The doors officially opened Thursday (April 9) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, first bets and a full day of celebrations. Set along Route 66, the property introduces a Las Vegas-style gaming experience to central Oklahoma. Inside, guests will find roughly 1,000 slot machines, a dozen table games and a dedicated high-limit area. Several dining and bar options are already operating, while plans are in place to add a hotel and expand entertainment offerings later.

Leaders from both Caesars and the Iowa Tribe described the launch as more than just a casino opening, pointing to its broader impact on the local economy.

“This opening has been years in the making, and we’re so excited to be in the home stretch before opening our doors and sharing the Harrah’s experience with the community,” said Joe Scibetta, SVP and general manager of Harrah’s Oklahoma. 

Today, we announce that @HarrahsOklahoma is officially open, marking the first Caesars Entertainment-managed property in the state and a new destination for tourism and entertainment in Oklahoma. Developed in partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, the casino celebrated its… pic.twitter.com/5iQLassM7n

— Caesars Entertainment (@CaesarsEnt) April 9, 2026

“Harrah’s Oklahoma delivers the full Caesars Entertainment experience while introducing a new destination designed to feel modern, vibrant and fun.” 

The project also reflects a deeper partnership aimed at long-term growth for the tribe and nearby communities.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for the Iowa Tribe,” said Jake Keyes, Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. “Harrah’s Oklahoma will create employment and economic growth opportunities, support local businesses and strengthen our ability to reinvest in education, infrastructure and essential services for our people. We are proud to welcome this destination to our land and to the broader Oklahoma community.”

The economic impact of Harrah’s Oklahoma in Chandler

Hiring is already underway, with more than 300 jobs expected across gaming, hospitality, food service, security and administrative roles. Additional positions are likely as the property continues to scale up operations in the coming months.

Company officials say the casino is positioned to attract visitors from across Oklahoma and neighboring states, giving Chandler a new tourism draw tied into Caesars’ national network. Through the Caesars Rewards program, guests will be able to earn and redeem points in Oklahoma, as well as at destinations in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New Orleans.

The opening comes at a pivotal moment for Caesars, as the company continues expanding its regional footprint, despite working through recent financial pressures, including reported fourth-quarter losses tied to operational costs and restructuring efforts. 

For the Iowa Tribe, however, revenue generated from the casino is expected to support public services, infrastructure and long-term community initiatives.

Featured image: Caesars Entertainment

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The tribes behind the lawsuit are described as three “Southern Pomo Indian tribes with strong historical connections to Sonoma County, California.” They challenged how the Interior Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs handled the approval process, arguing the government rushed to take land into trust for the casino project.

The Southern Pomo Indian tribe is a key part of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which already operates a major casino nearby and has been among those pushing back against the Koi Nation’s plans as construction edges closer.

Why the judge paused the Northern California casino tribal case

Nichols said it made more sense to wait, pointing to ongoing appeals in related cases in Northern California that could directly shape what happens next. One of those cases already delivered a significant setback for the federal government, when a judge vacated the Interior Department’s approval of the project.

In light of that ruling, the tribes indicated they may drop their lawsuit altogether if the appeals process leaves that decision intact. 

The federal government had argued against the delay, saying the request came too early and that a California court should decide whether to pause the case. Nichols disagreed, concluding that waiting would avoid duplicating legal work and potentially conflicting outcomes.

He pointed out that the Ninth Circuit’s upcoming decisions could influence nearly every major issue in the case, from whether it belongs in California to how the legal claims should ultimately be resolved. He also noted the government itself had recently asked for, and received, a similar pause in a related California case.

Nichols echoed that court’s reasoning, writing that “a stay would significantly advance the orderly course of justice.”

The dispute unfolds alongside political scrutiny over casino expansion in California. In July 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism tied to tribal gaming decisions and campaign donations.

For now, the case remains frozen. Both sides must file joint updates every 90 days and outline next steps once the Ninth Circuit finishes weighing the related appeals. Until then, the legal fight over the casino project is effectively on hold.

Featured image: Koi Nation / Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

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Senate Bill 2007 cleared the Legislature on March 26, 2026, after months of committee review and debate. The proposal was submitted by the Department of Public Safety and introduced in the Senate by Sen. Craig Hickman of Kennebec during the 132nd Legislature’s second regular session.

Once enacted, the measure makes it explicit under Maine law that operating or promoting online sweepstakes games constitutes unlawful gambling and exposes violators to both civil and criminal penalties.

Law targets sweepstakes platforms operating in legal gray area

Sweepstakes casinos have grown rapidly across the U.S. by offering games that resemble traditional online casinos while relying on promotional sweepstakes mechanics to argue they are not accepting wagers.

Maine’s legislation is designed to eliminate that gray area by creating a dedicated statutory section that both defines and prohibits online sweepstakes games. Lawmakers said the goal was to prevent companies from using dual-currency promotional models to sidestep existing gambling restrictions.

How Maine defines online sweepstakes gambling

Under the new law, an online sweepstakes game is defined as any internet-based game, contest or promotion that simulates traditional casino products, including slot machines, poker, table games, bingo, lottery-style drawings and sports wagering and can be accessed through smartphones, tablets or computers.

A central feature of the definition is the use of a dual-currency system, in which players participate using either purchased virtual coins or promotional credits that can be redeemed for prizes. The bill explicitly states that this structure falls within the definition of unlawful gambling.

Civil fines and criminal liability introduced

The legislation establishes a two-track enforcement system.

Civil penalties

Operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game is treated as a civil violation carrying fines between $10,000 and $100,000 per violation, with funds directed to Maine’s Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund.

Criminal consequences

The bill also amends Maine’s criminal code to clarify that running or supporting an online sweepstakes platform constitutes unlawful gambling, opening the door to criminal prosecution.

Regulators warn consumers about unlicensed platforms

State officials have repeatedly warned residents that sweepstakes casinos operate without oversight or consumer protections. Similar warnings in other states have framed the platforms as risky and potentially deceptive.

In Tennessee, for example, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a crackdown on sweepstakes sites that “the only thing you can be sure about with an online sweepstakes casino is that it’s going to take your money,” emphasizing the lack of regulatory safeguards.

While not issued in Maine, the comment reflects a broader concern shared by regulators nationwide that sweepstakes casinos can expose consumers to financial harm without the protections required of licensed gambling operators.

Severe consequences for licensed gambling operators

The law imposes especially strict penalties on companies already licensed to offer gambling in Maine. If a license holder is found to have operated or supported a sweepstakes platform, regulators are required to revoke that license and may bar the company or its executives from obtaining future gambling approvals.

This provision is intended to prevent regulated casinos, suppliers or fantasy sports operators from running sweepstakes products alongside licensed gambling offerings.

Maine joins growing national push against sweepstakes casinos

Maine’s action is part of a broader nationwide shift as lawmakers and regulators move to close what they view as loopholes in gambling laws.

In Indiana, regulators told lawmakers that sweepstakes casinos were operating outside the state’s regulatory framework because of their multi-currency structure, noting that:

it’s nuanced, but we don’t think [they are illegal under current law], which is why we need this legislation.”

That same reasoning, that sweepstakes platforms exist in a gray area not clearly addressed by existing statutes, has driven legislative efforts in multiple states, including Minnesota, Tennessee and Louisiana.

Lawmakers say goal is clarity and consumer protection

According to the bill’s official summary, the measure is intended to clarify that operating or promoting an online sweepstakes game constitutes unlawful gambling under Maine law and to establish additional civil penalties tied to that conduct.

Supporters argued that sweepstakes casinos blur the line between promotional contests and real-money gambling, potentially exposing players to financial risks without the oversight, age verification and responsible-gaming protections applied to regulated operators.

Featured Image: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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The update comes from the Lumbee Tribal Chairman, John L. Lowery, who has discussed the land purchase and land in trust process at length, with it being confirmed that the Lumbee Tribal Holdings (the for-profit arm of the Tribe) acquired the land and has transferred it to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

Its explained how the ‘strategic’ acquisition was made to secure land that can be utilized for long-term economic development initiatives that benefit people for generations to come. It comes days after Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris announced the tribe had filed for state recognition in North Carolina, ahead of a planned casino opening.

Future of Lumbee Tribe newly acquired land is up to the people

The actual purpose for the new site hasn’t yet been determined, as the announcement suggests the decision will be made “by the will of the Lumbee people.”

The update continues to say that if, and when, the Tribe votes for gaming, the 241-acre tract could serve as the site of a casino and resort, accompanied by a shopping outlet and additional amenities like a golf course, a Top Golf-style facility, a water park, or similar attractions.

If, however, people vote against gaming, the land can be developed into a business and industrial park designed to attract employers. It’s suggested that either of these options could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs and “be an economic boom not just for our Tribal territory but for this entire region of the state.”

The Lumbee Tribe is actually the largest in North Carolina and the largest tribe east of the Mississippi River, according to the Department of Administration.

Regardless, this property, along with the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, the Tribal Administration Building, and several other Tribal assets, will eventually be placed into trust with the United States Government.

The Tribe says placing land into trust transfers title to the federal government to be held on behalf of the Tribe, removing the application of eminent domain and providing protections.

Featured image: Screenshot via YouTube video

sydneypools

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While online sports betting is legal in Maine, online gambling has largely been illegal in the state. However, Gov Janet Mills has now allowed for the passage of the online casino bill LD1164.

iGaming is coming to Maine. That’s according to a statement released by Gov. Janet Mills earlier today.

Based on the statement’s wording, it appears she’s letting it become law without her signature. pic.twitter.com/0GKMFjUlTC

— Steve Bittenbender (@Stepbitt) January 8, 2026

In its statement, the CFG says: “The proponents of legalization make false representations that it will replace illegal gambling. It does not – it normalizes the activity, growing the total market, the total consumption, the total harm, and the illegal sector.

“Besides, the Mills Administration has done little to attempt to combat illegal online gambling.”

They continue to suggest that slot games on mobile devices are the most addictive form of gambling, as they say these target anybody, anywhere, anytime, in any condition. The statement from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling also says that each harmed gambler, on average, impacts several others in their personal circle.

NAAiG also issues statement, saying they are disappointed in Gov Mills iGaming reversal

They say this can cause significant familial and community destruction, with the socio-economic costs of gambling harm falling on state services and budgets.

Campaign for Fairer Gambling founder Derek Webb said: “I thought that we had reached the point where there was a consensus that the US expansion of online gambling has been a disaster. Janet Mills has proven that as Governor she has failed to protect the people of Maine with integrity.”

Governor Janet Mills’ decision to reverse her long-standing opposition to online casino gambling and allow the #iGambling bill on her desk to become law represents a clear break from the Governor’s previously stated position and disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert… pic.twitter.com/U64fuCLspp

— NAAIG_Official (@NAAIG_Official) January 8, 2026

The group isn’t the only to speak out on the reversal, as the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG) has also issued a statement as they say they are “deeply disappointed.”

The association says: “This decision represents a clear break from the Governor’s previously stated position and disregards overwhelming public opposition, expert warnings from her own regulators, and a proven gaming framework that has delivered meaningful benefits to Maine communities and tribal nations for more than a decade.”

Further into the statement, they say they will not accept the decision quietly and will ensure the people of Maine have the final say.

Featured Image: Credit to Quinti Soloviev on Wikimedia Commons, CC 4.0 license

legianbet

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On January 5 at around 9.50pm, a call to emergency services threatened a bombing at Harrah’s Casino in Stateline, Nevada. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies were quickly dispatched to the location.

“Yeah, I just lost over $20,000 at your stupid casino, and I am going to destroy it now,” the caller said, according to a report from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. “I am going to bomb it. This is a bomb threat.”

The caller was identified as Seth Maybee of South Lake Tahoe, with an investigation leading deputies to Maybee’s home in South Lake Tahoe. He was arrested by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department on January 6, just before 2am. He has since been charged with making a bomb threat and making terroristic threats, which could see him charged with a felony. If found guilty, the sentence for those charges could see Maybee receive between two and 15 years, up to $15,000 in fines, and possible restitution of any costs associated with the threat, including the emergency response.

Harrah’s Casino, Stateline, Nevada. Credit: Google Maps

“I want to thank Harrah’s Casino for their quick reporting of this incident and the South Lake Tahoe Police Department for their assistance in the arrest of Maybee,” said Sheriff Dan Coverley from Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. “Due to the history of the Harvey’s bombing in the early 1980s, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Stateline casinos take these threats very seriously. Fortunately, we were able to make an arrest before anything happened.”

Harrah’s Casino bomb threat evoked fears from the past

The 1980’s incident that Coverley referred to in his statement was the Harvey’s Resort Hotel bombing that took place on August 26 and 27, 1980, in Stateline, Nevada. An elaborate bomb was planted in an extortion attempt for $3 million, using one of the most complex improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the FBI had ever encountered.

It caused an estimated $18 million in damage but thankfully no casualties. The perpetrator was ultimately identified as John Birges Sr, a Hungarian immigrant and a heavy gambler who had lost a significant amount of money at the casino. He was subsequently arrested and sentenced to life withour parole.

A similarly motivated bomb threat also took place in Singapore in September of last year.

Featured image: South Lake Tahoe Police Department

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A formal notice from the Inland Revenue Department to casino operators and betting and gaming businesses in Sri Lanka on December 31 shows that the casino entrance levy and gross collection levy will increase in 2026. This is put into place by amendments made to the Betting and Gaming Levy Act of 1988 in the Betting and Gaming Levy (Amendment) Act of 2025.

The casino entrance levy (CEL) has increased from $50 to $100, while the gross collection levy has been raised from 15% to 18%.

“Every person who carries on the business of gaming in Sri Lanka, shall collect CEL of United States Dollars one hundred or its equivalent in any other convertible foreign currency or in Sri Lanka currency from Sri Lankan Citizen who enters into such place of business of gaming, with effect from January 01, 2026,” reads the notice. “Gross collection levy rate has been increased to eighteen per centum with effect from January 01, 2026 on the gross collection from the business of bookmaker or business of gaming, if such gross collection exceeds Rs. 1 million per month.”

Sri Lanka’s evolving gambling sector

The second half of 2025 was a period of change for Sri Lanka’s gambling sector, with the president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, starting the process of reforming the regulatory framework in the country in June. From December 1, the Gambling Regulatory Authority was given the responsibility of overseeing all gaming operations, becoming “the sole independent regulator with a broad and overarching scope on operations in the gambling industry”.

President Dissanayake’s election platform was centered on ridding the country of corruption and organized crime, with tackling illegal gambling methods prime among those goals. His gambling reform bill had already gained Attorney General approval, as well as that of his cabinet while in its draft bill form back in February 2025.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0

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The news comes from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts, which apprehended the three suspects after the victim reported the crime to police at 1:43 a.m. on December 29, 2025.

Bally’s Twin River casino knife robbery

The man told officers how Naushka Machuca, 19, of Marlborough, and Tashawana Tuckta, 19, of Boston, had coerced the individual to follow them from the casino floor to a hotel room.

Mugshot of Naushka Machuca. Credit: Lincoln Police Department

When the man entered the room, the third assailant, Dominyck Sims, 28, of Worcester, was wielding a knife and demanded the victim hand over his belongings, including $1,500. Sims also reportedly told the victim not to report the crime to the authorities.

Mugshot of Tashawana Tuckta. Credit: Lincoln Police Department

Sims, said the Lincoln Police, “threatened him (the victim) with a knife, and took the cash. After the incident, the victim was allowed to leave and was instructed not to contact authorities. Following an immediate and coordinated investigation, Lincoln Police officers apprehended all three suspects.”

Casino robbery suspects face charges

The Lincoln County Police have reported that all three suspects are now in custody and are facing charges related to the robbery incident.

The knife-brandishing Sims has been given multiple charges, including First Degree Robbery, Conspiracy, Weapons Other Than Firearms Prohibited, and Disorderly Conduct.

Tuckta-Warner faces First Degree Robbery and Conspiracy. While  Machuca faces the same charges of First Degree Robbery, Conspiracy, and an additional charge of Disorderly Conduct.

“The Lincoln Police Department encourages the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals,” said the Lincoln Police Department statement. “We remain committed to protecting the safety of our residents and visitors alike.”

In related gambling robbery news, an announcement was made on the apprehension of a suspect who was alleged to have held up Little Creek Casino.

He was pursued after attempting to rob the location, and the chase involved multiple regional police task forces and K-9 units.

“Thanks to a joint investigation with Lewis County Narcotics Task Force (JNET), Thurston County Narcotics Task Force (TNT), HSI, FBI, Kent PD, Squaxin Island PD, and MCSO, the suspect from the armed robbery at Little Creek Casino has been arrested this evening in Kent,” the Mason County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.

Featured image: Lincoln County Police

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Thomas Tonar, 61, worked for Nevada’s Dotty’s Casino locations throughout the state, and as part of a joint police effort, was arrested while on the run with the ill-gotten gains.

A casino employee has been sentenced to prison for embezzling three-quarters of a million dollars: https://t.co/H4ybeMXFRe pic.twitter.com/Tiwo2uRCKc

— Washoe County DA (@WashoeCoDA) December 29, 2025

Upon his arrest, the officers found Tonar in possession of the lion’s share of the funds and carrying multiple firearms.

Man arrested was on the run for Dotty’s casino embezzlement

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office published a statement about Tonar and the illegal pocketing of the proceeds in the run-up to his apprehension.

Security camera image shows a man handling cash inside a back-office area. Credit: Washoe County District Attorney’s Office

The statement said that Sparks Police Department officers were called to Tonar’s employer’s location in 2025 amid speculation that he was stealing money. CCTV video then confirmed that Tonar had been taking money from multiple Dotty’s Casino office locations.

“Detectives from both Sparks and Reno Police joined together on the case and discovered that the defendant had embezzled from six different locations, taking a total of $714,713.59,” said the District Attorney’s Office.

The man had tried to escape the state with the proceeds of his continued theft and was later arrested by police .

“Tonar then drove out of state and into California,” read the release. “He was arrested a few days later at a motel in Sacramento in a joint operation by law enforcement. A search of his belongings recovered $677,069 of the stolen money and three guns.”

Tonar’s sentence was handed down by presiding Judge Barry Breslow for four counts of embezzlement valued at $100,000 or greater, and two counts of embezzlement valued under $100,000.

The total sentence for Tonar was reported to be between eight and thirty years in prison.

In related news surrounding a casino robbery, three individuals were arrested after a coercive hotel room crime. The man and two women were given multiple charges for the intimidation and threat to life with a knife to a patron of the Bally’s Twin River resort.

Featured image: Washoe County District Attorney’s Office

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The news comes from the Calgary Police Service, who say they were contacted after casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity and carried out their own investigation.

CHARGES LAID

We have arrested & charged 2 men & 3 women who are believed to be responsible for working together to defraud a casino located in the city’s southeast.

After casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity, they conducted their own… pic.twitter.com/S7dV7q3Wq5

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) December 8, 2025

According to a news release from the City of Calgary, it says “that between Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, two employees of the casino illegitimately issued unearned winnings to three patrons on several occasions, who participated in various card games.”

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at roughly 3:20PM, Calgary police were called to the casino for alleged reports of theft and fraud. The actual casino hasn’t been named.

It was upon arrival that police located and arrested the five alleged suspects.

The statement continues: “As a result, Yalan YIN, 50, Leonilo Calahi JUAN, 51, Rui Qin HUANG, 52, Rosielyn KONNO, 57, and Catherine MANIPON, 48, are each charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. MANIPON and KONNO are also charged with one count each of criminal breach of trust.”

Alleged fraud suspects will appear in court next week

The five people who were arrested for alleged fraudulent activity are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 22, just a few days ahead of Christmas Day.

“Addressing financial crime requires a united approach across different agencies,” says Inspector Scott Neilson of the Calgary Police Service.

“The Calgary Police Service works closely with regulatory bodies and industry partners to ensure gaming industry standards are followed, and those who attempt to exploit them are held accountable. We thank our investigators and partners for their diligent work in helping us advance this investigation.”

The police have also urged anyone with information relating to this possible incident to reach out and have shared that tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Featured Image: CC4.0 license, by AceYYC on Wikimedia Commons

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