Gambling in the USA
Land-based closures spark 100% rise in US ‘online casino’ searches – BonusFinder research
The closure of major US land-based gaming venues and cancellation of live sport has sparked a 100% rise in internet searches for ‘online casino’ across North America, BonusFinder.com research can reveal.
The research was carried out using Google Trends from February to the end of March this year and uncovered a sharp spike in players searching for ‘online casino’ following land-based venues switching off slot machines and sports events being rescheduled.
The tipping point came on 12th March when more US players searched for ‘online casino’ than ‘sports betting’ with numbers doubling in the following two weeks.
Since the repeal of PASPA in August 2018, 17 US states have regulated sports betting with only five, including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania opening up igaming.
Combined sports betting and online casino ‘handle’ across those US States was more than $1.7 billion in February 2020.
Sportsbook handle is expected to dramatically shrink in March and beyond with operators and states urgently looking to mitigate losses and make up shortfalls. As a result of the surge in online casino interest, lawmakers in states that have already regulated betting could consider fast-tracking igaming.
According to VIXIO GamblingCompliance, New Jersey alone generated $482.7 million in igaming Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2019 and $52m in February 2020.
Industry trade group, iDevelopment & Economic Association, for example, is already urging states to allow online casino games to replace disappearing revenue, including exploring how governors can use emergency powers to quickly allow online casinos to operate.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The five states that have opened igaming are seeing month-on-month revenue rises with New Jersey leading the way. It has a robust and responsible framework in place to protect players and has shown that online and offline casinos can operate together within the same territory and consistently generate very healthy returns.”
“This is a wake-up call for the 12 states that have already established an online sports betting regime. They should take note of the enormous interest in online casino from players and use this momentum to legislate igaming before we start seeing players turning to unlicensed, offshore sites and the black market.
“The demand will only continue to increase as this unprecedented situation continues, therefore now is the time to focus on providing best-in-class, regulated real-money online casino games that players can enjoy responsibly and that can also help state governments make up revenue shortfalls.”
Last month research carried out by BonusFinder.com monitoring the Swedish market uncovered a spike in Swedish players searching for a basket of black-market keywords. Almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations.
Gambling in the USA
Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million
Wind Creek Hospitality has announced the winner of its cross-property “Winner Takes All” casino promotion, which culminated in a championship event held at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. The event brought together finalists from across Wind Creek’s portfolio for a high-stakes grand prize championship competition and VIP Guest experience.
Finalists qualified through slot tournaments at their home properties and advanced through quarterfinal and semifinal rounds before earning their place in the final championship event in Chicago. The finale featured a series of timed slot tournaments held on June 13, progressively narrowing the field of competitors through elimination rounds until the final winner was determined.
At the conclusion of the tournament on June 13, Aaron Nelson from Wind Creek Atmore was crowned the winner of the “Winner Takes All” competition, claiming a $1,000,000 prize in the tournament’s final round, and earning the opportunity to compete for the promotion’s ultimate grand prize of up to $11,888,888. “Winner Takes All” finalists were also awarded more than $200,000 in cash and prizes in the finale tournament, including a $100,000 second-place prize followed up by a drawing with a $50,000 prize pool, including a $25,000 top prize and multiple $1000 prize winners.
In addition to the competition, finalists participated in curated Wind Creek Rewards experiences designed to highlight Chicago’s cultural and hospitality offerings. Experiences included a Chicago River architectural boat cruise and a guided Chinatown culinary tasting tour, alongside a welcome reception featuring food and beverage service. Travel and accommodations were provided by Wind Creek Hospitality as part of the finalist experience.
The “Winner Takes All” promotion marked one of Wind Creek Hospitality’s most expansive cross-property tournament experiences, combining competitive gaming with destination-based Guest programming and elevated hospitality.
The post Wind Creek Hospitality Celebrates “Winner Takes All” Champion After $1 Million Win, Chance at Up to $11.8 Million appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Brazil
Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection
Limited-run “Super By Superbet” launch includes the “Camisa Cafu,” with 150 numbered and signed units referencing his 150 Brazil caps.
Superbet honored former Brazil captain Cafu on Monday (15) with a campaign displayed on a Times Square billboard in New York City. The company said the activation promoted its “Super By Superbet” exclusive collection created for the 2026 edition, which includes a special piece dedicated to the player.
According to the company, Cafu attended the display in person, drawing a crowd of fans seeking photos and chanting his name in one of the city’s busiest tourist areas.
“The shirt is wonderful. I feel very happy for all the incredible moments I’ve experienced here. I receive so much affection everywhere I go. Receiving recognition while still alive is one of the best things in the world.”.
“It’s an inexplicable energy to feel the love of the Brazilian people for me, right there in Times Square. Only we Brazilians know what that means.”
The centerpiece of the launch, which Superbet said totals 3,000 pieces, is the “Camisa Cafu.” The item is a limited run of 150 numbered and autographed units, which the company said references Cafu’s 150 matches for the Brazilian national team, and includes the inscription “Jardim Irene,” highlighting the player’s roots.
The post Superbet honors Cafu with Times Square campaign for 2026 collection appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Choctaw Casino & Resort
Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant announced its first millionaire of the summer late Saturday evening as part of the 2026 edition of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Douglas C. from Norman, Oklahoma, became the First of three lucky Choctaw Rewards Club members to become an instant millionaire this summer.
Douglas who was very surprised to hear his name, said he plans to give a portion of his winnings to a few charities.
“I don’t feel any different. Being a millionaire is a state of mind and how you deal with folks and what you do to make this world a better place,” he said.
Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant is also taking the excitement of “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” to the winner’s hometown and will make a $10,000 donation to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice.
In addition to crowning a new millionaire, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant also held its first-ever bonus drawing for $250,000, where Eden H. from Richardson, Texas, was the winner. This new addition will take place on each million-dollar drawing day, one hour after the grand-prize drawing.
“We are thrilled to announce our first millionaire of the summer. By the end of this summer, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant will have made 12 Choctaw Rewards Club members millionaires through this promotion. This truly is where millionaires are made. This is an incredible, life-changing opportunity for our rewards club members, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide it. We look forward to continuing to innovate ways to create exciting opportunities for guests to win here at Choctaw,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of gaming and hospitality for Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant.
The next $1 million drawing will be held on Saturday, July 11, and the winner must be present to claim their prize.
The post Oklahoma Man Wins $1 Million in Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant’s first “3 Months. 3 Millionaires.” Drawing of 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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