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.
HIPTHER is proud to announce a new Media Partnership with Nightrush, officially launching alongside the highly anticipated HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. The event will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha, bringing together leading voices from across Gaming and Technology.
Recognised as one of Europe’s premier boutique events for industry decision-makers, the Prague Summit unites professionals from iGaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, compliance, and digital innovation. Across two immersive days, attendees will engage in expert-led discussions, curated networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping regulated digital industries.
This new collaboration marks an important step in expanding industry dialogue and strengthening global connections within the iGaming ecosystem.
Strengthening Industry Connections Through Media Collaboration
Nightrush has rapidly established itself as a trusted media platform dedicated to connecting operators, providers, and players through in-depth content, expert reviews, industry news, and community-driven engagement. What began as a focused review platform has evolved into a dynamic hub that promotes collaboration, delivers practical insights, and supports responsible gambling initiatives across the wider iGaming landscape.
Under the leadership of Brand Manager Olesea Naidion, Nightrush continues to expand its influence within the global iGaming community. Olesea will also take the stage at Prague Summit 2026, sharing expertise on brand strategy, digital marketing, user acquisition, and long-term player loyalty.
Through this Media Partnership, HIPTHER and Nightrush will collaborate to amplify key industry conversations, increase visibility for thought leadership, and support meaningful engagement among stakeholders before, during, and beyond Prague Summit 2026.
Prague Summit 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Impact
Marking 10 years of impact across Gaming and Technology, the 2026 edition of the HIPTHER Prague Summit will feature its most ambitious programme to date. The event will host four dedicated stages, covering compliance, expert panels, strategic industry themes, and practical education through the HIPTHER Academy.
Attendees can expect:
-
In-depth regulatory and compliance discussions
-
Responsible Gaming and Player Safety sessions supported by international regulators
-
High-level networking with operators, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers
-
The prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Within this context, the partnership with Nightrush will play a key role in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering transparency, and supporting long-term growth across regulated digital industries.
A Shared Vision for the Future
HIPTHER and Nightrush are united by a shared vision: to build stronger connections across the iGaming community and enable collaboration that drives innovation, trust, and sustainable industry development.
The Media Partnership debuting at Prague Summit 2026 represents the start of a broader collaboration focused on year-round content creation, community engagement, and cross-industry dialogue—further strengthening the foundations of the global iGaming ecosystem.
The post HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Dream Play continues to grow its lineup with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot designed around speed, rising tension, and escalating multipliers.
Set within a deep cosmic environment of glowing nebulae and radiant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern visual style. The bottom control panel reflects Dream Play’s signature polish — a centered spin button, sleek metallic controls, and a clean layout that keeps attention firmly on momentum and gameplay.
Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier
The base game moves at a rapid pace thanks to avalanche mechanics, where winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into place seamlessly.
Multipliers in the base game apply on a per-spin basis.
If a multiplier lands and connects with a win during that same spin, the payout is instantly boosted. Miss the connection, and it resets — keeping each spin dynamic and unpredictable.
The experience feels fast, immediate, and full of energy.
Bonus Game — Where the Adrenaline Builds
The pace shifts dramatically in the Bonus Game.
Once triggered — or activated through the Buy Bonus option — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors grow bolder, and symbol connections trigger subtle grid shake effects that add impact to every win.
The biggest change comes with the multiplier behavior.
In the bonus round, the multiplier no longer resets. Instead, it accumulates with every spin, even when no win lands. Tension builds as the value climbs spin after spin, until a winning cascade finally connects and the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated total.
Several quiet spins can stack significant potential, only for one sudden cascade to unleash it all at once. This is where Hyper Gems delivers its core rush.
Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity
Hyper Gems features distinct Big Win, Epic Win, and Mega Win pop-ups, each with unique animations and visual styling. Transitions are smooth, modern, and fast, designed to maintain momentum rather than disrupt it.
Every win feels lively and visually rewarding.
The soundtrack reinforces the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm that rises alongside multiplier growth and intensifies during cascades.
Combined with strong visual effects and subtle grid movement in the bonus round, Hyper Gems delivers a cohesive, high-energy experience.
With its avalanche gameplay, accumulating bonus multiplier, and maximum win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release focused on escalation, tension, and momentum.
Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems:
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems
The post Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Dream Play expands its portfolio with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot built around speed, tension, and multiplier escalation.
Set against a deep cosmic backdrop filled with glowing nebulae and vibrant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern presentation.
The bottom control panel follows Dream Play’s polished design approach — centered spin button, smooth metallic controls, clean layout — keeping the focus entirely on action and momentum.
Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier
The base game moves quickly thanks to avalanche mechanics — winning symbols disappear and new ones cascade into place without breaking the flow.
Here, the multiplier works per spin.
If it lands and a winning combination connects in that same spin, the payout is instantly amplified. If not, it resets — keeping the gameplay reactive and dynamic.
It’s fast. Immediate. Energetic.
Bonus Game — Where Adrenaline Builds
The real shift happens in the Bonus Game.
Once triggered — or accessed via Buy Bonus — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors become more aggressive, and during symbol connections the grid adds a subtle shake effect, reinforcing the impact of every hit.
Most importantly, the multiplier no longer resets.
Instead, it accumulates with every spin — even if no win lands. The tension builds. Spin after spin, the number grows. And when a winning combination finally connects, the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated value.
Several spins can quietly stack the multiplier — and then one cascade suddenly lands, amplifying the entire win in a single surge.
That is where Hyper Gems delivers its core adrenaline.
Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity
Hyper Gems features distinct Big, Epic and Mega Win pop-ups, each with its own animation style and visual identity. The transitions are dynamic, modern, and fast — designed to enhance momentum rather than interrupt it.
Every win feels energetic and visually impactful.
The soundtrack supports the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm, rising alongside multiplier growth and intensifying during cascades.
Together with the visual effects and subtle grid shake in the bonus round, the game creates a cohesive, high-energy presentation.
With its avalanche engine, accumulating bonus multiplier and max win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release built around escalation and momentum.
Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems.
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems
The post Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
-
betting terminals7 days agoMeridianbet Completes Fairbet Acquisition, Expanding Malta Retail Gaming Network Under Golden Matrix Group
-
Book of Sobek4 days ago
Hölle Games Releases Book of Sobek
-
ACMA4 days ago
ACMA: Six Wagering Providers Breach Gambling Self-Exclusion Rules
-
Africa4 days ago
Dive Into a Different Kind of Love This February with Springbok Casino’s ‘Whalentines Month’ and Claim 25 Free Spins
-
Australia4 days ago
Finalists Announced for Inaugural Regulating the Game Global Awards Following Strong Global Engagement
-
Latest News4 days ago
Thunderkick Unveils Pan’s Arcadia, a Utopian Wilderness
-
Danske Spil4 days ago
S Gaming lands in Denmark with Danske Spil
-
Alex Baliukonis Game Producer at BGaming4 days ago
Experience Olympic Excitement in BGaming’s Winter Trophy Hold & Win
