Gambling in the USA
Legal Sportsbooks Set To Spend Another Night At The Movies With Odds On 92nd Academy Awards
Sportsbooks in New Jersey are the first offering movie buffs the opportunity to join their favorite actors, actresses, and directors as big winners from the 92nd Academy Awards. A year after New Jersey’s retail and online sportsbooks broke new ground in the United States by offering legal betting on the Academy Awards for the first time, the Garden State is once again offering odds on the Oscars, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 9.
To prepare for the movie industry’s star-studded night, PlayUSA has created a complete rundown of the Oscars at www.playusa.com/sports-betting/oscars, including odds on every major category, a pick sheet, what sites are accepting bets, and analysis on the races.
“Oscars betting was a hit in its first year in New Jersey, and we suspect that interest will only grow,” said Jessica Welman, betting analyst for PlayUSA.com and a movie historian who earned a degree in Cinema-TV Critical Studies from the University of Southern California, and a master’s in Film and Media Studies from Indiana University Bloomington. “We saw last year that bettors were less motivated by the favorites and more interested in backing their favorite films and movie stars. This year’s field of nominees has star power in front of and behind the camera, so that should help drive interest.”
New Jersey sportsbooks accepted an estimated $1 million in bets in the first year that it was offered, according to PlayUSA. And the Garden State is the only legal jurisdiction so far offering odds in 2020.
DraftKings became the first sportsbook to post the Oscars, followed by FOX Bet, and more are expected soon. DraftKings is offering odds on all 24 categories at the Academy Awards. In 2019, most books limited action to the six major Oscars categories, including best picture, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress.
“The top categories will undoubtedly draw the most interest,” Welman said. “This year, in particular, is shaping up to be a controversial one. Again, critics can point to a lack of diversity in nominations and some films, such as Joker, have received polarized audience reactions. But instead of fighting with friends about a movie’s merits, New Jersey movie buffs can quietly put their money where their mouth is.”
The four major acting categories all feature prohibitive favorites. Joaquin Phoenix (-1,667), for Joker, and Renee Zellweger (-1,000), for Judy, are the clear frontrunners for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Brad Pitt (-1,000), for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Laura Dern (-1,000), for Marriage Story, are the favorites for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Sam Mendes (-134), for 1917, and Bong Joon Hoo (+225), for Parasite, are leading a tight race for Best Director.
The closest major race appears to be for Best Picture, led by Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (+160) and 1917 (+200).
“Best Picture seems like a two-horse race between the two Golden Globe picture winners, 1917 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Welman said. “While no one is arguing that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino’s best film, the Academy is typically concerned with ensuring deserving nominees get rewarded. This could be the Academy’s last chance to give Tarantino the top prize, and that often carries a lot of weight.”
For more information and analysis on regulated online gaming in New Jersey, visit PlayUSA.com/news. For more Oscars information, visit www.playusa.com/sports-betting/oscars.
BetMGM
BetMGM Relaunches Borgata Online Platform
BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced the official relaunch of Borgata Online, representing the platform’s latest evolution and building on more than a decade of continuous innovation since its 2013 debut as one of New Jersey’s first regulated online casinos. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will host a Fourth of July weekend celebration to mark the launch of the reimagined platform.
“Borgata wrote the first chapter of legal online gambling in 2013 and now we are writing the next one. Borgata players are some of our most engaged and loyal customers, so we wanted to ensure their experience reflects the exceptional quality that has become synonymous with the Borgata name. Borgata provides a seamless connection to online and in-person experiences and exemplifies what a legal, regulated online casino can achieve. This latest product investment underscores how seriously we take our responsibility to players, regulators, and all who have made Borgata Online what it is today,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM.
Borgata’s online journey began October 9, 2013 when it received New Jersey’s first internet gambling permit from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Borgata was part of the state’s initial soft-launch group November 21, 2013, and legal online casino gambling in New Jersey went fully live to the public November 26, 2013. Borgata Online has since been a consistent contributor to New Jersey’s economy, with records dating to 2015, indicating the brand has contributed $250 million in taxes to the state.
Built on more than two decades of regional brand equity established in Atlantic City, the reimagined Borgata Online (available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania) delivers a refreshed interface, streamlined navigation, and ongoing feature parity with BetMGM’s flagship platform.
Key enhancements and events include:
Streamlined navigation
• The update delivers a full, visual refresh alongside a suite of new features designed to improve usability and engagement. Among the enhancements are structured top navigation tabs and a standardized bottom navigation bar, making it easier for players to browse and navigate the platform. The redesigned account hub centralizes information including available bonuses, playable balance, and withdrawable balance within a single tap.
• Casino players will benefit from improved access to their gaming activity. They can quickly launch favorite and recently played games directly from the home screen, streamlining the path back into gameplay.
New Rewards Hub
• Central to the update is a new unified Rewards Hub that consolidates promotions, Borgata Rewards Points, and MGM Rewards tier status into a single destination. It provides players with full visibility into the value they’ve earned and showcases the scope of the online and on-property ecosystem.
Expanded game selection built for Borgata players
• Borgata Online features 4000 titles, including 250 exclusive games and an industry-leading live dealer offering. Bespoke Borgata-branded games are planned throughout the remainder of the year, including Borgata Gem Strike and Borgata 777 Respin Deluxe, the sequel to Borgata 777 Respin, which has ranked among the platform’s top-performing titles for more than five years.
Fourth of July weekend
• Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Borgata Online will present a fireworks spectacular on Friday, July 3. Produced by the world-renowned Fireworks by Grucci, the 20-minute display of colorful, choreographed pyrotechnics will illuminate the Atlantic City skyline starting at 9:30 p.m. Public viewing will be available starting at 8:30 p.m. from Borgata’s surface lot.
• Borgata Online will celebrate its launch with a multi-day on‑property activation. Festivities begin Friday, July 3 with an adult game zone experience featuring interactive entertainment and branded giveaways, followed by hotel activations Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5. Throughout the weekend, guests can visit the claw machine activation in the lobby, where new Borgata Online players who sign up and make a $25 deposit can pull for prizes, including the chance to win a $10,000 online casino bonus, luxury prizes and bonus spins. Casino bonus is non‑withdrawable and subject to a 1x playthrough requirement. It will be credited to the player’s account with three days to claim and will expire seven (7) days thereafter.
• Guests are invited to step into a nostalgic New Jersey diner scene for a complimentary retro-inspired photo opportunity on the casino floor – Saturday, July 4 from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 5 from 2-8 p.m.
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Arizona Department of Gaming
Arizona Department of Gaming Concludes Legislative Session with Approved Agency Continuation and Enhanced Spending Authority for Problem Gambling
Department is continued for six years to regulate an extensive portfolio: tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports, horse racing and simulcast wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts
State budget includes a 20 percent increase in problem gambling treatment and prevention appropriations
The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) announced today that with Governor Hobbs’ signature on Senate Bill 1671, the Department has received continuation approval by the Arizona State Legislature, which periodically reviews state agencies for performance and authority. Additionally, through Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling received expanded expenditure authority, enabling additional investments in problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services across Arizona.
“Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than thirty years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.”
The Department, the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission, and the Arizona Racing Commission are continued by the legislature for six years, per the enactment of Senate Bill 1671, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, in the 2026 legislative session that adjourned on June 12, 2026. This continuation affirms the Department’s and both Commissions’ authority to carry out the roles and responsibilities delegated by the legislature.
The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling marked the legislative session with the passage of a new state budget that grants $4,000,000 in total authorized spending for the Division. The $4,000,000 authority represents a 20 percent increase from the FY26 budget. Additionally, the legislature granted an annual $500,000 expenditure authority for the agency to use Event Wagering funds to support problem gambling. Finally, the Division will have grant oversight authority for the first time– allowing the Division to expand programs to assist those in need.
“The new state budget will strengthen longstanding investments in problem gambling assistance made possible through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “We continue to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources, and treatment for gambling-related harm. This increased funding will help us expand the continuum of care and ensure more Arizonans have access to effective, inclusive, and timely support.”
In addition to supporting the Division in state-wide access to problem gambling prevention and treatment, the Department is actively engaged in responsible gaming and safer play initiatives. Now in its first year of the campaign, the Department’s Take Back the Game initiative in partnership with the Arizona Media Association is raising awareness of gambling self-exclusion options available through the agency. The campaign, which runs in English and Spanish across Arizona media outlets, lets viewers know that if gambling is no longer fun, they can Take Back the Game and self-exclude from Arizona casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports operators. Also in 2026, the Department’s Too Young to Bet campaign emphasizes the risks associated with youth gambling.
To learn more about the Arizona Department of Gaming, visit gaming.az.gov. To learn more about problem gambling prevention and treatment, visit problemgambling.az.gov.
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Gambling in the USA
Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million
Wind Creek Hospitality has announced the winner of its cross-property “Winner Takes All” casino promotion, which culminated in a championship event held at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The event brought together finalists from across Wind Creek’s portfolio for a high-stakes grand prize championship competition and VIP Guest experience.
Finalists qualified through slot tournaments at their home properties and advanced through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before earning their place in the final championship event in Chicago. The finale featured a series of timed slot tournaments held on June 13, progressively narrowing the field of competitors through elimination rounds until the final winner was determined.
At the conclusion of the tournament on June 13, Aaron Nelson from Wind Creek Atmore was crowned the winner of the “Winner Takes All” competition, claiming a $1,000,000 prize in the tournament’s final round, and earning the opportunity to compete for the promotion’s ultimate grand prize of up to $11,888,888. “Winner Takes All” finalists were also awarded more than $200,000 in cash and prizes in the finale tournament, including a $100,000 second-place prize followed up by a drawing with a $50,000 prize pool, including a $25,000 top prize and multiple $1000 prize winners.
In addition to the competition, finalists participated in curated Wind Creek Rewards experiences designed to highlight Chicago’s cultural and hospitality offerings. Experiences included a Chicago River architectural boat cruise and a guided Chinatown culinary tasting tour, alongside a welcome reception featuring food and beverage service. Travel and accommodations were provided by Wind Creek Hospitality as part of the finalist experience.
The “Winner Takes All” promotion marked one of Wind Creek Hospitality’s most expansive cross-property tournament experiences, combining competitive gaming with destination-based Guest programming and elevated hospitality.
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