New Jersey closer than ever to sweepstakes ban, pressure on prediction markets continues

Delta Air Lines is bolstering the entertainment options onboard its planes with the help of DraftKings. The two companies delivered on their 2025 plans to roll out a sports betting game aboard Delta Air Lines' airplanes. As a result, travelers can now enjoy a new game called SkyPicks.

While it has taken 38 weeks, the Mega Millions jackpot finally dropped. Earlier this week, an incredibly fortunate player who purchased their ticket in Florida took down the astronomical $800m Mega Millions jackpot. If choosing to take home a one-time lump cash sum, the lucky winner would be entitled to a life-changing $344.2m.

Amid the ongoing expansion of iGaming, many top CEOs are increasingly motivated not by higher salaries or bonuses, but the potential of establishing solid partnerships and securing owner-like participation in projects. Fidel Group recently highlighted how autonomy and entrepreneurial responsibility can help businesses attract and retain stronger executives.

Business and finance

Releasing its Q2 financial results, MGM Resorts International reported exceptional performance during the latest trading period. The company's consolidated revenue in Q2 2026 increased by 1% year-over-year, hitting $4.5bn. At the same time, MGM Digital's revenue soared, skyrocketing to $196m, or up by 20% year-over-year.

Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises confirmed the promotion of Patricia Tate to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. She will assume her elevated dual role on August 1, 2026, and will be in charge of all aspects of the operations of Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. Before her appointment as President and CEO, Tate was part of the Community Gaming Enterprises for more than 20 years.

Brightstar Lottery hit a major milestone as it was honored as a World's Top Disability Inclusive business by the 2026 Disability Index. The prestigious recognition highlights the former's dedication to workplace environment inclusivity. Dorothy Costa, Brightstar Lottery’s Senior Vice President, People and Culture, said about the accomplishment: "Brightstar believes that creating a workplace where everyone can thrive starts with fostering a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and belonging."

Regulation and laws

New Jersey has never been closer to a sweepstakes casino ban. State lawmakers recently gave overwhelming support for the proposed sweepstakes ban, resulting in the proposal, A5447, landing on the desk of Gov. Phil Murphy. Now, it will be up to the Governor to decide the future of sweepstakes casinos in New Jersey as he has the option to enact the proposal or send it back for reconsideration.

The sweepstakes ban faced opposition by the Social and Promotional Games Association, which criticized the proposal and encouraged Gov. Murphy not to sign the bill. Per the Association, the proposed legislation "doesn't just mischaracterize an entire industry; it ignores data, undermines innovation, and puts New Jersey's reputation as a forward-thinking leader in tech and entertainment at risk."

In Minnesota, a prediction market ban continues to face legal woes. After the ban was voted and signed into law by lawmakers earlier this year, a complaint was filed against the legislation. On Monday this week, the prediction market ban faced a new roadblock after a judge granted Kalshi temporary injunction against the enactment of the ban. The leading prediction market platform offered a convincing argument that resulted in the temporary injunction, prolonging the legal battle.

Elsewhere, in Nevada, prediction markets face further troubles. Only recently, Nevada Congressmen Steven Horsford and Mark Amodei introduced a bipartisan draft bill to ban prediction markets. If signed into law, the proposal would effectively prohibit prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket to offer sports betting and casino-style games.

The draft federal bill argues that prediction market platforms "masquerade" sports betting as financial trading under what is described as a legal loophole. The bill claims that while operating under CFTC's regulation, prediction markets avoid following Nevada's gambling-related laws.

Responsible gambling

In Wales, a new two-year program will focus on gambling harm prevention. The program is supported by Public Health Wales (PHW) and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), which joined forces for the launch of the Gambling Harms Voluntary Sector Grant Fund. The initiative includes funding of up to £1.4m over a two-year period for registered charities, community interest companies and voluntary groups that help combat compulsive gambling and prevent harm across Wales.

In Illinois, gambling addiction is now recognized in the same way as other addictions. The state is taking a decisive step in treating gambling disorders with the same seriousness as drug and alcohol abuse, enabling people affected by problem gambling to access the same treatment and recovery resources. Ultimately, Illinois intends to decrease the number of cases related to problem gambling, while offering comprehensive support to those who need it most.

The voice of the industry

This week, Casino Guru News had the opportunity to sit down for a talk with Rosa Ochoa, the Founder & Strategic Advisor at Blue Global Gaming. The experienced executive shared insights about the expanding iGaming market in Mexico, highlighting the importance of people, not assumptions. Ochoa spoke about the evolving gambling framework in Mexico and addressed several other hot topics.

In a separate interview, Casino Guru News sat down for a talk with Alex Gehlot, PlaySignal’s CEO and Founder. The executive spoke about the importance of taking care of customers and explored what makes them leave the regulated market.

Mancala Gaming's CCO, Emiliano Sanchez, highlighted how to increase players value in a recent exclusive interview for Casino Guru News. He spoke about the changing focus from growing traffic to generating more revenue from each player, among other challenges in the online gambling industry.

This week, Casino Guru News published a comprehensive report focusing on slot machine terminology. In the context of the expanding iGaming sector, understanding the most popular and important slots-related terms is vital, especially for beginners.

Last but not least, Casino Guru News sat down for an interview with BGaming Product Owner Igor Bondarenko. He discussed the importance of having a clear product strategy, giving players a reason to come back, understanding the audience, and offering a balanced portfolio. Moreover, Bondarenko acknowledged the evolving player expectations and how BGaming is designing its products in a way to appeal to customers in the long-term.

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