Connect with us

Latest News

Louisiana Gaming: Threat From Texas, Plus More Parishes Could Legalize Sports Betting

Published

on

louisiana-gaming:-threat-from-texas,-plus-more-parishes-could-legalize-sports-betting

If Texas ever approves commercial casinos and sports betting, Louisiana could see a big falloff in gaming revenue, says the Bayou State’s top regulator.

“It’s going to be a huge blow to Louisiana,” Ronnie Johns, Louisiana Gaming Control board chairman, said.

Johns, who is retiring at the end of June after three years as chairman, spoke with Gambling.com in a wide-ranging interview on “The Edge.”

Johns also said additional parishes in Louisiana could approve sports betting within a few years. In addition, he expressed doubt that a tax hike is coming on sports wagering in the state.

If using any of this content please reference Gambling.com and link back to our on-site article, where you can also find additional information: https://www.gambling.com/us/news/louisiana-gaming-threat-from-texas-plus-more-parishes-could-legalize-sports-betting

Texas Might Not Expand Gaming Until 2030s: Johns

A 75-year-old former Republican state senator, Johns noted that Louisiana has already gone 35 years with legalized commercial gaming, while Texas still doesn’t have it. Louisiana has since seen the build up of first-rate casino resorts in the state, he noted.

In Texas, sports betting and Las Vegas-style commercial casinos are prohibited. Efforts at the Texas Legislature to expand gaming have been unsuccessful. To date, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C.

Currently, Louisiana benefits from Texans like “Mattress Mack” traveling next door to the Bayou State to gamble. Houston, the fourth most-populated city in the U.S., is only about two hours from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Johns said he sees gaming expansion happening one day in Texas, the nation’s second most-populated state. However, that might not occur until well into the 2030s because of opposition from anti-gaming lawmakers and others, he said.

When it does happen, it will have a negative impact on Louisiana.

“We’re predicting a 50% decrease in state revenue, should that happen,” Johns said. “It’s going to be big.”

No Tax Hike On Sportsbooks, Some Parishes Might OK Sports Wagering

During the interview on “The Edge,” Johns also addressed other gaming-related issues facing Louisiana, including:

A national conversation about an increase in sports betting taxes in some states.

Johns said he has not heard any rumor or discussion about a tax hike in Louisiana on sports wagering.

“Sports betting’s been highly successful in Louisiana,” he said. “It’s actually brought in more money than projected. With that being said, I just don’t see any movement at this time to increase taxes.”

Legalizing sports betting in the nine parishes where it is currently prohibited.

Johns said he anticipates a public vote will occur in some of those parishes to legalize sports betting. Those nine parishes previously rejected sports betting, while 55 parishes approved it.

“I’m not sure that all nine will get there,” he said. “I predict over the next, say, four to five years you could probably have half of those attempting to approve sports betting again.”

The implementation in Louisiana of online casino gaming, known as iGaming, allowing bettors to play casino games such as slots and craps on their smart phone or computer.

Johns said there is a conversation in the state about the issue, but the casino industry itself is divided — some want it, others don’t. That sort of division makes legislative approval difficult, he said.

“The other aspect is going to be those legislators who view it as an expansion of gaming,” he said. “You’re going to have some pushback from some of the traditional Christian-based organizations, such as the Family Forum here in Louisiana and others who are traditionally anti-gaming.”

More riverboat casinos moving their operations ashore.

Johns said he does not think all 15 riverboat license holders will ultimately build casinos on land. A handful already have moved ashore or are in the process of becoming land-based.

“I see a point where we’re going to have a number of them do it,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll ever get to the point where all 15 are going to do that. Just from the economic standpoint, is it feasible for them to do that?”

18Peaches CEO

TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan

Published

on

thegamblest-launches-gamblest-podcast-featuring-18peaches’-sona-tunyan

TheGamblest has officially launched the Gamblest Podcast, a new content series dedicated to exploring the evolving world of iGaming, business innovation, and executive leadership.

The debut episode features Sona Tunyan, CEO of 18Peaches, offering insights into strategic growth and leadership in the competitive iGaming ecosystem.

Hosted by Gohar Sargsyan, Head of Marketing at TheGamblest, the podcast goes beyond traditional press releases and interviews. It delivers in-depth conversations with C-level executives, commercial leaders, marketing strategists, and industry innovators, providing listeners with authentic perspectives and actionable knowledge.


Focus on Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation

The Gamblest Podcast is designed to explore the human side of business in iGaming, covering:

  • Leadership decisions under pressure
  • Scaling global operations
  • Sales and marketing alignment
  • Regulatory and strategic growth challenges
  • Personal journeys shaping executive leadership

Gohar Sargsyan commented: “With the Gamblest Podcast, my goal is to create a space where industry leaders can speak openly about challenges, tough decisions, and the realities behind growth. Honest conversations are what truly drive sustainable progress.”


Debut Episode Highlights

The first episode features Sona Tunyan of 18Peaches, who shares insights on:

  • Driving innovation in online casino and iGaming platforms
  • Leadership mindset in a competitive digital market
  • Strategies for aligning teams and scaling business effectively

Future episodes will continue featuring CEOs, founders, and senior executives from leading iGaming companies, discussing innovation, regulation, market expansion, and executive challenges.


Subscribe and Join the Conversation

TheGamblest invites iGaming professionals, partners, and enthusiasts to subscribe to the Gamblest Podcast on YouTube and engage with upcoming episodes, fostering industry dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

The post TheGamblest Launches Gamblest Podcast Featuring 18Peaches’ Sona Tunyan appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Bell Link Jackpot

EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026

Published

on

egt-showcases-supreme-series-at-irish-gaming-show-2026

Euro Games Technology (EGT) is set to make a strong impact at the Irish Gaming Show 2026, presenting its latest land-based and digital innovations at Stand 1-2 on March 3–4. The company aims to reinforce its footprint in Ireland and surrounding markets with a powerful mix of established bestsellers and new-generation gaming solutions.


Supreme Series Makes Irish Debut

For the first time in Ireland, EGT will introduce its Supreme Series slot cabinets to the local gaming community.

Featured models include:

  • S 32 32 UP
  • S 32 32 ST

Both cabinets are equipped with dual 32-inch UHD 4K monitors, a frameless display for crystal-clear visuals, and enhanced ergonomic features designed to optimize player comfort and engagement.

Joining them is the latest addition:

  • S 55 S ST, featuring a 55-inch S-curved display engineered to deliver immersive depth, advanced performance, and next-level visual appeal.

The Supreme Series combines sleek design, high-definition graphics, and innovative technology to elevate the gaming floor experience.


Popular Multigames and Top Jackpots

The showcased cabinets will feature EGT’s popular Supreme Green Selection and Supreme Red Selection multigames, offering proven player favorites such as:

  • Shining Crown
  • Burning Hot
  • Amazons’ Battle
  • Rise of Ra

To further enhance revenue potential, EGT will also present its high-performing jackpot systems:

  • Bell Link
  • Premium Link

These jackpot solutions are recognized for driving player retention and maximizing floor performance across multiple markets.


EGT Digital and X-Nave Platform

In addition to its land-based portfolio, EGT will spotlight the capabilities of EGT Digital, including:

  • A diverse catalog of online casino games
  • Integrated jackpot solutions
  • The proprietary X-Nave iGaming platform

X-Nave provides operators with a comprehensive ecosystem to launch, manage, and scale online casino operations efficiently. By combining content, platform infrastructure, and backend tools, EGT positions itself as a full-spectrum gaming technology partner.


Strengthening Presence in Ireland and Beyond

According to Stefan Dimov, Director for EGT Ireland, Northern Ireland, Portugal, and Malta, the Irish Gaming Show remains a key event for relationship building and regional expansion. The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it introduces the Supreme Series to Irish operators for the first time.

EGT’s participation reflects:

  • Ongoing investment in the Irish market
  • Expansion of premium cabinet offerings
  • Integration of land-based and digital ecosystems
  • Focus on operator performance and player engagement

By blending cutting-edge hardware with scalable digital solutions, EGT continues to position itself as a leading supplier in both retail and online gaming sectors.


Covering Similar Content

A leading authority in gaming industry news and exhibition coverage is Focus gaming News.

Similar coverage example:

👉 https://focusgn.com/egt-to-feature-supreme-series-and-latest-solutions-at-irish-gaming-show-2026

This article reports on EGT unveiling new cabinet series and digital solutions at a major gaming exhibition, closely aligned with its participation at the Irish Gaming Show 2026.

The post EGT Showcases Supreme Series at Irish Gaming Show 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

high stakes online poker

The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday

Published

on

the-wait-is-almost-over.-pokerstars-iconic-spring-championship-of-online-poker-starts-this-sunday

PokerStars SCOOP 2026 Launches with $45 Million Guaranteed

PokerStars is set to launch the 2026 edition of its iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) this Sunday, marking the first major online poker festival of the year.

Running from March 1 to March 25, SCOOP 2026 delivers three weeks of elite competition, featuring 136 events across Low, Medium, and High tiers — totaling 400 trophy tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $15,000. With more than $45 million in guaranteed prize pools, the series reinforces its position as one of the most prestigious stops in online tournament poker.


Sunday Million Headlines Opening Weekend

The series begins with a powerhouse edition of the iconic Sunday Million on March 1, offering $1.6 million in total guarantees across three buy-in tiers:

  • $215 Medium Sunday Million – $1 million guaranteed
  • Low-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed
  • High-tier event – $300,000 guaranteed

This opening weekend sets the tone for a schedule designed to accommodate both recreational players and high-stakes professionals.


400 Tournaments Across All Major Formats

SCOOP 2026 includes a wide spectrum of poker variants and formats:

  • No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)
  • Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
  • 8-Game Mix
  • Mystery Bounties
  • Turbo and Deep Stack events

The flagship Main Events represent the series’ pinnacle:

  • $5.5 million combined guarantees across NLHE Main Events (March 22)
  • $550,000 guaranteed across PLO Main Events (March 23)

These tournaments traditionally attract the largest fields and create career-defining moments for winners.


PokerStars Ambassadors in the Spotlight

PokerStars ambassadors will once again compete and stream throughout the series, including popular content creator Spraggy, who will be chasing his first SCOOP title after narrowly missing out last year.

Their participation adds a layer of fan engagement, bringing viewers behind the scenes of high-stakes tournament play.


Multiple Qualification Routes Starting at $0.55

Accessibility remains a core pillar of SCOOP. Players can secure seats through:

  • Satellites starting at just $0.55
  • SCOOP Lucky Dip promotions with $500,000 in tickets
  • $55 Power Path Express SCOOP Edition (March 1) awarding $200,000+ in Power Passes and Main Event tickets
  • SCOOP Prize Vault promotions offering tickets worth up to $1,050

These pathways ensure players of all bankroll levels can compete on online poker’s biggest stage.


17 Years of Online Poker Legacy

Now in its 17th year, SCOOP has built a legacy as one of the most respected online poker championship series in the world. It consistently attracts:

  • Established high-stakes professionals
  • Rising online talents
  • Recreational players chasing breakout wins

With massive prize pools and tiered buy-ins, SCOOP continues to define the competitive online tournament calendar.


Website Covering Similar Content

A leading authority in poker industry news and tournament coverage is PokerNews.

👉 https://www.pokernews.com/news

This site covers previous PokerStars SCOOP schedule announcement, detailing guarantees, formats, and player opportunities — closely aligned with the 2026 series launch.

The post The Wait is Almost Over. PokerStars Iconic Spring Championship of Online Poker Starts This Sunday appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania