The DOJ’s new Wire Act opinion has created a cloud of uncertainty over the US gambling industry. The highly controversial opinion overturns one from 2011 which limited the scope of the Wire Act to sports betting. Under the new interpretation, the 1961 federal law extends to all forms of online gambling. According to one of the most distinguished gaming lawyers in the world, the new opinion is highly flawed, and any attempt at strict enforcement would dismantle not only the online gambling industries in several states, but possibly state lotteries and the horse racing industry. Online Poker Report had the…

State legislators are to hold hearings this week on a bill that could legalize Washington State sports betting after decades of it being banned. House Bill 1975, sponsored by Majority Caucus Chair Eric Pettigrew (D) and seven others, calls for professional and college sports wagering to be legalized within tribal gaming facilities. The bill, introduced last Friday, also calls for the legalization of online sports gaming within those same tribal facilities — which would represent a significant shift for the nation’s only state where any form of internet gambling is currently a Class C felony. At least one regulator predicts…

Lawmakers are considering a bill that could lead to Texas sports betting regulation for both online and mobile. Introduced by Representative Eddie Lucio III, H 1725 would make a total of five permits available in the state. Each permit would be designated with two skins. These permits would each cost $250,000, while operators that secure approval would pay 6.25% in tax on their sports betting handle. This would be collected on a monthly basis. Should the bill pass, players in Texas would be able to place bets on professional sports events, as well as US college sports competitions, with the exception…

Don’t look now, but here comes even more sports betting at the Hard Rock Atlantic City! The casino received permission from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to begin so-called “soft-play” testing of equipment and systems for online sports betting, and did so last week. It is likely to be the last Atlantic City casino to join the sports book race. Hard Rock will be the eighth of the city’s nine casinos to offer sports betting. Caesars does not have it, but its customers are served by the sports book at its neighboring sister property, Bally’s. For more information…

The New York Gaming Commission on Monday approved a set of proposed sports betting regulations for four existing upstate casinos, potentially setting the stage for the launch of legalized sports gambling in the Empire State. The comprehensive regulations address a wide range of gaming issues from tax and compliance requirements to sports pool licensing guidelines, as well as broad wagering restrictions. The main takeaway from Monday’s meeting, however, centers on a provision that was not discussed. The regulations do not include any guidelines for mobile sports betting, a subject that has garnered intense debate within the state as New York…

At most casinos next week, football fans will gather for “the big game.” And for the first time ever, Caesars Super Bowl parties will be hosted at 15 properties nationwide . The company will break out 16,000 Super Bowl shirts and hats, NFL wall decor and ice sculptures, wristbands, cookies and all sorts of gear featuring the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams logos. It’s all a result of Caesars’ surprising Jan. 3 announcement of a first-ever national casino agreement with the NFL. The multiyear agreement gives Caesars the right to use NFL marks and logos in casino promotions….