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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

4211 stories by Philip Conneller

Bally’s Chicago Back on Track After Mob-Tainted Delay
May 16, 2025

Bally’s Chicago Back on Track After Mob-Tainted Delay

Bally’s resumes work following state review and vendor cleanup. Construction was paused after possible Mob-linked contractor appeared on-site. Regulators aim to keep organized crime out of casinos. Illinois regulators have given the green light for...

Written by Philip Conneller
Jón Jónsson Podcast Uncovers Fresh Leads in Search for Missing Poker Player
May 15, 2025

Jón Jónsson Podcast Uncovers Fresh Leads in Search for Missing Poker Player

Podcast uncovers new leads in poker player’s disappearance Irish police renew search efforts in Dublin locations Family praises cross-border cooperation with Europol and Gardaí A podcast that delved into the mysterious disappearance of Icelandic poker...

Written by Philip Conneller
Iowa Cops ‘Spied’ on Capitol Visitors with Betting Tech, Lawmaker Claims
May 15, 2025

Iowa Cops ‘Spied’ on Capitol Visitors with Betting Tech, Lawmaker Claims

Lawmaker says Capitol geofenced before student betting probe GeoComply software tracked apps without warrants, lawsuit alleges Surveillance sparked privacy outcry, tech access later revoked Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) trained geofencing technology on the...

Written by Philip Conneller
Oregon Knife Attacker Snoozed in Kitchen While Gambler Played Dead
May 15, 2025

Oregon Knife Attacker Snoozed in Kitchen While Gambler Played Dead

Attacker stabbed victim 15 times over gambling winnings Suspect fell asleep in kitchen after brutal assault Police found him hiding in building's garbage room An Oregon man has been sentenced to five years and 10...

Written by Philip Conneller
Study: Slot Machine RTP Warnings Backfire, Mislead Gamblers
May 14, 2025

Study: Slot Machine RTP Warnings Backfire, Mislead Gamblers

RTP messages make gamblers feel overly optimistic about winning House edge warnings performed better at lowering expectations Misunderstanding RTP could fuel risky gambling behavior Gambling regulators require that return-to-player (RTP) percentages be prominently displayed on...

Written by Philip Conneller
Las Vegas Bed Bug Epidemic? Luxor, Treasure Island Latest Named in Lawsuits
May 13, 2025

Las Vegas Bed Bug Epidemic? Luxor, Treasure Island Latest Named in Lawsuits

Guests claim bed bug bites caused hospital visits, trauma Lawsuits say infestations found in multiple hotel rooms Luxor and Treasure Island join growing list of cases The Luxor Hotel and Casino and Treasure Island are...

Written by Philip Conneller
UKB Signs Oklahoma Gaming Compact, Eyes Return to Tribal Casino Market
May 12, 2025

UKB Signs Oklahoma Gaming Compact, Eyes Return to Tribal Casino Market

UKB signs Model Tribal Gaming Compact with Oklahoma state UKB’s previous casino operation was shut down in 2013 due to legal issues Cherokee Nation not happy Twelve years after the Keetoowah Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah,...

Written by Philip Conneller
Taliban Outlaws Chess Amid Fears of Gambling, Sin
May 12, 2025

Taliban Outlaws Chess Amid Fears of Gambling, Sin

The Taliban suspended chess, citing gambling and religious incompatibility Chess federation dissolved under Afghanistan's hardline Islamist regime Ban adds to growing list of cultural and recreational restrictions The Taliban government in Afghanistan has banned chess...

Written by Philip Conneller
Chinese High Roller Settles Lawsuit with SkyCity, Junkets Over Missing $4.84M
May 9, 2025

Chinese High Roller Settles Lawsuit with SkyCity, Junkets Over Missing $4.84M

Chinese high roller alleged junket fraud after winning millions SkyCity and junket operator settled out of court this week Casino transferred chips without authorization, lawsuit claimed A Chinese high roller who sued Australia’s Sky City...

Written by Philip Conneller
US Sanctions Burmese Warlord, Ethnic Militia Over Scam Centers, Human Trafficking
May 9, 2025

US Sanctions Burmese Warlord, Ethnic Militia Over Scam Centers, Human Trafficking

US sanctions Burmese militia for cyber scams, trafficking crimes Karen National Army profiting from illegal gambling, scam compounds Victims coerced into fraud schemes in Myanmar border towns The US Treasury has sanctioned a powerful Burmese...

Written by Philip Conneller