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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

4171 stories by Philip Conneller

Chicago Mob Gambling Kingpin “Fat Mike” Sarno Denied Compassionate Release
August 31, 2025

Chicago Mob Gambling Kingpin “Fat Mike” Sarno Denied Compassionate Release

Judge denies Fat Mike’s plea for compassionate prison release. Cicero Crew boss remains high risk despite poor health. Sarno’s violent past overshadows claims of frailty in prison. Michael “Fat Mike” Sarno is begging for mercy....

Written by Philip Conneller
Russian Criminals Build Scalable Affiliate Network for Slick Cryptogambling Scams
August 29, 2025

Russian Criminals Build Scalable Affiliate Network for Slick Cryptogambling Scams

Russian affiliate network powers large-scale cryptogambling fraud Startup-style tactics streamline scams with professional efficiency Victims lured by fake credits and influencer-backed promotions A remarkably polished wave of online gambling scams has swept the internet in...

Written by Philip Conneller
Virginia Cop Busted for Fraud, Money Laundering to Fund Gambling
August 28, 2025

Virginia Cop Busted for Fraud, Money Laundering to Fund Gambling

Officer allegedly scammed acquaintances through false inheritance claims Federal indictment cites wire fraud, laundering, and gambling addiction Eastville police face scrutiny amid fraud scandal and community fallout A smalltown Virginia police officer has been indicted...

Written by Philip Conneller
Former Entain Executives Charged with Bribery, Fraud in UK
August 28, 2025

Former Entain Executives Charged with Bribery, Fraud in UK

Former Entain leaders charged for Turkish Sportingbet black-market operations HMRC uncovered bribery and fraud tied to payment networks Case signals personal liability risks for UK gambling executives Former Entain chief executive Kenny Alexander and ten...

Written by Philip Conneller
Casino Raid Exposed Ignored EPL Match-Fixing Evidence, says Ex-Cop
August 27, 2025

Casino Raid Exposed Ignored EPL Match-Fixing Evidence, says Ex-Cop

Swedish police ignored key evidence of global match-fixing, ex-cop says. Premier League stars allegedly linked to spot-fixing. Confiscated phone holds explosive messages on rigged matches. A 2021 raid on a Swedish underground casino turned up...

Written by Philip Conneller
Colorado Man Accused of Swiping $76K from McGills Casino Cage After Prior Attempt
August 27, 2025

Colorado Man Accused of Swiping $76K from McGills Casino Cage After Prior Attempt

Casino theft suspect arrested after stealing more than $76K Repeat burglary attempt at J.P. McGills Casino foiled Police and gaming agents coordinated swift capture of suspect A Colorado Springs man who allegedly made a failed...

Written by Philip Conneller
DraftKings Says Fine Print Shields It from $14.2 Million Golf Bet Payout
August 27, 2025

DraftKings Says Fine Print Shields It from $14.2 Million Golf Bet Payout

DraftKings argues its rules voided a payout on $14.2M in Pebble Beach winnings Bettor Nicholas Bavas claims breach of contract, fraud Case tests sportsbooks’ reliance on terms to avoid payouts DraftKings argues that stipulations in...

Written by Philip Conneller
Choctaw Casino Robbers Who Chased Hyped-Up Jackpot End Up in Slammer
August 26, 2025

Choctaw Casino Robbers Who Chased Hyped-Up Jackpot End Up in Slammer

Criminal gang jailed after violent casino robbery scheme fails Rumored jackpot inflated victim’s modest Choctaw Casino winnings Texas prosecutors secure justice for targeted North Texas gambler  A North Texas man’s modest windfall at the Choctaw...

Written by Philip Conneller
Convicted Ex-Jaguars Employee Calls $22M Gambling Theft “Illegal Borrowing”
August 26, 2025

Convicted Ex-Jaguars Employee Calls $22M Gambling Theft “Illegal Borrowing”

Ex-Jaguars finance manager says he “illegally borrowed” $22M for gambling. Lavish spending included Tiger Woods’ putter and private jets. Patel sues FanDuel for $250M, claims exploitation of addiction. Amit Patel, the former finance manager for...

Written by Philip Conneller
California Tribes’ Challenge to Cardrooms Faces Legal Setback
August 11, 2025

California Tribes’ Challenge to Cardrooms Faces Legal Setback

Judge’s ruling could halt tribes’ lawsuit against California cardrooms Dispute centers on third-party banking in “California games” SB 549 faces challenge over federal IGRA preemption claim California’s tribal casino operators have suffered a legal blow...

Written by Philip Conneller