There apparently is nothing in Illinois’ gambling law that prohibits video gambling malls — a concept that may place as many as nine independently operated “casino cafes” in one location in the Southland. I mentioned in a previous column that the mayors of two suburbs are ready to welcome with open arms the idea of converting two strip malls in their towns. Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta and Hometown Mayor Kevin Casey have discussed the plans with developers, who want to lease the storefronts to multiple owners of gambling cafes. The businesses resemble coffee shops but serve liquor and are each…

California online poker has quite the full house when it comes to legalization According to the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, there are 89 cardrooms in 32 counties in California, and of the 110 federally recognized tribes in the state, 58 of them run 60 casinos — many of which have poker rooms. Even so, there is still a big pot of money left on the table when you consider California online poker, a game that’s currently not legal in California. Only New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware have legalized Internet poker for now. Efforts to legalize web poker have been ongoing…

Video games hold more interest for the current generation than slot machines. These games of skill usually end in bragging rights only, but Nevada is trying to find a way to bring gambling to the new generation. High scores could start paying out for the best video game players in casinos, according to a June 30, 2015 reveal. Plans to offer arcade video games with winnings paid out for the gamblers skills are currently in the works. Nevadans are working towards regulations to make the changes happen. A bill with rules is being drafted and will be handed to the…

American Gaming Association (AGA) Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Rayme issued the following statement after the California Supreme Court ruled that Internet sweepstakes cafes are illegal: “Today’s ruling affirms what we already knew: Internet sweepstakes cafes are illegal entities that should be shut down. In stark contrast to the legal, highly regulated casino gaming industry – a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $38 billion in taxes across 40 states – illegal gambling operations, such as Internet sweepstakes cafes, fund violent crimes and drug and human trafficking, prey on consumers and don’t pay a penny…

Ladbrokes has opted to delay a planned business review presentation due to the ongoing talks over a possible merger with rival operator Gala Coral. As reported by iGaming Business, both parties confirmed last week that they had begun discussions over the possibility of merging to form a larger operation. The proposed deal would involve Ladbrokes and Gala Coral-operated Coral Retail, Eurobet Retail and the company’s online business. Ladbrokes was due to make a business review presentation of its own tomorrow (Tuesday), but has now opted to defer this until further notice. Upon announcing the delay, the bookmaker also confirmed that…

While the casino world focuses on fighting an IRS plan to track slot jackpots starting at $600, a little-noticed companion proposal would benefit gamblers, a tax expert says. The proposed change in Internal Revenue Service procedure would establish a “playing session” concept, which could allow players to report less gambling income on their tax return than what is listed on a W2-G the casino issues to jackpot winners and the IRS. “The IRS is actually doing something that’s taxpayer-friendly with the session method,” says Marissa Chien, co-author of “Tax Help for Gamblers” (Huntington Press) and president of Advantage Tax Plus…