The final totals are in for Indiana gaming in 2021, and sportsbooks had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

In the second full calendar year of sports betting, and a year that more closely resembled the traditional sports calendar, Indiana’s sportsbooks and mobile apps accepted $3.8 billion in wagers. That’s according to the monthly data reports posted by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC).

The sportsbooks won $306 million off those wagers, and the state of Indiana received nearly $29.1 million in tax revenue off the gross receipts.

For comparison purposes, Indiana’s 12 casinos generated wagering taxes of $53.6 million in December alone.

A very strong fourth quarter helped buoy the sports betting numbers, especially the handle. In all three months, the monthly handle exceeded $460 million and was topped by a record-setting $463.7 million handle in November.

December Sports Betting Handle Nearly Matches November

December’s handle could not top November, but it came close. The IGC reported a monthly handle of $463 million. Still, it marks the second-highest handle the state’s recorded.

Sportsbook revenues, however, plunged from $47.7 million in November to $25.8 million in December. Comparatively, the state’s share dropped precipitously as well, from $4.5 million to $2.4 million.

From a sports perspective, basketball edged out football from a handle-by-sport perspective, $148.5 million to $141.8 million. That’s likely due to the fact there were fewer college football games during the month.

Neither sports total includes parlays, which the IGC breaks out separately. The IGC reported $117.3 million in parlay bets for December.

Caesars, with its combination of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and its app, reported a combined handle of $65.7 million and winnings of $2.7 million. BetMGM won $3.6 million of the $49.9 million it took in bets.

Indiana Casino Revenues Rebound from COVID

Indiana’s casinos reported adjusted gaming revenues (AGR) of $2.33 billion for the 2021 calendar year, based on the IGC’s monthly reports. The data shows a strong second half of the year, which coincided with the state ending several COVID-19 restrictions.

Horseshoe Hammond reported the highest yearly total AGR at $390.7 million. However, the Caesars Entertainment-owned casino and the Hoosier casino closest to the Illinois state line will likely have stiff competition for that title next year.

That’s because the state’s newest casino, Hard Rock Northern Indiana, has reported higher monthly AGR totals for each of the past three months. In December, the Gary casino reported revenues of $31.2 million compared to Horseshoe’s $29.8 million.

The additional gaming revenue means additional tax money for the state. Indiana received nearly $53.7 million in wagering taxes for December. Wagering taxes are assessed on a graduated scale based on revenues generated during the fiscal (July-June) year.

Tax rates for casinos range from 15 percent for the first $25 million in AGR to 40 percent for revenue beyond $600 million. The rate for revenues between $150 million and $600 million is 35 percent. The state taxes racinos at 25 percent of AGR for the first $100 million, 30 percent for revenues between $100 million and $200 million, and 35 percent for revenues exceeding $200 million.

For the 2021 calendar year, Indiana’s casinos and racinos generated $576.8 million in wagering taxes.

Indiana also assesses a supplemental tax on all of its casinos except for its two racinos, Indiana Grand and Harrah’s Hoosier Park, and the French Lick Resort. That tax, assessed at $3 per person entering a casino, generated $4.3 million in December. The supplemental tax is divided evenly between the state, the casino’s host city, and its host county.

The casinos generated supplemental tax revenues of $49 million for the 2021 calendar year.

The state expects more casino gaming revenue in the coming years. Last month, the commission officially awarded its 13th casino license to Churchill Downs Inc. to build a casino in Terre Haute.

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The Republican National Committee (RNC) warned today that it’s considering boycotting all debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

In a letter addressed to Frank Fahrenkopf and Kenneth Wollack, co-chairs of the CPD, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel expressed her frustrations with the commission not adequately responding to the Republican Party’s demands over the debate setup and moderators. The political committee has called for a shakeup of the CPD board of directors, a new way of selecting moderators who ideally will be more impartial in their questioning, and a desire to host a debate before early voting begins.

McDaniel asserts that without substantial changes, the RNC will ask Republican presidential candidates to sign a pledge refusing to participate in any debate sanctioned by the CPD.

“We are especially frustrated with the CPD’s refusal to enact reforms aimed at ensuring nonpartisanship,” McDaniel wrote. “The RNC has a duty to ensure that its future presidential nominees have the opportunity to debate their opponents on a level playing field.”

AGA Founding

Fahrenkopf, a Nevada attorney by trade who specialized in gaming law for years, formed the AGA after assembling a group of legal colleagues who realized the industry needed a trade group to work on its behalf in Washington.

We got together and spoke about the growth of casino gaming and the need for association representation before Congress and the White House to make sure the federal government doesn’t intentionally or unintentionally do something that really hurts the industry,” Fahrenkopf said in 2019 of the AGA’s forming.

Fahrenkopf says his proudest accomplishment while leading the AGA was helping create the National Council for Responsible Gaming (NCRG). Citing opponents claiming that 40-50 percent of casino patrons were addicted to gambling, Fahrenkopf — with the help of industry magnates, including Bill Boyd — formed the NCRG. The group conducted research and developed programs for those prone to addiction.

“I knew that we couldn’t say that we either don’t know about or recognize any of the negatives that come with gaming. We had to study the issue for better or worse. We had to know the facts and figures of what problem gambling was,” Fahrenkopf said.

Preaching to Choir?

Years before forming the AGA, Fahrenkopf was a GOP operative in DC when he was a partner at the law firm of Hogan & Hartson. In early 1983, he was elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, a position he held until 1989, making him the second-longest RNC chair in the organization’s history.

Despite Fahrenkopf’s deep-rooted ties to the GOP, McDaniel says he and the CPD must do more to include conservative voices into the organization.

So long as the CPD appears intent on stonewalling the meaningful reforms necessary to restore its credibility with the Republican Party as a fair and nonpartisan actor, the RNC will take every step to ensure that future Republican presidential nominees are given that opportunity elsewhere,” McDaniel’s letter concluded.

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On Tuesday, January 11^th, 2022 Southampton recorded their largest English Premier League (EPL) win of the football season by absolutely dismantling and destroying the Brentford football club with a final tally of 4 to 1 as the south – coast team’s new owner witnessed it live first hand as he was in attendance at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Jan Bednarek, Armando Broja, and Che Adams all managed to score goals during this contest, and Southampton added on another goal when Brentford’s goal – tender, Alvaro Fernandez, added injury to insult by allowed an unforgivable own – goal as well last Tuesday. The own – goal conceded by Brentford dramatically and largely shifted the momentum just prior to the halftime break.

This game was rescheduled from last December of 2021 due to concerns of the COVID – 19 outbreak that spread throughout the Brentford clubhouse.

The Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt netted a goal although it got canceled out. Bednarek’s 5^th – minute header was nicely played off of James Ward – Prowse’s corner – kick, however the home side went up 2 to 1 following the own – goal given up by Brentford’s goalkeeper.

Southampton’s win was somewhat special as it happened in front of their new majority owner in Dragan Solak. Southampton climbed in to 11 – place in the English Premier League table as Brentford presently sits in 13^th place in the EPL standings at the moment as Southampton sits 2 – spots as well as 1 – point ahead of the devastated Brentford. Dragan Solak’s Sport Republic just recently bought the 80 % stake in the football club that was held by the Chinese businessman, Gao Jisheng.

This match last Tuesday served as the 1^st – time since the 2017 football season in which Southampton managed to score 4 – goals in a single game at the historic St. Mary’s Stadium.

Brentford has lost 3 of their past 4 – English Premier League games, and Brentford now has to visit the mighty Liverpool on Sunday, January 16^th, 2022.

Southampton next faces off against the Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, January 17^th, 2022 in that English Premier League battle that may have huge results in the EPL. Southampton is presently 3 spots behind as well as 4 – points in back of the Wolverhampton Wanderers right now.

Sources:

The Associated Press News Services. “Southampton dominates Brentford in 4 – 1 win in EPL”. The Associated Press. January 11, 2022.

“English Premier League Table 2021 – 22”. ESPN. January 12, 2022.

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The entertainment arm of Belgium’s Ardent Group has struck a growth deal with CVC Capital Partners (Fund VIII) to position itself better in the global gaming industry. The Liège-based company’s active shareholders will take their position as the leader in the Belgian gaming market to the next step in regulated markets worldwide.

The company employs over 1,300 people – about 400 of them work at the firm’s digital hub in Liege. In addition to Belgium, the Gaming1 progress and expansion seem to be on target for their goal of doubling the volume of activity every five years.

One of the most recent developments was a joint venture with Delaware North which created the Gamewise company to serve US markets. The Ardent Group provides land-based and online games of chance including casino games, sports betting services, and poker.

An odd omission in the announcement was any mention of Gaming1’s most famous brand, Circus.

The historical shareholders of reference will remain in the lead under the new deal. These include Emmanuel Mewissen, Sylvain Boniver and Nicolas Léonard.

Capital Company with Expanding Influence

CVC manages over US$125 billion of assets and has extensive experience in partnering, mergers, and acquisitions in gaming. In England, residents will know the name Skybet, in Italy and Spain the brand Sisal comes to mind, and in Germany, the company is involved in Tipico. CVC’s digital prowess is augmented by investments in Aleph – a leader in digital advertising and ironSource, with that firm’s focus on mobile gaming and advertising.

The fact that CVC has a team established in Belgium will help Gaming1 stay close to its roots and source of inspiration while continuing to contribute to the fabric of the country’s economy.

Success by Adapting

CEO and Founder of Ardent Group, Emmanuel Mewissen, explained: “In a rapidly changing world, the key to success is adapting. By partnering with CVC, we will benefit from their global, sector and technology expertise, which will support our company to continue on our successful growth path and further build our digital capabilities. We will stay loyal to our values and Belgian roots, as shown by our recent move to our digital hub in the heart of Liège. This desire to anchor ourselves in and to contribute to our country’s growth is an integral part of our identity and will continue to guide us daily.”

By the numbers, Gaming1 has been in operation for 30 years, operates 11 casinos in Belgium and France along with 35 gaming halls at home, 5 sportsbetting sops, 82 POS terminals, 19 online websites, 150 proprietary online games, over and 200 slot machine cabinets in 3 countries.

Source: Gaming1 partners with CVC Fund VIII, CVC, December 28, 2021

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Few people want sports betting legalized in Kentucky more than state Rep. Adam Koenig. The Erlanger Republican has filed bills since 2019 calling for just that.

Another bill is on the table for the 2022 General Assembly session, which started on Tuesday. But while there’s hope, there’s also some frustration, too. That was evident as he spoke with Casino.org from his legislative office on Monday night, just hours before the new session began.

I don’t understand why it hasn’t passed yet,” he said. “So, there’s reasons for hope. But my expectations are not high because I’ve been burned before.”

Two years ago, Koenig’s bill passed unanimously in the House Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations Committee, which he chairs. It passed in the second week of the 60-day session and went to the House floor, with 41 of Koenig’s 99 colleagues in the chamber co-sponsoring it.

There, it withered on the vine, as opponents of expanded gaming filed numerous amendments to the bill. Two months later, toward the end of the session, the bill went back to the committee, ending its hopes.

A sports betting bill was filed during last year’s 30-day short session. However, the legislature’s gaming focus zeroed in on ensuring historical horse racing (HHR) was legalized. That’s after the state Supreme Court issued an opinion saying the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission did not have the authority to create a new pari-mutuel game. The racing industry pushed for the legislation because revenue from the slots-like HHR machines has helped revitalize horse and harness racing in the state.

Surrounded By Legal Sports Betting States

As the Kentucky General Assembly convenes, it comes as another of Kentucky’s neighboring states has just signed off on legalizing sports betting.

Ohio lawmakers passed their bill last month and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law. With it, Ohio became the 33rd state to allow sports betting and, for all practical purposes, put Kentucky on an island surrounded by sports betting states.

Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee all allow sports betting – or in Ohio’s case, will allow it later this year. All of them allow statewide mobile betting. Missouri is the only state bordering Kentucky that doesn’t allow it, but there’s no bridge to get from Kentucky to Missouri. You have to drive through Illinois or take a Mississippi River ferry to get to the Show-Me State.

Kentucky’s Loss is Indiana’s Gain

And operators in those states are more than happy to welcome Kentucky bettors.

Last month, at the 47th Annual Global Symposium on Racing at the University of Arizona, Indiana Grand Vice President and General Manager of Racing Eric Halstrom talked about the success of its off-track betting parlor in Clarksville, Ind.

The Winner’s Circle OTB is located in a modest strip mall that doesn’t even face the street. However, it’s only two miles north of the Ohio River and just off the interstate.

It’s “a shining star,” he said, and Indiana Gaming Commission revenue data shows why.

According to the IGC’s November revenue report, the Clarksville OTB reported a handle of $3.9 million and generated revenues of $796,079. The handle ranked fourth among the 14 brick-and-mortar sportsbook locations in the state, and it also outperformed some mobile apps, including theScore.bet and TwinSpires.

Of the 26 mobile and retail entities, only five had a greater unofficial hold than Clarksville’s 20.5 percent.

Kentucky does not have sports wagering, and I hope (they) never get it… People are coming there from Kentucky and they’re betting on sports, but they’re also betting on the races if you give them a chance,” Halstrom told the audience at the symposium.

Political Challenge Awaits

Koenig, who has said a sports betting bill would pass if it were put on a secret ballot, is not the only lawmaker who publicly supports it. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said last weekend on WKYT’s Kentucky Newsmakers that “it’s just a natural extension” to pari-mutuel horse racing, which has been legal in the state for more than a century.

But Thayer pointed to the opposition the bill faces from ardent religious conservatives representing rural districts as a major obstacle.

“I think we should pass it,” Thayer said. “I hope we can pass it this year, but don’t know that we will. Sometimes, I feel like we’ll be one of the last states to pass it.”

Religious conservatives make up a major part of the legislature in both chambers. Republicans also hold large majorities in both.

What may also hurt sports betting’s chances in the legislature is that Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear supports expanded gaming. It was a major part of his platform when he eeked out a victory over then-incumbent Matt Bevin in 2019.

Not surprisingly, the relationship between Beshear and the strong GOP legislature has not been great. Case in point, tradition calls for the governor to give his budget address before lawmakers file the spending bill in the House. Beshear is set to give his budget address next Thursday.

House Republicans filed their budget bill on Friday, six days before the scheduled speech.

What’s Likely in the Bill

His frustrations aside, Koenig told Casino.org he’s looking forward to filing the bill. He thinks, though, it will be a little later in the session. The first week of the session has focused on finalizing new legislative districts for upcoming elections.

The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn in mid-April. The last day to file a bill in the House is Feb. 25.

Previous versions of Koenig’s sports betting bill have included provisions for online poker and fantasy sports. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission would regulate sports betting. He’s not expecting major changes to his proposal.

Those bills have called for race tracks to offer retail and mobile sports betting, with gross revenue taxed at 9.75 percent for retail bets and 14.25 percent for online wagers. On the retail side, an additional .5 percent tax would go to racing development funds.

Under that tax plan, proponents believe the state can generate more than $20 million annually in revenue.

There has also been a provision for professional sports venues holding at least 50,000 people to get a license. That allowed the Kentucky Speedway to pursue a license. However, the auto track has not held a NASCAR race since 2020. Koenig said that will likely need to be addressed in a new bill.

Past bills set the license fee at $500,000 and annual renewals at $50,000. Those proposals have also set the minimum age at 18 years old, and required an 18-month in-person registration period for a mobile account. That means in order to wager on a mobile application, a bettor would first need to physically go to the track partnering with the mobile app they wish to use, and show proof they are of age to bet.

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