On Thursday, June 27, the Michigan Legislature finalized an agreement on the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget, earmarking $1.9 million to support the addition of 14 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions at the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). These new positions are crucial for expanding the MGCB’s regulatory capacity, particularly in internet gaming and sports betting, among the fastest-growing gaming markets in the U.S. This move aims to enhance protections against illegal activities and ensure a fair gaming environment.

Expansion of Regulatory Capacity

The additional funding will enable the MGCB to bolster its regulatory operations significantly. With the influx of 14 new FTE positions, the agency can better manage the increasing demands of the growing gaming market in Michigan. The Wolverine State has seen rapid growth in both sports betting and internet gaming, necessitating a more robust regulatory framework to maintain integrity and prevent illegal wagering.

In addition to the staffing boost, the MGCB will allocate another $3 million from its FY2025 budget to continue its “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming campaign. Launched on March 1, 2023, this campaign provides valuable tips and information to help Michigan citizens gamble responsibly and avoid the pitfalls of problem gambling.

Support for Compulsive Gambling Prevention

A significant portion of the new budget focuses on responsible gaming initiatives. The Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund will see a $3 million increase, doubling its previous allocation. These funds will enhance the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Additionally, the funding will support gambling research, educational programs for youth, and existing treatment options for those struggling with gambling addiction.

MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams expressed his gratitude, stating, “The MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3 million to $6 million, to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming. Together, we are safeguarding the industry’s integrity while prioritizing the well-being of Michigan citizens.”

The bipartisan budget agreement now awaits Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s signature before becoming law. Once signed, the funding allocations will take effect on October 1, marking the beginning of the state’s FY2025 budget year.

Ongoing Regulatory Actions

As Michigan navigates its dynamic gaming industry, the MGCB continues to take decisive actions against illegal operators. In May, the MGCB issued a cease and desist order to Bovada, an offshore sportsbook, demanding it stop accepting customers from Michigan. The Costa Rica-based sportsbook was given 14 days to comply or face legal action for violating several state gaming laws. Bovada has since exited Colorado and is banned in New York and Maryland.

The MGCB also oversees the state’s daily fantasy sports market, which has seen regulatory changes. Late last year, the board banned pick’em style DFS contests due to their resemblance to player prop bets, demonstrating the MGCB’s commitment to maintaining a fair and regulated gaming environment.

Source: 

Michigan Gaming Control Board to increase regulatory capacity with additional staff, contribute $6M to Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund, michigan.gov, June 27, 2024.

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Chris Cylke, vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association (AGA), has pointed out that attractive promotions, better odds, and the ability to gamble with cryptocurrencies are some of the things that lure people into illegal gaming.

Illegal Gaming Threatens Consumers and Undermines the Legal Industry

Different aspects are included in illegal gaming such as offshore online casinos, unregulated slot machines and illicit sportsbooks. These hidden activities present significant threats to customers and undermine the legal gambling sector.

However, Cylke further noted how important it is to educate consumers about the risks associated with these illegal platforms, reported local media outlet Vegas Inc. According to him, illegal gambling is not a victimless crime as many believe. Users may expose their personal and financial details to unregulated entities which could be located anywhere since there is no oversight over them and customers do not know where their money ends up.

Legalized operators face stiff competition from such illicit operations which do not incur costs like getting licenses or paying taxes. In 2022 alone, reports indicate that illegal betting houses took in more than $510 billion worth of bets while legal establishments lost over $44 billion due to this unfair competition. The legalization of sports betting in numerous jurisdictions in the US has led to a decrease in illegal sports betting, but online casino gaming remains a major issue, with over $337 billion transacted illegally.

Illegal Sports Betting: A $13.3 Billion Tax Drain

Cylke reiterated on consumer education saying that sometimes individuals unknowingly visit sites considered illegal because they appear prominently on search engines. He further stated that some users knowingly choose these sites to avoid scrutiny, a practice that further complicates the problem.

Alan Feldman who is UNLV’s director of strategic initiatives highlighted the absence of consumer protection safeguards found within unauthorized gaming websites together with the fact that they do not pay taxes and thus deprive state coffers of revenues meant for local economies. An AGA report also pointed out that state governments lost $13.3 billion in tax revenue due to illegal and unregulated sports betting.

Feldman called upon all US states where gambling has been legalized to acknowledge the damage caused by unlicensed gambling establishments arguing that legalization of sports betting was primarily done with an aim to generate additional tax dollars for public use. Additionally, he mentioned that people affected negatively by illegal gambling rarely come forward thereby complicating matters even further.

To fight against the illegal gaming industry leaders are calling for stricter law enforcement coupled with creating awareness among the general public. Feldman cited Nevada as an example where they have employed GeoComply technology among others which help to identify and block unauthorized betting activities whilst Cylke commended the Michigan state government’s move of issuing cease-and-desist letters to major illegal sites.

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As summer heats up, so does the collaboration between Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco, signaling an exciting new chapter in the Italian iGaming landscape. This partnership introduces some of Hacksaw Gaming’s most popular and innovative titles to Newgioco’s platform, promising players an exhilarating and fresh gaming experience.

A Promising Partnership

Newgioco, a leading leisure betting technology platform, offers regulated online and land-based gaming and sports betting throughout Italy. A. Merola, CEO of Multigioco Srl, expressed enthusiasm about the new collaboration:

“The Newgioco casino adds Hacksaw Gaming as a new partnership with which we are sure we can aim together for excellent results in terms of satisfaction from our users. Extending the offer with high-profile suppliers represents another step in our strategy aimed at making the widest range of innovative and safe entertainment products available to Newgioco users. Welcome to Hacksaw Gaming in the Newgioco stable!”

Exciting New Titles for Players

Players can look forward to a selection of Hacksaw Gaming’s star titles such as Wanted Dead or a Wild, Le Bandit, Hand of Anubis, and Chaos Crew II, among others. Known for their visually stunning art styles and innovative features, Hacksaw Gaming’s offerings are set to provide a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Marcus Cordes, CEO of Hacksaw Gaming, shared his excitement about the partnership: “Another new client and another successful launch under our belts! We’re avid to see how Newgioco players enjoy our content, and equally as eager to solidify this new collaboration.”

Enhancing the Italian iGaming Experience

This partnership between Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco is poised to elevate the gaming experience for players across Italy. By combining Hacksaw Gaming’s cutting-edge game design and Newgioco’s robust platform, the collaboration aims to deliver exceptional entertainment and enhance player satisfaction.

As both companies look forward to a successful partnership, Italian players can anticipate a summer filled with exciting new games and enhanced gaming experiences. This collaboration not only marks a significant milestone for both Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco but also promises to set new standards in the Italian iGaming market.

Source: Coming in Hot! Hacksaw Gaming and Newgioco Toast to New Beginnings!, Hacksaw Gaming, June 18, 2024.

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A lucky player in America has become the recipient of a huge jackpot of over a million dollars. The tempting prize was won by a player who wasplaying IGT’s cutting-edge games.

The player in question was a Hawaiian visitor who went on a trip to Boyd Gaming’s California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. At around 4 am on Wednesday, the player hit a progressive jackpot of over $1.5 million.

The life-changing sum was won from a $5 wager, according to official reports, turning the casino trip into a $1,569,632 payday. The man reportedly carried a good luck charm, which he believed helped him hit the jackpot.

The gambling property shared the exciting news on X, praising the winner and confirming that the prize was won from an IGT Wheel of Fortune machine.

Reports from local news outlets later claimed that the man was visiting Vegas to celebrate his son’s 21^st birthday. Yet, as it turns out that the son will not be the only one receiving gifts.

The latest jackpot aligns with Boyd Gaming’s recent statistics which showed that some of the biggest jackpots the company has handed in 2024 were won by players from Hawaii. The company has handed $33 million in jackpots since the beginning of the year, according to its recent announcement.

Other Recent Jackpot Winners

A few days earlier, another IGT player, this time in Colusa Casino Resort in California, won a jackpot of over $2.7 million. Just like the Vegas jackpot, this jackpot was won from a $5 bet.

The visitor’s life-changing win was witnessed by many guests and staff members, firmly entering the event in Colusa Casino’s history.

Jerry West, general manager of the tribal property, released a statement on the win, saying that the jackpot attests to Colusa Casino’s commitment to “creating unforgettable experiences” for its guests.

In other news, a lucky player from Michigan just won a $100,000 jackpot from Fantasy 5. The lucky winner told the lottery that he had used the same numbers for months and couldn’t believe that he won.

Elsewhere, a Filipino player won a life-changing PHP 33.5 million (approximately $572,000) jackpot playing the Mega Lotto after matching all six numbers correctly.

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Despite the summer season, a couple of casinos in Nevada are about to undergo renovations in an effort to deliver better experiences for their customers. This is the case for Mesquite Gaming, the operator of Virgin River hotel and CasaBlanca, two venues that would undergo revamping, a report released by the Las Vegas Review-Journal suggests.

The recently announced reconstructions came after back in March, the operator confirmed that its CasaBlanca hotel and casino will undergo an extensive renovation with a $6 million price tag.

The overhaul will involve the addition of more than 200 slot machines, a revamp of the venue’s center bar together with the addition of a new sports bar, catering to fans of different sports.

Upon announcing the $6 million renovation, Mesquite Gaming said that it plans to keep the property open for the duration of the works which started in May and are expected to be completed in the autumn.

Per the newly released report, the company will revamp its sportsbook at Virgin River. The existing sportsbook will be moved to the venue’s space that was once a movie theater. This will enable Mesquite Gaming to install large 10-foot by 53-foot LDC screens that sports fans can enjoy. The completion of the reconstruction of the sportsbook at the Virgin River hotel is expected at some point during the autumn.

Katherine’s Steakhouse to Undergo Reconstruction

On the other hand, the newly announced renovations will also affect CasaBlanca’s Katherine’s Steakhouse. The venue’s bar will be extended while new carpets and a new lounge will cater to the visitors.

The renovation of Katherine’s Steakhouse at CasaBlanca is expected to start at some point during the summer and be completed three months later. Mesquite Gaming intends to keep the luxury restaurant open for the duration of the renovations.

The company’s CEO, Justin Moore, commented on the topic explaining that visitors to the restaurant “might want an expedited experience.” He pointed out: “Having a nice lounge area where you go in, grab a couple cocktails, maybe get a small bite or enjoy the traditional menu, might be very attractive to people.”

Moore spoke about the importance of investments in Mesquite, St. George and Las Vegas. Finally, he said that the company has identified a number of requests on social media for different amenities, adding that this is why the renovations are a “little bit overdue.”

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Booming Games, a premium slot provider in the gaming industry, has announced its latest collaboration with SportBet.it, one of the largest operators in Italy. This partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding Booming Games’ presence in the Italian market and delivering top-quality gaming content to a broader audience.

Successful Integration of Premium Gaming Content

Last week, Booming Games achieved a successful integration of their premium gaming content with SportBet.it. This integration now allows Italian players to enjoy some of the provider’s top-performing games, including Burning Classics, Buffalo Hold and Win, TNT Bonanza, Cash Pig, and more. This collaboration enriches the gaming experience by providing access to a diverse selection of high-quality games, catering to various player preferences.

Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, expressed his excitement: “We are pleased to announce that our partnership with SportBet.it is now live. Italy is a highly significant market, and our presence here is crucial for our company. We are committed to ensuring that our upcoming gaming content remains as entertaining as ever. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

Alessandro Palumbo, Casino Manager at SportBet.it, also shared his enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to offer an even greater variety of top-quality games through our partnership with Booming Games. The integration of their premium gaming content further solidifies our commitment to providing the best possible gaming experience for our Italian audience. We look forward to seeing our community enjoy these exciting new additions to our platform.”

Booming Games has been a leading provider of premium gaming content for over a decade, catering to operators worldwide. Renowned for their visually stunning graphics, exciting features, and innovative mechanics, Booming Games consistently delivers top-tier entertainment experiences to players across the globe. Their collaboration with football icon Ronaldinho has resulted in a branded series that adds a unique flair to their portfolio. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for innovation, Booming Games continues to push the boundaries of gaming, captivating audiences and operators alike with their exceptional titles.

About SportBet.it

SportBet.it stands as one of Italy’s leading digital casino operators, offering a secure and transparent gaming experience through RNG software that ensures random and fair outcomes. New members can enjoy a range of promotions, both with and without deposits. SportBet.it delivers top-quality entertainment, featuring sports betting, live casino options, and a vast selection of slot games. Committed to excellence, SportBet.it is dedicated to providing an unparalleled gaming experience for all its users.

Source: Press release, June 5, 2024.

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Playson, a distinguished supplier in the iGaming industry, has strengthened its presence in Spain by partnering with one of the country’s premier betting and iGaming brands, Luckia Gaming Group. This collaboration marks another significant milestone in Playson’s expansion strategy, enhancing the gaming experience for Luckia’s diverse player base.

Expanding Content Through Strategic Integration

The partnership with Luckia Gaming Group was facilitated through Games Global’s aggregation platform, allowing seamless integration of Playson’s renowned Hold and Win portfolio into Luckia’s online casino. Players can now enjoy a variety of popular titles, including Royal Coins 2, Diamonds Power, and Fire Coins. This strategic addition enriches Luckia’s content library, offering players more variety and driving further growth for the operator’s online services.

About Luckia Gaming Group

Founded in 1980, Luckia Gaming Group stands as one of Spain’s foremost entertainment companies, operating both land-based and online gaming services. Beyond Spain, Luckia extends its reach to Portugal, Colombia, Mexico, and Cameroon, solidifying its status as a global gaming operator.

Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: “We are so pleased to launch Playson’s award-winning titles and inject even more excitement into our offering. Our players come to us for an enjoyable, well-rounded experience and we know the studio’s omnichannel titles will be a huge hit. After analyzing player tastes and preferences in detail, we look forward to seeing how much they love these new additions.”

Playson’s Commitment to Growth and Innovation

This collaboration highlights Playson’s commitment to adapting and growing in response to evolving market trends. By developing games that resonate with a broad spectrum of player preferences, Playson continues to expand its footprint in regulated markets worldwide.

Paul McInnes, Sales Manager at Playson, commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to provide Luckia with Playson’s premium slot content in the Spanish market through Games Global and this significant milestone represents Playson’s expansion into other regulated markets such as Portugal and the UK, where our strategy is to increase our presence and for which our games portfolio is ideally suited.”

The agreement not only enhances Luckia’s gaming offerings but also underscores Playson’s ability to deliver high-quality content that appeals to diverse player demographics. By integrating with a reputable and established operator like Luckia, Playson continues to demonstrate its capability to meet and exceed the expectations of the global gaming community.

The partnership between Playson and Luckia Gaming Group is set to bring a new level of excitement and variety to players, reinforcing both companies’ positions in the competitive iGaming landscape. As Playson continues to innovate and expand its portfolio, players can look forward to more engaging and entertaining gaming experiences.

Source: LUCKIA GAMING GROUP CHOOSES PLAYSON FOR MORE CONTENT OPTIONS. Playson. June 4, 2024.

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A cease-and-desist letter has been issued by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) against Bovada, an offshore online gaming operator registered in Curaçao. The move comes after an investigation found that Bovada.com and Bovada.lv were both available to Michigan residents without proper licensing.

Executive Director Williams Warns Illegal Online Gaming Will Face Strict Enforcement

Executive Director of the MGCB Henry Williams said this was a significant step because regulators around the world have become increasingly concerned with online gaming platforms. He added:  

“This action serves as a stern warning to overseas companies that flouting local regulations will not be tolerated. The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all.”

Bovada is run by Harp Media BV and has been accused of violating several state statutes such as the Lawful Internet Gaming Act and Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. These laws specify that only internet gambling establishments which are licensed by the state (including federally recognized tribal casinos) may provide such services within Michigan. Running an unlicensed betting operation in this state can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years or fines amounting to $100,000.

Harp Media BV has 14 days from receipt of notice of the cease-and-desist order issued by MGCB to prevent access to its gambling offerings from any device located anywhere within the geographical boundaries of the state of Michigan. However, should it fail to do so then legal proceedings shall be initiated against them by the MGCB.

MGCB Stresses Consumer Safety in Crackdown on Unlicensed Online Gambling

The MGCB also emphasized the need for consumer protection. The regulator pointed out that unauthorized websites lack the necessary measures specified by Michigan’s rules to assist players in managing their gambling habits. According to the organization, such systems’ absence can pose a significant danger to people with gambling-related problems.

Despite this fact, MGCB cannot directly enforce its rules against a company like Harp Media B.V., which is based outside the country. However, previous experiences show that regulatory pressure may work in this case. 

Last year, Virtual Gaming Worlds stopped operating in Michigan after being warned by regulators about the same issue. 

It is unclear what Bovada will do next given these legal obstacles. The recent action taken by the MGCB is intended to make internet-based gambling more secure and fair, especially for residents within Michigan.

For their part, people living in Michigan should be careful when selecting where they gamble online. The Regulator advises them to only use platforms licensed by the MGCB, a list of which can be found on its website.

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edict egaming GmbH (edict) has announced a strategic partnership with Atomo Gaming, a Spain-based company specializing in the development of gaming platforms for both online and land-based games, as well as B2B integrations. This collaboration allows the Merkur Group subsidiary, known for its expertise in the sales and distribution of online casino games, to make its popular Merkur games available to Atomo Gaming’s online casinos in South America through its proprietary Aggregator Solution.

Expanding Merkur’s Reach in South America

Under this partnership, a wide array of Merkur slots will soon be accessible on the platforms of Atomo Gaming’s various gaming brands. Dominic-Daniel Liénard, CEO of edict egaming GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Atomo Gaming is dedicated to delivering the safest, most secure, and entertaining games, achieving great success with its high-quality products. With this cooperation, we have secured an internationally recognized partner, particularly in the South American market. We are proud to offer our diverse portfolio of Merkur games and are confident that our offerings will be well-received.”

Ramon Monros, CEO of Atomo Gaming, also shared his positive outlook on the partnership, saying, “At Atomo Gaming, we are thrilled to integrate Merkur games into our portfolio. We value the trust of this esteemed game developer and are confident that their games will soon become the preferred choice among players in Ecuador on Bet593, in Guatemala on Bet502, and in many other countries where we operate.”

Innovations and Expansions within the Merkur Group

edict egaming GmbH is renowned for developing cutting-edge casino software for the gaming industry. As part of the Merkur Group, edict egaming distributes Merkur online slots and other games through its Aggregator Solutions to leading casinos and sports betting operators worldwide.

Earlier in May, from May 7th to 9th, Merkur Dosniha, another subsidiary of the Merkur Group, showcased its latest games and cabinets for the Spanish market at the IFEMA Convention Centre. Occupying an exhibition space of approximately 850 square meters, the highlight of Merkur Dosniha’s display was the new “Spectra” roulette. This product, developed in collaboration with Spintec, represents a significant advancement in the roulette experience for the Spanish market.

The Spectra Roulette: A New Standard in Gaming

The Spectra roulette features a new user interface designed to simplify handling for guests, alongside ergonomically designed seating areas and hand rests that enhance comfort. The roulette wheel and topper boast improved visibility due to a flatter surface and a brighter, more contrasting color scheme. Additionally, a more durable ball track surface promises increased longevity. The product also includes two-sided player information displays and a round LED topper, allowing players to better follow the roulette action. These remarkable features made Spectra the focal point of attention at the exhibition, captivating visitors with its innovative design.

Source: “Edict Egaming Seals Collaboration Deal With Atomo Gaming”. Merkur Group. May 22, 2024.

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There are a few red flags surrounding how the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) handles confidentiality. People are worried that this might affect the transparency and answerability of the state’s very profitable casino industry. 

Confidentiality Laws Hinder Public Scrutiny of Nevada’s Casinos

Licensing and regulating casinos in Nevada is the duty of the NGCB. It works under laws that make all inquiry files confidential. Critics argue that this provision in the Nevada Revised Statutes does not promote openness within an industry where billions are made.

The Enforcement Division together with the Investigations Division at NGCB perform critical activities like background checks on those seeking licenses as well as looking into crimes committed within or against any gaming establishment licensed by them. Unfortunately, these processes remain undisclosed owing to NRS 463.120 which states that anything connected with gaming inquiries should be kept secret, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal.

David Cuillier, director of the Brechner Freedom of Information Project, has pointed out that confidentiality laws are problematic. According to Cuillier, such exceptions to open records laws – often aimed at shielding corporate secrets – diminish accountability and thwart public scrutiny. These exceptions, he said, have gradually chipped away at open record laws since the 1970s, making it much harder to get information.

The “confidentiality clause” has been a major point of contention in many high-profile cases. One of them was in regard to Scott Sibella who used to work as an executive with MGM Grand and Resorts World. During the Sibella investigation, when The Las Vegas Review-Journal requested public records concerning the case, the NGCB declined.

One of the things that has been pointed out as frustrating is the lack of openness. For example, Robert “RJ” Cipriani says he informed state agents years ago of unlawful gambling operations in certain casinos but they did nothing about it. 

Equally important, media coverage has been stifled as well in cases such as the one against Steve Wynn for sexual harassment and the unsolved murder of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel.

Michael Green who works as an associate history professor at UNLV explained why records have been kept secret from public knowledge until now. When the legislature established the Board back in the 1950s its main purpose was fighting organized crime within gambling houses. Hence these rules were put into place similar to those valid for police investigations requiring levels of proof while maintaining confidentiality too.

However, Cuillier urges for more transparency as he believes that if people do not have access to what they need from government agencies – especially regarding casinos which generate billions every year – then suspicion will start creeping back into everyone’s minds concerning the integrity of the sector.

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