Beloved IP continues to drive mobile game download growth from loyal global fan base

SEGA of America, Inc. today announced that its hit mobile game Sonic Dash has surpassed a major milestone on mobile devices. Since initially launching in 2013, the game has achieved more than 500 million downloads worldwide. The endless runner game, which stars the famous blue hedgehog running, dashing, jumping, and spinning across stunning 3D environments, is the most played Sonic mobile game ever!

Sonic Dash’s major milestone also falls during the 30th Anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, which SEGA is celebrating with fans around the world! From the small mobile screen to the silver screen, the Blue Blur is still capturing the hearts of audiences. Last year saw the first live-action movie release of Sonic the Hedgehog, and now the next chapter of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is hotly anticipated to release next year in 2022.

Sonic Team’s Takashi Iizuka: “Achieving over 500 million downloads is a huge testament to the endurance of the Sonic brand and the truly fun, timeless gameplay of Sonic Dash. We appreciate our loyal fans as well as our partnership with both Apple and Google for their enduring support in showcasing Sonic Dash in the App Stores. This milestone could not have been achieved at a better time!”

SEGA HARDlight’s Studio Director, Neall Jones: “We continue to be amazed at Sonic Dash’s loyal fans and how the game is still driving millions of new downloads every month. A massive thank you to all Sonic Dash fans. We look forward to continuing to provide you with new and innovative in-game events built around the ever-expanding Sonic universe, for years to come.”

Sonic Dash was developed by HARDlight, a SEGA of Europe studio. The studio is also behind another wildly popular mobile multiplayer runner: Sonic Forces. HARDlight produces regular events in Sonic Dash, featuring collaborations with highly recognized IP. Starting Friday, September 17, fans can also join a special event in Sonic Dash, honoring this 500 million milestone.

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, new partnerships and compliance updates. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Rush Street Interactive has launched its own branded online live casino studios in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The studios will supply live dealer games to the BetRivers online casino in Pennsylvania and PlaySugarHouse online casino in New Jersey.

888 Holdings has announced the launch of SI Sportsbook in Colorado. SI Sportsbook combines 888’s world-class proprietary and scalable technology with Sports Illustrated’s iconic brand to create a unique value proposition for sports fans.

Gaming Realms has announced that its first Slingo game has now gone live in Pennsylvania, following the company’s recent award of an interactive gaming manufacturer license in the state.

Tipico Sportsbook has selected Colorado as the site for its new technology hub. The sportsbook expects as many as 441 jobs to be brought to the area over the next eight years.

International Game Technology has announced that its world-class PlaySports platform footprint will expand into Wisconsin through an agreement to power sports betting at Oneida Casino, on the Oneida Nation Reservation.

Internet Vikings has launched its iGaming hosting services in Colorado. This follows its recent launch in West Virginia. This new launch is just the second step in Internet Vikings’ expansion into the US with 11 more states expected to come onto their map by the end of the year.

DraftKings has announced the addition of its new and exclusive game DraftKings Rocket to the DraftKings Casino product suite. The game is currently available in New Jersey with Michigan and West Virginia to follow pending regulatory approval.

New Partnerships

BetMGM has entered into a strategic partnership with Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort in Puerto Rico. Subject to regulatory approvals, BetMGM will expand its retail and mobile sports betting offerings to Puerto Rico, signifying the company’s first market access agreement outside of the U.S. mainland.

MegaFans, a mobile gaming company headquartered in Southern California, has partnered with Launchpool Labs and joined their first incubator programme which kicked off Sept. 1, 2021.

As the Denver Pioneers prepare for a new sports season, Denver Sports Properties has announced a multi-year agreement with its first corporate sports betting partner, SuperBook Sports. The agreement, facilitated by Playfly Sports, will include branding, media hospitality and social media assets with a focus on responsible gaming and education for student-athletes.

Baltimore Ravens and Caesars Entertainment announced a partnership in which Caesars Sportsbook will be the NFL club’s “premier sports betting partner” while also expanding the Ravens’ relationship with Horseshoe Baltimore casino.

Esports Entertainment Group has signed a partnership agreement with Game Fund Partners LLC to become a part of their Venture Capital Arm and a new planned $300 million game fund.

Genius Sports has expanded its existing agreement with WynnBET to provide the operator with official National Football League sportsbook data, content and fan engagement solutions.

Compliance Updates

Genius Sports Limited has announced that it has been granted a long-term Online Sports Wagering Vendor Permit by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.

The company has also secured a temporary event wagering supplier license from the Arizona Department of Gaming.

Titles from NetEnt are available on High 5 Games’ social casino in free-to-play markets including the United States

 High 5 Games announced the addition of NetEnt games to its social casino. Players in the United States and other free-to-play markets now have access to all NetEnt titles. Games are available to play at High5Casino, on Facebook, and via the High 5 Casino app on iOS and Android.

Yana Tsyganova, VP Operations of High 5 Games, commented: “We’re thrilled to bolster our relationship with Evolution Group and bring our social casino players in the United States the same NetEnt titles that real-money players all over the world can’t get enough of. With the addition of these new NetEnt slots, we’re doubling down on our commitment to the social casino scene and giving players what they want, no matter where they choose to play.”

Titles from NetEnt are already available on High5Casino.com for real money in a number of international markets. With the expanded Evolution Group partnership, players accessing the free-to-play casino in the United States and other jurisdictions where real-money games aren’t available will have access to NetEnt’s most popular slots.