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A Review of Your Rights When Choosing to Gamble Online

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A Review of Your Rights When Choosing to Gamble Online

 

Knowing Your Rights to Gamble Online

Freedom and liberty are all part of the American picture we are sold across the movies, TV, and news, but how true is this when it comes to gambling. We all know about Vegas and the US Powerball lotto is the biggest in the world, but not all things are as smooth sailing for US players wanting to experience more modern forms of gambling.

Online gambling is our focus in this review because despite it being a gaming platform for over 20-years, most American players do not know their rights when it comes to online gaming and the chance to win real money from the hundreds of online establishments providing classic casino games, online slot machines, and live sports betting.

Gambling in America is big business so let’s see how that transfers into the world of online gaming…

The Many Gambling Laws of America

In the United States of America, there are three sets of laws/regulations that are found at the level of Federal, State, and of Local. This alone contributes to the confusion over player’s rights, given that at the most basic level of understanding that gambling is outright illegal from a federal point of view, yet, depending on what state you live in, gambling can be 100% legal.

This is not so much an American thing, more of a general political stance that is shared by many other countries, mirrored most evidently by India.

We spoke with Sabrina Kumar, Editor-in-Chief of Casinos-India.in, a site offering expert reviews of  legal online casinos in India, to share with us how US and Indian laws are the same in almost every way.

“Gambling is a political hot potato. It is a taboo that has been around for centuries and is a very divisive topic when it comes to discussing rights and acceptance. India and the US have similar histories, with natives being either colonized by the British or European countries. In India, the British took over in 1858 and only ended in 1947. The sensibilities are more integrated because it was so recent, with the Indian Gambling Act being installed in 1867. In the US, the colonization started back in the 15th Century with the Spanish settlers, with the British taking territories in the 1600s, for nearly two centuries.

With gambling in India, the laws hardly changed once the British left and as India became a tourist destination with the introduction of public aviation in the 1950s, adjustments were made to introduce land casinos within the more popular regions of the country like Goa and Sikkim. Indian players, like those in the US, shared the same gambling law principles. At a higher government level, it was banned, but if a city or state wanted to appeal to tourists, then licensing approval allowed the industry to flourish.â€

How Online Casinos are Able to Operate

So, as it stands for players in India and in the US, if you wish to gamble, then you can travel to parts of the country where land casinos are licensed and permitted by approval of local law. So, how does all this work when it comes to an online business. Well, the law is clear on this and unless state-owned, no business within the country borders can form their own online gambling services.

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This is with exception of those within licensed states or cities. For American players, this is hardly liberty and freedom to play. Thankfully, with any law where governments can financially gain, there are loopholes.

Ideally, any government would fully allow gambling because it generates so much revenue in taxes, we are talking billions in dollars. But this would not sit well with the voters who are now conditioned to think gambling is bad. It is a catch-twenty-two for the government, but there are still ways they can profit.

The internet is a free domain for all and unless you live in North Korea, then no government dares to dictate how it can be used by the people. As it is a global platform, players can assess sites that are set overseas, for example, you can read CNN news whilst in Thailand and you can purchase goods off eBay in Europe from America.

This is the loophole. Players from America, just as in India, can access foreign casino sites that are registered outside of their respective countries. Americans can play in European casinos, just as Indian players can.

This is possible because of two factors. One, casinos are regulated by gambling bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UKGC. And two, because they accept foreign currencies. It’s as simple as that really.

These casino domains are just like any other online service and they can service players across many different countries.

Governments will benefit by being able to tax the services of online casinos that wish to trade within their country. Plus, players in the US will already have to pay a tax on winnings that are over $5,000. However, online, there is no taxable claim as the profits are technically made off American soil.

Your Rights to Gamble Online

Can you gamble in the US? Yes. Can you gamble online in the US? Yes, as long as the casino you are joining is not registered within any US borders. The world of the Internet allows you to explore foreign sites that accept US currency and payments are made in real US dollars also. To date, no online user has been brought to charge or faced prosecution because the loopholes are there, but because the laws are so messy between local and federal standpoints, it is no wonder why players hoping to gamble online do not and ultimately give up on the idea of it without researching first.

 

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Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions

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Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions

 

Tachi-Yokut Tribe of Santa Rosa Rancheria-owned and operated casino now equipped with world-leading 24/7/365 monitoring, proactive threat prevention and rapid response capabilities to safeguard its tribal gaming operations

Continent 8 Technologies, the leading provider of managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity solutions for the tribal gaming industry, is pleased to announce a new cybersecurity agreement with Tachi Palace Casino Resort to oversee and optimize their Security Operations Center (SOC) and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) cybersecurity operations.

In collaboration with Continent 8 and its cybersecurity division, C8 Secure, Tachi Palace Casino Resort will implement their managed SOC and SIEM services. The customer will gain instant access to a comprehensive SOC and SIEM solution featuring round-the-clock monitoring, sophisticated threat detection to pinpoint anomalies and potential risks, integrated threat intelligence to anticipate evolving threats and an advanced SIEM architecture designed for high-performance analytics and streamlined incident management.

Patrick Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Continent 8 said: “We are honored that Tachi Palace Casino Resort selected Continent 8 through a rigorous selection process as their trusted Managed Security Operations Center partner. As a leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) specializing in the gaming industry, we have deep insight into the unique cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing our customers today. Tachi Palace Casino Resort’s proactive commitment to safeguarding their infrastructure demonstrates exceptional leadership and a clear understanding that robust, continuous security is vital for protecting their customers, data and gaming operations.â€

Jerad Swimmer, Regional Sales Director at Continent 8 added: “It’s inspiring to see an increasing number of tribal gaming and casino organizations such as Tachi Palace Casino Resort making cybersecurity a core component of their strategic initiatives and organizational culture.

“We are delighted to support Tachi Palace Casino Resort as their trusted MSSP, ensuring a secure and strategic cybersecurity journey.”

David Clark, Information System Director at Tachi Palace Casino Resort said: “I am looking forward to our new partnership with Continent 8 and what the future brings for us.â€

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Churchill Downs Incorporated Reports 2025 First Quarter Results

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Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) (the “Company”, “CDI”, “we”) today reported business results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Company Highlights

  • First quarter 2025 financial results, as compared to the prior year quarter:
    • Record net revenue of $642.6 million, up $51.7 million or 9%
    • Net income attributable to CDI of $76.7 million, down $3.7 million or 5%
    • Record Adjusted EBITDA of $245.1 million, up $2.6 million or 1%
  • We opened Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky in February 2025, with 600 historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and food and beverage offerings.
  • We announced two new projects at Churchill Downs Racetrack that will enhance the 152nd Kentucky Derby experience for our guests in the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion. We also announced that we are pausing The Skye, Conservatory, and Infield General Admission capital projects due to the current economic environment.
  • In February 2025, we closed the seventh amendment of the Credit Agreement, which reduced the interest rate for Term Loan B-1 and eliminated the 0.10% credit spread adjustment.
  • In March 2025, the Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program.
  • We ended the first quarter of 2025 with net bank leverage of 4.0x and returned $119.5 million of capital to our shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
    • We repurchased $89.4 million of shares in the first quarter of 2025.
    • On January 3, 2025, we paid a $0.409 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of December 6, 2024, which represents the fourteenth consecutive year of an increased dividend per share.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
First Quarter
(in millions, except per share data) 2025 2024
Net revenue $ 642.6 $ 590.9
Net income attributable to CDI $ 76.7 $ 80.4
Diluted EPS attributable to CDI $ 1.02 $ 1.08
Adjusted EBITDA(a) $ 245.1 $ 242.5
(a) This is a non-GAAP measure. See explanation of non-GAAP measures below.
SEGMENT RESULTS

The summaries below present revenue from external customers and intercompany revenue from each of our reportable segments. All comparisons are against the applicable prior year period unless otherwise noted.

Live and Historical Racing

First Quarter
(in millions) 2025 2024
Revenue $ 276.4 $ 248.9
Adjusted EBITDA 102.0 100.8

First Quarter 2025

First quarter 2025 revenue increased $27.5 million due to an $18.2 million increase at our Virginia HRM venues, an $8.9 million increase from our Kentucky HRM venues, and a $0.4 million increase from our other Live and Historical Racing properties. The Virginia HRM increase of $18.2 million was primarily due to the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort in Northern Virginia, partially offset by a decrease from our other Virginia HRM venues primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. The Kentucky HRM increase of $8.9 million was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth from our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease at our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to 2024 leap year.

First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.2 million due to a $3.1 million increase at our Kentucky HRM venues, partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease primarily from our Virginia HRM venues. Our Kentucky HRM venues increase was primarily due to the February 2025 opening of Owensboro Racing and Gaming in Western Kentucky and growth at our Northern and Southwestern Kentucky properties, partially offset by a decrease from our Louisville properties due to the impact of weather and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year. Our Virginia HRM venues decreased $2.0 million primarily due to lower unrated play from consumer softness and competition, the impact of weather, increased handle tax and racing-related expenses, and one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, partially offset by the November 2024 opening of The Rose Gaming Resort.

Wagering Services and Solutions

First Quarter
(in millions) 2025 2024
Revenue $ 115.8 $ 114.1
Adjusted EBITDA 41.3 39.6

First Quarter 2025

First quarter 2025 revenue increased $1.7 million due to a $3.1 million increase from Exacta due to incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $0.8 million increase in TwinSpires Horse Racing. These increases were partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease from our sports betting business.

First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.7 million due to a $3.8 million increase from Exacta due to a $2.7 million increase primarily from incremental HRMs in Virginia and New Hampshire and a $1.1 million decrease from lower compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by a $1.1 million decrease from our sports betting business and a $1.0 million decrease from TwinSpires Horse Racing due to increased legal expenses.

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Gaming

First Quarter
(in millions) 2025 2024
Revenue $ 267.2 $ 243.2
Adjusted EBITDA 123.5 122.8

First Quarter 2025

First quarter 2025 revenue increased $24.0 million due to a $31.6 million increase from the April 2024 opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort, partially offset by a $7.6 million decrease primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.

First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.7 million due to an $11.5 million increase attributable to the opening of the Terre Haute Casino Resort in April 2024, partially offset by a $6.6 million decrease from our wholly owned gaming properties and a $4.2 million decrease from our equity investments primarily due to regional gaming softness, increased competition, higher labor and benefit expense, one less day in the quarter due to the 2024 leap year, and the impact of weather at certain properties.

All Other

First Quarter
(in millions) 2025 2024
Revenue $ 2.0 $ —
Adjusted EBITDA (21.7 ) (20.7 )

First Quarter 2025

First quarter 2025 revenue increased $2.0 million increased due to intercompany revenue related to the captive insurance company that was established in April 2024. All captive revenue is eliminated in consolidation.

First quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.0 million driven primarily by increased corporate compensation-related expenses and other corporate administrative expenses as a result of enterprise growth.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Share Repurchase Program

On March 12, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a common stock repurchase program of up to $500 million (“2025 Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2025 Stock Repurchase Program includes and is not in addition to the $125.6 million remaining under the prior 2021 Stock Repurchase Program authorization.

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The Company repurchased 798,250 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $89.4 million in the first quarter of 2025. We had approximately $434.6 million of repurchase authority remaining under the 2025 Stock Repurchase Program as of March 31, 2025.

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CDI

First Quarter 2025 Results

The Company’s first quarter 2025 net income attributable to CDI was $76.7 million compared to $80.4 million in the prior year quarter.

The following factors impacted the comparability of the Company’s first quarter 2025 net income to the prior year quarter:

  • a $6.7 million after-tax decrease in other recoveries, net primarily driven by insurance claim proceeds recorded in the prior year quarter.

This was partially offset by:

  • a $5.6 million after-tax decrease in transaction, pre-opening, and other expenses.

Excluding the items above, first quarter 2025 adjusted net income attributable to CDI decreased $4.8 million primarily due to the following:

  • a $3.0 million after-tax decrease in equity income from our unconsolidated affiliates;
  • a $2.0 million after-tax increase in interest expense associated with lower capitalization of interest related to capital projects in the current year, partially offset by lower interest rates; and
  • a $0.5 million after-tax decrease due a portion of United Tote’s income being recognized as noncontrolling interest.

This was partially offset by:

  • a $0.7 million after-tax increase primarily driven by the results of our operations.

Conference Call

A conference call regarding this news release is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 9 a.m. ET. Investors and other interested parties may listen to the teleconference by accessing the online, real-time webcast and broadcast of the call at http://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events.cfm, or by registering in advance via teleconference here. Once registration is completed, participants will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized conference code to access the call. All participants are encouraged to dial-in 15 minutes prior to the start time. An online replay will be available by noon ET on Thursday, April 24, 2025. A copy of the Company’s news release announcing quarterly results and relevant financial and statistical information about the period will be accessible at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the results provided in accordance with GAAP, the Company also uses non-GAAP measures, including adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and Adjusted EBITDA.

The Company uses non-GAAP measures as a key performance measure of the results of operations for purposes of evaluating performance internally. These measures facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and help investors to better understand the operating results of the Company by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core business or operating results. The Company believes the use of these measures enables management and investors to evaluate and compare, from period to period, the Company’s operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. The non-GAAP measures are a supplemental measure of our performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP, and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or diluted EPS (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of our operating results.

We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate segment performance, develop strategy, and allocate resources. We utilize the Adjusted EBITDA metric to provide a more accurate measure of our core operating results and enable management and investors to evaluate and compare from period to period our operating performance in a meaningful and consistent manner. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income as an indicator of performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure provided in accordance with GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited.

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS exclude discontinued operations net income or loss; net income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest; transaction expense, which includes acquisition and disposition related charges, as well as legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense; pre-opening expense; and certain other gains, charges, recoveries, and expenses.

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Adjusted EBITDA includes our portion of EBITDA from our equity investments and the portion of EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest.

Adjusted EBITDA excludes, as applicable in each period:

  • Transaction expense, net which includes:
    • Acquisition, disposition, and property sale related charges;
    • Other transaction expense, including legal, accounting, and other deal-related expense;
  • Stock-based compensation expense;
  • Rivers Des Plaines’ impact on our investments in unconsolidated affiliates from legal reserves and transaction costs;
  • Asset impairments;
  • Gain on property sales;
  • Legal reserves;
  • Pre-opening expense; and
  • Other charges, recoveries, and expenses.

For segment reporting, Adjusted EBITDA includes intercompany revenue and expense totals that are eliminated in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See the Reconciliation of Comprehensive Income to Adjusted EBITDA included herewith for additional information.

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R. Franco Digital is getting ready to shine at GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 with its most comprehensive offering of land-based and digital gaming

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R. Franco Digital is getting ready to shine at GAT Expo Cartagena 2025 with its most comprehensive offering of land-based and digital gaming

 

Franco Digital has confirmed its participation in GAT Expo Cartagena 2025, one of the most iconic gaming industry events in Latin America, which will take place from April 28 to 30 in the walled city.

The Spanish company will bring to the trade show its latest lineup of products for the retail, platform, and online gaming segments, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, technology, and the development of the industry in the region.

The event, renowned for bringing together the industry’s key players, will feature an outstanding agenda including international-level conferences, product exhibitions, and much more. Attendees will take part in panels and roundtable discussions focused on regulations, market trends, and innovation.

In this context, R. Franco will showcase its solid portfolio of land-based products, highlighting successful titles such as Rocket Link, Ice & Fire, and Boom Balink, along with its On Mix solution designed for route operations. Additionally, the digital division will present its advanced online gaming platform, and a portfolio of titles created to maximize both player experience and operator profitability.

Javier Sacristán, director of R. Franco International, said: “GAT Expo is a must-attend event for us. Colombia is a key and constantly evolving market. That’s why we are fully committed to delivering solutions that meet the needs of both operators and their customers, combining innovation, design, and profitability.

“Our presence at this trade show reflects the Group’s commitment to Latin America. We are presenting a comprehensive offering that meets the new demands of the market—from next-generation land-based games to a powerful digital proposition that reinforces our position as a global provider.â€

GAT Expo Cartagena represents a valuable opportunity to continue building alliances with new strategic partners in the region and to strengthen existing business relationships, all within a setting that blends a high level of professionalism with the cultural, culinary, and natural charm of Cartagena de Indias.

With this comprehensive presence, R. Franco and R. Franco Digital reaffirm their commitment to the Latin American market and to a gaming industry that is safe, sustainable, and innovative.

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