Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – December 4-10
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, new partnerships and new appointments. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
MGM Resorts International has unveiled its vision to transition Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts into a world-class entertainment destination, MGM Empire City, if awarded a commercial casino license for its historic Yonkers, New York site. Key elements of the phase one design include a comprehensive casino floor redevelopment and expansion, 5000-capacity entertainment venue, state-of-the-art BetMGM sportsbook, food and beverage outlets by celebrated chefs, cocktail bars and lounges, technologically advanced meeting spaces and more.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an approved auditing body for International Betting Integrity Association’s (IBIA) Data Standards. Sports data providers wishing to be audited for the IBIA Data Standards and its kitemark will now be able to utilise GLI’s unparalleled expertise and global network of testing locations, streamlining the product auditing process and ensuring seamless compliance with IBIA standards.
International Game Technology PLC announced that it was recently recognised as a Top Employer in the US and Canada by the Top Employers Institute, a global authority in recognising excellence in people practices.
Playtech has opened its third and latest state-of-the-art Live Studio in the US. The highly anticipated studio, which officially soft launched on November 28, will soon continue to run operations 24/7, marking a significant milestone for Playtech Live as it conquers its third US state, completing the tri-state iGaming project.
New Partnerships
PENN Entertainment and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced a partnership that designates PENN’s online sports betting brands, ESPN BET in the US and theScore Bet in Ontario, as Official Sports Betting Partners of the NHL. As official league partners, ESPN BET and theScore Bet will have access to a host of entitlements, including IP rights and media and marketing integrations across League programming and premium NHL experiences.
NorthStar Gaming has announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with BettorView that will enable NorthStar to engage with consumers in restaurants and bars across Ontario. The partnership provides NorthStar with the opportunity to further expand player acquisition across both sports wagering and online casino in a frictionless and convenient manner.
Galaxy Gaming has announced that it has signed an agreement with leading content provider Pragmatic Play extending the existing term for the licensing of Galaxy table game content across its portfolio of Live Casino and RNG gaming experiences.
New Appointments
Konami Gaming announced the appointment of Eric Schultz as vice president of studio operations, to lead overall game development spanning software development, art design, sound design, math design and project management.
Digital payments innovator Koin has appointed Scott Carcillo as its chief commercial officer. The newest addition to the rapidly growing Koin team, Carcillo will lead the company’s expansion into the gaming industry and overall market reach, focusing on macro-level business development strategies and fostering strategic partnerships.
Sportradar announced the appointment of Jim Bombassei as Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance, effective immediately. In this role, Bombassei will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the global investment community and communicating the company’s business model, long-term strategy and financial performance.
Gambling in the USA
Teamsters at Rio Hotel Ratify Strong Contract, Avert Strike
Workers at Rio Hotel and Casino, represented by Teamsters Local 986, have overwhelmingly ratified a strong four-year collective bargaining agreement. The group of 62 front desk workers, laborers, warehouse workers, and valet attendants secured higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
“Our members stood strong, and management had no other choice but to deliver. This win belongs to every worker who refused to be ignored, and it proves that when we fight as one, we secure real improvements,” said Tim Vera, President of Local 986.
The four-year deal delivers a 15% wage increase, improved vacation policies, and continued coverage under the Teamsters Health and Welfare plan. The contract also includes job protections against technology and an option for workers to enroll into the Teamsters 401(k) plan.
“All we asked for was a fair contract that allows us to do our job without worrying. We didn’t want to strike, but we were ready if it came to that. Now we can come to work knowing that management listened and that our labor is respected,” said Malinda Zarcone, a front desk worker and steward at Local 986.
The agreement was reached after workers voted to authorize a strike on Nov. 10 over unfair labor practices. The vote followed nearly two years of stalled negotiations by Dreamscape, the property’s owner.
“Management dragged out negotiations and our members held them accountable. We don’t tolerate delays and disrespect toward our members. We’re always prepared to take action and win,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.
The post Teamsters at Rio Hotel Ratify Strong Contract, Avert Strike appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Gambling in the USA
MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive from Galaxy Gaming debuts at the Plaza Hotel & Casino
MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive brings the beloved classic to life in the casino pit, transforming every round into a dynamic and rewarding experience. Mr. Monopoly is the star of the show, randomly selecting hands and providing exciting multipliers up to 10x, keeping players engaged and on the edge of their seats.
Details
Designed to deliver high energy and volatility without compromising house edge, the MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive is unlike anything the industry has seen. With nostalgic animations and familiar visuals, this theme adds a fresh layer of excitement to the table—and best of all, it’s compatible with nearly any Galaxy Gaming progressive.
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The post MONOPOLY Table Games Progressive from Galaxy Gaming debuts at the Plaza Hotel & Casino appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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.
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