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 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 […]
Sports
January 9, 2026
“Unprecedented Situation”: Heat Fully Guarantee Rozier’s $22.6M Salary
The Miami Heat’s quiet but telling decision this week regarding Terry Rozier took many by surprise. The NBA franchise Terry Rozier decided it would pay the veteran guard’s $26.6 million salary in full. That’s despite the 31-year-old being away from the team since October 23 due to his arrest tied to a federal gambling investigation, […]
Industry
January 8, 2026
New York Casinos Raise Concerns Over Gambling Addiction
It’s decided: after many years of frustration, hearings, and heated negotiations, the New York State Gaming Commission’s December vote finally locked in the three projects that will completely change the gambling future of The Big Apple. The city is bracing for the arrival of three new casinos, and, with them, both the good and the […]
Casino
January 8, 2026
Man Sues Las Vegas Casino and Railroad After Train Accident
A California man has filed a negligence lawsuit against a Las Vegas casino operator and a national railroad company, claiming that a poorly maintained fence allowed him to reach train tracks where he suffered a life-altering accident. The Hole in the Fence The complaint, filed on December 26 in Clark County civil court by Ryan […]
Casino
January 7, 2026
$2 Tap Water at Vegas Starbucks Sparks Fresh Price Outrage
Do you remember the public outrage that the $26 water bottle at Aria Resort in Las Vegas caused last June? The crazy-priced water saga seems to carry on, according to a social media post that has gone viral. Jeff Sotto, an X user who shared a recent receipt from Starbucks Luxor Convention West, a coffee […]
