China’s lottery sales enjoyed a month-to-month improvement in November but still recorded the market’s 10th straight month of year-on-year declines.
Figures released this week by China’s Ministry of Finance show overall lottery sales of RMB37.8b (US$5.42b) in the month of November, a 12% decline from the same month last year but a significant improvement over October’s RMB27.5b.
October’s sales were dampened thanks to a nationwide ban on most lottery products to mark the annual National Day holiday. Even with that bit of pesky patriotism aside, November’s sports lottery sales still fell 8% year-on-year to RMB21.1b, while welfare lottery sales slid 15% to RMB16.7b.
Total sales over the first 11 months of 2019 are down 11.6% to RMB377.65b ($54.2b), with sports lotteries down 8.4% to RMB210.65b and welfare lotteries falling 15.3% to RMB167b. Among China’s regional lottery administrators, only Sichuan province reported a year-on-year improvement in 2019 to date (and that gain was extremely modest).
Malta’s 2019 SiGMA conference had a dedicated blockchain and Bitcoin track of talks, and the list of speakers could never truly be considered complete without the inventor of Bitcoin, nChain Chief Scientist Dr. Craig Wright. After concluding his day, Dr. Wright joined our Becky Liggero Fontana on the sidelines to talk about his own history in gambling, and how it helped inspire the world’s biggest public blockchain.
The NFL’s Wild-Card Weekend kicks off Saturday with two games, both from the AFC. At 4:35 p.m. ET, the fifth-seeded Buffalo Bills visit the fourth-seeded and AFC South champion Houston Texans. It’s the first-ever postseason meeting between those franchises with the Texans as 3-point favorites. Buffalo has lost its past seven playoff games as an underdog.
Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com
It’s actually not the first time Buffalo has played Houston in the postseason. On January 3, 1993, in Buffalo in a Wild-Card Round game, the Bills staged the biggest comeback in NFL history in stunning the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime. Behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, the Oilers were up 35-3 early in the second half. Buffalo was without its own future Hall of Fame QB in Jim Kelly, and backup Frank Reich led the miracle rally. He’s now the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Both the Bills and Texans lost at home in Week 17 but starters on both teams were rested in meaningless games. Buffalo has been a terrific road bet of late, going 7-1-1 ATS in its past nine away from home. Houston, meanwhile, is just 1-6 ATS in its past seven as a home favorite. It beat visiting Buffalo 20-13 in a defensive slugfest in Week 6 of the 2018 regular season in the last meeting. Current Bills starting QB Josh Allen was knocked out injured in the third quarter.
Looking to follow the huge success of the NFL RedZone channel, which has revolutionized how many fans watch football, OmniView Sports introduced its “YourZone” app, which it claims will “provide real-time, personalized notifications and alerts as well as automated channel tuning to match your preferences (favorite teams, players).”
Fantasy and gaming are two natural uses for such a service, with league scoreboard and Vegas odds from major sportsbooks presented on screen.
OmniView notes on its Website that YourZone will launch soon.
From the OmniView announcement:
The YourZone app uses patented technology to process real-time data to determine excitement levels surrounding a game, you’ll now watch every exciting moment in the sports world LIVE! The YourZone app and GameChangr technology guarantees this personalized sports viewing experience – automatically or with the touch of a button on the app, GameChangr tunes your television to what you can’t and don’t want to miss!
Trainer Chad Brown notched his fifth consecutive NYRA year-end training title, jockey Manny Franco won his second consecutive riding crown, and Klaravich Stables led all owners as racing concluded for 2019 following the Dec. 31 card at Aqueduct .
Michigan could rival the largest legal sports betting markets in the country once it matures, attracting billions of dollars in bets each year and generating millions in tax revenue, according to PlayMichigan.com analysts.
When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4916 on Friday, Michigan became the 13th state to legalize online sports betting statewide and just the fifth state to legalize online casino gambling. And Michigan’s potential as a market is enormous, capable of generating as much as $7 billion to $8 billion in sports bets annually and $500 million in gross operator revenue, according to PlayMichigan.com projections.
“Michigan is the second-largest state in terms of population to have legalized online sports betting and online casinos and poker, behind only Pennsylvania,” said Dustin Gouker, chief analyst for PlayMichigan.com. “Michigan’s business-friendly tax rate and competitive licensing fees will attract operators, too. And with a solid tribal and commercial casino infrastructure already in place, Michigan should be poised for quick success.”
Michigan will tax sports betting gross revenue at 8.4%, and Detroit casinos will pay an additional 1.25% tax to the city. That makes Michigan among the most competitive compared to other legal jurisdictions. By comparison, Pennsylvania levies a 36% rate, by far the highest in the nation. New Jersey charges a 9.75% tax on revenue from retail sportsbooks and 13% on online sports betting revenue, and neighboring Indiana levies a 9.5% rate on its sportsbooks.
Even with the lower tax rate, sports betting could generate as much as $40 million annually for the state, according to PlayMichigan.com.
“Some in Michigan obviously wanted a higher tax rate, but the current rate should draw significant interest from sportsbook operators,” Gouker said. “That will help the market mature more quickly than markets such as Pennsylvania, where the ramp-up has been much slower despite having the largest population among all states with legal sports betting.”
Much of the future of Michigan sports betting depends on how much the state’s 23 tribes embrace online betting, which is a significant variable in how successful the industry might be in the state.
The same can be said for online gambling and poker, which could generate millions each year in gross revenue if it’s adopted by operators statewide.
Regardless, online gambling should eventually boost the online sports betting industry once it launches. In New Jersey, a symbiotic relationship has formed, spurring growth in both online casinos and online sportsbooks. And that relationship will likely develop in Michigan, too.
“The Michigan bill has clearly set up the industry to succeed and eventually become one of the largest markets in the country, as long as everyone buys in,” Gouker said. “By securing an operator-friendly infrastructure, the state should eventually realize its revenue goals to the benefit of Michigan as a whole.”
For more information and analysis on regulated sports betting in Indiana, visit PlayMichigan.com/news.
Colin Weir, winner of the £161 million EuroMillions jackpot in what was Europe’s biggest lottery prize, has died at the age of 71 after a short illness. At the time, the jackpot was worth $260.5 million in US dollars.Winner Stories, UK National Lottery, Death, Euro Millions, Multi-Country Game
With US pari-mutuel handle showing growth in each of the last five years, a legislative committee will focus on the future and safety of this gambling sector when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States holds its Winter Meeting, January 10-12, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
As the only gaming conference where the legislative decision-makers meet, more than three dozen legislators from 19 states are among the nearly 200 NCLGS Winter Meeting registrants.
The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Although the Marriott room block has sold out, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of, and offered at comparable rates to, the host hotel. To view the hotel information and agenda, and to register for the Winter Meeting, visit http://nclgs.org/index.php/events/nclgs-winter-meeting-san-diego-2020.
The NCLGS Winter Meeting has been approved for 10.0 credits by the Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education, underscoring its prominence as a vital gaming forum.
“While the pari-mutuel industry endeavors to sustain its recent growth, it also seeks to ensure the safety of its equine athletes, including the use of proper racing surfaces and effective drug-testing programs. The Committee on Pari-Mutuel looks forward to welcoming four experts who will discuss the path forward in pari-mutuel racing,” said NCLGS President William P. Coley, a state senator from Ohio who will chair the committee.
Speakers on the Committee on Pari-Mutuels include:
F. Douglas Reed, Senior Pari-Mutuel Associate, Spectrum Gaming Group
Eric Hamelback, CEO, The National HBPA
Virgil Morgan Jr., Trainer, Member, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association
Gregory Simpson, Commissioner, Ohio State Racing Commission
The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:
Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
Two general-session Masterclasses focusing on sports betting and tribal-state compacting conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law
Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: “State of the Industry”
Two Sunday morning general session panel discussions
Thursday evening networking reception
Friday evening welcome reception
Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula
For sponsorship information, contact [email protected]. Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at [email protected].
NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation. Learn more about NCLGS at https://www.nclgs.org/.
The marquee day on the NBA’s annual regular-season schedule is not opening night or the final day of the season but Christmas Day. That’s when the league draws its best ratings – there are no other major live sporting events in the USA on the holiday this year – and often draws its top betting action. Some fans believe the NBA should push the start of every regular season back to Christmas like it did during the 2011-12 lockout season.
Odds courtesy of OddsShark.com
The first game on the slate, with all of them nationally televised, is Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors at noon ET. It’s only the second time in franchise history that the Raptors play on the holiday (no doubt reward for winning last year’s NBA title), while the Celtics usually do. Toronto is a bit banged-up right now so is a 2.5-point home underdog despite being on an 8-0 SU and ATS streak at home against Boston. The Dinos lost the first meeting this season 112-106 in Boston way back on October 25.
At 2:30 p.m. ET, it’s the Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers, the two teams most consider the best this season in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks are playing like that with the NBA’s best record and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing better than he did in his 2018-19 MVP season. The 76ers are excellent at home this year but very shaky on the road. Philadelphia is a 3-point underdog, and it’s the first meeting of the season between these clubs.
With 12 days of Christmas to enjoy, the festive family holiday will often start in a dizzying display of mirth and merriment between you and your kin. You’ll hear all their news, find out any exciting announcements, discuss the births, marriages and deaths that have punctuated your year and swap presents on Christmas Day itself.
It’s on Boxing Day that the cards come out. While there are many other entertaining games you can play over the Yuletide period, poker often comes out on top. But if you’re dragged into your family poker game, who should you watch out for?
1. The Sneaky Sibling
You’ve spent all year bailing them out of jams, lending them a tenner when they encountered any number of emergencies such as an overdue electricity bill, blown tyre on the motor and cash flow problem a week before Glastonbury.
Swedish affiliation company Leadstar Media recently launched Mybettingsites.com/ca for the Canadian market. It is the company’s third North American website, but the first one targeting the Great White North. “The potential for sports betting in Canada is huge and we want to be a part of it,” says CEO Eskil Kvarnström.
Swedish iGaming lead generation company Leadstar Media has launched a bookmaker comparison website in Canada as they progress their global expansion.
Adding to the already lengthy list of markets they are active in, which includes the US, UK, Germany, and Brazil, the introduction of MyBettingsites.com/ca to Leadstars portfolio represents a significant state of intent and a desire to continue their rapid growth.
CEO Eskil Kvarnström sees huge potential in the Canadian market, and believes now is the perfect time for Leadstar to take the plunge: “Betting in Canada is only getting bigger, and it has always been a territory in which we have wanted to make some noise.
“There is a really interesting gambling culture over there, which is of course helped by how passionate Canadians are about sports.”
MyBettingsites.com rates and reviews bookies as well as providing betting guides and bonus offers for sportsbooks and online casino sites.
Visitors to the site can also find up-to-date information around the legality of gambling, deposit methods, plus new features on betting websites and apps.
“We always strive to be a dependable resource for gamblers and bookmakers. Our online betting partners bring a multitude of benefits, and more importantly the convenience of being able to bet from a mobile device from anywhere at any time. That is simply a necessity in modern-day gambling,” continued Kvarnström.
Having entered the US and Canada in quick succession, further launches are expected from Leadstar in other countries in 2020.
Pennsylvania’s gambling market enjoyed double-digit growth in November thanks in part to its growing online gambling and sports betting verticals.
Figures released Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) show statewide gaming revenue topping $292m in November, up 13.2% from the same month last year.
The state’s sports betting operators reported a new record for betting handle of $316.5m, up 31.2% from October’s total, while betting revenue came in slightly below October’s figure at $14.7m. Digital wagering channels accounted for over 84% of overall handle, about two points higher than in October.
Valley Forge Casino Resort and its FanDuel betting partner once again claimed the lion’s share (56%) of online handle with $149.7m, with two Rush Street Gaming properties – Rivers Philadelphia ($32.4m) and Rivers Pittsburgh ($30.6m) – well back in second and third place.
The Cordish Companies and FanDuel Group today announced a strategic partnership to bring FanDuel’s fantasy and sports betting operations to Cordish’s Live! Casino & Hotel and Entertainment Districts properties throughout the country.
The partnership brings together The Cordish Companies’ market leadership in the development and operation of highly acclaimed resort, casino and entertainment destinations with FanDuel’s top brand and industry-leading sports betting platform. Cordish Live! properties welcome over 55 million visitors a year and are among the highest profile destinations in the country. With over 8.5 million customers and presence across 45 states, FanDuel Group operates the biggest retail sportsbook in the world and America’s #1 online sportsbook.
“We are excited to partner with FanDuel to bring our customers the premier sports betting experience in the country, including unique promotions and sports engagement opportunities that will only be available at Live! properties,” stated Joseph Weinberg, Principal of The Cordish Companies.
“With ten decades of experience, The Cordish Companies have created the model for world-class integrated sports, gaming, entertainment and hospitality destinations,” stated Matt King, CEO FanDuel Group. “This partnership allows us to capitalize on the incredible success of sports betting to date and bring FanDuel’s top sports betting operations to Cordish destinations across the United States.”
The partnership will first come to life in Pennsylvania, where the companies plan to bring FanDuel Sportsbooks to Cordish’s Live Casino & Hotel Philadelphia and Live! Casino in Westmoreland County. The partnership will also come to life through Live! Entertainment Districts throughout the country. The companies will pursue sports betting licenses and online gaming opportunities in Maryland, Washington D.C., and other jurisdictions across the United States as sports betting expands across the country.
New Jersey’s online and retail sportsbooks collected a staggering $562 million in bets in November, and the industry has now taken in more than $5 billion in bets since the first was legally accepted in the state in June 2018. And at the current pace, it won’t be long before the state reaches $6 billion, according to analysts from PlayNJ.com.
“New Jersey sportsbooks will remain the chief beneficiary as long as neighboring New York refuses to legalize sports betting,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayNJ.com. “New York City’s 8 million residents continue to be a key ingredient that has propelled New Jersey into Nevada’s chief rival as the country’s largest legal sports betting market.”
New Jersey’s sportsbooks collected $562.2 million in bets in November, crushing the record $487.9 million handle in October, according to official reporting released Thursday. November’s handle represented a 70% increase from $330.7 million in October 2018.
New Jersey’s year-over-year growth has pushed its lifetime sports wagers to $5.3 billion, clearing yet another significant milestone in the state’s impressive first 18 months as a legal sports betting jurisdiction.
November revenue hit $32.9 million, up 110.9% from the $15.6 million won in November 2018. The state’s online and retail sportsbooks have now combined to generate $364.1 million in revenue since launch, yielding $47 million in state taxes.
The rapid spread of sports betting across the country will take center stage at the Winter Meeting of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, January 10-12 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, with sessions covering:
Sports betting from the perspective of the leagues and the athletes,
Regulatory best practices in sports betting, and
The unique aspects of sports betting in responsible-gambling efforts.
The NCLGS Winter Meeting is open to the public. Due to the high conference turnout, NCLGS is providing a list of eight first-class hotels that are within easy walking distance of the host Marriott. To view the hotel information and agenda, and register for the Winter Meeting, visit http://nclgs.org/index.php/events/nclgs-winter-meeting-san-diego-2020.
“With sports betting already operating in 14 states, preparing to launch in several more states in 2020, and being considered for legalization in many other states, NCLGS is committed to providing legislators, industry stakeholders and the public with timely, expert insight on this important aspect of gaming from several perspectives,” said NCLGS President William Coley, a state senator from Ohio.
On Friday, January 10, the Committee on Emerging Gaming will examine sports betting from the perspective of those upon whom the bets are made. Experts presenting include:
Joe Briggs, Staff Counsel, Public Policy Counsel, National Football League Players Association
Marquest Meeks, Senior Counsel, Sports Betting & Investigations, Major League Baseball
Naima Stevenson Starks, VP of Hearing Operations, National Collegiate Athletic Association
On Saturday, a Masterclass panel conducted by the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) will focus on the best practices for the future of sports betting. Speakers on that panel include:
Kate Lowenhar-Fisher, Member, Dickinson Wright
John Maloney, Principal Attorney, John K. Maloney Law
Dan Reaser, Director, Fennemore Craig
Sue Schneider, Vice President, Growth & Strategy/Americas, Sports Betting Community
On Sunday, sports betting is the focus of the second general session. The panel will focus on the need for comprehensive, thoughtful and creative approaches to problem gambling with the expansion of sports betting.
The agenda for the three-day NCLGS Winter Meeting also includes:
Six legislative-chaired Committee sessions that will focus on tribal and commercial casinos, responsible gaming, and lotteries, as well as legal, regulatory, and operational aspects related to sports betting
A second IMGL masterclass panel focusing on the legal and regulatory trends of tribal and state compacts
Morning Keynote Address from Robert Zahradnik of The Pew Charitable Trusts
Luncheon Keynote Address from Bill Miller of the American Gaming Association: “State of the Industry”
Two Sunday general session panel discussions
Thursday evening networking reception
Friday evening welcome reception
Saturday afternoon tour of Pechanga Resort Casino in nearby Temecula
For sponsorship information, contact [email protected]. Legislators and others seeking NCLGS membership information should contact Wayne Marlin at [email protected].
(PRNewsfoto/National Council of Legislators)
NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to gaming. Members of NCLGS serve as chairpersons or members of state legislative committees responsible for the regulation of gaming in their state legislative houses. NCLGS does not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the regulation and economic and social impacts of the industry. The NCLGS Foundation is the educational and research arm of NCLGS. The 501(c)(3) non-profit is a source of non-partisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation. Learn more about NCLGS at https://www.nclgs.org/.
Impeachment in the West, elections and protests in Europe, attempts at revolution in the East. The world looks like a giant chaotic playground run by 12 year olds with raging hormones and the peons underneath are starting to lose patience with their respective clique leaders. This makes the leaders more uneasy and hostile against one another. They think if they attack the other leaders, the subjects will divert their attentions to the boxing match and stop complaining so much. At least now, with everyone armed to the teeth with weapons that could easily destroy the planet and most people thankfully not starving, the fights are more subdued and controlled. But they’re still getting worse.
Over the past 2 weeks, tensions have escalated significantly between the United States and China, culminating so far in Beijing making its first moves against American business leaders. So far it’s just the brush of a few fingers. Incidentally, “9 fingers good, 1 finger bad,” was one of Chairman Mao’s favorite sayings. So let’s talk about Chinese fingers.
Finger 1: On Sunday, the both the chairman and president of the American Chamber of Commerce were denied entry to Macau. In a move that shows the true weirdness (at least to Western eyes) of Chinese thinking, they were forced to sign statements saying they voluntarily agreed not to pursue entry into Macau. Not sure what that’s going to accomplish. So far this is nothing. If and when it gets to the point of arrests of top executives of American casinos in Macau, we will have much bigger problems.
Finger 2: On Monday, China banned all government departments from using U.S.-made tech. I’m surprised this wasn’t done much earlier when the Trump Administration started harassing Huawei. Government timelines aren’t the most reliable things in the world, but for what it’s worth, the transition off of U.S. technology should be complete by 2022. Still, so far, not a big deal. Just wait until the ban extends to the private sector.
After months, even years of rumours, Dreamscape Companies have purchased the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in a deal that reached $516 million over the weekend.
The venue of the World Series of Poker for well over a decade, ‘The Rio’ as it’s more commonly known may be freezing during the summer of poker action, but the heat of that action has kept it in the headlines for all the right reasons too. Like it or not, the venue has become the home of the WSOP and is symbolic with the legendary poker festival.
With 2,500 suites, the Rio remains an iconic building in the Las Vegas skyline as it is. Central to poker’s plans in the country, news came out earlier in the year confirming that the venue would be the location of the 2020 WSOP with the 2021 World Series also highly likely to be in the same place too.
While Caesars will continue to operate the building for the next two years – tying off those two years neatly – they’ll also have the option to do so for a final year in 2022, with Dreamscape’s own team taking over thereafter. While Caesars will pay a yearly rent of $45 million, that cost is likely to be offset by the huge revenue that the WSOP and other events bring the site.
Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas reaches halfway mark for Dec. 2020 opening
Today, CEO and developer Derek Stevens announced that his highly anticipated integrated gaming resort Circa Resort & Casino has reached the halfway mark in its 22-month construction process. On track for a December 2020 opening, the project will be the first ground-up gaming resort in Downtown Las Vegas since 1980.
“Reaching this milestone for Circa would not be possible without our incredible partners and construction team,” said Stevens. “Today we not only celebrate this exciting moment in Circa’s journey, but those who have helped us bring the project to life. I’m proud to deliver something completely new to the Las Vegas experience and can’t wait to open our doors a year from now for everyone to enjoy it.”
Located on the iconic Fremont Street Experience, Circa will honor the timeless spirit of Las Vegas while leading the charge for a bold new era with game-changing offerings. The spectacular 1.25 million-square-foot, 777-room property will stand as the tallest structure north of the Las Vegas Strip.
Merging old-school Vegas hospitality with cutting-edge design and technology, Circa will feature first-class amenities, non-stop entertainment, advanced hotel technology and attentive customer service. Circa’s offerings will include the following:
World’s Largest Sportsbook – Operated by Stevens’ sports betting venture Circa Sports, the resort’s centerpiece will deliver the best sports-watching experience in Vegas and beyond. Sports fans can enjoy three levels of action taking place on a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen – the largest sportsbook screen in history – while receiving some of the friendliest sportsbook customer service in town. The Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN) will have its own on-site studio offering bettors in-depth analysis from a roster of experts.
Rooftop Pool Amphitheater – One of Circa’s key features will be an outdoor pool amphitheater. Its six rooftop pools will be operated 365 days a year and boast a massive nearly 14-million-pixel screen playing the day’s most exciting sporting events.
Garage Mahal – Stevens is constructing one of the most high-tech transportation hubs in the city with a focus on customer experience. Designed to deliver the easiest and most convenient experience for ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, Garage Mahal also will offer valet and self-parking, in addition to long-term parking for loyal Circa customers.
Casino & Lobby – Circa’s two-story casino will house 1,360 slot machines and 49 table games. A lobby highlight will be a statement piece unlike any other – the return of Las Vegas’ neon kicking cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, who will be a signature feature of Circa.
New Food & Beverage Concepts – Circa is poised to become a Las Vegas culinary destination as it welcomes a collection of original restaurants and bar venues. The concepts will be announced throughout 2020.
Stevens has partnered with Steelman Partners to oversee Circa’s architecture and design, McCarthy Building Companies Inc. as its general contractor and Tré Builders as construction manager.
