Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A new PPI study into the new socioeconomic impact of sports betting showed that the negative financial impact of the industry is far lower than expected. The results contradict those from other studies and leave responsible gaming groups with a crucial choice.
A former member of the ASU’s men’s basketball team is involved in an NCAA gambling investigation. The program was involved in an infamous point-shaving scandal almost 30 years ago, providing a case study to examine how gambling enforcement has evolved since then.
The US sports prediction market industry will be far larger heading into the football season. With expanded bet types and more operators, many expect the new sector to see a ton of action. However, these controversial markets will also bring several dangers.
MGM and its BetMGM platform have announced they will be expanding their GameSense responsible gaming program in ten NFL stadiums ahead of the season’s start. The gambling giant also made a $200,00 donation to the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey has rejected a request for arbitration over a lease renewal for the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline from the National Council on Problem Gambling. The local council has said it plans to operate the number itself.
Officials from the Little League World Series have publicly condemned offshore sportsbooks for offering odds on the international youth baseball tournament. While the states have been working to push offshore operators out, many continue to operate in the US.
A battle over the 1-800-GAMBLER trademark is unfolding in a New Jersey court, raising concerns that the crucial problem gambling resource could go offline. A restraining order has kept it active, but it is set to expire when the football season begins.
Responsible gaming advocates are sounding amid layoffs at the CFTC. The regulator is currently has sole authority over controversial sports prediction markets, which some fear will lead to a massive spike in problem gambling over the next year.
DraftKings has agreed to refund over $3 million to online casino users in Connecticut as part of a settlement for violating the state’s advertising laws. The deal doesn’t require the operator to admit guilt, as they are fighting similar allegations in other markets.
BetMGM and FanDuel have partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling to request that the US Senate fund a study on problem gambling in the military. The industry giants joined with the group a couple of weeks after it began the campaign.
Caesars Entertainment released its Corporate Social Responsibility Report for 2024, which celebrated the 35th anniversary of Project 21. The responsible gaming initiative was launched in 1984 and has helped lead to many industry practices used today.
Three more states have chosen to place bands on the sweepstakes industry, continuing a country-wide trend. While lawmakers are looking to protect bettors, we are left wondering how eliminating these free-to-play platforms will affect the growth of problem gambling.
The Maine Gambling Control Unit issued a public statement warning residents about online casino operators and reminding them that the industry remains illegal. The warning comes as state lawmakers decide to reconsider creating a regulated industry.
The NFL has partnered with the International Center for Responsible Gaming to fund a study of the betting habits of college athletes and students. The league hopes the study will help curb problem gambling and better protect athletes from harassment.
The Responsible Online Gaming Association has released new guidelines for how sportsbook VIP hosts should interact with customers to curb problem gambling. The new best practices come as VIP hosts have come under fire over problem gambling concerns.
Charles Barkley shared that he uses a bookie to circumvent FanDuel’s betting limits during an NHL broadcast. Some responsible gaming advocates believe his remark crossed a line by suggesting a way for the public to avoid responsible gaming guardrails.
Sweepstakes casino giant VGW has announced the formation of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance to support the social gaming industry. The group will be led by former South Carolina US Rep. Jeff Duncan, who will focus on legitimizing the industry amid a nationwide crackdown.
FanDuel has announced a new real-time check-in tool for players making larger or more frequent deposits than usual. The AI tool will track customer deposits and betting patterns to ensure the check-in is sent to those who show early signs of problem gambling.
The New York Assembly is currently considering a bill that would set a $5,000 daily wagering cap on sports betting, as well as advertising restrictions. Those restrictions include set hours for advertising and a ban on in-game ads and the promotion of free bets.
A Michigan regulator has issued a new round of cease-and-desist letters to 13 illegal operators, demanding they shut down their platforms within 14 days. The state believes these operators are creating a dangerous alternative to its regulated gambling markets.
The Illinois House is reviewing SB0118, which would add gambling addiction to the Substance Use Disorder Act, unlocking tools to fight the rising problem. The Senate unanimously passed the bill, giving proponents hope that it will soon become law.
Several US states have banned or considered bans on all sweepstakes casinos as legal gambling spreads, but many are wondering if it is the right move. With problem gambling on the rise, are states taking away a possible solution?
EDGE Markets has launched its new EDGE Boost banking platform to give gamblers a safer way to fund and better manage their gambling money strategy. The FDIC ensures the platform, giving bettors another safe option to fund their gambling.
The New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee unanimously passed a bill banning sweepstakes gambling this week, setting up a Senate floor vote. The bill aims to subject the industry to the same regulations and taxes as the real-money gambling industry.
New Responsible gaming initiatives will be tested as the AGA is projecting a record-setting $3.1 billion in wagers during the 2025 edition of March Madness. The tournament will give lawmakers a barometer to gauge these initiatives' effectiveness.
Rep. Tonko and Sen. Blumenthal have reintroduced the SAFE Bet Act into Congress, which would shift sports betting regulation to the federal government. The bill is meant to address the sharp rise in problem gambling but will face heavy opposition from the industry.
A group of Connecticut lawmakers has proposed Senate Bill 1464, which would set a maximum daily sports betting wagering limit. Supporters hope that the bill will help curb the alarming rise in problem gambling without a full ban on the industry.
A group of 16 lawmakers have proposed House Resolution 52 to officially recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month to curb the growing problem. The bill would also formally make gambling addiction a public health issue deserving of more resources.
Rep. Salinas and Sen. Blumenthal have reintroduced the GRIT Act to stop the rise of gambling addiction and prevent problem gambling before it happens. The bill would funnel federal sports betting funds to programs to address the growing issue.
The Mississippi Senate has overwhelmingly voted in favor of SB 2510, which would ban sweepstakes casinos after operators ignored requests to shut down. The bill will now head to the House for a vote before the Governor can sign off.
FanDuel parent company Flutter has announced that over half of users have engaged with the new “My Spend” tool, which promotes responsible money management. The tool allows bettors to view their finances with FanDuel to ensure they aren’t betting beyond their means.
NCAA President Charlie Baker appeared at a US Senate hearing to request increased federal sports betting regulations to protect athletes' mental health. Baker cited a rise in the harassment of college athletes as a reason for increased regulations nationwide.
A recently proposed bill in the New Jersey Assembly takes a unique approach to underage gambling. It lowers fines and removes the threat of jail time. All revenue generated from fines would be used to support the state’s problem gambling programs.