Department is continued for six years to regulate an extensive portfolio: tribal gaming, event wagering and fantasy sports, horse racing and simulcast wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts

State budget includes a 20 percent increase in problem gambling treatment and prevention appropriations

The Arizona Department of Gaming (Department) announced today that with Governor Hobbs’ signature on Senate Bill 1671, the Department has received continuation approval by the Arizona State Legislature, which periodically reviews state agencies for performance and authority. Additionally, through Senate Bill 1847 and the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the Department’s Division of Problem Gambling received expanded expenditure authority, enabling additional investments in problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services across Arizona.

“Arizona first established the Department of Gaming in 1995 – and more than thirty years later, we remain excited about world-class regulation benefiting the entire state,” said Jackie Johnson, Department Director. “I’m grateful to Governor Hobbs and leaders in the state legislature, particularly continuation bill sponsor State Senator Shawnna Bolick, who thoroughly reviewed our agency with a deep commitment to public service, and I am pleased that the Department secured its continuation, which will allow us to strengthen our focus points in robust consumer protection and integrity.”

The Department, the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission, and the Arizona Racing Commission are continued by the legislature for six years, per the enactment of Senate Bill 1671, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, in the 2026 legislative session that adjourned on June 12, 2026. This continuation affirms the Department’s and both Commissions’ authority to carry out the roles and responsibilities delegated by the legislature.

The Department’s Division of Problem Gambling marked the legislative session with the passage of a new state budget that grants $4,000,000 in total authorized spending for the Division. The $4,000,000 authority represents a 20 percent increase from the FY26 budget. Additionally, the legislature granted an annual $500,000 expenditure authority for the agency to use Event Wagering funds to support problem gambling. Finally, the Division will have grant oversight authority for the first time– allowing the Division to expand programs to assist those in need.

“The new state budget will strengthen longstanding investments in problem gambling assistance made possible through partnerships with Arizona’s Tribal Nations and the Arizona Lottery,” said Elise Mikkelsen. “We continue to see strong demand from individuals and families seeking information, resources, and treatment for gambling-related harm. This increased funding will help us expand the continuum of care and ensure more Arizonans have access to effective, inclusive, and timely support.”

In addition to supporting the Division in state-wide access to problem gambling prevention and treatment, the Department is actively engaged in responsible gaming and safer play initiatives. Now in its first year of the campaign, the Department’s Take Back the Game initiative in partnership with the Arizona Media Association is raising awareness of gambling self-exclusion options available through the agency. The campaign, which runs in English and Spanish across Arizona media outlets, lets viewers know that if gambling is no longer fun, they can Take Back the Game and self-exclude from Arizona casinos, sportsbooks, and fantasy sports operators. Also in 2026, the Department’s Too Young to Bet campaign emphasizes the risks associated with youth gambling.

To learn more about the Arizona Department of Gaming, visit gaming.az.gov. To learn more about problem gambling prevention and treatment, visit problemgambling.az.gov.

SCCG Management, a global advisory firm specializing in the gambling and sports entertainment industries, has announced a strategic partnership with Beyond Bancard, a full-service payment processing company headquartered in Orange, California. The partnership positions SCCG as Beyond Bancard’s market representation and business development channel into the gaming, sports betting, tribal gaming, and regulated entertainment sectors.

Beyond Bancard provides credit and debit card processing, POS systems, payment gateways, and merchant services to businesses across retail, e-commerce, live events, hospitality, B2B, and high-compliance verticals. The company serves thousands of merchants nationwide and holds PCI Level 1 compliance, the highest standard for payment security and has built a reputation for solving complex payment challenges in markets where compliance, scalability, and reliability are critical.

Under the partnership, SCCG will deploy its commercial network, media footprint, and industry relationships to identify, qualify, and introduce gaming and entertainment operators to Beyond Bancard’s payment processing platform. Target verticals include tribal casino operators, commercial casino groups, online gambling operators covering sports betting, online lottery, and online casino, sweepstakes platforms, sports entertainment companies, and other regulated-industry merchants that require compliant payment infrastructure.

“Payment processing is the connective tissue of every gaming operation, and most operators are underserved when it comes to finding processors who understand the compliance requirements of this industry. Beyond Bancard brings a mature infrastructure, a strong compliance posture, and real experience working with high-volume merchants. That is exactly the kind of partner our network needs.”

Stephen Crystal, Founder and CEO, SCCG Management

SCCG’s engagement with Beyond Bancard spans four service areas: industry network access and lead generation, marketing and content distribution, event sponsorship and activation, and strategic advisory on market positioning within the gaming vertical. Beyond Bancard will be featured across SCCG’s marketing channels, including the SCCG Weekly Newsletter, which reaches over 26,000 gambling industry professionals, LinkedIn amplification through Stephen Crystal’s professional network, and targeted thought-leadership content.

Beyond Bancard will also participate as a named sponsor of SCCG’s 5th Annual G2E Party on September 29, 2026 at Tom’s Watch Bar in Las Vegas, providing branding visibility and direct networking access to SCCG’s invite list of gaming industry executives and decision-makers.

“The gaming industry requires payment partners that understand far more than transaction processing. Operators need scalable infrastructure, strong banking relationships, sophisticated risk management, seamless pay-in and payout capabilities, and a deep understanding of regulatory compliance. SCCG has built one of the most respected networks in gaming, and we’re excited to partner with their team to bring our payment solutions to operators around the world. Together, we believe we can help gaming businesses navigate complexity, optimize payment performance, and unlock new growth opportunities.”

Jimmy Virk, Chief Executive Officer, Beyond Bancard

The partnership reflects a growing need among gaming operators for payment processing partners who can navigate the compliance, risk management, and regulatory demands of the gambling industry. Beyond Bancard’s experience across high-compliance verticals, combined with SCCG’s established operator network and market intelligence, creates a direct commercial pathway between operators seeking compliant payment infrastructure and a proven processing partner.

About SCCG Management

SCCG Management is a global advisory firm with more than 33 years of experience connecting clients to strategic partners across the gambling industry. With an ecosystem of over 130 gaming-related partner companies, SCCG provides market representation, business development, capital introductions, and managed services to operators, technology providers, and brands worldwide. For more information, visit sccgmanagement.com.

About Beyond Bancard

Beyond Bancard is a leading payment and merchant services company based in Orange, California. The company provides payment processing, POS technology, payment gateways, and risk management services to businesses across retail, e-commerce, hospitality, gaming, B2B, and highly regulated industries. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and long-term partnerships, Beyond Bancard helps businesses navigate complex payment environments while delivering secure, scalable, and reliable payment solutions. The company maintains PCI Level 1 compliance and operates as a registered ISO/MSP of Esquire Bank, Merrick Bank, and Mission Valley Bank. For more information, visit beyondbancard.com.

Gaming Realms has partnered with BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, to launch Marilyn Monroe Slingo. The new title celebrates one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars whose legacy continues to resonate a century after her birth.

Developed exclusively for BetMGM, the game combines the glamour of Marilyn Monroe with Gaming Realms’ unique Slingo mechanic, blending the excitement of slots with the familiarity of bingo to create an engaging player experience.

Inspired by the elegance of Hollywood’s golden age and launched as part of celebrations marking the centennial of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, the game features luxury-themed symbols and stylish visuals as players spin the reels, match numbers on the Slingo grid and climb the prize ladder in pursuit of rewarding wins.

The release further strengthens the successful partnership between Gaming Realms and BetMGM, while showcasing the provider’s ability to create bespoke branded content that helps operators differentiate their offering and engage players through recognisable entertainment brands.

Ian Robson, Commercial Account Management Lead at Gaming Realms, said: “We are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with BetMGM through the launch of Marilyn Monroe Slingo. Working closely with BetMGM, we’ve created a bespoke title that captures the glamour and excitement associated with Marilyn Monroe while delivering the engaging gameplay that Slingo fans know and love.

“We look forward to seeing players enjoy this release and the unique blend of entertainment and Slingo action it offers.”

Rob Passerino, BetMGM’s Director of Gaming, said: “Partnering with Gaming Realms allows us to combine an iconic figure with the proven, popular Slingo format. Bespoke games like this are central to how BetMGM differentiates and we are confident our players will love celebrating Marilyn Monroe’s centenary with this new release.”