Casino News Roundup for January 28: Global Gambling Industry Updates

Gift & Go, a leader in automated gifting technology, has officially introduced its platform at Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, and Rivers Casino Philadelphia. 

This integration with Konami’s SYNKROS system allows players to redeem loyalty points for gifts from online retailers directly at slots, enhancing guest experiences.  

Joe Hall, Co-CEO of Gift & Go, noted positive initial player feedback. He said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Rush Street Gaming to bring Gift & Go to Rivers Casinos. 

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to transforming the way casinos reward their loyal guests, delivering seamless, memorable gifting experiences that keep players coming back.” 

The technology may expand to Rivers Casino Portsmouth and Rivers Casino Des Plaines pending regulatory approval.   

The Brook Casino, located on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border, has made significant strides in charitable contributions since its transformation in 2019, raising nearly $30 million for local charities. 

In 2024 alone, over $11 million was donated to more than 100 organisations, addressing issues from food insecurity to mental health.

CEO Andre Carrier emphasised the importance of community support as a core mission of the casino's operations.

He said, "I hope we’ve built something special here at The Brook, where every game played funds and fuels essential community service organisations.

"Our work isn’t just measured in dollars or visitors but in the possibilities and resources it helps provide our community and state."

A Baltimore Woman has won $279,000 Jackpot at Horseshoe Casino Las Vegas.

Tiffani W. from Baltimore struck it rich with a $279,376 jackpot while playing Ultimate Texas Hold’em at Horseshoe, hitting a Royal Flush Mega Jackpot on Jan. 20.  

In December a lucky guest won the MEGA Progressive Jackpot on Four Card Poker for $351,124. Two other guests at the table received envy bonus payouts of $5,000 each. Not too shabby!

Bally’s Corporation has partnered with Jelly Entertainment to introduce a range of slot games to the UK market. 

This partnership is part of Bally’s strategic expansion and positions Jelly Entertainment as a rising star in iGaming, with games like CleoPatrick and Witches Go Wild making their debut in the US shortly. 

Speaking about the partnership, David Newstead, Chief Business Developer Officer at Jelly, said that the deal is another huge step forward.

Mr. Newstead said that it significantly raises their profile among players in the UK. He said, “It is a clear sign that the industry’s key players recognise the quality we have in content creation.” 

Commenting on the success of Jelly in the UK Craig Staples, VP Product at Bally’s Interactive, said: “Jelly has quickly made waves in the UK thanks to its hit slots and straightforward, no-fuss partnerships. 

“Teaming up with Jelly brings fresh, proven titles to our lineup, giving our players even more exciting options that are already crowd-pleasers in the UK.”

Cherry Play has partnered with Hard Rock Casino NL, marking its entry into the regulated Dutch market. 

The partnership introduces three new slot games and features a unique subscription-based licensing model as opposed to the traditional revenue-sharing agreements, ensuring financial predictability for operators.  

Speaking about the new offering for players in the Netherlands, Cristiano Blanco, CEO of Hard Rock Casino NL, said, “We look to differentiate in our game offer to our valued players and believe Cherry Play fulfils that role with fervour. 

"We are delighted to be amongst the first online casino operators to offer its content to players in the Netherlands.”

Turkey's authorities have identified and begun taking action against over 233,000 illegal online casinos in 2024. 

Treasury Minister Mehmet Şimşek emphasised the government's commitment to eradicating unlicensed gambling activities and protecting citizens from financial crimes associated with illegal operators. 

The Treasury Minister said, “We are determined to prevent unregistered economic activities and financial crimes that cause tax loss and victimisation of our citizens. 

"We are taking all kinds of measures to prevent illegal betting, virtual gambling and unauthorised draws, and we will continue to do so.”

Buzz Bingo in Worthing will permanently close on 25 January 2025, as plans have been submitted for redevelopment into residential flats. Buzz Bingo assured their staff support during the transition. 

Regulars at the club have been speaking about their heartbreak at the loss of one of their favourite bingo destinations. 

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, regular players at the Buzz Bingo in Rowlands Road said it is a hub for them to socialise. 

Shirley Percival has been attending Buzz Bingo for over twenty years. Speaking about the loss, she said, "It's a very sad day that it's going to close. I used to come here when I was a kid to go to the cinema and then it was a cinema. 

"We all have a coffee and chat; a lot of people come because it's nice and warm and something to do when you're on your own. It's company as well. I've been going for donkey's years." 

Professional poker player Gabi Livshitz is under investigation for allegedly evading approximately $419,000 in income taxes between 2019 and 2022. 

He is suspected of using cryptocurrencies and unreported foreign accounts in his tax avoidance efforts.