Gambling in the USA

SPORTS DATA COMPANY BETEGY RAISES CAPITAL FROM JKR INVESTMENT GROUP FOR U.S. EXPANSION; RETAINS GLOBAL GAMING EXPERT BILL PASCRELL FOR BOARD POST

Published

5 years ago

November 19, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

BETEGY, a sports data content production service based in Warsaw, Poland, has raised a new round of investment capital from JKR Investment Group, to support its ambitious United States expansion plans.

To help guide its U.S. growth, the company has retained Bill Pascrell, III, Esq., as a supervisory board member. Pascrell, a globally recognized gaming industry attorney, advisor and strategist, is a partner in Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc., a public policy consulting and advocacy firm.

Betegy is an automated content creation system which turns complex sports data into engaging graphics, animations, banners, widgets and texts. Using machine learning algorithms, the service provides betting operators and media companies with analytics and data visualization by generating high-quality, personalized content.

Founded in 2012, Betegy clients include ESPN, Tipico, Ringier Axel Springer, Bwin, Yahoo Sports, Sportsbet.io, and Winners.net. With JKR’s financial investment and Pascrell’s management insights, Betegy plans to help U.S media companies, gaming operators and professional sports leagues to gather and display complex data from multiple sources, in fast and easily understood formats.

The European JKR Investment Group specializes in investments in the tech entertainment industry, helping ambitious start-ups and growing companies to build profitable entertainment businesses using its wide network and in-depth industry expertise. The Group invests in the igaming, digital marketing, fintech, and esports sectors.

Alexander Gusev, CEO and Managing Partner of JKR, expects the JKR investment “will strengthen our ecosystem and help Betegy to compete successfully in the dynamic and growing market. We are delighted to extend our portfolio with investment into the industry innovator: Betegy is an excellent example of how a service can help clients amplify their specialists’ resources, releasing them from routine production. Operators, sports leagues and online media, their users and wider communities will benefit from Betegy’s leading data technologies and services”

Widely known for his gambling industry expertise and successful advocacy among national and state policymakers, Pascrell represents dozens of clients from around the world including Hard Rock International, Golden Nugget, GVC Holdings, Lottoland, Monmouth Park Race Track, Meadowlands Race Track, PointsBet, PokerStars, Amaya, A Game Above, Hexigames, GiG, and BetMakers.

Pascrell’s work has been pivotal for several major gaming industry milestones including the successful legalization and regulation of U.S. sports betting through a 10-year campaign to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 landmark ruling. He also led the successful campaign to bring legalized and regulated online gaming to the U.S. in 2013.

Pascrell said, “Joining Betegy as a new Supervisory Board member provides a great opportunity and responsibility toward a growing U.S client base. Led by Alex Kornilov, CEO & Founder, Betegy has combined cutting-edge technology with a powerhouse management team for a truly global reach. Betegy is a strong and dynamic company that has the tools and leadership to penetrate the U.S. market and to provide unique data content to its growing U.S. clientele.”

Kornilov explained, “This is a new chapter for Betegy clients as together we change the approach to data-driven content production globally. Our partnership with JKR Investment Group is more than a financial backing of our vision. We gain in-depth industry expertise and access to a wide network, which will accelerate our growth.

“At the same time,” he added, “Bill Pascrell’s long experience in U.S. and global markets will be invaluable as he helps us to navigate new markets. His experience is vital for Betegy’s success in the U.S.”

2026 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention

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

Published

4 hours 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.