Welcome to the Weekend Report, where iGB brings you the latest news from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This week, we have exciting developments such as Caesars launching in-person betting in Maine, a potential new casino in Newfoundland, and the temporary closure of SkyCity in Auckland.
Caesars has made history by becoming the first operator to introduce retail sports betting in Maine. The Oddfellahs sportsbook in Portland officially opened on September 13 in partnership with First Tracks Investments. Portland mayor Mark Dion placed the ceremonial first bet at the site, which offers self-service betting kiosks and a ticket window. Customers can also make cash deposits and withdrawals for their Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts. Online sports wagering with Caesars has been available in Maine since November 2023.
Moving north of the border, there are reports of a potential new land-based casino in Newfoundland and Labrador. Steady Brook mayor Bill Dawson expressed interest in having a private investor purchase the Marble Mountain ski resort to establish a casino. Dawson believes this move could increase revenue in the region and attract tourists year-round. He stated, “We would not object to seeing a casino at the bottom of the hill. Casinos are money-makers. Why would we not do that?”
In New Zealand, the five-day closure of SkyCity’s Auckland casino has commenced. The closure, which runs from September 16 to 20, was part of an agreement with New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs to settle a case related to the facility. While the gaming area and food and beverage outlets in that section are closed, other areas of the SkyCity precinct remain open.
In Mumbai, police conducted a raid on an illegal gambling den, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals. The den was known for hosting the card game Teen Patti and was attended by businessmen, with reports suggesting ties to a political party. Significant amounts of money were being wagered at the location. Among those arrested were owners, employees, jockeys, and customers.
These recent developments in the world of casinos and gambling highlight the widespread impact and popularity of the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting world of betting and gaming.
