Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – April 12-18

Published

5 years ago

April 20, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! It was again an eventful week in the USA, despite the still-active virus attack.

Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news, new partnerships and compliance updates. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has launched its flagship brand and award-winning online casino platform BetRivers.com in West Virginia. Through RSI’s partnership with Century Casinos Inc.’s (Nasdaq: CNTY) Mountaineer Park Inc., West Virginians can now play a fun array of online slot games and popular table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat. Similar to other markets where it operates, BetRivers.com plans to consistently add fan-favourite casino games to its site in West Virginia to provide players with fresh content and the same robust library of games it is known for in other states.

Rhode Island-based Bally’s Corp has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc for about $308 million. The agreement for the nearly 1500-room hotel, casino, theatre and convention property also involves a sale-and-leaseback transaction relating to Bally’s Black Hawk, Colorado and Rock Island, Illinois, casino properties. The Bally’s-Tropicana transaction is expected to close early next year.

Leaders from the global games industry who participated in #PlayApartTogether have committed to reactivate the initiative launched one year ago, which encourages gamers everywhere to follow World Health Organisation (WHO) health advice on COVID-19 prevention. As part of #PlayApartTogether, a large number of gaming companies agreed to disseminate evidence-based health messages from WHO to help slow the spread of COVID-19. To promote these messages, hundreds of game industry leaders in the interactive entertainment space have encouraged their vast network of users to follow the WHO’s health guidelines.

Wynn Las Vegas has announced a new COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy for its employees. As per the new policy, all employees must get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 tests. The company said that 60% of its employees have already been vaccinated. The announcement comes as the Nevada Gaming Control Board says it will only consider expanding capacity beyond the current 50% limit if casino-resorts take “measurable and material steps” to get employees vaccinated.

Financial Results

Sports wagering revenue in Iowa reached a new record of $13.5m in March, while the US state’s handle also hit a new monthly high of $161.4m. The revenue total represented a 1,025.0% increase on the $1.2m reported in the same month 2020, the month in which the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic shuttered the state’s casinos and saw major leagues suspended. It also marked a 75.3% month-over-month rise on the $7.7m posted in February this year, as well as breaking January’s $11.3m revenue record.

The casinos in Atlantic City saw an 80% drop in profits last year. According to the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, Atlantic City’s nine casinos collectively posted $117.5 million in gross operating profits in 2020, down from nearly $594m in 2019.

New Partnership

Online casino content developer Spinmatic has entered into a new partnership deal with the Mexican operator BigBola. Through the deal, Spinmatic has strengthened its presence in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, where Big Bola has twenty casinos, apart from the Big Bola Online platform. Spinmatic has a strong interest in the Mexican market, with several of its games already dedicated to this country’s culture. Some of these Mexican-themed slots are El Fuego, Mayanera Return, Día de los Muertos and the most recent 3 Amigos.

Appointments and Promotions

Leading US gaming company DraftKings has appointed Brian Angiolet as its first-ever Chief Media Officer. Most recently, Angiolet served as SVP and Chief Business Officer at Verizon Communications. During his tenure at Verizon, Angiolet spearheaded a number of high-profile, multi-billion-dollar content and advertising initiatives including broadcasting, sports and digital entertainment deals across Verizon’s Fios and media properties, partnerships with premier sports leagues like the NFL and NBA, and oversight of Verizon Wireless’ advertising and media portfolio.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has announced multiple promotions within the company. Promoted to senior vice president are Christine Gallo, Compliance and Quality Assurance, and Kevin Mullally, Government Relations and General Counsel. Promoted to vice president are Elizabeth Harrison, Human Resources; Mackenzie Haugh, Engineering; Sangeeta Reddy, Engineering; and Angela Zografos, Vice President, Legal, Corporate and Regulatory Compliance. Throughout the company’s global laboratories, dozens of engineers have also been promoted.

Compliance Update

A pair of bills in the Florida Senate would create a state gaming commission and allow pari-mutuel facilities to offer certain forms of gambling without holding live horse races or jai alai games to bet on. Senate President Wilton Simpson announced that the Regulated Industries Committee will consider SB 7076 and SB 7080 during their meetings next week. The move comes while officials are engaged with negotiations with the Seminole Tribe over a new gaming compact. SB 7076 would create a five-member “Gaming Control Commission” which would oversee all of the state’s gaming activities. Currently, the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering oversees Florida’s commercial gambling market.

Gambling in the USA

Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party – now with DJ Exodus

Published

5 days ago

April 28, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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The Plaza Hotel & Casino will again host downtown Las Vegas’ biggest party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Plaza Hotel & Casino with lights on the outside Description automatically generatedMay 5, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar.

The Plaza’s Cinco de Mayo party is free to attend and will now feature Vegas’ popular DJ Exodus as the party’s entertainment. He will be spinning top radio hits with a mix of Latin music, all under the bright lights of the property’s iconic Main Street dome. DJ Exodus is known as one of the top resident DJs in Las Vegas playing at various venues as well as celebrity events.

The high-energy fiesta will also feature downtown’s largest piñata. Guests will be able to commemorate their fun by taking selfies inside the Plaza’s photo house that will include various festive props.

Fresh churros will be available for purchase from Churros 101 as well as street tacos and Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) from Fresh Mexican Grill.

Carousel Bar will offer holiday drink specials all night long, including Modelo Draft 16 oz ($11), Modelo Michelada ($14), Mi Campo Margarita ($14), Mi Campo Blanco Shot ($10), and Mi Campo Reposado Shot ($12).

Next to Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts will feature fun and delicious Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.

For more information visit: plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/cinco-de-mayo/.

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Gambling in the USA

New Research Shows Stark Reality of Tourism Decline in Las Vegas

Published

1 week ago

April 24, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

new-research-shows-stark-reality-of-tourism-decline-in-las-vegas

A new research has revealed the stark reality behind a notable downturn in tourism to the renowned resort city, Las Vegas, with the number of visitors falling sharply compared to previous years.

The study, conducted by leading casino and sports betting community OLBG, shows that Vegas has seen a drop off of around 264,248 tourists on average per month – a decline of approximately 7.6%. It means over a quarter of a million fewer people are heading to the city each month marking one of the most significant slowdowns outside of pandemic years.

Post-Covid recovery stalling

Despite a steady period after the 2020 lockdown, Las Vegas saw consistent growth up until 2024. Recent OLBG data however shows a clear reversal with average monthly visitors falling from 3.47million to 3.21million. The city is now facing renewed pressure to maintain its global appeal.

The drop in tourism is reflected across key hotel metrics. Average room occupancy has declined to 80.4%, down from 84.4% the previous year – the lowest level in four years.

At the same time, the average daily room rate has fallen by nearly 10%, indicating that hotels are reducing prices to attract visitors. Revenue per available room has also dropped by 13% year-on-year, reaching its lowest level in over nine years outside of the pandemic.

Gaming revenue shows some resilience

Gaming revenue has seen a modest increase of 3.8% year-on-year, reaching a monthly average of $1.11 billion (inflation-adjusted). However, this follows a decline the previous year and remains below earlier peak levels.

While the sector is holding relatively steady, it is not enough to offset the wider decline in tourism and hospitality performance.

The data also reflects broader changes in consumer behaviour. The continued growth of online gambling, combined with more value-driven travel decisions, is reshaping the global gambling landscape.

Shift toward lower-cost destinations

Rising travel costs and changing consumer priorities appear to be driving a shift toward more affordable gambling destinations. Travellers are increasingly seeking locations that offer similar entertainment experiences at a lower overall cost.

Destinations such as Atlantic City and Biloxi in the US, alongside European cities like Prague and Budapest, are gaining traction due to cheaper accommodation, lower travel costs, and competitive casino offerings. International resort destinations, including Sun City in South Africa, are also emerging as cost-effective alternatives.

This growing competition is putting pressure on Las Vegas, particularly among price-sensitive travellers.

An OLBG spokesperson said: “Las Vegas has been the benchmark for global gambling tourism, but latest figures suggest its dominance is being tested. Continued rising costs in terms of travel and accommodation, plus spending in the city, means many players are more selective on destinations.

“Destinations that offer similar casino experiences but at lower prices are becoming more popular – whether that’s still in the US in Atlantic City and Biloxi or across Europe in cities such as Prague and Budapest. Value is becoming the key driver for tourists’ decision-making.

“However, continued growth of online gambling is giving players more flexibility than they’ve ever had. In some cases, this reduces the need to travel altogether whilst others choose short, cost-effective trips with digital play.

“Sin City isn’t going anywhere, though. It remains a world class destination but it’s operating in a much more competitive global market compared to previous years.”

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Aristocrat Gaming

MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks by Aristocrat Gaming Makes its Official Debut at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

Published

2 weeks ago

April 17, 2026

Wladimir P.

monopoly-big-board-bucks-by-aristocrat-gaming-makes-its-official-debut-at-yaamava’-resort-&-casino

Aristocrat Gaming has officially launched its new MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks slot game in the US, with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel becoming the first casino in the world to debut the game.

Ushering in a new era, MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks is the first game title released by Aristocrat Gaming, under its newly awarded multiyear licensing partnership with Hasbro. Powered by the company’s industry-leading innovation, this first title brings nostalgia, iconic iconography and dynamic gameplay to the forefront.

“We are incredibly proud to see our introductory MONOPOLY title, Big Board Bucks, make its debut on casino floors. The journey to this moment has been filled with energy, excitement, and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to innovate with one of the world’s most iconic brands. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino truly embraced the significance of being the first to launch, and we’re kicking things off with tremendous momentum. We look forward to the continued excitement from players as the game rolls out nationwide,” said Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming.

With this historic game launch, Yaamava’ is hosting its largest promotion to date, culminating on May 29 when one Club Serrano member will receive the biggest single prize in the property’s history — the “Own It All” package valued at more than $1.6 million, including $500,000 towards a mortgage, $500,000 in travel credit and a Ferrari 296GTS worth over $640,000.

“Launching the World Premiere for MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks gives us the opportunity to do what we do best—deliver next-level entertainment paired with meaningful rewards for our players. From the immersive reveal to our largest promotion ever, this launch reflects our commitment to creating moments that feel big, celebratory, and uniquely Yaamava’,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel.

MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks infuses nostalgia into gameplay with the player experience feeling like playing the actual board game, including player-selectable game tokens, Mr. Monopoly, Free Parking, houses and hotels and even the famous game board itself. Players are presented with triple metamorphic gameplay with Extra Spins, Extra Properties and Extra Houses. These metamorphic features lead to the Big Board Bucks Bonus, and may be awarded individually, in pairs, or all together to enhance the bonus. Any of these triggers will lead to the Big Board Bucks Bonus. In the Big Board Bucks Bonus, players have the chance to trigger rewards around the game board and land money bags, properties, houses and hotels, Free Parking and even the GO Jackpot Wheel. There’s also an exciting fourth metamorphic with Free Games that will trigger once the meter bar has been filled.

MONOPOLY Big Board Bucks is available on The Baron Portrait cabinet and is available in a never-before-seen signage package, the Skyline, featuring LED-lit themed panel dividers and dual-tier LED toppers adorned with lit Monopoly signature property game pieces crowning the top.

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