Gambling in the USA
Illegal Gambling Opponents Call on State, County Health Departments to Order Immediate Shutdown of ‘Games of Skill’ Machines
An advocacy group battling against the explosion of illegal gambling across Pennsylvania is calling for an immediate shutdown of so-called ‘games of skill’ due to public health concerns related to spread of Coronavirus.
The unregulated and illegal machines, which have proliferated in gas stations, corner stores, restaurants, clubs and bars throughout Pennsylvania, pose risk as conduits of the Coronavirus. The National Institutes of Health this week released a study that found that virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days on surfaces. The scientists found that the virus survives for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
“At a time in which Pennsylvania casinos have made the difficult but appropriate decision to shut down to protect the health of their patrons, employees, and the public, these machines continue to attract gamblers of all ages,” said Peter Shelly, spokesperson for Pennsylvanians Against Illegal Gambling (PAIG). “You don’t have to be a health expert to know that the extended period of times in which players interact with these machines could accelerate the spread of Coronavirus to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
PAIG is calling on the Pennsylvania Department of Health as well as county health departments throughout the Commonwealth to order business owners to immediately shut down any machines operating in their establishments.
While Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses, many of these machines exist in businesses that remain open because they offer essential products and services. Shelly noted that the Governor’s order (issued on March 19) mandates that “Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries” must close.
Shelly emphasized that the emerging threat underscores the risks associated with unregulated gambling, which likely is being magnified by gamblers having fewer options amid the crisis.
The estimated 20,000 illegal machines operating in Pennsylvania divert revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery that provide vital programs for older Pennsylvanians as well as casino revenues, a portion of which is distributed to counties for public improvement projects and programs.
Lottery officials recently testified that the machines could divert $200 million in funding this year for senior centers, low-cost prescription drugs, and programs such as Meals on Wheels. Lottery officials estimate that for every games of skill machine placed in a Lottery retailer, the Lottery loses approximately $2,284 per machine per month.
“With casinos shuttered and Pennsylvanians making the wise choice to stay at home we are already facing a perfect-storm scenario that will negatively impact revenues available to help older Pennsylvanians and our communities,” Shelly said. “The continued operation of these machines pose enormous risks to the short-term health of Pennsylvanians and the long-term health and stability of the entire Commonwealth.”
SOURCE: Pennsylvanians Against Illegal Gambling
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
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.
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.
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