Jason Matthew Babb, 48, had been the former controller of Slater Controls Inc., an oil-field equipment company, since 2021 until his termination in June. His job included handling accounting, money, and filing and paying taxes, according to the arrest affidavit.

He now faces a first-degree felony charge of theft exceeding $300,000.

Babb Stole up to $20,000 at a Time Every Couple of Days

Slater Controls was able to track the theft back to January 2022, discovering that Babb had made multiple transactions withdrawing company funds. The company initially estimated that the amount stolen was $663,000. However, a forensic third-party audit revealed that the sum was $683,364.50.

The company became aware of the stolen money on March 24. The CEO and President met with Babb in his office and interviewed him about their findings. They recorded the conversation, where the perpetrator admitted to the theft, stating it was to feed his gambling problem.

On April 23, a Midland County Sheriff’s Office deputy and a Texas Ranger interviewed Babb and his attorney. Babb told them he would take small amounts at first and win the money back. However, he would end up in deeper debt, necessitating the need for more money.

He allegedly set up to $20,000 at a time every couple of days, sometimes every few weeks. Babb would conceal the theft by labeling it as an expense for purchasing equipment. He would use an ACH wire transfer to move money from one account to another.

Babb told the deputies that he didn’t know that “some amounts here and some amounts there” would add up to so much.”

Currently, he’s out of jail on a $500,000 bond.

When Gambling Debts Drive Desperate Crimes

Babb’s arrest is only the latest reminder that problem gambling can tip otherwise ordinary people into extraordinary wrongdoing.

A recent high-profile case involved MLB star Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover about $40 million in gambling debts to an illegal California bookmaker.

In February, a district judge sentenced Mizuhara to 57 months in jail, followed by three years of supervised release. US District Judge Holcomb called the theft “shockingly high.”

The illegal bookmaker in question, Matthew Bowyer, has also been linked to regulatory investigations that led to significant fines for Las Vegas casinos—$10.5 million for Resorts World and $8.5 million for MGM Resorts, issued by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

In another shocking case from China, a Xinjiang province man tried to sell a thousand-year-old shroud to pay off his gambling debts.

The unnamed man had fallen into approximately $28,000 of debt. He attempted to alleviate the situation by seeking a buyer for the relic online. Unfortunately for him, the police intervened.

Even celebrities are not immune. In 2010, at the peak of his popularity, K-pop Star Shin Jung-hwan was arrested in the Philippines, accused of amassing huge gambling-related debts.

Jung-hwan initially claimed he traveled to the Philippines for tourism and was unable to return to Korea due to illness. However, he later confessed that his gambling habit became all-consuming, so that sometimes he “stayed at casinos for three days straight, without sleeping.”

Upon his return to South Korea, he was arrested and spent six months in prison, and his career never recovered. Recently, he stated he eyes a TV comeback.

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If implemented, Senate Bill 3070 (SB 3070), introduced by Sen. Bob Hall, would transfer authority over lottery operations to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Meanwhile, TLC, which currently oversees the Texas Lottery, will cease operations.

Integrity Concerns Spark Calls to Dissolve the Texas Lottery Commission

The bill’s passage comes amid months of scrutiny over TLC and questions about its integrity, following one player’s win of an $83.5 million jackpot in February using the lottery courier app Jackpocket.

Lottery couriers enable users to place lottery ticket orders through their app and purchase the physical ticket on the player’s behalf. While available in over a dozen states, most, including Texas, do not regulate lottery couriers.

Following the news regarding the jackpot, TLC vowed to ban lottery couriers. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott called for an investigation into the matter.

That investigation discovered that another jackpot of $95 million involved a lottery courier. A secret syndicate won that 2023 jackpot after spending $26 million on tickets. According to Abbott, the syndicate purchased “nearly every possible number combination.”

The discovery led Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to ask the Texas Rangers to investigate TLC in more detail, as well as why the state had allowed lottery couriers in the first place.

Meanwhile, state Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that he was “deeply concerned about the integrity of our state’s lottery system.”

The growing scrutiny led to the resignation of the commission’s Executive Director, Ryan Mindell, in April. Shortly after, in an attempt to restore public trust, the TLC voted to ban lottery couriers.

Key Provisions of SB 3070

During the TLC investigation, Abbott stated that Texans must be able to trust the state’s lottery system and know that it is conducted with integrity and in accordance with the law.

One solution proposed by some lawmakers was to abolish the Texas lottery entirely. That is still an option under one of the provisions of SB 3070. However, a full ban did not gather support.

SB 3070, however, moved quickly through the legislature. In addition to dissolving TLC and transferring authority to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, key provisions include:

• Limit of 100 tickets in a single transaction.
• Ban on online lottery ticket sales.
• Establishment of a Lottery Advisory Committee for external recommendations on lottery operations.
• The Sunset Advisory Commission must review the lottery before August 31, 2027, and authorize its continuation.
• If Abbott signs SB 3070 into law, TLC will cease operations after September 1, 2025.

TLC is Facing a Lawsuit for an Unpaid Jackpot

As the TLC faces imminent dissolution, it’s also a defendant in a lawsuit by the winner of the $83.5 million jackpot. 

The plaintiff, identifying as Jane Doe, claims that she has yet to receive her prize and that TLC is withholding her winnings illegally.

Jane Doe states that she purchased a ticket through Jackpocket from Winners Circle, a licensed lottery retailer in Austin. After she won, Doe claims that she presented her ticket to the TLC on March 18. At the time, the commission did not state it was invalid in any way.

And while TLC voted to ban lottery couriers, the lawsuit claims the commission is “not allowed to change the rules after the drawing”, thus arguing a retroactive ban is invalid.

Given that the Texas Lottery Commission may cease to exist, it remains to be seen what will happen with this lawsuit.

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According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff, who identifies herself as Jane Doe, purchased a lottery ticket on February 17 for the “Lotto Texas” game through the lottery courier service Jackpocket.

Lottery couriers, such as Jackpocket, allow users to place orders for tickets through their app, after which they purchase the physical ticket on the user’s behalf.

If the ticket is a winner, the app pays winnings directly under $600, while for bigger prizes, it delivers the physical ticket to the user. Then, they must claim the award in person.

Doe Claims TLC Is Illegally Withholding Her Winnings

The plaintiff claims that Jackpocket bought the ticket on her behalf from the Winners Corner, a licensed lottery retailer in Austin. That night, she won the $83.5 million jackpot.

However, a week later, the TLC announced that it would ban lottery couriers, which are unregulated in Texas. The move was made official about two months later, when the commission voted unanimously to ban the couriers.

According to the lawsuit, the commission is “not allowed to change the rules after the drawing”. It claims that it’s trying to refuse to pay Doe’s winning through a retroactive ban. 

Doe says she presented her ticket to the TLC on March 18. At the time, the commission did not claim it was invalid in any way.

Lottery Couriers Under Scrutiny in Texas

Jane Doe’s jackpot, which was the fifth-highest in the state’s history, made headlines in February. 

Soon after it was revealed that the winning ticket was bought through Jackpocket, a subsidiary of DraftKings, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for an investigation into the matter.

Investigations later revealed a scheme involving lottery couriers, which led to the winning of a $95 million jackpot in 2023. 

In the 2023 case, a secret syndicate led by a British former banker and a Tasmanian gambler purchased 26 million tickets at $1. 

As a result, the syndicate bought almost all possible combinations. The syndicate was able to purchase that many tickets by using a lottery courier.

The news shook Texas, and authorities launched an investigation into TLC’s integrity. The growing security led to the resignation of the commission’s Executive Director, Ryan Mindell, in April.

Texas Lottery Commission on the Brink of Abolition

While Jane Doe’s $83.5 million jackpot caused uproar, the unveiling of the $95 million jackpot scheme has led to calls for the abolishment of TLC after questions over its integrity. 

Senate Bill 3070, which seeks to abolish the commission and establish strict rules regarding ticket purchasing, passed the House on May 26, following its passage in the Senate on May 15. It now awaits the governor’s signature.

Under the bill’s provisions, oversight of the lottery will transfer to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Other key provisions include:

• Ban on online ticket sales.
• Limit of 100 tickets in a single transaction.
• The lottery will be subject to a review by the Sunset Advisory Commission before August 31, 2027. If the commission does not authorize it, it will abolish the lottery.
• Individuals with felony convictions or offenses are ineligible for employment related to lottery operations.
• Establishment of a Lottery Advisory Committee to provide external expertise and recommendations on lottery operations.

It’s unknown what will happen to Jane Doe’s lawsuit if the Texas Lottery Commission ceases to exist.

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Wilna van Wyk

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signaled his support for legalized sports betting in the state. 

Abbott appeared on the Houston Chronicle’s “Texas Take” podcast: “I don’t have a problem with online sports betting.”

He continued “The reality is that I’d be shocked if there were not some Texans that do it already. It’s a widespread practice, and it seems to be part of the entertainment that goes along when you’re watching a football game, especially pro football or other types of sports and things like that. I don’t have a problem with that.” 

The Texas Sports Betting Alliance welcomed the Governor’s comments. Jeremy Kudon, President of the Sports Betting Alliance, said: “We appreciate the governor’s comments because this echoes what we’re hearing from Texans.” 

Kudon continued: “They want the opportunity to vote on legalizing sports betting and putting in place a strong regulatory framework that protects consumers and boosts revenue in the state.” 

Sports Teams and Betting Giants Push for Legalization

The Betting Alliance is composed of state sports teams and large online operators. The Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Astros, and the San Antonio Spurs have allied with gambling behemoths DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel. 

A study released by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston supported Abbot’s comments. 

Public Opinion: What Texans Think About Legal Betting

73% of all Texans responded positively to the legalization and operation of destination resort casinos in the Lone Star State. Politically, slightly more Democrats (74%) supported them than Republicans (72%). 

Regarding online sports betting in Texas, 60% of Texans support the practice’s legalization. This support was more heavily weighted towards Democrats, with 64% of Democrats supporting the industry compared to 59% of Republicans.

Lower support still exists for the legalization of retail sportsbooks in the stadiums and arenas of Texas’ professional sports teams. 56% of Texans would support the brick-and-mortar locations. 59% of Democrats would support the measure, compared to 55% of Republicans. 

Renée Cross, Researcher and Senior Executive Director of the Hobby School, commented: “Texas is surrounded by states which already allow casino gambling, and several have legalized or eased marijuana regulations. Proponents of both legalized gambling and legalized marijuana argue Texans are taking money that could be spent here out of state.”

For the Lone Star State to legalize sports betting, the Legislature would have to be amended by a two-thirds vote of both chambers, and then the general public would go to the ballot.

In 2023, Rep. Jeff Leach’s bill passed through the House with an 82-51 vote. It was never picked up by the Senate, where it subsequently died. Senator Lois Kolkhorst proposed a similar bill last year but failed to gain traction. This year, Sen. Alvarado submitted a bill to permit casinos and sports wagering, and the outcome has yet to be decided.

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.

The post Texas Governor Signals Support for Legal Sports Betting as Public Support Grows appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The group, which completed a deal to become a significant stakeholder in the Dallas Mavericks last year, is set to submit a petition in the region for the legalisation of online casino gaming. 

Las Vegas Sands, alongside a myriad of some of the industry’s other key players, has long been advocating for the expansion of casino regulations in the state, with this latest move following up the formation of the Texas Sands Political Action Committee, a lucrative effort that sought to grow the chances of a gambling framework in the region. 

Tilman Fertitta, who owns Golden Nugget, has also been vocal in backing the bid for Texas to embrace the casino sector and the benefits it can bring. 

In a recent comment to Bloomberg, Fertitta stated that the casino sector can have a profound impact on bringing tourism to the region – specifically with the venues that will be built as a result of any new sector entering the space. 

The Golden Nugget owner stated: “We need to do it right and build the casinos, and not have a bunch of slot machines at every single little grocery store.”

Momentum around the potential for a bill to legislate casinos in Texas has built momentum – bolstered by the backing of the Abelson family after their acquisition of the Mavericks. 

When Mark Cuban initially purchased the Mavericks in 2000 he did so for around $285m, the Abelson’s acquisition at the end of last year underlined the significant rise in valuation of the sports team, with the family reportedly set to pay around $3.5bn for the franchise. 

The push for legislation from the Abelson family is also elevated by surrounding markets benefiting from a burgeoning casino industry.

Nonetheless, as much as support has grown for the bill, limited backing from governmental officials in Texas. 

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Chair and CEO Robert Goldstein noted that the operator remains “deeply enthusiastic” about growth opportunities in both regions, as total net revenue rose to almost $3bn during the period.

LVS improving in Macao & Singapore

Publishing its results, LVS declared a Q4 net revenue of $2.92bn, up 161 per cent on the same period the previous year (Q4 2022: $1.1bn), with casino revenue coming in at $2.1bn, a 222.8 per cent increase year-over-year (Q4 2022: $654m).

Operating income during the quarter stood at $710m, up from an operating loss of $166m in Q4 2022. Net income from continuing operations was $469m, an improvement compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $269m in Q4 2022. Consolidated adjusted property EBITDA was $1.2bn (Q4 2022: $222m).

For the full year, LVS’ net revenue stood at $10.4bn, a 152.4 per cent improvement YoY (2022: $4.1bn), with casino revenue growing by 186.3 per cent to $7.52bn (2022: $2.63bn).

Operating income in 2023 was $2.31bn, (2022: $792m operating loss), net income from continuing operations was $1.43bn, $1.62 per diluted share, in comparison to 2022’s net loss of $1.54bn, $1.40 per diluted share. Adjusted property EBITDA came in at $4.09bn (2022: $732m).

Goldstein commented: “We were extremely pleased with our financial and operating results for the quarter, which reflect the ongoing improvement in the operating environment in both Macao and Singapore. 

“We remain deeply enthusiastic about our opportunities for growth in both Macao and Singapore in the years ahead.”

Property revenue

Per property, locations across LVS’ portfolio in Macao – The Venetian Macao, The Plaza Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, and Sands Macao – and Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands saw their revenue improve in Q4.

Through majority ownership in Sands China, Macao operations generated $1.86bn in revenue during the quarter, up 319.6 per cent YoY (Q4 2022: $444m). 

Per location, The Venetian led the way with $748m (2022: $201m), followed by The Londoner with $589m (2022: $93m), The Parisian with $222m (2022: $51m), The Plaza with $192m (2022: $75m) and Sands Macao with $81m (2022: $17m).

Macao adjusted property EBITDA came in at $654m, up on a $51m loss the previous year. However, LVS noted that a low hold on rolling play negatively affected the value by $40m.

For the full year, Macao operations produced $6.56bn in revenue, a 303.1 per cent increase YoY (2022: $1.63bn). Adjusted property EBITDA stood at $2.2bn (2022: $324m loss).

“In Macao, the ongoing recovery across all segments continued during the quarter,” stated Goldstein.

“Our decades-long commitment to making investments that enhance the business and leisure tourism appeal of Macao and support its development as a world centre of business and leisure tourism positions us well as the ongoing recovery in travel and tourism spend progresses.”

In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands revenue improved by 55.6 per cent to $1.06bn (Q4 2022: $682m). Adjusted property EBITDA came in at $544m, up on the previous year’s $273m as a high hold on rolling play positively impacted the value by $71m.

For the full year, revenue rose by 52.98 per cent to $3.85bn (2022: $2.52bn), while adjusted property EBITDA stood at $1.86bn (2022: $1.06bn).

“In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands once again delivered outstanding levels of financial and operating performance,” added Goldstein.

“Our new suite product and elevated service offerings position us well as airlift capacity continues to improve and the recovery in travel and tourism spending from China and the wider region continues to advance.”

Looking ahead

During its earnings call accompanying its Q4 results, LVS made comments about its property progress in the US states of New York and Texas.

In New York, Goldstein stated that the company has received “strong local support” for the licence, which would see LVS develop the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island into a casino and entertainment venue.

The CEO remarked that the cost of the building will be “in the $6bn range”, adding that they have plans to “be in the ground as quickly as possible” if their bid is successful and they are hopeful of finding out as such later this year.

Commenting on Texas, President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont claimed that LVS is “actively trying to facilitate the development of integrated resorts” in the state “through the liberalisation of gaming”.

The company believes Texas is an “unbelievable market”, adding that although they’re unsure when it will be, there is an “opportunity to develop some very unique tourism assets, specifically in Dallas”.

Goldstein noted: “We are fortunate that our financial strength supports our ongoing investment and capital expenditure programs in both Macao and Singapore, our pursuit of growth opportunities in new markets, and the return of capital to stockholders. 

“We repurchased $505m LVS shares under our share repurchase program during the quarter.  We look forward to utilising our share repurchase program to return excess capital to stockholders in the future.

“In addition, we entered into an agreement during the quarter to purchase approximately $250m of Sands China stock, which, upon settlement of the agreement, is expected to increase our ownership interest in Sands China.”

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Specifically, he highlighted that there are few GOP senators offering their support for a casino and the overall growth of the sector. 

Although the status of the sector was brought further into the limelight by a move from the Adelson family, who own the Las Vegas Sands Group, to acquire the Dallas Mavericks, Patrick revealed his belief that progression on a bill for casinos in Texas isn’t close. 

That being said, the anticipated entrance of the Adelson family into the region has fuelled rumours that mood within the senate could shift towards a more liberal approach when it comes to casino legislation.

Patrick also took aim at Speaker Dade Phelan, over delays to the bill as he pinpointed the crucial element of it being organically supported and debated within the house. 

The struggles of the sector within Texas have not been replicated in neighbouring Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK, which is just 90 minutes away from Dallas.

Earlier in the year, the group featured some of Texas’ most sought after sports stars front and centre as part of a new marketing campaign.

Dubbed “Where the Players Play”, the campaign features Dallas Cowboys stars and NFL Hall of Famers Darren Woodson and Troy Aikman as well as longtime Texas Ranger and MLB Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez. The trio has already done several one-off promotions with the property, but they are now inking a more long-term deal that was partially brokered by RPM Sports & Entertainment.

The debate over a casino bill is set to take place in 2024, however, has previously been delayed on numerous occasions. 

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In a narrow 5-4 ruling, the decision of the nation’s highest court states that the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Indian Tribe and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas have the autonomy to allow electronic bingo gaming on their lands, regardless of state rules, in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Following the ruling, Ricky Sylestine, chair of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas’ Tribal Council, is quoted in local media as stating: “The court’s decision is an affirmation of Tribal sovereignty and a victory for the Texas economy.

“The highest Court in the land has made clear that our tribe has the right to legally operate electronic bingo on our reservation, just as we have the past six years.”

However, despite finding that if a game isn’t prohibited within Texas the state cannot impose restrictions on tribes, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, does note that this does permit any activity a tribe may choose.

“None of this is to say that the tribe may offer any gaming activity on whatever terms it wishes,” he commented. 

“It is only to say that the Fifth Circuit and Texas have erred in their understanding of the Restoration Act. Under that law’s terms, if a gaming activity is prohibited by Texas law it is also prohibited on tribal land as a matter of federal law.

“Other gaming activities are subject to tribal regulation and must conform with the terms and conditions set forth in federal law, including IGRA to the extent it is applicable.”

Responding to the ruling, David Lopez, CEO of AGS, noted: “After an extremely long process in the judicial system, I would like to congratulate our Native American business partners and friends on their well-deserved win. 

“This ruling makes it possible for these sovereign Tribes to gain economic freedom and confirms their rights as federally recognised tribes.

“AGS stands by our tribal operator partners as they look to exercise their rights and wish them success in current and future ventures as sovereign tribes in the state of Texas. 

“We are proud to support all our Native American partners throughout the country, and, in particular, these tribes that have fought so hard and so long in pursuit of their economic freedom.”

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Including repaying $36m of outstanding debt, the cash transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of next year, and is subject to approval by Integrity shareholders.

Robert Miodunski, Integrity interim chief executive officer, commented: “We strongly believe this is a good transaction for our company, and that our customers will benefit from AGS’ deep roots in Oklahoma, and its proven ability to successfully manage a large footprint of leased games to drive strong performance for gaming operators.

“We look forward to working closely with the AGS team to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service and support for our customers. I am proud of the Integrity team and the success we have achieved over our more than 20 years.”

For the 2017 fiscal year Integrity generated revenues of $16m and pre-synergy EBITDA in the region of $9m, with AGS expecting EBITDA growth at “approximately 15 per cent on an annualised and non-GAAP basis, beginning in fiscal 2019”.

Integrity owns slot machines manufactured by various slot suppliers, including AGS, in approximately 30 tribal casinos in Oklahoma and Texas, and also offers direct sales of further gaming products and supplies.

Andrew Burke, AGS senior vice president of slot products, explained: “The Integrity team has built a strong business, with an installed base of more than 2,700 Class III and Class II games in Oklahoma and Texas, partnering with some of the largest tribal gaming operators in the United States.

“AGS’ roots are in Oklahoma, and we are excited to invest further in a market we are so passionate about and where we already have strong sales and customer support networks. We look forward to working in partnership with the Integrity team, to provide Integrity’s customers with an exceptional service and support experience and a continued focus on driving optimal game performance.”

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Located in Thackerville, Oklahoma, where sports betting remains illegal, the property is the first to align itself to an NFL franchise, following a relaxation of the rules forbidding land-based casino operators occupying such partnerships.

The new corporate sponsor, which sees WinStar become the official casino of the Dallas Cowboys, sees the granting of exclusive use of a team logos and marks, following the amendment passed by league owners.

Situated in close proximity to Texas-Oklahoma state-line, the Chickasaw Nation owned and operated entity has stressed that the tribe has always had a close connection with the city of Dallas, and the wider North Texas region.

Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation, commented: “Hundreds of Chickasaws live in the Dallas area, and the Dallas Cowboys are a vital part of the community.

“While this partnership is a great business deal, that is only one of the reasons we are excited to be involved with the Dallas Cowboys and the Jones family.

“Jerry Jones is committed to enhancing the quality of life of Arlington youth and others in the community, which aligns closely with our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people”

Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, has also been quick to lavish praise on the new partnership: “The Dallas Cowboys take great pride in aligning themselves with the best brands in the world.

“It is a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder as partners with such a prominent entertainment brand like WinStar World Casino.”

The NFL began its new season yesterday as defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles overcome Atlanta Falcons 18-12.

Dallas begin their season on at the Sunday at the Bank of America Stadium, against the Carolina Panthers.

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