Hacksaw Gaming, the up-and-coming global supplier of games for online casinos, has announced that it has further expanded its reach in the United States following a partnership with BetMGM in West Virginia.

The supplier underlined that it had a long-standing relationship with BetMGM, one of the most powerful operators of online casinos and sports betting websites in the United States. In fact, the two companies also worked together in Ontario, when Hacksaw Gaming’s content became available on BetMGM’s website in May 2023.

The successful debut of the supplier’s games in West Virginia, also in partnership with BetMGM, takes the company’s presence in the United States to a whole new level and quite fast considering that its first foray in North America was last year in Ontario. Moreover, the supplier announced that it plans to expand into New Jersey in the coming months, also in partnership with BetMGM.

The operator currently has one of the top three sportsbooks in the state of West Virginia, and its online casino app received a portfolio boost once the content from Hacksaw Gaming got added to it. The first batch of games that were included in the offering following the signing of the agreement contained very popular titles such as Bombs and Outlaws Inc., with more games being added since and even more to come in the near future.

Fast Worldwide Expansion

Hacksaw Gaming was founded at the end of 2018 in Malta and since then it has expanded not only in North America but all over the world. The main focus of the supplier has been to create slot games for mobile devices, but the company’s casino games can provide plenty of thrills on desktop computers as well.

Speaking of its expansion in North America, in November 2023 Hacksaw Gaming announced it secured a provisional license in New Jersey, allowing the company to offer its content portfolio to licensed online casino operators in the state. That will allow the supplier to launch in this state with BetMGM.

However, Hacksaw Gaming also has a partnership in place with Light & Wonder, the global gaming giant, to support the roll-out of its content in North America. The two companies signed an agreement for this purpose back in 2021, when Light & Wonder was still operating under the old brand, Scientific Games.

The supplier has also announced several new partnerships in other parts of the world recently, including a deal with Caesars Digital in Ontario at the end of 2023 and a partnership with Soft2Bet to enter the Romanian market, along with an agreement with Betsson to expand its presence in the Croatian market.

Source: “Hacksaw Gaming Advances to West Virginia with BetMGM Partnership“. Hacksaw Gaming. March 22, 2024.

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Charolette Richards, the founder of Las Vegas’s most popular wedding venue, has passed away at 89. The passing was announced by A Little White Wedding Chapel, the wedding factory she founded.

The chapel was established in 1951 and was created to provide couples with an affordable wedding in a beautiful location. Prioritizing simplicity, the venue quickly became popular and has wedded over 800,000 couples.

The chapel is also the place where a number of celebrities shared their wedding vows. This notably includes Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Britney Spears and Jason Alexander, Pamela Anderson, Rick Salomon and Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, among many others.

The chapel also had a drive-thru called the Tunnel of Love which was created by Richards after a client failed to fit their wheelchair through the front door of A Little White Wedding Chapel. Following Richards’ retirement, the chapel renamed the Tunnel of Love to Charolette’s Way.

According to the venue’s statement, Richards passed away on December 13.

Richards Made almost a Million Couples Happy

Richards arrived in Vegas in the 50s, seeking to meet her husband who had told her he was working at the Stardust. However, this turned out to be a lie.

Richards began working at the chapel in the 50s, turning it into an affordable wedding venue for couples in love. She was offered this job by a concerned stranger who had seen her looking for her husband every day. This saved Richards from poverty and eventually turned her into the famed Wedding Queen of the West.

Last year, the Wedding Queen of the West finally stepped down, selling the chapel to Cliff Evarts in 2022. Evarts is another wedding specialist who runs downtown wedding chapels Viva Las Vegas and Vegas Weddings.

Brian Mills, president of the Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce commented on Richards’ passing, praising her for innovating Las Vegas’ wedding sector and providing happiness to almost a million couples.

Charlotte’s legacy extends beyond innovation; sometimes controversial, but always positive, Charlotte Richards created unforgettable experiences for countless couples. As we honor her life, we are inspired by her commitment to love and joy in the wedding industry.

Bruce Mills, president, Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce

Mills concluded that Richards’s legacy will serve as an inspiration to the entire wedding sector for years to come.

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The leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment company, Caesars Entertainment, announced it expanded its offering on Ceasars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino for customers in West Virginia with the addition of unique games from IGT PlayDigital’s portfolio of titles. Announced Tuesday, the new collaboration saw players from The Mountain State gain access to a diverse range of popular games from IGT PlayDigital’s portfolio.

Thanks to the launch, customers aged 21, can now tap into new games that offer unique themes, engaging and rewarding features. Such include Caesars Cleopatra, the latest game from IGT, developed specifically for Caesars’ online gambling platforms. The new slot game combines an evergreen Cleopatra theme and features iconic Caesars Palace images.

With Caesars Palace in Las Vegas serving as the game’s background, the slot offers 20 paylines and comes packed with engaging mechanics. Players of the new slot game in West Virginia can expect player-favorite symbols and thrilling features that guarantee unrivaled experience and a chance for mouth-watering prizes.

The new game’s Cleopatra Bonus! offers players a chance to secure significant prizes by tripling the awards for the players. Landing five of the special Cleopatra symbols on a payline grants the customers a staggering award of 10,000x of the line bet.

The Operator Boosts Its Offering

Undoubtedly, the popular games from IGT PlayDigital will strengthen Caesars’ offering on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino for customers in West Virginia. Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Ceasars Digital’s VP of online gaming, revealed that the company is excited to expand its suite of games available via its two platforms for customers in the state. “This exciting game catalog is a perfect complement to the standout CAESARS CLEOPATRA title on our platform,” he explained.

“We are thrilled to have IGT PlayDigital’s vast suite of games available on Caesars Palace Online Casino and Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in West Virginia.“

Ricardo Cornejo Riva, VP of online gaming at Caesars Digital

Recently, BetMGM and Caesars enjoyed success in Las Vegas in light of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The arrival of the Formula One race to the state helped shatter betting records with BetMGM and Caesars reporting record growth in betting handle out of any motorsports event.

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The global digital sports platform, Fanatics Holdings, announced that its subsidiary, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, rolled out its sportsbook for the regulated gambling market in West Virginia. Announced Thursday, the launch promises the most rewarding online sportsbook in the state, offering supreme entertainment and experiences. Thanks to the launch, Fanatics Sportsbook is now available for visitors and residents in West Virginia with Android and iOS devices.

The launch of the new sportsbook comes after earlier this year, Fanatics Betting and Gaming confirmed the acquisition of the US assets of PointsBet. Announced back in August, the acquisition helped strengthen the operator’s footprint in the country. At the time, Fanatics confirmed its plans to migrate PointsBet’s customers to its new Fanatics Sportsbook mobile app.

As a result of the new launch, West Virginia customers who previously had an account with PointsBet can now use the same credentials to access the Fanatics Sportsbook. Such customers can use their username, password and account balance, as well as settings related to responsible gambling and rewards points when accessing Fanatics’ betting app.

The launch of Fanatics Sportsbook comes after recently, the company inked a partnership with Paysafe, the leading payments specialist. Announced earlier this week, the collaboration saw Fanatics tap into the company’s traditional card payments and alternative payment methods.

The New Sportsbook Offers a Plethora of Features

As the newest sportsbook in West Virginia, Fanatics’ mobile betting app offers exciting new features. Sports fans and bettors alike can benefit from the sportsbook’s technology that was built natively on Android and iOS, ensuring supreme experiences thanks to quality services, high speed and intuitive design.

Fanatics Sportsbook also claims it is the most rewarding mobile app in the state with its FanCash – The Currency of Sport, an engaging loyalty program that allows dollar-for-dollar conversions as well as access to sports merchandise. Additionally, the mobile app grants customers a chance to earn 5% FanCash on same game parlay bets, 3% on parlay bets, as well as 1% on straight bets and odds boosts.

Sports bettors that use Fanatics Sportsbook can also access an industry-leading search that offers search history, searching via alias/synonyms for events, markets and leagues. Powered by Genius Sports Limited, the sportsbook is one of the first that offers live streaming with BetVision. Thanks to the live streaming functionality, the sportsbook enables customers to access live streaming and place wagers via the same app.

Another feature that underlines the quality of Fanatics’ sports betting app is its personalization. The sportsbook features trending bets, special promotions and rewards that fit the profile of each individual bettor.

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West Virginia has become the fifth US state to enter the historical Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), availing its gambling population of a plethora of interactive gaming among the other member states of the Association.

Online poker aficionados from West Virginia will be able to engage in gameplay against players in Nevada, Michigan, Delaware, and New Jersey. The news comes about one year after the West Virginia Lottery reiterated its intention to join the multi-state agreement. 

West Virginia Lottery, “Pleased” to Offer Multi-state Poker 

As explained by West Virginia Lottery director, John Myers, by joining the important agreement that was originally introduced in Nevada and Delaware in 2014, the Mountain State is expected to significantly boost the “potential pool of participants” while enabling their players to engage in interesting play for even greater winnings. 

Director Myers took the opportunity to express their excitement that their West Virginia iGaming providers “will now have the opportunity to offer multi-state poker” to their players. 

All iGaming service providers in the state that would like to provide multi-state poker will need to send a letter of intent to the Lottery which will also need to receive the approval of the rest of the member states.

The same iGaming service providers interested in jumping on the wagon will need to work toward obtaining the required seals of approval from the state as well as other relevant member states prior to being allowed to go live.

Current State of Things 

The Multi-State Internet Gaming Association LLC is a Delaware-based corporation responsible for managing the affairs of all member states as part of the Agreement. 

For the time being, Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia are the three US states offering online poker to member states. New Jersey and Delaware also display their own online poker offerings, alongside the rest of specific online gaming solutions for the full spectrum of gaming options.

The MSIGA is, for the time being, a unique agreement to the United States that does not have a correspondent in the European Union. 

In April 2022, when Michigan joined the MSIGA together with its 10 million residents, Delaware Lottery’s internet gaming manager, and the association’s manager, Rebecca Satterfield, expressed the association’s interest in welcoming additional gaming jurisdictions eager to join the Agreement.
Following the news of Michigan entering the MSIGA, online poker fans in Pennsylvania expressed their optimism regarding the potentially bright future of online poker in the Keystone State, in spite of lacking any official indications of such a plan.

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The site of the proposed Harlem Nights resort project located on the Historic Westside of Las Vegas was impacted by fire recently. The venue, which used to be the home of Tokyo Casino and the New Town Tavern before that, caught fire on Sunday, as announced by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, citing details from the Las Vegas Fire Department. Although the site wasn’t registered as a historic location, it has seen recent interest from a developer called Harlem Nights.

Reportedly, the former Tokyo Casino caught fire after 6 PM on Sunday. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the location that is on the corner of Jackson Avenue and F Street. The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by 8 PM. Sadly, the venue had already suffered extensive damage. According to the Las Vegas Fire Department, the building was a “total loss.” This otherwise means that redevelopment won’t be possible and the burnt down building would likely need to be demolished.

Discussions on the Proposed Project Continue

Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, Harlem Nights’ project consultant, revealed that the company intended to remove the existing building in light of its proposed project. The aforementioned project initially featured a 60-story tower, something that was changed to a 34-level structure after the company was notified by the Federal Aviation Administration that anything taller may impact aviation in the region.

Yet, while Harlem Nights considered removing the building, it planned to execute this plan with more decency, considering its historic heritage. Speaking about the recent fire, Mayo-DeRiso said that the company is disappointed with the irreversible damage it caused. Moreover, she said that Harlem Nights asked for a full investigation into the matter.

So far, the city’s Fire Department hasn’t identified what caused the fire at the former Tokyo Casino nor confirmed when additional details on the matter can be released. It is currently unclear whether the fire started by accident, or it was intentional.

Reportedly, community discussions about the Harlem Nights project are planned for next week. According to Mayo-DeRiso, the project will also undergo debate on November 14, 2023, with the Las Vegas City Planning Commission.

Elsewhere in Las Vegas, tensions between casino operators and employees remain high with picket lines set up recently. The protest of the workers comes amid an increase in the cost of living and inflation along with “no real movement” in the negotiations between the workers’ unions and the operators of casino resorts.

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West Flagler and Associates continues its battle over the future of sports betting in Florida. The firm will now try to involve the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in hopes of preventing the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s attempt to dominate and expand the betting market.

Florida legalized sports betting for a while but the vertical was quickly put on hold as the state became the battleground for a huge conflict between casino companies and the Seminole Tribe. Florida legalized sports betting on November 1, 2021, but had to shut down the market on December 4 that same year. Various parties in the state have been involved in this legal battle ever since.

A contract with Gov. Ron DeSantis provided the Seminole Tribe with the exclusive right to operate sports betting, to the casino operators’ dismay.

Operators have since alleged that the contract is unconstitutional since it didn’t secure voter approval. In addition, casino companies have pointed out that tribal operators shouldn’t be able to operate outside of tribal lands, in accordance with Florida’s laws.

West Flagler and Associates has been trying to reverse the DC Circuit Court of Appeal’s mandate. Recently, it tried to request a stay motion but its appeal was rejected by the DC Circuit Court.

Left with few other options, West Flagler has now launched a petition to take the case to the SCOTUS.

The Fight Goes On

It is not certain whether the SCOTUS will hear West Flagler and Associates’ case. This means that the matter may continue to drag on as everyone anticipates the SCOTUS’ decision.

In any case, the launch of this petition is set to prevent the Seminole Tribe from launching its Hard Rock Bet brand.

Bullish on preventing the tribe’s betting expansion, West Flagler has also filed a constitutional challenge against the Florida Governor. According to the firm, the Governor should not have expanded the state’s gambling industry without a public vote.

West Flagger alleges that the tribe’s betting operations undermine the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and possibly breach the state’s rules, which prevent tribal gaming outside of tribal lands. The firm also noted that the measure that allows the Seminole tribe to expand its betting operations may violate the Equal Protection Clause since it provides the tribe with a statewide monopoly over the vertical.

For reference, casino operators in the Sunshine State lost their federal case before a three-judge panel earlier this year. However, West Flagler eventually rekindled the fight.

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The Florida sports betting case has taken another turn as the Department of the Interior (DOI) objects to West Flagler and Associates’ request for a stay in the DC Circuit Court of Appeals mandate. The court’s decision, which favored the DOI and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, did little to reduce tensions as both sides remained firm in their resolve. 

The Legal Battle Carries On

The heart of the dispute revolves around Florida’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe to offer Hard Rock Bet to Florida residents, specifically off-state lands. While West Flagler has the right to question the nature of this agreement, the DOI asserts that it need not be involved in this matter. Instead, it maintains that this issue is for the state of Florida and state courts to decide.

West Flagler has until 2 October to respond to the DOI’s filings. Subsequently, the court will need to issue a ruling on the stay. If the request gets denied, it could eventually pave the way for the launch of Hard Rock Bet in Florida. The DOI was adamant that the current court ruling was valid, as it clarified a narrow section in one particular Compact under IGRA.

A stay is not warranted because any such petition could present no substantial question for Supreme Court review.

DOI statement

West Flagler has also expressed its intent to petition for a writ of certiorari. The group has until 11 December to file its petition. Following this action, the DOI and the Seminole Tribe will have 30 days to respond before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decides whether to hear the case.

The Future of Florida Sports Betting Hangs in the Balance

The Court of Appeals’ decision will likely decide the future of sports betting in Florida. The Seminole Tribe has reaffirmed that it plans to resume the wagering offering via the Hard Rock brand but cannot proceed without clearing the current legal hurdle. While the case has stretched for months, West Flagler is running out of avenues to contest the court decision, meaning the saga may be nearing its conclusion.

The Seminole Tribe currently holds a 30-year agreement with the state of Florida, granting it a monopoly on all sports betting. The agreement also required the tribe to pay the state a minimum of $2.5 billion over the first five years of the deal. However, the current legal proceedings have put all plans on hold. 

The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of sports betting in Florida and provide further clarity on the application of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. While the current situation favors the Seminole Tribe, both sides await the court’s decision on the stay request, as this case’s ultimate resolution remains uncertain.

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In a significant stride towards conquering the US iGaming market, Play’n GO, the renowned global casino entertainment provider, has made its grand entrance into West Virginia. The Mountain State is now home to an array of thrilling Play’n GO slot titles, thanks to a strategic partnership with BetMGM.

Play’n GO’s Enthralling Titles Arrive in West Virginia for Gamers

Players in West Virginia are in for a treat as they can now immerse themselves in the captivating world of Play’n GO classics. Titles like Book of Dead, Reactoonz, Boat Bonanza, and the highly acclaimed Gerard’s Gambit, which was shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Game of the Year award, are all at their fingertips.

Magnus Natt och Dag, the commercial director for North America at Play’n GO, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s latest venture. He stated: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our game catalog to players in West Virginia, and we’re confident that players there will love engaging with our content. Play’n GO prides itself on producing games that engage players and keep them coming back for more, and we’re sure that we will replicate our success here in West Virginia too. Success in a sustainable, regulated industry has always been Play’n GO’s primary focus, and we can’t wait to get started in West Virginia.”

As part of its North American expansion strategy, Play’n GO has bolstered its team with key hires based in the United States. 

Play’n GO Thrives in US Expansion, Adding West Virginia to the Mix

This landmark expansion marks Play’n GO’s fourth foray into the American iGaming landscape. Previously, the Swedish gaming giant had successfully launched its games in New Jersey, Michigan, and Connecticut. Now, West Virginia joins the ranks of states where players can revel in Play’n GO’s exceptional gaming content.

In August, Play’n GO entered a partnership with Rush Street Interactive, enabling the supply of its games to RSI’s BetRivers platform in New Jersey and Michigan. This collaboration allowed RSI to expand its offerings and deliver popular Play’n GO titles to its growing customer base, while Play’n GO extended its North American reach.

In February, Play’n GO continued its expansion in the North American iGaming market with the acquisition of a license in Connecticut. 

The company’s strategy focuses on delivering engaging content to partners and strengthening retention efforts, with plans to release over 50 new products in 2023 to meet the unique challenges of North America’s iGaming industry. 

In 2022 alone, Play’n GO released over 50 online slot titles and established its presence in more than 25 regulated jurisdictions worldwide. 

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Hacksaw Gaming, the provider of distinct quality games for the online gambling sector, strengthened its presence in the United States thanks to a new collaboration. Joining forces with the renowned betting and gaming operator, DraftKings, the iGaming content provider expanded the reach of its titles to customers in West Virginia.

The new collaboration designated DraftKings as the second operator in the state to benefit from Hacksaw’s award-winning content. Per the terms of the new alliance, the content provider for the online gambling sector agreed to deliver its slot games including Outlaws Inc., Hop’N’Pop, as well as Hand of Anubis for DraftKings’ players in West Virginia.

Thanks to the new content agreement, the aforementioned titles have become available for the operator’s online casino lobby catering to customers in the state. According to a statement released by Hacksaw on Tuesday, more fan-favorite and popular games are expected to arrive for DraftKings’ customers soon. Such titles would include Wanted Dead or a Wild, the company’s flagship title, as well as other thrilling and engaging games like Gladiator Legends and Stack’em.

Marcus Cordes, Hacksaw’s CEO, acknowledged that the company was busy over the last few months, growing its US presence. He reminded that last month, Hacksaw secured complete regulatory approval, allowing it to expand its presence in the state.

Cordes added that the company is excited to deliver its engaging games for customers of DraftKings in West Virginia. Finally, he spoke about the strong position the operator holds within the iGaming vertical across the US and predicted that its clients will find Hacksaw’s games appealing.

“DraftKings is a name that needs no introduction in the world of iGaming, and we’ve no doubt our top-shelf content will find scores of new casino fans through this partnership.“

Marcus Cordes, CEO at Hacksaw Gaming

The Provider of iGaming Content Continues to Expand

Recently, Hacksaw expanded once again the reach of its thrilling games via a deal with REEVO, the renowned B2B content and aggregation platform. Under the terms of that deal, the provider agreed to supply its products, helping grow REEVO’s extensive library of games even further. While the deal provided a boost for REEVO’s offering, it will also help Hacksaw engage with new clients across the globe.

Back in August, Hacksaw expanded further its global footprint by inking a partnership with N1 Casino in Greece. At the time, the leading provider of iGaming content agreed to roll out a plethora of its games, powering the Greek operator’s online platform.

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