The Winds of Change in the Aloha State
In a bold departure from its traditional stance against gambling, Hawaii is now making headlines with a fresh legislative push to legalize sports betting and fantasy sports. We analyse the series of bills introduced in the 2025 legislative session, highlighting the potential shifts in the state’s gambling landscape and the implications for its economic and social fabric.
A Fresh Legislative Wave
Hawaii, known for its strict gambling laws, has witnessed a resurgence of legislative efforts aiming to transform these restrictions. Among the pivotal proposals is Senate Bill 373 (SB 373) by Senator Angus McKelvey, targeting the legalization of online fantasy sports contests. This bill proposes a regulated framework, under which fantasy sports platforms would be registered and monitored by the Department of the Attorney General, and subject to taxation on their gross revenues.
Betting on Financial Recovery
Proponents of the gambling bills see them as a lifeline to boost state revenues, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina wildfires in 2023. Senator McKelvey, directly affected by the fires, champions these proposals as a means to fund essential public services and aid in recovery efforts. The potential economic benefits also extend to tapping into tourist revenue and regulating the existing unmonitored online gambling activities.
The Cultural and Ethical Debate
Despite the promising financial prospects, Hawaii’s historical resistance to gambling casts a shadow over the future of these bills. The state has repeatedly rejected gambling expansions, wary of their social impacts, including potential addiction and cultural degradation. Furthermore, there’s significant concern about allowing mainland companies to dominate the local market, which could lead to capital outflow without adequate local benefits.
From Fantasy Sports to Full-Scale Betting
While SB 373 focuses on fantasy sports, Senate Bill 1572 (SB 1572) introduced by Senator Lynn DeCoite, takes a broader approach by proposing the establishment of the Hawaii State Sports Wagering Commission to oversee both retail and online sports betting. Unlike SB 373, SB 1572 excludes fantasy sports and emphasizes a higher tax rate for sports betting revenues, reflecting the diverse strategies lawmakers are employing to navigate the complex gambling landscape.
The Uncertain Future of Gambling in Hawaii
As these bills make their way through the legislative process, their success remains uncertain amidst ongoing debates and opposition. Hawaii’s approach to gambling reform reflects a larger conversation about balancing economic benefits against social costs and preserving local culture.
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Fraudulent Deal Uncovered in D.C.’s Sports Betting Program
Two major contractors involved in Washington, D.C.’s controversial sports betting initiative have agreed to pay a total of $6.5 million following an investigation into fraudulent practices. The settlement concludes an inquiry by the D.C. Office of the Attorney General (OAG) into the actions of Greek-based gaming company Intralot and its subcontractor, Veterans Services Corporation (VSC). The companies faced accusations of deceiving officials to secure a $215 million contract to manage D.C.’s lottery and sports betting operations.
Misrepresentation and Fraudulent Claims
The investigation revealed that Intralot and VSC misrepresented their partnership to bypass competitive bidding processes and win the contract. They claimed VSC, a local subcontractor, would perform 51% of the work, a key requirement under the District’s Small, Local, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act (SBE Act). This Act aims to ensure significant participation by local small businesses in government contracts. In reality, an Intralot subsidiary handled the majority of the work, with substantial payments funneled back to Intralot, undermining the Act’s intent.
Adding to the controversy, over 100 fraudulent invoices were submitted to the District, falsely indicating compliance with local laws and contract terms. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb criticized the scheme, stating, “This is a warning to any company that tries to manipulate and exploit District contracting laws, especially laws intended to build the capacity of the local businesses vital to our economy.”
Settlement Terms and Accountability Measures
Under the settlement, Intralot will pay $5 million and VSC $1.5 million. While neither company admitted wrongdoing, they have agreed to implement measures ensuring transparency in future contracts. These include accurate reporting of subcontractor information and restrictions on undisclosed third-party involvement in District projects.
The GambetDC Fallout
The settlement is another chapter in the turbulent history of D.C.’s sports betting program. The GambetDC platform, managed by Intralot, faced widespread criticism for underperformance, prompting the District to open the market to third-party operators. Since FanDuel’s 2023 takeover, the platform has reported significantly higher wagering volumes, marking a stark improvement.
The original no-bid contract with Intralot, pushed through in 2019, had been mired in controversy from the start. It was championed by former D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, who resigned amid a bribery scandal. Critics argue the deal favoured politically connected companies while sidelining competitive bidders.
A Troubling Precedent and Lessons for the Future
Schwalb described the Intralot-VSC partnership as “a sham from the start,” noting it highlights systemic vulnerabilities in D.C.’s government contracting processes. He vowed to continue enforcing the False Claims Act, saying, “My office will root out contracting fraud, hold accountable anyone who tries to get over on the District and its taxpayers, and level the playing field for law-abiding companies.”
Despite the fines and reforms, VSC continues to deny the allegations, calling the claims “frivolous” and expressing frustration over legal costs.
A Brighter Future for D.C. Sports Betting?
In 2023, D.C. moved to an open-market model for sports betting, attracting major operators like DraftKings, BetMGM, and ESPN Bet. With more robust oversight and competition, the District aims to restore public trust in its sports betting program while ensuring compliance with contracting laws.
The settlements mark an important step toward accountability, but the GambetDC saga serves as a cautionary tale for government officials and businesses alike.
North Star Network has made waves in the African sports media landscape by acquiring Soccernet.ng, a popular Nigerian football blog known for its in-depth coverage of local and international soccer stories. The acquisition marks a strategic move to strengthen North Star’s presence in Africa.
Commitment to Nigerian Football Journalism
Co-founder of North Star Network, Julien Josset, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating:
“We’re excited to welcome Soccernet.ng into the North Star Network family. Their passion for Nigerian football and commitment to quality journalism align perfectly with our global vision of bringing fans closer to the game they love.”
Soccernet.ng, founded over a decade ago, has become a trusted name in Nigerian football coverage, drawing an international audience from countries including the UK, North America, Canada, and Spain.
Soccernet.ng: A Decade of Passion and Growth
Founder Biyi Akangbe reflected on Soccernet’s journey:
“We started out as a small website 10 years ago with a passion to deliver news about Nigerian footballers to readers. We have since become globally renowned as a trusted source for Nigerian football news, leading to this acquisition by North Star.”
Co-founder Lolade Adewuyi will remain with the team as a columnist, ensuring the blog continues its tradition of insightful football commentary under the new ownership.
What This Means for Soccer Betting
This acquisition opens exciting opportunities for soccer betting enthusiasts. With North Star Network’s extensive sports media portfolio—spanning over 20 brands such as Afrik Foot, Football Whispers, and SportsMole—readers of Soccernet.ng can expect enhanced coverage, deeper insights, and potential collaborations with betting platforms catering to Nigerian and African football fans.
As soccer betting continues to grow in popularity across Africa, having a trusted source like Soccernet.ng under the North Star umbrella could further connect fans with match predictions, player statistics, and betting trends.
A Growing Presence in Africa
The acquisition underscores North Star’s commitment to expanding in Africa, complementing recent developments like Altenar’s national manufacturer licence from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board in South Africa.
With Soccernet.ng now part of its lineup, North Star Network is well-positioned to unite African soccer fans and bettors alike under its global sports media vision.
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Bet365, a global leader in sports betting, has released its 2025 Annual Sports Betting Report, offering valuable insights into emerging trends, rising markets, and its ambitious expansion strategy. The report highlights significant growth in women’s sports, player-focused betting, and activity across regulated markets.
Women’s Sports Betting Sees Remarkable Growth
Women’s sports betting has gained tremendous traction in recent years. According to the report, global wagers on the WNBA increased by an impressive 67%, showcasing the growing interest in women’s sports. This surge can be attributed to rising stars, expanded media coverage, and increased attention to women’s college basketball, which has drawn a broader and more engaged audience.
The Shift to Player-Centric Betting
A key trend highlighted in the report is the growing focus on individual player performances. Bettors are increasingly seeking personalized betting options, driving demand for player props. Athletes such as Nikola Jokić in the NBA and Saquon Barkley in the NFL have become fan favourites in these markets. The Kansas City Chiefs led NFL betting activity, fuelled by their on-field success and the media spotlight on Travis Kelce. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics topped NBA wagers, with the Oklahoma City Thunder following closely, underscoring a shift toward analytical, player-driven markets.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Bet365 has made significant strides in its global expansion efforts. In 2024, the company entered Pennsylvania and Peru and is awaiting regulatory approval for operations in Brazil. Strategic partnerships have played a crucial role in strengthening its offerings. Collaborations with Inspired and Playtech in Pennsylvania and Betmakers for fixed-odds horse racing in New Jersey and Colorado reflect its commitment to diversifying and enhancing its betting options. New features, such as early payout options and flash betting, have also improved user engagement and received widespread praise.
Bet365’s Entry into the Illinois Market
Illinois represents a major milestone in Bet365’s U.S. expansion strategy. The Illinois Gaming Board recently approved its partnership with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, granting Bet365 a Management Services Provider License. This allows the company to offer both in-person and mobile sports betting in one of the country’s most lucrative markets. Illinois sportsbooks handled $11 billion in bets through October 2024, a 23% year-over-year increase, and set a record $1.45 billion betting handle in October. However, Illinois’ new progressive tax structure poses challenges, with rates ranging from 20% to 40%, depending on revenue. Despite this, Bet365 is unlikely to hit the top tier due to current revenue projections.
Expanding Presence Across North America
Beyond Illinois, Bet365 continues to solidify its footprint across the U.S. market. In Pennsylvania, its partnership with Presque Isle Casino has generated nearly $100 million in bets and $10 million in revenue. The company also opened a new Denver office in September 2024, facilitating a partnership with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. This expansion aligns with Bet365’s stated priority of driving growth in its live markets while exploring opportunities in new states.
New York’s Milestone Achievement in Sports Betting
New York’s sports betting industry reached new heights in November 2024, setting an all-time record for gross gaming revenue (GGR). The New York State Gaming Commission reported a staggering $231.7 million in GGR, a 53.5% increase from November 2023 and a 9.5% jump from January 2024’s previous record of $211.5 million.
Despite a slight dip in the total betting handle, which came in at $2.27 billion compared to October’s $2.32 billion, the November handle still represents the second-highest in New York’s history since the launch of mobile betting in January 2022.
Unprecedented Tax Contributions
The November revenue surge significantly bolstered the state’s tax income, generating a record-breaking $118.1 million in tax revenue for the month. This brings New York’s year-to-date tax contributions from sports betting to $965 million, positioning the state to surpass $1 billion in annual tax revenue for the first time.
Performance Breakdown: Dominant Players and Emerging Contenders
FanDuel maintained its market dominance, securing 43% of the total GGR with $102.6 million in revenue from $921.2 million in bets, achieving an 11.4% hold rate. DraftKings followed with $77.1 million in revenue from $745.4 million in handle, boasting a 10.3% hold.
BetMGM jumped to third place, generating $14.4 million in revenue from $167.7 million in bets, surpassing competitors Caesars ($14.2 million) and Fanatics ($13.8 million), despite a slightly lower handle. Notably, Fanatics’ $170.2 million handle was the third-highest, yet its revenue lagged behind due to an 8.1% hold rate.
New entrants ESPN Bet and Bally Bet also made notable strides. ESPN Bet posted $3.5 million in revenue from $39 million in bets, marking its best month since launching in September. Bally Bet reported $1.2 million in revenue, achieving the highest hold rate in the state at 11.3%.
New York’s Role in the National Sports Betting Landscape
Beyond breaking records, New York’s sports betting market continues to shape the national landscape. In 2024, the state became the first to surpass $20 billion in annual sports betting handle and $5 billion in all-time operator GGR. These milestones underscore New York’s pivotal role as a hub for sports betting innovation and growth.
Fanatics Sportsbook, a rising player in the market, announced the return of its flagship Fanatics Fest event to New York in 2025. The inaugural 2024 event brought together fans, celebrities, and athletes, highlighting New York’s status as a cultural and sporting epicenter.
Conclusion
New York’s November performance solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the U.S. sports betting industry. With record-breaking revenues, robust tax contributions, and a vibrant market landscape, the Empire State continues to set the benchmark for success in the sports betting arena. As operators refine their strategies and new entrants gain traction, New York’s betting market promises further growth and excitement in the years to come.
