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Massachusetts Online Casino Bill Slated for Hearing

Massachusetts Online Casino Bill Slated for Consumer Protection Committee Hearing

  • iGaming is being considered in Massachusetts
  • A hearing on legislation to authorise online casinos is set for next week
  • Massachusetts is currently home to three casinos and online sports betting

Legislation in Massachusetts aiming to authorise, regulate, and tax online casino gambling is set to be discussed by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Massachusetts online casino iGaming bill
Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, MA, pictured. The legislation for online casino gambling in Massachusetts is set to receive considerable attention next week.

With neighboring states like Connecticut and Rhode Island embracing legal iGaming, it’s believed that now is the opportune time for Massachusetts to join the fray by allowing online slots and table games. This bill comes from State Senator Paul Feeney (D-Bristol) and Representative Daniel Cahill (D-Essex), proposing Senate Bill 235 and House Bill 332 to establish Massachusetts as an iGaming region.

The committee is set to discuss the proposed legislation next week.

Current Landscape of iGaming in the U.S.

Currently, only seven states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, have legal online casino gambling. Supporting measures like these could generate significant tax revenue from iGaming for Massachusetts.

It’s noteworthy that Rhode Island expanded its online gambling platforms two years ago, becoming the seventh state to offer such services. Despite discussions about new markets in several other states, no new iGaming legislation has passed recently.

Recently, Maine’s legislature expedited an online casino measure aimed at granting iGaming rights to local tribes, with expectations that it will be vetoed by Governor Janet Mills.

The Chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Jordan Maynard, has voiced concerns about the rapid growth of online gambling regulation nationwide, highlighting the need for robust oversight.

“When I consider the state of the industry, it resembles a highway with no speed limits, and vehicles that lack safety features,” Maynard expressed during an interview. “As regulators, it’s our responsibility to ensure safe practices for consumers.”

Companies like MGM Resorts and Penn Entertainment, which operate MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park in Massachusetts, have shown support for iGaming expansion, contrasting Wynn Resorts, which recently shuttered its online gaming unit, WynnBet.

Details of the Massachusetts Online Casino Bill

The proposals from Feeney and Cahill would grant each of the three brick-and-mortar casinos in Massachusetts the ability to partner with up to two iGaming operators. Additionally, it would permit the rollout of four untethered online casino brands.

The cost of each iGaming concession is set at $5 million initially, with renewal fees of the same amount due every five years thereafter.

Besides these licensing fees, a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue from iGaming is proposed, which could attract operators like DraftKings given that it is relatively low compared to Pennsylvania’s 54% and Rhode Island’s 52.5% online slots tax. Connecticut has set its iGaming tax rate at 18%.

Massachusetts ranks as the 16th most populous state in the U.S. with around 7.1 million residents and has the highest median household income, approaching $100,000 last year.

Conclusion

Legislation to permit online gambling in Massachusetts is progressing with consideration for the associated economic benefits. This step aligns the state with its neighbours, reflecting a growing trend towards legalised online gambling, making it a significant and timely proposition for local revenues and the entertainment sector.

As lawmakers move forward, stakeholders from various sectors will be watching closely to understand the implications for the state’s gaming landscape.

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Casino Security Alert: How New Footage of Alleged Carjacking Rampage Reflects Modern Safety Challenges | 10BET

How Casino Security Protocols Can Prevent Crimes Like the Aliante Carjacking Rampage

  • Surveillance footage reveals the harrowing events before and after the fatal shooting of Na’Onche Osborne.
  • Aerion Warmsley led police on a chaotic 20-mile carjacking spree.
  • Prosecutors have indicated the possibility of pursuing the death penalty against Warmsley.

The recent release of surveillance footage by the Las Vegas Metro Police (LVMPD) offers a chilling insight into a violent incident that underscores the vital importance of high-level casino security and urban monitoring. The video captures the moments preceding the murder of a former state senator’s son, detailing the chaotic aftermath as suspect Aerion Warmsley initiated a tumultuous 20-mile chase. This pursuit, involving multiple crashes and carjackings across Las Vegas, serves as a stark reminder of how critical integrated surveillance systems are for maintaining public safety and protecting high-traffic areas.

Aerion Warmsley, Aliante Casino shooting, Las Vegas carjacking, Na’Onche Osborne, Nevada crime spree
Aerion Warmsley captured during the chaotic police chase. (Image: LVMPD)

Warmsley, 19, is accused of fatally shooting Na’Onche Osborne, 23, on the gaming floor of the Aliante Casino during the early hours of March 28. Osborne was the adopted son of former state senator and mayoral candidate Pat Spearman.

Video collected from Aliante’s security showed the two men have a brief interaction before Warmsley violently attacked Osborne, pistol-whipping him and subsequently shooting him multiple times.

Osborne was declared dead at the scene, having been shot seven times according to prosecutors.

Chaotic Chase

Following the shooting, Warmsley fled the scene, carjacking a woman shortly after leaving the casino. He then crashed into another vehicle and collided with a bus stop, resulting in injuries to two individuals; one was reported critically injured. Helicopter footage tracked his escape as he exited the damaged vehicle and rushed to commandeer another car at gunpoint.

Driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph, Warmsley was pursued by police while being monitored from above. After losing control of his vehicle, he attempted to escape on foot but ultimately jumped into the back seat of another car on Boulder Highway.

At gunpoint, he instructed the terrified occupants to drive at breakneck speeds until police managed to intervene, using multiple cruisers to bring the vehicle to a stop.

Footage from the body camera of an officer showed Warmsley being apprehended after a tumultuous chase.

Potential Death Penalty

Clark County prosecutors have formally charged Warmsley with an astounding 28 felony counts. Among these are murder with a deadly weapon, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, coercion, and reckless driving resulting in substantial bodily harm, as well as a failure to stop at the scene of an accident that resulted in serious injury or death.

The possibility of the death penalty is currently under consideration by the prosecution.

In addition, Warmsley faces six federal charges, including two counts of carjacking that resulted in serious injuries, along with several counts related to brandishing a firearm during a violent crime and a simple carjacking.

This incident demonstrates the severe impact of violence surrounding gambling environments, raising concerns about safety in such venues. It serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of criminal elements that can surface in high-stakes gambling areas.

For those interested in content surrounding the intersection of crime and gaming, this case highlights ongoing issues within the gambling community, provoking necessary discussions on security and regulation.

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Legislature, Governors Veto Lurks

online casino
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Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Legislature, Governor’s Veto Lurks

The Maine State Legislature has taken a significant step forward by approving new legislation that authorizes online casino gambling. This landmark bill aims to provide the state’s tribes, specifically the Wabanaki Nations, with exclusive online gaming privileges.

Key Highlights of the iGaming Bill

  • Legislative Approval: Lawmakers in Maine successfully passed the bill allowing iGaming, paving the way for online casino operations.
  • Tribal Rights: The legislation grants the four tribes – Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot – exclusive rights to operate online casino games, although they are still barred from running land-based slot machines and table games.
  • Governor’s Potential Veto: Despite the bill’s momentum, Governor Janet Mills has indicated that she may veto it, creating uncertainty around its implementation.

Details of the Legislation

The recently approved bill permits the Wabanaki Nations to collaborate with third-party partners for online casino operations. Although the tribes gained exclusive rights to online sports betting in 2022, this new bill represents their first foray into internet gambling.

Maine’s 1980 Indian Claims Settlement Act construes the tribes more as municipalities than as sovereign nations, complicating their efforts to establish land-based casinos.

iGaming Implementation Framework

The bill (Legislative Document 1164) allows each of the four tribes to select one iGaming partner, with the state receiving 16% of the gross gaming revenue. Notably, big players like FanDuel and DraftKings could be involved in revenue-sharing arrangements with the tribes.

Tribal representatives believe that introducing iGaming will bolster economic self-sufficiency and enhance their existing online sports betting operations. State fiscal projections suggest that the state could collect approximately $3.6 million annually from iGaming taxation, while the tribes and their partners stand to retain about $18.9 million annually from online gaming revenue.

Navigating Opposition

Notably, the two commercial casino operators in Maine, namely Penn Entertainment and Churchill Downs, vehemently oppose the bill. They argue that allowing tribal operators to engage in online gambling undermines their business, which supports over 3,200 jobs and generated $61 million in state gaming taxes last year.

The opposition garners significant attention as the governor has previously expressed her reservations regarding the expansion of gambling activities in the state. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has raised concerns about potential increases in gambling addiction due to expanded online options.

Next Steps and Future Considerations

The future of the iGaming bill now lies with Governor Mills, who has not publicly committed to either signing or vetoing the legislation. The bill’s proponents remain optimistic, urging the governor to recognise the economic opportunities presented by legalising online gambling in Maine.

As this situation unfolds, both supporters and opponents will watch closely how local governance and economic interests intersect in the realm of digital gambling.

In summary, while the Maine iGaming Bill has successfully passed the legislature, it now faces significant hurdles in the form of potential executive vetoes and opposition from established casino operators. The next steps will play a critical role in shaping the future of online gaming within the state.

Call it a Comeback: Atlantic City Casino Revenue Jumps 11 Percent in May

Call it a Comeback: Atlantic City Casino Revenue Jumps 11 Percent in May

  • Atlantic City in-person casino revenue bounced back in May
  • May marked a positive trend in year-to-date retail gaming revenue
  • Atlantic City gears up for a bustling summer

April showers brought May flowers for the nine casinos in Atlantic City, with gaming revenue from in-person play soaring 10.9% year-on-year to reach $265.3 million.

casino revenue
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It has been reported by numerous insiders at Casinos.org that there’s been a growing sense of optimism about a comeback for Atlantic City, the only area in New Jersey permitted to host casinos. Mark Giannantonio, the president of Resorts and the Casino Association of New Jersey, has forecasted “a true renaissance” for America’s Playground.

After a sluggish start to 2025, with brick-and-mortar casino revenue down by 2% through April, the casinos have finally turned things around. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) released figures highlighting that May’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) has significantly improved, showing a growth of 0.8% compared to the first five months of the year, translating to an increase of over $8.6 million.

In terms of revenue sources, table games notably contributed to the growth, with games generating $70.5 million in GGR, a 21.9% increase. Slot machines accounted for around $194.8 million, showing a 7.5% uptick.

It is also important to point out that May 2025 benefited from having an additional Saturday compared to the same month in the previous year. Nonetheless, this month marked a significant victory for the once-struggling casino town.

May Shines Bright

James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC), acknowledged that May brought the best results seen for the nine casinos since 2011. He stated, “May provided a strong foundation for an upbeat summer season. Atlantic City’s diverse gaming, leisure, and entertainment offerings have something for everyone, making it a fantastic place to visit and stay.”

iGaming has also seen significant progress, with online casino revenues reaching $246.8 million, which is an impressive 28.5% increase compared to May 2024. Indeed, May has proven to be a record-setting month for various online casino platforms operating within New Jersey.

Additionally, sportsbooks reported a GGR of $102.5 million over this period, which represents a hearty 30% growth year-over-year. However, despite these promising developments, year-to-date sports betting revenue is still about 10% lower than last year, largely due to bettors having staked 12.6% less overall. In total, over $6 billion was wagered across the Garden State’s retail and online sportsbooks during the early months of 2025—an amount that has now declined to approximately $5.25 billion.

The total gaming revenue for New Jersey in May reached $614.6 million, reflecting a substantial 20.5% increase from May 2024.

Optimism Returns

Not only are local authorities optimistic about the upcoming summer for Atlantic City, but significant investments have been made in the resorts themselves, and crime concerns have begun to ease, according to Dennis Levinson, the chief executive of Atlantic County. Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University’s Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism, has expressed a hopeful outlook for the city’s future.

“Heading into the peak summer season, we can anticipate that the resort’s brick-and-mortar gaming operations will gain momentum while internet gaming revenues keep climbing,” Bokunewicz shared.

If you’re contemplating a late June visit to Atlantic City, you’re in for a treat! The Hard Rock will feature performances from Tom Segura on June 20-21, Incubus on June 27, and Jackson Browne on June 28. Meanwhile, the Ocean Casino Resort will host 311 on June 20, and Borgata will present The Allman Betts Band on June 21, alongside Def Leppard on June 28.

For more things to see and do in Atlantic City, visit Visit Atlantic City.

Sports Betting Odds: Predicting Mitch Marners NHL Free Agency Destination | 10BET

NHL Free Agency Sports Betting Odds: Where Will Mitch Marner End Up?

Key Highlights: While many players focus solely on the house edge, understanding the nuances of sports betting odds is the true foundation for any successful wagering strategy. These highlights detail the critical factors you need to consider when analyzing how shifting lines and fluctuating sports betting odds can define both your potential payouts and the overall thrill of the game.

  • Mitch Marner, a star right winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
  • FanDuel has opened a market on Marner’s next team, with the Las Vegas Golden Knights as the current favourite.
  • Other teams vying for Marner include the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Mitch Marner saga has taken an interesting turn. Elliotte Friedman, a respected NHL journalist, reported that Marner is “not engaged” in any contract discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading many to believe he could be leaving the team when free agency opens on July 1.

sports betting
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With the Stanley Cup Finals nearing an end, the focus is now shifting toward free agency, with Marner leading the charge as a headline-maker. Many bettors took notice of Friedman’s report, which impacted the odds for Marner’s next team.

Currently, FanDuel offers a “Mitch Marner Next Team” betting market. Just last week, the Leafs were listed at +550, trailing behind the Golden Knights, who hold a +300 odds position. As of Monday, however, the Leafs are off the board, leaving the Golden Knights leading the charge at +230, followed by the Hurricanes at +470, the rebuilding Ducks and Penguins both at +650, the Blackhawks at +750, and the Kings at +1000.

Top Teams in the Betting Market

According to FanDuel traders, the top three teams for Marner are:

  • Las Vegas Golden Knights: +230
  • Carolina Hurricanes: +470
  • Los Angeles Kings: +1000

It seems that the Golden Knights are the hot pick amongst bettors, with 15% of all bets placed on the team. If Marner aims to win immediately, the Golden Knights might offer him the best chance, given their strong roster and recent championship win.

Potential Concerns About Marner

While Marner is undoubtedly a talented player, some concerns may surround him. Critics often point to his size, with some arguing that he struggles under the pressure of playoff hockey. Comparisons have arisen, particularly with Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who has excelled in the playoffs, with 15 goals this season compared to Marner’s total of just 13 goals throughout his entire playoff career.

Financially, the Golden Knights currently have approximately USD 9.6 million in salary cap space. There are whispers that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo may require a long-term injury reserve list spot, which would free up additional cap space for Marner, who is expected to demand more than USD 14 million in average annual value with his next contract.

Marner’s Future: A Move to the West Coast?

With nine years spent with the Maple Leafs since being drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner’s next steps could point towards the West. Toronto’s hockey atmosphere can be intense, and given the public scrutiny he’s faced, he may prefer to distance himself from the pressure of the Canadian market.

There’s not only the transactional view but also the emotional aspect—Marner is now a father and may seek a fresh start far from criticisms about past postseason failures.

DraftKings Betting Odds

DraftKings has also opened a market for Marner’s next team, revealing the current odds:

  • Golden Knights: +350
  • Hurricanes: +400
  • Kings: +600
  • Ducks: +700
  • Mammoth: +1000
  • Panthers: +1000
  • Blackhawks: +1200
  • Leafs: +2000

Final Thoughts

The anticipation surrounding Mitch Marner’s next move is palpable. As teams prepare for free agency, there’s a likelihood of negotiations ramping up quickly. Will Marner stay with the Leafs or will he take his skills to a new team seeking to build its roster? Whatever the outcome, it promises to be an exciting chapter for hockey fans and bettors alike.

In conclusion, the bottom line is that Mitch Marner is a highly sought-after player this offseason, and with the implications of free agency, many are waiting to see where he will land. Whether it be the Golden Knights, Hurricanes, or another contender, his future will undoubtedly create significant buzz.