California About to Become 5th State to Outlaw Online Sweepstakes Casinos

On a recent Friday, the California State Assembly voted unanimously in favour of amendments to AB 831, a significant bill aimed at banning online sweepstakes casinos, which are seen as simulating real-money gambling. This decision puts California in a group of four other states that have already outlawed such operations.

In a decisive 63-0 vote, the Assembly passed the Senate’s amendments without further debate. The original bill, supported by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, sailed through the Senate on September 8, 2025, after several committee reviews. Furthermore, a recent amendment on September 3 specifically addresses protections for promotional sweepstakes operators.

The bill is now poised for Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, which he must provide within 30 days. Should he choose not to act, the bill will automatically become law, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026.

Under the provisions of AB 831, those who violate this law could face misdemeanor charges, incurring penalties that may include fines up to $25,000, one year in county jail, or both. Additionally, the legislation specifies that third-party service providers—such as payment processors and content suppliers—can only be held liable if they knowingly support illegal lottery operations.

The Count So Far

As it stands, four other states currently ban online sweepstakes via legislation:

• Connecticut: SB 1235, effective October 1, 2025
• Montana: SB 555, effective October 1, 2025
• Nevada: SB 256, effective June 6, 2025
• New Jersey: AB 5447, effective August 14, 2025

Legislative efforts to impose similar bans were unsuccessful in Maryland and Louisiana earlier this year. Louisiana’s SB 181 was vetoed despite gaining approval from both chambers. Meanwhile, the Maryland bill failed to progress past the committee stage.

In New York, the bill S5935/A6745 was passed and sent to Governor Kathy Hochul, but it faced a pocket veto after the legislative session ended before the required action could be taken.

The Controversy

Online sweepstakes casinos claim that their platforms facilitate free-to-play contests, and their operators draw comparisons to traditional retail promotions like giveaways and discount codes. However, many critics argue these operations act just like unregulated gambling sites since users can purchase—often dual—virtual currencies to play games like slots and blackjack. Even more troubling is the option to convert these ‘sweeps coins’ into cash prizes, which heightens the blurring line between gambling and entertainment.

Blowback

Following the passage of AB 831, the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) issued a condemnation of the bill. Executive director Jeff Duncan argued that the legislation could worsen economic disparities among tribal nations, hinder digital innovation, and potentially take away $1 billion from California’s economy.

Duncan has called for Governor Newsom to veto the bill and to rather support online social gaming as a means for boosting tribal economic development.

Notably, several Northern California tribes with limited or no gaming operations have aligned with SGLA in their opposition:

• Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation
• Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
• Big Lagoon Rancheria

Conversely, the vast majority of California’s Indian tribes endorse AB 831, including the 13-member Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations. This legislation represents a critical shift in California’s stance on online gaming and could initiate pivotal discussions nationally about digital sweepstakes platforms, the sovereignty of tribal nations, and the future of regulated entertainment.

In summary, California’s potential move to outlaw online sweepstakes casinos highlights the broader challenges facing this evolving sector of the gaming industry. With growing scrutiny and regulatory action, stakeholders will need to navigate the implications of such a shift, not only in California but across the country, as other states look to these developments to shape their own gaming laws.

How Layoffs at The Venetian Impact the Landscape of Las Vegas Casinos

The recent venetian layoffs have triggered discussions on the broader implications for Las Vegas casinos. UPDATE: A spokesperson for The Venetian has reached out to clarify that earlier reports concerning layoffs were misleading, offering a more positive outlook for the landscape of Las Vegas casinos. They stated that over the past several weeks, the resort has actually strengthened its workforce by bringing on board more than 50 new team members. Devin Deatherage of Kirvin-Doak Communications mentioned, “Departures are a common aspect of standard business operations, and the recent layoffs fall within that context.”

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EARLIER: The Venetian’s layoffs mark a significant shift in the landscape of Las Vegas casinos, exemplifying a trend where casino operators are taking drastic actions that contrast with their public statements. The resort confirmed that approximately “less than 50” employees were let go from its workforce of 8,500.

As reported by Casino.org’s own Vital Vegas, this constitutes the second round of staff reductions the Venetian has enacted since July.

The WARN Act stipulates that large firms cannot terminate 50 or more employees at a single site within a 30-day timeframe without providing written notice at least 60 days prior to the layoffs to the affected employees, their union representatives, and local/state government officials. Failure to comply could result in liability for back wages up to 60 days and financial penalties for neglecting governmental notifications.

What’s Really Happening Here?

According to a cover story in TIME Magazine from August, workers and union representatives described the present circumstances as more severe than any summer they have experienced before, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The downturn is attributed to factors such as economic instability, surging operational costs, and geopolitical tensions.

On March 26, Resorts World disclosed a similar fate, revealing the termination of “less than 50” workers. On May 27, Fontainebleau laid off approximately 60 table game dealers. Reliable reports from X news source Las Vegas Locally, indicated that Treasure Island also had its second wave of layoffs this summer during the week of August 23.

This prompts the question: If the casinos believe the downturn in Las Vegas is merely a short-term obstacle, why are these layoffs more than simple furloughs?

Key Takeaways:

• Less than 50 employees were reportedly affected by The Venetian’s layoffs.
• The WARN Act requires significant advance notice for layoffs of this nature.
• Las Vegas has seen a consistent decline in visitors and hotel occupancy rates.
• Similar layoffs have occurred across other casinos, indicating a broader trend.
• The industry faces questions about its sustainability amid rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.

In summary, the recent layoffs at The Venetian Las Vegas have brought to light critical issues affecting not only the casino but the wider hospitality industry in Las Vegas. The hiring of new employees amidst layoffs has led to concerns from workers about job security, illuminating the complexities of navigating business decisions during challenging economic conditions. The ongoing declines in visitation also suggest that the future may hold additional hurdles for this iconic entertainment destination.

Philippines Senate President Ousted After Being Linked to Casino Money Laundering

• Political corruption has again hit the Philippines
• Allegations suggest that government officials laundered money through casinos
• Funds intended for flood protection were misused

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The political instability surrounding the removal of Philippines Senate President Francis Escudero due to corruption allegations in flood control projects mirrors the complex financial crimes seen in the private sector, such as casino money laundering. Just as government funds can be diverted through illicit schemes, the high-stakes gambling industry faces similar scrutiny regarding the movement of untraceable wealth. This incident underscores the ongoing issues with corruption and accountability in the Philippines, highlighting how systemic lack of oversight can facilitate both political scandals and sophisticated casino money laundering operations.

Escudero’s downfall came after he was linked to a contractor involved in flood control projects that failed to meet standards and were poorly executed. Some of the PHP100 billion (approximately US$1.75 billion) allocated for water barrier improvements was reportedly misappropriated or poorly spent, prompting a government investigation.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) suspects that five individuals collaborated with some contractors to launder millions through casinos located in Manila, Cebu, and Clark. One contractor, Centerways Construction and Development, is known to have made substantial donations to Escudero’s political campaigns.

Philippines Money Laundering

In recent years, the Philippines has made strides to strengthen its money laundering regulations. A key part of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s 2022 campaign was the pledge to improve the country’s financial integrity. In February, the Philippines was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list,” indicating that it had rectified several strategic deficiencies in combating money laundering.

Despite these efforts, the detection of 13 casinos supposedly being used to launder illicit funds indicates ongoing challenges in monitoring financial transactions effectively.

According to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways worked with contractors to embezzle much of the flood protection funding, particularly in impoverished areas. Lacson reported documents and surveillance evidence from PAGCOR that suggested these officials, referred to as the “BGC Boys,” lost PHP950 million (or about US$16.6 million) through gambling activities.

“While the people of Bulacan remain submerged in floodwaters due to the corruption of these individuals — and despite the president himself exposing the wrongdoing — the BGC Boys continue to indulge themselves, wasting the people’s money without remorse,” Lacson said.

PAGCOR has reported that these officials employed rudimentary money laundering techniques, such as frequently exchanging large amounts of cash and gambling briefly before cashing in chips.

“My office has submitted their names and aliases to the Anti-Money Laundering Council since casinos are considered covered persons under the anti-money laundering laws,” Lacson explained.

Probe Coming

The Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council has announced plans to review these allegations and scrutinise casino protocols regarding large cash transactions.

“There are penalties under our administrative rules for covered persons. The specific penalties depend on the nature of the infraction,” stated Philippines AMLC Executive Director Matthew David.

Conclusion

The ongoing investigations highlight the need for greater transparency and integrity within both governmental operations and the gaming industry in the Philippines. As this situation develops, the commitment to improve anti-money laundering measures and hold offending parties accountable will be crucial in restoring public trust in both governance and the gambling sector.

For more details, stay tuned to updates regarding this unfolding story and its implications on political accountability in the Philippines.

AGA Study Shows Majority of People Want Regulation for Sports Betting Markets

Sports betting regulation has become a hot topic, with Americans increasingly demanding oversight for sports event contracts. Four in five Americans believe that sports event contracts should be regulated like other forms of sports betting.

Prediction markets introduce NFL offerings for the new season, with platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket also providing spread and total categories. Recently, the Kalshi and Polymarket have gained media attention as they begin offering football event contracts.

85% Say They Want Regulation

According to AGA research, 85% of those surveyed say sports event contracts are most like gambling, while only 6% believe they resemble financial instruments. In total, 80% of Americans want sports event contracts regulated like other forms of gambling, while 5% think this type should be overseen by state and tribal gaming regulators instead of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

“This research demonstrates that Americans recognise a sports bet when they see one and expect prediction markets offering sports event contracts to follow the same regulations and consumer protections as any state-regulated sportsbook,” stated Bill Miller, President and CEO of AGA.

Understanding Prediction Markets and NFL Player Props

The AGA advocates for a thriving environment for legal, regulated gaming operators. In prediction platforms like Kalshi, users trade binary event contracts based on yes/no questions about NFL outcomes. For instance, recent offerings on Kalshi indicate that the Bills have a 73% chance of winning against the Jets, with a wager of $100 yielding a payout of $136 if the Bills win, or $371 if the Jets win.

Kalshi also provides options for spread and total bets, as well as player props, such as predicting who will score a touchdown.

The CFTC oversees the U.S. derivatives market, ensuring financial integrity and fair trading conditions.

Football Parlays and Market Growth

Kalshi is regulated by the CFTC, and Polymarket recently received approval to operate in the U.S. The popularity of prediction markets has surged, with significant venture capital investments pushing valuations into the billions.

“[The AGA research] underscores the necessity for the CFTC to reinforce its own rules that prohibit gaming contracts and for Congress to ensure that prediction markets are not utilised as a loophole for unregulated gaming,” Miller remarked.

Local Control Over Sports Event Contracts

The study revealed that 84% of Americans and 69% of sports bettors believe sports event contracts should only be available at state-licensed sportsbooks in the states where they are offered. Additionally, 69% of Americans think each state should decide whether to allow sports event contracts.

Seventy percent of participants in the study indicated that prediction platforms offering sports event contracts exploit regulatory loopholes to operate as unlicensed sportsbooks.

Key Takeaways

• Most Americans expect regulation for sports event contracts, similar to traditional betting.
• The AGA’s research demonstrates broad support for gaming regulation among the public.
• Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are expanding rapidly with various betting options.
• State regulation and local control over sports betting markets are strongly endorsed by the public.

In conclusion, the growing call for the regulation of sports event contracts highlights a shift in public perception as more Americans engage with prediction markets and demand a safer betting environment.