Monthly Gaming Roundup - April

PoliciPro Spotlight: New Jersey Northern Expansion Faces a Wall

One of the biggest flashpoints this month came from the Garden State. Thirty-four state legislators and three members of Congress representing South Jersey signed a bipartisan letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill, urging her to reject Bill SCR13, a constitutional referendum, that would allow two casinos in the northern part of the state. The letter sent a clear message: any expansion beyond Atlantic City would be met with political resistance. Signatories framed their opposition around protecting Atlantic City's existing investment and economic foundation.

The Latest Updates in Gaming

Sports Betting

Mar 16: The majority of Wisconsin tribes support AB601, which would authorize federally recognized tribal nations in the state to offer online sports betting. The bill has passed the state legislature and awaits Gov. Tony Evers' signature.

Mar 25: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issued BetMGM and Borgata iGaming sites a $100,000 fine for insufficient Know-Your-Customer (“KYC”) protocols that allowed users to create multiple accounts using other individuals' personal identification and information, along with funding the accounts using stolen payment devices. The Board also placed 16 individuals on the state’s gaming exclusion list.

Mar 30: The New York State Gaming Commission issued proposed changes to its sports betting rules to help address underage and problem gambling. These proposed changes come after Gov. Kathy Hochul requested the use of biometrics when accessing sports betting accounts.

Casinos

Mar 11: HB189, which would have reformed fraternal organization slot machine regulations and updated enforcement language around offshore and sweepstakes casinos, did not advance in the Florida legislature.

Mar 27: 34 New Jersey state legislators and three members of Congress representing South Jersey sent a bipartisan letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill urging her not to support Bill SCR130, which, if approved by voters, would permit two casinos in the northern part of the state. The letter also promised strong political pushback and a preference for investment in Atlantic City.

Mar 31: SB756, which adds Fairfax County to the list of eligible counties to host a casino in the state, has officially made it to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s desk for signature. If signed, Fairfax County would join Norfolk, Petersburg, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville as potential locations for a casino.

iGaming

Mar 13: SB0761, which would have authorized iGaming in Maryland, was withdrawn from the state legislature. This is the second time authorization attempts have failed in the state.

Mar 23: The Massachusetts legislature sent H4431, which would have legalized iGaming in the state, for further study. The move halts any movement on legalizing the vertical in the state until the 2027 - 2028 legislative session.

Taxes & Revenue

Mar 16: New Jersey iGaming operators generated $251.8 million in revenue for February. This marks the fifth consecutive month that Garden State operators have generated at least a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue.

Mar 17: Michigan iGaming operators reported $273.1 million in revenue for February. This marks the fourth all-time top revenue for the vertical in the past five months.