Kyle Fisher, a 42-year-old man, is facing charges after embezzling $230k from a charitable organization called Listen Community Services based in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Fisher took advantage of his position as an executive director of the charity and redirected the funds from the organization to his own bank account. Fisher used the money to wager on sports and play casino games at a casino in Massachusetts.

US Attorney Jane Young stated that the man has been charged with four counts of wire fraud, and a federal court hearing is scheduled to take place at a later date. The revelations shocked the organization members, who could not believe that a high-ranking trustee could steal the funds. The organization was informed about the fraud shortly before the case was made public. In a statement, the organization expressed its disappointment with Fisher’s actions.

Authorities believe Fisher started embezzling money from Listen Community Services in 2021 when he was still working for the charitable organization. The man reportedly transferred money from the organization’s PayPal account to his bank account. He forged receipts and invoices to cover his tracks. Until September 2021, Fisher stole $230k, which he purportedly lost on gambling at the MGM Casino in Springfield. After months of investigation, the police exposed Fisher’s scheme.

Who Ecaxtly is Kyle Fisher and What Possible Sentence He Could Receive?

The charitable organization stated that the loss did not affect its financial health or the social services it provides. However, Listen Community Services explained that a bigger theft would severely affect the organization and those who benefit from its aid. Fisher started working for the organization as an unpaid volunteer in 2013. But this February, he was forced to resign due to the ongoing investigation.

Further investigation into Fisher revealed that this was not the first time the man had been accused of misappropriating funds. In 2012, a lawsuit was filed against Fisher, claiming that he stole a small amount ranging from $200 to $1k. Fisher pleaded guilty to stealing less than $200. The Michigan State court, however, found the man guilty of stealing a larger amount. In 2014, Fisher declared bankruptcy after moving from Michigan to Cornish.

Listen’s board chairman Jay Benson said that the official investigation following several interim investigations. Upon revealing that Fisher stole money from the charitable organization, the organization escalated the case to the competent governmental authorities.

Court recordings suggest that no phone number was attached to Fisher’s case. Although an attorney is yet to be assigned to the case, it seems that all the evidence is against the defendant. If found guilty, Fisher could receive a hefty fine of up to $250k and a sentence of up to 20 years in jail. The charitable organization hopes that justice will prevail and it will get back the stolen money.

Erik Gutierrez, a 23-year-old man, pretended to be a Las Vegas hotel owner to convince a casino worker to give him over $1 million for fire safety. According to documents obtained by media agency 8 News Now, Gutierrez is charged with stealing over $100k. Court documents reveal that an unknown man went to the casino cage and said he was the hotel’s owner. He asked the cashier to give him $320k to cover an emergency payment to the fire department.

On June 17, Las Vegas Metro police answered the report of a possible fraud filed by the Circa Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. In front of police officers, the cage supervisor said someone called her and introduced himself as the hotel’s owner. He told the cashier that the fire department had to ensure the fire extinguishers were working properly and that they needed to purchase more safety devices.

The cage supervisor thought she spoke to the hotel owner on the phone. According to documents, she believed she was meeting with the hotel owner’s attorney and brought the money to several different off-site locations. The total amount the cage supervisor gave to the unknown man was $1,170,000. The payments were made in four installments of $314k, $350k, and $500k, and three smaller deposits.

Authorities Arrest Gutierrez and Recover $850k, But $314k is Still Missing

Detectives found that the vehicle, which was involved in the fraudulent scheme, was owned by Gutierrez’s aunt. Police officers also surveilled Gutierrez’s home and reported that they saw a different car with another man in it arrive and then leave with the culprit. The police searched the vehicle but did not find money or other suspicious items.

Police obtained a search warrant for the home where Gutierrez lived with his aunt and found identification documents belonging to the man, a bag of money bundled together, carrying the name “Circa”. Next to the bag of money, police officers found other suspicious items.

Authorities said that Gutierrez was arrested at a gym on June 18 and recovered almost $850k. However, nobody knew where is the other $314k at the time of writing Gutierrez’s arrest report. The person, who was in the car with Gutierrez before his arrest, was not taken into custody.

Judge Amy Ferreira took the decision to grant Gutierrez a bail of $25k and ordered him to avoid approaching Circa and the Fremont Street Experience. The 23-year-old man is facing a similar charge in Mesquite Justice Court, and his bail is $20,000.

In a statement, Derek Stevens, Circa’s chief executive officer, said that Circa Resort and Casino works closely with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on the case. Although he could not provide further details about the ongoing investigation, he expressed his gratitude to the police officers who have been working tirelessly to catch the culprit.

Pete and Sadie Keogh from Fermanagh, who lost their son Lewis due to gambling-related suicide, are adamant in their decision to launch a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling. They intend to roll out the education program all over Ireland and reach as many people as possible.

In 2021, the couple, along with the charity organization Gambling with Lives (established by other grieving families), launched a pilot education program in Northern Ireland schools, attempting to warn young adults about the negative consequences of problem gambling. For several years, Pete and Sadie Keogh have been urging lawmakers to change the legislation and save other parents from facing the problem they had.

Now the couple inches closer to introducing all-island initiatives for its campaign after Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie invited the Keoghs and Gambling with Lives to the Oireachtas to meet senators and legislators and discuss potential measures to combat growing gambling addiction rates. Ms. Currie backed the proposal of introducing a gambling awareness education program in secondary schools.

She added that discussions with the youth organization Foróige are underway, and its work perfectly complements the idea of Gambling with Lives to inform young people about the possible harms of problem gambling. Ms. Currie said measures to prevent young people from developing gambling problems were needed throughout the island.

Over 130,000 Irish People Experience Gambling Problems, Which Means Responsible Gambling Programs are Needed

Ms. Currie believes that every family in Ireland is aware of the problems gambling can cause. She, however, added that she is also a mother and fully understands the Keoghs’ pain. The senator said that lawmakers must do something to prevent young people from problem gambling. Ms. Currie is determined to use all means to roll out this education program in local communities. In North Ireland, they use youth clubs and sporting organizations to introduce the responsible gambling problem to local communities.

According to research published several days ago, 12,000 people living in Ireland, or 0.3% of the population, have been classified as problem gamblers. At the same time, 35,000, or 0.9% of all Irish people are at moderate risk, while 90,000, or 2.3% of the population, are at low risk of developing gambling problems. According to the review by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), unregulated social casino games are the main reason for problem gambling among many Irish people.

Social games do not require players to make a monetary payment to pay. Players are given virtual currency, which cannot be cashed out. When players consume all their credits, they can watch ads, wait a specific period of time, or buy this currency with real money to continue playing.

Real estate mogul Larry Silverstein, who actively participated in the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks, decided to join the bidding process for one of the three Vegas-style downstate casino licenses. The real estate magnate has never owned a gambling venue before but believes that such a development will boost New York City’s economy and support the transit system on which it relies.

The businessman plans to establish a casino at 11th Avenue and 41st Streek if he gets a license. In his opinion, this is the perfect location for a gambling venue because it borders several neighborhoods but is not central to any of them. The real estate magnate has joined forces with Watche Manoukian, the owner of Parx Casino in Bensalem – Pennsylvania’s highest grossing venue. A curious fact is that Mr. Silverstone is not a gambling fan. In 2017, he told the real-estate publication Mansion Global that he does not visit casinos or racetracks but enjoys buying properties.

Silverstone’s casino project was designed with the help of Nany Ruddy of the CetraRuddy architecture company. The development would include 46-story towers connected by a sky bridge, one or more hotels, a performance hall, and a casino.

During a meeting held last Wednesday on the 38th floor at 7 World Trade Center, executives at Silverstein Properties introduced their 1.8-million-square-foot development project, which will be called the Avenir (which means “future” in French). State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Councilman Erik Bottcher, whose districts will potentially host the proposed site, attended the meeting but refrained from commenting on the company’s proposal.

New York City’s Bidding Process Heats Up as About 10 Companies Will Fight for a Casino License

In 2013, New York legislators greenlit three downstate and four upstate casinos. However, to ensure that the upstate gambling venues operate without competition, a 10-year moratorium prohibiting the state to award downstate casino licenses was imposed. Following the moratorium expiration this January, New York City launched a bidding process to award the three casino licenses to interested operators.

Nearly 10 companies are expected to enter the bidding process, with MGM Resorts International and Genting New York being among the companies believed to receive two of the three casino licenses up for grabs because they own the two racinos in the state, including Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens and the Empire City Casino in Yonkers.

Other companies that have already joined the bidding process are SL Green Realty Corporation in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, the Hudson Yards developer Related Companies with Wynn Resorts, the hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen with Hard Rock, and Las Vegas Sands. Related Companies’ proposal is comparable to Mr. Silverstein’s project as both developments would be located close to the Javits Convention Center. But Marty Burger, the chief executive of Silverstein Properties, explained that the Silverstein site is at the stage where construction work can begin, which is not the case with the Related Companies’ project.

On June 20, Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948B into law, legalizing online gambling in the state. The event, however, was not commemorated by some ceremony as in North Carolina. The most likely reason for this is that the state’s gambling market is subject to a monopoly held by Bally’s. The state’s contract with Bally’s and IGT is to expire in 2043, and if not extended, other operators will be allowed to enter Rhode Island’s market.

Under the new law, people must be at least 21 years old and located within Rhode Island’s borders to gamble online. The legislation also allows the Rhode Island Lottery Commission to work with other state regulators, providing Rhode Islanders with the opportunity to play their favorite games online even outside state borders.

The bill also states that a 50% tax will be imposed on iGaming revenue, which is quite steep compared to other states and the 18% tax land-based gambling venues pay. Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, the sponsor of the bill, explained that the legislation would boost the state economy and protect gamblers’ interests who prefer to play table games and slots at the casino from the comfort of their homes. Besides, the legislation will help Rhode Island to stay competitive with its neighboring states. Online slots and table games in Rhode Island will launch on March 1.

How the Online Gambling Industry Will Be Regulated in Rhode Island?

The bill stipulates that Rhode Islanders can play table games managed by live dealers and streamed via a simulcast, meaning bets are actually placed in a casino. The legislation also grants Bally’s exclusive rights to offer online gambling services in the state via its brick-and-mortar casinos – Twin River and Twin River-Tiverton. Under the bill, revenue generated from table games will be taxed at 15.5%, while revenue from slots will be subject to a 61% tax.

This April, Ruggerio filed the online gambling bill, which quickly earned traction among legislators. In a statement, Bally’s confirmed that it had a hand in writing the legislation. Last Thursday, the Senate passed the legislation, sending it to Gov. McKee’s desk. The governor had six days to sign or veto the bill. If he did not act on the legislative measure within this timeframe, it would automatically become law on the next day. However, he decided to sign the legislation on the sixth day, just several hours before the deadline.

Gambling is a significant source of revenue for the state, ranking third in terms of generating income. Bally’s forecasts that iGaming will generate $130 in additional revenue for the state. To enhance player protection, Bally’s has agreed to provide more resources to raise awareness among young people about the potential harm gambling may cause.

Malaysian gambling giant Genting has announced the planned sale of its 15.5-acre site on Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami fell through after the local developer SmartCity Miami LLC requested changes to the terms of the deal and an extension of its exclusivity. The news comes after the two companies signed a preliminary agreement at the end of April this year. In a joint statement, it was suggested that SmartCity Miami might continue to pursue the acquisition of the land, but no further information was provided.

As reported by BonusInsider at the end of April, Genting entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with SmartCity Miami LLC to dispose of its 15.5 acres of land in downtown Miami – the largest undeveloped waterfront property in the city. Genting purchased the land in 2011 for just $236 million.

The company planned to build a first-class casino resort on the site, but its attempt to secure a casino license in the state failed. Thus, Genting decided to put the land up for sale. After a bidding process, the company announced that it would sell its four parcels totaling 15.5 acres to SmartCity Miami LLC, led by Miami-based Terra and Chief Executive Officer David Martin, for $1.225 billion.

In April, the two companies finalized the terms of the acquisition deal, which had to be closed this summer. SmartCity Miami LLC was given 60 days to conduct due diligence on the site, and 60 more days to close the deal. But as the deadline for closing the deal approached, SmartCity Miami withdrew its bid.

Genting Ready to Review New Bids for Its Land, While Eyeing to Expand Operations in New York

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, it was explained that SmartCity Miami LLC wanted an extension to its 120-day exclusivity period and changes to the terms of the deal. Genting, on the other hand, did not agree with the buyer’s requirements, which led to the cancellation of the deal.

Although the statement suggests that the two companies will continue negotiating, Genting announced it is open to other bids close to the one offered by SmartCity Miami. After it became clear that the deal would not go through, the shares of Genting Malaysia dropped by 2%.

Only several days ago, shareholders of Genting Malaysia greenlit the $1.2-billion sale deal in a bid to benefit from the sudden increase in property prices. If the deal went through, the casino giant would realize a profit of $967 million. In April, Genting explained that it would invest the money from the sale into its New York casino venture. The Malaysian casino giant is among the strongest contenders for one of the three full casino licenses in New York.

Currently, New York hosts two gambling facilities, known as racinos, which also operate slot machines and other electronic games. One of the racinos, the Resorts World at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, is operated by Genting, while the other one, the Empire City racino in Yonkers, is owned by MGM Resorts. According to Gary Pretlow, a member of the New York State Assembly and co-chair of the Committee on Racing and Gaming, the two companies are likely to secure a full casino license.

As reported by BonusInsider at the beginning of this week, the Ohio Senate passed an omnibus budget bill last week, under which sports betting operators would be required to pay a 20% tax, which represents a 100% increase compared to the current tax rate. But the House did not concur with the Senate and voted down the tax increase proposal by a 3-1 margin this Wednesday. However, the amendment introduced by the Senate would have generated just a small part of the $85.8 billion spending plan.

Lawmakers from both chambers must come to terms soon because the bill has to be signed latest on June 30 in order to become effective before the beginning of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which starts from July 1. Legislators are expected to meet in a conference committee to discuss the issue.

In April this year, House representatives passed their version of the budget bill, which did not mention anything about a sports betting tax hike. But last Thursday, the Senate introduced over 800 amendments to the bill before passing it. Under the revised version of the budget bill, sports betting operators would pay a 20% tax. The Senate version of the bill passed the respective chamber on a 24-7 vote.

As expected, House members voiced objections against some of the amendments introduced by the Senate, with the tax hike being one of them. Lawmakers claim that the tax increase would raise more funds for education programs but would have a negative impact on the sports betting industry in the long term. Industry experts claim that the dramatic tax increase may also prompt reputable operators to leave the market.

Ohio’s Sports Betting Industry Has Experienced a Significant Slowdown in the Months Following January But Remains Viable

Sports betting was launched in Ohio in January this year. Only a month later, Governor Mike DeWine (R) suggested doubling the sports betting tax. No other state has ever considered increasing the tax rate just a month after legalizing sports betting. He also came up with the proposal to prohibit operators from using “free” and “risk-free” in their commercials. Quite expectedly, his proposal to increase the sports betting tax rate did not gain traction among lawmakers and has not been a topic for discussion until recently.

Figures released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission reveal that the state collected just under $450 million in tax revenues between January and April. In January, Ohio’s sports handle reached $1.1 billion. However, the industry significantly slowed down in the months following, and figures come to prove this.

In February, the state’s sports betting handle was $638.2 million, representing a decline of 42.6% compared to the previous month. In March, Ohio saw $737 million in bets, while the state’s sports betting handle for April was $521.7 million, representing almost a 30% decrease compared to March. As of May, Ohio’s sports betting companies reported an overall handle of $670,173.

Of all US states, only seven have a sports betting tax rate equal to or greater than 20%. A curious fact is that Rhode Island and Delaware tax sports betting operators at a 50% rate. However, it would be wrong to compare these markets to Ohio, considering that they are smaller in size.

This Wednesday, a bill seeking to allow Maine’s four federally recognized tribes to benefit from specific federal laws passed the House on a 100-47 vote. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration. Under the proposed bill, the tribes will not be allowed to take advantage of casino-related federal laws, meaning they will have to receive state approval to open a gambling venue. However, Governor Janet Mills has strongly opposed the proposal, explaining that the U.S. Congress only has the power to grant the tribes access to federal laws.

For years, Maine’s tribes had to comply with the so-called Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act adopted in 1980, under which they could not benefit from federal laws. At the same time, nearly all federally recognized tribes in the United States are treated as sovereign governments. In an effort to make things fairer for the Wabanaki tribes in Maine and achieve equality between the different tribes, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland introduced this bill. If approved, the legislation would grant Maine’s tribes partial sovereignty.

Although the tribes will not be able to benefit from casino-related federal laws, they are optimistic that the bill would significantly improve the entire region. Rep. Aaron Dana, the Passamaquoddy tribal representative, said that the current law put the tribe in a bad situation this winter when all pipes of a tribal clinic froze, and they could not even ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help.

The Tribal Legislation Faces Stiff Opposition from the State Governor

However, Governor Mills and other state officials claim that the implementation of the legislation may cause constitutional uncertainty, which would unleash a hail of conflicts. Gerald Reid, the governor’s chief legal counsel, said Mills is ready to work with the tribes and find a solution to specific issues instead of backing some sweeping reforms that could lead to troubles and lawsuits against the state.

Tribal leaders, however, argued that the enactment of the bill would reduce the number of lawsuits because it would allow the tribes to address concerns regarding healthcare services, childhood, poverty, and economic development.

House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor is an avid supporter of the bill. He said that there are no reasons for the state to prevent the tribes from benefiting from federal laws. However, the state governor has expressed her disapproval of the bill, saying that she prefers reforms that would subject the tribes to state laws. But even if Mills refuses to sign the legislation, lawmakers can override the veto by passing the bill again in each chamber by a two-thirds vote.

This Tuesday, Senator Marty Deacon introduced a legislative measure as part of a Senate Public Bill that would regulate sports betting commercials, bombarding people every day. The legislation aims to protect at-risk players from developing gambling problems and raise awareness among Canadians. Potential measures include banning or limiting the participation of celebrities and famous athletes in sports betting commercials and restricting the use of non-broadcast channels.

Deacon hopes the legislation would encourage the government to work with the different provinces to regulate sports betting advertising and promote research into the prevention of gambling problems. The bill also provides for the establishment of measures to help people with gambling problems.

The senator urged lawmakers to look at other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, that have effectively regulated sports betting advertising. In her opinion, the government should regulate sports betting advertising before gambling problems arise in the country.

Deacon explained that imposing a complete ban on sports betting advertising would be challenging and added that her legislation aims to address the problems that excessive sports betting advertisements may cause. According to the senator, sports betting advertisements must be carried out in a socially responsible manner and encourage responsible gambling.

Canada on the Verge of Implementing New Online Gambling Advertising Standards

Senator Brent Cotter, a former law professor, shared Deacon’s opinion, explaining that the abundance of sports betting commercials shifts the focus from the sporting event. David Hodgins, director of the University of Calgary’s clinical psychology program, said that sports betting addiction is just as dangerous as substance addiction.

Bruce Kidd, former Olympian and University of Toronto professor, recently launched a campaign against sports betting advertising. In his opinion, sports betting advertising must be banned due to the potential negative effect such commercials may have on young people and problem gamblers.

In 2021, Canada legalized single-game sports betting. At that time, Deacon and Hodgins encouraged this move and supported the idea of allowing the individual provinces and territories to regulate the industry as they deem it fit. Since then, sports betting has experienced significant growth, which raised concerns over the potential harm of the activity to young people and those struggling with a gambling addiction.

In May this year, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) extended the deadline for a consultation regarding proposed changes to the country’s gambling advertising standards, giving stakeholders more time to express their opinions. Ontario’s gambling regulator suggested prohibiting the use of celebrities and athletes in internet sports betting advertisements.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Ontario division also called on the government to introduce stricter rules regarding online gambling advertising. Considering all these actions, we can conclude that it is a matter of time before the country to implements measures to regulate and restrict online gambling commercials.

In a press release, Hastings Exposition and Racing announced that they submitted a license application to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission on Tuesday, asking the state regulator to allow the company to move its racing license from Hastings to Ogallala in 2024. The company revealed that it plans to establish a $100-million racetrack and casino (racino), which will be called Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack and will occupy a 174-acre site in Ogallala.

Last November, the Hastings City Council approved a proposal for the establishment of a casino and racetrack in north Hastings on a 6-2 vote. But in January, council members had a sudden change of heart and awarded the conditional license to Prairie Thunder LLC and West Fork, Inc., allowing the company to establish a racing facility on that property.

As a result, Hastings Exposition and Racing, Inc. scrapped its plans for the Hastings casino. Brian Jorde, the company’s legal counsel, said that the community made it clear they do not want such a development in their town, and that is why the company shifted its interests to Ogallala. He added that the company was trying to win the support of people for two years until it realized that all efforts were in vain and investing millions in a place where you are not wanted was not a good idea.

Hastings Exposition and Racing Joins Forces with Elite Casino on a Massive Racino Project in Ogallala

Hastings Exposition and Racing will enter into a partnership with Elite Casino for the establishment of a racino in Ogallala. According to the press release submitted to the state regulator on Tuesday, the two companies plan to build a ⅝ mile track with 400 stalls to enhance quarter-horse racing.

The project also includes a 180-room hotel and a casino, which would host 640 slots, 20 gaming tables, and a poker room. A spokesperson for Elite Casinos said the racino would be located south of Interstate 80, near Ogallala. The location is perfect because there are no other racing facilities in the area. Besides, it is close to Lake McConaughey, which is a popular tourist attraction.

Mary Wilson, executive director of the Keith County Area Development, said that the development would also attract the attention of many visitors and provide them with an unforgettable experience. Brian Becker, founder of Hastings Exposition and Racing, said that this partnership would help both companies to grow and expand their operations.

The establishment of a racino in Ogallala is a win-win situation for Becker, whose attempt to get public approval for a racetrack and casino in Hastings failed, and Ogallala, which cannot even consider a casino until the Legislature completes a marketing study.