Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 29-April 4
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, financial results and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Playtech has announced that it has entered a long-term lease in Michigan to house its first live casino studio in the US. This state-of-the-art studio will feature Playtech’s best-in-class technology and video capabilities from its flagship Riga studio. The scale of Playtech’s offering means it can offer integrated live content across retail and online channels and across product verticals, delivering live iGaming entertainment never seen before in the US market.
PointsBet Holdings has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary PointsBet USA and Penn National Gaming have agreed to extend the Online Gaming Services Framework Agreement dated 31 July 2019 to provide PointsBet with online sports betting and iGaming market access in Pennsylvania and Mississippi, subject to enabling legislation and licensure in each of those States. Pennsylvania currently permits online sports betting and iGaming.
Daily Fantasy Sports operator PrizePicks has announced the addition of premier esports titles Call of Duty, Rocket League and Valorant to its marketplace, a major step towards solidifying PrizePicks as the premier fantasy esports operator in North America. PrizePicks already features iconic AAA titles Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends on its platform.
Airwaves Media Group has announced the launch of Airwaves Games Network, a multi-platform esports media and production company dedicated to live esports. AGN was founded by former OGN and CJ executives who produced premiere esports events including the 2019 Clash Royale League World Finals, PUBG Global Championship 2019 Group Stages and 2019 Summoners War World Arena Championships, among others.
Sportnco has taken its first step into the US iGaming market with the launch of the SuperDraft Free SportsBook App. The SuperDraft and Sportnco teams worked in close partnership to develop free-to-play betting product targeted at US sports fans. The app will offer players the opportunity to place bets and learn about sports betting without financial risk.
GAN has published its Q4 and full-year results for the period ended 31 December 2020, with full-year revenue up 17% to $35.2m. Annual Gross Operator Revenue increased by 73% to $545 million year-over-year and real money Internet gaming (RMiG) was up 6% to $25.6 million in 2020. Simulated (SIM) gaming revenue increased 66% to $9.5 million in 2020.
Partnerships
FOX Sports and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) have announced an expanded partnership agreement that establishes FOX Sports as the official wagering partner of NYRA Bets and the leading media provider for elite thoroughbred racing through the next decade. The prior FOX Sports/NYRA media rights agreement provided a FOX Sports subsidiary with an option to acquire a 25% stake in NYRA Bets. The FOX Sports subsidiary will exercise this option by the summer of 2021, pending final regulatory approval.
Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company has signed a two-year agreement to sublicense the Flamengo Esports brand to a team competing in the popular mobile game Free Fire. The licensing agreement includes a minimum fixed fee of $100,000, as well as 20% of all sponsorship and advertising revenue received by the team.
BetMGM has entered into a multi-year deal with Audacy. As per the deal, BetMGM has become the preferred sports betting partner of Audacy across all sports broadcast stations, digital platforms, BetQL app as well as BetQL Audio Network. The key partnership details include integrated content across Audacy’s broadcast sports stations, customer acquisition opportunities and talent endorsements across Audacy’s wide spectrum of local and national sports betting content.
PGA TOUR and theScore have entered into a content and marketing relationship designating theScore Bet as an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR across the US and Canada. As part of the deal, PGA TOUR will begin to incorporate daily odds updates from theScore Bet within the TOUR’s live audio play-by-play, distributed via SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio and PGA TOUR Digital platforms.
DraftKings and WWE have announced that DraftKings will become an Official Gaming Partner of WWE, subject to regulatory approval in all applicable jurisdictions. The collaboration centers on DraftKings’ popular free-to-play pools product and will launch with an inaugural free-to-play pool at WWE’s two-night pop culture extravaganza, WrestleMania, on April 10 and 11.
New Appointments
Intema Solutions has appointed Leigh Hughes to its newly-constituted advisory board. Leigh brings over 15 years of professional experience in integrated corporate and marketing communications and extensive experience in venture capital services and commercialisation of private and public companies across North America, Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
fuboTV Inc. has appointed Ali Ghanavati as head of regulatory technology for its new Fubo Gaming subsidiary. Ghanavati’s extensive gaming career includes roles as chief engineer and as deputy chief of the Technical Services Bureau of the State of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, where he consulted with numerous state agencies and gaming jurisdictions regarding casino gaming regulation and standards.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has appointed iGaming innovator and leader Joe Bunevith as its Director of Client Solutions. In this role, he will work closely with GLI’s sales, compliance and engineering teams on issues relating to new technologies, client onboarding, new jurisdictions and business solutions. Most recently, he served as Director of Interactive Gaming for Synergy Blue in Las Vegas.
Compliance Updates
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has imposed an $18,000 fine to MGM Springfield after finding three separate “unacceptable” failures that resulted in underage persons being allowed to gamble and, on one occasion, being served alcohol.
Score Media and Gaming Inc. has secured access to the Illinois sports betting market through an agreement with Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino, a Caesars Entertainment property. Subject to receiving all relevant licenses and approvals from the Illinois Gaming Board, the Company anticipates launching its mobile sportsbook, theScore Bet, in Illinois in the second half of calendar 2021.
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AGS, the global gaming supplier, teamed up with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Southern California to host a two-day launch celebration for its newest slot family, Ultra Werewolf
.
The event kicked off on Wednesday, March 4, with special guests Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, reprising their iconic roles as Jay and Silent Bob from the 90s cult classics Clerks, Mallrats, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Smith and Mewes were the first to experience the game and shared their impressions during a live recording of their SMPodcast, “Jay & Silent Bob Do Yaamava’.”
The fang-tastic festivities continued the following day with an unveiling celebration attended by Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and AGS representatives, culminating in an exciting slot pull for Club Serrano Members.
Guests were immersed in a comic book–inspired world, featuring a life-sized Werewolf, two werewolf “hunters” from the game, interactive photo opportunities, and custom werewolf-themed slot chair covers. The VIP reception offered themed mocktails, wolf-ear headbands, and free spins on Ultra Werewolf Fury and Ultra Werewolf Strike. Four lucky participants who played the Ultra Werewolf games were entered into a draw for $1,000 in Free Play, with one lucky winner receiving $5,000 in Free Play.
Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Slots at AGS, said:
“Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is the perfect venue to celebrate the dedication and partnership that goes into a world premiere of a slot game. The Ultra Werewolf brand extension builds on the thrilling storyline of the original Werewolf, one of AGS’ most successful premium games. The new franchise takes it further with a unique comic book theme, more bonus features, and all-around excitement. Our collaboration with Yaamava’ and shared focus on delivering innovative, unforgettable player experiences made this the ultimate way to ‘Catch the Wolf.’”
Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, added:
“Ultra Werewolf represents the kind of creative, high-impact game design that elevates the entire industry. Yaamava’ is dedicated to leading the market in entertainment innovation, and we’re proud to host the launch of AGS’ latest breakthrough.”
The excitement continues, with Ultra Werewolf slot drawings scheduled for March 22, where four Club Serrano players will each win $1,000 in Free Play, and one lucky winner will receive $5,000 in Free Play plus a limited-edition silver Justice League comic collector card.
Ultra Werewolf will be available exclusively at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino for a limited time before expanding to additional casinos nationwide.
The post AGS and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino ‘Wolf Out’ with World Premiere of Ultra Werewolf appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gambling in the USA
Bonus Abuse Emerges as the Most Widespread Form of Online Gaming Fraud in North America
LexisNexis Risk Solutions released the results of its first Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America report, an analysis of fraud trends impacting online casinos, sportsbooks and iGaming platforms across the region. The study, based on a survey of 993 online gaming industry decision makers, reveals that bonus abuse now ranks as the single most prevalent form of fraud in North America’s gaming sector, cited by 78% of respondents as a top threat to their business.
Bonus abuse schemes, where fraudsters repeatedly exploit new-account bonuses using synthetic identities, stolen credentials and multiple accounts, are costing operators millions of dollars per year. Global contributory networks detected over 95,000 fraud events tied to a single abuse network, representing an exposure of up to $3.2 million.
Fraud is most concentrated at the beginning and end of the customer journey, specifically during account creation and withdrawals which accounts for roughly 60% of total fraud exposure. While direct financial losses remain the most visible consequence, operators also report rising compliance costs, customer churn and brand damage as key areas of impact.
“Bonus abuse has become the gaming industry’s version of first-party fraud. It’s organized, repeatable and difficult to detect without multi-layered intelligence. As gaming operators compete for players through incentives and faster onboarding, they must also strengthen their defenses at the point of entry,” said Sean Britt, senior director, global gaming markets, LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Despite mounting threats, the report finds that North American gaming professionals remain focused on frictionless user experiences. Eighty one percent (81%) of respondents said even moderate onboarding friction can drive customers to competitors, prompting increased investment in automated KYC processes and real-time fraud detection tools.
The study also reveals that data collaboration is an underused yet powerful defense: Only one in five operators currently share fraud intelligence, though those that do report faster detection, fewer false positives, and improved customer trust.
As online gaming operators continue to navigate the dual pressures of delivering seamless player experiences while combating increasingly sophisticated fraud networks, the industry’s path forward will depend on smarter, more collaborative defenses. The findings from the report make clear that bonus abuse is not just a financial risk but a structural challenge that demands coordinated action, advanced intelligence and a renewed focus on trust.
Methodology: LexisNexis Risk Solutions Fraud and Identity Industry Pulse: Online Gaming in North America study conducted a survey in collaboration with SIS Competitive Gaming of 993 decision-makers across the online gaming industry, including fraud and identity professionals responsible for customer security, ID verification and compliance. The study provides organizations with data and analysis to understand the challenges and preferred mitigation strategies of fraud and identity professionals in the region.
The post Bonus Abuse Emerges as the Most Widespread Form of Online Gaming Fraud in North America appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Digicode, a leading provider of next-generation iGaming solutions, announced its participation in NEXT.io Summit NYC 2026: Innovation in iGaming, one of North America’s most influential iGaming and sports betting events taking place March 10–11, 2026, at Convene, 225 Liberty Street, Downtown New York.
NEXT.io Summit NYC 2026 brings together more than 1,200 senior executives, investors, technology leaders, operators, and innovators from across the global iGaming and sports betting ecosystem to explore breakthrough technologies, partnerships, and growth opportunities shaping the future of online gaming.
“At a time when the industry is rapidly evolving, NEXT.io Summit NYC serves as the premier stage for strategic conversation, innovation, and partnership,” said Elkhan Shabanov, CEO of Digicode Americas. “We’re excited to showcase our cutting-edge solutions that empower operators and suppliers to build faster, scale smarter, and take ownership of their technology stack.”
During NEXT.io Summit NYC 2026, Digicode will demonstrate how the Diger Suite empowers iGaming businesses to modernize their technology stack, offering a modular ecosystem of advanced solutions engineered to replace legacy systems with flexible, scalable, and performance-driven infrastructure:
- DigerRGS – Next-generation iGaming platform with full IP control and capacity for high throughput performance
- DigerPAM – Cross-market ready player account management system
- DigerPay – PSP-agnostic payment gateway supporting 200+ methods with real-time fraud protection
- DigerClick – Fully owned affiliate management platform with customizable tools and analytics
- DigerCompanion – AI-driven assistant for multilingual support, responsible gaming automation, and compliance management
During the event, Digicode experts will share real-world use cases and actionable frameworks to help industry leaders transition from legacy constraints to competitive advantage. Key topics include scaling rent-to-own iGaming platforms, automating support and compliance with AI, building resilient payment stacks, owning affiliate systems, and operating in regulated markets with adaptive technology.
The post Digicode at NEXT.io Summit NYC 2026: Driving the Future of iGaming Technology appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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