Atlantic City, a staple in the American casino and tourism industry, faces a concerning decline in visitors to its famed brick-and-mortar casinos, prompting urgent calls for action from local union leaders and the Casino Association of New Jersey. Recent revenue reports have revealed a downturn in the number of patrons frequenting the city’s gambling resorts, igniting worries about the broader implications for Atlantic City’s economic health and workforce.
Urgent Call for Intervention
Donna DeCaprio, the influential president of Unite Here Local 54, the city’s largest casino workers union, has sounded the alarm, urging both city and state officials to take immediate steps to counteract the declining trend. After a report from the state Division of Gaming Enforcement showed a 1.6% year-over-year decline in casino gross gaming revenues for February 2024, DeCaprio highlighted the importance of addressing the issue not just for the industry, but for the entire community dependent on tourism and casino revenues.
Casino Workers’ Livelihoods at Stake
Representing over 10,000 casino workers, Unite Here Local 54 is at the forefront of advocating for measures to reverse the negative trend affecting its members’ livelihoods. The union’s call to action underscores the critical situation facing thousands of workers amid the downturn in casino visits, stressing the need for legislative awareness and intervention.
Online Gaming on the Rise as Traditional Casinos Struggle
While traditional land-based casinos have experienced a decrease in revenues, online gaming has surged, recording a nearly 28% increase in revenues over the same period. This shift highlights changing consumer preferences and the growing challenge facing Atlantic City’s casino industry.
State and City Officials Respond
The concerns raised by DeCaprio and the Casino Association of New Jersey have resonated with state lawmakers and industry officials, who acknowledge the pressing need to address the factors contributing to the visitor decline. Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association, and Senator Vince Polistina have agreed that developing solutions to bolster Atlantic City’s appeal to tourists and gamblers alike is urgent.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The decline in visitors has been attributed to various factors, including the need for improved safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure in the city. Critics argue that without addressing these fundamental issues, Atlantic City will continue to struggle to attract tourists and recover its position as a leading casino destination.
As Atlantic City confronts this pivotal moment, the response from city and state officials could shape the future of the city’s economy and its status as a premier gambling and tourist destination. The industry and its workers await decisive action to revive Atlantic City’s fortunes and ensure its continued vibrancy in the face of evolving challenges.
Betsson Makes Strategic Moves in Serbian Market
Online casino software provider Swintt has struck a deal to partner with Betsson’s Rizk Casino brand, allowing Swintt to enter the newly regulated Serbian online gambling market. The partnership will see Swintt provide the popular Rizk Casino platform with its full suite of games from the SwinttSelect and SwinttPremium libraries.
This comprehensive content package from the innovative game studio will significantly bolster Rizk Casino’s gaming offerings for Serbian players. Swintt’s portfolio contains over 140 top-performing online slot games packed with engaging themes, cutting-edge features, lucrative bonus rounds and potential wins up to 500x the original bet amount.
Betsson recognizes Swintt’s rising popularity and the supplier’s ability to deliver an immersive gaming experience. The deal allows Rizk Casino to take advantage of Swintt’s compelling titles as well as future releases from its new Elysium Studios game studio venture.
David Mann, CEO of Swintt, commented: “With Rizk Casino being celebrated for providing players with an unrivalled selection of games, we’re thrilled to strengthen their lineup with our Premium and Select collections. This deal will put us on the map in Serbia.”
Matthea Dudic, Regional Casino and Operations Chief at Rizk, added: “Swintt’s slots have seen great success, and we’re delighted to welcome them to our Serbian platform, offering both classic and modern games that will be a huge hit.”
Finnish Court Suspends Betsson Payment Blockade
In Finland, Betsson recently secured a temporary victory as the Supreme Administrative Court suspended an order that required banks and payment providers to block all payments from Finnish customers to the operator’s subsidiary BML Group.
The payment blockade stemmed from the Helsinki Administrative Court imposing a record €2.4 million fine on BML Group in March for allegedly targeting the Finnish market illegally. Betsson fiercely contested the fine and vowed to appeal to a higher court.
With the appeals process ongoing, the Supreme Administrative Court has halted the payment blockade order. Betsson will also not need to pay the €2.4 million penalty until the legal process concludes. Finland’s National Police Board has removed BML Group from its list of blacklisted operators during this period.
To mitigate the initial payment blockade, Betsson transferred its brands for non-Swedish and non-Irish EU customers to the new Rizk Nordic Limited entity licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Finland’s Gambling Monopoly Ending by 2026
These developments coincide with Finland’s plans to phase out the gambling monopoly held by state-run operator Veikkaus by 2026 and transition to a licensing system that allows private operators.
While Veikkaus has said it welcomes the regulatory overhaul, the company warned the licensing regime could force it to reduce its workforce substantially.
The monopoly reform aims to create a better-regulated online gambling environment and tackle Finland’s high rates of problem gambling. A recent study found around 150,000 Finnish citizens, or nearly 3% of the population, potentially suffer from gambling addiction.
Experts argue ending Veikkaus’ monopoly and opening up licensing is crucial for safeguarding consumers and combating the unregulated black market for online gambling that has thrived under the current regime.
Las Vegas Sands, now at the helm of the Dallas Mavericks, is amplifying its campaign to legalize casino operations in Texas. The corporation has initiated a funding drive through the Texas Destination Resort Alliance, aiming to bring the legalization issue directly to voters within the state.
The initiative marks a significant push towards integrating casino resorts with major entertainment and sports venues in Texas. This vision aligns with the aspirations of former Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban, who, despite selling the majority stake to Sands, remains influential in the team’s basketball operations. Cuban has been a vocal supporter of the idea, envisioning a new arena for the Mavericks that includes a casino resort.
The Texas Destination Resort Alliance, representing a broad spectrum of Texans, is advocating for a state constitutional amendment. This amendment would pave the way for the establishment of destination resorts in Texas’ major cities. “We aim to grant Texans the power to decide on creating destination resorts in our state through a constitutional amendment,” the alliance stated on its platform.
Challenging the Status Quo in Gaming Legislation
Attempts to widen the scope of gaming in Texas have faced resistance within the state legislature for several years. In response, Sands established a political action committee in 2022, seeking to shift the perception of gaming among Texans and lawmakers alike.
One of the significant hurdles has been gaining the support of enough Republican legislators. Moreover, expanding gaming operations in Texas would necessitate a state-wide vote to amend the constitution, making the petition an essential step towards bypassing legislative roadblocks.
The campaign also receives backing from notable entities such as the Chickasaw Nation, which owns Winstar Casino in Oklahoma and Lone Star Park in Dallas. Additionally, efforts to legalize sports betting are gaining traction, with endorsements from figures like former governor Rick Perry of the Texas Sports Betting Alliance and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones highlighted the initiative’s goal to “enable Texans to choose whether they want this activity to be regulated safely or to persist in the shadows, managed by betting platforms based outside of Texas.”
In a related development, Dallas city officials are exploring zoning adjustments to accommodate poker clubs, further indicating a growing interest in expanding gambling options within the city. This series of events marks a pivotal moment in Texas’ gambling legislation, potentially transforming the state into a new frontier for casino and sports betting enthusiasts.
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ELA Games has announced a partnership with BlueOcean Gaming. This collaboration will see ELA Games’ innovative slot creations integrated into BlueOcean’s GameHub, a leading aggregator of casino games. As a result, operators connected to the GameHub will soon be able to offer ELA’s engaging games to their players.
The Power of Integration
BlueOcean Gaming, known for its comprehensive B2B solutions, will bolster its GameHub portfolio with ELA Games’ offerings. The GameHub, recognized for facilitating easy access to a diverse range of games through a single-point API, is set to enhance its collection, which already exceeds 10,000 titles from more than 110 game developers. This integration underscores the commitment of both companies to providing operators with seamless and diversified gaming content.
Spotlight on ELA Games’ Hit Titles
ELA Games is stepping into the limelight with its unique slot games, including crowd-pleasers like Bandidos Bang, Fish & Spins, and Book of Meow. Mike Cini, the driving force behind ELA Games, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase their distinctive games across BlueOcean’s expansive network.
Diving into ELA Games’ Slot Marvels:
Bandidos Bang: A Wild West Adventure
Step into the boots of the fearless with Bandidos Bang, a wild west escapade that offers players a chance to ride alongside bandits on a quest for treasure. With a return to player (RTP) rate of 95.8% and a max win potential of 750x the stake, this game entices with its array of bonuses and a captivating theme.
Book of Meow: Feline Mystique Meets Ancient Egypt
Book of Meow captivates with a fusion of ancient Egyptian lore and the internet’s undying love for cats. This slot stands out not only for its enchanting theme but also for its straightforward gameplay and the thrill of its bonus rounds. With up to nine expanding symbols, players are guaranteed a purr-fect gaming experience.
Fish & Spins: An Underwater Quest for Treasure
Fish & Spins invites players to plunge into an underwater world teeming with treasures. With an RTP of 95.1% and a maximum win potential of x5000, this game offers a thrilling adventure across its 5×5 layout. The inclusion of features like Avalanche wins and multipliers makes for a riveting experience that’s hard to resist.
SOFTSWISS, a pioneer in the iGaming software industry, marks a significant milestone by securing the inaugural B2B Tobique Gaming Licence. This notable achievement coincides with the company’s 15th anniversary, showing its ongoing commitment to expanding its global reach and enhancing its service offerings. The Tobique Gaming Commission (TGC), in collaboration with Differentia Licensing Advisory Group Limited (DLAG), has endorsed SOFTSWISS for a one-year operational tenure, setting a new precedent in the iGaming sector.
Tobique First Nation: A Sovereign Community’s Visionary Move
Situated in western New Brunswick, Canada, the Tobique First Nation has embarked on an innovative journey by issuing online gambling licenses under the Tobique Gaming Act of 2023. This strategic move positions the indigenous community as a key player in the global online gambling landscape, offering a B2B Tobique Gaming Licence that paves the way for businesses to extend their operations internationally. This license stands out for its broad coverage, including sports betting, casino games, and lotteries, alongside benefits such as a streamlined application process and cost-efficiency.
SOFTSWISS: Expanding Its Global Footprint
Yuri Sharapa, Head of Country Projects at SOFTSWISS, expressed gratitude towards the Tobique Gaming Commission for their trust and highlighted the significance of this new license in diversifying the company’s portfolio. Graham Martin, Chairman of DLAG, echoed this sentiment, which proves SOFTSWISS’s role as a tier-1 brand within the industry. This license adds to SOFTSWISS’s robust international and national certifications portfolio, further solidifying its status as a leader in the provision of iGaming software.
Evo Prime Drop: A New Chapter in Player Engagement
In a strategic collaboration with Evolution Gaming Group AB, SOFTSWISS has launched the Evo Prime Drop campaign to elevate player engagement through exciting, premium games. This initiative, accessible to casino operators within the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator network, presents a selection of top-tier games without imposing additional charges. The campaign aims to enhance player retention and offers a generous jackpot prize pool, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between SOFTSWISS and Evolution in fostering innovation in the gaming sector.
Forward-Looking Initiatives: Shaping the Future of iGaming
The partnership between SOFTSWISS and Evolution signifies a forward-looking approach to iGaming, blending cutting-edge technology with innovative campaign mechanics to benefit operators, providers, and players alike. This venture sets a benchmark for future collaborations, highlighting the dynamic capabilities of the SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator and the Evolution portfolio in driving the industry forward.
The acquisition of the B2B Tobique Gaming Licence by SOFTSWISS, coupled with the Evo Prime Drop campaign launch, underscores a pivotal moment in online gambling. These developments not only exemplify strategic foresight but also reinforce SOFTSWISS’s commitment to enhancing its offerings and solidifying its position as an industry leader.
