Massachusetts regulators aim to rein in online sportsbook “VIP” loyalty programs
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is taking a closer look at the VIP or “host” programs used by online sportsbooks in the state—such as those run by DraftKings and FanDuel—that reward frequent/high‑volume bettors with perks like event tickets, travel, and credits. The concern: VIP customers tend to be higher‑risk gamblers, and the programs may encourage excessive play. WBUR
At a meeting on October 9, the Commission heard research indicating that sportsbooks are restricting winners while giving VIP status primarily to frequent losers — a troubling pattern tied to gambling‑harm risk. WBUR
Proposed guardrails under discussion include setting a minimum age of 25 for VIP status (legal wagering age is 21), requiring affordability checks before granting VIP status, and eliminating “risk‑promoting incentives.” The MGC plans to request more data from operators as part of its review. WBUR
💥 TRI‑STATE HEAT
New York — Fair Play Act would prohibit sportsbooks from limiting successful bettors
A newly introduced bill in the New York State Assembly — the “Fair Play Act” — would make it illegal for sportsbooks to ban or limit bettors simply because they win often. The proposal, filed by Assemblymember Alex Bores, is under review by the Assembly’s Racing and Wagering Committee. iGaming Today+1
New Jersey — iGaming laws examined in comparative review
A recent analysis of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s regulatory regime highlights how the state has banned unregulated sweepstakes gambling sites and increased player‑protection rules. The report also notes that New Jersey’s taxes for casinos and sportsbooks (≈20 %) support education and other state programs. Breaking AC
Philadelphia/Pennsylvania — Regulator warns Congress about prediction markets
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) says that so‑called “event contracts” covering sports outcomes are undermining the regulated market, and it has urged Congress to act. The PGCB says these prediction‑market offerings operate outside state gambling laws and threaten integrity. Covers.com
🌍 GLOBAL GAMBLING BUZZ
California bans online sweepstakes casinos starting Jan 2026
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, signed Bill AB 831 prohibiting dual‑currency “sweepstakes casino” platforms and imposing liability on operators, vendors, payment processors and affiliates who support them. The law takes effect January 1 2026. ZwillGen+1
Offshore sweepstakes‑casino market projected to reach US $11 billion by 2025
Despite regulatory crackdowns, the U.S. sweepstakes‑casino sector (platforms mimicking casino plays via “sweepstakes coins”) is forecast to hit $11 billion in gross gaming revenue by 2025 — outpacing many state‑regulated iGaming markets. World Casino Directory News
🔮 HOROSCOPE HUSTLE (entertainment only)
Pick 3 & Pick 4 numbers — purely for fun.
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Aries — P3: 3‑6‑9 | P4: 1‑4‑8‑2
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Taurus — P3: 5‑0‑2 | P4: 7‑3‑1‑9
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Gemini — P3: 8‑1‑4 | P4: 6‑5‑0‑3
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Cancer — P3: 2‑7‑5 | P4: 9‑8‑6‑0
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Leo — P3: 4‑9‑8 | P4: 3‑2‑7‑5
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Virgo — P3: 1‑3‑0 | P4: 4‑6‑9‑8
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Libra — P3: 7‑2‑1 | P4: 5‑0‑3‑4
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Scorpio — P3: 6‑8‑3 | P4: 2‑9‑4‑7
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Sagittarius — P3: 0‑5‑6 | P4: 8‑1‑2‑9
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Capricorn — P3: 9‑4‑7 | P4: 1‑3‑6‑0
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Aquarius — P3: 2‑1‑8 | P4: 0‑7‑5‑4
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Pisces — P3: 5‑9‑0 | P4: 3‑4‑1‑6
