SharpRank’s weekly updates on Compliance, Audit, Legislation, Ethics, & Regulation within the Sports Betting Industry.
Topics 2/12/25:
- West Virginia Cracks Down on ‘Sweepstakes’ Gambling, AG Issues Subpoenas
- Ohtani’s Interpreter Jailed in $17M Gambling Scandal
- China Shuts Down 4,500 Illegal Gambling Sites in Major 2024 Crackdown
- Super Bowl 59 Sparks Record Sports Betting Surge
- Hawaii Lawmakers Push to Legalize Casinos and Gambling
West Virginia Cracks Down on ‘Sweepstakes’ Gambling, AG Issues Subpoenas
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey has officially issued subpoenas to sweepstakes gaming operators, citing concerns about illegal gambling operations targeting consumers, particularly children. While the attorney general’s office cannot disclose details until operators respond, the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) criticized the move, arguing that social casino sweepstakes are legally compliant and distinct from real-money gambling. The legality of sweepstakes gaming remains a debated issue, with West Virginia among seven states that regulate online casinos, while New Jersey is the only state considering legislation for sweepstakes operators.
Ohtani’s Interpreter Jailed in $17M Gambling Scandal
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank and tax fraud. He stole nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts, falsified tax records, and purchased autographed baseball cards with stolen funds. The case raised concerns about Ohtani’s involvement, which he later denied. Mizuhara was ordered to repay the stolen money and $1 million in back taxes. He will serve three years of probation after his release and may face deportation.
China Shuts Down 4,500 Illegal Gambling Sites in Major 2024 Crackdown
China’s Ministry of Public Security reported the dismantling of over 4,500 illegal gambling platforms and the investigation of 73,000 cross-border gambling cases in 2024. Authorities also shut down 45 major syndicates, leading to 11,000 arrests. Efforts included dismantling underground banking networks and disrupting illicit payment channels, alongside international cooperation to repatriate suspects. Beijing remains committed to curbing overseas gambling targeting Chinese citizens, reinforcing a blacklist system and public awareness campaigns.
Super Bowl 59 Sparks Record Sports Betting Surge
The Super Bowl once again boosted the US sports betting industry, with GeoComply reporting a 14% increase in active accounts and a surge of 724,400 new accounts during the weekend. The growth was particularly strong in the 14 states that have taken action against illegal offshore sportsbooks, showing that enforcement efforts are driving bettors toward legal options. In New Orleans, where the Super Bowl was held, sports betting activity spiked, with 535,000 geolocation pings from 60,400 accounts, marking a 150% week-over-week increase. Regulators in multiple states issued reminders about responsible betting, while analysts projected that Super Bowl 59 wagering could surpass $1.5 billion, a 15% increase from last year.
Hawaii Lawmakers Push to Legalize Casinos and Gambling
A new bill in Hawaii proposes granting 20-year casino licenses for venues in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and the Hawaii Convention Center, establishing a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, and implementing a 15% tax on gross receipts. Supporters, including Senator Glenn Wakai, argue it would boost state revenue and reduce illegal gambling operations, while opponents, like Senator Brenton Awa, warn of potential harm to vulnerable communities. A portion of the revenue would fund the Department of Education and compulsive gambling programs.
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