Daren Trousdell

Rush Street Interactive (RSI), a leading American online casino and sports betting company, has published its quarterly report for the period ended March 31. The company reported a significant increase in revenue and significantly narrowed its losses. For context, Rush Street reported Q1 revenue of $217 million, up 34% year-on-year from the $162.4 million reported a year ago. Additionally, the operator was able to decrease its net loss from $24.5 million in Q1 2023 to only $2.2 million in Q1 2024. Furthermore, RSI highlighted adjusted EBITDA of $17.1 million for the period. This figure far exceeded the $8.7 million adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1 2023 and represents an improvement of $25.8 million. In addition, the gambling company managed to reduce its advertising and promotions expenses from $49.4 million in Q1 2023 to $37.8 million in Q1 2024. Read the full article ➡ https://lnkd.in/dbzt9cmx #finance #business #gambling #gamblingnews #global #casino

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The tax rates will range from 20% to 40%, replacing the state’s current 15% flat tax rate on adjusted gross operator sports betting revenue. When signed into law, Illinois will become the first state to increase its sports betting tax rate since Ohio raised its rate from 10% to 20% last year. The move could signal a trend as other states consider similar measures to boost revenue. New Jersey and Massachusetts have also seen proposals to significantly increase their sports betting tax rates. #sportsbetting #taxation #publicpolicy

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Breaking News in the Gambling Industry: Boyd Gaming's Proposed Acquisition of PENN Entertainment, Inc 📢 The gambling industry is buzzing with the latest news of Boyd Gaming's expressed interest in acquiring PENN Entertainment, Inc. This potential merger could reshape the landscape of the industry, bringing together two major players with significant footprints across the United States. Why This Merger Matters: Expansion of Market Reach: Boyd Gaming, known for its diverse portfolio of gaming and entertainment properties, stands to significantly expand its market reach through Penn Entertainment's extensive network of casinos and racetracks. Enhanced Synergies: The merger could create substantial synergies in operational efficiencies, marketing strategies, and customer loyalty programs. This combined strength could offer unparalleled experiences to their customers. Strategic Growth: For Boyd Gaming, this move aligns with its strategic growth objectives, providing a broader platform for innovation and service enhancement in an increasingly competitive market. A Look at Past Mergers: The gambling industry has seen several high-profile mergers in recent years: Eldorado Resorts, Inc. Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, Inc. Entertainment: This $17.3 billion merger in 2020 created the largest casino and entertainment company in the U.S., demonstrating the potential benefits of combining resources and expertise. Paddy Power and Betfair: This 2016 merger formed one of the world's largest publicly traded online betting companies, showcasing the global trend towards consolidation for competitive advantage. GVC Group and Ladbrokes Coral: In 2018, GVC Holdings acquired Ladbrokes Coral, reinforcing the importance of scale and diversification in the rapidly evolving gambling sector. Is This Merger a Good Idea? While mergers can bring numerous benefits, they also come with challenges such as integration complexities, regulatory scrutiny, and cultural alignment issues. The key question remains: Will the Boyd Gaming and Penn Entertainment merger deliver the anticipated value and propel the combined entity to new heights? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this potential game-changer in the gambling industry. Do you think this merger is a strategic masterstroke or a risky gamble? Share your insights in the comments below! #GamblingTechUnpacked #BoydGaming #PennEntertainment #GamblingIndustry #Merger #Acquisition #IndustryNews #StrategicGrowth #MarketExpansion

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Specially for Casino Guru News, Danuta Janicka-Mierzwa, Deputy Head of Sales at BETCORE, shares the latest updates on Peruvian gambling regulations. Discover how the new framework impacts the iGaming market🇵🇪 Read the full article to get all the insights: https://lnkd.in/dsKiU6T7

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Part 2 of 2 - I think about the gaming industry differently than what has been proposed by the mainstream press and documented in articles like these: https://lnkd.in/gUtzpKNt. Enhanced Regulation and Consumer Protection Robust regulatory frameworks are at the heart of the legal sports betting industry. These regulations are designed to protect consumers by ensuring fair play, preventing fraud, and promoting responsible gambling. By driving out bad actors and establishing high standards, the industry has created a safer environment for all participants. Moreover, the transparency inherent in a regulated market provides consumers with confidence that their bets are placed in a secure and reliable system. The Role of Media in Promoting Accountability Media scrutiny is a powerful tool for maintaining integrity within the sports betting industry. Historical precedents, such as the exposure of Arnold Rothstein's infamous 1919 Black Sox Scandal, illustrate the media's vital role in uncovering corruption. Similarly, modern media coverage brings to light any malpractices, ensuring that they are addressed promptly and effectively. This vigilance helps maintain the public's trust and supports the ongoing improvement of industry standards. Addressing Gambling Addiction The gaming industry is deeply committed to mitigating the risks of gambling addiction. Comparisons with other vices such as alcohol or drugs reveal that while all have significant social impacts, the industry is making strides in providing effective tools for responsible gaming. Advances in technology offer promising solutions for managing gambling behavior, such as self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and real-time monitoring to detect problematic patterns. Collaboration among stakeholders, including operators, regulators, and mental health professionals, is essential to develop comprehensive strategies that balance individual privacy with effective intervention. Looking Ahead The future of the legal sports betting industry is one of continuous improvement and innovation. By focusing on transparency, regulation, and responsible gaming, the industry can build on its successes and address emerging challenges. Technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence hold potential for further enhancing regulatory compliance and consumer protection. In summary, the legal sports betting industry is committed to creating a safe, transparent, and economically beneficial environment. By fostering collaboration between operators and regulators, leveraging technological advancements, and maintaining a strong focus on consumer protection, the industry continues to make significant strides. It is crucial to acknowledge and build upon the positive outcomes achieved thus far while remaining vigilant and proactive in addressing any new issues that arise.

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It was a privilege to be a speaker at the iGaming Club by AffPapa in Malaga, alongside Dmitry Belianin, Egor Goroshchuk, Andreza Majela, and Martins Lasmanis. During the panel discussion on "Operators: Deals, Listing Fees, Commissions - What Are the Dos and Don'ts?", we had the opportunity to debate and share insights on several critical topics for the affiliate industry: 🔹 **Protecting Affiliate Listing Fees**: Highlighted the importance of these fees as a safeguard against non-paying casinos. Emphasized the significant effort involved in listing casinos on affiliate websites. 🔹 **Transparency in Affiliate Reports**: Stressed the necessity for more transparent reporting in affiliate programs, including detailed displays of user deposits and NDC/FTD reports. 🔹 **Casino Operators Admin Fees**: Addressed the lack of transparency around admin fees imposed by casino operators. Discussed how these fees can be manipulated at any time, leaving affiliates without any leverage. It's essential to keep pushing for transparency and fairness in the iGaming industry. Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and driving positive change. #iGaming #Transparency #AffiliatePrograms #iGamingClub #AffPapa #Malaga

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is addressing betting limits for sports bettors by meeting with top sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and ESPN Bet. The "Sports Wagering Operator Wager Limitations Roundtable" will include public comments and questions for the sportsbooks. Topics include how limits are set, the patron experience, and responsible gaming implications. Although sportsbooks can limit wagers under state law, the MGC aims to understand and possibly regulate this practice to better protect residents. For more updates on this news and a deeper analysis, visit: https://lnkd.in/e84SmQjS #SportsBetting #MassachusettsGamingCommission #Sportsbooks #BettingLimits #GamingRegulation #DraftKings #FanDuel #BetMGM #ResponsibleGaming #GamblingNews

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Great article about innovation in the casino gaming industry.

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📺 The Rise of Influencers in Sports Betting and #DFS 👀 A look at the future of the affiliate industry ↪️ https://lnkd.in/edhgWRfT 🔥 Fun little deep dive by Kyle Scott Laskowski and I: 🔦 SEO Fallout 📰 Media Partner Annihilation 🏎️ More Efficient Marketing 👴🏻 Old Idea of Affiliate Marketing 🏰 1.) European Model 📱 2.) Social Media Is Passive 👣 3.) Tracking Is Easier 🏴‍☠️ The European Model Is Now Dead 👩‍🎤 Influencers Come Alive 🎰 Casino YouTubers 🏈 Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life 🤷 How Do You Work with Influencers? 💵 Flat Fee CPAs May Be the Wrong Model 🤥 The Problems with Rev Share 🏛️ Tech and Regulators Aren’t Ready for Transacti … �� The Power Is with the Influencers - Like McAfee and Portnoy, But Smaller

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The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has published information about the performance of the local gambling industry, highlighting a decline in taxable sports wagering revenue. Whereas the state’s eight mobile and three in-person sports betting licensees reported $58.9 million in revenue in April 2023, they now generated only $49.12 million. Despite an increase in player spending, the final figure represents a decline of roughly 17%. For further context, the state’s three Category 1 sports wagering operators, which operate retail betting, reported a loss of $256,600, down 2% year-on-year. The licensees’ handle for the period stood at $11.7 million. Category 1 operators include Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino, which are taxed on 15% of their revenue. As a result, the three operators paid out a total of $42,900 in taxes. Read the full article ➡ https://lnkd.in/d3NH9rys #finance #business #gambling #gamblingnews #casino #massachusetts

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Gambling Tech Unpacked: The Strategic Move Behind DraftKings Inc.' Interest in Simplebet In the ever-evolving landscape of sports betting, strategic acquisitions are key to staying ahead. This week, we dive deep into DraftKings Inc.' proposed $170M acquisition of Simplebet, a leader in micro-betting technology. Why Simplebet? Simplebet is revolutionizing the sports betting industry with its innovative micro-betting technology, allowing users to place bets on individual moments within a game rather than just the outcome. This shift caters to the modern bettor's desire for instant engagement and gratification. Key Reasons for Acquisition Enhancing Real-Time Engagement Simplebet's platform leverages sophisticated machine learning models to create real-time odds for in-game events. This enhances user engagement by providing more frequent and diverse betting opportunities. Seamless Integration with Live Streaming Partnering with Amazon IVS, Simplebet integrates live streaming capabilities to ensure bettors experience minimal latency. This ensures that the betting experience is as close to real-time as possible, crucial for micro-betting success . Expanding Product Offerings Simplebet's technology isn't limited to major leagues; it extends to niche sports and markets, providing a broad spectrum of betting options. This diversification aligns perfectly with DraftKings' goal of expanding its market reach. Simplebet's Unique Selling Points (USP) In-Play Betting Innovation Simplebet's core strength lies in its in-play betting solutions. By using advanced algorithms, the platform continuously updates odds based on live game data, offering an engaging and dynamic betting experience . User-Centric Design The user interface is designed for simplicity and speed, ensuring even novice bettors can easily place bets on in-game events. This focus on usability enhances customer retention and satisfaction. Data-Driven Insights Simplebet's platform provides valuable insights and analytics, helping operators understand bettor behavior and preferences. This data-centric approach enables more personalized and effective marketing strategies. DraftKings' Vision By acquiring Simplebet, DraftKings aims to: Enhance User Experience: Integrate cutting-edge micro-betting technology to keep users engaged longer. Drive Revenue Growth: Offer more betting opportunities to increase betting volume and frequency. Strengthen Market Position: Stay ahead in the competitive sports betting landscape by continually innovating and expanding product offerings. DraftKings' move to acquire Simplebet underscores the growing importance of micro-betting in the sports betting industry. As the demand for real-time, interactive betting experiences rises, this acquisition positions DraftKings at the forefront of innovation and user engagement. Stay tuned to Gambling Tech Unpacked for more insights into the latest trends and developments in the gambling technology space!

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How a casino/sportsbook brand can perform above its benchmark: At Blask, we try to benchmark each brand’s performance. The soon-to-be-released feature shows, through FTDs and GGR, what bad, average, and good performance would look like. We’ve had some great feedback on how accurate this data is. And we’ve highlighted a number of factors a brand needs to excel in to perform above its benchmark. Would you like to know what they are? Then sign up for my newsletter ahead of its latest edition this Thursday https://lnkd.in/dAxKN28N The better you perform in this category, the better your operator will perform against others within the market. P.S. Any guesses on which brand this is in the screenshot? You win the internet for today if you guess correctly.

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Excited about this article & the future of Marker Trax and Koin Payments! Special thanks to Global Gaming Business and Jess Marquez!

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Part 1 of 2 -- I think about the gaming industry differently than what has been proposed by the mainstream press and documented in articles like these: https://lnkd.in/gUtzpKNt. David Rebuck, former director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), aptly stated, "the primary purpose of enacting a legal sports betting market should always be to provide a safe, transparent, regulated market that customers will choose over readily available illegal options.” This guiding principle underscores the substantial progress made since the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The expansion of legal sports betting has not only created a safer environment for consumers but also significantly curtailed illegal gambling activities, which have shrunk by an estimated 60%. The role of advertising in promoting legal sports betting cannot be overstated. It has played a critical part in directing public attention towards regulated markets, thereby siphoning off demand from illegal operators. This shift is essential for fostering economic development, creating jobs, and enhancing national security by reducing the funding streams for unlawful activities. Job Creation and Economic Development The legalization of sports betting has been a boon for the economy. It has generated thousands of jobs, from direct employment in casinos and sportsbooks to ancillary positions in marketing, technology, and customer service. These new opportunities contribute to local economies, supporting businesses and communities across the United States. Additionally, the tax revenues generated from legal sports betting are reinvested into public services, infrastructure, and education, further bolstering economic growth. Part 2 to follow

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