Reporter:
Devin O'Connor is a senior reporter for Casino.org, covering politics, casino business, entertainment and gaming news on the East Coast.
Devin's passion for politics and background in the world of pop culture television gives him insight into the gaming industry backstories that often drive news these days.
After graduating from Penn State University with a theater arts degree, he worked at MTV Networks/Viacom from 2005 to 2010 as a writer and producer. His credits included Total Request Live, New Year's Eve specials, and a special featuring poker superstar Daniel Negreanu.
He later moved on to the HGTV/DIY Network, where he created, wrote, and produced three series specials: That's So House Hunters, That's So 80s, and That's So 90s.
Devin came on board with Casino.org in 2014. He lives in Pennsylvania and is an avid marathoner, having completed 15 races.
Contact Devin at [email protected].
Areas of Expertise
6504 stories by Devin O'Connor
CDC on Casino Smoking: ‘What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Your Lungs’
New research from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that even supposedly smoke-free sections of a casino floor still present considerable health dangers. MGM Resorts amid the COVID-19 pandemic announced that Park MGM -- formerly the Monte Carlo...
Emerald Queen Casino Riverboat Sold, Vessel Solidified Puyallup Tribe Sovereignty
The original Emerald Queen Casino riverboat that helped assure the economic sovereignty of the Puyallup Tribe in Washington more than a quarter-century ago has been sold. One of 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington, the Puyallup Tribe, like so many other Native...
WinStar World Casino Resort Partners With Lucas Oil for Expansion
WinStar World Casino Resort in Thackerville, Okla., is already one of the world's largest casinos. It's about to get bigger. Spread across numerous casinos, each with a distinct theme, WinStar offers nearly 10,500 slot machines and electronic gaming positions, plus more than...
Missouri Sports Betting Bills Move Forward, VLT Legislation Dead
Missouri sports betting bills progressed out of their respective legislative committees in Jefferson City this week. House Bill 556, House Bill 581, and Senate Bill 30 all found favor in their committees on Thursday. HB556 and HB581 both unanimously passed the House...
Shuttered Majestic Star Casino Hotel Serving as SWAT Training Ground Before Demolition
The former Majestic Star Casino Hotel in Gary, Ind., is set for demolition. But before the 300-room, four-story structure is brought down, the property is being utilized for SWAT and police training exercises. Organized through US Sen. Mike Braun's office (R-Indiana) in...
President Biden’s Resort Fee Crackdown Opposed by American Gaming Association
President Joe Biden is targeting resort fees and other so-called "junk" charges that hotels and casinos often tack on to an advertised rate at the end of the booking process. But the nation's leading casino lobbying group -- the American Gaming Association...
Albany Sheriff’s Employee Allegedly Stole $68K in Civil Forfeiture Funds to Gamble
A former employee with the Albany County Sheriff's Office in New York has been charged with grand larceny in the second degree and five counts of forgery -- all felonies -- for allegedly stealing $68K to cover his gambling habit. A recent...
$1.35B Mega Millions Winner Comes Forward in Maine, Picks One-Time Cash Option
The Mega Millions winner of the $1.35 billion jackpot hit on Jan. 13 has come forward in Maine, but they're utilizing a newly formed limited liability company (LLC) to limit their public exposure. The January 2023 drawing was only the fourth time...
President Joe Biden’s Approval Rating Improves Along with 2024 Odds
President Joe Biden's first two years in the Oval Office were marked by the country's emergence from the deepest perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, record inflation, and increased political polarization. But the latest polling suggests an increasing number of Americans generally approve...
Michigan iGaming Sets Monthly Revenue Record, Online Sportsbook Win Retracts
Michigan iGaming revenue reached a new monthly record in January as online casinos operated by commercial and tribal interests won nearly $153.7 million. Tallying $153,694,392.91, officials with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said January's iGaming haul represents a 27% year-over-year increase...