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 wasn’t 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, Kentucky’s horse race tracks gave sizeable funds to the Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which forked over around $19 million to back Andy Beshear’s 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 Cameron’s 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 Cameron’s $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 Beshear’s 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 state’s 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 state’s legislature.
Still, the manufacturer’s 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 state’s 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 Kentucky’s Eastern District in August of 2023 have raised eyebrows regarding whether this entertainment form is still available to Kentucky’s 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 state’s 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.
Gambling in the USA
State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling
The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.
The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.
When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.
“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.
This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.
The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.
Betr, a leading sports gaming and media company, announced the addition of viral internet sensation and social media superstar Haliey Welch, known as the face of the biggest meme in the history of the internet, “HawkTuah”, to its expanding roster of top-tier content creators in the Betr Media family. Welch will debut her new weekly podcast, “Talk Tuah”, under the Betr Media banner, with the first episode to premiere on Tuesday, September 10 across social, digital, and audio platforms. “Talk Tuah” marks the latest expansion of the company’s roster of premium original digital IP, joining viral shows BS w/ Jake Paul, Twin Talk with Hanna and Haley Cavinder, Nickals and Dimes with Bo Nickal and Caps Off with Adam Tabatchnick and Jack Parodi.
“Talk Tuah” is poised to become a standout addition to Betr Media’s longform content lineup, with Welch to welcome a number of A-list guests, anchored by her vibrant female perspective, to the show this season. The first episode will feature guest Whitney Cummings, followed by Josh Richards and Jake Paul. Each episode will blend insightful interviews with comedic elements, creating a compelling mix that aligns with Betr Media’s commitment to innovative and engaging sports media. Welch will bring her signature blend of southern values and comedic flair to the show and will also continue to diversify her platform and voice as a regular contributor to the company’s always-on, character-driven social content. Betr Media’s deal with Welch comes on the heels of the company’s latest strategic expansions to its monetized content portfolio, including the acquisition of the Caps Off and Hot Corner podcasts from The Game Day.
“This is a major addition to the Betr Media family as we continue to strategically differentiate ourselves in the market. Haliey Welch is a bona fide superstar, and her charisma, unique perspective, and innate connection with her audience make her the perfect fit for our platform. Talk Tuah will bring a fresh and dynamic voice to our content lineup, and we can’t wait for our audience and brand sponsors to connect with Haliey in an authentic way that embodies the ethos of Betr Media as a whole,” said Mike Denevi, Head of Media at Betr.
“Y’all kept asking ‘What’s next?’ Well this is it! I’m so thankful to have my own podcast where you’ll discover the real Haliey Welch. I’m delighted to join the team at Betr who fully gets me. Together, we’re going to introduce the world to Talk Tuah every Tuesday, starting September 10. My show will have a little of everything – great guests, laughs, chit chats about your pets, relationship pointers, sports and, of course, some down home southern charm,” said Haliey Welch.
Bettors in Ontario will be able to turn to evoke plc (888) for their sports wagering needs this season. The global betting and gaming company, formerly known as 888 Holdings plc, has re-signed with the Canadian Football League (CFL) as one of its Authorized Gaming Operators, offering fans premiere gaming and betting experiences to further their CFL fandom.
Since 1997, 888 has put fans, gamers, and bettors first through proprietary technology and engaging content across its various Casino, Sports, and Poker products. As part of the partnership, 888 presented Pre-Season Futures on CFL Game Zone in the leadup to the campaign. The fan-favourite free-to-play predictor tested fans’ knowledge of the league and allowed them to forecast how the season will play out.
During the regular season, 888casino will appear on CFL sidelines and broadcasts in contests featuring the three Ontario-based clubs – the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Ottawa REDBLACKS, and the Toronto Argonauts. 888casino will also receive prominent promotional placement during any Ontario-based East Division postseason matchups (the Semi-final on November 2 and the Final on November 9) on the road to the Grey Cup.
“888 has opened the doors to new sports wagering and entertainment opportunities for CFL fans, and we’re thrilled for the possibilities ahead as we build upon this partnership and engage more audiences across Ontario,” said Tyler Keenan, the CFL’s Chief Revenue Officer.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the CFL for a second season, placing 888casino at the forefront of this collaboration. The synergy between the CFL’s dynamic brand and 888casino’s innovative online offering provides fans with unparalleled entertainment. We are committed to enhancing the excitement of the game, ensuring that CFL enthusiasts can enjoy high-quality gaming experiences that keep the thrill alive beyond the field,” said Roi Nadler, Head of Canada at evoke.
-
Latest News5 days agoFanDuel Launches “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” Focused on Helping Parents and Families Discuss Gambling
-
Gambling in the USA5 days agoUS-Based 10 Ten Gaming Launches SmilesCasino.com
-
Latest News5 days agoAmusnet and Betplay Toast to Success with Cocktail Rush by Melissa Martínez
-
Latest News6 days agoEPIC Global Solutions and Bally’s Partner to Set New Standards for Responsible Gaming
-
Africa5 days agoTusk Casino Celebrates Trace’s R2.3 Million Jackpot Victory
-
Canada5 days agoIGT Launches its Second Omnichannel Wide Area Progressive Game in Canada, Money Mania Slots
-
Latest News5 days agoNovig Launches First Prediction Market for Sports Nationally
-
Latest News5 days agoScientific Games to Develop New Jurassic World-Themed Lottery Games