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Gaming Americas Q3 Meetup: Gaming Insights with Segev LLP
The Gaming Americas Quarterly Meetups by Hipther Agency are designed to keep you up-to-date with what is fresh in the North American and Latin American gambling industry.
The meetups feature several panel discussions per region and topics that are joined by key industry experts, CEOs, C-Level Executives, Business Development Managers, and sometimes government officials/regulators.
The Gaming Americas Q3 Virtual Meetup that took place on September 13 presented an in-depth exploration of US gambling legislation, featuring the latest edition of the ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLP’ and the ‘US Legislation Round-up’, while the last session delved into the world of AI and the challenges it poses in the iGaming sector.
Session 1: ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLP’
Speaker: Negin Alavi, lawyer at Segev LLP
Watch the Session on YouTube and HiptherTV!
Negin Alavi, a distinguished lawyer at Segev LLP, took the virtual stage during the ‘Gaming Insights with Segev LLP’ session, setting the tone for a captivating discussion on the evolving legal landscape of gaming and betting.
Kicking things off, Negin provided a brief overview of Segev LLP and its international operations spanning Canada, the United States, and China. This global presence underscores the firm’s commitment to addressing legal challenges and opportunities across borders. With this foundation in place, Negin delved into the heart of the matter: a comprehensive review of the current gaming and betting laws that shape the industry.
Intriguingly, Negin also explored the potential transformative effects of the proposed alterations outlined in Canadian Bill S-268. This bill, titled “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act,” carries the promise of redefining the Canadian gaming and betting legal landscape.
Before delving into the legal intricacies, Negin took a moment to acknowledge the significance of her location. She presented her insights from Vancouver, situated on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the Musqueam Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. This acknowledgment was twofold: a mark of respect for the indigenous peoples who steward these lands and a recognition that discussions about Canadian law, particularly those concerning indigenous peoples, are imbued with profound implications.
The current legal landscape in Canada revolves around the Criminal Code, the primary piece of legislation governing gaming and betting. Under this federal legislation, gaming and betting are generally illegal, with certain exceptions, notably lotteries. Negin emphasized that gaming, as defined by the Gambling Law, comprises three fundamental elements: consideration (the bet or wager of money), chance, and a prize. Even when games blend skill and chance, they are still categorized as games of chance in Canada.
Provinces possess the authority to enact gaming legislation within their borders, and even operate in partnership with offshore gaming operators, as seen in Ontario’s new iGaming regime. However, altering the Criminal Code, a federal statute, is beyond their unilateral reach. Despite this federal oversight, recent legal reforms have significantly shaped Canadian iGaming. Single-event sports betting became legal in August 2021, and Ontario launched its established iGaming Regime in April 2022.
Before these changes, Provinces were constrained to offering parlay betting, leaving offshore operators to fill the void in single-event (and live) betting. Now, with the legalization of single-event betting, any Province can oversee it. Ontario, being well-positioned, promptly launched its iGaming regime, now in competition with unregulated offshore offerings. This shift has allowed legally registered iGaming operators to provide their catalog to Ontario consumers, who spend nearly a billion CAD on online gambling. It’s a move toward embracing private operators rather than battling against them.
However, it’s essential to recognize the context: many Canadian companies were pioneers in the early days of iGaming, but due to regulatory limitations, they relocated offshore. These legal reforms may signal a return to Canada’s true potential in the iGaming sector.
The implications extend beyond economics. The Ontario Government stands to gain substantial tax revenues, which were once lost to unregulated operators. With these reforms in place, the iGaming industry in Canada is poised for better regulation, emphasizing consumer protection, responsible gaming, and job creation.
Turning our attention to the future, Negin provided a compelling overview of the impending changes in Canada’s legal landscape. At the forefront stands Bill S-268, poised to terminate provincial governments’ monopoly on lotteries.
To facilitate the discussion, Negin illuminated the legal distinction between indigenous peoples and First Nations. While indigenous peoples encompass all of Canada’s original peoples and their descendants, a First Nation is an officially recognized group under the Canadian Federal Government’s administrative unit, governed by the Indian Act. Importantly, Bill S-268 proposes to amend this very act.
The Indian Act, originally enacted in 1876, has a complex history marked by efforts to assimilate indigenous peoples and numerous discriminatory provisions. While some of these provisions have been removed, the act still wields a substantial influence over indigenous peoples’ lives today.
The proposed changes in Bill S-268 are ambitious and far-reaching. Its preamble is particularly noteworthy, as it outlines the legal foundation for these changes. Negin read the preamble aloud, emphasizing the recognition of indigenous and treaty rights, including their rights to regulate activities like gaming, betting, and lotteries on their lands.
This nuanced phrasing suggests that lawmakers are granting new rights to indigenous peoples while acknowledging that they already possess inherent treaty rights to oversee gaming, betting, and lotteries on their lands. The potential impact of this specific wording on Canada’s legal framework remains to be seen should Bill S-268 become law.
Moving on, Negin detailed the enforceable part of the bill, containing amendments that provide considerable flexibility to First Nations in managing lotteries. These amendments span charitable gaming licensing, fairs and exhibition gaming, amusement park lotteries, and the Terms & Conditions of licenses. In effect, these changes substantially narrow the scope of the current criminal code exceptions, representing a significant shift in Canada’s gaming laws. Importantly, it would mark the first time in Canadian gaming law that provincial governments would not need to be directly involved in for-profit gaming operations.
Summarizing, Negin pointed out the profound implications of this bill. If enacted, hundreds of First Nations could independently conduct and manage lotteries, each in accordance with their own laws. This change opens up a world of possibilities, not only in terms of revenue but also empowerment for indigenous peoples.
In conclusion, Bill S-268 stands as a transformative piece of legislation, promising to reshape the industry and empower indigenous communities. These discussions hold significance not just for the iGaming sector but for the broader Canadian legal landscape and its indigenous peoples.
As we eagerly await the unfolding of these legal developments, it’s clear that the gaming industry in North America is poised for significant changes, with potential benefits for all stakeholders.
Stay tuned for the next two insightful sessions of Gaming America Q3 Meetup, the US Legislation Round-up for Q3 and the hot AI issues in iGaming!
Watch the video of “Gaming Insights with Segev LLP” on YouTube & Hipther TV!
All-Cash Transaction Unlocks Significant, Unrealized Value for Boyd Shareholders
Boyd, FanDuel Extend Market-Access Agreements through 2038
Boyd Gaming Corporation announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Company’s 5% equity interest in FanDuel Group to Flutter Entertainment plc for cash consideration of $1.755 billion.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The Company intends to use net proceeds to reduce debt.
Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd, said: “This transaction unlocks the tremendous unrealized value that our investment in FanDuel has created for our Company. As a result, we are in a significantly stronger financial position to continue executing our strategy of investing in our properties, pursuing growth opportunities, returning capital to our shareholders, and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”
In addition to purchasing Boyd’s equity interest in FanDuel, Boyd and FanDuel will terminate certain existing market-access agreements between the parties and enter into new agreements to provide, among other things, for an extended term through 2038. The agreements will also provide Boyd with a fixed fee per state from FanDuel’s mobile sports-betting operations in Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana and Pennsylvania, as well as FanDuel’s online casino operations in Pennsylvania, upon the close of this transaction. FanDuel will also continue to operate Boyd’s retail sportsbooks outside of Nevada through mid-2026, after which time Boyd will assume responsibility for these operations.
Under terms of the revised market-access agreements with FanDuel, the Company now expects its Online segment will generate $50 million to $55 million in operating income and Adjusted EBITDAR for the full year 2025, and approximately $30 million in 2026.
Smith added: “The partnership between Boyd and FanDuel has been a remarkable success for both companies. FanDuel has emerged as the nation’s clear leader in online sports-betting, while Boyd has been able to leverage this partnership to profitably participate in the rapid growth of sports betting across the country. It has been a privilege to work with the Flutter and FanDuel teams, and we look forward to supporting FanDuel’s continued growth and success through our market-access agreements across the country.”
Moelis & Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction. Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal advisor to Boyd Gaming on the transaction, with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP advising on the commercial agreements.
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Pavilion Payments Partners with Pawnee Nation to Deliver Seamless Casino Funding Solutions Across All Three Properties
Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payment solutions provider in the gaming industry, has announced a partnership with Pawnee Nation, launching a suite of VIP Preferred funding solutions at their three properties: StoneWolf Casino, Trading Post Casino, and TeePee Casino and Smoke Shop.
Through this partnership, Pawnee Nation will leverage Pavilion Payments’ industry-leading VIP Preferred eCheck and Choice4 deferred settlement services at both the cage and VIP Financial Center self-service kiosks. Cash advance will be available at the cage, while the kiosks will offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) and ATM access, providing players with secure, convenient, and flexible funding options. Additionally, Pawnee Nation will implement VIP Shield, Pavilion Payments’ comprehensive Title 31 compliance solution, to enhance security and streamline regulatory compliance.
“We’re proud to partner with Pawnee Nation and support their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Our mission is to empower operators with secure, efficient, and forward-thinking payment technologies. We’re honored to support Pawnee Nation as they continue to drive innovation in the gaming space by streamlining transactions, strengthening compliance capabilities, and enhancing player satisfaction,” said Dan Connors, Chief Executive Officer of Pavilion Payments.
“Partnering with Pavilion Payments allows us to offer our players flexible and hassle-free funding options backed by trusted, industry-leading technology. This partnership aligns with our commitment to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting operational excellence across all three properties,” said Robert Wallar, CEO of Pawnee Tribal Development Corp.
By deploying Pavilion Payments’ integrated solutions, Pawnee Nation is making it easier for guests to access their funds and enjoy a more seamless and secure experience—while giving casino operators more control, insight, and efficiency in their payments environment.
Casinos.com has revealed the voting results for the tribal and First Nation casinos across the US and Canada that have had the greatest impact on their local communities.
Voted entirely by locals, the results recognize standout casino venues across four U.S. states and three Canadian provinces where tribal and First Nations gaming venues have a heavy presence. Locals were asked to vote for the casino in their area that has had the most significant community impact, whether that be through funding and donations or excellent entertainment services.
Voting Recognizes Seven Standout Casinos for Cultural Impact
The public voting campaign was conducted as part of Casinos.com’s Tribal Casinos Month initiative, dedicated to honoring the achievements, cultural contributions, and economic impact of Indigenous-owned and operated casinos across Canada and the US.
This month-long spotlight aligned with National Indigenous History Month in Canada and complemented broader efforts to recognize the sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Native American communities.
“We’re proud to help shine a spotlight on these tribal and First Nation casinos. These are organizations that go above and beyond to deliver meaningful change to their communities. The results reflect the thoughts of the community in terms of not only entertainment excellence, but dedication to cultural preservation, economic resilience, and community uplift,” said Lee Gwilliam, SVP at Casinos.com.
US Winners (percentage of votes in each area):
Michigan – Soaring Eagle Casino (53%)
Operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Soaring Eagle Casino was recognized for its commitment to education, health initiatives, and economic development in the central Michigan region. From scholarships to infrastructure investment, voters praised the casino’s broad and lasting contributions.
The Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center is directly funded and supported by casino-generated revenue. The Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort routinely awards the Au Gres–Sims School District and Isabella County educational entities with grants that go beyond the 2% revenue-sharing program and fund initiatives such as Chromebook access, STEM curriculum and digital learning.
Florida – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (54%)
With deep roots in community outreach and cultural celebration, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa was honored for its high-profile support of local nonprofit organizations, disaster relief funding, and job creation across the Tampa Bay area.
Recently, the Seminole Hard Rock made a hefty donation to disaster relief efforts targeting communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It supports World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross. Casino’s COVID-19 efforts included donating food to Metropolitan Ministries.
California – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino (44%)
The Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was commended for its philanthropic leadership and expansive health, housing, and education programs that benefit the Inland Empire and beyond.
Casino famously supported wildfire relief with a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross. Its $200,000 grant to the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House provided housing for families of critically ill children being treated at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
Oklahoma – WinStar World Casino and Resort (49%)
A beacon of economic empowerment in southern Oklahoma, WinStar, operated by the Chickasaw Nation, earned distinction for driving regional growth, supporting healthcare access, and preserving Indigenous heritage.
The Chickasaw Nation has prioritized healthcare by establishing the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and is invested in renewable energy projects.
Canadian Winners:
Ontario – Casino Rama Resort (55%)
Owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, Casino Rama stood out for its long-standing support of local arts, youth services, and Indigenous language revitalization efforts.
Casino Rama is big on local arts initiatives, so they enjoy supporting language revitalization projects like Ojibwe classes overseen by the Culture and Research Department and local Indigenous education charities such as Inspire.
Alberta – River Cree Resort and Casino (51%)
This Enoch Cree Nation enterprise was recognized for its focus on employment opportunities, cultural awareness initiatives, and sustained investment in wellness and community development across Alberta.
Through partnerships like the Enoch-Aecon Joint Venture, the Nation works on expanding trades training for Indigenous workers. The Nation also collaborates with educational advocates like Ever Active Schools, which described their work together as “a partnership, a friendship, and a commitment to the wellbeing of the community.”
Saskatchewan – Dakota Dunes Casino (56%)
Operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), Dakota Dunes Casino led voter sentiment for its impactful community programs, including education funding and mental health services in partnership with First Nations organizations.
Dakota Dunes opened a new mental health clinic with on-site access to counseling and wellness support. Major grants were awarded, such as $100,000 for Team Saskatchewan at the North American Indigenous Games, $100,000 to FSIN for a powwow, and $50,000 to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, each supporting Indigenous cultural development.
In 2023, SIGA committed $1.89 million across its casino markets to support food security, mental health services, and Indigenous youth programs, as detailed in the SIGA Annual Report 2023.
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