Latest News
The Gambling Battle for Governor of Kentucky
In November 2023, Kentucky held its gubernatorial election, which pinned Andy Beshear, the Incumbent Democratic governor, against Daniel Cameron, the Republican state attorney general. The race was won by Beshear, who attained re-election by winning 52.53% of the vote, in an election that saw the best performance by a Democrat since 2011 and the worst by a Republican. However, it wasnât the race that generated nationwide media attention as much as the monetary contributions both parties received to back specific interests. Notably, heavy gambling interests put big money on the election.
According to the available data, in 2023, Kentuckyâs horse race tracks gave sizeable funds to the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which forked over around $19 million to back Andy Beshearâs win. Per uncovered IRS reports, the DGA received $50,000 from Revolutionary Racing Kentucky, $200,000 from Kentucky Downs, and a quarter of a million dollars from Churchill Downs in the latter half of 2023. That said, Daniel Cameronâs campaign also got a gambling fund boost, as it was revealed that the Republican candidate obtained $362,000 in contributions through the Republican Governors Association (RGA) from Georgia-based gaming machine manufacturer Pace-O-Matic in 2023 to fuel Cameronâs $12 million bid for governor.
Thankfully, both the RGA and DGA must disclose their expenses and donors to the IRS, which supplies the public with much-needed transparency regarding whose interests governor candidates will seek to look out for. Aside from gambling entities, both Cameron and Beshear noted backing from energy, health, and financial companies. Nonetheless, the gambling total came to somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 million, an impressive sum.
Differing Gambling Interests in Kentucky
As noted above, Kentucky horse race tracks supported Beshearâs second term by providing considerable donations to his campaign. That happened primarily because Beshear legalized sports betting in the state. The bill he passed allowed tracks to open retail lounges that accept wagers on sporting events. Thus, in September 2023, the Governor was the first to place a bet on an athletic competition in Kentucky. He laid a $20 parlay on two home-state college teams at the Churchill Downs track, citing this is the type of entertainment Kentuckians have been looking for for years. He added that allowing this activity will only boost local tourism and make people stay in Kentucky and not flee for Vegas once the NCAA March Madness tournament rolls around.
It should be said that once, the stateâs multiple tracks, Cumberland Run, Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, Red Mile Racing & Gaming, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, Oak Grove Racing & Gaming, Churchill Downs, and Sandy’s Racing & Gaming, established their brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, they also began exploring possibilities branching off into other types of gambling.
So, on one side, the Democrats got chiefly backed by the tracks in Kentucky. And the Republicans got aid from Pace-O-Matic, a company whose twenty-five hundred Burning Barrel games got shut down in June 2023, on the claim that they violated Kentucky law, which does not allow games of chance, even though Pace-O-Matic classifies them as ones of skill, citing that their nature does not cause any conflict with the stateâs legislature.
Still, the manufacturerâs machines, widely available across the commonwealth at gas stations and bars, got disabled. That occurred by the rule of law from Governor Beshear, who signed the bill that banned them, proclaiming they feature no regulation, bring in zero in taxation, and only exist to take away hard-earned dollars from Kentuckians. However, venue owners throughout the state have rebelled against the move, stating that these machines help keep them in business, as the money they receive from hosting them is enough to cover their utility bills.
Hence, from everything explained above, it is clear that Beshear is interested in keeping his supporters happy by eliminating their gambling competitors, who looked to back someone else to take his place and change the laws to their benefit.
The Online Casino Situation in Kentucky
While Internet sports wagering is booming in the US, the same cannot be said of interactive gaming, as only seven US states have chosen to permit such gambling sites. Kentucky is not among them, as KY online casinos cannot be run from within the stateâs borders. That said, for years, residents have been able to use internationally-regulated platforms based in foreign lands for game-of-chance fun.
Proposed lawsuits filed in Kentuckyâs Eastern District in August of 2023 have raised eyebrows regarding whether this entertainment form is still available to Kentuckyâs citizens due to a Lawrenceburg resident, Billi Jo Woods, suing Bovada and Bodog (Morris Mohawk Gaming Group), reputable offshore operators for violating state gambling law.
In the proposed suit, Woods alleged she had lost substantial amounts of money gambling at Bovada/Bodog-operated hubs and is calling about a 19th-century law that declares that Kentuckians can file legal actions against operators who they believe have unlawfully taken funds from them. The grounds for Woods’ suit is that the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group offers online casino gaming to the stateâs citizens despite the state not legalizing this activity. Few believe this action will produce meaningful results for Woods, as loads of Kentuckians still use offshore platforms to satisfy their gaming needs.
Latest News
SCCG Partners with Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise to Enhance Interactive Gaming Operations with Managed Services
SCCG Management, a leading global advisory firm in the gaming and sports betting industry, is proud to announce its engagement by the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise (ONGE) to assist in developing innovative, robust, player-centric solutions for sportsbook operations, on-line/mobile social casino, and Class II mobile on-premise gaming, designed to enhance the patron experience with diverse content, and drive operational efficiency.
The ONGE, operators of seven gaming and hospitality facilities in Oklahoma, is known for providing an intimate, guest-focused gaming, service, and entertainment experience. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating advanced technology and operational expertise to deliver innovative solutions for the evolving interactive gaming landscape.
SCCG Managed Services (SCCGMS) specializes in turnkey solutions for tribal operators to develop, optimize, and manage sports betting and interactive gaming offerings. For the ONGE, , SCCGMS will assist in sourcing and implementing customized products and services tailored to their operations, enabling patrons to enjoy casino-style games on their mobile devices while within designated areas of the casino properties. This service ensures compliance with regulatory standards while delivering a seamless and convenient gaming experience.
âOur mission is to ensure operators like the Osage Nation Gaming Enterprise can fully harness the potential of their gaming operations,â said Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO of SCCG Management. âThis partnership is about bringing cutting-edge technology and operational expertise to elevate interactive gaming experiences. We are honored to collaborate with the ONGE, a leader in tribal gaming, to pave the way for enhanced content, responsible gaming, and innovation.â
âOn behalf of Osage Casinos, we are very pleased to announce our engagement of SCCG to assist us with developing these new products and services for our guests,â offered Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Gaming.
Compliance Updates
Licenses received: RockApp strengthens its position in the US iGaming market
RockApp, a leading global media buying agency, proudly announces that it has obtained official licenses in all regulated US states, allowing it to promote iGaming services nationwide, including Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. With these licenses, RockApp is now authorized to operate in all regulated US states, except for New York. This achievement comes amidst tightening regulatory standards, underscoring the agency’s commitment to compliance and excellence in performance marketing. The move positions RockApp as a trusted partner for iGaming companies looking to expand their reach in one of the worldâs largest and fastest-growing markets.
These developments enable the agency to work with prominent industry players, including established American brands, and deliver targeted advertising campaigns with measurable results. By securing a legal presence in all regulated states, RockApp reinforces its reputation as a reliable and professional partner, capable of navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
This milestone is part of RockAppâs broader strategy to strengthen its position as a global leader in the media buying industry. Over the past year, the company has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving a 440% increase in customer acquisition, a 300% boost in turnover, and a record-breaking 4,000 first-time deposits achieved in a single day. These achievements reflect RockAppâs dedication to innovation, strategic planning, and delivering exceptional value to its clients.
“This is a pivotal moment for RockApp,” said Niko Belikov, Founder at RockApp. “Securing licenses in the US not only opens new doors for us but also allows us to bring our expertise in iGaming promotion to a market that values professionalism and results. Weâre excited to support our clients as they navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve unparalleled success.”
Latest News
BetMGM Secures Exclusive Online Casino Content Rights to âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ with Fremantle Partnership
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced a new and exclusive online casino rights partnership with Fremantle, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing entertainment content for over 100 years. The multi-year agreement secures the intellectual property rights for iconic game shows âThe Price is Rightâ and âFamily Feudâ for slots, table games, and non-traditional casino games. The partnership establishes the foundation for BetMGM to create customized online casino content around both game show brands.
âThis partnership unlocks various ways for BetMGM and Fremantle to collaborate and expand our brand. âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ are two of the most popular game shows in North America, and we look forward to bringing their fun and excitement to our online casino in various exciting ways,â said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer of BetMGM.
During select weeks throughout the upcoming seasons, BetMGM will be featured as a sponsor with exclusive, never-before-seen partnership integrations for âFamily Feudâ and âThe Price is Rightâ. Throughout 2025 BetMGM and Fremantle will reveal additional details on these planned partnership activations.
Suzanne Lopez, COO of Fremantle North America, said: âOur exclusive deal with BetMGM and our premier game show IP represents a significant milestone for us both. This innovative collaboration paves the way for in-game branding across diverse online casino categories, while also providing opportunities for integrated TV sponsorships. Itâs all about enhancing how fans of âThe Price Is Rightâ and âFamily Feudâ connect with the shows in fresh, immersive ways.â
The companyâs award-winning online casino is home to over 3500 titles across North American markets and one of the largest state-by-state exclusive jackpot networks. BetMGMâs jackpot network currently consists of more than 20 game titles including popular games such as MGM Grand Millions, Bison Fury, and LootâEn Khamun and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
-
Latest News6 days ago
Plaza Hotel & Casino offering free stalls to temporarily rehome horses affected by the California wildfires
-
Affiliate Industry6 days ago
MetaBet inks Gentoo Media partnership to enhance flagship sites
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
INCENTIVE GAMES RECEIVES FULL PAY-TO-PLAY GAMING CERTIFICATION IN BRAZIL
-
Latest News6 days ago
INSPIRED TO LAUNCH 16 SLOT GAMES IN BRAZIL, IGNITING THE iGAMING MARKET IN JANUARY 2025
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
FBMDS obtains certification to operate in Brazil
-
Latest News6 days ago
PENN Entertainment Announces Partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment for Market Access in Washington, D.C.
-
Latest News7 days ago
Professional Fighters League Teams Up with Cloudbet as Official Sports Betting and Online Casino Partner
-
Compliance Updates2 days ago
Digitain Group Products are Certified for Brazil