Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 10-16

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! It was again an eventful week in the USA, despite the still-active virus attack.

Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news, new acquisitions and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.

Latest News

Konami Gaming has announced the release of its Ocean Spin video slot series for availability in North America, following high rates of ongoing performance across debut locations. The premium linked progressive game is featured on Konami’s award-winning DIMENSION 49J machine.

Simplebet has launched new real money micro-betting products for NBA and MLB games in Washington and Montana via its partnership with Intralot.

Caesars Entertainment is postponing plans to sell one of its eight Las Vegas Strip resorts until the market further rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic, perhaps next year, according to reports. Caesars officials have said since the company’s merger with Eldorado Resorts that they plan to sell a Strip asset.

Flutter Entertainment said the boss of its US FanDuel operation had resigned and that his departure would affect the timing of a potential listing for the business in the US. The FTSE 100 gambling group said Matt King had agreed to stay on while it looked for a replacement.

Caesars Entertainment has announced that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has approved a return to full occupancy, without social distancing, on the casino floors at all nine of the company’s Las Vegas properties.

FORCE Family Office is going to host a discussion on the future of online gaming with former NJ Governor Chris Christie. On June 2, Chris Christie will join Toni DiMatteo, the CEO of Lottery.com to talk about the future of online gambling, including online lotteries, sports betting and other games of chance.

Partnerships

Resorts World Las Vegas has partnered with cryptocurrency exchange Gemini to explore future opportunities that would allow customers to use their Gemini crypto wallet to enhance the integrated resort experience.

Memphis Grizzlies, the US-based professional basketball team, has entered into a multi-year marketing partnership with WynnBET. This is the Grizzlies’ second sports betting partnership since legalised sports betting launched in Tennessee last year.

Gaming Realms has signed a four-year licensing deal with Scientific Games. This marks an extension to the Company’s existing agreement with Scientific Games, in which Scientific Games has been provided exclusive rights to create and produce SLINGO-branded lottery instant scratch games, terminal generated and draw-based games.

Acquisitions

Fox Corporation has entered into an agreement via its subsidiary to acquire Outkick Media, a digital media platform founded and led by Clay Travis, and related assets. FOX plans to operate Outkick as an independent brand and leverage its content across its existing platforms.

PointsBet USA has entered into a binding agreement to acquire pari-mutuel Advance Deposit Wagering operator Premier Turf Club for US$2.9 million. The transaction is subject to customary completion conditions and is expected to close later this month.

Compliance Updates

A new bill that would allow betting on college sports in New Jersey is being discussed by lawmakers. Bill ACR200 has already passed the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee by a vote of seven yeas to zero nays. Current sports betting laws in NJ prohibit betting on college sports.