Every Friday, Covers takes a look back at the week that was in the sports betting industry. With a collection of sports betting news and notes, we intend to cover all the bases.
Michigan issues 'suspension order' to TwinSpires
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) announced Thursday that it issued a summary suspension order to TwinSpires for violating gaming laws. Specifically, the order comes from the continued operation of advance deposit wagering after the state ordered the company cease such actions.
Advance deposit wagering must be tied to a live race and licensed track, but there no tracks in Michigan are currently licensed for live horse racing. Four operators have been ordered to stop conducting business with Michigan customers and only TwinSpires has failed to comply.
"On Dec. 23, the MGCB notified all licensed third-party facilitators to cease all ADW account wagering services for Michigan residents effective Jan. 1, 2025. Despite this directive, on Dec. 31, TwinSpires informed the Board that it would continue to offer account wagering for Michigan accounts, in violation of state law," said the MGCB.
The state has requested a virtual hearing with TwinSpires. Other fines and penalties could be imposed.
New York City’s Hudson Yards Casino proposal unanimously rejected by community board
Manhattan Community Board 4 has unanimously rejected Related Companies and Wynn Resorts’ proposed casino complex in Hudson Yards.
Estimated at $12 billion, the proposed casino complex, which includes an 80-story tower overlooking the Hudson River, would offer up to 35,000 union construction jobs and permanent jobs for more than 5,000 unionized employees. The proposal also includes a combination of market-rate and affordable housing, a public park, and a new K-8 school.
However, the local opposition has been stark. Thirty-nine community board members voted against the proposed project, while one abstained.
One reason for the unanimous vote is a reduction of Related Companies’ initially suggested housing units. When the initial agreement was forged in 2009, Related had offered 5,700 units within the casino complex. The latest proposal reduced the units to 1,500, of which 324 are considered affordable housing.
These changes partly spurred the creation of a petition opposing the Wynn project. As of Tuesday, the petition had 3,400 signatories.
“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis, and this plan takes away much needed housing,” said Alan van Capelle, executive director of Friends of the High Line. “There has to be better use for this land that’s owned by the people of New York than what’s being proposed.”
The next step for the Wynn project is an advisory vote with Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough president, before a public hearing as part of Manhattan’s land use review process.
Jackpot Digital enters New Mexico market
Jackpot Digital, a manufacturer of dealerless electronic game tables for land-based and cruise ship casinos, has announced the installation of two "Jackpot Blitz" poker Electronic Table Games (ETGs) at a New Mexico casino.
Located south of Albuquerque, Isleta Resort and Casino is one of the area’s premier gaming destinations. The land-based venue features more than 1,800 slot machines, 22 table games, a high-limit room, bingo games, and a retail BetMGM Sportsbook. Retail sports betting in New Mexico is growing, with Caesars Sportsbook opening in May 2024.
Isleta Resort and Casino is also known for its dining, shopping, golf, and entertainment options.
The new deal represents a milestone in Jackpot Digital’s expansion strategy in the Casino ETG market.
“We are excited to begin our partnership with Isleta Resort and Casino by providing them with our 'Jackpot Blitz' machines,” said Jake Kalpakian, president and CEO of Jackpot Digital. “This installation not only demonstrates the increasing demand for our innovative gaming machines but also solidifies our position as a leader in poker ETGs.”
Amid growing interest among casinos, the installation at Isleta Resort and Casino is the latest in a series of deployments that reflects Jackpot Digital’s continued effort to expand its foothold in the land-based and cruise ship casino marketplace. The company aims to cater to the dynamic needs of casino operators and players, and further deployments are expected as the company announces new orders and further installations in Canada, the United States, and other international jurisdictions.
Cover the Bases for Dec. 9-13
Cover the Bases for Dec. 2-6
Cover the Bases for Nov. 25-29
Cover the Bases for Nov. 18-22
