Kevin Harrington Becomes CEO of PokerStars

Flutter International's flagship brand PokerStars just introduced Kevin Harrington as its new chief executive officer.

Harrington, most recently the Chief Commercial Officer of Flutter International, will now lead PokerStars into the next stage of its development and expansion.

This is a calculated move as PokerStars enters an all-time high number of licensed markets. With Harrington at the helm, the business plans to expand its already extensive catalog of digital offerings and in-person events to meet the requirements of its rapidly expanding user base.

Endeavour Shares Hit Record Low after New Poker Machine Law

After a state government's unexpected move to impose identification checks and gaming limitations on poker machine users, Endeavour Group, Australia's largest pub owner, had its stock drop to an all-time low on Monday.

The state of Victoria in Australia announced over the weekend that it will require poker machine users to register for an ID card in order to minimize problem gambling and prevent money laundering. It would require venues to close for the night and slow down their machines.

Due to the lack of disclosure on poker machine revenue, analysts were split on the extent to which this would affect Endeavour, the largest owner of poker machine licenses in the country. About 40% of the company's profit in the December 2022 half came from its "hotels" business.

How to Grow a Small Bookie Business

If you are a small bookie business owner, you might wonder how to take your venture to the next level. Becoming a bookie and growing a sportsbook can be challenging. However, it is not impossible. 

Guide on Growing a Small Bookie Business

Here are some tips and strategies to help you grow your small sports betting business effectively and sustainably.

Know Your Target Market 

One of the most critical steps in growing a sportsbook is to identify and understand your ideal customers. Who are they? What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? How can you solve their problems or fulfill their desires? Knowing your target market, you can tailor your services, marketing, and branding to appeal to them and attract loyal customers.

Okada Manila 2nd Quarter GGR Down

The Okada Manila casino resort in the Philippines' capital had its second-quarter gross gaming revenue (GGR) drop by 2.4% year-over-year to little over PHP11.29 billion (US$207.7 million).

According to a report released on Thursday, Universal Entertainment Corp., a Japanese gaming company, reported a 36.1% increase in GGR year-over-year for the second quarter. The data was included in the property's preliminary results, which are advertised by a company named Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc.

Okada Manila was invaded by followers of deposed Universal Entertainment founder Kazuo Okada beginning on May 31, 2022, and continuing over the next three months. On September 4, 2022, Universal Entertainment released a statement saying they had regained ownership.

Rhode Island Senate Approved Online Gambling Bill

The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation to regulate and tax internet gambling sites.

By just two Senators coming out against S 0948, it was carried with a vote of 30 to 4. Bally's Twin River Casino in Lincoln will be permitted to simulcast its table and slot games on mobile devices and PCs thanks to the new law.

Bally's Corp., represented by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, filed legislation that, if enacted, would grant the Rhode Island casino exclusive rights to conduct online casino gambling using technology provided by IGT.

Chile Introduces Online Gambling Bill

If Chile were to regulate online gambling and implement the required laws involving taxation and advertisements, the business would be overjoyed.

A new statute on the regulation of internet betting has been passed in Chile. The proposal has been floating about since March of last year. The gaming sector applauded the bill's progress but noted that it still needs more approval.

At the time of publication, Lotera de Concepción, Polla Chilena de Beneficencia, and Teletrak were the only formally sanctioned gambling operations in Chile. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now has the authority, according to March's new regulations, to bar unregulated offshore businesses like sportsbooks from the simplified tax framework.

Massachusetts to Continue Tax on Promo Play Revenue

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) will continue to demand tax payment from authorized sports betting businesses on their proceeds from promotional play.

The decision, which would see the state's regulator charge licensed firms for their prolonged promotional play, was revealed on Tuesday. Some states have made the decision to subtract this statistic from the state tax due, but the Bay State is making sure that it is not.

There are several reasons for this, including the fact that Massachusetts wishes to prevent sportsbooks from oversaturating the market with offers that are continuously thrust in front of customers.