Daily Archives: January 25, 2021

By Nicholas K. Geranios Associated Press

A bill to expand sports gambling in Washington beyond Indian casinos and into privately owned card rooms has been introduced in the state Legislature for the second consecutive year.

The Senate bill seeks to expand sports betting to include the states licensed card rooms and horse race tracks and is once again being pushed by Nevada-based Maverick Gaming.

A similar proposal failed last year, but supporters say the new effort has bipartisan support and could provide revenues to help the states economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last session, lawmakers approved sports gambling for Native American tribes, but that has yet to take effect as government compacts are still being negotiated. Lawmakers at the same time rebuffed a bill seeking to open sports gambling to nontribal competition.

But that happened before the pandemic damaged the economy.

Maverick Gaming chief executive Eric Persson said the company remained committed to improving the state economy.

The bill lays out a modest approach that will generate economic opportunity for our workforce, create approximately 10 new jobs at each of our 19 locations, and help spark pandemic relief efforts by contributing tens of millions of new tax dollars to local and state programs, he said.

Senate Bill 5212 is co-sponsored by Republican state Sen. Curtis King of Yakima and Democratic floor leader Sen. Marko Liias of Lynnwood. It would apply only to existing card rooms and racetracks. It allows for online sports gambling, but only within the limits of the gaming venues.Persson, a Hoquiam native whose company controls 19 of Washingtons 44 licensed card rooms, has estimated up to $50 million in state taxes can be generated annually off sports gambling.

For decades, tribal casinos have operated most of the legalized gambling in Washington. The state allows limited gambling outside tribal facilities in card room casinos, but only games such as blackjack and some poker are allowed.

The pressure to legalize sports gambling has grown nationwide since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal law that had banned it everywhere but Las Vegas and a handful of other jurisdictions.

Individual states can now determine their own course and Washington joined two dozen others last year in legalizing it in some form.

Lawmakers have long argued that Washingtons tribal casinos have a three-decade record of offering safe, responsible gambling.

The Washington Indian Gaming Association, which represents the interests of tribal casinos, opposed the proposal last year and will oppose it again this year, executive director Rebecca George said.

Tribes have shown they know how to properly offer gambling, employ about 30,000 people statewide, and use gambling revenues to fund their operations and social programs, George said.

Were talking about government gaming, George said. The money goes into government programs. Were not an out-of-state corporation.

Granting card rooms the right to offer sports betting takes money out of poor communities, George said.

Under the bill:

Only existing licensed cardrooms and racetracks would be eligible for a sports betting license

Each facility must have its own license and would be charged a $100,000 licensing fee.

A state-level 10% tax would be imposed on the operators on all gross revenues from sports wagers. This tax would be in addition to the taxes levied at the local level.

The bill would not allow any betting on college sports events that take place in-state or that involve a state team.

Betting on electronic sports, high school sports, and competitive video games would be prohibited.

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Bill to expand sports gambling introduced in Legislature - The Spokesman-Review

In this weeks episode of the Golf Gambling Podcast on the Sports Gambling Podcast Network, Boston Capper (@boston_capper) and Steve Schirmer record the preview early so they each can watch the final round of the American Express and the Conference Championships on Sunday. They give a quick rundown of Tyrrell Hattons win in Abu Dhabi and any implications to his odds to win a 2021 major. They also run down the pricing tiers in DraftKings, howd the most popular players did, and any takeaways and lessons gamblers can have from it.

They then move onto the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. They quickly run down the field before breaking down what Steve Schirmer calls The Most Overrated Golf Course in America. They close the show with initial leans on the types of golfers to target in DraftKings and on the betting card.

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The Farmers Insurance Open Preview Show | Golf Gambling Podcast (Ep. 24) - The Sports Gambling Podcast

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Three professional sports leagues are back playing at the same time. Its a different tune than nearly a year ago when professional sports halted.

At the same time, Indiana was in its first year of legalized mobile sports betting.

The state reported $46,516,489 in mobile sports betting receipts for the 2020 fiscal year. The most bets came from Draft Kings, Fan Duel, and Bet MGM.

Bowen Center Therapist James Wright said hes also seeing an increase in people seeking gambling addiction treatment since mobile sports betting became legal.

Wright explained gambling addiction is a process addiction.

The American Addictions Center explains a process addiction is, The compulsion to continually engage in an activity or behavior despite the negative impact on the persons ability to remain mentally and/or physically healthy and functional in the home and community.

In their brain, that distorted thinking they really think that that next shot is going to be their ticket. Everybody wants fast money. Thats a lot behind it that drives it as well, especially your sports betting online. Man if I hit this one Im going to make 50 bucks on this one. And they go for it. But as far as your partner, or your kids, or whatever, the best thing is to sit down with your spouse and make a budget for it, said Wright.

In any type of situation that youre doing things like this you have to have some sort of restraint and some people just cant, explained Kyle Richardson, an analyst for The Fantasy Headliners.

The Fantasy Headliners is a YouTube page that goes over sports research which can help gamblers, or those interested in the game. Richardson said he also works with mobile sports betting sites that help support his channel.

You know, it doesnt surprise that Indiana was kind of a target. Here in the area definitely when it was legalized. I saw lots of billboards going up, lots of shows. Its like anything. Its a marketplace. All these companies are vying for different consumers, said Richardson.

If youve watched any sports recently, you probably cant help but notice a large number of ads for mobile sports betting. Wright says this can be a trigger for those with a gambling addiction.

We asked viewers, and many are sick of seeing the ads. Others say they are utilizing the ability to make those bets. See some responses in the gallery below.

Wright explains there is a safe way to mobile bet. The best option is to set a budget, and discuss that budget with others.

The State of Indiana offers resources for Hoosiers looking for help with gambling addiction. That can be found here:https://www.in.gov/igc/problemgamblinghelp/2332.htm

Richardson lends his support to sports betting. He says it offers a safe spot for people to place bets, and some of the revenue goes toward the state. Richardson also notes the apps also take steps to curb addiction.

DraftKings offers options for people to avoid addiction by offering a Responsible Gaming section on the Sportsbook app. Players can set spending spending, wager and time limits. Theres also a cool off function pausing use of the app and a Patron Protection section offering facts about the dangers of gambling and contact information for help with addiction.

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As mobile sports betting grows, so does the need for gambling addiction treatment - WANE

The casino at Encore Boston Harbor will resume around-the-clock operations by the middle of next week. Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that the state's 9:30 p.m. business curfew will end on Monday. An order that asked people not to go out between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will also be expiring. On Friday, Encore officials announced their plans to resume 24-hour casino operations, pending approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.Casino officials said they plan to extend gambling hours on Monday and Tuesday to 9 a.m. through midnight and begin 24-hour operations on Wednesday. Additionally, Encore officials said the hotel would begin hosting guests on Thursday through Sunday evenings starting on Feb. 4 and the spa will reopen on Saturdays and Sundays starting on Feb. 6. The resort will continue to operate under the state's 25% capacity limit and officials said that existing safety measures, including temperature checks and required face coverings, will continue.

The casino at Encore Boston Harbor will resume around-the-clock operations by the middle of next week.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that the state's 9:30 p.m. business curfew will end on Monday. An order that asked people not to go out between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will also be expiring.

On Friday, Encore officials announced their plans to resume 24-hour casino operations, pending approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Casino officials said they plan to extend gambling hours on Monday and Tuesday to 9 a.m. through midnight and begin 24-hour operations on Wednesday.

Additionally, Encore officials said the hotel would begin hosting guests on Thursday through Sunday evenings starting on Feb. 4 and the spa will reopen on Saturdays and Sundays starting on Feb. 6.

The resort will continue to operate under the state's 25% capacity limit and officials said that existing safety measures, including temperature checks and required face coverings, will continue.

Read more:

Encore Boston Harbor plans to resume 24-hour gambling within days - WCVB Boston

Several years of stalemates have stymied a plan to allow sports wagers in Connecticut casinos.

Legislation to also allow bets online, which was put on the back burner the last three years, is now back on the table.

Those involved in the negotiations are betting this could be the bills year to pass.

"It feels like everyone wants to get this done. I can genuinely say that with certainty, said Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which runs Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard.

With casino revenues cut in half by the pandemic, lawmakers wasted no time drafting a bill with bipartisan support to get the games going online.

"Other states around us have shown that it can be very successful in terms of generating revenue, pointed out Republican Senator Paul Formica, the deputy minority leader from East Lyme.

The bill would allow the state's two tribes to open sports books in their casinos and capture gaming revenue from internet sports betting. Leaders said it could be a real shot in the arm to Connecticut casinos and state coffers.

"It is in the tens of millions of dollars and could be upwards of $100 million dollars a year, said Senator Bob Duff, Majority Leader.

With state budget deficits growing and gambling revenues down, Jason Chung, a University of New Haven assistant professor in sports management, said this bill has a better chance of passing than it did previously.

"This year definitely gave a lot of states the green light to consider alternate revenue coming from gambling sources, Chung explained. "Anything you can do to keep revenues coming in I think states are really looking hard to see what they can do to fast track that process."

A 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened up the opportunity for states to take advantage of online gaming.

Butler, who has been in talks with Governor Ned Lamont and other lawmakers, said those whove been on the fence in the past seem to be coming around to the idea.

I think what's changed is the situation that we're in. The revenue challenges the state's having, and the broader acceptance of online transactions, he said.

Part of past hang-ups has had to do with the states compact with the tribes.Any changes have to be negotiated between the governor and tribal leaders for this legislation to pass.

In exchange for their exclusivity, they provide 250 plus million dollars a year to the states revenue picture, Formica explained.

The Connecticut Lottery would also be able to sell tickets and conduct keno games online under this bill.Butler said part of the ongoing discussions with the governor have to do with whether the tribes would have any stake in that revenue as well.

A spokesperson for Governor Ned Lamont confirmed the negotiations were ongoing but wouldnt elaborate.

With more people staying home and letting their fingers do the shopping, supporters believe it makes dollars and sense to legalize online gambling.

"If we don't do it this year we're just leaving money on the table, said Duff.

Continue reading here:

Lawmakers Betting on Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Sports Gambling - NBC Connecticut

The Nova Scotia government has quietly dissolveda non-profit arm's-length government organization dedicated to funding gambling prevention and research groups, moving the money to a more general mental health pool.

The decision to end Gambling Awareness Nova Scotia (GANS) is being criticized by a community group that received grants through the organization, and which says there's now looming uncertainty about whether its work will be supported.

"In the middle of COVID ... isn't there more of a need to do this prevention work and community awareness work?" said Bruce Dienes, chair of Gambling Risk Informed Nova Scotia, a non-profit that aims to reduce the community harms associated with gambling. "This is the time when people are most vulnerable."

Part of the funding for GANS, according to the government's website, was "generated from a percentage of VLT revenues, matched by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation."

The province said in a statement that VLT retailers provide about $250,000 annually to support mental health and addictions services.

The province did not say when the organization was dissolved, but Dienes said he learned of it in the fall andGANS's regulations were changed in October.

Hesaid he was told by the Department of Health and Wellness that because of "new information" it had come to realize there are comorbidities with gambling also associated with depression and anxiety, which justified sharing the funds more widely.

"The idea that this is new information is ridiculous, we've known this for decades," he said.

Dienes believes the province made the move as a way to deal with the "profound lack of funding for mental health in Nova Scotia."

No one from the Department of Health and Wellness was available to speak to CBC for this story.

In a statement, spokesperson Marla MacInnis confirmed that GANS will become part of the overall mental health and addictions budget which is roughly $300 million annuallyciting changes in the last two decades around gambling and how best to support it.

"Problem gambling often occurs with other mental health and addictions issues, and due to the stigma, people often initially seek help for other issues. It's best if people can access support that addresses these issues together," MacInnis said.

One of the consequences of the pandemic has been the restrictions placed on gambling in Nova Scotia related to public health protocols.

There were no sports games to bet on, and many casinos and bars were ordered to closed.In the height of the spring COVID-19 lockdown, counselling therapist Elizabeth Stephen said some of her clients simply stopped gambling.

"It was like a gift to some people that have problems that never really get that break," said Stephen, who is based in Halifax. "Of course, that didn't last long."

After a second shutdown late in 2020, the province reopened the Halifax and Sydney casinos, video lottery terminals and First Nations gaming establishments on Jan. 8.

Igor Yakovenko, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University, said international data found that gambling decreased in all forms as things were closed globally.

When restrictions loosened in Nova Scotia, Stephen said some of her clients returned to gambling, butit varied case by case. In some instances, she said people who hadn't gambled in a long time returned to VLTs because of the "wearing-you-down kind of stress of COVID."

Yakovenko, who is a clinical psychologist, said there are many barriers for people to get help, including not knowing where to go in Nova Scotia. He said research suggests that harm reduction and prevention are the most effective ways to help people.

"We need services and public health resources that minimize problems from developing in the first place or, if you're already gambling, they prevent you from escalating that gambling," he said.

Earlier this month, CBC News reported that the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is preparing to expand its online casinos toNova Scotia and P.E.I., which would allow for bigger bets than what is currently allowed on in-person VLTs.

The pandemic is believed to have made a significant dent in Atlantic Lottery's revenues.

Dienes said having VLTs available online goes against the province's VLT moratorium, which removes the gaming devices if a bar shuts down instead of reallocating them.

"They call them the crack cocaine of gambling," he said. "To backtrack on that acknowledgement of the danger of VLTs and to be slowly getting rid of them, and to move to amplifying that on the internet with essentially unlimited access is appalling. It's totally irresponsible."

According to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation's website, there are 2,012 VLTs in the province and 651 VLTs in Mi'Kmaw communities.

Both the Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Atlantic Lottery say the implementation of online casino-style games in Nova Scotia is still being evaluated. Neither provided a timeframe for when a decision will be made.

Greg Weston, a spokesperson with Atlantic Lottery, said they regularly consult with responsible gambling experts when developing new products. He also said he believes it's important to offer a regulated alternative to the 3,000 offshore gambling websites available to Atlantic Canadians.

"One benefit would be to repatriate players now playing with illegal offshore providers, and by doing so repatriating money being spent on offshore sites to help fund public services to benefit Atlantic Canadians," he said in a statement.

Both Yakovenko and Stephen hopethe province consultswith experts in the area and usescurrent research in deciding whether Atlantic Lottery should be allowed to move to an online casino model.

"From my perspective, the risks far outweigh the profits," Stephen said. "Someone has to lose in order for us to make money."

Read more from the original source:

N.S. dissolves gambling awareness organization, reallocates funds from VLTs - CBC.ca

The basic facts of Evander Kane's money troubles are laid bare on page 16 of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy claim filed in the Northern District of California on Jan.9.

Total debts owed by the San Jose Sharks veteran:$26.8million.

Total assets:$10.2 million, most of it in the value of three houses two in Vancouver and one in San Jose.

What's less plain to see ishow the 29-year-oldarrived at this financial breaking point,a dozen years into a professional hockey career that has to date earned him $53 million.

Part of the answer may lie a little deeperin the 73 page document,in the sectionwhere the filer has tolist losses sustained in the previous one year due to theft, fire, disaster or gambling.

There is a single entry: $1.5 million lost because of"gambling at casino and via bookie (sports betting)."

It's not the first time Kane's gambling has received a public airing.

In 2019, he was sued for half a million dollars by The Cosmopolitan, acasino in Las Vegas.

According tothe Las Vegas Review-Journal, court documents stated he owed the casinofor eight credits or "markers" in amounts between $20,000 and $100,000 taken out on or about April 15, 2019. Thedate coincided with the Sharks playing the Golden Knights inLas Vegas during the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Cosmopolitan dropped the lawsuit in 2020, likely dueto an out-of-court settlement. But the Chapter 7 filing suggests gambling may be aproblem for the East Vancouver native.

And he'd hardly be an isolated case, says Declan Hill, University of New Haven professor of investigations specializing in sports, gambling and organized crime.

"This is the tip of an iceberg," said Hill. "There is a silent epidemic of gambling-related addiction issues among professional athletes."

Research has shown athletes can be more susceptible to gambling problems. Simply, the qualities that make someone excel in sport are the same ones that make them suck at gambling, said Hill.

"They're dedicated, they're focused, they never give up. They're always chasing because they can overturn a deficit ... going into the last minute or third period," he said.

There's also a dynamic between the casinos orbookmakerswho arehappy to supply action to young, confident menwith money in search of an outlet to their high pressure job.

And unlike other addictions, said Hill, gambling problems aren'teasy to spot.

"If a top athlete becomes addicted to cocaine or alcohol, you aregoing to know. You'regoing to be able to see physically quite quickly that the athlete is just not as good as they should be," said Hill.

"Become an addict to gambling, and there'sno physical sign. Theonly symptomis the bank account."

NHL players can seek help through the player assistance program, run jointly by the NHL Players' Association and National Hockey League.

A 1-800 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week allowing players to connect confidentially to targetedcounsellingfor things like gambling addiction and substance abuse.

According to NHLPAspokesman Jonathan Weatherdon, program doctors also meet with each team every season to give an overviewof the service,includingdiscussions about gambling addiction.

"Per the [Collective Bargaining Agreement] NHL players are not able to bet on NHL games," said Weatherdon.

Kane's bankruptcy filing lists 47 creditorsincluding banks, credit card companies, the IRS, lawyers, his agencyand anumber of individuals who appear to have extended personal loans.

Generally, in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the filer's non-exempt assets are liquidated and the proceeds used to pay creditors.

Kane's filing asks the three houses and other personal property be exempted. It also listsseven dependents: his newborndaughter, his parents, a grandmother, two uncles and a sister.

The filing also says he could opt outof his contract at some point this season because of COVID-19 concerns, affecting his salary.

Whatever the final result, most of his creditors will likely receive pennies on the dollar, if anything at all.

The news is much better for Kane himself. Once his debts are dischargedhe gets a fresh financial start and some breathing room, one would assume, to move on with what's been a life-changing year in other, more positive ways.

He became a father for the first time in the summer. And in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder and the rise of Black Lives Matter, he became a central figure incalling out racial injustice in hockeyand is now co-head of the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

And his hockey career is far from over, with four-plusyearsremaining on the seven year, $49 million contractsigned with the Sharks in 2018.

As prosports and governments rush to increase their revenue base through expanded gaming, Hill says it's important that people understand a basic truth about gambling.

"To be a successful gambler is very, very difficult and the only people who really do it well are emotionless math geeks," he said. "Everyone else should leave it well alone."

Continued here:

Athletes and gambling: Is there anything to learn from Evander Kane's bankruptcy? - CBC.ca

Online gambling in Michigan is set to begin on Jan. 22, and many are worried this is only going to increase gambling addiction across the state.

Limited Licensed Psychologist and CEO of Addiction Resource Center Harbor Hall in Petoskey, Patrick McGinn says its similar to alcohol or drug addiction. The behavioral things that happen with people who have problems gambling almost mirrors what you see in other addictive disorders, he said. It does act on the same reward centers and you get increased dopamine levels which are the feel good chemicals.

He says the availability to place bets is going to be too convenient for some to resist. Were going to see more gambling addiction. This is going to be too easy. Its going to be too easy to get involved in. Its going to be too easy to sign off your paycheck and put it into when youre doing things online.

McGinn believes people will start seeing the effects soon. You might see people that are going to like the womens resource center or the food pantry to make ends meet or going to Salvation Army to help pay their bills, he said. So thats kind of where I think were going to initially see the impact.

His best advice is for friends and families to watch out for those struggling with addiction. Those struggling with gambling addiction should call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.

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Online Gambling in Michigan Sparks Fears of Rise in Addictions - 9 & 10 News - 9&10 News

TEHRAN - Iranian volleyball coaches and players are concerned with rumors about betting and match-fixing in the countrys volleyball.

The subject of match-fixing through the betting system came under scrutiny last month when Sasan Khodaparast, ex-coach of Azar Battery, raised the issue of betting in the volleyball.

Gambling could be damaging for our volleyball. Its two or three years that the results of some games have been really surprising. These incidents have raised suspicion about gambling in this sport and we, who are working in volleyball, understand it, Khodaparast said before retiring from his post. His remarks provoked different reactions. Some did not deny the existence of betting in volleyball but believed that there were no credible documents to prove it.

Tehran Times spoke to some Iranian volleyball figures to find out how they see the situation and what they suggest to prevent further problems in this regard.

Ahsanollah Shirkavand, former player of Iran mens national volleyball team and current captain of the Shahrdari Varamin Volleyball Club believes that betting is a problem in volleyball.

We cannot deny that there is kind of betting and gambling in our volleyball, especially in the lower leagues. Im sure that in the Iranian Super League the betting problems are so small, if any. This is due to the level and positions of the players and coaches who work in the super league, as well as the sensitivities and supervisions that exist in this league, Shirkavand said to Tehran Times.

Betting in football and some other sports may be far more widespread than volleyball. I believe that even in our volleyballs lower leagues there is not an organized system of betting and it is still limited to sporadic cases. However, we must start the necessary measures now to prevent its further spread. It is really unfair and treacherous that someone, who can be a player, a coach, or a referee, to bet and ruin the efforts of the other players and staff of a team, added the 39-year-old volleyball star.

Mohammadreza Tondravan, head coach of the Foolad Sirajan team, told Tehran Times that he has just heard about betting in volleyball and not seen anything obvious.

I cannot say with certainty that there is betting in Iranian volleyball because I only have heard about it and have not seen or experienced it personally. However, it is a completely serious issue that should be taken into consideration by the Iranian Volleyball Federation and even the countrys security and intelligence official to prevent damage to the reputation of our volleyball, said the former Qataris Al Arabi head coach.

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Is there any gambling in Iran volleyball? - Tehran Times

With the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday earlier in the week, the NBA schedule has been rather inconsistent this week, as we follow up a 10-game slate Wednesday with a three-game slate Thursday.

Because there are three games, I will run through a brief betting breakdown on where my preference lies in each game.

Los Angeles Lakers at Milwaukee Bucks (-1, 228 total, William Hill)

This may be the hardest game on the slate to bet in terms of sides, as this game is quite literally a toss-up. Because there isnt a massive edge here, Ill be turning my attention to the 228 total. While its common for early season games with superstar matchups to run at faster paces and run scores up, the under here feels juicy. In both meetings between these teams last season this under wouldve hit, as neither game ended with more than 116 points. While the Bucks are running a top-10 pace, they arent running as fast as they did last season. On top of this, both teams are top-12 in defensive rating, with the Lakers ranking No.1 overall.

New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz (-6.5, 217.5, William Hill)

This is the second leg of a back-to-back (in terms of opponent, not day of play), as the Jazz just beat the Pelicans 118-102 in Utah on Tuesday. What sticks out here is the total, as the previous game went for 220 total points. Both teams run a bit of a slower pace and excel more defensively than they do offensively, so it makes sense that the total is still a bit low. With that said, the spread implies that this contest should be closer than the last game. If thats the case, theres a higher likelihood for a back-and-forth game with more points, making the over enticing here up until 218.5.

New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors (no line at the time of writing)

With no line posted (Wednesday afternoon), the best we can do is forecast this game. The Knicks have embraced Tom Thibodeaus game plan, ranking top-5 in defensive rating (106.4), while ranking dead last in pace (96.63). Contrary to the Knicks, the Warriors rank third in pace (104.5) and 17th in defensive rating (110.2). Only one of the Knicks last seven games ended with a total north of 220 points, while theyve failed to crack 100 points as a team in five of those seven games. If this total is posted at or above 218.5, I would target the under with confidence.

The rest is here:

Gambling: A betting look at the three NBA games on Thursday - Colorado Springs Gazette