
Archive: Vol-20-No-16-April-18-2022






U.K. to Ban Celeb and Sports Stars in Betting Ads
Part 2 of the GGB News special report on the U.K. crackdown, ahead of the release of a white paper on gambling reform, the U.K. will ban the use of celebrities and sports stars on advertisements for gambling, such as popular footballer Roy Keane (l.). The goal is to eliminate the harmful effects on children.





Fate of Gambling Ads Awaits U.K. Commission Ruling
One of the major issues floating around the U.K. is the fate of gambling ads, with and without team and player involvement. The industry says it need those ads to survive financially. Critics disagree.





Macau CE Supports Stricter Regs, ‘Big Destination’ Goals
Speaking at a parliamentary session last week, Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (l.) came out in support of rigorous amendments to local gaming laws, as well as plans to expand the city’s profile as a tourism destination. Both will be vital to Macau’s recovery in a post-Covid age.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: More Details Released on Three Gotham Casinos
New York State has included three casino licenses in the fiscal budget. Governor Kathy Hochul is accelerating the timeline and scrapping penalties due to earlier state casinos all in the name of casinos in or near New York City.
Melco, Studio City Could Be Delisted in U.S.
Twelve Chinese firms including gaming operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Studio City International may be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges for refusing to let officials view their internal audits.
Scandals Keep Australian Casino Industry on the Hot Seat
Back-to-back money laundering scandals involving Australia’s biggest gaming operators have lawmakers and analysts questioning monopolies in the states where casinos operate, and the validity of gaming halls everywhere.
Kansas and Missouri Try To One Up on Sports Betting
Kansas and Missouri are rushing to legalize sports betting to minimize cross-border competition for players. Rumors that the Kansas City Chiefs may move to Kansas if Missouri fails to act is making the debate somewhat acrimonious.
New York Governor Feels Blowback Over Seneca Payments
A New York state representative has called for a public hearing over the methods used by Governor Kathy Hochul to extract compact payments from the Seneca Nation. The tactics put the tribe on the precipice of economic disaster, according to Seneca President Matthew Pagels (l.).
Netherlands Reduces Illegal Online Gaming
Enforcement by the Dutch regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has dramatically reduced the number of online gaming sites illegally targeting Dutch residents. Chairman René Jansen (l.) made the announcement.
AGA Urges U.S. DOJ to Crack Down on Illegal Gaming
Bill Miller (l.), the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to intensify enforcement to eliminate unregulated, unlicensed so-called “skill games,” citing the threats to U.S. consumers posed by the machines.
Michigan Joins Multi-State Internet Gaming Association
Michigan has joined Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey as the fourth member state in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association, which allows participants to play poker together across state lines.
Nominations for 2022 Gaming Hall of Fame Class Now Open
Through May 27, the American Gaming Association is now accepting nominations for this year’s Gaming Hall of Fame. The new inductees will be announced in late summer and inducted at G2E Las Vegas in October.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Ready for the Reset?
We’re on the brink of first-quarter earnings report season, and, more importantly, on the brink of renewed financial guidance by the companies reporting those earnings.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Jennifer Weissman, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, and Todd George, Executive Vice President of Operations, Penn National Gaming
This week, the GGB Podcast features a discussion with Jennifer Weissman, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and Todd George, executive vice president of operations for Penn National Gaming on the changes going on with the company’s MyChoice loyalty program.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Robust Launch for Ontario Sportsbooks
Ontario, Canada’s new online sports betting and casino market has launched successfully—but not without its bumps. Some bettors had problems signing up and placing wagers.
U.S. Court Dismisses Bangladesh Bank Bloomberry Case
The New York Supreme Court has dismissed the lawsuit filed against Manila’s Bloomberry Resorts by Bangladesh Bank over alleged hacking, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Indian State Reconsiders Gaming Ban
Five years after banning gaming, the Indian state of Telangana is having second thoughts. Principal Secretary for IT, Electronics & Communications Jayesh Ranjan (l.) has written a bill to legalize some forms of gaming.
ONLINE GAMING More
Bally’s Purchases Stake in Snipp Interactive
Bally’s Corp. last week invested $5 million in Snipp Interactive Inc., a global provider of digital marketing promotions, rebates and loyalty solutions. The move will advance Bally’s movement into the omnichannel space.
IGT to Acquire iSoftBet
International Game Technology has agreed to acquire online gaming content supplier and third-party aggregator iSoftBet for a total of approximately €160 million in cash.
Virtual Casino Ordered to Stop Selling NFTs
Securities regulators in two U.S. states have ordered the online casino developer Sand Vegas Casino Club to cease and desist selling NFTs. The company allegedly sold unregulated securities and committed fraud.
TVG Halts Greyhound Bets
A prominent advance-deposit wagering bookmaker has discontinued betting on greyhound racing. It’s likely due to Oregon legislation that will prevent users from wagering in states where live racing is not legal.
iGaming Analysis Shows Benefits in Atlantic City
Atlantic City reached the peak of its success as a casino market in 2006. Then Pennsylvania opened casinos and revenues took a sharp decline. In 2013, online gambling buoyed the industry, according to a report on Wagers.com.
Pennsylvania Approves Continent 8 Gaming Cloud
Regulators in Pennsylvania have approved the launch of Continent 8 Technologies’ Gaming Cloud, the first regulated public cloud offering in the Keystone State.
Yolo Investments Buys into Enteractive
Yolo Investments, out of Ohio, has completed an equity investment in Enteractive. The undisclosed amount gives Yolo a non-controlling stake in the company known for iGaming retention and reactivation.
SPORTS BETTING More
Ohio State Officials Suggest Sports Betting Limits
As the Ohio Casino Control Commission writes sports betting rules in anticipation of a 2023 launch, Ohio State University officials have asked for limits on sports bets and increases in penalties for “coercion and cheating.”
D.C. Sports Betting App Pays for Super Bowl Crash
Intralot, the company that runs the only sports betting app in Washington, D.C., paid the city $500,000 in compensation after the app was unavailable to some users on Super Bowl Sunday, the biggest betting day of the year.
Arkansas Bettors Await Mobile Sportsbook
Saracen Casino Resort (l.) officials said their online sportsbook is ready to launch “but it’s out of our hands” for now as they work with external vendors. Southland’s Betly offers a betting platform only via Android.
Arizona Mulls Permanent Sports Betting Rules
Arizona is close to adopting permanent regulations governing sports betting. The Arizona Department of Gaming is holding hearings dealing with complaints on “parity” raised by gaming tribes who want licenses.
Maine Bill Would Keep Sports Bettors Close to Home
The Maine legislature is considering a bill that would allow residents to make sports betting wagers. Currently, those who want to do that are forced to cross the state line into New Hampshire and use a betting app.
Paysafe Expands Betsson Partnership
Paysafe has expanded its partnership with Betsson Group and its online sportsbook and casino brands, including Betsafe in Colorado, where traditional and alternative payment solutions will be offered.
Esports Betting Company Oddin.gg Scores First U.S. Activation
Oddin.gg has its first U.S. activation in New Jersey working with Esports Entertainment Group. Oddin also has a partnership with Betway which has licenses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana and Colorado.
Sportradar Acquires AI Specialist Vaix
Sportradar has acquired a company involved with the development of artificial intelligence for iGaming. The company, Vaix Limited, provides a more personalized experience for players.
William Hill Sets Aside Funds for Likely Violations
888, which is in the process of reviewing acquisition documents, has discovered that William Hill Group may end up with costly sanctions for violations. William Hill Group sets aside £15 million in case.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Billionaire Fertitta Buys Cripple Creek Casino
The billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment, Tilman Fertitta has purchased the Wildwood Casino and Hotel (l.) in Cripple Creek, Colorado. The resort will be rebranded as a Golden Nugget property.
Lawmakers Ban ‘Virginia is for Bettors’
The slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” is safe for now thanks to a bill signed by Governor Greg Youngkin banning gaming operators from using “Virginia Is for Bettors” in marketing materials effective July 1.
Fall Opening For Temporary Nebraska Casino
The temporary casino at Fonner Park racetrack (l.) in Grand Island, Nebraska is expected to open this fall with 200 slots and table games. It will become a storage facility when the permanent casino opens in 2025.
Chicago Casino Community Meetings Raise Concerns
Hard Rock, Bally’s and Rush Street Gaming, all vying for a Chicago casino license, met the public at three community meetings. Chicago residents expressed concerns about increased traffic, crime and gambling addiction.
Judge Orders Red Rock, Union Negotiations
A federal administrative law judge has ordered Nevada gaming group Station Casinos to negotiate a contract at its Red Rock Casino, after the Culinary Union urged state regulators to investigate the operator.
Kentucky: Gambling Not Hot-Button Issue
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (l.) legal gambling and medical marijuana are not be at the top of lawmakers’ agendas for the last two days of the upcoming legislative session.
Fifth Street, Ojos Locos to Develop Vegas’ First Latino-Focused Casino
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and Fifth Street Gaming have partnered to create the first casino in the U.S. centered around Latino culture. The Lucky Club Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, will be renovated and rebranded.
Sibella: RWLV Cash-Flow Positive Since Opening
At the recent International Casino Conference, Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella (l.) said the property is on an upward trajectory and is still in the black nearly a year after opening.
Philadelphia Reinstitutes Mask Mandate
The city of Philadelphia has reinstituted its mandate for masks to be worn inside locations including Live! Casino Philadelphia and Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
Caesars Revises Price in William Hill Sale
Caesars Entertainment announced a revision to the sale of the European William Hill assets to 888 Holdings, accepting less upfront cash than the original deal.
Mississippi Casino First to Accept Cryptocurrency
The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort (l.) in D’Iberville, Mississippi now accepts cryptocurrency via Everi’s B4U solution. It lets patrons convert digital currency into cash and casino operators to track disbursements in real time.
Former Indiana Legislator Faces Prison, Gaming Exec to Stand Trial
Former Indiana state Senator Brent Waltz (l.) pleaded guilty to taking illegal campaign funds from Centaur Gaming during a 2016 congressional run. He pleaded out before his trial, which was set to begin this week.
Tropicana Atlantic City Adds Eight F&B Outlets
As part of Caesars Entertainment’s $400 million investment in Atlantic City the company announced that it would introduce eight new dining and entertainment options to the Tropicana (l.), along with some gaming enhancements.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Sonoma County, Tribes Oppose Koi Casino Proposal
The board of supervisors of Sonoma County, California, have shown its support for five tribes in the county by opposing a casino proposed by the Koi Nation. The vote to support the other tribes was 5-0.
Washington Tribe Elects Five Women to Board
The board of directors of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington recently held an historic election. In March, the 1,200-member electorate picked five women to serve on the board. It was a first.
California Tribe Seeks County Endorsement
California’s Redding Rancheria is asking the Shasta County Board of Supervisors to support its proposal to relocate its Win-River Casino. The resort would be on off-reservation land the tribe wants to put into trust.
Graton Rancheria Wants to Expand Gaming, Add Tower
Graton Resort and Casino, one of California’s largest, could become much larger. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria propose to add a five story hotel room and expand its gaming floor by 144,000 square feet.
LOTTERY More
West Virginia Lottery Plans Online Ticket Option
In spring 2023, West Virginians will be able to purchase lottery games online. State Lottery Director John Myers said players will have to set up accounts and will be limited to $200 in daily purchases.
PEOPLE More
Nez Perce Tribe Adds Greene as Enterprise Executive Officer
Nikoli Greene has been appointed the new executive officer of the Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises. Greene, an enrolled tribal member, has served as the executive officer in an interim capacity since October 2021.
Mohegan Gaming Appoints Parker as Senior VP
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has appointed Nelson Parker as its new senior VP of strategic development. Parker will play a critical role in future growth and capital planning for the Connecticut tribal operator.
Cameron-Doe Leaves Aristocrat For Wynn
Julie Cameron-Doe’s last day as chief financial officer of Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. was Friday, April 15. In December, the company announced her resignation to join Wynn Resorts.
Griffin Named Washington State Gambling Commission Director
Tina Griffin has been named director of the Washington State Gambling Commission. Griffin has served as interim director since April 2021, and prior to that was the agency’s assistant director.
CIRSA Names Hostench as Group CEO
Grupo CIRSA has announced the appointment of Antonio Hostench as its new chief executive. The Spanish markets gambling group is owned by U.S.-based private equity group Blackstone.
SciPlay Adds Nick Earl to Board
Las Vegas-based SciPlay has appointed gaming industry veteran Nick Earl to its board of directors. Earl most recently was senior advisor for AviaGames, a mobile social competitive gaming company.
Quapaw Nation’s Barker Honored for Financial Leadership
Quapaw Nation Secretary-Treasurer Guy Barker was named Tribal Executive of the Year at NAFOA’s 40th annual leadership awards conference in Seattle last week.
BMM Testlabs Promotes McLaughlin to VP Quality Assurance
BMM Testlabs has promoted Tony McLaughlin to vice president of quality assurance services for North America. McLaughlin joined BMM in 2016 as a technical project manager.
Schwarz to Man the Kitchen at Emmitt’s
Rainer Schwarz (l.) has been appointed chef of the new Emmitt’s Las Vegas, a restaurant opening this spring at the city’s Fashion Show Mall on the Vegas Strip.
GOODS & SERVICES More
California’s San Manuel to Launch RG Program with UNLV
The San Manuel Entertainment Authority will partner with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute to create new responsible gaming practices at the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel near San Diego. Director of the Institute Bo Bernhard (l.) says it will create a “new level” of research.
JCM, Global Payments Provide Cashless Solutions
JCM Global has integrated its Fuzion system and iVizion bill validator with Global Payments’ VIP Mobility cashless gaming solution. The integrated product works for all casinos, regardless of their CMS provider.
IGT, Aristocrat Sign Cross-Licensing Agreement
International Game Technology PLC and Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. have singed a broad patent cross-licensing agreement related to game features and remote game server technologies.
Light & Wonder Provides Cashless Technology in Philippines
Light & Wonder said a “major integrated resort at Manila Bay” in the Philippines is an early adopter of its cashless, app-based Unified Wallet payment system.
Gaming Information Company AXES Acquires Assets for Cloud-Based Media Management Platform
AXES.ai, a gaming information and data management company, has acquired a new media management platform that looks to improve user experience and increase revenues for clients. The new platform will be called AXES.TV, according to CEO Earle Hall (l.).
Eclipse Gaming Selects Dynamic Gaming Solutions for NorCal Distribution
Gaming provider Eclipse Gaming will partner with Dynamic Gaming Solutions to be their distributor in Northern California. Dynamic Gaming will handle marketing, installation, and maintenance of Eclipse machines and products for the region.
Bluewater Resort & Casino to Install Quick Custom Intelligence Slot Platform
Arizona’s Bluewater Resort & Casino (l.) will implement a new game analytics program offered by Quick Custom Intelligence. The platform will track user interaction across the casino floor in order to better inform casino operators on how to arrange games or remove ones that aren’t performing well.
Aristocrat Launches ‘Hunt for Neptune’s Gold Diamond’
Aristocrat Gaming has launched a Class III version of the Class II hit Hunt for Neptune’s Gold, called Hunt or Neptune’s Gold Diamond, on the Arc Double cabinet.
Win Systems, GLI Expand Partnership
Win Systems and Gaming Laboratories International have signed a new collaboration agreement that will centralize all of Win’s certification needs through GLI. Win Systems CEO Eric Benchimol (l.) says GLI gives clients confidence in its products.
Sega Sammy Launches Lucky Fruits Link
Sega Sammy Creation has launched the progressive series Lucky Fruits Link in Asia, with the first installation already complete at a Macau casino with other markets to follow.
Shank Marketing, Kickapoo Casinos Strike New Partnership
Two Kickapoo Casino properties are partnering with Shank Marketing to grow their brand’s online presence. The Washington agency will work with Kickapoo to formulate new social media and digital marketing strategies.
Chambers, Fulwood to Launch Leader Networking Platform
Former Clarion Gaming executive Kate Chambers’ (l.) new company, Fulwood Media, is launching a news and networking platform for gaming professionals called the “Gaming Boardroom.”
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
ICE Panel Showcased Canada, LatAm Sports Betting
The Canadian Gaming Association and GLI Latin America were featured at the ICE London trade show outlining the positive outcome of online sports betting and casino games.
Win Systems to Showcase WIGOS CMS at NIGA
Win Systems will bring its WIGOS casino management system to this week’s National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) trade show, being held in Anaheim April 21-22.
Acres to Debut Precision Bonusing Platform at NIGA
Acres Manufacturing will demonstrate three custom bonuses including a first-of-its-kind mobile app at this week’s NIGA Indian trade show. Precision Bonusing combines bonusing, cashless and loyalty capabilities.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
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