## North American Affiliate Standing: Weekly Summary
Greetings from iGB’s Affiliate Standing, a retrospective on the most significant North American sports wagering news we covered this week, alongside other noteworthy discoveries.
**Bally Bet Aims to Introduce its Sports Betting Platform in Massachusetts in June**
Bally Bet representatives informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday (April 11) that they intend to debut in the Bay State by late June, emphasizing “our dedication to the state is steadfast.” Bally’s had previously pledged to launch “by the conclusion of the second quarter” but had not provided a specific date. The company has held a temporary sports betting permit in the state since the beginning of 2023. Bally Bet’s arrival will increase the total number of digital platforms accessible in Massachusetts to seven, following the departure of Betr and WynnBet from the state earlier this year.
“It’s thrilling to witness someone finalize the licensing procedure we initiated and actually get underway,” MGC Acting Chair Jordan Maynard remarked at the gathering.
**Highest Court Grants Extension to Hear Florida Sports Betting Case**
The Highest Court will grant the federal government until May 13 to submit its response to the case initiated by West Flagler Associates, LLC.
The Seminole Native American group in Florida initiated the Hard Rock Bet platform last fall, an event that could drastically alter the scene of sports wagering in Florida. On the fourth of April, the governing body requested a postponement, citing an excessive workload. Although the court appeared to react within a day, the case files were not updated until this week.
Porter might encounter a suspension from the NBA
The head of the NBA, Adam Silver, informed reporters on the tenth of April that Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter could be suspended by the league. This follows claims of placing bets on his own performance.
“I have a wide array of disciplinary options,” Silver stated, according to the Associated Press. “His actions in the NBA are unacceptable. The most severe punishment I can impose is to suspend him. That’s my authority, because there’s nothing more serious than that.”
As of Wednesday, Porter has missed ten consecutive games. He left the game after brief appearances on the twenty-sixth of January and the twentieth of March, and in both contests, he did not achieve the numbers in the betting predictions about him. Porter would be the first NBA player to be suspended since PASPA was overturned. Thus far, the NFL has penalized ten players for gambling violations, and the NHL has suspended one athlete.
ESPN BET releases playoff commercials
Prior to the commencement of the NBA and NHL playoffs, ESPN Bet released its latest video advertisement on the tenth of April, starring Scott Van Pelt:
ESPN also declared this week that it will renew its agreement with Peyton Manning’s Omaha production company until 2034.
As per the stipulations of the contract, “Monday Night Football featuring Peyton and Eli” will carry on, and ESPN will secure access to additional original programming.
Will the Delaware marketplace open?
Based on information from WBOC, two legislators have submitted a proposal in Delaware that would expand the selection of sports betting platforms accessible within the state. At present, the only option within the state is BetRivers, however, the new proposal would enable other operators to collaborate with local gambling establishments. The new proposal, HB 365, originates from the Internet Sports Wagering Legislative Workgroup, which was established by legislation in 2023.
The proposal would impose an 18% levy on adjusted gross revenue and a $500,000 licensing fee. Licenses would be valid for a period of five years.
Richmond will not have a gambling establishment.
Towards the end of last week, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a collection of bills that removed the city of Richmond from the list of cities within the state that could apply for a casino license. In 2020, Virginia lawmakers legalized sports betting and subsequently designated five potential statewide brick-and-mortar casino locations.
Since 2020, casinos have opened in Bristol, Danville, and Portsmouth, and Norfolk is preparing to open a casino. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Youngkin also expedited Petersburg as the state’s fifth casino location.
The New Orleans casino hotel is progressing as planned.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune published an article on April 10th announcing the grand opening of the Caesars New Orleans hotel in the autumn, coinciding with Super Bowl LIX, scheduled for February 9th, 2025. The hotel is situated adjacent to the state’s sole land-based gambling establishment. This casino, formerly known as Harrah’s since the 1990s, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. The new hotel tower will encompass 15 levels and 340 guest rooms.
**Other Developments**
Astonishingly, Ohtani’s interpreter misappropriated $16 million, with the baseball star being deemed the “victim”.
Maryland legislators have failed to authorize online gambling. What lies ahead for 2024?
Maine’s online casino legislation is on the verge of being shelved.
FanDuel’s Amy Howe asserts that Native American tribes will be the pivotal players in California.
California’s indigenous tribes are unequivocally stating their authority over sports betting.
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