Latest News
Poll: Mississippians Deliver Resounding “No” to Mobile Sports Betting and iGaming
As Mississippi lawmakers again debate legislation that would expand gambling beyond existing casino properties, new statewide polling and a formal letter from the casino industry deliver a unified message to state leaders: Mississippi voters and casino operators alike oppose the legalization of Online Sports Betting (OSB) and iGaming.
Polling commissioned by the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) in January finds broad resistance to online gambling expansion among Mississippi voters. Nearly three-quarters of voters (74.2%) oppose legalizing mobile sports betting after learning it would allow wagering statewide on smartphones and other devices, an increase from an already negative baseline once voters understand how the proposal would work. Opposition to iGaming is even stronger, rising from 74.1% at baseline to 80.8% after voters learn it would allow 24/7 remote access to casino-style games.
That opposition is echoed in a formal letter issued to state leadership by a coalition of prominent Mississippi casino operators, joined by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Pearl River Resorts. In the January 21 letter, the coalition warns that legalizing OSB and iGaming would undermine the multi-billion-dollar capital investments made by Mississippi’s traditional gaming industry since 1992 and threaten long-term local jobs.
“This data proves that online gambling is a product Mississippi simply does not want. When residents envision what this policy means in practice—the ‘casino in your pocket’ at all hours—they move decisively away from legalization,” said Oliver Barie, Government Relations Director for the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).
Polling by the Bradley Research Group for NAAiG also shows majority opposition to both proposals across every congressional district and major demographic group, before and after voters receive additional information.
Economic Siphoning and Job Protection
In their letter, the casino coalition highlighted a significant divide within the gaming industry itself. Operators opposing expansion have a substantially greater long-term stake in Mississippi, owning an average of 55% of their total properties in the state, compared with just 22% for operators supporting online expansion.
The coalition identified several key economic risks associated with legalizing OSB and iGaming:
• Revenue Loss: Unlike retail casinos, where revenue stays in-state, OSB allows out-of-state operators to cover corporate overhead first, leaving only minimal fees for in-state partners.
• Job Cannibalization: “In-play” mobile betting threatens to reduce physical foot traffic, leading to weakened casino operations and a reduction in the hospitality workforce.
• Minimal State Benefit: Estimated incremental tax revenue is projected at only $11 million—a figure the coalition deems “not a material amount” against a $7 billion state budget.
A Public Health Crisis
Coalition members also raised serious public health concerns, citing a 67% increase in gambling addiction-related search interest in states with legalized online sports betting and a 30% rise in bankruptcies among low-savings households. Research indicates legalization has led to a 372% increase in irresponsible gambling behavior.
“The people of Mississippi are speaking clearly: they value their communities, their local jobs, and their families more than the minimal tax revenue promised by out-of-state tech companies,” the coalition said.
Letter Signatories
The letter opposing online gambling expansion was signed by representatives from:
Churchill Downs (Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, River Walk Casino Hotel)
Foundation Gaming & Entertainment (Fitz Casino Hotel, WaterView Casino Hotel)
Full House Resorts (Silver Slipper Casino Hotel)
Gulfside Casino Partnership (Island View Casino Resort)
Palace Casino Resort
Pearl River Resorts (Golden Moon Hotel and Casino)
Saratoga Gaming (Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel)
Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel.
The post Poll: Mississippians Deliver Resounding “No” to Mobile Sports Betting and iGaming appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Anne Marie Caulfield
GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.
The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.
To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.
With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.
“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”
The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Amusnet
Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players
Amusnet has launched VIP LIVE Roulette, a new addition to its Live Casino portfolio, offering a premium European roulette experience designed for players who prefer higher stakes, greater comfort and a sophisticated gaming environment.
Created for those who appreciate a more considered approach to live roulette, VIP LIVE Roulette combines elegant studio production with elevated table limits and an extended betting window. The additional betting time allows players to place larger, more strategic wagers at a comfortable pace, creating a smoother and more engaging experience without changing the familiar flow of the game.
Built on the classic European roulette format, the game enhances traditional gameplay with a range of intuitive features that support both convenience and strategic play. Players can personalise their sessions using Favourite & Special Bets, quickly repeat previous wagers with Auto-Rebet and follow live Statistics to inform their decisions throughout the game.
Set in a dedicated VIP studio, the game delivers a polished live presentation with professional dealers, high-definition streaming and a clean, modern environment that recreates the atmosphere of an exclusive casino floor. Every element has been designed to combine the authenticity of live roulette with the expectations of today’s premium player segment.
VIP LIVE Roulette joins Amusnet’s growing Live Casino portfolio, further strengthening the company’s offering with a title that balances timeless gameplay with contemporary player preferences. As operators continue to expand their live casino proposition, the game provides an opportunity to appeal to high-value audiences looking for an elevated roulette experience that combines premium presentation, seamless gameplay and greater flexibility at the table.
History Re-bet feature
Pick again the lucky numbers for the last spins.
Favourite Bets
This function allows players to save their personally tailored bets or bet combinations for quick access during gameplay.
Game Statistics
Make the strategy with statistics for the last spins.
Jackpot Cards
Once the Jackpot Cards Bonus game is triggered, impressive Jackpots are revealed.
The post Amusnet Launches VIP LIVE Roulette, Bringing a Refined Experience to Live Casino Players appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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