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Michael Savio

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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Ohio Considering New Tax on Sports Betting Handle for Operators

A new Ohio Senate bill proposes imposing a 2% privilege tax on the sports betting handle of all operators in the state to boost the industry's tax revenue. The bill is being seen as an alternative to a massive tax hike.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Penn Fires Back After HG Vora’s Scathing Letter to Investors

Penn Entertainment has sent a letter to investors, firing back at HG Vora, who has accused leadership of being self-serving. The letter outlines the company's plans for iGaming and ESPN Bet and argues that HG Vora has alternative motives.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Missouri Officially Begins Accepting Sports Betting Licenses

Missouri has officially opened the application period for sports betting operators to apply for licenses before the new market launches. A total of 19 retail and 21 mobile licenses will be available, and the market is set to launch by December 1.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Penn Leadership and Shareholders Clash Over ESPN Bet

One of Penn Entertainment’s largest shareholders has called for a change in leadership just days after CEO Jay Snowden hosted an optimistic earnings call. The infighting is over the future of ESPN Bet, which has yet to live up to Snowden’s projections.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

NCAA Considering Bringing an End to Ban on Pro Sports Betting

The NCAA may end its ban on pro sports betting amid concerns over rises in problem gambling and betting scandals involving coaches and athletes. The Division 1 council is currently considering the change and could make a decision within the next month.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Oklahoma Sports Betting Bills Put on Hold as the 2025 House Session Ends

The Oklahoma Senate could not conduct a floor vote for a pair of sports betting bills before the legislative session ended this week. However, the Senate could bring the bills back up for a vote in the 2026 session, which starts in February.
Sports Betting
Photo Courtesy of the Carol M. Highsmith Archive., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Penn Announces ESPN Bet Integration With Fantasy Platform

Penn Entertainment has announced that it will integrate its ESPN Bet platform with ESPN Fantasy Sports, one of the world's largest fantasy platforms. The integration details are unknown, but it is expected to be complete before the NFL season.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Colorado Bill to Tax Promo Bets Pushed to 2026 Legislative Session

The Colorado Senate passed HB 1311 to tax sportsbooks on promo bets. However, new amendments will need to be approved by the House during the 2026 legislative session. If passed, the bill would go into effect in July 2026.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Could the NCAA Make an Example Out of Iowa State University?

The NCAA penalized Iowa State University football staffers who placed over 6,000 illegal wagers on sports. This is the second betting scandal the school has faced over the last few years, leading some to wonder if more penalties could be coming.
Sports Betting
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Michael SavioBy: Michael Savio

Oklahoma Sports Betting Bills Set for Senate Floor Vote

Two sports betting bills are heading for a Senate floor vote in Oklahoma. One would legalize sports betting, which Governor Stitt has promised to veto. The other would circumvent Stitt and put the issue on the November 2026 ballot.
Sports Betting