iGaming Industry
Penn National Gaming to acquire Pinnacle Entertainment in $2.8bn deal
American casino operator Penn National Gaming Inc has announced the agreement of a $2.8bn cash plus stock deal to acquire fellow gaming operator Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.
Under the terms of the deal, Pinnacle’s shareholders will receive $20.00 in cash and 0.42 shares of Penn National Gaming common stock for each Pinnacle share. Pinnacle currently owns and operates 16 gaming and entertainment facilities in 11 jurisdictions across the US.
Upon the completion of the deal Penn National Gaming will own approximately 78% of the combined entity, with Pinnacle owning the rest. As a result of the deal, Penn National will operate a combined 41 properties with about 53,500 slots, 1,300 tables and 8,300 hotel rooms.
Penn National has received financing for the transaction, subject to customary conditions, from BofA Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs Bank USA. To further finance the transaction Penn National and Gaming Leisure Properties Incorporated will enter into a sale and leaseback of the real estate associated with Belterra Park and Plainridge Park Casino for approximately $315m.
An additional $575m in cash will be raised via the sale of Pinnacle’s gaming operations at Ameristar Kansas City and Ameristar St. Charles in Missouri; Belterra Casino Resort in Indiana; and Belterra Park in Ohio to Boyd Gaming Corporation.
In a statement announcing the deal on the Penn National Gaming website, Timothy J. Wilmott, Chief Executive Officer of Penn National Gaming said: “By combining our highly complementary portfolios and similar operating philosophies, we will be able to leverage the strengths of both our companies and create an unparalleled experience for our regional gaming customers, while generating significant value for our shareholders and business partners.
“The combined company will benefit from enhanced scale, additional growth opportunities and best-in-class operations, creating a more efficient integrated gaming company. We look forward to welcoming Pinnacle’s talented employees to our team and to further enhancing our status as North America’s leading regional gaming operator.”
The $2.8bn deal is expected to generate $100m in annual cost synergies during the first year.
Anthony Sanfilippo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Entertainment, added: “Pinnacle is a terrific company whose success is due to the efforts of our more than 16,000 team members that focus every day on providing great service and memorable experiences for our guests.
“Tim and the Penn National team lead a high-quality organisation that, like Pinnacle, has a long track record of operational excellence and accretive growth. We believe the combination will produce an even stronger gaming entertainment platform that builds on the individual accomplishments of both companies and benefits our collective team members, shareholders and guests.”…
The post Penn National Gaming to acquire Pinnacle Entertainment in $2.8bn deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.
Source: EEGaming.
gaming operators
XT.COM Announces Listing of Zenex

XT.COM has announced the listing of ZNX (Zenex), an AI-driven payment infrastructure token designed to revolutionize the $107B+ iGaming industry. The ZNX/USDT trading pair will be available in the Innovation Zone (RWA), providing traders with access to a token that brings real-world business utility, enhanced fraud protection, and verifiable revenue-sharing mechanisms to online and land-based gaming operators.
Imagine a payment ecosystem where betting operators no longer need to freeze millions in capital reserves, where players enjoy seamless transactions across continents, and where token holders benefit directly from the growing gaming industry. That’s not a future promise – it’s what Zenex delivers today.
At its core, Zenex solves the gaming industry’s biggest challenge – the massive capital reserves required by traditional payment systems. Through the innovative blockchain and AI infrastructure, gaming operators who hold ZNX can reduce their reserve requirements by up to 30%, instantly freeing up capital for growth and operations.
The Zenex ecosystem combines multiple revenue streams that directly benefit ZNX token holders:
• Operational Betting Shops: The expanding network of profitable locations across Kenya generates consistent revenue, with systematic buybacks supporting token value.
• Advanced Payment Infrastructure: Already processing millions in monthly transactions, the payment solution helps operators reduce costs while improving transaction efficiency.
• White-Label Gaming Solutions: The proprietary platform powers multiple online casinos and betting operations, generating steady transaction volume.
• Innovative Mini-Games Platform: A suite of engaging games drives player engagement and creates additional revenue streams.
• Premium Card Solution: The upcoming Zenex Card will revolutionize how players access and manage their funds across 150+ countries.
The Zenex Advantage:
• Systematic Buybacks: A portion of all gaming revenue is used to buy back ZNX tokens, creating sustainable price support.
• Token Utility: Operators holding ZNX benefit from reduced reserve requirements, creating natural demand from the $107 billion iGaming industry.
• Strategic Lock-ups: Smart contract-based locking mechanisms ensure long-term price stability.
• Community Governance: Token holders participate in key decisions about platform development and charity initiatives.
The post XT.COM Announces Listing of Zenex appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Alejandro Navarro
Betski Secures $345,000 in Pre-Seed Funding for First-ever Tokenized Casino Ownership Platform

Betski is set to launch its online casino ownership platform in Q1 of 2025, enabling users to earn casino profits through digital tokens. The system will allow anyone to receive a share of casino earnings without managing casino operations, marking a new chapter in the multi-billion-dollar iGaming industry. Supported by a $345,000 pre-seed funding round, the platform aims to democratize access to casino earnings and reshape the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
Opening Casino Ownership to Everyone
The platform’s tokenization system reshapes traditional casino business rules through an automatic profit-sharing program. Token holders receive a percentage of every bet placed on the platform.
This system eliminates steep entry costs, such as operational expenses, licensing fees, and administrative management. Users can start earning returns without previous casino experience or large capital investments.
“A small group have exclusively enjoyed casino industry profits until now. Our platform opens these earnings to everyone through our tokenized profit-sharing system, turning users into online casino owners,” said Alejandro Navarro, founder and CEO of Betski.
Direct Profit-Sharing Through Tokens
Through a verified digital system, the ownership program distributes Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) among token holders. Investors have recognized this potential, contributing $345,000 in pre-seed funding that combines gaming entertainment with digital asset ownership. The platform maintains strict security protocols and automated distribution systems for reliable profit sharing.
“The platform distributes real money to token holders from every bet placed by players. This creates a steady income stream for online casino owners – something the traditional casino structure has never offered,” said Navarro.
Global Growth of Online Casino Ownership
The platform has attracted 2400 active Discord members and over 20,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). These early adopters are expected to participate in test runs of the profit-sharing system once it goes live. Over the next 24 months, the platform will roll out first in Latin America, followed by expansion into European and select Asian markets.
Betski offers casino games, live casino experiences, eSports betting, global lotteries, fantasy sports, and traditional sportsbooks. This variety creates multiple revenue streams for online casino owners. Players can access all gaming options through a single interface, which streamlines the betting experience and maximizes potential returns for token holders.
The team has partnered with major payment processors and marketing agencies to support the platform’s global expansion. These collaborations will facilitate smooth transactions and user acquisition across different regions. The platform meets all regulatory requirements in its target markets, certifying long-term stability for token holders.
New Opportunities for Investment
Following the successful pre-seed round, Betski is now opening its seed funding round to welcome additional participants into its casino ownership platform. This investment opportunity enables individuals and entities to join the platform’s growth journey ahead of its official launch in Q1 2025.
Bradley Khoury
eCOGRA Approved to Operate in Arizona, Indiana and Panama

eCOGRA, a leading international authority in Testing, Inspection and Certification services for the iGaming industry, has secured new regulatory approvals across three key jurisdictions: Arizona, Indiana and Panama. With these developments, eCOGRA strengthens its position in the U.S. and Latin American markets, offering excellence in compliance through their Quality, Speed, and Service promise.
This strategic expansion allows eCOGRA to conduct independent compliance audits and certification services in each region, addressing the growing demand for rigorous regulatory oversight in the fast-evolving global iGaming industry.
Securing approval in Arizona, where eCOGRA has now been licensed as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier, enables the International Testing Laboratory (ITL) to audit event wagering licensees in line with Arizona’s expanding regulatory landscape. Indiana, which introduced online sports betting in September 2019, has authorised eCOGRA to perform regulatory compliance audits, providing licensed operators with crucial assurance in meeting the state’s high standards.
In Panama, the Board of Gaming Control officially recognised eCOGRA as an Authorised Entity for Compliance Certification, specifically for slot machines and gaming software. This endorsement reinforces eCOGRA’s role as a trusted partner for operators seeking to meet stringent regulatory requirements in Latin America’s emerging iGaming sector.
“Our recent approvals in Indiana, Arizona, and Panama underline our dedication to continually expand our offering, to support our growing portfolio of clients with their global growth plans. We are committed to ensuring that we bring the same quality, speed and service that marks us out to both our clients and regulators in these dynamic markets,” said Will Shuckburgh, Group CEO of eCOGRA.
Bradley Khoury, Chief Technology Officer at eCOGRA, said: “Securing licensure as an Event Wagering Ancillary Supplier in Arizona and an Authorised Entity in Panama underscores our dedication to supporting responsible and sustainable iGaming operations. We are committed to driving trust and accountability within the industry by providing compliance solutions that uphold the highest standards.”
-
gaming2 years ago
ODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News7 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018