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.
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
Ballyās Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Ballyās Corporation, announced the official launch of the Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Tennessee, marking its expansion into the tenth state. This milestone comes on the heels of recent successful Bally Bet launches in Massachusetts and Maryland. Sports enthusiasts across the Volunteer State can now revel in the comprehensive offerings of the Bally Bet sportsbook app. With a wide array of betting options, including spread, money line and total bets, as well as in-game betting and same game parlays, Tennessee sports fans will have an unparalleled wagering experience.
ESE Entertainment Inc., a gaming company that provides a range of services to leading video game developers and publishers, has announced that it has acquired Bombee Global Entertainment (Bombee Americas), the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, (Bombee), a global production company specialised in live production, special effects, broadcast and event management for the gaming sector. Bombee has successfully collaborated with ESE to bring its premier event production services and world class customer service to North America and beyond. The North American arm of Bombee, Bombee Americas, will continue to grow and scale in this new organisational structure under ESE, while maintaining its entire team and global support.
Matthew Wantman has become the overall champion of the PokerGO Tour PLO Series II presented by PLO Mastermind. Wantman secured the prestigious honor after an impressive showing at PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas, outperforming a talented field of the best PLO players in the world to earn the $10,000 PGT Passport bonus. The PGT PLO Series II featured a series of high-stakes pot-limit Omaha tournaments. Wantmanās consistent performance set him apart from the competition and solidified his spot atop the leaderboard.
Partnerships
SYNOT Games has announced its further expansion into the Colombian market through a partnership with BetPlay. This alliance highlights SYNOT Gamesā commitment to increasing its presence in Latin America and providing its engaging and innovative games to a wider audience. Through this partnership, BetPlayās online platform will feature a curated selection of SYNOTGamesā top-performing titles, including fan favourites like Aztec Jaguar, Diamond Fever, Realm of Lions.
Internet Sports International, a global provider of turnkey race and sportsbook software solutions, announced its partnership with the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, Arizona. Through this consultancy, ISI is powering the casinoās sportsbook and retail sports wagering operations on its gaming floor with its award-winning system. WKP Sportsbook is currently operating, allowing patrons to elevate their excitement by wagering on their preferred sporting events with up-to-the-minute odds and live action. The automated sportsbook kiosks provide access to a wide range of sports propositions for both the beginner and expert bettor.
Aristocrat Gaming, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of regulated slot games, announced it is now a promotional partner for Princess Cruises, one of the worldās most iconic cruise lines. Through this exciting collaboration, Aristocrat Gaming will design innovative gaming experiences for guests onboard Princess ships as well as create promotions with land-based casinos that offer Princess cruises as rewards.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup ā October 21-27 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
NOVOMATIC shines at G2E 2024: A street smart showcase of innovation and engagement
Ā
In line with its commitment to innovation, NOVOMATIC unveiled several ground breaking product launches that left a significant impact on the gaming industry. TheĀ V.I.P. X
Ā cabinet series emerged as one of the main attractions, highlighting models such as theĀ V.I.P. X Royal 1.85,Ā V.I.P. X Dream 3.43, and theĀ V.I.P. X Lounge 2.32. The crown jewel of the presentation was the V.I.P. Galaxy 2.65, setting a new benchmark for luxury cabinets with its perfect blend of comfort and state-of-the-art gaming technology. Featuring high-definition screens and immersive sound systems, the fully adjustable lounge design promises an unparalleled gaming experience, leaving customers eager to introduce these innovations onto their gaming floors.
The unveiling of a new LED wall as part of theĀ DIAMOND XĀ series, including theĀ DIAMOND X 1.55J, showcased the U.S.-style designedĀ Piggy PrizesĀ title. The modern and interactive design sent a clear message: NOVOMATIC Americas has fully arrived, enhancing its reputation for premium entertainment experiences.
Groundbreaking Progressives and a Robust VGT Lineup
NOVOMATIC introduced a variety ofĀ THUNDER CASH GOLDĀ Progressives featuring new titles likeĀ Charming Ladyās Boom CoinsĀ andĀ Red Amazon Explosion. TheĀ Globe Link Xtension Volume 1 & 2Ā also attracted considerable interest, marking a significant impact with several new themes. The excitement surrounding these progressive games was palpable, bolstered by innovative math models and enticing bonus structures.
The VGT product range received special emphasis, particularly with the Street-Smart-themed area dedicated to highlight the themes and flexible assortment of cabinet styles for markets in Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Georgia. This dynamic showcase reinforced NOVOMATICās commitment to providing leading solutions in performance and player appeal within the VGT sector. Featuring bothĀ NOVOLINEĀ andĀ Magic HDĀ customer favorite themes, this area showed the new game mixes onĀ DIAMOND X 2.32, BLACK EDITION II 3.27 & BLACK EDITION II 1.49J, V.I.P. X Lounge 2.32Ā andĀ FUNMASTER 2.27. Specifically in Illinois, featuring theĀ Magic HDĀ game mix consisting of the Overlay Magic Play Lock & Spin feature, and the newĀ Poker3Ā multi-hand video poker mix.Ā NOVOLINEĀ games were shown on theĀ Black Edition II 1.49JĀ cabinet with popular games likeĀ ULTRA BOOSTĀ andĀ Money PartyĀ themes. Georgia Skill showed three new game titles in theĀ Magic HDĀ mix while more new titles lined the streets of the NOVOMATIC booth.
Advancements in Sports Betting and Casino Management
In addition to its product line, NOVOMATIC showed their cutting-edge sports betting kiosks including theĀ ActionBook Edge 1.43J, andĀ ActionBook Plus 2.27Ā models. With advanced graphics and rapid processing capabilities, these kiosks offer operators unmatched flexibility and performance. The premiere of the award-winningĀ NOVOVISIONĀ casino management system was another highlight, leveraging biometric technology for enhanced player recognition and streamlined operations. Already acknowledged as a āBest CMS/Software Productā at the European Casino Awards, this system generated significant buzz regarding its potential to revolutionize the gaming landscape.
Industry Recognition for Creative and Commercial Success
The combination of NOVOMATICās innovative product launches and captivating booth design earned widespread acclaim. The company was recognized for its Street-Smart booth, praised for creativity, interactivity, and the memorable experiences it fostered. Industry experts and attendees alike hailed NOVOMATICās presence at G2E 2024 as one of the most impactful.
Alexander Merwald, CEO at NOVOMATIC Americas, stated, āG2E 2024 was an incredible success for NOVOMATIC. We were proud to showcase the V.I.P. X cabinet series ā Our āStreet Games, Street Smartā focus resonated strongly, as we demonstrated how our tailored solutions meet the real-world needs of both casino and VGT operators. The response from customers reaffirmed NOVOMATICās position as a leader in delivering innovation, performance, and market-specific strategies for North America.ā
Thomas Schmalzer, VP of Global Sales, and Product Management at NOVOMATIC AG, added, āThe product diversity and innovation showcased at G2E 2024 have been enthusiastically received by both operators and players. Our V.I.P. X series and extensive range of progressives reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering premium solutions to the global market.ā
With new partnerships established and product placements secured at G2E 2024, NOVOMATIC is primed to expand its market presence across North America. The success at this yearās expo signifies a vital step forward in the companyās mission to set the standard for gaming entertainment.
Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville
Century Casinos Announces Opening Date for New Land-Based Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville, MO
Ā
Century Casinos Inc. announced that its new land-based casino and hotel in Caruthersville, Missouri will open on November 1, 2024.
This news follows the Missouri Gaming Commissionās approval to transfer the Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville gaming license from a temporary pavilion to the new land-based location.
The new Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville will have 599 slot machines and nine live table games, a 50% increase in gaming positions compared with the temporary location. The number of hotel rooms will double to 74. The construction of this new land-based casino and hotel started in December 2022 and will be finalized on time and on budget with an estimated project cost of $51.9 million, which has been funded by VICI Properties Inc. (VICI). VICI will own the real estate improvements associated with the Caruthersville project, which will become part of the Companyās triple net master lease agreement with subsidiaries of VICI. Annual rent under the lease will increase by approximately $4.2 million.
The opening of the new land-based casino will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event at 11:30 a.m. Central Time on Friday, November 1, and a flurry of activities over the opening weekend.
-
Balkans7 days agoCT Gaming Announces its Participation at BEGE 2024
-
Latest News7 days ago
Week 43/2024 slot games releases
-
Eastern Europe7 days ago
Stakelogic Slots Now Live with Stanleybet Romania
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
MGA and UKGC strengthen regulatory ties through MoU
-
Latest News7 days ago
Beat scammers with Slotegratorās Anti-fraud module
-
Conferences7 days ago
WA.Technology ready to unveil PickāEm Player Props Fantasy Sports at SBC Summit LatinoamĆ©rica
-
Latest News6 days ago
Atlaslive Set to Showcase Its Fully Customizable iGaming Platform at SiGMA Europe in Malta
-
Latest News7 days ago
Desktop vs Mobile: Which online casinos to choose?
