This past week has been quite eventful in the gambling sector, with several notable developments making headlines.
The Final Four is approaching this weekend in Indianapolis, indicating a brief pause in the sports schedule. While The Masters is set for next week and the NBA and NHL playoffs are on the horizon, it will be a few months before football betting picks up again for sportsbooks.
Despite the sports calendar slowing down, the gambling industry remains as dynamic as ever, especially in these uncertain times. Here’s a roundup of some significant and less favorable news from the last week.
Bingo: Kentucky Modifies Gambling Laws
A new bill has been presented to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, proposing progressive and sensible amendments to the state's gambling regulations. Key changes include increasing the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, prohibiting 'under' bets on in-state college athletes, allowing fixed-odds horse racing, and banning operators from offering prediction markets within the state. Although there is still some ambiguity regarding the prediction markets clause, the modified version permits the largest operators to continue their operations in Kentucky.
Bust: New York's Proposal Falls Short
While we appreciate the intentions behind efforts to enhance safety in the gambling sector, the measures suggested by the New York State Gaming Commission, following Governor Kathy Hochul's recommendations, are overly broad and difficult to enforce. These include arbitrary deposit limits, quick triggers based on gambling behavior that do not necessarily indicate a problem, and biometric age verification requirements.
Bingo: Las Vegas to Host Second Super Bowl
Las Vegas, once viewed unfavorably by professional sports leagues, has been confirmed as the venue for the 2029 Super Bowl, marking its second time hosting this prestigious event. Additionally, the NBA is considering Las Vegas for a potential expansion team, and with the A’s relocating to a new stadium on the Strip in 2028, along with the established Golden Knights, the city's negative reputation is fading.
Bust: Continued Crackdown on Sweepstakes
The year 2025 was challenging for sweepstakes casinos, and 2026 is not looking much better. Several states have advanced legislation aimed at shutting down or criminalizing the dual-currency model. With Governor Janet Mills' signature, Maine would become the second state this year to implement a ban, following Virginia, with similar efforts underway in Tennessee and Iowa. In Louisiana, a bill is being proposed to prosecute sweepstakes operators under racketeering laws.
Bingo: Massachusetts Renews Jordan Maynard's Term
Jordan Maynard has been reappointed for a new five-year term as chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Under his leadership, the MGC has shown a willingness to consider players' perspectives, becoming the first state regulatory body to demand transparency from operators regarding customer limitations. Advocates hope this marks the beginning of addressing some perceived unethical practices in online sports betting.
Bust: Sports Betting Faces Image Issues
Sports betting is encountering public relations challenges due to issues like game-fixing scandals and athlete harassment. An Ipsos poll released this week indicates that 56% of Americans feel that gambling undermines the integrity of sports, a rise of seven percentage points since November 2025. For the first time since tracking began in 2023, more Americans oppose (44%) than support (25%) online sports betting in their state, with the disapproval rate higher among sports fans (47% vs. 31%).
Bingo: Vinny Magliulo Inducted into Hall of Fame
Vinny Magliulo, recognized by the Sports Gambling Hall of Fame as a “Bookie from Brooklyn,” has been inducted into this prestigious group of bookmakers, bettors, and industry trailblazers at Circa Sportsbook in Las Vegas. Currently serving as the Sports Book Director at Gaughan Gaming, Magliulo has held significant roles in the industry.