Melanie Porter's latest articles
Melanie Porter
Senior WriterMelanie specializes in analyzing legalities and the ongoing development of land-based gaming infrastructure. She tracks zoning regulations, casino expansions, and the legislative hurdles of resort development. Her sharp insights guide operators through the complex permitting processes required to build tomorrow’s premier brick-and-mortar gaming destinations.
Prediction Markets
March 9, 2026
Kalshi and Polymarket Eye $20B Valuations Amid Scrutiny
Prediction market giants Kalshi and Polymarket are reportedly aiming for valuations of around $20 billion each, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Early Talks Both companies have been involved in talks with potential investors regarding possible capital raises that would push their market value to that level. These discussions are still early, […]
Casino
March 9, 2026
Vasquez Targets Prediction Markets to Protect Tribal Gaming
Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D‑New Mexico) has turned the Farm Bill into a stage for pushing back against prediction markets that resemble traditional sports wagers. His amendment would stop operators from offering “sports event contracts” under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s federal framework. “Direct Violation of Tribal Sovereignty” Sports event contracts have become common occurrences on federally regulated platforms, […]
Legal
March 6, 2026
What Would You Have Done? TikToker Returns Accidental $8.7M Transfer
Imagine logging into your bank account and seeing almost nine million dollars sitting there by mistake. That’s exactly what happened to TikTok user @shawnainchapterland when Fidelity Investments accidentally wired $8.7 million into her account. “I Could Be Watching This Mess From a Beach in the Seychelles” With the cost of living rising and wallets feeling […]
Lottery
March 6, 2026
Robbery Gone Wrong: Man Steals Lottery Tickets, Cash in Colorado
Police in Colorado Springs have arrested a man in connection with a February robbery that didn’t quite end like hitting the jackpot. Charges of Aggravated Robbery R.I. was taken into custody on Wednesday morning after officers obtained an arrest warrant on Tuesday, along with a search warrant for his home. The incident happened on February […]
Sports
March 5, 2026
NNGE Boosts Awareness for Problem Gambling Month
March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is stepping up to educate and support communities across the Navajo Nation. “Problem Gaming Can Develop in Anyone” “For most individuals, gaming is a social or recreational activity that is fun and entertaining. For others, gaming can cause problems that adversely impact […]
Casino
March 5, 2026
Social Media Rumors: New Cyber Attack at Caesars?
Rumors of a new cyber threat at Caesars Entertainment are spreading fast on social media. Many are drawing parallels to 2023, when the company paid $30 million after hackers breached its defense systems and threatened to reveal confidential data to the public. What Happened in 2023 The attack was initiated on August 27, 2023, by […]
Prediction Markets
March 4, 2026
Addictive By Design? Prediction Markets Could Face Legal Problems
Prediction market operators frequently call themselves providers of financial services, something that critics disagree with, pointing out to the fact that they function more like gambling platforms. Generally put, the way legal courts react to these “yes/no” exchanges is likely to significantly shape potential legal responsibilities for the industry. However, J&Y Law experts like founder […]
Sports
March 4, 2026
Most Americans Gamble Young, but Healthcare Screening Is Rare
Gambling in the US is on the rise, yet primary care doctors rarely ask patients about it during routine checkups. Health experts warn that gambling disorders can have both psychological and physiological consequences, yet only 15% of Americans report ever being asked about their gambling habits by a doctor. A “Legitimate Behavioral Health Issue” A […]
Casino
March 3, 2026
College Student Deported After Vegas Trip Goes Wrong
A simple vacation in Las Vegas ended in a nightmare for 22-year-old Gabriel Espinoza. The college student from California, who was brought to the US from Mexico as a child, was visiting the city with a friend in January when things went horribly wrong. The Troubling Text Message The trouble began with an automated checkout […]
Casino
March 3, 2026
Wynn and MGM Monitor UAE Projects Amid Middle East Conflict
Executives at Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International are keeping a close eye on developments in the Middle East after the conflict reached the United Arab Emirates, where both companies are building major resort projects. “Safe and Sheltering in Place” The US State Department has urged Americans in 14 countries in the region, including the […]
