Gambling in the USA
Hard Rock International Unveils Star-Studded Cast In Big Game Commercial
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.
BetMGM
BetMGM Named US Home of Gold Blitz™ by Games Global
Games Global has named BetMGM the official “home of Gold Blitz
” in the US, with BetMGM Casino and Borgata Online Casino set to debut new titles from the popular franchise ahead of a wider market rollout.
As part of the agreement, BetMGM players will benefit from early access to upcoming Gold Blitz
releases, allowing them to experience the latest gameplay features and innovations before they are introduced across the broader US market.
The partnership builds on the continued success of the Gold Blitz
franchise, which has become one of Games Global’s most recognisable and high-performing mechanics.
Leading the rollout, BetMGM will be the first US operator to launch Gold Blitz Express
, the fourth instalment in the series. The new title introduces the Blitz Express feature, further enhancing gameplay depth and win potential. Additional releases, including Blazing Bison Gold Blitz Ultimate Double X, are scheduled to follow, reinforcing the ongoing expansion of the franchise.
Globally, Gold Blitz
has delivered strong results, consistently ranking among Games Global’s top-performing game families and attracting over one million active players in 2025 across partner operators.
The agreement further strengthens the relationship between Games Global and BetMGM, supporting the operator’s efforts to drive player engagement across regulated US markets.
Joann Pierce, Chief Commercial Officer US at Games Global, said:
“Gold Blitz
has become a cornerstone of our portfolio, delivering strong performance across multiple markets. Partnering with BetMGM to bring new releases to players first reflects our shared commitment to premium, engaging content. Early access initiatives like this allow us to showcase innovation while supporting our partners’ growth.”
Oliver Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Gaming at BetMGM, added:
“We’re committed to delivering top-tier gaming experiences, and Gold Blitz
represents one of the most exciting game families in the market. Being first to launch these new titles ensures our players enjoy cutting-edge gameplay ahead of the wider industry.”
Responsible Gaming:
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, support is available. In the US, call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, or visit BetMGM.com for full terms and eligibility requirements. 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly.
The post BetMGM Named US Home of Gold Blitz™ by Games Global appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Cryptocurrency
Paysafe Introduces “Pay with Crypto” to Meet US iGaming Demand
The new product powered by MoonPay allows players to easily deposit using stablecoins and cryptocurrencies at iGaming and daily fantasy sports companies.
Paysafe, an international payment platform, today revealed the introduction of Pay with Crypto, a novel cryptocurrency payment option for iGaming operators and daily fantasy sports companies in the U.S. market. Enabled by MoonPay, the top provider in worldwide crypto payments and stablecoin systems, Pay with Crypto enables customers of iGaming brands to conveniently use their chosen stablecoin or cryptocurrency to fund their player accounts, where allowed.
Approximately 70.4 million American adults are said to own cryptocurrency, and Paysafe’s research shows that 83% of U.S. players are interested in crypto payments, prompting the company to introduce Pay with Crypto to satisfy this demand. A player wishing to fund their iGaming account with USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin, or any leading cryptocurrency can now use Paysafe’s new payment option for operators’ cashiers, which allows for quick conversion of their crypto deposit to U.S. dollars for gameplay.
Upon choosing Pay with Crypto and their desired stablecoin or cryptocurrency, players just link their crypto or custodial wallet to complete the deposit, while the MoonPay Commerce Checkouts technology also facilitates transactions through QR code using users’ mobile devices. After verifying the transactions, Pay with Crypto immediately converts crypto deposits into U.S. dollars to credit the player’s account.
The flexibility inherent in the Pay with Crypto solution also applies to operators, who can opt to settle payments nearly instantly in stablecoins within their business crypto wallet, or in U.S. dollars or other major fiat currencies via MoonPay’s Virtual Accounts driven by Iron.
Operators can enhance their cashiers with Pay with Crypto via a single, seamless integration of the Paysafe Gateway, designed specifically for iGaming and utilizing the company’s 30 years of worldwide expertise. The Gateway, which already features seamless card payments, the Skrill digital wallet, the PaysafeCash eCash option, a Pay by Bank service, and over 30 local payment methods, is further diversifying its services by introducing Pay with Crypto to cater to changing transactional preferences.
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “Galvanized by the growing popularity of stablecoins, cryptocurrency is evolving in the U.S. from an investment asset into a unit of value for payments, and we’re seeing this shift gather pace in the country’s iGaming market. Against this backdrop, we’re delighted to unveil Pay with Crypto, a forward-thinking solution that strongly positions U.S. operators for their customers’ changing transactional preferences – the future of how they pay when they play.”
Ivan Soto-Wright, Founder and CEO of MoonPay, commented: “Crypto rails are making payments faster and more efficient, and our job is to close the gap between this technology and real-world utility. People shouldn’t have to convert their digital assets just to make a purchase – they want to use what they already have. Paysafe brings that experience to more people through trusted, regulated platforms.”
The post Paysafe Introduces “Pay with Crypto” to Meet US iGaming Demand appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Andrea Mata
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.
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