Gambling in the USA
Sports Betting Kicks Off in Several States as Football Season Gets Underway
UNLV gaming law expert weighs in on the current landscape of legal sports wagering and what the future holds.
September’s arrival coincides with the beginning of a major pastime in the lives of Americans: football.
‘Tis the season for fans to not only cheer for and cry over their favorite teams, but to make wagers on them, too.
The opportunity to bet on football teams has expanded dramatically in the past year, with more and more states legalizing and launching sports wagering markets. It’s the result of a U.S. Supreme Court decision in May 2018 to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), also known as the Bradley Act.
Since then, several states have joined Nevada — the only state that previously operated full-scale, legal sports betting — in allowing their residents to bet on sporting events. But there’s even more to come.
Jennifer Roberts, associate director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation at UNLV, gives a snapshot of where Americans can legally place wagers, and what the future holds for an industry that’s nascent in much of the country.
What does the current sports betting landscape look like?
There are 12 states with active, legally regulated sports betting, and several other states, along with Washington D.C., that have made sports betting legal, but haven’t yet launched their programs.
I estimate that within five to 10 years of PASPA being struck down, sports betting will be legalized in at least 30 states. I wouldn’t be surprised to see nearly every state — perhaps with the exception of Utah — eventually adopt some version of sports wagering.
Massachusetts and Michigan are currently talking about it, and Louisiana nearly passed legislation this year. There are several states that I expect to propose legislation in upcoming legislative cycles. Prior to the Supreme Court decision, Nevada was the only state that had full-scale, legal sports betting.
What’s the reason that a state might want to jump in? What should states take into consideration before making sports betting a legal enterprise?
I think generating revenues is a piece of it. Employment is another aspect, and of course, fighting the illegal market. It’s better to have it open and transparent than maintain it in an illegal market.
Before states consider taking the plunge, they need to understand how sports betting works. That’s the key. Many states approach this new enterprise thinking that it’s going to solve budget woes, but that’s likely not the case.
In Rhode Island, for example, lawmakers there projected sports betting revenues of $11.5 million, but only about $150,000 came in over the first several months. In Nevada, sports wagering makes up 2.5 percent of gaming revenues — a very small portion. That’s because, while we might have a large amount of money being wagered, operators also have to pay out winning wagers. Sports betting is all about managing risk — you don’t want to take wagers on things where you’re going to lose a lot of money. The New England Patriots’ Super Bowl victory, for example, cost Rhode Island nearly $1.2 million in payouts. In Nevada, sports books lose $10 million on Sunday NFL games, but they win quite a bit of money on college basketball. States, overall, need to have a realistic understanding and approach to sports betting.
It’s also important for states to keep in mind that fighting the illegal market is not easy. It’s always going to be a battle over convenience, pricing, and access to credit. But the advantages of a legal market outweigh those of an illegal market. In a legal market, patron funds are safe and secure, and there are greater consumer protections. In a regulated system, sports wagering is more likely to be done honestly and fairly, and you can also provide problem gambling messaging.
If I want to open a sports book within a state that allows legal sports betting, what should I know?
Sports betting looks a little bit different in each state. Some states, for example, do not allow wagering on college games within their boundaries. Some states are going to focus on mobile platforms, and other states are not going to allow mobile betting at all. Some states operate sports betting through a lottery system, and others operate it through a casino. So, it’s really varied across the U.S.
Working within the boundaries that each state sets up can be especially challenging if you’re an operator with locations in multiple jurisdictions. In that case, you’re going to have to operate differently in each state, and pay attention to how the tax rates differ.
It’s also important for operators to communicate and share information between states. In Nevada, our legal sports books have an interest in protecting against betting corruption, and will notify our regulators if they see anything suspicious. It’s important to avoid silos so that the integrity of the market is protected everywhere.
How will the sports betting market change and grow over the next few years?
There is likely going to be a push to include more and more non-traditional sporting events in the legal betting market. One major example of this is minor league baseball. Earlier this year, Nevada sports books began taking wagers on the Las Vegas Aviators after the Nevada Gaming Commission repealed a rule that prohibited betting on professional baseball games. Sports betting is also expanding to tennis, golf, international hockey, WNBA, Australian rugby, cricket, cycling, and even college lacrosse.
Betting on non-sporting, international and esports events is also growing in the U.S. New Jersey, for example, offered wagering on the Academy Awards for the first time this year, and Nevada allows people to make wagers on the World Series of Poker and has approved wagering on Golden Tee tournaments. New Jersey was also approached about doing the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, but they declined to do it.
In the future, it’s also possible that the location of sports books will expand. Washington D.C. will likely allow sports betting in sports arenas and the NBA recently announced a virtual sports betting platform. It will be very interesting to see how this all plays out, especially as global markets are seeing more restrictions and compliance penalties.
About the Expert:
Jennifer Roberts is an expert in sports betting, gaming regulation and law, gaming compliance, and casino operations. She serves as the associate director of UNLV’s International Center for Gaming Regulation, which conducts cutting-edge research and regulatory evaluation in order to promote international best practices in gaming regulation. Roberts also teaches courses in gaming law at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV.
Gambling in the USA
Industry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook
Delaware North, a global hospitality and entertainment company with a significant gaming division, has named industry veteran Lee Terfloth as chief interactive gaming officer as it pushes ahead with ambitious plans for its digital offering.
Terfloth has an impeccable track record across some of the biggest land-based and online gaming operators in North America, including Borgata, Resorts Digital, Hard Rock and, most recently, Prime Sports, where he was chief executive officer.
As chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, Terfloth will be responsible for two core objectives: Expanding the operator’s Betly mobile sportsbook and casino brand into additional iGaming states while also reviewing its sportsbook business to improve operational efficiency.
The appointment of Terfloth comes hot on the heels of news that Delaware North has chosen to migrate to Playtech’s powerful online sportsbook and casino platform in the states of Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Jason Gregorec, president of Delaware North’s gaming division, said:
“Lee Terfloth is a high-caliber senior iGaming executive who has played a key role in launching and growing interactive gaming divisions at some of the most established and renowned gambling operators in North America.
“We are delighted to be able to leverage this experience and knowledge as we ramp up our own online gaming division via our Betly brand, which has already gained traction in key online sports betting and iGaming states such as Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia.
“I’d like to officially welcome Lee to the team and look forward to working with him as we deploy our ambitious plans for online gaming across regulated U.S. states,” Gregorec said.
Lee Terfloth, chief interactive gaming officer at Delaware North, added: “I’m thrilled to join Delaware North at a pivotal time for the business as it shifts up a gear with its activity in the online gaming space.
“Betly is an incredibly strong brand and now that we are migrating to the Playtech platform, we have the technological foundation to really level up our activity in terms of markets and the quality of the experience we offer to players.
“I have plenty of experience working with operators at this stage in their lifecycle and look forward to working with the incredible team we have in place to not only meet but exceed the goals the business has set for its interactive division,” Terfloth said.
Gambling in the USA
Mr. Gamble Expands Across the US: CMO Paul Puolakka Reflects on the Growth into Pennsylvania and West Virginia
Expanding Mr. Gamble’s footprint into Pennsylvania and West Virginia is a significant milestone for us. This is not just about entering new markets – it is about strengthening our position in the dynamic US iGaming sector.
By securing licences in these crucial states, we are readily available to deliver tailor-made experiences that align with the preferences of locals within these US states, thus enhancing our competitive advantage.
As the Chief Marketing Officer, I have played a key role in his expansion. My deep understanding of market trends and expertise in affiliate marketing has been vital in navigating these new territories. My focus has been on ensuring that our entry into these US states is not only successful but sustainable in the long term.
As we venture into these new states and new markets, I am more than confident that Mr. Gamble is going to be a loyal companion and guide for many players looking to take that first step towards casino gambling.
The Strategic Vision Behind Mr. Gamble’s US Expansion
Expanding into Pennsylvania, and West Virginia is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with Mr. Gamble’s growth plans. These states have been specifically chosen for their thriving and expanding markets, clear regulatory frameworks, and strong player engagements.
West Virginia has shown a growing interest in online gambling, making it a tempting choice for expansion.
Our success in New Jersey was a prime factor in this decision. The positive feedback and solid performance of our site have validated our approach and showcased the potential for growth in other states. This experience has given us a good confidence boost as we venture into these new markets. We are confident that our offerings as well as adherence to regulatory standards will resonate with our readers.
For Mr. Gamble, entering West Virginia is a natural progression. These new states provide markets with strong regulations that give priority to player safety. Given our achievement in New Jersey, I am optimistic that our site will connect with players in these states just as effectively.
Positive Response from Our Readers
The feedback we have received since expanding into the US has been exceptionally gratifying. Both our operator partners and readers have shown great enthusiasm for what Mr. Gamble has to offer. Our dedication to transparent high-quality content and user-centric experience has clearly struck a chord with the US audience.
From my point, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have praised our honest reviews and transparent information, highlighting their satisfaction with the reliability of our content. The feedback mirrors our commitment to building trust and delivering good value to our readers.
Our casino operator partners have also expressed their appreciation for our marketing approach. They have noted that our effective marketing strategies and transparent methods have contributed significantly to their positive experiences.
One partner remarked, ‘Mr. Gamble’s clear, straightforward approach and dedication to high-quality content and exclusive bonus offers have made our collaboration both smooth and rewarding.’
What Players in Pennsylvania and West Virginia Can Expect
Players in Pennsylvania and West Virginia are in for a treat with Mr. Gamble’s arrival. Players can enjoy reading comprehensive reviews of licensed and regulated casino sites, get their hands on exclusive casino bonuses and enjoy a wide range of games by the world’s leading game developers. Whether you are accessing our site from your laptop or mobile device, we have optimised the experience so you can navigate the site without any issues.
We are also rolling out state-specific casino bonuses. Expect generous welcome casino bonus offers, free spins, no deposit bonuses and match deposit offers designed to boost your bankroll. We regularly update our page so you always have access to the latest casino promotions.
Mr. Gamble’s website features a user-friendly design with handy filtering options, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for. The site has been created with different player needs in mind, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience as you explore the best casinos and bonuses available in your state.
Promoting Responsible Gambling: Play Smart with Mr. Gamble
At Mr. Gamble, our dedication to responsible gambling is unwavering. We strive to ensure that our readers enjoy a secure and enjoyable experience by featuring only licensed casinos that follow regulatory standards religiously.
Responsible gambling is a fundamental principle for us as we enter the US market. We are committed to equipping readers with the necessary tools and resources they may require to gamble responsibly. Every casino we promote meets the highest standards for fairness, security and player protection.
Our team’s effort has been key to our successful expansion into these new states. From content to development and marketing, every department has worked tirelessly to achieve our goals. Their hard work is the driving force behind our progress and I am incredibly proud of this monumental achievement.
The potential in the US market is enormous and the positive feedback we have received is only the tip of the iceberg. As we continue to grow, I am excited about what the future holds and that the presence of our site in these states will only strengthen, setting the stage for further expansion in the years to come.
Mr. Gamble: Gamblers’ One Stop Shop
Mr. Gamble stands at the very front of iGaming affiliating, offering in-depth and frank casino reviews as well as expert insights for gamblers. With a strong presence across multiple regulated markets, we are dedicated to delivering reliable information while promoting responsible gambling practices.
Since launching, Mr. Gamble has gained recognition and scooped up awards for its commitment to transparency and fairness. We pride ourselves on providing unbiased reviews of online casinos, slot and casino games and clear terms for casino bonuses and promotions.
Our main goal and mission is to equip players with all the necessary information to help them make informed choices, thus ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Gambling in the USA
Snoqualmie Casino Announces Exciting Rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Ahead of Major Expansion
Snoqualmie Casino has announced its rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, reflecting an exciting new chapter in the venue’s history as it embarks on a much-anticipated expansion. Set for completion in mid-2025, this project promises to elevate the guest experience, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for entertainment, relaxation, and culinary excellence.
The cornerstone of the expansion is the construction of a luxurious hotel, which will offer guests unparalleled comfort and stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si. With a focus on sustainability and modern design, the hotel will feature upscale accommodations, a full-service destination spa, and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. Plus, there are architectural details inspired by Snoqualmie culture from a modern slant roof hotel design representing the original longhouses of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ancestors to carefully chosen artwork placed throughout for guests to enjoy.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s destination spa will offer an immersive escape that blends relaxation with the healing power of nature. Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments. Experience the perfect blend of wellness and nature where luxury, tradition and innovation come together for an incredibly transformative experience.
“It is my honor and privilege to announce that Snoqualmie Casino has now become Snoqualmie Casino and Hotel. Over the past three years, the Snoqualmie Tribe and Casino have been diligently working to bring a one-of-a-kind, world-class hotel to the Snoqualmie Valley,” said Interim CEO Mary Lou Patterson.
In addition, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel will expand its gaming floor, introducing an array of new options to enhance the entertainment experience for guests. This expansion will include the latest slots, electronic and traditional table games, as well as a dedicated high-limit gaming area for discerning players seeking a more exclusive gaming experience.
One of the highlights of the expansion is the development of a state-of-the-art 2000-seat entertainment and convention center. This versatile venue will host a variety of events, from concerts to conferences, positioning Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as a key player in the region’s entertainment landscape. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on guest comfort, the center will attract top-tier talent and events, making it a must-visit destination.
In addition to the award-winning Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood, 12 Moons, and Falls Buffet, a new sports bar and grill will be introduced to provide patrons with the ultimate game day experience. Other new dining options, set to open later, will showcase local ingredients and flavors, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for guests.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel recently launched a brand-new valet garage. The dual level indoor and outdoor structure, with 600 additional spaces, doubles the previous capacity for valet parking creating easier access into the casino. This is the first piece of new development at Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel that has opened for immediate use. The entire project anticipates creating numerous job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic growth of the Snoqualmie area.
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