By Robert Fletcher   Thu, Jun 12, 2025

Cipriani owns restaurants, private members’ clubs, event spaces, hotels and residences around the world.

Italian hotel and leisure company Cipriani has secured a $190 million loan from Beach Point Capital Management and Sparta Capital Management to support its ongoing expansion plans.

Cipriani will use the funds to further develop its various locations and venues. These include the Cipriani Resort, Residences and Casino Punta Del Este, a new $500 million project in Uruguay.

The luxury oceanfront resort will feature a hotel with 64 suites in its first phase and 120 to follow. It will also have 68 residences, the first-ever Cipriani Casino, an exclusive beach club and luxury boutiques.

The group also owns and operates restaurants, private members’ clubs, event spaces, hotels and residences around the world. Its portfolio includes locations in Venice, New York City, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Monte Carlo and Dubai.

Cipriani to Accelerate Global Growth

Cipriani CEO Giuseppe Cipriani said the company “truly valued” the funding support. He said that it would help accelerate its expansion plans.

“This financing will accelerate the global expansion of our footprint,” he said. “Beach Point’s sector expertise, ingenuity and collaborative approach make them the ideal capital provider for Cipriani, including this unique project in Punta del Este, where we look forward to welcoming guests next year.”

Beach Point Capital Management is an alternative asset manager, while Sparta is a multi-strategy investment manager that makes public and private investments.

Michael Haynes, head of private credit, said: “We were thrilled to be able to partner the company to provide this carefully tailored financing to meet the capital needs of the company, as it builds on its strong momentum as a market-leading luxury brand.

“Beach Point has meaningful experience in the hospitality and gaming sector. We’re pleased to be able to couple that with our creativity and structuring expertise on this transaction.”

By Robert Fletcher   Thu, Jun 12, 2025

Casino turnover was 5.0% higher during Q2 at Groupe Partouche.

Groupe Partouche has reported a 4.9% year-on-year increase in consolidated turnover for the second quarter of its 2025 financial year, despite a decline within its hotel business

Turnover for the three months to the end of April hit €106.9 million ($122.7 million). This is up from €101.9 million in the same period last year, Groupe Partouche said.

Casino turnover for the quarter climbed 5.0% to €98.1 million, though hotel turnover dipped 2.8% to €6.3 million. The remaining €2.5 million came from other operations, an increase of 21.1%.

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the quarter reached €178.7 million, up 2.8% year-on-year. Of this, Groupe Partouche said €160.6 million was drawn from France-facing activities, a rise of 3.7%.

French growth was helped by a 2.7% rise in attendance. Slots GGR in the country climbed by 2.8%, while electronic table games GGR was 8.5% higher and on-electronic table games up 6.2%.

Internationally, however, GGR was 4.3% lower at €18.1 million. Groupe Partouche said while slot machine GGR was stable, table games GGR dropped 9.4%.

After €95.6 million in levies, net gaming revenue topped €83.1 million, up 2.0%. Turnover excluding net gaming revenue was €24.5 million.

Positive first half for Groupe Partouche

As for how this impacted Groupe Partouche in its year-to-date, the operator posted similar results for the first half – with the main difference being growth in the hotel segment.

Total revenues for the six months to the end of April was €233.3 million, up by 5.7% year-on-year. Casino revenues increased 5.9% to €215.8 million, with hotel sales improving by 0.9% to €12.8 million and other revenues rising by 14.7% to €4.8 million.

GGR for the half was 4.2% higher at €361.5 million, with levies amounting to €176.2 million. This left €185.3 million in net gaming revenue, some 3.1% more than at the same point in the group’s 2024 financial year.

Turnover excluding net gaming revenue was up 16.8% at €49.6 million, while a €1.5 million negative impact from the fidelity program was also noted.

Groupe Partouche is due to publish its Q3 results on September 9.

By Robert Fletcher   Wed, Jun 11, 2025

Iveda said its systems will help reduce security costs at the new Subic Sun Resort, Convention and Casino.

Subic Sun Development, the company behind the soon-to-open Subic Sun Resort, Convention and Casino in the Philippines, has entered a partnership with AI-driven video surveillance and smart-city technologies provider Iveda.

Under the agreement, Iveda will provide the venue with its IvedaAI platform for video surveillance at the site.

This, Iveda said, will help reduce security costs at the property and allow staff to respond to incidents faster. In addition, it said IvedaAI will present Subic Sun Resort with data it can use to improve guest experiences.

Iveda Philippines, Iveda’s joint venture focused on smart-city deployment across the country, secured the contract and will oversee on-site rollout.

‘Powerful Endorsement’ for Iveda

Commenting on the Subic Sun agreement, Iveda founder and CEO David Ly said it represents the provider’s first major hospitality project.

“Iveda being selected as a premier security and surveillance provider before the first Subic Sun Resort guest ever checks in is a powerful endorsement of our commitment to providing state-of-the-art monitoring technology,” Ly said.

“By designing camera layouts around IvedaAI’s real-time analytics, Subic Sun can optimize coverage, reduce blind spots, and deliver safer, smoother guest experiences. This will all be done without a costly equipment overhaul.

“We expect more ground-up projects to follow this blueprint.”

The new resort is being built at the former U.S. naval base in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This special economic hub hosts thousands of international and local businesses. The venue will feature 500 guest rooms, a convention center and a luxury casino.

Subic Sun Resort is due to open its doors in December 2025.

By Robert Fletcher   Wed, Jun 11, 2025

The Elvis-inspired accommodation at Westgate features multiple bedrooms, living and dining areas, and bathrooms.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino has announced details of the Imperial Sky Villa, a new luxury accommodation option themed on legendary singer and actor Elvis Presley.

Throughout 2025, the venue is celebrating the “Year of Elvis,” marking what would have been his 90^th birthday. The reimagined Sky Villa has been designed to honor the icon’s legacy.

Originally built atop the hotel when it opened in 1969, the area was once home to Elvis’ own Elvis Presley Suite. He lived at the site during his Las Vegas residency

Most recently, the facility was named the Tuscany Sky Villa but will throw back to the past with references to “The King.” Spanning 13,200 square feet, the area features multiple bedrooms, living and dining areas, and spa-inspired bathrooms.

Guests will also be able to experience panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline. This, Westgate said, is a nod to the famed Skyroom Lounge that once drew many famous faces.

Westgate Invites Guests to Connect with Elvis

“The villa represents more than just a spectacular retreat,” Westgate Las Vegas President and General Manager Cami Christensen said. “It’s a genuine connection to the magic that made Elvis Presley a global icon.

“Guests are truly standing where the footsteps of the King once reigned, immersed in his spirit and legacy. At Westgate, we’re proud to continue setting the standard for legendary experiences where luxury and history intersect.”

This relaunch is the latest experience and entertainment offering from Westgate Las Vegas. The venue also offers other themed suites such as the Christmas Suite and Day of the Dead Suite, in addition to party-ready High Roller Suites and other Sky Villas.

“As the home of the largest race and sports book in the world, world-class dining, and a rich entertainment history, Westgate continues to honor the icons who made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world,” Westgate added.

By Robert Fletcher   Tue, Jun 10, 2025

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa will also feature a Hard Rock Live performance venue.

Hard Rock International has announced that its new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa in Canada will open its doors on July 3.

Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the venue will feature a host of on-site amenities. These include a gaming floor with 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 table games and a high-limit gaming area.

The new location will also house a full-service hotel with 150 guest rooms, 10 restaurants and bars, and a Rock Shop/Unity Store.

In addition, an on-site Hard Rock Live performance venue will feature a capacity of up to 2,200. Several Canadian entertainers will perform during the site’s opening week, with details of the lineup yet to be announced.

Hard Rock to Continue Work After Opening

While the July opening date has been confirmed, construction is still ongoing at the former Rideau Carleton Casino.

Following next month’s launch, renovations will begin on the original building at the site. Full completion is expected by the end of 2025, with this to include additional gaming areas and restaurants.

“This property will not only attract international visitors but also support the local economy and enhance the region’s entertainment offerings,” Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen said.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation President and CEO Duncan Hannay said the venue will boost the local economy in Ottawa.

“We have been working closely with the operator to unveil this premier destination,” he said. “The economic benefits resulting from this expansion will help drive the local economy and will undoubtedly become a tourist hot spot.”

By Robert Fletcher   Tue, Jun 10, 2025

Tsleil-Waututh Nation said the purchase would be a "historic" moment for the tribe.

British Columbia-based Tsleil-Waututh Nation has entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire Hastings Racecourse & Casino in Vancouver.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, the tribe confirmed the purchase agreement covers the casino business and related real property interests.

The venue is currently operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. The company acquired the lease for the site in 2004, but this is due to expire in May next year.

While the Tsleil-Waututh Nation has struck a tentative agreement with Great Canadian, a full deal is not yet in place. The tribe said the purchase remains subject to further due diligence, finalization of financial terms and the execution of a definitive purchase and sale agreement.

Should it reach an agreement, this would require approval by gaming regulatory and other authorities. This will include the city of Vancouver, given its ownership of the real property.

It is expected Great Canadian will provide transition services to Tsleil-Waututh Nation for a period following the anticipated closing. The tribe did not state when the deal is likely to be completed.

‘Historic’ Deal for Tsleil-Waututh Nation

Jen Thomas, chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, talked up the importance of the deal. She said should the acquisition be finalized, it would be a “historic” moment for the tribe.

“We’re thrilled to take another important step towards economic self-determination for our Nation in our traditional territory,” Thomas said. “We’re eager to work with the senior management team at Great Canadian Entertainment to finalize due diligence and execute a definitive agreement, as well as work with the City of Vancouver to ensure the best long-term use of this important asset within the City.

“We believe this opportunity is historic for us in many ways. We look forward to entering the gaming industry in due course.”

Great Canadian CEO Matt Anfinson said: “Recognizing that Hastings is part of the TWN’s traditional territory, we can think of no better entity to inherit this asset, and we look forward to supporting them in the transition after the anticipated close of the sale.”

Hastings Racecourse & Casino first opened its doors in 1889. Initially known as East Park, it is Vancouver’s longest continuously used professional sports facility.

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, Jun 9, 2025

Staff currently working across the locations will be assigned to work at other Melco properties in Macau.

Integrated resorts operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced that it will close four of its venues in Macau before the end of 2025.

The Grand Dragon Casino, as well as the Mocha Hotel Royal, Mocha Kuong Fat and Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel, will cease operations over the coming months. Melco said it took the decision in line with its overall development strategy.

However, Melco also stated there will be no job losses as a result of the closures. Instead, staff currently working across the locations will be assigned to work at its other properties in Macau.

Gaming tables and electronic gaming machines will also be reallocated to Melco’s other casinos or gaming areas.

What do the Melco Venues Offer in Macau?

Located in Taipa, the Grand Dragon Casino offers a range of casino games to players in Macau. However, it will soon shut its doors under the closure plans.

Mocha Hotel Royal is based at the foot of the famous Colina da Guia landmark. The site features an in-house casino, a 380-room hotel and amenities such as a business center and several restaurants.

Meanwhile, Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel features more than 380 hotel rooms, restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool and a business center. The venue underwent renovation in 2022.

Finally, Mocha Kuong Fat is a casino that operates more than 300 gaming machines.

In related news, Melco said it will apply for the relevant authorizations and approvals to continue operating three Mocha Clubs. The venues in question are Mocha Inner Harbour, Mocha Hotel Sintra and Mocha Golden Dragon.

Melco is seeking permission from the Macau SAR government to keep each of the locations open after December 2025.

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, Jun 9, 2025

Wynn Resorts' new Mayfair venue first opened its doors in the 1960s.

Wynn Resorts has completed its purchase of Crown Resorts’ London casino, with the venue to be renamed Wynn Mayfair.

Wynn brokered the deal with Crown in January this year. Crown has been seeking to reduce its non-core assets outside Australia and had hoped to complete a sale in H2 2025.

Situated in London’s Mayfair district, the newly named Wynn Mayfair spans two townhouses on Curzon Street. It features a range of gaming options such as 20 gaming tables, in addition to a roof-top terrace and bar area.

“The prestigious Mayfair casino location expands Wynn’s footprint in Europe and the Middle East ahead of Wynn Al Marjan Island resort opening in the UAE in early 2027,” Wynn said, confirming the purchase.

Royalty and Celebrities at Mayfair Venue

The venue has been operating since the 1960s and began life as the White Elephant Club, a dining club. In its early years, it welcomed a host of famous faces through its doors, including notables such as actors Richard Burton and Roger Moore, singer Shirley Bassey and Princess Margaret.

In 1992, owner John Aspinall renamed the venue Aspinalls and transformed it into a casino. Crown Resorts took ownership of the property in 2011 and operated it under the name Crown London ever since.

Commenting on the sale in January, Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai said it allows for investment in core Australian assets.

“The sale of Crown London aligns with our strategy to invest in our Australian assets and customer offering to deliver sustainable growth for the business in our core market,” Tsai said.

By Michael Pollock   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

The growth of the regulated industry is a testament to the effectiveness of good vetting and licensure, and states are facing a number of threats to that growth and reputation, writes Michael Pollock.

Google “responsible gaming” and you will uncover a broad list of entries that all offer some variation on this: “Responsible gaming refers to the practice of gambling in a way that minimizes the potential negative effects that gambling can have on individuals and society.” (Thanks to the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists for that succinct definition.)

But then Google “irresponsible gaming” and you will uncover bupkis—a technical term that translates roughly into: See the opposite of “responsible gaming.”

We all must recognize that the principles and practices of responsible gaming have evolved dramatically over the past half-century. When the modern gaming industry was born in 1978 in Atlantic City, the responsibility of operators to address problem gambling began and ended with a seven-word slogan emblazoned on slot machines: “Bet with your head. Not over it.”

Responsible operators and the regulatory agencies that oversee them have since adopted still-evolving practices that address what was once little known, and that progress is laudable. The key component of that evolution is that legal operators recognize that they play a critical role in assuming responsibility, and they continue to take measured steps to address problem gambling.

That evolution is laudable, spurred on by the commitment of regulators across the legal gaming landscape to require that applicants for licensure submit effective, practical RG plans and to make such plans a requirement for licensure.

Now, it is time to define “irresponsible gaming,” a practice that demands a broad definition that is more than the opposite of “responsible gaming.” I respectfully suggest that “irresponsible gaming” should implicate those who ignore the principles that have led to the significant expansion of legal gaming across the world.

The core principle is that participants in legal gaming must affirmatively demonstrate that they possess the requisite good character, honesty and integrity necessary for licensure. A corollary to that principle is that legal gaming has been authorized to advance particular state policies.

Paying constant heed to those principles is the secret sauce that has led to the creation and expansion of an industry that is trusted by the public, by investors and by participating communities and government agencies.

When elected and appointed state policymakers endeavor to modify or ignore such principles, they are, by definition, acting irresponsibly. The growing consideration by states to take various forms of illegal gaming and bring them inside the legal tent is worrisome. Such efforts would address “skill” slot machines, sweepstakes and other forms of unauthorized gaming by recognizing, regulating and taxing them.

The evolution of unauthorized gaming has brought even more verbiage into the gaming lexicon, including whether such offerings are part of a “gray” area of gaming. I submit there is nothing gray about them. The core definition of “legal gaming” is any form of gambling that is expressly authorized by statute, regulation and policy. 

Turning that black-and-white definition into something hazy or gray is wrongheaded and irresponsible. It undermines the proven principle that licensure and all related policies must precede gaming operations, and not follow them. Maintaining that order is critical to ensure public trust, and to attract capital investment.

States that endeavor to dilute the standards of licensure by allowing illegal operators to participate are far less likely to advance “responsible gaming” practices. The core lesson is simple and undeniable: Retreat is not advancement.

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

According to the research, NSW residents are losing over $24 million every day.

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is facing calls to act after new research reported people in the Australian state lost AUS$2.17 billion (US$1.41 billion) on poker machines, or pokies, in the first 90 days of 2025.

Data from Wesley Mission, an organization of three Uniting Church groups, presented the research with Liquor and Gaming NSW. The group said action is needed to help protect people from gambling-related harm in the state.

According to the research, NSW residents are losing over $24 million on pokies machines every day.

The research also includes estimated annual losses per person by local government area. In Fairfield, annual loss per person was $3,255, while in Burwood-Strathfield, this hit $2,511.

However, Wesley Mission said as the data includes children and non-gamblers, the real toll on regular gamblers is likely higher.

“The Government is bending to the will of powerful clubs and hotel groups while everyday people and families are being financially and emotionally crushed,” Wesley Mission CEO Reverend Stu Cameron said. “This is the epitome of policy paralysis.”

“The industry is thriving, people are significantly harmed and the Government keeps talking of ‘reform’ while the damage escalates. This inaction is a gift to the industry.”

Calls for Greater Protection in NSW

Cameron referenced the upcoming Performance Audit by the NSW Audit Office. This is due to feature in Parliament on June 12 and is expected to set out areas for improvement.

Ahead of this session, Wesley Mission put forward several recommendations. These include mandatory poker machine shutdowns from midnight to 10 a.m., cashless gambling cards with enforceable harm reduction limits, and tighter caps on machine numbers in high-risk communities.

“These are not radical ideas, they are basic public health protections,” Cameron said. “If people were being harmed this severely by alcohol, drugs, or unsafe roads, the Government would act.

“Gambling should be no different. Instead, the Government does little while the industry rakes in billions.”

By Robert Fletcher   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

SkyCity said it was unable to reach an agreement with the developers of its New Zealand project.

SkyCity Entertainment Group is seeking NZ330 million (US$199 million) in liquidated damages from developers over delays to its New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) project.

The group said it will launch legal action against Fletcher Building Limited and the Fletcher Construction Company Limited over the case. Together, the developers have been working on the NZICC project for several years.

Initially, work was to be completed by an agreed delivery date of January 2019. However, a fire at the location in 2019 led to lengthy delays and the project is six years behind schedule.

In its challenge, SkyCity alleged that Fletchers’ breaches of contract, including those that caused the fire, constituted gross negligence, or a “persistent, flagrant or willful neglect to carry out obligations under the building works contract.”

SkyCity added that it sought to resolve these claims by agreement with Fletchers but has been unable to do so. As such, it is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in liquidated damages.

SkyCity Remains Confident of 2026 Opening

“The NZICC was originally scheduled to take approximately three years to build, and it has now taken almost 10,” SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said. “This is a project of key importance not only for SkyCity but also Auckland and the wider New Zealand economy.”

However, despite the impending launch of legal action, SkyCity is still confident the project will complete early next year. Walbridge said the February 2026 opening date remains, with SkyCity to take control of the building in H2 2025.

“We are ramping up for opening with recruitment for key positions already underway,” Walbridge said. “We have exciting plans to celebrate finally being able to open our doors and welcome visitors to enjoy the world class experience we will have on offer.”

SkyCity said it will keep the market informed on the legal case.

  Tue, Jun 3, 2025

A land of opportunity awaits for those operators that can satisfy growing customer demand for a multi-platform gaming experience. Following a milestone omnichannel game launch, Zoe Ebling, vice president of interactive at global gaming supplier AGS, discusses the tangible benefits delivered by a unified approach.

This article was produced in partnership with AGS.

In a world where the click of a button can summon instant gratification, the modern gambler expects no less from their play. Yet, for too long, the divide between casino floor and online slot has fractured the player journey – a bonus hit in a Las Vegas resort does not echo online; a favorite title found on a mobile is nowhere to be seen in the real world.

This fragmentation is not just inconvenient – it is disruptive. By pulling players out of the experience they came for and eroding loyalty before it ever truly begins, operators risk losing dissatisfied customers.

Enter the omnichannel evolution. By unifying the player journey across digital and physical realms, today’s forward-thinking operators and suppliers are dissolving the boundaries of where play begins and ends.

Customer pain points

According to Zoe Ebling, vice president of interactive at leading land-based and online gaming supplier AGS, a robust omnichannel strategy dismantles several customer pain points.

Inflexibility in the era of Netflix and Spotify is the gambling sector’s most conspicuous failing. Just as consumers expect to enjoy their favorite shows or songs across any device they choose, so they demand the flexibility of being able to play the games they love and brands they recognize where and when they choose.

Fragmentation is not just about flexibility, however. Customers rightly wonder why they cannot carry over their progress, status or achievements from one platform to another. Imagine hitting a new tier status or unlocking a bonus feature on a slot cabinet but not being able to take those successes from a land-based casino online.

“More than ever, players demand the freedom to engage on their own terms,” says Ebling. “They want to pick up a game on whatever platform suits them at the moment and expect their experience, and even their progress, to carry over seamlessly.

“This kind of discontinuity causes engagement to drop and erodes the loyalty that a cohesive journey would otherwise foster. In short, fragmentation makes players feel like their time isn’t valued.”

Player journey focus

Operators can take their customers from fragmentation to fulfilment only if their behaviors are identified and individual preferences understood. While many industry suppliers have historically excelled in either the digital realm or the traditional casino realm, very few have successfully merged the two in a way that feels natural to the player.

For leading suppliers such as Las Vegas-headquartered AGS, it is crucial to map out the full player journey across all touchpoints when developing new products and solutions. Having identified a gap in the market, AGS set out to tailor its strategy to serve both types of players simultaneously, building its omnichannel approach on an understanding of the nuances of each environment.

Ebling says: “Only by understanding player behavior and preferences in both the online arena and the land-based venue can the supplier create games and features that resonate across the board.”

This laser focus on customer satisfaction could be taken to the next level with operators that have holistic loyalty and rewards programs which stitch together a unified player journey. A well-integrated loyalty program could form the connective tissue between channels, ensuring that a player’s activity is recognized and rewarded no matter where they play.

Impact on in-game turnover

The retention of satisfied, well-serviced customers directly leads to tangible benefits for operators and their suppliers. By deploying an omnichannel approach, operators can extend a game’s reach and longevity beyond that of a single channel. A title that thrives on the casino floor can also dominate online, essentially outpacing single-channel rivals by being present in both arenas.

Helping to lead this move towards the truly omnichannel approach are established suppliers such as AGS. The business is well positioned as it offers a comprehensive range of land-based casino and online products, including Class II and Class III slots, cabinets and table games. As well as producing some of the most fun and creative content in the industry for many years, AGS has become a trusted adviser to its operator partners as they seek to stay ahead of the competition.

In early 2024, AGS led the industry’s first-ever simultaneous omnichannel launch of a slot game across both land-based casinos and online platforms in New Jersey. The introduction of Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey, executed in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, marked a major milestone in cross-channel gaming. As well as being a notable technical achievement, it provided proof that an omnichannel launch would deliver strong results across revenue, player retention and other key performance indicators (KPIs).

This kind of uplift, directly tied to offering a game on both online and land-based channels simultaneously, is a strong indicator that players responded positively to the unified experience.

In addition to revenue uplift, AGS identified strong retention indicators and high opt-in levels for the associated promotions, meaning players not only tried the game in both venues, but they kept playing and actively opted in to the cross-channel experience. An increase in the number of players who play in both environments, versus just one, is another telling KPI, as it highlights that the omnichannel strategy is successfully driving crossover interest.

Specific campaign targets

The benefits of omnichannel for operators are wide-ranging, and leading suppliers such as AGS are able to customize campaigns with specific targets in mind.

If an operator’s aim is to boost on-property visitation via an online tournament, AGS will focus on metrics like visit lift on specific days. On the other hand, if the goal is to increase online play from existing loyalty club members, AGS will watch the online wagering activity of that segment specifically.

“We’ve learned that flexibility in metrics is important, essentially, tailoring the success criteria to the goals of the initiative,” Ebling adds. “In our collaborations, we often sit down with the casino operator to agree on what metrics matter most, whether it’s new sign-ups, cross-play frequency or incremental spend, and then design the campaign to hit those marks.

“The bottom line is that measuring omnichannel success isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it must capture how well the two channels are amplifying each other.”

New heights of creativity

The coming year promises to be one of sustained progress for those operators that embrace the omnichannel opportunity. It is also a significant period for AGS itself. Last year AGS, which has been listed on the NYSE since 2018, announced it had signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by private equity firm Brightstar Capital Partners in a deal worth approximately $1.1 billion (£812m), meaning the company will no longer be publicly traded.

AGS has strong partnerships established and further omnichannel collaborations in the pipeline for 2025 and beyond. Internally, the developer has been bolstered by recent senior appointments, while once-separate land-based and online divisions are collaborating closer than ever as they embrace the omnichannel opportunity.

“I’m incredibly excited about the future of interactive gaming and the continued convergence of online and land-based experiences,” Ebling concludes.

“What excites me most is that every step toward convergence is a win for the player. It means more choice, more convenience, and more engagement.

“The lines between online and offline will continue to fade, and as they do, I believe the industry will reach new heights of creativity in delighting players wherever they choose to play.”

Zoe Ebling, vice president of interactive, AGS

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

The wave of sports betting tax increases continues to roll on, this time with a flat per-wager tax in Illinois, the first of its kind.

As the shot clock neared expiration on the Illinois legislative session over the weekend, a Democrat-led faction added a last-minute proposed hike on sports betting taxes.

Faced with a massive budget shortfall, Illinois lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion state budget on May 31 with minutes to spare. Along with tax increases on tobacco products and out-of-state income of businesses, the proposal contains a hike that will disproportionately affect the nation’s largest sportsbooks.

For the industry titans, the surprise proposal served as painful déjà vu from last spring when Illinois passed a progressive tax hike on sports wagering revenues. After this year’s bill passed, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker vowed to sign it despite strong opposition from sports betting stakeholders across the state. The latest increase raises the question of whether top books will pass the tax burden on to their customers.

One option, according to Wall Street analysts, involves the embrace of prediction markets in which companies are able to offer derivatives on sports event contracts tax free.

Illinois already drew the ire of leading books last year by enacting a progressive tax policy on sports wagering adjusted gross revenues. Through the policy, Illinois established a tax floor of 20 percent on AGR, up from the previous level of 15 percent across the board.

But the state also established a sliding scale that increased the tax rate for operators generating the highest revenue in the market. The structure contained various step-ups with a ceiling of 40 percent for operators generating annual AGR of at least $200 million.

In response, DraftKings initially floated a proposed surcharge on customer wagers, taking a page from Uber, hotel chains and various airlines that have passed higher costs on to the customer. DraftKings abruptly pulled the idea last August, less than two hours after FanDuel informed analysts that it would not follow suit.

Under the newly proposed tax structure, Illinois sports betting operators will additionally pay a tax of $0.25 on each of their fiscal year wagers up to the first $20 million in handle. From there, operators will be taxed $0.50 for every wager above the $20 million threshold. While the new increase figures to have a modest impact on mid-tier operators, DraftKings and FanDuel are once more expected to feel the brunt of the hike.

Had the tax been applied to operators on a trailing 12-month basis, FanDuel would have faced a gross tax impact of $86 million, according to estimates from JMP Securities. The impact on DraftKings would have been $79 million. The two companies maintain a combined market share of at least 75 percent in Illinois.

The additional tax would place Illinois in the proximity of New York when it comes to the tax burden felt by the market’s two leading operators. In the Empire State, all operators pay a 51 percent tax on sports wagering gross gaming revenues. New York shares the nation’s highest tax rate with New Hampshire, where DraftKings is the lone operator.

While the tax changes would potentially present a combined negative tax impact of $165 million to DraftKings and FanDuel, the impact would be marginal for the state’s other eight operators. By JMP estimates, the remaining eight companies will face a combined levy of around $20 million. For fiscal year 2026, the gross tax impact will represent 5.4 percent of DraftKings’ projected EBITDA, according to JMP. None of the eight smaller operators would shoulder an impact above 0.5 percent.

Barry Jonas, an analyst with Truist Securities, outlined three potential scenarios for the two market leaders. One option involves imposing a floor for minimum bets, which Jonas believes would be greeted unfavorably by bettors. The companies, he noted, could also revisit the surcharge. The third option, he added, involves prediction markets.

By launching a Kalshi-style prediction market, the operators could sidestep the tax burden for now, Jonas writes. Both operators addressed the controversy surrounding prediction markets on recent earnings calls. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins indicated that the company will monitor the developments closely. Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel, noted that the company has brought on a team from Betfair’s exchange business to explore the opportunity.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

California tribes and cardrooms have never been on friendly terms—but now that the battle has spilled into court, things are starting to get serious.

Last November, the California Legislature passed SB 549, also known as the Tribal Nations Access to Justice Act. The bill was unusual in that it was crafted as a means for state gaming tribes to sue cardrooms and third-party providers of proposition services, or TPPs. As sovereign nations without legal standing, such action was unavailable to tribes prior to the legislation.

A coalition of tribes subsequently sued a group of over 90 defendants made up of cardrooms and TPP providers in January. The case is being heard by the Sacramento Superior Court under case number 25CV000001, with its next hearing set for August 8.

At issue is the years-long dispute over the legality of games offered by cardrooms and whether they constitute “house-banked” games, in which players wager and play against the house rather than other players. Tribes have had exclusivity over Class III gaming, which is another name for house-banked play, since 2000.

Per state law, cardrooms are permitted to offer certain table games as long as they are played and dealt among players, as in recreational or charitable settings. Over the years, however, cardrooms have enlisted TPPs to help facilitate gameplay, as most recreational players want Class III-style gameplay and don’t wish to serve as the house or dealer. TPPs partner with cardrooms to offer these services and are required to be financially independent from the rooms in which they operate.

Tribes have long contended that this crosses the line into banking games and therefore violates their exclusivity. The SB 549 suit is the culmination of several years of bad blood and its outcome could significantly alter the gambling landscape of America’s most populous state.

The most recent complaint filed by plaintiffs came on April 23 from the Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians. Another was filed on February 18 by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

In the Rincon complaint, the tribe asked that the court find the cardrooms and TPP providers to be in violation of both the state constitution and state penal code for offering blackjack, baccarat and pai gow poker-style games in a manner that constitutes house banking.

“The TPP defendants maintain and operate a bank by maintaining and occupying the player dealer position in the blackjack-style games offered by the cardroom defendants,” the complaint reads. “Consistent with the type of banked games offered in Nevada and New Jersey casinos, in defendants’ blackjack-style games, the player or entity banking the game is not limited to winning or losing only a fixed and limited wager during the [play] of the game. Uncertainty over how much the [player] or entity banking the game will win or lose is typical of a banked game.”

The most recent rebuttal on behalf of cardrooms was filed on May 2 by Artichoke Joe’s, a facility in San Bruno.

Its attorneys highlighted the fact that tribes have tried multiple times to bring such a suit, but were unsuccessful before SB 549 was passed. A 2021 lawsuit was tossed due to insufficient standing from tribes and, in 2022, a provision was added to Proposition 26 that would have allowed “any person or entity” (ostensibly tribes or tribal members) to sue any cardroom over any game.

The passage of SB 549 finally created the pathway for tribes to bring the matter before courts. But Artichoke Joe’s pointed to an existing state law from 2004 – Proposition 64 – that conflicts with the cardroom bill. That proposition says that any plaintiff must have individual standing in order to sue, or “an injury in fact in the form of lost money or property as a result of such illegal acts.”

Due to the fact that a group of tribes is suing a group of defendants, each must have standing for the other, the motion alleges. It cited examples of tribes and cardrooms in the suit that are on opposite ends of the state, arguing that the actions of one couldn’t directly harm the other. Further, the motion points to the fact that an initiative like Prop 64 can only be amended or repealed via voter approval.

“Because the purported amendment at issue here was not approved by the electorate, it is not legally enforceable and any action based on the invalid statute must be dismissed,” the motion reads. “Simply put, because SB 549 takes away the restrictions on such relief imposed by Proposition 64, the court must find SB 549 is void ab initio.”

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

Nevada casino group joins Kalshi suit, MrBeast builds mysterious building near South Point, new bill opens Nevada salons to public and more.

Nevada Casino Group Permitted to Join State’s Lawsuit with Kalshi

The Nevada Resort Association, the most powerful casino trade group in the state, has been granted permission to join the state’s lawsuit against prediction market Kalshi, SBC reported June 4. State regulators issued a cease-and-desist order against Kalshi earlier this year, and the platform sued in response. So far, Kalshi has been granted a preliminary injunction to continue operating while the case is deliberated.

Judge Andrew Gordon, who granted the preliminary injunction, acknowledged that NRA members have a lot at stake in the fight, and therefore the association should be allowed to intervene.

“If Kalshi prevails in this case, the NRA members likely would be placed at a considerable competitive disadvantage because Kalshi and others like it would not have to comply with Nevada’s comprehensive gaming laws, including prohibitions on bettors under 21 and types of bets allowed,” Gordon ruled, per SBC.

Mystery Building Near South Point Found to Be Soundstage for YouTuber

A mysterious, hangar-like structure constructed near the South Point casino in Las Vegas has been discovered to be a soundstage for “Beast Games Season 2,” a reality show hosted by YouTuber MrBeast, who boasts the site’s largest audience with nearly 400 million subscribers.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported June 3 that the building will be taken down by June 30 and that several parties, including contractors and the South Point, signed non-disclosure agreements related to the building and the taping.

Last July, the first season of Beast Games was filmed at Allegiant Stadium, featuring 2,000 contestants vying for a $5 million prize. However, that taping resulted in a class-action suit alleging sexism and unsafe conditions, and a separate MrBeast-related event at Resorts World in April was refunded after multiple guests complained about false advertising.

New Nevada Bill Opens Gaming Salons to All Patrons

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo June 1 signed SB 459 into law, which will open up private gaming salons to the public when they are not in use.

Salons are the name used for private rooms frequented by high-rollers and VIPs, and the bill now removes a $500 minimum slot wager inside salons. Moving forward, properties will be able to set their own limits with approval from regulators.

The bill came in response to a Nevada Gaming Control Board workshop last year, in which casinos said that the existing salon regulations were too extreme and outdated. Among the bill’s supporters was the Nevada Resort Association, which said that the changes will help casinos “remain competitive by offering customized experiences for high-value, high-profile guests who may be choosing to play in other states,” per the Nevada Independent.

No Word on Future of Freehold Raceway

Freehold Raceway in New Jersey ceased operations last December, and the fate of the shuttered track is still uncertain. According to the Asbury Park Press, track owner FR Park Racing confirmed that operations “cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward.”

The only other recent mention of the track came from Penn Entertainment, a partner in the FR Park joint venture. Penn CEO Jay Snowden said on an earnings call last year that Freehold was not among its better horse racing holdings, which “are either at or above break even on a stand-alone basis, and they’re also, we believe, some of those are great development options for us down the road for potential land-based casino legalization.”

Funding for Florida Regulator Uncertain

As the Florida legislative session nears its end, the state’s House and Senate remain divided over funding for the Gaming Control Commission, per Florida Politics. The Senate proposes a spending plan of $37 million whereas the House’s proposal was $31.6 million. An allocation of $4.7 million for enhanced licensing and enforcement systems made up the majority of that gap.

“There’s only so much money to go around. If a dollar does not go to a licensed facility or a tribal facility, it’s going into a criminal’s pocket. It’s as simple as that,” FGCC Executive Director Ross Marshman said at a January hearing, according to Florida Politics.

Construction Underway at Happy Valley Casino

Construction has started on the freshly minted Happy Valley Casino inside of the Nittany Mall in State College, Pennsylvania, according to WTAJ. The mini-casino will feature 750 slots, 30 tables and two dining options and is expected to open in April in 2026.

The project is on track after several setbacks, including a change in partnership midway though from Bally’s Corp. to Saratoga Casino Holdings. A large portion of the opposition the project has faced has been in relation to its proximity to Penn State University, as detractors have voiced concerns over the casino’s potential impact on young students.

“College kids are not our target demographic; it is really that 45-plus age range is typically who comes to casinos,” Happy Valley CEO Eric Pearson told WTAJ. “The college students are not interesting to us as customers. However, their parents, when they come to visit, we’re excited to welcome them.”

MGM National Harbor Unveils Ultimate Fire Link Zone

MGM National Harbor is debuting an Ultimate Fire Link Zone, a refined 2,400-square-foot venue for devoted players of the Ultimate Fire Link gaming brand from Light & Wonder.

Housing 48 different Ultimate Fire Link slot machines, the space is the first designated Ultimate Fire Link Zone within MGM Resorts International’s global portfolio.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to the Ultimate Fire Link Zone, one of the DMV’s most unique gaming venues,” said Alex Alvarado, MGM National Harbor’s vice president of casino operations. “This new space aligns with our continuous efforts to deliver a one-of-a-kind gaming experience for our guests.

MGM National Harbor’s Ultimate Fire Link Zone is located on the casino floor near the entrance from the Conservatory.

By Conor Reynolds   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

Turkish crime ring reveals ties to illegal gambling, Svenska appeals harm minimization fine, Veikkaus appoints new general counsel and more.

Police Seize $127 Million in Turkey Cybercrime Raids

Turkish authorities have seized assets worth an estimated $127 million and made roughly 150 arrests during raids across the country in a cybercrime probe connected to charges that included illegal betting.

The raids were carried out over the past week. Some 423 suspects were detained as part of the operation, which spread across 52 provinces in Turkey, according to the Turkish Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya.

According to police, the fraudsters collected bank accounts to be used in illegal betting and gambling. Those involved in the schemes provided infrastructure for illegal betting websites, acting as an intermediary in gambling and money transfer.

Some 145 people were formally arrested as part of the investigation, with 128 suspects placed under judicial supervision.

Svenska Spel Successfully Appeals Swedish Penalty

Svenska Spel Sport & Casino has successfully appealed against an SEK100 million ($10.5 million) penalty fee and warning from the Swedish regulator Spelinspektionen.

The Administrative Court in Linköping ruled in favor of Svenska Spel during a hearing June 2. The case related to charges brought against the operator’s digital arm in March last year.

Svenska Spel Sport & Casino is the digital arm of the state-owned Swedish gambling operator.

The regulator said Svenska Spel had failed to take sufficient measures to protect players against excessive gambling.

Veikkaus Appoints Former PayPal VP to Top Legal Role

Veikkaus has announced the appointment of former PayPal vice president Jyri Lassi as its new general counsel and management team member.

Lassi replaces Hanna Kyrki, who will depart the business in July to join Summa Defence.

He will join Veikkaus having left electric car charging service company Virta Global, where he worked as its chief legal officer for over three years.

Commenting on his new role, Lassi acknowledged the major changes facing Veikkaus in the near future. The operator will soon relinquish its role as the iGaming monopoly in Finland, with the country set to open up a wider, regulated market.

LiveScore Bet Hits Out at Advertising Standards Agency Over Breaches

LiveScore Bet has stated that it is “disappointed” that the U.K.’s Advertising Standards Agency’s has ruled two of its adverts breached regulations.

The advertisements were reported to have appeared in an under-18 version of the LiveScore mobile app, which features scores and fixtures across various sports, with a primary focus on soccer.

LiveScore has said that upon investigating the first advert, it carried out testing on the under-18 LiveScore Android app. However, it was unable to replicate instances of gambling content being shown. It was also unable to identify any technical issues that would have meant content was displayed.

With the second advert, LiveScore Bet said a technical problem in a historic version of the app resulted in gambling content being displayed to users who had selected “under-18.”

Despite these arguments, the ASA elected to uphold the complaint.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

Senate sets confirmation hearing for Quintenz, NJ bans betting deals for public colleges, Pacers face long odds in NBA Finals and more.

Senate Committee Finally Schedules Nomination Hearing For Quintenz

At long last, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee head the nation’s derivatives regulator will receive his day on Capitol Hill.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry announced that it will hold a confirmation hearing June 10 for Brian Quintenz, Trump’s nominee to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

The hearing will be closely watched across the sports betting industry as the future of prediction markets hangs in the balance. Top industry lobbyists have expressed concerns that the rise of prediction markets could present an existential threat to the legal online gaming industry. Furthermore, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle told GGB that if the states do not proceed correctly, the markets could be the “concrete” that sets the groundwork for federal regulations in online gambling.

Quintenz, a former CFTC commissioner, remains a member of Kalshi’s board of directors. Last month, however, Quintenz disclosed that he will resign from the board if his nomination is confirmed. The CFTC has been beset with turnover at the commission level. As of June 5, every CFTC commissioner has either departed from the agency or has announced plans to leave this year.

NJ Senate Passes Bill Banning Sports Betting Partnerships with Public Universities

A New Jersey bill that aims to prohibit partnerships between sports betting operators and state public universities cleared through the state Senate without a hitch.

Sponsored by Sens. Joe Cryan and John McKeon, the legislation seeks to ban contractual agreements between sports betting companies and New Jersey institutions of higher education, including the athletic departments at those schools. At the same time, the bill would prohibit agreements between booster clubs and sportsbook operators that would otherwise allow for advertisements or promotions for gambling services.

“The proliferation of sports betting by college students is a troubling trend that can have a destructive and long-lasting impact on their lives,” said Cryan in a statement.

New Jersey already bans wagers on collegiate sports events that are held within state lines. As a result, fans were not allowed to bet on the NCAA East Regional in March.

The bill, S-2155, passed unanimously June 3 by a vote of 38-0. The measure also passed unanimously in the House, winning approval in a 75-0 vote. The bill heads to the desk of Gov. Phil Murphy for his signature.

At the moment, Louisiana is considering a bill that would divert a portion of a sports betting tax increase to an NIL collective to fund athletic participation at public universities across the state. Last August, an Arkansas group floated an initiative for an online 50-50 raffle that would earmark a portion of its proceeds to an NIL fund.

McCullers Brushes Off Social Media Threats For First Win Since 2022

Since leading the Houston Astros to a historic 18-inning win in the 2022 MLB postseason, Lance McCullers Jr. has dealt with the most trying period of his professional career.

Battling through a muscle strain and a bone spur in his pitching arm, McCullers went 915 days between starts before his return to the mound this May. In his second start back, McCullers struggled with his command, lasting only one-third of an inning in a 13-9 loss to the Reds. The right-hander gave up seven runs in the inning.

Later that month, McCullers revealed that he received menacing threats on social media, including ones targeting his children. Amid threats from an intoxicated bettor to stab McCullers’ kids, the Astros hired 24-hour security to protect his family. While no charges have been filed, according to the Houston Police Department, the overseas individual responsible for the threats has apologized to McCullers’ family.

“I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports, but threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little bit tough to deal with,” McCullers told reporters.

On June 3, McCullers outdueled Pirates phenom Paul Skenes in a 3-0 victory. McCullers scattered two hits over six innings for his first win since Sept. 21, 2022. Since dealing with the threats, McCullers has only allowed five earned runs in four starts for a sparkling ERA of 2.21.

McCullers is not the only MLB player who has dealt with perilous social media threats over the last month. Following a May loss to the Mets, Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks wrote on Instagram that he dealt with threatening comments on the internet.

A survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hendrik noted that he received comments from users wishing that he died of cancer. Also this week, FanDuel banned a bettor who taunted U.S. runner Gabby Thomas at an event in Philadelphia.

Pacers Enter NBA Finals With Steep Odds

While en route to Oklahoma City for the NBA Finals, severe weather delayed the Indiana Pacers’ trip by several hours.

The Pacers first had to divert their flight to Tulsa, before waiting a few more hours for the inclement weather to clear. Indiana, however, has overcome longer odds in reaching the finals for the first time in 25 years.

Rick Carlisle’s team opened the season with odds of 50/1 to win the title, odds that were more remote than 14 others league-wide. Despite finishing with the NBA’s second-best record after the All-Star Game, the Pacers entered the playoffs with odds of 60/1, as top books gave Tyrese Haliburton and company little chance of making it out of the East. Indiana responded by thrashing top-seed Cleveland in five games before sending the Knicks home in the conference finals.

When the finals kicked off June 5, the Pacers faced the 68-win Thunder, a team that has produced one of the highest winning percentages in NBA history. At FanDuel, the Thunder opened with odds of -700 to capture their first title. Led by NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are one of the most lopsided favorites in the post-PASPA era.

At Hard Rock Bet at the start of the playoffs, customers took Indiana to win the title on only 1.38 percent of all tickets. Bettors even backed the Pistons at a higher clip. Detroit, which finished with a season-low 14 wins in 2024, was eliminated by the Knicks in the first round.

The Thunder are the biggest NBA Finals favorite since 2018, according to BetMGM’s John Ewing. Per Ewing, only nine teams since 1985 have been favored entering the finals by -700 or more. Ewing cited research from the website Sports History Odds. According to the website, the 2001 Lakers (-2000) have been the largest favorites over the last three decades.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

Pushback for Koi Nation casino continues to grow, Minnesota ETG suit heads to state supreme court and Gun Lake makes new appointments.

Opposition Growing for Koi Nation Casino

The final days of former U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration were all but uneventful, especially for tribal gaming.

Several pending tribal land-into-trust applications were approved in short order, including some for off-reservation projects. These approvals have historically been all but impossible to obtain, but that precedent was seemingly abandoned by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and outgoing secretary Deb Haaland.

Perhaps the most controversial approval was granted to the Koi Nation of Northern California. The tribe has plans to build a $600 million development with a 400-room hotel and a casino with more than 500,000 square feet of gaming space and 2,750 slots on a parcel near Windsor, in Sonoma County. If built, it would become one of the largest tribal casinos in California and in the U.S.

Originally proposed in 2021, the Koi project sought a “restored land” exception from the DOI. This meant that the tribe believed its historical connection to the land justified approval, even though it was outside its existing reservation. Such requests are common for smaller tribes like the Koi who may have been displaced over time or were considered landless.

According to Voice of America, the tribe was first recognized in 1916 under a different name and was granted a parcel of land in Lake County. Much of that land was deemed unusable, however, and most of the tribe relocated to Sonoma County shortly after. In the decades afterward the tribe was forgotten through clerical errors but was restored by a DOI ruling in 2000.

Ultimately, Haaland and the DOI sided with the Koi and approved the trust application on January 13. That ruling has since kicked off an increasingly large amount of pushback, including from the state itself.

Perhaps the biggest and most outspoken opponents of the Koi project are other gaming tribes. The most powerful among them is the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), operator of Graton Resort and Casino. Graton is the largest casino in the Bay Area and is in close proximity to the Koi site. It embarked on a $1 billion expansion in 2023.

FIGR filed suit against Haaland and the DOI last November before the approval was even granted and then again after the fact in February. The tribe has argued since 2021 that the Koi site infringes on its ancestral lands and circumvents rigorous tribal land-into-trust requirements.

“Their claims of historic connection are flawed and, if accepted by the Department of Interior (DOI), would set a dangerous precedent for all California Indians – in fact, for all Indian Nations – not only creating the reality of a casino on every street corner but, no doubt as a result, also creating a major challenge to what currently constitutes our sovereignty as federally recognised Indian nations,” FIGR Chairman Greg Sarris said in a statement published last July.

In addition to FIGR, three other nearby California tribes – the Dry Creek Rancheria, Cloverdale Rancheria and Lytton Rancheria – filed a separate suit against the DOI in February.

In a somewhat rare occurrence, the state of California and other local officials are joining the mix. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office filed suit against the DOI in May and, like tribes, Newsom and his team took issue with the restored lands exception. As with FIGR, Newsom had called on DOI to reject the proposal last year before it was even official.

“The record on which Interior relied in its decision is insufficient to show that the acquisition of the Shiloh Site constitutes a ‘restoration’ of the Koi Nation’s tribal lands. Interior’s decision is therefore contrary to law and otherwise arbitrary and capricious,” the suit alleges, per Courthouse News Service.

On the local level, two officials have filed briefs in support of the FIGR suit, according to the Press Democrat. They are Lynda Hopkins, on behalf of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and Windsor Town Manager Jon Davis. Both bodies had previously passed resolutions opposing the bid.

“The project is in an area of the County that does not allow commercial development and that has been subject to devastating wildfires,” Hopkins wrote.

FIGR and other opponents are hopeful that the DOI will rescind the Koi approval just as it has done with another controversial Biden-era approval in California.

In January, the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians also received last-minute approval for an off-reservation casino proposal in Vallejo before it was retracted for further review in late March by current DOI Secretary Doug Burgum. That case features several of the same arguments related to land rights, environmental review processes and federal-state relations.

MN Supreme Court Weighs Legality of Non-Tribal ETG Expansion

The Minnesota Supreme Court will rule on whether electronic table games (ETGs) at non-tribal facilities in the state violates tribes’ exclusivity for Class III gaming, per Courthouse News Service. Running Aces, a track and card room about 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, was approved by the state Racing Commission in 2023 to change its floor plan and add an electronic dealer.

However, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community filed suit in response, alleging that the approval expands the card room past its statutory limit of 80 tables. A lower court ruled that the commission was correct in approving the expansion, but the legality of the ETGs themselves was not mentioned.

“The only real issue before the commission was whether the new floor plan exceeded the statutory limit on the number of tables used for card playing at a card club,”Josh Peterson, an attorney for the commission said, per CNS.

Overall, justices seemed initially unconvinced by the track’s arguments, the outlet said.

New Executives Appointed at Gun Lake

Gun Lake Casino Resort June 4 announced the appointments of Brian Decorah as senior vice president and general manager and Endea Smith as head of human resources. The property recently opened the Wawye Oasis, a massive pool, hotel and spa facility.

“The Gun Lake Tribe is thrilled with the addition of Brian Decorah as our new general manager,” Tribal Chairman Bob Peters said in a statement. “We know that Brian’s values, work ethic and experience will provide the leadership and direction needed at this exciting time of growth and opportunity at Gun Lake Casino Resort.”

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

Brazil ad restrictions make operators uneasy, Paraguay sees record betting taxes, SPA reinstates five licensees and more.

Brazil Gambling Industry Pushing Back Against Further Ad Restrictions

After the Brazil Senate approved new gambling ad restrictions last week, the industry is hoping to push back against the measures, believing they could lead to rises in black market activity.

The Senate approved Bill 2,985/2023 in late May, with the proposal to introduce bans on betting ads during live sporting broadcasts and time-based restrictions set to go to the Chamber of Deputies.

Lawyer Luiz Felipe Maia, founding partner of Maia Yoshiyasu Advogados, feels current ad restrictions are enough if they’re enforced, telling iGB: “I think the current regulation is sufficient in protecting people, and they are coherent with this stage of the market, because Brazil has just become regulated.”

Betsul CEO Fernando Garita believes Brazil should look at other markets, such as Italy, where ad bans have aided the black market, saying: “Blanket bans would significantly reduce the visibility of regulated operators, while illegal ones would continue to thrive.”

Paraguay Regulator Announces Record Monthly Income in May

Conajzar, the gambling regulator in Paraguay, announced it collected PYG18.7 billion ($2.3 million) from betting taxes in May, a monthly record.

According to local news outlet La Nación, Conajzar President Carlos Liseras said the figure was achieved through small interventions from the regulator.

Liseras said that at the start of the current government in 2023, monthly collections from gambling varied between PYG11 billion and PYG12 billion.

Paraguay’s gambling sector is undergoing major changes, enacting landmark regulation in May to eliminate its monopoly, with Liseras predicting this could more than double current state contributions from betting.

Five Operator Licenses Reinstated Following SPA Suspensions

Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has reinstated five licenses of gambling operators that it suspended last Friday for failing to provide certain documentation.

The SPA suspended the licenses of seven operators, explaining these companies had failed to provide the necessary security assessment reports for their betting systems mandated in the regulation.

However, Pixbet’s authorization was reinstated thanks to a federal court decision, while EA Entretenimento e Esportes, Bet.Bet Soluções Tecnológicas SA, Logame do Brasil Ltda and Sortenabet Gaming Brasil SA all sent the relevant documents and can continue operations.

Brazil Trade Bodies Join Forces Against Tax Raise Proposals

Six major Brazilian gambling trade groups have jointly criticized rumored government plans to increase industry taxes.

On May 22, the Brazilian government called for the rate of financial transactions tax (IOF) to be raised from 0.38 percent to 3.5 percent, though the move has since faced pressure from Congress.

As a result, the government is now reportedly planning to revoke the tax rise, with National Bank for Economic and Social Development President Aloizio Mercadante suggesting hiking taxes on the gambling sector to make up for the revenue lost by eliminating the IOF increase.

In a joint statement, trade bodies such as the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming and National Association of Games and Lotteries warned raising gambling taxes could risk harming the viability of regulated operators, thus boosting the illegal market.

Betano Regulatory Chief Warns Illegal Market Still Key Concern

Despite general optimism since Brazil’s regulated online betting launched earlier this year, Kaizen Gaming’s Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer Ioannis Spanoudakis says the illegal market remains a major concern.

Kaizen Gaming-owned Betano was the first operator to apply for a license in Brazil and is now ranked as the market leader by H2 Gambling Capital.

But despite Betano’s early success, Spanoudakis tells iGB the “very sizable black market” continues to be a problem for the company and its licensed peers.

“Online gaming is a large and rapidly growing industry that must operate responsibly,” Spanoudakis reveals. “A key part of that is eliminating the black market, and players migrating to the legal ecosystem.”

By Frank Legato   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

The latest announcements from AGEM, Playtech, Hard Rock and more.

AGEM Issues Call for Nominations for Memorial Awards Honoring Halle and Mead

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) issued a Call for Nominations for the Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism and the Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications.

AGEM announced the creation of this unique awards program a decade ago to acknowledge the lasting impacts on gaming by two distinctive industry veterans following their unexpected deaths in 2015. Halle, a longtime Bally and Novomatic executive in Europe whose career ended as CEO of Merkur Gaming based in Florida, died suddenly on May 20, 2015, at the age of 57. Mead, the founder and publisher of Casino Enterprise Management magazine, died suddenly in Las Vegas on June 24, 2015, at the age of 54.

Nomination submissions of 250-500 original words identifying current gaming professionals must be received via email at Allison.McCoy@AGEM.org by August 1, and must meet the following criteria outlined below that aim to capture the unique attributes displayed by Halle and Mead during their storied careers. Award winners will be announced at G2E in Las Vegas in October.

Jens Halle Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism

“Nominees must have experience working in the global gaming supplier sector for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Jens displayed throughout his working life: Professionalism, business success, international scope, attention to detail and timely follow-up; a willingness to ‘go the extra mile,’ both figuratively and literally; a sense of humanity in an oft-times cutthroat business; a recognition of the importance of a handshake and a fair deal for all; and a dedication to the health of the industry as a whole.”

Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications

“Nominees must have experience working in the mainstream media, gaming trade press or individual gaming company PR/communications for a minimum of 10 years and possess the following traits and qualities that Peter displayed throughout his working life: Quality reporting and communication with an emphasis on personal contact to generate ideas and gather information; taking risks and questioning the status quo; challenging the industry to consider new ideas; and identifying trusted partners to improve the overall product.”

High Roller and Playtech Announce Strategic Partnership

High Roller Technologies and Playtech announced a strategic partnership for Ontario, Canada, that will see Playtech provide its industry-leading technology to power High Roller’s platform and premium brand, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for players in the region.

“We are delighted to partner with High Roller as they expand into Ontario,” said Sergey Harutyunyan, chief revenue officer at Playtech. “Playtech’s technology is designed to support operators in regulated markets, and we look forward to working together to provide High Roller’s players with safe, innovative, and engaging gaming experiences.”

Ontario represents a key market for both companies, featuring a robust regulatory framework and fast-growing player base. Recently, High Roller announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application for Ontario, and subject to licensing and regulatory approval, High Roller anticipates launching live operations in H2 2025.

Slot Tech Magazine Announces Slot Tech Training

Slot Tech Magazine announced its upcoming slot tech training course, scheduled for August 19–21, at the renowned Table Mountain Casino Resort in Friant, California. This comprehensive three-day program is designed to equip floor technicians with essential skills in power supply and LCD monitor repair.

The Bench Tech Training course offers an engaging and educational experience, assuming no prior knowledge of electronics. Participants will delve into the fundamentals of power supply and LCD monitor repair, including circuit analysis, component testing, and troubleshooting techniques. The curriculum is structured to provide hands-on learning, ensuring attendees gain practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios.

Tuition for the course includes all necessary textbooks and classroom materials.

Hard Rock Games Partners with IGT

Hard Rock Games, which develops and manages Hard Rock Digital’s free-to-play online and mobile gaming experiences, has announced a partnership with slot supplier IGT to bring its most popular games to Hard Rock Neverland Casino and Hard Rock Jackpot Planet social gaming platforms.

IGT’s Cash Eruption game has debuted on Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet, and will soon be followed by Cleopatra II, and other top-performing titles.

Previously, only games produced in-house by Hard Rock Games’ studio had been available on Neverland Casino and Jackpot Planet.

Aristocrat Interactive Secures iLottery Contract with Michigan Lottery 

Aristocrat Interactive, under NeoGames, US, LLP, signed a six-year contract with the Michigan Lottery to provide its full solution of iLottery product offerings, reaffirming its leadership in the U.S. iLottery industry.

Under the contract, from July 2026, Aristocrat Interactive will provide services to the Michigan Lottery for six years, with six additional one-year extension opportunities. The relationship with the Michigan Lottery began in 2014 with the launch of its iLottery program using NeoGames’ iLottery platform and games.

This new deal will provide the Michigan Lottery with eInstant games, draw-based games and add-on offerings produced by Aristocrat Interactive’s NeoGames Studio™, along with continuing to leverage the company’s iLottery technology. Aristocrat Interactive will also provide the Michigan Lottery with a new website and mobile application services.

AGS Interactive Makes Market Debut in Connecticut

AGS Interactive has made its market debut in Connecticut, taking a selection of its best-performing games live in the Constitution State.

Local players in Connecticut can now enjoy three of AGS’ hit titles, with Capital Gains, Blazing Luck and Dragon Fa initially available, all proven with both land-based and online players across North America.

AGS plans to roll out its full interactive portfolio, ensuring a steady cadence of new content for operators and players alike.

The launch represents AGS’ sixth regulated US market entry, further extending its footprint across the country and cementing its position as a supplier of beloved land-based classics with cunning interactive forward games.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Jun 6, 2025

This week we sit down with Diallo Gordon, president of Pavilion Payments, to talk about the state of cashless in 2025, the difficulties of moving money effectively and Pavilion’s plans for the future.

Swift and frictionless payment processes are a crucial part of the customer experience for all gaming offerings, both retail and online. Customers want to access their money quickly and securely, while operators and suppliers are left with the challenge of how to facilitate that movement. Pavilion Payments started fresh for 2025 with the January appointment of Diallo Gordon as its new president. Gordon boasts experience in nearly every facet of gaming, and will look to accelerate a cashless wave that has largely stalled in its momentum from previous years. He met virtually with GGB Managing Editor Jess Marquez in June.