iGB’s Weekly Rundown: Key Developments in North American Sports Betting
ACC Introduces Injury Reporting Policy Amid Sports Betting Surge
As the countdown to the 2025-26 college football season begins, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is updating its injury reporting protocols. During the recent ACC Kickoff, Commissioner Jim Phillips announced a mandate for member schools to share injury statuses for football, baseball, and both men’s and women’s basketball teams. Starting two days prior to game day, schools will release an initial injury list, followed by updates the day before and on game day itself.
This change comes as a direct response to the growing influence of sports betting, with Phillips emphasizing the need for player safety amid rising wagers. He indicated that the ACC’s proactive stance aims to protect student-athletes from undue pressure stemming from betting-related interests.
Ongoing Legal Developments in Betting Scandals
In a significant update regarding the Jontay Porter basketball betting case, a federal judge has extended the negotiation period for Shane Hennen, the alleged mastermind behind the scheme. Hennen, a professional poker player, was arrested while attempting to flee to Panama and has since been entangled in a federal investigation involving multiple indictments across New York.
The continuance granted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo allows negotiations to continue until September 20, providing Hennen additional time to potentially reach a plea deal. This marks the latest development in an ongoing saga that questions the integrity of sports betting.
Investigations Surrounding NBA Player Terry Rozier
New reports have surfaced linking Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier to unusual betting activity during a March 2023 game. Federal investigators are scrutinizing a series of 30 bets placed within 46 minutes—focused solely on Rozier’s performance. The staggering detail shows that all bets favored points unders related to Rozier, prompting further examination of betting behaviors during that game.
This scrutiny reflects the broader conversation about the impact of betting on player performance and integrity in the league, raising concerns about responsible gambling practices.
Consumer Sentiment Favors DraftKings in Recent Survey
In an unprecedented survey of mobile sports betting apps, DraftKings has emerged as the leader in customer satisfaction. The 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index awarded DraftKings a score of 78 out of 100, slightly ahead of its closest competitors, BetMGM and FanDuel, which scored 77 and 76, respectively.
The survey highlights the importance of user experience and technological reliability in influencing loyalty among bettors. Notably, enhancements like AI tools that assist in wagering strategies are being adopted by market leaders to distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape.
Hard Rock Bet Launches in Colorado
A fresh face has entered the Colorado betting scene with the debut of Hard Rock Bet. The recent launch, in partnership with Johnny Nolon’s Casino in Cripple Creek, marks the first new sportsbook in Colorado in over a year and a half. This comes amid a spate of closures in the state’s betting sector, with several operators, including Evoke plc, having exited in recent months.
With Hard Rock Bet’s entrance, Colorado now boasts 12 sportsbook operators, indicating a revitalization of interest in the state’s betting market.
Quick Hits from iGB
- CVC Capital Partners is preparing to acquire Gaming Laboratories International.
- Jay-Z recently presented the Caesars Times Square project at a committee hearing.
- Resorts World New York highlighted tax benefits during its initial pitch for a new casino.
- The US Senate has postponed the vote on Brian Quintenz’s confirmation to the CFTC.
- Massachusetts reported a drop in betting handle and revenue for June, while Michigan’s online gambling revenue soared to nearly $285.2 million, nearing record levels.
Stay tuned for more updates in the evolving landscape of North American sports betting!