Gambling in the USA
Casinos Across the U.S. Continue to Close as COVID-19 Spreads
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.
Games Global has named BetMGM the official “home of Gold Blitz
” in the US, with BetMGM Casino and Borgata Online Casino set to debut new titles from the popular franchise ahead of a wider market rollout.
As part of the agreement, BetMGM players will benefit from early access to upcoming Gold Blitz releases, allowing them to experience the latest gameplay features and innovations before they are introduced across the broader US market.
The partnership builds on the continued success of the Gold Blitz franchise, which has become one of Games Global’s most recognisable and high-performing mechanics.
Leading the rollout, BetMGM will be the first US operator to launch Gold Blitz Express, the fourth instalment in the series. The new title introduces the Blitz Express feature, further enhancing gameplay depth and win potential. Additional releases, including Blazing Bison Gold Blitz Ultimate Double X, are scheduled to follow, reinforcing the ongoing expansion of the franchise.
Globally, Gold Blitz has delivered strong results, consistently ranking among Games Global’s top-performing game families and attracting over one million active players in 2025 across partner operators.
The agreement further strengthens the relationship between Games Global and BetMGM, supporting the operator’s efforts to drive player engagement across regulated US markets.
Joann Pierce, Chief Commercial Officer US at Games Global, said:
“Gold Blitz has become a cornerstone of our portfolio, delivering strong performance across multiple markets. Partnering with BetMGM to bring new releases to players first reflects our shared commitment to premium, engaging content. Early access initiatives like this allow us to showcase innovation while supporting our partners’ growth.”
Oliver Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, added:
“We’re committed to delivering top-tier gaming experiences, and Gold Blitz represents one of the most exciting game families in the market. Being first to launch these new titles ensures our players enjoy cutting-edge gameplay ahead of the wider industry.”
Responsible Gaming:
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, support is available. In the US, call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, or visit BetMGM.com for full terms and eligibility requirements. 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
The post BetMGM Named US Home of Gold Blitz™ by Games Global appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
The new product powered by MoonPay allows players to easily deposit using stablecoins and cryptocurrencies at iGaming and daily fantasy sports companies.
Paysafe, an international payment platform, today revealed the introduction of Pay with Crypto, a novel cryptocurrency payment option for iGaming operators and daily fantasy sports companies in the U.S. market. Enabled by MoonPay, the top provider in worldwide crypto payments and stablecoin systems, Pay with Crypto enables customers of iGaming brands to conveniently use their chosen stablecoin or cryptocurrency to fund their player accounts, where allowed.
Approximately 70.4 million American adults are said to own cryptocurrency, and Paysafe’s research shows that 83% of U.S. players are interested in crypto payments, prompting the company to introduce Pay with Crypto to satisfy this demand. A player wishing to fund their iGaming account with USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin, or any leading cryptocurrency can now use Paysafe’s new payment option for operators’ cashiers, which allows for quick conversion of their crypto deposit to U.S. dollars for gameplay.
Upon choosing Pay with Crypto and their desired stablecoin or cryptocurrency, players just link their crypto or custodial wallet to complete the deposit, while the MoonPay Commerce Checkouts technology also facilitates transactions through QR code using users’ mobile devices. After verifying the transactions, Pay with Crypto immediately converts crypto deposits into U.S. dollars to credit the player’s account.
The flexibility inherent in the Pay with Crypto solution also applies to operators, who can opt to settle payments nearly instantly in stablecoins within their business crypto wallet, or in U.S. dollars or other major fiat currencies via MoonPay’s Virtual Accounts driven by Iron.
Operators can enhance their cashiers with Pay with Crypto via a single, seamless integration of the Paysafe Gateway, designed specifically for iGaming and utilizing the company’s 30 years of worldwide expertise. The Gateway, which already features seamless card payments, the Skrill digital wallet, the PaysafeCash eCash option, a Pay by Bank service, and over 30 local payment methods, is further diversifying its services by introducing Pay with Crypto to cater to changing transactional preferences.
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “Galvanized by the growing popularity of stablecoins, cryptocurrency is evolving in the U.S. from an investment asset into a unit of value for payments, and we’re seeing this shift gather pace in the country’s iGaming market. Against this backdrop, we’re delighted to unveil Pay with Crypto, a forward-thinking solution that strongly positions U.S. operators for their customers’ changing transactional preferences – the future of how they pay when they play.”
Ivan Soto-Wright, Founder and CEO of MoonPay, commented: “Crypto rails are making payments faster and more efficient, and our job is to close the gap between this technology and real-world utility. People shouldn’t have to convert their digital assets just to make a purchase – they want to use what they already have. Paysafe brings that experience to more people through trusted, regulated platforms.”
The post Paysafe Introduces “Pay with Crypto” to Meet US iGaming Demand appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Front desk workers at Park MGM, represented by Teamsters Local 986, have unanimously ratified a strong first collective bargaining agreement. The two-year contract protects and rewards 82 workers, delivering higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
The bargaining unit includes front desk clerks, head cashiers, rooms controllers, lobby ambassadors, and guest service representatives. They play a critical role in delivering a seamless and welcoming guest experience from check-in to check-out.
“Organizing with Local 986 was an easy choice that led to overwhelmingly positive results. This contract allows me to provide a better future for myself and my family. I’m very grateful for all the support throughout this process,” said Andrea Mata, a front desk clerk and proud member of Local 986.
Under the new agreement, workers will receive a 10% wage increase, improved benefits, and an enhanced pension plan. Workers will now have access to the Teamsters Health and Welfare plan that reduces their deductibles by lowering co-pays and out-of-pocket costs.
“This agreement shows what’s possible when workers come together and organize. Strong contracts are built on solidarity, and this victory delivers real improvements that raise standards across the industry,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.
“These members showed strength and determination from day one and it paid off. Winning a first contract like this is a big milestone that delivers immediate improvements while building lasting power for the future,” said Tim Vera, President of Local 986.
The post Teamsters at Park MGM Unanimously Ratify Strong First Contract appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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