By Robert Fletcher   Mon, Mar 31, 2025

NBA basketball legend Charles Barkley has said he would be interested in being part of an investment group that would own a majority stake in a new casino in Alabama.

Speaking to AL.com on March 28, Barkley said he would “love” to be part of any potential Alabama casino project. Lawmakers in Alabama are believed to be working on a bill that would allow casinos to open in the state.

Alabama last year came close to legalizing several forms of gambling, including casinos and sports betting. A bill passed the House of Representatives, but a trimmed-down version lost by a single vote in the Senate.

Barkley, an Alabama native, has previously declared his support for legal gambling in the state. He said it would help generate additional tax revenue for Alabama.

When asked about potentially joining a casino project, Barkley said: “I would love to be part of it. It just has to be in the right location.”

Senator Keen on African-American Casino Ownership

Furthermore, black lawmakers are calling for a provision for at least one casino with African-American majority ownership. This is according to Democrat Senator Bobby Singleton.

“I have been in conversation with the potential sponsor,” he said. “One of the things I’ve asked for in the bill for us to fully support it is some African American ownership — not just people working in the place.

“Because it’s my people who walk through those doors more frequently than anyone else, we should at least have some ownership so that we could also be good corporate citizens in our communities.”

As for where the casino would be located, Singleton said he is keen for the venue to be built in Birmingham, Alabama’s largest city.

Incidentally, Wind Creek Hospitality last year announced it would purchase the Birmingham Racecourse. At the time, the Poarch Creek tribe, which owns Wind Creek, said it was seeking to create a “premier entertainment destination” at the site.

“I look forward to working with Mr. Barkley and whoever wants to sit down at the table and see if we can craft language to make sure we have some ownership participation in this process,” Singleton added. “That’s what I look forward to.”

Barkley played in the NBA for a total of 16 seasons. He is an 11-time NBA All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

The Nevada Gaming Commission has signed off on a $10.5 million fine for Resorts World Las Vegas, the second-highest penalty ever levied against a state gaming company.

In a discussion that lasted less than an hour, the Nevada Gaming Commission March 27 finalized a $10.5 million fine for Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) over historic anti-money laundering (AML) violations, per iGB.

The approval was unanimous with a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Abbi Silver recusing herself from the matter. She cited a longstanding relationship with Scott Sibella, former RWLV president. Sibella last May was sentenced to a year of probation and later had his Nevada gaming licence revoked for AML violations during his tenure at the MGM Grand.

RWLV’s fine represents the second-largest penalty ever for a Nevada gaming company. The state legalized casino gaming in 1931.

Wynn Resorts still holds the record for its $20 million fine from 2019, which stemmed from the company’s failure to address sexual assault allegations against founder Steve Wynn. Additionally, Wynn himself also later paid a $10 million settlement related to the matter.

Given that RWLV’s failures were directly related to gaming operations, there was some belief that its penalty could match or exceed Wynn’s. But it was not to be, and commissioners had few questions or comments before approving the fine.

The lone voice to comment on the matter at length was Commissioner Brian Krolicki. He called the scandal “a profound teachable moment for the industry” and acknowledged the severity of the violations. He also expressed a desire to move on and put an end to the saga, as did his fellow commissioners.

“Oh my goodness, the reading of the complaints, it’s breathtaking,” he said. However, Krolicki asserted he would “yield to the wisdom of the people who negotiated this,” alluding to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Nevada is unique in that it has a two-tier regulatory structure, with the control board reporting to the commission.

“I believe this is a wonderful fix and a new pivot for Resorts World,” Krolicki said. “I also believe this is a clarion call up and down that street [Las Vegas Strip] that these rules are to be adhered to perfectly.”

In some ways, the approved settlement is a positive for RWLV in that it offers closure. However, the casino still faces an uphill climb, both financially and reputationally. On March 26, RWLV announced it had laid off dozens of full-time employees.

“To best position the company, we have made the difficult decision to restructure a portion of our operations by less than 50 full-time team members,” the casino said in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions all affected team members have made. This decision is part of our ongoing efforts to optimize efficiency and maximize the exceptional experience we seek to deliver to our guests.”

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

New Jersey followed Nevada in legalizing casinos and now the Garden State has done the same in sending a cease-and-desist to Kalshi, the controversial New York-based prediction market.

On March 27, New Jersey became the latest state to issue a cease-and-desist order against Kalshi.

Hours before the tip of the Sweet 16, the New Jersey Attorney General’s office served notice to Kalshi that the prediction market allegedly facilitated “unauthorized sports wagers” within state lines. Over the first weekend of the NCAA men’s division I basketball tournament, Kalshi users placed nearly $250 million on event contracts nationwide.

Within the letter, the office made a request to Kalshi urging the company to void all wagers placed by New Jersey residents inside the state. The state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) issued the letter. The DGE also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Robinhood, an online brokerage platform that is partnering with Kalshi on March Madness event contracts.

For this year’s NCAA tournament, Newark is hosting the East Regional for the first time since 2011. One regulation in New Jersey prohibits legal sports wagering on college sports events inside the Garden State. Prior to the regional semifinals March 27, Duke star Cooper Flagg admitted that his teammates have received angry messages from gamblers on social media in response to a variety of betting props.

Yet Kalshi still offered in-game event contracts on Alabama-BYU, the first game of that day’s doubleheader. The Crimson Tide led the Cougars 46-38 at the 2:11 mark of the first half. At the time, a contract on Alabama to prevail contained an 84 percent probability on Kalshi. For a user to win $100 on the contract, he needed to place more than $650 on the derivative.

According to the letter from the DGE, Kalshi has until 11:59 p.m. ET March 28 to cease all sports wagering activity “targeting” New Jersey residents. Failure to comply with the directive will prompt the division to take “further enforcement actions,” including any measures available under New Jersey law, DGE Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty wrote.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Fertitta increases Wynn stake, Louisiana nixes HHR, Bally’s Bronx proposal gets the cold shoulder, and more.

Fertitta Ups Wynn Stake While Preparing for Ambassador Role

Houston-based billionaire Tilman Fertitta has again increased his stake in Wynn Resorts, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings submitted March 25.

According to the SEC filings, Fertitta made three purchases from 21-24 March to bring his stake to 12.6 million shares. Through his various companies, he now controls 11.8 percent of the casino powerhouse. Wynn declined to comment on the stake increase and pointed to Fertitta’s 13G status.

Fertitta’s increase comes days after he pledged to step down as CEO of conglomerate Fertitta Entertainment if he is confirmed as the next U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino. In addition to Golden Nugget, Fertitta’s business holdings also include the Landry’s restaurant chain and the NBA’s Houston Rockets franchise. President Donald Trump announced his nomination as ambassador in December.

In a March 16 letter to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, Fertitta said he would resign as his company’s CEO and also forfeit his potential severance from the company. Much like his stake in Wynn, he indicated he would only remain in a passive capacity during his ambassadorship.

Louisiana Supreme Court Strikes Down HHR

On March 21, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that historical horse ruling (HHR) is in fact considered a new form of gaming, meaning that it was improperly legalized in 2021 and should have been approved via referendum by local voters. At that time, HHR was grandfathered into existing parimutuel regulations, but lawsuits were filed challenging that interpretation.

The state’s Supreme Court has agreed with a lower court that moving forward the games will have to be subject to “approval by local option vote in an affected parish before historical horse racing is licensed or permitted to be conducted in that parish.”

Four horse tracks in the state had been offering HHR, but it is unclear at this time whether they will pursue local referendums to get the games back.

“We are disappointed with the recent ruling from the Louisiana Supreme Court declaring Act No. 437 unconstitutional,” a spokesperson for Churchill Downs told Bloodhorse.  “When passed in 2021, Act No. 437 provided a critical framework that authorized historical horse racing as pari-mutuel wagering. The legislature encouraged and authorized operators, such as Fair Grounds, to advance horse racing and strengthen its economic viability in Louisiana. … As a result of this law, we made investments to bolster the horse racing industry, foster job creation and support local communities. This recent court ruling directly and adversely negates this progress.”

Community Board Rejects Bally’s NY Proposal

Community Board 10, an advisory board made up of Bronx, New York, residents and officials with a non-binding vote on proposed casino projects in its district, voted 29-5 against a proposed Bally’s hotel-casino complex at what is now called Bally’s Links at Ferry Point. The golf course was formerly owned by President Donald Trump’s organization.

The vote, on March 20, came after a contentious meeting dominated by heated argument and expletives from the board as an audience member was removed. It followed the city Planning Board’s decision to re-map and rezone what is now parkland to permit the project’s 500-room hotel, 200,000-square-foot casino and 2,000-seat event center.

The board’s vote is advisory and marks the first step in a lengthy public review process that will see the Bally’s proposal move to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, followed by the Bronx Borough Board, the Department of City Planning, the City Council and, ultimately, the mayor’s office.

Bally’s is among 11 contenders for three downstate casino licenses expected to be awarded by the end of 2025.

Rolling Stone Casino Coming to Las Vegas?

Penske Media Corp., which owns the U.S. music media brand Rolling Stone, is in talks with CIM Group to purchase the Downtown Grand Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, according to Vital Vegas.

A separate report from Billboard asserts that Penske would rebrand the property as the Rolling Stone Hotel and Casino. If the project comes to fruition, the consensus is that the property could be the new home of the Life Is Beautiful music festival, which is owned by Penske but was not held this year and faces an uncertain future.

Neither report included a timeline as to when a deal could materialize. CIM has tried in vain to sell the property for several years, but so far has been unable to find a buyer.

Report: NV Tourism Worth Nearly $100 Billion

The Nevada Resort Association (NRA) March 26 released its latest report on the state’s hospitality industry, conducted by Applied Analysis. According to the report, the industry drives $98 billion in total economic impact, which equates to 37 percent of Nevada’s overall GDP.

In terms of employment, the industry supports over 436,000 jobs, which translates to 28 percent of the state’s total employment. Total wages are $24.4 billion, just under a quarter (22 percent) of all wages paid in the state.

“We’re very encouraged by the signs that the industry is strong,” NRA President and CEO Virginia Valentine said in a statement. “It continues to show growth both in the revenue it provides and employment across all metrics. The Fact Book shows the role that tourism and gaming play in the state’s economy. It’s the largest for employment, taxes, economic activity, and health insurance.”

Indiana Casino Study Bill Draws Pushback from Licensees

Senate Bill 43, a bill that would have allowed the Indiana Gaming Commission to commission a study on potential relocation areas for a poor-performing casino, was amended to only take place with available funding, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Lawmakers also reduced the number of relocation sites the study would propose from three to two.

Earlier this year, Full House Resorts failed in its attempt to pass legislation that would have allowed the company to relocate its Rising Star casino from Rising Sun to New Haven, and SB43 was drafted as a response.

However, existing licensees have expressed displeasure at the bill, which would also allow for the possibility of another license to be awarded altogether. Jim Purucker, a lobbyist for Caesars Entertainment, told lawmakers that the industry views the bill as being “tremendously destabilizing,” per the Chronicle.

“It’s just not how we treat any other industry,” he continued. “We don’t talk about, you know, how we want to put other competitors in place with other industries.”

Supreme Court Tosses Wynn’s Defamation Appeal

The U.S. Supreme Court March 24 declined to consider an appeal from former casino mogul Steve Wynn regarding a defamation case Wynn filed against the Associated Press that was ultimately dismissed by the Nevada Supreme Court.

Wynn and his legal team specifically wanted the court to consider the precedent of “actual malice,” which was set in the landmark New York Times v. Sullivan case from 1964. Under that precedent, public figures must prove that offending information was published with the knowledge that it was false, or with reckless disregard as to whether it was false, in order to win a libel suit. Wynn is not the first public figure to try to overturn that precedent, but thus far the court has not budged from its stance in the Sullivan case.

In 2018, Wynn filed a defamation suit against the AP over a story that included sexual assault allegations against him from the 1970s. The two claims were taken from Las Vegas police records, and in a separate case a Nevada court deemed one of the claims to be “clearly fanciful or delusional.”

Despite this, the state Supreme Court decided that the case did not meet the threshold of “actual malice,” and the nation’s top court appears to have agreed. Wynn has denied all accusations against him and now lives a reclusive life in Florida.

Former Fiesta Henderson Site Back on Market

The city of Henderson, Nevada is putting a 35-acre parcel back on the market after a negotiating period with a prospective buyer lapsed without a deal in late February, according to a March 24 report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The city bought the site, which used to feature Station Casinos’ Fiesta Henderson property, from Station in 2022 for $32 million.

In January 2024, the city opened an RFP process looking for development partners, and in August it was announced that Utah-based Woodbury Corp. was chosen as the winner. Woodbury had proposed a sprawling complex that included hotels, dining and retail options, an indoor sports facility and more.

Now that the agreement has lapsed, the Review-Journal said the parcel will be put back up for sale soon, perhaps by the end of the summer.

F1 Delays Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza Opening

The public opening for Formula One’s (F1) Grand Prix Plaza complex in Las Vegas has been delayed until May 2, the company announced March 26. The facility was originally slated to open March 29. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, no details were given for the delay other than a desire to “ensure an excellent guest experience.”

The four-level building is F1’s home base in the city, and will feature a retail store and other fan experiences. It will close to the public each year in September to allow for race preparations. The race takes place in late November, during the weekend before Thanksgiving.

11 Gaming Companies Honored in Top Workplaces Survey

On the fifth annual Top Workplaces USA awards, presented by USA Today and Energage, a total of 11 companies from the gaming industry earned honors, according to a March 25 report from CDC Gaming. The awards were organized in categories based on the number of employees.

Gaming industry honorees for this year included:

• DraftKings
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City
• Penn Entertainment
• Station Casinos
• American Gaming Systems (AGS)
• Sycuan Casino Resort in California
• Churchill Downs Incorporated
• Santa Ana Star Casino Resort in New Mexico
• Valley View Casino and Hotel in California
• Viejas Casino and Resort in California
• Miccosukee Casino and Resort in Florida

By Nicole Macedo   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

UKGC targets promotions in latest update, Irish regulator forms industry panel, Merkur data breach raises questions and more.

U.K. Regulator Bans Cross-Sell Promotions

The U.K. Gambling Commission is banning licensed operators from offering multi-product promotions as they are “potentially harmful.” In a promotions update released March 26, the regulator has placed a ban on mixed product promotional offers, meaning operators will no longer be able to cross-sell players between certain verticals.

Bonus re-stakes will also be capped at 10, according to the marketing and promotions update. This, the regulator said, is due to heightened risk for players when gambling across multiple products, rather than a single one.

“There is also the risk that mixed product promotions confuse consumers because of complex terms and conditions,” the note said.

The commission said capping the wagering requirement at 10 would decrease the likelihood of harm and improve transparency.  These changes follow a government consultation carried out in 2023, as part of the Gambling Act reform and subsequent white paper.

Commenting on the Gambling Commission promotions update, Tim Miller, executive director for research and policy, said: “These changes will better protect consumers from gambling harm and give consumers much better clarity on, and certainty of, offers before they decide to sign up.”

Ireland’s Regulator to Establish Stakeholder Advisory Group

Ireland’s gambling regulator (GRAI) will establish an industry panel to ensure its views are heard and considered while forming regulations, it told iGB March 25.

Earlier this month, the GRAI officially came into force with the appointment of seven new staff members. However, GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield has been in the role since 2022, to help establish the regulator and guide its setup.

Speaking to iGB, Caulfield said the body was seeking to establish a panel of industry advisors to ensure the sector is involved in establishing the market’s standards.

GRAI’s industry panel will be one of many, as it will form a “lived experience panel” to share accounts of individuals who have suffered gambling harm.

The regulator was formed under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, passed in October to establish a regulatory framework for gambling in Ireland.

Merkur’s Player Data Breach Raises Further Security Concerns in Germany?

A player data breach across Merkur Group’s gambling sites in Germany has raised concerns around the risks associated with cyber-attacks on the sector.

In this case, the German regulator (GGL) and impacted suppliers have said the cyber security incident was resolved, but stakeholders believe the regulator could face its own data protection breach if hackers use the player data to access further personal details.

One local legal expert told iGB the regulator has a host of measures it could use to reprimand the failings, which saw up to 800,000 players have their banking and sign-up data breached across a number of Merkur’s sites.

In terms of data protection, the regulator could also be at risk in this case, as it is responsible for its own data processing.

If hackers were to submit a request to the GGL using the breached player IDs, they could obtain further data on these respective players.

An ethical hacker named Lilith Wittmann first discovered the breach earlier in the year and published an exposé on her Medium account, calling for tighter restrictions on player data across gambling websites.

Croatia Updating Gambling Laws to Tackle Black Market

Croatia has introduced changes to its gambling laws, including strengthened advertising restrictions and tax increases. Local experts warn increased taxes could drive consolidation and market exits. Will these changes help tackle growing black-market concerns?

The planned changes focus heavily on tackling “aggressive” advertising, which the government believes is currently fueling problem gambling in Croatia.

Other changes would include the introduction of a self-exclusion scheme and the prohibition of self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) as well as higher tax rates.

Marko Tomic, partner at local law firm Siketić & Tomić, told iGB these reforms will mark the first changes to the Croatian gambling laws in over a decade.

Tomic said the reasoning is to protect minors from underage betting, as political pressure has been growing. The second reason is a desire to protect legal companies from the growing black market.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Massachusetts takes aim at Robinhood, Oklahoma bills advance and bet365 exits China.

Massachusetts Probes Robinhood, Proposes In-Game Ad Ban

Robinhood is facing pressure from officials in Massachusetts as the Final Four approaches.  The state’s top securities regulator launched an investigation into the online exchange last week at the start of the tournament.

In an interview with Reuters, Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin blared alarm bells over the new trading product at Robinhood. In particular, Galvin expressed unease at the link between a popular sports event and a brokerage exchange that is available to young customers.

“This is just another gimmick from a company that’s very good at gimmicks to lure investors away from sound investing,” Galvin told the outlet March 24. Galvin’s office sent a subpoena to Robinhood last week with an inquiry concerning the number of Massachusetts residents who traded contracts on the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments during the early rounds.

A Robinhood spokesman noted that event contracts are regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC is set to convene a roundtable next month on the near-term implications of event contracts on sports. A host of tribal gaming entities support a blanket prohibition on the derivatives, contending that they expressly mirror sports betting, which is regulated by the states.

Elsewhere, Massachusetts Sen. John Keenan touted a new bill at a State House event March 26. The “Bettor Health Act,” proposed by Keenan, seeks to enact a prohibition on sports betting commercials during live sports events.

The act also contains proposed bans on in-game wagering and prop bets. Finally, Keenan seeks to more than double the corporate tax rate on sports betting gross gaming revenues. If passed, the rate would increase to 51 percent, which would tie New York and New Hampshire for the highest in the nation.

The bill would require operators to double their contributions to the commonwealth’s Public Health Trust Fund, which supports gambling addiction treatment services. Keenan has drawn comparison to the rise in problem gambling with some of the public health issues that arose during the Opioid Crisis.

“If we don’t see the similarities, we’re going to find ourselves again so far behind trying so hard to create an infrastructure to address it,” Keenan said, per NBC Boston.

Oklahoma Bills Advance in Spite of Stitt’s Plans for Vetoes

Several Oklahoma bills passed through the state legislature this week, despite continued opposition from Gov. Kevin Stitt.

Two bills authored by Rep. Ken Luttrell passed through the House by an overwhelming margin. The first, HB 1047, enables tribal gaming compacts to be amended throughout the state for inclusion of sports wagering. The bill requires at least four tribal groups to amend their compacts. The next, HB 1101, would put the decision of legalizing sports betting up for a referendum.

Under the proposed bills, the state would receive 10 percent of operator revenues from sports wagering. Stitt has vowed to veto any legislation that grants the tribes exclusivity.

“These are tribal-pushed bills that are only going to benefit the tribes and not the citizens of Oklahoma,” said Stitt this week.

The legislature can override a veto by passing a bill with two-thirds majority. Also this week, SB 585 passed in the Senate. The bill would grant the Oklahoma City Thunder the right to receive a sports betting license. The Thunder, who hold the NBA’s best record at 61-12, are the favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook to win the 2025 championship.

Bet365 Exits Chinese Market

Bet365 informed customers that it will cease operations in China, removing a major obstacle in a potential M&A deal.

The company’s gray market activities in China have long provided a source of controversy. Now that it has launched a regulated market, analysts at Regulus Partners described China’s as bet365’s last “material dark grey market,” iGB writes. With the departure from China, more than 90 percent of bet365’s revenues come from domestically regulated markets, according to Regulus.

By extricating itself from the illegal markets abroad, bet365 may become an attractive acquisition candidate in the U.S. In the 12-month period ending in March 2024, bet365 generated revenues of £3.7 billion, up 9 percent from the previous year, and operating profits of £397 million. The company could command a multiple comparable to Flutter at 18x of adjusted EBITDA, according to newsletter Earnings + More. At that rate, bet365’s valuation may approach $10 billion.

At the moment, bet365 is live in 13 U.S. states, with Missouri poised to launch sports betting in the second half of the year. When bet365 notched a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals March 24, it became the MLB team’s first mobile sports betting partner.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Vallejo tribal casino faces new lawsuit, Potawatomi Nation reclaims land in Illinois, Casino Del Sol grapples with virus incident and more.

California Tribes Sue DOI Over Vallejo Casino Approval

Three California tribes—the United Auburn Indian Community, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation—have all filed federal lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) over its January approval of a Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians casino project in Vallejo.

The approval was one of several that came in the last days of former President Joe Biden’s term, and the Vallejo project has been especially controversial because it is considered off-reservation, which historically have been nearly impossible to obtain approval for. Before securing approval earlier this year, the Scotts Valley Band project was denied by both the first Trump administration and the Obama administration.

In addition to a casino, the $700 million project is also slated to include an administration building, single-family residences, a 45-acre biological preserve area and more. Opponents accuse the DOI of violating several tribal and environmental laws by approving the project.

“The approval of this casino is a blatant violation of federal law and sets a dangerous precedent for tribes that have followed the established rules for Indian gaming,” said Auburn Chairman John Williams, per the Mercury News. “For decades, our tribe has worked to uphold the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and prevent opportunistic gaming proposals that ignore history and harm responsible tribal governments.”

In response, Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis said: “This anti-competitive lawsuit was completely expected, and it doesn’t change our approach and commitment to the project. We are moving forward in collaboration with the local community just as we have been…“We are confident that the Department of the Interior followed the law in its thorough review of our application and that our tribal land will remain in trust. We plan to join the United States in defending and upholding this decision.”

Potawatomi Reclaim Land in Illinois

On March 21, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker authorized the state’s Department of Natural Resources to transfer ownership of the 1,500-acre Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

The tribe has vowed not to develop the park for a casino or other commercial project, and a proposed bill (SB 867) would establish a land management agreement to keep the park open for public recreation. Sen. Mark Walker, the bill’s sponsor, said he has worked on the bill with the tribe since 2018.

“This moment reflects the power of collaboration and the shared desire to build a future rooted in justice and respect,” Potawatomi Chairman Joseph ‘Zeke” Rupnick said in a statement. “Illinois has shown true courage and vision by leading the way in the Land Back movement, demonstrating that healing and reconciliation are possible.”

Tucson Casino Closes Event Due to Virus Concerns

Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. March 22 shut down the Wild Wild West Steampunk Con, citing health concerns, according to News 4 Tucson.

A vendor at the show told the outlet that the casino “didn’t tell us anything and that was concerning. They just said it was a medical evacuation and that they had to get everyone out of the ballroom where the vendors were at and that they were shutting down the Hotel Casino where all the vendors and people were staying as well and that we all had to leave. We had two hours to break down everything and get out of the building.”

Casino Del Sol later posted the following statement to its Facebook page: “This afternoon a member of a group staying at Casino Del Sol informed management that a member of their group had a contagious virus and a few others were showing symptoms. Out of caution we informed the group they should stop the remainder of their festivities. The health and welfare of our guests and team members is of paramount importance and we will provide updates as needed. Casino Del Sol remains open for business.”

Mohegan Sun Adds New Sales VP

Mohegan Sun March 24 announced that Kimberly Stone has been appointed as its next vice president of sales and marketing. Simone has been with the company since 2023, when she joined as director of sales.

“Kim Simone has demonstrated exceptional insight into market trends, and will now have a well-deserved promotion to VP as she oversees the impressive, large-scale and diverse sales and marketing strategy for Mohegan Sun’s meetings and conventions,” Mohegan Sun President & General Manager Jeffrey Hamilton said in a statement. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the executive team. Her leadership, expertise and dedication in delivering exceptional experiences for our meeting planners, major groups, and guests is a tremendous asset to Mohegan Sun.”

By Marjorie Preston   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Thai casino bill moves forward, Philippine officials struggle with POGO enforcement, Wynn touts UAE prospects and more.

Thailand Casino Bill Approved by Cabinet

On March 27, Thailand cabinet members passed the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalize casino resorts in the country.

Legal casino gambling been the subject of lengthy debate in the kingdom, and sparked multiple street protests. But during a recent public comment period, 80 percent of residents gave thumbs-up to the proposal.

The industry is expected to lure billions in international investment, boost tourism and create tens of thousands of new jobs. It will also generate an estimated 39.4 billion baht (US$1.16 billion) in annual tax revenue.

If approved in parliament and the senate, the entertainment complexes will be developed in tourism hotspots throughout the country, including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi and the capital of Bangkok. The measure also must be approved by the monarch, Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The bill retained a clause mandating that residents pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht to enter and play at a casino. They would also have to demonstrate a bank balance of at least 50 million baht. Lawmakers briefly considered removing the “millionaire’s clause,” which could create what is essentially a foreigners-only market.

The bill is subject to amendment in the next phase of review.

Eighty percent of Thai citizens say they support the development of “entertainment complexes” with casinos. At the same time, a new poll shows strong opposition to the proposed legislation.

According to Bloomberg, 70,000 Thailand residents participated in a public comment period overseen by the Ministry of Finance.

“Our economy once grew exponentially, but it is difficult right now, as we lack a new growth engine,” said Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, as quoted by The Nation. Julapun called the new industry a potential “game-changer.”

“The country needs a sizeable level of investment in key attractions to attract both frequent travelers and first-time visitors,” agreed Kevin Clayton of Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group in comments to the Bangkok Post. Galaxy is one of many global companies interested in the new market, including MGM Resorts International, Genting Singapore, Melco Resorts & Entertainment and the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

According to projections, entertainment complexes with gaming could more than double annual tourism revenue and create tens of thousands of new jobs. In 2024, visitors to the country generated 172 billion baht (US$47.1 billion) in revenue, or about 12 percent of GDP.

But a poll from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reflects lingering concerns. About one-third of those surveyed said legal casinos could bring new crime including money laundering to the country. An additional 28 percent said they are worried about increased risks for problem gambling. Others wondered why the government has not conducted a public referendum on the proposal.

Despite the controversy, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s pledge not to rush passage of the bill, officials have already identified four locations for the entertainment complexes: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chonburi.

Philippines Officials Warn of “POGO-like” Threats

In 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) after lurid headlines linked them to online scams, money laundering, human trafficking and torture.

Despite the ban, remnants of the outlaw industry remain. Some POGOs went underground or moved offshore. And a number of foreign POGO workers are still in the country, months after they were ordered to leave.

Now the Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) is forcibly deporting them. The BI requires deportees to travel by direct flight only, to keep them from escaping on layovers. The move will “lower opportunities for (foreign nationals) to expand their operations in other Asian countries,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Meanwhile, Philippines officials warn job-seekers to beware of “POGO-like” operations offering overseas employment. In a case reported March 18 by the Daily Tribune, Filipinos were recruited via Facebook for customer service jobs in Cambodia paying $1,000 a month.

On arrival, they were forced to work as online romance scammers at $300 a month, and suffered abuse at the hands of their employers. Viado called on local authorities “to increase monitoring and enforcement in vulnerable areas.”

Illegal igaming is an epidemic in Southeast Asia. “The problem is … a river of money going into the hands of organized crime”—an estimated $100 billion a year, according to the Asia Sentinel. The allure of billions in black-market profits “isn’t going to stop.”

Wynn CEO: UAE Will Rival Vegas for Revenue

In a recent interview with CNBC, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings said Wynn Al Marjan Island, a new resort complex with gaming in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), could generate $8 billion a year at maturity.

“To put that in perspective, the Las Vegas Strip (generates) a little over $6 billion” annually, Billings told host Jim Cramer. “So that’s a substantial market opportunity.”

The first integrated resort in the Middle East is under development in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It is expected to open in 2027. It will feature a 1,500-room hotel, 22 private villas, meeting and convention space, more than 20 restaurants and lounges, and a 225,000-square-foot casino, as well as a nightclub and a beach club.

Wynn Resorts owns 40 percent of the project, which it co-owns with Marjan LLC and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC, reported the Khaleej Times. The partners have an exclusive, renewable 15-year casino license.

Another advantage: Al Marjan Island is 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, making it easily accessible to international travelers.

Hong Kong Jockey Club Delays Start of Mainland China Races

A planned race meet at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) new training facility in mainland China has been called off due to weather. CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges confirmed to Idol Horse that post time was pushed back due to the “relatively high” chance of rain over the summer.

“If you start and then you have to pause, it is not ideal,” he said. “So we thought we’d do everything in October.” The pause provides “much more time to do tests, because it’s a completely new site.”

Set on 370 acres, about 100 miles from the Hong Kong-China border, Conghua can house 600 horses. It has become popular among Hong Kong trainers, who increasingly use it as a base for horses between races.

MGM Cotai Named Macau’s ‘Best Business Hotel’

For the fourth consecutive year, the TTG China Travel Awards has named MGM Cotai the “Best Business Hotel in Macau.”

Hubert Wang, president and COO of MGM China Holdings Ltd., said the company “is committed to supporting Macau’s economic diversification by attracting discerning international travelers and extending their stay.”

He pledged to “continue expanding” the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) segment,” reinforcing Macau’s “position as a global hub” for business travelers.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

Brazilian municipal lotteries survive legal challenge, Bolivian regulators fight back against the black market, Playtech approved for Caliplay agreement and more.

Brazil Federal Court Rejects Request to Halt Municipal Lotteries

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Nunes Marques has ruled against suspending municipal lottery operations in Brazil through a preliminary injunction.

Marques’ decision, issued March 25, responds to a Claim of Non-Compliance with a Fundamental Precept (ADPF) filed by Brazil’s Solidarity party. The party sought to suspend municipal lotteries until the STF determines whether they violate the constitution in Brazil.

The Solidarity party argued municipal lotteries were creating a “truly chaotic scenario,” allowing jurisdictions to bypass federal Brazilian betting regulations and authorize companies without federal licenses to operate at the municipal level.

Marques has chosen not to suspend municipal lottery operations, though he has requested the Solidarity party to submit additional evidence supporting its claims within 10 days. He has also asked the Attorney General’s Office to provide its opinion on the matter before a final ruling is made.

Bolivian Gaming Authority Looks to Strengthen Fight Against Black Market

Marco Antonio Sánchez Vaca, executive director of the Bolivian Gaming Control Authority, has announced new measures aimed at curbing illegal gambling.

On March 26, Sánchez outlined an action plan that involves 6,500 checks and 727 inspections, looking to ensure betting operations are legal and compliant.

The authority will also enter into agreements with the Financial Investigation Unit, with the aim of easing the exchange of information and speeding up legal action.

“We will take the appropriate actions to sanction online gambling,” Sánchez said. “To this end, it is important to strengthen our regulatory framework, seeking to sanction both organizers and promoters of illegal activities, such as bingo and online betting.”

Brazil Betting CPI Leader Calls for Stricter Laws on Online Gambling Access

Sen. Soraya Thronicke, rapporteur of Brazil’s parliamentary inquiry commission (CPI) on betting, has called on politicians to support new bills aimed at restricting access to online gambling.

Thronicke expressed her concerns during the betting CPI meeting March 25. The commission was formed in November last year in response to growing fears over the effects of gambling, ahead of Brazil’s legal online market launch on Jan. 1.

Thronicke urged Congress to introduce new laws limiting public access to online betting platforms. At the hearing, Thronicke said: “We need to make it increasingly difficult [to access online betting sites]. We are here to make amends. We need to legislate to minimize the risks and damages of this activity.”

Mexico Approves Revised Agreement Between Playtech and Caliplay

Playtech has obtained antitrust approval in Mexico for its updated strategic partnership with Caliplay, allowing the companies to move forward with their planned changes.

The approval was announced March 21, with both Playtech and Caliplay expecting the revised deal to take effect on March 31. It will likely mark the end of a long-running dispute between the companies over unpaid fees, surrounding Caliplay’s option to redeem additional service fees under its strategic agreement with Playtech.

In September last year, Playtech and Caliplay moved to resolve their dispute by agreeing to new terms, which included Caliplay resuming payments of the contested software and services fees to Playtech.

Other aspects include Playtech owning a 30.8 percent stake in Caliplay’s newly incorporated U.S. holding company, Caliente Interactive. Additionally, the two parties will enter into a revised eight-year B2B software licensing and services agreement.

Brazil’s Regional Lotteries Association Challenges bet.br Domain Requirement

The National Association of Municipal and State Lotteries (ANALOME) has released a statement strongly condemning the use of the bet.br domain as a criterion for identifying illegal operators.

Since the launch of Brazil’s legal online market on Jan. 1, federally licensed operators have been required to use the Brazilian internet domain “bet.br” exclusively.

On March 21, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) issued Normative Ordinance No 566, which outlined the conditions, deadlines, and information flow requirements for financial institutions to report transactions involving bets placed with illegal operators.

On March 22, ANALOME released a statement calling for the ordinance to be revoked, claiming the bet.br domain requirement has negatively impacted public perception. Companies holding state or municipal licenses often use alternative domains, and it’s feared this ordinance will tarnish the reputation of those operators among bettors.

The association argues the ordinance is an attempt by the SPA to maintain a monopoly over lottery operations, undermining the autonomy of state and municipal authorities.

By Frank Legato   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

More IGA previews and the latest announcements from Playtech, CasinoTrac and AGS.

INDIAN GAMING TRADESHOW PREVIEWS

Acres to Unveil AI Bonusing at IGA

Acres Manufacturing Company, a pioneer in casino technology, will showcase groundbreaking AI-driven bonusing and gamification at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Tradeshow, April 1-3.

Fortuna’s Challenge is the industry’s first AI-personalized bonus. A mystical genie named Fortuna addresses players by name and offers bonuses uniquely tailored to each player. Powered by AI, each bonus activates only when the player increases their play—maximizing profitability.

SlotCast is a real-time scoreboard highlighting the hottest games, biggest payouts, and key trends across the casino floor. SlotCast runs autonomously, is cost-effective, and easily displayed on any smart TV via a web interface. An interactive leaderboard further engages players by recognizing and rewarding milestones like big wins, frequent play, or repeat visits.

IGT to Premier RISE55 Cabinet at IGA Show

International Game Technology PLC announced that it will showcase a compelling portfolio of games and solutions designed to drive tribal casino growth at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention.

IGT will kick off IGA 2025 with a special RISE55 cabinet unveiling event with Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. on April 2. Under the theme “IGT On The Rise,” IGT’s booth 1641 will feature the following performance-focused products and solutions:

• Taking Hardware Performance to New Heights with the RISE55 Cabinet: Designed to deliver an immersive experience while optimizing floor space with its sleek design, the RISE55 cabinet features an ultra-high-definition 55-inch screen, state-of-the-art lighting, and advanced ergonomics. Backed by a brand-new lineup of premium multi-level progressive content, the RISE55 cabinet will house Magic Treasures Gold, the next evolution of the high-performing Magic Treasures theme.
• Building Wide-Area Progressives Excitement with Next-Generation Games: at IGA, IGT will build on the success of some of its highest-performing premium games. Next-generation WAP titles will include Tiger and Dragon Super Arrow, which builds upon the functionalities of the original chart-topping Tiger and Dragon theme, and Prosperity Link Blessings on the 11-foot tall SkyRise cabinet. IGT will also showcase the superstar power of Whitney Houston I Wanna Dance with Somebody Slots on the Peak65 cabinet.
• Introducing New Core Video Games for the PeakCurve49: IGT will preview a new lineup of action-packed core video games at IGA, including Grand Buddha Link and Grand Cat Link with repeating win multipliers, and Bring the Boom Pirate Bay and Bring the Boom Egypt with an exciting “Boom Wheel” bonus. Additional highlights include Black Widow Grand, featuring enhanced free games and a lock and respin bonus.
• Fortifying a Compelling Class II Portfolio: IGT Class II highlights at IGA will include the new Stinkin’ Rich Tail Wins game on the RISE55 cabinet, plus Moonlight Lanterns on the PeakCurve49 cabinet. For Washington CDS, IGT will present Triple Fortune Dragon Unleashed Player’s Edition, the latest extension of the high-performing Triple Fortune Dragon theme. IGT’s latest dual-screen hardware evolution, the Sierra27 cabinet, will also make its Class II debut.
• Expanding the Wheel of Fortune Slots Success: IGA attendees can experience the community-style win celebrations of Wheel of Fortune Cash Link Big Money video slots game on the massive Wheel of Fortune Trio cabinet, which recently made its tribal casino debut.
• Reimagining CMS Power and Performance with IGT Advantage X: IGT will provide demonstrations of its future-forward IGT Advantage X casino management system at IGA. Designed for on-premise and cloud-based deployments, the solution includes modern advancements such as service-bus architecture, persona driven UI experiences and actionable event data.

Rounding out IGT’s strong IGA games portfolio will be core stepper themes, including Double Chili Mania Extremo! and Pinball Grand on the dazzling DiamondRS cabinet. In addition, guests at IGT’s booth can preview IGT’s proven video poker performers like All-Star Poker III, Super Star Poker II, and Game KingX.

Spintec to Launch ETGs

Spintec’s return to the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Conference & Tradeshow this year is marked by the significant success the company has achieved since the last show. Their partnership with their exclusive distributor, Dynamic Gaming, has expanded their presence across the U.S. by leaps and bounds.

Spintec is currently licensed and approved for its latest products and games in California, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Washington, with approvals in Arkansas, Wyoming, Idaho, and Florida waiting in the wings.

Spintec will be showcasing the best parts of their latest Charisma product line at this year’s IGA. Charisma is a new line of products which has already won awards and has become an instant global bestseller. In an exclusive introduction, the visitors at IGA will be shown its new craps solution. It comes with super innovative elements such as the shooter button, 7-out function, and a rotating dealer feature.

Additionally, Spintec will also unveil its virtual/video Charisma Blackjack machine. Both of these exceptional new solutions are designed to elevate the gaming experience and include a variety of side bets on both games.

Visitors will also have the chance to try out the proprietary new Galactic Spin Roulette game. It offers an enhanced roulette experience with integrated Mega, Major, and Minor Jackpots, bet multipliers of up to 300, and the exciting possibility of winning free spins. This game revolutionizes the roulette experience by eliminating breaks, making the wait for the ball to drop the most thrilling part of the game.

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Playtech Introduces Mobile Till Sportsbook Solution

Playtech announce the launch of Mobile Till, a product solution designed to enhance the retail sportsbook experience. This solution is now live with Grosvenor Casinos, owned by the Rank Group PLC in the U.K., with the rollout soon extending to different markets and licensees worldwide.

Playtech Sports Mobile Till is a customer-centric device that empowers operators to expand their sportsbook footprint by enabling bet placements from anywhere within a venue.

The device ensures a seamless betting journey for customers anywhere within a venue, enhancing the customer experience with flexibility and convenience. The versatile application makes it ideal for large venues such as land-based casinos, sporting event hospitality areas, gambling arcades, and large retail betting shops.

CasinoTrac Partners with InfiGifts

Table Trac, Inc., doing business as CasinoTrac, a global casino management system manufacturer, announced it had entered a strategic partnership with InfiGifts, the leading provider of gifting technology to the gaming industry, to deliver integrated gifting solutions to more than 300 CasinoTrac customers around the world. The integration work was rapidly completed and is available for installation as early as April 2025.

Whether a player uses the InfiGifts platform via a CasinoTrac kiosk or the KTMobile application, the integration facilitates a range of promotional strategies, including monthly gifting, points shopping, and VIP gifting.

By removing common operational inefficiencies, InfiGifts enables casinos to streamline their gifting processes, resulting in significant cost savings. Players benefit from a smoother experience by choosing personalized gift rewards linked to their player value, free from the hassle of long lines or out-of-stock issues.

AGS Launches Lion Cash

AGS celebrated the launch of Lion Cash, the gaming supplier’s latest slot game, on Saturday, March 22 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California with a special event headlined by renowned slot influencer Lady Luck HQ.

Known for her dynamic and engaging presence on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Lady Luck has become one of the world’s leading gambling influencers. Her participation added an unforgettable spark to the event, drawing a lively crowd both in person and online.

Lion Cash features two engaging titles—Emperor Zhang and Princess Pingyang—offering a unique hold-and-spin experience set in a visually stunning emperor and empress-themed world.

In other AGS news, the company was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces USA by USA Today. Recognized for its commitment to fostering an exceptional, people-first culture, AGS ranked in the top 28 percent of companies in the 500-999 employee category, placing the company in the Top 100 of companies in this size category across America.

By Frank Fantini   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

The proliferation of gray-area gaming options has presented regulated stakeholders with an interesting dilemma: Will you fight back or look for ways to join in?

Every year there’s a new hot-button issue for gaming investors to obsess about.

This year it’s what might be called alternative gaming, whether it be prediction markets, sweepstakes or skill-based games, which have become almost quaint.

Gray gaming, to use another appropriate word, is not new. Just ask the local governments of Florida that have played whack-a-mole for years with so-called arcade operators that have managed to stay one step ahead of the law by finding new ways to offer slot machine gambling seemingly moments after police shut down the old ways.

The difference now is how widespread the alternatives have become, and whether the Trump administration will allow gambling on predicting the outcome of events, clearing the way for companies like online brokerage firm Robinhood to offer those markets.

The spread of alternatives has been helped by the uncertainty and inability of regulators and legislators to, in many cases, even define gambling. Legislators don’t know whether to regulate and tax alternatives or to outlaw them.

These arguments are not only in states where gambling is illegal, but even in states where it is allowed. In those states, casinos warn that allowing alternatives will undermine their businesses, thus reducing taxes they pay and jeopardizing the jobs they provide, while advocates say outlawing alternatives will just abandon the field to illegal operators that don’t pay taxes or offer consumer safeguards.

Further muddying the outlook are various moves to rein in or even end online gaming, even where it is now legal. So, what do investors do in such an uncertain environment?

First, barring some sort of national prohibition, online gaming and slots in bars and arcades are here to stay. They may take different forms in different jurisdictions, and they might not be legal everywhere, but they are a reality and likely a growing, even proliferating, one.

The next question is, who are the winners and losers?

Winners are 1) those online operators who will jump into alternatives and 2) games and technology companies likely to buy their way in by acquiring the privately held pioneering companies.

Among online operators, DraftKings has already made it clear that prediction markets are a big opportunity. There’s no reason to believe other operators will see it differently. Certainly, a Caesars or BetMGM will offer wagers on who will win an election just as readily as they offer bets on who will win a ball game. The difference is that predictions market should be much simpler, thus less expensive to operate, and perhaps draw in a huge number of new participants who just want to bet that Senator X will be reelected or that such-and-such movie will win the Oscar for Best Picture.

Betting on sweeps and skill games in bars and arcades plays naturally to the strengths of route operators such as Accel. They are already in the business, just on different games from different manufacturers. Legalizing alternatives would simply hand them a natural extension of their businesses.

As for gaming technology companies, Light & Wonder has shown the way with its agreement to purchase pull-tab supplier Grover Gaming. Expect other big companies to enter alternatives, on their own or through acquisitions.

That leaves casino operators. Companies such as Monarch Casino, Red Rock Resorts and privately held Cordish have organized to oppose online gaming. The reasons are as clear as the latest monthly gaming revenue reports. In states where online gaming has been legalized, that form of gambling is increasing by double-digits while legacy gaming is declining, though unevenly and by lesser amounts.

Certainly, individual companies can grow by opening new casinos as Cordish has just done in Louisiana, or by upgrading properties, such as converting the last of the riverboats to land-based casinos.

But the reality is that online gaming and other alternatives are here and, with their much lower operating costs and convenience, they weaken the business models of legacy casinos.

Thus, casino companies will have to decide whether they are in the gambling business or the casino business.  In that case, don’t be surprised to see the emergence of hybrid gaming operators, especially in regional markets.

By Roger Gros   Fri, Mar 28, 2025

With senior executive experience within the sports betting industry, both in B2B and B2C companies, Becher is charged with leading Kambi into its next phase of growth.

When Kristian Nylén decided to step down from sports betting provider Kambi, the company conducted an exhaustive search for his successor and came up with former Sportradar CEO Werner Becher. With senior executive experience within the sports betting industry, both in B2B and B2C companies, Becher is charged with leading Kambi into its next phase of growth. Becher played a pivotal role in the successful Nasdaq IPO of Sportradar in September 2021. He talks about how Kambi brings value to its clients and why Kambi can speed the success of any online sports betting operator. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros at the ICE conference and tradeshow in Barcelona in January.