We thought we’d check up on what some of our favorite state legislators are doing about sports betting, now that it’s theoretically legal in their state (well, it’s complicated). In New 
York, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D) intends to introduce a law legalizing sports betting at all casinos — it’s currently permitted at the four newest — but the Lege doesn’t reconvene until January. Michigan‘s Brent Iden (R) has the jump on Pretlow, being able to submit a bill this fall, although its prospects are uncertain. And, out in California, Rep. Adam Gray (D) has already submitted such a bill, although it faces the additional hurdle of having to be approved by the electorate — not a high bar to clear, we think.
In Connecticut, Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) is ready to call the Lege into special session should an understanding with Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino be reached. 
Other states are farther back in the queue. Most ran out the clock during the last legislative session. Louisiana rejected sports betting outright. Seven states would have to amend their constitutions, while others — like Arizona — would have to amend their tribal compacts. Some, like Hawaii, Idaho and Utah — seem unlikely to take any action (pardon the pun) whatsoever.
* One good thing has come out of the aftermath of the Mandalay Bay Massacre. Gunman Stephen Paddock‘s houses in Mesquite and Reno are being put on the market, listed at $449,000 and $399,000 respectively, and the money derived from the sale will go to victims of the mass shooting. We have Paddock’s mother, who wanted no part of the windfall, to thank for this. However, her generosity may be impaired by Paddock’s bad karma. Said appraiser Randall Bell, “Anytime you get this association with trauma and death and negative events, the real estate can be negatively impacted.”
* That sound you heard was two swift judicial kicks in the posteriors of Penn National Gaming and its former nonprofit partner, Missouri River Historical Development, who had 
been suing each other since eternity but had their litigation dismissed by District Judge David May. He ruled that Penn’s threats to sue other casino companies if they courted MRHD were valid but that the nonprofit was within its rights to shop around for a new partner prior to the expiry of its contract with Penn. Thus ends a long saga that has reflected nothing but discredit upon the gaming industry.
* Given the timeline, stretching into infinity, for highway improvements from Arizona to Las Vegas, residents with a jones for Sin City, might want to spring a surprisingly few bucks for a day-trip bus ride. Sound like a gamey proposition? Read this secret-shopper report and decide for yourself.
* Genesis Gaming Solutions is buying an order of Aruze Gaming RFID chips “at less than half the cost of our competitors.” The chips come with a prerecorded message from Aruze owner Kazuo Okada decrying all those nasty things people are saying about him. OK, we made that part up. But it ought to be true.
