Category Archives: Gambling

Weve officially hit the doldrums, a time when any coachspeak quote or offseason beach workout is repeatedly dissected. With all teams on siesta until training camps commence, its the perfect time to start diving into futures markets, especially player props. Brad Evans from FTN Bets offers up two of his favorites before the line values evaporate under the sizzling summer sun. Fade or follow? That, of course, is up to you.

Trevor Lawrence OVER 22.5 passing touchdowns (-130, BetMGM) Possibly as or more exquisite than his brothers rather eccentric wardrobe taste, the proposed line is an extraordinary value. Compared to other books, BetMGMs line is a full two TDs lower. Advantage, bettor. This is a gift from the gambling gods. Lawerences entrance into the league should be quite memorable. As displayed during his storied days at Clemson, he possesses the all-fields arm strength and accuracy to pay an instant dividend. Evidenced by the hardware collected, the man soared. Last season with the Tigers, he notched a 111.0 passer rating or higher on every possible throw and finished top-12 nationally in adjusted completion percentage. His pro arsenal isnt too shabby. D.J. Chark, Marvin Jones, Travis Etienne and CU product Laviska Shenault are a formidable bunch. The Jags projected bendable defense, too, will only assist. In the end, 25-plus passing TDs are likely for the new Blonde Bomber.

Travis Etienne OVER 44.5 receptions (-105, PointsBet) Sticking with the Duval County theme, the rushers reteaming with Lawrence should bang the box score. At the collegiate level, the pair connected 48 times last season. Etiennes explosivity and elusiveness combination is top-flight. With Clemson in 2020, he forced the 12th-most missed tackles (43) among all Division I running backs and tallied a laudable 3.84 yards after contact per attempt. His bubbling chemistry with Lawrence cannot be overstated. Under OC Darrell Bevell, whos passing offenses between Seattle and Detroit ranked inside the top-10 in four of the last five years, the youngster will carve out a sizable pass-catching role, similar to what DAndre Swift did with the Lions last year (46 catches in 13 games). Yes, James Robinsons presence muddies the Saint Johns already murky waters, but with multiple scoreboard-chasing scenarios likely to unfold, 55-65 receptions are achievable for Etienne in Year 1. No doubt, this is one of the best early player props available.

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Gambling: Clemson products set to shine in NFL during first year with Jags - Colorado Springs Gazette

In a nutshell, gambling can be very mesmerizing to watch. Not only is there the thrill of the moment; the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel, but theres also the pageantry of lights and sounds. Put it all together and you get an experience that is a huge joy to watch.

Of course, the truth is that there arent that pieces of gambling entertainment out there. In fact, most gambling takes place in films, including some famous ones like the Oceans franchise which is a part-gambling, part-robbery flick.

Fortunately, though, there are some great TV shows in the genre. Since the world has largely moved from physical casinos to online casinos due to the pandemic, that means well have to get our fill of old-school gambling through our screen.

If youre a big fan of Poker, then Poker After Dark is definitely your show, especially if you like No-Limit Texas Hold em. Hour-long episodes show the progress of a specific table over the course of a week, with blinds starting at $100/$200. The top prize was $120k, with a $20k buy-in, so the stakes are pretty high, and it can certainly get pretty dicey (pun intended).

In between each round, thered be commentary from the hosts, as well as the players themselves. The show also started trying to introduce some new elements in the fourth season in the form of different types of games.

Interestingly enough, the show had a bit of a sordid history: it was canceled in its 7th season due to a criminal case, colloquially called the Black Friday Case, which involved one of the shows sponsors. Thankfully, after a 6-year hiatus, the show was rebooted and is now streamed on PokerGo.

Just keep in mind that this isnt a fictionalized gambling show like some of the others on the list (or a gambling movie like 21). Even so, its great fun if you want to see how real-world poker works.

If youre looking for something a bit more fictionalized and a little bit wider, then Las Vegas will do it for you. Its a comedy-drama covering a group of employees working in a fictionalized casino and hotel. As you can imagine, it covers everything from security to sleazy hotel guests, and things of that nature.

The show also has a pretty big star lineup, with celebrities like Tom Selleck and James Caan, and focuses on the character played by the latter: An ex-CIA officer who is president of operations at the fictional casino, before being replaced by another character played by Josh Duhamel.

Unfortunately, while the first two seasons did pretty well, the show started seeing lower and lower ratings starting from the third season, finally being canceled after the fifth. Even so, the show was received pretty well and its a great gambling-related TV show.

Looking at the slightly seedier side of gambling, Breaking Vegas focuses on some of the well-known illegal acts that have happened in vegas. In the same vein as some of the best movie heists, this show covers the cheaters, the liars, and the tricksters who tried to get one over on casinos.

The 14 episodes mostly cover things like the story of Ken Uston, who was one of the first people to perfect blackjack card-counting techniques and even sued several casinos over being blacklisted and won. There are also a few episodes that cover legal gambling strategies, such as throwing dice at a certain angle or with certain numbers on top.

Overall, its an interesting TV docu-series to check out if youve ever wondered how some of the most notorious cheating at gambling was done.

Centered around the world of race-track gambling, and horse racing in general, Luck tells the story of a man driven to gain revenge on those who wronged them. It very much lives up to the reputation HBO has for telling dark and gritty stories such as Game of Thrones and is captivating in its methodical purpose.

Interestingly enough, the main character is played by Dusting Hoffman, who if youll remember played Raymond Babbit in Rainman, one of the best film gamblers of all time.

Unfortunately, though, the show was canceled in its second season. It wasnt due to reception either (which was really good), but instead because there were a couple of horse deaths during the production. Since the show primarily revolves around that, and there was already bad press around their deaths (even though an investigation cleared HBO), they ultimately decided to cancel it.

Another show that revolves around real-life gambling, King of Vegas is a bit different in that it doesnt only focus on one game, such as blackjack or poker, but instead has a variety of them in each episode. The games played, along with the ones mentioned above, including Red Dog, Craps, Mini-Baccarat, and Horse Racing, to name a few.

Something else that makes King of Vegas stand out is that it has a mix of sex professional gamblers, and six amateur gamblers, all vying for the ultimate title of King of Vegas, and a $1mill prize. Each week there would be a set of four new games and one person would be kicked out.

If youve done the math so far, that means there are 12 players in total and 12 episodes to go on, with the final episode crowning the King of Vegas.

Its a shame the show only had one season since it has an interesting premise and a ton of potential.

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5 Gambling Related TV Shows You Need To Watch in 2021 - Film Threat

YOUTH workers and teachers are being shown how to help young people who have become drawn in to harmful gambling habits or who are gaming too much with behaviours exacerbated during the pandemic.

The Island Youth Mental Health Census 2019 suggested young people on the Island may be particularly vulnerable to anxiety and depression, which is often associated with harmful gambling or gaming behaviours.

This is believed to have worsened due to Covid pandemic lockdowns, when young people didn't have the structure of school or any social events or clubs to attend leaving them with more time on their mobile phones and other devices.

Experts at YGAM, a gambling charity, believe gaming has started to overlap because both habits involve devices and being drawn in to making micro-transactions.

Both are easily accessible and involve the 'excitement' of lootboxes (or virtual treasure boxes).

Gaming age ratings are lower than for gambling, which means children are getting used to the mechanisms of playing and winning at a younger age.

Another popular activity is e-sports, where you can bet on your team.

Kyle Riding, of YGAM, explained: "Children now get a strange perception of winning. During the pandemic, sport was cancelled but e-sport continued, and e-sport betting has gone through the roof.

"Young people may have been gaming and on e-sports before but usage increased during the pandemic. There are some incredible games out there, but there are lots of crossovers with real gambling, and there are blurred lines between the two."

YGAM is extending its reach to the Island, as previously reported by the County Press.

Katherine Sawyer, YGAMs education manager for the South West, said: "I recognise that the Island faces many unique challenges around this topic both geographically in terms of rural isolation and socio-economically."

What are the Island's statistics on gambling?

There is very little local data showing how many young people are gambling.

However the Isle of Wight Council said national data suggests that increasing exposure to online adverts for gambling and increased use of various platforms for learning and social interchange has contributed to an increase in gambling among young people.

Research indicates that gambling using mobile phones is the most popular way especially for younger people and that in-play and eSports betting is highest among young people especially males.

Gambling Commission data from 2019 indicates that 11 per cent of 11 to 16 year olds had spent money on gambling in the last seven days. It is recognised that increasing trends are seen in exposure to online gambling adverts as well as problem gambling.

The Children and Young Peoples Survey (from 2019) showed that 97 per cent of secondary respondents stated they have received information on how to stay safe online with 70 per cent responding that they always follow that advice.

This was pre-pandemic, with YGAM saying trends are showing an increase in gambling since then.

The County Press has found that on the Island, there are no specialist local gambling support services for young people.

YGAM is a help and advice service which offers resources and training to the childrens workforce, not direct intervention with young people themselves.

Scroll down for various helplines on this issue.

What are the signs to look out for in someone excessive gambling or gaming?

There is a big impact on mental health and although gaming disorder was classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 it is still a very new recognition.

WHO defines it as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behaviour so severe that it takes precedence over other life interests.

Look out for someone spending too much time or money online, building up or hiding debt issues, having arguments with family, and neglect of personal hygiene.

Other signs are lying and hiding behaviours, and people expressing excitement and adrenaline then a crash in their mood.

What are the solutions?

What are the problems?

The following national resources focused on gambling may be of help:

BigDeal is part of GamCare, the organisation that runs the National Gambling Helpline, and provides information, advice and support to young people aged 11 to 18 who have a gambling problem or who are affected by someone elses gambling. On the website bigdeal.org.uk there is a free live chat function which provides 1:1 advice, 24/7 and there is also a young persons helpline (0203 092 6964). Out of hours, a young person can talk to someone at the general National Gambling Helpline, which is staffed 24/7, on 0808 8020 133.

Young people on the Island can access the following resources in relation to their general emotional wellbeing and mental health:

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Concerns over gambling and gaming habits of Isle of Wight youth - Isle of Wight County Press

The Gambling Commission has released the results of a survey into cashless payments in land-based gambling, revealing that participants think cashless payments make it easier to overspend and feel less in control when using cashless options.

However, the regulator also suggested, following the results, that an app to record cashless payments and allow operators to intervene if necessary could reduce any potential risk of harm from cashless gambling.

The online survey, which was conducted by 2CV, was taken by 314 land-based gamblers who had gambled in the last 12 months as part of the Gambling Commissions ongoing research campaign, Consumer Voice.

It found that 85% of participants thought that making a cashless payment, such as debit card or a mobile contactless payment, made it easier to spend more money than was first intended. Some 77% of those surveyed reported that cashless payments made it easier to spend more time on gambling.

Further, 68% reported difficulty in taking stock of their total spend after using cashless payments, while only 47% said they found it easy to keep track of spending. 70% reported that paying for gambling activities with cash makes it easier to set personal limits on spending.

In addition, 37% of respondents said they would spend a little more than intended when using a contactless card payment, and 13% reported that they would spend a lot more than intended. However, with cash payments, only 9% of participants said they would spend a little more than intended while 1% said they would spend a lot more.

The survey also revealed that cash is the most common method of payment land-based gambling activities, such as slots, with 77% of respondents using cash over card payments.

In response to the findings, the Gambling Commission suggested that it could be beneficial to create an app that would track gambling activity in customers and intervene when necessary, while facilitating cashless payments. 22% of participants said they would be happy to pay for gambling through an app that allowed gambling companies to access and track their information, while 33% said they would not, with concerns around privacy.

Use of cashless payments which are currently not allowed for land-based gambling in the UK is one area that the UK government is currently examining in its Gambling Act Review.

Earlier this week, the Gambling Commission released a survey revealing that 34% of players were influenced to gamble through marketing in the last year.

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Gambling Commission survey warns of overspending risk in cashless payments - iGaming Business

Except for the Maryland sports betting bill that was passed on May 18, 2021, there has been no other law passed by Maryland. Currently, there are no state-based or US-based online gambling options for Marylanders, but that could change in the future.

Maryland has lurched back and forth between legislation and prohibition in its history of gambling, but it seems like the state is moving with time and starting generally loosening up gambling restrictions.

Generally, lawmakers are not blind, they realize how much potential revenue has been lost to neighboring states. And even though the bill for legalizing sports betting passed easily, online gambling is a different situation.

Online poker sites and online casinos are illegal in Maryland, and it seems like there is no chance for gambling expansion anytime soon.

Three main types of gambling allowed in Maryland are:

On the bright side, nothing stops Maryland residents from gambling online on offshore sites. Unlike many other states with precise definitions of gambling laws, Maryland has a very broad definition of gambling.

Finally, a guide to online gambling in Maryland with the whole history of gambling in this state, as well as all the gambling laws and upcoming expected changes and regulations, can be found here.

With the rapid growth of the online gambling industry in the last few years, the risk of cybercrime grew too. Whether you are online shopping, online dating, or online gambling, theres always a chance of being scammed or hacked by cybercriminals lurking in the shadows of screens.

The first and most crucial step to having a safe online gambling experience is to only gamble at licensed casinos. Any legitimate online casino has a proper and valid license displayed at the bottom of the homepage.

Next, you should check if the online casino has been around for a long time. If so, they should have a strong history of taking care of players. And one of the best and easiest ways to find if an online gambling site is legit is to read the previous customers reviews.

Finally, before signing up for an online casino site, you should contact the support department a few times. In this way, you can test them to see how long it takes them to respond and how well they handle your requests. Its always good to know that when something goes south, you have the help you need.

While its certain that placing a bet on a land-based casino has its own unique appeal and perks, the truth is that online casinos offer convenience and availability that are gold-worthy to players.

By now, you probably know that the Maryland sports betting bill passed in May of 2021. However, many gambler enthusiasts are eager to place a bet on sport sooner rather than later.

Luckily, you can do that on offshore sites, and as long as you gamble on a verified online casino and update your phonefrequently, you will have a carefree experience. This way, Marylanders will be ready when the industry finally launches.

Three basic steps for placing a bet online on sports in Maryland are:

Reasonably, the first and most easy step in placing a bet online is downloading the sportsbook of your desire to your mobile phone. You just go to Google Play or App Store and type in the name of the app.

Next, you will need to complete the registration process. For this step, you will need to provide your personal data like name, surname, social security number, address, and more.

Finally, youll need to fund your account through various deposit methods. Once you finish all mentioned steps, you will be able to place a bet.

There are a lot of speculations about what the online gambling industry will look like in the future. Some are realistic, and some sound far-fetched, but one inevitable thing is change, and time will tell whether it is for better or worse.

If theres one thing that can be said with certainty, its that mobile gambling will grow exponentially in the near future. Believe it or not, mobile gambling isnt maximized to its full potential just yet. Next, it is expected that in-play betting, a.k.a live betting, will grow in the future, as well as esports betting.

Esports gambling grossed over US$14 billion in 2020, and if you consider that the fanbase of esports leagues is much smaller than the professional sports leagues, thats pretty mind blowing.

Finally, it is believed that crypto gambling will rise as well. The mission is to give crypto gamblers an easy way of playing with their bitcoins and other altcoins. Cryptocurrencies make the process smoother with quicker withdrawal and deposit.

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Maryland Online Gambling Bill Passed - The Southern Maryland Chronicle

JEFFERSON CITY Missouri lawmakers dealt the state Lottery two blows this spring that could affect how much money the agency collects in the coming year, the director said Wednesday.

The Legislatures failure to address the spread of illegal gambling during the most recent legislative session could siphon off dollars that people might otherwise pay for Lottery games.

And lawmakers slashed the Lotterys advertising budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 from $1.5 million to $400,000.

It will really be difficult to tell people about our new products. It could really impact our sales, Director May Scheve told members of the Lottery Commission.

Scheve said the lottery will counter the reduction in ad money by ramping up its use of social media to try to boost the lotterys profile.

Were going to do as much as we can any way that we can, Scheve said.

Scheves comments follow a legislative session that resulted in no action being taken to regulate or eliminate thousands of slot machines that have been placed in gas stations and liquor stores across the state.

Estimates have put the total number of machines in the state at 14,000, but industry observers say more are likely out there, including at convenience stores that have built special rooms to house multiple devices.

Anecdotally, our sales reps say they are seeing more and more of them, Lottery legal director Jay Boresi said.

In addition to questions about the legality of the devices, the state sees no financial benefit from the unregulated expansion. No proceeds are diverted to education. There are also no government-sanctioned resources for addicted gamblers nor rules to protect consumers from low payouts.

The Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri State Highway Patrol have said the slot machines are gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos.

A handful of county prosecutors also have filed charges against businesses that have the machines.

But that hasn't brought any clarity to the debate in the Capitol.

Senate President Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, sponsored legislation seeking to outlaw the games, but it failed to advance. He also attempted to attach his proposal to a larger gambling expansion plan that included legalizing sports betting and allowing regulated slot machines at truck stops and bars.

The expansion proposal also failed to advance amid disagreements between casino operators, sports betting proponents and video poker companies.

Following the legislative session, two companies that are suing the state to stop the Missouri State Highway Patrol from targeting their unregulated machines contributed $350,000 to campaign funds linked to lobbyist and former House Speaker Steve Tilley, who worked the Capitol corridors this spring to stop Schatzs legislation from advancing.

Tilley, who is a close ally and fundraiser of Republican Gov. Mike Parson, represents Wildwood-based Torch Electronics, which has provided machines to businesses. Warrenton Oil is a gas station operator where some of the machines are located.

Torch contends its machines are not gambling devices, even though players insert money in hopes of winning a cash prize.

In February, the companies asked a Cole County judge to issue an order stopping the highway patrol from seizing machines as part of acrackdown on illegal gambling.

The Highway Patrol has engaged in a long running campaign of harassment of stores, like Warrenton Oils stores, that house Torch amusement devices, the lawsuit notes.

The suit was filed three days after the Highway Patrol seized three machines from a St. Clair location owned by Warrenton Oil.

In addition, the lawsuit said state and local police have intimidated and harassed convenience stores in Linn, Crawford, Barry, Vernon, Camden, Henry and Webster counties that license space for the Torch amusement devices.

The lawsuit also said Torch amusement devices were seized from Warrenton Oil convenience stores in Franklin County and from other convenience stores in Henry and Linn counties.

Boresi said the lottery is tracking lawsuits against Torch, as well as the one filed by Torch.

We are watching that one closely, Boresi said.

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With gambling machines spreading through Missouri, lottery officials concerned about revenue loss - Houston Herald

From our sponsor/advertiser Ajeet Singh Yadav.

When talking about the future of esports, one thing is certain: its happening. At this point, no one can deny that esports is going to stay with us and grow bigger in the future, at least as long as we have the technology.

Given the cosmic speed of technology development, a question arises: what does the future of esports look like? Will it include games such as Bitcoin Dice, virtual reality, or even more sci-fi concepts?

Many believe crypto will play a big part. There are numerous uses for blockchain technology, some of which are yet to be discovered. It only makes sense that a fully digital industry such as esports would try to leverage the benefits of this ingenious technology, and thats exactly whats been happening in recent weeks.

With so many potential uses, its not a surprise to see blockchain quickly establishing also in the gambling industry. Crypto casinos are increasing in popularity, and with them, a simple wagering game called Bitcoin Dice.

Although the dice is virtual, it does involve a random roll of numbers where the outcome can be any number involved. The player chooses a number between one and hundred and wagers on whether the dice roll will auto-generate value higher or lower than the selected number.

RELATED: The legal considerations of esports NFTs Sheppard Mullin

Its a variation of one of the simplest, purest forms of gambling. And as with any form of gambling, the higher the risk, the higher the reward. And then, of course, theres the factor of gambling with cryptocurrencies, which makes the forgotten game attractive again.

Speaking of the gambling industry, its not just online casinos that incorporate blockchain. A handful of bookmakers, such as Luckbox or LOOT.bet, have been offering esports betting in various cryptocurrencies for a while now, and some even have their own digital coinage. CryptoFights, mentioned above, utilises a Dungeons-and-Dragons-style dice-rolling system which isnt a million miles away from Bitcoin dice. And remember what FYX CEO Kling said: esports can become something akin to online poker, with grassroots esports taking place on platforms such as FYX.

Crypto is a natural fit for both the esports and gambling industries, and the fast implementation of the technology by businesses is proof of that. Not because of its skyrocketing popularity, but because of its unique perks and seemingly endless potential in so many different aspects.

Most importantly, blockchain could help overcome some of the challenges that the esports industry is currently facing and act as a catalyst for its further growth.

Esports organisations and tournament operators started partnering with crypto companies and some, such as Virtus.pro, G2 or FLASHPOINT even revealed their NFT collectibles, hoping to jump on the NFT hype but also to provide value to their fans.

RELATED: Diversifying esports revenue streams: how are teams making money?

While NFTs represent mainly an amusing addition to the revenue sources of esports businesses, its likely just the beginning of the crypto era. Some believe grassroots esports will live, to a large extent, on the blockchain (see The Esports Journal Edition 8, page 40).

Were seeing a rise in real-money gaming platforms many of which are operating on the blockchain. FYX Gaming, a blockchain platform whose flagship title is aptly named CryptoFights, operates on the Bitcoin SV blockchain; indeed, using blockchain technology has many benefits, including permanent data storage, detection and deterrence of cheaters,the potential for valuable in-game item drops in the form of NFTs, and much, much more.

FYXs CEO Adam Kling told The Esports Journal in April that he envisions esports looking like online poker on steroids, given the potential of real-money gaming at a grassroots level. Ultimately, blockchain could improve competitive integrity and security in esports and, as Kling sees it, democratise esports.

ESI Podcasts | Digest, Focus, Insight

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Blockchain: the next step in esports and gambling - Esports Insider

New Jersey is asking the U.S. Justice Department to confirm that online gambling is allowed under federal law, an issue officials thought was settled until the agency reversed course under Donald Trump.

After Justice in 2011 ruled during Barack Obamas administration that the federal Wire Act did not ban gambling over the internet, New Jersey was one of three states to legalize it. When the coronavirus shut down New Jerseys casinos for months last year, online gambling and sports betting allowed New Jersey to weather the pandemic better than other states.

But under Trump, the department changed its position and decided in January 2019 that the federal Wire Act did, indeed, prohibit such betting.

New Jersey and 26 other states have asked U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to rescind the Trump administration decision and go to back to the agencys original interpretation of the Wire Act. Garland was nominated by President Joe Biden, who was vice president when Justice first issued its opinion more than a decade ago.

Its time for DOJ to lift the fog of ambiguity surrounding this important national issue, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said.

New Jerseys legal gambling industry and the many state services and programs supported by gaming revenue and tax dollars - would have been devastated in 2020 without online gaming. Internet gaming has for years been, and remains, an essential industry here, one the Department of Justice viewed since 2011 as perfectly legal until its baseless backtracking.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trumps first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, said at his confirmation hearing in January 2017 that he would revisit the agencys ruling on online gambling, and the department two years later announced its new interpretation of the Wire Act.

That ruling benefitted the Republicans biggest campaign donors, Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, who spent $78 million in 2016 and $215 million in 2020, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. That was more than anyone else.

The late Sheldon Adelson headed the Las Vegas Sands Corp., and bankrolled a lobbying group, the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, to push Congress to outlaw internet gambling. Legislation to do so received a congressional hearing but not a vote.

We maintained from the start that the Trump-era Wire Act reinterpretation was politicallymmotivated and wrong on the law, and were proud to now join with our fellow states in calling for its official elimination, Grewal said.

Online revenue in New Jersey rose to $970.3 million in 2020, more than double that of a year earlier, according to the state Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Internet gambling and sports betting in New Jersey accounted for 46.2% of the states 2020 gaming revenue, according to Allison Nielsen, a spokeswoman for the American Gaming Association.

No other state came close to that share, she said. New Jersey would have ended up much closer to the other end of the spectrum without those verticals.

Despite a 43.7% drop in revenue from casino table games and slots, New Jerseys casinos fared better than those in any other state but Arkansas and South Dakota, according to the American Gaming Associations annual report.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.

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Trump threatened to kill online gambling. N.J. just asked Biden to declare it legal. - NJ.com

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards this week signed legislation allowing sports betting after voters in 55 of the states 64 parishes cast ballots in favor of it in a referendum last fall.The laws take effect July 1 with the expectation that everything will be in place by the time football season starts.Louisiana becomes the 32nd state to permit wagering on sports.The three pieces of legislation received a great deal of support from lawmakers. Senate Bill 247 passed 78-15 in the state Senate and 33-3 in the state House, while House Bill 142 passed unanimously in both chambers, 93-0 and 35-0. Those two bills put in place the process for casinos to apply for the necessary licenses, build sportsbook parlors on site for in-person gambling and work with contractors to allow for betting using smartphones or laptop computers.Edwards three weeks ago signed House Bill 697 into law, which set up the taxing and fee structure. It passed the Senate 78-24 and the House 32-4.SB247 fulfills the wishes of the citizens in the 55 parishes that approved the referendum last fall to allow sports wagering and HB142 will help direct funding derived from this activity to early childhood education, Senate President Page Cortez said in a statement.The states 20 existing casinos, primarily on riverboats along the Mississippi and one in New Orleans, will need to pay $250,000 to apply for a license. If approved, it will cost them an additional $500,000 for a five-year license.The bills also allow the Louisiana Lottery Corp. to place betting kiosks in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. Those kiosks, along with betting from phones and computers, will only be allowed in the 55 parishes that approved the referendum.Bets will be taxed at 10% placed at casinos and 15% for those done via phone or computer. The taxes will apply to money left over after winning bets are paid.Neighboring Miss-issippi, which allowed sports betting in 2018, said the state took in $466,596 in taxes last month on $31.6 million in bets.A quarter of the taxes Louisiana collects, up to $20 million, will go to the states Early Childhood Education Fund. Another 12% will be split among the parishes that approved the referendum, and 2%, up to $500,000, will go to the states Behavioral Health and Wellness Fund. Racetracks will get 2.5% to go toward prize money, and the rest will go into the states general fund.

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Sports gambling soon to be legal in 55 parishes - StMaryNow.com

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL One week after the Chicago Bears submitted a bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse, rumors that the NFL team could soon call Arlington Heights home have reached a feverish pitch. Adding to the speculation was a Tuesday announcement the Bears have reached a multi-year exclusive partnership with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines among other entities which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc.

The partnership includes Rush Street Interactive, Inc., a Chicago-based gaming company that operates BetRivers.com. The agreement is the Bears' first multi-year exclusive deal in the sportsbook and casino categories, according to a news release from the Bears. It also makes BetRivers the Bears' official sportsbook partner and Rivers Casino the Bears' official casino partner.

Churchill Downs Inc., owners of Arlington, have a 61 percent stake in Rivers Casino. It is jointly owned by Rush Street Interactive, Inc.

"We look forward to connecting with our fans in fun and unique ways through these avenues and couldn't be prouder to be building this relationship with a hometown company," said Ted Phillips, Bears president and CEO, in the news release.

Following a June 15 deadline for proposals, the Bears announced last week their interest in buying Arlington and in building a new stadium on the 326-acre property. Soldier Field, located in the Near South Side of Chicago, opened in 1924 and is the NFL's oldest stadium. The Bears began playing there in 1971 after leaving Wrigley Field. It has a football capacity of 61,500 fans.

Arlington, the flagship racetrack for horse racing in Illinois, was put up for sale by CDI in February.

As part of the partnership, according to the news release, BetRivers and Rivers Casino will receive a mix of prominent in-stadium signage, and digital, social and print assets. Additionally, BetRivers will be the title partner of the team's customized free-to-play game on the Chicago Bears official app. BetRivers.com players will see collaborative promotions for exclusive Chicago Bears prizes and experiences while betting on their favorite team.

"We look forward to expanding our relationship with the Bears and their dedicated fan base, and offering innovative products and promotions as we remain committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience," said Neil Bluhm, executive chairman and co-founder of Rush Street Interactive and Rush Street Gaming, in the news release. "This partnership also reinforces our commitment to hometown teams in states where we have our online and land-based sportsbooks."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called into Audacy's 670 The Score in Chicago today as part of their "What About Chicago Radiothon," which supports Austin Harvest, a food mart in the Austin neighborhood that was converted from a liquor store.

During the call, The Score asked Goodell about the Chicago Bears' intentions with their bid on Arlington Park.

"I don't know the answer to that question other than to know this is a really early stage to develop potentially an alternative. But I think a lot has to be done here. I know their commitment to the Chicago area is 110 percent, and that's the most important thing to me," Goodell said. "We have a long lease at Soldier Field. It's a great place. But we're all looking to the long term and trying to look at alternatives, and that's what the Bears are doing. But I think for fans right now, I wouldn't be focused on that. There's a lot that has to go into this. Right now, let's enjoy the 2021 season. [There is] a lot of excitement for the Bears."

Audio: https://omny.fm/shows/670-the-score/roger-goodell-explains-to-why-he-joined-the-what-a

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