In 2022, the number of operators applying for a license from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) declined by 75% compared to 2018, when the regulator was at its peak. In 2021, the jurisdiction was placed on the Financial Action Task Force grey list, and new license registrations dropped by 50% compared to the previous year.

In an effort to regain its strong position on the iGaming market, the Malta Gaming Authority proposed a new law under which prosecuting Maltese gaming companies internationally would be more difficult. The MGA is poised to adopt a more tolerant approach to its licensees who fail to comply with the standards set by the regulator.

The number of license registrations speaks volumes about the popularity of the jurisdictions. It is not a secret that the online gambling industry heavily contributes to Malta’s gross domestic product. According to statistics, the iGaming industry accounted for 12% of the country’s gross domestic product by 2022.

According to research conducted by media agency The Shift, the Malta Gaming Authority issued 50 licenses in 2018. Since then, the gambling watchdog has experienced a sharp decline in the number of new license registrations. In 2021, the year when Malta was greylisted, the number of new gaming licenses issued hit the bottom. As a result, the regulator suspended fewer licenses compared to previous years.

The Proposed Amendments to the Maltese Gambling Act Causes Controversy

Austrian and German lawyers recently sent a letter to the European Commission, criticizing the recently introduced amendments to Malta’s Gambling Act. The lawyers represent clients who took legal action against Malta-licensed online gaming companies that allegedly offered their services illegally in Austria and Germany.

On June 12, the Maltese Parliament approved bill No. 55, also known as the Gaming Amendment Act. The legislation seeks to introduce amendments to the current Gaming Act and encourage more operators to apply for a Maltese gaming license. If the bill becomes law, MGA licensees will be protected from international prosecution.

In response to the proposed bill, the two lawyers argued that the legislation is against European rules and violates the fundamental rights of all EU residents. They explained that the Maltese gambling companies, against which legal actions have been taken, did not comply with the law as they offered gambling services without being licensed to operate in Germany and Austria.

The MGA, however, stated that German and Austrian law agencies were promoting the option for players to sue Maltese gaming companies in order to recover their losses. The MGA described this advertising as “aggressive” and “damaging”. The regulator added that the possibility of suing Maltese gambling companies internationally allows plaintiffs to recover gambling losses, leaving them with the wrong impression that they could play without any risk.

Last Thursday, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill under which $380 million in taxpayer money would fund a proposed $1.5-billion baseball stadium. The move aims to attract the Oakland Athletics to the Las Vegas Strip. The proposal now pends approval from Major League Baseball in order to be finalized.

However, the approval of the project would result in the demolition of the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas. But the Tropicana has a historical value, and its destruction would erase a chunk of the Vegas glamorous history. The Tropicana Las Vegas was established in 1957, and during its heyday, it attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from all four corners of the world. They could see the feathered showgirls who danced in its Folies Bergère cabaret and the cascading 60-foot fountain.

Besides, numerous movie stars were filmed at the Tropicana, including Sean Connery’s James Bond and The Godfather Corleone. The careers of the world-famous magicians Siegfried and Roy also started at the Tropicana. Unfortunately, the Tropicana is no longer one of the most visited establishments on the Las Vegas Strip but is still one of Vegas’ most iconic buildings. The Tropicana has been redeveloped several times in a bid to revive its operations, but all efforts proved fruitless.

Bally’s Corporation Plans to Demolish and Rebuild the Tropicana Las Vegas

In a memo sent in May, Bally’s Corporation, the company that owns the Tropicana, explained that the venue could cease operations for the next two years. The company also noted that the Tropicana could reopen as a “new integrated casino hotel resort and baseball park”.

Soo Kim, the chairman of Bally’s, provided a revised version of the memo this Sunday, in which he did not mention a timeline for the Tropicana’s closure. Instead, he announced that the venue would operate until the company deems it appropriate. In an interview, Mr. Kim said that the land on which the Tropicana is located was more expensive than the casino operations.

The possible demolition of the Tropicana would leave many people jobless. The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 promised to protect employees’ rights if the Tropicana ceases operations. The union stated that it would assist workers in finding new jobs until the remodeling of the building is over, and after that, they must be the first to be hired back.

This May, Bally’s Corporation announced that it signed a binding agreement with real estate investment trust Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. and the Oakland Athletics, under which the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas casino hotel would host a Major League Baseball stadium. The company revealed that the ballpark would occupy approximately nine acres and accommodate 30,000 fans. The stadium is expected to attract the attention of over 2.5 million sports fans each year. Bally’s also announced its plans to demolish the Tropicana and build a new hotel and casino, which would be separate from the stadium.

Last Thursday, the Ohio Senate approved an omnibus budget bill, which includes provisions aiming to double the state’s sports betting tax to 20% in the first year of a sportsbook’s operations. The Senate voted in favor of the legislation without discussing the tax hike. However, the dramatic tax increase is likely to spark a debate among House members.

The sports betting sector in the state has experienced a significant decline since the record-breaking results in January. According to industry experts, the tax increase may severely hit the sustainability of the sports betting industry and lead to many reputable operators leaving the market.

Only two months after sports betting was legalized in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine proposed the tax increase. However, the proposal failed to gain any support from lawmakers, and the matter has not been discussed again. The tax hike for sports betting was initially included in House Bill 33. The tax increase proposal was removed from the legislation before the House approved the state budget on April 26.

But last Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee passed an amended version of the budget bill that included a provision under which sports betting operators will be taxed at a 20% rate instead of 10%. The amendment was introduced without any prior discussion on the matter. And on Thursday last week, the Senate passed the revised version of the bill on a 24-7 vote. Senators did not comment on the tax hike again. Instead, they discussed proposals seeking to introduce changes to the current income tax scheme and education funding.

House Members Will Most Likely Disagree with the Amendments Introduced by the Senate

The amended version of the bill now heads to the House for concurrence. However, House members are unlikely to approve all amendments introduced by the Senate, including the dramatic tax hike that would affect sports betting operators in the state. This means that a conference committee will potentially discuss the legislation and resolve differences by the end of the month.

Under the Senate version of the bill, the Sports Gaming Profits Education Fund would use most of the revenue to support public and nonpublic early education. Additionally, the bill includes a new provision under which the Ohio Casino Control Commission must join forces with a state university to prepare an annual report on the prevalence of sports gambling problems in Ohio. The report must also include recommendations on how to tackle the issue.

In January, Ohio’s sports betting handle amounted to $1.1 billion. Figures released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission revealed that the state’s sports betting handle in April was $521.7 million, representing a decline of 29.36% when compared to the amount Ohioans wagered in March – $738.6 million. Industry insiders warn that the dramatic tax hike would negatively affect the sports betting industry in the state, and lawmakers should carefully examine the advantages and disadvantages of such a move.

On Thursday, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission postponed the decision to regulate exchange wagering in the state. Members of the Commission were concerned that the new form of online sports betting would allow those who own exchange platforms to avoid paying taxes. Of all four members of the Commission, three voted against taking action on a proposal seeking to regulate exchange wagering. Only one commissioner supported the idea of regulating betting exchanges.

The good news is that the proposal was not entirely shot down. Members of the Commission have announced that their decision provides the Colorado Division of Gaming with more time to consider the proposal and amend it. The commission’s chairman Richard Nathan voted against the proposal, explaining that this industry would need careful examination. He was concerned about a potential loophole, which would be against the state legislature’s goal of ensuring that gambling operators pay a 10% tax on their earnings.

Members of the Commission also raised the question of whether the state’s regulator has the expertise and capacity to oversee the new form of online sports betting. Commissioner Justin Davis has announced that no state has regulated exchange wagering so far.

If the Commission approved the measure that would regulate exchange wagering, Colorado would have become the second state, along with New Jersey, to offer this form of sports betting. Brett Buckingham, the Colorado Department of Revenue’s agent responsible for overseeing sports betting and fantasy sports, announced that the first exchange wagering platforms could go live as soon as September 10, given that the proposal was approved. He added that exchange wagering would be allowed only on sports Colorado residents can bet on.

In Which U.S. States Exchange Wagering is Legal?

Although residents of New Jersey can participate in exchange wagering, the state has no specific rules regulating this form of gambling. Prophet Exchange is the first exchange wagering platform that has set foot on U.S. soil. Another company that operates in New Jersey is Sporttrade, which is owned by Alexander Kane.

The exchange wagering operators keep a cut from every bet (usually between 2% and 2.5%) and pay a 10% tax on their commissions. They must also abide by the state gambling law, under which they have to contribute to responsible gambling funds and implement specific anti-money laundering practices.

In 2015, Nevada decided to allow the so-called entity wagering, which is very similar to exchange wagering. But things did not work out well, and the state ordered the local company that offered entity wagering to cease operations.

Exchange wagering attracts more experienced punters, allowing them to trade on the outcome of some events and place bets against each other. Moreover, bettors can set the odds themselves, eliminating the role of the bookmaker.

This Monday, the Planning Board held a public hearing on a project seeking to expand the Lebanon Poker Room into a charitable casino with 111 electronic gaming machines and 13 gaming tables. Under the proposal, the Lebanon Poker Room will also include a 41-seat restaurant and bar. The charitable casino would use the former Gerrish Honda building, which is currently vacant.

As BonusInsider reported this May, the Planning Board moved the meeting to July 12 as it needed more time to review a traffic study for the project. During the public hearing held this Monday, members of the Planning Board announced that they want to first obtain and examine input from the police department before taking their final decision on the project.

At the moment, the Lebanon Poker Room is located at 45 Hanover Street and offers 35 electronic gaming machines and 11 gaming tables. Dick Anagnost, co-owner of the Lebanon Poker Room, announced that the venue would generate more revenue if it had a restaurant and bar.

The Poker Room currently shares space with the Village Pizza and Peking Tokyo restaurants. Both restaurants serve the casino’s patrons, but the Poker Room does not receive a revenue share from them. But if the Poker Room has its own restaurant and bar, it will no longer need to share revenue with the two restaurants.

New Hampshire law stipulates that charitable gaming venues can offer poker, bingo, and casino games but must donate 35% of their revenue to non-profit organizations. Anagnost told board members that the Poker Room also gives 10% of its revenue to the state, which means the Poker Room keeps only 55% of the revenue but pays all expenses.

How the Poker Room Will Affect Crime Rates in the Area?

Members of the Planning Board are to continue the meeting on June 26, when the Lebanon Police is expected to present a report assessing Lebanon Poker Room’s security plan. The board members have announced that they must be meticulous in their decision because they are well aware of the public’s growing concerns about crime and safety in the area. They were also confused by the contradictory information they had been receiving about the police activity at the Lebanon Poker Room.

Anagnost initially told board members that the Lebanon Poker Room has never been the reason for any police calls during its operation. Later during the meeting, he said he knew about two cases of police calls at the gambling venue. However, resident Heather Johnson revealed that the city police logs had shown 10 calls to the Lebanon Poker Room since 2020. According to the police logs, there were two calls to the Lebanon Poker Room in April alone.

Deputy Planning and Development Director Tim Corwin said that the Planning Board could not deny a permit to a charitable casino if it meets the regulations. He added that the board could recommend additional measures to improve public safety and partly regulate the operations of the gambling venue. Resident Mike Balog, a former law enforcement officer, told board members that casinos usually lead to increased crime rates.

The potential casino also raised concerns about the increased traffic in the residential area. Jeffrey Dirk, a traffic engineer from the consulting firm Vanasse and Associates, explained that the casino is unlikely to have a significant impact on the traffic in the area. He elaborated that the charitable casino’s peak hour would be 8 p.m. During peak hours, there would be 75 more vehicles on the road, which is unlikely to cause any significant delays.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board may become the target of an investigation for allegedly holding secret meetings with casino lobbyists. Two Pennsylvania lawmakers, State Sen. Gene Yaw, and State Rep. Jared Solomon, have requested the probe after a story published by the media agency Spotlight PA revealed that top officials met with casino lobbyists and did not disclose details about the meeting on public logs as required by the regulatory agency’s ethics rules.

State Sen. Gene Yaw and state Rep. Jared Solomon have requested the state attorney general’s office and the state Ethics Commission to examine the gaming board’s actions and determine whether or not they comply with the law. In a letter to the state Ethics Commission, Solomon stated that people deserve to trust the regulatory bodies established by the Legislature and believe in their integrity. Unfortunately, it is still unclear whether or not lawmakers’ requests for an investigation will be taken seriously.

Richard McGarvey, a spokesperson for the Gaming Control Board, said that the agency had not received the letters regarding the lawmakers’ inquiry into its dealings with the casino lobbyists and refrained from commenting on the matter. Another spokesperson previously told Spotlight PA that the agency acted in accordance with the law as far as their dealings with these lobbyists are concerned.

The state attorney general’s office could not comment due to ongoing litigation involving skill games. Mary Fox, the state Ethics Commission’s executive director, said she could not provide information regarding any investigations into the state Gaming Control Board.

Some Pennsylvania Casinos Launch Campaigns against Skill Games

Earlier this year, Spotlight PA reported that lobbyists for Parx Casino in Bucks County pushed the regulator to change its stance against skill games through the backdoor. Skill games have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Unlike slot machines, which are regulated and taxed by the Gaming Control Board, skill games remain unregulated.

This resulted in many casino executives and lobbyists launching campaigns in a bid to convince state officials and the public that skill games should be banned. In 2019, members of the Gaming Control Board reportedly backed a lawsuit seeking to ban skill games after a private meeting with lobbyists.

There are two publicly available logs on the Gaming Control Board’s website, and both of them have not been updated for a decade or even more. The Gaming Control Board’s lawyers explained that the meeting did not cover the requirements for public disclosure.

In a letter to the state attorney general’s office, Yaw stated that the Pennsylvania State Police and the gambling regulator have taken a more negative stance regarding skill games over the past five years. He also claimed that the number of skill games that the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement of the State Police has seized from businesses all over the state has dramatically increased.

In March this year, the company that has developed the software for most skill games in Pennsylvania, Pace-O-Matic, filed a lawsuit against the Gaming Control Board and Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, accusing the two authorities of targeting its business. Meanwhile, unlicensed skill games continue to gain popularity in Pennsylvania, existing in a legal gray area.

Yesterday, Vermont’s Governor Phil Scott put his signature on House Bill 127, legalizing online sports betting in the state. In a statement, Scott said he had proposed the legalization of online sports betting several years ago, but lawmakers could not reach an agreement. He did not hide his satisfaction with the fact that online sports betting is finally legal in Vermont. Scott also noted that many Vermonters wager on sports, and legalizing this industry would not only boost the state economy but also protect underage individuals and vulnerable people.

Vermont is the 38th state to legalize online sports betting. All of Vermont’s neighboring states have already regulated their markets. So, it was a matter of time before Vermont also legalized online sports betting. Operators will be awarded licenses based on a competitive bidding process set to begin in August this year. In their applications, operators must include the tax rate they are willing to pay in order to operate, starting from 20%. Operators are required to pay a license fee of $550k once every three years. The first online sportsbooks are expected to be live by January next year.

Under the law, operators will be overseen by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. Two to six betting apps will receive permits to operate in the state. Licensed operators will be allowed to accept bets on college sports. However, the law prohibits betting on in-state college teams. The only exception is when Vermont colleges or universities participate in a tournament, such as the annual March Madness competition. The law also stipulates that the minimum age to engage in sports betting activities is 21.

Vermont’s Sports Betting Law Focuses on Consumer Protection

The sports betting bill passed the House by a voice vote in March this year. Two months later, the Senate amended the bill and returned it to the House for concurrence. Most changes were aimed at protecting players from gambling problems and were agreed upon in the House. In mid-May, the bill landed on Governor Scott’s desk, who signed it into law yesterday. Vermont legalized online sports betting on the same day as North Carolina.

The law states that licensed operators will be obliged to prepare a responsible gambling plan, which includes information regarding marketing materials related to problem gambling as well as responsible gambling tools that will be available to punters. Furthermore, the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery and the Department of Mental Health must prepare annual reports on the impact of sports betting on problem gambling.

As per law, operators are not allowed to advertise their products in a way to appeal to individuals under 21. Money generated from sports betting will go to the state’s General Fund, but at least $250k will be directed to the Responsible Gaming Special Fund each year. All these measures demonstrate the state’s commitment to protecting Vermonters from problem gambling.

Naskila Casino, located in East Texas, has upped the ante in the fight for new customers. The gambling venue has started advertising its products on billboards, hoping to attract the attention of potential players. The company has come up with the billboard advertising idea after Texas failed to approve a bill seeking to legalize casino gambling and online sports betting in the Lone Star State.

Whitney Williams, the Social Media Specialist at Naskila Casino, has announced that the billboard advertising campaign seeks to grow the casino’s customer network. She added that the idea of the advertisement is to provoke people’s interest and make them visit the casino. Williams did not hide her optimism that the marketing campaign would succeed.

But not everyone welcomed the casino’s billboard advertising campaign. Texas Values, an organization committed to helping Texans to preserve family values, spoke against Naskila Casino’s aggressive marketing strategy. Jonathan Covey, the Policy Director for Texas Values, said that all gambling advertisements are dangerous because they feed gambling disorders. Besides, gambling problems often lead to the separation of families. Covey also noted that the number of children participating in online gambling activities is rising at a fast pace, which is disturbing.

The Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, which operates Naskila Casino, said that they offer amenities for non-gamblers, too. Williams urged people to go to the lake with cabins and recreational vehicle (RV) parking.

Texas is Unlikely to Expand Gambling Anytime Soon

Texas is one of the states with the strictest anti-gambling laws. The legal forms of gambling are lottery, bingo, horse, and greyhound racing. Only three gambling venues are allowed to operate in the state, and all of them are owned by Native American tribes.

Although many Texans regularly cross the border to gamble, the Lone Star State does not consider easing its stringent gambling laws and allowing commercial casinos. This has become clear after the legislation that would legalize casinos and online sports betting fell short in the Texas House earlier this year.

The proposal was backed by Las Vegas Sands, which urged lawmakers to allow Texans to vote on whether or not they want a commercial casino. Under the proposed measure, one Las Vegas-style resort would be established in each of the state’s metropolitan markets. In May this year, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who oversees the Senate, said the casino expansion bill does not stand a chance to pass the chamber.

According to a poll conducted by the University of Houston this January, 75% of adult Texans support the casino expansion bill and want a commercial casino in the state. By easing its draconian anti-gambling rules, Texas would not only boost its economy but also ensure player protection. Unfortunately, the perspective of the state to expand gambling remains dim.

North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper is expected to sign a sports betting bill into law today at Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Mobile sports betting could go live as of January 8 – the day when the College Football Playoff National Championship Game will take place in Houston. If regulators fail to turn the bill into practice by that date, mobile sports betting must launch within 12 months of the bill becoming law.

North Carolina will become the 28th state to legalize mobile sports betting if Governor Cooper signs House Bill 347. Earlier this year, the governor made it clear that he would sign any sports betting bill approved by the Legislature. The legislative measure appeared on Cooper’s desk last Friday, and he has 10 days to act on it.

In March this year, the House approved the sports betting bill by a 64-45 vote. The bill was stuck in the Senate for two months. After introducing some amendments to the legislation, the Senate passed the sports betting bill with a 37-11 vote.

The second House vote, which took place on June 7, finalized the changes made by the Senate. On June 8, the North Carolina General Assembly voted in favor of the legislative measure and sent it to Governor Cooper’s desk, who is expected to sign it into law today.

How Mobile Sports Betting Will Be Regulated?

Currently, punters residing in North Carolina can place in-person wagers at any of the three tribal casinos. Industry experts forecast that mobile sports betting could generate more than $20 million per year for the state if legalized. As mentioned earlier, the sports betting bill was amended by the Senate.

Under the revised version of the legislation, licensed sports betting operators must pay a tax rate of 18% instead of 14%. Besides, provisions to legalize in-person sports betting at or close to professional sports venues and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing were added to the legislative measure.

Eight venues will be allowed to open a retail sports betting lounge, with PNC Arena in Raleigh, WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, Bank of America Stadium, and Spectrum Center in Charlotte being among them. Another amendment eliminates deductions of free bets and promotional offers from taxable revenue.

The sports betting bill allows up to 12 sports betting operators to obtain a license. Punters will be able to wager on professional, college, Olympic, and other sports via their smartphones and other electronic devices. Mobile sports betting licenses will cost $1 million and be valid for five years.

The bill also includes provisions regarding the institutions that will benefit from the money generated from license fees. Аfter the Department of Revenue and Lottery Commission receives its share, $2 million annually will be allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education and treatment programs.

North Carolina Amateur Sports will receive $1 million annually to increase opportunities for youth sports participation. Another $1 million will go to the North Carolina Heritage Advisory Council, while $300k will go to support the athletic departments of several state colleges and universities.

This Monday, representatives of Caesars Sportsbook and the Massasoit Greyhound Association informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that the Raynham Park land-based sportsbook is to open before the beginning of the National Football League’s regular season, which is scheduled to kick off on September 7. Raynham Park is now pending approval from the state regulator to run retail and online sports betting platforms.

Under the Massachusetts sports betting law, horse-racing tracks and simulcast wagering facilities can apply for a sports betting license. The new Raynham Park Sportsbook is being built close to the former racetrack and will occupy 13 acres of land. Since 2009, when the last greyhound race took place, Raynham Park has operated as a simulcast-only betting parlor.

Raynham Park and Suffolk Downs are the only facilities in the Bay State that meet all criteria for a Category 2 license, which allows establishments that conduct live horse racing or simulcast wagering on horse or greyhound racing to accept in-person wagers on sports. Raynham Park must obtain a Category 3 license to provide statewide mobile sports betting services on its own. Meanwhile, the track can join forces with a licensed partner that would offer betting services on its behalf.

Raynham Park works closely with Caesars Sportsbook for its land-based sports betting operations. The Raynham Park sportsbook will offer five or more counters and 20 self-service sports betting kiosks. According to Raynham Park’s application, the wagering area will include first-class audio-visual equipment and a special seating area, allowing bettors to keep track of the latest game odds.

Only Massachusetts’ Three Commercial Casinos are Licensed to Offer Retail Sports Betting Services

The main distinction between the sportsbook licenses sought by Raynham Park and Massachusetts casino is that the racing facility must make a capital investment of at least $7.5 million within three years of obtaining its permit. The simulcast operator forecasts that spending on its new pari-mutuel race and sportsbook product will surpass $7.5 million within the first half a year of obtaining a license.

Since Caesars has already acquired a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission thanks to its partnership with Encore Boston Harbor. Now the company plans to use its retail operation at Raynham Park to boost its mobile business. The Raynham Park application states that a big percentage of the handle is generated through online/mobile sports betting, but the social aspect of in-person wagering also attracts many punters’ attention.

According to figures published by the state regulator, Massachusetts’ three casinos licensed to offer retail sports betting services, Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park, generated $13 million in total sports betting handle this April. Massachusetts online sportsbooks had a handle of over $566 million, of which Caesars was responsible for $19.4 million. That figure will change if Raynham Park receives approval from the regulator to offer retail and online sports betting services.