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Didn't take long for the first big regulatory shock of 2019.
The Department of Justice have done a complete 180 on their interpretation of the Wire Wager Act.
Now they says it applies to all forms of gambling, not just sports betting.
This will definitely cause concerns among those operators, platforms and state governments with big ambitions for US based online casino games.
More details here..
https://www.livedealer.org/blog/2019...ire-wager-act/
Early indications suggest this changed stance isn't dissuading operators/regulators etc from pursuing their US based online gambling ambitions.
First Draft Kings and Evolution's Atlantic City studio deal.
Now Kindred have announced a partnership with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment for a Pennsylvania licensed online casino and sportsbook (operating under Unibet brand), subject to regulatory approval.
Quote:
The partnership with Mohegan Sun Pocono is part of Kindred’s process to secure regulatory approval in Pennsylvania.
Kindred Group will continue to invest in growing its US operations where market conditions support a sustainable business model.
NJ and Pennsylvania Attorney Generals, Gurbir Singh Grewal and Josh Shapir have written to US Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, requesting that the DoJ withdraw it's recent opinion.
An excerpt from the letter...
Quote:
“This about-face is wrong and raises significant concerns in our states...We ask that DOJ withdraw its opinion altogether or assure us that DOJ will not bring any enforcement actions against companies and individuals engaged in online gaming in our states — where it is appropriate under state law.”
News relating to Pennsylvania,
NetEnt has been granted a conditional license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to deliver its online games in the (newly) regulated market.
Netent also granted NJ Gaming license last month.
They certainly seem optimistic that the changed DoJ stance will not amount to much.
I read a few days ago that the DoJ had extended their deadline to enforcement of this new interpretation.
Perhaps a sign they (DoJ) aren't so confident it will stand up to all the legal challenges that will the inevitably come?