Stuart Hughes, Author at CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/author/stuarthughes/ The pulse of the global gaming industry Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:36:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://casinobeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Stuart Hughes, Author at CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/author/stuarthughes/ 32 32 Churchill Downs Eyes New Hampshire Expansion with Casino Salem Deal http://casinobeats.com/2025/07/16/churchill-downs-eyes-new-hampshire-expansion-with-casino-salem-deal/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:36:01 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=151830 Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced on Monday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Casino Salem, a land-based casino venue in Salem, New Hampshire. In a move that demonstrates CDI’s push to diversify and strengthen its regional footprint, the news follows the release last month of its $642.6 million […]

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Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced on Monday that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Casino Salem, a land-based casino venue in Salem, New Hampshire.

In a move that demonstrates CDI’s push to diversify and strengthen its regional footprint, the news follows the release last month of its $642.6 million Q1 revenue report. This represented a 9% year-over-year increase from 2024.

Opened on July 9, Casino Salem is located at The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem and is ideally situated to tap into the Boston market, just 30 minutes from the Downtown region.

The venue currently operates approximately 100 historical horse racing machines (HRMs), accompanied by a designated gaming area featuring 13 live dealer tables.

Developers Retain Operational Control with Future Rebranding on the Cards

Despite obtaining a majority share, the casino’s local developers, Joe Faro and Sal Lupoli, will retain ownership interests in the venture relating to their ongoing roles in the further development and management of Casino Salem.

In a statement, developers Faro and Lupoli commented: “With our vision for Salem, we remain committed to driving economic stimulus to our local economy, creating new jobs, and increasing tourism while delivering a world-class destination that will create lasting benefits for the community for decades.”

CDI has also expressed interest in expanding the gaming floor, as well as introducing several food and beverage outlets in the coming months. 

Additionally, they are expected to rebrand the venue, subject to the completion of the agreement.

The reasoning behind the planned rebrand and expansion is to upscale Casino Salem into a state-of-the-art regional gaming and entertainment venue, to boost CDI’s in-person casino portfolio offerings.

CDI’s Strategic Shift From Sports Betting

Industry analysts believe CDI’s latest acquisition of Casino Salem demonstrates the firm’s desire to expand its presence in the New Hampshire gaming sector, having already attained the neighboring Chasers Poker Room in Salem in 2022.

However, CDI’s statement on Monday maintained that Churchill Downs will continue to run Chasers Poker Room as a separate entity from the Casino Salem procurement.

Further details about the purchase were included in the press release, stating: “The Company will finance the Salem Transaction using its existing credit facility. Closing of the Transaction is subject to usual and customary closing conditions, including receipt of approval by the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The Transaction is anticipated to close during the third quarter of 2025.”

The news also comes just five months after Churchill Downs shut its doors on its sports betting premises in February of this year, reflecting the organization’s continued shift towards gaming and entertainment venues, such as Chasers Poker Room and Casino Salem.

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ANJ Fines Unnamed French Gambling Firm €75K Due To Data Compliance Failures http://casinobeats.com/2025/07/15/anj-fine-french-gambling-firm-75k-data-breach/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:51:19 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=151312 France’s national gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), announced last week that it had issued a €75,000 fine to one of its licensed online gaming operators. In a statement released by the ANJ, the regulator announced that it had fined an operator for consistently failing to comply with the mandatory data archiving and […]

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France’s national gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), announced last week that it had issued a €75,000 fine to one of its licensed online gaming operators.

In a statement released by the ANJ, the regulator announced that it had fined an operator for consistently failing to comply with the mandatory data archiving and transmission policies.

The repeated failures were deemed a breach of the operator’s licensing agreement.

Having outlined a broader 2024-2026 strategic plan for the French gambling market last year, the ANJ stated that it had detected multiple infringements by the operator in question over a 25-month period between 2022 and 2024.

French laws require licensed gambling firms to archive all player accounts and gaming data in real-time, while ensuring this information is always available to the ANJ. 

As a result, the regulator can effectively oversee the nation’s online gambling sector, not only to detect irregularities, but also to enforce its responsible gambling legislation.

Significant Gaps in Operator’s Data Directly Breached Its License Agreement

The ANJ has determined that the unnamed operator committed two serious breaches of its data code of conduct during this period.

Firstly, the firm failed to transmit key data on player bets, effectively excluding several million euros’ worth of transactions from the mandatory hardware-based archiving system.

The second infringement occurred as a result of the operator submitting more than 900,000 defective or inaccurate data records to the ANJ.

Both discrepancies violated Articles 31 and 38 of the law of May 12, 2010, and Articles 29 and 30 of the decree of May 19, 2010, impeding the regulator’s capacity for oversight and enforcement.

In a statement, the ANJ specified that these failures impaired its ability to monitor key data criteria, including the operator’s visibility into its player return rates (RTP), problematic gambling, and the overall fairness of its gaming operations.

In addition to these initial violations, the regulator also stated that the failure to provide large sections of its data had directly impacted its efforts to uphold its AML and counter-terrorist policy. 

A Warning Shot to All Gaming Firms Operating in France

The news comes in the same week the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced a new seven-step fining framework for UK gaming operators who fall foul of their data compliance measures.

However, the ANJ’s latest enforcement measures aim to send a clear message to all French-based gaming operators that data compliance is a non-negotiable term of agreement.

It states that operators must comply and actively contribute to the ANJ’s public policy objectives, which include protecting consumers as well as tackling problem gambling.

The fine also reflects the ANJ’s growing demand for digital accountability as the French gambling sector continues to grow. 

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New Seven-Step Fining Framework Launched to Address UKGC Enforcement Consistency Issues http://casinobeats.com/2025/07/14/new-seven-step-fining-framework-launched-to-address-ukgc-enforcement-consistency-issues/ Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:45:27 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=151126 The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced a new format for how it plans to calculate and impose financial penalties on licensed gambling operators who breach its regulatory statutes. Set to take effect from October 10, 2025, the latest regulatory reforms will aim to provide a greater degree of transparency, consistency, and proportionality to the enforcement […]

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) announced a new format for how it plans to calculate and impose financial penalties on licensed gambling operators who breach its regulatory statutes.

Set to take effect from October 10, 2025, the latest regulatory reforms will aim to provide a greater degree of transparency, consistency, and proportionality to the enforcement process in the UK.

The recent development stems from an initial industry-wide consultation, which was completed in March 2024. 

Since then, the Gambling Commission has set about introducing a new seven-step process for assessing and imposing future fines, based on these findings.

The new approach directly addresses earlier criticisms about the previous penalty framework, which was often seen as both unclear and inconsistent. 

The amended supervisory measures also come just a month after the UKGC announced it was revamping its Consumer Voice framework to better protect UK citizens.

Severity-Oriented Penalties to Be Calculated Using GGY Metrics

The design of the new format is based on a tiered system of fines based on the seriousness of each individual breach. 

Ranked from Level 1 (minor) to Level 5 (most severe), the UKGC will then assess the level of severity, which will influence the starting point of the fine.

Then, as of October 10, operators will be fined a percentage of their Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) or equivalent revenue during the breach period.

The UKGC will also provide further supporting guidelines for the aggravating and mitigating factors that may reduce or increase the base fine amount. 

This additional criterion will form the basis of the Commission’s assessment of the operator’s intent, the speed of remediation, any previous incidents of noncompliance, and the impact the breach may have posed to consumers.

The only exception from the GGY-based model will be society lotteries, registered charities, and personal license holders. 

These alternate entities will only face fines that are reflective of their individual operational structure and their public service functions, according to the UKGC.

John Pierce, Director of Enforcement and Intelligence at the Gambling Commission, speaking on the new changes, said they are designed to improve enforcement effectiveness and encourage early compliance. 

“Crucially, the new approach also supports the protection of consumers alongside fair and proportionate outcomes for operators,” he stated.

Updating of UKGC’s Enforcement Policy to Minimize Disciplinary Hearings

The backbone of the consultation process involved 29 organisations across the UK’s gambling sector, with 21 consenting to be named in the final public report. 

The resulting conclusions led to the new seven-step structure being added to the Statement of Principles for Determining Financial Penalties (SoPfDFP) – first published in 2017, and last updated in 2021.

In accordance with the new regulations, operators will now have a 28-day window to voluntarily settle cases after the preliminary findings to be eligible for reduced penalties. 

The incentive here is to encourage organisations to respond quickly, reducing the need for drawn-out enforcement measures.

Following the announcement, the Commission also highlighted that all considerations will be made in the determination of all final penalty amounts, with affordability and proportionality in mind. 

It said it would actively avoid imposing fines that could cause “significant financial hardship,” particularly in cases involving smaller operators or nonprofit organisations.

Given that the UKGC revealed its Q1 2025 earnings saw a 7% year-on-year uptick, reaching £1.45 billion, the declaration reinforces its commitment to monitoring and enforcing the UK’s gambling sector regulatory guidelines as it continues to grow.

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NHS-Backed Study Highlights Link Between Gambling Harm and Mental Health Issues http://casinobeats.com/2025/07/10/nhs-backed-study-highlights-link-between-gambling-harm-and-mental-health-issues/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:44:14 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=150768 A new survey commissioned by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care has heightened concerns that gambling harm in the UK is no longer a question of regulation, but a high-priority mental health matter. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) – published in June – has helped to establish a traceable link […]

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A new survey commissioned by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care has heightened concerns that gambling harm in the UK is no longer a question of regulation, but a high-priority mental health matter.

The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) – published in June – has helped to establish a traceable link between problem gambling and bettors who suffer from mental health issues.

However, the APMS results also determined that only 0.3% of the adult population in England would be deemed as a problem gambler under current clinical definitions. 

This is a markedly lower rate than the 2.5% suggested by the UK Gambling Commission’s 2023 Gambling Survey for Great Britain.

Nevertheless, this statistic still indicates that for a small subset of bettors, gambling causes severe psychiatric, financial, and social fallout. 

Here, the survey results concluded that adults suffering from gambling problems are far more likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideations.

In addition to this, these individuals are also disproportionately affected by unemployment, mounting personal debts, and incidents of domestic violence.

Gambling in Decline, But Still Deeply Concentrated

Problem gamblers, while only making up a small portion of the population, are also more likely to already be receiving psychiatric medication or therapy. 

Yet, the symptoms of gambling harm often remain underdiagnosed, masked, and categorised as more conventional mental health symptoms.

A recent BBC investigation also revealed that Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) in the UK are failing to protect problem gamblers. 

In it, it accused AGCs of continuing to display high-risk slot machines despite their links to poor mental health concerns among players.

A key differential in the APMS’s methodology, in comparison to the Gambling Commission’s online self-report approach, is that it conducts its questioning through face-to-face interviews with the aid of validated psychiatric tools.

Due to the differing formats between the two, the release of the APMS survey has sparked an industry-wide debate about the reliability of gambling prevalence figures. 

Critics argue that the study should be a more insightful starting point for helping to shape public policy on the issue.

Most notable of these assertions is the APMS’s calculation that gambling participation in the UK has, in fact, declined steeply, dropping from 66% in 2007 to just 43% in 2023/24. 

This contrasts with the frequent headlines that warn of a gambling “epidemic,” when the data suggest it is receding, albeit still concentrated within a vulnerable minority.

Statutory Gambling Levy to Provide Investment in Problem Gambling

The UK government has already announced its intention to introduce a statutory gambling levy. 

As of April, UK licensed operators now contribute between 0.1% and 1.1% of their gross gambling yield.

The levies raised in this initiative will directly support NHS treatment and research into the harms caused by gambling.

Despite this, the APMS also went on to warn that there is an urgent need to target intervention and routine screening at dedicated mental health services, rather than simply issuing generalised restrictions.

It stated that policies must acknowledge problem gambling as part of a broader pattern of psychiatric comorbidity, not as an isolated behavioral issue.

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Las Vegas Welcomes Back Dolly Parton for First Residency in Over 30 Years http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/27/las-vegas-welcomes-back-dolly-parton-for-first-residency-in-over-30-years/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:54:41 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148910 Las Vegas’ favorite country music legend Dolly Parton is set to return to Sin City, having announced a six-show residency this December at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum. Parton’s return signals her first extended run of concerts in Las Vegas since 1993, when she last performed at the Mirage Hotel, which has since closed its doors.  The […]

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Las Vegas’ favorite country music legend Dolly Parton is set to return to Sin City, having announced a six-show residency this December at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum.

Parton’s return signals her first extended run of concerts in Las Vegas since 1993, when she last performed at the Mirage Hotel, which has since closed its doors. 

The residency, entitled ‘Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,’ also coincides with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) held annually in the Thomas & Mack Center.

The shows will run on December 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, and 13, and are set to draw both country fans in town for the NFR, as well as Vegas’ casino high rollers.

Increasing Product Diversification as Vegas Casinos Attempt to Draw More Visitors

While Las Vegas is known for its roulette wheels and baccarat tables, casinos and resorts are increasingly looking to other entertainment verticals in order to remain competitive.

Dolly’s unexpected return also mirrors a broader trend of legacy recording artists announcing Las Vegas residencies, including Janet Jackson, New Kids on the Block, and Jennifer Lopez.

Bruno Mars is another example as he edges closer to his 100th Las Vegas show at Park MGM; it was announced last month that he was extending his residency further into September 2025.

Elsewhere, Station Casinos has begun introducing Running Rich GRAND PRIX. This concept combines “Mario Kart meets Casino” across its Las Vegas casino portfolio, designed to appeal to a younger demographic.

Nevertheless, uniquely, Parton 79 still remains an iconic name on the Las Vegas Strip in an industry that monetizes the nostalgic appeal of older music acts. 

With a back catalog of classic hits that include “9 to 5,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You,” Parton is expected to have a multi-generational appeal.

With tickets going on sale via Ticketmaster, insiders anticipate that all six shows will sell out quickly, driven by her noticeable absence from the Vegas circuit for over 30 years.

In addition to standard ticket sales, two tiers of VIP tickets will feature premium perks, including an onstage tour and photos with Parton herself.

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Arizona Lottery Caps Fast Play Ticket Purchases at $50,000 to Protect Players http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/27/arizona-lottery-caps-fast-play-ticket-purchases-at-50000-to-protect-players/ Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:29:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148867 In a move to protect the game’s integrity and reinforce public trust in the process, the Arizona Lottery has implemented a new regulation capping Fast Play ticket purchases at $50,000 within a 24-hour period. The measure was approved by the Arizona Lottery Commission and is designed to prevent both individuals and coordinated syndicates from attempting […]

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In a move to protect the game’s integrity and reinforce public trust in the process, the Arizona Lottery has implemented a new regulation capping Fast Play ticket purchases at $50,000 within a 24-hour period.

The measure was approved by the Arizona Lottery Commission and is designed to prevent both individuals and coordinated syndicates from attempting large-scale buy-ins.

The newly established rule – officially titled the “Prohibition of Bulk Ticket Purchases” – allows the Lottery to withhold prize payouts associated with high-purchase activity. 

Any violation deemed to be linked to bulk purchases can now be nullified under Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-554(B)(3), which grants the Lottery full authority to deny claims if tied to rule breaches.

Fast Play games are equivalent to instant scratch-offs, but they are printed on demand to reveal the results immediately.

Officials have determined that the game format’s widespread accessibility and instant prize reveals have heightened their appeal to high-frequency players and organized lottery pool groupings.

This follows a recent review in which Lottery officials declared a pattern of incidents related to group ticket purchases had begun raising concerns that Fast Play payouts may be susceptible to manipulation.

To counter the threat, the Lottery will now intensify its transactional monitoring, purchase history reviews, and retailer reports to identify possible future infractions.

Group Purchase Crackdown to Protect Consumers

The $50,000 cap will now apply to total purchases made collectively, whether across a single transaction or multiple bulk acquisitions at different retail locations. 

Here, coordinated group purchases – defined as “acting in concert” – will be governed by the same restrictions as an individual procurement.

Alec Thomson, Executive Director of the Arizona Lottery, said: “This update protects our players and supports the Lottery’s mission of maximizing net revenue in a responsible way.”

As a result, if an infringement is believed to have occurred, the Lottery now reserves the right to conduct investigations using video footage, witness statements, and reference financial records if needed.

Additionally, decisions made on violations will be final and binding.

The change has come amid a broader push to enhance regulatory consumer protections while also ensuring that all state-run gaming products operate with complete transparency. 

It also follows the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) issuing cease-and-desist orders against several unlicensed and unregulated gambling operators in the state recently.

Lottery officials have also stated that they may still revise the policy change if necessary, with game-specific rules providing further clarification at a later date.

Gaming the System: Regulators Keen to Guard Against Exploitation

Defending the move, the Arizona Lottery insists that the vast majority of players play the Lottery responsibly and says that these new measures will only tackle extreme cases. 

“Our goal is to ensure that every player has a fair chance at winning and that the integrity of our games remains strong,” Thomson added.

The update follows a broader national conversation regarding player fairness, as evidenced by recent legislative changes in Texas that ban lottery courier services.

This followed an incident in the Lone Star State, where a collective spent more than $25 million on tickets to secure a $95 million payout, having bought nearly every possible combination in the draw.

Arizona’s new statute comes at a time when new technology, such as TheLotter US’s digital courier service, was introduced in the state in March earlier this year. 

TheLotter has said it will now closely monitor how its remote ticket services maintain the integrity of the new purchase cap.

The new regulation has taken effect immediately and will apply to all Arizona Fast Play games, with compliance now a condition for eligibility to any future prizes.

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New Zealand To Issue Up To 15 Online Gambling Licenses Under Pioneering Bill http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/26/new-zealand-to-issue-up-to-15-online-gambling-licenses-under-pioneering-new-bill/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:08:53 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148660 The New Zealand government is inviting international gambling operators to reach out for one of a proposed 15 licenses to be issued.

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New Zealand has announced its intention to develop a regulated online gambling sector by inviting international operators to register their interest earlier this week ahead of new planned legislation.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) revealed its latest development is part of the government’s broader effort to create a safer, more controlled national online gambling industry.

The initial Online Gambling Bill disclosed earlier this year will include the issuing of up to 15 licenses to approved gambling operators through a competitive vetting system.

The planned framework would look to eradicate the unregulated wagering market. It would better protect New Zealanders who frequently turn to offshore iGaming platforms. The offshore markets offer minimal player protections.

Early Engagement to Facilitate New Zealand’s Regulatory Goals

Trina Lowry, New Zealand’s Director of the Gambling Implementation Programme, used the announcement to emphasize the importance of engaging with potential operators early in the process.

“For online casino operators interested in entering the New Zealand market, the most important thing you can do is register your interest at http://www.dia.govt.nz/OGI,” Lowry said as part of the announcement.

The purpose behind the advanced regulatory structure is to minimize the harm of problematic gambling, protect consumers, and establish effective controls through comprehensive regulation. Lowry believes that licensing operators will better serve New Zealand bettors than the existing practice of wagering on unregulated offshore alternatives.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden also detailed the need for safer iGaming options, stating, “My goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders to play casino games more safely.”

While it is still legal for New Zealanders to gamble using offshore sites, the government’s primary concern is that they do not come with regulatory player safeguards that protect its citizens.

Given that the new legislation will prohibit unlicensed operators from offering gambling services or access to advertising in New Zealand, experts believe this will defend against fraud, as well as protect the gambling public.

Focus On Protecting Minors, Feedback Welcome From The Public

One of the focal points within the enhanced measures to increase consumer protections will be to prohibit any advertising aimed at minors.

This mirrors a global trend as highlighted by the recent investigation into Midnite by the UK’s Advertising Standard Agency for an alleged breach of the Code of Non-Broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code).

In addition to this, operators will also have to follow stringent age verification protocols, with failure to comply leading to fines of up to NZ$5 million (around US$3 million).

The two-part approach of its regulatory implementation will focus on legislative development in tandem with its practical rollout by the DIA’s Online Gambling Implementation team.

In doing so, the New Zealand government will ensure that the legal framework and the operational infrastructure directly align.

Industry stakeholders, as well as the public, have been invited to provide feedback throughout the Select Committee stage, which is anticipated to last through mid-2025. With this, the government wants to demonstrate complete transparency and ongoing engagement throughout the process.

While the window for applications for New Zealand gambling licenses has not yet opened, as of this week, the DIA has opened the door for operators to register interests.

Designed to support the invitation to gambling operators, the DIA has also released a short video that offers an insight into the process. In it, it explains the purpose of the new legislation, the goals of the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, as well as how it will be rolled out.

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Mario Kart on the Casino Floor as Interactive Slot Game Hits Las Vegas http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/25/mario-kart-casino-floor-as-interactive-slot-game-hits-las-vegas/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:17:50 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148492 A slot, described as “Mario Kart meets casino,” has launched on the Las Vegas Strip following the introduction of Running Rich GRAND PRIX, a racing-car-themed slot machine equipped with a full-sized steering wheel. Developed by Las Vegas-based Competition Interactive, the hybrid game combines arcade-style racing with traditional casino slot play. First debuted at Santa Fe […]

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A slot, described as “Mario Kart meets casino,” has launched on the Las Vegas Strip following the introduction of Running Rich GRAND PRIX, a racing-car-themed slot machine equipped with a full-sized steering wheel.

Developed by Las Vegas-based Competition Interactive, the hybrid game combines arcade-style racing with traditional casino slot play.

First debuted at Santa Fe Station and Palace Station, Running Rich GRAND PRIX is currently in the process of being installed at several Station Casinos properties, including Boulder Station and Green Valley Ranch. 

A full rollout will be completed over the summer, also including their Red Rock Resort, Sunset Station, and Durango Casino venues. 

With its immersive racing bonus rounds, power-ups, and enticing engagement triggers, Running Rich GRAND PRIX is purposely designed to attract younger, gamer-inclined bettors to the Station Casinos sites.

Product Diversification: When Sim Racing Meets Casino

In a company statement, the developer declared that the game was the result of years of research and development, as well as regulatory compliance, before it could be brought to market. In doing so, they claimed: “This innovation is a major milestone for the casino tech sector.”

Keith Winters, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Competition Interactive, said: “We’re proud to bring Running Rich GRAND PRIX to the Station Casinos family.”

Winters went on to state: “This rollout marks a major step in our mission to redefine the casino experience with interactive gameplay that resonates with a new generation of players.”

Station Casinos, as with most other Las Vegas casinos, are actively looking for ways to entice new patrons through the doors. 

This can be achieved through product innovation or other investments in culture and lifestyle. Recently, the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino marked Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday year by relaunching the Imperial Sky Villa, the former home of Sin City’s most famous resident. 

As part of the launch of Running Rich, the company is supporting the launch with extended influencer partnerships, social media promotions, and in-property events throughout the summer of 2025.

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Rhode Island a Signature Away From Banning Indoor Smoking in Casinos by 2027 http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/23/rhode-island-a-signature-away-from-banning-indoor-smoking-in-casinos-by-2027/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:27:59 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148238 Rhode Island lawmakers have approved legislation that will extend its indoor workplace smoking ban to now include casinos.  In doing so, it has put an end to Rhode Island’s long-standing stance on the exemption for retail casinos and in-person gambling venues. Senate Bill 0188, which still requires sign-off by Governor Dan McKee, comes after years […]

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Rhode Island lawmakers have approved legislation that will extend its indoor workplace smoking ban to now include casinos. 

In doing so, it has put an end to Rhode Island’s long-standing stance on the exemption for retail casinos and in-person gambling venues.

Senate Bill 0188, which still requires sign-off by Governor Dan McKee, comes after years of pressure from casino employees and public health campaigners.

The bill, pushed through by Democratic Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, did include an amendment to permit enclosed, ventilated smoking lounges in casinos to accommodate patrons who smoke. 

It also pushed back the legislative implementation until July 1, 2027, in a considered compromise to minimize revenue losses as casino operators make the necessary modifications.

“Everyone deserves to breathe clean air in the workplace,” Sosnowski said, reinforcing the state’s duty to protect Rhode Island casino employees’ working conditions. 

Notably, Sosnowski’s original bill set about banning all indoor smoking outright, nevertheless, revisions were made following pushback from Bally’s Corporation.

Bally’s – which operates Twin River Lincoln Resort and Tiverton Casino & Sportsbook in Rhode Island – argued that a total smoking ban would deter clientele who smoke from visiting, which could dramatically impact its state revenues.

Does Rhode Island Reflect a Broader Shift In Consumer Preference?

Last week’s development in Rhode Island could open the door to other jurisdictions following suit as other states face similar dilemmas trying to balance casino health policies with revenue sustainability.

New Jersey has gone back-and-forth on a smoking ban, with two labor unions representing casino workers taking opposing stances. One believes that it’s important for workers health to have a smoke-free place of work, whereas the other fears job losses due to revenue decreases. 

Some analysts say there is a growing demand for smoke-free environments, which might actively encourage new patrons into casinos. 

This is a concept Royal Caribbean Cruises has already deployed, recently unveiling a new non-smoking casino floor, citing passenger feedback and a shift in consumer preferences.

Bally’s itself had already anticipated this trend, having announced an expansion to its non-smoking casino section at Twin River Lincoln early last year. 

However, the company stopped short of enforcing a full ban on smoking for fear of alienating its existing and new clientele base who smoked.

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Tennis and Online Abuse: Does the Sports Betting Industry Share the Blame? http://casinobeats.com/2025/06/23/tennis-and-online-abuse-does-the-sports-betting-industry-share-the-blame/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:18:19 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=148217 British tennis star Katie Boulter revealed last week that she received several death threats during last month’s French Open, highlighting a growing problem of online abuse in professional tennis. A significant portion of the online harassment, including some directed at Boulter’s family members, appears to originate from angry and disgruntled bettors, whether she won or […]

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British tennis star Katie Boulter revealed last week that she received several death threats during last month’s French Open, highlighting a growing problem of online abuse in professional tennis.

A significant portion of the online harassment, including some directed at Boulter’s family members, appears to originate from angry and disgruntled bettors, whether she won or lost her matches.

Boulter’s revelation also coincided with the release of a joint report by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). 

The report itself demanded more action from the gambling sector to help curb the ongoing rise of cyber abuse.

In an interview with the BBC, Boulter revealed she was subject to a torrent of abusive online behavior after she lost a first-set tiebreaker against Carole Monnet before going on to win the match. 

One message read, “Hope you get cancer,” while another attack on social media threatened to desecrate Boulter’s grandmother’s grave if she wasn’t “dead by tomorrow.”

The social media attacks on Boulter appeared to be connected with bets lost on the game, with one directly stating, “Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me.”

Commenting on the trolling comments, Boulter added, “It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone… I don’t think there’s anything off the cards now.”

Widespread Cyberbullying and a Need to Protect Younger Players

Boulter’s hope in publicizing the levels of online trolling is to highlight the scale of the problem in professional tennis circles.

“As a tennis player, I just want to see and protect some of the younger players that come through and try to find a way around this whole situation,” she argued.

However, her case is part of a wider problem affecting the sport. 

According to a 2024 Threat Matrix report, 458 players had received direct online threats or abuse, with angry gamblers accounting for 40% of the incidents.

The study, conducted using AI and expert analysts, screened over 1.6 million posts, flagging more than 12,000 as abusive or threatening

Notably, the online harassment stemmed from just 4,200 social media accounts, with “15 accounts escalated to law enforcement,” according to the WTA and ITF.

In addition to the social media attacks, the service also supports players who receive more targeted threats via DMs, emails, or letters. 

The results show that in 2024, 28 players reported 56 direct abusive incidents, with 77% tied to gambling.

Who Is Accountable — Social Media or the Gambling Industry?

WTA World No. 3 Jessica Pegula has also voiced condemnation of the situation, saying, “Online abuse is unacceptable, and something that no player should have to endure.” 

She also made a call for more decisive action from both the social media platforms and the gambling companies themselves, who enjoy a proactive relationship with the game, such as Stake’s sponsorship of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.

The issue of online hate and abuse on social media is not limited to professional tennis. 

It constitutes a much broader argument about social media companies’ duty of care, which includes X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Nevertheless, the WTA and ITF are urging the gambling sector also to do more to identify and sanction abusive users, and in particular, repeat offenders. 

In doing so, the details of 39 high-volume social media accounts have already been shared with both the betting companies and tennis authorities in a bid to help tackle the worst of the online threats.

Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group—the company that operates the Threat Matrix—stressed the importance of acting on this form of cyberbullying. “A relatively small number of accounts are responsible for a significant proportion of abuse,” he said, “and that gives us the chance to drive effective enforcement.”

Theoretically Ideal, Practically Impossible

In theory, closer cooperation between gambling companies and social media firms could provide socially optimal results. 

However, there are several factors that make it impractical to do so. Often, prolific “keyboard warriors” operate on social media behind a veil of anonymity. 

To have a social media account, there is no mandatory “know-your-customer” protocol, hence the profligacy of politically driven bots and trolls. 

Gambling companies rarely collect social media data from their users, and such data sharing would undoubtedly raise significant ethical concerns. 

In addition, the motive of an online troll could be financial loss from wagering with friends or on offshore platforms, both of which the regulated industry is unable to address.

While it is clear that monetary loss is a motivating factor for those who frequently abuse sports stars online, information is scarce. Realistically, there’s little the gambling industry can do to prevent prodigal trolls – and ultimately, are they really to blame? 

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