The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced a lifetime ban on This decision came after an investigation revealed that Porter had not only bet on NBA games but also provided confidential information about his health to other gamblers. This incident has brought the issue of sports betting into sharp focus, particularly as it continues to surge in popularity.

Porter’s actions were a clear violation of NBA rules. He provided confidential information to bettors, limited his participation in one or more games for gambling purposes, and placed bets on NBA games. The NBA alleges that ahead of Toronto’s March 20 game, Porter (pictured above), gave information about his health status to one bettor. Another person, who Porter knew, bet $80,000 that he wouldn’t hit a statistic set by an online sportsbook. Porter subsequently took himself out of that game, claiming he was ill.

The NBA’s investigation revealed that Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using an associate’s account. These bets totaled $54,094, with Porter receiving net winnings of $21,695. Importantly, none of the bet Porter placed included games in which he played. The NBA’s investigation into Porter remains open, and more findings could potentially emerge.

This incident is part of a broader trend in professional and collegiate sports. Several athletes have been implicated in betting probes in recent years. The rapid legalization of sports betting in many states has led to concerns about its impact on professional sports. , began investigating Porter after identifying several irregular bets involving him.

There was increased betting interest on props involving Porter, the brother of Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., in January. On that day, he played just four minutes before leaving due to an aggravated eye injury. The under hit for all of Porter’s props, according to ESPN, while DraftKings Sportsbook said the under for Porter’s made 3-pointers was the biggest money winner for bettors of any NBA player props that day. Following Toronto’s game against the Sacramento Kings on March 20, Porter’s props were again the biggest money winner for NBA player props on DraftKings.

This scandal has also brought attention to the issue of prop bets in college sports. NCAA President Charlie Baker called for a nationwide ban on college prop bets last month, following a series of collegiate coaches and athletes linked to illegal betting probes. More than a dozen charges were filed last August against Iowa State University and University of Iowa student-athletes who allegedly bet on games in which they played. However, the charges were later dropped amid concerns that authorities tracked betting activity without a warrant.

The gambling watchdog U.S. Integrity flagged unusual betting involving University of Alabama baseball games last year, later resulting in head coach Brad Bohannon’s ouster. The NFL suspended 10 players last year, after an investigation determined they violated the league’s gambling policy by either betting on NFL games or non-NFL games while at league facilities. Calvin Ridley, then the wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended for a year in 2022 after he placed bets on games that included the Falcons.

The last NBA player to receive a lifetime ban was Jalen Harris, who was banned from the league in 2021 after he violated its anti-drug policies. His ban was reversed in 2022. Tyreke Evans also received a lifetime ban for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policies. The Porter case serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of sports betting, and the need for stringent regulations to maintain the integrity of the game.

La Française des Jeux (FDJ),, has reported a solid start to the year 2024. The company’s total group revenue for Q1 2024 was €710 million ($755.6 million), marking a 7 percent increase from the €662 million reported in the same period last year. However, on a like-for-like basis, this reflects a marginal growth of 1.1 percent.

The gaming revenue in France rose by 3% to €645 million. A significant portion of FDJ’s total quarterly earnings came from online games, which accounted for €100 million, representing 15 percent of its total gaming revenue.

The most notable growth metric was reported from other activities, which include payment and services and international operations. This segment grew 77.4 percent from Q1 2023’s €37 million to this year’s €65 million. However, on a like-for-like basis, €65 million reflects a decline of 3.7 percent.

Sports betting and competitive online gaming saw a 9.5 million year-on-year increase at €141 million. However, when excluding Zeturf, which was acquired in October and later integrated, the growth was 0.9 million.

Lottery remained the largest contributor to overall group revenue at €504 million, up 1.4 percent from last year’s €497 million. Part of this growth was attributed to the €5 ticket (Ticket d’Or) which was launched in January. However, it was also noted that, were Amigo to be excluded from the results, lottery revenue would be up 4 percent..

went live on 20 February. The operator announced its intention to acquire the company in a €2.6 billion buyout in late January. It published its intention to acquire the company later in February, with Kindred’s shareholders approving amendments to facilitate the acquisition in March

During Q1, FDJ acquired 2.4 million Kindred shares for SEK 294 million ($26.7 million). The operator now holds 1.1 million of Kindred’s outstanding shares. Irrevocable commitments, including New York-based investment firm Eminence Capital, now represent 26.8 million of outstanding Kindred shares.

FDJ’s Chairwoman and CEO, Stéphane Pallez, (pictured above), has expressed confidence in the company’s growth and the ongoing acquisition of Kindred. This strategic move is expected to further strengthen FDJ’s position in the gaming industry.

In conclusion, FDJ’s Q1 2024 financial results reflect a promising start to the year, with significant revenue growth and strategic acquisitions. The company’s focus on expanding its online gaming business and other activities demonstrates its commitment to diversification and growth in the gaming industry. The acquisition of Kindred shares is a clear indication of FDJ’s strategic direction and ambition to become a leading player in the international gaming market.

Sands China, an integrated resort operator, has recorded a 53.3% surge in adjusted property EBITDA for its Macau operations. Similarly, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore also witnessed a significant increase of over 50% during the same period, with adjusted EBITDA totalling $610 million (€571.5 million) for Macau and $597 million (€559.4 million) for Singapore.  

The substantial EBITDA growth was fuelled by continued travel increases to both Macau and Singapore, contributing to 's net revenue of $2.96 billion (€2.77 million) and net income of $583 million (€504 million). Macau alone generated approximately $7.1 billion (€6.65 billion) in gaming revenue during the quarter, with mass gaming reaching a new quarterly record of $6.2 billion (5.8 billion), propelling Sands China's EBITDA to new heights.  

Marina Bay Sands experienced a resurgence in its VIP segment, with a 51.5% recovery from Q1 2023. Rolling volume reached $8.2 billion (€7.68 billion), reflecting the property's robust performance amidst evolving market dynamics.  

Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein emphasized the company's commitment to strategic investments and expansion initiatives, leveraging its financial strength and industry-leading cash flow. Sands China continues to invest in its Londoner property, with revenues growing by 98.6% during the period.  

Earlier this week, Marina Bay Sands Singapore  that its expansion project entered its final phase of design enhancements. According to the company’s statement, the full-scale construction is expected to start by July 2025, with the completion date eyed for July 2029.   

The group remains dedicated to its capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) investments, with plans totalling $4.5 billion (€4.2 billion) over the 10-year period of its new gaming license. These investments underscore Sands China's long-term commitment to enhancing its offerings and delivering exceptional experiences to its patrons.  

Upcoming SiGMA event: BIS SiGMA Americas 2024, find all the details .

Okada Manila, operated by , Leisure & Entertainment Inc (TRLEI), experienced a substantial decline in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during the first quarter of 2024, primarily attributed to a significant downturn in the VIP segment. The GGR plummeted to PHP8.77 billion (€144.1 million), marking a 24% decrease from PHP11.57 billion (€190 million) in the same period of 2023.  

Gross gaming revenue from VIP table games at Okada Manila suffered a steep decline of 42.61% year-on-year, totalling just PHP2.58 billion ($45.26 million) for Q1 2024. This sharp downturn contrasts starkly with the PHP4.5 billion ($79 million) recorded in Q1 2023, significantly impacting the property's overall GGR performance.  

Despite the general decline in GGR, gaming machines emerged as the top performer for Okada Manila during the first quarter of 2024. Generating PHP3.23 billion (€53 million) in revenue, albeit experiencing a 17% yearly fall, gaming machines showcased resilience amidst challenging market conditions.  

The mass market table games segment at Okada Manila witnessed a 6% yearly drop in GGR, totalling PHP2.96 billion (€48.6 million) for Q1 2024. Additionally, mass online table volume experienced a significant decline of 68.5% year-on-year, contributing to the overall decrease in gaming revenue.  

The decline in gaming revenue led to an overall decrease in total revenue by 22.7%, amounting to PHP9.75 billion (€160 million) for the first quarter of 2024. Furthermore, adjusted segment EBITDA dropped by nearly 30%, reaching PHP2.33 billion (€38 million), reflecting the challenges faced by Okada Manila amidst evolving market dynamics.  

Despite the revenue challenges, Okada Manila maintained a strong hotel occupancy rate of 83.2% and received 1.45 million visitors during the first quarter of 2024. While non-gaming revenue experienced a moderate decline of 6.4% compared to Q1 2023, the property exhibited resilience in managing operational aspects amidst market fluctuations.  

Earlier this year, TRLEI  the collaboration with Dennis Uy’s PH Travel and Leisure Holdings Corp. This partnership secured a majority stake in the operating entities of the Mactan project, the Emerald Bay Resort.  

Upcoming SiGMA event: BIS SiGMA Americas 2024, find all the details .