What NHL Expansion Could Mean for the Future of Sports Betting
The NHL is poised for expansion, with strong ratings and talent depth. New teams attract untapped fan bases and bettors, boosting engagement in key markets like Houston and Phoenix. Canadian cities offer cultural buy-in, while less obvious locales could generate significant betting activity. Expansion fuels revenue and fan loyalty for sportsbooks and broadcasters.
What the Metrics Reveal About U.S. Sports Betting’s Next Chapter
In 2024, the U.S. sports betting industry surged to $149 billion in handle, marking a 23% increase from 2023. Key insights reveal a shift towards in-play and parlay wagers, with a demographic expansion in bettors. Operators must enhance live betting infrastructure and optimize parlay strategies while navigating evolving regulations.
Cohen’s $8B Queens Casino Project Clears Legislative Hurdle
A Big Win for Cohen’s Casino Vision Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the New York Mets, is now one step closer to transforming a 50-acre parking lot near Citi Field into a multibillion-dollar casino and entertainment hub. The New York State Senate’s committee vote of 4-3 in favor of a bill allowing commercial use […]
Louisiana Sports Betting Tax Hike
Louisiana is advancing legislation to increase its online sports betting tax from 15% to 32.5%, projecting a tripling of tax revenue to over $190 million annually. Funds will support diverse areas, including education and addiction programs, while raising concerns about potential negative impacts on new operators. The bill highlights a trend in higher gaming taxes nationwide.
Michigan Regulator Warns of Sports Event Contracts’ Threat to Legal Market
The expansion of U.S. sports betting faces regulatory challenges as prediction contracts from platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood raise concerns. Michigan’s Gaming Control Board claims these contracts bypass state regulations, jeopardizing consumer protections. Kalshi is challenging state regulators in court, urging federal oversight. A coordinated regulatory framework is crucial to maintain market trust.
iGaming M&A Deal Structures and Best Practices
In gaming and betting M&A, choosing between asset or stock purchases hinges on regulatory factors, notably licensing issues. Stock deals, while providing greater risk protection, incorporate earnouts tied to performance metrics. Cross-border structuring is essential for tax efficiency and regulatory approval, maximizing profitability while mitigating risks associated with international operations.
Stephen Crystal Featured in Gaming America’s ViewPoints “LatAm’s Next Step”
Executives from SCCG Management, Oddin.gg, BGaming, Pilot games, First and Betsson speak on the recent developments in LatAm and Brazil specifically, with an eye toward what’s to come. Stephen Crystal, Founder & CEO, SCCG Management From transforming Tribal and riverboat gaming to owning iconic Las Vegas casinos and founding the leading global advisory firm in […]
BetMGM Q1 Financial Surge – Is the iGaming Giant Outpacing the Market?
BetMGM started 2025 strongly, achieving $657 million in revenue, a 34% increase year-over-year, and returning to profitability with a positive adjusted EBITDA of $22 million. The company employed a strategic shift towards data-driven user engagement, enhancing retention. Expectations for revenue target range between $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion for the year.
Hard Rock Bet Debuts New Jersey’s First Live Trivia Casino Experience
Hard Rock Digital, in collaboration with Playtech, has launched New Jersey’s first live trivia game show on the Hard Rock Bet platform. This interactive quiz combines entertainment with real-time wagering, appealing to a broader audience. With customizable features and various prize formats, it transforms user engagement in the evolving iGaming landscape.
Caesars Expands WSOP Online into Pennsylvania – A Historic First for U.S. Poker
Caesars Entertainment has launched WSOP Online in Pennsylvania, becoming the first operator to provide a shared liquidity poker platform across four states. This strategic move enhances player experience, boosts prize pools, and signals a trend towards national player pools in U.S. online poker, positioning Caesars as a leader in the market.