This week’s State of the Union, in partnership with Segev LLP, includes North Carolina’s failed attempt to pass sports betting legislation, as well as results from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
North Carolina House rejects sports betting bill by one vote
North Carolina lawmakers have rejected by a single vote legislation that would have allowed sports betting in the US state.
Members of the North Carolina House voted against the SB688 bill on Wednesday (22 June) by 51-50 at second reading. The legislation had already been passed by the state Senate.
While another gambling bill, SB38, passed the House by a single vote, that legislation was designed to amend SB688 so it cannot progress alone.
Gaming Realms secures Connecticut license
Online slots developer Gaming Realms has secured a new online gaming service provider license in the US state of Connecticut.
Issued by Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection, the license will enable Gaming Realms to supply its content to licensed operators active in the state.
Baden Resources agrees reverse takeover deal with NorthStar Gaming
Baden Resources has entered a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with NorthStar Gaming, in respect of a proposed reverse takeover of the Canadian media business that operates the NorthStar Bets brand.
It was proposed that Baden – which owns Canadian property business Midway property – would acquire all of the outstanding shares of NorthStar in exchange for shares of Baden. Shareholders would be given the option to cnvert their NorthStar shares into Baden shares.
New Jersey gambling revenue up 15.1% year-on-year in May
Gambling revenue in New Jersey increased by 15.1% year-on-year in May following growth across almost all areas of the US state’s regulated market.
Revenue for the month amounted to $430.6m (£349.8m/€409.2m), up from $374.2m in May 2021 and also 1.9% higher than $422.5m in April of this year.
Pennsylvania gambling revenue reaches $447.8m in May
Gambling revenue in the state of Pennsylvania amounted to $447.8m (£363.8m/€425.4m) in May, an 8.4% increase on the same month last year.
Total market revenue was up from $413.2m in May of 2021, but down 3.2% from a record $462.7m in April this year.
Penn Interactive head Kapolwitz departs
Jon Kaplowitz has left his position as head of Penn Interactive after more than three years in the role.
Kapolwitz announced on LinkedIn that he is departing the business, which manages Penn National Gaming’s digital products including the Barstool Sportsbook & Casino and theScore, to focus on family life ahead of the birth of his second child.
Louisiana online sports betting revenue rockets in May despite handle decline
Online sports betting revenue in Louisiana jumped 584.9% month-on-month in May despite the US state witnessing a 23.3% decline in handle.
Revenue for the month amounted to $22.6m, a significant increase from $3.3m in April and the second-highest monthly total since Louisiana opened its legal online betting market in January this year.
US Supreme Court upholds Texas tribe’s right to offer bingo
The US Supreme Court has upheld the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Indian Tribe’s right to offer electronic bingo in Texas, determining that the state cannot issue laws regulating Class II games for tribes.
The case related to The state also pointed to the Ysleta del Sur and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act of 1987, in which the tribes’ federally recognised status was restored.
OLG’s Proline becomes MLB’s first Ontario sportsbook partner
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s (OLG) Proline sportsbook brand has become the first sports betting partner of Major League Baseball (MLB) in Ontario.
Under the deal, OLG may use official MLB logos, and will have access to cross-promotion opportunities across MLB digital and social channels.
North Carolina House committee passes sports wagering bills as deadline looms
North Carolina’s House Judiciary Committee has passed two bills that would bring sports wagering to the state, just nine days before the legislative session ends on June 30.
The bills will now be referred to the state’s House Finance Committee and will be heard today (June 22).