State of the Union: Whyte leaves NCPG while Biden admin grants numerous tribal clearances, more

Welcome to iGB's State of the Union, a look at the top North American sports betting stories we have covered over the week and summaries of others we deemed intriguing.
union's current state
Leading proponent of problem gambling bids farewell
The news that Keith Whyte is resigning from executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) shocked the gaming industry Titan of the RG/PG industry, Whyte has been the post since 1998. According to the NCPG news release, the resignation was effective as of January 13.

The council stated it would name a permanent successor later this year; Nancy Green has been designated temporary executive director. Whyte remarked in a LinkedIn post, "time for a new challenge," following over thirty years with the NCPG. Often the only voice in the room, he was a major proponent of responsible gambling and problem-oriented approaches over that period.

"There are far too many to thank here, but I hope you know how greatly I appreciate all the innovative leaders, passionate advocates, dedicated staff, engaged members, generous supporters and friends who have inspired, challenged and helped me on my journey over the years," Whyte said.

"I will keep working on responsible gambling and gambling addiction issues and hope for a time when thorough prevention, education, treatment, enforcement, responsible gaming, research and recovery services are accessible, reasonably priced for all."

For Indian Country, Joe Biden's last weeks of president have been far but the usual. The departing government has approved multiple dubious tribal casinos in a little period of time.

One such casino is proposed by the Koi Nation and permitted by the Department of Interior (DoI) close to Windsor, California. Early designs include for a casino with 2,750 slots, 105 tables, a 400-room hotel and more. First the tribe asked that the ground be put under trust in 2021. Should all go according to schedule, building is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026 and run 18 to 24 months.

Among California's most influential tribes, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria are the Koi's biggest detractor. Press Democrat claims Graton chair Greg Sarris claimed the government's decision was a "clear failure" with "a dangerous precedent" of off-reservation permits.

Medford, Oregon also made another divisive choice when the Coquille Indian tribe received DoI approval on January 10 for an off-reservation casino project spanning a decade or more. Three disagreeing tribes filed lawsuits in federal court the same day requesting a temporary restraining order, according KTVL. Senator Ron Wyden also informed the publication he would "fight this senseless decision with all the options available."

Notwithstanding the debate, the Coquilles wasted little time putting Class II slots at the location of the proposed casino. A 15 January Rogue Valley Times article claims that customers of a facility originally a bowling alley have access to a few dozen machines.

NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning will spearhead the bookmaker's Super Bowl effort, FanDuel said on January 10. With two Super Bowl victories apiece, the brothers will square off in "Kick of Destiny 3." Each will aim a 25-yard field goal in a live kicking duel on Fox. Users of FanDuel can make free picks on the contest to earn bonuses. 

"We set out to make FanDuel a part of Super Bowl Sunday using the Kick of Destiny," executive vice president of marketing Andrew Sneyd said in a statement. "We are intensifying the stakes for year three by adding a rivalry and a head-to- head Kick of Destiny competition. Competing against each other live for the first time in Super Bowl history, Peyton and Eli Manning will create history. May the greatest Manning triumph!

Kindbridge Behavioural Health, a provider of problem gambling counselling, said on January 15 that it is providing free mental health treatments to Los Angeles wildfire victims. Still ongoing, the fires seem to be among the most expensive in US history. Along with demolishing thousands of buildings, they have uprooted thousands of people. 

Kindgridge claimed its partners helped to make the services available. Among those noted are "the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), EPIC Global Solutions, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PrizePicks, Underdog, DruvStar, DruvStar and Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC." 

For anyone interested, phone 1-877-426-4258 or visit Kindbridge.com/wildfire-support.

For the US and Canadian markets, back-end supplier Bragg Gaming Group and Caesars Entertainment announced a technological platform and games development alliance on January 15. Bragg will work with Caesars' own in-house studio to create material for their internet outlets. This covers Caesars Palace Online Casino, Horseshoe Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino.

Bragg's relationship with Caesars moves from a content supplier to a technological partner in the new alliance. Particularly in North America, a major strategic target for Bragg's expansion activities in 2025, the agreement is expected to assist deliver double-digit increase in both Bragg's revenue and profitability.

Worth reading
Long-standing gamers have complained that they are losing the PR fight. This latest Esquire article from Mitchell S. Jackson is one such instance. Jackson investigates in it the expansion of legal sports betting and how the business is predatory to the Black community. For decades, the lottery business has faced similar accusations. Sports betting is now subject to comparable criticism.