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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

4165 stories by Philip Conneller

Missouri Casino Heist: $1.3 Million Stolen, Suspect Still At Large
March 31, 2026

Missouri Casino Heist: $1.3 Million Stolen, Suspect Still At Large

Two masked suspects steal $1.3 million in Isle of Capri Boonville robbery Employee accused of planning crime and using explosives as diversion Second suspect remains at large as investigation continues in Missouri Authorities in Missouri...

Written by Philip Conneller
Commerce, Bell Gardens Consider Tax Hike to Offset California Blackjack Ban
March 30, 2026

Commerce, Bell Gardens Consider Tax Hike to Offset California Blackjack Ban

California cardroom rules threaten major revenue for local city budgets Commerce and Bell Gardens rely heavily on casino tax income Officials propose sales tax hike to offset potential financial losses Two California cities are asking...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oakland Gambling Den Security Guard Walks Free Despite Gun Linked to Killing
March 30, 2026

Oakland Gambling Den Security Guard Walks Free Despite Gun Linked to Killing

Man found with murder-linked gun avoids prison after sentencing Prosecutors concede no direct evidence tying suspect to killing Judge rejects guilt-by-association, orders time served after two years A man hired as a “security guard” at...

Written by Philip Conneller
Police Allege Poker Player Matt Lushin Killed Over $50K Debt
March 30, 2026

Police Allege Poker Player Matt Lushin Killed Over $50K Debt

Poker player killed in alleged dispute over $50,000 marijuana debt Rental SUV, phone records, and payments tied suspect to crime Forensic evidence and sealed bags linked suspect to victim’s operation Poker player James “Matt” Lushin...

Written by Philip Conneller
$167M Powerball Winner Arrested Again, Accused of Stealing $12K
March 30, 2026

$167M Powerball Winner Arrested Again, Accused of Stealing $12K

Powerball winner arrested for alleged $12K burglary in Kentucky Third arrest since jackpot win, with multiple charges pending Prior incidents include police assault, intimidation, and hit-and-run case The winner of a $167 million Powerball jackpot...

Written by Philip Conneller
ESPN Brings World Series of Poker Back After Five-Year Absence
March 27, 2026

ESPN Brings World Series of Poker Back After Five-Year Absence

ESPN regains WSOP rights after five-year run on CBS platforms Moneymaker’s 2003 win sparked poker’s global popularity boom NHL lockout helped WSOP ratings surge on ESPN reruns The World Series of Poker (WSOP) will return...

Written by Philip Conneller
Isle of Capri Boonville Casino Robbery: Armed Suspects at Large
March 27, 2026

Isle of Capri Boonville Casino Robbery: Armed Suspects at Large

Armed suspects rob Missouri casino, flee after threatening staff and patrons Witness describes masked gunman vaulting counter as customers evacuate FBI and ATF join search after suspects escape across river Federal authorities have joined the...

Written by Philip Conneller
Texas’ Largest Poker Room Shutdown Likely Permanent After ‘Illegal Gambling’ Raid
March 26, 2026

Texas’ Largest Poker Room Shutdown Likely Permanent After ‘Illegal Gambling’ Raid

Texas poker giant The Lodge shuts down after state raid Investigation targets alleged illegal gambling and money laundering activity Closure highlights legal gray area facing Texas card clubs Two weeks after authorities raided Texas’ largest...

Written by Philip Conneller
L.A. Powerball Pretender’s Bizarre Billion-Dollar Claim Collapses in Court
March 24, 2026

L.A. Powerball Pretender’s Bizarre Billion-Dollar Claim Collapses in Court

Woman falsely claimed $1.08 billion lottery prize, lawsuit dismissed Judge rules no contract existed, calls claims “threadbare” Real winner confirmed months later, ending bizarre public spectacle A Los Angeles woman who claimed to be the...

Written by Philip Conneller
Taiwanese Fugitive ‘The Eel’ Shot Dead in Cambodia
March 24, 2026

Taiwanese Fugitive ‘The Eel’ Shot Dead in Cambodia

Taiwanese fugitive tied to 88 Club scandal killed in Cambodia Police probe targeted shooting linked to gambling finance networks Case exposed links between underground banking, police, and elites A slippery Taiwanese organized crime figure known...

Written by Philip Conneller