Indiana has become the latest state to shut down sweepstakes gaming. Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1052 on March 12, ending the dual-currency model that’s kept social casinos operating in a legal grey area for years.

The law takes effect July 1, 2026. From that date, any platform using virtual currency that converts to cash prizes will be illegal in the state.

Operators face fines of up to $100,000 if they carry on regardless.

Industry Calls It a Missed Opportunity

The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance didn’t hide its disappointment. Managing director Sean Ostrow acknowledged the frustration but credited some lawmakers for at least trying to explore regulation instead of an outright ban.

“We are disappointed that HB 1052 has become law, but are grateful to the many Indiana lawmakers who engaged thoughtfully on the merits of regulating this long-standing industry,” Ostrow said. He pointed to what he called “meaningful bipartisan support” for a smarter regulatory framework that could have generated tax revenue while protecting consumer choice.

The SGLA reckons proper regulation could have brought tens of millions in annual tax revenue to Indiana. Instead, the state opted for prohibition.

Broad Language, No Loopholes

House Bill 1052 uses intentionally sweeping language to close off any workarounds. The drafting targets not just existing sweepstakes models but any alternative systems that might try to replicate casino-style gaming through technical loopholes.

Some operators have indicated they’ll test the boundaries regardless. There’s a view in parts of the industry that these bans represent short-term political wins that won’t hold up long term, either through legal challenge or eventual legislative reversal.

That’s optimistic at best.

The momentum is clearly running the other way.

Part of a Wider Crackdown

Indiana isn’t acting in isolation. Multiple states have moved against sweepstakes gaming over the past year. Individual cities have taken matters into their own hands where state legislatures haven’t acted quickly enough.

The industry’s defence has consistently pointed to mainstream sweepstakes promotions from McDonald’s, Microsoft, and other household names. If those are legal, the argument goes, why aren’t casino-style sweepstakes?

Legislators aren’t buying it. The distinction they’re drawing is simple: one model involves skill or pure chance entries with no play component, the other replicates slot machines and table games. The fact that payment happens in virtual currency first doesn’t change the fundamental transaction.

For Indiana’s sweepstakes operators, the runway is now clearly marked. They have until mid-2026 to wind down operations or face substantial penalties. Whether any choose to fight this in court remains to be seen.

The legislative intent couldn’t be clearer.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has approved MGM International’s plan for a recording-ready gaming salon at Park MGM, marking the first public facility of its kind in Las Vegas. Players will be able to stream, record, and share their sessions, with the option to purchase footage of their play.

Designed for the Streaming Generation

This is not another private VIP lounge. MGM’s gaming salon targets content creators and social media enthusiasts who want to broadcast their gambling sessions. Chandler Pohl, Vice President of MGM’s Regulatory Division, explained that the concept came from “some interest in the gaming community for the recording of people’s play for their enjoyment.”

Think influencers streaming poker tournaments or YouTube creators building content around slots and table games. The salon provides professional recording capabilities in a public setting. Something Vegas has never offered before.

Pohl compared it to the photo system on the New York-New York roller coaster. Players can walk away with footage of their session, ready to upload or keep as a memento.

Location Matters

Park MGM sits next to T-Mobile Arena, which pulls massive crowds for concerts, sports, and entertainment events. MGM sees an opportunity to capture that foot traffic, particularly younger visitors who might fancy a quick session after a show.

The company noted there’s “a natural flow of individuals departing the venue that could be attracted to gamble at Park MGM afterwards.” Makes sense. You’ve just watched a UFC fight or a major concert, you’re buzzing, why not try your luck for half an hour?

Consent and Privacy

Anyone featured in studio filming will need to sign a participation form. That protects both the casino and players who might not want their faces on someone’s Twitch channel.

It’s a practical solution, really. Acknowledges the reality of content creation while giving people control over their image. You want to be in the background of someone’s reel? Sign the form. You don’t? Step aside.

What Happens Next

The Nevada Gaming Commission will consider the Gaming Control Board’s recommendation on 26 March. Approval would clear the way for Park MGM to launch what could become a new model for casino engagement.

This isn’t about replacing traditional gaming floors. It’s about adding another dimension for a generation that documents everything. If it works, expect other operators to follow suit quickly.

Las Vegas has always adapted to what players want. First it was celebrity poker rooms, then sports betting lounges, now streaming studios. The city evolves or it dies, and MGM is betting that content creation is the next frontier.

Betsson is making a serious push into the Canadian market with a €64.5 million acquisition of Rhino Entertainment Group’s B2C operations and technology platform. The deal positions the Swedish operator to capitalize on Canada’s expanding regulatory framework while bolstering its B2B tech offering.

What Betsson Gets for Its Money

The acquisition brings Betsson a complete operational package: licenses, staff, customer base, and the infrastructure needed to serve Canadian punters. Rhino’s been active in Canada since securing its Kahnawake license in 2022, running brands like Big Boost Casino. The business generated about $15.9 million in EBITDA in 2025. This isn’t just buying potential, it’s buying revenue.

Beyond the consumer-facing business, Betsson is getting its hands on Rhino’s proprietary front-end and middleware technology.

That’s big. The company expects this tech to strengthen its B2B platform operations, creating fresh licensing revenue streams beyond direct customer activity.

Deal Structure and Timing

Betsson will pay approximately $59.5 million upfront at closing, with the remainder due six months later. The entire transaction comes from existing cash reserves. No need for external financing. Subject to regulatory approvals, completion is expected in Q2 or Q3 2026.

The market responded positively. Betsson’s share price jumped more than 6% in early trading on Nasdaq Stockholm following the announcement, which suggests investors see value in this expansion strategy.

Canadian Market Opportunity

Canada’s regulatory environment has opened up considerably in recent years. Ontario’s launch in particular brought international operators flooding in, and other provinces are evaluating their own frameworks. Betsson is positioning itself to grow as more regions come online.

Rhino Entertainment Group, founded in 2020 under CEO Ross Parkhill, operates seven global brands including Casino Days. The company has built a solid operational foundation that Betsson can leverage immediately while expanding into additional provincial markets.

Strategic Rationale

This acquisition supports Betsson’s dual approach: grow B2C presence in regulated markets while expanding B2B technology licensing. CEO Pontus Lindwall told iGB in January that shareholders wanted to see how Betsson would scale its opportunities while maintaining returns. This deal provides a concrete answer.

Betsson posted record revenues and profits recently. The company has been actively launching in new markets. Adding a functioning Canadian operation with established customer relationships and proven technology gets them into a high-potential market without the lengthy build-out period new entrants typically face.

The real test will be integration, though. Successfully folding Rhino’s teams, platforms, and customer base into Betsson’s existing infrastructure will determine whether this €64.5 million delivers the growth shareholders are expecting. Based on the immediate market reaction, confidence is high.

AUSTRAC has pushed back against criticism over the drawn-out legal proceedings against The Star Entertainment Group, insisting the severity of the allegations justifies the time and cost involved.

Speaking at the Regulating the Game conference in Sydney, AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas acknowledged the case has moved slower than expected. But he made clear the regulator cannot ignore what he called “incredibly serious” violations.

Years of Violations Come to Light

The legal action stems from 2022, when AUSTRAC uncovered widespread compliance failures at The Star that mirrored findings from the Bell inquiry. The charges centre on systematic failures to assess money laundering risks, inadequate customer due diligence, and allowing suspicious high rollers to move large sums through the casino without proper scrutiny.

Most damaging were The Star’s ties to junket operators linked to organised crime, including the now-defunct Suncity Group.

These relationships allowed potentially laundered funds to flow through the casino unchecked. Thomas emphasised this cannot be overlooked regardless of how long court proceedings take.

The Star Sydney has operated under licence suspension since 2022. The company faces potential fines running into hundreds of millions of Australian dollars, though the final figure remains uncertain as the case continues.

Court Delivers First Convictions

While the main case grinds on, the Federal Court recently ruled against two former Star executives. Matt Bekier, the company’s former CEO and managing director, and Paula Martin, former chief legal and risk officer, were both found to have violated the Corporations Act through their involvement with Suncity.

The convictions represent the first concrete outcomes from years of regulatory scrutiny. They barely scratch the surface of the systemic issues uncovered at The Star, frankly.

New Leadership Faces Uphill Battle

Soo Kim, who chairs Bally’s Corp and now leads The Star Entertainment Group following Bally’s acquisition of a controlling stake, recently described being “appalled” by the extent of the company’s mismanagement.

Speaking at ICE Barcelona in January, Kim expressed confidence that Bally’s can turn the operation around. That said, he faces a regulatory environment that has lost all patience with The Star’s previous approach to compliance.

Thomas indicated he hopes for a Federal Court decision soon but declined to provide specifics due to ongoing proceedings.

For players and the wider industry, the case serves as a stark reminder of what happens when operators treat anti-money laundering requirements as suggestions rather than obligations.

Wynn Resorts has confirmed construction has resumed on its Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah after a brief stoppage triggered by regional security concerns.

The American casino giant temporarily halted work on the UAE resort development following Iran’s recent missile strikes on US military installations across the Middle East. The attacks prompted Wynn to pause operations while it assessed the security situation for staff and contractors on site.

UAE Defence Posture Gives Green Light

In an update issued on 11 March, Wynn said it had maintained direct contact with both US and UAE government officials throughout the pause. That dialogue gave the company confidence in the Emirates’ defensive capabilities.

“The broad defense posture of the UAE has worked extremely well,” Wynn stated, adding that it trusts the country’s ability to protect residents and businesses operating there.

Much of the local business community had continued normal operations throughout the period. That informed the decision to restart work.

“Our project construction has resumed following a short pause,” the company confirmed. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of all employees working on site.

Design and Operations Teams Back On Ground

Both the architectural design team and the operational planning executives have returned to Ras Al Khaimah to continue development. Wynn emphasised it would keep monitoring the regional situation closely and thanked its UAE staff for their dedication during the disruption.

The Al Marjan Island project represents a significant expansion for Wynn into the Middle Eastern gaming market. The UAE is positioning itself as a major hospitality destination, and Wynn clearly wants a piece of that action.

Separate Cybersecurity Crisis

The construction resumption comes as Wynn deals with an unrelated security headache back home. The company recently confirmed it suffered a cyberattack that compromised roughly 800,000 internal records.

Wynn has declined to comment on whether it paid any ransom demand from the attackers. While the operator insists no customer data was exposed, it’s already facing legal action from punters claiming the company failed to properly protect their information.

The lawsuits allege inadequate encryption and security measures left customer data vulnerable to exactly the sort of breach that’s now occurred.

The Betting and Gaming Council has rolled out a new player education tool aimed at helping punters distinguish between licensed UK operators and dodgy offshore sites. The ‘Spot the Black Market’ quiz, launched on social media, tests users’ ability to identify unregulated gambling websites that deliberately mimic legitimate brands.

Interactive Approach to Consumer Education

The quiz presents thumbnail images of gambling websites and challenges players to determine which ones hold proper UK licensing. Straightforward concept. But it fills a genuine gap in consumer knowledge.

According to current figures, roughly 12.5% of UK gamblers are using unlicensed offshore sites. Often without realising the difference.

A BGC spokesperson framed the initiative clearly: “This campaign is about exposing the hidden dangers of the black market. These unregulated sites deliberately mimic trusted brands but play by none of the rules that keep people safe.”

Why It Matters

The trade body has been pushing for better operating conditions for its members, and this latest move tackles a persistent problem from a different angle. Rather than just lobbying for stricter enforcement, the BGC is putting information directly in players’ hands.

Unlicensed operators have become increasingly sophisticated at copying the look and feel of established UK brands. They’ll replicate colour schemes, layouts, even promotional messaging, all whilst operating outside UKGC jurisdiction. That means none of the consumer protections, dispute resolution mechanisms, or safer gambling tools that licensed operators must provide.

Will a quiz eliminate the offshore market? Of course not. But it’s a sensible step towards reducing those numbers through awareness rather than just regulation. Players who understand what they’re looking at are better equipped to make informed choices about where they place their bets.

The campaign represents a shift towards proactive consumer education in the sector. The BGC clearly recognises that players need practical tools to deal with an increasingly crowded marketplace where not every site plays by the same rulebook.

A bipartisan bill working through Congress wants to redirect a substantial chunk of gambling tax revenue into addiction treatment and prevention services. The POINTS Act, short for Providing Opportunities for Individuals In Need of Treatment & Support, would allocate one third of federal gambling taxes to fighting problem gambling.

Republicans Erin Houchin and Mariannette Miller-Meeks introduced the measure on Tuesday alongside Democrats Andrea Salinas and Troy Carter. Cross-party backing suggests this has real momentum, which makes sense when you look at the numbers.

Recent polling from the NCPG and The Harris Poll shows 65% of adults over 21 now gamble in some form. That’s a massive market, and with it comes increased responsibility.

Targeted Approach to High-Risk Groups

What’s notable here is the bill’s focus on specific demographics rather than blanket measures. The POINTS Act prioritises youth, men, veterans, and Native Americans, groups identified as particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm. It’s a smarter strategy than scattering resources thin across everyone.

The framework includes Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment protocols, plus funding for outpatient services, telehealth options, and peer recovery support. There’s also a reporting requirement to Congress. Technical assistance provisions keep programmes accountable.

Industry Support and Federal Funding

The National Council on Problem Gambling has thrown its weight behind the proposal. Executive director Heather L. Maurer pointed out that states and tribes need consistent federal support to expand treatment access.

The current patchwork approach leaves gaps. Stable funding would fix that.

Rep. Houchin framed the issue in stark terms, highlighting the financial devastation and emotional strain problem gambling can inflict on families. Fair enough. The industry generates substantial tax revenue, so channelling a portion back into mitigation makes practical sense.

What Happens Next

The POINTS Act isn’t guaranteed to pass. Congressional backing is one thing, but shepherding legislation through to enactment is another entirely. Still, the bipartisan support gives it better odds than most gambling-related bills typically see.

If it goes through, it would create the first unified federal framework for using gambling tax revenue specifically for treatment and prevention. States already fund various programmes, but federal coordination and dedicated funding could significantly expand reach and effectiveness.

Worth watching this one.

Monmouth Park Racetrack could become New Jersey’s next casino destination if operators get their way. Dennis Drazin and development partner Morris Bailey have put forward plans for a major redevelopment that would add a casino resort, hotel, and youth sports complex to the Oceanport site.

The proposal comes as the historic venue looks for new revenue streams to keep horse racing viable. Drazin says income from the expanded facilities would support bigger purses and more race days. Within five years of completion, the non-residential additions alone could generate £35 million annually.

What’s Actually Being Proposed

The redevelopment would bring several new facilities to Monmouth Park. A casino resort and additional hotel would handle gaming and accommodation. A sports complex with five youth baseball fields and indoor paddle courts would target families and community use. Plus multi-level parking to handle increased visitor numbers.

Oceanport’s mayor has backed the entertainment and sports elements, citing economic benefits for the area. Local leaders see real potential in the casino and sports facilities as new attractions.

The Housing Headache

Where things get sticky is the residential component. Developers want to add around 200 standard apartments on top of nearly 300 age-restricted units already approved in an earlier phase. Local officials are pushing back hard, arguing the additional density would strain infrastructure.

The planning board can review and provide feedback, but doesn’t hold final authority. Worth knowing: the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority owns the property, limiting what Oceanport can actually block. Developers and local officials are expected to continue negotiations to address housing concerns.

The Real Obstacle: State Law

Here’s the fundamental problem. Under current New Jersey law, casino gambling is restricted to Atlantic City.

Full stop.

To change that, the state legislature would need to pass a constitutional amendment allowing casino gaming at racetracks, then put it to a statewide ballot. Both Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack would benefit if voters approved such a measure.

Previous attempts to expand gambling beyond Atlantic City have struggled. Legislative support remains limited at this stage. Honestly, until lawmakers and voters back the change, the casino portion of this proposal stays theoretical.

The redevelopment would certainly diversify Monmouth Park’s revenue if it goes ahead. Whether it actually happens depends on resolving local housing disputes and, more importantly, convincing New Jersey voters that racetracks deserve a slice of the casino market. The jury’s still out on both counts.

Washington state legislators have approved Senate Bill 6137, sending it to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for final signature. The measure allows tribal casino sportsbooks to take wagers on college games but draws a hard line at individual player performance.

Under the proposed rules, punters could bet on Washington State versus Oregon or other college matchups. What they couldn’t do is back specific players from Washington colleges in prop markets. The bill also prohibits wagers on coaching decisions, officiating calls, or other in-game management involving state schools.

Protecting Athletes From Pressure

Supporters reckon the restrictions shield college athletes from external harassment while keeping the regulated market competitive. It’s a sensible middle ground that acknowledges reality.

These are students, not professional athletes with media teams and security.

The bill goes further than just market restrictions. It criminalises using insider information for betting, attempting to bribe athletes, or influencing outcomes through financial incentives. Threatening or harassing players, coaches, or officials in connection with wagers becomes a criminal offence.

Part of a Wider Conversation

Washington’s approach reflects growing concerns across US states about prop betting integrity. Massachusetts lawmakers are considering an outright ban on all proposition bets and live betting. Their argument centres on reducing athlete harassment and protecting sporting integrity.

Recent professional sports scandals have intensified the scrutiny. Cleveland Guardians players Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase faced temporary suspensions during an investigation into suspicious betting activity on their games. Unusual prop betting patterns across multiple states triggered the inquiry.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine weighed in with warnings that micro props create easier pathways for match manipulation. The concern is legitimate. When you can bet on whether a specific player throws a strike in the second inning, the vulnerability increases.

Finding the Balance

The challenge for regulators is preserving market appeal without putting undue pressure on athletes. Washington’s bill attempts that balance by allowing team-based college wagers while blocking the more granular player props.

Whether it works depends partly on enforcement and partly on how other states respond. If Washington stands alone, offshore operators might simply offer what tribal casinos cannot. If the approach spreads, it could reshape how college sports betting operates nationwide.

For now, the tribal casino market in Washington remains the only legal option for sports wagering. This bill represents incremental expansion within that framework, adding college games to the menu while attempting to limit potential harm.

Governor Inslee’s signature would make it law.

California’s cardroom industry has filed two separate lawsuits challenging Attorney General Rob Bonta’s regulatory overhaul that would effectively ban their blackjack-style games. The legal action, launched by the California Gaming Association alongside the California Cardroom Alliance and Communities for California Cardrooms, was always on the cards after operators warned they wouldn’t accept the changes quietly.

What’s Actually Being Banned

The new rules target how cardrooms offer blackjack games using third-party proposition player services (TPPPs). California law restricts banked gambling to tribal casinos, so cardrooms have historically worked around this by employing third-party player-dealers and structuring games within the regulatory framework. It’s been the business model for years.

Under Bonta’s reforms, that arrangement gets shut down. If the regulations proceed unchallenged, they take effect April 1st. Operators have until May 31st to submit compliance plans.

Economic Impact Beyond the Tables

This isn’t just about card game revenue. Several California cities depend heavily on cardroom taxes for their budgets, and we’re talking serious money. The operators argue the ban would devastate not only their businesses but entire communities relying on that economic activity.

Kyle Kirkland, president of the CGA, didn’t mince words about the process. “Our industry repeatedly raised legal and economic concerns throughout the rulemaking process, but the Attorney General refused to engage with the communities and working families who will be harmed,” he said.

The cardroom coalition points out that over 1,700 public comments were submitted about the regulations. According to them, Bonta’s office essentially ignored the lot.

Long-Running Tribal Dispute

The backdrop here is the ongoing turf war between cardrooms and tribal operators. Tribes have exclusivity rights for banked gambling in California and have long argued that cardrooms infringe on that monopoly. The cardrooms counter that they’ve operated within the legal framework for years without causing public safety issues.

The lawsuits aim to block the regulations before they can be implemented. Whether they succeed depends on convincing the courts that Bonta overstepped his authority. And that the economic consequences weren’t properly weighed against whatever regulatory problem the state claims to be solving.