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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

4173 stories by Philip Conneller

FantaPappa: Italians Go Crazy for Fantasy Pope-Betting Platform
May 5, 2025

FantaPappa: Italians Go Crazy for Fantasy Pope-Betting Platform

FantaPappa is a fantasy ‘sports’ game where users try to predict the next pope. Game has over 60,000 players in Italy. ‘Pope betting’ popular in markets where legal In Italy, betting on papal conclaves –...

Written by Philip Conneller
‘Bad Optics’? ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl Returns to Spotlight at Las Vegas Poker Event
May 5, 2025

‘Bad Optics’? ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl Returns to Spotlight at Las Vegas Poker Event

Viral internet star Haliey Welch, aka the “Hawk Tuah girl,” resurfaced at celebrity poker tournament. Welch had kept a low profile amid controversy over her failed cryptocurrency, $HAWK. Haliey Welch, better known to many as...

Written by Philip Conneller
Bally’s Chicago Casino Halted Over Vendor Once Linked to Mob by FBI
May 2, 2025

Bally’s Chicago Casino Halted Over Vendor Once Linked to Mob by FBI

Illinois Gaming Board halts construction on Bally’s Chicago casino over unapproved vendor. Dumpsters on-site were supplied by D&P Construction, once tied to alleged Chicago Outfit bosses. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has ordered construction work...

Written by Philip Conneller
Gov. DeSantis Taps Florida Lottery, Gambling Regulator to Join Migrant Crackdown
May 2, 2025

Gov. DeSantis Taps Florida Lottery, Gambling Regulator to Join Migrant Crackdown

Florida Gov. says state agencies like Florida Lottery and Gaming Commission will aid in migration enforcement Implementation details, such as ID requirements for lottery or alcohol purchases, remain unclear Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said...

Written by Philip Conneller
Ohio Social Studies Teacher Moonlighted as Illegal Gambling Kingpin
May 1, 2025

Ohio Social Studies Teacher Moonlighted as Illegal Gambling Kingpin

Vermilion High School teacher indicted on 23 felony counts, including money laundering and illegal gambling. Prosecutors allege use of shell companies to run unlicensed gaming machines and illegal bingo. If convicted, Edmison could face up...

Written by Philip Conneller
US Supreme Court Delivers Fatal Blow to Sault Tribe’s Detroit Casino Dream
May 1, 2025

US Supreme Court Delivers Fatal Blow to Sault Tribe’s Detroit Casino Dream

The Supreme Court declined to hear the Sault Tribe’s appeal over a denied casino land trust The tribe hoped to build a casino near Detroit, far from its Upper Peninsula base A prior court ruling...

Written by Philip Conneller
Poker’s Tom Dwan Tweets from London Mental Hospital in Psychological Distress
May 1, 2025

Poker’s Tom Dwan Tweets from London Mental Hospital in Psychological Distress

Concern for poker star Tom Dwan after disturbing tweets from mental facility Claims that intelligence agencies, medical staff, flight attendants conspiring to kill him Later tweeted he was “finally feeling a bit better” after ordeal...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oregon Lottery Winners Gain Right to Remain Anonymous
April 30, 2025

Oregon Lottery Winners Gain Right to Remain Anonymous

New law allows Oregon lottery winners to remain anonymous unless they provide written consent Bill bans resale of winning lottery tickets targeting underground ‘discounting’ industry Oregon lottery winners will no longer be paraded in front...

Written by Philip Conneller
Texas Lottery Votes to Ban Courier Industry Amid Political Firestorm
April 30, 2025

Texas Lottery Votes to Ban Courier Industry Amid Political Firestorm

TLC unanimously votes to ban lottery couriers Vote authorizes agency to revoke licenses of retailers that work with couriers Agency under pressure after syndicate gamed system for $96M jackpot The embattled Texas Lottery Commission (TLC)...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oregon Bans Betting on Dog Racing, Closes ADW Loophole
April 30, 2025

Oregon Bans Betting on Dog Racing, Closes ADW Loophole

Oregon closes ADW loophole by banning greyhound bets Animal welfare concerns drive legislative action Economic implications for state's racing industry The Oregon legislature has passed a bill to prohibit betting on dog racing. While greyhound...

Written by Philip Conneller