Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Happy Valley Casino plans to begin operations in April as Centre County’s first casino property The venue will feature 30 table games, over 700 slot machines, and a full-service dining experience A 12-week paid dealer school is scheduled, with applications opening in October and classes starting December and January New Casino Set to Transform Regional Gambling Landscape Happy Valley Casino is preparing for an April opening that will establish the property as Centre County’s first casino. Officials are targeting a workforce of approximately 300 employees at launch, with…

Key Moments: A survey by the Youth Network Against Gambling reported that 94 percent of respondents aged 12-25 have used claw machines Regulatory challenges persist due to fragmented enforcement under Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 Authorities have recently impounded unauthorized claw machines near schools in several Thai provinces Popularity Among Young Players A survey conducted by the Youth Network Against Gambling has revealed that claw machines, commonly referred to as crane grabbers, have gained substantial popularity among Thai children and young adults, despite classification as gambling devices under national law.…

Key Moments: Boyd Gaming is investing $750 million to develop a resort casino in Norfolk slated for a 2027 debut, with a temporary facility opening in November. City leaders anticipate that the casino will help revive downtown nightlife, which dwindled after heightened law enforcement reduced crime. Boyd Gaming estimates the project will deliver 2,850 construction jobs, 850 permanent roles, and $2.9 billion in economic impact over a decade. Major Casino Development Underway in Norfolk Norfolk is on track to launch its first casino, joining three other Virginia cities, as Boyd…

Key Moments: Two Omaha residents have received federal prison sentences for transporting over $350,000 stolen from Grand River Casino The leading perpetrator behind the phone impersonation scheme has yet to be apprehended Similar imposter-led scams targeted multiple casinos in 2023 and 2024 Imposter Call Triggers Grand River Casino Theft Two men from Omaha, Nebraska have been sentenced after participating in the theft of more than $350,000 from the Grand River Casino in Mobridge, South Dakota. The incident took place after a casino employee was deceived by a phone caller pretending…

Key Moments: Senate Bill 511 aims to make informal social wagering contests legal among Michigan residents The proposed legislation caps wagers at $25 per person and 100 participants per contest Michigan casinos and federally recognized tribes have expressed concerns about constitutional and tribal gaming implications Understanding Social Wagering Senate Bill 511, introduced by Michigan Senator Veronica Klinefelt, seeks to legalize casual betting activities between individuals within genuine social relationships. Known as social wagering, this practice is distinct from commercial gambling and typically involves friends or acquaintances betting small sums on…

Key Moments: City of Dreams Sri Lanka has integrated JCM Global’s transaction and payment solutions into all its electronic gaming machines. The iVIZION and ICB systems provide enhanced security, real-time reporting, and support for over 120 currencies. The property opened last month as South Asia’s first integrated resort, launching alongside updated national gambling regulations. Technological Advancements Redefine Casino Operations City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Melco Resorts’ flagship project, has rolled out JCM Global’s payment technology across its casino floor. All electronic gaming machines now use advanced bill validators that recognize…

Key Moments: Research by the Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) reveals a growing trend of illegal gambling operators targeting minors through online platforms. Psychological tactics, including peer pressure and fake winnings, are used to entice young individuals, with specific campaigns such as the Back-2-School bonus aimed at students. Minors are reportedly able to deposit money at illegal casinos using youth bank accounts from Dutch banks, according to research from May and November 2024. Young Audiences Targeted Through Online Channels The Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) reports that illegal gambling operators and their…

Key Moments: Panelists at SiGMA Euro-Med 2025 have emphasized the importance of preparation, transparency, and early communication with regulators for successful mergers and acquisitions in the gaming industry. Challenges discussed include cross-border legal complexities, evolving regulations in markets like Finland, and increased scrutiny of private equity ownership structures. The necessity of collaboration between gaming companies and regulatory authorities has been highlighted as a way to streamline transactions and safeguard business interests. Preparation and Planning: Setting the Foundation for Success In the fast-evolving world of gaming, mergers and acquisitions are driving…

Key Moments: Gamban has launched its service in Japanese, designed to enhance accessibility for Japanese-speaking users The company collaborated with Tokyo-based designers to create a website tailored for users in Japan Input from The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction has helped ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy Enhanced Access for Japanese Speakers Gamban has unveiled its platform in Japanese, aiming to help individuals in Japan more easily utilize its gambling blocking software. This step has removed existing language barriers, paving the way for more Japanese speakers to seek support in managing…

Key Moments: Digicode has launched the DiGER iGaming platform, focusing on operator ownership, flexibility, and transparency. DiGER uses a one-time licensing model, granting operators full control over infrastructure and codebase without recurring fees. Several tier-two operators are evaluating DiGER for their 2025 expansion plans. Feature-Rich Platform Designed for the Modern iGaming Market Digicode has introduced DiGER, a next-generation platform tailored to meet the needs of operators and game publishers seeking autonomy, adaptability, and clarity in their iGaming operations. Offering a one-time licensing model, this solution enables operators to oversee their…