News and Analysis
Vermont and North Carolina Betting Bills Signed into Law
It's been a big week for US sports betting as not one, but two states join the fray, legalizing online sports betting in their territories - congratulations to Vermont and North Carolina.
In Vermont, Governor Phil Scott signed HB 127 into force on June 14, with the market expected to open in January 2024. The bill allows up to six online sportsbooks regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery. Operators may submit proposals as early as August with successful licensees subject to a 20% tax rate on revenue.
On the same day, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law after it cleared both the Senate and House in the preceding two weeks. There's a one-year deadline of June 14, 2024, for operators to go live in the state, with regulations published by January.
The North Carolina Lottery Commission will head up regulations and licensing, with 10-12 licenses available. The tax rate on revenue will be 18%. $2m of this will be used for responsible gambling treatment, research, and education annually.
New Responsible Gambling Services for NJ Players
This week, the NJDGE has launched two new responsible gambling services for players. The first expands the current voluntary self-exclusion program, allowing players to register via a toll-free phone number or online via video chat, thus removing the barriers to registration (previously, the service was in-person).
The second is an updated area dedicated to responsible gambling on the DGE website. Here consumers and other interested parties will be able to find information regarding best practices for responsible gambling and annual reports by Rutgers University regarding the breakdown of players and betting and the impact of online gambling in the state.
Meanwhile, according to the PGCB, the number of players registered for voluntary self-exclusion from retail and online casinos in Pennsylvania has hit 20,000 (21% affected a lifetime ban. The total breaks down as 12,811: 7,189 men to women).
Slots: New Bill Aims to Raise Tax Threshold on Winnings
Players love online slots. They are the most popular game, and they generate the most revenue, not just in the US but worldwide. In good news for slot players, a bipartisan US bill has proposed a law change to increase the tax threshold on slot winnings from $1,200 to $5,000.
The bill (Shifting Limits on Thresholds, or 'SLOT' Act) argues that the current limit harms the industry and players as it is burdensome and that raising the limit is appropriate as the original $1,200 threshold was set in 1977 and hasn't been adjusted for inflation since. We'll bring you more news on how the bill progresses as and when it's available.
CT Welcomes Design Works Gaming
Online casinos in CT, starting with DraftKings, can now offer DWG software. Connecticut is the studio's fourth iGaming state (DWG is already live at online casinos in MI, NJ, and PA). The deal will see games, including the player-loved 10x Fortune, Komodo Dragon, Break the Bounty, Wonders of Africa, and Lucky Tap, live at DraftKings.
DWG's CEO, Troy Zurawski, commented: "By collaborating closely with DraftKings, we're ready to bring the same elevated content and playing experience to Connecticut that we have to New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania."
Slot Game of the Week
Looking for something new to spin? Then check in with our slot game of the week.
Bass Boss Slot: Red Tiger Gaming, RTP: 95.7%
Bass Boss Slot is a hit title from Red Tiger Gaming that's new to US online casinos (although it was initially released in mid-2022). It's a fishing-themed slot based on Bass and set on 5x4 reels with 10 fixed lines. If you're feeling the summer heat and ready to hit the water, this slot might just be the perfect game to spin. Let's dive in and take a look at the features.
As with most online slots, you'll start making wins by 3-5 matching symbols from left to right on the reels. Emulating most real-life fishing trips, this is a relatively chill slot game (although it is high volatility) that comes with a relaxing outdoor backing track and two bonus features:
- Instant catch-of-day multiplier cash payouts: At any point in the base game, the fisherman can randomly drop his hook and collect any fish symbols on the same level of the reel grid. If there are no fish on the level, the fisherman can nudge his hook to move up or down to try again, and if the hook has a multiplier attached (2-10x), this will be awarded. There are four fish in total in the game, the Grey Fish at 2-5x, the Blue at 10-15x, the Green at 30-50x, or the Orange at 100-200x.
- Contest catch spins: Land three bonus scatters to launch this round with 10, 15, or 20 spins. During the round, the fisherman has his hook in the water for the whole round (so you can collect the multiplier fish whenever they land), only moving up or down with each spin. For every 8 fish you catch, you'll move up a level, which awards you an extra 10 spins and a progressive multiplier awarded to all wins you make during that level.
Ready to reel in some potentially big fishes with multiplier prizes? Then take Bass Boss Slot for a spin from $0.10 - $20 at any of these Red Tiger Gaming Casinos.