The move to cancel the event, known as ‘G2E Las Vegas’ and set to take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in the city in early October, was announced last night.

“In light of continued uncertainty around a viable marketplace at a physical G2E show, global travel restrictions, and currently unknown guidance on large public gatherings this fall, we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that we simply cannot hold an in-person G2E this year,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

“Health and safety have always been our top priority and the uncertainty created by the ongoing pandemic makes this the prudent decision ahead of critical deadlines for exhibitors planning to participate.”

The 2020 staging of G2E Las Vegas will not be rescheduled for a later date, organisers said, with the next in-person edition of the expo set to return to the Sands Center on October 4-7, 2021. Organisers however do expect to announce a virtual event at some stage.

“We arrived at this decision after thoughtfully engaging with national, state and local public health authorities, as well as exhibitors and buyers who have shared industry observations and priorities,” said Hervé Sedky, President of Reed Exhibitions Americas.

“Ultimately, it became clear that proceeding with an in-person gathering simply was not feasible. It is our commitment to use G2E’s platform, as the leading convener of the global gaming community, to continue to deliver unparalleled education content, inspiring collaboration, and innovative ideas as the industry readies for continued growth.”

AGA CEO Miller added: “As the country works to reopen, the American gaming industry continues to adapt and provide the safest possible experience for our employees and customers while continuing to support the communities in which we operate.

“We look forward to the moment when we can convene together again with our colleagues from across the world and celebrate the resilience that our industry is known for.”

Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, said of the announcement: “This is a sad day for the industry, to see G2E Las Vegas – probably the industry’s largest trade show – cancelled. It is of course the latest of many physical events to be postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We at SBC are very good friends with the team at Reed and we are of course sad for them – but we also applaud their brave decision to act decisively at this time,” said Sojmark.

“We wish them well with any virtual events and will support them through our media channels and by attending in person. The success of the SBC series of digital events – continuing next week with the SBC Digital Summit North America – has only been possible with outstanding support from the industry and it is something G2E can count on at a difficult time.”

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Delivering a keynote address on day two of SBC Digital North America, Lycka began by giving a regulatory breakdown of the US and Canadian market, noting that several more states have already joined the “betting club” in 2021 alone.

However, his focus soon turned towards the importance of responsible gambling measures as he highlighted the overwhelming need to introduce “robust consumer protection measures with resolute focus on responsible gambling”.  

He said: “Low and behold, what a seismic shift this has been in just three years. At the same time, as an industry, we have been sketching out a sustainable way forward that will serve us well in the long run. 

“It is becoming ever more evident that the most efficient way of achieving long-term sustainability of the North American sports betting and igaming market is by introducing robust consumer protection measures with resolute focus on responsible gambling.”  

Explaining that there are lessons to be learned from the UK and the wider European market, the SVP warned that states simply cannot “sit on the fence and wait for any storms to blow over” when it comes to problem gambling. 

Instead, he implored the industry to now take the opportunity to “get on the front foot” and take action. He continued: “If there is anything to learn from the UK and the wider European experience, it is that sitting on the fence and waiting for any storms to blow over does not pay off. 

“I strongly believe that the North American industry is best advised to actively engage with responsible gambling matters and tackle them head-on with both enthusiasm and determination. 

“In other words, we might want to get on the front foot right here, right now, in order to prevent the simmering problem gambling concerns from boiling over. 

“Let’s not forget the old sports saying that defences win championships. Shoring up our consumer protection defences will give us an even stronger momentum for further economic development in the North American markets.”

Looking to the future, Lycka explained that the onus to provide help to at-risk customers clearly lies on the betting and gaming industry – highlighting that we must also steer bettors away from the black market.

He challenged the industry to focus on the ways in which the issue of problem gambling can be addressed, noting that we must continuously identify instances which could place gamblers at risk.

Lycka said: “What is the challenger that we’re all up against? It is estimated that overall, approximately five per cent of our customers are at risk of developing a gambling problem. This doesn’t mean that all of them will, especially if we can help it. 

“Clearly, the onus on the industry – being supported by regulators and third party suppliers – is to provide help to at-risk customers. At the same time, we need to cater to the demand of all customers that can, and do, play with us responsibly. We need to do that with the view of steering them away from the black market. 

“Here is our challenge: can we have an attractive product offering while protecting our customers from the scourge of gambling addiction? The answer, I believe, is a resounding yes. Yes we can, and yes we must.

“Exactly because the answer is a resounding yes, now is a high time that we focus not only on continuous identification of the problem that we’re facing, which itself is very important, but crucially and critically also on how it can be solved.”

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Wilna van Wyk

A Senate Resolution has been proposed in the State of Georgia to move forward with the legalization of sports betting and casino gaming. 

SR 131, sponsored by Senators Carden Summers, Brandon Beach, Lee Anderson, and Billy Hickman, looks to authorize the Georgia General Assembly to “provide by law for the operation and regulation of sports betting and casino gambling activities.” 

The resolution would also regulate and tax wider gambling in the State of Georgia and determine the revenue allocation derived from gambling activities. 

Georgia’s General Assembly would be responsible for creating a gaming commission and granting it appropriate powers to regulate and tax casino gambling and sports wagering. 

Casino Gambling But No Online Betting

Online gambling is not something on the table in the Peach State. The third section of the resolution reads that all casino gambling activities “shall take place at a casino facility owned and operated by an individual or entity that has been issued a casino gaming license in this state, as no-off site casino gambling activities shall be permitted or authorized in this state.” 

It also stipulates that the commission would issue a minimum of eight casino gaming licenses, with certain caveats. The conditions that must be met are that each licensee will be authorized to operate a single facility in the state, and no individual or entity shall be issued with more than one gaming license. It also adds that “no individual entity shall own an interest in more than one entity that has been issued a casino gaming license in this state.” 

Although a specific number of licensees for casino gaming is outlined in the proposed resolution, there is no such number for sports wagering. However, taxation of sports betting and casino gambling activities would be the same. This would be set at 20 percent of the gross income of such activities, less any operating expenses permitted as deductible, amounts paid out as winnings, and “amounts permitted by law to be held in reserve.” 

SR 131 would create the Georgia Gaming Proceeds Fund, which would then be responsible for distributing funds. Before-tax revenues are given to the fund for distribution, tax revenue generated will cover operating expenses relating to the gaming commission and any operating costs related to regulating legalized gambling activities. 

Where Will the Tax Revenue Go?

The first $2 billion of proceeds from tax revenue will be evenly appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly to the governing authorities of each of the 159 counties in the State.

The next $500 million of additional proceeds (each fiscal year) shall be evenly appropriated to each county until at least $5 billion has been appropriated. From then on, five percent of additional proceeds will be invested in programs and services that seek to “prevent individuals from experiencing, and provide assistance to individuals who experience, addiction or other problems relating to betting and gambling.” 

Next, the resolution must pass the Senate by 6 March 2025 to meet the Peach State’s deadline for crossover. It will then need to garner two-thirds support in both chambers by 4 April, triggering a statewide vote in November 2026. Should it then be approved by voters, sports wagering and casino gambling could be legalized and operational by 2027. 

Written By

Wilna van Wyk

Wilna van Wyk is an online casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience working with some of the world’s biggest gambling affiliates, including Thunderstruck Media and OneTwenty Group. She specializes in gambling sites and games and provides expert knowledge on the online casino industry’s essential fundamentals.

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The collaboration will see the duo look to build integrity and compliance technology solutions with plans to debut ProhiBet, lauded as the sports betting industry’s “only prohibited bettor solution”. 

“I’m proud to announce our joint venture with US Integrity and the ProhiBet solution,” commented Eric Frank, CEO and Co-Founder of Odds On Compliance. “Working collaboratively with strong partners like USI allows us to be a market leader in delivering the future of compliance technology for the industry.

In an effort to protect the integrity of sports, state-by-state regulations across the country generally maintain prohibitions on certain individuals, i.e. athletes, coaches, league officials, and administration, from wagering on particular sports. 

ProhiBet will offer the industry a comprehensive solution for monitoring compliance with these regulatory requirements via an encrypted decentralised cross-monitoring and notification platform. 

“We are looking forward to providing a crucial industry resource and partnering with Odds On Compliance to deliver it to market,” added Matt Holt, CEO of U.S. Integrity. “This product and joint venture complement our USI services to clients.” 

Working together, USI and OOC, will offer regulators, sports wagering operators, and sports properties a beta version of ProhiBet in the coming months

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Located on Nevada’s Crystal Bay and Incline Village, the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is set to debut in 2027 and offer an upscale casino with live entertainment and a speakeasy for a contemporary getaway.

Matt Schuyler, Chief Brand Officer, Hilton, stated: “Now more than ever, our guests are seeking engaging experiences, from embracing local culture to connecting with nature. With Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe, guests will enjoy one of the finest natural settings at one of the most luxurious hotels in the destination.

“Bringing Waldorf Astoria’s distinguished hospitality to an extraordinary location like Lake Tahoe provides the perfect opportunity for travellers and residents to immerse themselves in the incredible, serene beauty that the destination offers while indulging in the authentic and sophisticated experiences for which the brand is renowned.”

Marking the fourth property in Nevada, the Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe will join the Hilton’s roster of 32 Waldorf Astoria hotels, with a further 26 in development around the world. 

Situated on a 15-acre site, the mixed-use development will introduce 76 guest rooms and 61 Waldorf Astoria branded residences to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. 

Managed by Hilton, the hotel will mark Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer & President, Global Development, Hilton, added: “As we continue to grow our luxury portfolio, Hilton is always looking for the right opportunities to expand our presence in popular resort destinations. 

“Lake Tahoe is a highly sought-after and year-round alpine destination making it an ideal location to provide guests, residents, outdoor enthusiasts and locals a haven to explore outdoor activities complemented by our brand’s luxurious amenities.” 

Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake and was home to the 1960 Winter Olympics. On the development, the firm confirmed that the Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe will embrace the “distinctive characteristics” of the region. 

The construction of Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe is also said to represent a responsible approach to development with plans that include restoration of Lake Tahoe with an expected 90 per cent reduction in sediment runoff into Lake Tahoe and a 38 per cent reduction in total water and energy use.

“A true idyllic Alpine village is born by bringing Waldorf Astoria to Lake Tahoe where our guests can find restoration and seek adventure,” noted Ebbie K. Nakhjavani, CEO, EKN Development Group. “Our goal is to provide an immersive wellness philosophy to join with Tahoe’s natural beauty.

“By pairing the iconic brand of Waldorf Astoria with the nirvanic location of Lake Tahoe, these two world-class gems become that much more incredible – a truly unrivalled place to feel at home.”

Waldorf Astoria Lake Tahoe’s branded residences will be represented for sale by Mike Dunn at Chase International.

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For August, the combined total revenue from all forms of gambling, including fantasy sports, was $425.4m, up 4.2% year-over-year. 

Moreover, the total tax revenue generated collectively through all forms of gaming and fantasy contests was $175.3m during August 2022.

Total igaming revenue during August reached $107.2m, up 20.81% YoY, compared to last year’s total of $88.7m. 

Slots represented the best performing igaming vertical, with $75.7m of revenue generated in the month. Table games reported $28.7m in revenues, whilst poker igaming recorded $2.7m of revenues. 

Per operator, Hollywood Casino at Penn National took the top spot in igaming revenue, with $43.9m, up 44.1% YoY. It was followed by Rivers Casino Philadelphia ($26.8m), Valley Forge Casino Resort ($17.7m) and Mount Airy Casino Resort ($4.8m). 

Sports betting was the fastest growing vertical in Pennsylvania during August, with revenues growing 88.6% to $34.0m, compared to last year’s $18.0m. This also represents a significant jump from July’s figure of $25.4m.

August saw the return of popular sports divisions, which would almost certainly contribute to rising sports betting figures. 

With the regular season of the NFL and college football getting underway in September, it is anticipated that the sports betting figures will continue to grow as 2022 reaches its crescendo. 

Total sports wagering handle reached $363.0m, a 4.17% increase YoY.

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Bullock has stepped up into the Chief Operating Officer role, whilst Hipkiss has become Chief Delivery Officer of the company. 

The appointments come at a time when White Hat is embarking on a geographic growth journey, recently entering its 13th US state to deliver its igaming titles in Kansas.

In his role as COO, Bullock will be charged with leading the efficiency and efficacy of all corporate operations whilst overseeing the growth in new markets and onboarding new clients. 

He has worked at White Hat for five years after joining from bet365 in 2017 and boasts over 25 years of technical experience. 

Bullock noted on his promotion: “It’s been a wild ride working with White Hat Gaming, especially since we rolled out in the US. There’s a huge amount of potential to build upon now and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the job during this exciting time.”

Meanwhile, Hipkiss steps up into the CDO role after previously acting as Head of Product and Delivery at White Hat for the last two years. 

He added: “As the business has grown so quickly in recent times, it’s become clear that effective delivery is going to be key to our continued success. I’m looking forward to strengthening our abilities in that arena further so we can continue to expand at pace.”

Phil Gelvan, CEO at White Hat Gaming, concluded: “We’re certainly taking some bold strategic steps in a bid to continue the aggressive growth we’ve been enjoying in the US and these appointments are very much part of that plan.

“I believe that Ed and Chris are exactly the people to afford us the agility and precision in our operational and delivery capabilities to achieve this growth.”

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Betting on Sports America is a two-day conference to be held on 24-25 April, 2019, in New York City, and will bring together operators, suppliers, regulators, sports organisations and affiliates in one venue to discuss how the industry can be developed in what could be the biggest sports betting market in the world.

Betting on Sports America will consist of several tracks involving discussions from key industry speakers and be supported by an exhibition space showcasing the latest developments from the international betting industry.

SBC is already active in America via gaming industry news portal SBC Americas – www.sbcamericas.com. The company will use this knowledge and expertise to bring about the best possible conference content and speakers.

SBC CEO and founder Rasmus Sojmark explained: “There is understandable excitement at the removal of the constraints around sports betting and there is a unique opportunity now to draw up regulations and develop product for a hungry audience. However, sports betting is a complex beast which is why we think an event such as Betting on Sports America is the perfect forum for discovery and debate on the subject.”

Managing director Andrew McCarron added: “A fusion of local knowledge from individual states and extensive operating experience from the European market can make a potent team, which is why discussions ranging across issues such as integrity, sponsorship, marketing and problem gambling will be key to a fully sustainable business.”

Tobias Brunner, director of marketing operations for Sportradar, commented: “The launch of Betting on Sports America is an exciting development for the industry as SBC always deliver outstanding conference content. This event will undoubtedly be a top forum for discussions and debates around how the US sports betting industry may evolve over the coming years.”

Ian Williams, president of online gaming at Churchill Downs, added: “SBC is a well-renowned business that has built a strong community around the sports betting industry. We welcome the addition of Betting on Sports to the US and look forward to further developing the industry here.”

Jesper Søgaard, CEO and founder of Better Collective, said: “SBC are renowned for their sports betting conferences and rightly so. The breadth of expertise on show and the ability to network with the most interesting people in the industry makes every event an important date in the diary. I’m sure Betting on Sports America will be hugely helpful to businesses now that PASPA has been repealed.”

Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith described last year’s Betting on Sports conference in London as “the best week spent out of the office all year, and the most impactful networking opportunity in the industry”.

If you are interested in knowing more about SBC Events and Betting on Sports America, please get in touch with CEO and founder Rasmus Sojmark (rs@sbcnews.co.uk) or managing director Andrew McCarron (andy@sbcnews.co.uk)

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Launched via its subsidiary that manages Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City, Kansas, the property plans to accept sports wagers onsite, as well as a soon-to-launch sportsbook on-site. 

Clark Stewart, President and CEO of Butler National Corporation, explained: “We’re excited to be a part of the launch of sports betting in the State of Kansas. Kansans can now access the latest betting markets as well as bet on local teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats and Sporting KC. 

“We’d especially like to thank the Boot Hill Casino & Resort team, DraftKings, the Kansas Lottery and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission for all their efforts. The outstanding teamwork of these groups has allowed Kansans the opportunity to wager on the upcoming football season.”

Upon the launch of sports wagering in Kansas, anyone legally permitted within the geographical boundaries of the state will be able to place bets directly from their mobile devices or computers, by accessing a participating sports book or visiting a lottery gaming facility.

“Today is an exciting day in the State of Kansas as we look to increase tourism and revenue for the State of Kansas and Dodge City,” added Stewart.

Towards the back end of August, Butler National inked a deal with Golden Nugget Online Gaming to bring the latter’s online interactive sportsbook to Kansas. 

Subject to receipt of licences and regulatory approvals, the new sports betting law allows Butler National’s subsidiary to contract with three sports wagering platform providers, in addition to offering sports wagering at a retail sportsbook in the Boot Hill Casino.

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Last updated in 2019, the AGA’s guide is a collection of the statutes and regulations addressing responsible gaming in the 32 states and the District of Columbia with commercial casinos, sports betting or igaming from July 1, 2022. 

AGA Vice President, Strategic Communications & Responsibility, Cait DeBaun, explained: “While our members’ responsibility commitments go above and beyond what is required of them, this guide is a valuable resource for our industry to maintain its high standards of regulatory compliance in all facets of responsible gaming.”

Since the last guide was released, two new states have legalised land-based casino gaming, 16 states have legalised sports betting, and two states have legalised igaming. 

The release of the updated guide coincides with the beginning of RGEM 2022, expanded from a week to a month for the first time this year. 

DeBaun continued: “Our industry’s focus on responsibility has only grown with the expansion of legal gaming. RGEM 2022 provides an extended opportunity to highlight our industry’s responsible leadership while continuing to strengthen player and employee education. We are thrilled for the entire US gaming community to join us throughout September.”

AGA’s Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. campaign will feature prominently during RGEM this year, bringing together leagues, teams, operators and other sports betting stakeholders to educate consumers on responsible wagering as the legal sports betting market grows. 

In addition to the release of the new guide edition, Fubo Gaming has revealed that it will participate and support the AGA’s RGEM. 

Fubo Gaming will demonstrate its commitment to the initiative by incorporating responsible gaming messaging inspired by AGA’s Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. service campaign across its social media channels and external-facing marketing assets. 

The company will also run an internal initiative to empower employees with the knowledge and tools to ensure that responsible gaming is top of mind for patrons.

“Fubo Gaming is proud to join the AGA in celebrating Responsible Gaming Education Month to amplify the importance of responsible gaming,” added Scott Butera, President, Fubo Gaming. “We firmly believe social responsibility contributes to the best player experience.” 

“As professionals in the emerging sports wagering industry, it’s our responsibility to take a proactive approach toward responsible gaming initiatives, not only in September but throughout the year, to ensure long-term sustainability.”

Additionally, as part of an ongoing concerted effort to boost responsible gaming education year-long, Fubo continues to engage employees with periodic refresher training and user education programmes, as well as provide tools, including self-exclusions and limits, to ensure players can enjoy a safe and fun platform experience.

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