William Hill has announced that it is to withdraw its various services from the Romanian market due to recent regulatory developments in the country. In a correspondence issued to customers and affiliates in the country, the bookmaker said that its products will no longer be made available to players in Romania from June 2. The bookmaker has also instructed all affiliates to remove marketing materials such as banners and text links that relate to Romanian punters. However, William Hill did hint that it may return to the Romanian market in the future, saying it was “confident” that it will have…

Gaming and hospitality firm MGM Resorts International has announced that its MGM Grand Detroit subsidiary has entered into a long-term agreement with NFL American football team the Detroit Lions. Under the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, the two parties will work together to build a luxurious space at the team’s Ford Field home stadium. The ‘MGM Grand Detroit Tunnel Club’ will accommodate more than 100 fans and guests of the casino during Lions’ home matches and stadium events. Those in attendance at the new facility will have access to an up-close view of Lions players leaving and…

A Louisiana bill that would legalize daily fantasy sports has met with opposition that threatens the bill’s future, at least for this legislative session. The bill from Rep. Joseph Lopinto — HB 475 — seeks to create a carveout in state law that differentiates playing fantasy sports from gambling. Legal Sports Report has learned that the Louisiana Family Forum and some brick-and-mortar gaming interests in the state have come out in opposition to the legislation. After relatively smooth sailing previously — it made it out of the state house with minimal opposition — the problems apparently began when the bill…

Irish independent bookmaker Boylesports has been granted permission to launch a challenge over Ladbrokes’ plans to restructure its business in Ireland, amidst talk of a possible takeover bid for the operation. As reported by iGaming Business, Boylesports last month was linked with a bid for Ladbrokes Ireland after the latter announced it was to undertake a review of its operations in the country following heavy losses in 2014. Ladbrokes has been working with High Court-appointed examiner Ken Fennel on a rescue plan that could lead to the closure of up to 60 of its betting shops in the country, which…

Amaya-owned online gaming brand PokerStars has launched its new internet sports betting service in the UK market. Powered by the PokerStars 7 software, the new operation was open in time for customers to place bets on Saturday’s English FA Cup final between Arsenal and Aston Villa. The service is currently only accepting bets on football, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, rugby union, volleyball and handball, but adverts on the site suggest that this will be expanded to other sports in the near future. Customers are able to access the sports betting service through the PokerStars 7 client on desktop as well…

Churchill Downs has entered into an agreement with card rooms Oceans 11 and Crystal Casino to partner for online poker should a bill pass to legalize and regulate the activity in California, OPR has learned. Terms and details of the deal are not available. The news comes as momentum continues to build for a regulated online poker bill in California, even as the larger political picture remains murky. Churchill, home to one of the few truly iconic brands in gaming – the Kentucky Derby – currently operates one of the leading online horse racing wagering sites in TwinSpires.com. The company…