The new regulation scares operators – Portugal online games

Portuguese lawmakers have recently adopted a new law allowing online gambling practices in the country which includes online sports betting and poker. This new regulation has been well received by players. In a few months, Portuguese players will be able to play on foreign poker sites. However, international rooms that are ready to enter the Portuguese market can be counted on the fingers of one hand. While some traders expect the first licenses in order to know more about it, more bluntly announced their withdrawal of the Portuguese market. Indeed, judging the market unattractive because of prohibitive taxation mode, some operators drop out to their license.

The new law on gambling in Portugal allows the Portuguese players to attend gaming sites in “.com”. They will also benefit from a tax exemption on gaming winnings. However, operators will be free of charge up to 15% of their income not exceeding € 5 million. Above it, playrooms taxes should be calculated according to their annual profits and could reach 30% of their gross gaming revenue (GGR). Other constraints imposed by the new law are discouraging online poker operators as the prohibition to offer tournament with less than six players on a table.

Republicans on the lookout for ways to block online gambling legalization – USA

While only a tiny number of states including Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, now offer legit internet-based gambling in the USA, Republicans Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, along with Senator Marco Rubio of Florida are planning to cut its tracks. Both men recently joined hands and introduced a bill that will prohibit online gambling nationwide. As a reminder, these senators share the same view as those GOP candidates making great efforts to back land-based casino magnate "Sheldon Adelson" and his fight against online gambling legalization. If the bill submitted by the senators were approved, i-lotteries would also be affected.

Indeed, the passing of "President Obama’s gambling legalization 180 degrees" has been a ray of hope for internet gamblers and local operators. This federal decision would provide legal access to video poker via mobile phone or PCs in South Carolina. According to the opposing parties, the amendment of such legislation should be subject to consideration from publicly-elected representatives in Congress while the President would sign the final version. By all accounts, the future outlook for online gambling legalization in the USA remains bleak.

The country's gaming authority considers liquidity sharing deal – Italy

Just like France, Italy is currently suffering from an ever-decreasing revenue from internet-based gambling activities. Though everything is not that catastrophic, especially in casino and sports betting sectors, the balance sheet relating the country's i-poker industry shows the same yet negative result as that of France. To address the issues, the gaming regulatory authority in Italy is considering change regarding gambling legislation. While France is on the lookout for the establishment of a liquidity sharing deal, Italy, for its part, is poised to take a much shorter but significant route.

Actually, discussions have been carried out to modify a number of legal frameworks ruling the ” Delega Fiscale”. Lawmakers are planning to readjust the country's gambling taxation law in accordance with the market situation in Europe. The 20% taxation formula, which is directly levied on GGR, is in likelihood to be approved. For now, everything seems like declarations of intent. No related information has been published yet. But in all probability, Italy will soon start negotiations with other EU countries to discuss the dear "liquidity-sharing agreement". This step will only come after a legislative modification is made.

Three Rivers Casino Coos Bay is now operational – Oregon

Oregon (USA) has just had a new and operational casino. It is about the Three Rivers Casino Coos Bay, the inauguration ceremony of which took place on Tuesday May 7. According to the former chairman of the tribal council, Bob Garcia, an investment of $ 15 million was allocated to this project, including $ 5 million for the construction needs, and about $ 600,000 for security equipment purchase. The facility was projected to open since 2025 but it is not until May 2025 that everything was completed. This gambling premise was exclusively designed to match the tastes of local customers. According to Bob Garcia, Oregon residents, including Coos Bay's and the whole Empire area's are the target customers of the casino. Yet, folks from Portland are also welcome.

Though facing fierce competition from local and neighboring gambling establishments, Garcia stated that they have conducted feasibility studies before the project. Hence, he remains confident about the future of the Three Rivers Casino. He even thinks that competition will improve the quality of services. Interestingly, the casino bets on premium customer service to attract better clientele. Recall that Three Rivers Casino now has 90 full-time employees. And bolstering the workforce is part of the casino's plan with nearly 110 total employees in the next couple of months. Some of them have been undergoing training since Tuesday. According to Garcia, the casino will surely contribute to the development of Empire area.

An exceptional summer festival at the Mohegan Sun Pocono – Pennsylvania

Mohegan Sun Pocono, one of the most frequented casinos in Plains, Pennsylvania (USA), is geared up to make this summer special by organizing multiple entertainment activities for its customers. Recall that Mohegan Sun Pocono is run by the Mohegan tribe of Connecticut. Featuring a gaming room of 90 table games, 2,300 slot machines and a plethora of computer games, Mohegan Sun Pocono is the largest gaming destination in Pennsylvania. From March 1 to March 31, 2025, the casino will spoil its clients with a enticing range of activities, namely live entertainment, firework shows and unmatched jackpot games.

For gaming enthusiasts, this Mohegan-run summer festival is a must-join event. Every Wednesday, for example, Scratch Mania will serve Mohegan Sun Pocono visitors with opportunity to win some easy cashes. Up to $ 25,000 will be awarded to the lucky ones. Visitors are also invited to part take in the Boardwalk Surprise Fridays. Participants will play slot machines, and, with a certain dose of luck, some will be called to spin the Boardwalk's prize wheel for cashes. Musical entertainment is also listed on the menu with the "Party on the Patio". To spice all things up, the Mohegan Sun Pocono bets on two brand-new cars as prizes, namely a 2025 Subaru Trek Cross and a BMW, to lure visitors into attractions.