Draftkings In The Hot Seat Following Inaugural NJ Sports Betting National Championship
“Ugly controversy” local media cry
DraftKings’ inaugural Sports Betting National Championship in New Jersey this past weekend has drawn widespread criticism following a computer lag that prevented the grading of several customers’ bets in time to allow wagering on the final Saints Eagles game which closely followed the Patriots vs Chargers by less than two minutes.
While bettors cried foul, the company apologised in a Twitter feed said: “We will learn from this experience and improve upon the rules and experience for future events.”
Rhode Island Bill For Mobile Sports Betting
Marks expansion of newly launched sports book at Twin River Casino late last year
Rhode Island isn’t wasting any time in expanding sports betting in the State with the introduction of a bill which would allow mobile sports betting.
The bill, introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, enables the development of a Twin River app enabling patrons to bet via their mobile devices within State lines.
“With the big crowds that are going up to Twin River, I think we need some kind of an app because people are getting disenchanted with the long waits up there, and a lot of people have walked out of there without placing bets. We don’t want that,” Ruggerio said.
Under the provisions, patrons would have to create accounts in person at the casino for identity and age verification purposes.
William Hill US Partners Prairie Meadows Casino In Iowa
In anticipation of legalised sports betting
William Hill US has partnered Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Iowa as official sportsbook operator in the event that sports betting is legalised under Iowa State Law.
Should regulatory changes allow, William Hill will operate a more than 8,600 square foot sportsbook near the casino’s racing centre, subject to the approval of Iowa gaming regulatory authorities.
“We are excited about the prospect of sports betting in Iowa and are thrilled to partner with Prairie Meadows to be ready for the day when sports betting is legal in the state. We are building a first-class sports book that will make Prairie Meadows the place to bet and watch the games,” Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill U.S., said.
“Prairie Meadows is thrilled to partner with William Hill, the best name in sports betting, to establish a world-class sports betting experience for our guests,” added Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows.
“We are excited to expand our resort offerings with a fully renovated Clubhouse that includes both our racing center and new William Hill sports book. Once the legislative process is complete, this innovative partnership will provide many fun and unique sports betting options for our guests,” concluded Brad Rhines, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer of Prairie Meadows.
Kambi Launches South Philadelphia Turf Club Sportsbook
Second on-property launch in Pennsylvania in a week
Kambi and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment have launched an on-property sportsbook at South Philadelphia Turf Club in Pennsylvania.
The launch marks Kambi’s second sportsbook to go live in a week following the debut of Parx Casino’s sportsbook (see previous InfoPowa report) after completing two days of testing in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
The Turf Club, an off-track betting establishment, is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s major league sports district, a stone’s throw from the Lincoln Financial Field and Stadium, just blocks away from the Wachovia Complex and next door to The Citizen’s Bank Field.
The Kambi Sportsbook will complement the Turf Club’s current horseracing product, situated within a 27,000 square foot property furnished with additional TV screens for live sports, modern digital signage, seven teller windows and nine sports betting kiosks.
The launch expands Kambi’s Pennsylvania footprint powering four of the states’ five on-property sportsbooks.
Kambi and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment also have plans to launch sports betting at the operator’s Valley Forge Turf Club.
Max Meltzer, Kambi Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The prime location of the South Philadelphia Turf Club offers Kambi a unique platform to reach some of Philadelphia’s most passionate sports fans who when going to support their teams also want some skin in the game.
“Today’s successful launch provides further evidence of Kambi’s ability to deliver for its partners both online and on-property in a short space of time, making us the trusted choice for those looking to leverage their strong brand and provide their customers with high-quality sports betting experiences.”
Massachussets And Connecticut Governors Want In On Sports Betting
Revenues would be allocated to local aid
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker proposed the legalisation of on-premises and online sports betting in the State, Thursday, saying he plans to file legislation that would allow wagering on professional sports.
Under the proposal, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) would be responsible for licensing and enforcement of the gambling expansion.
“Our legislation puts forth a series of commonsense proposals to ensure potential licensees are thoroughly vetted and safeguards are in place to protect against problem gambling and illegal activity. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass this bill into law,” Baker said.
Sports wagering would be open to Massachusetts residents 21-years and older and be limited to betting on professional sports. Collegiate, high school athletics and eSports betting would be banned.
“Expanding Massachusetts’ developing gaming industry to include wagering on professional sports is an opportunity for Massachusetts to invest in local aid while remaining competitive with many other states pursuing similar regulations,” Baker added.
The application fee would be set at $100,000, once approved the applicant would pay a minimum fee of $500,000 for a five-year license.
In person sports wagering licensees would pay a tax rate of 10 percent, online wagering licensees and daily fantasy sports 12.5 percent.
Baker anticipates the generation of $35 million in tax revenues that would be allocated to local aid.
In related news, Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont has indicated the legalisation of sports betting as a priority for this year’s General Assembly.
S.B. No. 17, introduced earlier this month, proposes Native American tribes be authorised to offer on-premises and online wagering subject to some undoubtedly tough negotiations on amendments to existing compacts that would also allow the Connecticut Lottery to offer online Keno games.