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Louisiana Gaming: Threat From Texas, Plus More Parishes Could Legalize Sports Betting

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If Texas ever approves commercial casinos and sports betting, Louisiana could see a big falloff in gaming revenue, says the Bayou State’s top regulator.

“It’s going to be a huge blow to Louisiana,” Ronnie Johns, Louisiana Gaming Control board chairman, said.

Johns, who is retiring at the end of June after three years as chairman, spoke with Gambling.com in a wide-ranging interview on “The Edge.”

Johns also said additional parishes in Louisiana could approve sports betting within a few years. In addition, he expressed doubt that a tax hike is coming on sports wagering in the state.

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If using any of this content please reference Gambling.com and link back to our on-site article, where you can also find additional information: https://www.gambling.com/us/news/louisiana-gaming-threat-from-texas-plus-more-parishes-could-legalize-sports-betting

Texas Might Not Expand Gaming Until 2030s: Johns

A 75-year-old former Republican state senator, Johns noted that Louisiana has already gone 35 years with legalized commercial gaming, while Texas still doesn’t have it. Louisiana has since seen the build up of first-rate casino resorts in the state, he noted.

In Texas, sports betting and Las Vegas-style commercial casinos are prohibited. Efforts at the Texas Legislature to expand gaming have been unsuccessful. To date, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C.

Currently, Louisiana benefits from Texans like “Mattress Mack” traveling next door to the Bayou State to gamble. Houston, the fourth most-populated city in the U.S., is only about two hours from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

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Johns said he sees gaming expansion happening one day in Texas, the nation’s second most-populated state. However, that might not occur until well into the 2030s because of opposition from anti-gaming lawmakers and others, he said.

When it does happen, it will have a negative impact on Louisiana.

“We’re predicting a 50% decrease in state revenue, should that happen,” Johns said. “It’s going to be big.”

No Tax Hike On Sportsbooks, Some Parishes Might OK Sports Wagering

During the interview on “The Edge,” Johns also addressed other gaming-related issues facing Louisiana, including:

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A national conversation about an increase in sports betting taxes in some states.

Johns said he has not heard any rumor or discussion about a tax hike in Louisiana on sports wagering.

“Sports betting’s been highly successful in Louisiana,” he said. “It’s actually brought in more money than projected. With that being said, I just don’t see any movement at this time to increase taxes.”

Legalizing sports betting in the nine parishes where it is currently prohibited.

Johns said he anticipates a public vote will occur in some of those parishes to legalize sports betting. Those nine parishes previously rejected sports betting, while 55 parishes approved it.

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“I’m not sure that all nine will get there,” he said. “I predict over the next, say, four to five years you could probably have half of those attempting to approve sports betting again.”

The implementation in Louisiana of online casino gaming, known as iGaming, allowing bettors to play casino games such as slots and craps on their smart phone or computer.

Johns said there is a conversation in the state about the issue, but the casino industry itself is divided — some want it, others don’t. That sort of division makes legislative approval difficult, he said.

“The other aspect is going to be those legislators who view it as an expansion of gaming,” he said. “You’re going to have some pushback from some of the traditional Christian-based organizations, such as the Family Forum here in Louisiana and others who are traditionally anti-gaming.”

More riverboat casinos moving their operations ashore.

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Johns said he does not think all 15 riverboat license holders will ultimately build casinos on land. A handful already have moved ashore or are in the process of becoming land-based.

“I see a point where we’re going to have a number of them do it,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll ever get to the point where all 15 are going to do that. Just from the economic standpoint, is it feasible for them to do that?”

 

Conferences in Europe

2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers

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The 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference, which will take place June 5, 2025, at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, is proud to announce its first confirmed speakers.

The Gaming in Holland Conference is THE place to meet the key decision makers in the Netherlands’ regulated gambling market.

 

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First speakers announced

We are very happy to welcome the following key decision makers to our speaker line-up:

  • Arjan Blok, CEO, Nederlandse Loterij
  • Renske Fikkers, Head of Market Supervision, Netherlands Gambling Authority
  • Justin Franssen, Partner, Franssen Tolboom Advocaten
  • Dr. Andreas Ditsche, CEO, iGaming.com
  • Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital

 

About the 2025 GiH Conference: A Change is Gonna Come?

Recently, Teun Struycken, State Secretary for Legal Protection, announced a far-reaching revision of the Dutch Remote Gambling Act.

This month, the Dutch Lower House will hold roundtable discussions on the current state of the regulated gambling market. These roundtable discussions will be followed by an in-depth debate with the state secretary on March 27.

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Naturally, this means that there will be plenty to discuss at this year’s Gaming in Holland Conference. Don’t miss it if you want to keep abreast of the latest developments.

As always, all-day networking, our traditional canal boat tour, and networking drinks at Holland Casino are included in the event.

Last but not least, the “Dutch Online Casino of the Year” award ceremony will be part of the post-conference networking drinks. Don’t miss the festivities!

 

Registration now open

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Early bird registration is now open: https://bit.ly/GiHC2025. Don’t miss it!

The post 2025 Gaming in Holland Conference announces headline speakers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament

bet365 and Incentive Games Launch $10 Million ‘Bracket Challenge’ for 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament

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bet365, the leading sports betting brand, and Incentive Games, a premier B2B games provider, are excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated ‘bet365 Bracket Challenge’—the ultimate free-to-play predictor game with a potential $10 million jackpot.

Launching on Sunday, March 16, just in time for the 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament, the ‘bet365 Bracket Challenge’ allows basketball fans to test their knowledge and prediction skills. With a grand prize of $100,000 and a leader board rewarding the top 5,000 players, the competition is set to be bigger than ever.

For the player who achieves the elusive perfect bracket, $10 Million prize awaits!

Participants can access the bet365 Bracket Challenge page and check out the full terms and conditions by visiting nj.bet365.com/olp/bracket-challenge.

This free-to-play game is now open to new and eligible bet365 customers aged 21 and over, residing in the USA across: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana (permitted parishes only), New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. The challenge is also available in Mexico and other jurisdictions. In order to participate, players must be fully verified by bet365, with one entry allowed per person.

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Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, commented, “We’re proud to once again partner with bet365 to bring back this high-energy, high-stakes challenge. This game is more than predictions; it’s about exciting players, driving community engagement, and being part of a monumental sporting event. We are honored to play a role in bet365’s continued success in the US and international markets.”

A bet365 spokesperson said, “With the 2025 bet365 Bracket Challenge, Incentive Games delivers yet another slam-dunk free-to-play game! Basketball fans will undoubtedly enjoy every heart-pounding moment, as they make their predictions and compete for a $10 Million prize!”

The post bet365 and Incentive Games Launch $10 Million ‘Bracket Challenge’ for 2025 Men’s College Basketball Tournament appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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BGaming

BGaming Expands into Brazil with Pixbet Partnership

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Rapidly Expanding Content provider announces landmark deal with Brazilian operator Pixbet

Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is thrilled to unveil a partnership with Pixbet, one of the most established and popular online sports betting and casino operators in Brazil.

This strategic partnership will see BGaming’s portfolio of innovative and top-performing iGaming content integrated into Pixbet’s platform, providing Brazilian players access to some of the most cutting-edge gaming content on the market.

Per the deal, Pixbet players will gain full access to BGaming’s entire portfolio, including hit titles such as Snoop Dogg Dollars, Aztec Clusters, and Fruit Million, along with any exciting new games developed by BGaming in the future. This will enhance Pixbet’s offering and help BGaming establish a foothold and reputation as one of the most innovative providers in the Brazilian market.

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The deal seals a landmark moment for BGaming, who recently announced their licensing approval to enter the South American market. Pixbet is the largest sports betting platform in the region and has a strong international presence. Its online casino is hugely popular, ensuring plenty of players in the market will gain access to BGaming’s award-winning products.

Paulina Hovar, Sales Manager at BGaming, said: “Expanding our presence in Brazil is a key priority, and we aim to strengthen our position by working with top-tier operators in the region. By partnering with a leading company like Pixbet, we are ensuring as many players have access to our products as possible.

Pixbet is a major player in Brazil, and this partnership is a huge opportunity to make significant waves. We are beyond excited to see how Pixbet players react to our games.”

Ernildo Junior de Farias Santos, CEO at Pixbet, said: “At Pixbet, we are always seeking innovative and high-quality content to enhance our players’ gaming experience. BGaming has already made an impact in Brazil, and we are excited to expand our offering with its creative and dynamic portfolio.

This partnership will allow us to provide our players with even more thrilling gaming options, and we look forward to seeing how they engage with BGaming’s top-tier content.”

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The post BGaming Expands into Brazil with Pixbet Partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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