In a move that signals a significant departure from tradition, Evanston Human Services Committee voted to greenlight the installation of video gaming terminals in up to nine local restaurants with liquor licenses. This decision, overturning a longstanding ban on such devices, has stirred controversy within the community.

Universal Gaming Group Proposal Sparks Debate in Evanston

The proposal, championed by Rob Bady, a sales representative for Universal Gaming Group, received considerable attention during Monday’s committee meeting, reported Evanston Now. Bady, also a former aldermanic candidate, argued in favor of introducing the machines, citing interest from several local eateries. According to Bady, these terminals, akin to those found in Las Vegas, present a lucrative opportunity for both businesses and the city.

Despite concerns voiced by some members of the committee, including Ald. Eleanor Revelle, who expressed reservations about the city’s reliance on gambling revenue, the motion passed with notable support. 

Ald. Devon Reid, while acknowledging personal moral objections to gambling, endorsed the proposal, emphasizing its potential financial benefits for the city. Reid also proposed imposing limits on the share of revenue generated from gambling activities, akin to restrictions imposed on tobacco sales.

Evanston Weighs Pros and Cons of Video Gaming Expansion Amidst Controversy

The decision, however, has sparked a broader debate within the community. Critics, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Ald. Melissa Wynne, questioned the societal implications of introducing video gaming into local establishments. They argue that the potential economic gains may come at the expense of community values and well-being.

On the other hand, proponents highlight the fiscal advantages, pointing to data indicating substantial revenues generated from video gaming across Illinois. With municipalities collectively earning $144 million from such activities last year alone, supporters argue that Evanston stands to benefit financially from embracing this industry.

As the ordinance progresses to the full City Council for consideration, the discussion surrounding video gaming in Evanston is far from over. The decision to permit these terminals reflects a delicate balance between economic opportunity and ethical considerations, with implications that extend beyond mere revenue generation.

The Evanston debate on video gaming machines comes on the backdrop of another gambling tax change in the state. Illinois’ recently proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes a substantial increase in the tax rate for sports betting, aiming to raise it from 15% to 35%. This change is anticipated to generate around $200 million in revenue for the state, contributing to its economic infrastructure and education initiatives.

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Winning a jackpot is always exciting, regardless of how big the payout is. While there are a lucky few to take home a hefty jackpot prize, is there a chance to win a jackpot that is so big that you cannot even read out loud the number? Judging by a new viral video on TikTok, apparently, sometimes a jackpot can be as much as an 18-figure number.

The video was released last week, by an online user nicknamed “djbabycakezzz” and quickly gained hundreds of thousands of views, comments and likes. It showed a woman that played on what appears to be a video craps machine. The lucky woman, judging by what is seen in the video, hit the jackpot of the game.

Strangely enough, the jackpot sum displayed on the screen was something that likely no one has ever seen before $184,467,440,737,095,488.00 or a sum surpassing quadrillion dollars. The online user tagged Sycuan Casino Resort, a popular resort located in San Diego, California, as the location where the jackpot was hit.

Jackpot May Be the Result of Glitch, Malfunction

Undoubtedly, it would be exciting to hit a jackpot that is literally an unlimited amount of money, which is what happened to “djbabycakezzz.” Sadly, there’s no casino in the world that can make such a payout nor any casino that offers quadrillion-dollar jackpots, which leads to the conclusion that the video craps machine glitched or encountered some type of malfunction. It’s important to mention that no data suggests that an error or malfunction occurred, but given the number displayed on the screen, this is likely the case.

Earlier this week, Sycuan Casino Resort posted on Facebook a celebratory message congratulating the jackpot winners from last week. Some 40 people hit different jackpots at the casino that were in the range of $5,000 to $25,000.

It’s no surprise that Sycuan Casino didn’t mention the quadrillion-dollar jackpot given that it was likely due to a malfunction. If indeed this was the case, there’s a high chance the visitor that hit that jackpot left home without anything, given that most casinos have strict policies that void bets or wins that are the result of an error or a malfunction. Yet, an official statement on the case from Sycuan Casino as of Friday was not released.

The viral video got the attention of many users online some of which claimed that casinos pay out nothing in case of such glitches or malfunctions. Others found the video quite funny with one user nicknamed EJ Controy writing: “She literally won the entire Universe.” Some joked that the lucky lady won an amount of money that doesn’t even exist currently.

The post Woman Wins 18-Figure Video Craps Jackpot, Asks for the Rules appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A new legislation will seek to establish a regulatory framework for skill video games in Pennsylvania and create a taxing structure that could generate an estimated $300 million in tax revenue annually.

The new initiative comes from Sen. Gene Yaw who circulated a memo to Senate members telling them about his plans to introduce regulation and taxation on skill video games in the Commonwealth and asking other Senators to join him and co-sponsor the upcoming bill.

Pennsylvania’s skill game terminals are manufactured right here in Lycoming County and the finished products exist in fraternal clubs, veterans’ organizations and taverns, as well as other local businesses throughout the Commonwealth.

Sen. Yaw statement

Due to their element of “skill,” skill video games remain outside of the scope of the Pennsylvania Gaming Act which regulates legal gaming machines. The machines also remain untaxed while their number across small businesses such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, clubs, and others in the state continues to grow.

In the memo, Sen. Yaw told his colleagues that skill video games have the potential to create significant benefits to the state such as additional tax revenue and new jobs if subjected to operating in a regulated environment.

Tackle Illegal Gambling, Support Small Businesses

Moreover, the new bill will serve multiple purposes as it will not only generate extra funds for the state but will help authorities get rid of illegal gambling and provide support to small businesses by giving them access to an additional revenue stream.

“Skill games are a piece of the small business economy in our state, and it’s time we recognize the benefits of this emerging industry and offer regulatory support so that we can ensure it flourishes – safely and responsibly,” Sen. Yaw added.

He added that an industry such as video game manufacturing that has created hundreds of manufacturing jobs in and around the district he represents. Yaw added that one of the largest skill game manufacturers is located there, has been sourcing nearly all of the components in the US, and is currently redirecting new projects from China to Williamsport.

Under his proposal, all skill video games in Pennsylvania will be connected to a terminal collection and control system monitored by the Commonwealth so that every transaction is registered and due taxes are accrued and timely paid.

According to experts, if passed the proposal is expected to generate approximately $300 million in annual tax revenue for the state. Sen. Yaw additionally believes that it will also result in creating new family-sustaining jobs.

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Everi Holdings Inc., a major provider of casino gaming products and services, has agreed to purchase certain assets of Video King, a top provider of integrated electronic bingo gaming devices and systems for $59 million. The acquisition is expected to be immediately beneficial to the company’s earnings and cash flow.

Video King Licenses in 60 Jurisdictions to Benefit Everi’s Games Segment

The acquisition of Video King will provide Everi with complementary assets and an established customer base to foster growth in its games segment. Video King is currently licensed in about 60 jurisdictions and is expected to expand Everi’s player-popular digital gaming content. 

Video King is to enable around 20% of its existing portable e-gaming tablets to offer traditional bingo games, Class II video poker, slots, and instant win games, as well as a digital wallet and loyalty products to players, subject to meeting regulatory requirements.

In 2022, Video King earned over $25 million in revenue, mostly from the recurring revenues generated by an installed base of more than 50,000 portable electronic bingo tablets, which are deployed across tribal casinos, commercial casinos, military bases, charitable bingo halls, and cruise lines. Additionally, the company made revenue from the sale of traditional bingo equipment and consumables.

Video King Acquisition Set to Enhance Everi’s Games and Fintech Solutions

Everi CEO Randy Taylor said the company had successfully executed acquisitions that have grown its product capabilities and markets served in recent years. The acquisition of Video King will help elevate Everi’s current games, FinTech, and digital solutions with and adjacent to its established customer base, providing another lever for growth. 

Tim Richards, Everi executive vice president, chief strategy and digital officer, said Video King provides Everi with an expansive new channel to deploy its growing catalog of digital iGames while enhancing the player experience by incorporating its digital wallet and loyalty products, and adding a new source to generate recurring revenue.

Richards further added: “We see a significant opportunity to collaborate with the Video King team to develop new gaming content and play enhancements to optimize player engagement and drive increased customer traffic.” 

Everi Holdings Inc. is a publicly-traded company that provides technology solutions for the gaming industry. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada and is registered with the New York Stock Exchange. It offers a diverse range of products and services, including slot machines, financial technology solutions, loyalty systems, and other gaming-related products. Everi’s client base is global, with the company serving customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

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