blackjack
MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters to Nine Unlicensed Online Casinos
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has taken strict action against nine online casinos, issuing cease-and-desist letters for violations of state gaming laws. The affected websites offer a range of casino-style games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as betting services for sporting events and horse races.
The following operators have been issued cease-and-desist orders:
BetAnySports (BAS)
CoolCat Casino
Diamond Sportsbook International, d/b/a BetDSI.eu (BetDSI)
Solar Game LTD and Busan Trade Office (Go Go Gold)
My Dreams Casino
NonStop casino
Palace of Chance
Xbet Casino
WagerWeb
“These unlicensed operators are not only in violation of Michigan’s laws but also pose significant risks to consumers by offering limited and often unreliable withdrawal options. Our role is to protect Michigan residents by ensuring that all online gambling activities are carried out legally and responsibly. These operators have 14 days to cease their illegal activities or face further legal action,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
The post MGCB Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters to Nine Unlicensed Online Casinos appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
AI
ICONIC21 launches iDealer Blackjack with a real-time AI dealer
ICONIC21 has launched iDealer Blackjack, a seven-seat RNG blackjack game that adds a “fully live, AI-powered dealer” to the traditional virtual table experience.
The iGaming content provider said the title was developed in collaboration with RAVATAR using its real-time interactive AI avatar technology, positioning the product as a response to demand for more interaction in RNG table games.
According to the companies, the dealer is real-time rather than pre-recorded or scripted, can welcome players by nickname, and can maintain conversation during play. ICONIC21 also said the dealer “remembers players and their past interactions,” while understanding players “in any language” and responding in English with localized touches.
The game’s background uses a live stream from one of ICONIC21’s studios, which the company said is designed to ground the AI dealer in a real-world environment.
Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, said: “iDealer Blackjack is a natural progression for RNG tables. It’s important to highlight that this product is not a challenge to live casino as we know it. The AI-powered dealer is not trying to be human. It is exactly what it is: an expressive, well-built companion that makes the game more engaging.
One of the most interesting things we’ve already noticed is how players interact with it. Because they understand they are speaking to artificial intelligence, conversations go far beyond standard live casino chat. Players are asking about history, world facts, random trivia, jokes, and all kinds of unexpected topics during gameplay. This creates a completely different level of engagement around the table.
Also, the customisation roadmap is active and expanding. iDealer Blackjack is a strong foundation with a great deal still to be built on top of it.”
Ruslan Synytsky, CEO at RAVATAR, said: “The next decade of iGaming will be defined by AI-powered presence, personality, and interaction, not just better graphics or faster gameplay. ICONIC21 came to us with a strong sense of what their product needed to feel like for players.
iDealer Blackjack, built on our AI avatar platform, is the first step into that future and sets the direction for what RNG gaming can become.”
The post ICONIC21 launches iDealer Blackjack with a real-time AI dealer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
blackjack
Avanti Studios lands exclusive rights for live Sweet 16 Blackjack side bet
Avanti Studios has secured an exclusivity agreement with HITSqwad Interactive Gaming to offer Sweet 16 Blackjack as a live casino product worldwide.
Sweet 16 Blackjack is already available in a digital format with operators including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, OLG, BCLC and FanDuel, according to the companies. The land-based version is active across South Africa and is in the process of a broader rollout.
The companies pointed to third-party rankings for the title’s performance. Sweet 16 Blackjack ranked as a Top 10 Table Game in the Eilers & Krejcik U.S. Online Game Performance Report in September 2024 and April 2026, and was nominated for Top Performing New Online Table Game at the EKG Slot Awards in 2024 and 2025.
In gameplay terms, Sweet 16 Blackjack adds an optional side bet to standard blackjack. If a player’s first two cards total 16, the side bet wins, with payouts varying based on suits, colours and values.
Jonas Delin, Co-Founder at Avanti Studios, said: “The statistics show that Sweet 16 Blackjack is one of the iGaming industry’s top-performing table games, so we’re delighted to have reached an agreement with HITSqwad to exclusively offer the format to live casino audiences worldwide.
“Sweet 16 Blackjack’s innovative side bet mechanic coupled with the flawless presentation, deep customisation and infinite scalability that only Avanti can provide will ensure that the game will go on to become a staple part of our offering for operators in all regulated markets that we serve.”
Charl Geyser, CEO of HITSqwad Interactive Gaming, said, “Sweet 16 is an incredible game that has already built a massive player following across both online and retail environments. We are delighted to partner with Avanti to take it into the Live Casino market for the next step in its journey as one of the world’s top Blackjack Side-Bets.”
The post Avanti Studios lands exclusive rights for live Sweet 16 Blackjack side bet appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
blackjack
ICONIC21 launches Private Edition Blackjack with a single-player 7-seat live table
ICONIC21 has launched Private Edition Blackjack, a live table game built around a single-player format. The company said the table is reserved entirely for one player and supports up to seven hands played simultaneously.
Private Edition Blackjack uses a seven-seat table model with a high minimum bet requirement, positioning it at VIP and high-value segments. ICONIC21 said players can request a dealer change, request a shoe change, or choose to keep their current dealer.
The product also adds ICONIC21’s integrated LED Studio technology. According to the company, a built-in LED screen enables operators to change background visuals to support campaigns, partnerships, events, or player segmentation.
Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, said: “Private Edition Blackjack brings a much stronger sense of ownership to the live blackjack experience. Players are not simply joining a seat – they take full control of the table, playing up to seven hands and shaping the session through dealer and shoe preferences.
For VIP and high-value players, engagement is everything. This format ensures the dealer’s full attention is dedicated to a single player, creating a more personal and immersive experience. With extended decision time and no need to accommodate others at the table, players can control the pace of the game and play entirely on their own terms.”
The post ICONIC21 launches Private Edition Blackjack with a single-player 7-seat live table appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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