Gambling in the USA

Casinos Across the U.S. Continue to Close as COVID-19 Spreads

Published

6 years ago

March 26, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

More and more casinos across the United States are closing their doors as the nation goes into shutdown following the coronavirus outbreak.

Over the past few days, the rapid spread of the virus has forced millions of citizens to quarantine themselves at home. Offices, hotels, and venues across the country have had to cease operations, unclear when they can open again. The country is facing an economic crisis as a result and the gambling industry could be one of the worst-hit.

Both Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International shuttered their Las Vegas casinos last week. However, full-time employees have been given assurances that salaries will continue to be paid during the period. The move follows recommendations from the CDC to limit public gatherings to no more than 10 people.

Speaking to CNBC, Vegas-based race and sports manager Duane Colucci of Rampart Casino highlighted the industry’s struggle to prepare for such a situation. “It’s so hard to fathom. You can’t prepare for something like this, especially in the race and sportsbook industry,” she said. She hopes that work-from-home regulations will be relaxed to allow casinos to take bets online.

On the east coast, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has closed all casinos, bars, and restaurants in Atlantic City, rendering the popular gambling hub a ghost town.

A move online

Online gambling has managed to continue through the struggles largely unaffected, with many digital casinos accepting US players around the world. Virtual horse racing also continues to operate online, along with certain sporting events in less-affected countries like Mexico and Russia.

Sportsbooks across the country have begun taking bets on all-and-everything in an attempt to pick up the slack. For example, the popular Costa Rican-based betting site Bovada has even been taking bets on the maximum temperature in various U.S. cities.

Sports betting sites like FanDuel and DraftKings are investigating new events on which to take bets. They both took some bizarre wagers on last week’s U.S political debate, including the amount and frequency of Trump’s tweets. Some other online betting sites have come up with some questionable solutions, like hosting simulated versions of real-life sports events that have been canceled.

Across the pond in the United Kingdom, physical casinos are also feeling the pinch. However, with the UK’s more favorable online gambling regulations, many are surviving through their online partner sites. eSports, where players compete entirely online, is another industry that has garnered increased popularity. Many sports betting sites are now enticing players to redirect their bets to eSports as a way to mitigate lost revenue on real-life sports.

A drain on savings

While online gambling might solve the problem of social distancing that COVID-19 presents, it doesn’t solve the problem of dwindling capital in most households. The longer that citizens are kept away from their work, the less likely they are to spend their savings on unnecessary activities. While gambling may be a favorite past-time for many, risky investments tend to reduce significantly during times of crisis.

The overall casino and gambling industry will struggle to survive this outbreak if the lockdown continues for too long. According to the UK paper The Guardian, around 35 companies are currently investigating a COVID-19 vaccine. However, it’s an arduous process that involves several critical testing phases in order to gain regulatory approval.

Annelies Wilder-Smith of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine believes a COVID-19 vaccine will take at least 18 months to develop, under the best possible conditions. During that time there is no telling how far the virus could spread and how devasting the effects on the economy could be.

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M

Published

3 days ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal-sports-betting-—-november-wagers-top-$965m

The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.

Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth

In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).

Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*

Regulated framework and consumer protections

Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.

There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.

Responsible play and support resources

The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.

For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.

* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting

Published

3 days ago

February 5, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal,-state-regulated-sports-betting

Department additionally releases November event wagering and fantasy sports numbers

The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) today recognized that the upcoming Super Bowl will mark the fifth Super Bowl conducted under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. This milestone reflects five years of regulated event wagering operating pursuant to Arizona state law, Tribal-State Compacts, and comprehensive regulatory oversight designed to protect consumers, uphold integrity, and generate public revenue.

“The regulated gaming market in Arizona plays a critical role in ensuring a safe environment for sports wagering – offering responsible entertainment options to millions of Arizonans,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “During major events such as the Super Bowl, regulated gaming supports economic activity, sustains industry jobs, and generates consistent funding that helps finance important local and state programs and priorities.”

Since the launch of regulated event wagering in 2021, the Department has built and executed a regulatory system that serves Arizonans through alignment with consumer protections, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and more— across major sporting events and marquee games such as the Super Bowl.

The Department oversees licensed event wagering operators through ongoing regulatory processes, audits, and compliance reviews. These efforts are designed to ensure adherence to statutory requirements, responsible gaming standards, and integrity controls, including protections against fraud and illegal activity. Licensed operators are also required to remit privilege fees to the State of Arizona, which are deposited into the state’s General Fund.

As enacted by the Arizona State Legislature and through the 2021 Amended and Restated Tribal-State Compacts, the State of Arizona allows for eligible operators to apply to the Department for an event wagering license. Today, there are fourteen licensed event wagering operators. Event wagering licensees pay privilege fees to the state, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue, with 90 percent of the fees flowing to the state’s General Fund.

On a monthly basis, the Arizona Department of Gaming releases event wagering and fantasy sports figures. Today, it released its latest reporting of monthly figures – covering November 2025, in which bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events. This represents an approximate 7.5 percent increase when compared to November of 2024. The state collected approximately $5.5 million in privilege fees in the month.*

To view the full report, see: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports. Fiscal year-to-date regulated event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees in Arizona have totaled $26.3 million, including $25.7 million in event wagering and $637,399 in fantasy sports.*

In its five-plus years since the launch of sports betting, the Department saw its highest event wagering activity recorded in October 2025 with a total of $967,141,269 – and the second highest record in November 2025 with a total of $965,233,844.*

To learn about why it’s important to play with a state-licensed event wagering or fantasy sports app or retail location this Super Bowl, visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet, an initiative of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling provides resources statewide to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. Services include access to confidential, subsidized treatment options. Visit problemgambling.az.com to learn more.

* Disclaimer: These numbers are self-reported by the operators; as such, these numbers are subject to adjustments after audit and review by the Arizona Department of Gaming. The Department makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of these numbers.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

American gambling industry

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – January 26-February 1

Published

5 days ago

February 3, 2026

Wladimir P.

gaming-americas-weekly-roundup-–-january-26-february-1

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

ComeOn Group has launched its new marketing campaign in Ontario. The campaign underscores ComeOn Group’s long-term commitment to sustainable expansion – powered by ComeOn’s proprietary technology and a clear focus on delivering standout, personalised entertainment experiences at scale. At the centre of the campaign is a series of premium television commercials starring Jeremy Piven, a long-standing ComeOn brand ambassador. Piven’s high-energy presence and authentic connection to sports reinforce the brand’s entertainment-first positioning, bringing ComeOn’s sportsbook experience to life across TV and digital. Produced by ComeOn Group’s internal creative hub, the campaign provides a cohesive creative platform that clearly differentiates the brand in a crowded market.

Michigan commercial and tribal operators have reported a combined $399.8 million total internet gaming (iGaming) gross receipts and gross sports betting receipts in December. Gross receipts increased 19.1% compared to November. December iGaming gross receipts totaled $315.8 million, the highest to date. The previous high was $278.5 million recorded in October 2025. December gross sports betting receipts totaled $84.0 million, which is a decrease from the $87.3 million recorded in November. Combined total iGaming and internet sports betting adjusted gross receipts (AGR) for December were $357.87 million, including $296.74 million from iGaming and $61.13 million from internet sports betting — representing an iGaming increase of 27.2% and a sports betting decrease of 5.6% when compared to November 2025.

The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise celebrated the highly-anticipated grand opening of Live! Casino Virginia, the region’s first full-scale casino. The opening of the temporary gaming facility marks an important milestone in bringing new jobs, economic development and tourism to the region while construction advances on the permanent resort destination next door. Located just 25 miles south of Richmond and only 45 miles north of the North Carolina border, Live! Casino Virginia is conveniently off I-95 at Exit 48B. Live! Casino Virginia delivers a full-scale gaming experience 24 hours a day, seven days a week, featuring 75,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 900 state-of-the-art slot machines and over 30 live-action table games.

Partnerships

GuardDog, a responsible play innovation fund from Underdog, has announced an investment in Regen, the first platform to automatically convert entries into savings with every play. In addition to the investment, Underdog will feature Regen as a new resource in its responsible play hub, highlight Regen in customer communications from the responsible play and customer support teams as well as provide access to the platform to all of its employees. Regen allows users to link their sportsbook, fantasy sports and prediction market accounts, and automatically save a small percentage from every entry, win or loss, creating savings without changing how they play.

Table Trac Inc. has announced that the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino located in Las Vegas, United States, Nevada, will soon have Table Trac Inc.’s CasinoTrac casino management system installed. Mardi Gras Hotel and Casino is located just steps from the Las Vegas Convention Center and Main Monorail terminal the Mardi Gras is convenient to all of the World Famous attractions of Las Vegas.

The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – January 26-February 1 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.