DraftKings has completed its acquisition of Jackpocket, a leading digital lottery app, which could benefit Pennsylvania if Jackpocket becomes licensed in the state. The acquisition is expected to enhance DraftKings' financial performance, with significant revenue and EBITDA growth projected for the coming years. Jackpocket, currently operating in 19 states, acts as a lottery courier and has been successful in increasing lottery sales, as seen in New York. The partnership emphasizes responsible gambling, aligning with the National Council on Problem Gaming. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move in the competitive US online lottery market.

Kenya is actively pursuing an e-mobility strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The government, led by President William Ruto, is committed to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, aligning with global climate change initiatives. The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) has outlined a strategic plan for 2023-2027 to ensure road maintenance sustainability, considering a shift from fuel levy to smart road user charges for all vehicle types. The plan includes raising funds through infrastructure bonds and enhancing oversight to ensure effective road maintenance.

The article covers the 16th Project Homeless Connect event in Denver, co-sponsored by the city and Mile-High United Way, providing services to the homeless. It highlights the story of Jordan Cooper, a young woman facing homelessness and the loss of her unborn child. The event, organized by Chris Conner, offered medical exams, employment advice, and other services. It also addresses the broader issues of homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing, poverty, and mental illness. The article mentions the 'Housing First' approach as a successful strategy for treating mentally ill homeless individuals. The event saw community engagement, with many volunteers and successful assistance provided to those in need, including employment for some attendees.

Online sports betting is set to launch in North Carolina in 2024, and Rocky Mount leads in Google searches for sports betting, followed by Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Durham. The interest in sports betting is gauged by Google Trends data over the past 90 days. The cities' interest levels are scaled relative to Rocky Mount, which scored 100. Factors such as proximity to Virginia, where sports betting is legal, and the presence of sports-obsessed demographics like college students, contribute to the high search volumes in these cities.

North Carolina's Senate has amended House Bill 347 to allow in-person wagering at public venues associated with professional sports teams and organizations. The bill, which has passed the Senate, now returns to the House for concurrence on the amendments. The changes permit retail sports betting within a 1.5-mile radius of stadiums and arenas, limited to cash bets. The bill aims to attract casual bettors at sporting events and could legalize sports betting for various sports online by January 8. Venues that could host betting lounges include Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and others. The Senate's amendments include changes to the wording and provisions for places of public accommodation, allowing for sports wagers without the need for interactive accounts.

Seven residents of Zapata, Texas, were convicted for conspiring to conduct illegal gambling activities in Webb and Zapata counties. The convicted individuals, including Hilda Diana Guerra-Villarreal, Raul Rene Villarreal, and Alma Urania Garcia, operated illicit game rooms and made illegal cash payouts. The convictions resulted from a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Webb County District Attorney’s Office. The Villarreal family, which has a history in the area, was also involved in money laundering. Guerra-Villarreal agreed to forfeit an estimated $2.6 million in assets. Sentencing by US District Judge Diana Saldaña is pending, with each individual facing up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal gambling and associated crimes in south Texas.

North Carolina's House Bill 347 proposes allocating $300,000 annually to five in-state Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from sports betting tax revenue. The bill, which is currently in the Senate Rules and Operations Committee, is expected to gain momentum following Crossover Day. If passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Roy Cooper, sports betting could launch in North Carolina by January 8, 2024. The bill has sparked debate, with some lawmakers like Rep. Abe Jones opposing the source of funding for educational institutions. HBCUs in North Carolina have historically faced challenges in competing athletically with predominantly white institutions, and the bill aims to support their athletic programs. The state's history with HBCUs dates back to the post-Civil War era, with institutions like Shaw University established to educate Black students.

The Texas House Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures heard two bills, HB 1601 by Gene Wu and HB 2345 by Ryan Guillen, aimed at bringing legal clarity to Texas's social card rooms but did not vote on either. HB 1601 proposes county-level regulation of poker rooms, while HB 2345 seeks to amend the gambling definition in the penal code to include social poker clubs. The committee heard testimonies from supporters and detractors, including a Harris County Fire Marshall spokesperson and Daniel Kebort, co-owner of Post Oak Social Club. On April 12, the committee advanced HB 2345 with an 8-2 vote and one abstention, moving it to the Calendars Committee for placement on the legislative calendar.

Texas is considering legislation, Senate Bill 715 and House Bill 1942, to legalize online sports betting with safeguards for responsible gambling. These include self-exclusion lists, age verification, geolocation services, and a problem gambling grant fund. The bills align with the American Gaming Association's guidelines but could further address issues like deceptive advertising language and monthly spending caps. Concerns are raised about the high risk of problem gambling among college students and the lack of university policies to address it. Some universities have policies prohibiting gambling, while others have entered into sponsorship deals with betting companies, raising transparency and ethical concerns. The legislation aims to set a high standard for responsible gaming regulation.

WinStar World Casino Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, has partnered with Lucas Oil to open a new 6,500-seat concert venue named Lucas Oil Live. The expansion aims to attract visitors, especially from Texas, where casinos are illegal. The venue will double the current concert capacity and feature high-standard sound and technical capabilities. The Chickasaw Nation, which operates WinStar, anticipates the venue will become a hub for top-tier entertainment. The casino's recent developments, including the opening of the Spa Tower and the $600 million enhancement project, demonstrate its success, with over $2 billion in gross gaming revenue last year. The majority of the workforce for Lucas Oil Live is expected to come from Texas due to Thackerville's small population and proximity to major Texas cities.