Devin O'Connor
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Gaming Industry: Legislation, Sports Betting, GGR, Macau, Las Vegas, Politcs
Gaming Industry Observer - Politics, Legislation, Sports Betting, Chaos -- PSU grad, Cleveland everything fan. Competitive golfer. Rower. Runner.
Articles by Devin O'Connor
Mohegan Sun Bets $30M on Arena Renovation After Selling WNBA Team
Mohegan Sun is investing $30 million to modernize the Mohegan Sun Arena. An artist’s rendering of the future Mohegan Sun Arena Earth Entrance. The 10,000-seat multipurpose venue is undergoing a $30 million upgrade. (Image: Mohegan Sun) Located inside the Mohegan Sun casino resort, the 10,000-seat multipurpose stadium is undergoing a renovation that will reimagine every aspect of the guest experience.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. Says Casino Town Primed for Real Estate ‘Renaissance’
Atlantic City may not evoke the same beach-town vibe as Stone Harbor or Sea Isle City, but buyers interested in a New Jersey coastal home might be wise to take a closer look at the casino hub. Tropicana Atlantic City is seen in a real estate listing for a one-bed, 1.5-bath condo listed for sale at $195,000. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. thinks Atlantic City is poised for a real estate boom.
Hollywood Studios Ban Production Crews From Betting on Prediction Markets
From major political outcomes to the latest Hollywood rumors, prediction markets now offer trading on almost everything. But as the online platforms explode in popularity, a growing number of industries are cautioning insiders against trading non-public information. The famous Bronson Gate to the Paramount Pictures studio lot in Hollywood, Calif., is pictured in July 2023. Hollywood movie studios have banned employees from trading entertainment on prediction markets.
Sands CEO Patrick Dumont Acquires Mavs Stake From Mother-in-Law Miriam Adelson
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Patrick Dumont has assumed control of the family’s 73% stake in the NBA Dallas Mavericks. According to an initial report by ESPN, billionaire Miriam Adelson transferred the ownership position to Dumont and her daughter, Sivan Ochshorn, in October.
One Weekend, Two Jackpots: Mississippi Man Walks Away With $300K
For most gamblers, coming out even a little on top for a trip to the casino is considered a win. For one Mississippi man, his long weekend jaunt to a Gulf Coast casino brought extraordinary riches and the pay equivalent to several years’ worth of work for most Americans. The Beau Rivage in Mississippi’s Biloxi was where a lucky gambler won two slot jackpots in less than 72 hours. The player’s payouts combined over $300K.
University of Nebraska Study Links Online Sports Betting to Financial Harm Beyond Discretionary Spend
A new study from the University of Nebraska finds that online sports bettors are risking not just entertainment dollars but their long-term financial stability. A mobile device shows the online BetMGM Sportsbook. New research from the University of Nebraska finds startling financial concerns among lower-income sports bettors.
Las Vegas Casino Union Celebrates Post-Election Tourism Bump After Trump Rebuttal
The Las Vegas Culinary Union, an affiliate of UNITE HERE and the world’s largest gaming and hospitality union, is optimistic that tourism will rebound in Southern Nevada following strong Democratic gains in the 2026 midterm elections. U.S. Rep. Dina Titus and Nevada Gov.-elect Aaron Ford, along with other government officials and local leaders, rally with the Culinary Union on Election Day in Las Vegas at the union’s headquarters.
Texas Lt. Gov.-Elect Vikki Goodwin Signals Support for Casinos
When interviewed by Casino.org in September 2025, Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D-Travis County) was considered an underdog candidate for lieutenant governor. At the time, she indicated plans to challenge three-term incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick by taking contrasting policy positions, including a potential openness to resort casinos and sports betting. Texas Lt. Gov-Elect Vikki Goodwin rallies ahead of the 2026 election on Oct. 21 in Houston.
Nebraska Sports Betting Remains In-Person After Online Referendums Fail
Sports betting in Nebraska will remain limited to in-person wagers at the state’s licensed racetrack casinos after voters opposed two ballot measures during the 2026 midterms. Nebraska’s beloved Cornhuskers football program. Nebraska sports betting remains limited to retail sportsbooks at casinos. (Image: Getty) On Election Day (Nov. 3), Nebraskans faced Initiative Measures 440 and 441. The first question asked voters to amend the Nebraska Constitution to allow online sports gambling.
Indiana Casino Referendums Soundly Rejected in All Three Counties
A casino will not be coming to Northeast Indiana after voters in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties overwhelmingly rejected local referendums asking them to authorize slot machines, table games, and sports betting. Indiana voters, Ashley Tole (left) and her husband, Adam, cast their selections. Indiana casino referendums in Allen, DeKalb, and Steuben counties were rejected on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026.
Modo Sweepstakes Casino Bets on Prediction Market With ‘Super Gaming App’
Sweepstakes casino platform Modo is venturing into prediction markets through a new all-in-one mobile gaming app. Modo Casino is rolling out a new app that combines sweepstakes casino, arcade games, digital collectibles, and prediction markets into one platform. Modo is the latest sweeps gaming operator to venture into prediction markets. (Image: Modo Casino/Instagram) Miami-based ARB Interactive announced Monday (Nov. 2) a new app for Modo.
Election Day 2026: Prediction Markets and Traditional Polls Forecast Blue Wave
Driven by declining voter approval for President Donald Trump, persistent economic concerns, and mounting opposition to the conflict in Iran, the 2026 midterm elections are expected to bring a political reckoning for Republicans and a blue wave for Democrats. Both prediction markets and polling models project major congressional gains for Democrats. Voters in Maine cast their ballots at the South Portland Community Center on Nov. 3, 2026.
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Casino Settles Data Breach for $1.5M
Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin, Nev., will set aside at least $1.5 million to compensate staff and patrons impacted by a July 2024 cyberattack. Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino in Laughlin was hit by a cyberattack in July 2024. The property, founded by the late gaming pioneer, confirmed that personal information for more than 51,000 customers and employees was compromised.
Bankruptcy Judge Blocks Papaya Gaming From Moving Assets Offshore After CEO Testimony
A federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware has barred Papaya Gaming from transferring assets outside the United States as the company undergoes debt restructuring in Israel. A federal bankruptcy court judge in Delaware has ordered Papaya Gaming Inc. to stop moving money from its US accounts offshore. Papaya Gaming Inc.’s parent company is Papaya Gaming Ltd., an entity based in Israel.
Victory Casino Cruises Disputes $791K Shipyard Bill Anchoring Extended Dry Dock
Victory Casino Cruises has confirmed that the extended dry dock of its lone vessel, Victory I, stems from a lawsuit against the company claiming it owes nearly $791,000 to a shipyard in South Carolina. But the Port Canaveral casino cruise ship operator says the civil litigation stems from a “contractual dispute.” An aerial view of Victory I, a Florida casino cruise ship, docked at Port Canaveral in February 2022.
Trans Lawmaker Blames ‘Acute Psychiatric Distress’ for Doctoring Passport to Gamble
Britain’s first transgender lawmaker has struck a plea deal to resolve a claim that she altered an image of her passport so she could gamble online. Former MP Katie Wallis, formerly known as Jamie Wallis, has pleaded guilty to a Computer Misuse Act charge. Wallis said she altered an image of her photograph to gain access to gamble online. (Image: Wales News Service) Katie Wallis is a former member of parliament (MP) who represented Bridgend in Wales from January 2019 until May 2024.
North Carolina House Candidate Sues PAC Over Illegal Gambling Claim
Sanford City Councilor Charles Taylor (R) has served in local government for nearly two decades. As he seeks election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in Tuesday’s race, Taylor has labeled a campaign ad a smear piece regarding his alleged ties to an illegal gambling operation. Charles Taylor is pictured in the Sanford City Council’s 2026 photograph.
Macau Casino Slump Continues Despite Boost From Golden Week and NBA China Games
Macau casino revenue remained sluggish in October, marking the region’s fifth consecutive month of year-over-year decline. An aerial photograph of Galaxy Macau on the Cotai Strip. Macau casino revenue was 10% lower in October 2026, marking the Chinese gambling hub’s fifth straight monthly loss. Analysts aren’t expecting a quick turnaround, but remain optimistic long term. (Image: Shutterstock) The city’s gaming regulator reported on Sunday (Nov.
NCAA Joins Bad Actor Program to Crack Down on Harassment From Sports Bettors
The NCAA is joining the Bad Actor Program, an initiative from sports integrity and data intelligence firms IC360 and Signify Group designed to identify and address online abuse targeted at college athletics. An Iowa fan yells in the final minutes of a college football game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Oct. 18, 2025, at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. The NCAA is partnering with the Bad Actor Program to limit abuse and harassment of student-athletes.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins Urges Parents to Talk to Their Kids About Gambling
DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins thinks parents share the responsibility of keeping children away from gambling, alongside the broader gaming industry and his $10 billion company. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins thinks parents should maintain “transparent” relationships with their children, where no topic is off limits. That includes discussing gambling and sports betting.
Tommy Tuberville Won’t Stop Alabama Gambling Push But Divided Legislature Lengthens Odds
Republican Tommy Tuberville says if he’s elected governor of Alabama, he would not stand in the way of a push to legalize gambling. A divided state legislature, however, might. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Republican Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville during a campaign rally in the Mitchell Center at the University of South Alabama on Oct. 2, 2026, in Mobile.
Polymarket Confirms Suspicious Trading on Israeli Election
Polymarket is probing whether insider trading compromised markets centered on the Israeli election and how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would fare in the Oct. 27 contest. A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, during the Israeli election on Oct. 27, 2026. Suspicious trading surrounding the election on Polymarket has prompted an investigation by the prediction market platform.
Victory Casino Cruise Ship Extended Dry Dock Anchored by Alleged $791K Debt
On Sept. 30, Casino.org reported that Victory Casino Cruises in Florida had furloughed its entire staff because of a longer-than-expected dry dock of its lone vessel, Victory I. There’s apparently much more to the story. An aerial view of Victory I, a Florida casino cruise ship, docked at Port Canaveral in February 2022. Victory Casino Cruises says its casino cruise ship is undergoing an extended dry dock. A shipyard says Victory is behind on almost $800,000 in bills.
Las Vegas Unemployment Rate Ranks 328th Out of 387 US Metros
The Las Vegas unemployment rate held steady at 4.8% in September, unchanged from August but down sharply from 5.7% in September 2025. Despite the year-over-year improvement, Las Vegas continues to experience one of the highest metropolitan unemployment rates nationwide. The exterior of the Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip is pictured in a stock photograph. Unemployment remained high in September 2026 in the Las Vegas metropolitan statistical area.
Ocean Casino Resort Demands $1.5M From Atlantic City for July Fire Damages
Ocean Casino Resort is seeking $1.5 million from Atlantic City, alleging the local fire department was negligent in its handling of a July blaze at the Boardwalk property. An aerial view of Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on Oct. 8, 2022. Ocean plans to sue the City of Atlantic City over a July 2026 fire at the Boardwalk property. (Image: Shutterstock) The Boardwalk property notified the Atlantic City Council this week of a forthcoming claim regarding the July 27 incident.
NFL Forced Eagles RB Saquon Barkley to Sell Stake in Prediction Market Polymarket
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley broke the news this week that NFL players are not allowed to own a stake in prediction markets. Saquon Barkley celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 26, 2026. Barkley was an investor in Polymarket, a prediction market that trades sports event contracts.
Tight Slots Lift Las Vegas Strip Gaming Revenue Despite Flat Tourism
Gaming revenue on the Las Vegas Strip made gains in September despite stagnant tourism numbers. Gamblers play slot machines at a Las Vegas casino in a file photograph. Tighter slots on the Las Vegas Strip helped push September gaming revenue positive. (Image: Shutterstock) The Nevada Gaming Control Board reports that gross gaming revenue (GGR) on the Strip totaled $693.5 million last month, representing a 0.8% increase over September 2025.
Rutgers: 43% of Adolescents Gamble and Many Meet Problem Gambling Criteria
Researchers at the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University are sounding the alarm over adolescent gambling, estimating that nearly 43% of U.S. children aged 13 to 17 have gambled within the past year. The Rutgers University campus in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in autumn. Rutgers’ Center for Gambling Studies says the expansion of gambling has increased gambling among adolescents.
Star Entertainment Fined A$260M Over Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Failures
A federal court in Australia has ordered The Star Entertainment Group to pay A$260 million (US$183 million) for breaching laws regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF). The Star Brisbane casino resort is pictured in Queensland, Australia, in November 2025. The Star Entertainment has been fined A$260 million by a federal court. (Image: Shutterstock) Handing down his decision on Wednesday (Oct.
New York Sports Betting Handle Climbs in Face of Prediction Market Competition
New York sports betting handle continues to grow despite claims from the regulated gambling industry that sports prediction markets are siphoning away business. A billboard at Madison Square Garden features actor Jamie Foxx promoting the BetMGM Sportsbook. Sports betting handle in New York continues to expand, despite concerns about prediction markets stealing play. (Image: Shutterstock) The New York State Gaming Commission reports that sports bettors risked more than $2.4 billion in September.
Prince George’s Authorizes $215M Public Financing Package for $1.4B Sphere National Harbor
Prince George’s County in Maryland has committed $215 million to support the construction of the $1.4 billion Sphere National Harbor, banking on strong long-term economic returns in exchange for the public financing. A rendering of Sphere National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Sphere Entertainment is calling the proposed $1.4 billion venue a “mini Sphere” compared with the Las Vegas counterpart. (Image: Sphere Entertainment) On Tuesday (Oct.
No Cash? No Problem: Light & Wonder Installs First Cashless Slot Machines in Nevada
Light & Wonder (L&W) is joining the cashless gaming trend by deploying its first slot machines equipped with pay-by-bank technology. A screengrab of a Light & Wonder marketing video promoting its RapidPlay pay-by-bank technology in 2024. The gaming manufacturer placed its first cashless slot machines on a Nevada casino floor in October 2026. (Image: LinkedIn/Casino.org) L&W first announced its RapidPlay cashless gaming solution in 2024.
Flock License Plate Readers Lead Missouri Police to Suspects in $151K Casino Heist
Missouri authorities have praised the state’s Flock license plate reader network for enabling the swift capture of two suspects involved in the theft of more than $151,000 from a Buchanan County gaming property on Sunday morning, Oct. 25. A Flock license plate reader monitors traffic in Flat Rock, Mich. Police in Missouri say Flock camera helped locate two suspects allegedly involved in a high-stakes casino robbery.
No Bonuses, No Prop Bets, No VIP Programs: Pennsylvania Bill Targets Online Gambling
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have introduced legislation designed to better regulate the state’s rapidly growing online gambling sector through enhanced consumer protection measures. A DraftKings Sportsbook advertisement is seen on the rail platform of the 15th Street Station in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation to place new regulations on online gambling and mobile sports betting platforms.
NCPG Names Interim Director to Guide Group Through Prediction Markets Crisis
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has hired a consulting firm specializing in governance and strategic operations to help navigate an internal crisis sparked by its recent embrace of prediction markets. Charles H. Jeffers II has been named interim executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. His appointment comes at a key time for the national nonprofit, as the organization faces a crisis for embracing prediction markets.
Graffiti on Bally’s Chicago Hotel Tower Paints Picture of Stalled Worksite
Construction on the 34-story Bally’s Chicago hotel abruptly ground to a halt on Aug. 9. With the worksite abandoned, graffiti soon covered the tower’s upper floors. More than two months later, the tags remain a visible symbol of the stalled project intended to help solve Chicago’s pension shortfall. Graffiti is seen on the top floors of the unfinished Bally’s Chicago hotel tower in late August 2026. Construction on the 34-story structure was halted on Aug. 9.
Betting on the Fairway: How Tribal Casinos Won Big in Golfweek’s Latest Rankings
Golfweek’s 2026 ranking of top casino golf courses once again highlights Native American tribes’ commitment to world-class championship golf destinations. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club’s Saguaro Course is ranked No. 6 on Golfweek’s top 50 casino golf courses list. Many tribal casino golf courses provide exceptional value compared with commercial resort casino golf courses. (Image: We-Ko-Pa Golf Club) Despite its name, Golfweek is published monthly, recapping the biggest stories from the game.
Louisiana Lawsuit Alleges DraftKings and FanDuel Use AI to Prey on Problem Gamblers
A Louisiana lawsuit accuses DraftKings and FanDuel of using tech-driven data on their mobile sports betting apps to deliberately target and exploit problem gamblers. FanDuel and DraftKings have been named in a proposed class-action lawsuit in Louisiana on allegations that their mobile sports betting apps are defective. The complaint alleges that sportsbooks don’t adequately warn consumers about the addictive nature of the platforms.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: US Enemies Monitor Prediction Markets for Intelligence
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned military members and department personnel that using nonpublic information on prediction markets is not only illegal but poses national security risks. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth greets British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting at the Pentagon on Oct. 15, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia. Hegseth has reminded department personnel that they cannot trade military event contracts on prediction markets. (Image: Getty) In a letter dated Oct.
Resorts World Opens New York City’s First High-Roller Table Game Room
Resorts World New York City has opened the International Room, an exclusive, high-limit table games area. Players in Resorts World New York City’s newly opened International Room play high-stakes blackjack. The VIP area opened in Queens on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. (Image: Resorts World New York City) The International Room made history as New York City’s first legal high-stakes casino table game venue.
Encore Boston Harbor Accuses Unions of Ignoring Proposal; Teamsters, UNITE HERE Push Back
Encore Boston Harbor and its two workers’ unions—Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26—agree on one point: they want to end the strike approaching Day 50 as quickly as possible. However, the two sides remain at odds over who is responsible for the contract stalemate. UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 members walk the picket line outside Encore Boston Harbor. Wynn Resorts claims it’s had a fair contract offer on the table for a month, but the two unions have not responded to the offer.
Philadelphia Police Search for Armed Robbers Who Ambushed Woman at Live! Casino
Police in Philadelphia are searching for armed suspects who allegedly ambushed a woman in the parking garage of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is pictured in a file photograph taken on Aug. 15, 2026. Philadelphia police are searching for armed suspects who allegedly robbed a woman of $4,000 in the casino’s parking garage on Oct. 22, 2026.
George Norcross Buying Trump Plaza Has Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson ‘Ecstatic’
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is a “proud Republican,” but when it comes to bettering Atlantic City, the longtime official puts politics aside. That was evident this week with the revelation that South Jersey power broker George Norcross—one of the Democratic Party’s most influential operatives in the Garden State—is the buyer of the former Trump Plaza casino resort on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. A file photograph from 1994 shows the Trump Plaza marquee in Atlantic City.
Virginia Senator Who Calls Herself the ‘Casino Queen’ Indicted on Federal Charges
Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), the state’s self-described “Casino Queen,” has been indicted on federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas reads to bring the state Senate to order ahead of Abigail Spanberger’s swearing-in on Jan. 17, 2026. Lucas has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly running an illegal marijuana business and laundering money. (Image: L.
PA Problem Gambling Caucus: ‘Drug of Choice Is No Longer Marijuana or Meth. It Sits in Your Pocket’
The newly established Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Caucus has declared war on gambling addiction, comparing the severity of the crisis to ongoing challenges in combating illicit drug use. Pennsylvania Sen. Joe Picozzi announces the Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Caucus at the Capitol Media Center in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. The Problem Gambling Caucus will begin meeting in January 2027 to push responsible gambling initiatives in the General Assembly. (Image: Sen.
Ohio Targets Prediction Markets, Orders Licensed Sportsbooks to Comply
Licensed sportsbooks operating in Ohio risk jeopardizing their state licenses if they facilitate or offer prediction market trading on sporting events, gaming regulators warned. The Guardians of Traffic sandstone statues are pictured on the Hope Memorial Bridge in Cleveland. Ohio gaming regulators are warning online sportsbooks to immediately cease all prediction market services related to sports event contracts. (Image: Shutterstock) In a letter dated Oct.
Jack in the Box Manager Admits Stealing $232K to Feed Gambling Addiction
A former Jack in the Box manager admitted in a California court this week that he stole more than $232,000 from the fast-food restaurant to cover his gambling debts. A Jack in the Box is pictured on Sept. 12, 2020, in Redondo Beach, Calif. A former manager of a Jack in the Box in Redwood City stole over $232K during a seven-month period to gamble. (Image: Shutterstock) On Oct. 20, Juan Jose Antonio Vanegas, 30, pleaded no contest to felony embezzlement by an employee.
Laughlin Buoys Easygoing Image with ‘Keep It Floaty’ Campaign
Laughlin has set sail on a new marketing campaign that highlights the Colorado River resort town’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Titled “Keep It Floaty,” the ads promote the area’s laid-back vibe and easygoing approach with “decidedly unexpected twists on quintessential Laughlin.” “Keep It Floaty” is the new marketing campaign for Laughlin. The riverside tourism town is catering to travelers seeking a more laid-back vibe than Las Vegas.
‘The Talk’ Isn’t Just About Sex Anymore—Parents Urged to Address Gambling
Having “the talk” is a milestone for every parent. But as digital betting saturates smartphone screens and sports broadcasts, traditional conversations about sex and safety now need to include the risks of online gambling. A mother comforts her daughter during a conversation. Responsible gambling advocates are calling on parents and caregivers to include gambling in “the talk” with their children.
New Jersey Now Requires Online Gaming Operators to Proactively Identify Problem Gamblers
New Jersey is strengthening its consumer safeguards for online gambling by mandating that iGaming and mobile sportsbook platforms regularly assess patrons and intervene with those exhibiting possible signs of problem gambling. A welcome sign greets motorists driving into New Jersey. State officials have amended online gaming regulations to require iGaming and mobile sportsbook platforms to proactively identify gamblers exhibiting possible problem gambling behaviors.
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