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Philip Conneller

In Philip Conneller’s eight years with Casino.org, he has covered the gaming industry from Las Vegas to Macau and everything in between. He currently focuses his coverage on gaming law, white-collar crime, global money laundering, tribal gaming, politics, and regulation.

Philip was the original features editor for poker’s Bluff Magazine and editor for Bluff Europe, which he helped launch. His writing has also been featured in ESPN, Forbes, Time Out, The Sun, and The Daily Star, as well as iGaming Business, eGaming Review, and numerous other industry news and tech websites.

His news stories for Casino.org/news have been linked by The Washington Post, The Daily Mail, People Magazine, and Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, among many others.

Philip once won $20,000 with 7-2 off-suit. He has been reprimanded for unwittingly playing Elton John’s piano on two separate occasions on both sides of the Atlantic.

He became a writer because he is a lousy pianist.

Philip lives outside London with his wife and children, where he spends his time agonizing about Arsenal FC.

Contact Philip at philip.conneller@casino.org.

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Senior Reporter

Expert since 2018

4163 stories by Philip Conneller

Ocean Casino Resort Sued for Millions Over Dealer Tip Pooling Practices
April 30, 2026

Ocean Casino Resort Sued for Millions Over Dealer Tip Pooling Practices

Dealers claim tip pooling cuts earnings during required non-tipped work time Lawsuit argues casino improperly uses employee tips to cover internal costs Case could impact how casinos apply tip credits under wage laws Atlantic City’s...

Written by Philip Conneller
Resorts World – New York City’s First Full Casino Opens in Queens
April 29, 2026

Resorts World – New York City’s First Full Casino Opens in Queens

New York City’s first full-scale casino, complete with live table games, opened at Resorts World Queens on Tuesday with a ceremonial dice roll featuring legendary rapper and investor Nas. The new casino is an expansion...

Written by Philip Conneller
Victory for Doug Polk: Texas Clears The Lodge Poker Room to Reopen
April 28, 2026

Victory for Doug Polk: Texas Clears The Lodge Poker Room to Reopen

Grand jury rejects charges, clearing The Lodge Card Club owners Doug Polk says club will reopen after assets returned Case highlights legal gray area around Texas poker clubs Texas’s biggest cardroom, The Lodge Card Club,...

Written by Philip Conneller
MGM Grand Detroit Refused Gambler’s $17K Jackpot — Now Courts Say She Can Fight Back
April 28, 2026

MGM Grand Detroit Refused Gambler’s $17K Jackpot — Now Courts Say She Can Fight Back

Casino lets gambler play and lose, then blocks jackpot payout Court initially sides with casino over regulatory jurisdiction issue New ruling reopens path for players to sue over winnings When Monique Jewell walked into the...

Written by Philip Conneller
The Math vs. The Market: Why Opta’s Supercomputer Still Favors Arsenal for the Title Despite Bookies’ Doubts
April 24, 2026

The Math vs. The Market: Why Opta’s Supercomputer Still Favors Arsenal for the Title Despite Bookies’ Doubts

Opta simulations favor Arsenal despite tight projected points gap Bookmakers lean City due to market behavior and betting trends Small statistical edges can create big differences in title probability Manchester City’s 2-1 home win against...

Written by Philip Conneller
Thai Buddhist Abbot Gets 50 Years in $9M Baccarat Embezzlement Scandal
April 24, 2026

Thai Buddhist Abbot Gets 50 Years in $9M Baccarat Embezzlement Scandal

Former abbot jailed 50 years for $9 million temple embezzlement Stolen donations allegedly gambled on high-stakes online baccarat Case exposes weak oversight of temple funds and monk accountability A former Buddhist abbot at one of...

Written by Philip Conneller
UK Ad Ban? Lawmakers Demand ‘Total Blackout’ of Gambling Ads on Social Media to Protect Children
April 24, 2026

UK Ad Ban? Lawmakers Demand ‘Total Blackout’ of Gambling Ads on Social Media to Protect Children

UK proposals target gambling ads to reduce children’s exposure Ban includes online slots, sponsorships, and influencer promotions Industry warns restrictions could impact sports funding and broadcasts A cross-party group of UK lawmakers are calling for...

Written by Philip Conneller
Report: Second Suspect Arrested in Poker Player Matt Lushin Murder Case
April 23, 2026

Report: Second Suspect Arrested in Poker Player Matt Lushin Murder Case

Second man arrested over killing of poker player Matt Lushin Police say murder linked to $50,000 marijuana-related debt Encrypted messages and forensic evidence tie suspects to crime A second man has been arrested in connection...

Written by Philip Conneller
Casino Closure Alert: Maverick Gaming to Shutter SeaTac Site and Lay Off 65 Workers Following Bankruptcy
April 23, 2026

Casino Closure Alert: Maverick Gaming to Shutter SeaTac Site and Lay Off 65 Workers Following Bankruptcy

Maverick closes SeaTac cardroom, laying off 65 employees Debt-fueled expansion collides with rising rates and weak returns Tribal-only sports betting deal shut out key revenue opportunity Maverick Gaming will shutter its Silver Dollar SeaTac Casino...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oklahoma Sports Betting Dies in Senate Despite Tribal Backing
April 23, 2026

Oklahoma Sports Betting Dies in Senate Despite Tribal Backing

Oklahoma Senate rejects tribal-backed mobile sports betting bill HB 1047 Dispute over gaming compacts and revenue sharing drives political divide Governor Kevin Stitt threatens veto amid moral and regulatory opposition A bill that would have...

Written by Philip Conneller