Caesars opens a retail betting facility in Maine; discussion about Newfoundland Casino

Welcome to the Weekend Report, where IGB examines news items you might have missed throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This week we discuss Caesars offering in-person betting in Maine, claims of a new casino in Newfoundland, and the temporary closure of SkyCity in Auckland.
The Weekend Report
Caesars first to introduce retail sports betting in Maine 
First among them is Caesars, the first operator in Maine to introduce retail sports betting. Officially opening on September 13, the Oddfellahs sportsbook situated in Portland is run in association with First Tracks Investments.

At the site—which boasts self-service betting kiosks and a ticket booth on-site— Portland mayor Mark Dion put the first ceremonial first wager. Additionally available are cash deposits and withdrawals for Caesars Sportsbook mobile accounts. 

Maine has had online sports betting with Caesars since November of 2023.

New casino proposed by local mayor for Newfoundland
Reports about an allegedly new land-based casino in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador have surfaced north of the border. Last week Steady Brook mayor Bill Dawson stated he is eager for a private investor to purchase the Marble Mountain ski resort and build a casino there.

Although nothing is set in stone, Dawson said such a change would allow year-round travel outside of the snowy, winter months and help create more income in the local area.

"We would not object to seeing, like we see in other places in every other province, a casino at the bottom of the hill," Dawson remarked, CBC reports. "Why would a casino not exist here? We are, after all, discussing money earning. Casinos generate money. Why would we not pursue that?

Five days of closure for SkyCity Auckland
Turning now to the southern hemisphere, in New Zealand, the five-day closing of Auckland casino Sky City started. The closing period continues from today, September 16, until September 20.

To resolve the matter of its Auckland site, SkyCity signed a deal with the department of internal affairs (DIA) of New Zealand in July. It was decided the venue's gambling area will close five days running.

August verified this time frame. It only applies, though, to the section including food and beverage establishments as well as the gaming area. Every other part of SkyCity precinct will stay open.

Mumbai police search illicit gaming den
During a search on an illicit gaming den, Mumbai police have detained 34 persons. According to The Hindustan Times, the well-known venue concentrated on the card game Teen Patti had police also grabbing cash.

While one consumer claimed it was connected with a political party, reports indicate the den was visited by businessmen. There have also been claims of "significant" financial gambles.

Four of the arrested persons were den owners and eight others employed at the establishment. Three further were found to be jockeys, and the other nineteen were patrons.

Kansas City athlete suspended for violating rules on gambling. 
Major League Soccer (MLS) finally ended the contract of Sporting Kansas City player Felipe Hernández back in the US. This follows his second transgression of the league's gambling rules. :

Suspended in 2021, Hernández will not be qualified for reinstatement until January 2026. MLS discovered no proof of any inside knowledge sharing or impairment of match integrity.