The 56th annual World Series of Poker (WSOP) officially begins on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, bringing a record-breaking lineup of 100 live bracelet events to the Horseshoe and Paris casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Running through July 16, this highly anticipated poker festival draws thousands of players worldwide, ranging from professionals to ambitious amateurs eager to compete for coveted WSOP gold. A historic schedule and exciting opening...
A high-profile joint crackdown between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Laotian authorities has taken down a vast transnational online gambling network that facilitated illegal betting worth nearly VND1.3 trillion (approximately US$50 million). The operation, which targeted suspects across both countries, has resulted in charges against 31 individuals and the seizure of substantial electronic evidence. A coordinated cross-border crackdown: At the heart of the operation were Mai...
The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is conducting an investigation into Fontainebleau Las Vegas concerning the issuance of credit to gamblers, which may have breached the federal Bank Secrecy Act’s anti-money laundering regulations. The probe came to public attention unexpectedly during a licensing hearing for Fontainebleau’s president, Maurice Wooden. Investigation unveiled during licensing hearing: During a recent NGCB meeting held to consider Wooden’s application for...
The Allan government has come under fire for postponing its poker machine reform plan, a delay that may funnel an additional $800 million into Victoria’s budget. The reform, initially promised by former Premier Daniel Andrews in 2023, aimed to implement a mandatory pre-commitment system—commonly referred to as “carded play”—requiring players to set betting limits before using pokies machines. Budget surplus tied to gambling...
The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, in the midst of a high-stakes legal standoff with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), has gained the powerful backing of the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), marking a crucial development in its pursuit to establish a major casino project in Vallejo, California. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District...
Montana has made history by becoming the first U.S. state to formally outlaw online sweepstakes casinos, following Governor Greg Gianforte’s signing of Senate Bill 555 (SB555) into law. The legislation, passed by both state chambers in April, will take effect on October 1, 2025, and fundamentally alters the legal landscape for digital gambling within the state. Felony charges and strict enforcement measures: Although the...
The UK Gambling Commission has taken regulatory action against Wyke Gaming & Amusement Centre, suspending its licence due to serious compliance failures related to player protection and responsible gambling protocols. The Bradford-based venue, located in Hanover Square, Wyke, must cease operations immediately and will not be permitted to resume until it can demonstrate full adherence to licensing requirements. Failure to join national self-exclusion scheme:...
Louisiana lawmakers have taken a significant step toward restructuring the state’s online sports betting tax framework with the House’s passage of an amended version of House Bill 639. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Neil Riser (R-Columbia), proposes raising the tax on mobile sports wagering from the current 15% to 21.5%, a substantial revision from the original 32.5% increase suggested in earlier drafts. New tax revenue targets...
For over a decade, whispers of Macau’s vulnerability in the face of emerging Asian gaming markets have circulated through industry publications. Singapore once posed a challenge, followed by Manila. Now, attention shifts to the potential of Japan, Thailand, and the UAE. Despite these growing threats, industry experts suggest that Macau’s position remains unshaken. Mary Mendoza, a specialist in integrated resort...
When Thailand’s parliament reconvenes in July, the entertainment complex bill—focused on legalizing and regulating casino-integrated resorts—will be high on the legislative docket, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed. The measure has garnered notable attention not just locally, but from leading international players in the casino and entertainment industry. International investors eye Thai market as costs rise: Julapun stated that over the past fortnight,...