Industry News of the Day for October 4, 2019

iDEA Growth Member News:

• Online Poker Report, 10.3.19 – The Stars Group, Flutter Entertainment Tie-Up Create Online Gambling Behemoth
  • The industry is still working to digest this week’s the news that two of the world’s top online gambling companies are merging to form what is unquestionably the largest.
• Sports Handle, 10.3.19 – The Vast U.S. Sports Betting Ramifications Of The Stars Group-FanDuel Owner Blockbuster Deal
  • Wednesday’s announcement of Flutter Entertainment’s acquisition of The Stars Group in a roughly $6 billion purchase, creating a company worth over $11 billion — pending regulatory and shareholder approvals — will ripple throughout the gambling industry worldwide.

Industry News:

• The New York Times, 10.3.19 – Washington Arena To Offer Hockey, Hoops and Sports Betting
  • The Capital One Arena, home to the N.B.A.’s Wizards and N.H.L.’s Capitals, will be the first major team sports facility in the United States to have a betting parlor.
• The Washington Post, 10.4.19 – Ted Leonsis Is Betting On Sports Gambling In A Big Way, But He Should Proceed With Caution
  • In Ted Leonsis’s entrepreneurial dreams, Capital One Arena will transform into a true year-round sanctuary because of legalized sports gambling.
• Legal Sports Report, 10.3.19 – A Sportsbook Will Go Inside A US Arena As Wizards, Capitals Partner With William Hill
  • A sportsbook will appear inside a professional sports venue for the first time in the United States, thanks to a new deal struck on Thursday.
• Sports Handle, 10.3.19 – William Hill Plans To Open Nation’s First Physical Sportsbook Inside A U.S. Pro Sports Arena After Landmark Deal With Monumental Sports
  • William Hill US and Monumental Sports & Entertainment announced a landmark partnership Thursday that will result in the formation of the first physical sportsbook inside a U.S. professional sports venue.

Michigan:

• Online Poker Report, 10.3.19 – Michigan Lawmaker Preparing For Another Year Without Online Gambling
  • Hopes for the legalization of internet gambling in Michigan this year aren’t dead yet, but the legislative sponsor is preparing for the likelihood that the Lawful Internet Gaming Act won’t get past the governor’s pen.

Illinois:

• Sports Handle, 10.3.19 – Chicago Pro Teams Offer IGB A Sports Betting Wish List
  • Illinois sports betting regulators are looking for a lot of input before they roll out rules and license operators. In the last week, the public-comment period opened by the Illinois Gaming Board closed and a Request for Information put out the by Lottery also closed.

Wisconsin:

• The Daily Cardinal, 10.3.19 – Wisconsin Lawmakers Want A Seat At The Table For Legal Sports Gambling
  • States can now decide to legalize sports gambling after a 2018 Supreme Court decision — and some Wisconsin lawmakers want to get in on the action.

New Hampshire:

• Associated Press, 10.3.19 – Franklin Becomes 1^st NH City To Authorize Sports Betting
  • The city of Franklin, New Hampshire, has become the first in the state to authorize in-person sports betting, but not without some confusion.

Kentucky:

• WSPD, 10.3.19 – ICYMI: Highlights From The Kentucky Gubernatorial Debate In Paducah
  • The two Kentucky gubernatorial candidates squared off in their first debate Thursday in Paducah. Both candidates are presenting two very different choices for voters. A prime example is how to generate new revenue. Bevin believes tax reform and job creation will help with new sources of money, but Beshear says legalizing gambling is the answer.

West Virginia:

• Charleston Gazette-Mail, 10.3.19 – Lottery Data Shows Steady, If Slow, Growth For Mobile Sports Betting
  • Based on weekly revenue figures from the state Lottery Commission, it would appear that the launch of mobile sports gaming peaked in the week ending Sept. 7, when mobile apps operated by DraftKings and Fan Duel netted total revenue of $275,452.