Industry News For The Week Of February 23, 2025

By iDEA | February 27, 2025

Industry News

Today, Playtech released the third edition of its e-book focusing on the Latin American gambling industry. This edition explores player trends, concerns, and key interests, offering expert insights on responsible gaming to industry peers in one of the fastest-growing regions worldwide.

According to a report from the Fresno Bee, three Fresno State men’s basketball players are the subject of a sports betting inquiry. According to university sources cited in the report, the NCAA and Fresno State are investigating the program after a tip was given to the school.

High 5 Casino and Stake.us have recently updated their terms of service to restrict access in several additional states. The pattern seems to be an exit from states with regulated real-money online casinos, which could signal the beginning of a trend if other sweeps casinos follow these two out of iGaming states.

Georgia

A lawmaker has filed a new bill to expand the Georgia Lottery and allow the agency to offer sports betting. Sen. Billy Hickman filed Senate Bill 208, which would expand the state lottery’s powers and allow it to offer Georgia sports betting. This bill joins Senate Resolution 131, which aims to amend the Georgia Constitution to allow sports betting.

Michigan

Michigan online casinos continued their hot streak in January, booking a fourth straight month of record revenue. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) reported that operators produced $248.2 million last month. Of the “Big Three” iGaming states, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey, Michigan was the only market to display a month-over-month increase.

This week, the Michigan Gaming Control Board sent a cease-and-desist letter to BetNow.eu Sportsbook, Casino and Racebook for offering unlicensed Michigan sports betting and online casino gaming. The MGCB is one of the most active state regulators in cracking down on illegal operators.

Missouri

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected the emergency rules for Missouri sports betting last week. The Missouri Gaming Commission sent the rules to Gov. Mike Kehoe last month and hoped to have sportsbooks up and running by June. While a state senator, Hoskins impeded multiple efforts to legalize sportsbooks in the state before the professional sports teams went around the legislature with November’s ballot initiative.

New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has proposed raising taxes on sports betting and online casinos as part of his budget recommendations for the year. The Summary of Budget Recommendations for FY2026 suggests a 25% rate for both gambling verticals starting in July, nearly double the current rate. Currently, online casino and sports betting operators are taxed at 15% and 13%, respectively.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Sen. Tim Lang expects the state Senate to approve his proposal concerning legal online casinos next week. Beyond that point, however, Lang is far less confident about the bill’s fate in front of the House. In 2023, the House Ways and Means Committee shelved a similar bill that would have regulated iGaming. However, there have been committee changes, and Lang’s bill has some updates from the previous bill.

Oklahoma

While tensions likely remain high between Oklahoma tribes and Gov. Kevin Stitt, the governor renewed a push for his sports betting plan on Monday. Stitt’s office released his plan in November 2023, including commercial online Oklahoma sports betting. The governor has repeatedly pushed for sports betting with commercial interests, while the powerful tribal community has rejected the ideas.

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