Gambling in the USA

Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – February 22-28

Published

5 years ago

March 2, 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

Jackpot Digital has announced that it is reviewing and intending to spin-out its online gaming software assets to a newly incorporated company (Spinco). As consideration for the assets, Spinco will issue shares which shall be distributed to Jackpot’s shareholders. The purpose of the spin-out shall be to leverage and monetise the Company’s online digital assets and commercial relationships in the gaming sector. Also, the spin-out will allow a more streamlined regulatory process by separating the Company’s respective business operations and allow the Company to attract specialised management to run the online operations.

JCM Global has installed the upgraded version of its award-winning ICB Intelligent Cash Box system at two Sac & Fox Nation casinos in Oklahoma. The 623 slot games at Black Hawk Casino in Shawnee and the 148 slot games at Sac & Fox Nation Casino in Stroud now have the added boost of technology of JCM’s sophisticated ICB 3.0, further enhancing security and efficiencies. Both properties also benefit from JCM’s industry-leading iVIZION bill validators and a combination of GEN5 and GEN2U thermal printers.

Digital Gaming Corporation is entering the US online sports betting and iGaming market using the globally recognised “betway” brand. The betway brand operates in over 20 regulated markets across the world, and with global recognition it is both distinct and memorable. The high regard in which DGC Betway is viewed within the US gaming industry is demonstrated by the fact that DGC has secured market access agreements for 10 US States, for online Sports Betting, and where allowed by law, iGaming. DGC will continue to strive towards expanding its footprint across the US and is committed to finding partners that fit with its strategic objectives.

Multinational stadium designer Populous has revealed the designs for a $500 million convention, entertainment and esports centre in downtown Toronto. The venue is still unnamed but will sit on 4.5 acres of the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, a waterfront site on the northern edge of Lakeshore Boulevard that would also see a hotel tower rise at the project’s rear. OverActive Media (OAM), an international media and entertainment company, is serving as the project’s developer.

Helicon One Digital Ltd, the marketing company behind the UK casino portal The Slot Buzz, is set to launch its latest gaming site in Canada. The new website, thecasinoheat.ca, will focus on providing reviews and game guides for Canadian gamblers looking to place bets online. Reviews of more than 50 casino brands will be published on the site with operator and licensing information as well as informative and expert opinion on the games, software and payment services available.

Enthusiast Gaming Holdings is going to launch a new premium online publication dedicated to the growing needs of today’s esports fans. Combining content elements from the Company’s two existing esports coverage outlets, Upcomer and Daily Esports, Enthusiast Gaming will relaunch one unified esports publication later this spring. The new publication, which will operate as Upcomer, will leverage its existing user and prediction engine, to create one of the most complete esports fan engagement experiences.

New Partnership

Bally’s Corporation has become an Official Sports Betting Partner of the National Hockey League (NHL). This multi-year deal represents Bally’s first sports betting partnership with a professional sports league. The partnership provides Bally’s with rights to use NHL marks and logos as well as use of the League’s official data across its expanding portfolio of sports betting products. Also, through its media partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group, Bally’s will create engaging content for NHL fans and integrate that content into live NHL game coverage spanning 19 regional sports networks.

Compliance Updates

Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has secured market access opportunities in Ohio, Maryland and Missouri through a strategic partnership deal with Penn National Gaming. Under the terms of the deal, RSI will have the ability to offer its BetRivers.com real-money online casino and sports betting platform for up to 20 years in Ohio, Maryland and Missouri through potential second skins in each of those states, subject to license availability, state law and regulatory approvals.

The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed two resolutions that could put sports betting and online poker on the November ballot. The legislation may allow North Dakota to join Michigan in legalising interstate poker. Since the state does not have any commercial casinos, all gaming and sports betting would take place online. The resolutions will now go to the Senate, where the Republicans hold a strong majority.

Arizona Benefits Fund

Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026

Published

23 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-reports-$44.9-million-in-tribal-gaming-contributions-for-q2-fy-2026

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has officially announced a total of $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This performance marks an approximate 5.6 percent increase compared to the same period in FY 2025, signaling continued strength in the state’s tribal gaming sector.

These contributions are vital to the state’s infrastructure, supporting everything from classroom improvements to emergency medical services.

“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”

Where the Money Goes: The Arizona Benefits Fund

Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, 88 percent of all tribal gaming contributions are directed into the Arizona Benefits Fund. This revenue is strictly allocated to high-priority state initiatives.

The Q2 FY 2026 distribution breakdown is as follows:

Fund Category	Contribution Amount
Instructional Improvement Fund (Education)	$22,373,810
Trauma and Emergency Services Fund	$11,186,905
ADG Operating Costs	$4,040,214
Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund	$3,196,258
State Tourism Fund	$3,196,258
Problem Gambling Education & Treatment	$897,825
Total to Arizona Benefits Fund	$44,891,270

Local Community Impact

Beyond the state-level funds, the remaining 12 percent of tribal contributions are distributed directly by the tribes to specific cities, towns, and counties. these funds are often used for local community services and public safety programs.

Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions from Arizona’s tribes have surpassed $2.5 billion, demonstrating the long-term economic impact of the partnership between the state and its 22 federally recognized tribes.

Regulatory Oversight and Growth

Currently, the ADG regulates 26 Class III casinos across the state in close partnership with tribal authorities. This regulatory framework ensures the integrity of the games while maximizing the benefits delivered to the public.

For those interested in exploring historical data, the ADG maintains a comprehensive archive of cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year.

To learn more about the current landscape of gaming in the state, visit the official Tribal Gaming webpage.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q2 FY 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026

Published

23 hours ago

January 8, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-reports-$44.9-million-in-tribal-gaming-contributions-for-the-second-quarter-of-fiscal-year-2026

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today $44,891,270 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This represents an approximate 5.6 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2025.

“The financial support that tribal gaming provides the state of Arizona continues to power local and statewide needs that are vital to healthy and safe communities,” said Jackie Johnson, Director of the ADG. “With nearly $45 million in tribal gaming contributions in the most recent period, the Department is proud to ensure the continuation of important revenue streams that positively impact Arizonans.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions, providing significant dollars to support instructional improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. If interested in viewing the cumulative tribal gaming contributions by year, please visit our reports webpage: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports.

Tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of the State’s FY 2026 are as follows:

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education………………………………………………..$22,373,810

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund………………………………………………………..$11,186,905

Arizona Department of Gaming Operating Costs………………………………………….$4,040,214

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund……………………………………………………………$3,196,258

Tourism Fund…………………………………………………………………………………………..$3,196,258

Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention……………………………..$897,825

Total: Tribal Gaming Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund……………………..$44,891,270

Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, the remaining 12 percent is distributed by the tribes to the cities, towns, and counties of their choosing for community services and public safety programs for local governments. Since FY 2004, cumulative contributions have totaled approximately $2.5 billion, benefitting both the state and its cities, towns, and counties.

Currently, there are 26 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates in partnership with Arizona tribes. For more information, view our tribal gaming webpage: gaming.az.gov/tribal-gaming-page.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Reports $44.9 Million in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Activision Blizzard

BLAST Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships

Published

24 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

BLAST, a global leader in competitive entertainment, has officially announced the appointment of Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships. Rossi joins the team at a pivotal moment, following a record-breaking 2025 that saw the company expand its footprint into New York City, Malta, and Mumbai.

With over 20 years of experience in strategic partnerships across sports, media, and gaming, Rossi is set to lead BLAST’s next phase of commercial evolution.

A Proven Leader in Global Commercial Strategy

Rossi’s career is defined by his ability to bridge the gap between iconic intellectual properties and Fortune 100 brands. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at:

Activision Blizzard: Where he was instrumental in the commercialization and global expansion of Activision Blizzard Esports.
National Football League (NFL): Driving integrated sponsorships across the NFL Network and digital platforms.
Univision Communications: Designing and activating media partnerships across live and linear platforms.
PlayVS: Focusing on the intersection of youth esports and brand engagement.

Based in the newly established New York office, Rossi will oversee BLAST’s global Sponsorship Sales and Partner Management & Activation.

Building on a Record-Breaking 2025

The appointment comes as BLAST continues to scale at an unprecedented rate. In 2025, the company delivered:

15 Arena Events staged across eight different countries.
Broadcasts in 30+ Languages reaching fans in over 100 territories.
Expanded Portfolio: Continued investment in top-tier titles including Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Rainbow Six, PUBG, Rocket League, Fortnite, and Brawl Stars.

“BLAST has built a truly premium proposition at the intersection of entertainment, gaming, sport and culture,” said Steve Rossi. “I’m excited to work with the team to build long-term, high-impact partnerships that deliver real value for brands, publishers and fans alike.”

A Strategic Vision for 2026

Leo Matlock, Chief Business Officer at BLAST, emphasized that Rossi’s leadership will be instrumental as the company evolves its partnership offerings. “Steve brings deep experience across esports, sport, media and entertainment. His ability to scale global commercial partnerships makes him the perfect fit for BLAST at this incredibly exciting time.”

As BLAST enters 2026, the focus remains on delivering fan-first experiences and commercially impactful collaborations that maintain BLAST’s position as a pioneer in the competitive gaming space.