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Mobile Sports Bettors Show Greater Resilience and Sensitivity to Economic Headwinds

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In the midst of rising inflation and its impact on consumer personal savings rates, TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) conducted new research examining the financial status and behaviors of consumers who engage in mobile sports betting. The research found that more than half (54%) of mobile sports bettors earn high incomes—earning $100,000 or more—yet many are concerned about inflation and its impact on their ability to keep making credit payments in the future.

While the vast majority of mobile sports bettors appeared to be in good financial standing based on their incomes and savings, a higher percentage indicated they have trouble paying bills and are using short-term credit services, like payday loans compared to the total population. The research was conducted via an online survey of 2,739 adults in May 2022. A full report of the findings is available in the new “Consumer Pulse Online Sports Betting Study.”

“At face value, most of the consumers engaging in mobile sports betting can likely afford to do so,” said Declan Raines, head of U.S. Gaming at TransUnion. “At the same time, our findings demonstrate how important it is, especially during a time of economic uncertainty, that operators utilize comprehensive data to identify both resilient and distressed consumers. Doing so can help operators protect players and provide a safer experience to consumers engaged in regulated betting.”

Mobile sports bettors are well funded, mostly optimistic

One key trend derived from the report: mobile sports bettors are seeing increased incomes and are generally more optimistic than most consumers.

Mobile Sports Bettors More Optimistic About their Finances

Total Population Mobile Sports Bettors
Income Increased Last Three Months 32% 67%
Expect Income to Increase Next Three Months 45% 71%
Optimistic About Household Finances Over Next 12 Months 58% 83%

 

Mobile sports bettors are also more likely to be employed, with 89% currently employed vs. 81% of the total population. In addition, 22% of mobile sports bettors indicated they had changed jobs for higher compensation in the last three months, compared to 7% of the wider population.

Despite strong financial performance and general optimism, mobile sports bettors expressed concern over inflation and more are taking action to protect themselves financially to mitigate the costs. TransUnion’s analysis found mobile sports bettors are saving more money in emergency funds and paying down debt faster than the total population. In addition, they also increased their use of available credit and used retirement savings at higher rates than the total population.

The research also identified a positive correlation between consumer liquidity and the gambling industry’s performance at both the macro and state level. Given this established relationship, the current financial hedging behavior exhibited by mobile sports bettors could likely indicate a slowdown in the near future for the sports betting industry.

“Consumer liquidity was a critical component of this research,” said Raines. “Tracking it and its relationship to the industry’s performance can help operators understand how wider economic factors can impact share of wallet, lifetime player value and responsible gaming risk.”

More trouble paying bills

Another indicator of decreasing consumer liquidity is that 79% of mobile sports bettors were concerned about their ability to pay current bills and loans in full, compared to 52% of the total population. In addition, mobile sports bettors are using payday lending services at higher rates than the total population.

The report highlights the challenges operators face in identifying resilient or distressed consumers. Operators who rely solely on their first-party data are limiting their view of a player without the complete picture. Those who use more data sources are able to better monitor player stability and assess risky behavior leading to appropriate interventions, like cooling off periods, to help ensure sustainable play. Operators are at a significant advantage for enhancing responsible gaming practices when they leverage third-party data as is common in other global markets like the U.K.

“The obvious benefit of a robust responsible gaming strategy is helping to keep players out of financial trouble, improving brand loyalty and ensuring sustainable revenue,” said Raines. “Beyond that, it also demonstrates proactive efforts that improve public sentiment toward the industry overall, which is necessary if the market wants to see increased support for state access across sportsbook and online casino products.”

Impact on credit health

Mobile sports bettors, especially those concerned about paying bills in full or who have bills already past due, should be mindful of their credit health. “Payment history and credit utilization rate, a measure of how much of available credit someone is using compared to their total credit limit, are two of the major credit scoring factors,” said Margaret Poe, head of consumer credit education at TransUnion. “Missing payments and running up credit balances can have a severe, negative impact on a consumer’s credit score.”

Many mobile sports betting websites and apps allow deposits using credit cards, a high-interest form of revolving credit, so it’s imperative for sports bettors to understand how to gamble responsibly and practice healthy credit habits to ensure their financial well-being is not negatively impacted.

For more information about the research, read the “Consumer Pulse Online Sports Betting Study.”

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This online survey of 2,739 adults was conducted May 12–19, 2022 by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider, Dynata. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were surveyed using an online research panel method across a combination of desktop, mobile and tablet devices. Survey questions were administered in English. All states are represented in the study survey responses. To ensure general population sample representativeness across United States resident demographics, the survey included quotas to balance responses to the census statistics on the dimensions of age, gender, household income, race and region. Generations are defined as follows: Gen Z, born 1995–2004; Millennials, born 1980–1994; Gen X, born 1965–1979; and Baby Boomers, born 1944–1964. These research results are unweighted and statistically significant at a 95% confidence level within ±1.87 percentage points based on calculated error margin.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.

The $350 million resort brings the brand’s unmistakable energy to Canada’s capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.

In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors’ electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand’s signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.

A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“Bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital is an iconic milestone for our brand. We’re proud to expand our global footprint and create a destination where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment all in one place,” said Jim Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International.

“Our government is thrilled that Hard Rock chose Ontario for its first fully integrated hotel and casino venue in Canada. This new entertainment and hospitality destination will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa, create and sustain hundreds of local jobs, and provide millions of dollars for local infrastructure and community programs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

The post Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition

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PointsBet Holdings Limited announced that MIXI has received written confirmation that AGCO has no concerns with the proposed acquisition by MIXI of the shares in PointsBet Holdings Limited.

PointsBet has also received written confirmation from iGaming Ontario (iGO) in relation to MIXI’s proposed acquisition of shares in PointsBet.

Accordingly, the condition precedent to MIXI’s proposed PointsBet-Board recommended Takeover Bid relating to Ontario approvals in paragraph 4.5 of Schedule 1 of the Bid Implementation Deed dated 16 June 2025 (BID) has been satisfied.

MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid remains subject to the satisfaction of certain other limited conditions as previously announced, including a 50.1% minimum acceptance of the proposed MIXI Offer (as defined in the BID).

The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission provided its approval on 24 March 2025 for MIXI to acquire PointsBet. PointsBet confirmed that MIXI’s proposed Takeover Bid is no longer subject to any gaming regulatory approvals.

The post MIXI Receives AGCO Approval for PointsBet Acquisition appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor

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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued monetary penalties totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards. The penalties follow an impromptu after-party that was permitted to take place in the pre-dawn hours directly on the casino’s gaming floor.

On September 27, 2024, an electronic dance music event attended by thousands of people was hosted in the theatre adjacent to the casino at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The event was marked by widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and numerous criminal and medical incidents – both inside and outside the venue – including alleged assaults, drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency. Although paid duty officers were present, additional police and emergency services were required to manage the situation.

In the midst of this high-risk environment, casino management approved an unscheduled request by the performing artist to host an after-party on the active gaming floor. The artist and more than 400 guests were permitted onto the gaming floor where the artist was allowed to perform amidst operational table games and gaming machines – without any prior risk assessment or planning.

As a result, security personnel were unable to effectively control the casino floor, including witness reports that an attendee was seen climbing onto slot machines. Failure to maintain appropriate control compromises the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. Following the conclusion of the event, the operator failed to promptly report these incidents to the AGCO as required.

Based on the findings of its review, the AGCO’s Registrar has issued an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) totaling $350,000 against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. These penalties address critical failures in their operations, incident reporting, employee training, and the management of disturbances.

A gaming operator served with an OMP has 15 days to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of the AGCO.

“Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor,” Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, said.

The post AGCO Fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto $350,000 for Serious Regulatory Violations Linked to Impromptu After-Party on Gaming Floor appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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