Gambling in the USA
Land-based closures spark 100% rise in US ‘online casino’ searches – BonusFinder research
The closure of major US land-based gaming venues and cancellation of live sport has sparked a 100% rise in internet searches for ‘online casino’ across North America, BonusFinder.com research can reveal.
The research was carried out using Google Trends from February to the end of March this year and uncovered a sharp spike in players searching for ‘online casino’ following land-based venues switching off slot machines and sports events being rescheduled.
The tipping point came on 12th March when more US players searched for ‘online casino’ than ‘sports betting’ with numbers doubling in the following two weeks.
Since the repeal of PASPA in August 2018, 17 US states have regulated sports betting with only five, including Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania opening up igaming.
Combined sports betting and online casino ‘handle’ across those US States was more than $1.7 billion in February 2020.
Sportsbook handle is expected to dramatically shrink in March and beyond with operators and states urgently looking to mitigate losses and make up shortfalls. As a result of the surge in online casino interest, lawmakers in states that have already regulated betting could consider fast-tracking igaming.
According to VIXIO GamblingCompliance, New Jersey alone generated $482.7 million in igaming Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) in 2019 and $52m in February 2020.
Industry trade group, iDevelopment & Economic Association, for example, is already urging states to allow online casino games to replace disappearing revenue, including exploring how governors can use emergency powers to quickly allow online casinos to operate.
Fintan Costello, Managing Director, Bonusfinder.com, said: “The five states that have opened igaming are seeing month-on-month revenue rises with New Jersey leading the way. It has a robust and responsible framework in place to protect players and has shown that online and offline casinos can operate together within the same territory and consistently generate very healthy returns.”
“This is a wake-up call for the 12 states that have already established an online sports betting regime. They should take note of the enormous interest in online casino from players and use this momentum to legislate igaming before we start seeing players turning to unlicensed, offshore sites and the black market.
“The demand will only continue to increase as this unprecedented situation continues, therefore now is the time to focus on providing best-in-class, regulated real-money online casino games that players can enjoy responsibly and that can also help state governments make up revenue shortfalls.”
Last month research carried out by BonusFinder.com monitoring the Swedish market uncovered a spike in Swedish players searching for a basket of black-market keywords. Almost a third of Swedish online casino players are searching online for ‘unlicensed casinos’, with growing numbers turning to black-market brands due to the market’s restrictive gaming regulations.
Chris Schroder
State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling
The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.
The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.
When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.
“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.
This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.
The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.
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
Golden Matrix Group announced that the Company is progressing in its efforts to expand its market presence, particularly with its anticipated entry into the U.S. iGaming market. The Company, through its subsidiary Expanse Studios, which specialises in the production and distribution of iGaming content, is currently in the process of applying for the New Jersey Casino Service Industry Enterprise license.
Comanche Nation Casino has been recognised as the No. 1 Casino in the state at Oklahoman’s annual Community Choice Awards. The award programme recognises destinations throughout Oklahoma that provide exceptional service and experiences to the community and guests. Award finalists were invited to an awards gala at the Embassy Suites in Oklahoma City. In attendance to accept the award on behalf of Comanche Nation Casino was Shandi Tahhahwah, General Manager, and Megan Norberto, Marketing Manager.
The Esports Integrity Commission has announced that the highly anticipated ESIC Global Esports Summit (EGES) will make its US debut in 2024. The summit, a pivotal gathering for the esports industry, is set to take place on October 3 and 4, 2024, at the prestigious Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Betr Holdings Inc., a leading sports gaming and media company, announced the launch of its peer-to-peer product “Group Mode” for Betr Picks, as well as the soft launch of the new Betr Sportsbook, just in time for the NFL season. With the launch of Group Mode, Betr Picks is now live in Florida and Massachusetts, with Virginia, Arizona, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, West Virginia, New Hampshire and Delaware to be launched imminently, which will have Betr Picks live in 33 states plus Washington, D.C.
New Partnerships
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM announced that they are once again partnering with the American Gaming Association to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2024) in September. The two companies will execute their responsible gaming campaign at designated National Football League stadiums for the second year, with increased exposure for GameSense.
Allwyn announced its support of the U.S. premiere of Dvořák Dreams, an immersive, A.I.-generated digital exhibition by renowned artist Refik Anadol. This is the second year Allwyn has sponsored the international tour of this exhibition, underpinning its commitment to supporting the arts and innovative cultural initiatives across the globe. Allwyn’s support means the exhibition is free for the public to experience.
FaZe Clan, one of the most prominent and influential gaming organisations in the world, and G FUEL, the leading energy drink formula for gamers and creators, announced the revival of a new multi-year, multi-million-dollar sponsorship and licensing deal. This partnership is one of the largest transactions in GameSquare’s history, where FaZe Media will receive an equity component in G FUEL as part of the contract, further aligning the two companies’ core community-focused values and fostering deeper collaboration to drive growth and engagement within the gaming ecosystem.
EPIC Global Solutions and Bally’s have announced a groundbreaking three-year partnership aimed at promoting responsible gaming and making a positive impact on communities. This collaboration positions both organisations as leaders in responsible gaming within the gaming industry.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 2-8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
10 Ten Gaming has announced the launch of SmilesCasino.com, a new social casino poised to transform social casino gaming.
Smiles Casino aims to offer an unparalleled free-to-play social gaming experience to users across the US via innovative technology, exceptional customer service, and exciting promotional offerings.
The proprietary platform is designed to be easily accessible for all users without the need to download or purchase, providing a thrilling Vegas-style experience from home or on the go.
“We are delighted to launch SmilesCasino.com and look forward to providing the ultimate social casino experience for our users. Smiles Casino transports users to a wonderland of fun and entertainment, while providing safe and secure gameplay in a responsible social gaming environment,” said Carly Sawers, Head of Marketing at 10 Ten Gaming.
Among the many features available on Smiles Casino, users receive a welcome bonus, daily complimentary coins, tailored promotions, a vibrant social media community, and outstanding customer support.
New games are added weekly to an already expansive portfolio of popular game titles spanning a multitude of genres.
The launch of Smiles Casino is the first step in 10 Ten Gaming’s vision to stand at the forefront of the social casino landscape in the US.
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