## The Condition of the Nation: Will the Highest Court Take Up the Florida Wagering Case?
Greetings from iGB’s Condition of the Nation, where we summarize the most significant developments in the North American sports wagering landscape this week and highlight some other noteworthy news we’ve discovered.
**Condition of the Nation: A Glimpse at Recent Events in North America**
Washington City reporter Alex Coma reports that Frank Suarez, Head of Lottery and Gaming for the Washington D.C. Lottery Office, has stepped down. Suarez has accepted a comparable role with the Connecticut Lottery. The OLG Director has been under pressure for months as the D.C. Council has been considering dismantling the monopoly in the region. Suarez has been under intense scrutiny from Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.
The Office of the Chief Financial Officer, which oversees the lottery, informed me that Suarez will be assuming the new position as Director of the Connecticut Lottery. He will officially depart D.C. on July 31. https://t.co/NBvqb64xOW
**The Future of Sports Wagering in Florida…**
The Supreme Court judges met on Thursday (June 13) to determine whether they would hear oral arguments in the case of Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Deb Haaland, et al. This case could determine the future of legal sports wagering in Florida. According to the Supreme Court website, the outcome of the meeting will be announced on June 17 at 9:30 AM ET.
The core issue at hand is whether the Interior Secretary, Deb Haaland, should endorse the 2021 accord between Florida and the Seminole Tribe. This accord permits wagers to be deemed placed on tribal territory.
In essence, bets made through tribal servers anywhere within Florida are considered to have been made on Indian reservations. The West Flagler, a horse racing facility, contends that Haaland exceeded her powers in approving the agreement. Moreover, the agreement itself is a subject of much debate. Concerns include whether the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act applies to off-track wagering, or if the accord contravenes the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
The champion of competitive hot dog consumption will be indulging in a Netflix special.
Joey Chestnut, who it appeared would not be participating in Nathan’s Famous July 4th hot dog eating contest, will be going head-to-head against his long-time adversary. Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi have agreed to a live Labor Day eating contest featuring all-beef hot dogs on Netflix. The contest will be broadcast on September 2, according to the Associated Press.
There has been a considerable amount of controversy surrounding Chestnut this week, as he declared he was prohibited from participating in Nathan’s competition due to his arrangement with Impossible Foods. Major League Eating stated that the deal conflicted with Nathan’s competition.
Major League Eating expressed dissatisfaction with Joey Chestnut’s decision to represent a rival brand and hopes that he will return to Nathan’s Famous competition.
## Social Media Image: NrbK4aRUc8
**The Kansas-Missouri competition persists**
Earlier this week, Kansas City’s chief executive, Tyrone Garner, declared his backing for a scheme to entice the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Royals to relocate from Missouri to Kansas, as per CDC Gaming. The Chiefs are contemplating a shift following the failure of a sales tax initiative aimed at financing renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas legislation permits the utilization of gambling tax revenue to attract professional teams to the state. However, tax revenue derived from legal gambling is insufficient to be self-sustaining. Legislators are reportedly considering issuing bonds to finance the construction of professional sports arenas.
The Kansas legislative body is scheduled to convene a special session on June 18th to concentrate on tax reductions.
**Bernie Kosar files suit over wagering and termination**
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback and present NFL commentator Bernie Kosar has initiated legal action against BIGPLAY media, according to Cleveland.com. Kosar alleges that company personnel “coerced” him into placing a real money wager on the day the company commenced operations in Ohio. The wager, which involved the Browns defeating the Steelers, ultimately resulted in the loss of his broadcasting position with the Browns in 2023. NFL employees are prohibited from engaging in gambling activities involving their own team or the league.
Kosar is seeking $850,000 in compensation, including $25,000 in legal fees.
**Cherokee Nation secures casino license in Pope County**
On Wednesday, June 12th, the Arkansas Racing Commission approved the Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s proposal to construct a casino in Pope County.
This proposition encompasses a 200-room lodging establishment and a 50,000 square foot gambling hall featuring 1,200 slot machines and 32 table games. Additionally, there will be a cutting-edge sports wagering area and a designated poker room. The ARC is obligated to issue a permit within a 30-day timeframe.
Gulfside Casino Partners also presented a proposal. The committee declined to consider it, citing the absence of “a letter of endorsement from a local governing body, specifically a court of record or county judge” in the application. Due to this omission, the committee deemed the application incomplete.
Worth a Read
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Other News…
Mega Millions players will experience enhanced odds and larger jackpots in 2025, according to Lottery Geeks. Mega Millions previously announced an increase in the price to $5. Details regarding upcoming changes were disclosed at a Montana Lottery Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 12.
Digital gaming enterprise Greentube declared its intention to enter Ontario through a partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Players at Caesars Palace Online Casino and the company’s sports betting platform will have access to games such as Thunder Cash and Dolphin’s Pearl, as well as other games tailored for North America. Furthermore, Greentube recently launched Silver Lux: Big Win Spinner.
Jeffries Securities Analysis unveiled its monthly summary of land-based casino visitor numbers on Thursday, June 13th. The study revealed that regional market visitor counts climbed 5.1% annually. Nonetheless, this figure still trails behind 2019 levels.
Hard Rock will inaugurate its permanent site in Rockford, Illinois on August 29th. The grand opening will feature a guitar-smashing ceremony. As per the Beloit Daily News, the venue will boast 1,300 slot machines, 50 table games, a poker room, and a sports betting area.
Daily fantasy sports provider PrizePicks declared a collaboration with Kindbridge Behavioral Health Center. Through this partnership, PrizePicks patrons and front-line staff will have access to complimentary problem gambling services.
iGB Headlines
Washington D.C. to have an open market?
FanDuel’s initial month of wagering in Washington D.C. witnessed a 450% surge
Regulators take action against the illicit market
Senate district redistricting could make Alabama legislators more amenable to gambling
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