Why Sports Betting Isn't as Prevalent as Bingo

Have you ever wondered why more states don't offer sports betting?

Sure, just about every city in every state has bingo in one form or another. State Lotteries seem to be expanding their gaming options. And, you can see new casinos popping up everywhere with all kinds of table games and more. However, very few places outside of Las Vegas offer sports betting. Why is that?

Well, it has to do with the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act passed by our legislature which pretty much bans most sports bets across the nation. Nevada was grandfathered in, along with a couple of other states like Delaware with some limited sports betting possibilities.

Recently, New Jersey has filed a lawsuit to try to get the ban overturned, but it's unclear what chance this lawsuit has. Some say that sports betting's limited margin (just over 5%) make it a less attractive form of legalized gambling for states and others to get involved in. Plus there's always the perception that sports betting causes corruption among some athletes.

Anyway, it's kind of interesting that you find different gambling options proliferating across states, but sports gambling remains off-limits.

For more information, please see David G. Schwartz, Sports betting, as attractive as it seems, not a no-lose proposition, Las Vegas Business Press, September 21, 2009.

Some "Dos" and "Don'ts" for Introducing "Odds" Style Bingo Games

"Odds" style bingo games are bingo games which can be played on both regular bingo paper or special bingo sheets. Basically, these games are the same as any other bingo games except if a player bingos in a smaller amount of numbers then they win a greater prize.

For instance, you might award a $300 prize for a coverall game, but you may pay out $500 if a player bingos in 50 numbers or less. These types of games can add the thrill of winning bigger prizes without always having to pay them out. And, when they do pay out, your players will love them.

If you're thinking about adding "Odds" Games to your bingo program, then consider some helpful "Dos" and "Don'ts".

Do review an Odds Chart before you begin. While a coverall can be relatively easy to create an Odds Game around, other patterns (like a Letter T) can be harder without knowing your exact chance of paying out.

Do make sure you don't pay out more than you're legally allowed by your local laws.

Don't make your games impossible for your players to win.

Don't make every game an "Odds" game.

Hope this advice helps make your program a success. Let me know your thoughts on adding "Odds" games to your bingo.

For more information on "Odds" games, please see Four "Do's" and "Don'ts" When Adding "Odds" Games to Your Bingo Program

Poll Shows Ohio Casinos May Happen, Fight Still On

In November, Ohio voters will decide whether or not they will approve the construction of casinos in 4 of their cities. Plans have been drawn for casinos in Columbus, Toledo, and two other areas. However, last year's proposal for a single casino also led in the polls and was defeated on election day.

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Seven weeks before election day, Ohioans by a wide margin say they favor a plan to put casinos in Columbus and three other Ohio cities, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.

"Gambling opponents, who have beat back previous efforts to bring casinos to Ohio four times, have their work cut out for them if they are to prevail this time," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Connecticut university's polling institute, in a release.

The issue was passing by a 21-point margin in the survey released today, down a bit from a 26-point lead in July but still a large hurdle for gambling opponents to overcome less than two months before Ohioans vote on state Issue 3.

Even with passage, it will likely take some time for these casinos to open, and no word on whether or not they would have bingo. Of course, any casino will certainly have an impact on nearby charity bingos.

For more information, please see Darrel Rowland, Casinos a winner, poll shows, The Columbus Dispatch, September 15, 2009.

FireKeepers Casino Reaches Amended Compact Agreement With State

FireKeepers will pay the State of Michigan 4 percent of net win revenues earned from slot machines and other electronic games under an amended agreement.

An original agreement between FireKeepers and the state had been signed in 1998, but over the last 10 years or so, other tribal casinos located in the state were able to lobby for smaller payments. These tribes were able to successfully bargain after the State Lottery's introduction of Club Keno games, which tribes felt was a violation of the payment agreements.

From the Kalamazoo Gazette:

The state of Michigan will receive less money from the FireKeepers Casino near Battle Creek under an amended compact announced Monday.

State officials say that while the new deal will provide fewer dollars, it will mean a more stable source of funding because it will limit when the casino can withhold payments.

In a written statement, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the agreement "creates a better understanding and relationship between the state and the tribe while stabilizing a revenue stream used to enhance Michigan's economic development."

Under the amended compact, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians will pay the state 4 percent of the casino's net win from slot machines and other electronic games in 2009 and 2010. The percentage will then fluctuate each year depending on how much money the casino makes.

The amount will never top 8 percent, the fixed percentage stipulated in the original compact signed in 1998. Net win is the amount of money wagered minus the amount paid out.

FireKeepers new payment schedule should simply bring them in line with what other tribal casinos in the state are paying. The FireKeepers Casino opened in August and the FireKeeper Bingo Hall opened September 8th of this month.

For more information on this story, please see Aaron Aupperlee, FireKeepers Casino to pay less to state, The Kalamazoo Gazette via Mlive.com, September 15, 2009.