Monthly Gaming Roundup: October

September was yet another eventful month for the gaming industry. 

Three of New York’s downstate casino proposals were advanced to the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) - none of which will be located in Manhattan. 

New Jersey regulators want to overhaul and standardize responsible gaming regulations. 

Michigan lawmakers also want to legalize social bets in the state. 

Here are the latest gaming industry updates.    

Sports Betting

September 3: Michigan lawmakers introduced SB 511, which would legalize social bets. This would include social bets such as college basketball pools and square contests among friends, coworkers, or acquaintances. 

September 12: Massachusetts is the latest state to file a lawsuit against sports prediction operators Kalshi and Robinhood. According to the complaint filed by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office, the company’s prediction marketplace offers unlicensed sports wagering in violation of state law.

Taxes & Revenue

September 17: The Michigan Gaming Commission recorded a third month of record iGaming revenue in August, with revenue totaling $263.27 million. 

Casinos

September 17: Chicago’s Committee on License and Consumer Protection voted to recommend an ordinance that would authorize video gaming terminals (VGTs) in certain restaurants, hotels, and truck stops. This ordinance comes at a time when Chicago faces a $1.2 billion budget shortfall and Bally’s, the city’s only authorized casino, has failed to meet revenue projections. 

September 25: The respective Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for MGM Empire City and Resorts World approved both their downstate New York proposals to be forwarded to the NYSGC. 

September 29: The Bronx CAC approved Bally’s Bronx Casino proposal to advance to the New York State Gaming Commission. Bally’s joins MGM Empire City and Resorts as the only downstate applicants to be approved by their respective CACs.

iGaming

September 15: The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) proposed overhauling responsible gaming regulations. Updates include clear deposit thresholds, automatic flags, and required interventions when players show signs of problem gambling.