Gambling in the USA
Las Vegas Casino Culture Suffers Rejection by New Gen Gamblers
The latest statistics confirm the social chatter that Las Vegas tourism has hit a dramatic low, with some even calling Vegas an experience of the past.
Only 3.1 million people visited Sin City in June, down 11.3% compared to last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
Social media users have called out the high prices of everything from dining to parking, citing these and other reasons for staying away.
Robby Starbuck, conservative activist and host of “The Robby Starbuck Show,” says it is not just prices that are keeping people out of Vegas.
“Now nearly everyone under 40 who bets seems to do it online,” Starbuck said.
“I don’t know one person under 40 who goes to Vegas regularly to bet or play slots,” he added.
“This trend will continue with younger people because, honestly, our minds are wired differently.”
The U.S. online gambling market in 2024 was estimated at $12.68 billion, according to Grand View Research.
Starbuck said generational differences also could be pushing down the popularity of visiting Las Vegas.
“Another differentiator is that older generations focused on real-life interaction, while younger generations feel just as content with parasocial online experiences,” he said.
“The Vegas marketing image is one centered on slots and showgirls, two things young people have no interest in,” said Starbuck.
He added: “The typical casino feel and marketing just won’t be as successful with young people who have 40 options to gamble on their phones from the comfort of their own home.”
An additional generational difference, Starbuck pointed out, is that younger generations are ditching the bottle.
“Younger generations drink alcohol at lower rates than older generations did at their age. That’s going to have a material impact on the Vegas business model if young people drink less,” he said.
The number of people in their 20s who chose to abstain from alcohol more than doubled between 2001 and 2019, going from 9% to 22%, according to a 2019 National Drug Strategy Household survey. And a recent Gallup survey found that roughly 38% of adults under age 35 now identify as fully abstaining from alcohol.
In addition, more than a quarter of Gen Z respondents felt “very concerned” about the potential health effects of drinking alcohol, according to Civic Science.
The hotel industry is also feeling the burn of fewer visitors.
Occupancy rates dropped 6.5%, while average daily room rates have lowered to $163.64 – down 6.6%, according to the LVCVA.
Meanwhile, a 43-story hotel and casino has been put on an indefinite pause, SF Gate reported.
The property has a prime location on the Vegas strip and will remain an empty lot for parking for now.
Starbuck said he’s been to Las Vegas a number of times in his life and doesn’t see himself visiting again unless there is a change.
“If it feels like a place where I can see the future and bring my whole family, then you’ll see me in Vegas again,” he said.
“Without that kind of transformation, Vegas is in trouble in the coming decades,” he predicted.
“If Vegas wants to win with young people in the future, it’s going to have to transition to a must-see destination that makes you feel like you have just entered the future.”
The post Las Vegas Casino Culture Suffers Rejection by New Gen Gamblers appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
RubyPlay has partnered with Fanatics Casino to launch a selection of its online casino games on the operator’s New Jersey platform, the supplier said on 15th June 2026.
The rollout in the Garden State includes Mad Hit® Mr Coin, Immortal Ways® Magic Gems, and Mad Hit® Diamonds. RubyPlay said New Jersey remains a key part of its North American growth strategy, following its initial entry into the state in early 2025.
Dima Reiderman, CCO at RubyPlay, said: “Partnering with Fanatics Casino is a prime example of how we are growing in North America with tier-one brands. Expanding in New Jersey, where we first launched in the US, makes this a particularly meaningful step and reinforces our commitment to building long-term, high-value operator relationships in key regulated markets.
“Our approach is centred around a layered content ecosystem, built to support sustained engagement and performance over time. For operators like Fanatics Casino, this means access to a broader and more flexible content strategy, shaped by multiple studios, including Koala Games, Mad Hat Games, xSlots and Firerose, each focused on specific markets and audiences. As the North American market continues to evolve, that adaptability is becoming increasingly important, and partnerships like this highlight how our model is resonating with leading brands.”
Kieron Shaw, Sr. Manager, Casino Content for Fanatics Betting and Gaming added: “RubyPlay’s studio-led model provides a framework for deeper, longer-term player engagement, which is exactly what we are looking to achieve as we continue to build out our offering. Bringing renowned series like Mad Hit® and Immortal Ways® to our New Jersey customers is an exciting step, and we see strong potential in the partnership moving forward.”
Fanatics Casino is available only in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, according to the company.
The post RubyPlay launches slots on Fanatics Casino in New Jersey appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Wazdan has continued to accelerate its North American expansion after going live with FanDuel Casino in Pennsylvania through Light & Wonder’s aggregation platform.
The latest launch marks another important milestone in Wazdan’s growth strategy across regulated US markets, extending the supplier’s partnership with one of North America’s leading online gaming brands. The rollout follows Wazdan’s successful launch with FanDuel in Ontario and Michigan earlier this year and further reinforces the developer’s commitment to delivering engaging gaming experiences to players across the region.
As part of the initial Pennsylvania deployment, FanDuel Casino players will gain access to two of Wazdan’s popular titles, 12 Bells and Hot Slot: 777 Crown. The first wave of content will be followed by additional game releases across several subsequent launch phases, steadily expanding Wazdan’s presence on the operator’s platform.
Powered by Light & Wonder’s industry-leading aggregation technology, the integration provides Pennsylvania players with seamless access to Wazdan’s innovative slot portfolio, renowned for its engaging gameplay and player-first mechanics.
The launch represents another key step for Wazdan, building on the company’s established presence across regulated markets.
Magdalena Wojdyla, Head of Account Management at Wazdan, said: “Launching with FanDuel in Pennsylvania marks another significant step in strengthening our North American footprint and further builds on a successful partnership with one of the industry’s most recognised operators.
“FanDuel’s strong brand, extensive reach and deep understanding of its player base make it an excellent strategic fit for Wazdan. We are delighted to expand our collaboration into another key regulated jurisdiction and look forward to delivering additional content to Pennsylvania players in the months ahead.”
The post Wazdan Strengthens US Footprint with FanDuel Pennsylvania Launch appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Delaware North, a global hospitality and entertainment company with a portfolio of casinos and other gaming venues, announced the launch of Ember Casino in New Jersey, marking the first phase of a broader rebrand of the company’s gaming business under a unified brand identity.
The New Jersey debut represents the first step in this transformation as Delaware North transitions its existing digital gaming operations from the Betly brand to Ember across current and future markets. Additional brand integrations and market expansions are planned throughout the year as Ember becomes the unified identity for the company’s gaming portfolio.
“Ember represents the next chapter for our gaming business. We are building a connected platform that integrates our digital and brick-and-mortar expertise, creating a seamless experience for players while positioning us for long-term growth in highly competitive regulated markets,” said Jason Gregorec, president of gaming for Delaware North.
New Jersey, one of the nation’s most established and competitive iGaming markets, serves as the launchpad for Ember’s broader rollout strategy. In 2025, online casinos in the state generated nearly $2.9 billion in gross gaming revenue, reflecting continued growth in internet gaming. The performance underscores the scale and opportunity within the sector as Ember enters the market.
As part of the launch, Ember is introducing a Play to Earn promotion designed to reward early player engagement. Players who register and participate will have the opportunity to earn entries for a chance to win a Toyota GR86, a Ford Mustang or a Ford Bronco, with a series of vehicle giveaways planned during the platform’s initial launch period. The promotion introduces players to the new Ember experience while reinforcing the brand’s focus on engagement and value.
Ember Casino is powered by leading online gaming platform and services provider Playtech. The platform features Playtech’s responsible gaming solutions, including BetBuddy, along with a diverse portfolio of content that includes slots and live dealer games, supported by high-quality streaming and real-time gameplay designed to deliver an engaging and reliable player experience.
In recent months, Delaware North has expanded relationships with leading online gaming content providers, including IGT, White Hat Studios, and Light and Wonder, leveraging those partnerships to support the Ember launch in New Jersey and future markets. The company also works with Vegas Kings for platform design and AquireBet for user acquisition and experience optimization.
“Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional experiences. These partnerships are fueling our expansion in the digital gaming space with the same level of precision, personalization and innovation our players have come to expect,” said Lee Terfloth, chief interactive gaming officer for Delaware North.
Delaware North’s broader gaming portfolio includes properties across seven states and Australia, including the superregional Southland Casino Hotel in Arkansas. The company also serves as developer and gaming and hospitality consultant for the Catawba Nation’s $1 billion casino resort project in North Carolina.
The launch of Ember Casino in New Jersey positions Delaware North for sustained growth in digital gaming, uniting its hospitality legacy with a modern, scalable online platform built for expansion across regulated markets.
The post Ember Ignites Delaware North’s Next Chapter in Digital Gaming with New Jersey Launch appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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