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Arkansas, news, Sports Betting

First Mobile Sportsbooks Launch in Arkansas

By Robert Corwin

Three Casinos in Arkansas
Sports fans in Arkansas have something new to cheer about. The Razorbacks made it all the way to the Elite 8 in the 2022 March Madness tournament. Since then, the state has launched its first two mobile sportsbooks. A third mobile sports betting operator could also be available soon.

Arkansas first allowed online sports betting in March, with BetSaracen being the first sportsbook available online. BetSaracen was quickly followed by Betly. In recent weeks, both Betly and BetSaracen have launched the state’s first mobile sportsbooks as well. Oaklawn hopes to join the electronic sports betting world with a website and sports betting app of its own.

Unlike some other states, Arkansas does allow in-state college betting. That is great news for the many SEC football fans in the state. Now that BetSaracen’s betting app is live, Android users can access mobile sports betting. The Betly sportsbook app is currently only available for iOS users.

Betly Becomes the First Mobile Sportsbook in Arkansas

Betly was the second online sportsbook to launch in Arkansas. However, the popular Delaware North brand was the first to offer a mobile betting app in the state. Betly’s app is currently limited to Apple users, however. It first became available on April 26th.

In order to enter Arkansas, Betly had to partner with Southland Casino, which is located in West Memphis, AR. The casino and racetrack first opened in 1956 and was the first venue to offer greyhound racing in the state. Southland Casino began offering live table games and slot machines in 2019 following amendments to the Arkansas constitution.

Part of the reason Betly was able to launch its mobile betting first was because it already existed in West Virginia. The prior experience made it easier for the Betly mobile app to be developed for use in Arkansas. Betly has not commented yet on the possibility of making a mobile sportsbook app for Android users.

BetSaracen Offers Both Android and iOS Sportsbooks

Android users in Arkansas had to wait longer for a mobile sportsbook, but that wait is finally over. Earlier this week, BetSaracen launched its mobile sports betting app. The sportsbook app is available for both Apple and Android users. Sports bettors in the state may already be familiar with BetSaracen’s product. It was the first online sportsbook in the state.

BetSaracen is the sportsbook brand for the Saracen Casino Resort. The casino resort is located in Pine Bluff, AR. It is owned and operated by the Quapaw Nation and originally opened in 2019. Saracen Casino Resort also offers a retail sportsbook on-site.

Despite being the first online sportsbook, BetSaracen came in second in the race for a mobile betting app. This was due in part to the sports betting operator having to build its platform from the ground up. For now, it is the only mobile sportsbook available to Android users in Arkansas.

Oaklawn Hopes to Have Sports Betting App Soon

Betly and BetSaracen are currently the only online and mobile sportsbooks in Arkansas. However, they will not be alone for long. Oaklawn Racing Casino has stated that it is planning to launch its online and mobile sports betting operations this summer.

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is located in Hot Springs, AR. The gaming operator currently offers a retail sportsbook at its casino. It has been reported that the online and mobile sportsbooks will both use the Oaklawn brand. No launch date has been announced for either the online or mobile Oaklawn sportsbook.

According to the Arkansas Business Journal, there are other gaming operators that could release mobile sportsbooks as well. Major developers such as Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, and FanDuel all have connections in the state. Caesars, for instance, will soon be part of the fourth casino in Arkansas, the River Valley Casino. The casino is under construction in Russellville, AR.

Conclusion

At the start of 2022, Arkansas did not allow any forms of online or mobile sports betting. Now, the Natural State has two online and mobile sportsbooks. Betly and BetSaracen were the first two operators to launch online sportsbooks. They were also the first two sports betting operators to offer mobile betting options.

This year has been full of changes for sports betting in Arkansas. The changes are likely to continue as more sports betting operators open up shop in the state. Currently, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is developing its electronic sportsbook options. Other major gaming operators have been connected to Arkansas as well.

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Illinois, news, Sports Betting

Full House Announces New Deal With Circa Sports in Illinois

By Robert Corwin

Circa Las Vegas
One of the fastest-growing gaming operators is making its way to Illinois. Circa Sports will be entering the Prairie State through a partnership with Full House Resorts. The two companies announced the deal earlier this week. As part of the deal, Circa Sports will be able to use one of Full House’s mobile sportsbook skins.

Illinois will be the fourth state that Circa Sports has operations in. Initially, Circa will operate out of Full House’s temporary casino in Waukegan, IL while the permanent location is built. The temporary location will include sports betting kiosks and dozens of televisions. Circa’s sportsbook will move into the American Place when the casino is completed.

Circa Sports has been aggressive with its expansion efforts so far this year. In addition to Illinois, Circa also recently announced plans to build a sportsbook in Sparks, NV. The Prairie State represents another opportunity for Circa to expand into a growing sports betting market.

Full House Reaches Agreement With Circa Sports

Circa Sports has been one of the fastest-growing sports betting operators in recent years. The next stop on Circa’s path will be Illinois. Circa will be able to enter Illinois through its new partnership deal with Full House Resorts. As part of the deal, Circa will also be allowed to operate a mobile sportsbook.

Full House Resorts announced that it has started construction on its temporary casino in Waukegan, IL. Circa will operate a sportsbook at the temporary location while the permanent venue is being built. Once completed, Circa will relocate its retail sportsbook to the new location.

In return for access to the Prairie State, Circa Sports will pay Full House a total of $5 million this month. Also, Circa will continue to pay $5 million each year after it launches its mobile sportsbook in Illinois. The current deal is for eight years. However, Circa Sports have the option to sign four-year extensions.

What Will the Circa Sports Illinois Sportsbook Look Like?

Circa Sports will operate both a mobile and retail sportsbook in Illinois. Circa’s retail sportsbook will first open at the temporary casino being built in Waukegan. Details have not been released yet about the mobile sports betting app. However, Circa Sports did disclose what bettors can expect at their temporary retail sportsbook.

At the temporary retail sportsbook, bettors will have access to both betting kiosks and retail counters. There will also reportedly be digital odds boards that display real-time sports betting odds. Circa Sports also plans to have 36 televisions available for watching live sports at the temporary retail sportsbook.

Details are still emerging about the permanent casino venue being built in Waukegan. However, if Circa Sports’ other retail sportsbooks are any indication, the venue will be state-of-the-art. Full House has stated that the new casino will include a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue and a gourmet restaurant. Illinois will be the fourth state Circa Sports operates in. the gaming operator is also operating sportsbooks in Nevada, Iowa, and Colorado.

Why Circa Sports Wanted to Enter Illinois

Illinois is not the first place most people think of when it comes to sports betting. However, the Prairie State has been one of the fastest-growing legal sports betting markets in the US. It will also be the largest market, in terms of population, that Circa Sports operates in.

The location of Full House Resorts’ new casino is also positive for Circa Sports. Waukegan is the most populated city in Lake County. It is also less than 30 miles away from Chicago. Circa Sports will have access to millions of potential bettors in the Windy City and the surrounding areas.

Circa Sports is not the only gaming operator making moves in Illinois. Many of the state’s professional sports teams have partnered with sports betting operators. Recently, the Chicago White Sox partnered with Caesars Entertainment as their official sports betting partner. The Bulls and Bears also have partnership deals with sportsbooks.

Conclusion

Illinois will be the new home of one of the quickest expanding sportsbooks in the US. Full House Resorts has announced a partnership deal with Circa Sports. As part of the deal, Circa Sports will pay Full House up to $5 million per year to use its Illinois gaming license.

In return, Circa Sports will be able to operate both a mobile and retail sportsbook in Illinois. In the short term, Circa will have to operate its retail sportsbook at a temporary casino located in Waukegan, IL. Circa Sports will operate the retail sportsbook when Full House opens its permanent venue in the city as well.

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Kentucky, news, Sports Betting

New Records Set at 148th Kentucky Derby

By Robert Corwin

Kentucky Derby Racers on Left and a Sportsbook on Right
The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby is not one that racing fans will soon forget. Rich Strike, the largest underdog in the race, emerged victorious in the 2022 Run for the Roses. At roughly 80-1 odds, Rich Strike is one of the biggest underdogs to ever win the Kentucky Derby.

Sportsbooks across the US have experienced a record-setting year so far in 2022. The trend continued last weekend at the Kentucky Derby. According to reports, Churchill Downs collected a record horseracing betting handle at the event. The Kentucky Oaks also broke betting records on Friday.

For the first time since 2019, the Kentucky Derby was run without any coronavirus attendance restrictions. The crowd at the Derby returned to its pre-pandemic size. Fans of the Kentucky Derby also took advantage of Churchill Downs’ TwinSpires online racebook to place bets. Churchill Downs also reported promising betting revenue from other countries, such as Japan.

Rich Strike Wins the 2022 Kentucky Derby

A total of 20 horses competed in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The field consisted of top contenders from horse racing circuits across the country. Many of the favorites in the Derby made compelling cases for horse racing bettors. In the end, none of the horses in the top-10 betting odds won the blanket of roses.

A late scratch on Friday opened up the door for Rich Strike to enter. The late entry was given 80-1 odds to win the storied race. After a slow start, Rich Strike was able to pull ahead in the last leg of the Derby. In the end, Rich Strike won by less than one full length.

Rich Strike will go down in history as one of the largest underdogs to ever win the Kentucky Derby. The winning colt was trained by Eric Reed and his jockey for the race was Sonny Leon. Saturday’s win was the first Derby win for both Reed and Leon.

Kentucky Derby Breaks Sports Betting Record

The 148th Kentucky Derby will also be remembered as one of the most wagered on events in recent memory. According to Churchill Downs, a total of $273.8 million was bet on Saturday’s races. The total betting handle increased by 9% over the previous record set in 2019.

A large majority of Saturday’s betting handle was wagered on the Kentucky Derby itself. Churchill Downs reported that $179 million, almost two-thirds of the handle, was bet on the Derby. That broke the 2019 record for the most money bet on the Derby. The other 13 races on Saturdays contributed to the remaining betting handle.

Online betting on the Kentucky Derby card also reached new heights. According to Churchill Downs, online wagering accounted for $67.4 million of the betting handle. That is an 8% increase from the previous record. The Derby itself accounted for $44 million of the online betting handle, breaking last year’s record by 8%.

Record-Breaking Weekend at Churchill Downs

A new record betting handle was not the only good news to come out of the weekend. Attendance at the 2022 Kentucky Derby reached 147,294, the highest it has been since 2019. Last year, pandemic restrictions limited the crowd to less than 52,000 spectators.

The success at Churchill Downs was not just limited to the Kentucky Derby card, either. On Friday, the track hosted the Kentucky Oaks, a race for three-year-old fillies. At the event, Churchill Downs collected a total betting handle of $74.6 million. That broke the record set in 2019 by a whopping 24%. The Oaks itself generated a record betting handle of $24.3 million, which was 25% higher than the previous record.

In total, Churchill Downs collected a betting handle of $391.8 million over the two horseracing cards. The total handle is a new record, breaking the previous mark by 14%. Churchill Downs reported that $8.3 million of the Kentucky Derby betting handle came from Japan. Crown Pride, the only horse in the race from Japan, finished 13th in the Derby.

Conclusion

The 2022 Kentucky Derby was a recording-breaking event in more ways than one. Rich Strike will be talked about for years to come after winning as an 80-1 underdog. Sports bettors also wagered on the Derby in record amounts. Churchill Downs collected a record betting handle for Saturday’s racing card.

Attendance at the event was also up. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the total number of Derby spectators topped 100,000. The Kentucky Oaks, which was hosted on Friday, also join in on the record-breaking fun. Wagering on the Oaks was 25% higher than the previous record.

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Sports Betting

Caesars Entertainment Has a New Deal With the White Sox

By Robert Corwin

MLB Logo, Baseball, and Hundred Dollar Bills
Chicago White Sox fans have even more to celebrate about now. The team is second in the AL Central and recently announced a deal with Caesars Entertainment. As part of the partnership deal, Caesars will be the new official gaming partner of the team. They will also receive access to White Sox logos, promotional material, and more.

Financial details of the deal between Caesars and the team have not been announced. The White Sox are not the only team in the Windy City partner with a sportsbook. Other local teams, including the Bulls and the Bears, have also found sports betting partners recently. Chicago could also begin construction on a new casino soon.

Other teams in the MLB have also reached deals with legal gaming operators. The New York Mets and the New York Yankees have their own deals in place with sportsbooks. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers are partnered with a mobile lottery operator.

White Sox Sign Partnership Deal With Caesars

Caesars Entertainment can add yet another name to its long list of partnerships. The casino giant announced that it has reached a new partnership deal with the Chicago White Sox. As part of the new agreement, Caesars will be the White Sox’s official gaming partner.

Neither the team nor the sportsbook disclosed the financial terms of the deal. However, Caesars will receive access to White Sox team logos, digital and social media assets, and LED signage. There will also be special White Sox promotions included in Caesars Rewards.

White Sox fans will likely see plenty of new Caesars’ signage at Guaranteed Rate Field. Also, they can use the Caesars Rewards app to earn points betting on the team. Caesars also recently started a new credit card program to allow Caesars Rewards members a chance to earn more points. The announcement did not include mention of adding a Caesars Sportsbook or lounge at the stadium.

Sports Betting and Chicago’s Pro Sports Teams

The White Sox are the latest Chicago team to sign with a gaming operator. However, the White Sox are far from the first. Multiple other professional teams in the Windy City have already agreed to terms with well-known sportsbooks.

Chicago’s NFL team, the Bears, has a partnership deal with the popular sports betting operator BetRivers Sportsbook. In the NBA, the Chicago Bulls have an agreement in place with Betway. Chicago’s professional franchises are not the only ones teaming up with sportsbooks, either. Caesars Entertainment is an official betting partner of the MLB

Wrigley Field, home of cross-town rivals the Chicago Cubs, recently partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook. Also, the United Center revealed plans in February to build a FanDuel sportsbook on-site. Plans for the sportsbook are subject to approval from the Illinois Gaming Board. The stadium is home to both the Bulls and the Blackhawks.

More MLB Teams Partnering With Betting Sites

Caesar Entertainment has officially partnered with its first MLB team in Illinois. However, the casino developer was already involved in professional baseball. Last month, Caesars announced a partnership with the New York Mets. In addition to advertising, Caesars will be building a new sports betting lounge at the Mets’ stadium.

The New York Yankees also recently partnered with a well known-sportsbook. Shortly after the news broke about the Mets-Caesars deal the Yankees announced a deal of their own. The Yankees are teaming with FanDuel as their official sports betting partners.

Sportsbooks are not the only ones getting in on the action. Jackpocket, a mobile lottery app has also announced new deals with MLB teams. Both the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins are going to be working with the iLottery provider. As part of the deals, fans of the Rangers and Twins will have special chances to win prizes. Some of the items include lottery tickets, VIP tours, and more.

Conclusion

The trend of MLB teams partnering with sportsbooks continues. Caesars Entertainment and the Chicago White Sox have reached an agreement on a partnership deal. As part of the deal, Caesars will be the official sports betting partner of the team. Also, the casino giant will be allowed to advertise at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the White Sox play home games.

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Maryland, Sports Betting

Sports Betting in Maryland Faces Huge Delay

By Robert Corwin

Maryland State Seal And Flag With Sports Betting
It has been a hard couple of weeks for Maryland sports fans. The early part of the MLB season has not been going well for the Orioles. Last week, the Ravens traded star WR Hollywood Brown to the Cardinals. Sports fans heard more bad news this week as the state’s mobile betting operators face more delays.

Pro football is the most popular sport in the Old Line State. The start of the NFL season is still four months away. However, regulators are running out of time to get mobile betting online before the season starts. The most recent set of delays has many pundits concerned that online sports betting will not launch before the season. Online sportsbooks have been crucial to the success of sports betting in other states.

The most recent delays are not due to a lack of trying. Many prospective operators have applied for online sports betting licenses. However, according to the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC), the applicants do not fully understand the industry. SWARC is taking steps to correct that issue.

Maryland Mobile Sports Betting Laws

In 2020, Maryland voted to legalize sports betting. Unlike other states, Maryland legalized both retail and electronic sportsbooks in one fell swoop. Retail sportsbooks are already up and running in the state. However, no mobile sportsbooks have been allowed to launch yet.

Retail gaming operators can purchase a mobile sports betting license for $3 million. However, minority-owned small businesses could qualify for a significantly reduced rate. A qualified business could get a license for just $50,000. These licensed small businesses would then partner with larger sportsbooks to run the operation.

The larger sportsbook that a small business partners with would have to pay $500,000 in state licensing fees. SWARC has prevented retail sportsbooks from launching so that they do not get an unfair market advantage. If the small businesses are not ready to go, then no online sportsbook can launch. For now, bettors will have to rely on retail sports betting options.

Why Mobile Sports Betting Is Being Delayed

In theory, retail sportsbook could launch their mobile sportsbooks now. However, SWARC is preventing any electron sportsbooks until the small business operators are ready to go. According to SWARC, they are concerned about small operators not understanding the sports betting industry.

To combat that problem, SWARC is hosting an informational meeting today. Prospective sports betting operators can attend the meeting to learn how Maryland sportsbooks will work. Topics such as industry regulations and operating costs are at the top of the list. SWARC will also review the licensing process for small businesses at the meeting.

SWARC will also be advising small businesses on how they can improve their sports betting license applications. Better applicants are more likely to be approved for licenses. Once the small business operators are up to speed, SWARC will hopefully allow online sports betting to launch. SWARC is also tasked with ensuring all sportsbook operators meet Maryland’s minority stipulations.

Delays Could Cause Big Issues in the Fall

Mobile sports betting was legalized over a year ago in Maryland. However, SWARC is delaying the launch of online sports betting until both large and small operators are ready to go. Operators have already missed out on a full season of online NFL wagering.

The NFL is the most popular sport in the US. Maryland currently has stadiums for two NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders. When mobile sports betting launches, it should greatly increase the betting handle in Maryland. Other states, such as New York, have seen huge booms following the launch of online sports betting.

SWARC’s delay of the mobile sportsbooks could continue into the NFL regular season. If that happens, sportsbooks could miss out on crucial NFL betting revenue. Some estimates have the start of mobile betting six months or more away. That would mean missing out on almost another full season of NFL betting revenue.  The delays also make it more difficult for Maryland residents to place wagers.

Conclusion

Maryland legalized sports betting in the fall of 2020. Unfortunately, only retail sportsbooks have been able to start operating in the Old Line State. Electronic sportsbooks are legal, but they have not been allowed to start operations as of yet. The longer the delays last, the more sports betting revenue operators, and the state, misses out on.

SWARC has been placed in charge of managing Maryland’s sports betting licenses. The regulator is waiting to launch mobile betting until smaller operators are prepared to compete with retail sportsbooks. To speed up the process, SWARC is hosting an informational seminar today to educate small business owners about sports betting.

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news, Sports Betting

Maine Approves Legal Online Sports Betting

By Robert Corwin

Man With Hand to Ear and Sports Betting tab Open on Laptop
The Pine Tree State could be the latest US state to offer legal sports betting. On Monday, Governor Janet Mills signed Legal Document 585 into law. The bill legalizes both retail and mobile sports betting in the state of Maine. However, in-state collegiate betting will still be prohibited.

Both tribal and commercial gaming operators benefit from LD 585. Tribal operators receive exclusive rights to operator mobile sportsbooks. However, commercial casinos are eligible to become retail sports betting operators. According to recent projections, the majority of sports betting will likely be conducted online.

Before the bill can become official, it must be approved by the Department of Interior. Also, Maine lawmakers must create the framework for sports betting operators in the Pine Tree State. The bill outlined the tax structure for gaming revenue. However, the Maine Gambling Control Unit still needs to make the other regulations for the sports betting industry.

Maine Governor Approves Sports Betting Bill

After years of trying, the Maine legislature passed a sports betting bill last month. The bill was then sent to the Governors’ desk for approval. Gov. Janet Mills wasted little time in approving LD 585. With her signature, the bill is set to become law. However, it first needs to be approved by the Department of Interior.

LD 585 involves the Native American tribes in Maine. As a result, the Department of Interior must approve the bill before it becomes official. The agency has 90 days to make a decision. In that time, lawmakers in Maine will be working on making the regulations for sports betting in the state.

The bill will allow for both retail and mobile sports betting. However, there are some glaring omissions in the new sports betting bill. Like many states, lawmakers in Maine decided to forbid in-state college betting. LD 585 also did not name a start date for when sportsbooks will be able to launch.

What Will Online Sports Betting in Maine Look Like?

LD 585 will legalize mobile sports betting in Maine. However, the local Wabanaki Nations will have a monopoly on mobile sportsbooks. The Wabanaki Nations consists of four Native American Tribes in Maine. They are the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Mi’kmaq Tribe, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

According to Governor Mills, LD 585 was designed to provide economic opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations. She also claimed that it will lead to a stronger relationship between the state and the tribes. Governor Mills said the bill will increase the incentive for economic investments in the tribes as well.

Other states have seen online sports wagering take up 85% of the betting market. Experts expect a similar situation in Maine. Also, online and mobile wagers will not be taxed as they are classified under tribal domain. As a result, the Wabanaki Nations will be able to keep the majority of Maine’s sports betting revenue.

Maine Approves Retail Sports Betting

Under LD 585, retail sports betting would also be legalized in Maine. That means that the state’s legal commercial casinos would be able to open sportsbooks as well. Racetracks in Maine would also be able to apply for a sportsbooks license. Retail operators were a late addition to the bill.

Unlike tribal operators, retail sportsbooks would be subject to taxes on their revenues. LD 585 calls for a 10% tax on the adjusted gaming revenue. The tax structure is very operator friendly compared to many other US States. It also allows Maine to earn revenue from sports betting that it otherwise could not have.

Before any sports betting can take place, the Maine Gambling Control Unit must create the state’s gaming regulations. They are scheduled to meet next month to begin working on the framework of the regulations. LD 585 must also receive approval from the Department of Interior.

Conclusion

The number of states with legal sports betting continues to grow. LD 585 was signed by Maine Governor Janet Mills earlier this week. The bill legalizes both retail and mobile sports betting. However, only the four tribes of the Wabanaki Nations will be able to operate electronic sportsbooks.

Commercial casinos and racetracks in Maine will be limited to retail sportsbooks. However, that is a step up from the original LD 585 bill which did not include commercial operations at all. Retail sports betting operators will also have to pay a 10% tax on the adjusted gaming revenue. LD 585 is subject to the approval of the Department of Interior.

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Casino, news

Poll Shows Support for California Sports Betting Bill

By Robert Corwin

Online Casino On A Laptop With the Seal Of California In The Top Right
Voters in California could have multiple options for sports betting come this November. Proponents of legal sportsbooks have proposed a new amendment to the state’s constitution. If passed, it would allow legal mobile sports betting in the Golden State.

Before the proposed amendment can make onto ballots, supporters of the amendment would need to stir up enough support. To do so, they need almost one million signatures on a petition to have the amendment added to the ballot. Signatures would need to be from registered voters and verified by the end of June.

The newest proposal would send a portion of sports betting revenue to fund state programs for homelessness and mental health. According to a recent poll, voters in California largely support the amendment. It has even been shown to be more popular than other sports betting proposals that will be on the ballot this fall.

New California Sports Betting Proposal

California is the most populous state in the US. If it were to allow mobile sports betting, the market would quickly become one of the biggest in the US. However, there is debate among the state’s gaming interest on how electronic sports betting should work.

One proposal calls for California’s constitution to be changed so it allows commercial sportsbooks to run mobile operations. The proposal would also allocate revenue from mobile sports betting to state programs. Specific programs such as anti-homelessness initiatives and mental health services would be funded first.

This proposal has been deemed the “Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act”. The change would allow commercial operations to purchase a mobile license for $100 million. Tribal gaming operators would only have to be $10 million. However, tribal sportsbooks would face additional restrictions on their branding. If approved, the bill would also allocate funds to tribal economic development initiatives.

Poll Results Show Support for Solutions Act

The David Binder Research group recently conducted a poll to gauge support for the proposed changed. In their study, they gave registered voters a simulated ballot. The ballot included information about the proposed sports betting bills that will be on the actual ballot this fall. It also had information about the new proposal.

For the study, the research group surveyed 1,600 registered voters in California. The survey was conducted from March 29th the April 4th. Participants came from all over the state and had varied demographic backgrounds. The results from the David Binder Research study were strikingly different from a similar survey conducted last month.

According to the survey results, 59% of registered voters would support the “Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act”.  Only 28% of respondents said they would reject the proposal. The results of the survey also showed the new act was more popular than other proposed sports betting measures.

Sports Betting Will Be on November Ballots

Previous studies have indicated that voters would support tribal-back initiatives instead. If the “Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act” can get enough signatures, it will be on the ballot. Supporters of the bill need 997,139 signatures to make the cut.

The proposed act has the support of California’s commercial gaming operators. More importantly, it has their funding as well. Supporters of the bill have reportedly planned to spend $100 million in campaign funds to get the needed signatures. In a state with nearly 40 million people, the hardest part of getting signatures may be the time constraint.

Not everyone is on board with the new bill. Tribal gaming officials submitted their own mobile gaming proposal last year. Election officials have already verified the signatures submitted with the petition. As a result, the tribal proposal will be on the November ballot as well. With multiple proposals potentially on the table, the battle for new California sports betting laws could be heating up.

Conclusion

A recent survey shows support for the “Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support Act” is growing. The David Binder Research group conducted the survey with 1,600 prospective voters in California. According to their results, nearly 60% of respondents support the bill. The poll also shows the act to be more popular than other proposed sports betting changes.

Before voters get a chance to decide, the act must first make it onto the November ballots. Currently, commercial gaming interests are funding a campaign the get enough signatures from supporters. If they can get the nearly one million required signatures, then the act will be added to the ballots this fall.

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Sports Betting

Sports Betting Bill Passes in Kansas House and Senate

By Robert Corwin

Three Casino Fronts in Kansas
Lawmakers in Missouri failed to pass a sports betting bill earlier this week. Legislators in Kansas are looking to take advantage of that mistake. Senators in the Sunflower State passed a sports betting bill early this morning. The measure was quickly approved by the House and will now head to the Governor’s office.

After hours of discussion, Senate Bill 84 was approved. The measure will allow retail and tribal casinos in Kansas to apply for sports betting licenses. It will also permit online sportsbooks as well. SB 84 calls for a majority of the state’s gaming revenue to go toward funding the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The timing of the sports betting bill is key. With neighboring Missouri failing to pass a sports betting bill of its own. Now, Kansas is a heavy favorite to win the legal sports betting race between the two rivals. Legal sports betting could be a useful tool in Kansas’s attempt to attract an NFL team.

What Is Senate Bill 84?

Senate Bill 84 is a proposed bill that would legalize sports betting in the state of Kansas. After much debate, it has successfully passed through Kansas’s Senate and House of Representatives. SB 84 has several key features that should help the state be competitive in the growing sports betting industry.

Under the bill, all of the commercial casinos in Kansas could apply for a sportsbook license. Tribal casinos, such as the Golden Eagle, would also be allowed to petition the state for a sports betting license as well. After receiving a license, sports betting operators would be allowed to have up to three online skins as well. SB 84 would also allow for mobile sports betting in the state.

There is no start date for legal sports betting in the bill. However, it does lay out how Kansas would use sports betting tax revenue. Under SB 84, 80% of the tax revenue would go toward funding the Kansas Department of Commerce.

SB 84 also dictates the organizations that would be in charge of sports betting in Kansas. The legislation calls for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission to work with the Kansas Lottery to regulate the industry.

House and Senate Approve Sports Betting Bill

Earlier this week, things did not look good for SB84. On Wednesday, senators chose not to take up the bill and sent it back to the committee stage. However, proponents kept working on the bill and eventually created a package that lawmakers could agree on.

SB 84 passed in the Senate with a 21-13 vote. The bill was then sent to the House of Representatives for approval. Lawmakers in the House quickly voted to approve the changes to the bill. Kansas legislators have been discussing legalized sports betting throughout the 2022 session.

A previously proposed bill was shot down over concerns it favored specific operators. For instance, one bill would have allowed Phil Ruffin to have a monopoly on sports betting kiosks at racetracks. SB 84 will allow equal access to sports betting for all licensed operators. With all the major concerns addressed, proponents of legal sports betting were able to push the bill through both chambers.

Next Steps for Kansas Sports Betting Bill

Now that SB 84 has successfully passed through both chambers, it heads to the Governor’s office. Now all that is needed is for Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to sign off on the bill. If she does. then Kansas will join the dozens of other states that offer legal sports betting.

Legal sportsbooks have been a great economic boost for states across the US. However, for Kansas, the prospect of legalized sports betting could bring more than just increased tax revenue. It can be the catalyst the Sunflower State needs to become the home of an NFL team.

There have been rumors recently of the Kansas City Chiefs potentially relocating to Kansas. Many proponents of SB 84 have used those rumors to build support for the bill. Lawmakers in both Kansas and Missouri have argued that legal sports betting could be vital to the Chiefs’ future plans.

SB 84 was designed with the NFL team in mind. The bill calls for 80% of tax revenue that will go to the Kansas Department of Commerce. That means that sports betting tax revenue could be used to fund a new NFL stadium in the Sunflower State. Proponents of the bill believe that a new stadium could lead to other opportunities as well. For instance, it could make Kansas a future Super Bowl site.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 84 looked to be in dire straits earlier this week. However, Kansas lawmakers were able to come together and reach an agreement on the bill. Now, Kansas is just a signature away from legalizing sports betting. The decision rests on the shoulders of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

The timing of the bill represents a unique opportunity for Kansas. It would allow the state to beat its neighboring rival Missouri in the race to legalize sports betting. Legal sports betting would make Kansas a more attractive option to the Kansas City Chiefs. There have been reports that the NFL team has been considering looking for a new home across state lines.

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Sports Betting

Missouri Senate Kills Sports Betting Bill

By Robert Corwin

Ameristar Casino and Argosy Casino in Missouri
Proponents of sports betting in the Show-Me State hoped that the Senate would legalize the practice. Unfortunately, both bills under review died on the floor last night. Part of the reason they did not pass is because of a prolonged filibuster by two senators.

The main bill that would have legalized sports betting was HB 2502. It included another bill, HB 2556, and was referred to the Senate last month. If it had passed, sports betting could have started this fall. However, opponents of the bill question the tax structure and the lack of VLTs in the proposed legislation.

With the bill failing to pass, it seems unlikely that Missouri will legalize sports betting this session. The last day of the current session is May 13th. There are other sports betting bills that still have legs, but legislators are running out of time. If no bill is passed, Missouri risks falling behind neighboring states, namely neighboring Kansas, in the sports betting industry.

What Was House Bills 2502?

The potential sports betting bill up for debate came from the House. It was titled House Bill 2502 and it would have legalized sports betting starting in August. HB 2502 was first introduced in the House in January. The timing would have lined up with the start of the NFL preseason. Missouri Senators had been reviewing the bill since the end of March.

HB 2502 would have allowed for more than 50 sportsbooks to be licensed in that state. 13 of Missouri’s riverboat casinos would have been eligible for sports betting licenses. Another 39 licenses would have been made available for online operators. Essentially, each licensed riverboat casino could have partnered with up to three online operators.

To obtain a license, retail casinos would have had to pay an application fee of $150,000. They also would have a $125,000 renewal fee for the license. HB 2502 called for an 8% tax on sports betting revenue. The bill would have also allowed owners of sports teams to apply to operate interactive sports wagering platforms at stadiums.

Debate Continues on Sports Betting

There appear to have been two main issues that doomed HB 2502 in the Missouri Senate. For one, the low tax rate on sports betting revenue was a red flag for some senators. Missouri taxes gambling revenue at 21%, so the proposed 8% would bring in significantly less revenue for the state.

The other issue that prevented the bill from passing was the lack of VLT language in the bill. VLTs, or Video Lottery Terminals, were a deal-breaker for some senators. Namely, Missouri Senator Denny Hoskins. Hoskins had promised to filibuster any sports betting bill that did not include VLTs.

Senator Hoskins kept true to his word. Yesterday, along with Senator Karla May, Hoskins filibustered for four hours. The chamber was forced to adjourn at 9:30 pm local time per chamber rules. With no vote taking place, HB 2502 effectively died on the floor. It has since been placed on the Senate’s informal calendar.

Is Missouri Falling Behind in Sports Betting?

The lack of progress is more than just disappointing for sports bettors. Without a sports betting bill, the Show-Me State risks falling behind its neighbors. Missouri lawmakers were racing against their counterparts in Kansas to legalize sports betting. The race was about more than just an interstate rivalry.

Legal sports betting has been a huge economic boost for many states in the US. Currently, several states that surround Missouri, such as Illinois and Arkansas, already allow it. The longer Missouri goes without legal sports betting, the more other states will profit from Missouri sports bettors.

There has also been chatter recently that the Kansas City Chiefs may move to the Sunflower State. If Kansas legalizes sports betting, it could be just another reason for the team to move across state lines. A move would take years to finish. However, once the wheels are in motion, they are hard to stop. Missouri already lost one NFL team, the Rams, back in 2016.

Conclusion

After weeks of deliberation, the Missouri Senate failed to pass HB 2502. The bill would have allowed for sports betting in the Show-Me State starting later this year. Despite support for the bill, a filibuster prevented a vote before the chamber adjourned. Now, legislators must scramble to get a new bill passed before May 13th when the session ends.

If Missouri fails to pass a bill this session, it will continue to lose potential sports betting revenue to its neighbors. Currently, Missouri bettors must travel to other states, like Illinois, to place their sports wagers. Kansas could also pass a sports betting bill this year, which would only create more issues for Missouri.

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New York Yankees Partner With FanDuel

By Robert Corwin

Baseball Placed on Top of Hundred Dollar Bills
Two of the biggest brands in sports have announced that they will be teaming up. The New York Yankees have named FanDuel as the official sports betting sponsor of the team. As part of the deal, FanDuel will be allowed to advertise at Yankee Stadium.

FanDuel is already the biggest sports betting operator in the Empire State. Last month, the UK-based operator accounted for over 40% of the mobile market. By partnering with the Yankees, the online sportsbook could increase its share of the NY market even more. So far, New Yorkers have taken advantage of online sports betting in record numbers.

The Yankees are not the only team in New York to partner with a sportsbook. Earlier this month it was announced that the Mets would be teaming up with Caesars Entertainment. As part of the deal, Caesars is in the process of building a massive sports betting lounge at Citi Field.

FanDuel and New York Yankees Announce Partnership

The New York Yankees are one of the most profitable sports franchises in the world. In recent years, FanDuel has quickly become one of the most popular online betting options. Now, two of the biggest brands will team up in New York’s budding sports betting market. The financial details of the deal have not yet been released.

As part of the deal, FanDuel will be able to use New York Yankees’ marks. Also, the sportsbook will have access to Yankee Stadium’s premium VIP hospitality accommodations. The stadium will install integrated FanDuel signage in right-field. For TV broadcasts, there will be rotational FanDuel signage behind home plate.

FanDuel will obviously benefit from the extra exposure during Yankee games. However, the benefits extend beyond just the MLB season. Yankee Stadium is home to many other events throughout the year, such as the Pinstripe Bowl in college football.

Sports Betting Is a Home Run in New York

New York lawmakers did not allow for legal online sports betting until January of this year. From the moment it was legalized, online sports betting has been a hit in New York. In just the first six weeks, New York sportsbooks generated a sports betting handle of $2.8 billion.

FanDuel has played a large part in the early growth of the New York mobile sports betting market. In January, FanDuel accounted for 31% of the mobile sports betting market in New York. Last month, that number increased all the way to 41%.

All of the legal sportsbooks in New York benefitted from the initial launch date. New York legislators legalized online sports betting just in time for the NFL playoffs. Last month, they also had the benefit of the March Madness tournament. The NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season would also help boost sportsbooks income.

New York Mets Also Partnered With a Sportsbook

The Yankees are not the only MLB team in New York to partner with a sportsbook. Earlier this month, the Mets announced they would be partnering with Caesars Entertainment. As part of the deal, Caesars will be building a new sports betting lounge at Citi Field.

Initial plans for the sports betting lounge call for a 13,000-square-foot venue.  The lounge will have a multi-level dining room and an outdoor patio. There will not be any retail options at the lounge. Instead, bettors will need to use the Caesars mobile betting app to place their wagers.

Mets’ team owner Steven Cohen has also been lobbying for a new casino across from the stadium. Whether he will be successful has yet to be seen. However, New York did approve three new casino licenses in its recent fiscal year budget.

Conclusion

The Pinstripes are officially joining the sports betting world. It was announced recently that the New York Yankees have reached a deal with the UK-based FanDuel. As part of the new partnership, FanDuel will have multiple signage options at Yankee Stadium. There have been no reports of the financial terms of the deal.

FanDuel has been a major player already in the Empire State’s sports betting market. Joining forces with the Yankees should only increase their control of the legal mobile betting market. The announcement came only weeks after the Mets agreed to a deal with Caesars Entertainment.