Online Gambling in the U.S. - Around the Horn

As the U.S. online gambling community increases its presence around the country, a lot of new news keeps popping up that covers all aspects of online gambling. This past week, we saw major announcements related to the addition of new online casino content and an update on the sports betting legislation in Missouri.

BetMGM To Add White Hat Gaming Content

For almost a decade, White Hat Gaming has been working overtime to establish itself as one of the leading online casino content providers in the world. Indeed, the company has certainly moved into the upper echelons of the European online gambling community with dozens of branded casino sites and proprietary games. In a move to gain a foothold in the U.S., White Hat Studios has signed a deal to have its gaming content integrated onto the BetMGM online casino platform.

In an effort to show its commitment to improving its online gambling content, BetMGM has enlisted the service of White Hat Studios. The new content is scheduled to be added to the online casinos in the following states: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It’s worth noting that recently, White Hat signed a similar deal with Fanduel.

According to Oliver Bartlett, Director of Gaming, BetMGM: “BetMGM is thrilled to be the first operator to launch content from one of the top European suppliers to online casino players in the US. We look forward to adding White Hat Studios’ top titles such as Ted, Deal or No Deal, and Thriller Gorilla to what is already the strongest gaming portfolio in the industry.”

More Information Released About Missouri Sports Betting Legislation

Recently, the Missouri House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 2502 by a vote of 115-33. Now the bill will move to the Senate where 34 Senators (24 GOP, 10 Dems) will determine the fate of sports betting in the state.

Here are some of the details they will be considering:

• The effective tax rate would be 8% on all sports betting revenue (retail and online
  
• Sports bettors would be permitted to wager on pro and college sports
  
• Wagering on in-state college teams would be permitted
  
• Retail sports betting would be allowed at 13 retail casinos, which are owned by 6 entities
  
• 39 online sports betting skins would be permitted with the 6 casinos getting access to 3 of those skins
  
• The state’s 6 professional sports franchises would each get access to 1 skin each. That would include the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royal, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and the state’s two soccer clubs
  

As for an update on the possible timing of the passing of this bill, the powers to be have indicated they might be able to get this done by the start of the 2022 NFL regular season, which starts in September. To make that happen, the Senate would have to give its approval while allowing Governor Mike Parson time to sign the bill into law.