SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 3/12/25:
- Michigan Targets Offshore Casinos with Cease-and-Desist Crackdown
- SAFE Bet Act Returns, Pushing for National Sports Betting Rules
- Georgia’s Sports Betting Hopes Crushed as Lawmakers Miss Deadline
- Choctaw Casinos Make History, Accept Cryptocurrency for Gaming
- Majority of New Jersey Residents Back Limits on Sports Betting Ads
- Connecticut Bill Seeks to Cap Online Sports Betting Wagers, Aligning with British Gambling Regulator
- Connecticut Lawmakers Push to Join Multi-State Online Poker Network
- Mastercard, Visa Vow Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Payments
Michigan Targets Offshore Casinos with Cease-and-Desist Crackdown
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has sent cease-and-desist letters to five offshore online casinos, accusing them of violating state gaming laws by offering casino games and sports betting without a license. The targeted operators include sites based in Curaçao, Belize, Costa Rica, and China. The MGCB warns that these platforms lack consumer protections and impose restrictive withdrawal conditions, putting Michigan players at financial risk. The operators have 14 days to comply, or the MGCB will escalate enforcement in coordination with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
SAFE Bet Act Returns, Pushing for National Sports Betting Rules
U.S. lawmakers Paul Tonko and Richard Blumenthal are set to reintroduce the SAFE Bet Act, a federal framework aimed at standardizing sports betting regulations nationwide. The bill calls for a nationwide self-exclusion list, a surgeon general’s report on gambling harm, and data collection on sports betting outcomes. A major focus is national advertising standards, including a ban on sports betting ads between 8 AM and 10 PM, restrictions on certain marketing language, and limits on AI tracking of bettors. The proposal also suggests that states seek federal approval to operate sports betting, raising concerns over its legality. Critics argue it challenges states’ rights, while supporters view it as necessary consumer protection.
Georgia’s Sports Betting Hopes Crushed as Lawmakers Miss Deadline
Georgia lawmakers failed to advance sports betting legalization, as a proposed constitutional amendment and supporting bill never came to a vote before the legislative deadline. Supporters, including Atlanta’s pro sports teams and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, argue that legal sports betting would generate tax revenue and consumer protections, but opposition within the Republican-controlled legislature has prevented progress for seven consecutive sessions. Without Democratic support, the measure lacked the two-thirds majority needed to move forward. While the effort could be revived in 2026, Georgia remains among 10 states without legal sports betting, facing resistance from lawmakers concerned about gambling addiction and regulatory complexities.
Choctaw Casinos Make History, Accept Cryptocurrency for Gaming
Choctaw Casinos & Resorts has launched a cryptocurrency payment option, marking the first time digital assets can be directly used for gaming in a U.S. regulated casino. The initiative, in partnership with Bitline and Everi, enables patrons to exchange cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Circle for casino chips through Everi’s CashClub payment system. The system bypasses traditional banking limitations, offering faster liquidity and secure transactions for high-limit players. This move sets a new precedent for crypto integration in the gaming industry, with Bitline aiming to expand the service to other casinos globally. The first transaction was completed at Choctaw’s Durant, Oklahoma location on March 7, 2025.
Majority of New Jersey Residents Back Limits on Sports Betting Ads
A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found that 76% of New Jersey voters support limiting sports betting advertisements, with strong bipartisan backing. The rise of widespread gambling ads since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling has sparked concerns, particularly regarding addiction risks among young men. Studies indicate that sports betting contributes to higher debt, lower savings, and financial instability. In response, New Jersey lawmakers are considering new measures, including decriminalizing underage gambling and redirecting fines toward prevention and treatment efforts. The findings reflect broad public frustration with the constant presence of gambling ads across media platforms.
Connecticut Bill Seeks to Cap Online Sports Betting Wagers, Aligning with British Gambling Regulator
Connecticut lawmakers are considering SB01464, a bill that proposes placing maximum limits on online sports wagers while also allowing the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for online poker. The bill, introduced by the House General Law Committee, does not specify a potential wager cap but grants authority to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to establish limits. Connecticut’s online sports betting market, dominated by FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, has generated over $6 billion in handle since its launch in 2021. The bill also requires sportsbooks to offer a toll-free number for consumer support and mandates full refunds for bets placed on events with incorrect odds. If passed, it could mark a significant regulatory shift in Connecticut’s online betting landscape.
Connecticut Lawmakers Push to Join Multi-State Online Poker Network
Connecticut lawmakers have introduced SB 1464, a bill that would enable the state to join a multi-jurisdictional online poker compact, such as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). While online poker is already legal in Connecticut, this bill would allow players to compete against others in participating states, expanding the player base. The legislation also includes responsible gambling measures, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, and restricts players to one account per operator. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, though online poker is unlikely to launch immediately. The first public hearing is scheduled for March 12.
The Full Story Here.
Mastercard, Visa Vow Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Payments
Mastercard and Visa are under scrutiny after an investigation by Investigate Europe revealed that their networks were used for deposits on illegal gambling websites. The report found that nine unlicensed casino and sports betting sites in the UK accepted Mastercard, while two accepted Visa. Both companies have responded by pledging stronger oversight, with Mastercard investigating the sites and emphasizing that acquirers are responsible for due diligence. Visa reaffirmed its commitment to preventing illegal activity on its network, citing its integrity risk program to detect and block noncompliant transactions. The findings highlight ongoing payment challenges in the gambling sector, even as banks become more accepting of legal online gaming.
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