Gambling in the USA

Circa Resort & Casino to Open in Downtown Las Vegas Ahead of Schedule on October 28, 2020

Published

6 years ago

June 19, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The, CEO and developer Derek Stevens announced his newest Downtown Las Vegas property, Circa Resort & Casino, will debut October 28, 2020.

Previously slated for a December 2020 launch, the 1.25 million-square-foot integrated casino-resort will open with its first five floors of amenities and state-of-the-art parking hub – Garage Mahal – ahead of schedule. Upon completion, the resort will have approximately 1,000 employees.

To achieve this timeline, Stevens reallocated construction resources from Circa’s hotel tower to the first five floors. Slated for completion at the end of 2020, the tower will house Circa’s 777 rooms and suites starting on the eighth floor; room reservations will go live June 24. Guests looking to visit prior to the tower opening can reserve rooms at the D Las Vegas or Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, also owned by Stevens, and enjoy access to Circa’s pool in addition to its public amenities.

“Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and 2020 has been an unpredictable year for the entire world,” said Stevens. “However, thanks to the creativity and ingenuity from our partners at McCarthy Building Companies Inc. and Tré Builders, we can move forward on this accelerated path and have an opening unlike Las Vegas has experienced. We are excited to see what the future holds and to give visitors and locals something to celebrate.”

A glimpse into Circa’s offerings:

World’s Largest Sportsbook – Circa’s three-story, stadium-style sportsbook will boast a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen – viewable throughout its two-story casino with a capacity to host up to 1,000 guests. Operated by Stevens’ sports betting venture Circa Sports, the third floor will have a dedicated broadcast studio for Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN).
Pool Amphitheater – Operating 365 days a year, Circa’s pool amphitheater will become an outdoor destination for sports watching, events and parties. Guests can catch the biggest games and televised events broadcast on a 14-million-pixel screen presiding over Circa’s six temperature-controlled pools and two spas.
Original Restaurants – Circa will house several exciting original restaurant concepts, including delicatessen fare at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from legendary restaurateur Paul Saginaw; premium steaks and seafood at Barry’s Downtown Prime from Chef Barry S. Dakake; Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ; and all-star menus at Victory Burger & Wings Co. from the founding family of American Coney Island.
Two-Story Casino – Circa’s two-story casino will feature 1,350 slot machines and 49 table games.
Vegas Vickie – Las Vegas’ beloved neon kicking cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, will make her return to Downtown Las Vegas as a must-see feature in the resort’s lobby. Vickie first appeared on the dazzling Downtown landscape in 1980, and after a much-needed makeover, she is ready for her grand return to Fremont Street.
Garage Mahal – The first fully integrated ride-share hub conceived for a new gaming resort, Garage Mahal’s high-tech design and thoughtful features will make it the most convenient parking and transportation venue in the city. Clean and well-lit with an emphasis on service and safety, Garage Mahal will contain stunning art installations; a seamless Uber and Lyft experience; a quick in-and-out format for drivers; and an air-conditioned bridge connector to the resort.

8 East from Downtown Las Vegas’ Chef Dan Coughlin will open in December 2020.

Paying homage to Las Vegas’ history, Circa will be a modern casino experience founded on the original principles of old-school hospitality. Fusing the glamour of vintage Vegas with modern luxuries and cutting-edge technology, guests can expect top entertainment while enjoying honest and friendly service.

SOURCE Circa Resort & Casino

2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention

BMM Innovation Group to Advise Tribal Leaders on Compliance, Cybersecurity and Training at IGA 2026

Published

42 minutes ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

bmm-innovation-group-to-advise-tribal-leaders-on-compliance,-cybersecurity-and-training-at-iga-2026

BMM Innovation Group, an international technology firm offering compliance testing, cybersecurity, and training services for the regulated global gaming sector, today declared its backing and involvement in the 2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention (IGA) from March 30 to April 2 at the San Diego Convention Center. With its three leading brands, BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training®, BIG maintains its enduring dedication to supporting Tribal regulators, suppliers, and operators throughout North America.

The BMM Innovation Group serves as a sponsor for the show, highlighting its evident and continued commitment to the Tribal gaming community. The Company is dispatching representatives from BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training to engage with Tribal leaders and industry partners during the event.

BMM Chief Government and Regulatory Officer Travis Foley said, “Tribal gaming has always been central to BMM’s story. We are honored to support the Indian Gaming Association and to continue working alongside Tribal suppliers, regulators, and operators to strengthen compliance, protect players, and support sustainable growth across Indian Country.”

At the conference, BIG specialists will participate in multiple key educational sessions aimed at assisting Tribal gaming organizations in enhancing operations, security, responsible gaming, and human resources:

Peter Nikiper, Director-Technical Compliance, will deliver Level III Commissioner Training on Network Risk Assessment, helping regulators better understand today’s evolving technology risks.
Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales at BIG Cyber, will moderate the panel Cyber Defense Fundamentals: Protecting the Gaming Enterprise, focused on practical strategies to strengthen cybersecurity readiness.
Wendy Anderson, CEO of RG24seven Virtual Training, will speak on the responsible gaming panel, Innovate. Protect. Heal: The Future of Tribal Problem Gambling Prevention Begins Here, and will also moderate the HR-focused session, Workforce Sustainability: Building Talent Pipelines That Actually Hold.

BMM Innovation Group provides Tribal gaming organizations an all-encompassing range of services via BMM Testlabs, BIG Cyber, and RG24seven Virtual Training, which includes product testing and certification, cybersecurity safeguards, and compliance-focused virtual training tailored for gaming staff.

The post BMM Innovation Group to Advise Tribal Leaders on Compliance, Cybersecurity and Training at IGA 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Fredrik Liljewall CEO at PlayStar

Strive Gaming Partners with PlayStar Casino to Expand Presence in New Jersey

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

strive-gaming-partners-with-playstar-casino-to-expand-presence-in-new-jersey

Strive Gaming, the contemporary multi-state, multi-tenant platform provider designed for the North American market, has unveiled a new collaboration with prominent online casino operator PlayStar.

According to the agreement, Strive will offer its top-tier PAM technology, aiding PlayStar’s ongoing expansion throughout North America. PlayStar is set to transition its New Jersey operations from its existing player account management (PAM) provider to the Strive platform, with subsequent launches planned in more regulated areas, such as Ontario and Alberta in Canada.

PlayStar chose Strive after a comprehensive assessment as it sought a platform partner that could facilitate its long-term goals throughout North America. Strive’s exclusive emphasis on the U.S. market, along with the robustness and scalability of its technology, distinguished it as the obvious partner of choice.

Max Meltzer, CEO at Strive Gaming, said: “PlayStar is a highly ambitious operator with a clear vision for building one of the leading casino brands in North America. They were looking for a platform partner that understands the realities of operating in the U.S. and Canada and can support them as they scale across multiple regulated markets.

“Our focus on North America, combined with the strength and flexibility of our platform, made this a natural fit. Both companies are on strong growth journeys and share similar ambitions for the region, so we’re excited to support PlayStar as they continue to expand.”

PlayStar Casino has quickly established itself as one of the success stories of the regulated North American casino market. The company has successfully built meaningful market share and a strong player following. Partnering with Strive marks the next stage in its growth strategy as it looks to expand further across North America.

Fredrik Liljewall, CEO at PlayStar, added: “As we continue to scale our presence across North America, selecting a platform partner with a strong regional focus and the ability to support our long-term ambitions was critical.

“Strive’s technology, deep understanding of the North American market, and collaborative mindset made them the clear partner for PlayStar. We look forward to working closely together as we migrate our New Jersey operations and expand into additional jurisdictions, including Canada.”

This partnership marks another important milestone for Strive Gaming, which now supports more B2B PAM customers in the U.S. than any other platform provider. The addition of PlayStar further strengthens Strive’s growing portfolio of operators and reinforces its position as a supplier of choice for ambitious brands looking to launch and scale in the North American market.

The post Strive Gaming Partners with PlayStar Casino to Expand Presence in New Jersey appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gambling in the USA

PENN to Open the New Hollywood Casino Aurora to Public on June 24

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

penn-to-open-the-new-hollywood-casino-aurora-to-public-on-june-24

PENN Entertainment Inc. has announced that it expects to open the new land-based Hollywood Casino Aurora to the public on Wednesday, June 24, pending customary regulatory approvals. This will be the second all-new PENN property to open in the Chicagoland region following the grand opening of the land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in August 2025.

The new $360 million entertainment destination is being developed across from Chicago Premium Outlets, located near Interstate-88 in Aurora. The state-of-the-art property will feature a luxurious hotel, more than 1200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, outdoor entertainment area, full-service spa, premium bars and restaurants, a 12,000 square foot event center and approximately 1700 parking spaces. The Company expects to employ approximately 700 team members at the new casino, which nearly doubles PENN’s existing employee roster in Aurora.

“We are now months away from opening another premium entertainment destination in the greater Chicago region. We are thrilled to follow the successful rollout of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based property, strengthening our overall retail portfolio in the Midwest and deepening our roots in the community,” said Jay Snowden, CEO and President of PENN Entertainment.

Hollywood Casino Aurora will feature an upscale 226-room hotel offering a variety of standard rooms and suites, as well as a beauty and wellness space, Drift Spa.

The new property will also be outfitted with numerous world class dining experiences for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, PENN has partnered with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to open Sorella by Giada. The Italian-California fusion restaurant will offer approximately 170 seats for indoor and outdoor dining, a contemporary bar and private dining options.

Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality (MCH), will include Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard; Five50 Pizza, a pizza concept from the renowned chefs at MCH; and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. Additional restaurant partners that will be unique to Aurora’s Boulevard Food & Drink Hall will be announced in the coming weeks.

“These popular restaurateurs will provide our customers with amazing dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora. Together with our hotel, event center, spa and additional amenities, patrons will experience a vibrant atmosphere at this new area attraction,” said Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at PENN Entertainment.

The 12,000 square foot event center will be equipped to host a variety of events, including meetings, conferences, weddings, galas, entertainment and more. Entertainment bookings are already underway, and the first public events will be announced soon.

Additional details related to the grand opening of the new casino will be provided in advance of June 24. The Company expects to work with the Illinois Gaming Board on the transfer of operations from the existing Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is located on the Fox River in downtown Aurora, to the new landside facility as the opening date nears.

In conjunction with this $360 million project, PENN expects to receive $225 million in funding from Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. near the project’s opening, at a 7.75% capitalization rate. By the end of the year, the Company also expects to receive the remaining $21 million of the $50 million in funding being contributed by the City of Aurora by year end.

The post PENN to Open the New Hollywood Casino Aurora to Public on June 24 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.