Industry Expertise
J.R. has covered gaming for more than a decade. He has more than 500 news bylines at PlayUSA alone.
Catena Media
Freelance reporter
2015-present
Freelance writer and editor
2013-present
J.R. Duren
Editorial Background
J.R. has served as an editor and reporter at a daily newspaper and at prominent personal finance sites such as Investopedia and CNN Underscored.
Awards & Achievements
He's won three Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism awards.
PlayUSA Specialities
Breaking news on gambling revenue, iGaming legislation, state launches of legal betting products
Posts by J.R. Duren
Daily Average Revenue Jumps Nearly $1.2 Million for US Online Casinos in February
Despite a shorter month, US online casinos saw a daily revenue boost. Read our breakdown of February’s iGaming winners and 2026 revenue projections.
bet365 Becomes Fourth Major Operator to Exit AGA Amid Prediction Market Rift
bet365 has officially departed the American Gaming Association, joining FanDuel and DraftKings. Discover why the rise of prediction markets is fracturing the industry.
Park MGM to Launch High-Roller Salon Featuring Influencer Streaming
Park MGM adds a luxury gaming salon to its West Strip lineup, offering an exclusive experience for Golden Knights fans and BetMGM members.
Monmouth Park’s Bold Gamble: Can Real Estate Save Horse Racing?
Monmouth Park Racetrack proposes a massive expansion including hotels and sports facilities. Discover why Oceanport residents and Mayor Tom Tvrdik are pushing back.
Kentucky Moves to Ban College Prop Bets and Raise Gambling Age to 21
A Kentucky House committee has approved HB 904, a bill that would raise the gambling age to 21, tax daily fantasy sports, and ban collegiate prop bets.
The Bettor Health Act: Massachusetts Moves to Redefine the Sports Wagering Landscape
Massachusetts may soon ban in-game betting and televised gambling ads. Explore the details of the Bettor Health Act and its plan to mandate bettor affordability checks.
Getting to know J.R. Duren
J.R. Duren is a reporter and editor who has covered a wide range of topics in gaming and beyond. He has written for Gaming Today for more than a year, covering gaming legislation, revenue, and iGaming developments.
He has covered gaming for more than a decade. His past experience includes covering the launch of sports betting in New Jersey. He has interviewed gaming stakeholders and experts from several fields, including regulation and responsible gaming. Beyond gaming, J.R. covered community news at The Villages Daily Sun. At the Daily Sun, he won three awards from the Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism contest, including first place for health writing.
J.R. lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a Jacksonville Jaguars fan.
Professional Experience
Education
Bethel Seminary
MDiv
2007
Southern California Bible College
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
2002
J.R.’s writing from across the web
- Gaming Today, US Online Casino Round-Up
- The Lines, Legal Vs. Illegal Super Bowl Betting
- PlayNJ, Buffalo Gold Power Max Debuts in New Jersey
Favorite Gambling Movie
Rounders
Favorite Sports Teams
Jacksonville Jaguars, 23XI (NASCAR)
Tip for Young Writers
Find your voice.
Q&A with J.R. Duren
Beginners, but also anyone devoted to following the evolution of online gambling.
My home office: two monitors and a standing desk.
Playing beach volleyball or performing at open mics.
By finding the primary source of the information I’m looking for.
