Derek Helling, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Paige Fertitta Could Become President Of Fertitta Entertainment

1 week ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

Photo by Rachel Hoyt / Shutterstock 2 mins readUpdated: May. 9, 2025 Paige Fertitta, the ex-wife of Landry’s owner Tilman Fertitta, has been recommended for a Nevada gaming license as a key person for Fertitta Entertainment by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Fertitta Entertainment is a holding company that controls the Golden Nugget casino brand. With that branding, Fertitta Entertainment operates physical casinos in multiple US states.
Ohio Legislator Confirms Plans For Online Casino Bill

1 week ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart has indicated that he plans to introduce a bill to legalize online casinos in Ohio, which wouldn’t be the first such attempt but might have greater momentum behind it. There are signs that the concept of regulated iGaming has made significant progress in the state. Stewart is among the leaders of the controlling Republican caucus in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Montana Sweepstakes Casino Ban Awaits Governor's Signature

1 week ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

Barring a veto from Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montana will soon become the first state to have enacted a ban on casino-style online games that award cash prizes by way of a sweepstakes. While the bill in question does not mention sweepstakes casinos by name, the terms of the bill would render their business model unworkable. The presumptive law prohibits any online casino platforms that make payouts in “any form of currency,” and/or receives or transmits gambling information.
Hard Rock Gaming Hosts Vendor Information Session

1 week ago | playny.com | Derek Helling

Hard Rock International CEO Jim Allen recently made a presentation to hundreds of business owners in Queens, laying out all the lucrative work that would be created if it can move forward on plans for a Queens casino and entertainment complex. The company is one of several bidders for a downstate casino license, hoping to turn the parking lot near Citi Field in Flushing Meadows into a mixed entertainment venue.
Permanent Bally's Chicago Casino Construction Hits Second Delay

1 week ago | playillinois.com | Derek Helling

The Bally’s Chicago casino project is on hold as the Illinois Gaming Board is investigating the subcontracting of a waste removal service with alleged connections to organized crime. The use of an authorized supplier represents a violation of the rules governing gambling licensees. Although Bally’s has apparently stopped using the contractor, the potential violation has led to a stop-work order and an investigation that may push back the project’s timeline to completion.
Amended Bill Puts Bigger Target On Online Sweepstakes Games

1 week ago | playny.com | Derek Helling

New York Sen. Joseph Addabbo’s proposal to ban sweepstakes casinos from the state has moved closer to becoming law after the bill received amendments to clarify which websites fall under the prohibition and expand the number of state agencies able to investigate potential violations. The amended version of Addabbo’s bill has advanced to the Senate calendar for a floor vote. It earmarks funds received from fines for responsible gambling education and treatment of problem gambling.
Bet365 Owners Exploring Sale Of Business

2 weeks ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

Bet365 has been making gains in multiple US jurisdictions in terms of its share of the online sports wagering market and a new report could mean bet365 will have access to more financial resources to accelerate that growth. The private owner of bet365, the Coates family of the United Kingdom, is exploring offering up stakes in bet365 according to the report.
Entain Removes Interim Tag From CEO Stella David

2 weeks ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

Entain, the United Kingdom-based gambling company that owns half of BetMGM, has officially named Stella David its CEO. David has served in the role on an interim basis for the past two months. The appointment might bring some stability, which seen five people occupy the role in as many years.
Penn Nominates HG Vora Picks For Board Positions

2 weeks ago | playusa.com | Derek Helling

A major investor in Penn Entertainment is moving forward with a proxy campaign to install its picks for Penn’s board of directors, despite Penn’s announcement that it would support the nomination of two of the investors’ three picks. The investor, a hedge fund called HG Vora Capital Management, has criticized Penn’s decisions regarding its online gambling business.
Sands Searching For Casino Bidder For Coliseum

2 weeks ago | playny.com | Derek Helling

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s decision to back out of its New York casino bid doesn’t mean that hope is lost for a gaming resort at Nassau Coliseum—quite the opposite. Reportedly, Sands is already potentially close to finding another party to take over bidding on the project.