MGM Resorts International, the global entertainment and gaming company, confirmed a groundbreaking deal by teaming up with the LSE-listed technology provider for the global gambling industry, Playtech. Announced today, the new activation sees the two leading companies team up to deliver engaging and unique live casino content to online gambling operators across the globe.

The new strategic agreement will deliver live casino content streamed directly from two of MGM Resorts’ iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip. The content will be branded with “MGM Live” and will feature live casino games streamed from Bellagio Resort & Casino and MGM Grand.

The unique and engaging content will be available for operators in markets outside of the United States. Thanks to the landmark partnership, customers on the other side of the globe will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of the atmosphere of Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world.

The games that will be streamed include baccarat, as well as single and double-zero roulette. The unique content undoubtedly will help iGaming operators across the globe deliver unrivaled entertainment to their customers.

The Two Companies Are Dedicated to Delivering Unrivaled Experiences

Mor Weizer, Playtech’s CEO, revealed that the company is delighted to join forces with MGM Resorts for this important agreement. “This alliance combines the strength of MGM Resorts’ global prestige with Playtech’s extensive international market knowledge and innovative games,” he revealed.

Weizer added that it will be exciting for Playtech to play an important role in delivering unique live casino content to customers in regulated gambling markets across the globe. He said that MGM Resorts and Playtech share a vision for delivering exceptional experiences and safe gambling entertainment.

“The launch of this new and exciting live casino offering, in partnership with Playtech and directly from Bellagio and MGM Grand in Las Vegas, furthers our strategic vision to be the world’s premier gaming entertainment company.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s CEO and president, spoke about the importance of the new agreement with Playtech. He acknowledged that the deal would bring exciting content directly from MGM Grand and Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Hornbuckle said that this agreement complements MGM’s plans to become a premier entertainment and gaming operator on a global scale. “This collaboration amplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences and expands our global reach to our customers,” he added.

Finally, Hornbuckle said the company expects the streamed content to deliver unrivaled experiences within the gambling sector.

In addition to baccarat and roulette, the two companies hinted at the possibility of expanding further their collaboration in the near future. This would likely include the addition of other popular games such as trivia shows, TV game shows and other branded content.

The post MGM Resorts and Playtech to Introduce Live Casino Content appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Brazil’s Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJ) has taken a significant step by approving a bill that legalizes casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho, and horserace betting. The bill, known as PL 2,234/2022, passed with 14 votes in favor and 12 against on June 19. Having been under consideration since 2022, it now advances to the Senate plenary for further voting, following its prior approval by Brazil’s chamber of deputies.

A Great Opportunity for Brazil

During the CCJ meeting, Senator Irajá highlighted the potential benefits of regulating betting and gaming in Brazil. He emphasized that this move represents a significant opportunity for the country, promising job creation, increased income, and enhanced tax revenues, which could be redirected toward essential sectors such as health, education, social services, and infrastructure.

“We can no longer lose this great opportunity that other competing countries have already understood and is seen to generate jobs, income and taxes, which will obviously be reversed into benefits for the Brazilian people in the most essential areas, such as health, education, social and infrastructure,” Irajá stated.

Regulations and Taxes

The bill sets forth specific regulations for various forms of gambling, including casinos, betting machines, bingo, and animal racing. It also introduces two new types of taxes: the Gaming and Betting Inspection Fee (Tafija) and the Economic Intervention Contribution levied on the marketing of games and betting (Cide-Jogos). Tafija would be paid quarterly, amounting to R$600,000 for casinos, R$300,000 for online gaming locations, and R$20,000 for bingo halls, Jogo de Bicho operators, and tourism companies. The Cide-Jogos tax rate would be set at 17% of gross revenue, with prizes over R$10,000 subject to a 20% income tax.

Casino Operations

Should the bill become law, casinos would be permitted in tourist centers or integrated leisure complexes, such as resorts and hotels with bars, meeting spaces, and a minimum of 100 rooms. Additionally, casinos could operate on boats and ships with at least 50 rooms, given certain river length parameters. There would be a limit of one casino per state and the Federal District, with São Paulo, allowed up to three casinos and Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, and Pará up to two each. Each casino would be required to have a minimum paid-up share capital of R$100 million.

Bingo and Racing

The legislation also covers the legalization of bingo in card, electronic, and video formats. Each municipality could have one bingo house, with larger cities allowed one per 150,000 inhabitants. Licensed bingo houses could operate for 25 years, subject to renewal, and would need to provide proof of a minimum paid-up share capital of R$10 million.

For animal racing, the bill allows one legal racing entity per 700,000 inhabitants, except for Roraima, which would have a jogo do bicho operator due to its lower population. Bets on horseracing would be managed by Brazilian tourism entities accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, which could also operate bingo and video bingo games within the same grounds as the races.

Protections and Enforcement

PL 2,234/2022 also proposes several measures to protect bettors. This includes a self-exclusion program called the National Registry of Prohibited Persons (Renapro), requiring venues to check if anyone attempting to enter a casino is registered. Additionally, the bill outlines the National Policy for the Protection of Players and Bettors, promoting honest conduct in gambling and discouraging compulsive behavior.

The bill introduces new criminal penalties for illegal gambling activities, with up to four years in prison for partaking in or advertising unlicensed games, doubled if minors are involved. Tampering with games or results could lead to up to seven years in prison, with penalties doubled if the victim is elderly, a minor, or registered with Renapro.

Legal and Economic Impact

Federal Supreme Court Minister Flávio Dino indicated that the Supreme Court might eventually need to rule on the constitutionality of this bill due to its potential interface with organized crime. The proposal aims to attract substantial investments, create millions of jobs, and generate significant annual revenue for Brazil.

Since President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved Bill 3,626/2023 in December, which legalized sports betting and iGaming, Brazil has been moving rapidly towards establishing a regulated gaming industry. The Ministry of Finance expects sports betting and iGaming to be fully legal by the end of July, currently working on the regulatory policy for technical and security requirements for operators.

Source:

Legalization of casinos and bingos in Brazil could reach the Supreme Court, gamesbras.com, June 21, 2024.

The post Brazil Moves Forward with Casino and Bingo Legalization appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Hard Rock International, the global gaming and entertainment brand, announced that Hard Rock Casino Rockford will open its permanent location for visitors this summer. The venue has been operating from a temporary location at 610 N. Bell School Road since November 2021.

However, starting from August 29, 2024, Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s permanent venue at 7801 E. State Street in Rockford will welcome its first visitors. A grand opening ceremony will maintain Hard Rock’s tradition with a star-studded Guitar Smash.

The first visitors of the new gaming and entertainment destination in Rockford will be able to enter at around 3 PM on the same day the grand opening ceremony will be held. Hard Rock Casino Rockford is expected to offer a massive gaming, entertainment and hospitality space that surpasses 175,000 square feet.

Visitors of the premium gaming and entertainment venue can expect 50 live table games, a sportsbook, as well as a poker room. Unsurprisingly, the casino floor will offer a wide range of some of the most popular slot machines. Overall, there will be close to 1,300 slot machines, promising unforgettable experiences.

Besides gaming, visitors to the Hard Rock Casino Rockford can expect a wide range of amenities and attractions. The list includes a brand-new Hard Rock Live entertainment venue that uses 23,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests for different events such as concerts. Additionally, there will be a Rock Shop and several restaurants, among other entertainment outlets.

The Upcoming Opening Brings Excitement to Hard Rock’s Team

Geno Iafrate, Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s president, praised the efforts of the company’s members who supported it at its temporary site. Moreover, he said seeing new Hard Rock employees join the team at the permanent venue will be exciting. “It’s been 30 years in the making for Rockford and the wait is over. We are excited to welcome guests to our house to showcase and expand the legendary Hard Rock brand,” said Iafrate in conclusion.

“I’d like to thank the Rockford community and State of Illinois for welcoming Hard Rock and our unique brand of world-class entertainment to the greater region.“

Jon Lucas, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International

Jon Lucas, Hard Rock International’s chief operating officer, was just as delighted about the latest announcement. He thanked Illinois and the community in Rockford that accepted the arrival of the iconic Hard Rock brand.

Lucas spoke about the significant economic impact the new casino will bring by creating hundreds of new jobs. Additionally, the executive predicted that Hard Rock Casino Rockford will boost tourism in the area. Finally, Lucas said that it is exciting to see the new casino join Hard Rock’s growing portfolio of more than 300 venues across the globe.

The post Hard Rock Casino Rockford to Open Permanent Location on August 29 appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Many gamblers visit casinos with hopes of winning a big fortune. Yet, few are lucky enough to win jackpots which in some cases might be life-changing. This is exactly the case with one mysterious Colusa Casino Resort visitor.

Recognized as a premium gambling and entertainment destination, Colusa Casino Resort is located at 3770 Highway 45 in Colusa, California. The casino resort is recognized for its wide range of gaming amenities, including popular slots, bingo and table games.

In a surprise turn of events, one player won a jackpot of nearly $3 million after visiting Colusa Casino Resort. The venue uncovered details regarding the win on Wednesday, revealing that the lucky visitor, whose name was withheld, won a mind-blowing $2.7 million jackpot.

To be precise, the fortunate player won $2,752,887.71. The incredible win came from the globally recognized Wheel of Fortune Double Diamond slot game. It’s important to note that the aforementioned jackpot sum is before the applicable state and federal tax. Still, even after taxes, the sum is undoubtedly life-changing.

“Huge congratulations to our winner for hitting the $2.7 MILLION jackpot! Your incredible win is truly inspiring and a reminder that dreams can come true at Colusa Casino Resort,“

reads a statement released by Colusa Casino Resort

The lucky gambler is surely going to always remember their visit to the Colusa Casino Resort. What’s more, the incredible win marks one of the biggest jackpots in the history of the casino resort.

Fortunate Players Secure Exciting Prizes at the Casino Resort

Earlier this month, another visitor at Colusa Casino Resort secured a mouth-watering jackpot. On June 4, the casino resort confirmed that a fortunate guest who played Coin Collector Aussie 5 was able to hit a five-digit jackpot with a tiny bet of less than $1. The incredibly lucky visitor scored a $10,000 jackpot on a $0.50 bet.

More recently, Colusa Casino Resort organized a Dodge Durango giveaway. The exciting event granted a chance for one visitor to go home with a brand-new vehicle.

On Sunday, the casino resort confirmed that a lucky guest named Andres was the winner of the Dodge Durango Grand Prize Drawing. Upon announcing the win, Colusa Casino Resort also congratulated the lucky winner.

The post Colusa Casino Resort Visitor Wins Historic $2.7M Jackpot appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Prosecutors dropped all charges against Sabrina Eddy, a former Monarch Casino Resort and Spa employee at Black Hawk, in connection with Colorado’s $500,000 theft scandal. This decision follows the First Judicial District Attorney Office’s investigation into an extensive scam that targeted Eddy without her knowledge.

Sabrina Eddy Acted in Good Faith

Eddy worked as a casino cage cashier when she was caught on camera taking stacks of cash worth $500,000 from the casino vault in March 2023. But more facts about what happened that night presented another side to this story, reported The Denver Post.

According to reports, Eddy got a call plus texts from supposed high-ranking casino officials instructing her to move the money to an individual posing as a lawyer waiting at some nearby hospital so as not to breach a contract. In trust for the authority figures, she complied with these instructions without knowing they were part of an elaborate plot by international scammers.

Their intricate plan involved getting employees within casinos to transfer funds to individuals posing as representatives authorized by the establishments. Eddy, believing she was acting in the casino’s best interest, handed over the cash to a stranger who claimed to be the attorney in question.

Eddy’s Swift Action Helps Nab Casino Criminal

At some point, Eddy became suspicious and she immediately notified security personnel working there. Because of her quick action another criminal involved in the scheme named Juan Ivan Gutierrez Zambrano was apprehended later pleading guilty.

A warrant for the arrest of a third suspect, who is presumed to be outside the United States, has been issued, but it has been kept confidential. Authorities have chosen not to disclose whether any of the stolen funds have been retrieved.

Though it seemed like an open-and-shut case against Eddy, further investigation revealed evidence that proved her innocence. The prosecutors found out that she acted in good faith without gaining anything from the theft. Therefore, they regarded it as unethical to charge her.

The dismissal of charges marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for Eddy, who endured months of legal uncertainty following her arrest. The revelation of her innocence underscores the vulnerability of casino employees to sophisticated scams and highlights the need for heightened vigilance within the industry.

Monarch Casino Resort and Spa which is located in Black Hawk and is owned by Nevada-based Monarch Casino and Resort Inc., declined to give any comment about the court’s decision. 

The post Former Casino Worker Not Found Guilty in Colorado’s Largest Casino Scam appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A very lucky bingo player visited the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on June 6 and went home with a whopping $134,446 in total winnings. 

Wayne W. managed to hit the Double Daub Progressive in 35 numbers or less at the 3 p.m. bingo session at the casino. 

According to casino officials, Wayne’s win brought the Bingo Double Daub Bonus to $40,000 as the starting amount.

More June Casino Winners in Las Vegas Valley

On June 1, Durango Casino & Resort announced the freshly introduced Dragon Link Major Progressive machine hit for $25,449, just a few hours after the venue hit the high limit room floor, along with a payout of $15,166.27 on a $9 bet on the Triple Jackpot Gem.

On the same day, California Hotel & Casino announced a whopping $23,241 jackpot at the downtown establishment.

The start of the month also made a Sunset Station Casino player hit a $20,000 jackpot with a total bet of $25. 

June 1 was also lucky for a patron at Gold Coast Pandas who won a grand progressive jackpot of $12,388 on a $2.50 spin.

On June 3, Binion’s Casino broke the news of a very fortunate lady who scored not one, but two jackpot wins of $10,048 and $1,322, respectively. What are the odds?

Boulder Station Casino congratulated a very lucky Four Card Keno player who scooped up $28,000 in winnings on June 4.

On the same day, Four Queens Casino made the exciting announcement that a $1.60 spin brought a fortunate guest a $10,000 win.

Similarly, on June 4, Palace Casino announced a $5.88 spin that brought a $14,878.48 win to one of their guests. 

June 4 also proved to be a particularly good day for the first lucky winner of Rampart Casino’s High Limit Silver Celebration Progressive who took home $24,356. 

On June 6, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Las Vegas made a player very happy. All it took was a $1.25 bet in exchange for a $47,131.45 jackpot with a Sequential Royal Flush.

On June 7, Aliante Casino announced a $12,000 win on a classic slots machine, Crystal Star Deluxe, a game with nine available lines.

On the same day, Cannery Casino paid a nice and round $10,000 win to a fortunate player for hitting the jackpot on an undisclosed machine.

On June 4, five Treasure Island Resort & Casino visitors won jackpots between $21,886 and $119,831.
May has been a similarly lucky month across US casinos with a series of high-profile wins on record.

The post Bingo Player Wins $134K Jackpot at Las Vegas Valley Casino appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The player was playing Bison Fury, a progressive jackpot game developed in-house by Entain, which is an investor and co-owner in BetMGM as part of a co-venture with MGM Resorts International. The player had placed a 40-cent bet, turning it into a $1 million payout.

From 40 Cents to Million Dollars

They were playing out of Southfield, Michigan, making it one of the biggest wins on the game to date. The person was not officially revealed by the company, and they had won in April, but news about their feat is only circulating now.

Bison Fury offers an all-ways payout gameplay along with 1,000 fixed winning combinations, bonus spins, and so much more. Yet, these were not the only jackpot wins that BetMGM wanted to boast about in a recent press release.

The company also drew attention to “The Big One Colossal Cash” jackpot paid out to a winner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at MGM Grand Millions Megaways on Borgata Online. The player won $525,726 from their wager.

Once again, MGM Grand Millions Megaways is an in-house jackpot game developed by Entain with the goal of popularizing the BetMGM brand and establishing it as one of the hottest online places to enjoy when you are after jackpots.

Commenting on this opportunity, BetMGM VP of Gaming Angus Nisbet cheered on the success of the two mystery winners over the past months and celebrated their achievements. Borgata Online and BetMGM love making moments like those even more memorable, Nisbet noted.

Somewhat relevantly, another player hit a $3 million jackpot in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

From Borgata to BetMGM – Jackpots Await

Nisbet also pointed out a new jackpot program that has been launched by BetMGM in order to create further synergies between players’ online and physical experiences. Overall, BetMGM has been doing very well in terms of total jackpots awarded.

The company has reported $138 million paid out in progressive jackpots to players in 2023 alone, a 32% year-over-year increase, and one of the largest in the country.

Bison Fury and MGM Grand Million Megaways have been the main source of such payouts. This averages $11.5 million in jackpots paid out every month throughout 2023, the company explained. DraftKings recently revealed its jackpot numbers for May 2024, arguing that it had paid out $11.7 million in the month alone.

BetMGM is hoping to close the gap between itself and other local casino and sports betting brands in the United States, with the company showing the most potential in the iGaming sector.

The post BetMGM Casino Player Wins $1M Jackpot from Bison Fury Off 40 Cent Bet appeared first on Keno Wizard.

DraftKings’ casino jackpots soared to $11.73 million in the month of May, with several states registering the highest payouts. With the company’s operations present across different states, Pennsylvania actually led the way, producing the most jackpot winners.

15 People Win Multiple Jackpots from DraftKings Casino in May

A total of 15 jackpots were won, with the most jackpot winners coming from Pennsylvania’s corner. Five winners were able to draw six-figure wins, including two seven-figure wins across a variety of games. Players won the following paydays in the Keystone State in May:

• Phoenix Fa– $1,130,005.24
• 10,001 Nights Megaways – $1,113,257.45
• Assassin Moon – $892,013.68
• Ultimate Fire Link Olvera Street – $767,164.55
• Divine Riches Diana – $706,666.36

Yet, a player from New Jersey took the biscuit, winning the month’s highest prize from DraftKings jackpots. The player won on Atomic Meltdown, bagging $1,504,527.85 in the process. The second largest jackpot scored in the Garden State was on Double Fancy 7s, $847,451.54.

A third jackpot dropped in the state on Fortune Coin, although arguably far more modest – only $445,443.54. DraftKings also saw four jackpots drop in Michigan, where a lucky player won $794,441.25 from Cleopatra. Three other players scored on Ultra Blazing Fire Link, Blackjack 4 Live, and 10,000 Wonders 10K Ways bringing home $576,163.80, $499,553.21, and $415,009.51 respectively.

Two players also won in West Virginia, bringing home American Treasures ($471,061.99) and Cash Falls Pirate’s Trove ($356,380.65). Another big jackpot dropped in Ontario, where a player bagged $311,131.62 from DraftKings Multihand Blackjack.

DraftKings is habitually running the numbers of its big winners, in a bid to raise awareness for its products and properties, but also to demonstrate its generosity. This is not the biggest month DraftKings has on record paying jackpots, but it comes close to one of its busiest.

The post DraftKings Casino Jackpot Network Awards $11.7M in May appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The efforts of the leading gaming and hospitality company, Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), toward securing a casino gaming license for Pope County from the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) continue. Earlier this week, the company confirmed it resubmitted its application with the gambling regulator. Ultimately, CNE is after securing a casino gaming license that would permit the development of a massive project called Legends Resort and Casino Arkansas.

CNE’s project has a price tag of more than $300 million. The ambitious project, planned for development in Pope County, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. At the same time, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to generate $5 billion in economic stimulus to Arkansas for the first decade of operating.

The proposed project is expected to offer a hotel with 200 luxury rooms, as well as additional amenities, including a spa, a pool and spaces that can be used for special events, concerts or meetings. Not unexpectedly, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to offer supreme gaming entertainment with its 50,000-square-foot casino floor. The venue would become a home to a sportsbook, a poker room, as well as nearly three dozen table games and 1,200 of the most popular slot games.

“Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, operated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, represents an over $300 million investment that will provide a welcomed economic anchor for Pope County, the River Valley and the state of Arkansas,“

reads a statement released by Cherokee Nation Entertainment

The Company Is Ready to Commence Construction

Mark Fulton, CNE’s president, spoke about the importance of collecting community feedback. He explained that the company’s project is ahead of the competition considering that its team “listened to the community” and also engaged in voluntary work. “Once the casino license is awarded, we expect to commence the 18-month construction process after 60 to 90 days of permitting and pre-construction work,” added Fulton.

Finally, CNE’s president confirmed that the company is ready to meet its obligations under the development agreement with Pope County once the license is awarded.

“For the past five years, we have been laying the groundwork for this one-of-a-kind, shovel-ready commercial casino resort and becoming engrained in the local community.“

Chuck Garrett, CEO at CNE

Chuck Garrett, CNE’s CEO, added that the company is ready to commence the construction of Legends Resort and Casino. He spoke about CNE’s efforts in securing a Large-Scale Development permit from the City of Russellville.

Additionally, Garrett acknowledged the importance of purchasing 325 acres of land and the support for the company from Pope County leaders. Finally, the CEO said that CNE is looking forward to securing the casino license from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

The post Cherokee Nation Continues to Pursue Casino Bid in Arkansas appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Cyprus has strongly refuted allegations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had acquired a casino in Kyrenia. In an official statement, the embassy characterized these reports as “another lie” intended to discredit Ukraine and its leadership and to create diplomatic friction between Kyiv and Nicosia.

Ukraine Blamed Russian Hybrid Warfare

Rumors have been circulating that President Zelensky is the new owner of the Vuni Palace Casino and Hotel, a prominent establishment in Kyrenia, Cyprus. The embassy decisively denied these claims, asserting that “Russian propaganda is spreading a false story” and emphasizing the absence of any credible evidence to support these allegations.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the stance of the Ukrainian embassy, remarking that no evidence has surfaced to corroborate the claims regarding Zelensky’s involvement in the casino purchase. These two supporting claims should be enough to refute the accusations, especially considering the initial report regarding the alleged casino purchase did not contain concrete evidence.

This false information is yet another lie aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its leadership in the eyes of the world community.

Embassy of Ukraine

The embassy also underscored that the spread of this false information likely aimed to strain diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Cyprus. While the embassy did not have any direct evidence of Russian involvement, misinformation campaigns against Ukraine have been increasingly common. They urged the public and media professionals to rely on credible sources and remain alert against “manipulation and propaganda.” 

The Original Report Was Based on a Fake Website

The contentious report originated from the Turkish website OdaTV and was then picked up by various pro-Kremlin social media outlets. The article alleged that while Western nations were supplying Ukraine with financial and military support, Zelensky had diverted his focus to the casino industry, neglecting the needs of his country to pursue personal pleasures. 

OdaTV claimed that a company named “Film Heritage Inc.,” registered in Belize and supposedly owned by Zelensky acquired the Vuni Palace Casino Hotel in early May 2024. However, a closer investigation revealed that the property’s supposed website containing this information was fake. The casino hotel’s genuine webpage does not mention this deal, and its owners confirmed they have not sold the property.

While Vuni Palace Casino Hotel has reportedly stopped accepting reservations as of 27 May, according to Booking.com, the mounting evidence against OdaTV’s claims means the rumor is almost certainly false. This case highlights the need for proper media hygiene, especially considering the ongoing media misinformation campaign surrounding the Ukraine crisis.

The post Ukraine Dismisses Claims of Zelensky Casino Purchase as Russian Propaganda appeared first on Keno Wizard.