Florida Gaming Control Commission experts warn residents that adult arcade establishments that offer slot machines are illegal and offer zero consumer protection. Besides, there is no guarantee that the games are fair and the operator will not disappear with the consumers’ money.

The gambling regulator noted that those who operate slot machines outside licensed gambling venues may face a fine of up to $10k per machine, while the illegal slot machines are subject to confiscation. The Florida Gaming Control Commission recently issued warnings to over 20 businesses in Southwest Florida.

Florida Residents Must Be Aware of the Risks of Playing at Illegal Gambling Venues

Eric Carr, director of external affairs with the Florida Gaming Control Commission, said that slot machines operating outside a casino are illegal. He added that the only legal casinos in Florida are those owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. Carr explained that legal casinos must offer a payout of no less than 85%. On the other hand, illegal establishments do not comply with this requirement, and there is no consumer protection.

Carr noted that the gambling regulator has a portal where everyone who has information about illegal gambling information can share it anonymously, and the regulator will check the tip. Under the provisions of Florida’s gambling law, everyone caught operating illegal slot machines will be fined $10k per machine, and the machines will be seized.

The Florida Gaming Control Commission revealed that 20 businesses in Southwest Florida recently received warning messages. But this is not the first time this has happened. At the end of April, officers from the Florida Gaming Control Commission issued warnings to six Leon County venues offering illegal slot machines. The sites were notified that they must cease operations, or else they would be fined.

Business Owners and Consumers Must Be Educated on the Legalities of Slot Machines

Carl Herold, director of gaming enforcement with The Florida Gaming Control Commission, said that some business owners were unaware that these machines are illegal. He added that it is important to educate them on the legality of these machines. He also noted that the regulator cannot force owners of such venues that illegally offer slot machines to pay out players’ winnings.

Herold explained that not all establishments are uncompliant. For example, an establishment like Dave and Busters does not violate the law as it provides players with the opportunity to win tickets instead of cash prizes. He said that some businesses voluntarily remove the illegal slot machines when they receive a warning notice. Those who continue hosting such machines even after getting a warning letter are being investigated.

Herold refused to specify when exactly uncompliant businesses will be investigated as they could move to a different location. He also noted that the state is losing money from illegal gambling activities. Licensed casinos pay a state tax of 35% on their net profits, and the money goes to Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Herold said illegal gambling enhances crime, and people should fight against it.

Prominent Technologies, a Pennsylvania-based company that manufactures and operates “skill-based” machines, along with other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the state of Kentucky, claiming that the ban on the so-called “skill-based” machines is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs also asked a Jefferson Circuit Court judge to block Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s attempts to enforce House Bill 594, under which “skill game” machines are illegal, and establishments operating such games can face a hefty fine of $250k per machine.

Kentucky-Based Company Sues the State over “Unconstitutional” Ban

The lawsuit filed on Tuesday claims that the ban is unconstitutional and violates the game machine’s owner’s right to freedom of opinion and expression, due process, and just compensation. The complaint alleges that HB 594 contravenes “common law jurisprudence” and must be overturned. Bob Heleringer, one of the attorneys representing the industry and a former Republican state representative from Louisville, explained that it was urgent to file a new lawsuit due to delays in the Pace-O-Matic court case filed in March this year.

The attorney representing Prominent Technologies and the other plaintiffs in the current lawsuit is House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Louisville. Earlier this year, the media agency Lexington Herald reported that Nemes received an advisory opinion from the state’s legislative ethics body, which stated that voting and supporting the bill is ethical.

Pace-O-Matic Along with Other Companies Filed the First Lawsuit against Kentucky in March

At the end of March this year, Pace-O-Matic and other “skill game” companies sued the state for implementing a ban on the so-called “skill-based” gaming machines. The machines look like slot machines that offer cash prizes. They could be found in bars, restaurants, and truck shops before Governor Andy Beshear signed HB 594 into law.

But state lawmakers’ decision to ban the “skill-based” gaming machines ruffled the feathers of Pace-O-Matic and other companies, which filed a lawsuit against Kentucky over the ban. The suit claims that these games have been legal in the state of Kentucky and other jurisdictions for centuries. The plaintiffs called the ban “unconstitutional” and noted that these machines helped many businesses survive during the Covid-19 pandemic. The complaint also asserts that the “skill-based” gaming machines have recently attracted the attention of horse racing businesses.

Chief Public Affairs Officer for Pace-O-Matic, Michael Barley, explained that the company is ready for a legal battle and added that it is illegal to outlaw skill-based games. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron confirmed his office would defend the state in the lawsuit.

In recent weeks, the Pace-O-Matic lawsuit has remained in the background as another state law, which allows Cameron to move some lawsuits to another circuit court chosen at random, was approved. The constitutionality of this law is to be determined by the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Customers are to legally challenge Caesars Entertainment Inc, MGM Resorts International, and other casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for market manipulation, which is against U.S. antitrust law. Two New Jersey residents filed a 109-page lawsuit on Tuesday against Hard Rock International and Cendyn Group LLC, a Florida-based hospitality technology company, which is allegedly at the core of the conspiracy. The defendants used Cendyn’s platform to set higher room rates for their hotels, including Harrah’s Atlantic City, Bally’s Atlantic City, and Borgata.

What Provoked the Price-Fixing Scandal?

Caesars Entertainment Inc, MGM Resorts International, and other casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City were legally challenged by two New Jersey residents, Heather Altman and Eliza Wiatroski, who claimed that the defendants violated the U.S. antitrust law by cooperating with shared pricing algorithm platform Cendyn to keep hotel room rates artificially high.

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants use the same software from Cendyn Group to monitor and dynamically set room rates. Additionally, data released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement revealed a dramatic increase in Atlantic City room rates. At the same time, there has been a decrease in occupancy rates since 2018. The lawsuit also alleges that Atlantic City casino hotels rented 5% fewer rooms but increased the room rates by 25%.

According to the lawsuit filed by the two New Jersey residents, during the class period from 2018 until now, the market has not experienced some significant changes that could explain the sharp increase in room rates. The defendants may have to pay the plaintiffs treble damages under federal antitrust law.

Representatives from Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock, and Cendyn Group refused to comment on the case. Lawyers for the plaintiffs, including attorneys from the law firm Susman Godfrey, also did not respond to a request for comment.

Other Casino Hotels on the Strip Also Faced Similar Charges in January This Year

But this is not the first price-fixing scandal in which casino hotels are involved. In January this year, a class action lawsuit was filed against several Las Vegas hotel companies, claiming they had worked together to manipulate the market and artificially increase hotel room rates.

The lawsuit asserted that Caesars Entertainment, Treasure Island, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts violated antitrust laws by using software to maximize pricing. The lawsuit alleged that everyone who booked a hotel on the Strip after January 25, 2019, paid a lot more than they would have in a competitive market.

The companies implicated in the price-fixing scandal asked a U.S. court to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that the plaintiffs did not present direct evidence that the companies manipulated room rates by using the revenue management platform.

Vermont inches closer to legalized sports betting after the House approved the amended version of a sports betting bill Tuesday morning. The future of the legislation is now in the hands of Governor Phil Scott, who has five days to sign or veto the bill. If he does not act on the bill within the designated timeframe, the legislation would be considered approved. Up to six betting platforms would be authorized to operate in the Green Mountain State, starting January 1, 2024.

Sports Betting Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature

Vermont has all the chances to become the 38th state to legalize sports betting. On Tuesday morning, the House approved the Senate-amended version of House Bill 127, which seeks to regulate the industry and allow Vermonters to bet on their favorite sporting events without having to cross the borders of the state.

The legislative effort aims to curb illegal gambling activities and boost state coffers. According to the Joint Fiscal Office, the state would generate up to $2 in sports betting revenue in the 2024 fiscal year and $10.64 million in fiscal year 2025.

Vermont Rep. Matthew Birong (D-Addison 3), with six Democratic and three Republican co-sponsors, introduced House Bill 127 in late January. The legislation has received support from the Governor, who pledged to sign the bill once it appears on his desk. Experts claim that by legalizing the sports betting industry, Vermont will be able to establish better consumer protection practices and take adequate measures to cope with gambling-related problems.

What Do We Know about the Bill So Far?

The legislative effort would legalize sports betting, which would be under the supervision of the Department of Liquor and Lottery. If the bill becomes law, the regulator will select up to six operators through a competitive bidding process. A week ago, BonusInsider reported that the Senate approved the bill after amending it. And since the legislation was initially introduced in the House, it had to go back to that chamber for concurrence.

Under the amended version of the bill, operators will have to include an advertising plan in their license applications. Additionally, gambling commercials should not target individuals under the legal gambling age of 21. Licensed operators will have to pay at least 20% of their revenue. The bill also mandates an initial $550k licensing fee per operator, while the fee for renewing a license will be $110k. The money will go to a newly formed Sports Wagering Enterprise Fund.

The legislation also prohibits punters from using their credit cards to wager. This measure has been introduced to prevent bettors from playing with money they do not have. Operators would not be allowed to use words such as “risk-free” when promoting their bonuses. Licensees would be required to submit a responsible gaming plan to the regulator and the Department of Mental Health every year. If the bill becomes law, Vermonters will be able to place wagers on all sporting events other than in-state college tournaments. However, the legislation makes an exception for events such as March Madness.

Before considering a proposed charitable casino and restaurant on Miracle Mile, city officials want to see additional traffic data. On Monday, the Planning Board was scheduled to hold a public hearing in Lebanon, New Hampshire, but decided to postpone it until June 12. The local planning board rescheduled the hearing for the third time since February in order to give city officials more time to review and discuss the proposal.

Study Concludes That the Charitable Casino Would Have Little to No Impact on Traffic

Before city officials greenlight the charitable casino, they want to examine how the establishment would affect traffic in the area. According to a study submitted in February by Vanasse & Associates of Andover, the charitable gaming casino would have an inconspicuous impact on traffic and would not affect motorist delays. According to the study, the establishment could operate without causing traffic congestion, but city officials should ensure sufficient driving lane widths and proper traffic signage.

The study revealed that the charitable casino would generate around 1,038 vehicle trips per day. Around 76 vehicle trips would be generated on Fridays between 6 and 8 p.m. and 54 vehicle trips on Saturdays between 4 and 8 p.m. The traffic analysis is based on traffic volumes at the Wonder Casino in Keene, N.H., because it is very similar in size to the charitable casino project, as traffic engineers at Vanasse & Associates explained.

But a review of the study conducted by the Manchester firm Weston & Sampson questioned the accuracy of the study. In April, traffic engineer Jeffrey Santacruce asked whether the study took into account traffic from other casinos. He recommended that the study uses traffic volume numbers from comparable gambling venues, such as Fiotmo Casinos and the Lebanon Poker Room.

In a written response, the engineer noted that the Wonder Casino has no dedicated parking lot. That is why it is hard to estimate the traffic volume. Santacruce also suggested the study to examine traffic and potential impact at the Interstate 89 Exit 19 ramp.

Details about the Proposed Charitable Casino in Lebanon

The owners of the Lebanon Poker Room want to move their charitable gambling venue from 45 Hanover Street to 369 Miracle Mile, which was formerly a Honda dealership owned by Jonathan Gengras. The proposal seeks to establish a gambling venue with 111 electronic gaming machines, 90 gaming tables, and a 41-seat restaurant and bar.

According to reports, Gengras will remain the property owner, but he will lease it to Stefan Huba, a casino development consultant, who will manage the Miracle Mile casino. If city officials approve the project, this would be the second charitable casino in Lebanon.

Under New Hampshire law, “charitable gaming” is state-regulated, and operators must donate 35% of their revenue to non-profit organizations. In New Hampshire, charitable gaming can include poker, bingo, roulette, blackjack, and other casino games.

Currently, the initiators of the charitable casino project are seeking a conditional permit to use 14 parking spaces at 351 Miracle Mile in order to meet the city’s minimum parking space requirement for the gambling venue.

Many Vermonters expressed their opinion regarding a recent legislative effort, which would legalize sports betting in the state if approved. It seems that the majority of the residents of the Green Mountain State embrace the idea of regulating the market as it would add excitement to sporting events, generate more tax revenues for the state, and curb illegal gambling activities.

Why Vermonters Push for Sports Betting Legalization?

Sports betting may soon become legal in Vermont as a bill seeking to regulate the industry has recently advanced in the Senate after amendments to the legislation were introduced. The measure is currently pending final approval from the House. After that, Governor Phil Scott, R-Vermont, has to sign the bill before it becomes law. And it seems that many Vermonters enjoy the idea of being able to wager on their favorite sporting events.

Rick Ouellette of Williston said that betting on sports add extra excitement to the event. He admitted that he had been betting on sports despite the ban. He added that sports fans often drive to the border of New Hampshire in order to place a wager, which means the state is losing money.

Michael Cheeseman of Burlington said that if sports betting is properly regulated, it can be fun and beneficial for the state. Besides, such a move would ensure a high customer protection level. According to data from GeoComply, 16,000 Vermonters tried to access online betting sites in the past six years.

Wendy Knight, Vermont’s Liquor and Lottery Commissioner, said that the neighboring states, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York, have already regulated sports betting and thousands of Vermonters cross the border to place bets.

Sports Betting Projected to Pump Up to $10 Million into the State’s Coffers

Knight estimated that the state could generate between $2 to $10 million from online sports betting. He explained that a portion of the revenue would fund responsible gambling programs. Mr. Knight confirmed that the bill includes provisions to ensure that sports betting commercials do not target individuals below 21.

Robert Linnehan, a sports gambling expert, said that the state could benefit from a fresh revenue stream and help people with gambling problems if lawmakers legalize sports betting. Knight expressed hopes that sports betting would go live by January next year. Governor Scott has pledged to sign the bill once it gets the needed approval by the House.

If the bill becomes law, there will be a bidding process, during which the Liquor and Lottery Department will select two to six companies to operate an online betting platform in Vermont. The fees imposed on operators will depend on the number of companies that will get the nod to enter the market. Additionally, each sportsbook will be required to share at least 20% of its revenue with the state. Under the provisions of the amended legislation, punters are not allowed to use credit cards to place wagers, and gambling on in-state college teams is prohibited.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth has become the first gambling venue to be fined by the Virginia Lottery Board. At the end of last week, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, owned and operated by Chicago’s Rush Street Gaming, was fined $275k for alleged gambling violations in January and February. Rivers Casino agreed to pay the fine, avoiding a public hearing on the matter that could reveal other infractions.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth Handed a Hefty Fine for Breaching Gambling Regulations

According to the settlement agreement, the Virginia Lottery Board found several regulatory violations, and that is why the regulator has issued a fine of $275k against Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The penalty is for three infractions that occurred during the first two months of this year. The gambling establishment allegedly allowed underage individuals to engage in gambling activities, hosted incorrectly licensed slot machines, and allowed a self-excluded player to access the casino floor.

According to a Lottery Board statement, the casino has taken corrective measures to ensure future regulatory compliance. Rivers, which also operates other gambling venues in Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois, has not commented on the matter yet.

Rivers Portsmouth Gaming LLC Chief Executive Officer Tim Drehkoff signed the settlement agreement on March 22. Six days later, Gina Smith, Virginia Lottery’s Deputy Executive Director of Gaming Compliance, also signed the resolution.

The Settlement Agreement is the Best Solution for Both Parties

The settlement has been reached by both parties in a bid to avoid a formal hearing and any potential costs associated with it. According to the terms and conditions of the settlement, it does not include an allegation, admission, or denial that regulatory breaches have occurred. Instead, it only outlines the infractions and the period they have occurred.

The lottery’s executive director, Kelly Gee, who proposed the settlement amount, explained that the agreement will remain effective as long as no other violations occur. During the Lottery Board’s April meeting, Ms. Gee did not reveal how the board learned about the casino’s violations because she could not discuss the matter in an open session. In her vision, the matter is closed, and the fine will go into the state’s general fund.

Rivers Casino obtained its operating license on November 16, 2022. During the first week and a half of operation, the gambling venue raked in over $9 million in total revenue, while the city of Portsmouth collected more than $540k in taxes. The casino made $7,451,244.83 from slots, while $1,588,044.95 came from table games. For the remaining period in January, Rivers Casino Portsmouth generated over $1.6 million. According to the Virginia Lottery’s monthly report, the casino generated $24.7 million in February and $23.6 million in March in revenue.

Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired on Thursday following an ESPN report about suspicious wagering activity on the team’s games. Alabama athletic director Greg Bryne said the school decided to part ways with Bohannon, who allegedly violated the standards and responsibilities that every University employee should respect. While the investigation is underway, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania prohibit bookmakers from taking wagers on the Crimson Tide’s games.

Suspicious Betting Activity Scandal Leads to Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon’s Dismissal

ESPN reported that during Friday’s Alabama/Louisiana game, the independent Las Vegas company US Integrity detected some suspicious bets. Ronnie Johns, chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, told NOLA.com that in addition to a parlay bet involving Alabama/LSU, there was also a bet on LSU to win. According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the bets were placed at the BetMGM sportsbook at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.

A surveillance video proved that the wager was placed over the phone, which means that the bettor was most likely communicating with Bohannon at that time. The fact that Alabama pitcher Luke Holman, who had to start the contest, was replaced by reliever Hagan Banks just before the beginning of the game is also quite dubious. All facts combined prompted the Ohio Casino Control Commission to launch an investigation into the suspicious betting activity and prohibit betting on Alabama baseball games.

The school said that Jason Jackson will serve as Alabama’s interim coach. However, no further information can be revealed at this point due to the ongoing investigation. The good news is that The Crimson Tide have already won their first game under Jackson.

Coach Brad Bohannon’s Reputation Tarnished by Another Scandal Involving Former Pitcher

A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that Bohannon is connected to the suspicious bets, which took place on Friday last week. However, there is no evidence that any players are involved in the suspicious bets. The Ohio Casino Control Commission alerted gambling regulators in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which suspended betting on Alabama baseball games.

On Thursday, Southeastern Conference (SEC) commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement, explaining that they have zero tolerance for scandals that threaten the integrity of sports competitions. He added that SEC has joined forces with US Integrity to monitor gambling activity and ensure that everything happens in an honest way.

In April this year, former pitcher Johnny Blake Bennett filed a lawsuit against three members of the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball coaching staff for alleged mistreatment. Documents filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court revealed that coach Brad Bohannon, pitching coach Jason Jackson, and athletic trainer Sean Stryker have been sued for alleged negligence and breach of an agreement for their handling of Johnny Blake Bennett’s arm injury. A hearing is scheduled for June 20.

This Wednesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board unanimously recommended approval of a temporary gaming license for a pop-up casino located at the former site of The Beach, at Paradise Road and Convention Center Drive. The gambling venue will host 16 slot machines and will exist only for eight hours, starting from 6 a.m. on May 23.

Marriott Aims to Maintain Its Gaming License by Establishing a Temporary Casino

Yesterday, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Century Gaming Technologies’ subsidiary United Coin Machine Co., which specializes in setting up temporary gaming facilities, has been granted permission by the Nevada Gaming Control Board to set up a temporary gambling venue on behalf of Marriott. The gambling watchdog is expected to give the company final approval on May 18.

Under Clark County law, licensees must offer commercial gaming at least once every 18 months for no less than eight hours to preserve their gaming permission. The land on which the gambling venue will pop up is owned by Marriott International. The company wants to maintain its gaming license, planning to build a resort on it, sell it, or lease it to a developer.

Debbie Cornine, director of compliance for Century, told board members that Century Gaming Technologies will use a tent for the temporary gambling venue, which will offer 16 slot machines for eight hours, beginning at 6 a.m. on May 23. She explained that her company is setting up the gambling venue on behalf of Marriott, which wants to maintain its gaming license.

Why Marriott Does Not Build a Permanent Fully-Fledged Casino Instead of Temporary Gambling Venues Every 18 Months?

Dennis Neilander, an attorney representing Marriott, explained that the company has never come up with a final proposal due to the Covid-19 pandemic and poor economic conditions. He said that Marriott owns five hotels with 1,000 rooms, which the company hopes to consolidate into a larger resort.

Neilander added that the company had to maintain its gaming license, or else the land would lose some of its value. He acknowledged that setting up a temporary gambling establishment in order to preserve its gambling license is a process that cannot last forever. Neilander said the company had maintained its gaming license since 2006, when the Beach (a famous nightclub) stopped working by opening temporary gambling venues every 18 months.

At Wednesday’s Control Board meeting, a series of licensing and findings of suitability was recommended for several gaming companies, including MGM Resorts International, Konami Australia, International Game Technology, Leisure Gaming, Full House Resorts Inc., and several more.

The Seneca Nation announced that it is to hold various public initiatives throughout May in a bid to win community support and secure a new gaming compact with the Empire State. If the tribe manages to convince the state to renew its gaming compact, which expires in December, its three gambling properties in Salamanca, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls will continue operating. The initiatives will continue for a month, kicking off on Thursday at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, where the public can sign support letters from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the resort’s hotel lobby.

The Seneca Nation to Hold Several Public Support Events

The Seneca Nation has been negotiating with state officials for several months, aiming to secure a new gaming compact with the state before the State Legislature session ends on June 8. To gain public support, the tribe has announced that it will organize community support events throughout May, the first of which to kick off today at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. People can sign support letters between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the resort’s hotel lobby.

Other community support events are to take place on Friday at the William Seneca Building in Irving, May 11 at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo, May 12 at the Seneca Allegany Administration Building, and May 18 at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, all from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tribe also encourages people to visit the standwithseneca.com website and sign an online petition that will be handed to state officials in Albany along with the support letters.

Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said that people are aware of the tribe’s contribution to Western New York and urged them to show their support for the Seneca Nation. He added that many families and businesses rely on the Seneca Nation’s gambling operations to make their living. Armstrong explained that lawmakers are almost done working on the state budget, and now it is time to finish negotiations with the tribe and secure a fair gaming compact.

The Relation between the Tribe and the State Had Been Strained in the Past

The Seneca Nation signed its gaming compact with the state of New York in 2002. Since then, the tribe has invested about $2 billion in its three casinos. Nowadays, the three tribal-owned gambling facilities employ over 3,000 people.

The Seneca Nation also supports local businesses, spending approximately $600 million annually with over 6,000 vendors. The tribe contributes pumps over $1.1 billion into Western New York’s economy. Revenue generated from Seneca Nation’s businesses is directed towards various services and programs.

Although it seems that the tribe has all the chances to secure a gaming compact with New York, the two parties had some arguments in the past. In 2017, the tribe notified the state that it had made its final payment under the gaming compact negotiated in 2002 and withheld revenue-sharing payments to New York.

In 2021, a federal appeals court ruled that the Seneca Nation owes $435 million to the state. In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state reached an agreement with Seneca Nation, according to which the tribe paid $564 million in outstanding casino revenue payments.