Police officers in Corpus Christi, Texas, have raided an illegal gambling venue, seizing a variety of items and making multiple arrests.

According to a report by KRIS, a local TV station, the property, which was officially a video arcade, doubled as an illegal casino. A raid was greenlit and carried out by officers on Thursday, leading to a crackdown on the operation.

The raid, KRIS pointed out, followed a month-long investigation.

In total, the police seized multiple gambling devices, over $85,000 in cash, a vehicle and some marijuana. In addition, the police arrested three people believed to have run the operation.

These include Brandon Roe, 23, Mallory Villarreal, 30, and Jillian Dunnahoo, 22, who were accused of promoting gambling, keeping a gambling place, possessing gambling devices, engaging in organized crime and laundering money.

KRIS pointed out that both money laundering and engagement in organized crime are state felonies and are punishable by up to two years in jail. The three people also risk a maximum fine of $10,000 each. The remaining charges, KRIS added, are Class A misdemeanors.

The TV station also pointed out that five adults in the game room were cited for gambling, which is a Class C misdemeanor in the state.

The Corpus Christi Police Department asked citizens to be vigilant, reminding them that game rooms that offer games with cash rewards are illegal. The CCPD added that patrons of such establishments also risk criminal charges.

Not the First Illegal Gambling Venue

This game room was not the first instance of an illegal gambling operation in the state. Back in March 2023, Nathan Nichols, a 46-year-old Corpus Christi resident, admitted to running an illegal gambling business. Nichols was also previously involved in the theft of US Army property in a separate case.

For reference, Nichols owned and operated Lady Luck and Theo’s Bar. Both of these businesses offered illegal gambling entertainment to their patrons, earlier reports say. The operations ran from March 2018 to August 2019.

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Overtime Cash is the latest instalment in the series that features NFL action and promises fans something more to add to their day-to-day NFL rituals. The game resembles Super Bowl Jackpots in a sense, with all 32 NFL teams featured, but of course, has its unique spin to make it distinct and worthwhile for new and returning players as well.

Adding More Fun NFL Games to Aristocrat’s Lineup

There is the Interception Feature added to Overtime Cash which is a one-credit ante bet that will allow players a second chance to win. Basically, you re-spin a losing spin to try your hand once again at turning a bad outcome into a good one.

There is also The Digital Wheel that offers larger prizes for you to explore, along with the Overtime Cash Feature which will let you have a chance to win a 10x multiplier in overtime. The game is also a part of the Super Bowl Jackpots network, which means that you will be able to participate and try your hand at winning the signature $1 million jackpot.

Overtime Cash is available as part of the Marquis stepper cabinet, one of Aristocrat’s newer releases. This is the third game in the series, following on NFL Kickoff and Super Bowl jackpots, and the game is fully designed to resonate with sports and NFL fans.

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Games Global, the powerful international distributor of games for online casinos, has announced the launch of Cash Splash, an exciting new tournament tool that is expected to bring fresh thrills to players from all over the world.

This new promotional mechanic will see Games Global offer big prizes across a wide range of tournaments and also feature prize drop promotions on its most popular casino games.

The new promotional tool is designed to increase player retention and reward loyalty as players will have the chance to win big prizes if they choose to enter tournaments on participating titles. Participants will be able to monitor their progress with the help of a live leaderboard, while the best players will grab the biggest prizes at the end of it all. Promotional prize drops on the other hand will surprise players as they will randomly trigger on any spin in certain games.

Moreover, in order to celebrate the launch of Cash Splash, Games Global has announced it will hold a grand tournament in December with prizes worth 500,000 euros. There are several casino operators participating in this tournament, including big names such as Betfred and ComeOn Group.

A Leader in Jackpot Products

Speaking about the new tournament tool, Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, underlined that his company has a reputation for being “a leader in jackpot products” and added that the Cash Splash “goes hand-in-hand” with that reputation. “We firmly believe we have another winning innovation on our hands and are truly excited to splash the cash in the coming months,” Andrew Booth concluded.

Irina Mendeza, Director of Customer Experience at Games Global, added that the company’s main focus is on “enabling operators to shine” by “creating unforgettable experiences” for players. “There’s nothing more exciting” than offering people the chance to “get their hands on impressive cash prizes,” the Games Global executive added.

Games Global started out quite recently, in 2021, but already managed to become an international powerhouse in the iGaming industry. The company currently offers over 3,000 different games to casino operators, with content coming from over 50 partner studios from over 25 different countries. Games Global currently has agreements with over 900 different online casino brands from all around the world.

Source: “Games Global launches promotional tournament tool Cash Splash“. European Gaming. October 19, 2023.

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Jackpocket, America’s leading lottery app, announced that three winners in New Jersey recently shared the $533,000 Jersey Cash 5 prize. As a result, each of the lucky players will get $177,685 back home. Two of these players had purchased their tickets via Jackpocket.

Loyalty Rewarded

Jackpocket interviewed Dustin, one of the winners, asking him how he felt. The winner thus provided some insights into his journey to the prize.

Dustin told the lottery app that he had purchased the Quick Pick ticket for the October 2 drawing just as the Powerball jackpot neared $1 billion. The player revealed that he would sometimes play Powerball or Mega Millions for the social aspect but usually prefers Cash 5.

Loyal to his preferences, Dustin went on Jackpocket, spending $20 on a number of tickets. His loyalty was quickly rewarded as he became one of the three Jersey Cash 5 winners.

Dustin learned that he had won the prize in the morning on October 3. At first, he almost couldn’t believe it.

A little confetti thing popped up and I was like, ‘Big win. What is that?’ I was in shock. I’ve had dreams where I’ve won the lotto before, so I was like, ‘This can’t be real.’ It took a while to sink in.

Dustin

Dustin Will Pay Off His Debts

Jackpocket asked Dustin about his plans for the money. To that, the player quickly responded that he was going to pay off his debts. Dustin revealed that he hasn’t truly been debt-free since he was 18.

In addition, the lucky New Jerseyan said that he is likely to buy a new truck. He explained that his current one is too small for him and his family, with his two kids barely fitting in the backseat. Therefore, a big full-size vehicle is on the top of Dustin’s shopping list.

While Dustin is thrilled about the prize, he admitted that he is a bit disappointed he has to share it with two other people. Laughing, he said:

I have to say I’m a little disappointed. The one time I win the lotto, I have to share it.

Dustin

Jersey Cash 5, as the name implies, is a game exclusively available to customers in the state. The game, available on Jackpocket, sports daily drawings and a rolling jackpot and provides customers with opportunities to win huge prizes.

Last month, a Jackpocket player won a $5,750,000 Lucky for Life prize.

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Sightline Payments, a provider of award-winning cashless, mobile, and loyalty solutions, has introduced a revolutionary new solution called Deposit+. The latest addition to Sightline’s arsenal was described as a “groundbreaking new tool that empowers casinos to access all idle cash across the entire slot floor.”

The new solution provides casino operators with daily access to cash that is sitting idle in slot machines and TITO kiosks, allowing clients to optimize their working capital. In addition, Deposit+ helps casinos optimize their drop schedules since cash is credited to the bank account.

Sightline also noted that Deposit+ is not a lending product – according to the company, it simply provides gambling companies with access to cash that would otherwise be sitting idly in machines. By using the solution, operators can earn daily provisional credit across slot devices, reduce outstanding debt and make further investments.

Deposit+ is notably a tool without any hardware or software requirements. The solution works with casino operators’ existing casino management systems. And provides daily reports through the Sightline system.

The New Solution Answers the Industry’s Demands

Some of Sightline’s leaders commented on the release of Deposit+. Omer Sattar, the company’s chief executive officer, noted that there is an estimated $3 billion in slot cash and another $2 billion in TITO operators can tap into thanks to the new solution.

Deposit+ gives operators access to that cash, freeing up stuck capital, maximizing cash flow, and putting the entire industry in a powerful reinvestment position.

Omer Sattar, CEO, Sightline Payments

Tom Pierro, the company’s senior vice president of product management, also commented on the release, saying that Deposit+ answers a need operators have had for decades. He said that until today, cash stuck in slot machines was an untapped potential.

Now, we are thrilled to introduce Deposit+ and add another powerful tool to operators’ revenue capabilities.

Tom Pierro, SVP product management, Sightline Payments

Lastly, Kirk Olson, the company’s senior vice president of sales, expressed the company’s desire to innovate and introduce new solutions for its casino partners.

Now with Deposit+, operators finally have the solution they have been waiting for, giving them access to their cash, freeing them to pay down debt more rapidly and to make investments without accruing additional debt.

 Kirk Olson, SVP sales, Sightline Payments

Operators can learn more about the solution by visiting Sightline during its upcoming appearance at G2E.

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Prominent sportsbook and iGaming operator Rivalry Corp unveiled a groundbreaking casino title named ‘Cash & Dash.’ Developed in-house by Rivalry’s games team, this innovative offering aims to transform the online casino experience, catering to the next generation of bettors. This newest release perfectly aligns with the operator’s long-term plans and should bolster its impressive momentum.

Live Service Features Guarantee Enduring Popularity

Cash & Dash is a 3D casino game immersing players in a high-stakes heist scenario. Users assume the role of daring infiltrators navigating a high-security bank while avoiding deadly obstacles. The objective is to steal the treasure and make a successful escape. To add excitement, players place bets at the beginning of each round, with multipliers increasing their winnings as they progress deeper into the building.

One standout feature of Cash & Dash is the incorporation of Rivalry’s original intellectual property (IP) as playable characters. This integration connects the gaming loop with Rivalry’s brand and marketing efforts, creating a cohesive and engaging user experience. Senior Product Manager Andre Nogueira was confident the title would provide a unique experience, capturing younger audiences.

We’ve incorporated mechanics from the games industry to add a layer of entertainment value to the casino experience that resonates with our Millennial and Gen Z audience.

Andre Nogueira, Rivalry Corp Senior Product Manager

Cash & Dash operates as a live-service game, ensuring players enjoy a dynamic gaming experience. Future updates and expansions will introduce additional content and rewards, including new playable characters, custom maps, consumable items, and more. Rivalry also plans to host limited-time events, collaborating with creator partners to boost player engagement and awareness.

The Title Should Further Bolster Rivalry’s Success

Cash & Dash was crafted by Rivalry’s skilled game developers, designers, and motion artists. These experts leveraged their experience working on video games for renowned publishers and studios like Xbox, Nintendo, and Ubisoft, delivering a unique online betting product. Cash & Dash is accessible on desktop and mobile in select regions and will soon expand to Rivalry’s global markets.

This latest release perfectly aligns with Rivalry’s ambition to offer a unique and exclusive betting experience at a time when most sportsbooks look and feel the same. The company’s innovative mindset has resulted in spectacular growth with a 60% year-on-year increase in Q2 revenue. Rivalry Co-Founder and CEO Steven Salz was confident that the operator’s vision would deliver enduring success.

We see a growing opportunity to create betting products that are strikingly fun, interactive, and engaging, and our original games are a big step in that direction.

Steven Salz, Rivalry Co-Founder and CEO

With the launch of ‘Cash & Dash,’ Rivalry Corp demonstrates its dedication to serving the unique preferences of Millennials and Gen Z bettors. This original title elevates the online casino experience and strengthens Rivalry’s brand identity. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the operator remains well-positioned to capitalize on the next generation of bettors through cutting-edge entertainment.

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Business News Australia reported that the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, a property owned by The Star Entertainment Group, has been put up for sale, with an asking price of around AUD200 million ($132.7 million). The move is seen as a cash grab by The Star, which bought the resort in 2017 for AUD140 million ($92.9 million). 

Gold Coast’s Resurgent Hotel Sector Sparks Interest Among Investors

The Star has appointed Colliers, McVay Real Estate and JLL to manage the expressions of interest campaign, which aims to capitalize on the Gold Coast’s resurgent hotel sector. This sector has been driven by the opening of The Langham, Gold Coast earlier this year. The Colliers team has fielded numerous inquiries, with most of the initial interest coming from domestic parties.

According to McVay Real Estate chairman Dan McVay, who first sold the property to developer Chris Skase’s Qintex group in 1991, the Gold Coast hotel market is currently experiencing high demand and low supply. The market is being supported by a resurgent domestic tourism industry, while international investor interest is also being driven by Australia’s emerging safe-haven status for capital.

Singaporean and Hong Kong investors have reported that they are looking at Australia for investment opportunities due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the two countries averse to investing in Europe, China, and America. McVay notes that the surge in room rates and occupancy levels have made hotels a highly attractive investment opportunity.

Investors Eyeing Unique Opportunity with Sheraton Grand Mirage

The Sheraton Grand Mirage is a luxurious hotel situated on a 3.45-hectare site at Main Beach with 300 meters of absolute beachfront. With 295 rooms, the hotel has gained immense popularity among Australian tourists. While room rates have generally been steady, they have increased significantly in the past two years. Despite the price surge, visitors are still willing to pay for the hotel’s upscale amenities and breathtaking location. 

Colliers boss Steven King says that the strong interest in the property is not unexpected, and many investors will run the ruler over it. The hotel is a unique property that does not often come up. King adds that hotels are achieving high occupancy rates and high nightly rates, making the market attractive to investors.

The Star, along with its Hong Kong-based partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, acquired the Sheraton Grand Mirage in 2017. The acquisition of the hotel was a response to competitive pressure from the Chinese-backed ASF Consortium, whose plans for a casino resort were canceled by the Queensland Government in 2017. Despite previous upgrades, industry sources suggest the property requires further investment.

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A California-based lawyer has been accused of stealing up to $10.3 million in order to fund an extravagant gambling lifestyle.

In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court of California on February 11, Sarah Jacqueline King was said to have set up a fraud scheme involving her money-lending company that enabled her get cash from the clients which was then channeled into fake accounts.

According to the lawsuit, King Lending got loans for 97 supposed third-party borrowers from LDR International, a British Virgin Islands-based company. However, the loans were to fake accounts she set up to send to her personal accounts.

A significant amount of that money was then spent at Wynn Las Vegas – one of Nevada’s premier casino resorts. The lawsuit stated King lived there for six months, gambling every day.

The plaintiff for the lawsuit pointed out that King falsified information concerning collateral backing her loans. It stated that she provided records on loans to third-party borrowers that had collateral such as luxury cars, jewellery, antique coins, handbags, yachts, and so on. 

In the words of the lawsuit: “The purported loans from King Lending to the third-party borrowers were purportedly secured by various forms of collateral, including but not limited to luxury automobiles, boats, yachts, jewelry, watches, precious metal coins, and the earnings from guaranteed professional sports contracts.”

The plaintiff added King went as far as forging documents stating some of her loans were backed up by contracts with sports organizations. King supposedly backed this up by making sure to be seen with famous sports personalities such as NFL stars Tom Brady, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. 

The defendant is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

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On Monday Pace-O-Matic in Pennsylvania announced it had won a court motion forcing Monroe County to return its gaming machines and other seized assets including cash since the cabinets that look like slots were seized illegally in raids conducted by the county district attorney’s office in 2021.

The ruling was issued by Monroe County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Harlacher Sibum on February 8, 2023.

The ruling states that the machines are games of skill rather than games of chance. Additionally, the court admonished the DA’s office as the judge found “the Commonwealth improperly withheld and misrepresented material evidence in order to get the search warrant” used to seize the machines.

Skill Games Seized with Fudged Warrant

In addition to the games being skill games, the de facto illegal search and seizure was cited by the court as another reason the seized property could not be used as evidence.

“This ruling reaffirms our status as legal games of skill,” said Pace-O-Matic spokesman Mike Barley. “This is another tremendous victory for Pennsylvania Skill games, powered by Pace-O-Matic, and our Pennsylvania small business and fraternal partners.”

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the machines are branded as “Pennsylvania Skill”. Pace-O-Matic skill gaming machines are operated in six states, including Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wyoming. The firm’s headquarters is in Duluth, Georgia.

In Kentucky, where thousands of the cabinets are said to be deployed, they are branded as Burning Barrel and can be found in bars, restaurants, truck stops, convenience stores, and veterans halls.

One element that makes them games of skill is that, unlike slots, the “payline” must be recognized and claimed by the player. The games come in a variety of presentations such as a tic-tac-toe grid with various shapes and characters appearing on the screen. When three matching icons are aligned in a row, the player must tap that line to “catch” the win.

Homegrown Machines

In a press release announcing the ruling, Pace-O-Matic informed readers that the games are manufactured in PA and over 90% of the profits stay in-state. The PA-branded products are made by Miele Manufacturing in Williamsport. POM contends that Miele Manufacturing has created about 200 direct jobs. Much of the material used to create the games comes from Pennsylvania companies.

The statement added inter alia:

“Pennsylvania Skill has pumped new life into the commonwealth’s small businesses, fraternal and social clubs, and veterans organizations by providing them with an entertainment product that the public enjoys. Meanwhile, research data proves skill games do not impact the revenue of casinos and the lottery, both of which are achieving record profits year after year.

This isn’t the first time the company has dealt with law enforcement officers confiscating its machines along with the money in them. Last year, wrongfully seized skill games were returned after a settlement was negotiated by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Clearfield County District Attorney’s office to return gaming cabinets, cash, and associated equipment.

A County Court of Common Pleas ruled in 2014 that Pace-O-Matic’s Pennsylvania Skill games are legal as “winning” predominantly occurs as a result of skill, not just blind luck. After the Clearfield County settlement, another PA county also returned wrongfully seized property.

The company stated that it employs a team of former state police officers to ensure compliance with all laws and contract terms with outlets. The contracts dictate where the machines are to be placed on the premises as well as the number of machines that can be deployed. Protections are also in place to prevent underage play on the machines.

Source: Pennsylvania Skill, powered by Pace-O-Matic, ruled legal game of skill once again by a Pennsylvania Court, Global NewsWire, February 13, 2023

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