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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

4187 stories by Philip Conneller

UK Election Betting: Tactical Voting Gives Bookies Headache
December 11, 2019

UK Election Betting: Tactical Voting Gives Bookies Headache

Brits head to the polls on Thursday for one of the most difficult general elections to predict in a long time. It’s not the outright winner that’s proving so hard to call – Prime Minister...

Written by Philip Conneller
Money Launderers Change Tack, Using Low-Profile ‘Mules’ vs. VIP Players
December 10, 2019

Money Launderers Change Tack, Using Low-Profile ‘Mules’ vs. VIP Players

Casino money launderers have changed their methods in Canada, where the media’s spotlight on British Columbia’s dirty-cash scandal has forced criminals to adopt new strategies. That’s according to the federal Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis...

Written by Philip Conneller
Michigan Lawmakers Reach Breakthrough with Gov. Whitmer on Online Gaming, Sports Betting, Vote Expected Tuesday
December 9, 2019

Michigan Lawmakers Reach Breakthrough with Gov. Whitmer on Online Gaming, Sports Betting, Vote Expected Tuesday

Michigan’s push for legal online gaming and sports betting received a shot in the arm over the weekend with the news that the state’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer, and its pro-gambling-expansion lawmakers are close to...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oklahoma Governor Stitt Says Tribal Operations Illegal After Jan 1, Chickasaw Threatens Legal Action
December 6, 2019

Oklahoma Governor Stitt Says Tribal Operations Illegal After Jan 1, Chickasaw Threatens Legal Action

Oklahoma’s tribal casino compact negotiations could be heading for court after Governor Kevin Stitt said operators would be breaking the law if they continue to offer class III gaming beyond January 1, 2020. Tulsa World...

Written by Philip Conneller
Michigan House Passes Bill That Would Remove Political Donations Ban for Casinos
December 5, 2019

Michigan House Passes Bill That Would Remove Political Donations Ban for Casinos

The Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow commercial casino licensees and their employees to make political donations in the state. The practice is prohibited under the Michigan Gaming Control...

Written by Philip Conneller
Hard Rock, Mohegan Gaming Threaten to Sue Greek Government Over Airport Casino Tender
December 5, 2019

Hard Rock, Mohegan Gaming Threaten to Sue Greek Government Over Airport Casino Tender

US casino operators Mohegan Gaming and Hard Rock International are threatening to sue the Greek government over a delay to the awarding of a casino license for Hellenikon Airport. The project is part of an...

Written by Philip Conneller
$14.6 Million Arizona Lottery Ticket Expires After Winner Stays Away
December 4, 2019

$14.6 Million Arizona Lottery Ticket Expires After Winner Stays Away

An Arizona lottery ticket worth $14.6 million expired, unclaimed, at 5pm on Tuesday. Lottery officials said they had no clue as to the identity of the person who purchased the ticket at a Circle K...

Written by Philip Conneller
Michigan Tribes Ready to Get Behind Sports Betting, Governor Whitmer Not So Sure
December 4, 2019

Michigan Tribes Ready to Get Behind Sports Betting, Governor Whitmer Not So Sure

Michigan’s tribal operators are broadly supportive of sports betting in the state, at least according to State Rep. Brandt Iden  (R-Oshtemo Township). Iden is pushing legislation to legalize the market – but is Governor Gretchen...

Written by Philip Conneller
Pamela Anderson Ex Rick Salomon Can’t Claim $2.8M Poker Debt from Saudi Sheikh, Court Rules
December 3, 2019

Pamela Anderson Ex Rick Salomon Can’t Claim $2.8M Poker Debt from Saudi Sheikh, Court Rules

Professional poker player Rick Salomon has come unstuck in his legal bid to claim a $2.2 million gambling debt from a Saudi sheikh. The American is maybe better known for co-starring in and marketing the...

Written by Philip Conneller
Stanley Ho Nephew Gets Eight Years for Organizing Prostitution Ring at Hotel Lisboa, Macau
December 3, 2019

Stanley Ho Nephew Gets Eight Years for Organizing Prostitution Ring at Hotel Lisboa, Macau

A nephew of Macau casino mogul Stanley Ho has been sentenced to up to eight years in prison for fronting a racket that organized prostitution at the Hotel Lisboa casino. Former SJM executive Alan Ho...

Written by Philip Conneller