Sen. Mike Maroney, 56, was suspended from his duties as chair of the Senate’s Health and Human Resources Committee. That’s after being charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

On Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges in Marshall County Magistrate Court.

Caught on Camera

Maroney was spotted on security video by two female employees of Gumby’s Cigarette & Beer World in Glen Dale, near Wheeling, WV, “committing an act of sexual gratification” in the bar’s slots parlor, according to prosecutors. The alleged incident occurred on August 4 at about 1 p.m. and no one else was in the room at the time.

Senate President Craig Blair (R) told local Fox and ABC affiliate WCHS-TV Wednesday that Maroney had been relieved of his responsibilities so he could dedicate time to his “personal issues.”

The facts that have emerged are troubling, and I am disappointed,” Blair said. “However, in this time, our primary focus is on the well-being of Senator Maroney.”

Blair added that he would offer prayers for his “friend Mike” and his family “as he deals with these issues.”

Maroney was elected to the state Senate in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. He had just months to serve after losing his bid for a third term in the 2024 primary.

He previously raised eyebrows in 2019 when he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting a prostitute. The charge was later dropped for lack of evidence.

Gaming Champion

The senator’s longtime support of the gaming industry in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle might explain his presence at the video gambling establishment. However, his alleged behavior while there was “not up to the standard of what we expect from our elected leaders in the State Senate of West Virginia,” Blair noted.

He has also been a champion of sports betting. Again in 2020, he co-sponsored a bill that would have permitted betting on political events, although the events of this week were not a political outcome even the wiliest bettor could have predicted.

Maroney has been released on a $3,500 bond.

The post West Virginia Senator Exposed Himself in Slots Parlor, Prosecutors Claim appeared first on Casino.org.

The External Security Organization (ESO) is also looking into how privately procured gambling machines shipped under diplomatic cover from Russia ended up at the Consulate Building, according to a recent report by Ugandan newspaper The Daily Monitor.

Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s parliament Thomas Tayebwa said last week that the situation was a violation of domestic, UAE, and international law. He demanded answers from the government.

Not So Diplomatic

Tayebwa is concerned that the misbehavior of diplomats could impact bilateral relations between the two nations, causing difficulties for the 70,000 Ugandans who live and work in the UAE.

“Parliament pushed for this consulate to extend support and services to Ugandans who are thousands living in Dubai. Surprisingly, turning the consulate into a casino and a gambling house contravenes the laws of UAE, our laws and international laws governing diplomatic premises,” Nkunyingi said.

“As well, we want to know what disciplinary, diplomatic, and administrative steps have been undertaken to address this development,” he added.

It contained “a big dining table, a small dining table, legs for tables, bar chairs, souvenirs, and decorative wheels,” according to the inventory documents.

The shipment was only permitted to proceed after Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Mozes Kizige, intervened. He assured customs officials that the items “were not for industrial or commercial purposes” and would be “used exclusively for official needs by the embassy in order to perform functions under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

All Systems Go

The consignment arrived in the UAE on October 20, 2023 aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight from Moscow. It was scheduled to be stored at the Dubai Consulate for three months before being transferred to Uganda where it was destined for a hotel owned by an unnamed government official.

But the machines remained in the consul for at least six months, where they were “mounted and operated” by two Ugandan nationals. These individuals were assigned as special envoys with diplomatic credentials, according to the Monitor.

The plug was pulled on the operation when Uganda President Yoweri Museveni reportedly caught wind of it and ordered the machines to be removed, the Monitor reports.

Gambling has always been illegal in the UAE – at least, until last week, when the country’s recently formed gaming regulator approved its first lottery license. This has prompted speculation that the Emirates could be on the road to legalizing casinos.

The post Ugandan Diplomats in Hot Water for Running Illegal Casino in Dubai Consulate appeared first on Casino.org.

The Caesars Foundation, the company’s corporate giving arm, provided more than $3 million in grants to national groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a nonprofit that it has long supported. The foundation also established a new partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, which closely aligns with Caesars’ pursuit of environmental sustainability. Arbor Day is a nonprofit dedicated to planting trees.

“We’ve always believed that we are better together, and the Caesars Makes Change program is a testament to that,” said Anthony Carano, president & COO of Caesars Entertainment.

Carano is the grandson of Don Carano, the founder of Eldorado Resorts. Eldorado acquired Caesars in 2019 through a reverse takeover valued at approximately $17.3 billion.

Caesars Beneficiaries

The Caesars release revealed that the Caesars Foundation contributed $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with $827,110 going to the national organization and the remaining $172,890 going to local chapters where Caesars operates.

“Through the generosity of our guests, we were able to not only provide our Foundation grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America this year, but we were also able to provide additional funds raised by our patrons, allowing Boys & Girls Clubs to continue to provide invaluable resources in communities across the country. We’re proud to offer the Caesars Makes Change program in our casinos nationwide to provide resources to organizations in the communities where we live, work, and play,” Carano added.

Caesars’ generosity has enhanced our ability to impact the lives of countless young people, fostering their growth and potential,” said Andy Bischel, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. “Their commitment to our mission enables us to continue to offer life-changing opportunities to our members, setting them on a path to a Great Future.”

Along with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Arbor Day Foundation, Caesars made donations to:

• The WASH Foundation (formerly Clean the World)
• International Center for Responsible Gaming
• Meals on Wheels America
• National Park Trust
• Public Education Foundation
• Second Wind Dreams
• IX’s Foundation
• Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada

Change Adds Up

Many gamblers dispose of vouchers worth less than a dollar instead of waiting in a cashier or kiosk line. It’s illegal for another person to pick up a discarded ticket in most regulated gambling states.

Casinos benefit from keeping the change, and it adds up.

Discarded vouchers hit a peak in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 when the nation experienced a coin shortage and many casino cages were unable to pay small credits. Caesars piloted its Caesars Makes Change Program in 2021 and has since expanded the initiative across its US casinos.

The post Caesars Entertainment Foundation Donates $3.1M to Nonprofits Nationwide appeared first on Casino.org.

The aftermath of the seismic win was videoed by “Chainsaw” himself and posted to social media Tuesday.

It occurred after a 12-hour session on Aristocrat Leisure’s Buffalo Power Pay slot. Kessler, who was in town to play the RunGood Series poker event, was betting $125 per spin during the session and was down $12,500 when the stars aligned.

‘So Surreal’

Three-time WSOP Circuit Ring-winner Kessler is an eccentric figure in the poker community, much loved for his endearing and fastidious obsession with the proper rules of the game and for railing against occasional statistical injustices inflicted by the poker gods.’

On social media, Kessler likes to post about the shocking price of food in Las Vegas, although dinner may be on him for some time to come. And he’ll never be able to talk about bad beats ever again.

“Omg, this just f###in happened. Covers my entire WSOP debacle with $1m to spare,” Kessler wrote in a tweet accompanying the video of his win.

It was so surreal,” Kessler told Casino.org Wednesday after he’d had some time to recover. “I’ve seen that wheel spin a million times, and it’s frequently a near miss, stopping at the one before or after the $1.2 million spot. When it stopped on the jackpot, my jaw dropped.”

While many poker players eschew slots and other casino games for their negative expected value, Kessler is a big fan and even plans his poker tournament schedule around events that are attached to real casinos so he can play them when he busts.

It’s relaxing, he says, and he can afford it, although he admits that he was betting way higher than usual on Tuesday. He also enjoys the comps casinos lay on for their big-spending players, such as the free rooms and food.

Chainsaw’s Biggest Gambling Win

Despite being among a select group of people to have cashed more than 100 times at WSOP events, Kessler says this is his biggest gambling win “by far.”

All that was left was to decide whether to take the lump sum up front, or a series of payments over 20 years. He opted for the lump sum because “with my diet, I may not live 20 years.”

Do you plan to do anything special with the money, we ask.

“Not really, I’ll just keep plugging along,” says Kessler.

The post Poker Player Allen ‘Chainsaw’ Kessler Talks About His $1.2M Slot Jackpot at Thunder Valley Resort appeared first on Casino.org.

Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler was the lucky jackpot winner during a 12-hour slots session during which he was betting $125 per hand.

I can’t believe that,” he was heard to say on a video after winning the money. “Oh my God… Did that really happen… I’ve been sitting here 12 hours.”

The amount won on the machine was just under $1,210,108.

Kessler later posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Nothing is bothering me today.”

“Omg this just f***n’ happened!,” he added in another post announcing the win.

Kessler won the jackpot while playing a Buffalo Power Pay slot machine manufactured by Aristocrat Gaming.

The Las Vegas resident was described in a casino statement as a “loyal patron” of Thunder Valley for over 10 years. He takes part in poker tournaments and often plays slot machines at the Lincoln, Calif. gaming property.

“I have been very lucky at Thunder Valley over the years, and I love coming here,” Kessler said in a statement.

Kessler is also known for his poker success. He’s taken part in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and has won four WSOP Circuit rings along with approximately $2.3M, according to the BroBible website. At the recent 2024 WSOP in Las Vegas, he won about $30K.

Kessler’s career earnings are more than $3.87M, according to Wikipedia.

Palms Casino Player Collects $2.1M

A mystery visitor to Las Vegas’s Palms Casino Resort won more than $2.1M on Friday. The person had bet $3 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine manufactured by International Game Technology.

The win took place when the player from Texas had less than a dollar left on the slot.

Other details on the win weren’t revealed by the casino.

Seminole Hard Rock Player Wins $1.3M

An unnamed player won $1.3M last week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The lucky person had bet $25 on a Golden Century Dragon Link game made by Aristocrat Gaming.

The exact amount of the jackpot was $1,300,847.68.

Pai Gow $2.2M Jackpot at The Venetian

A visitor to The Venetian Las Vegas took home a record-setting Pai Gow win on July 21.

The payout was $2,211,469 after the player was dealt a seven-card straight flush.

A $5 side bet led to the progressive jackpot.

Treasure Island Slot Win

An unnamed visitor to Treasure Island Las Vegas casino won $122,720 on July 16. The player had bet $3 on a slot machine.

The casino didn’t identify the winner, but said the person resides in Texas. The player won the money on a Monte Carlo Spin and Win slot machine.

The post Jackpot: Allen Kessler Wins $1.2M on California Casino Slot Machine appeared first on Casino.org.

In February, IGT and Everi announced a $6.2 billion deal in which the pair of the lottery giant’s units would merge with Everi. Apollo slightly topped that price in what is the largest announced acquisition this year in the gaming industry. Under the terms of the deal, Apollo will pay $4.05 billion in gross proceeds to IGT and $14.25 a share to Everi investors — a 56% premium to that stock’s July 25 closing price. Rumors surfaced last September that Apollo was interested in the IGT assets.

The acquisitions of IGT Gaming and Everi by the Apollo Funds are cross-conditioned. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Everi stockholders, and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2025. IGT shareholder approval is not required for the transaction,” according to a statement.

Everi is scheduled to release second-quarter results on Aug. 9, but due to the Apollo announcement, the slot machine manufacturer will not host an earnings conference call.?IGT will proceed with its earnings call on July 30 because it remain a publicly traded company focusing on lottery operations and sales following the Apollo transaction.

Apollo Deal Appears Better for IGT Investors

In June 2023, IGT announced it was considering strategic alternatives for its global gaming and PlayDigital units. At that time, it was expected that IGT’s slot machine business alone could fetch $4 billion to $5 billion in a sale.

“Post-transaction, IGT is a better-capitalized lottery pure-play. Overall, solid lottery industry and company-specific trends continue, in our view, with potential new innovations to drive SSS ahead (potential Mega Millions price increase, etc.),” wrote B. Riley analyst David Bain in a note to clients today.

When the Apollo transaction is completed, IGT will change its name and stock ticker, “becoming a premier pure play lottery business,” according to the statement.

Deal Could Be Harbinger of More Gaming M&A

Apollo is familiar with the gaming device business? as it was previously the largest investor in PlayAGS (NYSE:AGS), which is also in the process of being acquired. The private equity firm liquidated that stake in November 2022.

Bain says the deal with IGT and Everi could be a sign of more gaming industry consolidation activity to come because buyers can find targets that are more valuable than current share prices imply.

“We continue to believe active M&A in the gaming industry demonstrates intrinsic values are much greater than current public valuations,” added the analyst. “Apollo is well-known by both investors and the gaming industry, and we believe it is well-suited (and capitalized) to assist in the combination of IGT and EVRI and support the combined company’s strategic initiatives. Net, we believe IGT Gaming and EVRI are stronger with Apollo.”

Indeed, Apollo is familiar to gaming investors as the private equity firm is frequently tied to an array of industry takeover rumors and it currently operates the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip as well as other wagering assets.

The post Apollo Surprises With $6.3B Bid for Everi, IGT Gaming Biz appeared first on Casino.org.

In a note to clients previewing upcoming reports from gaming device manufacturers, Stifel analyst Jeffrey Stantial said Light & Wonder (NASDAQ: LNW) and PlayAGS (NYSE: AGS) are likely to beat estimates for the June quarter while International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) should meet Wall Street forecasts. Everi (NYSE: EVRI) could miss estimates. IGT is merging its global gaming and PlayDigital units with Everi in a $6.2 billion deal announced in February. That should clear up the IGT investment thesis, putting more focus on the company’s highly profitable lottery segment.

For IGT, our proprietary lottery sales tracker shows still muted ‘core’ sales, though content phasing & a potential Mega Millions price adjustment should bolster growth beginning in 2H24,” wrote Stantial.

The analyst rates IGT a “buy” though he noted second-quarter sales of lottery tickets and scratchers likely trended lower.

“We believe soft core lottery trends mostly reflects well-discussed jackpot fatigue, though ongoing softness in low income consumer spend and implications from persistent inflation & higher gas prices bear watching,” said the analyst. “Based on our analysis of weekly Powerball & Mega Millions sales data, we estimate sales of multi-state jackpot games were inline year-over-year.”

Attractive Valuations Available Among Gaming Tech Stocks

Shares of slot machine manufacturers are mixed this year, but there are some standouts. For example, Light & Wonder is up 28.71% since the start of 2024.

“Forward 1-year enterprise value/earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EV/EBITDA) multiples are -37% to -17% below long-term averages ex-LNNW, on Street estimates that seemingly embed stable casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) and North American slot replacement cycle,” according to the analyst.

Stantial observed that it’s possible slot supplier stocks could benefit from lower interest rates, but added stock selection in the group will be paramount going forward.

Gaming Tech M&A Outlook Subdued

There have been signs of elevated consolidation activity in the gaming technology industry this year, namely in the form of the aforementioned IGT/Everi merger and Brightstar Capital Partners $1.1 billion offer for PlayAGS, which has been opposed by some investors. Last week, Evolution AB announced it’s buying Las Vegas-based Galaxy Gaming for $85 million.

In aggregate, those deals highlight appetite among buyers for gaming tech firms, but a more competitive headwinds for smaller suppliers and depressed valuations on small-cap consumer cyclical stocks could keep a lid on large-scale mergers and acquisitions activity over the near-term.

“While we don’t envision further large-scale M&A for our direct supplier coverage, we believe elevated M&A activity should help provide a floor for valuations while changes in ownership/execution on integration will need to be closely monitored for market share opportunity/risk,” concluded Stantial.

The post Gaming Tech Earnings Outlook: Solid Trends, Encouraging M&A Signs, Says Analyst appeared first on Casino.org.

The rock ‘n’ roll-themed integrated resort casino is located north of Miami and south of Fort Lauderdale. The property is owned and operated by Hard Rock International, which is fully owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Hard Rock revealed this week that for a fourth consecutive year, its Hollywood casino has awarded more than $1 billion in jackpots. The milestone in 2024 was eclipsed on June 12 when a Hard Rock Unity X-Card loyalty member from Ohio snagged a nearly $6K jackpot playing Buffalo Link.

For the fourth consecutive year, we have awarded more than $1 billion in jackpots,” said Bo Guidry, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. “We are dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences and ensuring that each visit to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is truly unforgettable.”

Since 2021, Hard Rock Hollywood has paid out more than $6 billion in slot machine jackpots.

Jackpot Every 47 Seconds

In a press release on the momentous feat of at least $1 billion in jackpots being awarded for a fourth straight year, Hard Rock revealed the overwhelming majority of the jackpots have been relatively small wins.

The casino defines a jackpot as any win that necessitates a slot attendant to pay out the prize and deliver the lucky gambler a W-2G IRS tax form. The IRS tax threshold remains at $1,200, though there have been recent calls for the US Treasury to increase its slot prize trigger. ?

Hard Rock detailed that there’s been a jackpot won on its Hollywood casino floor every 47 seconds in 2024. The Hollywood casino spans 150,000 square feet and offers 2,500 slots, nearly 200 live dealer table games, and a Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.

The casino’s newest offerings include 10 craps and 20 roulette tables, as made possible by the tribe’s revised gaming compact reached with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in 2021.

Hard Rock Coming to Las Vegas?

Hard Rock built the world’s first-ever Guitar Hotel in 2019 through a $1.5 billion expansion of the Hollywood resort. The company is now embarking on a second Guitar Hotel by way of Las Vegas.

Hard Rock closed The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip this week to undergo a full renovation of the resort into a rock ‘n’ roll-themed resort not unlike Hard Rock Hollywood.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas, as the property will be known, is slated to open in the spring of 2027.

The post Hard Rock Casino Hollywood Has Doled Out $1B in Jackpots So Far This Year appeared first on Casino.org.

In a lengthy statement posted to its website, the MGCB said it “refutes” questions about the “legitimacy of its efforts to protect citizens by combatting illegal gambling.” The MGCB continues to work with law enforcement to seize gambling machines from small businesses and underground gambling dens that have tried to circumvent Michigan’s gaming code on claims that they’re skill-based amusements and redemption games similar to arcades.

As the regulatory authority overseeing the three Detroit commercial casinos and online gaming in Michigan, the MGCB is committed to upholding the integrity of the state’s gambling regulations and ensuring a fair and responsible gaming environment for all citizens,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “It is essential to clarify that these casino-style electronic gaming machines are not exempt from Michigan’s penal code, and individuals operating or utilizing them are subject to enforcement actions by the state.”

The MGCB says its investigations have determined that grey gaming machines labeled skill entertainment by their manufacturers have established that their operations are nearly identical to a slot machine. The state agency contends that winning a skill game depends primarily upon chance and circumstances beyond the control of the player.

Not Mincing Words

State gaming regulators warn small businesses that continue to house unlicensed slot machines or games cleverly designed to circumvent Michigan’s gaming laws that they risk prosecution.

Law enforcement and MGCB gaming officials stress that skill games and other nonlicensed gaming machines provide no consumer safeguards or player protections.

“This lack of oversight poses significant risks, particularly when minors can access these machines, potentially increasing the likelihood of future gambling problems among youth,” the MGCB statement continued.

Williams added the presence of casino-style electronic gaming machines in restaurants and other small businesses amounts to “grooming” minors to become future gamblers.

This can have damaging consequences on their future well-being, potentially desensitizing them to the negative impacts of gambling, leading to addiction and financial problems later in life,” Williams opined. “Kids don’t need access or exposure to slot machines when they go out to enjoy a burger and fries or a pizza.”

The MGCB says host businesses that knowingly house unregulated gambling machines face various penalties, including the loss of their liquor and lottery licenses, criminal prosecution, and monetary fines.

Education and Compliance?

The MGCB continues to emphasize the importance of gambling in a regulated environment. The agency says its goal is “education and compliance,” and asks anyone with information regarding illegal gambling operations to notify the board at [email protected].

“The proliferation of online gaming platforms has led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, and this action serves as a stern warning to overseas companies that flouting local regulations will not be tolerated,” said Williams. “The MGCB remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Michigan’s laws and regulations and will continue to actively monitor and enforce compliance within the state to ensure a fair and secure gaming environment for all.”

The post Michigan Gaming Control Board Doubles Down on Skill Games Opposition appeared first on Casino.org.

The suit, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, claims Pixel is breaking the law by promoting its social casino apps.

Pixel offers social casinos on platforms such as Facebook, Apple, and Android via its subsidiaries Big Fish, Product Madness, and Plarium. All three of these companies were acquired by Aristocrat in the 2010s as the company strategically sought to cash in on the exploding social games market.

Social casinos allow users to play simulations of casino games with virtual play-money chips. Typically, players are given a free stack of virtual chips when they sign up but must pay real money for more once the first stack is expended if they want to continue to play.

Dopamine Hit

The lawsuit claims that Aristocrat’s social casinos should be subject to the same regulatory standards as land-based, real-money slots in Australia.

That’s because “the pairing of audiovisual stimuli with the experience of winning virtual currency” has the effect of rendering users “psychologically conditioned to perceive a successful outcome … [and] … has the result of releasing dopamine” — just like gambling, according to the complaint.

Unlike land-based slots, or “pokies” as they are known colloquially, Aristocrat’s social slots do not disclose the odds of winning, nor do they have financial time limits for players, the lawsuit complains.

“These games do not meet the definition of gambling service under the [law]. Aristocrat companies take proactive steps to provide more information, choice, and support to players of their social casino apps, over and above any legal requirements,” a spokesperson told The Australian Financial Review.

Big Fish Fried

In March 2021, Aristocrat, along with Big Fish’s former owner, Churchill Downs, settled a class-action lawsuit brought by former Big Fish players in Washington State for US$155 million. That followed the 2018 shock ruling by a federal court in Seattle that the virtual play chips used in the games constituted “something of value,” despite their lack of direct monetary worth.

This meant Big Fish games could be classed as “gambling,” which Washington state defines as “risking something of value on the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence to receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.”???

The problem is, Australia does not have a clear, all-encompassing definition of gambling on a federal level. The closest occurs in Section 4 of its Interactive Gambling Act (2001), which was enacted in response to the rise of online gambling.

In the act, a “gambling service” is defined as including, among other things, “a?game played for money or anything else of value.”

Aristocrat told the AFR that it intended to “vigorously defend” itself, emphasizing that its social casino games are played solely for entertainment.

The post Aristocrat Faces Lawsuit in Australia Over ‘Illegal’ Social Casino Games appeared first on Casino.org.

The mystery guest from Middle Village, New York, hit the jackpot with a royal flush. He was playing three-card poker.

The exact payout was $436,588. The lucky winner won’t be spending the loot. Instead, he will invest the cash.

He was in Las Vegas while his unnamed nephew was playing in the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

$642K Won in Blackjack Game

A lucky Mohegan Pennsylvania casino blackjack player collected $642K on June 30 at the gaming property.

The unnamed Plains Township, Pa. man was at the Wilkes-Barre, Pa. gaming complex.

No word on how he will spend the newly found money.

Local Man Collects $270K at The Orleans

An unnamed Las Vegas man won almost $270K while playing Pai Gow Poker at The Orleans Hotel & Casino on June 28.

He won with a seven-card diamond straight flush with a Joker.?His exact jackpot was $269,965.

He had bet $1 for a progressive jackpot and another $10 for a fortune bonus.

Valley Forge Casino Player Wins $363K

A mystery player won over $363K while playing blackjack at Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge Casino Resort on June 18.

He won at the King of Prussia, Pa. property after getting a royal flush in diamonds. The total payout was $363,145.30.

He hit the jackpot with a Super 4 progressive. That’s an optional $5 side bet for blackjack.

The dealer got blackjack — or the up card for the dealer was an Ace.

The payout includes the player’s initial two cards with the dealer’s blackjack.

A “Must Hit By” jackpot can be awarded to a player who has an active Super 4 wager.

IP Casino Resort Guest Hit Over $162K

A visitor who traveled from Illinois to IP Casino Resort Spa, located in Biloxi, Miss., won more than $162K on June 18.

The winner, who was identified as “Duane,” collected $162,868.67 from a slot jackpot.

He wagered a $5 bet on a Dollar Storm Caribbean Gold game.

It’s made by Aristocrat Gaming.

$160K Won at Hard Rock

An unnamed player won $160K while on a slot machine at Mississippi’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi on June 13.

The payout took place in the casino’s high limit room.

The player had wagered $200 on a Double Diamond Deluxe slot machine.

They are made by International Game Technology.

The post Jackpot: Paris Las Vegas Player Wins $436K With Royal Flush appeared first on Casino.org.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City said in a release that a lucky gambler arrived at the Boardwalk resort on June 26. The man, who wished to remain anonymous following his life-changing win, told casino staff that he had never been inside a casino before that day.

He inserted $100 into a Wheel of Fortune slot machine and says he was down about $90 when one of his final $10 spins hit the progressive jackpot. The payout was nearly $1.6 million at $1,593,457.33.

We weren’t voted the luckiest casino for nothing,” Hard Rock Atlantic City said in a press release and on its social media channels. “Congratulations to the winner of the life-changing $1.5 million jackpot. This guest was playing with a $10 bet and $1 denomination.”

In February, Hard Rock was named the luckiest casino in New Jersey based on user reviews on Tripadvisor.

Payout Not Immediate

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City features 2,425 slots and 130 live dealer table games. The Wheel of Fortune slot the anonymous player won the nearly $1.6 million progressive jackpot will be paid out over a 20-year annuity, game manufacturer IGT confirmed.

The Wheel jackpot ranks within the top five slot wins in the history of Hard Rock Atlantic City. The casino celebrated its sixth anniversary last month.

IGT says its Wheel games are the most popular slot machines in the US commercial and tribal gaming industries. Since debuting the branded slots based on the popular syndicated game show in 1996, IGT says 1,180 millionaires have been created via Wheel jackpots.

The Wheel slots have delivered over $3.5 billion in jackpot prizes, and, on average, someone wins a jackpot worth at least $100K every 72 hours.

Beginner’s Luck

The lucky Hard Rock player is the envy of millions of longtime casino gamblers who have never won a slot jackpot anywhere near the $1.59 million prize he claimed.

The term “beginner’s luck” has no traceable origins but refers to the idea of a newbie participating in a sport, game, or activity for the first time and finding unlikely success. The term is traditionally used in pursuits of skill like a sport but is also lent to chance-based endeavors like playing a slot.

Regardless of whether it was beginner’s luck, confirmation bias, or some other phenomenon, the Hard Rock guest might be smart to give the Wheel another spin in the future. ?

The post First-Time Gambler Wins Massive Jackpot at Hard Rock Atlantic City appeared first on Casino.org.

Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd on Friday granted a summary judgment in favor of Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office. The summary judgment rules in favor of the state without a full trial being held.

House Bill 594, which provides for fines of up to $25K per machine if the devices remain operational, was challenged by supporters of the games.

The plaintiff’s group was led by Pace-O-Matic, the Georgia software company that developed the popular skill game titles distributed in the Bluegrass State, including Burning Barrel. ARKK Properties, which operated a convenience store that had included skill games before the legislature banned them, joined POM in the case.

Case Rejected?

In their lawsuit, POM and ARKK alleged that the Kentucky General Assembly violated free speech protections under the state Constitution and unlawfully targeted skill games on the erroneous interpretation that the games are gambling machines. The skill component of such games typically involves the player needing to tap on the reels’ winning payline. With a traditional slot, the machine does that automatically.

In his ruling, Shepherd told the plaintiffs that determining the policy of gambling activities and other games of chance, regardless of whether they involve skill components, is a fundamental purpose of the General Assembly’s existence. The judge also dismissed arguments that skill games are similar to amusement games.

Gray machines are not similarly situated to the coin-operated amusement machines one might encounter at Malibu Jack’s or Chuck E. Cheese even though both categories of machines allegedly require the use of player skill. The Attorney General correctly pointed out that coin-operated amusement machines limit their prizes to values not exceeding $25 per single play, while gray machines provide no such limit on the value of their prizes. Consequently, the legislature acted rationally in distinguishing between gray machines and coin-operated amusement machines that are not similarly situated,” Shepherd wrote.

Coleman celebrated the judicial ruling.

“Our legislators took a bold and bipartisan step to protect Kentucky children and families when they outlawed gray machines. After the law was challenged, our office launched a vigorous defense of the statute and the General Assembly’s fundamental role as our Commonwealth’s policymaking body,” Coleman said.

Appeal Possible?

The plaintiffs’ group told the Associated Press that it’s “evaluating the ruling and consulting with our clients concerning an appeal.”

Kentucky, unlike Pennsylvania, doesn’t have legal slot machines.

The Bluegrass State does allow historical horse racing (HHR) machines at horse racetracks and parimutuel wagering parlors. HHR games provide bettors with electronic parimutuel wagering games where the spin’s outcome is based on a previously run horse race.

The post Skill Games Remain Banned in Kentucky Following Judge’s Ruling appeared first on Casino.org.

The state commercial gaming industry, consisting of 17 brick-and-mortar casinos, iGaming, retail and online sports betting, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals, reported its best May ever with gross gaming revenue (GGR) of nearly $521 million. Pace-O-Matic (POM), the Georgia-based software company that developed the operating system of the Pennsylvania Skill games, issued a press release congratulating the casinos on their May to remember while defending its games.

These numbers show that there is room in the state for both casinos and small businesses that operate skill games to be successful. There is no competition between the two,” declared Mike Barley, a POM spokesperson.

The legality of skill games in Pennsylvania will soon be reviewed by the state’s Supreme Court. State Attorney General Michelle Henry is appealing lower court rulings that since the games have elements of skill, they cannot be classified as illegal gambling machines under the state’s Gaming Act.

Casino Industry Disagrees

Barley’s assertion that skill games aren’t competing for the same player certainly isn’t an opinion shared by the casinos.

Barley says the casinos are simply being greedy.

Sadly, $521 million a month is not enough to satisfy the greedy casino industry,” Barley stated. “Instead, they want to kill small businesses, American Legions, volunteer fire companies, Moose Lodges, and other places that count on income from skill games.”

Skill games are unregulated and untaxed, though POM and other skill gaming proponents have asked state lawmakers to pass legislation to create a regulatory environment for the machines. The revenue is currently split between the host business, gaming developer, manufacturer, and route distributor.

Legislation stalled in the Harrisburg capital amid the skill gaming legal dispute proposed levying a 16% tax on skill games’ gross revenue. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has suggested a much higher rate of 42%.

Barley says a low tax is critical in allowing the machines to continue providing valuable financial resources to small businesses that have helped offset inflation.

“These locations could never afford to pay the same tax rate that wealthy casinos pay. Casinos know that but they simply don’t care,” Barley said.

Skill Game Legality

In late November, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court unanimously upheld a lower court’s ruling that concluded skill games aren’t gambling games. The court said chance must be the predominating factor in a game’s outcome rather than skill for a game to be a gambling activity.

Simply because a machine involves a large element of chance … is insufficient to find the machine to be a gambling device,” Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling wrote.

Henry disagrees and is asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider and classify skill games as illegal gambling machines.

The post Pennsylvania Skill Game Developer Says Terminals Don’t Compete With Casino Slots appeared first on Casino.org.

When the Fontainebleau opens to the public at midnight on Thursday, many gamblers, probably wearing their lucky sweaters, will beeline for the nearest free Megabucks slot machine. Once seated, they’ll pull on its arm because of an urban legend that’s pulled on their legs for 34 years.

Elmer Sherwin was the retired 76-year-old WWII veteran who turned $100 into a $4.6M Megabucks jackpot at The Mirage on Nov. 22, 1989. That was the famous casino resort’s opening night, and it explains the origin of one of the most enduring Las Vegas gambling myths, which says Megabucks jackpots are more likely to hit on a casino’s opening night.

That’s because it’s beneficial to the casino, since the eyes of the world are already on their property.

Seven months after The Mirage opened, you couldn’t get near the Megabucks machines during the Excalibur’s opening weekend. And the story’s been the same during every subsequent Vegas casino opening.

’Bucks Naked

Megabucks was created in March 1986 by slot manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT) as a way to win back some of the business Nevada casinos was losing to state lotteries, which promised mega-million jackpots.

It was the world’s first wide-area linked-progressive slot machine system.

Whenever someone takes a Megabucks spin, a small portion of the bet is placed into a jackpot that anyone, at any machine, can win at any time. The longer the interval between jackpots, the higher the amount.

Mega Bull****

Casinos have zero control over which three Megabucks symbols click into place on a slot machine. That’s determined by a random number generator.

Because that sequence is generated entirely at random, each of the approximately 750 Megabucks machines in Nevada’s 136 networked casinos has the same odds of hitting the jackpot.

Every. Single. Time.

And though those odds have never been public information, they are certainly long.

But science, technology, and logic aren’t things that deter Megabucks believers. Most will tell you there’s more to it than that. And the evidence most will point to is, once again, Elmer Sherwin.

Sixteen years after hitting his nearly impossibly unlikely Megabucks jackpot at The Mirage, Sherwin hit another one, at age 92, at the Cannery Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

That’s like getting struck by lightning while sitting on your living room couch without a cloud in the sky,” Anthony Lucas, a professor of casino management at UNLV, told Casino.org last year when we busted another Megabucks myth.

Sherwin used the extra $21.1M to travel the world in the year he had left.

Oh, and it wasn’t the Cannery’s opening night. They had already been operating for two years.

Extra Proof that Logic Wins

Since Sherwin’s Mirage jackpot, 46 more casinos have opened in Las Vegas. The Fontainebleau will be the 47th. So far, not a single one has produced a Megabucks jackpot on its opening night.

But try explaining that to anyone beelining for a Megabucks slot at midnight on Thursday in their lucky sweaters.

Look for “Vegas Myths Busted” every Monday on?Casino.org. To read previously busted Vegas myths, visit VegasMythsBusted.com. Got a suggestion for a Vegas myth that needs busting? Email [email protected].

The post VEGAS MYTHS RE-BUSTED: Megabucks Will Hit on a Casino’s Opening Night appeared first on Casino.org.

Whenever someone takes a Megabucks spin, a small portion of the bet gets placed into a jackpot that anyone, at any of Nevada’s approximately 750 Megabucks machines, can win at any time. The longer the interval between jackpots, the higher the amount.

Most of the information below was provided by International Game Technology (IGT), which pays out the Megabucks jackpots. Contrary to a popular myth, the casinos don’t.

As for why the latest jackpot on this list happened in 2012, they still hit. For example, three did so in Vegas just last year, for $10.4-$12.2 million. However, for some officially unexplained reason — or perhaps for no reason at all — they haven’t paid off enough to make the top seven.

1. $39.7 million

March 21, 2003
Excalibur

An unknown 25-year-old software engineer from LA holds the record for the largest jackpot win ever, in Vegas or anywhere else. The winner, who exercised his right to remain anonymous, was visiting family members in Las Vegas when he played about $100 in a machine, then turned his head away for a second. When he looked back at the machine again, the winning symbols were lined up.

2. $34.9 million

Jan. 26, 2000
Desert Inn?

Cynthia Jay-Brennan, a 37-year-old cocktail server at the Monte Carlo, made nearly 1.3 million times her $27 investment back. But this story has no happy ending.

Jay-Brennan married her boyfriend and they made plans to travel the world. But just six weeks later, Clark Morse, a drunken driver with 16 prior arrests, slammed into the back of her car while it was stopped at a red light. The collision killed her sister, Lela Anne Jay, 45, and shattered Jay-Brennan’s spine.

Morse received a 28-year prison sentence. Jay-Brennan remains permanently paralyzed below her upper chest. And far too much of her jackpot has been spent on medical expenses.

This barely believable “Twilight Zone” of a horror story sparked the myth of the Megabucks curse.

3. $27.5 million

Nov. 15, 1998
Palace Station

Before this off-Strip locals’ casino became famous for O.J. Simpson’s memorabilia robbery, a much better headline was made by an anonymous 67-year-old Las Vegas woman who set aside only $100 to play her favorite machine.

Worrying that she would deeply regret violating her limit, she played a second hundy and hit this whopper only $40 in.

4. $22.6 million

March 27, 2002
Bally’s (now Horseshoe)

Johanna Huendl, a 74-year-old tourist from Covina, Calif., made her fortune on a Wheel of Fortune Megabucks while waiting for her breakfast. She was already $1,000 in the hole during a gambling day that had hardly begun. It remains unknown whether Huendl ended up eating that breakfast.

5. $21.3 million

June 1, 1999
Caesars Palace

This was won by an anonymous 49-year-old business consultant from Illinois on his very first Megabucks spin ever. It cost him $10 to change his life.

6. $21.1 million

Sept. 15, 2005
Cannery Casino

Elmer Sherwin, a 92-year-old Las Vegas resident, was not only a veteran of WWII, but also of Megabucks jackpots. On Nov. 22, 1989, he turned $100 into a $4.6M at The Mirage.

“Hitting a Megabucks jackpot twice is “like getting struck by lightning while sitting on your living room couch without a cloud in the sky,”?Anthony Lucas, a professor of casino management at UNLV, told?Casino.org?in 2023.

Sherwin is also the second person on this list whose Megabucks win sparked its very own Vegas myth. That’s because his Mirage jackpot happened on the casino’s opening night. Since that win, 47 Las Vegas casinos have opened without producing a single Megabucks jackpot on opening night. In addition, Sherwin’s second win occurred more than two years after the Cannery’s opening night.

But try explaining that to the throngs who predictably beeline for a Megabucks slot on the opening night of every new Las Vegas casino.

7. $17.3 million

Dec. 14, 2012
M Resort

Technically, the M is in Henderson, not Las Vegas, but unlike a Megabucks spin, we’ll except close enough. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, won by using a free play and food voucher. He didn’t even realize he had won the top prize until another player pointed it out.

The post Seven Biggest Slot Jackpots in Las Vegas History appeared first on Casino.org.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced this week it will accept the petition from state Attorney General Michelle Henry (D) for the high court to review a lower court’s opinion that skill games aren’t slot machines. Last December, a Commonwealth Court upheld the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas’ ruling that since a skill game’s outcome isn’t solely dependent on chance — as is a slot machine — the devices don’t fall under the scope of the state’s Gaming Act.

The case the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will take up originated in Dauphin County in 2019 when state police raided the Champions Sports Bar and seized several skill games and a bag of cash containing $525. Champions sued, and state courts have since sided with the plaintiff.

The court decisions have stalled state law enforcement from further confiscating the games that Henry’s office alleges constitute illegal gambling apparatuses.

What is a Slot Machine?

The Supreme Court said it will determine whether skill games are illegal, unregulated gambling devices. The court says it will also consider how a slot machine is defined in the commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, passed in 2004, authorized slot machines. The law has since been amended several times to expand the state gaming industry.

The Gaming Act defines a slot machine as “any mechanical, electrical, or computerized contrivance, terminal, machine, or other device” that operates upon the “insertion of a coin, bill, ticket, or token.” More importantly, the Gaming Act defines a slot machine as any machine that incorporates “skill or application of the element of chance, or both.”

The statute also provides definitions for “skill slot machines” where the skill of the player, rather than the element of chance, is the predominant factor in affecting the outcome of the game. A “hybrid slot machine” is defined where chance and skill are mutually responsible for the player’s outcome.

Skill Gaming Industry?

Pennsylvania is home to more unregulated skill games than any other US state. The American Gaming Association estimates there are at least 67K machines in restaurants and bars, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery markets, and shopping centers.

The skill game lobby is seeking to be taxed and regulated to secure the games’ spot in the Pennsylvania gaming industry. But they’re asking for a tax rate considerably less than the effective 54% tax that casinos pay on their slot machine win.

The post Pennsylvania Skill Games Legality to Be Determined by State Supreme Court appeared first on Casino.org.

Selman was the first person to be charged under Queensland’s 1991 Gaming Machine Act, a law designed to target organized crime and illegal casinos. That’s after agents from the state’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation raided his mancave shed last year.

They found two slot machines, or “pokies,” as they are known in Australia, that had been restored by the hobbyist.

Specifically, Selman was charged with unlawfully selling a gaming machine, unlawfully possessing a gaming machine, and two counts of possessing restricted components, despite the machines no longer functioning as gambling devices

He pleaded guilty earlier this month and was fined A$4K (US$2.7K). Prosecutors had sought A$15K (US$10K).

Law is an Ass

Selman has written to all of Queensland’s politicians asking for a review of the law, which he calls “imprecise” because it fails to delineate between commercial and private usage.

In a petition launched by Selman on Change.org, he notes that the law’s current language technically categorizes a crane machine as an unlicensed gambling device.

It currently defines a gaming machine as a machine that either accepts a token or adjusts credits. However, it lacks specifications such as the crucial differentiation between ‘pokies’ or ‘slot machines’ and other formats of gaming machines like arcade machines,” Selman wrote.

“This lack of clarity results in the misclassification and, unfortunately, prosecution of hobbyists merely executing their passions,” he said.

‘No Intent’

Selman admitted to being ignorant of the law prior to his prosecution. He said tinkering with decommissioned slots is legal in his native New Zealand.

When contacted by The Courier Mail, lawmaker Jim McDonald agreed that the law should be reviewed.

“Criminal law is about intent and there is no intent to defraud anyone in Mr Selman’s case,” McDonald said. “It is about getting the balance right. This is an old law, and it is not appropriate to punish innocent collectors.”

The post Vintage Slot Collector Wants Aussie Law Change After Gambling Prosecution appeared first on Casino.org.

Rendell was governor of Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2011. During his time in office, Rendell championed the legalization of casino gambling, specifically slot machines.

Rendell writes that the casino industry heavily lobbied his administration during the state’s development of the Gaming Act passed in 2004. Rendell says casinos told him the 54% tax on gross revenue won by slots was far too high and would damper casino companies from investing in the state.

Two decades later, Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s richest gaming states with 17 brick-and-mortar casinos and an industry that generated a record $5.7 billion in revenue last year.

Skill Tax Should Mirror Slot Levy

Skill games continue to operate across the commonwealth in a grey area inside restaurants and bars, gas stations, convenience stores, and other small businesses. Business owners say the machines, which unlike a slot require the player to identify a winning payline by tapping on the corresponding symbols, have provided critical revenue that has helped offset inflationary pressures. Revenue from the skill games is currently divvied up between the game’s software developer, machine manufacturer and distributor, and the host business.

State courts have ruled that skill games do not fall under the scope of the Gaming Act because they aren’t purely games of chance. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry (D) is appealing the matter to the state Supreme Court.

In the interim, state lawmakers who have sided with the skill gaming industry have proposed legislation to regulate and tax the grey games. House Bill 2075, a bipartisan statute with 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans lending their support, would impose a 16% tax on the skill game win.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) has proposed a higher tax of around 42%. Rendell says both rates are erroneous.

I am alarmed to hear that several current members of the General Assembly are proposing a disastrous tax giveaway that I believe would benefit deep-pocketed, out-of-state gaming interests who have been flooding Pennsylvania with political campaign contributions. These interests operate another type of slot machine-style device that is self-serving called a ‘skill game,'” Rendell wrote.

“Rather than stick with the time-tested 52% tax rate that has served Pennsylvania well for nearly two decades, these legislators want to kill our golden goose and cut these out-of-state interests a sweetheart deal that would tax their machines somewhere between a laughable 16% or a clearly non-uniform 42%,” the former governor continued. “This is the definition of fiscal irresponsibility, in my opinion.?Our legal gaming industry has already proven that all forms of slot machine-style gaming in the commonwealth, including the type most similar to skill games — specifically, VGTs — can operate successfully at the 52% rate.”

VGTs, or video gaming terminals, are allowed inside diesel truck stops. VGT revenue last year totaled $41.2 million — down slightly from the machines’ banner year of $42 million set in 2022.

Legislation Stalls

HB 2075 was introduced in February and directed to the House Gaming Oversight Committee. The skill game measure has since sat unacted on.

While the 2024 Pennsylvania General Assembly’s session runs through Nov. 30, the House Gaming Oversight Committee does not currently have any scheduled meetings.

The post Former Pennsylvania Governor Opposes Skill Gaming Tax Lower Than Slot Levy appeared first on Casino.org.

A lucky player, identified as “Jason P,” won more than $2.7M at California’s Colusa Casino Resort last Saturday.

The exact payout was an overwhelming $2,752,887.71 won on a progressive jackpot made from a $5 bet.

“The excitement on the casino floor was palpable as fellow guests and staff members gathered to witness the incredible win,” the casino said in a statement to the media.

“Colusa Casino Resort is known for creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, and this jackpot win is a testament to that,” casino General Manager Jerry West said in a statement.

Located in Colusa, Calif., the gaming property is located about 68 miles north of Sacramento.

The Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Native of the Colusa Indian Community owns and operates the casino.

Win for Vegas Visitor

Another lucky player won $1.5M this week on an IGT slot machine at Boyd Gaming’s California Hotel & Casino, better known as “The Cal.”

During a visit to Downtown Las Vegas, the unnamed Hawaiian resident stopped on the gaming floor to try his luck at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday. He bet $5, which turned into a bonus wheel with three 7s, according to Las Vegas TV station KVVU.

The slot paid out a $1,569,632.91 progressive jackpot.

“This lucky Hawaiian resident is going home a millionaire,” The Cal said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Congratulations to this guest who scored a life-changing jackpot on an IGT Wheel of Fortune slot machine on Wednesday,” the post added.

The winner believes he had extra luck due to a family milestone and him having a special item while at the gaming property.

He traveled approximately 2,700 miles to Las Vegas with family members to celebrate their son’s 21st birthday, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

The mystery winner also had something special with him as he played. It was “a red envelope he carried in his pocket during his visit, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and happiness,” according to a casino social media post.

The winner chose to remain anonymous.

Wednesday’s win is The Cal’s second million-dollar jackpot so far in 2024, according to a social media post.

Ties to Hawaii

The win also recalls how Las Vegas is a popular destination for many visitors from Hawaii. It’s called the “ninth island” in reference to Hawaii having eight major islands.

In 2018, it was reported that one in 10 Hawaii residents visit Las Vegas annually.

The Cal is among the most popular places to stay and gamble for tourists from Hawaii, according to local news reports. The décor at The Cal includes many designs reminiscent of Hawaii and traditional delicacies from the islands are among the items featured on its restaurant menus.

The post Slot Jackpots: $2.7M Won in California, Hawaiian Visitor to Vegas Wins $1.5M appeared first on Casino.org.

The newly announced buyback plan replaces a previously deployed $750 million repurchase effort that was scheduled to expire next February.

As of June 13, 2024, the Company has exhausted the full $750 million share repurchase authorization and purchased 11.2 million common shares, or 11.5% of shares outstanding at the inception of the program. The average purchase price of $66.72 per share represents a 28% discount to today’s closing price of $92.35,” according to a statement issued by the Las Vegas-based company.

Shares of Light & Wonder are higher by 12.47% year to date, and 39.5% over the past year. Whether or not those performances are the results of the $750 million buyback effort isn’t clear, but those repurchases likely helped the gaming device maker rank as one of the best-performing gaming equities over those periods.

Why Light & Wonder Buyback is Meaningful

Companies aren’t legally obligated to execute announced buyback schemes and they have the flexibility to repurchase some, but not all, of the announced dollar amount.

“Our prior program was an effective value creation tool and moving forward the new program will allow us to deliver further value to our shareholders while underscoring our commitment to driving profitable growth and upside beyond 2025,” said CFO Oliver Chow in the statement.

Companies execute share buybacks at various times on the open market, but in a hypothetical example, Light & Wonder could retire more than 10 million shares if it spent $1 billion on repurchases in a single day based on the stock’s Thursday closing price of $92.35.

Light & Wonder Financial Outlook Firm

In January, Light & Wonder reiterated a 2025 consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) forecast of $1.4 billion, which CEO Matt Wilson reiterated in the press release detailing the buyback.

“Given the continued momentum in the business, and our March 31, 2024, net debt leverage ratio at the middle of our target range of 2.5 – 3.5x, we have significant optionality with regards to capital allocation,” added Chow.

The post Light & Wonder Unveils $1 Billion Share Buyback Plan appeared first on Casino.org.

Last October, London-based IGT announced a collaboration with the Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, the latter of which owns the music publishing rights to the singer’s catalog. Developed as a wide-area progressive (WAP), the slot, officially titled Whitney Houston Slots, made its debut Monday at the tribal casino. The Highland, Calif., resort is in San Bernardino County, about an hour’s drive east of Los Angeles where the singer tragically died in 2012.

Standing over 11 feet tall with high-definition screens, Whitney Houston Slots incorporates some of the singer’s biggest hits, including “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “How Will I Know.”

The tribal casino is owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. One of the most financially prosperous tribal businesses in the United States, the casino is among the largest in the Native American gaming industry with more than 7,000 slots, 150 live dealer table games, five high-limit gaming rooms, and a 17-story hotel with 432 guestrooms.

Slot Promotions

To commemorate the Whitney Houston Slots taking the stage at Yaamava’, the tribe brought in a collection of Houston memorabilia to the casino floor.

An all-80s playlist is also being played through June 14 featuring Houston songs and other classics from the decade. The first 200 guests to play the slots were given four free max-bet spins.

IGT’s Whitney Houston Slots combines the super-star power of one of the most celebrated music artists of all time with player-favorite game mechanics and stunning new hardware to create an entertainment destination that can truly differentiate Yaamava’s gaming floor,” said Nick Khin, chief operating officer of IGT.

The Grammy Museum lent the Houston memorabilia to the tribal casino. The items include a dress Houston wore during her 1990 tour of Japan and a beaded dress she wore during a performance at the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards.

Whitney Remains Popular?

Whitney Houston died on Feb. 11, 2012, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. Houston was found unconscious submerged in a bathtub inside Suite 434, and pronounced dead at 3:55 pm PST. Houston was in town for the Grammy Awards.

A slew of other drugs were found in her body, including Benadryl, Xanax, marijuana, and Flexeril. The manner of death was ruled an “accident.”

Houston’s estate reported total earnings of approximately $30 million last year, most of which came from the biographical musical drama, “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” The estate also made money from its ongoing partnership with MAC Cosmetics and the MAC X Whitney Houston makeup collection.

Houston ranked seventh last year on the earnings list of dead celebrities. Michael Jackson again led the way with income upwards of $115 million. Elvis was second at $100 million, and Ray Manzarek of the Doors was third at $45 million.

The post Whitney Houston Slots Premiere at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel appeared first on Casino.org.

It might come as a surprise to some that Las Vegas-like slot machines remain on many overseas military installations run by the US government. US Rep. Paul Tonko (D-New York) thinks that’s a bad thing and wants the gambling terminals removed.

Tonko hopes to accomplish that by tacking on an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 2025 fiscal year. Tonko submitted an amendment to the annual federal bill before the May 31 deadline.

Tonko, a congressman since January 2009 representing New York in the US Capitol, is becoming an outspoken critic of sports betting in Washington, DC. Since 2023, he’s been pushing federal legislation to restrict how sportsbooks advertise their services and products on the belief that the expansion of sports gambling is causing societal harm.

Military Slots Big Business

According to Military.com, the US military banned slot machines on all domestic bases in 1951. Gaming machines were removed from overseas stations in the 1970s, but after soldiers ventured off base to gamble — sometimes at underground illegal gambling hubs — the military brought back the terminals in the 1980s.

The US government has used the slot money, which in 2015 Casino.org reported to be north of $100 million a year, to fund other recreational activities on military bases. In 2015, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) sought to outlaw slot machines on military bases on the belief that it was resulting in gambling addiction problems among service members.

Nearly a decade later, Tonko is raising the same concerns.

I’ve been leading the charge in Congress to address the rise in problem gambling, and I’m hopeful my NDAA provision would lessen the risk of our service members developing a gambling addiction,” Tonko told Military.com.

“Our brave servicemen and women sacrifice everything to protect our nation and its freedoms. We must do all we can to support them by confronting problem gambling head-on and ensuring this known addictive product is treated with the seriousness and precaution that we do with other addictions,” Tonko added.

Odds Long?

The 2025 fiscal year version of the National Defense Authorization Act received more than 1,300 amendments. Since the defense spending bill is a must-pass annual piece of legislation, it’s a prime target for legislative pork, though Tonko’s provision is certainly military-focused and relevant.

Republicans in the past have been slow to support the removal of slots from overseas military bases. GOP members say a bit of entertainment and enjoyment for those who wish to participate isn’t something that Congress should stand in the way of.

The post US Lawmaker Proposes Banning Slot Machines on Overseas Military Bases appeared first on Casino.org.

Cashless Casino is now in use in 11 states, according to its Las Vegas-based manufacturer, which says that Nevada will be added to that list when an undisclosed Silver State casino debuts the company’s next installation within two months.

Rolling Hills was the first tribal casino to employ Cashless Casino.

Adapting to evolving player preferences and useful technological advances has become a necessary step in the casino industry,” Rolling Hills GM Antonio Perez said in a statement released by Acres Manufacturing. “The feedback we have received from our players has been tremendous.”

The system, named the 2023 Product Innovation of the Year by Gaming America, allows casino operators to sync their slots and table games with a digital wallet or payment processor of their choice.

Players use the casino’s mobile app to connect with a Bluetooth card reader installed on every game across the casino floor.

“Cashless gaming is proven to increase casino profitability by offering more funding options to players, who respond by increasing their visit frequency and time played at the casino,” exec Noah Acres said in his company’s statement.

Rolling Hills Casino is operated by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.

The post Cashless Gaming Device Installed at First Tribal Casino appeared first on Casino.org.

On Monday, officers assigned to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Narcotics Unit went to a business called “Arcade Headquarters” in Port Charlotte.

Authorities said they saw illegal gambling taking place inside the business and an employee there was given a written notice to appear in court on charges of being an employee of a gambling house.

Arcades Tip Off Each Other

“Within minutes of this interaction, the other casinos in town began telling customers to leave and hurriedly closed their doors,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

Officers then went to “Showtime Casino,” also located in Port Charlotte, where they had received complaints that suspected illegal gaming was taking place in that business.

Two employees there were taking turns walking up to the road to watch for officers.

The employees were also locking the door behind every customer as they came in and out of the casino,” the sheriff’s office said. “Detectives observed illegal gambling happening inside of the casino on slot machines.”

Detectives warned every patron in the business that they were engaged in illegal activity and needed to leave immediately.

The two suspects operating the business, Mevin Rodriguez, 28, and Amey M. Naik, 31, were charged with being agents or employees of a gambling house.

Ignored Warnings From Officers

Previously, the operators of these businesses were warned repeatedly by the sheriff’s office, as well as the Florida Gaming Commission, about the relevant laws.

Whether they choose to label themselves as casinos or arcades, these businesses are continuing to ignore the numerous warnings from law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office said in this week’s statement.

Last year, the sheriff’s office raided two alleged illegal businesses in the city, seizing some 200 gambling machines. Despite that, the businesses continued to operate. Last week, there was an armed robbery at one of the businesses.

“It appears the owners simply don’t care as they have remained open, ignoring several warnings we have provided. Well, to these gaming establishments, I assure you, we aren’t playing,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said.

He added that, typically, the businesses close their doors briefly when they learn that deputies are issuing warnings or making arrests, but reopen within a few days.

Patrons can be charged, as well as business operators.

“Regardless of what you may have heard, if you are in an establishment playing on these illegal machines, you can be charged with a misdemeanor,” Prummell warned. “Please think twice before deciding to enter one of these businesses. CCSO will continue to educate the public and enforce the law on these casinos in Charlotte County.”

In July the Florida state law used in this case against the employees will turn from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, which could result in tougher penalties.

The post Florida Arcade Employees Charged After Illegal Gaming Investigation appeared first on Casino.org.

In a lawsuit filed in January, just days before his trial for falsifying his tax returns, Nikko D’Ambrosio, 32, claimed that he was defamed and that his privacy rights were violated by members of the group.

AWDTSG, which has millions of members worldwide, describes itself as a “red flag awareness group,” where users can share dating profiles of men and post warnings.

D’Ambrosio’s lawsuit made national headlines, but few column inches were devoted to his problems at the time with the IRS.

Employer’s Alleged Mob Ties

The salesman worked for electronic sweepstakes operator MAC-T. The company allegedly has links to Robert “Bobby” Dominic, a reputed Chicago Outfit associate, according to The Chicago Tribune.

MAC-T has also been tied by the Tribune to James Weiss, who was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in October 2023 for bribing two state lawmakers to back pro-sweepstakes legislation.

These expenses included driving 474K miles on business trips and spending $263K on business-related meals. He also claimed to have donated $64,500 to St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, but the church had no record of such a donation.

To the Moon and Back

At sentencing, US District Judge Thomas Durkin noted the amount of travel miles D’Ambrosio claimed in two years would have “taken you to the moon and back,” which is the kind of line that might get you a red flag on AWDTSG.

“You lied badly,” the judge added.

In the AWDTSG lawsuit, D’Ambrosio is seeking more than $75K alleging his reputation was damaged and privacy violated after he was “doxed” by the Facebook group.

D’Ambrosio said he met the woman who first red-flagged him at an event in Chicago last year. They later went on a “handful of unremarkable dates” but “never engaged in an exclusive dating relationship,” according to the lawsuit.

‘Emotional Distress’

In November 2023, the woman posted on AWDISG about D’Ambrosio: “We met organically in Chicago two and a half years ago. Very clingy very fast. Flaunted money very awkwardly and kept talking about how I don’t want to see his bad side, especially when he was on business calls.”

D’Ambrosio claims the posts caused him “personal humiliation, mental anguish and suffering, emotional distress, stress, anxiety” and unspecified lost earnings.

“Our client’s a victim. He’s a victim on [sic] this matter,” his attorney, Marc Trent, said in January. “We want to stop there from being additional victims in the future.”

The post Chicago Slots Salesman Who Sued ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy?’ Imprisoned for Tax Evasion appeared first on Casino.org.

The record-setting amount of $1,206,622 was won on a Golden Century Dragon Link slot, made by Aristocrat Gaming.

The unnamed player won the jackpot in the Peppermill’s High Limit Slot Lounge after making a $25 bet.

The amount is the largest payout in the casino’s history.

“We’re thrilled for our guest’s huge win,” Scott Evans, Peppermill’s director of slots, said following the win.

Michigan Slot Pays $1M

A lucky winner won more than $1M at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo in Michigan on May 17.

The unnamed Harvey, Ill. player hit the $1,008,222 jackpot after making a $15 bet on a UFL Explosion slot machine, according to MLive.

Mary Smith, chief operating officer of Four Winds Casinos, called it a “life-changing” jackpot.

Washington State Slot Player Wins $1.4M

A lucky slot machine player collected a $1.4M jackpot at Snoqualmie Casino in Washington State earlier this month.

The money was won on a Light & Wonder 5 Treasures Explosion slot over the weekend, the casino announced on May 23.

The player won? $1,401,765.65 on a bet of $5.88.

Video Poker Win for Vegas Local

An unidentified local resident won $200K on a video poker machine at Las Vegas’ Suncoast Hotel and Casino on May 14.

The winner made a $250 wager on the Double Double Bonus Poker machine.

He won with a spade royal flush.

Utah Guest Collects $12K

A visitor at Las Vegas’ Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall won $12K while playing bingo on May 8.

The lucky woman, identified as Weslynn, who resides in Utah, won $12,775 after hitting the Bingo Bonus Coverall.

Weslynn has been playing bingo at the gaming property for 25 years.

California Slot Player Wins $426K

An unnamed player at Wheatland, Calif.’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento won $426K on April 7.

The exact amount won by the visitor from Dixon, Calif. was $426,184.82.

He was playing a Frankenstein penny slot. Frankenstein slots are created by NetEnt in association with Universal Studios.

The jackpot was paid out after the player made a $3 bet.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino president Mark Birtha called the payout a “big, life-changing” win.

The post Jackpot: Reno Casino Pays Out Record $1.2M appeared first on Casino.org.

Often, mergers are born out of a desire for cost efficiencies or combining research and development platforms, but Truist analyst Barry Jonas said the IGT/Everi combination could provide the scale needed to compete in the increasingly competitive gaming device space.

Both management teams were cognizant that 1 + 1 historically has not equaled 3 … However, both stressed this deal is not about cost synergies or saving R&D dollars. The importance of scale in slot-game and cabinet manufacturing is essential in order to maximize shots on goal,” wrote Jonas in a report following meetings in Las Vegas with several slot machine manufacturers.

Under the terms of the transaction, IGT investors will own 54% of the new company, while Everi shareholders will control the remainder. The merger is expected to close late this year or in early 2025.

IGT/Everi Merger Offers Some Synergies

While the marriage of IGT’s global gaming and PlayDigital with Everi isn’t rooted in cost savings, Jonas noted management expects $75 million in such benefits – an estimate that could ultimately prove conservative.

Other benefits include added slots scale and fintech, iGaming, and sports betting exposure under a single, vertically integrated umbrella. Under that scenario, the newly formed company could generate sales of $2.7 billion as soon as this year.

“The companies believe they can have success porting each other’s more successful games across different markets/classes (including international),” added Jonas.

Potential Lottery Issue Lingering for IGT

The deal with Everi was seen as cleaning up the IGT lottery thesis and that may ultimately prove to be true, but Jonas said that management expressed some concern about the possibility of MegaMillions ticket prices being raised.

While management couldn’t directly comment on recent lottery trade reports that Mega Millions could increase its ticket pricing next year, (they) did say that the impact to IGT from higher ticket pricing could be significant,” observed the analyst.

That’s relevant because lottery accounts for 75% of IGT’s pro forma earnings. Upon announcing the deal with Everi in February, IGT said the merger would help the lottery unit become a “premier pure play.”

The post IGT/Everi Merger Could Deliver Vital Scale, Says Analyst appeared first on Casino.org.

Ann Summers, a British retailer that specializes in gifts for the bedroom, relocated its Northampton location at 9a Abington Street last summer. The company shuttered its Abington business in July 2023 in favor of the Grosvenor Shopping Center.

The Abington St. retail space has since been petitioned for rezoning to allow a 24/7 business to operate there. The request comes from Merkur Gaming, a slot and electronic gaming manufacturer that operates more than 220 gaming venues across the UK.

A former Moss Bros. Men’s clothing store permanently closed at 9 Abington in early 2021. Founded in London in 1851, Moss was delisted from the London Stock Exchange in 2020 amid financial difficulty.

Ann Summers was founded in 1971 and has about 80 retail locations across the UK.

Cashing in on High Street Woes

Abington Street is Northampton’s “high street,” a term referring to a UK town’s primary shopping corridor. High streets typically offer numerous betting shops like Merkur’s Cashinos.

Northampton’s once-thriving high street has struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s allowed betting operators like Merkur to be bullish on expanding their brick-and-mortar footprints in many UK cities and towns. Merkur said recently it will invest more than ￡5 million over the next 12 months to open new high street venues.

The proposal involves the bringing back of a longstanding vacant unit into beneficial commercial use, which will trigger several economic benefits and allow an established operator within this part of the town center to relocate and continue contributing to the center,” a Merkur spokesperson told the Northampton Chronicle. “The principle of the proposed change of use… will protect and enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the town center.”

Merkur stresses it’s not a fixed-odds betting terminal (FOBT) operator, the slot-like machines that have been dubbed the “crack cocaine” of gambling by critics. Merkur instead claims to focus on low-stakes betting.

“Remember, gambling is NOT a way to make money!” the company tweeted recently on X. The company’s tagline is “to provide the best quality value for money and entertainment in the low stake, high volume slot machine marketplace.”

Local Opposition

Merkur’s zoning request change to expand its Cashino on Abington St. could face opposition from Northamptonshire Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. The Labour councilor has repeatedly issued her antagonism for more betting shops.

We already have too many casinos, betting shops, pawn shops, and loan sharks chasing the money of disadvantaged households,” Stone said. “It’s like a tax on the poor.”

Northampton, like most other major cities in the UK, has numerous betting and bookmaker shops. Along with Merkur, Abington St. currently has Paddy Power, Ladbrokes, and Betfred shops where FOBTs, slots, bingo, and sports betting are offered.

The rezoning request is expected to be voted on by the West Northamptonshire Council during its June 24 meeting.

The post Former Sex Toys and Lingerie Store Could Become Casino appeared first on Casino.org.

Damon Howell of Union City won $362,640 while playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em on May 10 at the resort casino. He had been at the table for about 30 minutes when he hit the jackpot.

He plans to purchase a house with the newly-found money.

Relatives and friends were with him when the win took place. They all celebrated both the win and the milestone birthday.

Connecticut Man Wins $1.9M

A man visiting Las Vegas’ Venetian Resort won $1.9M after playing Three Card Poker on May 10.

Joseph Nardello of Connecticut hit a royal flush, then qualified for the megatier millionaire progressive jackpot.

The total payout was $1,904,062.

Nardello didn’t say what he’ll do with the money.

$483K Won at Mohegan Sun

A guest at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun casino won $483K while playing blackjack on May 13.

Identified as “Maged K.” of Franklin Square, NY, he won the tribal gaming property’s “Super 4 Progressive Jackpot.”

The gaming area is located at the Casino of the Earth at Mohegan Sun.

The total payout was $483,622.40.

MGM National Harbor Pays $1.2M Jackpot

A Virginia man won more than $1.2M on May 5 at Maryland’s MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino.

He was playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em and won with a royal flush of diamonds.

Alex Alvarado, vice president of casino operations at MGM National Harbor, said it was a huge win for the Virginia resident.

“We’re thrilled that a local struck a big payday on one of our many table games that feature progressive jackpots,” he added.

Michigan Slot Pays Out More Than $536K

An Illinois resident won more than $536K while playing a slot machine at a Michigan gaming property last month.

The mystery player collected $536,614.25 on a progressive jackpot on April 28 at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo.

He was playing a Dollar Storm Wild Ninja slot machine and had made a $5 bet.

The winner resides in Schaumburg, Ill.

On April 30, a Mishawaka, Ind. visitor won $177,894.30. The unnamed guest was playing a Double Blessings slot at Indiana’s Four Winds Casino South Bend. He made an 88-cent bet.

Also at Four Winds South Bend, a mystery visitor from Valparaiso, Ind., won $104,500 on May 2.

The guest was playing a Mystical Mermaids slot machine. He made a $100 bet.

The post Jackpot Roundup: Man Celebrating 21st Birthday Wins $362K in Las Vegas appeared first on Casino.org.

The state legislature earlier this year approved a statute to allow small businesses to turn back on their thousands of skill-gaming terminals that were powered down last fall after the Virginia Supreme Court reversed a lower court’s ruling on the controversial machines.

Lawmakers refused to sign off on Youngkin’s conditions, which returned the measure to the governor’s desk. As expected, the Republican vetoed the bill. The Assembly doesn’t have the necessary two-thirds majority support to override the governor.

Governor Explains Veto

Commonly branded Queen of Virginia in the commonwealth, skill games function similarly to a casino slot machine but differ slightly in that they require a player to identify a winning payline. The skill component, supporters of the machines that are heavily opposed by the state’s highly regulated and taxed casino industry, render the machines immune from Virginia’s gambling laws.

Youngkin reasoned that further expansion of gaming in the commonwealth, which in recent years has included the authorization of brick-and-mortar commercial casinos, HHR gaming, and retail and online sports betting, must be carefully deliberated and come with many consumer protections that were absent in SB 212.

When it comes to additional gaming options, such as games of skill, we must proceed with a robust set of safeguards,” Youngkin explained. “I sent over a package of amendments which addressed my many concerns with the bill. While it is regrettable that my recommendations were not adopted, I remain open to working with the General Assembly going forward on this subject.”

Many lawmakers said Youngkin’s skill-gaming bill amendments essentially resulted in a near-ban, as the church and school provision would have limited the machines to only rural parts of the state. ?

Small Businesses Lose

Though controversial, there’s no denying that Virginia skill-gaming machines have helped thousands of small businesses across the commonwealth. The revenue generated by the machines is typically split between the host business and gaming manufacturer and distributor.

Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-Virginia Beach), who sponsored SB 212, says he’ll propose to the legislature a new skill-gaming bill during the Assembly’s special session that began last week. Though disappointed in Youngkin’s veto, Rouse acknowledged the governor’s “good faith effort” to possibly find a compromise.

Del. Terry Kilgore (R-Scott) is also optimistic that a resolution can be reached.

“We and the governor are going to attempt to come up with a solution to help our small business owners,” Kilgore said.

The post Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin Vetoes Skill-Gaming Bill on Lack of Regulatory Safeguards appeared first on Casino.org.

On Monday, GBI agents raided the home of Michael Jerome Kessler Sr. The lottery official has been charged with bribery, allegedly for accepting kickbacks from stores in Henry County, Ga. That’s in return for approving their operations during official lottery inspections.

Kessler encouraged at least three stores with coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) to each pay him $2,000, according to the GBI.

What are COAMs?

Georgia is a conservative state when it comes to gambling. There are no commercial or tribal casinos. While it has horse racetracks, parimutuel betting is illegal.

But in 1991, the state legislature legalized “skill-based games” in convenience stores, gas stations, and truck stops. These are slot-like gaming machines, including video poker, whose prizes were limited to non-cash merchandise.

They’re defined as “Class B COAMs,” as opposed to “Class A COAMS,” which cover traditional amusement machines like claw-grabbers and pinball.

The Class B COAMs were essentially unregulated, which meant it was relatively easy for their hosts to stretch the rules by offering cash payouts.

However, illegal cash payouts are ubiquitous because venues that offer them are more popular with players, thereby increasing each machine’s profitability. That could create a situation where a corrupt regulatory official could make some money by turning a blind eye to cash payouts.

Integrity ‘a Bedrock’

State Senator Emanuel Jones sits on the Georgia Lottery Commission and lives in Henry County. He said in a statement this week that integrity was “the bedrock of the lottery, and its mission.”

“Essentially, people are making bets. They’re gambling when they’re using machines across the state or when they are betting on any other activities that we allow in Georgia, and we don’t want a criminal element to seep into that,” Jones said.

A lottery spokesperson said “employees are held to the highest standard to ensure that we achieve our important mission of maximizing revenues for HOPE and Pre-K.”

Under the 2013 law, the companies that distribute COAMs and the venues that host them get 45 percent each of the proceeds, leaving 10 percent for the state, which goes towards Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Pre-K programs.

Of the $3 billion gambled on Class B COAMs last year, $2.1 billion was returned to players. The state’s cut of the remaining $900 million was $90 million, which some lawmakers say is not enough.

The post Georgia Lottery Compliance Inspector Charged with Taking Kickbacks appeared first on Casino.org.

The board of the Las Vegas-based slot machine approved the go-private bid from the private equity firm and if shareholders do the same, the transaction could close in the second half of this year. Brightstar’s offer values PlayAGS at $12.50, or a 40% premium to where the stock closed on May 8. PlayAGS shares are up 33.3 over the past week but have yet to ascend to $12.50.

In its letter to investors, Emmett questioned the timing of the offer becoming public, noting it arrived just a day before the target released impressive first-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) results.

The Brightstar transaction was announced just hours before the release of AGS’s transformational first quarter results,” wrote Emmett CIO and founder Alexander Rohr. “The Company’s first quarter results reinforce our optimistic view of AGS’s prospects, as organic adjusted EBITDA grew 21%, far outpacing the industry. Business mix is also improving at AGS: adjusted EBITDA from the Company’s interactive segment, to which the market assigns the highest multiple, increased almost 9x year-over-year and almost 50% sequentially.”

New York-based Emmett owns approximately 1.5% of PlayAGS outstanding equity.

Emmett Says Takeover Bid Overshadowed PlayAGS Earnings

It’s not uncommon for some investors to oppose acquisitions and there are recent examples of professional market participants resisting gaming industry takeovers.

“If market participants had been given the opportunity to digest first quarter results absent Brightstar’s bid, we believe AGS shares would be trading well above the current market price of $11.40,” wrote the Emmett chief investment officer. “Any reasonable forecast of AGS’s 2024 adjusted EBITDA increased by ~15%, which on a constant enterprise value/EBITDA multiple—arguably conservative given improving mix—would imply a share price higher than $11.40.”

Rohr went on to write that PlayAGS investors are essentially being asked to accept a bid “that offers effectively zero—or negative—premium.” He added that the company’s first-quarter numbers don’t reflect the potential upcoming benefit to the company via possible disruption in the industry caused by the pending merger of International Game Technology’s (NYSE: IGT) global games unit with Everi Holdings (NYSE: EVRI). He said that transaction could actually help PlayAGS add market share, and that probably isn’t accounted for in the Brightstar offer.

Emmett Not Opposed to PlayAGS Selling, Sees Scant Value In Brightstar Bid

Rohr said his firm isn’t averse to PlayAGS being acquired, but he believes the Brightstar offer isn’t adequate compensation for investors given the progress the target has made and its potential to build on that over the long term. Rohr also outlined a scenario in which PlayAGS could create significant value for shareholders without the takeover.

We believe AGS would have a bright future as a standalone public company, with at least $225 million in 2026 adjusted EBITDA clearly achievable. Even on a multiple of 7x adjusted EBITDA — a significant discount to slower-growing peer Light and Wonder’s 9x NTM multiple — AGS shares would trade at $24.70, nearly 100% higher than Brightstar’s bid,” he opined.

Rohr didn’t mention other potential suitors for PlayAGS and some analysts have noted the target is unlikely to be the subject of a bidding war.

The post Emmett Opposes PlayAGS Takeover Bid, Says Brightstar Offer Undervalues Company appeared first on Casino.org.

Under the current federal rule, a payer or casino must provide a slots player with a W-2G form when they win $1,200 or more on a slot machine. The jackpot threshold has remained at $1,200 since it was implemented in March 1977.

Appearing before a House Appropriations subcommittee in Washington, DC last week, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel seemed supportive of increasing the slot threshold. Werfel revealed he’s embraced a November recommendation from the IRS Advisory Council suggesting the amount be elevated to $5,800.

I think it’s very valuable when we get input from the taxpaying community and our Advisory Council on when thresholds may be out of date,” Werfel said in response to a question about the topic posed by House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chair Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio). “The determination of something like that is of regulatory nature and therefore the decision rests with the Treasury’s Office.”

Werfel added that he knows the IRS Advisory Council’s recommendation “is under serious consideration” at the Treasury.

Long Overdue?

US Reps. Dina Titus (D-Nevada) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pennsylvania) have been at the forefront in Washington urging regulatory action at the Treasury to increase the slot tax threshold. They’ve introduced legislation to take the matter into their own hands if change doesn’t come.

In 2022, Titus and Reschenthaler introduced the “Shifting Limits on Thresholds Act,” cleverly abbreviated the “SLOT Act.” The two leaders of the Congressional Gaming Caucus, where Joyce also sits, say the $1,200 threshold creates unnecessary overhead and paperwork for casinos, disrupts the player’s gaming experience, and takes a slot machine offline.

“Because the threshold has not kept up with inflation, it has resulted in a drastic increase in reportable jackpots, which trigger tax burdens for winners and compliance burdens for casinos,” explained Reschenthaler. “Increasing the threshold will eliminate this onerous red tape, ensuring the gaming industry can continue to support good-paying jobs, and foster economic growth in Pennsylvania and across the country.”

Slot Attendants Concerned

While casinos and the gambling public might be supportive of increasing the tax threshold for slot wins, there is a possible downside in that slot attendants could see reduced jobs and pay.

Slot attendants are casino workers who respond to a slot jackpot upwards of $1,200 to provide the winner with their W-2G form and pay out their winnings. It’s customary that the winner tip the slot attendant. ?

As a slot attendant, this would destroy our income,” a slot attendant named Sam told Casino.org.

Sam estimated that less than 5% of slot jackpots he responds to are over $5,000.

“This would be life-changing in a bad way for many workers like myself who have been in the industry for years,” he added.

The post IRS Commissioner Says Increase to Slot Tax Threshold ‘Under Serious Consideration’ appeared first on Casino.org.

The offer from the private equity firm values PlayAGS at $12.50 a share, a 41% premium to the stock’s volume-weighted average share price over the last 90 days, and 40% above where it closed on May 8. PlayAGS closed at $11.34 on Thursday.

The Company’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved, and recommended that the Company’s stockholders approve, the agreement. AGS shareholders will receive $12.50 per share in cash,” according to a statement issued by the Las Vegas-based target.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year.

PlayAGS Takeover Surprised Some Analysts

While the gaming industry is always a hotbed of takeover rumors, PlayAGS hadn’t been the subject of such speculation, indicating that Brightstar’s deal for the company was a surprise to some market observers. Count Stifel analyst Jeffrey Stantial among those who didn’t have PlayAGS being acquired on his 2024 bingo card.

“Despite these structural improvements, shares continued to trade at a pronounced discount to peers (4.9x as of yesterday’s close vs. US-listed peers 4.8x-9.5x) which we attribute primarily to technical constraints in a risk-off tape,” wrote the analyst. “While commentary in the press release was limited (and we await background context in the proxy), ultimately we expect Brightstar Capital Partners spotted similar dislocation hence offering an attractive takeout premium & expanding into a new vertical.”

While it was unexpected that PlayAGS would be acquired this year, the company has been the center of takeover chatter in the past. In August 2022, Inspired Entertainment (NASDAQ: INSE) offered $10 a share for AGS, but that deal fell apart a month later.

PlayAGS Has Private Equity Ties

The marriage to Brightstar isn’t PlayAGS’ first private equity relationship. Apollo Global Management acquired American Gaming Systems (AGS) for $215 million in 2013, and that firm would later be rolled into the corporation that became PlayAGS, making Apollo the biggest investor in the firm. Apollo shed that stake in late 2022.

“1) Brightstar Capital Partners is not licensed and new to the gaming industry, and 2) several state gaming control boards are currently backed up with long lead times to get on the docket for monthly board meetings,” observed the analyst.

The post PlayAGS Soars on Deal to Be Acquired by Brightstar for $1.1B appeared first on Casino.org.

Anthony Diehl targeted convenience stores, presenting bogus “winning” tickets either in person or through his recruited network of vulnerable individuals, mainly drug addicts, according to prosecutors. These individuals would typically cash in the vouchers, either in exchange for drugs or for a cut of the illegally obtained “winnings.”

In this way, the network bilked numerous convenience stores and gas stations in multiple counties out of more than $20K, prosecutors said.

Diehl is accused of creating the vouchers himself using chemicals and printers to alter the information and inflate the prizes.

Return to the Scene of the Crime

Diehl was caught after he returned to the scene of an alleged crime, namely, the Carbon Mini-Mart in Palmerton.

On Jan. 28, 2023, a man matching Diehl’s description cashed out two vouchers for a total of $695 at the convenience store, which were later discovered to be forgeries, and the incident was reported to police.

Two days later, when Diehl returned to the Carbon Mini-Mart with an accomplice to present another fraudulent voucher, staff called the police.

Responders arrived to find Diehl and another individual. The accomplice told them Diehl had provided him with the ticket to cash and that staff had refused the request.

Police searched Diehl’s vehicle and found a printer, a laptop, and other equipment. Investigators who later examined the laptop discovered more than 100 forged vouchers inside Microsoft Word documents, as well as the watermarks of numerous skill game manufacturers.

Google Searches

Diehl’s Google search results showed hundreds of searches for businesses throughout Pennsylvania that deployed gaming terminals. Investigators were able to match some of the vouchers on Diehl’s laptop with those that had been fraudulently cashed at other stores in the state.

The full list of charges against Diehl include corrupt organizations, conspiracy to violate, forgery, theft by deception, theft by unlawful taking, unlawful use of a computer, unlawful duplication, possessing an instrument of crime with intent, and theft by deception.

Diehl is currently free on $100K unsecured bail and is due in court on May 31.

The post Gambling Machine Forger Bilked Stores Across Pennsylvania appeared first on Casino.org.

About a year ago, the Las Vegas-based gaming device manufacturer said its board of directors approved a $180 million repurchase plan that was to run through Nov. 3, 2024. Under that program, the company bought back approximately $100 million worth of its shares as of the end of 2023, meaning there’s $80 million left on the now-terminated buyback program.

Everi is now mulling a special dividend. As a result, the company implemented a mandatory sell-to-cover policy pertaining to the tax obligations on restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance stock units (PSUs), which are often granted by corporations as a form of executive compensation.

The Company believes that the cash which may have otherwise been utilized under the Stock Repurchase Program or to facilitate the tax withholding obligations in connection with the settlement of RSUs and PSUs will be more appropriately allocated toward the Special Dividend,” according to a statement.

Everi didn’t disclose when a special dividend could be distributed or how much the payout will be.

Big Merger Could Be Impetus for Everi’s Special Dividend

In February, International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) said it will merge its global gaming and PlayDigital units into Everi in a $6.2 billion transaction, one of the largest deals announced this year in the gaming industry.

“The Special Dividend is intended to reflect the cash flow generated by the Company through the merger date. The amount of the Special Dividend, if any, shall be calculated in accordance with the Separation Agreement, and shall be based on the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at closing in excess of a target of $30 million,” added Everi in a statement.

Everi has 83.47 million shares outstanding so if it funded a special payout with $30 million, the cost to the company would be relatively low.

Special Dividends Common in Gaming Industry

Should Everi proceed with delivering a special payout to shareholders, it would join a lengthy list of gaming companies that have recently done so.

Golden Entertainment (NASDAQ: GDEN), which like Everi and Red Rock is headquartered in Las Vegas, and Gaming and Leisure Properties (NASDAQ: GLPI) are also among the gaming firms that have paid special distributions in recent years.

The post Everi Scraps Buyback Plan, Could Pay Special Dividend appeared first on Casino.org.

For Everi, a Las Vegas-based gaming device manufacturer and fintech firm, this year marks its third consecutive appearance on the rankings. Everi, which in February announced a $6.2 billion merger with the global gaming and PlayDigital units of International Game Technology (IGT), appears on the Energage rankings of companies with 1,000 to 2,499 employees. The firm is the only gaming entity on that list.

Everi’s India offices received an annual certification as a Great Place to Work from the Great Place to Work Institute in India. In addition to the national honors, in 2023 Everi was also named to both the Nevada Top Workplaces and the Greater Austin Top Workplaces list,” said the company in a statement.

Energage polled workers of private sector and public entities across four staff sizes – 100-499, 500-999, 1,000-2,499, and 2,500+.

DraftKings Scores Well, Too

In the 2,500+ employees group, DraftKings placed 34^th, making it the highest-ranking gaming company. The Boston-based online sportsbook operator has 3,100 staffers, according to Energage.

The next highest-ranking gaming entity on the large employer section of the Energage survey was the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey. That employer ranked 38^th and was followed by another gaming venue run by a Native American Tribe –Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, Calif., which placed 44^th on the list.

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Ill. was the other gaming entity on the large employers list of best places to work. That venue is operated by Chicago-based Rush Street.

Why Happy Employees Matter

While the gaming industry — particularly land-based casinos — is consumer-facing, implying it runs on a customer satisfaction model. As a result, there’s value in DraftKings, Everi, and the other operators mentioned above in having satisfied workers.

Relevant to DraftKings and Everi because both are publicly traded companies, is research suggesting that shares of companies with workers describing themselves as content or satisfied outperform the stocks of rivals where staffers are longing for more or are unhappy.

The post DraftKings, Everi Among Gaming Companies on Best Places to Work List appeared first on Casino.org.

Mohegan, the commercial gaming unit of the Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut, told Casino.org that its Poconos property officially debuted the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Friday. Located just inside the resort’s hotel entrance, the 2,000-square-foot facility features 55 of the latest slot titles from Aristocrat, a leading gaming manufacturer.

We are thrilled to launch the smoke-free Aristocrat Gaming Lounge as part of our commitment to providing exceptional and comfortable gaming experiences. Our collaboration with Aristocrat, an award-winning casino slot provider, has allowed us to offer a truly exciting gaming experience,” said Tony Carlucci, Mohegan Pennsylvania president.

A few notable titles inside the smoke-free slots venue include longtime classics Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Buffalo, as well as newer titles growing in popularity such as Triple Supreme Extreme, Mo Mummy, and Whisker Wheels.

Clean Air Gaming Options

Mohegan Pennsylvania’s main casino floor spans 67,000 square feet and is equipped with over 1,600 slots and nearly 60 live dealer table games. About half of the gaming floor is reserved for cigarette smoking, though cigars are prohibited.

The Aristocrat Gaming Lounge at Mohegan, a casino spokesperson told Casino.org, is “fully enclosed with an entrance to and from the Sky Food Court.” There is also a doored entrance to the smoke-free gaming facility from the Mohegan Pennsylvania hotel.

Mohegan’s Aristocrat Gaming Lounge is only the third fully enclosed smoke-free casino facility in the commonwealth.?

Smokeless Casinos

Only two casinos of Pennsylvania’s 17 brick-and-mortar gaming properties don’t take advantage of the state’s indoor smoking allowance — Parx Casino north of Philadelphia in Bensalem and its sister satellite property Parx Casino Shippensburg.

Parx Casino has for several years been the richest casino in the state. Parx last year won $588.2 million from its physical slots and table games. Wind Creek Bethlehem, which allows smoking, was second at $526.3 million.

Mohegan Pennsylvania generated retail slot and table revenue of approximately $211.2 million, down slightly from the $215.6 million that the property won in 2022.

Located in Wilkes-Barre, Mohegan Pennsylvania is situated on 400 hillside acres. The resort is highlighted by a 238-room hotel, 20,000 square feet of convention space, a variety of restaurants and bars, retail shopping, nightlife, and live harness horse racing.

A short drive away is the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza which regularly attracts major concert acts and plays host to minor league professional hockey.

The post Mohegan Pennsylvania Opens Smoke-Free Gaming Lounge With Aristocrat Slots appeared first on Casino.org.

Most recently, a mystery player won four jackpots totaling $536,830 over three hours on Saturday.

The money was paid out to the lucky player on Dragon Link slot machines, which are manufactured by Aristocrat Gaming.

Last week, another Caesars Palace guest won more than $1.4M in just a few hours from successive slot machine jackpots.

Another mystery player recently won more than $1.7M on slot machines at Caesars Palace from seven separate payouts over two weeks.

Other Vegas Winners

Another Caesars Palace player won $100,375 while on a video poker machine on Saturday. The unnamed visitor was playing Double Double Bonus Poker.

Last week, another unnamed player won more than $234K at Palms Casino Resort. The player had a $250 spin on a Dragon Link machine, the Las Vegas casino reported last Wednesday.

On April 7, another unnamed guest won $718,073.13 at The Venetian. The mystery visitor was playing a Dollar Storm Mega Grand Link slot at the Las Vegas property. The person had bet $5.

Also, at The Venetian on March 30, a mystery guest won $534,028. The visitor was playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em and was dealt a royal flush in hearts. The person won the progressive jackpot, and made a $5 side bet.

Last month, still another mystery guest won $511,448.85 on a Buffalo Grand Video slot machine at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The player was on the machine for just 11 minutes when they hit the payout, according to a post on the Westgate’s X account.

The person, who resides in Texas, was visiting Las Vegas for the Spray Foam Convention held at the Westgate.

Mississippi Jackpot

Across the country in Biloxi, Miss., a slot player at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino hit $1,254,996 on March 8.

The unnamed person was playing a Wheel of Fortune slot machine, according to the Sun Herald, a local news outlet.

The payout comes as the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The celebration featured a drone show last month.

The post Jackpot: Caesars Palace Player Wins $536K in Three Hours appeared first on Casino.org.