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The Federal Excise Tax—a Ball-and-Chain for Regulated Gambling
A difference of opinion over modes of taxation could sink what should otherwise be a very popular proposal to allocate more money to problem gambling harm reduction. One of the most common arguments presented by gambling expansion proponents is that a portion of the tax revenue generated by legal gambling can be used to mitigate its […]
Illinois Representative Plays the Long Game With His Online Casino Bill, Senate Measure Moves Ahead
Illinois Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. is playing the long game to legalize online casino gambling. He believes state lawmakers may decide to play it safe in 2024 and not pass it. However, he thinks the Internet Gaming Act (IGA) will eventually become law. Gonzalez, D-Chicago, told Bonus on Jan. 13: I’ll be requesting the bill […]
Maryland Bill to Repeal Prohibition on Casino Lobbying Gets First Committee Hearing
Maryland State Delegate Jon Cardin has again tabled legislation to allow state casino operators to contribute to the political campaigns of state legislators and political parties. Cardin reiterated the bill’s importance during a Wednesday afternoon Ways and Means Committee Bill Hearing. This is about consistency, transparency and elections, clear rules and meaningful policies. Cardin introduced […]
‘Yes!!!!!’ Addabbo Says He Plans to Continue His Effort to Legalize New York Online Casino, Poker, iLottery
“Yes!!!!!” state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. said he will continue to push for legal New York online casino, poker, and iLottery via SB8185. He told Bonus on Jan. 17 that he would do so despite his bill not being included in the executive budget published on Jan. 16. His affirmation with five exclamation points […]
GRIT Act Proposes Dedicated Federal Funding for Gambling Harm Prevention, Treatment, and Research
New legislation introduced last week, the Gambling Addiction, Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act, earmarks funding for the treatment, prevention, and study of gambling addiction in the United States. If passed, the bill, backed by House Representative Andrea Salinas (OR) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), will establish dedicated federal funding for gambling addiction for the […]
New Jersey Senator Still Pushing for Mandatory Education & Treatment for Underage Gamblers
A bill to allow courts to order mandatory enrolment in a gambling prevention, education and treatment program for those caught gambling underage is back in the New Jersey Senate as of last week. The bill, S1242, was referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. The law applies to anyone under […]
New Jersey Bill Asks for More Scrutiny of Gambling Operators’ Advertising Practices
New Jersey state Sen. Joseph P. Cryan, D-Union, has introduced a bill aimed at increasing the regulatory enforcement of advertising rules for gaming operators. That includes retail and online casinos and sportsbooks. S2156, which was introduced on Jan. 9, aims to protect players by prohibiting operators from advertising to underage individuals and those who have […]
New Jersey Legislators Resume Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Effort
With the 2024 legislative session in full swing, New Jersey lawmakers will once again consider establishing a gambling treatment diversion court (GTDC) program for the state. Last year’s effort by Assemblyman Daniel Benson emerged successfully from an Assembly committee but didn’t progress in the Senate. This year, Sen. Nicholas Scutari was quick to file a new version of the […]
Maryland Online Casino Bill Draft Designed to Offset Deficit
Maryland Senator Ron L. Watson is working to draft an online casino and poker bill that he believes could address the state’s projected $761 million deficit. A recent study informed lawmakers that online casinos could yield $900 million in revenue. However, Watson thinks the state could use more money than that, so the Maryland online casino bill he […]
NCLGS to Craft Model iGaming Legislation for States Considering Gambling Expansion
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) will form a committee to draft model gambling legislation to assist states considering gambling expansion, focusing first on online casinos. On Jan. 4, the coalition of state lawmakers announced that public hearings with industry stakeholders will kick off soon, possibly as early as March. Ideally, the […]
