Latest News
New Study Reveals Economic and Social Risks of iGaming
In response to the increasing concerns over the social and economic risks of iGaming, the gaming and entertainment business leaders have joined forces to launch the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG).
The organization is formed in opposition to the expansion of iGaming and its well-reported economic and social dangers and urges other local businesses, employee unions, and community groups to mobilize in their effort to protect local communities.
A new study for NAAiG by The Innovation Group, a research and advisory firm specializing in gaming, hospitality, and tourism that has previously conducted multiple studies of online gambling for state governments and industry stakeholders, debunks the myth that iGaming offers easy revenue for states. Instead, the study uncovers the damaging effects of iGaming expansion, exposing widespread job losses and significant declines in economic output across multiple states.
Main findings of the report:
Land-based casino revenue drops by 16% on average after iGaming is introduced, leading to substantial job losses, hundreds of millions of dollars in lost economic output and reduced tax contributions that fund public services.
States introducing iGaming face significant economic losses, with projected job cuts reaching 4921 in New York and 4733 in Illinois by 2029.
iGaming results in significant losses for states in economic output. All states analyzed would see massive GDP reductions, including Ohio ($602 million), Indiana ($428 million), Maryland ($372 million), and Colorado ($313 million).
States’ net tax gains from iGaming are limited, even before accounting for the increased social costs associated with its high rates of problem gambling and related social ills. For instance, Louisiana, Maryland, and Mississippi could all see negative net tax revenue due to displaced in-person gaming dollars and related impacts on state and local economies.
Brick-and-mortar casinos in every state would face significant revenue losses due to iGaming cannibalization. Projections reach up to $983.7 million in New York, $545.3 million in Illinois, $522.6 million in Ohio, and $342.6 million in Maryland by 2029.
The introduction of iGaming reduces in-person casino employment, with an estimated 2818 jobs lost in Ohio, 2642 in Louisiana and 1906 in Mississippi.
The job losses caused by iGaming will result in massive reductions each year in employee wages and related taxes for states. Annual labor income losses would reach nearly $110 million in Colorado and Maryland, $204 million in Ohio, nearly $300 million in Illinois, and nearly $450 million in New York.
States with iGaming experience an 8.3% decline in distributed gaming revenue, impacting taverns and small gaming establishments.
Projected U.S. gambling losses from iGaming are expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2028, straining local economies and public health resources.
“These statistics underscore the urgent need for action. iGaming’s unchecked access to gambling on cell phones is bad public policy that threatens local jobs and businesses and will cost states. When increased social costs caused by iGaming higher rates of underage and problem gambling are considered, the net tax revenue results are uniformly negative for every state,” said Mark Stewart, EVP & General Counsel of The Cordish Companies and NAAiG board member. “
“Beyond the lack of any real upside for states, iGaming puts vulnerable individuals at greater risk of problem gambling and financial instability. NAAiG is uniting stakeholders to push back and stop the spread of these harmful trends and advocate for responsible gaming policies,” said NAAiG board member Jason Gumer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Monarch Casino & Resort Inc.
“iGaming is eroding our communities. This isn’t just about responsible gaming—it’s about protecting local family-sustaining jobs and preventing financial harm. In Maryland alone, iGaming could cost $372 million in economic output, $342.6 million in lost casino revenue and nearly $110 million in annual wages. We must act now to protect our state and local economies nationwide,” said Shannon McCracken, Senior Director of Government Relations at Churchill Downs Incorporated and NAAIG board member.
The post New Study Reveals Economic and Social Risks of iGaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Eastern Europe
FeedConstruct locks up exclusive Romanian football data and streaming rights
Deal covers Romania’s FA Cup, Super Cup, Liga 2 and Liga 3, women’s Superliga and national team matches, plus Liga 1 Futsal.
FeedConstruct has signed an agreement to secure exclusive data and video streaming rights for a portfolio of Romanian football competitions, the company said.
FeedConstruct said the rights are held on an exclusive basis across the full season and expand its European football content for betting operators.
The agreement covers the Romanian FA Cup, Super Cup, Men’s Liga 2 and Liga 3, Superliga Women, Women’s National Team matches, and Liga 1 Futsal competitions.
Financial terms, contract duration beyond “the full season,” and any distribution or integrity safeguards were not disclosed.
The post FeedConstruct locks up exclusive Romanian football data and streaming rights appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3x3
Spinomenal releases Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3
Spinomenal has released Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3, adding a new Hold & Hit title to its slots portfolio.
The game runs on a 3×3 reel set and uses the Quetzal Bird as the Wild, substituting for all symbols except Bonus symbols. Two special Bonus symbols drive the main feature: Bonus symbols can land only on reels one and three, while Bonus Collect can land only on reel two.
The Bonus Game triggers when Bonus Collect lands alongside one or more Bonus symbols. Triggering symbols lock and the feature starts with three spins; during the feature only Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols can appear. Each spin can award multipliers of x1, x2, x5, x7, x10, and x15, and the round ends after three spins without a win or when total collected winnings reach the max x5000 multiplier.
Spinomenal said Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini in-game jackpot symbols can appear during the feature and pay immediately. A Bonus Blast feature can also trigger randomly to add extra Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols, and Spinomenal said Bonus Collect can still collect values even if it lands without starting the Bonus Game.
Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3 casts players into a mysterious jungle on the hunt for Aztec riches enhanced by some cool gameplay features. The titles’s beautiful visuals and proven Hold & Hit mechanics come together perfectly to give players an experience for the ages.”
The post Spinomenal releases Aztec Spell – Hold & Hit 3×3 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Anthony Keen
Hard Rock Workers in Virginia Join Teamsters
A group of 221 table games dealers and dual rates at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol have voted to join Teamsters Local 519. They’re seeking a fair first contract that includes higher wages, improved benefits, and a strong voice on the job.
“Dealers and dual rates are the backbone of the gaming floor, and when they stand together, they have the power to win real improvements on the job. It was the best decision to choose the Teamsters, and we’re proud to support them as they move forward in securing a fair first contract,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.
The dealers are responsible for operating table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. They manage the games, handle chips and payouts, and ensure games are conducted fairly and efficiently.
“It was a team effort from start to finish, and we had the best team to fight for representation, including our organizer, Marty Hinch. At the drop of a hat we were ready to support this group in their effort to join the Teamsters. Their determination carried over, and they’re going to reap the benefits,” said Wes Trotterchaud, President of Local 519.
“Choosing to join the Teamsters was about securing respect, stability, and a voice on the casino floor. We’re ready to negotiate a contract that reflects the hard work we do every day,” said Anthony Keen, a table games dealer/dual rate and proud new member of Local 519.
Nationwide, the Teamsters represent nearly 6000 members at casinos and casino hotels.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The post Hard Rock Workers in Virginia Join Teamsters appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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