Gambling in the USA
Golden Entertainment Reports 2020 First Quarter Results
– Q1 Results Negatively Impacted by Mandated Closure of All Operations in March
– Cash Outlays Significantly Reduced to Preserve Liquidity
– Revolver Fully Drawn in March to Create Over $300 million Cash Position
– Montana Distributed Gaming Operations Reopened May 4th Statewide
Golden Entertainment, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Blake Sartini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Entertainment, commented, “The COVID-19 pandemic forced the mandated closure of all our operations beginning in mid-March, and continues to have an unprecedented impact on our business and the gaming and entertainment industry in general. This is reflected in our first quarter financial results, notwithstanding our significant year-over-year growth through February prior to the suspension of our operations. Since the closures, we have focused on supporting our team members, staying connected to our customers, and working to establish appropriate sanitation protocols to offer a safe environment when we are allowed to reopen.
“In order to preserve the Company’s liquidity and position ourselves to withstand the ongoing interruption to our operations, we reduced our cash operating expenses, deferred all capital expenditures and drew down our $200 million availability under our revolving credit facility. The actions that we have taken since the closure of our operations have positioned Golden Entertainment to withstand the current disruption in our business for the foreseeable future.
“Over the last several years we have executed on a strategic plan to put the Company on a path for long-term growth. This plan included capital investment to renovate and reposition The STRAT, accretive acquisitions that have grown our market share in Laughlin, pursuing new distributed gaming markets, and the introduction of our True Rewards one-card loyalty program. Our current cash position, capital structure with no near-term debt maturities, and diverse operations of wholly-owned casinos and distributed gaming operations across multiple jurisdictions will position Golden Entertainment favorably to achieve long-term success as we are allowed to reopen our properties.
“Finally, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to those whose health or livelihood has been directly affected by COVID-19, as well as acknowledge our great appreciation for all the healthcare providers, first responders and other essential workers whose efforts are keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
Consolidated Results
The Company reported 2020 first quarter revenues of $207.2 million compared to $239.9 million in the first quarter of 2019. Net loss for the first quarter of 2020 was $32.6 million, or a loss of $1.17 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA was $30.3 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $48.4 million for the first quarter of 2019.
Casinos
Casino revenues were $128.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to $151.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Casino Adjusted EBITDA was $31.8 million compared to $46.6 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Distributed Gaming
Distributed Gaming revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $79.0 million compared to $88.4 million in the first quarter of 2019. Distributed Gaming Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million compared to $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2019.
Balance Sheet Highlights
As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $302 million, including $200 million drawn from the Company’s revolving credit facility on March 16, 2020. Total debt on March 31 was $1.36 billion including the revolver draw.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2020 totaled $18.5 million, including payments of approximately $12 million related to renovations at The STRAT that were completed in December 2019. The total cost of renovations for The STRAT since June 2018 totals approximately $101 million.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 10-16

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
Fennica Gaming has announced that it has been granted a gaming supplier license in Ontario, Canada. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy, allowing it to offer its cutting-edge gaming experiences to gaming operators in one of North America’s most dynamic regulated markets. The supplier license, granted by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), enables Fennica Gaming to introduce its portfolio of entertaining and high-quality games to gaming operators across the province. This registration empowers Ontarian operators, whether online or land-based, to access the omnichannel offerings developed in the Nordics.
PrizePicks announced it has received Internet Compliance Assessment Programme (iCAP) accreditation from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). PrizePicks is the first and only fantasy sports operator to receive the recognition. iCAP certification is granted to operators that meet the NCPG’s high standards for responsible gaming and consumer protection practices. Developed by the NCPG, iCAP is the leading online responsible gaming assessment Programme in the US. The rigorous certification process involves an independent, comprehensive review of an operator’s responsible gaming policies and practices, spanning Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, staff training programmes, work culture, consumer protection measures, RG tool offerings, customer service standards and regulatory compliance.
The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) at Northeastern University School of Law supports Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as they reintroduced the SAFE Bet Act, which addresses the risks associated with legalised gambling. As of 2025, 39 states and the District of Columbia have legalised sports betting, but the necessary safeguards are not in place to address the public health risks that legalising sports betting creates. The SAFE Bet Act, first introduced in September 2024, addresses those public health concerns. The SAFE Bet Act establishes federal standards while preserving the opportunity for anyone who wishes to participate in legal sports betting. These standards will address advertising, affordability and artificial intelligence issues.
Partnerships
The NCAA and EPIC Global Solutions announced an extension of their gambling harm education programme collaboration. This extended collaboration reinforces the NCAA’s long-standing commitment to protecting student-athlete well-being and the integrity of college athletics. Educating student-athletes on the dangers of sports betting continues to be a key priority for the Association. EPIC’s sessions have been a crucial piece of this education since January 2022. The NCAA and EPIC Global Solutions have partnered to educate over 80,000 student-athletes through in-person, experiential sessions at more than 270 campuses nationwide across all three divisions, making it the largest programme of its kind globally.
SCCG Management has announced a strategic partnership with Boosted Bets. This collaboration will focus on business development, capital-raising support, and global distribution, connecting Boosted Bets with strategic partners across SCCG’s ecosystem, including sportsbook platforms, operators, data providers, CRM and gamification partners. Boosted Bets introduces a new way for sports bettors to prove their skills through a contest-based wagering model. Players enter a paid challenge, receiving a simulated betting account with a larger bankroll—giving them the ability to place bets as if they were high-stakes bettors.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 10-16 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Aaron LaBerge
PENN Entertainment Launches Stand-alone Hollywood Casino App in New Jersey

PENN Entertainment announced that its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app has launched in New Jersey. The new Hollywood Casino platform is available on Android, iOS, and desktop and can also be accessed via the ESPN BET app. Customers can login to Hollywood Casino using their ESPN BET credentials, allowing for a seamless experience across PENN’s online betting and casino platforms.
Ranked by Eilers & Krejcik as the #2 overall iCasino product in the US, Hollywood Casino offers a variety of online slots, table games, and live dealer content, including original titles from PENN Game Studios, the company’s in-house casino game development studio. Hollywood Casino also includes bespoke live dealer tables and exclusive games such as the recently launched Devils Blackjack, an original title leveraging PENN’s partnership with the New Jersey Devils.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our dedicated, casino-first experience to customers across New Jersey. Hollywood Casino delivers a best-in-class experience with an extensive game library, seamless gameplay, and exclusive content from our in-house studio. This launch builds on the strong momentum we’ve gained since introducing our enhanced standalone app in December,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer of PENN Entertainment.
The stand-alone Hollywood Casino platform debuted in Pennsylvania last December and is also available in Michigan.
The post PENN Entertainment Launches Stand-alone Hollywood Casino App in New Jersey appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 3-9

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 Inc., the world’s leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that it has received license approval from the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU). This milestone marks a significant achievement for the Company, as it is the first state-issued license it has received in the US. This state license allows the Company to install its casino machines throughout all of Maine. Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz ETG, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly poker solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The MGCU license will enable the company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Maine, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.
The New York State Gaming Commission unanimously appointed Terryl Brown to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is overseeing the commercial casino siting process in the New York Metro region. Terryl Brown currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel at Pace University. Prior to taking her position at Pace, Brown served as Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs and Administration for the New York City Fire Department, where she oversaw operations and legal matters for a department comprised of 17,000 employees. Brown has also been Chief Ethics Officer and Counsel with the New York State Attorney General’s Office, Acting Counsel to Governor David Paterson, First Assistant Counsel to Governor Eliot Spitzer, a Commissioner of the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the New York Power Authority, and a Partner at Harris Beach PLLC.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC has announced that IGT PlaySports is growing its sports betting presence in Nevada via a three-property, sports betting technology and services agreement with GN NV Holdings LLC, owner and operator of the Golden Nugget Casinos. Per the agreement and through a phased rollout, IGT PlaySports will power retail and mobile sports betting at Golden Nugget Casino Lake Tahoe first, followed by Golden Nugget Casino Las Vegas and Golden Nugget Casino Laughlin. Golden Nugget Casino Lake Tahoe was the first of the three casinos to convert to an IGT PlaySports-powered sportsbook after launching its retail sportsbooks in January 2025. Golden Nugget Casino Laughlin and Golden Nugget Casino Las Vegas are expected to launch their new sports betting programmes later this year, first with retail betting and then with a mobile betting option.
In Celebration of Hard Rock International’s annual “International Women’s Month” in March and International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Hard Rock and global superstar & humanitarian, Shakira, announced a year-long partnership that aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music. The company is raising funds through its charitable arm, Hard Rock Heals Foundation, throughout International Women’s Month. A portion of proceeds will benefit Pies Descalzos Foundation—Shakira’s non-profit organisation enhancing the education and social development of girls in Colombia’s most vulnerable communities—as well as local women’s organisations within the communities of Hard Rock locations.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – March 3-9 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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