News and Analysis
Bet365 Scores PA Market Access
Bet365 and Churchill Downs Incorporated have joined forces allowing Bet365 entrance to the PA market. The agreement is subject to PGCB approval. A Bet365 spokesperson commented, "Off the heels of our launch in Ohio, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with CDI. Once live, the world's favorite online sports betting brand will be available to sports fans in Pennsylvania, offering fantastic site features, including bet boosts, same-game parlay, cash out and edit bet, on top of our market-leading sign-up offer."
Gaming and Betting Bill Filed in Texas
A new bill has been submitted to amend the Texas state constitution, legalizing casinos and sports betting. If approved, Senate Joint Resolution 17 would introduce the Texas Gaming Commission to supervise the implementation and licensing of a limited number of gambling destinations. Three types of license are suggested, and a more controversial tribal tax regime. The bill requires a two-thirds approval rate in both chambers to pass.
South Carolina Considers Legal Gambling
A new gambling bill, the South Carolina House Joint Resolution 3095, has been proposed. The bill would allow state legislators the power to legalize different forms of gambling and sports betting. Introduced on Jan 10th, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary. It requires a two-thirds majority in the state House to pass.
Will North Dakota Allow Online Sports Betting?
Meanwhile, a new bill in North Dakota seeks to legalize online sports betting. House Concurrent Resolution 3002 proposes to amend the state constitution, if passed by public vote, to allow sports betting. The measure would appear in the November 2024 general election. According to recent data, as many as 138,000 North Dakota residents gamble online (offshore), spending over $300 million yearly. The American Gaming Association has also sized the total offshore spending for the US at an estimated $510 billion.
Rep. Greg Stemen who brought the bill, said, "If it's already happening, let's regulate it, let's provide oversight, let's put consumer protections in place and allow legitimate American gaming entities to partner with the state, and so that the people who are doing it have some protections built in."
Missouri Betting Bill Hits State House
Lastly, Missouri is also on the march to legalization, with House Bill 581 introduced and seeking to permit legal sports betting. If passed, it will allow land-based casinos to provide retail and up to three online sports betting skins each.
First Round of Ohio Fines
Barely weeks into legal online sports betting in Ohio, the state regulator is already proving its worth in player protection, fining BetMGM, DraftKings, and Caesars for advertising violations. According to Ohio laws, gambling ads must have responsible messaging and helpline numbers. The companies also used free or risk-free bonus terminology, despite consumers being required to lose money to get the deal. DraftKings has received a further fine for mailing sports betting advertisements to those under 21.
New York Casino Bids Open
The New York Gaming Facility Board has opened bidding on licenses for three new land-based casinos. Caesars (see weekly digest #107), Thor Equities (mentioned in #112), and Wynn Resorts have already announced plans for new casinos. Chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, Joseph P Addabbo Jr, has said, "The quicker the three licenses are approved, the quicker we can begin to realize the major benefits to the state, such as thousands of construction and post-construction jobs, billions in revenue from the licenses, an increase in problem gambling monies and programs, as well as billions more in educational funding when the winning casinos go live."
Game of the Week
Dungeons And Diamonds: Pear Fiction, RTP 86.79-96%
Take your seat, load up the reels, roll the dice and become the game master of this fantasy-themed slot, Dragons and Diamonds. Loosely based on the 1974 game, Dungeons and Dragons, this game is a sure hit and comes from Microgaming partner Pear Fiction Studio (creators of Squelin' Riches).
Played on 5x5 reels with 40 lines, the game offers an immersive adventure into the dragon's underground lair, where gold coins, treasure, and jackpots await. Feature-rich, the reels of this highly volatile slot are packed with bonuses:
- Instant Cash Collect Respins: When one or more gem symbols and the respin collect symbol land, you'll get an instant cash payout (gem symbols show cash values of 1-25x the bet) and respin.
- Wizard Jackpots: Collect jackpot symbols on reels 1-4. If a jackpot and collect, multiplier collect, or re-spin collect symbol lands on reel 5, the Wicked Jackpot Round begins. The jackpot round is a click-and-pick bonus with Mini (50x), Minor (100x), Major (500x), and Grand (5,000x) pots available.
- Free Spins: Dragon eye scatters trigger 8 free spins. During the round, additional higher-paying and bonus symbols are present.
Not only are the bonuses bountiful and rewarding, but the graphics of this slot are downright on point. Ready to play? Then check it out at our state-specific BetMGM casino USA reviews.
