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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

4172 stories 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
New York Man Sues After Jake’s 58 Casino Shooting
August 11, 2025

New York Man Sues After Jake’s 58 Casino Shooting

Lawsuit alleges casino, county failed in providing adequate security Victim wounded in targeted shooting outside Jake’s 58 Casino Suspect arrested months later, faces attempted murder charges A Suffolk County, NY man wounded in what prosecutors...

Written by Philip Conneller
Wealthy Golfers Targeted in $850K Rigged Casino Scheme
August 10, 2025

Wealthy Golfers Targeted in $850K Rigged Casino Scheme

Criminal group used golf trips to lure wealthy victims. Rigged casinos and fake crimes enabled large-scale extortion. Authorities arrested 12; one suspect still at large. South Korean authorities have arrested 12 members of a sophisticated...

Written by Philip Conneller
Genting Highlands $630K Casino Chip-Theft Fugitive on the Run
August 9, 2025

Genting Highlands $630K Casino Chip-Theft Fugitive on the Run

Suspect exchanged some stolen chips for cash before fleeing Police suspect possible accomplices in casino chip theft Authorities coordinate with border agencies, may involve Interpol A former junket employee accused of stealing around US$630K in...

Written by Philip Conneller
Gulfstream Park Sues Florida Over ‘Unconstitutional’ Decoupling Act
August 8, 2025

Gulfstream Park Sues Florida Over ‘Unconstitutional’ Decoupling Act

Lawsuit challenges Florida’s Decoupling Act as unconstitutional Gulfstream claims unfair licensing rules for live racing Critics warn threat to Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry Gulfstream Park racetrack is asking a judge to block the Florida Gaming...

Written by Philip Conneller
Churchill Downs Scores Big Win Against Michigan in TwinSpires Betting Case
August 7, 2025

Churchill Downs Scores Big Win Against Michigan in TwinSpires Betting Case

Appeals court upholds TwinSpires operation during legal battle. Churchill Downs cites Interstate Horseracing Act and Constitution. Churchill Downs received a boost in its ongoing legal battle against the state of Michigan this week after the...

Written by Philip Conneller
Pennsylvania Pastor who Rigged Raffle Probed for Gambling
August 7, 2025

Pennsylvania Pastor who Rigged Raffle Probed for Gambling

Priest allegedly confessed to rigging raffle for cash prize. Investigators probe $300K church credit card spending. Lavish purchases raise concerns over gambling behavior. A Catholic priest from Erie, Pa. who admitted to fixing a church...

Written by Philip Conneller
South Africa’s GrandWest Casino’s Gross Negligence Electrocuted Child
August 6, 2025

South Africa’s GrandWest Casino’s Gross Negligence Electrocuted Child

Court finds GrandWest liable for gross negligence, damages pending Child electrocuted by exposed wire near water-based rink Safety protocols failed during post-holiday venue dismantling A January 2020 family outing to the Grandwest Casino in Cape...

Written by Philip Conneller
Florida Woman Convicted in LVS Casino Petition Fraud Case
August 6, 2025

Florida Woman Convicted in LVS Casino Petition Fraud Case

Maria Bautista submitted 191 fraudulent petitions in 2021 campaign Scheme targeted a constitutional amendment for Florida casino expansion Las Vegas Sands and Seminole Tribe clashed over initiative An Ocala, Fla., woman has been found guilty...

Written by Philip Conneller
Hollywood Hills Murder Exposed Gambling Ring that Embroiled Gilbert Arenas
August 6, 2025

Hollywood Hills Murder Exposed Gambling Ring that Embroiled Gilbert Arenas

A Hollywood Hills murder uncovered an elite illegal gambling network Gilbert Arenas has been indicted in a federal poker ring crackdown High-rollers, mob ties, and murder in LA mansions In 2023, a man was shot...

Written by Philip Conneller