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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

4170 stories by Philip Conneller

Inside StarLizard: High Court Filing Lifts Lid on Tony Bloom’s $800 Million Betting Empire
December 4, 2025

Inside StarLizard: High Court Filing Lifts Lid on Tony Bloom’s $800 Million Betting Empire

Lawsuit reveals inner workings of Tony Bloom’s Starlizard syndicate Court documents describe secret exotic accounts run via frontmen Plaintiff Ryan Dudfield claims 7% share of Cottrell-linked profits A new filing in London’s High Court this...

Written by Philip Conneller
Bookie Wayne Nix Faces Possible Entry Into Nevada’s Black Book
December 4, 2025

Bookie Wayne Nix Faces Possible Entry Into Nevada’s Black Book

Wayne Nix’s illegal betting op toppled casino leadership Regulators consider adding Nix to the state’s notorious Black Book Case exposed money laundering risks and failures in casino oversight Wayne Nix, the former minor league baseball...

Written by Philip Conneller
Macau’s Casino Fortuna to Close on December 9 Amid Wave of Satellite Shutdowns
December 3, 2025

Macau’s Casino Fortuna to Close on December 9 Amid Wave of Satellite Shutdowns

Macau accelerates shutdown of satellite casinos under new gaming rules SJM absorbs Casino Fortuna staff with guaranteed employment protections Closures mark shift toward diversified, tourism-focused economic development Macau casino operator SJM Holdings has announced that...

Written by Philip Conneller
UAE Lottery Launches First Online Casino Despite Gambling Ban
December 1, 2025

UAE Lottery Launches First Online Casino Despite Gambling Ban

UAE lottery operator quietly launches TrueWin online casino platform. Move clashes with Islamic bans yet fits diversification strategy. Regulators, Wynn projects signal controlled push toward Gulf gaming hub.  The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) lottery operator,...

Written by Philip Conneller
Miss Universe Boss Linked to Casino Massacre Targeted in Cartel Trafficking Probe
December 1, 2025

Miss Universe Boss Linked to Casino Massacre Targeted in Cartel Trafficking Probe

Miss Universe co-owner Rocha accused of trafficking with cartel links Casino Royale massacre haunts tycoon now tied to Miss Universe scandal Guatemalan honorary consul stripped as Rocha faces fuel-smuggling charges A Mexican business tycoon with...

Written by Philip Conneller
Explainer: Why is Congress Looking into Sports Betting – and How Far Will It Go?
November 28, 2025

Explainer: Why is Congress Looking into Sports Betting – and How Far Will It Go?

Recent indictments spark Congressional examination of sports betting Explainer examines likely outcome of Congressional probe Congress usually leaves gambling regulation up to individual states. That’s especially true since the defanging of the Professional and Amateur...

Written by Philip Conneller
UK Gambling Stocks Plunge After Tax Hikes, Analysts See Silver Lining
November 27, 2025

UK Gambling Stocks Plunge After Tax Hikes, Analysts See Silver Lining

UK imposes major gambling tax hikes hitting online casinos hardest Industry leaders warn of job losses and rising illegal market risks Analysts predict consolidation as larger operators absorb increased costs Shares in UK gambling companies...

Written by Philip Conneller
Arizona Restaurateur Sentenced for $5.6M Fraud, Awaits Teen Murder Trial
November 26, 2025

Arizona Restaurateur Sentenced for $5.6M Fraud, Awaits Teen Murder Trial

Arizona restaurateur defrauded 54 investors to bankroll gambling and luxuries. Suspect awaits trial for brutal desert killing of teen visitor. Victim’s blood, bank cards and surveillance footage link suspect to murder. An Arizona restaurateur who...

Written by Philip Conneller
Illegal Operator Pleads Guilty in Case Tied to Florida Sheriff’s $21M Protection Ring
November 26, 2025

Illegal Operator Pleads Guilty in Case Tied to Florida Sheriff’s $21M Protection Ring

Operator pleads guilty and agrees to testify against ex-sheriff. Lopez accused of protecting multimillion-dollar illegal gambling network. Undercover sting exposes cash laundering and corrupt political ties. The former operator of the Eclipse Social Club –...

Written by Philip Conneller
Nevada Federal Ruling Deals Major Blow to Kalshi’s Sports Event Markets
November 26, 2025

Nevada Federal Ruling Deals Major Blow to Kalshi’s Sports Event Markets

Nevada judge rules Kalshi’s sports-event contracts are unlicensed gambling products. Decision weakens federal preemption arguments prediction markets use against states. Sportsbook stocks, including DraftKings, rise as rivals to face stricter scrutiny. A federal judge in...

Written by Philip Conneller