This Week in Gambling

The race for downstate New York casino licenses has reached a critical stage as eight bidders submitted their final applications by the June 27 deadline. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to issue up to three licenses later this year, with developers competing for a share of what analysts estimate could be a $4.4 billion annual market. Among the high-profile bids is Freedom Plaza, a project by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan. Their proposal includes an $11 billion mixed-use development in Midtown Manhattan with a casino built beneath a five-acre public park, over 1,300 housing units—nearly…

What are bespoke games in Las Vegas? They are unique and hard to find! In fact, you might not see them anywhere other than Las Vegas! This week we’re taking a look at some of these custom games across Sin City, including slots machines, table games, and even horse racing!   Bespoke games are the unicorns of Las Vegas, creating unique, memorable experiences. But gaming in Nevada is so heavily regulated that these games are not always easy to locate. That’s where we come in. Over the years, many bespoke games in Las Vegas have come and gone. Red Dog…

A bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House aims to regulate casino skill games by establishing a licensing system without adding new taxes. Representative Kerry Benninghoff’s proposal seeks to formalize the operation of these machines while maintaining the current tax framework. The legislation would grandfather existing skill-game terminals and require licensing fees for distributors, operators, and venues. Initial fees would be set at $50,000 for distributors, $5,000 for operators, and $250 for venues. Renewal fees would decrease over time. The state Department of Revenue would oversee and regulate casino skill games, including setting limits on the number and types of machines…

Las Vegas fireworks displays will light up Sin City this Fourth of July, as Caesars Palace and the Plaza Casino host some of the best pyrotechnics in the Valley. The celebrations will begin at 9 p.m., with the Strip expected to sparkle from multiple vantage points. The Plaza’s fireworks presentation marks a tradition in the city’s urban core. The public can gather on Main Street and nearby sidewalks to view the display at no cost. Guests also have the option to purchase rooftop pool deck access for an enhanced view of the pyrotechnics. Caesars Palace will handle the Las Vegas…

Lawmakers have approved legislation that will eliminate the Rhode Island casino smoking exemption which has allowed indoor smoking on gaming floors. The new measure amends the state’s Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to include casinos, requiring them to become smoke-free by July 1, 2027. The bill, sponsored by Representative V. Susan Sosnowski, allows casinos to construct enclosed, separately ventilated smoking rooms where no gaming will take place. The move comes after years of debate, with casino workers and health advocates pushing for equal workplace protections. The Rhode Island casino smoking legislation includes a phased timeline to give casino operators…

Delta Air Lines has begun surveying its passengers to assess potential interest in inflight sports betting. The move signals the airline’s exploration of offering betting services while in the air, a concept that has gained attention as carriers look for new ways to boost ancillary revenue. The survey, distributed to select passengers, asks questions about betting preferences, sports interests, and willingness to wager during a flight. It also explores how passengers currently engage with sports betting, and whether they would be open to using their mobile devices for real-money wagers while traveling. Legal and technical considerations, including jurisdictional compliance and…