Each Wednesday, I provide my thoughts in short-form audio on a topic in the US gambling industry.
Daily fantasy sports, sweepstakes, and prediction markets: It’s the summer of our discontent as the gambling industry tries to figure out what’s next. I talk about the chaos in today’s podcast.
Gambling news roundup
California court rejects Underdog’s request for TRO in DFS case (SBC Americas): “A California Superior Court has rejected fantasy and sports betting operator Underdog Sports’ attempts to prevent Attorney General Rob Bonta from issuing his reportedly forthcoming opinion on the legality of daily fantasy sports (DFS). With Bonta expected to cast a negative verdict on DFS games in the state any day now, Underdog filed suit on July 1 to request that a judge intervene and prevent Bonta’s office from releasing the opinion.”
“On Wednesday, the court issued a decision in the ex parte proceedings which denied Underdog’s motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) / preliminary injunction against Bonta’s office. A cornerstone of the reasoning was that Underdog had “ample opportunity” in the more than 18 months since Sen. Scott Wilk asked Bonta to investigate the legality of DFS gaming to challenge the AG’s right to issue an opinion.”
Here’s a statement from an Underdog spokesperson to TCL. “The court stated that the Attorney General’s forthcoming opinion on fantasy sports “does not effect any change in law” and does “‘not carry the weight of law.’” As a result, the court explained that the protective relief we sought was not necessary. We thank the court for that clarity and look forward to continuing to offer our fantasy contests in California.”
PrizePicks Switches From Against The House To Peer-To-Peer In California (TCL): “PrizePicks is changing its fantasy sports game in California ahead of an opinion from the attorney general that is expected to declare daily fantasy sports illegal. PrizePicks is now offering its Arena product in California, not its pick’em game, according to a page detailing which games it offers in each state. Its original pick’em game is one player playing against the house; Arena is a peer-to-peer format. In both formats, users try to predict the performances of more than one player.”
The opinion has been expected to be released by the AG’s office before the Fourth of July.
Louisiana attorney general says sweepstakes casinos are not legal (AG Opinion): “Following a review of applicable Louisiana statutes and legal precedent, it is the opinion of this office that online businesses offering casino style games — purporting to be sweepstakes or social gaming platforms — are operating in violation of Louisiana law. These activities constitute illegal gambling and illegal gambling by computer under multiple provisions, including but not limited to La. R.S. 14:90, La. R.S. 14:90.3, and La. R.S. 51:1721 et seq.”
“Accordingly, the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Police, is empowered to pursue both criminal and civil enforcement actions to shut down such operations and protect Louisiana consumers from unlawful gambling.”
Whole opinion:
Titus Promises ‘Fix’ To Senate Gambling Tax (Casino Reports): “Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada will introduce an amendment that would strike a provision in the United States Senate version of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) that many consider potentially devastating to gamblers and by extension the gambling industry. With Republicans in the U.S. House of Representative struggling to find enough votes to advance through procedural rules vote rounds on Wednesday, it’s unclear when the Democrat from Reno will have her chance.”
‘WTF Is Happening’: Gambling Reacts to Proposed Trump Tax Changes (Sportico, paywall)
If you feel strongly about the issue, here’s how you can contact your representative.
MGCB Cracks Down on Unlicensed Online Gambling with 19 Cease-and-Desist Letters (press release): “In its most sweeping enforcement action yet, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to 19 illegal online gaming operations found to be targeting players in Michigan without proper licensure.”
“The following platforms were among those found to be in direct violation of Michigan’s Lawful Internet Gaming Act, Lawful Sports Betting Act, and related laws, including the Michigan Penal Code. Each was ordered to immediately halt operations in the state:”
Bingo Village
BITBET
Café Casino
Cocoa Casino
Cyber Bingo
Davinci’s Gold
Desert Nights Casino
Diamond Reels Online Casino
Eclipse Casino
Eternal Slots
EuroBets Casino
Fair Go Casino
GoldWin Casino
Ignition Casino
Jackbit
Jackpot Capital
Paradise8
Red Stag Casino
Two Up Casino
Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting from FanDuel
Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting is designed to equip adults, including parents and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, including information on warning signs, risks and proxy betting. The program is led by retired professional basketball player Randy Livingston and his wife, basketball agent Anita Smith, who share their personal stories related to problem gambling, with the hope of preventing others from experiencing similar harms. Learn more and join the conversation here.
Trusted Voices: Starting Difficult Conversations About Underage Gambling Prevention (Blog, written by FanDuel CEO Amy Howe): “As a parent, I’ve learned that the most important conversations are often the hardest to start. Talking about peer pressure, mental health, or risky behaviors can feel uncomfortable — but that doesn’t make them any less necessary. Like all parents, I want my sons to grow up with strong values, the ability to think critically, and the confidence to say no when something doesn’t feel right. One of those important conversations, especially in today’s world, is about gambling. For many adults, gambling can be an engaging, social form of entertainment to enjoy responsibly. At the same time, I know it can be problematic for those who are unfortunately part of the small minority of adults who are unable to manage their play, and detrimental and prohibited for those who are too young. As legal sports betting becomes more accessible, proactive and informed conversations are more important than ever. I'm often asked what we're doing to support problem gambling prevention efforts across our communities. At FanDuel, we feel strongly that raising awareness of these issues and promoting education is crucial so parents and other adults can equip young people in their lives with the right information.”
Report: Small size of Mass. sports betting industry limiting opportunities for minorities, women, and veterans (Worcester Business Journal): “The small size of the sports wagering industry in Massachusetts limits the number of diversity initiatives and policies at both employee and vendor levels, according to a new report that UMass Amherst researchers presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The report sheds light on the participation of minorities, women and veteran business enterprises within the state sports wagering industry. It's the second report required under the 2022 law legalizing sports wagering and follows one that looked at the feasibility of sports wagering kiosks, the commission said Tuesday.”
Truist Bullish On Tech As Sports Betting Playing Field Shifts (Legal Sports Report): “On Monday, Barry Jonas of Truist Securities initiated coverage of Genius Sports and Sportradar with buy ratings, describing the pair as the clear leaders in a “two-horse race” to supply sportsbooks, media companies, and leagues with the data and technology underpinning the US sports betting boom.
The firm’s outlook comes as investors look for more stable ways to capitalize on legal betting’s growth without the volatility tied to consumer-facing operators.”
Curaçao Gaming Authority threatens legal action on unlicensed operators (Next.io): “In a statement today (1 July), the regulator confirmed that any Curaçao-registered business offering games of chance without a CGA-issued licence is acting in violation of Article 1.2(1) of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). This provision strictly prohibits the organisation or facilitation of gambling services from Curaçao without appropriate licensing from the regulatory body, including for operators who hold licences from other jurisdictions. The CGA emphasised that a significant number of Curaçao-registered operators continue to rely on foreign B2C licences, an approach it deemed both illegal and misleading.”
Super Group homes in on online casino opportunity in US (SBC Americas): “The U.S. is not Super Group’s primary focus, but that doesn’t mean America isn’t still the land of opportunity for the multi-brand gambling operator. … But the company’s CEO Neal Menashe believes the tighter focus can pay dividends, particularly given the fact that more than 80% of the group company’s revenue comes through its online casino brands. ‘For us, I think it’s a much better place to be just for iGaming,’ he said on an earnings call on May 8. ‘Sports, we just couldn’t make it work.’”
VSiN launches sports betting radio station in North Carolina (SBC Americas): “VSiN is partnering with a radio station to deliver content dedicated to sports betting. The Las Vegas-based sports betting network is partnering with WZGV-AM, a radio station located in Charlotte, North Carolina, to launch a radio station that only offers sports betting content. WZGV-AM is rebranding its new radio station from ESPN Charlotte 730 The Game to InsideTheGame.bet giving the region its first radio station that is entirely dedicated to sports betting content. The 24/7 offering provides sports fans and bettors across Charlotte with expert betting analysis, up-to-date odds and insights.”
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