USA
Following the trails of FanDuel and DraftKings, BetMGM is bolstering its responsible gaming commitments, DraftKings is restructuring operations amid mounting cost pressures, and Evolution is expanding its live studio footprint as online casino gaming continues to grow. And multiple jurisdictions are advancing the legalization of online sports betting.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview
- MGM and BetMGM pledge $1M+ for responsible gaming: The operators commit funding to independent research and prevention programs tied to Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
- DraftKings restructures workforce: The sportsbook reorganizes teams amid rising costs, AI integration, and competition from prediction markets.
- Evolution expands in Atlantic City: A new 60,000-square-foot live dealer studio at Showboat Resort will employ roughly 1,200 workers.
- Three states push online betting legalization: Nebraska advances ballot petitions, Hawaii moves a bill through committee, and Mississippi sends legislation to the Senate again.
- FanDuel ends credit card deposits nationwide: The operator stops accepting credit cards across US platforms amid growing regulatory and political scrutiny.
MGM and BetMGM Pledge Over $1M for Responsible Gaming and Research
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced a responsible gaming commitment exceeding $1 million tied to Problem Gambling Awareness Month, including funding for independent research and expanded prevention initiatives.
The companies allocated $450,000 to support a three-year, peer-reviewed study through the International Center for Responsible Gaming examining sports wagering behavior, decision-making patterns, and risk factors across different player populations. The research is intended to provide data-driven insights to strengthen responsible gaming strategies as sports betting continues to expand nationwide. In addition to research funding, MGM and BetMGM will contribute more than $850,000 in 2026 to state and national organizations focused on prevention and treatment.
DraftKings Restructures Workforce Amid Cost Pressures and Prediction Market Competition
DraftKings is reorganizing parts of its workforce, a move that will see large layoffs in response to rising operating costs and intensified competition.
Outside the intense competition in regulated online sports betting, DraftKings has also faced growing competition from federally regulated prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. DraftKings has also introduced its own prediction-style offerings in select jurisdictions under the name ‘DraftKings Predictions’ back in December 2025.
The restructuring also comes as the company expands its use of artificial intelligence across internal operations and customer-facing tools. Executives have previously indicated that AI could replace certain future hires and streamline functions ranging from promotional targeting to engineering and legal workflows.
Evolution to Open 60,000-Square-Foot Live Dealer Studio at Showboat Atlantic City
Malta-based Evolution is expanding its New Jersey footprint with a new 60,000-square-foot live dealer studio and technology center at Showboat Resort Atlantic City. The new studio is expected to employ approximately 1,200 workers once fully operational, adding to Evolution’s existing 1,000-person workforce in the city.
The second-floor facility will house broadcasting studios and technical operations supporting live-streamed table games. Evolution already operates studios at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, and Ocean Casino Resort, which will remain open, though some operations may be consolidated over time.
Nebraska, Hawaii, and Mississippi Advance Online Sports Betting Efforts
Lawmakers and advocacy groups in Nebraska, Hawaii, and Mississippi are moving forward with renewed efforts to legalize online sports betting, though each faces political and procedural hurdles.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, election officials cleared two citizen-led petitions that would amend the state constitution and establish a regulatory framework for online wagering. Organizers must now gather roughly 125,000 signatures by July to place the measure on the November ballot. If approved, each licensed casino could partner with up to two online sportsbooks, with oversight from the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s House Committee on Economic Development & Technology advanced House Bill 2570, allowing at least six online-only sportsbooks under a 15% tax rate, despite strong opposition from state agencies and anti-gambling groups. The proposal would place regulation under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, though lawmakers acknowledged unresolved concerns around tax structure and consumer protections.
Mississippi
Meanwhile, the Mississippi House passed House Bill 4074 for the third consecutive year, sending it to the Senate, where similar measures have stalled in the past. Supporters argue legalization could capture tax revenue currently lost to out-of-state mobile wagering, with the latest version earmarking funds for the state’s public employee pension system and including safeguards for retail casinos concerned about revenue impacts.
FanDuel to End Credit Card Deposits Across US Platforms
FanDuel stopped accepting credit card deposits in the United States fromMarch 2, as announced last month, a policy change that will apply to FanDuel Sportsbook, Casino, and Racing products.