Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 17-23
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! It was again an eventful week at the USA, despite the still-active virus attack.
The good news is that the lock-down and social restrictions to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic have been eased in many states. As a result, most of the industrial sectors are resuming their operations. Same in the case of the gambling sector too. Several gambling companies too have restarted their operations and some others are on way to resume.
We also report new partnership deals, publication of financial results, and COVID-19 relief efforts in this weekly round-up. Read on and get updated.
Partnership Deals
Evolution Gaming signed a strategic agreement with online casino operator Golden Nugget. The deal will see Golden Nugget’s existing online offering further enhanced in New Jersey, and potentially in other US states in the future, by the addition of Evolution’s US online Live Casino services. As per the deal, Golden Nugget’s online players will have access to unique Evolution game types such as Dream Catcher, Side Bet City, and Top Card, as well as other games from the Evolution portfolio.
Also, the leading sportsbook and casino platform provider BetConnections inked an agreement to obtain DS Virtual Gaming’s full list of games. The integration of the games will give players access to a selection of DS VG’s hit releases with HD video content and state-of-the-art graphics.
There was happy news about Konami Gaming too as its SYNKROS CMS has been selected by Jamul Casino to deliver comprehensive gaming enterprise management across the 200,000 square foot destination.
Konami’s SYNKROS will deliver its leading systems technology across Jamul Casino’s 39 live table games, 1600+ slot games, restaurants, bars, and more.
Financial Reports
The Delaware Lottery reported a 39% year on year increase in online gambling revenues for April 2020. While the state’s land-based venues have been forced to close due to COVID-19, players have turned to online sites instead.
Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and the Harrington Raceway generated total revenues of US$856,182, up from US$615,772 the previous year. This number was and also higher than the US$514,959 generated in March this year.
COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The Alabama Food Bank Association received support from Wind Creek Hospitality, a company owned by the Alabama-based Poarch Band of Creek Indians, to help provide 250,000 meals to Alabama families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The support comes at a critical time for food banks in Alabama as they respond to a greater need during this unprecedented crisis.
Announcements
Ulrik Bengtsson, CEO of William Hill, has revealed that the company is planning to launch online casinos in the US in the second half of 2020.
Despite taking a hit to its results in Q1 2020, William Hill is determined to power up quickly in the second half of the year.
Surveys
Fantasy sports site Monkey Knife Fight (MKF) found in a recent survey of its 1000 users that the popularity of golf will soar both on viewership and participation.
Of MKF’s users, 76% reported that they would participate in a fantasy golf prop contest once golf returns. This is in sharp contrast (181% increase) to the 27% that reported ever having played one MKF golf prop contest before the pandemic.
Compliance
The Colombian gambling regulator Coljuegos published the live casino regulations. These regulations allow the country’s licensed gambling operators to offer live casino games from casinos or studios located within Colombia or overseas, subject to the certification of games by an approved testing house.
Powered by WPeMatico
2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention
BMM Innovation Group to Advise Tribal Leaders on Compliance, Cybersecurity and Training at IGA 2026
BMM Innovation Group, an international technology firm offering compliance testing, cybersecurity, and training services for the regulated global gaming sector, today declared its backing and involvement in the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA) from March 30 to April 2 at the San Diego Convention Center. With its three leading brands, BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training®, BIG maintains its enduring dedication to supporting Tribal regulators, suppliers, and operators throughout North America.
The BMM Innovation Group serves as a sponsor for the show, highlighting its evident and continued commitment to the Tribal gaming community. The Company is dispatching representatives from BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training to engage with Tribal leaders and industry partners during the event.
BMM Chief Government and Regulatory Officer Travis Foley said, “Tribal gaming has always been central to BMM’s story. We are honored to support the Indian Gaming Association and to continue working alongside Tribal suppliers, regulators, and operators to strengthen compliance, protect players, and support sustainable growth across Indian Country.”
At the conference, BIG specialists will participate in multiple key educational sessions aimed at assisting Tribal gaming organizations in enhancing operations, security, responsible gaming, and human resources:
- Peter Nikiper, Director-Technical Compliance, will deliver Level III Commissioner Training on Network Risk Assessment, helping regulators better understand today’s evolving technology risks.
- Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales at BIG Cyber, will moderate the panel Cyber Defense Fundamentals: Protecting the Gaming Enterprise, focused on practical strategies to strengthen cybersecurity readiness.
- Wendy Anderson, CEO of RG24seven Virtual Training, will speak on the responsible gaming panel, Innovate. Protect. Heal: The Future of Tribal Problem Gambling Prevention Begins Here, and will also moderate the HR-focused session, Workforce Sustainability: Building Talent Pipelines That Actually Hold.
BMM Innovation Group provides Tribal gaming organizations an all-encompassing range of services via BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training, which includes product testing and certification, cybersecurity safeguards, and compliance-focused virtual training tailored for gaming staff.
The post BMM Innovation Group to Advise Tribal Leaders on Compliance, Cybersecurity and Training at IGA 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Fredrik Liljewall CEO at PlayStar
Strive Gaming Partners with PlayStar Casino to Expand Presence in New Jersey
Strive Gaming, the contemporary multi-state, multi-tenant platform provider designed for the North American market, has unveiled a new collaboration with prominent online casino operator PlayStar.
According to the agreement, Strive will offer its top-tier PAM technology, aiding PlayStar’s ongoing expansion throughout North America. PlayStar is set to transition its New Jersey operations from its existing player account management (PAM) provider to the Strive platform, with subsequent launches planned in more regulated areas, such as Ontario and Alberta in Canada.
PlayStar chose Strive after a comprehensive assessment as it sought a platform partner that could facilitate its long-term goals throughout North America. Strive’s exclusive emphasis on the U.S. market, along with the robustness and scalability of its technology, distinguished it as the obvious partner of choice.
Max Meltzer, CEO at Strive Gaming, said: “PlayStar is a highly ambitious operator with a clear vision for building one of the leading casino brands in North America. They were looking for a platform partner that understands the realities of operating in the U.S. and Canada and can support them as they scale across multiple regulated markets.
“Our focus on North America, combined with the strength and flexibility of our platform, made this a natural fit. Both companies are on strong growth journeys and share similar ambitions for the region, so we’re excited to support PlayStar as they continue to expand.”
PlayStar Casino has quickly established itself as one of the success stories of the regulated North American casino market. The company has successfully built meaningful market share and a strong player following. Partnering with Strive marks the next stage in its growth strategy as it looks to expand further across North America.
Fredrik Liljewall, CEO at PlayStar, added: “As we continue to scale our presence across North America, selecting a platform partner with a strong regional focus and the ability to support our long-term ambitions was critical.
“Strive’s technology, deep understanding of the North American market, and collaborative mindset made them the clear partner for PlayStar. We look forward to working closely together as we migrate our New Jersey operations and expand into additional jurisdictions, including Canada.”
This partnership marks another important milestone for Strive Gaming, which now supports more B2B PAM customers in the U.S. than any other platform provider. The addition of PlayStar further strengthens Strive’s growing portfolio of operators and reinforces its position as a supplier of choice for ambitious brands looking to launch and scale in the North American market.
The post Strive Gaming Partners with PlayStar Casino to Expand Presence in New Jersey appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gambling in the USA
PENN to Open the New Hollywood Casino Aurora to Public on June 24
PENN Entertainment Inc. has announced that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora to the public on Wednesday, June 24, pending customary regulatory approvals. This will be the second all-new PENN property to open in the Chicagoland region following the grand opening of the land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in August 2025.
The new $360 million entertainment destination is being developed across from Chicago Premium Outlets, located near Interstate-88 in Aurora. The state-of-the-art property will feature a luxurious hotel, more than 1200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, outdoor entertainment area, full-service spa, premium bars and restaurants, a 12,000 square foot event center and approximately 1700 parking spaces. The Company expects to employ approximately 700 team members at the new casino, which nearly doubles PENN’s existing employee roster in Aurora.
“We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region. We are thrilled to follow the successful rollout of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based property, strengthening our overall retail portfolio in the Midwest and deepening our roots in the community,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment.
Hollywood Casino Aurora will feature an upscale 226-room hotel offering a variety of standard rooms and suites, as well as a beauty and wellness space, Drift Spa.
The new property will also be outfitted with numerous world class dining experiences for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to open Sorella by Giada. The Italian-California fusion restaurant will offer approximately 170 seats for indoor and outdoor dining, a contemporary bar and private dining options.
Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality (MCH), will include Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Five50 Pizza, a pizza concept from the renowned chefs at MCH; and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. Additional restaurant partners that will be unique to Aurora’s Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will be announced in the coming weeks.
“These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction,” said Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at PENN Entertainment.
The 12,000 square foot event center will be equipped to host a variety of events, including meetings, conferences, weddings, galas, entertainment and more. Entertainment bookings are already underway, and the first public events will be announced soon.
Additional details related to the grand opening of the new casino will be provided in advance of June 24. The Company expects to work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is located on the Fox River in downtown Aurora, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears.
In conjunction with this $360 million project, PENN expects to receive $225 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. near the project’s opening, at a 7.75% capitalization rate. By the end of the year, the Company also expects to receive the remaining $21 million of the $50 million in funding being contributed by the City of Aurora by year end.
The post PENN to Open the New Hollywood Casino Aurora to Public on June 24 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
Conferences7 days agoNOVOMATIC Gaming Colombia to Showcase its Latest Innovations at GAT Cartagena 2026
-
Asia7 days agoSpotlight Sports Group Expands its Smart View Global Footprint to Hong Kong
-
Conferences6 days agoR. Franco Digital to showcase premium portfolio at GAT Expo Cartagena 2026
-
AGCO7 days agoTitanPlay Highlights Responsible Gambling Approach in Platform Design
-
Asia3 days agoSkyesports and GodLike signs MoU with Maharashtra Cyber to promote esports and cyber hygiene in Maharashtra
-
eSports6 days agoEsports community establishes Latin-American Esports Institute (ILAE)
-
AGLC3 days agoBede Gaming cleared for Alberta market entry
-
Central Europe4 days agoCasino Interlaken teams up with Wazdan to bolster Swiss market presence



