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
January 30, 2025
Penn Entertainment to Consider HG Vora’s Board Nominations
The provider of integrated entertainment, sports content, and casino gaming experiences across five segments, Penn Entertainment (PENN), has found itself involved in a proxy fight with its shareholder, HG Vora Capital Management. The latter is currently trying to push the appointment of three new members to the company’s board. The announcement has led to a […]
Sports
January 29, 2025
Entain: Tennis Bets, Second-Most Popular in the US and the UK
One of the largest sports betting and gaming groups built on proprietary technology, Entain, has released a fresh report revealing tennis as the second-ranking sport in terms of the number of in-play bets across the UK and US markets. Bettors Rely on Momentum Swings Entain attributes tennis’ popularity to momentum swings, where bettors use real-time […]
Industry
January 29, 2025
Bruno Mars Jokingly Addresses $50M Gambling Debt Rumor in IG Post
Bruno Mars recently addressed the long-standing rumor regarding his alleged $50 million gambling debt in a playful manner using an Instagram post meant to celebrate his fresh Spotify success. “KEEP STREAMING. I’ll Be Out of Debt in No Time” The 39-year-old Grammy-winning artist shared a post highlighting his achievement as the first artist to reach […]
Industry
January 28, 2025
Tysons Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Casino Project
At the beginning of the year, we reported on Scott Surovell’s decision to introduce Senate Bill 982 (SB 982), aimed at giving the green light to a casino project in Tysons, Fairfax County. The bill was referred to the Committee on General Laws and Technology. According to a new survey, the public is not keen […]
Industry
January 27, 2025
Detained Gambling Tycoon Zhijiang Claims Thai Jail Abuse
A gambling tycoon imprisoned in Thailand and facing extradition to China has reportedly endured “inhumane treatment,” according to his lawyers, who fear for his safety after he claimed to have been a Chinese spy. “Particularly Inhumane” Treatment Described by Lawyers She Zhijiang, a China-born businessman with Cambodian citizenship, has been detained in Bangkok since 2022 […]
Industry
January 27, 2025
Brazil Trying to Stop Welfare Funds from Being Used on Gambling
Following in the footsteps of countries and gambling hubs like France, Turkey, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau, Brazil started 2025 by intensifying its efforts to crack down on unlicensed gambling operators. The Central Bank (BCB) of South America’s largest country has recently acknowledged significant technical challenges in preventing welfare funds from being used for gambling. […]
Business
January 24, 2025
Redburn Atlantic: Regulatory Probe Endangers Evolution’s Valuation
Leading innovator in product development and advanced IT solutions for online casinos, Evolution, is facing challenges amid a fresh report by Rothschild & Co’s public equities arm, Redburn Atlantic. Among other things, the report considers the regulatory scrutiny the company is subject to as a potential risk to its valuation. Evolution Taking “Forceful Action Using […]
Legal
January 24, 2025
High Court Says Sky Betting Illegally Processed Customer Data
A High Court judge has ruled that Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG) unlawfully processed a customer’s personal data to deliver targeted marketing materials over a historical period. Justice Rowena Collins Rice delivered her decision on January 23, concluding that the customer, referred to as “RTM,” had not given valid consent for using his data in […]
Industry
January 23, 2025
NJ Could Urge Miss America Pageant to Make an Atlantic City Comeback
New Jersey lawmakers are making another push to bring the Miss America Pageant back to its roots in Atlantic City. Despite the pageant’s recent relocations, most recently to Orlando, Florida, legislators are considering a resolution urging its return to the seaside city where it all began in 1921. The Bill, Awaiting Thursday’s Review The bill […]
Industry
January 23, 2025
Black Eyed Peas Give Up LV Residency Due to “Current Circumstances”
The Black Eyed Peas, a Los Angeles group composed of rappers Will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, have paused their much-anticipated Las Vegas residency. The trio disappointed fans by announcing the cancellation of their upcoming shows at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s PH Live. The Decision Came “in Light of Current Circumstances” In a heartfelt Instagram post, […]
