By Richard Mulligan   Thu, May 29, 2025

The 1,000-slot venue just outside Chicago is set to open six months ahead of schedule.

Penn Entertainment expects its new $185 million land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois to open in August – some six months ahead of the original timeline.

Hollywood Casino Joliet will feature approximately 1,000 slots, 43 live table games and an ESPN Bet sportsbook. It will also host several new restaurants and bars and a 10,000-square-foot event center.

Penn said the facility will open to the public on Monday, August 11, pending customary regulatory approvals. It is to replace the Hollywood Casino Joliet riverboat that first opened on the Des Plaines River in 1992.

The group has stated it expects to draw approximately $130 million in third-quarter funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. to support the project. The company is currently working with the Illinois Gaming Board to manage the operational transition from the current riverboat facility to the new land-based location. Further updates regarding the grand opening are expected in the coming weeks.

“The countdown to the opening of our newest casino begins today,” said Jay Snowden, chief executive and president for Penn.

“The move from our existing riverboat significantly improves our offerings in the highly attractive Chicagoland market, and both our existing customers and new guests will be able to enjoy premier gaming, dining and entertainment at this exceptionally accessible new location.”

Access to Chicago and Other Major Markets

Hollywood Casino Joliet will anchor Rock Run Collection, a new commercial and residential development located adjacent to the Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 interchange. Situated around 40 miles from downtown Chicago with super-regional access from the central Illinois, Iowa and Indiana markets, it is estimated to have 230,000 passing vehicles daily.

Penn expects to have approximately 600 team members at the new casino, growing its employee roster in Joliet by 200.

Hollywood Casino Joliet has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to debut her fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence in the Chicagoland region for the first time. Sorellina by Giada will offer approximately 170 seats for dining and a contemporary bar featuring a comprehensive wine selection.

Penn has also partnered with McClain Camarota Hospitality to bring prominent Chicago chefs and restaurants to Hollywood Casino Joliet. Through this partnership, the property will feature the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, a dining experience that will include Lucky Goat, an all-new burger concept from celebrity chef Stephanie Izard.

“We’re thrilled to partner with these elite restaurateurs to bring amazing dining options to the new Hollywood Casino Joliet,” said Todd George, executive vice president of operations for Penn. “These concepts will create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the property and provide our patrons with an array of food and beverage offerings that are unmatched in the market.”

By Richard Mulligan   Thu, May 29, 2025

Gaming executive Mike McKiski is the new senior vice president of sales at casino games developer Bluberi.

Bluberi has appointed longtime gaming executive Mike McKiski as its new senior vice president of sales, as the company continues its expansion across North America’s gaming landscape.

McKiski joins Las Vegas-headquartered Blueberi with a well-established track record in the industry, having held leadership roles at several prominent companies. Prior to this move, he served as senior vice president of global table games at Light & Wonder. He also held senior positions at AGS, Interblock Gaming and Scientific Games, where he focused on scaling operations and driving revenue growth.

The hardware cabinet and games developer, whose titles include Devil’s Lick, said McKiski’s appointment reflects a strategic milestone in its business development plans.

“Mike brings an incredible mix of strategic thinking, in-depth industry experience, and a results-driven mindset – which makes him a perfect fit for Bluberi,” said Chief Commercial Officer Casey Whalen. “As we continue to scale our business and expand our presence, Mike’s leadership will be influential in helping us build stronger partnerships, deliver more value to our customers, and advance our sales performance. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”

McKiski Enthused by Switch to Bluberi

McKiski is also known for his entrepreneurial work outside of the executive suite. He co-founded and served as president of MaxBet Media, a podcasting and digital content company that offers behind-the-scenes insight into the gaming industry. He has been recognized multiple times by industry outlets, earning a spot on both Vegas Inc.’s and Global Gaming Business’ “40 Under 40” lists.

“I’m thrilled to join Bluberi at such a dynamic time in its growth,” McKiski said. “The company has a rich history of innovation and a leadership team that is both visionary and deeply committed to its mission. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to Bluberi’s continued success and to help drive the next chapter of its journey in the gaming industry.”

By Richard Mulligan   Wed, May 28, 2025

Bacta has named Joseph Cullis as the UK trade group's new president after he was elected unopposed.

UK amusements trade group Bacta has appointed Joseph Cullis of Windmill Leisure as its new president.

Cullis, previously Bacta’s vice president, takes over the role from John Bollom after being unopposed during the nominations process. Bacta is the trade group that represents Great Britain’s amusements and low-stake, low-prize gambling entertainment industry.

Jeremy Godden, who is managing director of the Godden Gaming Organisation, has been elected as Bacta’s vice president.

Looking ahead, Cullis outlined some of the challenges that await as he assumes the role. These include anticipated changes to regulations and criticism of the sector from some quarters.

“It’s a great honor to step up and represent Bacta as its new president,” Cullis said.

“There’s no doubt that Bacta is facing some of the biggest challenges in its 50-year history. The frustration at the delays in modernising gambling regulations, the proposed changes to technical standards and the media campaign targeting AGCs are all examples of what your trade association is dealing with.

“Jeremy and myself have no illusions about the size of the challenge, but I can assure members that we will be giving our utmost to promote and protect their businesses on every front.”

Cullis also paid tribute to his predecessor, who had held the role since 2023.

He added: “Working alongside John Bollom has been the perfect preparation for the main job. John has contributed so much to Bacta in so many different capacities. He’s the first person to be president on two occasions and his vision has resulted in the modernization and streamlining of Bacta. He is an extremely hard act to follow and I know that I will be able to draw on his experience and insight.

Meanwhile, Bacta has confirmed that it will be holding elections for the three National Council seats for past presidents as well as for the full 20-seat Bacta Amusement Council.

By Richard Mulligan   Tue, May 27, 2025

The sportsbook operator will submit an online and mobile sports betting application under Century's license in the Midwest state.

BetMGM is set to enter the Missouri market through a partnership with Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau.

Under the terms of the agreement, BetMGM will operate an online and mobile sports betting application under Century’s license in the Midwest state. By law, the Missouri Gaming Commission must launch the state’s new legal wagering market by December 1, 2025.

The agreement includes a percentage of net gaming revenue payable to Century, with a guaranteed minimum, as well as retail sportsbook options to be exercised at Century’s discretion.

The deal was signed between BetMGM and Colorado-headquartered Century Casinos, Inc. BetMGM is already a partner in Missouri of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger, co-chief executive officers of Nasdaq-listed Century, said: “We are excited to partner with BetMGM, a leading online sports betting and gaming entertainment company with a dynamic and innovative brand.

“This partnership is another step forward in leveraging our Missouri licenses and delivering premium entertainment experiences for our customers.”

The agreement is contingent on obtaining all necessary gaming licenses and regulatory approvals.

Missouri Licensing Rules Still to be Confirmed

Legal sports betting was approved by Missouri voters in a referendum last November. Betting was expected to commence in June 2025, but this has been delayed as licensing rules have yet to be confirmed.

The new law sets the tax rate at 10%, but licensing fees are not set. The proposal that was voted on includes the language “not to exceed” around licensing fees. The highest fee the state could charge for a retail license is $250,000 and the highest for a digital license is $500,000.

The application period for all Sports Wagering Licenses in Missouri began on May 15, 2025. Licensing rules are scheduled to become effective from August 30.

Under plans published last year, there will be up to 21 digital sports betting licenses available in Missouri. They will be available to the six professional sports teams and 13 casinos in the state, in addition to there being two stand-alone licenses.

Every casino company either already has its own sportsbook brand or has a relationship with a wagering company. Of the six professional sports teams, the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals have at least some sort of business relationship with a sportsbook.

By Richard Mulligan   Tue, May 27, 2025

The supplier will power the Swiss operator's LoRoPlay+ self-service betting terminals.

Loterie Romande has selected OpenBet to power its new retail and digital sportsbook in Switzerland.

The operator is the exclusive regulated sports betting operator for Switzerland’s French speaking cantons.

Under the agreement, OpenBet will provide Loterie Romande with a suite of online and retail betting technology and front-end solutions. It will also assist the operator’s migration from its current platform.

OpenBet will support Loterie Romande’s newly developed self-service betting terminals, LoRoPlay+. The partners wish to offer customers a seamless experience across online and retail channels.

Significant Milestone for Loterie Romande

Jean-Luc Moner-Banet, chief executive of Loterie Romande, said: “Selecting OpenBet as our sportsbook provider and long-term partner represents a significant milestone for Loterie Romande, as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

“OpenBet’s world-class technology, deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment to responsible gaming, regulatory compliance and continued use of advanced player protection tools empower us to continue our sportsbook offering in a safe and responsible way, ensuring strict adherence to AML standards and player welfare over the years to come.”

Jordan Levin, chief executive of OpenBet, said: “This partnership with Loterie Romande reinforces our leadership in the lottery sector and showcases our ability to deliver world-class sports betting experiences to WLA members worldwide.

“With our proven expertise in sportsbook technology, risk management and regulatory compliance, including robust AML controls and player protection measures, we are confident that this partnership will meet the expectations of Loterie Romande.”

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, May 23, 2025

Work on the Solana Tower at Tropicana Atlantic City will begin in September.

Caesars Entertainment-operated Tropicana Atlantic City in New Jersey has announced plans to reimagine and rebrand its hotel tower, with work set to begin later this year.

The renamed Solana Tower in the resort’s west wing will feature 604 renovated rooms and suites. Tropicana said it will draw inspiration from its “Palm Walk,” where grand palm trees are placed around its casino floor.

Initial renderings reflect this, with the rooms shown to feature tropical patterns and bold accents. Curated artwork will also be installed throughout the new-look tower.

Work is scheduled to begin in September and could complete as soon as January 2026. Tropicana expects to begin taking bookings from this fall.

Caesars Celebrates ‘Vintage’ Atlantic City

Joe Giunta, senior vice president and general manager for Tropicana, welcomed the revamp. Giunta said the all-new Solana Tower will offer guests an “elevated hospitality experience.”

“Bright, breezy and brimming with character, these room enhancements blend playful coastal charm with a nod to vintage Atlantic City,” Giunta said. “The new rooms offer a vibrant, welcoming escape that’s as fun as it is approachable.”

Tropicana Atlantic City can trace its history back to 1919. The first building to stand on the site was the Ambassador Hotel, which was open from 1919 to 1977. Ramada purchased the building in 1978 and ran The Phoenix until 1980.

After also acquiring the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in 1979, Ramada elected to rebrand the New Jersey location as Tropicana Atlantic City. The location was briefly renamed as TropWorld Resort between 1988 and 1995, but then switched back to Tropicana Atlantic City in 1996.

The venue is the largest resort casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. In total, it has almost 2,400 hotel rooms and around 30 restaurants and 30 shops. Its casino features 3,000 slot machines and a range of table games.

By Bruce Merati   Fri, May 23, 2025

The threat of prediction market expansion is presenting an increasingly worrisome development for regulated sportsbooks. But as Bruce Merati (l.) argues, the best solution is to band together instead of splintering off.

In recent months, the boundary between state-regulated sports betting and federally sanctioned prediction markets has grown dangerously blurred. Platforms like Kalshi, Crypto.com and Robinhood have begun offering “event contracts” on sports outcomes, claiming regulatory shelter under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This maneuver has enabled them to sidestep state gaming laws, placing licensed operators in a precarious position—forced to compete with platforms operating under an entirely different set of rules.

This isn’t just a legal quirk—it’s a direct challenge to the integrity of the state-based sports betting framework. State-licensed operators are held to rigorous standards involving taxation, consumer protection, responsible gaming and regulatory compliance. CFTC-regulated platforms, by contrast, operate with far fewer obligations, eroding regulatory parity and undermining the ecosystem states have worked so carefully to build since PASPA was overturned in 2018.

Now, just as the U.S. sports betting industry is maturing, it faces a disruptive force—not grounded in innovation, but in regulatory arbitrage. The current leadership at the CFTC has remained conspicuously silent—even canceling a much-anticipated roundtable meant to hear from the industry. Meanwhile, litigation is underway in several states challenging the legality of these federal offerings. In the absence of regulatory clarity, opportunistic actors are gaining ground—and fast.

Why a Unified Response Is Urgent

The worst path forward would be for each licensed operator to replicate Kalshi’s national model. Doing so risks not only legal consequences from their own state regulators—especially in jurisdictions with strict controls or where sports betting is still prohibited—but also fragments the market further and weakens its foundations.

A patchwork of competing prediction platforms would trigger a customer acquisition arms race, drive up marketing costs, and cannibalize liquidity—ultimately diminishing the efficiency and transparency of the market.

Instead, operators should pursue a shared solution: a cooperative alliance such as the Network Association of Sports Betting Operators Exchange (NASBOE) that I founded. Under this framework, bets continue to be placed legally with state-licensed operators and become tradable on BetEx, a multi-jurisdictional exchange infrastructure.

This model allows each operator to maintain control over customer interactions and compliance obligations, while accessing shared liquidity and a standardized exchange trading system. Crucially, customer identities remain private—protected in the same way broker-dealers handle trades in securities markets, without disclosing end-user identity to the exchange or other brokers.

ETBs: A Smarter Way to Compete

At the core of this infrastructure is the Exchange Tradeable Bet (ETB)—a standardized binary wagering contract that complements traditional sportsbook bets.

ETBs are simple Yes/No contracts placed through licensed operators within state boundaries. Once accepted, they become tradable on a centralized exchange—offering enhanced flexibility, market-based pricing and risk management for both operators and bettors.

Key advantages include:

• Wire Act compliance: Bets are placed entirely intrastate, ensuring legality before any cross-jurisdictional trade.
• State taxation integrity: ETBs preserve current tax structures and can generate new tax revenue through increased trading volume.
• No federal preemption: ETBs are not commodities or securities and remain under state gaming jurisdiction—not the CFTC or SEC.
• Operator risk hedging: Operators can dynamically manage exposure through the exchange, similar to market makers in capital markets.
• Anonymity and privacy: Orders are processed by the originating operator, safeguarding customer identities in line with broker-dealer practice.

An Industry at a Crossroads

The stakes are high. If the industry fails to organize, federally authorized prediction markets may gain irreversible momentum—reshaping the legal landscape and undermining state sovereignty. But if licensed operators act now, through a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional alliance rooted in compliance, innovation and transparency, they can secure both autonomy and future relevance—especially as regulatory clarity evolves.

NASBOE and BetEx provide the foundation for that response. Their modern, interoperable infrastructure invites participation from tribal and commercial operators alike preserving the central role of states and sovereign tribal nations as the true regulators of sports wagering.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Inaction Define the Future

While the legal fight over prediction markets plays out in courtrooms and administrative offices, the competitive dynamics are already shifting. The question is not whether to respond—but how.

This is not the time for hesitation or duplication. It’s the moment to build a legally sound, networked alternative that honors state oversight while enabling responsible, cross-jurisdictional trading. 

ETBs represent a sustainable, scalable solution. The time for sportsbooks to launch a multi-jurisdictional prediction market is now.

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, May 23, 2025

Additional new features on the gaming floor at Borgata include electronic credit and at-table wireless device charging.

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey has revealed its new 25,000-square-foot gaming floor and additional bar and dining experiences for customers.

Led by KNA Design, the gaming floor features 51 tables, five private gaming salons and a dedicated Asian gaming space. Visitors can also enjoy a high-limit gaming area and private bar.

To further improve gaming experience, Borgata has introduced several other new features. These include electronic credit, allowing guests to redeem funds directly at tables for uninterrupted gaming. Customers will also now have access to wireless device charging at gaming tables.

In addition, Borgata has employed a team of multilingual hosts who speak a number of languages including Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Vietnamese and Korean.

Borgata President and Chief Operating Officer Niklas Rytterstrom said: “From lucky colors and patterns, to symbolic imagery for good fortune and refined woodworking and craftsmanship, our design team took every element into consideration in delivering on the splendor our guests have come to expect.”

Additional Amenities at Borgata

Alongside the gaming floor, Borgata has unveiled new dining and bar experiences. The first of these is Noodles, a Pan-Asian dining destination that first appeared at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Dining tables at Noodles celebrate traditional Asian designs. Meanwhile, an eight-seat casual bar reflects the number eight as a symbol of luck and prosperity in Asian culture.

Also new at Borgata is B Bar, which it said will serve as the centerpiece of the casino floor. A round-style bar, the venue features video poker terminals and large screens for viewing live sports events.

“With these best-in-class offerings and amenities, we are once again redefining the pinnacle of high-end gaming in Atlantic City,” Rytterstrom said. “Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure our guests feel welcomed, celebrated and immersed in unparalleled experiences.”

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 23, 2025

The allure of a downstate New York casino license may be quickly losing its luster after Wynn Resorts became the third prospective bidder to bow out of the race.

And then there were eight: Wynn Resorts announced May 19 that it is officially dropping out of the race for one of three available downstate New York casino licences.

Wynn is now the third potential applicant to withdraw its bid before the June 27 application deadline, joining Las Vegas Sands and Hudson’s Bay Co. Hudson’s Bay withdrew on April 10 and LVS followed two weeks after that.

“After careful consideration, we have decided not to lodge an application for a gaming licence in New York City,” Wynn said in a statement. “The recent rezoning process has made it clear to us that there are uses for our capital more accretive to our shareholders, such as investment in our existing and upcoming developments and stock buy backs, than investing in an area in which we, or any casino operator, will face years of persistent opposition despite our willingness to employ 5,000 New Yorkers.”

Wynn and partners Related Companies and Oxford Properties had proposed a $12 billion mixed-use development in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards neighborhood. The proposal, which is an adaptation of a previous Related development agreement in Hudson Yards, featured a range of amenities, including a casino, hotel, school and housing units. That latter item was a key focal point for the project’s opponents, as Related had previously pledged a higher number of units.

This pushback led to a doubling of the housing commitment in April, although that last-minute change now seems moot. It is unclear whether Related will still pursue the project without Wynn and the casino component.

“We sincerely thank those who have supported our efforts, including our partners at Related Companies and continue to believe that their proposed Hudson Yards West development is an outstanding opportunity for New York City,” Wynn concluded.

The announcement, although significant, is not entirely unexpected. Wynn posted a 9 percent YoY revenue decline in the first quarter, including adjusted EBITDAR declines for all six of its properties worldwide. The company for years has been all-in on its resort project in the United Arab Emirates, slated to open in 2027.

These financial factors were also mingled with a fear of digital expansion, which was the chief reason why LVS, one of Wynn’s biggest competitors, dropped out of the running. New York did not come close to legalizing iGaming this year, but its online sports betting market is the biggest in the U.S. Several adjacent states with legal iGaming, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey, have seen record revenue from it so far in 2025.

The general sentiment, as LVS expressed, is that expansion allowing online casinos is inevitable, which could cannibalize land-based revenue. LVS’ exit in some ways set the stage for Wynn, as both companies strictly operate luxury, capital-intensive resorts and therefore deploy similar stratagems. Both are among the highest spenders in the industry and their exits could be an ominous sign to the remaining bidders, most of whom don’t have the same spending power.

“We continue to be in the running in New York, but we absolutely will not get over our skis to win a licence there,” Wynn CEO Craig Billings had told analysts earlier this month.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, May 23, 2025

As the debate surrounding prediction markets continues to intensify, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is looking incredibly lean.

Beset by a wave of departures, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission will undergo a further transition period in the coming months.

Speaking at an appearance May 16 in Amsterdam, CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham announced that she will leave the agency when Brian Quintenz is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Following Pham’s announcement, Kristin Johnson, a Democratic commissioner, indicated days later that she also plans to leave later this year.

In the sports betting industry, the CFTC has gained attention in recent months due to a high-profile case involving prediction markets on sports. Kalshi, a popular prediction market, has been subject to a wave of litigation on the state level.

Since late March, Kalshi has won two preliminary injunctions that have allowed the company to continue to offer event contracts on sports in New Jersey and Nevada. Separately, the CFTC dropped an appeal against Kalshi in a federal case involving election betting contracts.

The departure of Pham and Johnson will leave only one member on the five-person commission. By month’s end, two other commissioners – Summer Mersinger and Christy Goldsmith Romero – will also leave the CFTC. Bloomberg first reported Johnson’s departure on May 21.

Last month, the CFTC delayed a highly anticipated roundtable on prediction markets without providing an explanation. In February, Pham wrote in a statement that certain anti-innovation policies have restricted the CFTC’s ability to “pivot to common-sense regulation of prediction markets.” Earlier this week, InGame reported that the CFTC will hold a conference call with tribal gaming leaders regarding prediction markets on May 29

Kalshi announced a content deal with Elon Musk’s xAI on May 20, before reneging on the partnership later in the day. Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner, currently serves as a member of Kalshi’s board of directors. Kalshi has also appointed Donald Trump Jr. to the board.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 23, 2025

No tax on tips bill passes Senate, Yonkers mayor wants racino licenses granted, Stevens says next project is far away and more.

Senate Passes Standalone No Tax on Tips Bill

On May 20, the U.S. Senate passed a standalone version of the “no tax on tips” bill that was included in the House’s overall spending and tax mega-bill. Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen brought the bill to the floor and passed it via unanimous consent, meaning all 100 senators concurred. Such a process is very rare, especially for actual bills and not just procedural motions.

The move to pass the bill through unanimous consent is a way to pull it out of the overall spending bill so that it is not bogged down by partisan debates on other issues in the larger spending bill, such as cuts to Medicaid and other federal programs.

“We shouldn’t be forcing working families to choose between keeping their health care and keeping their tips — which is why we want this bipartisan bill to pass on its own, not [as] part of a harmful, extreme budget bill,” Rosen said on the Senate floor, per the Nevada Independent.

The bill would allow employees in tipped industries—which is not yet defined—to fully deduct cash tips, including those from bank cards, up to $25,000. This would not be available to those making more than $160,000 per year.

Conversely, the House version does not have the $25,000 cap and would only be valid through 2028. Nearly a quarter of Nevada employees work in leisure and hospitality, and five percent of all workers are tipped, the highest rate in the U.S.

Yonkers Mayor Calls for Racino Licenses to be Awarded First

Three downstate New York casino licenses will be awarded by the state gaming commission by year’s end, but Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano is urging the commission to award licenses to two existing racinos—Resorts World New York City in Queens and MGM Empire City in Yonkers—immediately to help bolster tax revenue and licensing fees.

Any bidder chosen for a license must pay a $500 million fee, meaning the state would reap $1 billion by greenlighting licenses for the existing facilities.

“We have two racinos whose owners are ready to pay the State a billion dollars in application fees today, and to start generating hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes tomorrow,” Spano told the Yonkers Times.  “We all know that the cutbacks from Washington are going to cause holes in the State and local budgets by the end of the year, so let’s be proactive.”

Three prospective bidders have already withdrawn their proposals ahead of the June 27 deadline, with major operators Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands already bowing out of the race. There is now considerable doubt as to whether the market has lost its luster after a dragged-out process that is still not close to completion.

“New York should move ahead right away with the two proposals that enjoy community support and are shovel ready to go,” Spano told the Times. “We’ve already lost too much time. Let’s not lose any more.”

Circa’s Stevens Clarifies That Next Project is Years Away

In late April, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley said in her first State of the City address that Circa Casino Resort owner Derek Stevens was planning to develop a new Circa-branded casino on a parcel in Symphony Park near downtown that he has owned for nearly a decade. However, Stevens clarified to the Nevada Independent this week that the announcement was very premature.

“I can tell you right now that we’re a couple of years out from even starting the design work for the site,” Stevens told the outlet. He also added that “ whatever we build won’t be called Circa,” as Berkley had also announced. Currently, the seven-acre site is being used as a lot for a nearby residential tower.

“We want to be a good neighbor, and it helps the other projects,” Stevens told the Independent. “We have the last site that is zoned for gaming, but we’re going to take our time to consider our plans.”

New Hampshire Casino Expansion Moves forward

In New Hampshire, the Hampton Zoning Board approved a sizable expansion to the charitable gaming space at the Hampton Beach Casino complex, according to the Portsmouth Herald. In addition to the expanded casino, which will be quadruple the size of the existing space, the complex will feature a new music venue, a 204-room hotel and 99 condos. The current casino opened in 2014.

“We are the smallest casino (charitable gaming facility) in the entire state,” owner Sal Lupoli told the board, per the Herald. “Our vision was to always rebuild this and be year-round.”

New Illinois Regulation Mandates Human Trafficking Training

A new regulation from the Illinois Gaming Board went into effect May 2 requiring several new training resources related to human trafficking, according to WICS. State casinos must now provide annual human trafficking training to employees, implement new procedures for documenting and reporting suspicious behavior that could be trafficking, and post notices with telephone hotlines and other information in bathrooms and other visible locations.

“Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their illegal activities,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “By adopting mandatory human trafficking recognition training, establishing minimum requirements for that training and requiring casino operators to implement appropriate reporting and signage protocols, the IGB, while working in partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and other law enforcement agencies, is taking meaningful steps to combat these heinous crimes.”

Rio Opens New Baccarat Room

Las Vegas’ Rio Hotel & Casino held a grand opening May 15 for its new baccarat room, the latest renovation for a property that has been completely redone in recent years. The new room is located just off the main casino floor

“We are excited to unveil our new Baccarat Room, developed in response to the increasing momentum behind Rio’s gaming operations,” Rio President and CEO Patrick Miller said in a statement. “This inviting new space marks the latest step in the ongoing transformation of our casino floor. As guest preferences continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering a dynamic, inclusive gaming experience that reflects the energy and spirit of Rio Las Vegas.”

By Conor Reynolds   Fri, May 23, 2025

Gambling rates down in the U.K., TGP Europe surrenders license, Paf posts record revenue and more.

U.K. Gambling Participation Falls, Lottery Remains Most Popular

Overall gambling participation in the U.K. has decreased by three percentage points since last year.

This is according to data published by the Gambling Commission May 22, as part of its Gambling Survey for Great Britain research conducted by NatCen.

Of those that said they had gambled within their last four weeks, 19 percent said they only took part in National Lottery or charity lottery draws.

The commission has reported that lottery games remain the most popular gambling activity but participation has fallen since October, from 37 percent to 34 percent.

Team Sponsor Exits U.K. After White Label Crackdown

TGP Europe has surrendered its U.K. white label license, throwing a number of U.K. football sponsorship deals into uncertainty.

TGP was told to pay a £3.3 million penalty. The fine follows an investigation into the operator and a number of white label football sponsorship deals.

TGP ran 29 websites in the U.K, including Duelbits.co.uk, Betvision.com, Leyubet.co.uk, Fun88.co.uk and Oubao.co.uk.

The Gambling Commission stated that TGP had failed to carry out sufficient checks on its business partners and had broken anti-money laundering rules.

Gambling Commission Reports Improved Rate of ‘Frictionless’ Financial Risk Checks

The U.K. Gambling Commission has revealed it conducted about 1.7 million assessments in the second stage of its pilot checking on financial risk among bettors, with 97 percent considered “frictionless.”

The checks are triggered when a bettor’s net monthly deposit reaches £500 ($671.29), with operators able to trigger checks with credit reference agencies.

Last August, the Gambling Commission launched the first stage of its financial risk checks pilot, as one of the major recommendations highlighted in the U.K.’s gambling review white paper.

The first phase of the pilot was seen by the Gambling Commission as a success, with 95 percent of assessments reported as frictionless.

Online Growth Pushes Paf to Record Revenue in 2024

Nordic-facing operator Paf reported record revenue during its 2024 financial year, driven by growth within its online gambling business, although earnings were slightly lower year-on-year due to higher tax rates.

Group revenue for the year ended 31 December 2024 hit €183.0 million ($207.4 million), Paf revealed in its full-year report. This surpassed €177.1 million in the previous year – the group’s existing record – by 3.3 percent

Growth was seen across both its online and land and ship segments in 2024. Online revenue for the year hit €161.2 million.

As for the land and sea segment, covering arcades and gaming operations on cruise ships and ferries, revenue fell 6.4 percent to €21.8 million. This was blamed on the negative impact of higher tax rates.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, May 23, 2025

Maryland hikes sports betting taxes, Las Vegas sports betting con gets five years, the tush push stays alive and more.

Maryland Gov. Moore Signs Mobile Sports Betting Tax Hike Into Law

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a bill May 20 that will bring a higher percentage of online sports betting revenues to the state. Under the bill, Maryland increased the tax rate on sports betting gross gaming revenue from 15 percent to 20 percent.

With the tax hike, Maryland joins Illinois and Ohio among states that have approved tax increases since legalizing the activity. Filed as House Bill 352, Moore signed the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 into law this week.

A portion of the tax proceeds, specifically 5 percent from an operator’s mobile sports wagering GGR, will now be directed into the state’s general fund. The remaining amounts will fund initiatives associated with education. The tax rate on retail sports betting will remain at 15 percent. Since December 2021, more than $160 million in legal sports wagering tax revenue has gone to the state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund.

Sportsbook operators could have been hit harder. At first, Moore’s administration pushed for a doubling of the tax from 15 percent to 30 percent. Instead, the House Ways and Means Committee passed an amended bill by a vote of 13-5. Last year, Ohio and Illinois approved tax rate hikes on sports betting revenue. At present, Ohio is considering another tax increase.

During the current legislative session, legislators in North Carolina and Louisiana have also held debate on lifting their respective rates. In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law that will eliminate deductions on sportsbook promotions across the state. Previously, operators could deduct 2.25 percent of the value of promotional non-cash wagers placed by bettors. The deduction will sunset on July 1, 2026.

Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 5 Years For Running Sports Betting Ponzi Scheme

An Ohio judge sentenced a Las Vegas man to 65 months in prison on May 21 in connection with running a sports betting Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of millions of dollars.

Matthew Turnipseede learned his fate months after pleading guilty to four counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Turnipseede operated a scheme that promised investors double-digit profits through a variety of sports wagering businesses.

The defendant ran multiple sports betting companies, namely Moneyline Analytics and Edgewize, LLC. Turnipseede, according to prosecutors, enticed investors with false promises that his proprietary betting algorithm could generate returns in excess of 10 percent. Turnipseede was indicted in 2022 on 13 counts of defrauding 72 investors of more than $8.5 million.

The defendant’s claims were persuasive enough to convince a mathematician and author of multiple academic papers on sports wagering to join his venture. According to court filings, Turnipseede also deceived a 72-year-old female investor, who is currently battling cancer. The unnamed woman, who had retired in 2021, wrote in a victim impact statement that she now needs to return to work because of the lost funds. Prosecutors later determined that Turnipseede bilked investors out of $7.4 million, down about $1.1 million from the 2022 indictment.

According to the indictment, Turnipseede used investor funds to pay for personal expenses, including family vacations to Disneyland and Hawaii, spa treatments and lease payments on multiple vehicles. The court also required Turnipseede to pay restitution of $4.7 million. Turnipseede is scheduled to surrender to federal authorities within 90 days from the date of his sentencing.

Tush Push Avoids Ban, Lions Table Playoff Rule Change

Heading into this week’s NFL Owners’ Meetings in Minneapolis, the future of the “tush push” appeared on shaky ground.

Needing 24 votes to permanently ban the short-yard, scrum-like play, a contingent of league owners were poised to pass the rule change at the May 21 meeting. The proposal had garnered considerable media attention throughout the off-season but the effort fell just short of the requisite votes, falling by a 22-10 margin, ESPN reported.

Contending that the play is responsible for player-safety issues, the Packers petitioned the NFL to penalize teams for running the push in short-yardage situations. Armed with one of the most prodigious offensive lines in recent memory, the Philadelphia Eagles have executed the push to near perfection.

According to ESPN research, Philadelphia and Buffalo ran the play 163 times over the past three seasons. The amount is more than the rest of the NFL combined. When the two teams ran the push, they converted on a first down or a touchdown at a rate of 87 percent, ESPN found. Despite the outcome, the Eagles’ odds to repeat as Super Bowl champions remained unchanged on Wednesday at +650.

Also at the meetings, the Lions withdrew a proposal that sought to re-seed playoff teams by record. At the moment, division champions receive a home game in the Wild Card round. Under the proposal, the Vikings (14-3) would have opened the 2024 playoffs at home despite finishing second in the NFC North. The Lions pulled the proposal due to a lack of support.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, May 23, 2025

Senecas look to resume NY compact talks, Kenosha casino proposal gets a big lift, Oregon casino rebrands with new name and more.

Seneca Chief: Compact Talks to Resume Soon

The gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York technically expired in December 2023, although both sides have agreed to an auto-renewing temporary extension since. For several months, however, there has been little talk of progress, especially with a tribal election last November. But new President J.C. Seneca told WKBW last week that discussions are expected to begin again soon.

“We’ve had great dialogue with the governor’s office. … We’re working on specific dates and times to be able to get that done and get that process started,” Seneca told the outlet.

Notably, Seneca was also asked if he had changed his stance about revenue sharing—under the tribe’s previous compact, 25 percent of slot revenue from its three casinos was shared with the host cities, but the incoming chief has been adamant that he is not amenable to revenue share if the state does not cede something in return, possibly iGaming.

“Time has changed since then, so what are their other values that are here today?” Seneca said. “Certainly, on the forefront of everybody’s mind is iGaming, so I think you know something like that may provide that opportunity to be able to look at that.”

Feds Reject Potawatomi Amendment, Clearing Way for Kenosha Casino

The Department of the Interior has rejected a proposed amendment to the gaming compact between the Forest County Potawatomi Community and the state of Wisconsin, per a May 20 report from WLIP. With the denial, the Menominee Tribe now has a much clearer runway to develop its proposed $360 million casino project in Kenosha.

Essentially, the Potawatomi had attempted to remove the 2031 expiration date for provisions that would allow the tribe to reduce payments to the state if another tribal casino is built within 30-50 miles of Milwaukee, and the Menominee project falls within that scope.

But Scott Davis, senior advisor to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, ruled that the amendment would “favor one tribe while disfavoring other tribes” and therefore violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Menominee proposal, which is still working its way through the approval process, now has a much better chance of success with the denial, as the Potawatomi amendment would have created “significant financial disincentives” to approve new developments, the DOI said.

The proposed casino, in partnership with Hard Rock, would be built on 60 acres and include 1,500 slots, 50+ tables, a hotel, entertainment venue, dining options and more.

Graton Spending Shifts to Republicans Post-Trump

A May 17 report from the Press Democrat showed that the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, one of the most powerful gaming tribes in the U.S., has reversed its political contributions in order to boost Republican candidates and causes following President Donald Trump’s election last November.

The tribe has in years past given millions to Democratic initiatives and campaigns, but it donated more than $170,000 in February and March to Republican groups and political committees. Of that total, $100,000 was given to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

One immediate reason for this shift could be a means to try and block a nearby casino project from the Koi Nation that was approved right before Trump took office. Graton filed a lawsuit to reverse that approval and could be donating to Republicans in efforts to sway the ruling. Another controversial approval from the same time, for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ project in Vallejo, is already being reconsidered, so there’s a possibility that the Koi approval could be put on hold as well.

“We give to causes we believe in regardless of political affiliation,” Graton Rancheria Chair Greg Sarris said in a statement to the Press Democrat. “As the original residents of this land, we stand for environmental stewardship, social justice for all and sovereignty rights for tribes.”

Oregon Tribal Casino Rebrands

On May 19, the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Mill Casino in North Bend, Oregon was rebranded as the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay, per KPIC, as part of its 30-year anniversary celebration. Additionally, the casino partnered with Caesars Sportsbook to launch sports betting kiosks at the property.

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

By Marjorie Preston   Fri, May 23, 2025

Bain puts Inspire up for sale, stakeholders bullish on Bangkok, Grand Ho Tram launches huge expansion and more.

Inspire South Korea for Sale

Three months ago, global investment firm Bain Capital seized control of Inspire South Korea from developer-operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. Now the $1.6 billion resort is up for sale.

Bain was the primary lender on the property, touted as the “Las Vegas of South Korea.”

On February 19, Bain invoked an acceleration clause requiring MGE to immediately repay $275 million in loans or surrender control of the resort. Facing a cash crunch, MGE was forced to cede control, but said it was committed to reclaiming the property.

A Bain sale would not be simple. According to the Korea Times, the firm does not yet hold legal title to MGE Korea and must first complete “a valuation of the collateral asset.” In addition, a third-party buyer would likely have to reapply for the casino license.

UNLV Analyst: Bangkok Could Surpass Singapore for Gaming Revenue

Bo Bernhard, VP of economic development at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, is urging Thailand lawmakers to legalize casino resorts. Bernhard believes a single market in the country—the capital city of Bangkok—could become the world’s third most profitable gaming market, edging Singapore.

With two integrated resorts, Singapore currently ranks third in GGR after Macau and Las Vegas. In 2024, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa collectively brought in $4.5 billion. The republic is on track to reach $5 billion this year, driven by the rebound in tourism and new attractions at both IRs.

But analysts say a mature Thai gaming industry—with IRs in Chiang Mai, Chonburi and Phuket as well as Bangkok—could generate up to $9.1 billion per year. Analysts at CSLA are even more optimistic, projecting $15 billion.

Bangkok has “a critical mass of infrastructure [ including] a world-class airport,” Bernhard told the Bangkok Post. It has a population of 11.5 million and drew 32.4 million visitors last year. Given these factors, “Bangkok alone with two resorts can surpass Singapore and become one of the largest gaming destinations in Asia,” Bernhard said.

He added that a strong regulatory framework is essential to attract gaming giants like MGM Resorts and Las Vegas Sands. “Serious operators want the strengthening of law… like an anti-money laundering law or know-your-customer law. They want to watch the dollars legitimately spent, counted and taxed to make sure it’s clean.

“The enforcement must be strict.”

A number of global operators have expressed interest in Thailand, including MGM, Sands, Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Hard Rock, Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Vietnam’s Grand Ho Strip Launches Billion-Dollar Expansion

Vietnam’s Grand Ho Tram Strip casino resort has begun a massive expansion that will add a five-star hotel, luxury villas, new entertainment facilities and a convention and exhibition center to the complex.

The 86.5-acre project, with a price tag of more than $1 billion, is a joint venture of Lodgis Hospitality and VinaLiving, a unit of investment firm VinaCapital.

In a statement, CEO Walt Power said the expansion will make Ho Tram “Vietnam’s leading integrated resort destination … able to compete with top regional destinations such as Singapore, Manila and Macau.”

The groundbreaking took place on May 16.

PAGCOR Calls On ‘All Sectors’ to Fight Problem Gambling

On May 19, at the Philippines’ second annual International Conference on Responsible Gambling and Addiction, the head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. called for “a whole-of-society approach” to the issue of problem gambling. Alejandro Tengco said “regulators, policymakers, industry operators, healthcare professionals and academicians” have a stake in the fight and must collaborate on solutions.

“We must not only share knowledge but act as partners in understanding, preventing and reducing the threats posed by problem gambling,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco.

“Gaming has inherent social risks” Tengco continued. “But with the right safeguards and collaboration among all sectors, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our players.”

Kangwon Land Boosts VIP Bets

The South Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has granted permission to Kangwon Land, the country’s only locals casino, to hike betting limits on VIP baccarat.

Minimum wagers in the casino’s new foreigners-only gaming zone will increase tenfold from KRW50,000 ($35) to KRW500,000 ($353). Table differentials will top out at KRW30 million. The change is designed to boost casino traffic and lure high rollers to the resort in a remote area of Gangwon Province.

The government will also allow Kangwon Land to increase its casino floor by almost 62,000 square feet and increase the number of gaming machines and tables. The casino is expected to add 50 tables and 250 slot machines, for a total inventory of 1,860.

In December, Kangwon Land announced it would add a new casino complex in a capital investment project worth KRW2.5 trillion, with an expected completion date of 2032.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, May 23, 2025

NSX Group survives underage betting suit, political delays hampering progress in Chile, Codere pulls back in Colombia and more.

Betnacional Owner Avoids Suspension Amid Underage Betting Lawsuit

A judge has ruled that NSX Group, the operator behind the Betnacional brand, can continue its activities in Brazil, rejecting a request to suspend its operations amid a court battle over underage betting.

The interlocutory decision comes after two organizations filed a lawsuit against NSX Group and its Betnacional, Mr Jack Bet and Pagbet brands, calling for the suspension of the company’s activities and collective moral damages of BRL500 million ($88.3 million).

NSX Group had been accused of failing to sufficiently protect children and adolescents from betting, but despite the Public Prosecutor’s Office initially granting the injunction to suspend NSX’s activities, a court has now decided against suspending the company’s operations.

Udo Seckelmann, head of gambling & crypto at Brazilian law firm Bichara e Motta Advogados, told iGB the case is still ongoing, with the potential for further evidence to be given that ultimately changes the ruling on NSX’s activities.

Political Delays Stalling Chile’s Online Gambling Plans

Asociación Chilena de Casinos y Juego (ACCJ) President Cecilia Valdés has voiced her frustration over the slow progress of online gambling regulation in Chile.

In December 2023, Chile seemed to make significant progress toward legalizing online gambling when the Chamber of Deputies approved an iGaming regulation bill.

However, the progress has been slow since then, with the bill currently stuck in the Senate, and Valdés blames a lack of political will for the delay.

Valdés told iGB: “More concerning is the urgency status was recently removed, which makes us think that both the executive branch [for failing to push it forward] and the legislative branch [for allowing it to stall in the Senate for over a year] lack the necessary commitment.”

Bolsa Família Betting Ban Sparks Civil Rights Debate

Brazilian lawyer Luiz Felipe Maia believes the incoming ban on gambling with money from Brazil’s Bolsa Família program could become a civil rights issue.

In April, Secretariat of Prizes and Bets chief Regis Dudena confirmed there would be a ban on betting with social welfare proceeds, with the measure set to undergo legal assessment before coming into force in the form of an ordinance.

Felipe Maia warns the prohibition could be deemed to infringe upon the rights of Brazilians, telling iGB: “At the end of the day it becomes a civil rights issue, because what we’re saying is ‘OK, if I am in a situation where I need welfare, I cannot decide where I’m going to spend my money, so I have limited freedom.’”

“Either you give them stamps and say, ‘OK, these stamps are for food, and you can only use those for food’, or you’re giving them money and you’re allowing them to decide what they’re going to do with that money.”

Codere Online Pulling Back in Colombia Amid New VAT

Codere Online is pulling back in Colombia after a new 19 percent value-added tax (VAT) was introduced for online gambling operators in the country.

In February, Colombia brought in the emergency tax, which will last until the end of December, with the government stating it needs the additional funds to cover the expenses of responding to ongoing civil disturbances in the Catatumbo region of the country.

Many operators have reported impacts to their activities in Colombia, and in the earnings call following the announcement of Codere Online’s Q1 results, CEO Aviv Sher said the company has had to stop its efforts in the country.

“We started to see good results in Colombia,” Sher explained. “But I think everybody knows what happened in Colombia in the past few months with the VAT regime that they introduced.”

Brazil Senator Calls for Betting Ban to Protect Country’s Football Sector

Senator Eduardo Girão of Brazil has strongly criticized the damaging impact of betting on the nation’s football scene and is urging for the repeal of existing betting laws.

During a Senate Plenary session last week, Girão reiterated his desire for a ban on betting to be introduced, claiming the football industry’s dependence on gambling sponsorships was harming the sport.

“We need to stop this humanitarian tragedy that is betting,” Girão explained. “Only a few win: tycoons. And those who lose are millions. For me, it has to end. I have a bill to end it, to ban sports betting again.

“The damage has already been done, the signs are there. And there are still people with zero responsibility towards the Brazilian population, with zero social commitment, who are thinking of putting casinos and bingo halls to a vote in this House in the coming weeks.”

By Frank Legato   Fri, May 23, 2025

The latest announcements from IGT, Light & Wonder, Agilysys and more.

IGT-Led Consortium Proposed for Italy Lotto License

International Game Technology PLC announced that the judging commission for Italy’s lottery completed its analysis of the technical and economic offers in the bid for the Italy Lotto license and will propose LottoItalia, a consortium made up of Allwyn, Arianna 2001 and Novomatic Italia and led by IGT, to the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, which is expected to make the award notice within the next 35 days.

“The Italian Lotto concession is one of the world’s most important lottery contracts. IGT and its predecessor companies have successfully managed the license for 30-plus years through constant innovation and the introduction of cutting-edge technology,” said IGT Chairman Marco Sala.

The consortium’s bid included a €2,230 million upfront license fee payable in three installments between the time of award and April 2026. IGT currently expects the first two installments of €500 million and €300 million to be made in 2025, with the balance made in 2026. The nine-year license term secures the business until November 2034.

Light & Wonder Completes Acquisition of Grover Gaming Charitable Gaming Assets

Grover Gaming, Inc. announced that it has completed the sale of its charitable gaming assets for a total consideration of up to $1.05 billion to Light & Wonder, Inc.

The deal involved the initial $850 million received with a contingent cash consideration of up to $200 million. This additional amount depends on meeting specific financial targets by 2028.

“I am very thankful for all of our Grover Gaming teammates and how hard they have worked to make this possible,” said Garrett Blackwelder, CEO and founder of Grover Gaming.

“The real winners in this deal are the charities and fraternals in these markets, because of the exciting game content L&W brings to the table,” added Kevin Morse, chief development officer of Grover Gaming. “We are very happy to complete this deal and are excited to see Light & Wonder take charitable gaming to a new level.”

Boyd Chooses Agilysys

Agilysys, Inc., a leading global provider of hospitality software and services, announced that Boyd Gaming Corporation has signed a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) agreement for InfoGenesis, the Agilysys omnichannel enterprise POS ecosystem, to be deployed across its 28 gaming entertainment properties in the United States.

When fully implemented, data and transactions will be unified across all endpoints, including self-service kiosks, on-demand mobile food and beverage ordering profit centers and kitchen display stations. Data across systems will help Boyd optimize guest engagement and offers as well as operational decisions.

In addition to the InfoGenesis core system, Agilysys solutions in the agreement include OnDemand, guest self-service Kiosks, Kitchen Display Stations (KDS), Loyalty-Promotions and Analyze.

Vixio Wins Best Regulatory Intelligence Solution at RegTech Insight Awards

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, announced that it has been named Best Regulatory Intelligence Solution at the RegTech Insight Awards Europe 2025.

Organized by the A-Team Group, the RegTech Insight Awards celebrate excellence in regulatory technology across the financial services industry. Winners are selected through votes cast by members of the RegTech Insight community, representing a diverse range of financial institutions, compliance professionals and industry experts.

As a market leader in regulatory intelligence since 2006, Vixio’s regulatory intelligence platform provides actionable, real-time updates and in-depth analysis to help organizations stay ahead of shifting regulations, manage compliance risk and make informed decisions.

Inspired Launches Centurion Big Money

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems and solutions, announced the launch of Centurion Big Money, the latest addition to the successful Centurion franchise.

Now available in the U.K. B3, LBO market, this new release builds on the franchise’s popularity by introducing Inspired’s Big Money mechanic. Centurion Big Money brings the Centurion character back to the reels in a slot adventure packed with thrilling features, including the Big Money Bonus, reel bonuses, Fortune Spins and two gamble options.

Landing three or more bonus symbols anywhere on the reels triggers one of three Big Money Bonuses, starting with a multiplier of up to 3X. A progressive trail above the reels features multipliers up to 10X. Centurion symbols act as cash collectors, accumulating coin values for each Centurion symbol that lands.

BMM Innovation Group Names John Helderman CFO

BMM Innovation Group, a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, training and cybersecurity solutions for the global gaming industry, announced the appointment of John Helderman as chief financial & administrative officer.

With more than two decades of executive leadership in the gaming, finance, hospitality and nonprofit sectors, Helderman brings extensive experience in financial strategy, operational oversight and enterprise transformation. In his role, Helderman will help drive continued growth and strategic execution for the BIG Group.

Before joining BIG, Helderman served as chief financial officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a $1 billion luxury resort, where he led accounting, IT, and procurement and was licensed as a key executive by the Nevada Gaming Commission. He also held CFO roles at Bluberi Gaming and The Brennan Entities, modernizing financial systems, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting liquidity management during critical growth periods.

Earlier in his career, Helderman served as president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada.

By Frank Fantini   Fri, May 23, 2025

In this episode of Bull and Bear, the two sides debate the state of the gaming industry and the broader economy after the conclusion of first-quarter earnings.

Quandary: Okay, Bull and Bear, I’ve called you in today because the first-quarter earnings season is over but instead of companies having provided clarity, I’m as uncertain as ever.

Bull: Well, Quandary, you can relax. We might not have certainty but we had consensus and it was reassuring. Healthy business trends are holding up and, despite all of the hand-wringing and worry, advance bookings for room reservations and conventions are, too.

Bear: Bull, that’s nice, but that’s still the past, as in what was reported when those quarterly investor calls were held. Look into the future. You’ll see total uncertainty. Nobody can plan. You want statistics that mean something, look at freight activity. It always leads the economy, and freight traffic is down, as in way down.

Bull: Freight activity. That’s a late 19th century measure, mid 20^th century at best. We’re a service and knowledge economy today.

Bear: That’s bull, Bull. Companies aren’t buying products because they don’t know what the costs, or the economy, will be tomorrow. That’s why shipments are down, and that’s a real problem for the near-term future of the economy.

Want one very specific example in gaming? Wynn Resorts is postponing $375 million in capital projects, including a renovation of the Encore hotel tower in Las Vegas, because they don’t know what construction costs will be.

Quandary: But isn’t this a temporary problem until tariffs are settled?

Bear: Well, if it throws the economy into a recession, that isn’t going to be good for consumer discretionary stocks whether tariffs settle down or not.

And if the politicians of both parties continue running up the federal deficit even further, that will present a dilemma for the Fed. Does it cut rates to spur the economy and risk higher inflation or does it hold the line or even raise rates and risk an even greater recession?

By the way, even without those stark choices, interest rates don’t seem to be going down in any meaningful way. Check mortgage rates. Believe me, this whole thing is a mess and it isn’t going to get better because Donald Trump threatens or insults somebody.

Bull: Before you get too carried away, keep the fundamentals in mind. The economy is doing well. People are spending. All of the anguish over higher costs is fear and speculation. Costs where it matters, like gasoline, are down.

And those advance hotel and convention bookings are still holding strong. That’s hard data.

Bear: You’re right. That’s hard data. Now, consider some very pertinent and important soft data. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey has dropped to its second-lowest reading – EVER.

And Bull, I think you will agree with me, gaming remains a consumer-dependent industry and worried consumers cut back discretionary spending before they stop buying new shoes for Junior.

Bull: You’re right. But with the underlying economy still strong, I think we can have confidence in the long run.

Bear: Well, Bull, to quote one of your favorite economists, John Maynard Keynes, in the long run we’re all dead.

Quandary: Thanks, guys. Now I have something else to worry about.

By Roger Gros   Fri, May 23, 2025

This inaugural edition of the Gaming Legacy Podcast features Jack Binion, a legend in the industry not only in Las Vegas, but all over the U.S. under the Horseshoe brand.

Jack Binion first arrived in Vegas with his father Benny in 1947. He eventually ran the Horseshoe casino in Downtown Las Vegas and helped to found the WSOP, the seminal poker tournament held each year. He later started Horseshoe Gaming, one of the most successful regional casino companies, with casinos in Tunica, Mississippi; Bossier City, Louisiana; Council Bluffs, Iowa and elsewhere. In every market, the Horseshoe casino was the market leader. He sold the company to Caesars Entertainment in 2000 and continues to advise casinos on how to run a gaming establishment and how to treat customers. He sat down with the host Roger Gros for the first episode of the Gaming Legacy Podcast at his offices in Las Vegas in April 2025.

By Richard Mulligan   Wed, May 28, 2025

France's PMU has expanded its collaboration with the Confederation of Tobacconists and its 22,000 members.

French gambling operator PMU is seeking to extend its reach across the country after expanding its long-running partnership with the Confederation of Tobacconists (CdT).

The partners said the new agreement, which runs until the end of 2027, strengthens synergies between horse racing-focussed PMU’s network of 14,350 establishments and sales teams and those of CdT’s 22,800 members.

PMU’s core business is offering horse racing betting through its network of partner retailers and at racetracks throughout France. Some 70% of the active network of PMU partner establishments has a tobacco business.

Sylvain Dominé, director of commercial networks at PMU, said: “The network of points of sale, its development and the continued modernization of its services are a strategic priority for PMU. This strengthening of the partnership with the Confédération des Tobacconistes will allow us to further optimize our presence in the tobacconist network and thus strengthen PMU’s territorial roots and proximity to our customers.”

Developing the Point-of-Sale Network

PMU said the renewal is fully in line with its strategic focus of continuing to densify its territorial coverage and modernize its network. Its target is to develop its retail network, which already accounts for 85% of its business.

Under the new agreement, there will be an emphasis on developing and retaining the point-of-sale network, with a particular focus on improving coverage in urban and rural areas.

PMU and CdT will also work together to help tobacconists switch to new PMU equipment, deploy new visual branding and stem underage and problem gambling. At the same time, geomarketing studies will be conducted for new points of sale or transformations that do not yet offer horse racing betting.

In another important measure, PMU and the CdT will work closely to assist tobacconist businesses in fragile situations by implementing personalized support plans.

The CdT said the partnership is part of its network’s transformation strategy aimed at developing the tobacconist’s shop as “the everyday drugstore for the French”.

Philippe Coy, president of CdT, said: ” This agreement signed with the PMU, a long-standing partner, is an opportunity to boost the enthusiasm surrounding an emblematic national sport, by mobilizing a wide audience and further anchoring this sport in the daily lives of the French.”