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Las Vegas Sands Lobbying For Five Casino Destinations In Texas
A lobbyist from the Las Vegas Sands Corporation is pushing to get casino legislation passed in Texas as they would like to add five TX destinations in the future.
Last week, city leaders in North Texas met with Las Vegas Sands Corporation partners to gain support for new legislation that could bring domestic casinos to the state. The North Texas Commission and the Texas Association of Business assembled the meeting.
Sands’ lobbyist Andy Abboud said that Sands would eventually seek two Dallas-Ft Worth casino locations and at least five destinations in Texas. Abboud said that casinos don’t need to be on every corner and that too many locations could diminish the investment. He said that casinos should be like major league teams and only in a few select areas of the state.
The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, currently owned by billionaire Miriam Adelson, has been a major player in the push for Texas casinos in recent years. Adelson and other key figures have spent millions lobbying for the cause. Sands has taken significant steps towards this goal, including purchasing 108 acres across from the old Dallas Cowboys stadium, positioning themselves to act swiftly if legislation passes.
Are Online Casinos Legal In Texas?
There are no state or federal gambling laws that explicitly make offshore betting sites legal or illegal in the state of Texas. Therefore, players can wager online at casinos, sports, or poker gambling sites. However, it’s important to note that the state does not have domestic casinos or online casinos authorized and regulated by the state, but there are a few tribal casinos.
What Online Betting Options Can TX Players Access?
Texans have the freedom to enjoy all forms of online gambling, from casino games to sports betting, poker apps, online bingo, and more. The variety of options, including live dealer games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, ensures that every player can find their favorite games.
Online betting sites ask their players to follow local ordinances and laws but do not vet every player who signs up. However, players must confirm their identity and age before issuing a payout.
Will Texas Permit Domestic Casinos In The Future?
While there is no guarantee, likely, Texas will eventually open its doors to in-person casino gambling. Even though Texas has long fought illegal gambling, the revenue it can produce is substantial and could benefit the state in numerous ways. However, it’s important to consider the potential social and economic drawbacks, such as increased gambling addiction and possible negative impacts on existing businesses.
Legislation to allow domestic casinos has repeatedly failed in the state. However, it will likely be seriously considered with influential figures such as Mark Cuban and the Adelsons now determined to change the law.
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Monday Night Football Odds From Offshore Sportsbook Sites
The 2024-25 NFL season is in full swing, and betting odds for this Monday Night Football contest are already posted.
This Monday will host two NFL games featuring an NFC vs. AFC team: the Ravens vs. the Buccaneers and the Chargers vs. the Cardinals.
NFL betting odds are available for games and games that will be played later this week. Game line odds are often available a few days before the match, whereas futures and props are available all year.
Below, we will discuss the game line odds for tonight’s matchups and discuss why the odds favor each team.
NFL Game Lines
NFL game lines are probably the most popular sportsbook odds in existence. They offer three ways to bet on the game. The money line or win is the most straightforward bet, as it is essentially picking who will win the contest.
Below, you will see that the Ravens and Chargers are favorites, as their win and spread line odds offer little value. However, if the Bucs or the Cardinals can win tonight, some good money could be made if the bet hits.
Ravens vs. Buccaneers
Both the Ravens and Bucs are looking towards the NFL postseason with current winning records. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, alongside RB Derrick Henry, has been an almost unstoppable force on the ground attack. Most critics believe the Buccaneers have been playing above their expected ability and have relied heavily on the hot hand of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has played well this season.
Odds from trusted offshore sportsbooks believe that the Buc’s defense will struggle against the Raven’s ground attack. With Lamar’s ability to create plays, it will be a tough fight, win or lose.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Spread: -3.5 (-115), +3.5 (-105)
- Win: -200, +170
- Total: O50.0 (-115), U50.0 (-105)
Chargers vs. Cardinals
Both the Chargers and the Cardinals have struggled this year. The Chargers are currently 3-2; a loss would take them to .500 for the season. The Cardinals are currently 2-4, and a win could set them up for a late-season playoff run.
Odds indicate the Chargers should win this competition, but anything could happen on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Spread: -1.0 (-115), +1.0 (-105)
- Win: -125, +105
- Total: O44.0 (-115), U44.0 (-105)
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New Zealand Pursues Online Casinos To Combat Offshore Betting Sites
The New Zealand government has taken the initiative to pursue legal online casinos, and many people believe this is to combat offshore betting sites.
New Zealand’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Brooke van Velden, confirmed that the country is looking at a regulatory framework to issue online iGaming licenses by 2026. However, license holders will be subject to sustainability checks, taxes on revenue, and to provide customer protections. There will also only be a select few license holders selected if new legislation passes into law.
Currently, the only online gambling provided by the country is sports and parimutuel gambling. However, Tabcorp is the sole beneficiary as it is the only company in the country with an online sports betting license.
The Internal Affairs Department, led by Hon. Brooke van Velden, regulates all forms of gambling in the country.
Domestic New Zealand Casinos
SkyCity Entertainment Group is one of the few companies in New Zealand with a domestic casino license. It owns resorts in three cities: Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown. Earnings reports confirmed that SkyCity generated retail gross gaming revenue of USD 229 million for 2023.
Full NZ Casino List
- SkyCity Auckland – 1800+ gaming machines, 150 gaming tables.
- Christchurch Casino – 500 gaming machines, 36 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Hamilton – 339 gaming machines, 23 gaming tables.
- Dunedin Casino – 180 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
- SkyCity Queenstown – 86 gaming machines, 12 gaming tables.
Offshore Casinos In New Zealand
Offshore betting sites have offered their services to New Zealand since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted source for many gamblers. While they are legal outside of the country, New Zealand itself has not authorized the use of these sites. However, the government has yet to forbid offshore gaming sites successfully.
Online, you will find numerous casino games that offer real money payouts, including blackjack gambling, roulette, slots, video poker, and more. In addition to a more extensive selection of games, online casinos also offer digital currency banking options, player-specific bonus options, progressive jackpot slots, and sometimes live dealer games.
Are Offshore Betting Sites Safe?
Licensed offshore betting sites are generally safe if a trusted gaming agency regulates them. Offshore regulators are often government agencies tasked with taxing and enforcing regulations to assure players are secure and that the games are fair.
To ensure that online casino sites are legit, check for licensing and compliance records that indicate they operate with oversight. Our online reviews will help you discover our recommended sites for 2024.
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MGM Resorts CEO Confirms Abu Dhabi License Pursuit
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle has confirmed that the Vegas-based company is seeking a casino license in Abu Dhabi.
At a recent Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle stated, “Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi,” before expressing optimism about obtaining the license. Hornbuckle then explained that the federal government would have the final say, as each emirate would cast a vote to grant or deny casino operations.
MGM owns and operates 31 properties globally, including resorts in the USA, China, and Macau. They are also building a non-gaming resort in Dubai featuring three hotel towers and over 1,500 rooms. The resort is reported to mirror their properties in Vegas, such as the MGM Grand and the Bellagio.
MGM also confirmed a Dubai Sphere at the Global Forum, which will rival the new Las Vegas Sphere, which has already gained global recognition in its short existence.
After a 2006 non-gaming project failed to materialize, the company veered away from Abu Dhabi. Hornbuckle now says that MGM will not venture into Abu Dhabi without a casino license: “That’s the business MGM is in.”
Are Offshore Casinos Safe?
Yes, offshore casinos are generally safe, whether in person or online. In-person, each casino typically has a security team that ensures patrons are safe when coming to and from the casino. However, sometimes criminals outsmart security, and casinos are known locations for some sketchy characters.
With offshore online casinos, you must ensure the site you are playing is legit. The best way to determine if a site is safe and fair to play is to check online reviews, verify the site is licensed, and verify that the community trusts the jurisdiction. Some of the biggest names in the game, like MGM and Caesars, also have offshore licensing for their properties.
Is Gambling Legal In Abu Dhabi?
No, gambling, either in person or online, is illegal and punishable by up to 2 years in prison in Abu Dhabi. There are currently no casinos in operation, but MGM hopes to change that, having recently applied for a casino license.
The MGM is currently working on its most ambitious Dubai project, which will host numerous hotel towers, a sphere, dining, and shopping. However, there are no plans for a casino at the Dubai location. Those plans would likely change if the company is granted the casino license they recently applied for.
Are Online Casinos Legal In The U.S.?
In the United States, there are no federal gambling laws that make online casino gambling illegal. Individual states have the power to enact their rules, but many states have failed to pass legislation concerning online ventures. U.S. gambling states include all continental states, D.C., Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico to various degrees.
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