Daily Archives: December 9, 2023

IMMOKALEE, Fla. The biggest expansion in gambling in several years is coming to southwest Florida on Monday.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida will usher in a new era of gambling at its casinos, including the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, with craps, roulette, and retail sports betting.

While the quiet streets of Immokalee would never be confused with the bright lights of the Vegas strip, does the expansion of gambling give this Collier County community a chance to cash in?

This certainly will help the Seminoles, said Bob Jarvis, a law professor and gambling expert at Nova Southeastern University.

This does not mean that Florida is now in league with Las Vegas or Macao (China), or other places people think of when they think of gambling, Jarvis said.

Thats because even with the expanded gambling, options remain limited.

The Seminoles operate six casinos in various parts of the state, while other gambling hubs feature multiple casinos on the same street.

This week, the Seminoles Hard Rock Bet app, which allows mobile sports betting anywhere in the Sunshine State, opened to all customers.

Gambling attorney Daniel Wallach believes year-round sunshine and beaches, with the addition to mobile sports betting, could help drive tourism.

I think there is something to be said about giving sports gamblers a choice, Wallach said.

According to Las Vegas tourism officials, every year around 300,000 people travel to Sin City to gamble during Super Bowl weekend, regardless of where the game is being played.

You can peel off some of those 300,000 visitors, divert them to Florida because we have warm weather, hundreds of miles of pristine beaches. It makes a big difference in a cold weather month, said Wallach.

Its not clear what kind of impact locals are expecting.

The Collier County tourism board told Fox 4 they havent made any estimates on how the expanded gambling could impact the area.

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HIT THE JACKPOT: Could Immokalee cash in on expanding gambling? - FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX

By Colin A. Young | State House News Service

Concerned about the tiny percentage of sports bettors who have so far used things like time or deposit limits, the Mass. Gaming Commission is working to convene a roundtable with operators, industry experts and more to talk about how they might be able to make responsible gambling tools "cool."

The commission received quarterly reports from all eight of its online sports betting licensees since late November, and those reports showed that the responsible gambling tools sportsbooks are required to provide -- like allowing gamblers to limit how much or how frequently they can bet, or letting bettors put themselves in a temporary "cool off" period -- are not being used by very many people.

Among users of DraftKings, which is the most popular mobile platform in Massachusetts based on total handle, less than 0.1 percent have used the time limit feature, 2.3 percent have set a deposit limit, 0.13 percent have restricted how much they can bet within a given amount of time, 0.4 percent have established a maximum wager, and 1.4 percent have used the "cool off" tool, the company reported.

"This was a very important piece of the application, we wanted to make sure that we had strong RG tools for individuals to use on their device. We know we share this with other jurisdictions, this is not novel. But really, these tools are very critical to this particular commission ... and I know that our director of research and responsible gaming has been concerned that the bettors just are not utilizing them," Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein said at a late November meeting.

The topic resurfaced Thursday when the commission heard from additional operators. Judd-Stein reiterated a comparison she made in November, saying that she would like gamblers to think of RG tools the way skiers or cyclists think about helmets. "If you're a really great skier, you wear a ski helmet," she said.

Anthony D'Angelo, head of responsible gaming at Fanatics, said his company's research showed a general consensus among users that "RG tools are useful, but they were just not for them" and that "there's a stigma around the usage of tools."

Judd-Stein said the issue presents an opportunity for the commission bring operators, responsible gambling experts and others together for a roundtable "so that we can just keep on elevating that discourse and generate some good ideas."

"We spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to destigmatize responsible gaming through the variety of tools that we offer in GameSense. And I think that this is a space that is ripe for us to be paying attention to," Mark Vander Linden, the commission's director of research and responsible gaming, said. He added, "This is definitely a top RG priority for us."

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State regulators meet with operators to discuss strengthening responsible gambling tools - Worcester Business Journal

Locks

NBA (1 Unit) Minnesota Timberwolves -6.5 @ Memphis Grizzlies (-110; Odds via Caesars): 7:00 PM CT on Bally Sports North

The Grizzlies have looked pretty good for the past 4 games, but the opposition has been pretty poor. The game before this mini turnaround was a 22-point beating at the hands of the Wolves, and I think they deliver another comfortable win tonight. Minnesota looked a little sluggish on Wednesday after their short break and re-integrating Anthony Edwards, but the defense has not fallen off one bit. The leagues best effective field goal defense against the 29th effective field goal offense is a massive mismatch. Memphis should get held down again tonight, and put the Wolves in position for another double-digit win.

NBA (1 Unit) Atlanta Hawks @ Philadelphia 76ers -7.5 (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 6:00 PM CT on NBCS-PH

Im surprised to see this line relatively low given the talent discrepancy here and the injury report. Trae Young popped up on that report with an illness and will be a game time decision, making it tough for Atlanta to keep up with the leagues second-rated offense. The Hawks defense will obviously offer no resistance, so the Sixers should be able to build a solid lead throughout the game. Philly already downed the Hawks by 10 in the first meeting where Young played, so an absent or hampered version of the Atlanta star should result in an easy win for the Sixers tonight.

NBA (0.75 Unit) Detroit Pistons @ Orlando Magic -11.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:00 PM CT on Bally Sports FL

As soon as Detroit got buried at home by Washington the debate was over, theyre definitively the worst team in the league. The dysfunction on both ends of the court is amazing, and its a minor miracle that they only have the leagues second-worst point differential. My feeling here is that the Magic absolutely roll them, and this big number is well within reach. Orlando needs this return home after two lopsided road losses blunted their momentum. But those losses also serve to hold down this line just a bit, and thats enough for me to back the Magic to return to blowing out bad teams.

NBA (0.5 Unit) Chicago Bulls/San Antonio Spurs Under 225.5 (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 7:30 PM CT on Bally Sports SW

This total is just a little too high given the offensive struggles for both teams. Its a matchup of two squads that are both bottom-6 in the league for scoring, shooting, efficiency, offensive rating, and effective field goal rate. The wild card becomes San Antonios pace thats third-fastest in the league, along with their awful defense that has fueled their over record.

But Chicago is the slowest-paced team in the league, and they dont turn it over so theyll limit the Spurs in transition. San Antonio only scores in random spurts and their games against other slower-paced opponents have stayed well under this total. With Chicago still missing Zach LaVine, I dont think either team has the firepower to reach this number.

NBA (1 Unit) Houston Rockets @ Denver Nuggets -4.5 First Half (-110; Odds via BetMGM): 8:00 PM CT on Altitude

Its weird that were in early December and these teams are meeting for the fourth and final time this season. But that creates extra data points to handicap this matchup with, and Im going back to a reliable well with expecting a strong start from Denver tonight. Somehow the Rockets took the two meetings in Houston, but the Nuggets got their revenge last week at home.

Denver led by 17 at halftime in that game, reminding everyone of their massive home court advantage. That should come into play again tonight against a Rockets team thats terrible on the road, posting a minus-6.3 average first half margin in road games. The Nuggets just lost two frustrating road games, so look for them to come out hot tonight and establish a big early lead.

Bonus Bet (1 Unit) Nikola Jokic Over 52.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists (-110; Odds via DraftKings)

The Joker just had arguably his ugliest game as a pro, certainly from a shooting standpoint. Im betting on a big bounce back performance against a team he has lit up this season. Despite Denvers 1-2 record against Houston, Jokic has gone off for 35.3 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 11.3 assists, easily clearing this number each game.

He was 2 assists in the second meeting from a triple-double in each game, so Ill also throw half a unit on him posting a triple-double tonight at +105 odds. Its also worth a quarter unit at +140 for him to splash multiple threes tonight since his shooting has to improve from Wednesdays debacle. Plain and simple, Id hate to be the Rockets tonight.

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick is 1762-1548 ATS (+91.1 Units) on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games hes confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.

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Tiny Nicks Gambling Picks: 12/08 - Zone Coverage

In an eye-opening revelation, state Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, chair of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, has disclosed a disturbing reality after his statewide tour of Alabama. Whitts journey, endorsed by Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainesville, was not just a perfunctory mission. It was a deep dive into the heart of Alabamas gaming issue, which he deemed a pressing matter that could no longer be sidelined by the Legislature.

Transparency and direct action have always been my guiding principles, stated Whitt. In my year-long expedition across the state, Ive been confronted with the harsh truth of illegal gamblings prevalence in every corner of Alabama. Its a grim reality that demands immediate legislative intervention.

Whitts commitment to addressing the issue head-on is evident in his comprehensive approach. Alabama is in dire need of a unified, enforceable law against illegal gambling. Our current legal framework is a chaotic mix of amendments and court decisions, leading to a never-ending cycle of illegal casinos cropping up, he explained. Whitts proposed solution involves not just tightening the existing laws but also enhancing penalties and equipping law enforcement with better resources to tackle this issue.

The complexity of the gaming issue in Alabama, as Whitt points out, extends to the legal aspects as well. The legal gaming operations, like those run by the Poarch Creek Indians under federal laws, and the legal pari-mutual tracks are just parts of a larger, more challenging puzzle. The inconsistency in how our gambling laws are interpreted and enforced is a major roadblock, Whitt added, emphasizing his focus on clarifying these legal ambiguities.

While acknowledging past proposals for gaming regulation, Whitt is resolute in his priority: combating the illegal gambling thats deeply entrenched in the state. His investigations reveal a concerning pattern of illegal operations often backed by out-of-state entities, hinting at a broader network of organized crime.

The balance between legal and illegal gaming is a tricky but crucial aspect we need to address, Whitt remarked. His findings, gathered during his travels, paint a comprehensive picture of various illegal gambling operations and their impacts on local communities. As state legislators, we need a broader perspective, one that transcends our individual districts and looks at the statewide implications of these issues, he concluded, signaling a call to action for his colleagues in the Alabama legislature.

Gaming legislation, as a constitutional amendment, necessitates a direct vote from Alabamas citizens, with the Legislatures role limited to setting the voting parameters. The intricate saga of gambling legislation has been a persistent narrative for over twenty years, tracing its origins to the early 1990s with dog tracks and video poker. Despite numerous legislative attempts to legalize specific forms of gambling, the path has been fraught with obstacles.

Thus, the conversation in Alabamas legislative halls is no longer just about the potential revenue and job opportunities from legalized gambling. It has matured into a broader discourse on law, order, and the states commitment to eradicating illegal activities under the guise of gambling. The future of gambling in Alabama now hinges on finding a balance between legalization, regulation, and law enforcement.

When I started this journey, I didnt know where the road would end, said Whitt. It has taken me all across the state. And Ive learned a lot. And Ive learned that weve got a problem and it needs to be resolved, he continued. Again, we can no longer simply do nothing; thats not an option.

Whitts revelations and proposals mark a significant step in Alabamas path toward tackling the pervasive issue of illegal gambling. His proactive approach and detailed insights set the stage for a legislative response that could reshape the states gaming landscape for the better.

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Rep. Andy Whitt's Alabama investigation reveals pervasive illegal gambling - Alabama Political Reporter

As early as next month mobile gambling will be offered at Winstar, as a part of the push to legalize sports gambling across the state.

Friday, December 8th 2023, 5:08 pm

As early as next month mobile gambling will be offered at Winstar.

This step is renewing the push to legalize sports gambling across the state.

Our Capitol reporter Haley Weger talks with lawmakers about how this would fit into pending sports betting plans.

As the pressure to legalize sports betting ramps up, the Chickasaw Nation is rolling out an app that allows mobile gambling and could be laying the framework for additional gaming options down the road.

The app is approved under federal law which allows tribal nations to offer games that are bingo at their core without state approval or oversight.

Unlike other mobile gaming, the Chickasaw Nations app will take and pay out real money.

It also will track location and usage - to ensure people are really on Winstar property when placing bets. It will flag problem gambling, and help turn those people towards gambling addiction services. Senator Bill Coleman has been working on legislation to legalize mobile sports gambling.

He says this step by the Chickasaw nation could open that door.

Governor Stitt has also rolled out a sports betting plan, his office said in a statement :

Its great that casino operators also recognize the betting market is shifting to mobile applications - saying his plan "would allow bets to be placed from mobile devices anywhere in the state."

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Online Betting And Mobile Gaming To Be Available At Winstar Next Month - news9.com KWTV

Please try our search feature or see the most recent news stories below. You can also browse StarAdvertiser.com by clicking the Sections button in the top-left corner of every page. Then select the news section you would like to browse.

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Off The News: HPD attacks West Side gambling - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Theres a new twist to the Jacksonville Jaguars theft story that led to so many jokes Wednesday, only this part isnt quite as funny.

The attorney for Amit Patel, the former Jaguars employee who was fired for allegedly stealing more than $22 million from the team through a virtual credit card program, said his client suffers from a serious gambling addiction, in a telephone interview with The Athletic.

It started with a little bit and, as these things usually do, spiraled wildly out of control, Alex King said Thursday. He said Patel plans to plead guilty to the two federal charges hes facing wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction.

According to the attorney, Patel bet on football and daily fantasy sports, and he fraudulently obtained money from the companys VCC program to subsidize his losses. Approximately 99 percent of funds from the program were gambling losses, King said, almost all occurring on FanDuel and DraftKings. He said he did not know if Patel bet on the Jaguars.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

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Ex-Jaguars employee stole money to cover gambling losses, per attorney - For The Win

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino introduced an array of new gambling experiences to South Florida, offering a Vegas-like feel right in the Sunshine State. The long-anticipated launch comes after the establishment found itself embroiled in a strenuous legal tug-of-war, according to WSVN.

Following a Supreme Court decision, the Hard Rock Casino threw open its doors amidst celebrations featuring famous personalities such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and sports betting enthusiasts were given the nod to place their bets. "Ladies and gentlemen, sports betting is live!" announced the announcer at the venue. Shuffle along, Sinatra, because boxing legend Mike Tyson, also in attendance, placed his faith in the Miami Dolphins, telling WSVN reporters, I dont know, but I placed a bet on them.

On Thursday, the festivities marked the inauguration of 20 new roulette tables, craps tables, and sports betting kiosks equipped with the latest in gaming technology. Before the floodgates were opened to the public, CBS News Miami was given a sneak peek into the stage set for the next chapter of Floridas gambling saga.

Patrons were seen placing wagers on events around the country at private kiosks, a feature Ken Halabi, a casino visitor, appreciated and stated "I've lived in states that have it -- it's a good idea I think"

The NBA's very own Dwyane Wade made his return to Miami feel like a roll of the dice, Every time I come back to Miami it feels good. Glad to be here," he was rolling the dice, according to WSVN.

According to Nova Southeastern University law professor Bob Jarvis, the Seminoles have overcome a Supreme Court hurdle, clearing their initiative for take-off, a sentiment he shared with CBS News Miami. However, he cautioned that new legal challenges, particularly regarding mobile sports betting and its legality off tribal lands, might still be a year out.

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Hollywood's Seminole Hard Rock Casino Rolls Out Glitzy Gambling Expansion with A-List Celebs in Attendance - Hoodline

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By Jason Chorpenning and Shane Sterry

Chorpenning is president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 27 and Sterry is assistant vice president of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union.

On behalf of the more than 5,000 UFCW and SEATU represented employees working at three of Marylands casinos Rocky Gap Casino & Hotel, Hollywood Casino, and Live! Casino & Hotel and approximately 16,000 gaming industry workers who live in the Free State, we take issue with the Lottery Commissions recent report to the General Assembly on iGaming or internet gaming which would bring slot machines and poker games to your cell phones for unlimited gambling.

Well before this report was issued, we expressed to the governor and legislative leaders that the Lottery Commission report would be one-sided and biased. The Lottery Commission hired the Las Vegas-based Innovation Group, a pro-gaming research firm that touts being associated with more than $100 billion in gaming investment decisions. As an organization that gets its bread-and-butter from expanded gaming, we anticipated that they would dangle the free gambling money that iGaming could bring to state coffers from out-of-state and foreign companies who will make little investment in our state. The recently released report has confirmed our fears.

With its myopic focus on the gaming revenue these out-of-state and foreign companies might generate, the report glosses over the massive losses of Maryland jobs that would inevitably accompany iGaming. For example, in neighboring Pennsylvania, iGaming has eliminated 2,000 jobs nearly 10% of all Pennsylvania brick-and-mortar casino jobs. Many other states, like Indiana, have said no to iGaming for the same reason its a job killer.

And it is not only the 16,000 casino jobs in Maryland that are at stake. If iGaming were enacted in Maryland, there would be no incentive for the states brick-and-mortar casinos to make new capital investments to expand gaming floors, increase restaurant and entertainment options, or construct/expand hotel and lodging amenities. This will result in a loss of job opportunities for Maryland across industries and will lead to less real estate tax revenue, less personal property tax revenue, less income tax revenue, less alcohol tax revenue, and less sales tax revenue than are currently being realized.

In addition, we believe that iGaming will increase problem gaming to epidemic levels in Maryland if enacted. The National Council on Problem Gamblings 2021 Survey on Gambling Attitudes found that online gamblers were as much as eight times more likely to report compulsive gambling problems and addictive behavior. Marylands own Center of Excellence, which reviews problem gaming, is still looking at the impact of mobile sports betting on problem gambling but we do know that certain demographic groups are two-to-three times more likely to be high-risk gamblers according to studies.

There is a reason that more than 40 states, including Nevada, have not pursued iGaming. Regardless of the Lottery Commissions recent report, we are convinced that iGaming is a bad bet for Maryland workers and families. Now is not the time to gamble with thousands of Maryland jobs. We urge the governor and General Assembly to not take the bait and say NO to iGaming.

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Opinion: iGaming is a bad bet for Maryland - Maryland Matters