### FanDuel Encourages Opposition to Proposed Michigan Tax Increase
This week, FanDuel reached out to its Michigan clientele, urging them to stand against two legislative propositions aimed at hiking tax rates on digital sports betting and online casinos, as reported by [Casino Reports](https://www.casinoreports.com/fanduel-rallies-against-michigan-tax-hikes/). One bill suggests a 0.1% tax boost for digital betting, while the other proposes a 1% increase for online casinos, intending to enhance state and local tax revenue.
FanDuel directed customers to a [form](https://sportsbettingalliance.org/take-action/michigan/) on the Sports Betting Alliance’s (SBA) website. The SBA also has resources encouraging residents in Georgia and Texas to push for legalized digital gambling.
The SBA is a coalition including BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel.
### U.S. Senate to Discuss Legal Sports Betting Regulation
The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a [hearing](https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/committee-activity/hearings/americas-high-stakes-bet-on-legalized-sports-gambling) to deliberate on federal oversight of legal sports betting. Since the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), it has remained a states’ rights issue, but some legislators and gambling advocates argue for federal involvement.
In September, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Paul Tonko introduced the Support Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act), which proposes a federal structure for problem and responsible gambling, tougher advertising rules, and federal approval for states offering digital betting.
Key committee members include Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Amy Klobuchar. Senator Mike Lee, who recently urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potential collusion between DraftKings and FanDuel, also sits on the committee. The hearing is planned for 10 a.m. ET on 17 December.
### Prime Sports Gains Green Light in Kentucky
Prime Sports is set to become Kentucky’s ninth digital sports betting service, following the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission’s (KHRC) approval of its license on 10 December. Partnering with Churchill Downs, Prime Sports will facilitate digital sports wagering. Already operational in New Jersey and Ohio, its technological partner Plannatech earned a [license in Arizona](https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/arizona-event-wagering-licences-sporttrade-plannatech/) in August. The platform promises not to limit bettors and welcomes skilled gamblers.
The KHRC has also renewed licenses for existing platforms like bet365, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel. From its launch in September 2023 through the end of October 2024, Kentucky bettors wagered $2.9 billion, generating $46.1 million to bolster the state’s pension fund.
### William Hill Fined for Betting Errors in New Jersey
William Hill, along with its technology partner Amelco, faced fines in New Jersey as reported by the [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-william-hill-fined-new-jersey-gambling-9af6774cc90b5559c0ed4313b38f5f19) on 9 December. The sportsbook in Atlantic City mistakenly accepted $25,000 in bets on games that had already concluded, including college basketball, hockey, and boxing matches. Out of 42 bets on college basketball, 12 were paid out, and the rest were nullified, resulting in a $20,000 fine for William Hill.
Additionally, Amelco was fined $10,000 for allowing PlayUp to place bets on a potential presidential candidacy for Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a type of wagering not permitted in the U.S. Nonetheless, a court recently approved such betting on [derivatives exchanges](https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/online-casino/kalshi-cftc-election-betting-stay-lifted/).
### FanDuel Launches Enhanced Responsible Gambling Tool
FanDuel introduced a new responsible gambling feature, “MySpend,” on 10 December. The personalized dashboard helps users track spending and “net wins,” as indicated in a company release. It allows players to observe their spending habits and manage their budgets effectively. FanDuel encourages usage of MySpend alongside other responsible gaming tools, such as time management features and betting limits.
Alison Kutler, FanDuel’s VP for responsible gaming and community impact, emphasized the commitment to offering innovative ways for customers to manage their gaming responsibly.
### California Card Rooms Display Political Influence
According to a [report by Cal Matters](https://www.livermorevine.com/calmatters/2024/12/10/gambling-companies-spent-big-to-defeat-three-california-lawmakers-we-want-to-be-respected/), California’s card rooms significantly contributed to the defeat of three state politicians who supported legislation allowing tribes to sue the card rooms. With $3 million spent, they successfully campaigned against assembly members Evan Low and Josh Newman during re-election efforts and targeted Brian Maienschein, who was campaigning for San Diego city attorney.
Keith Sharp, representing Hawaiian Gardens Casino, emphasized the card rooms’ desire for industry respect. All three politicians, along with Laurie Davies who retained her seat, supported SB 549, enabling tribes to challenge card rooms over the legality of using third-party proposition player services. The tribes argue this contradicts their exclusive rights to offer casino-style games, a claim backed by a law allowing one-time legal action by 1 April 2025.
### Additional Highlights
– **DraftKings Lawsuit**: Jeff Edelstein from Casino Reports provides an alternative view on a lawsuit involving DraftKings, where a New Jersey resident allegedly misappropriated family funds for gambling.
– **Illinois Gaming Expansion**: The Illinois Gaming Board granted Wind Creek Chicago Southland licenses for casino and sports betting, making it the state’s 16th land-based casino.
– **Betting Trends**: A [report from Pikkit](https://www.pikkit.com/pikkit-instant-replay) identified the NBA as the most popular league for betting, followed by the NFL and Major League Baseball.
– **New Jersey’s Problem Gambling Fund**: Northjersey.com reported that the state awarded $720,000 for responsible gambling initiatives.
– **WagerWire Funding**: WagerWire announced the addition of notable investors, enhancing their sports betting marketplace capabilities.
– **IC360 Appointment**: IC360 named lobbyist Bill Pascrell III as a special advisor, recognizing his contributions to pivotal gaming legislation changes.
– **Pennsylvania Casino Tax Records**: A Pennsylvania television station revealed the state led the nation with $2.3 billion in casino tax collections, outpacing New York and Nevada.
### ICYMI on iGB
– [Sanborn Casino Highlights](https://igamingbusiness.com/casino-games/sanborn-hhr-licence/)
– [Cordish and LA Digital Gambling](https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/louisiana-cordish-online-gambling/)
– [World Series of Politics](https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/regulation/world-series-of-politics-ep38/)
– [Illinois Casino Revenue](https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/illinois-tax-revenue-fy24/)
– [U.S. Economy and iGaming](https://igamingbusiness.com/finance/us-macroeconomy-igaming-2025/)