Legal Gambling News, Updates, and Analysis

Latest News

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Senate, But Legal iGaming Still a Long Way Off

June 17, 2025 | By: John Ferguson

Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, advances with tribal exclusivity. Here’s what it means for players, sweepstakes sites, and the state’s gambling future.

Massachusetts Online Casino Hearings Set for June 23: Lawmakers Eye Legal iGaming

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Massachusetts lawmakers are finally taking online casinos seriously. On June 23, they’ll debate bills to legalize iGaming, grant licenses, and set a 20% tax rate—just as pressure builds from neighboring [...]

Michigan Targets Five Illegal Online Gambling Sites

June 17, 2025 | By: Danny Cross

The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gambling sites found to be operating illegally in the state.

Pennsylvania Debates Skill Game Taxation Amid Online Casino Revenue Surge

June 17, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Pennsylvania’s gambling landscape is undergoing significant scrutiny as lawmakers grapple with regulating the widespread use of “skill games” — slot-like machines found in bars, convenience stores, and other establishments that [...]

PENN Employees Push for Smoke-Free Casinos as Shareholder Showdown Nears

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

PENN Entertainment employees recently sent a letter to the company pushing for a smoke-free indoor policy at all of its casino venues.

Bragg Gaming Expands U.S. Presence with Exclusive Hard Rock Digital Deal

June 13, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Bragg Gaming Group has announced a content development agreement with Hard Rock Digital, signaling a major step in its goal for U.S. market expansion. The deal enables the creation of [...]

Louisiana Governor Vetoes Sweeps Casino Ban, Calls It a “Solution in Search of a Problem”

June 13, 2025 | By: Danny Cross

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed SB181, a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, citing existing enforcement efforts.

Maine Gambling Control Unit Clashes with Trade Group Over Sweepstakes 

June 12, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Maine's Gambling Control Unit (GCU) recently warned residents against sweepstakes and social casino sites.

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Industry News

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Senate, But Legal iGaming Still a Long Way Off

June 17, 2025 | By: John Ferguson

Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, advances with tribal exclusivity. Here’s what it means for players, sweepstakes sites, and the state’s gambling future.

Massachusetts Online Casino Hearings Set for June 23: Lawmakers Eye Legal iGaming

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Massachusetts lawmakers are finally taking online casinos seriously. On June 23, they’ll debate bills to legalize iGaming, grant licenses, and set a 20% tax rate—just as pressure builds from neighboring states. Here’s what’s at stake and who’s pushing back.

Richard Bland College Launches Dealer Institute For Petersburg Casino Jobs

June 10, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Richard Bland College (RBC) has unveiled the highly anticipated class schedule for its new Dealer Institute, a pivotal initiative designed to train the future workforce for the new “Live! Casino & Hotel” in Petersburg, VA. This comprehensive program aims to equip local residents with the skills necessary to pursue lucrative careers in the rapidly expanding […]

High 5 Games Regains Connecticut B2B License, Affirms Commitment to Sweepstakes Model

June 4, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

High 5 Games — a leading operator in the U.S. gaming industry — announced today the reinstatement of its gaming license in Connecticut following a comprehensive regulatory review by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). This development underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to full cooperation, player safety, and regulatory transparency across all its operational […]

PENN Institutional Investor Accuses Board of Destroying Value, Disenfranchising Shareholders

May 15, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

PENN Entertainment shareholder HG Vora Capital Management has issued a public letter to fellow shareholders and a proxy statement encouraging them to vote for its board picks. The firm, which owns about 4.8% of PENN stock, has criticized the company’s leadership. HG Vora nominated three independent directors in advance of the upcoming annual meeting for PENN […]

High-Precision Geolocation Could Unlock New Possibilities for Responsible Gambling: XPoint CEO

May 13, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

As the gambling industry evolves and grows, its commitment to responsible gambling is increasingly important. Geolocation technology—which, first and foremost, ensures jurisdictional compliance—is emerging as a vital responsible gambling tool beyond its traditional uses. Typically, operators rely on geo-tracking to enforce regulatory compliance by using player geolocation data to ensure play happens within a legal jurisdiction. […]

Play’n GO Takes a Hard Line Against Sweepstakes Casinos, Rules Out Future Partnerships

May 7, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

Play'n GO says it will never offer games through sweepstakes casinos, and believes that competitors who do will face regulatory consequences.

FanDuel Casino Removes Huff N’Even More Puff Citing Unspecified ‘Concerns’ After User Reports Bug

May 7, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

Light & Wonder's Huff N'Even More Puff is temporarily off the market, the second of its flagship slots to get pulled in less than a year.

See all industry news

Legal, Lawsuits, & Crime

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Abandons Its Election-Betting Case Against Kalshi

May 7, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

The CFTC's enforcement stance has changed under the Trump administration, and it will no longer oppose Kalshi's US political offerings.

County Court Rules Redeveloped ‘Queen of Virginia’ Skill Game Machines are Legal

April 28, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

The debate over skill game machines in Virginia has taken another turn after a county judge ruled that the Queen of Virginia games are legal.

MGM Agrees to $8.5M Settlement in Nix, Bowyer Investigation

April 22, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

MGM Resorts reached a proposed settlement for $8.5 million with the (NGCB), following an investigation for illegal bookmaking.

Florida Officer Arrested, Accused of Sharing Confidential Info with Hard Rock Bomb Scare Suspect

April 16, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

Sheriffs arrested a Florida police officer over allegations he provided confidential information to the suspect in the Hard Rock bomb scare.

Social and Promotional Games Issues Celebratory Statement Following Failure of Three Anti-Sweeps Bills

April 9, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

Three attempts by states to ban sweepstakes casinos have failed in the past two weeks and the industry's trade group is overjoyed.

City of Baltimore Sues DraftKings and FanDuel Under Municipal Consumer Protection Ordinance

April 8, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

The City of Baltimore is suing DraftKings and FanDuel over "deceptive" practices it says target and exploit at-risk residents.

See all legal news

Legislative News

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Senate, But Legal iGaming Still a Long Way Off

June 17, 2025 | By: John Ferguson

Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, advances with tribal exclusivity. Here’s what it means for players, sweepstakes sites, and the state’s gambling future.

Massachusetts Online Casino Hearings Set for June 23: Lawmakers Eye Legal iGaming

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Massachusetts lawmakers are finally taking online casinos seriously. On June 23, they’ll debate bills to legalize iGaming, grant licenses, and set a 20% tax rate—just as pressure builds from neighboring states. Here’s what’s at stake and who’s pushing back.

High 5 Games Regains Connecticut B2B License, Affirms Commitment to Sweepstakes Model

June 4, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

High 5 Games — a leading operator in the U.S. gaming industry — announced today the reinstatement of its gaming license in Connecticut following a comprehensive regulatory review by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). This development underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to full cooperation, player safety, and regulatory transparency across all its operational […]

Maine Considers Online Casino Expansion, Sparking Tensions Between Tribes and Casinos

June 3, 2025 | By: Joe Boozell

A new bill could bring legal online casinos to Maine, granting exclusive rights to the Wabanaki tribes.

Texas Could Become the First State to Eliminate Its Own Lottery

May 20, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

The future of the Texas Lottery is in jeopardy amid a series of scandals and facing a legislature hostile to legal gambling in any form. The state’s Lottery Commission appears all but certain to disappear, though the Lottery itself may receive another couple of years to make a case for its continued existence under new oversight. Last week, […]

Ohio Online Casino Legalization and iLottery Back in Play With Sen. Manning Leading the Charge

May 16, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

Ohio lawmakers are making another attempt to legalize online casinos after failing in 2024. The bill, SB 197, was introduced this week by state Sen. Nathan Manning. It would allow up to 11 online casino  brands with a tax rate of 36% to 40%, the highest among iGaming states. The proposal would also allow online […]

See all legislative news

Lottery News

Texas Could Become the First State to Eliminate Its Own Lottery

May 20, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

The future of the Texas Lottery is in jeopardy amid a series of scandals and facing a legislature hostile to legal gambling in any form. The state’s Lottery Commission appears all but certain to disappear, though the Lottery itself may receive another couple of years to make a case for its continued existence under new oversight. Last week, […]

Ohio Online Casino Legalization and iLottery Back in Play With Sen. Manning Leading the Charge

May 16, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

Ohio lawmakers are making another attempt to legalize online casinos after failing in 2024. The bill, SB 197, was introduced this week by state Sen. Nathan Manning. It would allow up to 11 online casino  brands with a tax rate of 36% to 40%, the highest among iGaming states. The proposal would also allow online […]

Why New York and New Jersey Have Embraced Lottery Couriers: Legal Expert Weighs In

May 6, 2025 | By: Drew Ellis

While lottery courier services face bans in other states, both New York and New Jersey are showing a regulated partnership is possible.

Louisiana Files Online Lottery Bill That Would Include Draw Games, eInstants

April 24, 2025 | By: Drew Ellis

Louisiana is considering the legalization of online lottery in the state, which would include draw games and eInstant tickets.

Nevada Lottery Won’t Exist Until At Least 2030 After Latest Legislative Effort Fails

April 15, 2025 | By: Drew Ellis

A bill to amend the Nevada Constitution to allow for a lottery failed to advance last week, pushing hopes back until at least 2030.

Jackpocket Out of New Mexico as More States Target Unregulated Online Gambling Services

March 7, 2025 | By: Drew Ellis

Jackpocket has chosen to cease operations in New Mexico following legal pressure as more states look to keep gambling state-run.

More lottery news

Responsible Gambling

High-Precision Geolocation Could Unlock New Possibilities for Responsible Gambling: XPoint CEO

May 13, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

As the gambling industry evolves and grows, its commitment to responsible gambling is increasingly important. Geolocation technology—which, first and foremost, ensures jurisdictional compliance—is emerging as a vital responsible gambling tool beyond its traditional uses. Typically, operators rely on geo-tracking to enforce regulatory compliance by using player geolocation data to ensure play happens within a legal jurisdiction. […]

Gambling is Riskier for Neurodivergent People, But Tailored Treatments May Aid in Recovery

May 6, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

A GambleAware-backed study is investigating the best practices for treating gambling harm among neurodiverse people.

Are Push Notifications the Next Target for Legislators’ Responsible Gambling Efforts?

April 28, 2025 | By: Chav Vasilev

As Minnesota continues to work through online sports betting, it is considering banning push notifications from online operators.

Is it Safer to Stick to a Single Casino Game Than to Bounce Around? Not Necessarily

April 24, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

Contrary to expectations, a recent study suggests that access to multiple slot themes does not increase players' gambling time.

Responsible Gambling Task Force Finds New Jersey Still Failing to Spend Harm Reduction Budget

April 22, 2025 | By: Alex Weldon

New Jersey's new Responsible Gambling Task Force released a report that shows, among other things, the state's failure to spend its budget.

Magnetic Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Gambling Cravings, Support Gambling Addiction Therapies

April 17, 2025 | By: Robyn McNeil

Researchers found that magnetic brain stimulation can reduce cravings in those experiencing gambling addictions for at least six months.

More RG news

All News

Maine Online Casino Bill Clears Senate, But Legal iGaming Still a Long Way Off

June 17, 2025 | By: John Ferguson

Maine’s online casino bill, LD 1164, advances with tribal exclusivity. Here’s what it means for players, sweepstakes sites, and the state’s gambling future.

Massachusetts Online Casino Hearings Set for June 23: Lawmakers Eye Legal iGaming

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Massachusetts lawmakers are finally taking online casinos seriously. On June 23, they’ll debate bills to legalize iGaming, grant licenses, and set a 20% tax rate—just as pressure builds from neighboring states. Here’s what’s at stake and who’s pushing back.

Michigan Targets Five Illegal Online Gambling Sites

June 17, 2025 | By: Danny Cross

The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gambling sites found to be operating illegally in the state.

Pennsylvania Debates Skill Game Taxation Amid Online Casino Revenue Surge

June 17, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Pennsylvania’s gambling landscape is undergoing significant scrutiny as lawmakers grapple with regulating the widespread use of “skill games” — slot-like machines found in bars, convenience stores, and other establishments that are designed to involve a degree of player skill. The rapid proliferation of these machines has polarized lawmakers at a time when regulated online casinos […]

PENN Employees Push for Smoke-Free Casinos as Shareholder Showdown Nears

June 17, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

PENN Entertainment employees recently sent a letter to the company pushing for a smoke-free indoor policy at all of its casino venues.

Bragg Gaming Expands U.S. Presence with Exclusive Hard Rock Digital Deal

June 13, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Bragg Gaming Group has announced a content development agreement with Hard Rock Digital, signaling a major step in its goal for U.S. market expansion. The deal enables the creation of exclusive online casino titles for Hard Rock Bet Casino, adding to the brand’s catalog of proprietary content that also includes games from developers such as […]

Louisiana Governor Vetoes Sweeps Casino Ban, Calls It a “Solution in Search of a Problem”

June 13, 2025 | By: Danny Cross

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed SB181, a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos, citing existing enforcement efforts.

Maine Gambling Control Unit Clashes with Trade Group Over Sweepstakes 

June 12, 2025 | By: Tebearau Egbe

Maine's Gambling Control Unit (GCU) recently warned residents against sweepstakes and social casino sites.

Richard Bland College Launches Dealer Institute For Petersburg Casino Jobs

June 10, 2025 | By: Patrick Monnin

Richard Bland College (RBC) has unveiled the highly anticipated class schedule for its new Dealer Institute, a pivotal initiative designed to train the future workforce for the new “Live! Casino & Hotel” in Petersburg, VA. This comprehensive program aims to equip local residents with the skills necessary to pursue lucrative careers in the rapidly expanding […]

Maine Reintroduces Online Casino Bill As Regulators Offer Warning

June 10, 2025 | By: Danny Cross

A new bill would let Maine’s four federally recognized tribes launch online casinos under a tightly regulated system.

Bonus.com News Team

Alex Weldon

Alex Weldon is an online gambling industry analyst with nearly ten years of experience. He previously served as Casino News Managing Editor for Bonus.com, part of the Catena Media Network. Other gambling news sites he has contributed to include PlayUSA and Online Poker Report, and his writing has been cited in The Atlantic.

Robyn McNeil

Robyn McNeil (she/they) is a Nova Scotia-based writer and editor, and previously a lead writer at Bonus. Here she focused on news relevant to online casinos, specializing in responsible gambling coverage, legislative developments, gambling regulations, and industry-related legal fights.

Chav Vasilev

After years of managing fast-casual restaurants, Chav turned his passion for sports and occasional slot wins into a career as an iGaming writer. Sharing his time between Europe and the US, he has been exposed to betting and gambling for years and has closely followed the growth in the US. Chav is a proponent of playing responsibly and playing only at legal online sites. When not writing, you will find him watching and betting on sports, especially soccer, or trying to land the next big bonus on a slot.

Drew Ellis

Drew Ellis is a veteran journalist who contributed to Catena Media’s coverage of online gambling markets across the U.S. and Canada, including key roles with PlayMichigan and PlayiLottery. With over 20 years in newspapers and a sharp eye for policy, Drew brought clarity to complex gaming legislation while earning accolades from the Associated Press and beyond. His work has also appeared in the Detroit Free Press, Associated Press, and Sports Illustrated’s All Lions.

P. L. West

P.L. West is an experienced journalist and author based in Austin, Texas, with a career spanning more than two decades. His work has been featured in a wide range of national and regional outlets, including The Daily Dot, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, San Antonio Express-News, Austin American-Statesman, and Austin Chronicle. In addition to his journalism career, Phil has authored two books on soccer and has established himself as a trusted voice covering the intersection of sports, culture, and technology. At Bonus.com, he brings his expertise in storytelling and in-depth reporting to cover the growing U.S. online casino and sports betting industries, with a focus on legislation, market trends, and player insights.
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