Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 22-28
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 and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Full House Resorts Inc. has announced the name and branding of its luxury hotel and casino project in Cripple Creek, Colorado: Chamonix Casino Hotel. Chamonix is located near Full House’s existing Bronco Billy’s Casino. This new project will feature approximately 300 four-star guest rooms and VIP suites as well as a spacious, new, elegant and exciting casino gaming area.
BetMGM has launched BetMGM Poker in Michigan. Michigan joins New Jersey as the second state in the US to introduce BetMGM Poker, the company’s primary online poker offering powered by the partypoker US network. This news follows the January launch of BetMGM’s online sports betting and casino offerings in Michigan. The BetMGM Poker app is now available for download in Michigan on both iOS and Android and accessible via desktop at https://poker.mi.betmgm.com.
Jumio, the leading provider of AI-powered end-to-end identity verification and eKYC solutions, has secured a $150 million investment from Great Hill Partners. The investment will accelerate Jumio’s significant global lead in the digital identity space by devoting additional resources to automate its identity verification solutions, expand the breadth of the Jumio KYX Platform and grow its suite of AML compliance services.
Golden Matrix Group has filed with the SEC to raise up to $10m in an initial public offering on the Nasdaq. The company is currently listed on the OTC. Golden Matrix was founded in 2008 and booked $4 million in revenue for the 12 months ended 31 October 2020. It plans to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol GMGI. Kingswood Capital Markets is the sole bookrunner on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.
Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company has announced that it has received a record number of applications submitted via its wholly-owned subsidiary, PLAYlive Nation’s website, from potential franchisees interested in purchasing new franchise territories and opening Simplicity Esports gaming centres. New franchisee applications include disclosure of financial information, desired territory and business background.
The state of Connecticut has reached a deal with its two federally-recognised Native American tribes to provide online gambling and sports betting. The deal will tax online gaming at 18% for the next five years, then up to 20%. Sports betting will be taxed slightly lower. The Connecticut lottery will also be allowed to open a number of sports betting outlets, including venues in Bridgeport and Hartford.
Partnerships
GAN Limited has entered into a deal with Gila River Gaming Enterprises to provide Simulated Gaming solutions to Gila’s patrons across all properties on both desktop and mobile. Gila operates three casinos in Arizona on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community: Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Vee Quiva in Laveen Village and Lone Butte in Chandler. The customised solution is powered by GAN’s core Simulated Gaming software and provides meaningful marketing, brand building and revenue opportunities for both operators and GAN.
Enthusiast Gaming has signed an integrated partnership deal with TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video. TikTok will leverage Enthusiast Gaming’s vast platform of video game and esports fan communities to help drive adoption and bridge the integration of TikTok within the gaming and esports industry. The partnership sees a variety of activations set to be rolled out across Enthusiast Gaming’s platform, such as product and logo placement, promotional activity with influencers and social media, as well as the production of media content.
FYX Gaming has partnered with leading esports betting operator Unikrn. The deal will see the two leading esports companies collaborate to deliver next-generation iGaming products and technology. Headlining the partnership is the inclusion of CryptoFights — a skill-based strategic fighting game and the flagship title for the FYX platform — on Unikrn Virtual, a proprietary gaming product offered by Unikrn that uses historical esports match data to power a non-stop stream of content coupled with live betting markets.
Allied Esports has partnered with Xsens to bring live animated casters to a professional esports tournament production for the first time. Through the use of Xsens’ MVN motion capture systems, Allied will transform its tournament casters into animated characters. The exclusively designed live motion avatars will provide fans with a fun and engaging viewing experience specific to the game being played and create unique, innovative opportunities for brand and product integration.
Acquisitions
XLMedia has entered into an agreement to acquire the business and assets of Sports Betting Dime for about $26 million. The company also announced plans to raise a minimum of about £20 million via a placing and a subscription and up to a further £3 million in an open offer. The net proceeds of the fundraising will be used mainly to finance the SBD purchase.
Lottery.com has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Mexican lottery companies JuegaLotto and Aganar. JuegaLotto is federally licensed to sell international lottery games in Mexico through an authorised federal gaming portal and is licensed for games of chance in other countries throughout Latin America. Aganar is licensed to sell Mexican National Lottery draw games, instant win tickets and other games of chance online with access to a federally approved online casino and sportsbook gaming license.
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Arizona Benefits Fund
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
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
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:
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Activision Blizzard: Where he was instrumental in the commercialization and global expansion of Activision Blizzard Esports.
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National Football League (NFL): Driving integrated sponsorships across the NFL Network and digital platforms.
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Univision Communications: Designing and activating media partnerships across live and linear platforms.
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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:
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15 Arena Events staged across eight different countries.
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Broadcasts in 30+ Languages reaching fans in over 100 territories.
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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.
Learn More
To stay updated on BLAST’s upcoming arena events and commercial ventures, visit the official BLAST website.
The post BLAST Appoints Industry Veteran Steve Rossi as Senior Vice President of Brand Partnerships appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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