According to the Times of Northwest Indiana, criminal charges filed on June 2 at the Lake Criminal Court name the suspects as Jianchu Liu, Fuxiang Liu, Qingyong Zhang, Honghui Wu, Daiqi Wang, and Yuhan Hu.

The case alleges that the group defrauded Hard Rock Casino, Northern Indiana, out of more than $700,000 in less than a week in 2023. Arrest warrants have been issued for all six individuals on charges of cheating at gambling and theft. 

The Indiana Six Approach Shows Shifts in Cheating Methods

Initially, investigators suspected a casino dealer may have been an accomplice in the alleged crime. However, after examining phone records, police determined that the dealer had not previously spoken with any of the suspects.

After studying CCTV footage from casino floors, investigators discovered that a gang member used a cut card to fan out the casino’s card deck.

This exposed the cards for just long enough for another member to use a smartphone app or recording device to capture.

Another gang member then reportedly studied the footage from this app to determine the order of the cards in the deck before relaying the information via hidden earpieces to the members at the table. 

Phil Ivey’s Deviceless Edge Sorting

The latest Baccarat scam demonstrates a notable increase in complexity compared to previous high-profile incidents. 

World-renowned poker star Phil Ivey used “edge sorting” to take advantage of intentional dealer requests to manipulate the game’s element of randomness and gain insight into upcoming cards.

Ivey won over $16 million at Borgata and Crockfords (Genting), but lost legal battles in both the UK and US, where courts ruled that edge-sorting constituted cheating without intent to deceive. Ivey’s actions were deemed to “interfere with the process of the game.” 

Tran Organization Rely On Dealer Collusion

One of the United States’ largest criminal card scams was undertaken by the Tran organization, in which dealers were bribed to perform false shuffles. Hidden earpieces were then used to communicate bets.

Approximately $7 million was stolen from 29 casinos across North America. Forty-seven people were charged, with 42 entering guilty pleas on charges including racketeering and fraud. 

Sophisticated Methods Bypass Casino Security

The case documents note that the Indiana group used the same method “on multiple occasions,” hiding the recording device under a pack of cigarettes.

The CCTV footage also allegedly shows a gang member obscuring a casino camera’s view of the card-cutter with a score card.

The bettors at the table “placed very large bets upward of $10,000 to $20,000 toward the end of the game.”

At least one of the individuals is a Chinese national who has been accused of using similar techniques to win money at baccarat tables in the Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino Resort.

The group is alleged to have spent time moving around the casino’s baccarat tables until they could find a dealer whose card-handling techniques they believed they could exploit.

Illinois regulators say the group was banned from Bally’s Casino, Chicago, shortly after it opened, as well as having done similar at other casinos in the state, as well as Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. 

The post How Indiana Baccarat Cheaters Exploited Dealer Errors and Surveillance Blind Spots appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Despite HB 1432 gliding over the first hurdle, sterner challenges lie ahead. The Bill will now move to the House Ways and Means Committee, where the House will further discuss financial implications. Should it pass through the House, it will face staunch opposition in the Senate, which is traditionally against gambling expansion. 

Additionally, the new Governor of Indiana Mike Braun’s stance on broadening gambling law is unknown. 

Key Provisions of HB 1432

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ethan Manning, proposes the following: 

• Online Casino Licensing & Operations: Indiana’s casinos and racetracks could apply for an online gaming license for $500,000, providing each retail location with the potential for three online skins. 
• Progressive Tax Structure: Operators would initially be taxed at 26% of adjusted gross revenue, shifting to a tiered structure ranging from 22% to 30% starting in July 2026.
• Digital Lottery Sales: The Indiana Lottery Commission would be authorized to sell draw and eInstant games online.
• Responsible Gambling Initiatives: The bill mandates the creation of the Indiana Responsible Gambling and Problem Gambling Services Program. 
• Increased Sports Betting Tax: A key amendment to HB 1432 raises the online sports betting tax rate from 9.5% to 20%, while retail sportsbook operations maintain the current 9.5% rate.
• Tribal Gaming Inclusion: The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, which operates a casino in South Bend, would be permitted to participate in online gaming under a state license.

The potential expansion of online gambling legislation proposed in HB 1432 has thus far caused a mixed reaction. The reported proposals would generate the state over $300 million in revenue. Furthermore, the often cited benefits of reducing illegal gambling with operators based offshore have also been made in Indiana. 

Churchill Downs and Penn Entertainment are among operators arguing that online gaming could divert revenue away from land-based casinos. Ironically, both operators already operate online sports betting or other gaming across the United States. Further, other economic impact studies have suggested that the cannibalization threat is nearly non-existent. 

A further complication comes from HB 1433, which seeks to legalize electronic pull tabs in local bars. Mid-tier operators have voiced concerns against electronic pull-tab games, which studies suggest could generate $20,000 to $30,000 in revenue for small businesses in Indiana.

 The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Indiana joins the growing list of states embracing regulated iGaming.

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The igaming testing, inspection and certification services provider is now approved to provide its services in the US states of Arizona and Indiana, as well as the country of Panama.

In each region, eCOGRA can now conduct independent compliance audits and certification services for igaming companies. 

“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans,” commented Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA. 

“We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets.”

In Panama, eCOGRA has been recognised as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification by the country’s Board of Gaming Control, specifically for slot machines and gaming software, helping operators meet the compliance requirements of the Latin American igaming market.

For Arizona, the igaming certification specialist has been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, allowing it to audit event wagering licensees in line with the Grand Canyon State’s regulations.

In Indiana, eCOGRA has been authorised to perform regulatory compliance audits to help operators meet the Hoosier State’s licensing requirements.

Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, added: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable igaming operations. 

“We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”

eCOGRA is now licensed in 45 jurisdictions globally. Earlier this year in April, the igaming certification specialist was authorised by the Secretaria De Prêmios e Apostas to provide its igaming services in Brazil.

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Charges date back to late 2018 and early 2019, when it was reported that the 57-year-old had done deals with a gaming company called Spectacle Entertainment. The group also were set to give Eberhart a lucrative role after his tenure. 

It came amidst Spectacle Entertainment’s ambitions to purchase the state licences for two casinos that were based on the waterfront of Lake Michigan, and to relocate those casinos to other areas beneficial to Spectacle. 

In order to have progressed with these plans the firm would have needed approval from government officials in the region. 

The federal charges detailed that an owner of Spectacle, identified as Individual A, offered, and Eberhart accepted, the promise of future employment at Spectacle, which included annual compensation of at least $350,000. 

In exchange, Eberhart allegedly utilised his position and political weight as member of the Indiana House of Representatives to progress the bill and advocate and ultimately vote for passage of the bill on terms favourable to Spectacle.

Key to these was the authorisation of the transfer and relocation of the two casinos, reducing the transfer fee from $100m to $20m.

The case and charges against Eberhart were described as “extremely serious” given his disregard for the trust of the public. 

Responding to the charges, a despondent Eberhart stated: “I am truly and deeply sorry for what I did” as he accepted full responsibility for the act.” 

The post Indiana’s Sean Eberhart sentenced over casino bribery case  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Last month, Rep. Ethan Manning filed legislation – HB 1536 – in the Indiana House of Representatives which would have allowed for both online casinos and poker sites and regulated online lottery under the Hoosier Lottery in the state.

The bill was waiting for a hearing in the Public Policy Committee. However, the legislation failed to receive a vote before the state’s House committee report deadline of 21 February.

HB 1536 proposed that brick-and-mortar gambling and sports betting operators in the state would also be eligible for an online casino and poker licence.

Operators would have to pay a $500,000 fee for a license, with an annual $50,000 renewal cost and would be subject to a 20 per cent tax. 

Online casinos would also only be limited to offering an annual amount of $10m in igaming promotional credit.

In regards to the online lottery section of the bill, it would have allowed for the online sale of draw games and online scratch-off games in the state.

A fiscal impact report by the Indiana Legislative Services Agency was included with the bill which stated online casinos would take away 30 per cent or more of the state’s retail casino revenue, referring to a 2011 UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal study.

This is despite the fact other studies on online casinos have been published since then, including one produced in 2022 by Spectrum Gaming Group for the Indiana Gaming Commission which stated that igaming would have little to no impact on retail casinos.

This is the third year in a row in which igaming legislation has failed in Indiana. Another bill can’t be introduced in the state now until 2024.

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Following weeks of preamble and speculation, the filing of the online legislation – House Bill 1536 – would allow for both online casinos and poker sites as well as regulating online lottery under the Hoosier Lottery. 

Under the terms of the bill, groups that are eligible in brick-and-mortar gambling and sports betting throughout the state will also be granted an online casino and poker licence. This licence will come with an upfront fee, said to be $500,000 with a $50,000 annual renewal rate. 

In addition to the fee and annual renewal rate, the proposed tax rate for licensees will be 20 per cent. 

There is also a section capping the annual amount of promotional credit on interactive gaming at $10m annually.

Moreover, the online lottery portion of the bill would allow for both the online sale of draw game tickets like Mega Millions and Powerball as well as online representations of scratch-off games.

The bill is very similar to the bill put forth by Indiana state Senator Jon Ford last year. Ford intends to remain involved in the effort, but rather than have the bill start in the Senate, it will originate in the House this time around.

Manning’s filing will be the third legislation submitted to attempt to activate online casino in Indiana, following the failed attempt last year that witnessed the bill unable to bypass the committee. 

However, this process will see Manning be the chair of the relevant committee – the Public Policy Committee. If it succeeds the committee, with a deadline of February 27 set for the House, the bill would then need to pass through the Senate, which is expected to be a much tougher challenge.

Many, including Entain’s Martin Lycka, believe Indiana is the state most likely to legalise online casinos this year, along with New York.

The post Indiana bill filed that could legalise online casino in Hoosier State appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Subject to regulatory approval, the partnership will deliver market access and licensing to the state in a predominantly equity-based alliance, which Betr noted would make EBCI one of the group’s largest shareholders.

“Our partnership with Betr will deliver a fresh, dynamic new way of betting to thousands of sports fans in our area. It’s a thrilling new way to engage with live sports,” said Brad Seigel, general manager of Caesars Southern Indiana. 

“With Betr’s microbetting focus combined with Betr’s smart take on sports media led by boxing star Jake Paul, we believe Betr will be a fun new option for sports fans throughout Indiana and will appeal to mass market consumers.”

Launched by Simplebet co-founder Joey Levy and Paul, Betr plans to launch real money microbetting in Indiana in the coming months. Furthermore, this deal can also provide potential market access across additional states.

The latest partnership for Betr comes on the heels of a recent equity-focused partnership with the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company for market access across Ohio.

“We are thrilled to be working with Caesars Southern Indiana and EBCI Holdings to bring Betr to the Hoosier state,” commented Levy.

“Market access is one of the primary expenses that comes with launching a regulated sports betting business in the US, so we have been focused on aligning ourselves with partners who buy into our vision and are willing to take equity in lieu of cash for access. 

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership and we are grateful for the opportunity to undergo the licensing process with the Indiana Gaming Commission.”

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Adding to its US market entries, the inclusion of Indiana, according to PlayStar, is said to provide ‘future growth opportunity’ when the market regulates online casino. 

Adam Noble, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, commented: “We are delighted to have joined forces with Caesars once again, providing us access to Indiana which is forecast to be a thriving online casino market, subject to future legalisation.

“Although it’s early days, we have seen very promising results after our New Jersey launch, and we’re very confident of replicating this in each market we enter. 

“The addition of Indiana now, pre regulation, will not only increase our total accessible market, but also give us the chance to go live in that market from day one, standing shoulder to shoulder with our peers. 

“We continue to seek out further market access opportunities that align to our ‘casino-first’ product strategy.”

Pending regulation timing, PlayStar noted that the firm’s launch into Indiana will ‘sit nicely’ following its New Jersey launch and the upcoming Pennsylvania entry scheduled for later this year, subject to completing the licensing process. 

The news also follows shortly after PlayStar went live with geolocation and compliance firm Xpoint‘s real-money gaming product – Xpoint Verify – last month.

Geolocation and compliance firm Xpoint has confirmed that its real-money gaming product – Xpoint Verify – is live with PlayStar in North America.

The post PlayStar to enter Hoosier State through Caesars relationship appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Following a September 2021 debut in Colorado, The Hoosier State entry marks the first for the group following exclusive multi-year agreements being inked with White Hat Gaming and Kambi.

Through this partnership, MaximBet leverages Kambi’s wagering solutions as well as its compliance, risk management and sports integrity solutions.

“We are thrilled to go live with MaximBet as they seek to become a leading sports betting brand and deliver an engaging experience to their players,” said Kristian Nylén, Kambi Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. 

“Their customer-first mentality makes their debut launch in Indiana an exciting opportunity for both parties as well as bettors in the midwestern state.”

The rollout in Indiana, said MaximBet, sets the path for rapid expansion in several additional markets including Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio, among others, as well the Canadian province of Ontario.

“We’re unwavering in our commitment to bring sports fans the greatest sports betting experience in the world, and that starts with premium content and a world-class betting environment,” commented Daniel Graetzer, Founder and CEO of MaximBet. 

“We will move quickly to bring our unique value proposition to players throughout the country. To begin now just as the NFL season is revving up and with NHL, NBA and college basketball action right around the corner, we couldn’t be more excited about our future.”

Alongside White Hat Gaming, MaximBet gains an online gaming platform and PAM solution, including proprietary technology such as in-house cashier and travelling wallet. 

“White Hat Gaming and MaximBet have had a shared vision of delivering a best-in-class gaming experience for its users since the very beginning of our relationship,” added Phil Gelvan, CEO of White Hat Gaming. 

“Our ability to help manage the PAM technology will enable MaximBet to continue focusing on their aggressive growth plans over the next year.”

Carousel Group, the parent company for MaximBet, has previously entered into a multi-state 10-year partnership with Caesars Entertainment that enables the brand to secure market access to states across the country.

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This would depend on the tax rate implemented by the state, with the lower figure representing a 20 per cent rate while the upper is based on 45 per cent. At 30 per cent, Spectrum suggests that $588m would be received over three years.

Spectrum employed three methods to project Indiana igaming revenue over its first three years based on results in other legalised states, with these being estimated spend per adult, spend as a percentage of gross state product and spend as a percentage of personal disposable income.

It was also noted that Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, each of which generate more than $1bn GGR per annum, offer the best insights due to possessing more robust and widespread commercial gaming industries.

“The evolution of igaming from rejection to acceptance to embraced has been enhanced as more operators in more states gain experience,” the report stated when addressing cannibalisation fears.

Here, Thomas Winter, General Manager of North America igaming for DraftKings, was quoted from an address two years earlier when addressing the New Jersey online ecosystem.

Acknowledging that “the fear of cannibalization was significant when New Jersey launched igaming,” when in fact “not only was it not true, but it was the opposite” with online casino proving to be an enhancement.

Spectrum noted that based on results from the six igaming states, it “does not expect igaming to negatively impact Indiana casino revenues”.

Adding: “Spectrum believes that the fast embrace of digital sports betting by both operators and states will facilitate the expansion of igaming”.

Moreover, it is said that, if legalised, igaming and online sports betting together create revenue synergies, with the latter signed into Indiana law during 2019.

Regarding potential employment opportunities to be felt as a result of the introduction, Spectrum continued: “The addition of igaming without live-dealer gaming has no meaningful impact on direct casino employment – but it would create additional jobs in igaming operations. 

“It is when operators launch live dealer gaming as part of their igaming scheme that states realise meaningful employment impacts, typically through a third-party provider. 

“Based on results in other states, live-dealer igaming in Indiana could create many hundreds of jobs through the employment of dealers in purpose-built studios for this segment of igaming. 

“The significant economic impacts of live-dealer gaming can be realised if the studios are situated in the host state, as is required in four of the five current live-dealer igaming states.”

According to the Indiana Council on Problem Gambling, with a mature casino industry and digital sports betting in place, Indiana is well positioned to integrate igaming with its existing responsible-gaming measures, although it is warned that additional funding should be dedicated to treatment services.

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