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
August 6, 2025
UKB Slams Senate Proposal Limiting Tribal Land, Gaming
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (UKB) wants the immediate removal of a draft Senate provision it says would strip it of its ability to acquire trust land or operate gaming facilities within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. “It’s Very Shocking” Cherokee Nation citizen and member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Markwayne Mullin, […]
Industry
August 5, 2025
NTF Stands Behind Targeted Gambling Tax Reform
At the start of the week, the National Trainers’ Federation (NTF) threw its support behind a bold alternative to the UK Treasury’s plan aimed at harmonizing gambling tax rates across online sports betting and high-risk casino games. NTF Fully Supports the New SMF Report NTF chief executive Paul Johnson said the upcoming Social Market Foundation […]
Industry
August 5, 2025
Dutch Gambling Tax Hike Creates €200M Revenue Shortfall
At the end of March, Statistics Netherlands reported an all-time gambling tax revenue record for 2024 at €1 billion ($1.07 billion). However, January’s tax increase on gambling from 30.5% to 34.2% appears to have backfired, with the Dutch government now facing a €200 million ($230.8 million) shortfall in expected revenue. GGR Dropped 25% in H1 […]
Casino
August 4, 2025
Las Vegas Jobless Rate Stays High as Tourism Keeps Sliding
In June, we reported on the Las Vegas metropolitan area ending 2024 with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, the highest of all major metro areas in the U.S. Things haven’t changed a lot this year, according to a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that currently names Las Vegas as the third-largest metro region […]
Casino
August 1, 2025
Aria, Luxor Settle EEOC Vaccine Bias Complaints
Two major Las Vegas Strip properties, Aria Resort & Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino, have reached settlements with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) amid allegations claiming they didn’t accommodate their employees’ religious beliefs during their COVID-19 vaccine policy implementation. The EEOC announced earlier this week that the resorts, which are operated by […]
Sports
August 1, 2025
MGM China Shows Best Quarterly Results in History
MGM China has had an excellent year thus far, with the company recently reporting its best-ever quarterly results amid Macau’s tourism and gaming sectors continuing their strong rebound. 8.4% Net Revenue Increase In the April–June period, the company that kicked off the year with salary rises for 99% of its employees reached HK$8.7 billion (US$1.1 […]
Sports
July 31, 2025
Emails Spark Delay in CFTC Nominee Quintenz’s Vote
A batch of internal emails tied to Brian Quintenz, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is drawing fresh scrutiny in Washington just as his confirmation process hits repeated delays. Private Briefing Request The messages, first made public by the Substack newsletter The Closing Line, include communication between Kevin Webb, […]
Casino
July 30, 2025
Freedom Plaza, a Community-First, No “Las Vegas Feel” Project
As debates rage over flashy casinos and sky-high profits, one proposal for a Manhattan gaming license is taking a quieter, more community-focused approach. The $11.1 billion Freedom Plaza project, pitched by the Soloviev Group in partnership with Mohegan, is deliberately steering clear of the flashy lights and glitz usually associated with gambling ventures. Below-Ground Casino […]
Casino
July 29, 2025
NICC Wary of Bally’s Takeover Bid for Star Casino
Australia’s troubled casino operator Star Entertainment Group is once again under scrutiny as U.S.-based Bally’s Corporation moves ahead with its plan to take control of the company. While shareholders have approved a much-needed AU$300 million (US$195 million) lifeline from Bally’s and Bruce Mathieson’s Investment Holdings, the deal is now facing a regulatory roadblock. Bally’s to […]
Casino
July 29, 2025
Cherokees Await Ruling on Arkansas Casino License Battle
The Cherokee Nation is still waiting for a crucial court decision that could determine the future of a long-delayed casino project in Pope County, Arkansas. More than a year ago, Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), the gaming and hospitality arm of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, received exclusive rights to build a casino in Pope County […]
