Category: News

Total revenue was comfortably higher than $462.7m in April last year. However, the figure fell 3.0% short of the $526.6m reported in New Jersey in March this year.

Beginning with land-based casino, this remains the primary source of gambling revenue in the Garden State. However, the $216.8m generated in April is 6.3% behind $231.5m last year.

Physical slot machine revenue declined by 6.4% to $158.8m while land-based table games revenue also fell 6.1% to $58.1m.

Further igaming success for New Jersey

Turning to the igaming sector, the situation is very different. Revenue from all igaming in April hit $187.9m, up 18.2% year-on-year. This means igaming was only $28.9m behind the long-established land-based segment in April.

Some $185.6m of all igaming revenue was attributed to online slot games, with revenue here rising 18.5% to $185.6m. However, revenue from peer-to-peer poker slipped 0.5% to $2.3m.

As for individual operators. Golden Nugget leapt from third place to take top spot in New Jersey in April. Posting igaming revenue of $53.1m, this is 27.5% ahead of the previous year.

Resorts Digital retained second place with $47.5m, up 13.9% year-on-year. Borgata, which was top in March, followed in third on $44.1m, a rise of 2.2%. 

Sports betting revenue almost doubles to $106.2m

Looking now to the sports betting market, revenue here jumped by 46.9% year-on-year to $106.2m. This is also 74.1% ahead of $61.0m in March this year.

The year-on-year revenue rise was helped by a 12.6% increase in handle, with this reaching $1.044bn in April. Player spend on online sports betting hit $1.01bn and retail sportsbooks $34.7m.

Meadowlands remains the runaway leader in the New Jersey sports betting market, posting $73.2m in revenue, up 92.2% on 2023. Meadowlands works with Flutter Entertainment-owned FanDuel.

Resorts Digital and partner DraftKings placed a distant second with $18.9m in revenue, down 6.6%. Borgata and BetMGM took third on $5.2m, a drop of 21.6%.

New Jersey gambling revenue surpasses $2.00bn in four months

As for the year-to-date, total gambling revenue in New Jersey hit $2.06bn in the four months to the end of April. This is 14.4% more than in the same period last year.

Land-based revenue was down 1.6% at $872.9m, with declines across both slots and table games.

Igaming revenue was 21.1% higher at $750.7m, driven by a 21.5% rise in slots revenue to $741.3m. In contrast, peer-to-peer poker revenue declined 3.7% to $9.4m

As for sports betting, the four-month total hit $434.2m. This is up 48.6% from $292.3m in 2023, with players spending a total of $5.17bn in the process.

Star was sanctioned in Queensland in December 2022 over a series of failings in the state. The operator was slapped with a fine of AU$100.0m (£52.6m/€61.4m/US$66.7m) and informed its licence would be suspended.

This came in the wake of an investigation into operations at Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane. The inquiry ruled Star was found “unsuitable” to hold a licence in Queensland.

Initially, Star was given 12 months to resolve issues flagged by investigators and prove it was suitable for a licence. The 1 December 2023 deadline was pushed back to 31 May this year after Star submitted a draft remediation plan to address issues. This includes commitments to approximately 640 milestones across 15 workstreams, implemented over a multi-year period.

However, just two weeks before the rearranged deadline, this has now been extended again. The potential licence suspension will now not come into effect until 20 December this year. Queensland’s attorney-general, Yvette D’Ath MP, has approved the extension.

The decision to extend the deadline for a second time comes in the wake of the Second Bell inquiry launching in February. While this is focusing on Star’s activities in New South Wales (NSW), authorities in Queensland say they want to see the results before making a decision on Star.

The term of a special manager appointment for the Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos remains unchanged. This is currently due to end on 8 December this year.

What did Star do wrong in Queensland?

Incidentally, many failings in Queensland were similar to those flagged by Adam Bell SC’s report into Star in NSW. Here, Star was also found unsuitable to hold a licence. 

Primary issues include Star’s “concerted effort” to deliberately mislead banks and regulators on the purpose of China UnionPay transactions. This, authorities say, is in contravention of Chinese capital flight laws.

Star also sought out individuals linked to criminal organisations and encouraged them to gamble. This was against the advice of police commissioners.

Investigators also identified social responsibility failings and deficiencies related to anti-money laundering and combating terrorism financing practices. In addition, concerns were raised over Star and its historic dealings with junket operators.

Second Bell inquiry: what will it cover?

As for the situation in NSW, findings from the second Bell inquiry are due to be filed by the end of May. 

Investigators are considering the fallout of the first Bell report. One year after this was made public, a report into Star Sydney’s progress found the casino had implemented 22 of 30 recommended measures from the Bell report.

There is also an additional focus on the culture at Star. This covers risk management culture and Star’s management and reporting lines. In addition, the inquiry is examining whether Star has been able to obtain the financial resources needed to support The Star Casino.

Philip Crawford, chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission, said the second report will provide the information needed to make an important decision for Star, its employees, its stakeholders and the wider community.

Tricky times for Star 

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Star has been dealt a series of other blows with several senior staff leaving the business.

In mid-March, it was announced that Robbie Cooke was standing down as group CEO and managing director. Christina Katsibouba will also exit as chief financial officer. The double departure came just weeks after Star said a leadership change is in its best interests. 

The exodus continued in April when Jessica Mellor stepped down as CEO of Star Gold Coast. A few weeks later, David Foster left his role as executive chair, with Anne Ward named as his immediate replacement. Foster had taken on additional duties following Cooke’s exit as CEO.

Among the departures, Star also published a trading update for Q3, with this showing a net loss of $6.8m. This, however, was an improvement on the $49.7m loss posted in the same quarter last year.

Other stand-out figures in Q3 include revenue dipping 4.6% to €419.2m, while normalised EBITDA dropped 11.5% to $37.9m.

Total market revenue in Kansas increased 13.0% to $10.4m (£8.2m/€9.6m). However, April was not so positive for DC, with revenue down 59.5% to $526,689 from last year.

Starting in Kansas, not only was revenue up year-on-year, it was also 46.5% ahead of $7.1m in March this year. Online betting accounted for $10.3m of all revenue, with retail’s share at just $79,989.

In terms of spending, total handle for Kansas in April hit $192.1m. This is 44.4% more than last year but behind March’s state-wide handle of $252.9m. 

Players spent $185.9m betting online during the month, with a further $6.2m wagered at retail sportsbooks.

Total tax for the month reached $1.0m, with almost all of this coming from online betting. 

DraftKings and Boot Hill out in front in Kansas

Taking a look at each operator, DraftKings and partner Boot Hill Casino continue to lead the online market. Revenue from the partnership hit $5.1m in April after players bet $84.3m.

FanDuel, partnered with Kansas Star, posted revenue $4.9m off $60.7m in bets. Caesars and Kansas Crossing was the only other partnership to post revenue, with this hitting $277,103 from a $6.6m handle. 

Kansas Crossing also has online arrangements in place with BetMGM and Fanatics, but neither generated any revenue in April. The situation was similar for ESPN Bet and Hollywood, which took $14.0m in bets but did not report revenue. 

In terms of the financial year to date, total sports betting revenue in Kansas amounted to $98.0m. This includes $93.5m from online wagering and $4.6m retail sportsbooks.

Spending-wise, players wagered $2.05bn, with $1.96bn bet online and $89.5m at land-based locations. As for tax, the state collected a total of $9.8m.

DC revenue down despite level handle 

Turning attention to DC, revenue was down year-on-year and also fell 62.4% from $1.4m in March of this year.

As for handle, players wagered a total of $14.5m during April. This was level with the same month last year but 5.7% behind $15.7m in March 2024.

Analysing each operator’s performance, GambetDC led the way. Players spent $6.9m and, after taking off $6.5m in winnings, this suggests revenue of $394,224. This was despite the brand ceasing operations in mid-April after being taken over by FanDuel.

Incidentally, FanDuel reported $194,236 in revenue off $550,751 during its first few weeks of activity.

Elsewhere, Caesars, which led in March, ended up posting a $165,196 loss for April from a $6.9m handle. Meanwhile BetMGM generated $226,880 in revenue from $3.1m in total bets, while Grand Central posted $55,614 off $317,770.

Cloakbook made $2,800 in total revenue from an $18,090 handle, Sports & Social $11,071 off $47,541, and Grand Central H Street $2,554 from $30,966. The sportsbook at Ugly Mug made a loss of $614 from $447.

To find out more about FanDuel’s entrance into DC and the departure of Gambet, click here to read our US editor Jill R. Dorson’s expert analysis. 

The A-League footballers, who have not been named, all play for a team located in south-west Sydney. The players have been bailed and will appear in court soon to hear more on the corruption charges.   

In a statement confirming the news, the NSW police force says the arrests were made following an investigation by the organised crime squad. The investigation is into alleged betting corruption under Strike Force Beaconview.

Established in December, Strike Force Beaconview is focusing on yellow card manipulation. The State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad is being assisted by Great Britain’s Gambling Commission.

Investigators found a senior player was allegedly taking instructions from a man to organise for yellow cards to occur during certain games in exchange for profit. The man in question is believed to be located offshore in South America.

According to investigators, the number of yellow cards were allegedly manipulated during games played on 24 November 2023 and 9 December 2023. Failed attempts also allegedly took place in games on 20 April and 4 May this year.

After extensive inquiries, strike force detectives today (17 May) executed a search warrant in South Coogee near Sydney. Here, a 33-year-old man was arrested and taken to a local police station. 

He was later charged with two counts of engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event. Additional charges focused on facilitating conduct that corrupts betting outcome of event and participation in a criminal group. The man has been bailed to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on 24 June.

Further arrests over A-League corruption

Simultaneously, strike force detectives executed three other search warrants in Parramatta, West Hoxton, and Emu Plains.

In Parramatta, detectives arrested a 27-year-old man and took him to a local police station. Here, he was charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts betting outcome of event and participating in a criminal group. He has since been bailed to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 27 June.

The final arrest took place West Hoxton, where a 32-year-old man was taken to a nearby police station. He was also charged with engaging in conduct that corrupts a betting outcome of an event and participating in a criminal group.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on 30 May.

Further details of the case have not been revealed. However, Australian Professional Leagues (APL) has confirmed the arrests, saying it will work with law enforcement to support them with the matter.

“The APL is aware of the arrests of three A-League players by NSW police as a result of international law enforcement coordination focussed on betting corruption related to alleged yellow card manipulation in games,” the APL said.

“The work to protect the integrity of our game must be unwavering and we are liaising closely with all relevant agencies on this matter. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation and police enquiries we are unable to comment further at this time.”

XLMedia sold the assets to Gambling.com Group in April for a total consideration of $42.5m (£33.6m/€39.2m). The deal includes an initial $20.0m, with the rest, including a possible $5.0m earn-out payment, due over the coming months.

The sale follows a difficult year for XLMedia, which saw revenue fall 29.1% to $50.3m. This is in line with forecasts published in February.  This, XLMedia says, is mainly the result of declines in the North America Sports vertical. 

The group noted the smaller scale of new state launches during 2023, compared to those launched in 2022.  H1 2022 saw launches in New York, Louisiana and Ontario. In comparison, only Ohio and Massachusetts went live in H1 of 2023, with XLMedia describing the latter roll-out as “disappointing”.

XLMedia added that both its owned sites and media partners declined mainly due to the relative scale of new state launches. It also notes changing cost per acquisition (CPA) rates in some states. Meanwhile, in Europe, it continued to rebuild sites, driving new customer acquisition, and creating new tail revenues. That said, Europe revenue fell 2%.

Reason for positivity at XLMedia?

Ultimately lower revenue, coupled with a heavy impairment charge of $44.6m, pushed the group to a net loss. However, CEO David King remains upbeat over its future. He says 2024 will be a year of “considerable change” as XLMedia prepares for 2025 and beyond.

“Following the announcement of the sale of the Europe Sports and Gaming business, we are focused on driving organic revenues in the North America market,” King said. “This is while continuing both to expand our footprint in preparation for new state launches when they happen, while also right-sizing the group’s cost base for 2025.

“Having previously focused the group’s strategy towards becoming sports-led with a strong gaming presence, we have now refined this to focus the group’s activities in the North America sports market, while seeking to build the gaming side of the business. 

“The market offers the opportunity for organic growth over the longer term as new operators enter the existing markets and new states legalise online sports betting and online gaming.”

Breaking down 2023

Taking a closer look at 2023, revenue from sports betting dropped 33.8% to $36.6m while gaming revenue fell 12.2% to $13.7m. XLMedia says this is in line with its focus on being sports-led. It also notes the rebuilding of Europe casino assets and launching a new US casino brand.

CPA accounted for $26.2m of all revenue, down 45.8%. In contrast, revenue share, hybrid and other activities generated $24.1m in revenue, up 6.6%. XLMedia says the US has continued largely as a CPA-led market. Europe, meanwhile, is a mixture of fixed, hybrid and revenue share deals.  As a result, CPA revenues accounted for 52.0% of continuing revenues, with revenue share at 48.0%. 

“As the US market continues to develop, we have started to see some hybrid and revenue share deals offered and expect to see modest growth in revenue shares deals in the near to medium term in North America,” XLMedia says.

In terms of geographical performance, revenue in North America was down by 42.4% to $27.5m, with declines across both gaming and sports betting. Europe revenue only fell 1.7% to $22.8m after sports betting growth limited the impact of gaming decline. 

“Revenue from North America region decreased due primarily to the relative scale of new state launches,” XLMedia said. “Revenue from Europe decreased; old tail revenues in online casino declined but was offset by growth in new real-money players revenue in both sports and gaming.”

Impairment charge pushes XLMedia to net loss

XLMedia stopped short of fully disclosing information on expenses in 2023. However, it did reveal that gross profit was 26.1% lower at $26.6m.

Operating loss before impairment costs stood at $300,000, in contrast to a $6.2m profit in the previous year. As for adjusted EBITDA, this also declined 36.0% to $12.1m, with a lower margin of 24.0%.

After accounting for the $44.6m impairment charge, XLMedia was left with a net loss of $45.5m, compared to the previous year’s $3.4m profit. 

“Following the sale of the Europe assets at the start of April 2024, the group is focused on right-sizing the cost base allowing it to enter 2025 with an infrastructure commensurate with the requirements of North America business,” King said.

“Looking forward, XLMedia will retain its focus on revenue diversification. With no further state launches confirmed for 2024, the group will continue its focus on optimising existing legalised sports betting states and monetising its audiences. 

“2024 will be a year of considerable change as we transfer our Europe assets, consolidate our position in North America and prepare for 2025 and beyond.”

Better Collective purchased AceOdds, a multi-language sports betting company, for €42m (£35.9m/$45.5m). The transaction took place on a net cash/debt free basis and implies a 12-month EBITD multiple of 4x.

Ben Robinson, founder of Corfai Capital, acted as sell-side advisor on the transaction.

It will be financed by €40m in cash, with the remainder made up by an undisclosed total of Better Collective shares. The shares will be based on the volume weighted average share price on the Nasdaq Copenhagen five days before and ending five days after its closing. Better Collective plans to set up a share buyback scheme for this, which will be settled in shares.

AceOdds was founded in 2008 and is based in the UK. It offers betting tools, reviews, odds and streaming programmes. Ian Bowden, senior director, UK and Ireland at Better Collective, said AceOdd’s offerings and trajectory aligns “perfectly” with Better Collective’s vision for the future.

“This strategic acquisition brings us a robust owned and operated sports betting media brand in the UK market, poised for global scalability,” said Bowden.

“Aligned perfectly with Better Collective’s overarching strategy of acquiring leading sports media brands across various niches, the AceOdds brand fills a crucial gap by offering a vital sports betting affiliation brand in a pivotal growth market for the Better Collective group, along with an app benefiting from hundreds of thousands of installs to further increase the reach we can provide our partners.”

Upgraded financial targets

Following the deal, Better Collective has heightened its full-year 2024 financial targets. Revenue is now expected to fall between €395m and €425m, up from previous targets of €390m and €420m. EBITDA before special items is now projected between €130m and €140m. Previously, this was €125m to €135m.

In February, Better Collective revealed that it had surpassed its FY23 revenue targets. Revenue came to €327m for the twelve months. In the same month it completed its acquisition of Playmaker Capital, which was valued at €176m. The deal – which was announced in November – was agreed by 99.999% of Playmaker shareholders.

Better Collective noted that AceOdds had achieved operational earnings of approximately €10m in the last twelve months. Better Collective said that it wishes to reinvest part of this profitability into its product and user experience.

AceOdds has also consistently achieved recurring revenue. Better Collective will utilise zero and first party data from AceOdds’ app to improve targeting on AdVantage, Better Collective’s internal adtech platform.

Some $504.6m (€464.8m/£398.1m) of revenue was recorded for the month, according to figures published by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). That was up 5.9% compared to April 2023.

The figure was down on the record $554.6m registered in March 2024. However, the figures were close on a day-by-day basis considering the extra day in March.

Pennsylvania gaming’s biggest segment stalls

Retail slots remains the biggest generator of gaming revenue, although the $205.4m was down 3.5% compared to April 2023. The number of slot machines in operation in April 2024 was 24,890 compared to 25,555 at the casinos in April 2023. Parx Casino, the state’s most popular venue, saw a 4.9% decrease to $31.6m.

iGaming slot revenue was the second biggest segment within Pennsylvania gaming at $126.0m, which was up 31.8%.

Sports betting back to growth

iGaming tables and sports wagering both experienced double-digit rises, with the former up 15.8% to $45.0m.

Following two successive months of year-on-year decline, sports wagering revenue was up 14.5% to $42.4m. Total sports wagering handle was $646.0m, which was up 12.9% year-on-year.

Valley Forge Casino Resort, along with partner FanDuel, was the state’s biggest sports betting business, with total revenue of $25.4m. This was almost three times the size of the next biggest, FanDuel’s Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.

GLPI acquired the real estate assets of Baldini’s Casino in Nevada, as well as the Silverado Franklin Hotel & Gaming Complex and the Deadwood Mountain Grand (DMG) casino in South Dakota.

The Silverado is one of the biggest gaming facilities in South Dakota with 245 slot machines and a 68-room hotel. It’s also expected to undergo a hotel renovation, starting in 2024. Baldini’s stretches across nine acres with around 492 slot machines. The DMG, meanwhile, boasts a 93-suite hotel and a 13,500 square foot event centre.

GLPI chairman and chief executive Peter Carlino is excited for the future of the company’s new casino resorts. The business believes the acquisitions will prove “immediately accretive” to its operating results.

“With our acquisition of the Silverado, DMG, and Baldini’s properties, we are pleased to further diversify our property portfolio,” Carlino said.

GLPI agrees tenant relationship with Strategic

As part of the deal, GLPI also entered two cross-defaulted triple-net lease agreements with Strategic Gaming Management. Both of those agreements will initially last for 25 years, with two 10-year renewal periods also available.

GLPI also gave $5m in capital improvement proceeds, taking the total investment to $110m. The new leases’ initial aggregate annual cash rent is $9.2m, including capital improvement funding.

Also included in the deal with Strategic is the securing of a right of first refusal for GLPI on future acquisitions. This will last until Strategic’s adjusted EBITDAR in relation to GLPI-owned assets reaches an annualised amount of $40m.

The acquisition of Strategic’s properties takes GLPI’s portfolio to 65 properties in 20 states. Carlino believes the deal with Strategic will prove positive for both companies.

“With the initial transaction and our right of first refusal on growth opportunities, we look forward to the start of a long-term mutually beneficial relationship with Grant [Strategic chief executive Grant Lincoln] and Strategic,” Carlino continued.

“Our initiatives to expand our portfolio remain active in the current environment as our reputation as the gaming landlord of choice is further strengthened and reinforced by this transaction.”

Lincoln added: “We are pleased to begin our partnership with GLPI. We look forward to collaborating with GLPI to prudently grow our operations over the coming years.”

Nevada to Dave & Buster’s: No betting

The Nevada Independent reported that Nevada is the latest state to take notice of Dave & Buster’s plan to offer betting among friends. Gaming Control Board agents met with Dave & Buster’s executives to say betting at the amusement centers wouldn’t be allowed.

Board chair Kirk Hendrick said in a statement Monday (13 May) the board “opposes activities that could promote underage gambling, as well as wagering activities by businesses catering to a significant number of minor clientele.” Other states have reacted, as well. An Illinois lawmaker filed a bill that would prohibit the idea and regulators in Ohio and Pennsylvania are considering action.

Date set for Mizuhara plea change

The US Attorney’s office said Wednesday (15 May) that Ippei Mizuhara’s change-of-plea hearing is set for 4 June. The hearing will be in the federal building in Orange County. Previous court dates have been in Los Angeles. Mizuhara, baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, pled not guilty Tuesday (14 May) as a procedural matter. He’s already signed a plea deal and a federal affidavit shows he admitted he’s guilty of stealing funds from Ohtani.

Mizuhara faces up to 33 years in prison and $1.25 in fines. He is accused of transferring nearly $17m from Ohtani’s accounts to pay off debt.

Head Louisiana regulator announces retirement

Ronnie Johns, head of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, last last week announced his retirement effective June 30. Johns was appointed to the position in July 2021 by then Governor John Bel Edwards. He’s been in public service for 37 years, including 22 in the state legislature. Johns oversaw the development of regulations and the launch of online sports betting.

Johns told the American Press that he’s reached a time in life to prioritise his family. It’s time to “chase our grandkids from ballpark to ballpark, school events, and wherever life’s journey takes them.”

Check out ESPN Bet’s latest …

ESPN Bet earlier this week rolled out a new ad featuring Stephen A. Smith. Check it out:

NY senator trying to tweak betting laws

New York state senator Joe Addabbo this week filed a bill that would earmark 1 percent of tax revenue for problem and responsible gaming initiatives. The minimum amount designated for PG/RG programs would be $6m. One percent of tax revenue would be sent to youth team sports funding and youth sports and education funding.

Last month, Addabbo filed a bill that would raise the legal age for daily fantasy from 18 to 21. That bill, SB 9044, would also allow for peer-to-peer pick’em-style DFS games. New York’s legislative session is set to adjourn 6 June, and bills don’t carry over to 2025.

Court: No problem with Ontario sports betting

An Ontario superior court Monday (13 May) ruled the province’s online wagering and casino model is legal, reported the Associated Press. The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) filed a lawsuit questioning the legality of how the government agencies regulate legal gambling. Canadian lawmakers voted in June 2021 to decriminalise single-event wagering. Operators went live 4 April 2024.

The MCK, according to the AP, has been licensing gambling operators for 25 years for the Mohawks of Kahnawake. The group argued that Ontario’s new gaming will result in losses for its community.

Circa Sports live in Kentucky

Circa Sports launched Tuesday (14 May) in Kentucky in partnership with ECL Corbin/Cumberland Run, the company announced. The company says it offers the highest betting limits in the industry, and “transparent odds.” Kentucky marks Circa’s fifth US state. Consumers are required to make a minimum deposit of $20. Kentucky’s regulator launched live, legal digital sports betting 28 September 2023.

Harrah’s Columbus opens

Caesars Entertainment opened its Columbus, Neb. casino Friday (17 May) to rave reviews and big crowds. The first jackpot was hit at 10:14 a.m. local time, a $1,876 win on Power Push. The first sports bet was $20 on the Boston Celtics to win the NBA Finals (-135). The new property is 17,000 square feet and has 400 slot machines. The 2,100-square foot sportsbook has a 163-inch video wall.

The property is branded as a Harrah’s casino and is in partnership with Columbus Exposition and Racing.

Justin Thomas first athlete to make deal with Fanatics

Golfer Justin Thomas signed a deal to represent Fanatics, the company announced Tuesday. According to the press release, Thomas will “highlight new product enhancements, create social content and engage with the Fanatics community over the course of the next year.” Thomas is in the field for the PGA Championship at Valhalla.

In other news …

Borough leaders rallied outside a New York state senator’s office Monday (13 May) in support of a casino project near Citifield. Mets owner Steve Cohen is behind the project, which would require legislation action to move forward.

The Colorado Division of Gaming Wednesday (15 May) sent out an update to its March 2024 wagering revenue report. After discovering an error, the agency “revised” the Top 10 Sports by Total Wagers section, according to an e-mail announcement. The update does not affect handle, wagers, or taxes collected.

Citing the risk to kids, a Prince Edward Island (Canada) senator says he supports a national gambling advertising framework, according to CBC. “My particular concern is the impact on young people. These ads [feature] a lot of sports heroes, a lot of celebrities. Young people may be aspiring for that lifestyle, thinking, ‘Oh, I can make some easy money.’ Are we expanding the number of gamblers, and are we growing the addiction problem in the future?”

Fontainebleau Miami Beach announced Tuesday (14 May) it will unveil a 45,000-square foot, five-story convention center in Q4. The space will feature a grand staircase, LED walls, floor-to-ceiling windows. It will also have a 7,000-square foot rooftop terrace with ocean views.

President Joe Biden Thursday (16 May) appointed National Indian Gaming Commissioner associate commissioner Sharon M. Avery as acting chair. She replaces E. Sequoyah Simermeyer, who left in February for an executive position at FanDuel. Avery will serve in both roles until a Senate-confirmed chair is in place. The appointment was effective as of 15 May.

ICYMI on iGB

New Jersey: Online casino, sports betting revenue up; land-based down

GLPI acquires three land-based casinos for $105m

Flutter CFO: North Carolina ‘won’ by continued investment

US DoJ to Supreme Court: Florida case isn’t your purview

Ohtani’s ex-interpreter enters ‘not guilty’ plea, with plans to change plea

AGA reports record US quarterly revenue

The experts pointed to sponsorships’ importance to sports in Germany and the subsequent loss of funding such a ban would cause as the primary reason for its rejection.

However, managing director of the Association of Sports Sponsorship Providers, Inka Müller-Schmäh, outlined that a legal framework was needed to ensure sport sponsorships continued to help German sport.

“Sports sponsorship must remain possible, no matter where, when and how sport takes place and is broadcast,” Müller-Schmäh said.

Gambling industry in Germany facing problems

The German market has faced real issues with the black market, with tight restrictions driving players towards offshore operators.

A 2023 study from the University of Leipzig found the channelisation rate towards legal German online operators was just 50.7%. With nearly half of all German players betting with illegal operators, there are concerns over the safety of bettors.

Operators must not advertise online or on television between 9pm and 6am. Additionally, there are restrictions on showing sports clips in advertising, while there is also a ban on partnering with sports personalities and influencers.

Luka Andric, managing director of the German Sports Betting Association (DSWV), pointed to the “extremely strict” restrictions as a problem.

“It’s probably one of the strictest around, unless you take a monopoly system or somewhere where you have a complete ban on advertising,” Andric told iGB.

Sponsorship bans elsewhere in Europe

As of July 2023, operators in the Netherlands have been banned from sports sponsorships. There is currently a transitionary period to allow existing agreements to come to a conclusion.

France also introduced new sports sponsorship regulations in 2023. French regulator Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) attributed this to the changing role of sponsorships in France.

Between 2022 and 2023, sport partnerships with legal operators in France increased by 20% to €40.7m (£34.8m/$44.3m). Also, clubs penned €15m worth of sponsorships with unlicensed sites for African and Asian players.

Last April, English Premier League clubs announced a collective agreement to stop the sponsorship of gambling companies on the front of shirts.

That will come into effect from the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. However, that hasn’t quelled interest in the market. Aston Villa recently agreed a deal with Betano in April to make the operator its front-of-shirt sponsor until 2026.