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Gambling in the USA

Land-based closures spark 100% rise in US ‘online casino’ searches – BonusFinder research

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The closure of major US land-based gaming venues and cancellation of live sport has sparked a 100% rise in internet searches for ‘online casino’ across North America, BonusFinder.com research can reveal.

The research was carried out using Google Trends from February to the end of March this year and uncovered a sharp spike in players searching for ‘online casino’ following land-based venues switching off slot machines and sports events being rescheduled.

The tipping point came on 12th March when more US players searched for ‘online casino’ than ‘sports betting’ with numbers doubling in the following two weeks.

Since the repeal of PASPA in August 2018, 17 US states have regulated sports betting with only five, including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania opening up igaming.

Combined sports betting and online casino ‘handle’ across those US States was more than $1.7 billion in February 2020.

Sportsbook handle is expected to dramatically shrink in March and beyond with operators and states urgently looking to mitigate losses and make up shortfalls. As a result of the surge in online casino interest, lawmakers in states that have already regulated betting could consider fast-tracking igaming.

According to VIXIO GamblingCompliance, New Jersey alone generated $482.7 million in igaming Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2019 and $52m in February 2020.

Industry trade group, iDevelopment & Economic Association, for example, is already urging states to allow online casino games to replace disappearing revenue, including exploring how governors can use emergency powers to quickly allow online casinos to operate.

Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The five states that have opened igaming are seeing month-on-month revenue rises with New Jersey leading the way. It has a robust and responsible framework in place to protect players and has shown that online and offline casinos can operate together within the same territory and consistently generate very healthy returns.”

“This is a wake-up call for the 12 states that have already established an online sports betting regime. They should take note of the enormous interest in online casino from players and use this momentum to legislate igaming before we start seeing players turning to unlicensed, offshore sites and the black market.

“The demand will only continue to increase as this unprecedented situation continues, therefore now is the time to focus on providing best-in-class, regulated real-money online casino games that players can enjoy responsibly and that can also help state governments make up revenue shortfalls.”

Last month research carried out by BonusFinder.com monitoring the Swedish market uncovered a spike in Swedish players searching for a basket of black-market keywords. Almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations.

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Gambling in the USA

Plaza Hotel & Casino to debut glittering new South Tower Guest Entrance, Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

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Committed to improving the guest experience, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has revamped its South Tower guest entry and will officially turn its lights on at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The new South Tower entry, accessible at Main Street and Carson Avenue, will be the Plaza’s primary entrance for guests arriving by personal vehicle, taxi, or ride share.

Earlier this summer, the Plaza’s Main Street Reimagination transformed its circular porte-cochere from a vehicular driveway into a pedestrian friendly, one-of-a-kind destination for gaming, drinks, and dining, with the centerpiece being Carousel Bar under the iconic dome. As a result, the Plaza redesigned its South Tower entrance into a glittering beacon for guests parking or being dropped off for hotel check in, trying their hand in the casino or downtown’s only bingo hall, going to a show, playing pickleball on the rooftop courts, or dining at Oscar’s steakhouse.

The new South Tower entrance was designed with a Beverly Hills inspiration paired with the Plaza’s red and gold colors for its columns and awning. The entrance offers a great backdrop for selfies with the Plaza’s iconic glittering light bulbs that similarly illuminate the dome portico for pedestrians on Main Street. The new entry also features an LED screen measuring 11 ft. x 8 ft. that will display digital art, welcome messages, and programmable greetings for groups and special events.

WHAT:           The Plaza Hotel & Casino lights its new South Tower entrance

WHERE:        Entrance is accessible via Main Street and Carson Avenue driveway

WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Celebration and illumination of the lights will occur at 7:30 p.m.

WHO:             The Plaza Hotel & Casino employees and guests; members of the media are welcome and should RSVP to amy@twgpr. com

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Ashley Bloor

Pariplay® set for North American showcase with aggregation webinar

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NeoGames S.A (Nasdaq: NGMS) subsidiary Pariplay®, the leading aggregator and content provider, is set to ramp up its preparation for G2E by hosting two webinars focused on the power of aggregation in North American markets.

Ran by VP of North America, Shivan Patel, and Ashley Bloor, Director of Partnerships, the discussion will look at how aggregation platforms can revolutionise North American gaming offerings, as well as how localised content developed by in-house, or boutique studios can gain cut through in the saturated market.

In addition, there will be insightful conversation regarding compliance, licences, and various ways aggregation offerings can assist with strategic expansion plans, by utilising local knowledge.

 

Shivan Patel, VP of North America at Pariplay®, said: “The potential of the North American market is still really only just being tapped, and with a number of major conferences coming up, not least G2E, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share some of the insight we have gathered since being live in the continent.

“We can’t wait to explore the opportunities over the course of the two webinars, and look forward to the discussion.”

Ashley Bloor, Head of Partnerships at Pariplay, said: “Pariplay®’s aggregation platform offers us unique insight into operator successes, player preferences, and so much more, and we think this webinar series gives up the perfect opportunity to share our learnings and support the industry.

“From compliance to content, it touches on a number of key sections of the market, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people to our webinar!”

The webinars will take place on Tuesday, 26th of September and Wednesday, 4th of October, at 4pm CET.

 

To register your interest, please visit this link – https://webinarkit.com/webinar/registration/64ee20692491b253a236f0f9

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American Gaming Association

MGCB Executive Director Meets with Flint City Officials to Discuss Ways to Combat Illegal Gaming

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In an effort to combat illegal gaming activities, Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams recently met with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) to discuss strategies to help deter and crack down on illegal gaming operations in the city.

During their August 29 conversation, the officials also talked about the impact of storefront casinos and illegal gaming on residents and how such establishments are a nuisance for the city, tarnishing the reputations of regulated, legitimate gaming establishments.

“As a regulator, it’s important to me to have face-to-face conversations with area leaders so that we can share our knowledge and gain a more comprehensive understanding of illegal gaming issues, especially from their local perspective. I look forward to working with Mayor Neeley on the city’s efforts to prevent individuals from reopening a place of business under a new name in a location that was previously cited for illegal gaming operation concerns, minimize risks to his community from such establishments, and help protect Flint residents from harm,” Williams said.

A week before the leaders’ meeting, the MGCB seized 50 gambling devices and $13,260 in suspected gambling proceeds on August 23 from an alleged illegal storefront casino that was operating under the name of The Flint Arcade, located at 3301 Corunna Road in Flint. Authorities had previously conducted a raid at the same location a year earlier, on Aug. 18, 2022, when the MGCB investigated suspected illegal gambling at The Cellular Vault. That search yielded 43 computers used for gambling and $2,572.48 in winnings and gambling proceeds.

“It is important to protect the Flint community from predatory illegal gaming operations, and I thank Director Williams for his continued partnership in this effort. These unwelcome operations threaten public safety by creating environments where other criminal activity can thrive,” Mayor Neeley said.

“By working together to implement comprehensive measures — from strengthening laws and regulatory frameworks to raising awareness about the issue of illegal gaming machines — we can help reduce the prevalence of illegal gaming in our communities. I look forward to continuing this conversation with MGCB Executive Director Williams and appreciate the time he took to visit Flint and discuss this important issue, and I will do what I can to help advance any necessary changes to the law in my capacity serving with the Michigan Legislature,” Rep. Neeley said.

Unlicensed casinos, unauthorized online gambling platforms, underground sports-betting operations, or any other form of wagering that is not regulated by the MGCB are all considered forms of illegal gaming. As a result of MGCB investigations from January 2015 through July 2023, a total of 1195 illegal machines and $470,401.98 have been seized. Additionally, since November 2022, 48 locations have received cease-and-desist letters involving 105 illegal machines.

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mayor Neeley and Rep. Neeley in Flint and to share information with him about how the MGCB can assist with investigations and raids on alleged illegal gaming operations. Illegal gaming is a widespread problem that is not unique to Michigan, but we are prepared to act and will hold bad actors accountable who are caught breaking the law. The agency is committed to fighting illegal online gaming, pop-up illegal casinos, and the proliferation of illegal gaming machines in gas stations, bars, and other locally owned establishments — and I look forward to seeing what the Michigan Legislature can do to help us with these issues,” said Williams, who was recently selected as a finalist in the Regulator of the Year category of the 2023 American Gambling Awards.

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