Gambling in the USA

Hard Rock International Unveils Star-Studded Cast In Big Game Commercial

Published

6 years ago

January 31, 2020

Jennifer Lopez stars, cameos from DJ Khaled, Alex Rodriguez, Pitbull, and Steven Van Zandt in “The Hype,” directed by Michael Bay

Ahead of its primetime premiere, Hard Rock International reveals an all-star celebrity line-up, featured in the Michael Bay production titled, “The Hype.” The first Big Game commercial for both the brand and South Florida-based filmmaker, “The Hype” follows global superstar Jennifer Lopez on a thrilling pursuit through the world’s first Guitar Hotel® at the newly expanded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, encountering a few familiar faces along the way.

Hard Rock International will debut its first Big Game commercial at the end of the first half of the event broadcast on February 2, 2020, which takes place at the state-of-the-art Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida.

“The Hard Rock brand has celebrated and archived iconography and memorabilia that is synonymous with the best of music and entertainment,” expressed megastar Jennifer Lopez. “I hope this fun, action-packed spot filmed at The Hard Rock’s Guitar Hotel & Casino will continue to add to that tradition.”

Hard Rock tapped filmmaker Michael Bay to create a highly visual, fast action commercial that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. Bay’s repertoire – with film credits including, “Armageddon,” the “Transformers” series, and “Bad Boys” – name recognition and deep roots in South Florida make him the ideal fit for this powerful collaboration.

Joining Jennifer Lopez in the spot are GRAMMY® Award winning artist and producer DJ Khaled, who just announced a residency with Hard Rock International; GRAMMY® Award winner Pitbull; former Major League Baseball All-Star Alex Rodriguez; and singer-songwriter/actor Steven Van Zandt.

“The Big Game is a global sporting event that incorporates music and entertainment, two cornerstones of the Hard Rock brand,” said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International. “As one of the most recognizable brands in the world, this is the perfect platform for Hard Rock to collaborate with immensely talented star power, including Michael Bay, one of the world’s greatest producers and directors. We’re confident that ‘The Hype’ will captivate millions of viewers.”

In conjunction with the spot, Hard Rock’s “Live Like a Legend” $2 Million Giveaway will also be launching on hardrock.com. Details on how to enter will be announced in the upcoming days.

Since the brand’s inception in 1971, Hard Rock has been synonymous with music and entertainment, as evidenced by 35,000 live shows annually across the portfolio, celebrating contemporary, emerging and legendary artists worldwide. This is also displayed in Hard Rock’s curated music memorabilia, which includes the world’s most valuable collection of more than 83,000 music items and pop-culture artifacts. Along with unique memorabilia adorning the walls, every property offers stylish design, unparalleled service and a unique vibe. With 31 hotels and 12 casinos currently operating around the globe (and exploration of more than 17 property deals in the pipeline), in addition to 251 iconic Hard Rock Cafes, Hard Rock is recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, offering guests an immersive music experience relevant to all generations.

For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos around the globe, visit hardrock.com.

Gambling in the USA

S Gaming ignites US expansion with Fanatics Casino partnership

Published

4 days ago

February 12, 2026

Wladimir P.

s-gaming-ignites-us-expansion-with-fanatics-casino-partnership

S Gaming, the fast-growing developer of highly entertaining online slots and casino games, has taken another major step in its US expansion strategy by securing a partnership with leading operator Fanatics Casino.

As part of the agreement, Fanatics Casino will exclusively roll out S Gaming’s standout title, Triple 7 Jackpot, across regulated iGaming markets including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.

What Makes Triple 7 Jackpot Stand Out?

Triple 7 Jackpot delivers a classic slot experience infused with vibrant neon energy. At the heart of the game is its signature Triple 7 feature, which remains visible on-screen throughout gameplay. Players can unlock this feature by landing three Bonus 7 symbols in a single spin.

Once activated, the feature awards one bonus spin and a chance to land the impressive 500x Jackpot prize, adding significant win potential to the experience.

In addition, players can trigger Free Spins by landing three Scatter symbols during the base game, awarding seven Free Games and further opportunities to boost winnings.

Strengthening a Growing US Presence

The partnership with Fanatics Casino marks another milestone in S Gaming’s ambitious US growth strategy. The studio’s focus on sustainable entertainment and accessible, casual gameplay is already resonating with American players.

Charles Mott, CEO and Co-Founder of S Gaming, highlighted the importance of the deal:

“Fanatics Casino needs no introduction and is one of the powerhouse brands in the regulated US market. We’re thrilled to see Triple 7 Jackpot added to its casino lobby and to bring the game to players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan for the first time.”

Mott also noted that the company now works with two major US operators—Fanatics and BetMGM—with additional partnerships expected in the coming months.

Enhancing the Fanatics Casino Portfolio

Fanatics Casino views the collaboration as part of its ongoing strategy to elevate its game offering.

Kieron Shaw, Senior Manager at Fanatics Casino, commented:

“We’re committed to expanding our portfolio to enhance the player experience, which is why we continue to partner with innovative studios like S Gaming. Their focus on fun, combined with strong win potential, brings something fresh and exciting to our platform.”

With this latest launch, S Gaming continues to cement its position in the competitive US iGaming landscape, leveraging premium partnerships to deliver engaging slot experiences to players nationwide.

The post S Gaming ignites US expansion with Fanatics Casino partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M

Published

2 weeks ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal-sports-betting-—-november-wagers-top-$965m

The Arizona Department of Gaming today highlighted a major milestone: the upcoming Super Bowl will be the fifth played under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. Since regulated event wagering launched in 2021, Arizona’s oversight—guided by state law and Tribal-State Compacts—has aimed to protect consumers, preserve integrity, and generate public revenue.

Key November 2025 figures: strong wagering growth

In its latest monthly report, the Department said Arizona bettors wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events in November 2025 — about a 7.5% increase versus November 2024. The state collected roughly $5.5 million in privilege fees for the month.* Fiscal year-to-date privilege fees total $26.3 million (about $25.7M from event wagering and $637,399 from fantasy sports).

Arizona also recorded its highest monthly event wagering in October 2025 with $967,141,269, and the second-highest in November 2025 with $965,233,844.*

Regulated framework and consumer protections

Arizona’s regulated model requires licensed operators to follow statutory rules, Tribal-State Compacts, and ongoing regulatory oversight. The Department conducts audits, compliance reviews, and integrity controls designed to prevent fraud and illegal activity. Licensed event wagering operators remit privilege fees, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue — with 90% of those fees directed to Arizona’s General Fund to support state programs and priorities.

There are currently fourteen licensed event wagering operators approved to offer wagering in Arizona, each subject to ongoing Department review and potential audit adjustments.

Responsible play and support resources

The Department emphasizes the importance of using state-licensed event wagering and fantasy sports apps or retail locations. For guidance and safety tips, players are encouraged to visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.

For individuals and families affected by problem gambling, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling offers confidential, subsidized treatment and resources statewide at problemgambling.az.com.

* Disclaimer: Monthly operator figures are self-reported and subject to adjustment after Department audits and review. The Department does not guarantee the final accuracy of the self-reported totals.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal Sports Betting — November Wagers Top $965M appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting

Published

2 weeks ago

February 5, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

arizona-department-of-gaming-marks-fifth-super-bowl-of-legal,-state-regulated-sports-betting

Department additionally releases November event wagering and fantasy sports numbers

The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) today recognized that the upcoming Super Bowl will mark the fifth Super Bowl conducted under Arizona’s legal, state-regulated sports wagering framework. This milestone reflects five years of regulated event wagering operating pursuant to Arizona state law, Tribal-State Compacts, and comprehensive regulatory oversight designed to protect consumers, uphold integrity, and generate public revenue.

“The regulated gaming market in Arizona plays a critical role in ensuring a safe environment for sports wagering – offering responsible entertainment options to millions of Arizonans,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “During major events such as the Super Bowl, regulated gaming supports economic activity, sustains industry jobs, and generates consistent funding that helps finance important local and state programs and priorities.”

Since the launch of regulated event wagering in 2021, the Department has built and executed a regulatory system that serves Arizonans through alignment with consumer protections, responsible gaming, fraud prevention, and more— across major sporting events and marquee games such as the Super Bowl.

The Department oversees licensed event wagering operators through ongoing regulatory processes, audits, and compliance reviews. These efforts are designed to ensure adherence to statutory requirements, responsible gaming standards, and integrity controls, including protections against fraud and illegal activity. Licensed operators are also required to remit privilege fees to the State of Arizona, which are deposited into the state’s General Fund.

As enacted by the Arizona State Legislature and through the 2021 Amended and Restated Tribal-State Compacts, the State of Arizona allows for eligible operators to apply to the Department for an event wagering license. Today, there are fourteen licensed event wagering operators. Event wagering licensees pay privilege fees to the state, calculated as a percentage of gaming revenue, with 90 percent of the fees flowing to the state’s General Fund.

On a monthly basis, the Arizona Department of Gaming releases event wagering and fantasy sports figures. Today, it released its latest reporting of monthly figures – covering November 2025, in which bettors in Arizona wagered approximately $965 million on sports and events. This represents an approximate 7.5 percent increase when compared to November of 2024. The state collected approximately $5.5 million in privilege fees in the month.*

To view the full report, see: gaming.az.gov/resources/reports. Fiscal year-to-date regulated event wagering and fantasy sports privilege fees in Arizona have totaled $26.3 million, including $25.7 million in event wagering and $637,399 in fantasy sports.*

In its five-plus years since the launch of sports betting, the Department saw its highest event wagering activity recorded in October 2025 with a total of $967,141,269 – and the second highest record in November 2025 with a total of $965,233,844.*

To learn about why it’s important to play with a state-licensed event wagering or fantasy sports app or retail location this Super Bowl, visit Check Your Bet at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet, an initiative of the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling provides resources statewide to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling. Services include access to confidential, subsidized treatment options. Visit problemgambling.az.com to learn more.

* Disclaimer: These numbers are self-reported by the operators; as such, these numbers are subject to adjustments after audit and review by the Arizona Department of Gaming. The Department makes no assurances regarding the accuracy of these numbers.

The post Arizona Department of Gaming Marks Fifth Super Bowl of Legal, State Regulated Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.