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Category: Betting

Texas Lawmaker Pushes for Constitutional Amendment on Sports Betting
A Texas lawmaker has taken a significant step toward legalizing sports betting in the state, introducing a proposed constitutional amendment that could put the decision directly in the hands of voters. If approved, Texans will have the chance to determine whether sports wagering should be legalized and regulated under state law.

A Step Toward Legalized Sports Betting

State Representative Sam Harless filed House Joint Resolution 134 on Wednesday, officially setting the stage for lawmakers to consider adding the measure to the ballot in the next election cycle. The proposed amendment aims to modify the Texas Constitution, clearing the way for a regulated sports betting framework.

If the legislature gives it the green light, Texans will vote on the issue on November 4, 2025. The amendment would authorize sports wagering through licensed partnerships with professional sports teams, Class 1 racetracks, and other state-approved operators.

Texas is one of the few large states that still bans sports betting, but pressure has been mounting from various corners to change that. The growing momentum behind legalization reflects shifting public attitudes, industry interests, and a desire to capitalize on potential tax revenue.

Strong Support from Texas Sports Industry

Major professional sports teams across Texas have thrown their weight behind the initiative, making it clear that they see sports betting as an opportunity rather than a threat. The Texas Sports Betting Alliance (TSBA), a coalition that includes teams, leagues, racetracks, and sportsbooks, has come out strongly in favor of Harless’ resolution.

“We appreciate Rep. Harless introducing this constitutional amendment,” said TSBA spokesperson Karina Kling. “Right now, unregulated sports betting is happening across the state, putting consumers at risk and costing Texas millions in lost tax revenue every year. It’s time to let Texans take control and decide if they want a strong, regulatory framework for sports betting—just like the 39 states that have already moved forward.”

The argument is straightforward: people in Texas are already betting on sports through unregulated channels, which means the state is missing out on tax revenue that could be used for public services. Legalizing sports betting would provide oversight, consumer protections, and a financial boost for Texas.

What Texans Think About Sports Betting

Public opinion appears to favor legalization. A University of Houston poll found that:

60% of Texans support online sports betting.

74% favor allowing destination resort casinos, which would further expand gambling options in the state.

These numbers suggest that a public vote on the issue could lead to sports betting becoming a reality in Texas. However, political challenges remain, and public opinion alone may not be enough to push the amendment through.

Political Roadblocks in the Texas Senate

Despite strong support from voters and sports industry stakeholders, the legislative path for sports betting remains uncertain. The Texas House has historically been more receptive to gambling expansion, but the Texas Senate presents a tougher challenge.

Governor Greg Abbott has expressed openness to letting voters decide, but Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who controls the Senate’s agenda, has been less enthusiastic. Patrick has repeatedly stated that he won’t bring gambling legislation to the Senate floor unless it has strong backing from Republican lawmakers.

For sports betting to appear on the 2025 ballot, it must clear the legislature with a two-thirds majority in both chambers—a high bar that will require significant Republican support.

The Economic Argument for Sports Betting

While moral and political debates continue, the economic case for legalization is hard to ignore. Texas is already losing out on millions in potential tax revenue as residents turn to illegal betting markets or travel to neighboring states where sports gambling is allowed.

A report from GeoComply, a company specializing in geolocation security, revealed that:

Nearly 1.5 million geolocation checks were recorded in Texas in November 2024.

These checks indicate a high level of interest in online sports betting, despite current prohibitions.

Other states that have embraced sports betting, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, have generated hundreds of millions in tax revenue from the industry. Texas, with its massive population and strong sports culture, could become one of the most lucrative sports betting markets in the country.

What Happens Next?

With House Joint Resolution 134 now in play, lawmakers will have to decide whether to let voters weigh in on the issue. The debate will likely intensify in the coming months as supporters and opponents of legalized sports betting make their cases.

If Texas lawmakers give the go-ahead, the decision will ultimately rest with the people. Given the strong public support and growing industry backing, the odds of sports betting becoming legal in Texas are better than ever—but the final outcome is still uncertain.
February 14, 2025
New York Senate Committee Greenlights Sports Betting Expansion
A New York Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that could significantly widen the state’s sports betting options, opening the door for a broader range of wagers, including proposition bets and bets on major sports awards. The move signals a push to further capitalize on the booming betting market, but it also comes amid growing national concerns over sports integrity.

Expanded Betting Options on the Table

Senate Bill 2616, spearheaded by Senator Joseph Addabbo, would introduce new betting opportunities for gamblers across the state. If passed, it would allow:
- In-game and season-long proposition bets
- Wagers on coin tosses
- Betting on future team and individual honors, such as the Heisman Trophy and NFL MVP
Currently, New York prohibits betting on sports awards, placing it alongside states like Colorado, Massachusetts, and Virginia, which have similar restrictions. Addabbo believes this expansion will boost “an already successful” online sports betting market, which has been a massive revenue generator for the state.

The bill must now pass through the full Senate and the House before landing on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval.

National Concerns Over Proposition Bets

While New York considers expansion, the issue of proposition bets—especially on individual college athletes—has been under increasing scrutiny. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been vocal in his opposition, calling for a nationwide ban.

“Prop bets continue to threaten the integrity of competition and lead to student-athletes and professional athletes getting harassed,” Baker said in a recent statement.

Several states, including Louisiana, Ohio, and Maryland, have already banned proposition bets on college athletes in response to concerns about match-fixing and potential threats to players. New York’s bill does not directly address college prop bets, but the broader conversation is likely to influence future discussions.

New York’s Sports Betting Boom Continues

Despite these concerns, New York’s sports betting industry is thriving. The state reported an all-time high of $22.6 billion in total wagers in 2024, the largest betting handle in U.S. history. That translated into $2 billion in operator revenue and more than $1 billion in tax revenue for the state.

The momentum carried into January 2025, which set a new monthly record with $2.5 billion in total handle and $247 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR)—the biggest single-month performance since the state launched online sports betting in 2022.

With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that lawmakers are eager to expand the industry further.

Online Casino Push Gains Momentum

Alongside sports betting expansion, Senator Addabbo is also leading the charge to legalize online casinos in New York through Senate Bill 2614. The bill proposes a regulated online gaming market with key provisions, including:
- Licensing eligibility for casinos, video lottery terminal (VLT) parlors, sportsbooks, and tribal operators
- A $2 million license fee for land-based casino operators
- A $10 million fee for independent contractors running online platforms
A previous attempt to legalize online casinos failed last year, but Addabbo remains optimistic about this latest effort. Supporters argue that legalizing online casinos could further boost state revenue, though opponents cite regulatory challenges and concerns over problem gambling.

Next Steps for SB 2616

The sports betting bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote, followed by consideration in the House. If both chambers approve, it will head to Governor Hochul’s desk for final ratification.

At the same time, lawmakers are weighing the potential benefits and risks of online casino expansion. The debate over gambling regulations in New York is far from over, and the coming months could shape the future of the industry.
February 14, 2025
Connecticut Bill Proposes Legalizing In-Flight Sports Betting
Airline passengers flying in and out of Connecticut could soon have the option to place sports bets mid-flight if a new legislative proposal gains traction. The bill, introduced by State Rep. Christopher Rosario (D), would make Connecticut the first state to legalize in-flight sports wagering, adding a new dimension to the state’s booming betting industry.

A New Frontier for Sports Betting

Rosario’s Bill 6051 seeks to legalize sports betting on flights that either take off from or land in Connecticut. With 38 states and Washington, D.C., already offering some form of regulated sports wagering, the legislator believes that adding in-flight options could generate additional revenue for the state.

“Betting has become big business in the state of Connecticut, and if this takes off—literally, no pun intended—let’s be there to capture some of that revenue,” Rosario said.

Connecticut’s sports betting market has grown rapidly since it was legalized in 2021. The state has already seen over $5 billion wagered, with December 2023 setting a record $243.7 million handle, a 36% year-over-year increase. Adding in-flight betting could further boost those numbers, attracting travelers looking for entertainment options in the air.

How Would It Work?

Under the proposed law, sports bets could be placed on commercial airline flights that either begin or end in Connecticut. The Connecticut Lottery, which already runs a partnership with Fanatics for sports betting in the state, could potentially extend its services to air travel.

Two of the state’s Native American tribes, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan, also operate legal sports betting platforms with online partners. Whether they would be involved in the in-flight betting operations remains to be seen.

A key provision of the bill includes directing 1% of all in-flight sports betting revenue to Connecticut’s public education system, benefiting both rural and urban school districts.

Federal Law Could Be an Obstacle

While the bill is ambitious, legal hurdles could stand in the way. The Gambling Devices Act of 1962 prohibits gambling on U.S. flights, which could complicate implementation. However, with evolving gambling laws and an increasing push for legalization across multiple states, some lawmakers see an opportunity to challenge or amend these restrictions.

Delta Airlines recently struck a deal with DraftKings to feature betting-related content on its in-flight entertainment system. However, real-money wagers remain off-limits. If Connecticut moves forward with its proposal, it could push airlines and regulators to reconsider the current stance on gambling at 30,000 feet.

Broader Gambling Policy Changes on the Horizon

Rosario’s bill is just one of several gambling-related proposals under discussion in Connecticut. Other potential changes include:

Allowing betting on Connecticut NCAA teams (currently prohibited)

Giving operators the ability to correct betting errors

Allowing users to opt out of certain sports or wagering types

If these proposals advance, Connecticut could further solidify its status as a major player in the sports betting industry, drawing even more interest from operators and bettors alike.

The debate over in-flight betting is just beginning, but one thing is clear—states are getting creative in their efforts to expand sports wagering and capture new revenue streams.
February 13, 2025
UK Online Gambling Revenue Surges 21% in Q3 to $1.91 Billion
The UK’s gambling industry had a blockbuster third quarter in 2024, with online gaming revenues hitting new highs. Fresh data from the UK Gambling Commission paints a picture of a thriving sector, but also raises questions about betting habits and regulation.

Online Gambling Hits Record Highs

Online betting operators had a stellar quarter, with Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) jumping 21% year-on-year to £1.54 billion ($1.91 billion). That’s the highest figure ever recorded for the sector.

More people placed bets than before, with the total number of wagers and spins increasing 8% to 25.9 billion. At the same time, the number of active online accounts climbed 10% to 4.4 million per month. These numbers suggest more users are engaging with digital gambling, with operators benefiting from increased activity.

Online Slots Lead the Growth

One of the biggest drivers of this surge was online slots, which saw a 15% rise in GGY to £709 million. Players were more active than ever, spinning the reels 9% more often, totaling 23.9 billion spins.

But it’s not just the number of bets that increased. Players are spending longer sessions at the virtual slots, with the average session time ticking up to 18 minutes. Sessions that lasted over an hour climbed 6% to 10.4 million, a number that may raise concerns for regulators monitoring problem gambling.

Betting Revenues Climb Despite Fewer Wagers

Online real event betting—mostly covering sports—delivered an even bigger revenue boost, surging 38% to £647 million, the highest level since Q2 2021. However, the number of actual bets placed fell 7%, and active monthly accounts dropped 3%.

Why the revenue spike despite fewer bets? Industry insiders suggest bookmaker-friendly results may have been at play, meaning more bettors lost their wagers than usual. When sportsbooks experience favorable outcomes, their margins increase even if fewer bets are placed.

Brick-and-Mortar Betting Shops See Modest Growth

The UK’s physical betting shops also saw gains, with GGY up 5% to £592 million. However, this growth came despite a 4% drop in total bets and spins to 3.1 billion.

A closer look at the data reveals some key shifts:

Over-the-counter (OTC) betting GGY rose 4% to £160 million, though the number of bets placed dropped 3% to 130 million.

Self-Service Betting Terminals (SSBT) usage climbed 2%, but revenue from these terminals soared 32% to £153 million, a record-breaking figure.

Machine gaming took a hit, with GGY falling 5% to £280 million. The average spend per session dipped slightly to £12.28, suggesting a possible change in player behavior.

Player Interactions on Safer Gambling Rise

As gambling activity increases, so does scrutiny. The report highlighted a 23% rise in safer gambling interactions, with 3.5 million player interactions recorded. The majority came through automated systems, but direct operator interactions also grew 12%, likely due to improved harm detection measures.

In the retail sector, the percentage of machine gaming sessions lasting over an hour rose to 2.73%, up from 2.48% a year ago. This slight uptick might raise concerns about potential problem gambling trends, especially as regulators tighten rules around responsible gaming.

Data Limitations and Regulatory Concerns

The Gambling Commission cautioned that its data covers about 80% of the UK gambling market, meaning actual figures could be even higher. The report also noted that some trends may have been influenced by operator reporting changes, particularly in online slots, where one operator reclassified some products into the slot category.

Still, the broader picture remains clear: the UK gambling sector is growing fast, particularly online. As revenue climbs, so will regulatory pressures. The industry is likely to face closer scrutiny in the coming months, especially around consumer protection measures and potential problem gambling risks.
February 11, 2025
China Shuts Down 4,500 Illegal Online Gambling Platforms in Sweeping 2024 Crackdown
China has ramped up its war on illegal online gambling, dismantling more than 4,500 platforms and investigating 73,000 cross-border gambling cases in 2024 alone. The crackdown, led by the Ministry of Public Security, also saw the dismantling of 45 major syndicates and the arrest of over 11,000 suspects.

Thousands of Platforms Shut Down, Major Syndicates Dismantled

Authorities are making it clear—there’s no room for illegal betting operations. Over the past year, Beijing has doubled down on its efforts, targeting not just online platforms but also the networks that support them. The numbers speak for themselves:

4,500+ illegal online gambling platforms shut down

73,000 cross-border gambling cases investigated

45 major gambling syndicates dismantled

11,000+ suspects arrested

These figures highlight the scale of China’s anti-gambling push, one of the largest in recent years. The Ministry of Public Security emphasized that illegal gambling not only drains economic resources but also fuels financial crimes, fraud, and money laundering.

The DC Group: A Multi-Year Investigation Exposes a Gambling Giant

One of the biggest busts came from Chongqing, where a three-year investigation led authorities to a massive gambling syndicate known as the DC Group. Operating out of the Philippines, the group specifically targeted Chinese players, luring them into illicit betting schemes.

Authorities revealed that the syndicate had a well-organized network, including:

Chinese nationals recruited for marketing and operations

Underground banking channels to facilitate illegal transactions

Offshore gambling websites designed to evade Chinese regulations

By dismantling solicitation networks and seizing financial records, Chinese law enforcement took down a key player in the illegal gambling industry.

Payment Networks and Underground Banking Under Fire

Stopping illegal gambling isn’t just about shutting down websites—it’s about cutting off the financial lifelines that keep them running. Beijing has been aggressively disrupting payment channels, targeting operations that facilitate transactions for gambling syndicates.

Some of the main areas of focus include:

Livestream-based betting: Platforms where users bet on live games, often disguised as entertainment

Illegal lotteries: Unlicensed lotteries that operate outside government control

Gambling-related investments: Schemes promising high returns through betting-related ventures

Authorities have also reinforced the blacklist system for foreign gambling destinations, making it harder for Chinese nationals to access these illicit services.

International Cooperation: Repatriations and Crackdowns Abroad

China isn’t just going after criminals within its borders—it’s working with other countries to bring offenders back. In 2024, Beijing conducted two major repatriation operations, bringing home more than 1,200 Chinese nationals from Cambodia who were allegedly involved in fraud and gambling-related crimes.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that China will strengthen law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries to combat illegal gambling and telecom fraud. Southeast Asia, in particular, has been a hotspot for Chinese gambling syndicates, and Beijing is ramping up efforts to dismantle these operations abroad.

Educating the Public: A Key Part of the Crackdown

Beyond arrests and shutdowns, China is focusing on public awareness. Officials have rolled out nationwide education campaigns, warning citizens about the dangers of illegal gambling.

A statement from the Ministry of Public Security outlined their approach:

“Various departments across the country will strengthen publicity and education, conduct in-depth publicity through various means to reveal the harmful nature of gambling, and follow up and expose the latest means of cross-boundary gambling crimes in a timely manner, so as to vigorously enhance the public’s awareness and ability to recognize, reject, and oppose gambling.”

From social media to community outreach programs, authorities are using every tool at their disposal to discourage gambling participation and highlight its risks.
February 11, 2025
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Expands to 27,800+ Games, Strengthens Global Footprint
iGaming solutions provider SOFTSWISS has hit a new milestone, with its Game Aggregator now offering over 27,800 games from more than 280 providers. The expansion signals the platform’s growing influence in the market, as demand for diverse, high-quality gaming content continues to surge worldwide.

A Rapidly Expanding Portfolio

The Game Aggregator isn’t just about numbers—it’s about quality, reach, and adaptability. SOFTSWISS has been steadily growing its catalog, ensuring that operators get a comprehensive selection of games tailored to various player preferences.

A 67% increase in portfolio size in 2024 compared to 2023.

Games available across multiple regions and regulatory environments.

A focus on localization to meet market-specific demands.

The latest iGaming Trends Report highlights localization as a key driver of industry growth. SOFTSWISS has aligned its strategy with this insight, expanding its game selection to better serve diverse player bases worldwide.

Betting Activity Surges as Industry Booms

A growing game portfolio isn’t the only impressive figure. SOFTSWISS reports that the total Bets Count processed through its Game Aggregator has nearly quintupled in 2024 compared to the previous year. This jump in activity has been accompanied by a sharp rise in Quarterly Total Bets Sum, indicating strong market demand.

One contributing factor? The Game Aggregator’s 99.999% uptime. Players and operators alike need reliability, and SOFTSWISS is delivering on that front. As a result, more brands are adopting the platform:

33% more operators launched the Game Aggregator in 2024 compared to 2023.

A growing operator trust rate, reinforcing its position as a leading solution.

Breaking New Ground in Latin America

The global expansion of SOFTSWISS is also making waves in new territories. The company has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first aggregator to secure certification in the Brazilian and Peruvian markets. This move aligns with the broader trend of Latin America emerging as a hotbed for iGaming.

With Brazil and Peru’s regulatory frameworks becoming more structured, SOFTSWISS is positioning itself as a first mover in these markets. For operators looking to enter or expand in Latin America, this certification offers a seamless entry point.

What’s Next for SOFTSWISS?

The Game Aggregator’s explosive growth in 2024 suggests this is just the beginning. With the iGaming industry expected to continue its upward trajectory, SOFTSWISS is poised to maintain its momentum.

Further geographical expansion is likely on the horizon.

More strategic partnerships could help diversify its game catalog even further.

The industry’s increasing focus on compliance will continue shaping the platform’s offerings.

As Alena Bekus, Deputy Head of SOFTSWISS, puts it: “This has been an exceptional year for our team.” With numbers like these, the iGaming sector is paying attention.
February 9, 2025
Oklahoma Lawmakers Renew Push for Sports Betting with Two Competing Bills
Oklahoma legislators are once again taking a swing at legalizing sports betting, introducing two separate proposals aimed at bringing the industry into the state. But as familiar debates over tribal exclusivity and financial viability resurface, the road ahead remains uncertain. With Native gaming interests split and Governor Kevin Stitt’s stance unclear, the battle for sports betting legalization is far from settled.

Two Bills, Two Visions

State Senator Dave Rader (R-Tulsa) and State Senator Casey Murdock (R-Felt) have each put forward a plan to legalize sports betting in Oklahoma. While both bills seek to regulate and tax sports wagers, they take very different approaches to the issue.

Rader’s Senate Bill 125 (SB 125) proposes that all sports betting activity remain under existing tribal gaming compacts, ensuring that Native American tribes maintain control over the market. On the other hand, Murdock’s Senate Bill 164 (SB 164) adopts a more open-ended approach, allowing non-tribal entities to enter the space—a stance that aligns with Governor Stitt’s past preferences for a broader, less tribal-restricted gaming industry.

The key differences between the bills raise big questions:

Should Oklahoma keep sports betting under tribal control, or should commercial operators be allowed in?

How would either approach impact state revenues and gaming compacts?

Will lawmakers finally push a bill through, or will the effort stall once again?

The Demand is Clear—But So Are the Hurdles

Sports betting is already happening in Oklahoma—just not legally. Senator Murdock pointed out that residents frequently travel to Kansas to place bets, a fact underscored by geolocation data.

“I went to a conference last summer on sports betting, and a company that does geo-fencing showed me a map of Oklahoma. You could see people on I-35 headed to Kansas trying to place bets. As soon as they got into Kansas, you saw massive amounts of green dots,” Murdock said.

Despite the clear demand, legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma has been an uphill battle. Past attempts never made it to a full legislative vote, often getting stuck in committees or withdrawn before gaining traction. The question isn’t just whether Oklahoma wants sports betting—it’s about how it should be implemented.

Tribal Nations Hold the Cards

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) hasn’t taken an official stance on the bills, but tribal leaders have been cautious. Their position is clear: any change to gaming laws must benefit the tribes, who currently hold exclusive gaming rights under compacts with the state.

Matthew L. Morgan, chairman of OIGA, stressed that sports betting must make financial sense for all involved. The issue? Sports betting isn’t a major moneymaker compared to casino staples like slot machines.

“Any proposed new or modified gaming offering must make sound economic sense for everyone involved,” Morgan stated.

That’s a big deal. While sports betting gets a lot of attention, its profit margins are thin. Casinos make far more money on slot machines, which require fewer operational costs and offer higher returns. If sportsbooks aren’t a major revenue driver, tribes may not see much incentive to fight for them—especially if the state tries to cut them out of the deal.

Governor Stitt’s Role in the Debate

Governor Kevin Stitt’s stance on sports betting has been inconsistent. He previously advocated for opening the market beyond tribal gaming, a position that strained his relationship with many Native nations.

His past clashes with tribes over gaming compacts could create a roadblock for any sports betting proposal. The Cherokee Nation and other tribes may be unwilling to renegotiate gaming agreements while Stitt remains in office.

“Talking with some people who are very involved in Indian Country in Oklahoma, they’re almost just kind of glad to wait out his term when [Stitt] leaves office,” said gaming analyst Ryan Butler.

This political tension means that even if a bill makes it through the legislature, getting tribal support—or avoiding a legal fight—could be another challenge.

What’s Next?

The battle over sports betting in Oklahoma isn’t just about passing a law. It’s about who controls the industry, how profits are shared, and whether the state and tribes can find common ground.

The fate of SB 125 and SB 164 will play out in the coming months, but one thing is certain: legal or not, sports betting is already a part of Oklahoma’s economy. The question is whether lawmakers, tribes, and the governor can finally agree on how to regulate it.
February 9, 2025
New Hampshire Lawmakers Reject Proposal to Raise Sports Betting Age
New Hampshire will remain one of the few places in the U.S. where 18-year-olds can legally place sports bets after lawmakers struck down a proposal to raise the minimum gambling age to 21. The House Ways and Means Committee voted 11-7 to block the bill, citing concerns over personal freedom and economic impact.

The decision keeps the state aligned with just three other U.S. jurisdictions—Kentucky, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.—where legal sports betting is available to adults under 21. But not everyone is on board. Some advocates worry about the risks of young bettors developing gambling addictions, while others argue that consistency with age limits for alcohol and tobacco would be a more responsible approach.

A Hotly Debated Proposal

The rejected proposal, House Bill 83, sought to bring New Hampshire in line with most states that require bettors to be 21 or older. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and other gambling addiction experts backed the measure, warning that younger gamblers are more susceptible to problem gambling.

Yet, lawmakers on the opposing side had a different perspective. Rep. Cyril Aures, R-Argyle, dismissed the need for restrictions, saying, “If (young people) want to bet with their money, let them bet.”

The financial impact also played a role in the debate. If the bill had passed, state officials estimated a loss of $320,000 in gambling tax revenue by 2026, with that amount projected to double each year.

Sports Betting Is Big Business in New Hampshire

New Hampshire entered the sports betting market in December 2019 and has since seen steady growth. The state operates under an exclusive partnership with DraftKings, which serves as its only online sportsbook. Additionally, four retail sportsbooks operate across the state:

Filotimo Casino and Restaurant (Dover and Manchester)

The Brook (Seabrook)

Gate City Casino (Nashua)

Despite allowing sports betting, New Hampshire has some restrictions. Bets on in-state college teams are banned, and player-specific prop bets follow similar rules as neighboring states like Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.

Online Casino Gaming Could Be Next

While the debate over sports betting rages on, another gambling-related proposal is making its way through the legislature. Senate Bill 168 seeks to legalize online casino gaming by January 1, 2026.

The bill, introduced by Sens. Timothy Lang, Daniel Innis, Howard Pearl, and Keith Murphy, would allow up to six online casino operators to be licensed under the oversight of the New Hampshire Lottery. A key detail? The proposed law would maintain the state’s 18+ gambling age, making New Hampshire the only state to allow online casino play for individuals under 21.

Betting Revenue Is on the Rise

Despite occasional debates over regulations, sports betting is proving lucrative for New Hampshire. The state saw $80 million in sports betting revenue in 2023, a notable increase from $66.7 million in 2022.

One key factor behind the growth? The hold percentage—the amount sportsbooks keep after payouts—rose from 7.5% to 9.7%.

Lawmakers attempted to pass online casino legislation in 2023 but fell short of securing enough votes. With new efforts underway, the conversation about gaming expansion in New Hampshire isn’t over yet.
January 31, 2025
Sports Betting in Hawaii? Lawmakers Push for a Big Change
Hawaii has long been an outlier. While almost every other state has embraced some form of legalized gambling, the Aloha State has remained on the sidelines. No casinos, no sportsbooks, no lottery—just ocean views and strict gaming laws. But that could change soon.

Several state lawmakers are making another push to bring sports betting and online gambling to the islands. Multiple bills have been introduced in the Hawaii Legislature, each with different approaches to legalizing gaming. Will 2024 finally be the year that Hawaii joins the betting scene?

Bills Targeting Sports Betting and Fantasy Contests

A pair of bills—HB1308 and SB1569—aim to legalize online sports betting and fantasy sports in Hawaii. Both would fall under the oversight of the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. If passed, these measures would tax gross receipts at 10%, ensuring that the state gets a cut of the action.

State Sen. Kim Decoite (D) has also introduced SB1572, a bill that would establish the Hawaii State Sports Wagering Commission. The proposed commission would regulate sports betting with a slightly higher tax rate of 15%. One key difference? This bill does not include fantasy sports but would allow retail and online sportsbooks.

Notably, Decoite’s bill would offer licenses only to operators that are already active in at least three other states. Unlike some jurisdictions that cap the number of licenses, SB1572 would have no minimum number of approved operators.

Meanwhile, SB373 is also on the table. This measure focuses specifically on legalizing fantasy sports, a market that remains a legal gray area in the state.

Online Gambling and Lottery Efforts

The push for legalized gaming in Hawaii doesn’t stop at sports betting. Senate President Ron Kouchi (D) is championing SB1507, a bill that would create the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation. This proposed entity would oversee a variety of online gaming options, including:

Online lottery ticket sales

Poker and casino-style games

Sweepstakes gaming

Interestingly, Kouchi’s bill does not include sports betting. However, it does pave the way for Hawaii to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows poker players from different states to pool their wagers and compete across borders. Given Hawaii’s relatively small population of 1.4 million, joining a shared liquidity market would be a game-changer for online poker.

Why Now? The Economic Landscape

Hawaii’s lawmakers have considered gambling before, but previous efforts stalled. What’s different this time?

The state is currently projecting billion-dollar budget surpluses for the next four years, so the push for gambling isn’t being driven by immediate financial distress. But the long-term outlook isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Officials are keeping a close eye on several economic concerns:

Maui wildfire recovery: The devastating fires of 2023 left lasting impacts on residents, infrastructure, and government budgets.

Declining tax revenue: While tourism remains strong, state tax collections have been trending downward.

Rising costs: Inflation and increased government spending could create financial pressure down the road.

Shrinking population: Like many states, Hawaii is seeing a slow but steady decline in residents, which could impact future revenue streams.

With these challenges on the horizon, some lawmakers see gambling as a way to bring in new revenue without raising taxes.

The Odds of Passage

While these bills have been introduced with optimism, their path to approval remains uncertain. Hawaii’s political landscape has historically been resistant to gambling expansion. Cultural concerns and a general preference for a tourism-based economy have kept gaming efforts at bay.

Opposition groups argue that gambling could bring unwanted social consequences, including addiction and increased crime. Others worry about the potential impact on Hawaii’s unique culture and identity.

Still, attitudes toward gambling are shifting nationwide. More than 35 states have already embraced legal sports betting, and major gaming operators are eager to enter new markets. With billions of dollars at stake, the conversation in Hawaii is far from over.

Will this be the year Hawaii finally opens the door to legal sports betting and online gaming? That’s still up in the air, but one thing is certain—this debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
January 29, 2025
Curacao Gaming Licenses: Real Success Stories in iGaming
Affordable, efficient, and globally appealing—Curacao gaming licenses have long been a favorite among iGaming entrepreneurs. With expert guidance from industry veterans like Fast Offshore, many operators have transformed bold ideas into thriving businesses. Here’s a closer look at some standout success stories.

From Startup to Global Gaming Brand

In 2015, a group of gaming enthusiasts came together with a big idea: launching an online casino targeting emerging markets. They faced the usual challenges—tight budgets, fierce competition, and the labyrinth of regulation.

Opting for a Curacao gaming license was a game-changer. It provided affordability and quick approval, helping them kickstart their venture without draining their capital. Within weeks, the team secured their license, enabling a swift launch of their platform.

Curacao’s low tax rates gave them breathing room to invest in marketing, technology, and customer acquisition. The result? Today, their platform is a household name in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where it offers a mix of casino games and sports betting. Their success story highlights the importance of accessible licensing in scaling operations and building global trust.

Betting on Africa: A Sports Platform’s Story

In 2018, a European entrepreneur set out to launch a niche sports betting platform for African markets. Despite having a clear vision, the challenge was finding a licensing framework that supported their budget and offered broad jurisdictional reach.

Curacao emerged as the perfect fit. Partnering with Fast Offshore proved invaluable—handling documentation, compliance, and the application process seamlessly. Once licensed, the platform gained access to Curacao’s international market networks.

This opened doors to partnerships with local payment providers and sports leagues, key to thriving in diverse African markets. Today, the platform serves thousands of users, offering mobile-friendly betting and customer support in multiple local languages.

Pioneering Crypto Casinos with Curacao

As cryptocurrencies gained traction in iGaming, a team of blockchain developers spotted an opportunity. They envisioned a casino that revolved around crypto—integrating blockchain for deposits, withdrawals, and even gameplay.

Curacao, known for its flexibility in regulating cryptocurrency operations, became their first choice. Fast Offshore facilitated the process, ensuring they adhered to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations.

With its license secured, the platform quickly became a hub for tech-savvy players worldwide. Today, it’s recognized for innovation in crypto gaming, winning awards and setting new benchmarks in the industry.

The Advantages That Drive Success

Curacao’s gaming licenses come with unique benefits that make them a top choice for iGaming businesses.

Cost Efficiency: Among the most affordable in the industry, these licenses free up capital for other growth areas like marketing and platform development.

Quick Turnaround: While licensing in other jurisdictions can take months, Curacao’s streamlined process allows operators to launch within weeks.

Global Access: Operators gain entry to key markets in Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, broadening their horizons and revenue streams.

Tax-Friendly Environment: Low tax rates mean businesses can reinvest profits into scaling operations sustainably.

Why Fast Offshore Is the Partner You Need

While Curacao offers a straightforward licensing process, having a reliable partner simplifies the journey. Fast Offshore has over 25 years of experience in corporate services, particularly in gaming license applications.

Here’s what they bring to the table:

End-to-End Support: From initial paperwork to compliance, their team manages every step.

Expertise on Regulations: Staying updated on new compliance requirements ensures operators remain ahead of the curve.

Customized Solutions: Whether it’s a startup or a major player, Fast Offshore tailors its services to match specific business goals.

Ongoing Assistance: Beyond licensing, they assist with payment processing, compliance management, and strategic development.

Curacao’s licensing system, combined with expert guidance, empowers businesses to compete globally.
January 28, 2025