Gambling in the USA

Legal Sportsbooks Set To Spend Another Night At The Movies With Odds On 92nd Academy Awards

Published

6 years ago

January 22, 2020

Sportsbooks in New Jersey are the first offering movie buffs the opportunity to join their favorite actors, actresses, and directors as big winners from the 92nd Academy Awards. A year after New Jersey’s retail and online sportsbooks broke new ground in the United States by offering legal betting on the Academy Awards for the first time, the Garden State is once again offering odds on the Oscars, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 9.

To prepare for the movie industry’s star-studded night, PlayUSA has created a complete rundown of the Oscars at www.playusa.com/sports-betting/oscars, including odds on every major category, a pick sheet, what sites are accepting bets, and analysis on the races.

“Oscars betting was a hit in its first year in New Jersey, and we suspect that interest will only grow,” said Jessica Welman, betting analyst for PlayUSA.com and a movie historian who earned a degree in Cinema-TV Critical Studies from the University of Southern California, and a master’s in Film and Media Studies from Indiana University Bloomington. “We saw last year that bettors were less motivated by the favorites and more interested in backing their favorite films and movie stars. This year’s field of nominees has star power in front of and behind the camera, so that should help drive interest.”

New Jersey sportsbooks accepted an estimated $1 million in bets in the first year that it was offered, according to PlayUSA. And the Garden State is the only legal jurisdiction so far offering odds in 2020.

DraftKings became the first sportsbook to post the Oscars, followed by FOX Bet, and more are expected soon. DraftKings is offering odds on all 24 categories at the Academy Awards. In 2019, most books limited action to the six major Oscars categories, including best picture, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, and supporting actress.

“The top categories will undoubtedly draw the most interest,” Welman said. “This year, in particular, is shaping up to be a controversial one. Again, critics can point to a lack of diversity in nominations and some films, such as Joker, have received polarized audience reactions. But instead of fighting with friends about a movie’s merits, New Jersey movie buffs can quietly put their money where their mouth is.”

The four major acting categories all feature prohibitive favorites. Joaquin Phoenix (-1,667), for Joker, and Renee Zellweger (-1,000), for Judy, are the clear frontrunners for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Brad Pitt (-1,000), for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Laura Dern (-1,000), for Marriage Story, are the favorites for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Sam Mendes (-134), for 1917, and Bong Joon Hoo (+225), for Parasite, are leading a tight race for Best Director.

The closest major race appears to be for Best Picture, led by Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (+160) and 1917 (+200).

“Best Picture seems like a two-horse race between the two Golden Globe picture winners, 1917 and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Welman said. “While no one is arguing that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is Quentin Tarantino’s best film, the Academy is typically concerned with ensuring deserving nominees get rewarded. This could be the Academy’s last chance to give Tarantino the top prize, and that often carries a lot of weight.”

For more information and analysis on regulated online gaming in New Jersey, visit PlayUSA.com/news. For more Oscars information, visit www.playusa.com/sports-betting/oscars.

Andrea Mata

Teamsters at Park MGM Unanimously Ratify Strong First Contract

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

teamsters-at-park-mgm-unanimously-ratify-strong-first-contract

Front desk workers at Park MGM, represented by Teamsters Local 986, have unanimously ratified a strong first collective bargaining agreement. The two-year contract protects and rewards 82 workers, delivering higher wages, improved benefits, and stronger workplace protections.

The bargaining unit includes front desk clerks, head cashiers, rooms controllers, lobby ambassadors, and guest service representatives. They play a critical role in delivering a seamless and welcoming guest experience from check-in to check-out.

“Organizing with Local 986 was an easy choice that led to overwhelmingly positive results. This contract allows me to provide a better future for myself and my family. I’m very grateful for all the support throughout this process,” said Andrea Mata, a front desk clerk and proud member of Local 986.

Under the new agreement, workers will receive a 10% wage increase, improved benefits, and an enhanced pension plan. Workers will now have access to the Teamsters Health and Welfare plan that reduces their deductibles by lowering co-pays and out-of-pocket costs.

“This agreement shows what’s possible when workers come together and organize. Strong contracts are built on solidarity, and this victory delivers real improvements that raise standards across the industry,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.

“These members showed strength and determination from day one and it paid off. Winning a first contract like this is a big milestone that delivers immediate improvements while building lasting power for the future,” said Tim Vera, President of Local 986.

The post Teamsters at Park MGM Unanimously Ratify Strong First Contract appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Conferences

Digicode to Showcase Technology Solutions at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2026

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2026

Wladimir P.

digicode-to-showcase-technology-solutions-at-the-indian-gaming-tradeshow-&-convention-2026

Digicode announced its participation in the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2026, taking place March 30 – April 2, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center. The event is recognized as the largest gathering dedicated to the tribal gaming industry, bringing together tribal leaders, casino executives, regulators, and technology providers to explore the latest developments shaping the sector.

Organized by the Indian Gaming Association, the annual convention serves as a key platform for discussing innovation, regulatory developments, and strategic opportunities across both land-based and digital gaming ecosystems.

“At a time when tribal gaming organizations are increasingly exploring digital transformation and operational modernization, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention provides an important forum for collaboration,” said Elkhan Shabanov. “We look forward to connecting with industry leaders and sharing how modular technology architectures can help operators scale efficiently, improve operational control, and build platforms designed for long-term growth.”

During the event, Digicode will highlight its Diger Suite, a modular ecosystem of gaming technology solutions designed to help operators modernize infrastructure and reduce reliance on legacy systems. The platform enables gaming organizations to implement flexible, scalable technology stacks that support both current operations and future expansion.

Key solutions within the Diger Suite include:

DigerRGS – A next-generation gaming platform designed for high-throughput performance and full intellectual property ownership.
DigerPAM – A cross-market-ready player account management system that supports scalable user management and regulatory compliance.
DigerPay – A PSP-agnostic payment gateway supporting more than 200 payment methods with integrated real-time fraud protection.
DigerClick – A fully owned affiliate management platform offering customizable tools, campaign management, and performance analytics.
DigerCompanion – An AI-driven assistant designed to support multilingual player engagement, responsible gaming initiatives, and automated compliance workflows.

Digicode experts attending the convention will also share practical insights into how gaming operators can strengthen their technology infrastructure, streamline payment operations, automate player support processes, and maintain greater control over their digital platforms as the industry continues to evolve.

By participating in the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2026, Digicode aims to expand its engagement with tribal gaming organizations and technology partners and contribute expertise in platform engineering, payments infrastructure, and AI-driven operational tools.

The post Digicode to Showcase Technology Solutions at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

RubyPlay expands US footprint with West Virginia launch

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

rubyplay-expands-us-footprint-with-west-virginia-launch

RubyPlay, a studio-driven content ecosystem, has further strengthened its position in the regulated US iGaming market with its official launch in West Virginia, marking its third state entry.

The expansion brings RubyPlay’s distinctive portfolio of premium titles to the Mountain State, giving leading US operators access to high-performing games such as Vegas No Limit Wins SE, Mad Hit® Diamonds, and Mad Hit® Devil.

Operators in West Virginia will benefit from RubyPlay’s flexible content platform, built on shared technology, infrastructure, and distribution capabilities designed to meet individual partner requirements.

At the core of the offering is RubyPlay’s studio-based ecosystem, which includes market-specific studios like xSlots. These studios deliver localised content, bespoke game development, and faster time to market, helping operators create more tailored player experiences.

The move continues RubyPlay’s steady expansion across the US, following successful entries into New Jersey and Delaware. As the company builds momentum in regulated markets, the US remains a central pillar of its growth strategy, with plans to enter Pennsylvania in the near future.

“Our launch in West Virginia reflects RubyPlay’s ongoing commitment to expanding across regulated US markets,” said Dima Reiderman, Chief Commercial Officer at RubyPlay.
“Each new state allows us to strengthen our commercial presence while building valuable partnerships with leading operators.

“Through our studio-driven model, we enable operators to deliver content that aligns closely with their strategy and audience, creating more relevant and differentiated player experiences.”

The post RubyPlay expands US footprint with West Virginia launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.