports betting competition in the city.

Our current model isn’t working, this bill will bring needed competition into the sports wagering marketplace and allows current Class A retail sportsbook operators (located at Audi Field, Capital One Arena and Nationals Park) to provide their mobile apps city wide,” he said in a Wednesday post on X (formerly Twitter).

McDuffie introduced his bill just over a week after the official announcement that Intralot would subcontract operation of GambetDC out to FanDuel. Meaning that later this spring, FanDuel will become the only mobile sports wagering app available throughout Washington, D.C.

McDuffie Legislation Could Be Moneymaker for D.C.

Since the debut of GambetDC approximately four years ago, bettors in the district could use that app just about anywhere in the city, except inside or near federal buildings.

That’s chased tax receipts out of the district, though the transition to FanDuel will likely improve that situation. FanDuel believes it will generate $119 million in taxable revenue in Washington, D.C. over the next five years. That’s more than the forecast $10 million from the current system. McDuffie’s bill would allow retail sportsbook operators, such as BetMGM and Caesars, to partner with pro teams to offer mobile betting in the city.

“It also creates a Class C mobile sports wagering license to sports teams who meet certain criteria, including being headquartered in the District of Columbia and playing 90% of their home games at a facility with a Class A retail sportsbook,” McDuffie added on X.

GambetDC a ‘Failure’

In its roughly four years on the market, GambetDC has notched offenses such as losing money in 2021, not being available to bettors during the 2022 Super Bowl, and generating lower-than-expected tax revenue. So it’s not a stretch to call the current system a failure, as does McDuffie.

“Annually, it will invest $1,000,000 in youth extracurricular activities from the proceeds of sports wagering revenues; and dedicates $300,000 to the Department of Behavioral Health to combat problem gambling,” he noted on X.

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At about 1 p.m. on Monday, the robbers drove up to an unmarked van outside of a laundromat at Southgate Mall. The bandits got out of their vehicle and headed to the van.

One bandit reportedly pistol-whipped a security guard in the head and stole his firearm, according to news reports. A second robber then entered the van.

He stole seven cases containing the loot while the guards were kept at gunpoint. The robbers then rushed back to their vehicle and fled from the crime scene.

The extent of the guard’s injuries was not immediately known. Only one guard was injured.

No shots were fired in the incident and it’s unknown if the suspects said anything to the guards during the holdup.

Pennsylvania state police suspect the robbers may have headed into Maryland or drove into Pennsylvania’s Cumberland or Adams counties after the heist.

The three bandits were still at large as of Wednesday morning.

Cash Boxes Located

Hours after the robbery, police found eight empty cash boxes and four empty bins along the side of the road in Franklin County, Pa., according to PennLive.com, a regional news site. They had been stolen during Monday’s robbery.

The stolen money had been collected by the guards from video gaming machines located in different local businesses. One of the machines was in the Spot Laundromat, which is located at the mall.

The machines belong to a company called “Pa Amusements,” according to LehighValleyLive.com, a regional news outlet.

In addition to collecting money in Chambersburg, the security guards were to stop on Monday in Greencastle and Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, to collect money from other gaming machines.

The machines provide players with games of skill as opposed to games of chance, according to Pennsylvania TV station WGAL.

Earlier Robbery

As authorities investigated the heist, persons of interest linked to a January residential robbery, also in Chambersburg, could have been somehow involved in Monday’s holdup, according to the Franklin County Free Press.

“One suspect has already been identified and taken into custody, while the others are considered persons of interest, not necessarily suspects,” the Free Press reported about January’s incident. The persons of interest are men in their teens or early 20s, the report added.

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The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) announced the change following recent speculation regarding such a move. Greek gaming company Intralot will maintain its contract with the city and farm out operations of the betting app to FanDuel.

FanDuel’s industry-leading offering will ensure that the district maximizes revenue under its existing contracts this year while delivering a best-in-class experience for 18+ residents,” said OLG Executive Director Frank Suarez in a statement.

FanDuel, which is one of the most widely used sports betting apps in the country, is expected to launch in the district in the spring. but a specific date wasn’t included in the statement.

FanDuel Move Smart for Washington, D.C.

The district’s contract with Intralot wasn’t subject to a competitive bidding process, and that was merely the start of a controversial run for GambetDC.

The economics of the FanDuel relationship are far better for the city. FanDuel, a unit of Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT), is guaranteeing the district at least $45 million in revenue. That sum consists of a $5 million conversion fee to replace GambetDC and $10 million in annual tax receipts for the four years starting July 2025.

FanDuel believes it will generate $119 million in taxable revenue in Washington, D.C. over the next five years. That’s more than the forecast $10 million from the current system, and nearly double the expected $62 million if the district allowed multiple gaming companies to offer mobile sports wagering there.

The operator also expects that many of the current GambetDC retailers will see revenue increase 1.5x to 2x upon conversion to FanDuel kiosks.

FanDuel Already Dominant in the Region

One of the primary reasons OLG wanted Intralot to consider a subcontractor is branding. Though a specific regional mark, GambetDC didn’t resonate with local bettors on par with a major brand such as FanDuel.

Additionally, FanDuel already has roughly 50% market share in Maryland and Virginia, having generated $265 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the former and $256 million in GGR in the latter. That’s relevant because the operator estimates it has 20K users in Washington, D.C. who have accounted for $15 million in GGR in Maryland and Virginia. That’s because they’re traveling to those states to bet instead of using GambetDC.

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At about 12:45 a.m., Sanfratello, 54, who was working an extra-duty job at the casino, and security guards were attempting to remove two unruly visitors from the gaming property.

The duo, Michael Elmore, 33, and Lyndsey Jean Wilcox, 39, had gotten into a dispute at the casino’s bar.

Officers responded and tried to get them outside. While being escorted out of the building, Wilcox began to struggle, but was subdued by Sanfratello, police said. Elmore then allegedly assaulted Sanfratello and other officers. Sanfratello attempted to taser Elmore but Elmore continued to be combative.

Sanfratello, other officers, security guards, and even some casino guests tried to bring Elmore under control, according to local news reports.

As the struggle continued, Sanfratello was stricken with unspecified injuries. He collapsed and other officers on the scene administered CPR. But he died at the casino.

Shocked by Incident

“I’m really shocked about the whole situation, especially when there are so many security personnel here that would be assisting this officer,” one witness, Gary Reuter, told New York TV station WHEC. “It just sounds crazy, and I happened to be here last night.”

An autopsy is likely to be performed on Sanfratello to confirm the cause and manner of his death.

Sanfratello worked for the sheriff’s office for 32 years. He started as a dispatcher, and later was hired as a deputy and was promoted to sergeant.

Casino Shuttered

Batavia Downs, located near Rochester, NY, was temporarily closed following the deadly fight and visitors were ordered to leave. The gaming floor was later reopened under normal hours, New York State TV station WIVB reported.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of Sergeant Sanfratello and all the members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at this extremely difficult time,” Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a statement.

“While words cannot express our sorrow, our thoughts and prayers are with the Sanfratello family and his extended first responder family,” Batavia Downs, President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek added in a statement. “The safety of our guests and our dedicated staff is our highest priority and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement throughout their investigation.”

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A Friday letter was penned by Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) Executive Director Frank Suarez to the D.C. City Council. The note indicates that OLG approved a request by GambetDC operator Intralot to outsource those operations to FanDuel. A copy of the letter was obtained by iGB.

OLG and Intralot have evaluated the current platform and believe that FanDuel and its industry leading platform will perform better within the highly competitive DMV region,” wrote Suarez. “Having a national, market-leading platform will help to quickly improve the player experience and drive significant revenue growth.”

FanDuel, a unit of Dublin-based Flutter Entertainment (NYSE: FLUT), vies with DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG) as the top U.S. online sportsbook operator by market share. The company currently runs a retail sportsbook at Audi Field in the District.

Death of GambetDC Widely Forecast

OLG’s accord with Intralot has been heavily criticized because it’s a sole-source contract. That means there wasn’t a competitive bidding process. That’s seen as one reason GambetDC is delivering disappointing performances.

At a January meeting of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED), Suarez told committee members that OLG wanted a big brand with superior customer satisfaction. Hence the need for change.

That transition appears to enjoy the support of some council members that were critical of the lack of competitive bidding with the Intralot contract. It also includes those that realize GambetDC has, to date, been a dud. So disappointing is Washington, D.C.’s lone sports betting app that many bettors in the District still go to Maryland or Virginia to use DraftKings, FanDuel, and other sports betting offerings.

Transition to FanDuel Better Deal for D.C.

The letter penned by Suarez to the City Council didn’t mention a date on which GambetDC will be removed in favor of FanDuel. But the move will have economic benefits to the city. For example, FanDuel will pay a $5 million conversion fee within 37 days of taking the reins from GambetDC.

Additionally, FanDuel will take over Intralots $2 million to $4 million in annual operating payments to the city. Should OLG extend its agreement with Intralot, which could be more likely with FanDuel in the picture, the city could garner $10 million in guaranteed payments for the four years commencing July 2025, according to iGB.

FanDuel will also become responsible for operating the 63 GambetDC kiosks currently found in lottery retailers across the District.

The post FanDuel Rumored to Replace GambetDC in US Capital City appeared first on Casino.org.

Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Franklin) admitted he was “surprised” that he was cleared by the state Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council to work on the bill, which would regulate and tax the machines in Virginia.

Stanley also represented former NASCAR driver turned truck-stop owner Hermie Sadler in his unsuccessful legal challenge to have the ban overturned on constitutional grounds.

Stanley told the Mercury Thursday that the advisory council determined there was no conflict of interest. That’s because he was not an owner of Pace-O-Matic or of a convenience store that had a skill-game in it.

“I’m representing the public interest,” Stanley said. His experience as a lawyer “helps me make a determination about what’s best for the commonwealth of Virginia,” he added.

Still Retained by Pace-O-Matic

Stanley noted that he generally opposed gambling expansion and had abstained from gambling votes in the past. He also said he did not ask to be appointed to the conference committee of lawmakers working on the bill.

He confirmed that he is still retained as a lawyer for Pace-O-Matic. The Georgia-based skill-game company also sponsors Stanley’s Leaning Right and Turning Left podcast, which he hosts with Sadler.

They were granted a stay of execution during the pandemic when then-Gov. Ralph Northam devised a plan to tax them for 12 months. It was done only to shore up finances for struggling businesses.

Then last October, the state Supreme Court declared the machines illegal gambling games and the state began enforcing the ban from January 2024. Currently, thousands of Pace-O-Matic machines sit deactivated in businesses across the state awaiting the outcome of future legislation.

Competing Bills

There are currently two bills being prepared in the House and Senate, respectively. The House bill proposes tighter regulations and a higher tax rate, while the Senate bill, with less red tape, aims to get skill games generating revenue again for small businesses as quickly as possible. These two approaches will need to be reconciled before a final version can be put to a vote.

In 2021, while representing Sadler in his lawsuit against then-Gov. Northam, Stanley argued that the state’s decision to permit casino gaming but ban skill games amounted to hypocrisy.

“If you’re going to legalize gambling in [Virginia] then you’ve got to rip the band-aid off,” he told media. “You’ve got to legalize all gambling, and picking and choosing winners and losers is un-American and un-Virginian.”

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The Greek gaming company’s no-bid contract to run the GambetDC app on behalf of DC Lottery is scheduled to end in July. But it now appears likely the lottery will renew the agreement. Under the terms of the original pact, DC Lottery has the option to renew the deal for up to five years upon expiration of the initial term.

Such renewal is likely to be for a year. But that still delays plans to potentially pair Intralot with a marquee national online sportsbook operator in hopes of improving GambetDC’s performance.

The length of the extension is not clear yet,” said Frank Suarez, head of DC Lottery, at a city council meeting last week.

Suarez believes that by extending the pact with Intralot, DC Lottery buys time to find another gaming company to work with, and potentially take over for Intralot at some point. Big names such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel manage retail sportsbooks in the District, but aren’t permitted to offer mobile betting there.

Questions Abound

As noted by the Washington City Paper, DC Lottery knew its contract with Intralot expires in July, prompting criticism of the decision to slow play efforts to find a suitable replacement for Intralot.

“It would likely take the city months to write a new request for proposals, collect responses, then pick a winner. At least, if the city opts to ditch the Intralot deal, this mysterious new subcontractor can help it make more money in the meantime,” reports Alex Koma for City Paper.

Under Intralot, GambetDC has been a dud, delivering disappointing tax revenue to the city while failing bettors during marquee events. So bad has GambetDC been since its debut that today, thousands of D.C. bettors still go to Maryland or Virginia to place mobile wagers.

Probably Time to Send Intralot Packing

Before rolling out the Gambet sports wagering platform, DC Lottery entered a $215 million agreement with Intralot. That was widely criticized, because the contract wasn’t put out to bid. Buyers’ remorse on that deal surfaced soon thereafter, and has lingered for a couple of years.

“But the longer the city keeps trying to preserve the status quo with Intralot and company, the farther away any real change looks,” observed Koma. The Loose Lips (LL) column “can easily imagine a scenario where the lottery marginally improves revenues and keeps extending its deal with its existing partners, particularly if politicians remain content to ignore this issue.”

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Privately held American Racing & Entertainment, LLC is selling the land to the Pennsylvania-based real estate investment trust (REIT). Related to the sale, the two sides are entering into a new, 30-year, triple-net lease with an initial annual rent of $14.5 million at a capitalization rate of 8.3%.

The initial annualized rent coverage ratio for the lease is expected to be over 2.3x. Rent associated with the lease is subject to a fixed 1.75% annual escalation beginning with the first anniversary and a fixed annual escalation of 2.0% beginning in year fifteen of the lease and carrying forward through the balance of its term,” according to a statement.

Before the deal for Tioga Downs, GLPI owned the real estate assets of 61 gaming venues in 18 states. The REIT is entering New York for the first time through the transaction announced Tuesday.

Inside Tioga Downs

Tioga Downs sits on 162 acres and is home to a 32,600-square-foot casino featuring 895 slot machines and 29 table games. The venue also has a FanDuel sportsbook, a 160-room hotel, a 5/8-mile harness horse track, seven eateries, and an 18-hole golf course.

GLPI’s purchase of the racino’s real estate may be well-timed because the operator already allocated $130 million to enhance the property, having done so in 2016 when New York regulators granted it a Class III gaming permit.

GLPI funded the acquisition of the Tioga Downs real estate with cash on hand and $20 million in equity. Citizens JMP Securities advised the REIT on the deal.

For GLPI, Prudent Move Into New York

With the purchase of Tioga Downs real estate, GLPI adds a new tenant — its ninth — and exposure to another state.

“Our locals-oriented property has a well-protected feeder market with no competition within 85 miles and a very loyal following. Its location largely insulates it from gaming expansion in the downstate New York region,” said American Racing CEO Jeff Gural in the statement.

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In what was an undertaking to bring a little bit of Las Vegas and Atlantic City to northern Delaware, the casino rang in the opening of its refreshed gaming floor with showgirls, dignitaries, stakeholders, VIP guests, and employees. The $10 million project resulted in a newly arranged and updated casino floor, replacing long rows of slot banks and dark carpets.

The old slot rows have been swapped for more modern three-pod slot bases that maximize player comfort. The number of table games increased by six to 34, and a high-limit table pit has been introduced with midi baccarat, EZ baccarat, and blackjack.

At the center of the casino floor is the brand-new rewards club, where loyalty members can check their offers, reprint cards, claim sweepstakes, and engage in the program.

Casino Modernization

Delaware Park is owned by Canadian private equity group Clairvest in partnership with Rubico Gaming. The ownership group acquired the casino for $90 million in the fall of 2021 after the property was owned by the Rickman family for almost four decades.

The $10 million investment was a year-long redevelopment to modernize the casino and transform the horse racetrack gaming hall into a Las Vegas-style gaming destination.

We’re bringing Las Vegas to right here in Delaware,” said Terry Glebocki, president and general manager of Delaware Park Casino & Racing. “The antiques are gone. It’s glitz and glamour now.”

Delaware Park is one of three casinos in Delaware, along with Bally’s Dover and Harrington Raceway & Casino. The properties’ slots are technically video lottery terminals (VLTs) operated on behalf of the Delaware Lottery. The state lottery manages the central VLT system.

The racinos retain about 43% of each VLT machine’s gross revenue, while the lottery receives 38%. Eleven percent is allocated for horse racing purses, and the remaining 8% covers vendor fees.

The racinos direct 15.5% of their table win to the state and 4.5% to track purses. The houses retain the rest of the income.

In the 2022 fiscal year (July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023), the three casinos won about $414.3 million on their slots and $53.7 million on their table games. Delaware Park was the richest of the trio, with the casino’s slots accounting for $163.2 million of the slot win and its tables winning $24.5 million.

Enhanced Food Options

Along with the casino floor overhaul, the $10 million Delaware Park renovation brings several new dining options to the facility.

Foo Noodle is the casino’s new pan-Asian, quick-service noodle bar. R Bar is an upscale bar adjacent to the high-limit slot room that offers seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and bar-top slots.

Rooney’s, a longtime staple at Delaware Park, has been upgraded with new menu options, including a brisket cheesesteak that is quickly becoming a patron favorite. Delaware Park says the brisket cheesesteak was ordered over 1,000 times since going on the menu this month.

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Scott said his capital colleagues should consider a new host location for the fifth casino license voters authorized during a statewide ballot referendum in 2020. The license was intended for Richmond, but residents there twice voted against a proposed casino resort development. His comments came days after taking the speakership after Democrats regained control of the lower legislative chamber during the November 2023 election,

Morrissey had plenty of opponents in Richmond, and not the shiniest of personal reputations. In 2013, Morrissey faced a slew of criticism for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old when he was in his 50s. The two married in 2016 when he was 59 and she was 20.

New Leadership

Speaking with The Petersburg Progress-Index, Scott says new leadership in Richmond improves the odds of Petersburg being designated as a qualifying casino host.

“Last year, it had the wrong people leading it. I think, right now, the right people are based in the community who really care and don’t bring politics in,” Scott explained.

It’s an economic development opportunity. It’s a job-growth opportunity,” the House leader continued. “I think they had a person coming in, people coming in wanting it to do more with politics.”

Morrissey was ousted from office by way of the 2023 Democratic primary. He lost by a 40% margin to Lashrecse Aird.

Scott isn’t the only powerful lawmaker supportive of a Petersburg casino push. Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) has filed legislation to designate Petersburg as a casino host. Aird is a?cosponsor of the bill.

“If the people of Petersburg want a casino, they should be able [to have a casino],” Scott said. “But it has to come from the people who represent them and it has to have the right leadership to get it done.”

The Cordish Companies, a Baltimore-based gaming and hospitality giant that runs casinos in Maryland and Pennsylvania, has expressed interest in developing a resort in Petersburg.

In late 2022, the company unveiled a plan for a $1.4 billion development to be built out over multiple construction phases and several years. Upon completion, the destination — if built as proposed — would entail more than 670,000 square feet of gaming, hotel, dining, and entertainment space.

Richmond Redo

Legislation has also been introduced in Richmond that seeks to prevent the city’s local government from holding another casino referendum.

State Del. Betsy Carr (D-Richmond) has filed a bill that would remove Richmond from the 2020 gaming statute that qualified the city for a casino. Del. Michael Jones (D-Richmond) has authored a separate bill that would prohibit casino hosts from conducting more than one local referendum to get their resort approved.

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Washington, DC’s contract with operator Intralot expires in July and DC Lottery appears open to pulling control of mobile sports betting in the nation’s capitol from the Greek company and giving it to another gaming firm. Representatives from DC Lottery made comments to that effect at the Jan. 18 meeting of the D.C. Council’s Committee on Business and Economic Development (CBED).

It’s no secret that the private operators have a very strong brand, so they’re able to really able to use that branding and that advertising to draw in more players,” said DC Lottery leader Frank Suarez at the meeting. “We want a bigger brand. We want something that players are used to and highly satisfied with, which is why we’re looking to make the change.”

DC Lottery’s pact with Intralot has been heavily criticized because it’s a sole-source contract, meaning there wasn’t a competitive bidding process. That’s seen as one reason GamBetDC is delivering disappointing performances.

DC Lottery Not Seeking to Replace GambetDC

DC Lottery isn’t seeking an outright replacement of GambetDC. Rather, the agency wants to alter its contract with Intralot to compel the operator to bring on a subcontractor.

However, those companies can only offer mobile wagering within two blocks of their retail books whereas GamebetDC is accessible all over the city except for within federal buildings. Some local politicians believe it’s time for a change. Council member Kenyan R. McDuffie (I-At Large) noted at the meeting that GamebetDC has been a dud since inception.

“Simply put, sports betting in the nation’s capital is not working,” he said while adding it’s time “tell the public what’s gone wrong, and more importantly, what precisely they intend to do to fix the mess that’s been made.”

GambetDC Riddled with Issues

Since its debut, GamebetDC has been fraught with problems that affected bettors. For example, there were reports of the app offering odds of -115 to -118 (bet $115 or $118 to win $100) on games that would normally carry odds of -110 (bet $110 to win $100). Additionally, there have been technical difficulties, including the app failing iPhone users during the 2022 Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is the most wagered-on, single-game event in the US.

More recently, the app limited bet sizes and there have been a steady stream of reports that some bettors in the city still go to Maryland or Northern Virginia to get superior odds and use app such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

“There’s an opportunity for us to get one of the private operator apps that players feel is much better than what we’re providing,” Suarez said at the CBED hearing. “It launched with a sort of clunky, not user-friendly app. And I think even with the changes we made to the interface, there’s still player perception the odds aren’t as good, and the app isn’t going to work as well … we just realized those perceptions would be difficult to change and it would be best to go ahead and just replace the platform.”

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The victim, Joel Edwards, 62, was discovered in a “safe” condition, according to Baltimore County police.

Details about possible injuries weren’t provided by authorities.

It’s known by police that he was kidnapped from his driveway in Baltimore’s Gwynn Oak neighborhood at about 8:42 p.m. Wednesday, according to Baltimore TV station WBAL.

Witnesses told WBAL they believed Edwards had been at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Md. and had just arrived home when the incident unfolded.

He parked his truck in the driveway and exited the vehicle. A man was outside near the home’s garage and assaulted Edwards. Suddenly, the van arrived, driven by a second man, and the two suspects forced Edwards into the van. It then sped away.

Neighbors Shocked

Nearby residents were puzzled by the crime.

Why would they want to kidnap him and abduct him? What for? I don’t understand that,” one resident told WBAL.

“This is a quiet street, a quiet neighborhood, and I’m just shocked. I saw the police out there, so I came out and I saw police going door-to-door,” another resident revealed in a TV interview.

Edwards’ wife said she had heard him screaming so she went outside to see what was taking place.

He started yelling and screaming for me so I ran outside, but I couldn’t do too much,” the woman told Baltimore TV station WMAR. “I didn’t have any shoes on. I didn’t have anything on, and he was yelling for me, and he was yelling for them to get off of him.”

In statements to the media, police didn’t release a motive for the kidnapping.

Robbery Likely Motive

But the victim’s wife told WMAR, “I think it’s robbery. That’s what police were saying. I think that’s what it is.”

My husband is a gambler, so I don’t know. Maybe somebody watched him as he was leaving the casino or something. I don’t know right now.”

She added there was a possibility that the suspects followed him home from the gaming property, which is about 22 miles from his residence.

Residents also confirmed that Edwards liked to gamble at casinos.

No word if Edwards had won a jackpot at the casino during the hours before he returned home.

Following the kidnapping, police later found the van. Authorities didn’t say where or when it was located.

Police reviewed a video of the attack and kidnapping from an outdoor surveillance system.

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Rick Goodling, a former corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police, resigned as national director of compliance for the company just over a month ago. That’s after Pace-O-Matic officials became aware of a federal investigation?into his personal taxes, a company spokesperson told The Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

“We have and will continue to cooperate fully with the IRS investigation and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement regarding this issue,” Pace-O-Matic spokesperson Mike Barley said in a statement to the Capital-Star.

Controversial Industry

Pace-O-Matic is the market leader in Pennsylvania’s controversial skill games sector. The company and other suppliers like it argue their games can’t be classified as slots or illegal gambling games because the element of skill predominates over luck. The machines employ skill-based features, such as bonus games that require players to memorize intricate patterns.

In December, a Pennsylvania court agreed that skill games don’t constitute illegal gambling, and therefore the Pennsylvania State Police had no legal right to confiscate the machines.

The state’s Attorney General Michelle Henry is appealing the case to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Delicate Balance

Remaining on the right side of “just about legal” is a delicate balance for Pace-O-Matic, and it was Goodling’s job “to weed out illegal gaming machines that should not be in the marketplace,” as he told a state Senate committee in 2019.

Pace-O-Matic’s compliance team is composed largely of former state troopers and liquor enforcement officers, who encourage businesses to replace illegal games with skill games, Goodling testified.

The skill games industry is opposed by many lawmakers and the state’s casino industry. But Pace-O-Matic says the machines provide a vital revenue stream for small business owners. The company is behind a push to have the machines regulated and taxed, thus ensuring legitimacy for the industry.

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MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Ocean Downs in Berlin, Hollywood Casino Perryville, and Rock Gap in Flintstone won $165.5 million in December to cap off the year. The gross gaming revenue (GGR) includes gaming win from the casinos’ physical slot machines and table games. It doesn’t include sports betting.

December’s GGR was a marginal 0.3% improvement from December 2022. State gaming taxes earmarked for the Education Trust Fund totaled more than $50.6 million during the month.

2023 Downfall

2023 marked the end of the Maryland casino industry’s COVID-19 comeback. After two strong years of gaming recovery, in-person gaming slowed last year in the Old Line State.

MGM’s integrated resort outside D.C. across the Potomac River — the richest casino in the U.S. outside of Las Vegas — continued its Maryland dominance. MGM National Harbor won $485.3 million on its 2,266 slots last year, and added $348.8 million on its 207 table games, for a combined GGR of $834.1 million.

MGM’s 2023 win, however, represented a nearly 6% year-over-year loss. Table games were most responsible, as National Harbor in 2022 won almost $407.5 million on the felt.

Live! Casino near BWI airport again came in second. The casino’s 3,849 slots won $502.5 million last year, and its 179 table games added $207.4 million, for a combined win of roughly $709.9 million. The 2023 win represented a 0.6% gain from 2022.

Maryland’s three resort-style casinos won $216.8 million on their slots and $29.5 million on their tables, for win of approximately $246.3 million. The three properties, which as of December collectively operated 2,170 slots and 57 tables, saw gaming decline 2% from 2022.

Sports Betting Premium

Though legacy play dwindled at the six brick-and-mortar casinos in 2023, those losses were easily offset by internet sports betting. Online sportsbooks began taking bets in November 2022, nearly a year after in-person sports betting began at the casinos in December 2021.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Commission is expected to release December and 2023 full-year sports betting data this week.

It might not be an overly robust report for the oddsmakers, as the state’s beloved Baltimore Ravens went 4-0 in December, with victories over the Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins. The Ravens covered the spread in all but the team’s 37-31 overtime thriller against the Rams.

The post Maryland Casinos Win $1.98B in 2023, Retail Gaming Revenue Slides 3% appeared first on Casino.org.

It began shortly before 7:15 p.m. on Christmas Eve, when visitors were asked to leave the gaming property.

It wasn’t until 12:42 p.m. on Monday, midday Christmas, when the Grantville, Pa. casino reported it had reopened and guests were able to return to the gaming complex.

No details were released on what caused the holiday closure. It was blamed on a “technical issue,” according to regional news site PennLive.com.

Whatever the difficulty, PennLive reported it didn’t involve the police. So, law enforcement didn’t have to respond to the casino when the property temporarily shut down.

No details about the shuttering were provided in a sparse social media post.

Although we had briefly closed due to a technical issue, we wanted to confirm the casino is currently open,” the casino’s 12:42 p.m. Facebook post stated.

“Thank you for your patience and have a great day!,” the statement added.

Some visitors complained about the closing, according to social media posts.

Officials further told PennLive the casino had a smaller staff working on the holiday because of Christmas, which apparently made it a slower process to reopen the facility.

The Hollywood Casino had been scheduled to remain open throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The casino’s gaming floor regularly is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The casino floor includes more than 1,750 slot machines, as well as table games such as blackjack, poker, craps, and roulette.

Recent Arrest

In an unrelated incident, a 45-year-old man was arrested earlier this month after he allegedly vandalized an elevator at Hollywood Casino.

The unnamed Harrisburg, Pa. resident lost money while wagering and became angry during his December 9 visit to the gaming property.

In a fit of anger, he walked into the elevator and then repeatedly kicked the elevator doors. The elevator got stuck between floors, trapping him until he could be rescued by Grantville, Pa. firefighters, according to Pennsylvania TV station WHTM.

Authorities didn’t immediately identify his charges.

Prior Fines

Also, last month, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) fined Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course $40K after minors allegedly got onto the gaming floor and gambled during three incidents.

Each of the minors was under the age of 21.

The gaming operator, Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association LLC, was given the fine.

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Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and the teams’ owner, Ted Leonsis, Wednesday announced plans to build a new arena complex for the Washington Wizards and Capitals in Alexandria, Va., a few miles from the teams’ longtime home in central Washington, D.C., Capital One Arena.

If all goes according to plan, the new arena will begin construction in 2025, and the teams will relocate by 2028. Several hurdles remain between now and then, including state and local government approvals. Hampering those is the fact the D.C. government is still trying to convince Leonsis to change his mind.

Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the Leonsis-led firm that manages the team and arena, said it hopes to keep Capital One Arena open as home to the WNBA Washington Mystics and concerts and events throughout the year.

D.C.’s Most Lucrative Sportsbook

It is unclear what the announcement would mean for the Caesars Sportsbook inside Capital One Arena. Representatives for Caesars and Monumental didn’t respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

The sportsbook is the most lucrative of the retail sports betting facilities in the District of Columbia.

If the sportsbook remains open, losing its marquee tenants may reduce visits to the site. However, the arena’s convenient location close to D.C.’s central business district should help it maintain some foot traffic.

Even during the NHL and NBA off-season, bettors who wagered in person were likelier to go to Capital One than anywhere else in D.C. In July, the slowest month of the year, Caesars’ handle at Capital One was nearly $2.7 million, compared to $1.2 million at Bet MGM at Nationals Park.

A New Outpost for Virginia Sports Betting??

The proposed Virginia facility is being pitched as a “World-Class Entertainment District” that would include a new arena, corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, team practice facilities, a performing arts venue, and other developments.

While in-arena sportsbooks have become relatively common in the five years sports betting has increased in the U.S., they aren’t something previously contemplated in the Old Dominion State. Virginia is currently the largest U.S. state that’s not home to a major professional sports franchise.

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