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.
Business
May 18, 2026
DraftKings Says Prediction Markets Could Drive Next Phase of Growth
At the start of the month, Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon argued that DraftKings has experienced one of the most impressive structural growth trends in the gambling industry in recent years, largely due to its focus on prediction markets. Now, the company is attempting to reassure investors that its aggressive push into these markets should make […]
Casino
May 15, 2026
Palms Casino and Escort Agency, Defendants in Civil Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A wrongful death lawsuit filed in a Las Vegas court brings renewed attention to the 2024 killing of Larissa Garcia. Her death inside a Palms hotel room has led to serious allegations against the casino resort where she was found, as well as the local escort agency that had hired her. Fight Over Money The […]
Casino
May 15, 2026
Tourists Trapped for Nearly an Hour in Rio Las Vegas Elevator
A group of 17 tourists visiting Las Vegas experienced a nightmarish elevator ride at the Rio in the US after the car suddenly dropped and stalled between floors, leaving them trapped for nearly an hour. Pregnant Woman Trapped in the Elevator The incident, which took place earlier this month, gained widespread attention after a series […]
Prediction Markets
May 14, 2026
US Regulator Expands Talks With Sports Leagues Over Prediction Markets
The ongoing battle over sports prediction markets in the United States has entered a new phase after Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) chairman Michael Selig confirmed the regulator is now working directly with major professional sports leagues to strengthen oversight of the fast-expanding sector. CFTC and MLB Shake Hands Speaking during a conference hosted by […]
Industry
May 14, 2026
Allegiant Bets on Discipline After Sun Country Deal Closes
As the airline industry is tackling with constantly facing rising costs and uncertainty, Allegiant Travel Company has moved ahead with a major expansion strategy following the completion of its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines. Not Chasing Growth The $1.5 billion cash and stock deal officially closed on Wednesday, creating a larger leisure-focused airline group that […]
Sports
May 13, 2026
DraftKings Adds Combo Feature to Prediction Markets Push
DraftKings’ tentacle arms keep reaching further into the prediction markets field. The giant has announced a new parlay-style feature called Combos that will enable bundling multiple event contracts into a single trade. The decision represents another major step in the company’s effort to bring sportsbook-style mechanics into its growing Predictions platform. The new DraftKings offering […]
Industry
May 13, 2026
Manhunt for Arizonian Who Faked Kidnapping Over Gambling Debt
A 33-year-old from Prescott, Arizona, US, has been convicted in a cartel kidnapping hoax that could beat any Hollywood movie script right now. However, instead of receiving his sentence, M.M.E. is currently the target of a manhunt by authorities after he fled before the legal proceedings could be carried out. He Demanded $17,000 from Employer The […]
Prediction Markets
May 12, 2026
Former Congressional Aide Questions Prediction Markets Push
A former congressional staff member who was involved in drafting the Dodd-Frank financial reform law is pushing back against the legal arguments that are currently being used to justify sports prediction markets in the United States. “Nobody Once Mentioned Sports Gambling” Amanda Fischer, currently policy director and chief operating officer at Better Markets, said Congress […]
Casino
May 12, 2026
New Jersey Bill Targets Sportsbook Bonus Offers
A new bill introduced on February 25 and currently moving through the New Jersey legislature has raised eyebrows in the gambling industry after lawmakers proposed banning sportsbooks from offering bonuses or promotions to players who sign up for responsible gambling tools. Unanimous 5-0 Vote Assembly Bill 4003, titled “Prohibits sports wagering licensee from offering incentive-based […]
Prediction Markets
May 11, 2026
Campaign Staffers Profit From Election Betting Insight
A campaign staffer working on a closely contested statewide race admits they had a strong feeling something was off when an unreleased poll surfaced showing their candidate performing far better than expected. The numbers did not match internal campaign data, but the staffer quickly realized something else was shifting just as fast: the prediction markets. […]
