Melanie Porter's latest articles
Melanie Porter
EditorAfter finishing her master's in publishing and writing, Melanie began her career as an online editor for a large gaming blog and has now transitioned over towards the iGaming industry. She helps to ensure that our news pieces are written to the highest standard possible under the guidance of senior management.
Casino
January 16, 2026
Snoop Dogg in Da House: Artist Launches Free Online Casino
International technology company that offers “mobile-first, social, iGaming solutions, TRIVELTA, has launched Dogg House Casino in the US. As the name might immediately suggest to passionate hip-hop fans, the free-to-play online casino has been created in collaboration with Snoop Dogg, carrying the beloved artist’s easily recognizable style, personality, music, and defining visuals. “A Casino Built […]
Sports
January 16, 2026
Kalshi Pushes to Dismiss Ho-Chunk Sports Betting Lawsuit
Kalshi has asked a federal judge in Wisconsin to throw out the lawsuit brought by the Ho-Chunk Nation, claiming that the tribe is looking to label its sports event contracts as sports betting, despite federal law treating them differently. Crossing the Line? In a brief filed at the start of the week, the prediction market […]
Casino
January 16, 2026
New Jersey Lawmakers Reintroduce Casino, Smoking Bills
The heated debate over casinos and smoking in New Jersey is not showing signs of dying any time soon, with lawmakers recently bringing back a set of bills that would both enable casinos in new parts of the state while putting an end to the habit of smoking inside current gambling venues. Since the two […]
Sports
January 15, 2026
Nevada Wants Life Ban for Ohtani-Linked Bookmaker
Nevada gaming regulators are moving to permanently shut the door on Mathew Bowyer, the illegal bookmaker tied to Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, after assessing his conduct this week. On Wednesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board voted to recommend that Bowyer be added to the state’s Black Book, which would ban him for life from entering […]
Casino
January 14, 2026
MGM Launches Fountain Club for Elite Non-Gaming Guests
The largest casino operator on the Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts, has rolled out an “exclusive suite of elevated privileges” designed to “enhance every moment” of big spenders who are not there to gamble. Fountain Club by MGM: What to Expect Invited members of MGM’s new Fountain Club will be able to use their cards to […]
Legal
January 14, 2026
12 Senators Ask the CFTC 9 Burning Trading Market Questions
In a joint effort, 12 US senators are pressing the Trump Administration’s Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for answers about how it plans to police insider trading and fraud in prediction markets. What Triggered the Idea The focus is on platforms like Polymarket, which allow betting on real-world events and, according to the senators, have […]
Casino
January 13, 2026
Mary J. Blige Announces First Las Vegas Residency
Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Mary J. Blige is getting ready to bring her legendary talent to Las Vegas for the first time. On Monday, January 12, the “Be Without You” singer announced her debut Vegas residency, Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story, at Dolby Live at Park MGM, set for May and July. “Something […]
Casino
January 13, 2026
Florida Removes 230 Illegal Slot Machines During Ex-Sheriff-Linked Raid
Authorities in Florida have shut down three illegal gambling operations in Lake County, including one casino allegedly tied to former Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez. Over 200 Slot Machines Seized The raids followed Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s description of June 4 as “a solemn day for Florida,” following Lopez’s arrest over his alleged role […]
Sports
January 12, 2026
Saracen Casino CFO Dies in Golf Cart Crash
James M. Burns, the chief financial officer of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has passed away at the age of 58 following a tragic golf cart accident at Pine Bluff Country Club. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their five adult children, and four grandchildren. Golf Cart Incident According to Deltaplex News, […]
Casino
January 9, 2026
Cambodia Extradites Crypto Scam Kingpin to China
Cambodia has extradited Chen Zhi, a billionaire businessman accused of running a massive cryptocurrency scam, to China. Authorities say his schemes involved luring trafficked workers into forced labor camps to defraud victims around the world. Lengthy Transnational Crime Investigation Chen was one of three Chinese nationals arrested on January 6 after a months-long joint investigation […]
