Gambling in the USA
No Bids Received at Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s Category 4 Casino Auction
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board received no bids at its auction to reserve the opportunity to apply for a Category 4 Satellite Casino license, thus concluding this auction process.
Per Act 20 of 2019 (“Act”), the Board was to conduct up to five auctions for the remaining Category 4 Slot Machine Licenses. Bidders could only be current holders of Pennsylvania casino licenses. The Act also further directed that no further auctions are to be conducted if an auction fails to generate a bid.
Under the Gaming Expansion Act of 2017, the Gaming Control Board was authorized to award up to 10 Category 4 (satellite) Slot Machine Operator Licenses through an auction process which was conducted from January to April 2018, resulting in five successful auctions garnering $127 million in bids to secure the right to obtain a Category 4 license. Two of the projects have thus far received approval by the Board to begin construction:
Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, which operates Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, was awarded a Category 4 license on June 12, 2019 to construct a satellite casino in Caernarvon Township, Berks County (bid price: $7,5000,003).
Stadium Casino, LLC, which is constructing a Category 2 casino in Philadelphia, was awarded a Category 4 license on August 14, 2019 to construct a satellite casino in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (bid price: $40,100,005);
Three Category 4 projects have submitted applications, after successfully winning an auction last year, with their final award still pending:
Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, LLC, is seeking a second license in this category to construct a satellite casino in Springettsbury Township, York County (bid price: $50,100,000);
Mount Airy #1, LLC which operates the Mount Airy Casino Resort, is seeking a license to construct a satellite casino in Big Beaver Borough, Beaver County (bid price: $21,188,888.88);
Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment Inc., which operates the Parx Casino, is seeking a license to construct a satellite casino in Shippensburg Township, Cumberland County (bid price: $8,111,000).
A Category 4 Slot Machine License permits the entity to operate between 300 and 750 slot machines. The entity could also petition for permission to initially operate up to 30 table games for an additional fee of $2.5 million with the capability of adding an additional 10 tables games after its first year of operation.
About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board:
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is tasked to oversee all aspects of gambling legalized under 2004’s Race Horse Development and Gaming Act and the Gaming Expansion Act of 2017. In addition to slot machine and table games gambling at land-based casinos, the expansion includes online casino games available to date on three sites; sports wagering offered through sportsbooks at nine locations and through four online outlets; video gaming terminals (VGTs) offered thus far at three qualified truck stops; fantasy sports contests through eight providers; and, online games at airports expected to be launched in the coming months.
The mature casino industry in Pennsylvania currently consists of 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos in operation, along with the two smaller resort casinos. These facilities collectively employ over 16,000 people and annually generate over $1.3 billion in tax revenue from slot machine and table games play. Construction of a 13th casino is currently underway along with a number of new “mini-casinos” that are expected to begin operation over the next couple of years.
Source: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 30-October 6
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Jackpot Digital, a leading manufacturer of electronic multiplayer dealerless poker tables, announced that it has received approval from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) to act as a registered supplier of gaming supplies and services to regulated casinos in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The approval follows the Company’s news release dated February 6, 2024, announcing the signing of a licensing agreement with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority to install the Company’s Jackpot Blitz dealerless poker ETGs into SIGA casinos.
Underdog Fantasy, one the fastest-growing sports gaming and media companies in the US, was recognised as the number 15 company on LinkedIn’s 2024 Top Startups list in the US, alongside startups recognised for employment growth, engagement, job interest and attraction of top talent. This marks the second consecutive year Underdog has made LinkedIn’s top startups list. Underdog is the only sports gaming company to make the list in 2024, and is the only sports gaming company to make LinkedIn’s list since Underdog’s founding in 2020.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel announced the opening of the Aristocrat Gaming Lounge, a cutting-edge gaming area showcasing some of the most popular slot games by Aristocrat Gaming. The lounge is conveniently located near to the hotel lobby, offering easy access for guests. The Aristocrat Gaming Lounge houses 32 popular game titles by Aristocrat Gaming including fan favourites like Dragon Link, Buffalo, Mo’ Mummy, Whisker Wheels and more.
NIGC Compliance Officer Jo’Elle Thompson was inducted into the Emerging Leaders of Gaming (ELG) “40 Under 40” Class of 2025. The ELG “40 Under 40,” designed by The Innovation Group (TIG) in collaboration with Global Gaming Business magazine, recognises the significant contributions that gaming professionals under the age of 40 have made to the casino gaming industry. Recipients of this award are not only being honoured for their achievements, but also paving the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders in the gaming industry.
Partnerships
Fanatics Betting and Gaming has integrated a range of White Hat Studios’ award-winning games into the new online Fanatics Casino for customers in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Known for bringing branded entertainment to life, White Hat Studios will offer Fanatics Casino players access to popular slots, including the hit titles Goonies Hey You Guys and Ted Cashlock. Each title offers engaging gameplay and immersive visuals that connect players with their favourite brands.
Slotomania, the free-to-play slots game from Playtika, has announced an extended collaboration with the hit game show “Let’s Make a Deal”. From October 1 to 24, Slotomania will sponsor The Big Deal of the Day round on “Let’s Make a Deal,” offering lucky contestants the chance to win big with even more exciting prizes in the ultimate showdown of chance, luck and fun.
Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced a strategic partnership with betPARX. This partnership will integrate Pavilion Payments’ cutting-edge Real-Time Payments (RTP) solution—fully supporting FedNow and RTP networks—into betPARX’s platform, revolutionising the payout experience for patrons by enabling instant access to their winnings.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 23-29
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
International Game Technology PLC (IGT) has announced that Shondra DeLoach-Perea, IGT Vice President Field Services, Call Centers and Technology Operations, has been named a recipient of Global Gaming Women’s (GGW) 2024 “Patty Becker Pay it Forward Award”. The annual award programme honors women in the gaming industry who have contributed to GGW’s initiatives and helped support women in their organisation and community.
Caesars Entertainment has launched the Caesars Sportsbook Muckleshoot app, which is now accepting mobile sports bets at Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington. Guests 21 and older who are interested in wagering on mobile devices can download the Caesars Sportsbook Muckleshoot app and must be physically present on the property at Muckleshoot to verify their registration for an account and place wagers during their visit, in accordance with state law.
Aristocrat Technologies, a leading global provider of gaming solutions, has achieved a significant legal victory in Aristocrat’s case against Light & Wonder (L&W) concerning infringement of Aristocrat’s intellectual property, including misappropriation of Aristocrat’s trade secrets in connection with L&W’s Dragon Train game. On September 23, 2024, Judge Gloria M. Navarro of the United States District Court for the District of Nevada issued a decision granting Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction on its trade secret claims against L&W.
Jim Collopy has become the champion of the 2024 Poker Masters presented by the PokerStars NAPT. Collopy cashed in four consecutive events during the eight-event series, amassing $521,600 in prize money and securing the coveted Poker Masters Purple Jacket. He also earned a $25,000 PokerGO Tour (PGT) Passport and a PokerStars Gold Pass for his victory.
JCM Global has been licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming, authorising JCM to sell the TITA Table Game System directly to customers throughout the state, in addition to its other leading transaction and automation solutions. The license builds on JCM’s more than 170 active gaming licenses the company holds and maintains across North America and around the world. Most recently, JCM earned licensing in the State of New Mexico.
New Partnerships
LexisNexis Risk Solutions has announced a strategic alliance with Radar, a recognised leader in geofencing technology. This collaboration integrates Radar’s robust geofencing, mapping and geo-compliance capabilities with the advanced data and technology from LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Together, they will deliver a robust solution for gaming and gambling operators, that will help ensure that devices used for online gambling in the US comply with applicable state regulations.
Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and The Casino at Nemacolin have announced a strategic partnership that promises to revolutionise the gaming and hospitality industry in the western Pennsylvania market. This strategic alliance sets the stage for an exciting fusion of technology and hospitality, with The Casino at Nemacolin at the forefront.
Sportingtech has announced a new partnership with 23:59. The partnership reinforces Sportingtech’s dedication to offering operators efficient tools to enhance their ability to develop localised campaigns and reach clients globally, particularly in Brazil. 23:59, with its global sports events and holiday consolidation, simplifies the planning of successful campaigns aligned with these events.
Gambling in the USA
Dealer’s Choice: Uncovering the Truth About Casino Dealer Salaries in 2024, OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos Reports
With the gambling market booming, the role of the casino dealer is becoming an increasingly enticing career prospect for many. As demand for dealers continues to rise, an estimated 43,370 jobs will be filled in the US by 2029, opening up a promising path for those interested in the industry.
While entry-level positions offer modest wages, the potential for substantial earnings is significant. Typically, dealers start with a baseline rate (with experienced individuals earning more) and boost their income through tips or “tokes,” as they’re known in the industry. Historically, dealers pocketed these tokes directly. Now, casinos are adopting a more even-handed approach by pooling and distributing them among staff.
Although Las Vegas would appear to be the pinnacle of lucrative tips for casino dealers, the reality is more complex. In an oversaturated market such as Sin City, where staff numbers are large, tip-sharing often results in lukewarm wages. In 2024, the average salary for casino dealers in Nevada is $19.96 an hour, closely aligning with the national average of $19.25 per hour. Nevada didn’t even make the list of the top five highest-paying states. The ranking is as follows.
Arizona: The average salary of casino dealers in Arizona is $66,370 yearly, the highest in the nation, with 1760 employed.
Washington: In Washington, 4030 dealers make an average of $61,290 annually.
New York: New York employs 1660 dealers, making an average of $56,080 annually.
West Virginia: The 630 casino dealers in West Virginia average $55,700 a year.
New Jersey: With 3490 dealers, New Jersey offers an average of $46,120 annually.
Aspiring casino dealers should carefully consider location and casino size when searching for opportunities. Nonetheless, many find that job satisfaction can outweigh these elements.
Jeffrey Biship, a former dealer in Missouri, said: “I dealt blackjack and craps in the worst casino in St. Louis. But even in the worst casino in probably one of the worst gambling markets in America, it had its definite plusses. On a good night, it was a blast. Sometimes I couldn’t believe that I was paid to have so much fun.”
Heather Ferris, founder and CEO of Vegas Aces and former Las Vegas dealer, said: “Dealing table games was the best job I ever had! Once you know how to deal, you don’t even think about it anymore. It becomes routine. So basically, you spend your entire time talking to people from all around the world…”
She also highlighted how events can significantly boost tips, “Special events or holidays, such as boxing matches or New Year’s Eve, can drastically increase a dealer’s tips. For example, during the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, some dealers made up to $1500 in a single shift.”
As potential dealers enter the industry, setting realistic expectations and balancing enjoyment, salary and location is essential.
For more about casino dealer salaries in 2024, check out Heather Ferris’s article at Online United States Casinos, where she dives deep into pay rates and shares insights from her first-hand experience navigating this career.
Online United States Casinos is a comprehensive resource for gambling information with an adept team of specialists committed to accuracy. It is dedicated to empowering readers to make well-informed choices through in-depth research, unbiased reviews, and expert insights.
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