Industry News for the Week of May 18, 2025

By iDEA | May 22, 2025

iDEA News

A letter from Jeff Ifrah, founder and general counsel of iDEA Growth, to the editor of The Baltimore Sun, detailing concern over Mark Stewart’s recent guest commentary attacking online gaming, citing that the argument leans heavily on questionable data and is economically shortsighted. The letter shows support for the iGaming industry for being one of the most tightly regulated digital industries in the country.

Alabama

A powerful tribal nation in Alabama is considering a different approach to legalizing sports betting and casino gambling. According to a new report from the Alabama Political Reporter, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will look to focus more time on gambling legalization throughout the year rather than just the legislative session. That comes after multiple legislative failures to legalize Alabama sports betting and casino gambling.

Michigan

April isn’t the most exciting month of the sports calendar. However, Michigan had lots to cheer about as the Detroit Pistons made the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019, and the Detroit Tigers got off to a hot start, following up on their playoff run in 2024. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) reported that sports betting operators produced $427.0 million in handle and $43.0 million in revenue. Handle increased at a rate of 3% on a year-over-year basis.

North Carolina

North Carolina lawmakers appear at odds on a potential NC sports betting tax change. On Monday, the North Carolina House unveiled its two-year, $66 billion budget. Noticeably absent from the proposal is an NC sports betting tax increase. Last month, the Senate passed its version of the budget, complete with bumping the sports betting tax to 36% from 18%. The differences mean the budget discussion is likely headed to a conference committee.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania online casino revenue dropped slightly in April, but it doesn’t mean the industry is slowing down. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported that online casinos in the state produced $285.1 million in gross revenue for the month, which is the second-best all-time. The iGaming platforms set a record in March at $294.2 million, which has certainly set a new bar for the industry. Online casinos suffered a 3.1% month-over-month decline but a 34.4% year-over-year increase.

The $750,000 that Live! Casino Philadelphia committed to renovating the Murphy Recreation Center in South Philadelphia has officially been put to use. The casino pledged the donation in February 2023 to celebrate its two-year anniversary. The casino partnered with Rebuild Philadelphia, an organization that invests funds and resources into rebuilding neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries in Philadelphia for the youth.

Tennessee

Tennessee sports betting regulators are ordering offshore sportsbook BetOnline to stop taking bets in the state, the latest in a growing national effort to curb illegal gambling. The Sports Wagering Council issued a cease and desist letter to the Panama-based sportsbook on Tuesday, giving it until June 16 to withdraw from Tennessee.

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