The regulator has accused VGW of “operating illegal online gaming” via slot machine-like offerings.

In an official notice, the DGE wrote that Delaware officials had “concluded that VGW misrepresented its services as a promotional sweepstakes while enabling players to purchase coins for casino-style games, leading to potential cash winnings.”

VGW’s LuckyLand: Fresh Cease-and-Desist Order for Slots Operator

The DGE said it had acted with “the support of the Delaware State Lottery.” The regulator wrote that the order came into effect on April 2.

As of this date, it wrote, “Delaware residents can no longer participate in VGW Luckyland’s unlicensed online gaming platforms.”

The regulator said VGW’s offerings violated the Delaware Constitution and the Delaware Penal Code. It also noted that LuckyLand violates the terms of the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act (2012).

The DGE explained: “The DGE and Delaware Lottery emphasize the importance of legal and responsible gaming practices to protect residents. Unregulated gaming poses significant risks, including limited withdrawal options and potential exposure to cybercrime, identity theft, and fraud.”

Delaware Latest State to Crack Down on VGW

The order comes as a fresh blow for VGW, which was served a cease-and-desist order by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency in mid-March this year.

The Maryland regulator claimed that VGW’s websites were operating in the state without a recognized license.

The Australian firm decided to exit Connecticut in October last year after deciding against fighting a similar letter from the state’s own consumer protection group.

The Perth-based VGW also operates the Chumba Casino and Global Poker brands.

Regulator Issues Warning

The DGE, meanwhile, warned that “unauthorized online gaming has become a prime target for schemes where cybercriminals attempt to steal not only your money, but personal information, bank account details, and other personal information.”

The regulator claimed that residents who play “on these unregulated sites” are exposed to “serious risks.” These include “unauthorized transactions” and various types of “fraud.”

The DGE wrote: “Unlike regulated Delaware Casinos, these illegal platforms don’t follow any oversight or consumer protection rules.”

The DGE also claimed that some unregulated websites “can give the false impression that they are legitimate by copying the branding of Delaware Casinos.”

The regulator added: “[Website operators] may employ tactics such as using similar-sounding names, matching logos, and lookalike URLs to appear legitimate. This can make it harder for consumers to tell a legal platform from a fake one.”

In February, the online slots operator Play’n GO announced it had secured an iGaming license to operate in Delaware. The firm entered the market through Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers brand.

Rush Street Interactive secured an operating permit with the Delaware Lottery for an initial five-year period back in January 2024.

The state has the option to extend the length of the deal at a later date.

Per American Gaming Association data published in mid-2024, the total gaming consumer spend increased by 3.1% year-on-year in 2023 in Delaware, with bettors spending over $507 million.

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Wilna van Wyk

Play’n GO has announced it has secured a Delaware license, bringing the company’s total number of US licenses up to six. 

It will enter the market through Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers brand. 

The company now boasts licenses in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It has been active in the United States of America since 2022. 

Anna Mackney, US Head of Region at Play’n GO commented: “It’s fantastic to begin the year by adding yet another new regulated market in the US, this time in the shape of Delaware. Our expansion into the state marks yet another significant step in our US growth strategy. Play’n GO continues to lead the charge in regulated markets, and we are committed to delivering our premium content to players across the country.” 

She continued: “We’ve already established an excellent relationship with Rush Street Interactive across the United States, and we are confident that our partnership will continue to be mutually beneficial to both businesses as we enter yet another new market together. US players have clearly demonstrated their demand for our games, and we will continue to deliver.”

After adding Delaware to its string of licenses, Play’n GO is now licensed in every State with a regulated and active iGaming market in the country. 

Delaware’s iGaming Market: A Small but Growing Sector

Delaware’s iGaming market is small compared to other states where online casinos are legal. According to the American Gaming Association’s State of States 2024, traditional land-based casino games accounted for more than 95 percent of total casino gaming revenue in Delaware in 2023.

Total statewide revenue from electronic gaming devices was $424.7 million in 2023, up 4.8 percent against 2022. Online casino revenue was up 3.3 percent but reached only $14.1 million. 

The Delaware gambling tax structure sees commercial casinos subject to approximately 56 percent of gross revenue in electronic gaming device tax and 20 percent on gross table game revenue. This tax structure for iGaming offerings is “roughly the same” as the structure applied to equivalent games in racinos.

Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers launched its poker platform late last year, claiming to offer “among the lowest rake” of competitors. The product was designed with players in mind and launched in partnership with professional player Phil Galfond.

Upon release, the operator stated that Galfond had brought “invaluable insight” to ensure that the product is “finely tuned to meet the needs of poker players at every level.” 

Written By

Wilna van Wyk

Wilna van Wyk is an online casino enthusiast with over a decade of experience working with some of the world’s biggest gambling affiliates, including Thunderstruck Media and OneTwenty Group. She specializes in gambling sites and games and provides expert knowledge on the online casino industry’s essential fundamentals.

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Evolution’s live casino titles are now available on the Delaware Lottery’s three online casinos – Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort and Harrington Raceway & Casino. The Delaware Park and Harrington websites are accessible via the BetRivers multi-state platform, while Bally’s has its own standalone app.

Live dealer games that customers in Delaware will be able to play include Live Roulette, Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, Baccarat and Craps, as well as poker variants such as Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

“BetRivers in Delaware is thrilled to offer players the chance to virtually play on Evolution’s world-renowned live tables,” commented Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive.

“We are confident that the live dealer online casino will be very popular as the live dealer games offer the same level of excitement as playing in a land-based casino. This launch reinforces BetRivers’ commitment to offer Delaware online players the best mix of innovative and entertaining games available.”

Evolution also has a slots partnership in Delaware with RSI’s BetRivers platform and the Delaware Lottery, bringing online slots from its NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming brands to players in the First State.

Jacob Claesson, Evolution CEO for North America, added: “We are delighted to partner again with Rush Street Interactive for another momentous launch in Delaware. 

“There has been huge anticipation around the arrival of our live online games in Delaware, particularly since our March 2024 online slots launch, as our unique and innovative live games are so well known and have proved so enormously popular in other US markets.”

Claesson continued: “Delaware is our sixth US state and this live games launch further reinforces our standing as the market leader in online gaming in the US. We are confident that Delaware’s online players at BetRivers will absolutely love the quality and extended choice. 

“Our live games add a new dimension of excitement to the player experience, as they bet in real-time, with real dealers, and alongside fellow online players.”

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In the state, the online casinos of Delaware Park Casino & Raceway and Harrington Raceway & Casino are accessible via RSI’s BetRivers multi-state app, while Bally’s Dover Casino Resort’s online casino has its own standalone app.

Through the deal with Evolution, online casino players in the First State will gain access to slot titles from studios such as NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Evolution Group as we continue to expand our slot game offerings to provide our customers unmatched entertainment experiences,” stated Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive.

“Evolution has an exceptional portfolio of online slots, and we know that our players in Delaware will enjoy what Evolution has to offer now and in the future.”

With its entry into Delaware, Evolution has a presence in six US markets, including New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and West Virginia.

Jacob Claesson, Evolution CEO for North America, added: “Going live in Delaware is a great milestone for Evolution. It is our sixth US state and further solidifies our place as the market leader in online gaming.

“We are excited to partner with Rush Street Interactive, one of the most respected online gaming companies in the US, to bring online games to BetRivers players in Delaware.”

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RSI’s BetRivers brand will revamp Delaware’s three online casinos – Delaware Park, Bally’s Dover Casino and Harrington Raceway & Casino – bringing new games to customers in the First State via mobile and desktop.

The Delaware Park and Harrington Casino & Raceway sites are accessible through the BetRivers multi-state app and website, while Bally’s Dover Casino is available through its standalone app and website.

“We are thrilled to begin this historic and much-anticipated launch of the new online sportsbook and casino with the Delaware Lottery and bring our award-winning product to Delaware,” commented Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of RSI.

“With our extensive offering of gaming content, a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods, real-time cash-out approvals, and best-in-class customer service, Delaware customers are going to love the convenience of wagering on their favourite sports, slots, and table games from anywhere in the state.”

Available via website and app, the launch of BetRivers online sportsbook in the state builds off the back of a soft launch which took place on December 27, offering a variety of wagering options across professional and collegiate sports including spreads, moneylines, player props, futures and same game parlays.

Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery, noted: “RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, including neighbouring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are impressive, along with the company’s overall reputation and experience.

“RSI’s commitment to responsible gaming, quality products, breadth of gaming content and customer service are key reasons we are so excited to partner with them.” 

Although beginning as a five-year partnership, Delaware has the option to extend the deal with RSI should it wish to do so.

Schwartz added: “We are honoured to collaborate with the Delaware Lottery team and the state’s three casinos to offer consumers in Delaware a safe, convenient, and innovative online entertainment experience.

“The launch into Delaware builds on our proven track record of success in the Mid-Atlantic Region of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey, where RSI has shown that online casinos and sportsbooks complement each other, and we continue to set new records.”

Intrastate igaming has been available in Delaware since 2013 when the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012 was passed by the state’s general assembly, ushering in online slots, blackjack and video poker.

Keeley concluded: “We have no doubt that Delawareans will enjoy the ability to play their favourite slot titles on their mobile phones, as well as back their favourite teams. Together RSI and the Delaware Lottery are devoted to successfully delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers.”

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Through the move, RSI will offer ‘state-of-the-art’ online casino gaming in the First State for an initial term of five years. Pending regulatory approval, the initial contract is renewable for added single year terms for an additional five years. 

“We are honoured to be selected by the Delaware State Lottery selection committee to provide online gaming operations in the First State,” stated Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI. 

“This partnership is yet another significant milestone for RSI, as the confidence of a state-backed organisation, such as the Delaware Lottery, further validates the trust that lottery officials have in our award-winning online platform and customer service. 

“Building on our proven track record of success in the tri-state area of Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where RSI was an early entrant in the first online market in the US, we are honoured to collaborate with the Delaware Lottery team and the state’s three casinos to offer consumers who are geo-located in Delaware with safe, convenient, and innovative online gaming experiences.”

The Mid-Atlantic state was the first US state to implement intrastate online casino gaming, offering poker, slots, bingo and more after the General Assembly passed the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act in June 2012. 

“Rush Street Interactive has established itself as a leading innovator in the industry, and is a respected igaming and sports betting company,” added Helene Keeley, Director of the Delaware Lottery. 

“We are impressed not only with RSI’s successes in other jurisdictions, including neighbouring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but also its strong commitment to responsible gambling practices.”

This advancement builds on the company’s established presence in Delaware, which is one of 15 US states Rush Street is active in. Elsewhere in North America, RSI is live in Canadian provinces Ontario and Colombia as well as Mexico. 

“We look forward to working with the well-respected RSI team,” Keeley continued. “We reviewed proposed bids from other online gaming companies and suppliers, and the combination of experience and commitment to quality products, customer service, and responsible gaming is why we selected RSI. 

“We’re delighted to begin this partnership and have no doubt that Delawareans and the customers of Delaware’s three casinos will be thrilled with RSI’s exciting library of offerings and industry-leading customer service.”

RSI recently formed a partnership with Play’n GO, enhancing the supplier’s position in the US by adding its games to the former’s BetRivers casino platform in Michigan and New Jersey. 

Schwartz concluded: “RSI continues to demonstrate itself as a leader in the industry as more and more states across the country welcome online gaming. With our proven and trusted operations, in-house technology, and platform, we are proud to deliver robust value and results to forward-thinking government entities or businesses. 

“RSI is devoted to making thoughtful strides in our expansion and in the successful execution of our approach to delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers.”

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Falling short in four of seven legalised US markets – Delaware, Michigan, Nevada and West Virginia – the NCPG pinpointed that legislation and practices in the aforementioned states do not meet the necessary standards that it expects for providing players with sufficient RG protections. 

“Igaming regulations in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada and West Virginia do not mandate operators provide players with sufficient responsible gambling protections,” explained a spokesperson for NCPG. 

“Regulations from Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania met a majority of the standards outlined in the IRGS, but still fall short of meeting the full list. 

“IRGS sets the standard for consumers to ensure whichever operator they choose; they can be confident that the platform has the responsible gambling tools necessary to assist in playing safely.”

In its report, titled US Online Responsible Gaming Regulations: An Evaluation Against National Council on Problem Gambling Standards, the body monitored 59 key strands of responsible gaming measures across nine umbrellas. These include policy, staff training, supporting informed decision-making, addicting players, self-exclusion, advertising and promotion, game and website features, research and payments. 

To help guide its study, the NCPG compared state igaming regulations against its Internet Responsible Gambling Standard developed in 2012 to aid discussions among igaming stakeholders. 

Delving deeper into each state, of the 59 indicators, legislation in Delaware met only 29 and failed to provide express coverage across RG strategy, deposit/time/spend limits, time outs and access to help for players who are struggling with their gambling. 

Moreover, Michigan, West Virginia and Nevada, also witnessed similar failures in its legislation, which the body stated shows a lack of sufficient measures across RG strategies, providing access to help and provide research. 

Since 2012, the IRGS have received regular updates to reflect the current state of online betting and recent trends in consumer protection and technology. The standards contain specific recommendations in the areas of policy, staff training, informed decision-making, assisting players, self-exclusion, advertising and promotion, game and site features, and working with research.

NCPG recommends every state with igaming, or those looking to legalise, adopt the IRGS standards to best protect consumers from the negative consequences of gambling.

Casting its eye towards the immediate future, the NCPG has called for public health funding to be prioritised in any new strategy to tackle problem gambling. The body emphasised that funding research, education and treatment of the impact of problem gaming will be the “most efficient way” of tackling the issue. 

An NCPG statement concluded: “The most ethical and cost-effective response to gambling addiction issues raised by internet gambling is a comprehensive public health strategy that includes prevention, education, treatment and research services. Responsible gambling standards are an important aspect of this approach. 

“NCPG recommends every state with igaming or those looking to legalise igaming adopt the IRGS standards to best protect consumers from the negative consequences of gambling.”

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Seeking proposals from vendors who are capable of providing an internet wagering solution that can integrate a wide range of games from an array of sources, the state lottery launched a request for proposals consisting of a player account management platform and operational and support services. 

In addition, the proposals will also include online games including casino table games, video lottery, poker, bingo and keno. 

The management of igaming in the First State has been under the sole ownership of 888 since the operator signed an exclusive contract with the state lottery back in 2013. Over the last decade, the deal has received numerous extensions. 

Interested applicants can submit any written question by February 3 and submissions must be entered by February 17. 

Following the submission deadline, between March 1 to March 15, time has been reserved that will see the state lottery open dialogue with vendors, and negotiations with selected partners will commence on March 24.   

Delaware State Lottery has stated that it expects the process to be concluded by “late spring”, after the round of presentations and negotiations, with the proposal stating its intent to behind production operations “no later than November 1”.

The decision on the proposals will be in the hands of the Evaluation Committee, composed of representatives of the state of Delaware, who will evaluate proposals on a variety of quantitative criteria. 

Interested vendors should have operated in the US for a minimum of one year and have one or more live clients in the US, either government or private/commercial entity, to whom the vendor has legally supplied products or services in the internet wagering sector. This includes PAM, support services and games. 

Another requirement includes having offered a minimum of 30 games or internet sports betting, the latter being an area of concern for 888 if the firm decides to put its name forward when compared to some of its competitors. 

The insecurity of its Delaware future comes a mere week after 888 released its post-trading update for the last 12 months, which witnessed a drop in its online sector, with the firm’s acquisition of William Hill last year driving the overall stability of the company. 

Pinpointing to more proactive enhanced player safety measures in the UK online vertical, as well as the closure of the Netherlands, 888’s online sector dropped by 15 per cent to £1.3bn (2021:£1.57bn).

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2

Harrah’s New Orleans unveiled a duo of “landmark” partnerships, after becoming the official casino partner of the NFL’s and NBA’s Saints and Pelicans.

Becoming the first land-based entity to finalise an agreement with a franchise of both leagues, the multi-year partnership is said to unite “three notable New Orleans entertainment brands,” and is to provide “unique opportunities for Harrah’s to bring the Saints and Pelicans experience to life”.

Via its link-up with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome based Saints, Harrah’s is to develop a series of customers experience, in-games features and have a branded area on site dedicated to the franchise, whilst also being designated as an official post-game destination.

Dennis Lauscha, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans president, said of the new link-up: “We are proud to align ourselves with a brand such as Harrah’s New Orleans casino, that is an industry leader not only nationally but on a local level as well.

“Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Harrah’s vision for development and commitment to the city mirror that of the Saints and Pelicans, and we could not be happier about this partnership.”   

€893m

Swedish gaming group Cherry is the subject of a €893m takeover bid from a consortium that includes current chairman Morten Klein and Betsson CEO Pontus Lindwall.

Cherry’s Independent Bid Committee – set up specifically to consider the bid on the board’s behalf but excluding chairman Klein – has recommended shareholders accept the public offer of SEK87 (€8.46) in cash per share submitted by European Entertainment Intressenter BidCo.

The Independent Bid Committee consisting of Gunnar Lind, Johan Moazed and Jörgen Olsson was established on October 16. Rolf Åkerlind was elected to the board of directors on November 21 and has since joined the bid committee.

The Independent Bid Committee’s recommendation highlighted a number of considerations in connection with the offer, notably that the bid represents a premium of 20 per cent compared to the closing price of Cherry’s series B shares on Nasdaq Stockholm on December 17, the last trading day before the announcement of the offer.

The offer also corresponds to a premium of 28 per cent compared to the volume-weighted average share price of Cherry’s series B shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 90 trading days and 59.6 per cent compared to the closing price on October 15, the day before the board received the written offer.

The committee also stressed that several of those individuals in the consortium “have a long ownership history and deep understanding of the company’s operations and future prospects”.

5

DraftKings has announced the launch of its second online sportsbook, unveiling a new agreement with an affiliate of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races operator Penn National Gaming in West Virginia.

The Mountain State became the fifth territory to legalise sports betting earlier this year, behind Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi,

DraftKings states that its sportsbook is to offer “a superior and engaging online sports betting experience,” including live and in-game betting, alongside the opportunity to wager on major and niche international and US sports.

Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings, explained: “We are thrilled to work with Penn National Gaming to bring our online sportsbook product to West Virginia. We look forward to serving sports fans in the Mountain State, and building on the immense success we have had in leading the New Jersey market.

“With over 90 percent of sports bettors returning to play after trying DraftKings Sportsbook, we are confident we can deliver on being the best place to play for West Virginia consumers.”

1m

CasinoFair, “the world’s first, truly fair blockchain casino” launched by FunFair Technologies earlier in the year, is launching a festive campaign to crown a crypto millionaire.

To be in with a chance of winning one million Fun, the betting token utilised by CasinoFair, players need to opt-in and keep playing the online entity’s games from December 25 to January 1.

The more time spent playing increases an individual’s chance of winning, with players receiving more tickets for the draw, the more they wager throughout the period.

Players can earn tickets for the giveaway draw, which is to be conducted and the winner contacted by January 5, by wagering the following:

• 1 ticket – Wager over 1000 Fun
• 10 Tickets – Wager over 10,000 Fun
• 150 tickets – Wager over 100,000 Fun

Carlos McWayne, VP Product at FunFair, stated: “To celebrate our players this festive period, we’re excited to be giving away an enormous amount of Fun with Millionaire Maker, making one lucky person a crypto millionaire!

“Not only are we famous for fairness, but we’re also the most generous and exciting blockchain casino around.

“Our players receive regular ‘FairDrops’ in Fun which see them come back time and time again, and this latest campaign will showcase our desire to give them the best experience possible.”

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As the New York Gaming Commission gets set to vote to approve the activity next week, which it is thought would permit the activity at four upstate properties, namely, Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Rivers Casino in Schenectady, del Lago Casino near Rochester and Tioga Downs near Binghamton, lawmakers spearheading efforts have made amendments that could permit racetracks, off-track betting parlors, and sports stadiums and arenas to accept bets.

It is thought that off-track betting parlors at the Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct racetracks, operated by the New York Racing Association, could be permitted to proceed with operations when full-service casino have debuted their sportsbooks.

However, sports facilities, which would partner with casinos as a sports betting affiliate, would operate mobile kiosks that would be owned and operated by a licence casino property within the state.

As specified by Legal Sports Report, a stadium may only serve as the affiliate in a county that does not have another affiliate, meaning venues such as Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum could well be included.

With the Wednesday 19 June cut-off point fast approaching, which marks the end of New York’s legislative session, the bill maintains 8.5 and 12 per cent tax rates for land-based and mobile betting and a 0.2 per cent ‘royalty fee’ to sports leagues.

No in-person registration would be required, only one skin would be permitted per casino licence and a $12m fee would be attached as a licence fee.

Currently seven states have regulated sports betting, namely Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, with New Mexico tribes also in operation due to state compacts.

Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee and Montana are also thought to be close to joining that list.

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