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BGC Wants UK Chancellor to Rethink “Stealth Casino Tax”

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The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has urged the Chancellor to rethink a stealth tax on land-based casinos.

Under measures announced by the Treasury, Gaming Duty Bands applied to U.K. casinos have been frozen again and will not rise with inflation, effectively creating a £5m annual tax increase across BGC land-based casino members.

There were hopes the freeze, first announced in March, would be abandoned, providing a much-needed boost to a sector which is struggling with rising wages and energy costs plus high inflation.

Currently casinos, a vital pillar of the tourism and hospitality sector, employ more than 10,000 people catering to over 16 million customer visits every year. They contribute £300m annually in taxes and an estimated £800m a year Gross Value Added to the economy. But some have struggled to rebound from the pandemic and the current tough economic headwinds, which has seen closures and job losses.

In 2005 there were 160 casinos in the UK – now there are 117. Four casinos have closed in recent months, including Genting owned Crockfords in Mayfair, the oldest casino in the country.

In 2019 casinos employed 13,600 people, which has dropped to less than 10,200 now, a 25% reduction.

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher said: “Freezing Gaming Duty Bands is a stealth tax which has the potential to slow recovery and weaken future growth.

“Removing it would have provided a welcome boost for the land-based casino sector at a crucial time.

“Instead, the decision to maintain the status quo represents a missed opportunity for companies ready and able to generate jobs and investment across the country.

“Right now casinos, which play such a vital role in the tourism and hospitality sector, are waiting for the modest but mission critical policy changes announced in the White Paper.

“It seems short sighted to maintain this stealth tax while failing to make changes that will allow casinos to hire and grow. The BGC urges a re-think so Gaming Duty Bands can be moved with inflation at the next opportunity.”

Governor Josh Shapiro

Governor Shapiro Signs Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, Bringing Pennsylvania into Shared Online Poker Market

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Governor Josh Shapiro signed an agreement accepting Pennsylvania as the sixth member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for poker. This expansion of online gaming for poker creates more choice and freedom for an estimated 150,000 online poker players in Pennsylvania and expands the pool of online poker players by more than 50%. With the Commonwealth’s entry into MSIGA, Pennsylvania becomes the largest state in the shared market that now covers over 38 million Americans.

The Commonwealth joins New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan as participants in MSIGA, allowing the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to work with its online operators and the other state gaming agencies to ensure that Pennsylvania’s approximately 150,000 online poker players are provided with the same assurances offered through other online gaming options by using a fair and thoroughly tested platform. This expansion will also afford larger prize pools without requiring an increase in buy-in amounts.

“This is a commonsense step to support hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, grow our economy, and bring in more revenue to support our schools, our seniors, our small businesses, and more. Three of our neighbors are already part of this agreement – and with this action today, we’re making sure Pennsylvania remains competitive in a rapidly growing online market,” said Governor Shapiro.

Online Pennsylvania poker players will be able to participate in the multi-state games beginning on April 28, 2025 will include BetMGM and PA Borgata Online with others expected to join soon.

The post Governor Shapiro Signs Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, Bringing Pennsylvania into Shared Online Poker Market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Enthusiast Gaming’s Luminosity Crowns Three New Creators in Record-Breaking Rising Stars Campaign

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Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. announced the successful conclusion of Rising Stars 2025, its annual creator competition hosted by Luminosity Gaming. The event culminated with a high-energy livestream finale on April 18 that aired simultaneously on Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, spotlighting five standout finalists and capping off the most successful season in the program’s history.

The season was presented by Elgato, with key sponsorship from Cash App, Corsair, CTRL, Fisher College, FocusFuel, JLab, Juvee Energy Drink, PüK Gaming, Sprecher Brewing Company, Starforge Systems, and U.GG. Their support enabled brand-building opportunities, professional development and meaningful exposure for thousands of contestants, delivered through custom content, branded segments, logo placements, and social media activations that authentically connected each brand to a highly engaged creator audience.

After weeks of submissions, creative challenges and community engagement, the Rising Stars 2025 competition, featuring more than 5800 entrants from across the gaming landscape, culminated in a dramatic, high-energy finale live broadcast to fans worldwide. The final five creators, Shortypie, Astrobounder, BPala, CozyZozie, and BillyGoat, competed in a series of on-camera challenges before the final three advanced to the campaign’s final “Split or Steal” segment. In a powerful and unexpected twist, the three finalists—BillyGoat, CozyZozie, and BPala—chose to split the grand prize equally and each earned the title of Rising Star and a content creator agreement with Luminosity Gaming. This live decision, made in front of thousands of viewers, was widely celebrated by fans and reflected the spirit of collaboration, integrity and mutual respect that defined the entire season.

The Rising Stars 2025 campaign amassed over 500 million social media impressions, marking a new high for Luminosity’s creator programming. The campaign trended multiple times on X (formerly Twitter) and drew millions of views across platforms through short-form content, behind-the-scenes clips, sponsored livestreams, and community-driven storytelling.

“Rising Stars 2025 shattered every record we’ve had for a creator competition. More than just a competition, this season showcased the creativity, inclusivity, and collaborative spirit that define not only Luminosity, but the future of the creator economy. We’re extremely excited to welcome these three new Rising Stars to Luminosity,” said Alex Gonzalez, Chief Marketing Officer at Enthusiast Gaming.

“This whole experience still feels surreal. Joining Luminosity and getting the chance to collaborate with brands I’ve admired for years is truly a dream come true. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter where I can continue growing, create meaningful content alongside incredible creators, and stay true to what makes my content uniquely mine. I’m beyond excited to turn this passion into a sustainable, long-term career,” said Rising Stars 2025 Winner, Zoe ‘CozyZozie.

As newly signed creators, all three winners will immediately begin collaborating with Luminosity and its brand partners, launching new content series, engaging in brand campaigns, collaborating with Luminosity’s creator network, and continuing to grow their platforms within a professionally supported environment.

The post Enthusiast Gaming’s Luminosity Crowns Three New Creators in Record-Breaking Rising Stars Campaign appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Indian Head Casino

Big Things Are Happening at Indian Head Gaming – Expansion & Enhancements Underway at Both Casino & Travel Plaza Locations

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Indian Head Gaming, the enterprise behind Indian Head Casino in Warm Springs and Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras, has announced major expansions and remodeling efforts at both of its Central Oregon locations. These upgrades mark a bold new chapter in delivering a next-level experience for guests and travelers alike.

As part of the expansion, guests can anticipate a multitude of exciting new slot machines added across both locations, bringing more variety and more chances to win at each stop. At Indian Head Casino, the excitement continues with the addition of craps and roulette providing even more ways to play and win. Spanish 21, 3-Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Mini-Baccarat will also be available in future expansions.

In addition to gaming enhancements, both Indian Head Casino and Plateau Travel Plaza are undergoing full restaurant remodels, with new dining options being introduced to serve up greater flavor and comfort for guests on the go or staying to play.

“These upgrades reflect our commitment to investing in both our communities and our guests. Whether you’re stopping at Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras or visiting Indian Head Casino in Warm Springs, you’ll see a fresh new look, new games, and new ways to enjoy your time with us,” said Shawn McDaniel, General Manager at Indian Head Gaming.

The post Big Things Are Happening at Indian Head Gaming – Expansion & Enhancements Underway at Both Casino & Travel Plaza Locations appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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