News and Analysis
DraftKings MA in Hot Water Over Illegal Tennis Bets
DraftKings has self-reported a compliance failure to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission after offering bets on the tennis UTR pro-series, which hadn't been approved in the state. The betting took place over 12 days in March, with 864 illegal bets accepted, accounting for $7,867, which has now been returned to players (with winnings and losses canceled).
According to DraftKings, the error occurred as the operator copied markets from another jurisdiction without checking MA state compliance. The operator has implemented future compliance checks, but the Commission has expressed frustration with the situation.
California Signs Law AB 341 Preventing Card Rooms
In 1997, California introduced a 25-year moratorium banning further card room expansion and issuing new licenses. AB 341, signed into force this week by California Governor Gavin Newsom, continues this prohibition on card room expansion until 2043.
Cali card rooms and tribes support AB 341, so it hasn't ruffled any feathers. However, unlike its predecessor, it does allow for some expansion for the current licensed operators, in that it allows individual cities to approve card rooms that operate under 20 tables, to add two new tables in the first year, and an additional two every four years after.
Man Charged with DraftKings Hacking
If you've got a keen memory, you'll remember us reporting in November of last year that a large number of DraftKings US accounts had been hacked; well, The Southern District of New York has charged a man, Joseph Garrison, with the crime.
The alleged crime is accessing approximately 60,000 accounts using a credit stuffing attack. Garrison is then said to have sold access to the compromised accounts on the black market, leading to over $600,000 in withdrawals from 1,600 accounts.
The official charges levied are conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, two counts of fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
State of the States in March 2023: Revenue Roundups from NJ and PA
Gambling revenue reports are in for April, and it's good news all around as NJ and PA see year-on-year increases.
- New Jersey: Gambling revenue in NJ for April was up 9.5% YoY, despite a drop of 5.1% compared with March 2023. Online casinos in NJ saw a 16.3% rise in slots revenue YoY, while land-based slots revenue fell by 3.2%. Borgata Casino NJ was the market leader for the month, with Resorts in second place and Golden Nugget in third.
- Pennsylvania: Revenue in PA followed a similar revenue pattern to NJ, with YoY increases of 3.3%, but less generated in April than the preceding month. Land-based slot revenue also saw a YoY decline in this state, dropping 2.2%. However, PA online casino revenue grew 21.3%, with Hollywood Casino leading the market, followed by FanDuel.
Game of the Week
88 Fortunes: Light & Wonder, RTP: 96%
This week we're covering a classic slot that's been a trailblazer since its first release in 2016. Standing the test of time, 88 Fortunes remains one of Light & Wonder's most spun slot titles. This game was originally a land-based slot, which proved so popular Light & Wonder decided to produce an online version.
It's a simple game steeped in superstition, based on Chinese culture, and stacked with prize potential. It's set on 5x3 reels, with 243 ways to win and bets from $0.08 to $88. The base game payouts are solid (it's a high volatility slot, so be prepared for some dry spins), but it's the bonus features you're holding out for, and there are two:
- Free Spins: You can trigger this round by landing 3 scatters anywhere on the reels to get 10 free spins. All lower-value symbols are off the reels during the round, with only high-paying symbols falling.
- Fu-Bat Jackpot Feature: You'll win a jackpot payout if you score one or more Fu Bat symbols on the reels (this is also the Wild). The more coins you bet, the bigger your chances of winning a jackpot, which will be randomly awarded or selected through a click-and-pick round.
Ready to play and see if you can light up the reels with golden Fu Bat Jackpot symbols? Then take this top slot for a spin at any of these Light & Wonder US online casinos.
