Nebraska Online Betting Slows
Online betting remains on hold in Nebraska, despite the state’s previously anti-gambling governor now backing expansion. Gambling revenue would be used to reduce property taxes, a priority for lawmakers.
Nebraska is considering legalizing online betting, but the process is currently stalled. State lawmakers have been in special session since July 25, and while the General Affairs Committee has held hearings on the issue, members are divided.
Governor Jim Pillen, who was previously against gambling, is now willing to support expansion, according to sources. Pillen said he plans to introduce legislation next January and sees gambling as a way to raise tax revenue. The special session, which began July 25, is still ongoing with no specific end date.
Nebraska voters approved legalizing “games of chance” in 2020. And while some states consider sports betting a “game of skill,” Nebraska included it in the legalized list. However, only land-based betting was legalized, and gambling advocates are now pushing to include digital platforms. Ninety percent of Nebraska’s gambling tax revenue goes toward property tax reductions.
Penn Sets Alberta Target, Inspired by Ontario Success
During a second-quarter earnings conference call on Aug. 8, Penn executives expressed optimism about the Alberta market opening. Penn acquired theScore and theScore Bet in 2021 to gain access to the Canadian market, and now hopes to replicate the success it has had in Ontario in Alberta.
Penn CEO Jay Snowden noted that Alberta is planning to open the market in late 2024 or early 2025. He emphasized that theScore brand is popular not only in Ontario, but across Canada. This, along with similar tax rates and the presence of both sports betting and online casinos, could make Alberta a key market for the company.
FanDuel Sued for Data Violation
FanDuel is facing a lawsuit in California federal court over allegations it misused customer data. According to Covers, the lawsuit alleges that user data is being shared with TikTok before the customer has a chance to consent to its use. TikTok then uses fingerprinting technology to create user profiles and target ads.
FanDuel isn’t the only company facing these types of allegations: Similar lawsuits have been filed against companies like DraftKings, WebMD, and United Health Care.
More news
ESPN Bet has announced the rebranding of eight land-based sportsbooks in five states, with openings planned for Kansas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts in August, and Ohio and Maryland in September.
A UCLA-USC study has found rising credit and bankruptcies in states where betting is legal, with the odds of bankruptcy rising to 30% four years after legalization.
Circa Sports will open a temporary land-based betting shop at Kentucky Downs next week.