Category Archives: Gambling

Needless to say, 2020 was a rough year for everyone, so it is not surprising that the European gambling industry experienced many turmoils and challenges.Here are the most dramatic changes in the European gaming industry that happened in 2020!

The Evolution takeover of NetEnt can only be described as the proverbial clash of titans. The most popular live casino supplier completed the $2.3bn acquisition of one of the most prominent gambling software companies NetEnt. What was supposed to be just another merger (at least for the public), turned out to be a story that hogged column inches and set the rumour mill going.

But how will this acquisition affect the industry? Well, Evolution shut down the NetEnt live casino thus establishing Evolution Live's dominance in the live gambling vertical. Despite that, NetEnt appears among the greatest casino games providers. Gambling guides such as Casinofavoritter.com claim that video slot machines from NetEnt can be found in nearly all online casinos.

NetEnt continues to release table games and slots at the same pace as before, and it seems how new owners didn't meddle into it but were primarily focused on removing their no.1 competitor in the industry, as Evolution is focused exclusively on live gambling. One thing's for sure as of 2020, players have fewer live gaming providers to choose from.

In Norway, the situation with gambling is not that clear. In the summer of 2019 the Norwegian authorities made a controversial attempt to stop international online casino providers from sending winnings to Norwegian players. The argument was that these online casinos put the risk on weakening the monopoly of Norwegian Tipping.

The online casinos, on the other hand, believed that they were in their full right to pay out the winnings to their customers, referring to the EEA Agreement which Norway is a part of. It all ended fortunately happy for Norwegian gamblers, and the authorities have apparently stepped down attempts during 2020, mainly because of the new, intuitive payment solutions that make it easier to conduct transactions with both bank cards and e-wallets.

Another important dramatic change in 2020, at least in the UK, that has also something with gambling payments to do, is the ban of all credit card transactions towards casinos. This decision came on April 14 with the general public welcoming this decision.

The ban comes at a vital time as we are seeing an increase in the use of some online products, such as online slots and virtual sports, and our online search analysis shows an increase in UK consumer interest in gambling products since the lockdown began," said Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission. However, most insiders agree on how the ban won't reduce the number of problem gamblers, as they will simply switch to alternative payment methods.

Disclaimer: Play responsibly. Players must be +18. For help visit https://www.gamcare.org.uk.

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Important changes in the European gambling industry during 2020 - Times of Malta

Newark cops busted an illegal alcohol and gambling operation where 50 people had gathered Saturday night.

The departments Environmental, Graffiti and Vice Crimes Task Force responded to the Portuguese Soccer Club on Wilson Avenue around 10 p.m. for complaints of illegal activities, police said.

Detectives saw a man unlocking a gate for patrons to enter and exit the property. Inside, they found the large crowd drinking alcohol, playing cards and using gambling machines.

One of the men arrested presided over a fully stocked bar with various beers and liquors, according to police, and the manager of the operation could provide no paperwork permitting alcohol sales.

Cops seized $6,829 in proceeds from the illegal activities taking place and 403 bottles of beer, wine and liquor.

Officers arrested Newark residents Jos DaSilva, 53, who managed the illegal establishment, Victor Pereira, 61, who was tending bar, and Byron Barraza, 31, who was manning the gate.

DaSilva and Pereira were each charged with maintaining an unlawful liquor establishment, possession of alcohol, illegal sale of alcohol and possession of gambling devices. Barraza was charged with aiding and abetting.

Newark police have busted several similar operations recently.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.

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Cops find 50 people at illegal bar, gambling operation in Newark - NJ.com

Sports betting has been legal in Michigan for almost a year, but until last Friday, people had to make bets in person, at a casino. Now they can do it online.

MICHIGAN, USA Big news to our north this weekend as online sports betting is now legal in Michigan.

It's expected to be a big money maker for both casinos and the state.

Sports betting has been legal in Michigan for almost a year, but people had to make bets in person, at a casino.

But as of Friday at noon online sports betting is now legal in the state.

This means you can place a sports bet directly from your phone or computer, from anywhere in the state.

I-Gaming is also now available meaning you can also play any of your favorite casino games from your phone or computer.

David Tsai, the President of MGM Grand Detroit, says aside from the convenience, online betting will also turn back some money into the economy.

"As you can imagine, now offering online gaming provides another venue. So not only can we grow the market, but now we can contribute more tax dollars and we're proud of our ability to do that, said Tsai.

Tsai says an uptick in gambling addiction is possible as the new rules go into effect, but they have a strategy to make sure their guests are having fun, until it's not fun anymore.

"Sometimes for a guest, it's no longer fun. We train our employees. We educate our guests about what that means and how to actually stop that. We provide hotlines, resources, materials to make sure people know how to recognize the signs for that, said Tsai.

Restaurants and bars are still closed in Michigan, meaning casinos aren't serving anything right now either.

And like everything else going virtual this past year, David says he expects the online sports betting business to take off.

"I think offering people an option to do things virtually or online at home I think is a good thing too, said Tsai. Again, when it's done in the right way and its done in a safe way "

There are nine operators that are authorized to launch at this time. However more are expected to be authorized in the coming weeks.

Originally posted here:

Casinos expect online sports gambling to be a hit in lockdown weary Michigan - WTOL

Last year proved for Pennsylvania that if gambling is available, people will try their luck.

For casinos, that meant innovating as the coronavirus forced two separate closure periods, beginning in March and again in December. The result was a 22.24% drop in combined gambling revenue statewide, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said last week.

By years end, a clear winner had emerged, however -- internet-based gaming, or iGaming. Revenue from iGaming leapt by 1584% in 2020 compared to 2019 in Pennsylvania, with December seeing a record $71.6 million in gross revenue from casino games offered online -- up 574% from December 2019.

With a dozen casino-type iGaming sites already operational, it is expected that marketing and the addition of more games on those sites should continue to drive more traffic to the sites and increase revenue, gaming control board spokesman Douglas Harbach told lehighvalleylive.com, adding that Pennsylvania regulators hope to learn from neighboring New Jerseys experience with iGaming that goes back several years.

Wind Creek Bethlehem was among operators expanding their offerings to bettors online devices in 2020, with the start of online sports betting in addition to its other games at windcreekcasino.com.

Wind Creeks brick-and-mortar casino was unable to avoid a down year that carried unimaginable impacts. The casino was forced in September to lay off 20% of its workers. In April, table games supervisor Jonny Shen became one of COVID-19s victims, his family said at the time.

Wind Creek ended 2020 with total gaming revenues down 50.7% compared to 2019, according to state figures. Table games saw the biggest percentage drop, with $104 million in revenue representing a downturn of 56.2%, even as the year brought in its first iGaming revenue that would total nearly $2.4 million.

A Wind Creek spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment for this article.

Statewide, casino closure days totaled 1,473 in 2020, or 33% of the number of days the 13 casinos would have operated in a normal year, the gaming control board said. Additionally, video gaming terminal establishments were shut down for a similar percentage of days due to COVID-19 safety measures.

Revenue from iGaming, meanwhile, leapfrogged that of table games to represent the second-biggest sector of casino revenues in Pennsylvania, behind slots.

Looking ahead, the gaming boards Harbach said an increase in revenue and tax generation is expected in 2021, partly because Pennsylvania now has more casinos. The total 14 casinos include Live! Casino Pittsburgh and Live! Casino Philadelphia that opened in the last two months.

Pennsylvania taxes generated from gambling totaled nearly $1.1 billion in 2020, down from $1.4 billion in 2019, based on revenues totaling just under $2.7 billion in 2020 compared to $3.4 billion in 2019.

It is certainly hoped that COVID restrictions can be lightened/lifted by the second half of the year allowing all games to be offered, a higher patron attendance and return to employment for all casino employees, Harbach told lehighvalleylive.com.

In addition, Penn National Gaming is set to open two mini-casinos in 2021, in York and Berks counties, whose games will include sports betting. Thats in addition to 15 retail sportsbooks already in operation -- including at Wind Creek, Mount Airy Casino Resort and Mohegan Sun Lehigh Valley inside the Downs at Lehigh Valley. Pennsylvania also anticipates more online poker rooms launching in 2021; only Mont Airy offers online poker now, the gaming board said.

According to an analysis from pennbets.com, its possible Pennsylvania gambling revenues could reach $4 billion in 2021 for the first time ever, good for $1.6 billion in state and local government taxes.

Editors note: This article contains charts, which may not display on all platforms. To view them, consider reading this on your web browser at lehighvalleylive.com.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.

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Pa. gamblers shifted online from in casinos in 2020, big time. Heres what to expect next. - lehighvalleylive.com

In Indiana, you can only gamble as far as you can carry your smartphone for sports betting and casinos for electronic and table gaming.

There are three bills being considered by Indiana lawmakers in the statehouse that would expand gambling in Indiana so that other businesses would be able to set up electronic gaming machines in their establishments, as long as they are a non-profit establishment with a liquor license with the state.

Brad Klopfenstein, the president of the Licensed Beverage Association, says thats a step in the right direction but he would rather see the bills go a little further.

Right now all three of them encompass the not-for-profits, Klopfenstein said to Indy Politics. So that would be things like the Columbia Club, the Antelope Club, the American Legion, or VFW.

Klopfenstein feels that any establishment, whether for-profit or not-for-profit should be allowed to take part in e-gaming as long as they have an alcohol permit.

For you little neighborhood bar, its going to mean an extra $50,000 in their pocket, he said. Thats enough money where you could make it into 2022. You could improve your bathrooms or buy a new sign.

Those against the bills say they dont think Indiana should expand gambling any more that the state has over the last few years with sports betting and the moving around of casinos, such as one in Terre Haute.

Klopfenstein doesnt understand that argument.

I mean, you can do sports gambling on your phone from any corner of Indiana anywhere, he added. Technically there is already gambling going on in a bar, the difference is the bar owners isnt getting any of that revenue.

Some have also said that expanding e-gaming to bars would take away money from casinos. Klopfenstein says thats not exactly the case because people go to casinos for more than just gambling. He says they go to experience a casino atmosphere.

Thats is far different than putting a couple machines in a corner and letting a guy who is sitting there having a cocktail before he goes home player ten dollars and see if he can win, said Klopfenstein.

Its not clear yet how much support the legislation has in the statehouse.

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Three bills that could expand gambling in Indiana - 953mnc.com

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2020 NFL: 70-52-1 | 2020 CFB: 32-21 | 2020 MLB: 79-60

NFL Regular Season: 68-47-1 (59%)

NFL PLAYOFFS: 2-5-0

2020 CFB OVERALL: 32-21 (61%)

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2020 MLB: 79-60 +16.66 UNITS

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Ben Heisler (@bennyheis)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

While it would be easy to jump on the under for the likelihood of snow at the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, Im backing the number because of the actual talent on the field.

With Antonio Brown ruled out and Mike Evans nowhere near 100%, Im not convinced Tom Brady and the Bucs will be able to move the ball effectively on Green Bays defense. The Packers have given up no more than 25 points since November 29th and that was in large part due to the primetime game against the Bears being over by halftime. They have not allowed a team to score more than 18 points since December 13th. While Tampa Bay comes in having scored an average of 34.8 points in the midst of a six game winning streak, most of those points came against teams like Atlanta, Minnesota and Detroit, who ranked towards the bottom in defensive efficiency.

With cold weather, potentially snow and wind, and a defense ready to pin their ears back and pressure Brady under center, it's not a bad way for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to stroll to Super Bowl LV.

BEST BET: TB @ GB UNDER 52

Frankie Taddeo (@Frankie_Fantasy)

For Frankie's "best bet," check out his Vegas Whispers Sharp Betting Breakdown for Buccaneers vs. Packers.

Corey Parson (@TheFantasyExec)

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-3) | TOTAL: 54.5

The AFC contest we have all been waiting for is finally upon us, and I think its safe to say that the two best teams in the conference are playing in this game. The total has gone up from the opening number, and Buffalo is an "over team," especially in games on the road. A healthy Mahomes will push the Bills to keep up which I think they will. I see a close game that goes over the total in overtime.

BEST BET: BUF @ KC OVER 54.5

Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano)

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-3) | TOTAL: 54.5

BEST BET: Bills +3

Roy Larking (@StatsGuru6)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers (13-5) are on the road for a third straight week following a 30-20 win over the Saints in New Orleans last week. Tampa Bay was held to 316 total yards on offense but the Bucs defense forced four turnovers. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (14-3) are playing a second straight home game after an impressive 32-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and added a 1-yard rushing score. The Green Bay defense held the Rams offense to just 244 total yards.

These teams met back in Week 6 and the Buccaneers blasted the Packers 38-10 in Tampa. Rodgers was sacked four times, intercepted twice, and it was the only game this season that he was held to zero touchdown passes. Expect Rodgers to post much better numbers in this game. The Green Bay defense has improved since the first meeting and theyve allowed just 16 points per game over the last four contests. I also like how Green Bay racked up 188 total rushing yards last week. Packers advance to Super Bowl 55.

Green Bay is a -3.5 point favorite at DraftKings Bet on the Packers to cover.

BEST BET: Packers -3.5

Ian Ritchie (@SIGambling)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

BEST BET: Packers -3.5

Scott Atkins (@ScottFantasy)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

BEST BET: Packers -3.5

Casey Olson (@Y2CASEY)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

BEST BET: Packers -3.5

Gary Gramling, The MMQB (@GGramling_SI)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers (-3.5) | TOTAL: 52

This line feels like an overreaction to the teams meeting in October, when Aaron Rodgers threw two of his five interceptions on the season in the first 20 minutes (one was returned for a TD, the other set up the Bucs offense at the two-yard line).

In the Rodgers era, the Packers are 12-6-1 against the spread in the postseason, 6-2 ATS as postseason favorites of a field goal or more, and 4-2 ATS as postseason favorites at Lambeau.

BEST BET: Packers -3.5

Mitch Goldich, The MMQB (@mitchgoldich)

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-3) | TOTAL: 54.5

The Chiefs have done a miserable job covering spreads this season, but they are the best team in football and Im happy to take them whenever I only need to lay three points. I know record in close games is often an indicator that a teams success is unsustainable, but in this case I just trust this team to find a way to win close games. Weve seen them get ahead early and hang on; weve seen them fall behind and come back. Either way they almost always end up on top.

I know a three-point spread is real, but I expect them to win the game and I cant worry too much about some unusual score resulting in a win without covering.

The Bills are of course a worthy opponent, but in their two playoff wins they have not looked like the all-powerful force they were coming down the stretch in the regular season. I think rain and cold (maybe not Lambeau cold but I wouldnt want to play at night in the 30s in rain) could make this a sloppier, uglier game than the shootout wed envision on a Sunday in October, and I trust Kansas Citys coaching and personnel to figure out what it takes to get the job done.

The AFCs best team will represent the conference in the Super Bowl, andin what qualifies as good news for Chiefs bettors this seasonthey dont need a blowout for that bet to cash.

BEST BET: Chiefs -3

UPDATE* - Line has now moved to Chiefs -3.5

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LAST WEEK'S POSTSEASON RECORD ATS: 4-5-0

COLLECTIVE POSTSEASON RECORD ATS: 6-10-2

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2021 NFL Conference Championship Round - Best Bets from the SI Gambling Team - Sports Illustrated

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 24

Suspecting that illegal activities of gambling and betting on Cricket were going at private farm houses and rented accommodations, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Rakesh Agrawal has issued strict directions to the station house officers concerned to immediately stop such activity else be ready to face the music. The CP also asked the station heads to ensure no illegal lottery operations run in their areas. Some notorious elements are allowing gambling, betting on cricket in private farm houses and houses being given on rent to such elements. Immediately stop this activity in your areas, else SHOs concerned will be dismissed from service or suspended depending upon the extent of negligence, ordered the CP during a meeting with the police force. Sources said even in the NDPS Act cases, the top cop told the SHOs to arrest the proclaimed offenders still at large in drug smuggling cases.

He asked cops for special campaign in this regard. The CP told the cops to keep an eye on snatchers coming out on bail as most of them are repeated offenders.

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Cops told to tighten noose on gamblers - The Tribune India

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. subsidiary of Gambling.com Group Plc ("Gambling.com Group"), KAX Media America Inc., has completed the application process and has been issued a sports betting vendor registration by the Virginia Lottery to provide marketing services for licensed operators in the state.

Close neighbor to professional teams in Washington, D.C., Virginia and its dedicated sports fans provide the Group with another opportunity to expand its U.S. services. With a population of roughly 8.5 million people Virginia has the foundation to become one of the fastest-growing regulated sports betting markets in America.

The Group will provide online players in the state with trustworthy reviews of online sports betting operators with Gambling.com, its flagship website, and Bookies.com, its U.S. focused sports betting destination. Bookies.com offers sports bettors across the United States odds, scores and stats as well as premium news and picks produced by a team of U.S. betting experts, handicappers and veteran sports writers.

Max Bichsel, VP, U.S. Business for Gambling.com Group said, "The Group's latest approval in Virginia is a great way to kick off 2021. We are excited to be expanding into Old Dominion, which has been a trailblazer with their sports bettors bill of rights legislation and a regulatory scheme that can serve as a model for other U.S. states looking to enter the market this year."

Bichsel added, "This expansion is important for the Group as we continue to remain at the forefront of growth in the regulated U.S. market. Virginia is the first of several states expected to regulate and launch mobile sports betting this year."

Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in May 2018, Gambling.com Group has been granted regulatory approval to offer its services to operators in Tennessee, Illinois, Colorado, Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

For further information, please contact: [emailprotected]+1 616-528-0882 http://www.gambling.com/corporate

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Gambling.com Group Plc

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Gambling.com Group Approved to Expand Business in Virginia - PRNewswire

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) As Michigan launches online sports betting and gaming, addiction prevention specialists warn the move could lead to an increase in irresponsible gambling.

It provides total anonymity, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gambling Disorder Prevention and Treatment Services Program Specialist Alia Lucas told News 8. It doesnt require the company of anyone else and it provides an environment that can allow that behavior to exacerbate and it can become even more problematic.

Lucas says she expects the option to gamble at your fingertips rather than inside a casino will market toward a younger demographic.

Were also pushing awareness in that regards, she explained. What does that look like in your child, your son or daughter, your niece or nephew or a friend? If you happen to be a young adult yourself?

Those concerns are also being acknowledged by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Each year, $500,000 in state tax revenue generated from these operations will go toward the states Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund.

The state has also long had a gambling problem helpline people can call to talk to a specialist who can help assess their needs.

Theyre then referred to one of our panel clinicians throughout the state of Michigan and theyre available to see up to 12 free sessions of gambling disorder treatment for themselves as well as their family members, Lucas said. Its not just an impulse disorder. Its not just an issue of self-control. Its an addiction as with any other addiction and theres a required method of treatment.

If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction, please reach out for help. Thetoll-free number is 1.800.270.7117.

The state lists the following ways to gamble responsibly, whether its online or in person:

You can also find more prevention resources online, including a disassociated list people can report to in order to be monitored by the control board at Detroit casinos. You can find that list at michigan.gov/mdhhs.

When the state on Tuesday announced the start date for online gaming and sports betting, nine operators had been approved to host it. Since then, a tenth, the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in the Upper Peninsula, was granted approval.

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Addiction specialists: Watch for signs of problem gambling - WOODTV.com

By Nicholas K. Geranios Associated Press

A bill to expand sports gambling in Washington beyond Indian casinos and into privately owned card rooms has been introduced in the state Legislature for the second consecutive year.

The Senate bill seeks to expand sports betting to include the states licensed card rooms and horse race tracks and is once again being pushed by Nevada-based Maverick Gaming.

A similar proposal failed last year, but supporters say the new effort has bipartisan support and could provide revenues to help the states economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last session, lawmakers approved sports gambling for Native American tribes, but that has yet to take effect as government compacts are still being negotiated. Lawmakers at the same time rebuffed a bill seeking to open sports gambling to nontribal competition.

But that happened before the pandemic damaged the economy.

Maverick Gaming chief executive Eric Persson said the company remained committed to improving the state economy.

The bill lays out a modest approach that will generate economic opportunity for our workforce, create approximately 10 new jobs at each of our 19 locations, and help spark pandemic relief efforts by contributing tens of millions of new tax dollars to local and state programs, he said.

Senate Bill 5212 is co-sponsored by Republican state Sen. Curtis King of Yakima and Democratic floor leader Sen. Marko Liias of Lynnwood. It would apply only to existing card rooms and racetracks. It allows for online sports gambling, but only within the limits of the gaming venues.Persson, a Hoquiam native whose company controls 19 of Washingtons 44 licensed card rooms, has estimated up to $50 million in state taxes can be generated annually off sports gambling.

For decades, tribal casinos have operated most of the legalized gambling in Washington. The state allows limited gambling outside tribal facilities in card room casinos, but only games such as blackjack and some poker are allowed.

The pressure to legalize sports gambling has grown nationwide since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal law that had banned it everywhere but Las Vegas and a handful of other jurisdictions.

Individual states can now determine their own course and Washington joined two dozen others last year in legalizing it in some form.

Lawmakers have long argued that Washingtons tribal casinos have a three-decade record of offering safe, responsible gambling.

The Washington Indian Gaming Association, which represents the interests of tribal casinos, opposed the proposal last year and will oppose it again this year, executive director Rebecca George said.

Tribes have shown they know how to properly offer gambling, employ about 30,000 people statewide, and use gambling revenues to fund their operations and social programs, George said.

Were talking about government gaming, George said. The money goes into government programs. Were not an out-of-state corporation.

Granting card rooms the right to offer sports betting takes money out of poor communities, George said.

Under the bill:

Only existing licensed cardrooms and racetracks would be eligible for a sports betting license

Each facility must have its own license and would be charged a $100,000 licensing fee.

A state-level 10% tax would be imposed on the operators on all gross revenues from sports wagers. This tax would be in addition to the taxes levied at the local level.

The bill would not allow any betting on college sports events that take place in-state or that involve a state team.

Betting on electronic sports, high school sports, and competitive video games would be prohibited.

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Bill to expand sports gambling introduced in Legislature - The Spokesman-Review