Illinois sportsbooks experienced another downturn in May, with total sports betting handle reaching $1.14 billion, a 10.2% decline compared to May 2025. The decrease represents the largest year-over-year drop recorded in the state so far in 2026 and highlights a broader slowdown that has emerged throughout the year. May marked the fourth month in 2026 in which Illinois reported a year-over-year handle decrease. While wagering activity remained above the $1 … California sports betting is likely to reach the statewide ballot in 2028, according to comments from tribal leaders at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Summer Meeting. During the discussion, California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) Chairman James Siva said California’s federally recognized tribes remain focused on building consensus around a tribal-led framework for California sports betting. The comments reinforce that tribes are taking a long-term approach … Iowa’s sports betting market delivered an unusual result in June 2026. While overall wagering volume remained largely unchanged from a year earlier, bettors increasingly placed wagers at physical casino sportsbooks rather than through online platforms. According to data from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, total handle reached $185.4 million, almost identical to the $185.2 million recorded in June 2025. The notable development was where those wagers originated. Retail sportsbooks … The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gambling operators it alleges were offering unauthorized gambling products to Arizona residents. Announcing the enforcement action, ADG Director Jackie Johnson said the agency will continue targeting operators that violate Arizona gaming laws while emphasizing consumer protection and responsible gaming. The companies named in the enforcement action by the ADG are BetOpenly, Bookmaker, ClubWPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., … Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return ended in dramatic and unexpected fashion, creating one of the biggest sportsbook wins tied to a major MMA event in recent memory. The UFC 329 main event against Max Holloway lasted just 69 seconds before McGregor suffered a knee injury that left him unable to continue. What had been promoted as a blockbuster comeback after more than five years away from the Octagon quickly turned … A lawsuit against FanDuel has drawn attention to a personalized video message the sportsbook arranged for a VIP customer from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper. According to a recent report, the bettor, whose name is Terry Thompson, received the customized thank-you video after making significant wagers on the platform. The personalized video featured Bryce Harper addressing Thompson by name and mentioning his young son. Harper thanked Thompson for his support … The Colorado Lottery is replacing the 1-800-GAMBLER responsible gambling helpline with the new 1-800-MY-RESET number across its products and promotional materials. The change aligns with the National Council on Problem Gambling’s nationwide transition to the new support line. The Colorado Lottery’s decision to promote 1-800-MY-RESET stems from a dispute over who controls the longstanding 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), which has owned the number … Mississippi’s long-running debate over statewide mobile sports betting has resurfaced, bringing renewed attention to the differing views held by state leaders. While retail sports betting is already legal at licensed casinos, lawmakers remain divided on whether wagering should be expanded to mobile devices across the state. The discussion has gained traction again after comments from Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, who warned lawmakers about moving too quickly on gambling expansion. His … A Pennsylvania nonprofit is expanding its efforts to address problem gambling as online sports betting continues to grow in popularity. Compass Mark is focusing on education, prevention, and connecting individuals with support resources. This is in response to concerns about the increased accessibility of mobile wagering and its potential impact on local communities. Compass Mark is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization focused on preventing addiction through education, skill-building, and community partnerships. … The United States men’s national team’s World Cup meeting with Belgium ended in elimination, but the match produced record-breaking results for sportsbooks across the regulated U.S. betting market. Multiple operators reported unprecedented wagering interest as American fans flocked to place bets on one of the tournament’s most anticipated knockout-stage contests. The surge in betting activity reflected broader interest in the USMNT’s World Cup campaign. A strong start to the tournament, … Former college basketball player Kerr Kriisa has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges stemming from an alleged multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. While his arrest prompted speculation about a possible connection to the ongoing college basketball betting investigation, prosecutors have not accused Kriisa of point shaving. Kerr Kriisa was arrested by the FBI over the Fourth of July and is awaiting extradition to West Virginia after being indicted on federal wire … The Ohio Casino Control Commission has moved forward with a proposal to prohibit credit card deposits for online sports betting. The proposal has advanced with little resistance from operators, as many major sportsbooks have already discontinued credit card deposits in the last year. Ohio’s proposed rule aligns with current industry practices. Every major U.S. online sportsbook that previously accepted direct credit card deposits has ended the payment option over the …
Illinois Sportsbooks Record Largest Handle Drop of 2026 in May
California Sports Betting Targeting 2028 Ballot
Iowa’s Casino Sportsbooks Regain Ground as Retail Betting Jumps in June
Arizona Targets Five Online Gambling Operators
UFC 329’s Fastest Twist Delivers Huge Sportsbook Payout Swing
Bryce Harper FanDuel VIP Video Draws Scrutiny in Lawsuit
Colorado Lottery Replaces 1-800-GAMBLER With 1-800-MY-RESET
Mississippi Governor Signals Interest as Mobile Sports Betting Debate Returns
Compass Mark Expands Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Efforts
USMNT World Cup Run Drives Unprecedented Betting Interest in Belgium Clash
Kerr Kriisa Indicted on Wire Fraud Charges Amid Betting Speculation
Ohio Credit Card Sports Betting Ban Advances
A new industry audit has highlighted a substantial gap between spending on celebrity marketing and responsible gambling initiatives across the U.S. gambling sector. According to research conducted by communications firm 5W, gambling operators spent an estimated $520 million on celebrity and athlete partnerships during 2025, compared with approximately $60 million allocated to responsible gambling programs and communications. That means spending on celebrity endorsements was around 8.7 times higher than investment … Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) founder Laurence Escalante has resigned as CEO and chairman of the company, ending his leadership of one of the largest sweepstakes casino operators amid ongoing criminal proceedings in Australia. His departure comes as VGW continues navigating increased regulatory scrutiny of the sweepstakes gaming industry. Laurence Escalante’s resignation takes effect immediately after he has been on leave from the company since January. VGW said his departure is … Team USA’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium is shaping up as more than a major World Cup match. According to sportsbook operators and industry analysts, it has become one of the most significant betting events in U.S. soccer history, fueled by a combination of national interest, increased access to legal wagering, and the team’s unexpected tournament success. Sportsbooks have reported record soccer wagering activity throughout the tournament, with Team … A new study from the 5W Research Division found that the U.S. gambling industry spent almost nine times more on celebrity endorsements than on responsible gambling communications in 2025. The report highlights how operators need to devote more resources to improving responsible gaming rather than focusing on customer acquisition. The 5W Research Division’s 5W Responsible Gambling Communications Audit 2026, released on July 3, analyzed how the U.S. gambling industry communicated … Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would significantly reshape the state’s sports wagering market, including a ban on online sports betting. House Bill 971, introduced by Republican Representatives Johnathan Newman and Beth Lear, would move sports wagering to an exclusively retail model while also restricting several popular betting formats. The proposal represents one of the most aggressive attempts by a U.S. state to roll back a regulated online sports betting … With Indiana’s sweepstakes casino ban now in effect following the July 1 deadline, additional operators have exited the state or modified their offerings to comply with the new law. The latest departures include MyPrize and Blazesoft’s network of sweepstakes casinos. However, Utech Solutions has pivoted to a different approach as they try to remain in the Indiana market. The following sweepstakes casino operators have either exited Indiana or significantly changed … DraftKings has designated its @DraftKingsNews account on X as an official channel for disclosing material company information to investors and the public. The move expands the company’s list of approved communication platforms. This comes nearly two years after it reached a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over a Regulation FD disclosure violation. In announcing the change, DraftKings said @DraftKingsNews may now be used to share material information … Nebraska could soon join the growing list of states that permit online sports betting. A ballot initiative backed by industry-supported groups is expected to qualify for the November election, giving voters the opportunity to determine whether mobile wagering should be legalized and regulated statewide. If approved, Nebraska would become one of the latest states to expand sports betting beyond retail sportsbooks. Currently, Nebraska allows sports betting only at physical locations. … Professional golfer Jordan Spieth’s recent comments about the impact of sports betting on the sport have added to growing discussions about player safety and fan behavior at live events. His remarks point to concerns that gambling-related heckling is becoming more common, raising questions about how leagues and tournament organizers should respond. Spieth said sports betting has noticeably altered the atmosphere at PGA Tour events, with some spectators now focusing more … Borgata Online is set to relaunch its online casino platform on July 3 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, marking the brand’s most significant update since its original debut in 2013. The launch comes just ahead of the Independence Day holiday and coincides with July 4 celebrations planned at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The online casino brand, operated by BetMGM, has positioned the relaunch as a comprehensive … After a detailed investigation, former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were among six people indicted on charges related to an alleged sports betting scheme during the 2023-24 NBA season. Prosecutors allege Beasley intentionally manipulated his on-court performance, such as recording a late rebound or scoring at the end of the game, to help the group profit from player prop wagers. The case raises questions about game integrity in … The Buffalo Bills and Seneca Resorts & Casinos have announced a multi-year partnership extension that will make the gaming operator a Founding Partner of the new Highmark Stadium. The agreement also continues Seneca’s role as the Bills’ Official Casino as the franchise prepares to move into its new venue. However, there won’t be a retail sportsbook on-site at the new stadium, which underscores how there’s been a significant decrease in …
Celebrity Deals Dwarf Responsible Gambling Spending Across U.S. Betting Industry
VGW Founder Laurence Escalante Resigns as CEO Amid Legal and Regulatory Pressure
Team USA Match Could Deliver A Super Bowl-Scale Betting Moment
5W Study Shows Disparity in Gambling Marketing vs Responsible Gambling
Ohio Bill Targets Online Sportsbooks With Sweeping Betting Restrictions
Indiana Sweepstakes Casinos Exit After July 1 Ban
DraftKings Makes X Account Official Disclosure Channel
Nebraska Ballot Push Puts Online Sports Betting Expansion in Focus
Jordan Spieth Raises Concerns Over Sports Betting Abuse
Borgata Online Relaunch Brings New Look to New Jersey and Pennsylvania Players
Malik Beasley Indicted in Alleged NBA Betting Scheme, Raises Integrity Questions
Bills, Seneca Expand Partnership at New Highmark Stadium
Nevada’s sports betting market experienced another setback in May, as both wagering volume and operator revenue posted year-over-year declines. The downturn marks the fourth consecutive month in which the state has recorded lower betting handle compared to the same period in the previous year. According to figures released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, bettors wagered approximately $545.7 million during the month, down from $576.8 million in May 2025. The … Caesars Entertainment has expanded its partnerships with three of Maine’s federally recognized Wabanaki Nations as the company positions itself for the state’s upcoming online casino market. The new agreements cover the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, and the Penobscot Nation, extending relationships that were originally formed for online sports betting operations. The development comes as Maine prepares for a regulated iGaming market following the approval of legislation … The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) has proposed eliminating player prop bets as part of negotiations for the league’s next collective bargaining agreement. The proposal would include bans on bets that include strikeouts, and hits, and much more. In doing so, the MLBPA is attempting to protect the players from harassment related to sports betting. The MLBPA’s proposal comes as more players have publicly discussed the abuse they receive from sports … Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its Bad Actor Program, a new initiative designed to combat online abuse and threats from sports bettors towards athletes, coaches, and officials. Developed in partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) and Signify Group, the program will monitor for betting-related harassment and suspend or permanently ban customers found to have engaged in abusive behavior. The Bad Actor Program is designed to identify sports bettors who direct abusive … Indiana regulators have opted against making an immediate decision on whether to prohibit collegiate player prop wagers, pushing the discussion into the fall and leaving the betting markets available for the start of the 2026 college football season. During a recent Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) meeting, commissioners chose to delay action on a potential ban until Sept. 24, citing the need for additional research and evaluation. The postponement means bettors …
Nevada Sports Betting Downturn Deepens as Revenue Continues to Fall
Caesars Secures Key Tribal Agreements in Maine iGaming Market
MLBPA Proposes MLB Player Prop Bet Ban Amid Sports Betting Harassment Concerns
Fanatics Bad Actor Program Targets Sports Betting Harassment
Indiana Punts Decision on College Player Prop Betting Restrictions Until September
