Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Eswatini’s lawmakers have approved a motion to create a centralized system for monitoring online gambling platforms. The new motion requires Minister Jane Simelane to submit a progress report to Parliament within two months. There are over 380,000 registered online gamblers in Eswatini according to recent legislative discussions. Legislative Action on Digital Gambling Platforms Faced with mounting concerns around problem gambling, the Kingdom of Eswatini’s House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward implementing centralized oversight for online gambling operators. The move came after intense deliberations, during which…

Key Moments: 19% of Canadians and 26% of Americans participated in sports betting over the past year NHL maintains its lead as the top betting sport in Canada, while the NFL dominates in the U.S. 75% of Canadians and 59% of Americans consider there to be too many sports betting ads Survey Overview and Methodology Montreal-based Leger, a standout in consumer insights and AI-driven market research, conducted a comprehensive survey from August 29 to 31, 2025. The study included 1,621 Canadians and 1,015 Americans, all aged 18 or older, focusing…

Key Moments: The community committee has rejected all three proposals for a Manhattan casino, including the Freedom Plaza project. The $11 billion Freedom Plaza development would have included 1,080 units of entirely affordable housing, but failed to secure approval. Five bids remain active for three downstate casino licenses in the New York City region. Major Setback for Manhattan Casino Efforts Manhattan is no longer in contention to host a new land-based casino after the community advisory committee firmly rejected a third and final proposal. The Freedom Plaza project, spearheaded by…

Key Moments: Yolo Group is moving to consolidate its operations under the unified Yolo.com brand. The company is close to obtaining two B2B vendor licenses in the UAE, signaling a strong move toward regulated markets. A unified platform will connect Yolo’s Estonia-based Bombay Casino to its digital offerings, featuring a compliant shared wallet system. Transitioning to a Regulated Environment Yolo Group, long known for its innovative crypto-gaming platforms like Sportsbet.io and Bitcasino.io, is taking decisive action to shift away from loosely regulated territories. The organization is progressing towards uniting all…

Key Moments: Operators have shifted their focus from acquisition to retention as major online gambling markets mature Player satisfaction often depends on the quality, speed, and empathy of customer support teams Increasing automation and regulatory pressure are reshaping the support landscape for gambling operators The Shift from Acquisition to Retention Online gambling companies have traditionally competed aggressively to onboard new players using advertising, bonuses, and sponsorship deals. As the industry has evolved, especially in mature markets across Europe and North America, the competitive edge has transitioned from attracting new customers…

Key Moments: Happy Valley Casino plans to begin operations in April as Centre County’s first casino property The venue will feature 30 table games, over 700 slot machines, and a full-service dining experience A 12-week paid dealer school is scheduled, with applications opening in October and classes starting December and January New Casino Set to Transform Regional Gambling Landscape Happy Valley Casino is preparing for an April opening that will establish the property as Centre County’s first casino. Officials are targeting a workforce of approximately 300 employees at launch, with…

Key Moments: A survey by the Youth Network Against Gambling reported that 94 percent of respondents aged 12-25 have used claw machines Regulatory challenges persist due to fragmented enforcement under Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 Authorities have recently impounded unauthorized claw machines near schools in several Thai provinces Popularity Among Young Players A survey conducted by the Youth Network Against Gambling has revealed that claw machines, commonly referred to as crane grabbers, have gained substantial popularity among Thai children and young adults, despite classification as gambling devices under national law.…

Key Moments: Boyd Gaming is investing $750 million to develop a resort casino in Norfolk slated for a 2027 debut, with a temporary facility opening in November. City leaders anticipate that the casino will help revive downtown nightlife, which dwindled after heightened law enforcement reduced crime. Boyd Gaming estimates the project will deliver 2,850 construction jobs, 850 permanent roles, and $2.9 billion in economic impact over a decade. Major Casino Development Underway in Norfolk Norfolk is on track to launch its first casino, joining three other Virginia cities, as Boyd…

Key Moments: Two Omaha residents have received federal prison sentences for transporting over $350,000 stolen from Grand River Casino The leading perpetrator behind the phone impersonation scheme has yet to be apprehended Similar imposter-led scams targeted multiple casinos in 2023 and 2024 Imposter Call Triggers Grand River Casino Theft Two men from Omaha, Nebraska have been sentenced after participating in the theft of more than $350,000 from the Grand River Casino in Mobridge, South Dakota. The incident took place after a casino employee was deceived by a phone caller pretending…

Key Moments: Senate Bill 511 aims to make informal social wagering contests legal among Michigan residents The proposed legislation caps wagers at $25 per person and 100 participants per contest Michigan casinos and federally recognized tribes have expressed concerns about constitutional and tribal gaming implications Understanding Social Wagering Senate Bill 511, introduced by Michigan Senator Veronica Klinefelt, seeks to legalize casual betting activities between individuals within genuine social relationships. Known as social wagering, this practice is distinct from commercial gambling and typically involves friends or acquaintances betting small sums on…