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A recent report from WalletHub reveals that according to some criteria, Mississippi can be considered the seventh most gambling-addicted state.

Above Mississippi were Nevada, South Dakota, Montana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. Mississippi took seventh place due to the state being number one in three categories:

• Percentage of adults with gambling disorders
•  Legality of daily fantasy sports
•  Legality of sports gambling

Gambling as an Addictive Disorder

Above Mississippi were Nevada, South Dakota, Montana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. Mississippi took seventh place due to the state being number one in three categories:

• Percentage of adults with gambling disorders
•  Legality of daily fantasy sports
•  Legality of sports gambling

Gambling as an Addictive Disorder

The American Psychological Association (APA) classifies problem gambling as an addictive disorder. Similar to addictions to alcohol and drugs, gambling addictions are characterized by an increasing tolerance, requiring more gambling over time to feel the same satisfaction. Those with the disorder may also experience withdrawal, leading to irritability when attempting to stop.

APA researchers note that gambling problems develop over time, but simple actions can prevent this development for many people. These steps include setting a limit on spending or setting an alarm to track gambling time.

Responsible Gambling in Mississippi

Mississippi offers various ways to gamble responsibly. The state ranks 7th in casinos per capita and 6th in gambling machines per capita. In-person sports betting and mobile fantasy sports betting were legalized in 2018, and the state lottery launched in 2019. However, a bill to legalize online sports betting did not pass in the 2024 legislative session.

Gambling generates significant revenue for Mississippi. Sports betting has generated over $13.9 million in state revenues since January. The Mississippi Lottery has generated over $40 million in net proceeds during the same period.

WalletHub considered various factors to determine its rankings. For example, it looked at factors such as casinos per adult, commercial casino revenue per adult, the legality of different forms of gambling, the number of online searches for gambling terms, and more. It also looked at the number of adult gambling addicts, gambling-related arrests per adult, the level and type of gambling addiction treatment available, the amount of spending on problem gambling services per adult, and so on.

A woman who thought she had won a huge jackpot while playing on a slot machine in Atlantic City is being denied her winnings.

Roney Beal claims to have hit a jackpot of more than $1.2 million in February when playing the Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Bally’s hotel-casino. However, the casino is refusing to pay her.

Technical Glitch Led to Winnings

Bally’s, together with International Game Technology (IGT), are saying that the woman won due to a technical glitch. According to Beal, other players came around her to celebrate the win before she pressed the service button on the machine.

According to Beal, that is when the machine displayed “Tilted” and she was informed by casino staff that she had not actually won. Instead, she was told that the win was voided due to a malfunction known as a reel tilt.

Beal said that an attendant at the casino opened the machine and asked her to “spin it off” but she refused, the attendant then reportedly pressed various buttons and offered her a prize of $350.

Attorney Claims Casino May Have Tampered with Evidence

Beal’s attorney, Mike Dicroce said, “They fooled with the machine before anybody else had the opportunity to take a look at this.” He went on to claim that the casino may have tampered with evidence of the win. Dicroce has asked New Jersey Gaming Enforcement, Bally’s and IGT for the winnings and to preserve the machine together with videos from the casino floor for an independent investigation.

Beal is hoping that with the help of the law and a bit of luck, she will receive her rightful winnings.

With the world eagerly looking forward to Euro 2024, there are worries that it will lead to a spike in problem gambling amongst Thai football fans who become addicted to betting on the matches.

Kongkan Takhiranyit, the director’s assistant at the Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s social risk control promotion department explained that a survey carried out by Chulalongkorn University in 2021 found that football betting was the fourth most popular form of gambling in the country. An important update for Thailand is that it’s government is currently working on a new casino legalization plan.

She said that in 2021, 3.8 million Thai people bet on football, an increase of 300,000 from 2019. It is thought that Thai gamblers have lost 181.68 billion baht betting on football and she is expecting more Thais to become addicts during the upcoming tournament.

As such, the Foundation is working with various organizations to encourage fans to enjoy the sport without betting. During the tournament, it is launching campaigns in Chiang Mai, Si Sa Ket, Chonburi, Suphanburi and Trang to increase awareness of gambling harms.

Gambling Addiction Recognized as a Disease

Thanakorn Komkrit, secretary of the Stop Gambling Foundation, explained that the WHO has classified gambling addiction as a disease as it can lead to an insatiable desire for reward and that this can result in changed brain function as the anticipation of rewards from betting floods the body with adrenaline.

He demonstrated his point with examples of high-profile professional football players who have developed gambling addictions, such as Peter Shilton and Paul Merson.

Looking Abroad for Solutions

Thanakorn called for urgent solutions to be found to address gambling addiction in Thailand as it is causing harm to young people’s quality of life and the sports industry. He believes the answer lies in finding alternative and creative ways for people to enjoy sports competitions.

He also drew attention to restrictions brought in by other countries, such as the UK’s ban on professional sportspeople providing tips that could lead to gambling.

As states consider increasing taxes, sportsbooks argue they are already contributing significantly. While Americans lose billions on sports betting, some states believe operators should pay more, leading to a contentious debate.

The High-Stakes Battle Over Sports Betting Taxes

In 2021, major sportsbook operators accepted a high tax rate on their online revenue in New York, which was much higher than typical rates in other states, to access the country’s largest legal market. This decision is now costing the industry potentially billions of dollars. New York’s 51 percent tax has allowed the state to collect an astonishing $1.9 billion in just three years. Inspired by this, other states like Illinois and New Jersey are considering similar hikes.

Sportsbooks warn that higher taxes will impact customers through reduced promotions, worse odds, and fewer wagering options. Legalizing sports betting was initially justified by the potential tax revenue. However, tax rates vary widely across the country, from 6.75 percent in Iowa to 51 percent in the New York sports betting market, reflecting ongoing disagreements about the industry’s regulation.

Some lawmakers view steep taxes as a means to control gambling, while sportsbooks advocate for the freedom to operate like any other business. This conflict forces customers to pick sides. As sports betting revenue surpasses expectations, the demand for problem-gambling services grows, but advocates argue many states are not allocating enough tax revenue to address public health concerns adequately.

Sportsbook operators are aggressively campaigning against higher taxes, claiming that lawmakers’ greed is hindering their industry and boosting the black market. Unregulated operators often offer better odds because they don’t have to pay taxes. For example, FanDuel recently alerted Illinois customers about a proposed tax increase, encouraging them to protest. This campaign resulted in over 53,000 emails to state lawmakers.

Profits, Taxes, and Industry Challenges

Since the Supreme Court allowed states outside Nevada to legalize sports betting in 2018, Americans have legally bet $353.6 billion on sports, losing about $29.6 billion. State coffers have benefited by around $5.5 billion from these losses, sometimes exceeding expectations, other times not.

The sports betting industry operates on narrow margins, with significant overhead costs, including regulatory compliance, corporate taxes, licensing fees, and mandatory partnerships with brick-and-mortar casinos. Additionally, the federal government collects a tax on every wager, significantly impacting high-volume, low-margin operators.

Despite these challenges, some industry giants are becoming profitable. In 2023, FanDuel became the first U.S. sportsbook to be profitable over a full year, and DraftKings expects to follow suit this year. However, operators warn that increased taxes could harm their business and benefit illegal markets.

States and Sportsbooks Clash Over Proposed Tax Increases

As operators resist higher taxes, states like New Jersey are attempting to challenge them. New Jersey proposes raising the tax on online sports betting, arguing that while it leads the nation in money wagered, neighboring states with higher taxes generate more revenue.

Smaller operators, such as Prime Sports, struggle to compete with industry giants due to high taxes. Higher taxes could lead to increased costs for customers, potentially raising standard bet requirements.

In conclusion, as states consider raising taxes on sportsbooks, the industry is fighting back, warning of negative consequences for customers and potential growth in the illegal market. The debate continues as lawmakers, operators, and advocates seek a balance between revenue generation and responsible gambling.

The rampant use of hard drugs, football betting, and gambling have become a destructive trifecta, ravaging the lives of young Nigerians and undermining the country’s potential.

A Crisis in the Making

A recent report revealed that over 40 percent of Nigerian youths aged 18 to 25 are involved in drug use. Many of these young people drop out of school or engage in criminal activities to sustain their addiction. The dire consequences include a rise in drug-related deaths, worsening mental health issues, and increasing family breakdowns.

Similarly, football betting and gambling have become pervasive issues, with many young Nigerians risking their money and futures on games or chance events. The link between gambling addiction and suicide has been discussed a lot in media lately, and for Nigerian youth, this fixation has resulted in financial ruin, severe depression, and worse.

One tragic case involves a young man who lost his entire savings betting on a football match and subsequently took his own life. The gambling industry’s aggressive marketing, which lures youths with enticing advertisements and false promises of quick wealth, has significantly exacerbated the problem.

Urgent Action Needed

The consequences of this tripartite malaise are far-reaching and devastating, impacting not just the individuals involved but also their families, communities, and the nation as a whole. This destructive combination undermines social stability, economic growth, and the overall health and well-being of the next generation of Nigerians.

Some people believe that Nigeria’s future is at stake and that it is high time for urgent action to address this triple threat. Parents, educators, policymakers, NGOs, CBOs, and community leaders are planning to join forces to educate, support, and empower youths to make positive choices and build a brighter future.

Addressing drug abuse and gambling addiction requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased access to rehabilitation services, stricter regulation, and widespread public awareness campaigns.

Another way to attack the issue is through educational institutions incorporating comprehensive programs on the dangers of drug abuse and gambling into their curricula. Community leaders and organizations could play a pivotal role in mentoring youths and providing them with alternative recreational activities that promote healthy lifestyles and constructive engagement.

Germany’s Sports Committee of the Bundestag has voted against a proposed ban on sports sponsorship during a public meeting held last week.

According to experts, sponsorships play a crucial role in supporting sports in Germany, and such restrictions could lead to a significant cut in funding, which could potentially harm the development of sports in the country.

Inka Müller-Schmäh, Managing Director of the Association of Sports Sponsorship Providers, emphasized the need for a legal framework for sports sponsorship to remain a vital pillar of the German sports system. She stressed that “sports sponsorship must remain possible, regardless of the location, timing, or broadcast format of sporting events.”

Strict Regulations in Germany’s Betting Market

The sponsorship ban adds another layer of restriction to a market already beset with tough regulations.

The German sports betting industry has been subject to strict laws, including the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), which has imposed significant restrictions on advertising, bonuses, and other sports betting operations.

Operators are prohibited from advertising online or on television between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Furthermore, the government restricts the use of sports highlights in advertisements and completely bans partnerships with sports figures and social media influencers as brand ambassadors.

50% of German Gamblers Play in Black Market

Experts suggest that these limitations have driven players towards offshore operators. In 2023, research conducted by the University of Leipzig found that almost half of all online gambling in Germany is conducted via unlicensed operators.

The report concluded that the black market appeals more to German players because it is easier to access, well-advertised online, and does not impose the strict gambling regulations and bonus restrictions that licensed operators require.

Other countries like the Netherlands and France have banned sports sponsorships in their jurisdictions.

In April 2023, English Premier League clubs agreed to stop displaying gambling company logos on the front of their jerseys. The change will be implemented at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

The executive chairman of Genting Singapore, Lim Kok Thay, believes expanding its operations into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) might be a possibility. He hinted at the prospect in the company’s Annual General Meeting, but didn’t specify whether Genting Bhd, the parent company of Genting Singapore and operator of several Resorts World properties, would be involved.

The UAE, with its rapidly developing economy and increasing tourist influx, presents a lucrative landscape for the gaming and hospitality sector. Genting’s potential venture into the UAE aligns with its global expansion strategy and taps into the region’s untapped market potential. Wynn Resorts is already preparing to launch a casino there, and growth is expected to be rapid.

Lim expressed that while introducing a standalone casino in the UAE may present challenges, the concept of an integrated resort (IR) with a casino might find more favorable ground. This perspective is rooted in the understanding that IRs offer a multifaceted experience, combining luxury accommodations, dining, entertainment and gaming facilities, all within a singular destination. Lim’s insights suggest that such a development would be more in line with the UAE’s tourism and economic goals, which emphasize diversification and world-class hospitality.

Thailand represents another prospective market for Genting’s expansion. However, the company adopts a cautious approach, opting to wait for a clearer understanding of the country’s regulatory framework concerning gaming. This prudent stance is indicative of Genting’s commitment to compliance and its strategic risk management.

The regulatory environment plays a pivotal role in the gaming industry, dictating the operational modalities and the extent of market penetration. As such, Genting’s decision to hold off on immediate investment in Thailand until the regulatory landscape is fully delineated reflects a well-calibrated business acumen.

UAE Expansion Depends on Singapore Government

Lim also provided insight into the Singapore government’s stance on foreign investment decisions, which could impact Genting’s decision. While the government generally maintains a non-interventionist position regarding the investment choices of its corporate entities, the heavily regulated nature of Genting’s gaming business in Singapore necessitates a degree of scrutiny that the government undertakes to ensure that overseas investments align with national standards and interests.

The gaming business, by its very nature, is subject to stringent regulatory controls to safeguard against potential social and economic risks. Genting Singapore’s operations within the country are no exception, adhering to a comprehensive set of regulations that govern every facet of the gaming experience.

It’s within this context that Lim Kok Thay anticipates the company’s foreign ventures, particularly in sectors as sensitive as gaming, will undergo thorough review and scrutiny. This process is essential to maintain the integrity of the company’s operations and to uphold the rigorous standards set forth by Singaporean authorities.

A lucky player at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut from Nassau County, New York, is celebrating after winning a $483,622.40 jackpot while playing blackjack.

The player, whose identity is not known, won the Super 4 Progressive Jackpot Prize, which players qualify for by placing a $5 side bet at the blackjack tables. It is available at all of the casino’s blackjack tables and the prize is won when the dealer is dealt a blackjack. There are five jackpot levels, Club, Diamond, Heart, Spade, and Star, and the level won depends on the suit of cards held by the player and dealer.

The jackpot was won in Mohegan Sun’s Casino of the Earth, which houses 1,900 slot machines, more than 200 table games, the Hall of Lost Tribes containing almost 400 more slots, and a poker room in its 180,000 square feet of gaming space.

Other Jackpot Wins at Mohegan Sun

There have been other jackpot wins at Mohegan Sun in recent times. Not long ago, the casino opened the Hold & Spin Slot zone in Casino of the Sky, and a player quickly won a $100,000 jackpot. There are currently several other jackpots waiting to be won.

Table game players can play for the Royal 9 Baccarat Progressive jackpot, the Pai Gow Poker jackpot, the Three Card Poker jackpot, the Bad Beat jackpot, and a number of others. At the same time, there is a Dragon Link HD progressive jackpot up for grabs worth roughly $1.3 million.

This jackpot win comes after a massive betting scandal where a dealer was accused of manipulating games at Mohegan Sun.

Weekend Jackpot Winners

This was not the only jackpot win of the weekend. A Single mother in South Carolina won $2 million from a scratch card. The prize was won from a $20 200X The Cash ticket that the winner bought while on a trip to the supermarket. The woman has said that she does not intend to change her life with the winnings but that she will treat herself.

Meanwhile a person in California won $3.18 million from Saturday’s Powerball drawing. However, while it is known that the ticket was sold at Q Quick Mart in Anaheim, the winner has not yet been identified.

SkyCity Entertainment Group has agreed to pay a total penalty of AU$67 million due to historical anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) failures at its Adelaide casino.

The agreement with the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is currently awaiting approval from the Federal Court of Australia. Both SkyCity and AUSTRAC have submitted their proposals for a hearing scheduled on 7 June.

The penalty is linked to a case that emerged in December 2022. At that time, AUSTRAC highlighted SkyCity Adelaide’s pattern of “serious and systemic non-compliance” with national AML and CTF laws.

Although AUSTRAC initiated civil penalty proceedings in December 2022, the issues date back several years. The industry-wide compliance campaign began in September 2019, and SkyCity was informed of the alleged violations in June 2021.

Numerous Problems Identified at SkyCity

Key problems identified include SkyCity’s failure to properly assess the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing. The company also lacked risk-based systems and controls in its AML and CTF programs and failed to establish adequate oversight by the board and senior staff for these initiatives.

Additionally, AUSTRAC noted that SkyCity did not create an appropriate transaction monitoring program or effectively identify suspicious activity. There was also no enhanced customer due diligence program to conduct extra checks on higher-risk customers.

In anticipation of a civil penalty, SkyCity had set aside $45 million in August last year. However, the final amount agreed with AUSTRAC is significantly higher.

SkyCity’s Julian Cook Apologizes

SkyCity’s executive chair Julian Cook has apologized for the failings and promised to do better moving forward.

We acknowledge that, as a casino operator, we play a key role in combatting money laundering and terrorism financing and safeguarding the community against these risks. While we take this responsibility seriously, we accept we have failed to live up to the standard required of us and for this, on behalf of the SkyCity and SkyCity Adelaide boards, and management teams, I apologise. We know we need to do better to meet the expectations of our regulators, customers and our shareholders. This is a process that is already underway.

Julian Cook

SkyCity Executive Chair

AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas also commented on the issue, emphasizing that this action is a crucial reminder for casinos and the gaming sector to take their AML/CTF obligations seriously and remain vigilant against money laundering and terrorism financing risks.

New York state lawmakers Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow have introduced a bill designed to speed up the process for awarding casino licenses in the New York City area.

Bringing the Application Deadline Forward

The proposed bill requires all casino license bids to be submitted by July 31, 2024 and mandates the New York State Gaming Commission to approve three licenses by March 31, 2025. Currently, licenses are scheduled to be awarded by December 31, 2025.

Addabbo and Pretlow argue that the existing timeline is inefficient and delays economic benefits for the state. They believe expediting the licensing process could generate billions in additional revenue for New York.

Senator Addabbo highlighted that the extended timeline is holding up around 5,000 jobs, emphasizing the need for a more efficient process. The bill’s aim is to remove inefficiencies rather than favor specific bidders.

Some believe the current system benefits those bidders facing political and zoning challenges. For instance, Mets owner Steve Cohen, who proposed an $8 billion casino near Citi Field in Queens, and the Related Companies, with a $12 billion casino and office tower project in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards, are both dealing with these kinds of problems.

The accelerated timeline proposed by Addabbo and Pretlow could benefit existing slot parlors such as Resorts World at Aqueduct and MGM Empire City at Yonkers. These establishments would only need to expand their facilities to include live card games to obtain a license.

Bill Proposes $500m Upfront License Fee

The new bill stipulates that each successful bidder must pay an upfront license fee of at least $500 million. It also allows two years to resolve any legal or land-use issues.

However, significant challenges remain. For example, Cohen’s project requires state legislative approval to redesignate parkland around Citi Field for commercial use. State Sen. Jessica Ramos, who represents the area, has yet to support this approval.

Assemblyman Pretlow, whose district includes the Yonkers racino, expressed frustration over the slow pace of the process, noting that New York state could be missing out on $2 billion in revenue.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who oversees the gaming commission, has stated she will review all passed legislation but has not made any specific comments about the accelerated casino licensing process.

Other proposed casino projects in New York City include developments by SL Green/Caesars/Roc Nation in Times Square, Bally’s in The Bronx, Silverstein Properties in Hell’s Kitchen, and the Thor Equity consortium along the Coney Island boardwalk.