By Robert Fletcher   Thu, May 22, 2025

Sukai Teppanyaki at Table Mountain Casino will change its name to Sukai Bar & Lounge.

Tribal-run Table Mountain Casino Resort in Friant, California has announced its on-site Sukai Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant will reopen this week after undergoing a significant revamp.

Located on the 12^th floor of the property, the new-look venue is due to open its doors again on May 23. This follows the addition of an expanded rooftop bar and lounge with indoor and outdoor seating.

To reflect the revamp, the venue will also change its name to the Sukai Bar & Lounge. It will still be located at the same position at the resort, above the 110,000-square-foot gaming floor.

In addition to structural changes, the menu has been upgraded with a selection of cocktails, small bites and elevated dishes.

A ‘must-experience’ space at Table Mountain Casino

Casino board Chairman Scottie Burrough enthused about the improvements.

“Our new Sukai Bar & Lounge is a one-of-a-kind, must-experience space in the Central Valley,” Burrough said. “Stunning views meet expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re here for a business meeting or simply enjoying an evening out, come join.

“The rooftop experience with rolling hills and beautiful landscape will definitely impress.”

The casino is owned and operated by Table Mountain Rancheria, a federally recognized tribe. Its on-site casino offers a range of slot machines and table games as well as bingo.

Other features at the casino include several more dining options and an entertainment venue for hosting concerts and other events.

By Robert Fletcher   Wed, May 21, 2025

Jenni Wildcat will replace Patrick Leckrone as CEO of Wind River.

The Northern Arapaho Tribe has announced the appointment of Jenni Wildcat as the new CEO of Wind River Hotel and Casino in Wyoming.

Wildcat takes on the role having worked in a regulatory capacity with the tribe for almost 17 years. She also previously served as a gaming inspector within the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission.

Wildcat will replace Patrick Leckrone, who led both Wind River and the Northern Arapaho gaming enterprise since 2022. The tribe confirmed the appointment in a press release on its Facebook page.

“The Wind River Reservation is my home and where I’ve chosen to raise my family,” Wildcat said. “I feel blessed with the opportunity to lead the Northern Arapaho gaming enterprise and Wind River Hotel & Casino, which is such an important community gathering spot and economic engine.”

The Northern Arapaho Business Council (NABC) added: “This is a pivotal time for the Wind River Hotel and Casino. We know that Jenni is the right person to lead the enterprise going forward.

“We look forward to her leading our enterprise to strong growth in the future.”

The NABC also praised Leckrone, saying, “We thank him for his leadership and service to the tribe and wish him well.”

Another New Appointment for Northern Arapaho

In related news, the NABC has named Shawn Brown as the new CEO of Arapaho First.

The organization oversees tribe-operated businesses including Little Wind Loads and Black Mountain Ink & Thread. Leckrone has also been serving as CEO of the division.

Brown moves into the new role having previously served as manager of Northern Arapaho Propane and Solid Waste.

“Shawn is a long-time Northern Arapaho employee who has proven himself,” the NABC said. “He has proven himself and is well qualified to lead Arapaho First.”

By Robert Fletcher   Wed, May 21, 2025

The new restaurant has opened on the 17th floor of Wind Creek Chicago Southland.

Tribal-run Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino & Resort has announced the opening of Alto, a new on-site Italian steakhouse developed in partnership with celebrity chef Fabio Viviani.

Now open at the Michigan venue, Alto offers a range of dining options to customers. Located on the building’s 17^th floor, the new restaurant also features skyline views of Chicago.

The opening was made possible through the resort’s relationship with Italian-born Viviani, who launched his career as a contestant on reality TV show Top Chef. He began a multi-concept partnership with Wind Creek Hospitality in 2023.

Viviani’s team oversees several other on-site venues at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. This includes Shuck It, a seafood and oyster bar, while Viviani also contributes to the resort’s food hall, banquets and in-room dining programs.

Alto is the latest development at the resort. Over the past 12 months, the venue has unveiled several other on-site amenities including a casino, luxury hotel and spa.

‘Milestone’ Moment for Wind Creek Chicago Southland

Viviani said the new restaurant fits in with the resort’s pledge to deliver high-end services to customers.

“With Alto, we are elevating guests’ dining experience by delivering refined flavors and exceptional hospitality in one of the most dynamic dining rooms in Chicagoland,” Viviani said. “It is approachable elegance with vibrant character, exactly what the venue deserves.”

Roger Kuehn, an executive vice president and the general manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, said the new restaurant will “raise the bar” at the property.

“We see this as a milestone moment for Wind Creek Hospitality,” Kuehn said. “Not just for our resort, but for the region. From the beginning, we set out to raise the bar for what’s possible in the Southland.

“With Alto, we’re proud to help redefine Chicago’s culinary edge just beyond the city skyline.”

By Robert Fletcher   Tue, May 20, 2025

Boyd will use data from Agilysys to optimize guest engagement and offers, as well as support operational decisions.

Boyd Gaming Corporation has entered a far-reaching partnership with hospitality software and services provider Agilysys.

Under the deal, Agilysys will roll out its InfoGenesis omnichannel enterprise POS ecosystem across 28 Boyd-owned properties in the U.S.

Agilysys said that Boyd can use this data to optimize guest engagement and offers, as well as provide support with operational decisions. Data and transactions will be unified across all endpoints including self-service kiosks, mobile food and beverage ordering profit centers and kitchen display stations

The agreement will also cover several other Agilysys solutions. These include OnDemand, guest self-service Kiosks, Kitchen Display Stations (KDS), Loyalty-Promotions and Analyze.

Boyd Prioritizing Guest Services

Commenting on the new link-up, Johan Martensson, senior vice president for business and technology at Boyd, said the agreement will support the group’s focus on guest experience.

“The unified technology and feature sets across solutions in the InfoGenesis POS ecosystem were key factors in our decision to commit to this technology across our properties,” he said.

“Delivering exceptional guest service is at the core of the Boyd brand. We are confident the InfoGenesis solution will further enhance the guest experience across our operations.”

Joe Youssef, senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Agilysys, also talked up the partnership. He said it will support Boyd’s short- and long-term business goals,

“Through close collaboration with Boyd Gaming, we demonstrated how Agilysys can help teams across properties leverage InfoGenesis deployed in a SaaS model to achieve their near-term and long-term vision for creating remarkable guest experiences, enhancing automation to support staff and delivering deeper operational insights,” he said.

“We look forward to working together to achieve these ambitions.”

Boyd counts the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City and The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas among its U.S. properties.

By Robert Fletcher   Tue, May 20, 2025

Caesars has installed self-service betting kiosks on the casino floor at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay.

Caesars Entertainment has officially rolled out its retail sports betting offering in Oregon via a partnership with the Coquille Indian Tribe in Coos Bay.

Self-service wagering kiosks from Caesars are now up and running at the tribe’s Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay. The Oregon venue was previously known as The Mill Casino.

Located on the casino floor, the kiosks offer betting options such as game parlays, player props, futures and live in-play markets. Users can also bet on college sports, which are not available on a statewide mobile basis in Oregon.

Players in Oregon must be at least 21 to place bets via the Caesars betting kiosks.

Caesars Talks Up ‘Significant’ Expansion in Oregon

Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, welcomed the launch. He said it further represents Caesars’ commitment to tribal gambling and to delivering legal betting options for players.

“We remain committed to supporting Indian gaming, and we’re proud to partner with the Coquille Indian Tribe to enhance their guest experience,” Hession said. “Bringing our sports wagering offering to a new jurisdiction for the first time is always significant.

“We know offering our expansive menu of sports wagering markets will undoubtedly enhance the exceptional experience that the Coquille Indian Tribe provides to its guests.”

Margaret Simpson, CEO of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, also welcomed the roll-out. She said working with an “iconic” brand like Caesars is testament to the tribe’s own offering.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing gaming opportunities and enhancing guest satisfaction,” Simpson said. “We are excited to collaborate with such a distinguished brand. We look forward to creating even more memorable sports wagering experiences for our guests.”

Online sports betting in Oregon is limited to DraftKings, through a partnership with the Oregon Lottery, while retail wagering is available at select tribal casinos.

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, May 19, 2025

Margaritaville at Sea will soon have three ships that allow guests to enjoy an offshore casino.

Margaritaville at Sea, a provider of offshore vacations around the U.S. and Caribbean, has acquired another ship with an onboard casino to expand its fleet to three vessels.

The Costa Fortuna is being acquired from Costa Cruises and will soon join the Margaritaville at Sea portfolio. It will continue under operation with Costa Cruises until the end of 2026.

Like the company’s two other ships, Sea Paradise and Sea Islander, the new boat features an onboard casino. Its current casinos offer guests access to a range of slot machines and table games such as roulette, craps, poker and blackjack.

The current casino on Costa Fortuna operates in a similar way with slots and table games. Gambling is only allowed for guests who are of legal age.

The Costa Fortuna can accommodate around 3,450 passengers with over 1,340 staterooms, 13 passenger decks and an eight-story center atrium. The ship, including its casino, will be completely reimagined by Margaritaville at Sea.

Third Ship in Three Years for Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea CEO Christopher Ivy said that the third ship will allow more people to feature hospitality and a casino at sea.

“The launch of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander was a significant moment for our company,” he said. “The acquisition of the Costa Fortuna, our largest ship to date, gives us another exciting opportunity to bring even more fun and escapism to guests from a new homeport in 2026.”

The company was born from Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, a casual dining restaurant chain in the U.S. It also runs and manages hotels and a network of retail stores.

Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan said: “Margaritaville at Sea has been on an exceptional trajectory since its launch. We’re thrilled to once again expand the experience of our brand on the water and share the cruise line’s signature experiences and amenities with even more guests.”

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, May 19, 2025

Silverstein Properties said the New York casino project would create over 5,000 permanent jobs.

Real estate development, investment and management firm Silverstein Properties has linked up with Rush Street Gaming and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment on a joint bid to open a new land-based casino in New York.

Named The Avenir, the proposed, multi-purpose facility would open in Manhattan’s Far West Side. The location covers an area of 92,000 square feet of undeveloped land near the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Confirming the project on its Facebook page, Silverstein said The Avenir would generate more than 5,000 permanent union jobs. It would also allow for 4,000 union construction jobs.

Further details on the proposed venue were not revealed. However, Silverstein did say the development would generate “billions of dollars” in direct and indirect economic activity for New York.

Led by billionaire businessman Larry Silverstein, the developer already counts several high-profile properties within its New York portfolio. These include the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan.

Silverstein Pledges ‘Home-Grown’ Entertainment Complex

In a prepared statement, Silverstein CEO Lisa Silverstein said she was excited by the prospect of opening a New York casino in collaboration with Rush Street Gaming and Greenwood.

“Each of our organizations is family-owned, multi-generational, and deeply committed to the neighborhoods in which we work and live,” Silverstein said. “Our company has been part of the West Side for over 40 years.

“We look forward to continuing to work together on a project that will bring much-needed jobs, tax revenue, economic development, and affordable housing to the City and State.”

However, Silverstein and its partners face fierce competition to open a new casino. Three land-based casino licenses are up for grabs in New York, with the deadline for bids set at June 27.

Among those also vying for one of the licenses are Related Companies/Wynn Resorts, which have revealed plans for a complex in Hudson Yards. Proposals are also out for new casinos in Times Square, Queens by Citi Field, The Bronx and Coney Island.

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, May 16, 2025

New benefits from Rush Street Gaming include helping Rivers Casino staff pay off their student loans.

Rush Street Gaming has revealed details of several new initiatives to support workers at its Rivers Casino venues, including assistance to help team members pay off their student loans.

Eligible full-time workers with qualifying student loans can receive up to $1,000 per year toward their student debt. This will be covered in full by Rush Street, with no additional contributions from staff.

Initial roll-out of the program saw more than 100 workers sign up. Enrollment has continued with Rush Street encouraging more employees to join the initiative.

“Education is invaluable, but debt can be stressful,” said Dawn Reynolds Pettit, chief human resources officer of Rush Street and Rivers Casino. “We’re proud to help workers crush those college loans, achieve their financial goals sooner and invest in their future.”

Bill Keena Scholarship Supports Rivers Casino Workers

Also new from Rush Street is the Bill Keena Honorary Scholarship Program, which has been named in recognition of its recently retired longtime chief operating officer.

The scholarship supports staff in managerial roles or below, and their dependents, who plan to pursue higher education. Administered by Scholarship America, it will run in addition to the operator’s other scholarships. These have so far awarded over $7 million to more than 500 students.

“Bill Keena remains a staunch advocate for Rivers and Rush Street workers, supporting both their personal goals and professional growth,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rush Street. “This scholarship honors Bill’s legacy and our commitment to Team Members.

“We’re proud to offer this scholarship alongside the others available to team members and their families. Our mission is to support the growth and enrichment of lives, careers and communities.”

Rush Street also offers part- and full-time staff up to $5,000 in annual tuition assistance. This is available for undergraduate or graduate studies.

In addition, candidates accepted into the Rivers Casino Table Games Dealer School receive training and certification at no cost.

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, May 16, 2025

Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lim will assume the role of acting CEO of Genting Singapore.

Genting Singapore has announced that Tan Hee Teck is to step down from his roles as CEO and chairman of the company on May 31.

Tan has informed the company he will also retire from his role as CEO of its Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) subsidiary. However, he will remain with the group in a supportive position through to the end of November.

Tan has led Genting Singapore since May 2022, while he has been CEO of the Resorts World Sentosa arm for over 18 years. He has also served as RWS chairman for the past five years, taking on the role in February 2015.

Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lim will assume the role of acting CEO of Genting Singapore effective June 1. He will also continue to serve in his current chairman role during this period.

Meanwhile, Lee Shi Ruh, currently chief financial officer of Genting Singapore and president of RWS, will become RWS CEO. This is also effective from June 1, with Lee also continuing as CFO of the main business.

‘Incredible Honor’ for Tan

Tan oversaw the launch and subsequent running of RWS, an integrated resort that is home to a host of features. These include a casino and the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

Commenting on his exit, Tan said it has been an “incredible honor” to be part of the group for over 20 years.

“As I approach my 70^th birthday, I look forward to a new chapter where I can devote time to pursue my interests and do more in giving back to society,” Tan said. “I would like to express my immense gratitude to my management team and 7,300 colleagues for this extraordinary ride of my life – it was only through their dedication and strong support that we have been able to achieve all that we did.

“My legacy will be leaving behind a team that is incredibly talented, passionate and well-positioned for the road ahead, especially to drive the transformation of RWS into a global tourism icon.”

Tan Sri Lim paid tribute to the outgoing company CEO, saying that his leadership has been “invaluable.”

“Working alongside the team, he has been instrumental in building RWS into the world-class destination it is today,” he said. “He has fostered a strong culture of innovation, excellence, and genuine camaraderie within the team.”

“We are deeply grateful for his dedication and countless contributions. We will truly miss him, and we wish him the most wonderful and fulfilling retirement.”

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 16, 2025

Coming out of Covid, the U.S. gaming industry has logged four consecutive years of record performance, with $72 billion the new all-time mark. Will that streak continue in 2025?

The latest State of the States revenue report from the American Gaming Association, released on May 13, showed that U.S. commercial gaming generated $72 billion in revenue in 2024, a 7.5 percent increase from 2023. Last year’s total set a new all-time record for the fourth consecutive year, an impressive feat on the heels of the Covid pandemic and subsequent economic headwinds.

Of the 38 states with commercial gaming, 28 set all-time individual records last year, per the AGA. The industry contributed $15.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, also a record and an 8.5 percent YoY increase. This total did not include the federal excise tax paid by sports betting operators or other typical corporate taxes.

According to the report, 15 states saw double-digit YoY revenue gains in 2024, with two more at 9 percent. The highest climber was Washington DC, which jumped 181.7 percent after ending its sports betting monopoly in favor of a competitive market.

Conversely, eight states saw decreases, five of which were 2 percent or lower. Montana (-15 percent) was the biggest laggard, although it was also by far the smallest market with just $7.1 million in revenue.

Commercial casino revenue was $49.89 billion in 2024, a record and a 1 percent increase from 2023. This came from a total of 492 facilities across the U.S. Sports betting revenue grew 25 percent to $13.78 billion, aided by launch during the year of two new markets: North Carolina and Vermont. Handle for the year was $149.9 billion.

Revenue from legal iGaming in seven states increased 28.7 percent to $8.4 billion, including $26 million in Rhode Island, which launched last year and was the first new market since Connecticut in late 2021. The total excludes Nevada, which offers online poker only.

Overall, the results are the latest example of the growth disparities between the verticals. For several months, retail revenue has grown marginally or even declined in some cases, while sports betting and especially iGaming have grown immensely.

All seven iGaming states posted some kind of monthly revenue record in March. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip was down 5 percent YoY for the month and is down more than 3 percent for the fiscal year.

While the record numbers are positive, other findings were not so rosy. The AGA also reported that its Gaming Conditions Index, which “indicates real economic activity in the industry, as measured by gaming revenue, employment, employee wages and salaries, executive sentiment and casino hotel RFP activity,” declined 0.9 percent YoY, which was “the largest contraction since the pandemic.”

This decline, the AGA said, was “primarily driven by weaker real wages, marginally negative sentiment and real below average revenue growth.” A survey of 28 executives from member companies showed that the aggregate sentiment was -5.6 percent for the quarter. This means that 5.6 percent more respondents gave negative answers to business outlook questions than positive.

That actually represented an increase from the last survey (-8.7 percent in Q3 2024), but near-term outlook has been significantly impacted. The AGA said that Q1 was the first time since the survey started in 2021 where more executives reported a negative present business situation than positive – 36 percent negative versus 18 percent positive.

“Although executives are bullish on capital investments, expectations around the pace of hiring and wage growth remain muted,” the report said. “Employee wages and benefits were selected along with tax or regulatory policy changes and data protection as the top areas placing additional pressure on profit margin over the next six to 12 months.”

Long-term outlook, however, was more optimistic. Over 80 percent were neutral long term, compared to 14 percent positive and just 4 percent negative.

“Executive sentiment around future customer activity improved to its highest level since 2022 Q1, with 29 percent of executives expecting an increase,” the AGA said. “Insufficient customer demand, which was chosen as a factor limiting operations by 22 percent of executives in 2024 Q3, was only chosen by 11 percent of executives in 2025 Q1.”

Notably, the survey was conducted from March 25-April 8, meaning responses were filed before and after the “Liberation Day” tariff-related market swings in early April. A number of gaming companies saw their stocks dip significantly before edging back and the majority of CEOs have downplayed economic impacts thus far during first-quarter calls.

“Like others, AGA member companies face a landscape where consumers’ discretionary activities will be tested by tariffs on imported goods and stock market setbacks,” the association said. “However, even as near-term executive views have darkened, their longer-term outlook is more positive, reflecting hope that the current uncertainty will be resolved sooner than later.”

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, May 16, 2025

As the NCAA continues to grapple with several integrity-related scandals, a potential rule change could allow college athletes to wager on professional sports.

The NCAA is considering lifting restrictions that bar student-athletes from wagering on professional sports events, a potential rule change that would create a major shift in longstanding policy.

At present, student-athletes are prohibited from wagering on any NCAA-sponsored sport that is offered at the professional level. The possible rule change could help the NCAA streamline enforcement efforts, enabling the association to focus more on policing match manipulation.

Over the last 15 months, college athletics has been rocked by a spate of scandals involving suspicious betting patterns. Federal authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into a major point-shaving breach involving multiple schools.

In April, the Division I Board of Directors directed the Division I Council to adopt changes to sports betting rules – specifically, changes that would allow betting on professional sports. The board of directors voted near-unanimously, 21-1, to approve the change.

With the backing of the council, the legislation could be approved as early as next month, SI.com reported. The council is expected to receive an update on the directive during its meeting this week, but it is not expected to take any formal action until the end of June at the earliest, sources told GGB. More information on the specific changes and a formal proposal will be available at a later date.

During the 2024-25 college basketball season, several mid-major programs were linked to an illegal gambling enterprise under federal investigation. The ring is reportedly being probed for its alleged role in another scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter.

After receiving a lifetime ban for manipulating his performance in at least two NBA games, Porter pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud conspiracy. Last week, the NCAA disciplined five Iowa State staffers for combining to place more than 6,200 bets, including games involving the university.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 16, 2025

Metropolitan Park rezoning bill moves forward, Bally’s resumes construction in Chicago, Las Vegas casino proposal gets thumbs down and more.

Rezoning Bill for Cohen’s Metropolitan Park Clears Assembly

The New York State Assembly May 13 voted 138-7 to approve a rezoning bill for Mets owner Steve Cohen’s $8 billion Metropolitan Park bid, the latest step forward for the casino-related project. Currently, the 50 acres of asphalt parking lot around the stadium are zoned as parkland, so Cohen would need to clear all zoning-related hurdles in order for his bid to be considered. The project will not move forward without the casino component.

While clearing the Assembly was a key step, the real showdown is yet to come in the state Senate. State Senator John Liu introduced the rezoning legislation in that chamber earlier this year, despite stiff opposition from Senator Jessica Ramos, whose district includes much of the proposed development.

Ramos and Liu have had a public back-and-forth about their disagreement with the project, but Ramos has already acknowledged that her opposition might not be enough to block the legislation and ultimately the project, if it is selected for one of three available downstate licenses later this year.

Bally’s Cleared to Resume Construction on Chicago Casino

The Illinois Gaming Board May 15 lifted its work stoppage order for Bally’s permanent Chicago casino, exactly two weeks after it was first issued. Reporters from the Chicago Sun-Times had notified the board that dumpsters from D&P Construction were photographed at the site. D&P was an unapproved contractor that was also connected to organized crime and had been the subject of a previous casino scandal in Rosemont.

While work can resume, the board said the matter is still under investigation and it is unclear if Bally’s will face additional penalties in the future. The company faces a tight deadline to finish the casino by September 2026.

“Today the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) lifted its May 1, 2025, Stop Work Order on construction of the permanent Bally’s Chicago Casino project,” the board said in a statement. “The IGB issued the Stop Work Order in connection with undisclosed vendors performing work on the project. Presently, no vendors are working on the casino construction project without IGB approval. Bally’s addressed the disclosure failures. It has disclosed, and assured the ongoing disclosure of, all proposed vendors to the IGB.”

“We appreciate IGB’s collaboration and support throughout this process and look forward to delivering this project to Chicago,” Bally’s said in a statement.

Planning Commission Votes Against Proposed Las Vegas Casino

The Las Vegas Planning Commission May 13 voted not to recommend approval for a casino and housing project in the city’s Historic Westside, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Las Vegas City Council will now make a final ruling June 18.

First proposed in 2023, the “Jackson Hotel and Harlem Nights Casino” and “Westside Residence” buildings would be located near F Street and Jackson Avenue. The residence building would include 336 housing units and the resort would include a 207-room hotel, a theater, spa, nightclub, dining options and retail stores in addition to a casino.

According to the Review-Journal, the commission hearing became heated when developer Shlomo Meiri said he wanted to pull the proposal after commissioners indicated that they would not support it. However, Meiri and his team eventually agreed to move forward anyway and try their luck with the city council.

Multiple hurdles still need to be cleared in addition to the city council vote, including approvals required from both the Federal Aviation Administration and the city’s fire department. The city would also need to waive the current seven-story zoning height limit for the project.

Zoning Bill Changes in TX Draw Criticism

Two bills introduced this session in Texas would raise the threshold for contesting zoning changes, making it easier in theory to develop a future casino. However, the Senate version included an amendment to retain the current lower threshold but the House did not, and several supporters of that bill are linked to donations from a group connected to Las Vegas Sands, according to a report from KERA News.

Currently, the threshold to protest a rezoning is 20 percent of property owners within 200 feet of the proposed rezoning site, and then three-quarters majority vote from the corresponding city council. The new bills, if passed without the Senate amendment, would raise that threshold covering property owners to 60 percent, making it harder to protest a change.

Earlier this year, LVS attempted to rezone the site of the former Texas Stadium in Irving to a mixed-use development centered around a casino resort. But rising public opposition led the company to withdraw the casino element from the application, and it will be at least 2027 until casinos could be legalized in the state after this session.

Soloviev CEO Hints at Potential Investment Program for NY Bid

In an interview with News 12, Soloviev Group CEO Michael Hershman endorsed an idea for a public offering of up to 12 percent of the equity for Soloviev’s bid with Mohegan Gaming for a multibillion-dollar casino project in Manhattan’s East Side.

“It’s for New Yorkers, so we thought why not give New Yorkers an actual piece of the action,” he told the outlet. “We want them to be like we are — owners!”

A similar program is being rolled out by Bally’s for its Chicago casino project, although the company’s first attempt was passed over by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Soloviev is the first New York bidder to announce such a program, although all have community benefit components. Bids are due by June 27, with three licenses to be awarded by the end of the year.

Springfield Officials Vote in Support of MGM Union

On May 12, the Springfield City Council in Massachusetts passed a resolution urging management from MGM Springfield to come to the bargaining table and agree to a deal with about 250 employees who voted to unionize last March, according to MassLive.

The group of employees attempting to unionize includes table game dealers, attendants and more, creating Local 301 of New England Joint Board UNITE HERE. Notably, the casino also employs about 500 other union members, but so far has ignored calls to negotiate with the new group. A complaint has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board and a hearing is set for August.

There have also been rumors that the casino could potentially be sold, and MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said on the company’s recent first-quarter earnings call that that is an “ongoing discussion.”

Opposition to Long Island Casino Remains After Sands’ Departure

Last month, Las Vegas Sands announced it was dropping out of contention for one of three downstate New York casino licenses. The company had proposed a casino resort complex at the site of the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, but indicated that it was in talks with third parties to offload the bid.

When Sands was still in contention, the project faced heavy opposition, and that opposition has continued despite the company’s exit. Next week, the county legislature is expected to release its final environmental impact study.

“I am asking all residents, who are able, to attend the session … and join us in opposing its passage,” Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran told Patch. He later added that opposition will continue “ no matter what party attempts to move a casino project forward.”

FTC ‘Junk Fee’ Pricing Rule Takes Effect

The Federal Trade Commission’s new Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect May 12, which requires full disclosure of all fees for purchases such as hotel and flight bookings. Resort fees, which were one of the kinds of “junk fees” targeted by the Biden administration, are not prohibited under the new rule, but it enforces the pricing transparency.

“Businesses must disclose fees or charges for mandatory ancillary goods or services in the total price,” the FTC said on its website. “Fees or charges are mandatory if they relate to a good or service that is necessary to make the underlying good or service fit for its intended purpose; or a required purchase when people buy the underlying good or service.”

Hospitality groups have argued that all fees are disclosed before purchase, deeming the rule change as unnecessary.

“Our members already clearly and prominently disclose resort fees during the transaction to help guests make informed decisions,” Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “We believe this requirement will level the playing field across the lodging and travel industry.”

Penny Parayo Named GM of Live! Petersburg

The Cordish Companies announced that Penny Parayo, currently senior vice president of property operations at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland, will be the senior vice president and general manager of Live! Casino Virginia in Petersburg, set to open with a temporary facility by the end of the year.

Parayo has spent 30 years in the gaming industry, much of it with Cordish. She was vice president of slot and beverage operations for the Maryland resort for five years before becoming VP of property operations in 2018. As Petersburg’s general manager, Parayo will oversee development and opening of the casino and will be responsible for daily operations once it is open.

The temporary Live! Casino Virginia will be housed in a 75,000-square-foot prefabricated building while construction of the permanent Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is completed around it. The temporary casino will have 900 slot machines and 33 game tables, a casino bar and quick service restaurant, and 1,000 parking spaces.

The permanent $1.4 billion casino-hotel resort, to be located adjacent to Interstate 95 in southern Petersburg, is slated to open in 2027.

By Conor Reynolds   Fri, May 16, 2025

DCMS posts new land-based reforms, Dutch lottery stays under state control, betting levy contributions rise and more.

U.K. Publishes Land-Based Reforms, Operators to Expand Machines

The U.K. government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport sent its draft Casinos (Gaming Machines and Mandatory Conditions) Regulations to the U.K. Parliament on May 12.

Its reforms outline an opportunity for operators to expand gaming machine counts, while also outlining limitations on gambling floor space in casinos. Casinos would be able to increase machine numbers, subject to floor space, from July 22 if passed by both parliamentary houses.

On the back of the reforms, Rank Group said it would add 882 gaming machines to its U.K. Grosvenor estate in the coming months.

Nederlandse Loterij and Holland Casino Will Not be Privatized

The Dutch government has announced that the country’s national lottery, Nederlandse Loterij, will not be privatized and instead remain under state control.

The Netherlands’ authorities were considering relinquishing control of Nederlandse Loterij and handing it to a private party.

However, in an update published May 13, it said privatization of Nederlandse Loterij is not currently “feasible and proportionate,” with the current setup to continue.

Gambling Commission Issues £2 Million Fine to Spreadex

The U.K. Gambling Commission has hit Spreadex with a fine of £2.0 million ($2.6 million) after ruling that the operator breached several anti-money laundering and social responsibility regulations.

The regulator said Spreadex, which offers casino and fixed odds betting in the U.K., had failed a compliance assessment in July 2023.

Spreadex has faced enforcement action previously in the U.K. In August 2022, it was ordered to pay a £1.4 million regulatory settlement for social responsibility and AML failures.

U.K. Betting Levy Contributions to Hit Record £108 Million in 2024-25

The Horserace Betting Levy Board has said it expects to receive £108 million ($144 million) in levy payments during 2024-25, despite betting turnover decreasing during the year.

The Horserace Betting Levy is a mandatory fund paid by bookmakers with annual gross profits on British horse racing over £500,000, at a rate of 10 percent.

The board agreed to approximately £11 million worth of new grants to projects and initiatives, given its higher levy.

In addition, it has pledged £93 million towards prize money and the sport’s regulation and integrity.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, May 16, 2025

Manfred lifts ban on Rose, Sportradar logs another impressive quarter and tech suppliers battle in court.

MLB Commissioner Removes Rose, Shoeless Joe from Permanently Ineligible List

Nearly eight months after the death of Pete Rose, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed the hit king from the league’s permanently ineligible list on May 13.

Amid an investigation into gambling allegations against Rose, the former Cincinnati Reds manager agreed to be placed on the list in August 1989. The historic announcement by Manfred clears a potential path for Rose’s long-awaited induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In conjunction with Manfred’s sweeping reversal, MLB also lifted the ban on “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and a host of other deceased players.

Jackson and seven teammates received a lifetime ban from professional baseball for their alleged involvement in the so-called 1919 Black Sox scandal. Despite acquittals on corruption charges, all eight White Sox players were placed on the list for their role in allegedly fixing the World Series. While Jackson agreed to a signed confession, he later denied any knowledge of the match-fixing conspiracy, claiming that he was coerced into signing the document.

“Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game,” Manfred wrote in a letter to Jeffrey Lenkov, an attorney who petitioned for Rose’s reinstatement.

A comprehensive investigation into Rose’s gambling activity found that he placed 52 wagers on Reds games when he served as the team’s manager. More than a decade later, Rose admitted to placing wagers on the Reds, but not on the team to lose.

Following Rose’s death last September, illegal bookie Matt Bowyer claimed that he took action from the MLB legend. Bowyer, the bookie of choice for Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter, told the New York Post that he cut off Rose when the hit king eclipsed his $1,000 a wager average.

Jane Forbes Clark, board chairperson of the Hall of Fame, told ESPN that MLB’s policy shift will enable Rose and the others to be considered by the hall’s Historical Overview Committee. Rose is baseball’s all-time leader in career hits with 4,256.

Sportradar Encouraged By U.S. Trends With In-Play Betting

Several days after DraftKings drew attention for making inroads with in-game betting over the first quarter, Sportradar reiterated its stance for the U.S. market on live betting.

During the three-month period ended March 31, Sportradar established a strong position in the U.S., where the company has data agreements with three of the nation’s four largest sports leagues. For all markets, Sportradar generated consolidated revenue of $347.9 million, up 17 percent from the year-ago quarter. The company’s U.S. segment represented 28 percent of its overall revenue mix for the period, compared with 25 percent from the same quarter in 2024.

Moving forward, Sportradar projects its U.S. division to grow at a 23 percent CAGR. Last week, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins noted that live betting in baseball represents about 36 percent of the operator’s overall volume in the sport. While Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl indicated that in-game betting represents about 70 percent of total activity in the U.K., the U.S. is trending upward in some respects.

“Some books adapt quicker, some books are adopting slower,” said Koerl on the company’s first-quarter earnings call. “It’s a question of the marketing and where do you direct the people and how do you promote it.”

Sportradar, one of the world’s largest sports betting data providers, expanded its data partnership with MLB for eight years through 2032. According to statistics from H2 Global Capital, MLB ranks sixth worldwide in gross gaming revenue. The company’s managed trading services unit processed about 32 million tickets last year. MLB, which has taken an undisclosed equity stake in Sportradar, has enlisted the company to serve as the exclusive distributor of its official data, media feed and AV content.

Sportsbook Tech Providers Vie Over Discovery Dispute in Trade Secrets Suit

A sports betting technology supplier that has provided its source code to some of the nation’s largest sportsbooks urged a Nevada federal court to deny a motion from a former collaborator that seeks to delay a discovery ruling pending summary judgment.

The filing is the latest wrinkle in a protracted legal dispute between two sportsbook providers – Amelco USA, LLC and Internet Sports International (ISI). ISI, a Las Vegas-headquartered sportsbook software supplier, asked a judge last week to pause proceedings in its lawsuit against Amelco for allegedly stealing trade secrets.

ISI initially filed a lawsuit against Amelco in June 2023, alleging that the latter stole “tens of millions” worth of sportsbook software and code. By last November, ISI filed a motion with the court for partial summary judgment, surrounding the enforceability of two confidentiality agreements.

The two collaborated in 2019 on a retail sports betting solution for Wildwood Casino in Colorado, as Amelco brought on ISI to develop a series of kiosks inside the property. Shortly after completing a license agreement, ISI claimed that Amelco’s software was “not suited for use” in the U.S. market, according to court documents. ISI further alleged that the software could not be used in the U.S. without a complete overhaul.

While ISI acknowledged Amelco’s position as a mobile sports betting leader, the company claimed Amelco lacked the requisite understanding of the technical capabilities needed for executing a “kiosk project.” Once Amelco “completed its extraction” of ISI’s confidential trade secrets, the British company discarded the Nevada company, attorneys for ISI allege.

Amelco subsequently struck deals with some of the nation’s most prominent sportsbooks, including Fanatics Sportsbook and Hard Rock BET. In the 79-page November brief, attorneys for ISI claimed they did not seek a complete resolution of the case or a ruling on whether the company breached a contract by allegedly misappropriating trade secrets. Instead, ISI asked the court to resolve issues of applicability with a 2019 non-disclosure agreement between the companies.

For its part, Amelco claims that ISI failed to produce key evidence on the software and code until the discovery process had closed. Amelco believes ISI is evading scrutiny over alleged discovery misconduct and has asked the court to proceed. In a filing on May 12, Amelco asked a Nevada district court to deny ISI’s motion to stay, arguing that one would create an additional burden on the court.

ISI, meanwhile, asked the court to delay proceedings on discovery pending summary judgment. Alternatively, ISI asked for an extension to July 17 to respond to Amelco’s motion.

“ISI will suffer no hardship from being required to proceed with the lawsuit it filed, and ISI does not need an additional two months to oppose,” Amelco wrote in the brief.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 16, 2025

Tribes prepare for prediction market expansion, Sault Tribe executives resign en masse, UKB signs model compact and more.

Tribal Lawyers Explore Legal Options for Prediction Markets

Victor Rocha and Jason Giles of the Indian Gaming Association hosted three well-known tribal gaming attorneys on the IGA’s New Normal webinar series May 14, assessing how prediction markets impact tribal sovereignty and gaming rights. In recent months the series has explored the rising challenge from sweepstakes sites. It is now highlighting prediction markets as they continue to expand.

All three guests – Joseph Webster, Bryan Newland and Scott Crowell – called prediction markets, specifically with regard to sports contracts, an “existential threat” to Indian gaming. The issue now, they said, is deciphering the best legal pathways to pursue.

Giles, who serves as executive director of the IGA in Washington, talked about his discussions with policymakers in recent days and how unaware of the subject most seemed to be. He mentioned conversations with Nevada officials, who told him they haven’t been approached by the state’s commercial operators about the issue.

Tribes have so far been among the biggest detractors of prediction markets. The federally legal exchanges operate in all 50 states, including those that have compacted with tribes for gaming exclusivity. Since the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which currently oversees prediction markets, opened a portal for public comment on the exchanges earlier this year, the majority of input has come from tribal interests.

Jurisdiction is a key component of this issue for all parties. Prediction markets such as Kalshi have argued that they are federally legal under the CFTC and therefore are preempted from state gaming laws. This has been successful so far – Kalshi has secured preliminary injunctions to operate in Nevada and New Jersey after countersuing both.

If the Commodities Exchange Act (CEA) supersedes state gaming law, then so too does IGRA, Newland opined. It is unclear how a direct CEA-IGRA tête-à-tête would play out, but so far, other arguments have fallen flat.

Webster said IGRA was mentioned in a Kalshi brief in its case against Nevada. The company argued that sports event contracts are not defined under IGRA and, even if they were, the CFTC would still have exclusive jurisdiction.

“Think about that – they’re essentially saying that Congress, in passing the CEA, has displaced any role for tribes and tribal regulators in what I think is clear to everybody is a gaming activity,” Webster said. “So the fact that these arguments really haven’t been made, at least not in detail, I think is a concern.”

Introducing IGRA into the fight, even in a losing scenario, could still result in clarity for tribes, Newland argued.

“If it’s gaming, they’re violating tribal laws and, if it’s not gaming, then why are we following IGRA at all?” he commented. “That’s what’s at the core of this whole thing.”

“You have to admire their chutzpah,” Rocha said. “They’re almost tribal in their chutzpah.”

The National Indian Gaming Commission was also mentioned, as it is one of the few federal agencies connected to Indian gaming. Newland said the commission ruled years ago that sports betting is considered Class III gaming, which would run counter to Kalshi’s assertion in Nevada.

However, the NIGC has been hamstrung without a confirmed chair for more than a year and it is currently awaiting a new nomination from the Trump administration. And as with other Trump appointments, there’s no telling who the nominee might be or how it might affect these efforts.

Numerous Sault Tribe Executives Resign

Four executives from Michigan’s Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and its Kewadin Casinos arm resigned May 13, per a release. These included the tribe’s CEO, CFO and general counsel, as well as the Kewadin Casinos CFO—interim appointments have since been made, the tribe announced.

The exodus relates to a missed payment from a prior class action lawsuit as well as a recent cyberattack that severely impacted operations for the tribe and its casinos. As a result of the lawsuit, which stemmed from two proposed casinos that were never built, the tribe paid $25 million in 2023 and had $5 million left to pay by May 1. However, the payment was not made, and the tribe was forced to negotiate a new settlement, resulting in $5 million in additional penalties.

“At this time, we’d like to thank those individuals for their years of service to the Sault tribe,” tribal Chair Austin Lowes said, per MyUPNow. “There’s nothing else to say; I’m not interested in running anyone through the mud. I appreciate what they provided the tribe but we’re moving in a different direction at this time.”

UKB Signs Oklahoma Model Compact

Oklahoma’s United Keetowah Band of Cherokee Indians signed the Model Tribal Gaming Compact with the state on April 29, per a May 12 report from Indian Gaming. The compact, which covers gaming on tribal lands under IGRA, now requires final approval from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to take effect.

The UKB operated a casino in the state for years before it was forced to close after being sued by the Cherokee Nation over land rights. The Department of the Interior reaffirmed the UKB’s jurisdiction in January by ruling that both the UKB and the Cherokees had concurrent jurisdiction over the Oklahoma Cherokee Reservation. In April, the National Indian Gaming Commission then approved the tribe’s updated gaming code, meaning it is now able to regulate gaming on its trust lands.

“These three developments form the bedrock of our renewed path towards gaming and economic development for our members,” said UKB Chief Jeff Wacoche. “The Department of the Interior has made clear that the UKB has equal jurisdiction on Cherokee lands. The NIGC has approved our authority to regulate gaming. And now, with the state’s compact in hand, we can begin building a future that broadens the horizon of potential of our people.”

White Earth Casino Proposal Sparks Concern About Aquifer

A proposed casino complex from the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe has drawn some concern about potential harm to the Buffalo Aquifer, which is underneath the proposed site near Moorhead.

The tribe has been consulting with local officials in efforts to garner support for a land into trust application, and the issue of potential water contamination has been raised, per The Forum. Chairman Michael Fairbanks asserted at a Clay County Commission meeting that his tribe aims “to protect that water because we know how important it is.”

Jamul Casino Names New CFO

California’s Jamul Casino Resort May 12 appointed Lori Ware as its new chief financial officer. Ware has held financial roles at several tribal and commercial gaming companies, including Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, William Hill US, Caesars and more. She joins the casino at a pivotal time, with a spa and hotel tower expansion slated to open this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lori as our new chief financial officer,” Jamul President and General Manager Mary Cheeks said in a statement. “Her extensive expertise in tribal gaming operations and impressive track record of financial leadership will be extremely valuable as we continue to enhance our guest experience and prepare for the opening of our new, luxury hotel tower this summer.”

By Marjorie Preston   Fri, May 16, 2025

Macau stocks jump after positive trade talks, Thailand casino report looms, RWS CEO retires and more.

Macau Casino Stocks Up on US-China Trade Détente

Shares in U.S.-based Macau casino stocks spiked May 12 on news that the U.S. and China had paused their tariff war. Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts — three of Macau’s Big 6 casino concessionaires — rose by roughly 8 percent, 7 percent and 5 percent. The S&P 500 was up just 3 percent, Investopedia reported.

The Asian units of the U.S. companies can take heart from comments by Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. At a May 13 press conference, Sam said the Chinese special administrative region will not retaliate against American operators for actions by the White House. “As long as they follow Macau’s laws and conduct their activities in an orderly and lawful manner, [the operators] are protected and supported” by the SAR, he said.

Sam acknowledged “profound changes reshaping the international geopolitical landscape” and “intensifying competition in the tourism and gaming sectors.” Those factors, along with Macau’s over-reliance on gaming for tax revenue, limits the city’s “capacity to withstand economic shocks,” as proven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He reiterated the call for “appropriate economic diversification fostering the city’s sustainable socioeconomic development.”

Thailand Senate to Report on Casino Bill by July

In April, the Thailand Senate convened a panel to study the hotly debated Entertainment Complex Bill. The panel will form two subcommittees to consider different aspects of the legislation, which would bring legal casino resorts to five tourism locations throughout the country.

According to the Bangkok Post, one subcommittee will review the potential negative social costs of legal gambling on people and the environment and also consider a public referendum on the matter.

The second subcommittee will study the potential economic impacts of the project, which could generate THB308 trillion ($9.1 billion) in gross gaming revenue per year and make Thailand the world’s third-largest casino market after Macau and Las Vegas.

Originally the Senate pledged to submit its review within 180 days. Now the results are expected by the end of July.

Following Q1 Drop, Resorts World Sentosa Chairman to Retire

In a May 14 filing to the Singapore bourse, Resorts World Sentosa announced that CEO and Chairman Tan Hee Teck will retire on May 31. He is also departing his role as CEO of Genting Singapore.

“The board respects Mr. Tan’s decision and would like to express its appreciation for his invaluable contributions and guidance to the board and the company during his tenure,” the filing stated.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of the Genting Group, will serve as acting CEO of the group.

Tan’s exit follows a disappointing quarter for RWS, reported the Straits Times. Revenue in Q1 dropped 20 percent year on year to $626.2 million. Net profit fell 41 percent to $145 million.

Genting Singapore pegged the results to “lower VIP rolling win rate and the temporary closure of Hard Rock Hotel for renovation and rebranding, which led to a reduction in available room inventory.” It also noted a decline in tourism during Chinese New Year.

“Amid heightened geopolitical trade tensions and macroeconomic headwinds, the group continues to adopt a prudent and adaptive approach,” Genting Singapore continued.

Last November, Singapore renewed RWS’ casino license for just two years instead of three due to “unsatisfactory” results following the pandemic.

Philippine Casinos Cut Ties with Junkets Implicated in Kidnap-Murder

Okada Manila and Solaire in Manila’s Entertainment City reportedly will no longer do business with VIP junket operator 9 Dynasty Group. Police have linked 9 Dynasty to the abduction and murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que, head of Elison Steel.

Que and his driver were last seen alive in Valenzuela City on March 29. On April 8, their battered bodies were found in a rural area of Rizal.

According to the Manila Times, a source inside the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said 9 Dynasty and another junket, White Horse Club, laundered PHP200 million ($3.6 million) in ransom paid for the businessman’s release.

The money, paid in pesos and dollars, was later funneled through casino e-wallets and converted to cryptocurrency.

“The investigation extends beyond the kidnappers who directed the ransom payment process,” said the Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council on May 12. “It also targets casino players within these junket operations who initially received the ransom funds via their e-wallets.”

Earlier this month, 9 Dynasty informed members it would withdraw completely from the market citing “strategic adjustments” in global operations. White Horse Club has also reportedly shut down its Philippine operations.

Macau Appoints New DICJ Head

Ng Wai Han, former director of the Macau Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau, has been appointed head of the city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, known by its Portuguese acronym DICJ.

The first woman to lead the regulatory body succeeds Adriano Marques Ho, who became customs director general under Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai last year.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip, who announced the appointment on May 7, said Ng’s “professional competence and aptitude” qualify her for the position. She will serve an initial one-year term.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, May 16, 2025

Flutter closes on NSX deal, Paraguay ends its monopoly, Sportradar tests iGaming in Brazil and more.

NSX CEO Takes Charge of Flutter Brazil as Deal Closes

Flutter has announced the completion of its deal to acquire a majority stake in Brazil-facing NSX Group, with NSX CEO João Studart to lead the new Flutter Brazil business.

Last September, Flutter announced a deal to acquire an initial 56 percent stake in NSX, which is the parent company of the Brazil-facing Betnacional brand, with the agreement amounting to $356 million.

The acquisition has now been completed, with Studart set to lead a Flutter Brazil business that will also include Flutter’s existing Betfair Brazil brand.

“Today, we begin a new stage in our journey,” Studart said. “It is the recognition of a work that began as a Brazilian startup and that, with strategic vision, talent and consistency, has consolidated itself as a reference in the betting and digital entertainment sector, with leading brands such as Betnacional.”

Landmark Regulation in Paraguay Eliminates Gambling Monopoly

The Paraguay government has approved new gambling laws that will eliminate the monopoly, in what marks a landmark moment for the nation’s gambling sector.

Law No 7348/2025 aims to modernize gambling regulations in Paraguay, inviting private operators to enter the market after previously having to gain access through a tender process.

The new regulations also place the National Gaming Commission (Conajzar) under the National Directorate of Tax Revenue, with the aim of increasing the regulator’s powers and leading to more state contributions from the gambling sector.

Conajzar President Carlos Liseras claims the new regulations could cause state contributions from gambling to rocket in Paraguay, potentially doubling or even far exceeding the record PYG175.8 billion ($21.9 million) received in 2024.

IBIA and Brazilian Ministry of Sports Join Forces

The Brazilian Ministry of Sports has signed an agreement with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) with the aim of boosting sports integrity efforts in Brazil.

Announced on May 14, the deal will enable the sharing of information related to suspicious betting activity on Brazilian sports, while supporting collaboration on investigations between the two bodies.

André Fufuca, the minister of sport in Brazil, believes the agreement will serve as a “milestone” moment in the fight against match-fixing, saying: “With these agreements, we will have more than enough instruments to curb this practice and guarantee greater transparency in competitions.”

“This agreement will ensure that information on suspicious betting is swiftly shared with the Ministry to support effective integrity actions,” IBIA CEO Khalid Ali added.

Brazil Serves as Test Market for Sportradar’s iGaming Platform

Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl says the company is using Brazil as a test market for its iGaming services, already onboarding 50 clients in the country.

Speaking on Sportradar’s Q1 earnings call on May 12, Koerl said the company is looking to drive growth for operators with its managed trading services and iGaming marketing solutions.

Koerl believes iGaming is a “natural extension” of Sportradar’s business, stating the strategy in Brazil is to offer a fully integrated 360-degree solution that boosts growth over the player life cycle.

“We are leveraging these relationships and experienced a strong test in the market of Brazil under way for iGaming,” Koerl said.

By Frank Legato   Fri, May 16, 2025

The latest announcements from Caesars, Novomatic and IGT.

Caesars Launches Proprietary Online Game

Caesars Entertainment announced the launch of its first proprietary online casino game, Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender, now live exclusively on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey.

Developed by the company’s recently established in-house games studio, Empire Creative, this new release offers an innovative and highly customizable player experience, combining cutting-edge features, adaptive game modes and a brand-forward aesthetic for Caesars’ most iconic gaming brands.

Caesars Palace Signature Multihand Blackjack Surrender introduces a range of innovative features not commonly found in traditional digital versions of the table game classic. This title is designed to offer a seamless user experience, with a focus on legibility, smooth game flow and functionality tailored to meet the needs of all online casino players.

This launch marks Caesars’ first venture into developing, certifying and launching fully proprietary online casino games. This title will expand its footprint into more casino jurisdictions with fully branded launches planned across both the Horseshoe Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino brands. Empire Creative will continue to expand Caesars’ portfolio of signature table game products across Caesars’ online casino platforms.

Novomatic Americas Partners with Cage Puerto Rico II

Novomatic Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of Austria’s Novomatic AG, and Cage Puerto Rico II Inc. have entered into a long-term, exclusive strategic partnership for the street gaming market in Puerto Rico, building on their successful multi-year collaboration across various Caribbean markets.

Under the terms of a newly concluded Master Sales Agreement, Novomatic Americas will distribute thousands of FunMaster 2.27 cabinets to Cage Puerto Rico. The agreement reflects both parties’ shared commitment to market development, operational excellence and long-term value creation in Puerto Rico’s regulated gaming sector.

Each gaming terminal will include access to a curated portfolio of Novomatic gaming content, which is tailored to meet the preferences of the local player base. This ensures that Cage and its operating partners benefit from a dynamic and adaptable content offering that is designed to maximize entertainment value and operational results.

The agreement includes mutual exclusivity within the Puerto Rico street market. It is contingent on authorities renewing Cage’s gaming license.

IGT Wins ‘Best Casino Supply’ at G2E Asia Awards

International Game Technology PLC announced that it won the “Best Casino Supply” category in the 2025 G2E Asia Awards. In their 16th year, the G2E Asia Awards are evaluated by a panel of industry experts and recognize excellence and innovation in Asia’s gaming and entertainment industry.

“Winning the Best Casino Supply category in the 2025 G2E Asia Awards was an extraordinary start to IGT’s showing at G2E Asia and a direct reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering great games and systems to our customers across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Dallas Orchard, IGT senior vice president & chief operating officer, gaming APAC.

“IGT’s high-performing games such as Rising Rockets Link are helping operators diversify their gaming floors and offer popular game mechanics with a compelling presentation.”

By Frank Fantini   Fri, May 16, 2025

Could brick-and-mortar casino stocks finally be on the rise after extended underperformance?

You can call it the Trump Bump.

Stocks, including, finally, those of brick-and-mortar casino operators, jumped after President Trump announced a truce in his trade war against China. On the day after the announcement operators bounced 5 to 8 percent, including those large and small, Macau, Las Vegas and regionally oriented.

The gains, though more modest, continued the next day.

Obviously, they did not advance alone. It can be argued that casino stocks were simply carried along like ore in a slurry by an overall upward market. But the fact is they advanced sharply, which was welcomed after a distressingly long period of underperformance.

Of course, two days does not a trend make. And there are a lot of worries out there about the near future, such as whether the impacts of the tariff war are still to hit the economy in terms of higher prices, product shortages and consumers who are at least uneasy if not scared or cash-strapped.

Still, recent stock prices and reports by management teams of stabilized business and projections of modest growth for the remainder of the year give some hope that valuations have finally bottomed and might be headed back up.

CEOs and CFOs on their first-quarter conference calls were nearly unanimous in their more sanguine assessments. Most made several assertive pronouncements of continued and increased stock repurchases given what several called “dislocations” between stock prices and business values and prospects.

Certainly, the negative cases for casino stocks have been made and are now well understood, if not taken as gospel, by investors: Macau has Chinese economic and political risks, the industry’s growth phase is largely over for regional casinos, and online gaming and the proliferation of various forms of gray gaming are chipping away at regional revenues, threatening an actual decline in financial performance in some markets.

But there are positives, too. Las Vegas Sands might have the greatest exposure to Macau, but it also owns the world’s greatest casino in Singapore and has ambitious expansion in store there.

MGM Resorts, Caesars and Penn Entertainment have their own digital operations to grow. Boyd owns 5 percent of sports betting giant FanDuel and has its own iCasino. Wynn in two years will open a spectacular casino in Dubai and will have a monopoly for the foreseeable future in what some believe is a $5.5 billion market. Red Rock Resorts, Golden Entertainment and Monarch Casino are Nevada locals operators and no one yet sees an end to Nevada’s population growth.

Even its harshest critics admit that Full House Resorts has a developing goldmine in suburban Chicago. Caesars and Penn are past or near ending capital projects, meaning more money coming in and less going out. Red Rock and Churchill Downs have step-by-reliable-step expansions in the works. MGM, Wynn, LVS, Golden and Monarch are ambitious share repurchasers. Almost all are reducing debt ratios.

The stocks of most casino companies could rise 50 percent just to get back to historic valuations. And that doesn’t count those with revenue growth built in, thanks to expansions like Red Rock and Wynn.

In brief, now might be the time for value-oriented investors to rediscover the brick-and-mortar casino.

By Roger Gros   Fri, May 16, 2025

In this episode we sit down with Glenda Nelson, chairwoman of the Estom Yumeka Maidu Indians of the Enterprise Rancheria, to talk about the tribe’s partnership with Hard Rock and its latest developments.

The Estom Yumeka Maidu Indians of the Enterprise Rancheria tribe in northern California spent years securing land into trust to develop a casino. Glenda Nelson, the tribe’s leader, helped direct that process. She explains the painful journey and its eventual success, why the tribe chose Hard Rock as a partner and how it has helped the members of her tribe. She also reveals plans for a $2 billion multi-use project the tribe has received approval for on 350 acres adjacent to the casino. She spoke with GGB Editor-at-Large Roger Gros at the Hard Rock in May.