JR Duren

J.R. Duren has covered the gambling beats for more than a dozen states for Catena Media since 2015. His past reporting experience includes two years at the Villages Daily Sun, and he is a first-place winner at the Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Contest.

Posts by JR Duren:

$1.2 billion in slot jackpot payouts for Seminole Hard Rock in 2021

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Smashes Jackpot Record in 2021

Go big or go home. That seemed to be the motto at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino last year. This week the casino reported that it paid out a record-breaking $1.2 billion in slot jackpots. According to a company statement, the casino paid out more than 420,000 jackpots in 2021. That works out to about […]
Posted on: January 7, 2022 | JR Duren
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Top 4 party destinations in Miami for New Year's Eve

Where To Ring In The New Year In Miami

There’s a reason why Miami’s reputation is legendary.  The city is, arguably, the hub of fashion, culture and gambling in Florida and it knows how to throw one hell of a party. At no time is the city’s penchant for a good party on display more than on New Year’s Eve. Be prepared for bars, clubs, and […]
Posted on: December 29, 2021 | JR Duren
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Florida sports betting receives significant money boost by FanDuel

FanDuel Pours More Money Into Sports Betting Initiative In Florida

FanDuel is making sure the battle for sports betting in Florida is far from over. According to records from the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections (DOE), the well-known sportsbook and daily fantasy sports operator recently poured $4.4 million into an initiative to legalize sports betting in Florida. The Florida Education Champions, an entity spearheading […]
Posted on: December 27, 2021 | JR Duren
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Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood cashes in on ticket sales

Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Cashing In On Ticket Sales

As far as casinos go, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is fantastic. Its guitar-shaped architecture cuts into the South Florida skyline like a magnificent monolith. The Hard Rock Live theater is just as striking as an entertainment venue. Pollstar Magazine recently ranked the theater third in ticket sales for worldwide theatre venues in […]
Posted on: December 27, 2021 | JR Duren
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Florida Horse Racing App Announced By Bet MGM

Bet MGM Florida Announces A New Horse-Racing App

Bet MGM has announced the launch of the Bet MGM Horse Racing mobile app in Florida. The app gives bettors access to live races at more than 200 tracks worldwide. The app is also available in Lousiana and Ohio. Access for bettors abounds The Bet MGM horse racing app is far more interactive than the […]
Posted on: December 27, 2021 | JR Duren
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Pouring Millions of Dollars Into Elsewhere

Seminole Tribe Pouring Money To Sink Sports Betting Ballot Initiatives

Florida isn’t big enough for any other sports betting and casino operators. That’s the opinion of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. According to campaign finance activity reports from the Florida Division of Elections, the tribe has poured more than $10 million into a group called “Standing Up for Florida.” According to campaign finance activity reports […]
Posted on: December 13, 2021 | JR Duren
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Florida Sports Betting is the Anti-Santa of the Holidays, on Hold

Florida Sports Betting on Hold for the Holidays

It ended up being the anti-Santa. Florida sports betting magically appeared on Nov. 1 like a jelly-bellied St. Nicholas wiggling his way out of a fireplace into a quiet living room. And then, as quickly as he showed up, he left… and he took the presents with him. Formerly this past weekend, sports betting was […]
Posted on: December 8, 2021 | JR Duren
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Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming named next AGA chairman

Seminole Gaming’s CEO Allen To Head AGA Board

Jim Allen is leveling up. The Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock International chairman named the next chairman of the American Gaming Association‘s (AGA) board. He will replace Trevor Croker, whose two-year term ends in January. “I’m thrilled to welcome Jim as AGA chairman,” AGA President and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement. “Jim […]
Posted on: November 30, 2021 | JR Duren
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More responsible gambling programs in FL

Lawmakers Push To Expand Responsible Gambling Programs In Florida

A new bill, HB 405, would expand Florida’s responsible gambling program. The bill, sponsored by a Republican and a Democrat, is titled “Compulsive and Addictive Gambling and Prevention” and was filed with the House of Representatives on Monday. “The Legislature recognizes the potential for persons participating in authorized wagering or gambling activities to develop compulsive […]
Posted on: November 18, 2021 | JR Duren
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