Mississippi casino revenue and sports betting down in September — CDC Gaming
Mia Doyle, Special to CDC Gaming Email, LinkedIn, and more Mississippi’s casino revenue was down 9.2 percent year-on-year in September, from $210 million to $190 million, according to the Mississippi Gaming Commission, while sports betting revenue fell 13.5 percent from $8.1 million last September to $7 million. Story continues below The casino revenue figure also marks a 9 percent month-on-month decrease from the $209.6 million that Mississippi casinos collected in August, ending a two-month growth streak. The state’s coastal casinos led with $126.2 million of the revenue. Northern casinos followed with $39.5 million in revenue, while casinos in the central region generated the remaining $24.9 million. The MGC regulates 26 commercial dockside and land-based casinos in the state. It wasn’t all negative for sports betting results. Compared to August’s $3.2 million total, Mississippi sports betting revenue rose significantly. This comes as September marked the beginning of the NFL season. Football accounted for almost $2.5 million of the revenue in September. While sports betting revenue fell year-over-year, this resulted from bettors winning more. Handle reached almost $51.8 million this September, which was 0.2 percent higher than the $51.6 million bet in the state in the same month last year. Source link
What Are the Latest Trends in Crypto Casinos?
Casino pockie machine icons round composition with coins money gold chips symbols flat vector illustration The adoption of cryptocurrency by online casinos is accelerating, reflecting the broader popularity of crypto as a payment method. As this trend continues to shape the online gaming industry, platforms are responding by introducing innovative features that cater to tech-savvy gamblers. Here, we’ll explore the most prominent trends transforming crypto casinos today. Many of them are often discussed in crypto casino blog, but they deserve a deeper analysis of key developments. Fairness in Online Gambling Crypto casinos are at the forefront of advancing transparency in online gambling. Many of these platforms undergo independent audits to ensure the integrity of their games, utilizing provably fair technology. This means that random number generators (RNGs) are verified, and players can trust that the outcomes are based entirely on chance, free from manipulation. What sets crypto casinos apart is their use of blockchain technology for both payments and gameplay. This guarantees a transparent, tamper-proof system, making fraud virtually impossible — whether by the casino or the player. With cryptographic safeguards in place, players can gamble with confidence, knowing that the gaming experience is built on trust and fairness. Anonymity and Privacy at the Core One of the most appealing aspects of crypto casinos is the privacy and anonymity they offer. Unlike traditional online casinos that enforce strict KYC (Know Your Customer) policies, crypto casinos enable players to gamble without revealing their personal or financial details. This level of anonymity is especially valuable for players in regions where gambling is heavily regulated or prohibited. All that’s required to withdraw winnings is the address of a crypto wallet, making the registration process much simpler. However, despite this anonymity, ethical standards remain intact, ensuring that underage players are still restricted from accessing games, as creating a crypto wallet requires some form of verification. NFT Gambling: The Future of Online Casinos Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have made a bold entrance into the world of online gambling. Originally designed for the art world and digital collectibles, NFTs are now being used as a form of currency in crypto casinos. Players can place bets, win NFTs, or use them as in-game assets, blurring the lines between gambling, investments, and gaming. This fusion of NFTs and gambling creates exciting new opportunities for players, adding depth and interactivity that was previously unimaginable. It’s a sign that the future of gambling, apart from monetary rewards, may involve unique digital assets that can be traded or used in various ways. The Rise of Play-to-Earn (P2E) Games Crypto casinos are increasingly incorporating Play-to-Earn (P2E) models into their game offerings. These games allow players to earn cryptocurrency by completing tasks, leveling up characters, and progressing through game worlds. Unlike traditional casino games that end after a spin or a hand of cards, P2E games offer evolving, long-term experiences. Players can engage in entire ecosystems where they can buy, sell, or trade items like armor or character boosts, making the gaming experience more immersive and rewarding. This format appeals particularly to younger audiences, who are drawn to the combination of entertainment and potential financial rewards. Diverse Cryptocurrency Options Bitcoin may have been the pioneer, but the crypto casino world has expanded far beyond that. Today, leading platforms accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and even stablecoins like USDT. This diversification of payment options gives players greater flexibility and more opportunities to participate, no matter which type of crypto they prefer. A Growing Future for Crypto Casinos As cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity, its role in online gambling will only expand. We can expect even more exciting and profitable innovations, from new game formats to improved security measures. Crypto casinos are not just a passing trend — they’re shaping the future of the online gambling industry, offering players a dynamic and secure way to enjoy their favorite games. Related Source link
New Jersey Internet Gambling Sets Record, Boosts Casino Revenues
New Jersey’s internet gambling market hit a new high in September, with Atlantic City’s casinos and their online partners pulling in more than $208 million, according to figures released Thursday by the New Jersey Division of Gambling Enforcement. This is the first time online gambling revenues have surpassed $200 million in a single month. The record demonstrates the growing importance of internet gambling, while revenue from in-person gambling continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. However, not all of this online money stays with the casinos. A portion is shared with third-party tech providers who power the platforms, leaving in-person gambling as the main revenue source for many casinos. Lee Johnson, a games manager at the Hard Rock casino, checks a roulette table covered in pink felt for breast cancer awareness month before it opens for use in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3,… Lee Johnson, a games manager at the Hard Rock casino, checks a roulette table covered in pink felt for breast cancer awareness month before it opens for use in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Internet gambling accounted for a significant portion of the industry’s total revenue, contributing 40.8 percent through the first three quarters of the year. More AP Photo/Wayne Parry Despite this development, in-person gambling revenues remain uneven. Several casinos are still winning less money from their physical operations than they did in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. While total in-person gambling revenue exceeded the September 2019 figure by $6 million, five of the nine casinos reported lower in-person earnings last month than they did five years ago. Boosted by internet gambling and a smaller contribution from sports betting, total gambling revenue for the state’s casinos, racetracks, and their partners reached $558 million in September. This marks a 7.1 percent increase compared with September 2023. “The ongoing success of internet gambling helped push Atlantic City’s total gambling revenue to its highest figure for the month of September in over a decade,” said James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. “For the third consecutive month, total gambling revenue surpassed $500 million. Last year, total gambling revenue eclipsed $500 million only in August.” A gambler plays a slot machine at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Borgata led the market in in-person earnings with $62.4 million, while Hard Rock, Ocean, and several… A gambler plays a slot machine at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Borgata led the market in in-person earnings with $62.4 million, while Hard Rock, Ocean, and several others reported declines. More AP Photo/Wayne Parry Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, noted that while internet gambling is soaring, in-person gambling continues to lag. “Year-to-date internet gaming continues to represent a significant share of Atlantic City operators’ revenue mix, contributing 40.8 percent of the total revenue for the industry through the first three-quarters of the year,” Bokunewicz said. In terms of in-person gambling, Borgata led the market, earning $62.4 million in September, up 15 percent from the same period in 2019. However, other casinos struggled. Hard Rock’s in-person revenue dropped 4.7 percent to $44.6 million, while Ocean Casino reported a 28 percent drop, earning $28.4 million. Other declines in in-person earnings were reported at Caesars, Harrah’s, and Tropicana, with drops ranging from 4.1 percent to 16.3 percent. Gamblers play slot machines at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Despite the growth in online gaming, five of the nine Atlantic City casinos reported lower in-person gambling revenues… Gamblers play slot machines at the Hard Rock casino in Atlantic City, N.J., Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Despite the growth in online gaming, five of the nine Atlantic City casinos reported lower in-person gambling revenues compared to 2019. More AP Photo/Wayne Parry When internet and sports betting are factored in, some casinos performed better overall. Borgata brought in $120.2 million, up 12 percent, while Golden Nugget’s total revenue surged 25.8 percent to $72.8 million. However, others continued to decline or stagnate. Resorts, despite its strong internet presence, saw a 3.4 percent drop in total revenue, while Ocean’s overall revenue fell 24 percent. The state’s two racetracks, which accept sports bets, also contributed to the total revenue. Along with their partners, the casinos and racetracks retained $119.5 million in revenue from nearly $1.1 billion in wagers. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press Source link
The Arc, Ocean County Chapter raises more than $50,000 at casino night – Star News Group
BRICK TOWNSHIP — The Arc, Ocean County Chapter raised more than $50,000 at its inaugural Celebrate The Arc Casino Night fundraiser, held on Oct. 4, at the Days Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River to benefit its mission advocating and providing opportunities and support for people with disabilities in Ocean County. The Arc was joined by 180 guests at the cocktail reception, where participants could try their luck at casino games including craps, roulette, poker and blackjack, playing with funny money to win 85 gift auction raffle prizes valued at $75 and more. The event also featured a 50/50 raffle and wine pull, which according to The Arc, added to the excitement. “This was such a fun night for our community, bringing together our neighbors, business partners, families and friends to celebrate The Arc,” said Laura Williams, executive director. “We are so grateful to our supporters for helping us make this such a successful fundraiser that will directly impact the individuals we serve each and every day.” The Arc, Ocean County Chapter supports 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through housing, job training, employment supports, transportation, recreation, support coordination and clinical services. Development Director Lauren Gandulla said, “The Arc, Ocean County Chapter’s annual fundraisers help to raise awareness for our mission, encourage inclusion for people with disabilities, and of course, raise crucial dollars to provide innovative programs and support services for our community.” This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition. Check out our other Brick Township stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition. Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Ocean Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com. Source link
Star Entertainment Keeps Sydney Casino Open Amid Regulatory Challenges
Star Entertainment, Australia’s second-biggest casino operator, can keep its Sydney casino running even though it still faces regulatory problems. Star Casino’s Regulatory Oversight Extended Until 2025 Amid Ongoing Compliance Issues The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) slapped the company with a big fine of AUD15 million ($10 million) because it kept failing to follow the rules. Additionally, Star’s casino license suspension will last longer, and a manager picked by the regulator will keep an eye on the company until March 31, 2025. This choice comes after an investigation headed by Adam Bell, which began earlier this year to evaluate Star’s attempts to fix its past regulatory problems. The NICC’s probe revealed ongoing issues in Star’s operations, governance, and risk management in areas where the company had said it had made things better. Even so, the NICC’s head commissioner, Philip Crawford, stressed that taking away Star’s license would cause big economic problems, since the company has over 9,000 workers and helps many suppliers. In a recent statement, Crawford pointed out that Star’s new CEO, Steve McCann, had taken steps to boost accountability and openness in the company’s management. However, he stressed that the casino still has a long way to go before it can get its full license back. The commissioner made it clear that, unlike in earlier investigations, they found no proof of criminal activity or money laundering this time. Still, he expressed worry about the ongoing issues with following the rules. Amid Financial Turmoil, Star Entertainment Considers Asset Sales and Job Cuts to Stabilize Operations Star Entertainment has been dealing with growing financial problems and operational issues over the last year. The company lost a whopping AUD1.69 billion ($1.13 billion) in the 2024 financial year right after losing AUD2.44 billion ($1.63 billion) the year before. To get its finances under control, Star Entertainment is looking at some tough options. These include getting rid of up to 350 jobs and thinking about selling off some of its assets. On top of that, Star’s stock price has taken a nosedive dropping by more than half in just a year. This shows that investors are worried about whether the company can stay afloat. On top of its problems in Sydney, Star’s Queensland operations have also caught attention. The Queensland government is now looking over the NICC’s findings to decide if they need to take similar steps for Star’s casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Both places are running under an approved plan to fix issues, with an independent advisor keeping an eye on them. While the company is still dealing with this crisis, it has promised to work with regulators in New South Wales and Queensland to fix its problems. Star’s management team, with McCann at the helm, is trying to steady the business and get back in line with what regulators require. The company has said it is hopeful about getting through these tough times even though what lies ahead is unclear. Source link
The Biggest Winnings in the History of Online Casinos
Online casinos impress players with rewarding jackpot games that offer incredible potential winnings. They are estimated at millions of dollars, giving players an opportunity to earn a lot of money by playing their favorite casino games. No matter what online casino you access, you are likely to find a game with an impressive jackpot. For example, the legit and eCOGRA-certified casino website, powered by Microgaming, offers the iconic slot Mega Moolah, which set a new payout record several years ago. Modern players can become the next casino winners, potentially claiming one of the biggest winnings in the history of online casinos. Let’s get inspired by the 5 largest online casino payouts made so far! The Largest Online Gambling Payout of $96.3 Million In September 2018, 36-year-old Christina from Berlin won an amazing $96.3 million payout from EuroJackpot, an online lottery operated by Lottoland Limited, registered in Gibraltar. This platform lets players make online wagers on different lotteries. Christina took advantage of this unique chance and helped Lottoland secure the Guinness World Record title for the biggest online gambling payout ever. Absolootly Mad: Mega Moolah Progressive Jackpot of $23.6 Million A famous Microgaming slot called Absolootly Mad: Mega Moolah rocked the world in April 2021. Its huge progressive jackpot was won by a Belgian player who enjoyed this game at Napoleon Sports & Casino. This day changed their life forever since it was the largest ever online casino jackpot won by a player! The whopping jackpot of $23.6 million remains a record when it comes to slot winnings by now. Arabian Nights Jackpot of $17 Million Arabian Nights was one of the most popular games in the 2010s. It paid out several seven-figure jackpots to players, but a Norwegian player managed to beat this record in 2011. He received the biggest payout of over $17 million for playing this great game. This slot has 5 reels and 10 paylines with a progressive jackpot and a great bonus round. You can enjoy free spins, multipliers, and other great features in this game, with the jackpot currently valued at a substantial amount. Mega Fortune Prize of $12.5 Million Mega Fortune is a popular slot from NetEnt that rewards players with impressive cash prizes. In 2011, a Norwegian student playing at the Bettson online casino hit a huge jackpot of over $12.5 million. Mega Fortune is a fun 5-reel slot with 25 paylines and an exciting bonus game. With its low volatility, you won’t get winnings very frequently, but a jackpot of $4 million looks very attractive to players nowadays. Hall of Gods Win of $8 Million The 2017 year is signified by another great prize received while playing the Hall of Gods slot. This is another NetEnt slot with an RTP of 95.3%, a great bonus game feature, and a whopping jackpot of over $9.9 million. However, Neil, a player from Scotland, was lucky to get a slightly smaller win, though it changed his life forever. His extraordinary prize was equal to $8 million. Your Jackpot Awaits Big wins are one of the main incentives that encourage gamblers to play casino games. Every player hopes to experience the thrill of big prizes, but such prizes happen unexpectedly! Players who have already become millionaires thanks to casino games know that the fun of gambling can be very rewarding. Keep in mind the success of these gamblers, and don’t lose the belief that your jackpot awaits you in the future! Source link
Best UK live dealer casinos 2024 – Where to play live casino games
(Picture: Acroud/Metro) Today, we can enjoy a wide range of online games and technologies that offer countless new ways to gamble. One of the greatest developments was the introduction of ‘live dealer games,’ which brought us closer to the brick-and-mortar casino experience from the comfort of our homes! If you’re new to this world of innovative online gambling, the team at Wisegambler.com has put together this guide, along with their commercial partners, to take you through what you can expect to find when you play at a top live casino site, as well as our experts’ top picks for sites you can check out today. 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Min. £20 deposit, debit card only. Up to 50x wagering, game contributions vary, max. stake applies, 7 day expiry. See full terms. What Makes a Great Live Casino Site? Live casinos have continued to rise in popularity over the years, not only offering exciting casino games in an innovative format but also wholly unique ways to enjoy online gambling. There are many things that go into making these sites genuinely fantastic platforms, so here are the top criteria our
I live near a casino, where there are several job openings that pay well. I believe gambling is wrong. I’d like your thoughts.
Dear Dave, In your opinion, what are healthy boundaries when it comes to finding a job if the type of work doesn’t align with your beliefs? I live near a casino, where there are several job openings that pay well. However, I believe gambling is wrong. I don’t gamble, and neither does anyone in my family. I would really appreciate your thoughts on the situation. Gracelyn Dear Gracelyn, Work is a big part of life. And that means it’s a big part of what you spend your time doing for many years. So, I think people should make a living doing something that is consistent with values and beliefs. In my mind, needing a job does not offset that. Otherwise, it would be okay to be a drug dealer, or any number of other illegal, immoral and unethical things that can provide an income. Here’s my opinion. If you don’t agree with gambling on a moral basis, then you shouldn’t work in a gaming establishment. If you think drinking alcohol is wrong or sinful, then you probably shouldn’t work in a brewery or distillery. See where I’m going with this? Personally, I don’t like gambling, either. I think it’s a tax on people who can’t do math and poor people. There are other jobs that pay well out there, Gracelyn. But to be at peace with yourself, you’ve got to do something that’s consistent with your own personal value system and principles. — Dave Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored several best-selling books, including “The Total Money Makeover.” The Ramsey Show is heard by more than 16 million listeners each week on 600 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey. =htmlentities(get_the_title())?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=get_permalink()?>%0D%0A%0D%0A=htmlentities(‘For more stories like this one, be sure to visit https://www.eastidahonews.com/ for all of the latest news, community events and more.’)?>&subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20EastIdahoNews” class=”fa-stack jDialog”> Source link
Arkansans to decide fate of Pope County casino; AR Supreme Court allows Issue 2 on ballot
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Thursday, the Arkansas Supreme Court denied a petition by the Cherokee Nation to remove Issue 2 from this November’s ballot. Issue 2 would repeal a license for a planned Cherokee Nation casino in Pope County. The court’s decision ensures that Arkansans will be able to decide whether or not they want a fourth casino in Arkansas, specifically in Pope County. “This is a great day for the state of Arkansas, to get that final confirmation from the state supreme court that our ballot initiative, our ballot proposal is a valid, clean proposal that should be voted on by the state of Arkansas and the votes counted,” said Hans Stiritz, spokesman for Local Voters in Charge, the Issue 2 ballot question committee funded by the Choctaw Nation. The Cherokee and Choctaw Nations have wrestled over who gets to build a casino in Pope County with the last of four casino licenses created in Amendment 100 in 2018, which allows for only four casinos in the state. When the Cherokee Nation was awarded the license earlier this year, a group funded by the Choctaw Nation called Local Voters in Charge campaigned to get Issue 2 on November’s ballot. The proposed amendment to Arkansas’s constitution would repeal the fourth Pope County casino license mandated under Amendment 100—currently held by the Cherokee Nation—and require countywide votes to award casino licenses, rather than just the approval of the Arkansas Racing Commission. “It’s about respecting the rights of local citizens to determine the character of their own community, especially when it comes to casinos,” Stiritz said. But many officials in Pope County are strong supporters of the Legends Resort and Casino that the Cherokee Nation has already purchased land for. The Cherokee Nation has also made an economic development agreement with Pope County and will give cities, nonprofits, and universities in the county nearly $40 million if the casino is allowed to begin construction. “12 of the 13 quorum court members, the five mayors in Pope County, all want this project to happen. This is a huge revenue generator for that part of the state,” said Natalie Ghidotti, vice chairman of Investing in Arkansas, a ballot question committee backed by the Cherokee Nation. “There’s no Arkansans that have invested into Local Voters in Charge, it’s strictly out-of-state gaming interests—the Choctaw—who have funded this, and it’s all an attempt to stifle economic development and use the state constitution to eliminate their competition,” said Pope County Judge Ben Cross. Cross and others say the Choctaw Nation is campaigning so hard against the Cherokee Nation casino because it would be located a mere hour from the Choctaw casino just over the Oklahoma border near Fort Smith. “To obviously preserve their interests at the state line,” Cross told KATV. Both sides have accurately accused the other in campaign ads of being backed by out-of-state gambling interests. “I really think it’s beyond the pale for them to call us out for receiving that support when the entirety of their support, $9 million of support, was offered by an out-of-state casino to fight our amendment to squash the rights of local voters to stand up for what’s happening in their communities,” Stiritz said. The Cherokee Nation has donated $2.8 million to Investing in Arkansas, while the Choctaw Nation has donated $5.6 million to Local Voters in Charge. These figures do not represent the total expenditures for both sides in their campaigns, however. One thing everyone voting should know is that if Arkansans vote for Issue 2, that will mean it would take another constitutional amendment to bring in a fourth casino in the state, because, again, Issue 2 eliminates the fourth slot for a casino in the state. “So, it is not easy to get another casino from here on out if people vote yes for this,” Ghidotti told KATV. And just to be extra clear one last time, voting yes on Issue 2 means no casino in Pope County. Voting no means the Cherokee Nation will be able to construct its planned casino there. To read the economic development agreement between the Cherokee Nation and Pope County, see the document below. Source link
Victim Critical After Getting Shot
Posted on: October 17, 2024, 08:33h. Last updated on: October 17, 2024, 08:36h. An unnamed person was shot in the lower legs on Thursday afternoon in a Rivers Casino Philadelphia parking lot. Rivers Casino Philadelphia, pictured above. A man was shot in a lot near the casino. He was critically injured. (Image: Rivers Casino Philadelphia) The 37-year-old victim was shot several times at about noon. He then was rushed to Jefferson Hospital for emergency treatment, according to CBS News. He was in critical condition as of midafternoon Thursday. No update was available on his health as of Thursday evening. Philadelphia cops still were searching for the shooter as of Thursday night. No word if the suspect’s identity is known. A car associated with the shooter was being sought by police late Thursday, too. Officers apparently viewed surveillance video from casino cameras in an effort to trace the car and identify the suspect. Police also have yet to locate the firearm used in the shooting. Man Wounded Near Horseshoe Casino An unidentified man was shot and wounded near Horseshoe Casino Baltimore on Wednesday night. The 11:20 p.m. shooting took place at a gas station on Russell Street, according to Baltimore TV station WBFF. The 26-year-old man was wounded several times. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No word as of Thursday on the victim’s condition. Casino Visitor Allegedly Used Racist Word, Attacked Guards A Pennsylvania man was charged after he allegedly struck security guards in the face and made racial comments while at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on Sunday. The suspect used the N-word toward the guards during the confrontation, police said. The incident began when Frank Fine, 39, was drunk and casino employees ordered him to leave the gaming property around 1:30 a.m., according to Pennsylvania TV station WHTM. He refused to leave and an altercation involving Fine and the security guards became violent. At one point, he told Pennsylvania State Police “I wanna go to jail today,” WHTM reported. Fine attempted to leave the scene when state troopers arrived. But soon he was apprehended. He was searched after he was placed in custody. Troopers said they found a pipe on him. Fine was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and disorderly conduct. He’s scheduled to appear in local court on October 31. He could face prison time if he’s convicted on the charges. The case was turned over to local prosecutors. Source link