This week’s State of the Union, in partnership with Segev LLP, covers the launch of The Stars Group and Fox Sports’ new sportsbook brand in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Elsewhere, North Carolina will launch a study on gaming expansion, and Rhode Island is closing in on a mobile launch.
Fox Bet makes US debut
Fox Bet, the online sportsbook brand launched through the national media and sports wagering partnership between Fox Sports and The Stars Group, has launched in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets.
The Fox Bet app is now available for download on iOS and Android, offering pre-match and in-play wagering across a range of sports, offering players enhanced prices, special offers, Daily Bet Boosts and a new feature, Custom Bets.
It will replace the operator’s BetStars brand in the New Jersey market.
Fox Bet also provides access to Fox Sports content such as instant scores, game statistics, and odds updates, as well as the latest news and expert insights from the broadcaster’s team of analysts and on-air personalities.
NC Legislators pass sports betting expansion study bill
North Carolina’s legislature has passed a bill to conduct a study into the expansion of sports betting and the establishment of a new regulatory body in the state.
The bill must still be ratified by Governor Roy Cooper become it passes into law.
Senate Bill 574 was originally intended to create a new regulatory body, the North Carolina Gaming Commission, which itself would conduct a study into expanding sports betting in North Carolina.
However, when the bill passed to a conference committee after the Senate made significant changes, this removed the language that would have seen the state Lottery Commission converted into the Gaming Commission, giving it a broader regulatory scope.
Rhode Island wagering revenue slumps in July
Rhode Island’s regulated sports betting market has reported a 61.5% month-on-month decline in revenue for July. However, mobile betting may soon launch in the state, with a roll out planned for the start of the National Football League season.
Having posted the market’s highest monthly total to date in June, revenue fell from $2.1m to $827,579. Amounts wagered over the month dropped 43.5% to $14.7m, with customers winning back $7.5m.
The state’s market may soon receive a boost from the launch of mobile betting. A bill legalizing mobile wagering was signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo in March, and a roll-out is coming soon.
Kentucky Senator files sports betting legislation
Kentucky State Senator Julian Carroll has prefiled legislation that would allow sports wagering in the state.
The legislation, Bill Request 236, would amend the state’s current gambling legislation to include sports betting at any horse racing tracks and off-track wagering facilities.
It would also include a 25% tax on sports wagering receipts, with tax revenue to be split between the state’s retirement scheme, Educational Excellence Scholarship Fund and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
Carroll — who served as Governor of Kentucky from 1974 to 1979 — has made attempts to pass sports betting legislation in Kentucky before, but the bills did not get a hearing during the 2018 or 2019 Legislative Sessions.
Two more sportsbooks go live in Iowa
Two more casinos in Iowa — Grand Falls Casino just outside Larchwood and Diamond Jo casino in Northwood — have launched sportsbooks this week.
Grand Falls Casino has started taking online sports bets Friday (30 August) with the launch of its Bet.Works powered sportsbook, with retail betting to follow this weekend.
Meanwhile Diamond Jo Casino’s FanDuel sportsbook launched both retail and online variants on Thursday (28 August).
The retail launch at Grand Falls casino was delayed as the casino originally planned on partnering with Betfred for its sportsbook, but according to the Argus Leader, Betfred had not applied for a sports betting license in Iowa until earlier this week.