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.
Industry
January 26, 2026
Not a Matter of Willpower: Gambling Disorder Tied to Brain Changes
A new doctoral study sheds light on what happens in the brains of people with gambling disorder, showing that the condition is tied to the very circuits that control self-control, decision-making, and reward. In other words, it’s not just a matter of willpower. Disrupted Connections in the Brain The research, by Albert Bellmunt Gil of […]
Casino
January 23, 2026
Cromwell to Close Nearly Two Months for Vanderpump Revamp
Caesars Entertainment has quietly changed course on what it promised would be a smooth transition for the Cromwell. The “first standalone boutique hotel on the famed Strip” that opened its gates as The Cromwell in 2014 after many years of being known as Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon and the Barbary Coast will close completely […]
Casino
January 23, 2026
Las Vegas Fears Europe Travel Drop Over Greenland Tensions
While prediction markets are juggling with the odds of President Donald Trump seizing Greenland, Las Vegas tourism leaders are watching the latest geopolitical noise with a growing feeling of unease. Their concern is that rising tensions between the United States and Europe over the disputed territory could lead to drastic travel decisions, mirroring Canada’s pullback […]
Sports
January 22, 2026
Loophole Lets Offshore Operators Push AO Bets
Offshore gambling operators are taking advantage of the Australian Open to promote their illegal services, raising concerns among regulators and industry groups about how easy it is for unlicensed platforms to reach Australian players. These sites operate outside Australian law, meaning players have no consumer protections and no guarantee they can withdraw winnings. The Loophole […]
Poker
January 22, 2026
Ignition Clarifies: Viral Bot Farm Video Is From 2022
Poker pro Martin Zamani shared a controversial video over the weekend that once again sparked concern regarding the use of bots in online poker. The short clip appeared to show a “massive bot farm” on Ignition and Bovada, with multiple rooms full of computers running tables through VPNs, but no actual players present. “They’ve Known […]
Sports
January 21, 2026
Massachusetts Eyes Major Shake-Up for Online Sports Betting
A newly resurfaced proposal in Massachusetts could completely change the way online sports betting works in the state, and it’s not subtle. Tax Hike and VIP Programs Take Center Stage Senate Bill 302 aims to sharply increase taxes while limiting what people can bet on, and imposing new sets of rules that would change the […]
Legal
January 20, 2026
Ex-Entain Chiefs Lose Privacy Case Against Gambling Commission
Two former Entain executives, Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman, have suffered a loss in the civil case against the UK Gambling Commission, in which they claimed the regulator violated their privacy. The Failed 888 Takeover Story The pair, facing criminal charges of fraud and bribery, had argued that the commission’s actions during their failed attempt […]
Industry
January 20, 2026
UK Regulator Questions Meta Over Illegal Casino Ads
In July 2025, Facebook and Instagram owner Meta was criticized for the way it handles gambling ads in a report issued by the Open Rights Group. Now, Meta Platforms is once again under fire, this time from Britain’s Gambling Commission for allowing illegal online casino ads to run on its platforms. The independent regulator complained […]
Sports
January 19, 2026
Jordan Smith Stuns in One Point Slam to Win $1M
Sydney’s Jordan Smith pulled off one of the most unlikely wins in recent tennis memory, turning a single-point contest at Melbourne Park into a million-dollar triumph. “I Can’t Even Speak” The 29-year-old had already made headlines by knocking out two-time defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner and women’s grand slam finalist Amanda Anisimova on his […]
Casino
January 19, 2026
LA Casino Evacuated After Bomb Threat Turns Out False
A bomb threat forced the evacuation of a Los Angeles-area casino and nearby buildings last Thursday afternoon, though it later turned out to be a hoax. Prank Caller Asked for $50,000 At around 4 pm, the Park West Bicycle Casino and Hotel in Bell Gardens cleared hundreds of people after a caller demanded $50,000, threatening […]
