US Sports Betting Regulation Progresses In Numerous States
Connecticut, Arizona and Hawaii latest to join the race
Connecticut is having another go at sports betting legislation with the introduction of S665 at the state legislature.
Backed by nine Democratic senators, the bill in its current form provides little information except to authorise waging on sporting events.
Claims of tribal compact and exclusivity violations from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have stalled previous attempts with most recent discussions breaking down in 2018.
An opinion issued by Connecticut attorney general George Jepsen in April 2018, on the premise that PASPA was struck down said: “…, it is our opinion that if sports betting were to become lawful in Connecticut, the Tribes would not have an exclusive right under the existing Compacts and MOUs to offer it.
“The Compacts set out a list of authorized games. Mashantucket Procedures, § 3; Mohegan Compact, § 3. Sports betting is not listed as an authorized game. By contrast, for example, pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing and jai alai games are authorized games. Id. The exclusion of sports betting from the specific list of authorized games is compelling evidence that the Compacts do not presently authorize it.”
Sports betting is on the agenda in the State of Arizona too with the introduction of SB 1158 authored by Senator Sonny Borrelli and backed by Representatives Mark Finchem and Leo Biasiucci.
SB1158 authorises the 16 Federally recognised Tribes in Arizona to operate land-based sports betting at the 24 casinos situated within state lines.
Provisions enable Tribal operators to enter into agreements with non-tribal entities in terms of services and technologies and sets a minimum 6.75 percent adjusted gross revenue tax rate.
In Hawaii, pending introduction, the unexpected filing Wednesday of H1107 details the creation of the Hawaii Sports Wagering Corporation which would be responsible for the regulation and operation of sports wagering on an exclusive basis.
Following its passage, within 180 days, one vendor would be selected following a public Request for Proposal who would work on a total revenue share basis, the percentage of which is not detailed.
Other sports wagering bills in play include Washington DC, Michigan, Kansas, Kentucky and New Hampshire.
Chalkline Sports And Parx Casino Tie Up
For launch of Free-to-Play Sports Betting Platform
Free-to-play (F2P) sports provider Chalkline Sports and Parx Casino have launched a sports betting platform at sportsgames.parxcasino.com.
Chalkline Sports delivers a new way to enhance recruitment, reactivation, and retention through deep Free-to-Play (F2P) player engagement in partnership with Parx Casino.
The initial set of Chalkline games will feature “The Big Game Challenge,” in which players make picks against live odds and player props for Super Bowl LIII along with other game selections including Pro Hockey Net 4, Pro Hoops Daily Pick 5 and College.
Chalkline’s turnkey F2P sports games platform features real-time tracking with BettorAnalytics, allowing Parx to better understand and optimize game play activity, unique player metrics, and player acquisition source.
Matthew Cullen, Senior Vice President of Interactive Gaming & Sports at Parx Casino:
“Chalkline’s speed to market exceeded expectations. We hit the ground running and launched in less than a month. Our Free-to-Play Sports Games deliver a solid start for our ambitious plans for sports betting in 2019. We’re confident that our F2P offerings will delight our customers who are excited to place wagers with Parx Casino.”
Chalkline Sports CEO Daniel Kustelski:
“We’re enthusiastically partnering with the top casino in the state of Pennsylvania, one with a broad regional reach and a customer base that appears ready for regulated sports betting.
“We’re looking forward to progressively expanding the relationship with Parx as their sports book goes live, and adding additional customer acquisition and retention components into the mix. Great things lie ahead in 2019.”
Caesars Launches Sports Betting Powered By Scientific Games (Update)
The Book, open for business in Pennsylvania
Scientific Games Corporation and Caesars have launched sports betting at Caesars’ Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack.
The sportsbook, powered by Scientific Games’ OpenBet™ platform enables Harrah’s players to place bets at the venue on a range of betting options, including professional and college sports coverage for football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and golf, among others.
In addition, Scientific Games will provide ongoing managed trading services from its Don Best group, powering continuous evolution of the platform’s pricing and data feeds.
Christian Stuart, Executive Vice President, Gaming and Interactive Entertainment at Caesars:
“We’ve worked seamlessly with Scientific Games to cement our sportsbook presence in new markets with great speed, and we’re excited to usher in a new era of sports betting capabilities for Pennsylvania players at Caesars.”
Jordan Levin, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive Digital at Scientific Games, said, “This is the third state in which we’ve launched sports betting with Caesars, following in the footsteps of New Jersey and Mississippi, and we’re thrilled to see constant growth in our partnership.”
Online and mobile sports betting is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2019.
Nascar Members Prohibited From Betting
Comprehensive policy developed in collaboration with Sportradar
In a bid to protect the integrity of motor sport, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has prohibited NASCAR-licensed members from betting on the sport.
The new comprehensive NASCAR Rule Book’s Sports Gambling Policy includes – but is not limited to – the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Gander Outdoor Truck Series.
All gambling channels are covered with the policy banning betting in gaming, casino, lottery, race track and internet gaming – “or in any or all other establishments and locations.”
Off-track betting, including betting on disciplinary outcomes, team-driver signings and proposition bets, is also prohibited along with the dissemination of confidential information by NASCAR members for the purposes of enabling or facilitating gambling activity. Members are also required to report violations “at the first available opportunity”.
According to the policy, fantasy sports is permissible however under the rules members may not accept prizes exceeding $250.
“All NASCAR members have an obligation to protect the integrity of the sport. Gambling on NASCAR Events by Members can post a serious threat to the integrity of NASCAR, its stakeholders, and the industry as a whole. The integrity of NASCAR Competition remains our greatest asset.”
The policy, developed in collaboration with Sportradar Integrity Services, details minimum penalties if rules are breached including indefinite suspension or termination and/or a fine of between $150,000 and $200,000.
New York Sports Betting Bill Galloping Towards The Finish Line
Provides for in-venue sports betting at four upstate casinos.
New York’s State Gaming Commission’s (NYSGC) seven member panel has unanimously voted to preliminarily approve sports betting regulations at the state’s four casinos.
The regulations are still subject to a 60-day public comment window but as it stands legalised sports betting in the State looks to be a shoo-in.
GiG Live With Hard Rock Sports Book In New Jersey
Marks launch of GiG services in the US market
Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG) has gone live with Hard Rock’s omni-channel sportsbook offering marking the the launch of its sports betting services into the U.S. market for the first time.
The sportsbook delivers a seamless experience for players, who can now place bets online and on the mobile app within the state of New Jersey, and in person on the casino floor at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City.
“This is a milestone for GiG. We have an ambition to make our mark on the highly competitive sports betting vertical and have invested heavily,” Robin Reed, CEO of GiG, said.
“We are now launching our first major operator into a significant market with the possibility of more markets in the US to follow. We have gone from winning the highly competitive tender, to launching a full omni-channel solution in just over half a year.
“The launch of the sportsbook at HardRockSports.com is another milestone on our journey to becoming the most innovative and comprehensive online gaming service for players in the State of New Jersey,” Kresimir Spajic, senior vice president of online gaming at Hard Rock International, added.
“Sports are integral to New Jersey culture and HardRockSports.com provides fans with the best platform to bet on their favorite teams and sporting events.”
Bet.Works Signs Up For Geocomply Solution
For US Sports Betting Market
Online platform provider Bet.Works has struck a deal with GeoComply for the integration of its geo compliance solution for online sports betting and igaming in the US market.
“Geolocation compliance is a cornerstone of our online sports betting and iGaming platform and by partnering with GeoComply, we’re utilizing the industry’s most trusted solution to meet stringent state and federal regulations,” Quinton Singleton, Chief Operating Officer of Bet.Works, commented.
“Bet.Works has assembled some of the top executives in the sports betting industry and has built a very high level of technical expertise,” added Anna Sainsbury, Chairman of GeoComply.
“With sports betting legislation in the works for several states, we are excited to be their geolocation compliance solution partner to support all of their anticipated launches as the industry expands throughout the US.”