## North American Wagering Scene: Weekly Summary
Greetings from iGB’s North American Wagering Scene, where we review the key news in North American sports wagering reported this week, along with other intriguing bits we’ve uncovered.
**Bally Wager Aims for June Debut in Massachusetts**
On Thursday (April 11th), Bally Wager representatives informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that they intend to launch in the Bay State by the end of June, stating “we have a strong commitment to the state.” Bally’s previously pledged a launch “by the end of Q2” but had not provided a specific date. The company has held a temporary sports wagering license in the state since early 2023. When Bally Wager launches, it will bring the total number of digital platforms available in Massachusetts to seven, after Betr and WynnBet exited the state earlier this year.
“It’s exciting to see someone complete the licensing process we started and actually begin operations,” said MGC Acting Chair Jordan Maynard at the meeting.
**Highest Court Grants Extension in Florida Sports Betting Case**
The Highest Court will allow the federal government until May 13th to file its response to the case brought by West Flagler Associates.
The terrain of sports wagering in Florida might be altered by this case. The Seminole Tribe launched the Hard Rock Bet platform last November. On April 4th, the government requested an extension, citing an excessive workload. Although the court appeared to respond within 24 hours, the record was not updated until this week.
Porter could encounter a ban from the NBA.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters on April 10th that Toronto’s Jontae Porter could be prohibited from playing by the league. This incident originates from allegations of betting on player performance.
According to the Associated Press, Silver stated, “I possess extensive disciplinary authority. His actions while in the NBA are unforgivable. The ultimate authority I have is to prohibit him. That is within my jurisdiction, as there is nothing more serious than this.”
As of Wednesday, Porter has missed 10 consecutive games. He exited the game after brief appearances on January 26th and March 20th, and in both contests, he did not attain the numbers for the props he was wagering on. Porter would be the first NBA player to be banned after PASPA was overturned. Thus far, the NFL has penalized 10 players for violating betting regulations, and the NHL has banned one player.
ESPN BET releases a playoff advertisement.
On April 10th, prior to the commencement of the NBA and NHL playoffs, ESPN Bet unveiled its latest video advertisement, starring Scott Van Pelt:
ESPN also declared this week that it would extend its partnership with Peyton Manning’s Omaha production company until 2034.
As per the stipulations of the contract, “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” will continue, and ESPN will gain access to other original content.
The sports wagering market in Delaware is on the verge of encountering some fresh competition.
According to WBOC, two legislators have presented a bill in Delaware that would expand the quantity of sports betting platforms accessible within the state. Presently, the only sports betting platform in the state is BetRivers, but the new legislation would permit other operators to collaborate with local gambling establishments. The bill, identified as HB 365, originates from an internet sports lottery legislation task force that was authorized by the 2023 legislature.
The bill would impose an 18% tax rate on adjusted gross income and a $500,000 licensing fee. Licenses would be valid for a period of five years.
Richmond will not be a casino location in Virginia.
Toward the end of last week, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a bill removing Richmond from the list of cities within the state that can submit applications for casino licenses. In 2020, Virginia lawmakers legalized sports betting and designated five potential brick-and-mortar casino locations throughout the state.
Since 2020, casinos have opened in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth, with another planned for Norfolk. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Youngkin also placed Petersburg on the “fast track” to become the state’s fifth casino location.
A casino hotel is currently under construction in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that the newly constructed Caesars New Orleans lodging facility will commence operations in the autumn, coinciding with the Super Bowl LIX on February 9th, 2025. The hotel is situated adjacent to the sole land-based gambling establishment in the state. The casino, which has been known as Harrah’s since the 1990s, is also undergoing a comprehensive renovation. The newly constructed hotel tower will encompass 15 levels and accommodate 340 guests.
**iGB News Summary**
Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter is alleged to have misappropriated $16 million, but the baseball luminary is regarded as a “victim.”
Maryland’s legislative body was unable to reach a consensus on internet gambling. What is the future for 2024?
Maine’s internet casino legislation is on the verge of being shelved.
FanDuel’s Amy Howe asserts that indigenous communities will assume a leadership role in California.
California’s indigenous tribes declare that sports wagering will align with their interests.
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