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.
Poker
March 31, 2026
Poker Player Killed in Indiana Over $50K Drug Debt
A well-known poker player in Indiana, US, was killed earlier in March in what prosecutors believe was a dispute over a marijuana debt, not gambling losses. Marijuana Business James “Matt” Lushin, a real estate investor and regular on the poker circuit, was found dead at his home in Westfield on March 12. According to the […]
Casino
March 30, 2026
He Lost $10M in Two Days: Trainwreck Denies Loan to Adin Ross
The popular gambling streamer known for his close ties to crypto casino platform Stake, which he recently hinted he might separate from, is back to streaming following a long, three-month break. Trainwreck, whose real name is Tyler Faraz Niknam, wasted little time drawing attention with strong comments about the online gambling space and his fellow […]
Legal
March 30, 2026
Washington Targets Kalshi in New Gambling Lawsuit
Washington is the latest state to take legal action against Kalshi, the prediction market platform accused of running contracts that amount to illegal gambling according to state law. “Each Bet Risks Money” The lawsuit, filed on Friday, March 27, in King County Superior Court by Attorney General Nicholas W. Brown, claims the company’s operations violate […]
Poker
March 27, 2026
From Poker Cash to 30 Stores: Fat Shack Founder Story
Tom Armenti, president and chief executive officer of Fat Shack Inc., kick-started his business after finishing college, with $5,000 he had won playing online poker. His hopes were very low at the time, considering the huge construction quotes that ran between $150,000 and $200,000. “There’s No Way I Can Do This” “I remember thinking, ‘There’s […]
Industry
March 27, 2026
Minnesota Capitol Could Bring Charity Gambling Tax Relief, Drop Ticket Price
Many people who engage in bar bingo games, pull tabs, or meat raffles usually assume that, whether they win or lose, their money still goes out to a good cause, supporting local charity organizations. But that’s not always the case. Or, at least, that is what those who advocate for charitable gambling in Minnesota claim. […]
Sports
March 26, 2026
Votes Are Out: NBA Ready to Expand With Vegas, Seattle
National Basketball Association owners have made it clear: they are ready to explore adding new franchises to the current 30-team roster. The first cities on their lips during the NBA Board of Governors meeting on March 24-25, when the votes were cast, were Las Vegas and Seattle, both regarded as the most likely candidates. “I think […]
Poker
March 26, 2026
After Raid: The Lodge in Texas Lays Off Staff, Closes Indefinitely
In a moving letter emailed to employees, The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas, has announced it would “shut its doors for the foreseeable future”. Accordingly, the card room was forced to lay off all of its staff, on the grounds of ongoing legal pressure from the authorities. The club was initially closed on […]
Casino
March 25, 2026
No Break: 6ix9ine Wins $50K Blackjack Hand From Prison
Controversial rapper 6ix9ine, also known as Tekashi 69 or Tekashi 6ix9ine, is currently serving a three-month prison sentence for violating his supervised release. While behind bars, the 29-year-old whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, found a way to gamble online. Crypto betting platform Rainbet, which has 6ix9ine as an ambassador, shared a video of him […]
Casino
March 25, 2026
Unbeatable: Stake Rules iGaming Streaming in 2026 Boom
Live streaming has become a serious factor influencing the ongoing rise of iGaming, and, according to a recent report by Stream Hatchet, Stake is the brand that is clearly leading the pack. The Livestreaming Effect According to the report published on March 20, global interest in iGaming has skyrocketed, with search demand going up eightfold […]
Lottery
March 24, 2026
Viral Claim Links Epstein to 2008 Powerball Jackpot
Last July, an ex-Atlantic City Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino manager confirmed he had seen President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein together at the casino property, accompanied by underage girls. Epstein’s connection with the gambling world, apparently, went even further. The disturbing Epstein Files revealed an email from an investigative journalist to retracted recipients that […]
