If approved, the new law would prohibit platforms using dual-currency payment systems from operating in the state. An official ban is now just a formality, as most sweepstakes operators no longer serve New York customers.

About a week ago, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office had targeted and shut down 26 sweepstakes platforms. Those were in addition to over a dozen others who voluntarily left the state a few months prior.

New York Joins Montana and Connecticut With a Ban

If Senate Bill 5935 becomes law, it would mean New York will become the third state to prohibit sweepstakes casinos in the past month.

Montana led the way when it became the first jurisdiction to ban the platforms at the end of May. Meanwhile, a week ago, Connecticut also banned sweepstakes casinos along with lottery courier apps like Jackpocket.

Louisiana would have been on the list as well. The state’s legislature passed a ban bill, but Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed it. He stated that a formal ban was not necessary. Landry believes that state authorities and gambling regulators can handle the fight against unregulated gambling.

Earlier this year, the Mississippi and Maryland Senate both passed ban bills. However, for various reasons, the proposals stalled in the House.

Furthermore, New Jersey and Ohio still have active bills banning sweepstakes casinos. The New Jersey legislative session ends at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Ohio has a two-year session, meaning both states have plenty of time to pass a ban.

Regulatory Crackdowns Expand in LA, MS, and CA

On the same day that the New York Assembly passed SB5935, sweepstakes casinos became a target of state gambling regulators and lawsuits in Louisiana, Mississippi, and California.

Following Gov. Landry’s veto, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board announced that it had targeted 40 unlicensed offshore and sweepstakes casinos.

The official announcement does not specify any particular operators. However, it’s believed that VGW, the parent of Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker, is on the list.

On the same day, the Mississippi Gaming Commission announced it had served several offshore casinos and Chumba Casino with cease-and-desist letters.

Meanwhile, WOW Vegas now faces a class action lawsuit in California. The lawsuit alleges that the company has failed to register as a foreign corporation in the state of California.

Class action lawsuits against sweepstakes casinos are not uncommon. Approximately ten days ago, High 5 Entertainment became a target in a lawsuit filed in New Jersey. Earlier this year, the company agreed to pay $24.9 million in a separate case in Washington.

Other notable class-action lawsuits include the $415 million settlement imposed against International Game Technology and its former subsidiary, DoubleDown Interactive, in 2023. In the same year, a Kentucky judge ordered VGW to pay $11.75 million.

The post New York Sweepstakes Casino Ban Awaits Gov’s Signature, Other States Ramp Up Enforcement appeared first on CasinoBeats.

On June 2, the Louisiana House passed Senate Bill 181 unanimously, following its passage in the Senate at the end of April.

Among its provisions, the bill classifies devices or platforms that use dual-currency payment systems as illegal. It calls for violation penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.

With the governor’s veto, sweepstakes casinos remain operational for now. However, legal action by the state’s authorities could change that.

Additionally, the Louisiana legislature has the authority to override the veto. Despite that, indications are that the chances of doing so are slim.

Governor Says Authorities Have Enough Power

In his June 12 veto letter, which The Closing Line published, Gov. Landry says:

“This bill attempts to criminalize certain secondary gambling activities on the internet that are already prohibited in Louisiana. Our current Louisiana Gaming Control Board has the regulatory authority, control, and jurisdiction over all aspects of gaming activities and operations pursuant to the Louisiana Gaming Control Law.”

The governor notes that the Board, the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office are all responsible for monitoring and regulating gaming in the state.

He adds that the state is already actively targeting illegal gambling, especially offshore and sweepstakes operators. Landry referenced successful cease-and-desist orders against offshore operators, demonstrating that the current system is capable of addressing the issue without the need for new legislation.

Landry goes on to say that the bill is too broad and can interfere with current enforcement actions. He writes, “For these reasons, Senate Bill 181 is not necessary.”

Louisiana Likely to Follow New York and Michigan’s Approach

Landry’s belief that state authorities can handle the issue of sweepstakes casinos aligns with successful enforcement actions seen in other states.

In early 2024, Michigan adopted a tough approach towards offshore and sweepstakes casinos. Following a series of cease-and-desist letters and legal threats from the Michigan Gaming Control Board, all sweepstakes casinos ceased operations in the state.

New York took a similar approach. Last week, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office had shut down 26 sweepstakes operators. With the addition of a dozen or so platforms that had already left the state, only a handful of operators remain. However, they are likely to follow suit.

Elsewhere, Maryland and Connecticut gambling regulators also aggressively pursued sweepstakes operators, although with mixed results.

Connecticut Governor Signs Sweeps Ban Bill

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division (DCP) has already proven successful in pursuing sweepstakes casinos.

Earlier this year, it suspended the content provider license of High 5 Games due to its connection to High 5 Casino. The two eventually settled, and High 5 Games paid a $1.5 million fine.

The regulator’s enforcement actions resulted in a handful of other operators exiting the state. That includes industry leader VGW’s Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker.

However, while DCP has been aggressive, it has not chased all platforms away. That will change, as Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1235 into law, making sweepstakes casinos illegal in the state.

This means that Connecticut will become the second state to ban the platforms. Montana became the first state to do so last month.

Meanwhile, Nevada is taking a different but complementary approach. On June 5, Gov. Joe Lombardo signed Senate Bill 256, which strengthens state regulators’ authority to pursue unlicensed and out-of-state operators.

The law doesn’t explicitly prohibit sweepstakes casinos. Still, the additional legal power of the state will likely result in most platforms exiting Nevada.

The post Louisiana Governor Vetoes Sweepstakes Casino Ban Bill, Says It’s Unnecessary appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Ban bills in both states have passed through the legislature and now await the governor’s signature. Once each governor signs it, the bans will become official.

Different Approach to Targeting Sweepstakes Casinos

On June 2, the Louisiana House passed Senate Bill 181 unanimously, echoing the Senate vote at the end of April.

The bill classifies devices or platforms that use dual-currency payment systems as illegal gambling. The ban covers casino-style games, including slots, lottery games, and sports wagering. It calls for violation penalties of $10,000 to $100,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.

If Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signs Senate Bill 181 into law, it will take effect on August 1.

Sweepstakes advocate, the Social & Promotional Games Association has lambasted Louisiana’s decision, accusing lawmakers of conflating legal entertainment with illegal gambling.

In a brief statement, the SPGA claims the decision “threatens Louisiana’s economy by stifling innovation and driving compliant companies out of state.” 

The SPGA added: “It’s a step backward for consumer choice, lawful innovation and common sense.”  

Meanwhile, Nevada has taken a different approach. It does not target sweepstakes casinos explicitly, but it gives state regulators more power to target and prosecute out-of-state operators without Nevada licenses who are operating illegally.

Senate Bill 256 expands existing penalties under Nevada law to upgrade certain gambling offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. Violations will be penalized with fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

In addition, anyone found guilty of illegal gambling must forfeit all profits and gross receipts, with the funds redirected to Nevada’s General Fund.

Louisiana and Nevada Follow Montana’s Sweepstakes Lead

If the Nevada and Louisiana governors sign the ban bills into law, the two states will join Montana in banning sweepstakes casinos.

A few weeks ago, Big Sky Country made headlines as the first state to ban sweepstakes casinos. The passage of the law was also condemned by the SPGA. 

The association labeled the Montana law a “dangerous precedent,” which it deemed overly vague and potentially criminalizing legitimate promotional programs, such as Microsoft Rewards.

Montana sweepstakes casino players still have a few months to use up their available coins. The new law comes into effect on October 1.

Connecticut is Close Behind Louisiana and Nevada in Sweepstakes Ban

Connecticut is also on track to ban sweepstakes casinos. The state is just a formal step away from sending a ban bill to the governor’s desk.

On June 3, the House passed Senate Bill 1235, sending it back to the Senate for concurrence. Given that the last day of the 2025 Connecticut legislative session is June 4, the ban will likely move swiftly to the governor for a signature.

In addition to sweepstakes casinos, the bill will also ban lottery courier apps, such as Jackpocket. While available in over a dozen states, lottery couriers are unregulated in most.

By implementing a ban, Connecticut would follow Texas, where controversy surrounding two significant jackpot winnings via lottery couriers led to widespread scrutiny and moves to abolish the Texas Lottery Commission.

Status of Ban Efforts in Other States

Eight other states have proposed a ban on sweepstakes casinos in 2025, but several attempts have already failed.

Mississippi and Maryland Senates were the first two legislative chambers in the US to pass a ban. However, a disagreement with the House in the former and running out of time in the latter caused the bills to die.

In Arkansas, the bill sponsor withdrew the bill, while in Florida, two separate bills failed to pass the committee stage.

The Illinois legislative session ended on May 31 with the passage of a new sports betting tax. However, a bill to ban sweepstakes casinos also failed to make any progress.

New York is also nearing the end of its 2025 legislative session, which is scheduled to adjourn on June 12. There are two active ban bills in each chamber of the legislature. Both made movements but have stalled recently, so if they were to pass, lawmakers must move quickly.

Still, New York witnessed a mass exodus of sweepstakes casino operators anticipating a ban. Most recently, industry leader VGW ended sweepstakes play in the state, signaling a potential prohibition.

Two other states with a longer legislative session still have plenty of time to pass a ban. New Jersey and Ohio lawmakers adjourn on December 31. Ohio has a two-year session, meaning bills from this year carry over to the next.

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Republican Senator Adam Bass has introduced Senate Bill 181, which is aimed at banning certain social casino games by classifying them as illegal gambling.

The proposed Louisiana legislation defines illegal sweepstakes gaming as: “any games, contest, or promotion that is available on the internet or accessible on a mobile phone, computer terminal, or similar access device that utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize or award or cash or cash equivalents … and simulates any form of gambling.”

This includes casino-style gaming (slot machines, video poker, table games such as blackjack and roulette), lottery games (keno and poker), and sports betting.

It targets not only operators and promoters of these games but also geolocation providers and gaming manufacturers. The bill calls for harsh penalties, ranging from fines between $10,000 and $100,000 to prison sentences of up to five years.

Sweepstakes Gambling Focus in Several States

Close to a dozen states have already filed bills to ban sweepstakes gambling. For instance, New York’s Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee unanimously passed SB 5935 last month. The bill, introduced by Sen. Joseph Addabbo, specifically targets games simulating casino-style entertainment, including poker, slots, and sports betting.

“These products evade consumer protection, responsible gaming, and anti-money laundering requirements to which gambling in New York is otherwise subject,” the bill reads. “These products and operations are untaxed and unregulated.

“They present unfair competition to the state’s legal, highly regulated and economically important casinos.”

Following mounting pressure in the Empire State, several sweepstakes operators, including Hello Millions, SportsMillions, PlayFame, SpinBlitz, and Rolling Riches, have announced they will cease business in New York in April. Further, High 5 Casino stopped accepting new registrations and transactions late last month. 

Sen Addabbo has long been a proponent of legalized iGaming in the state, but significant roadblocks remain in the form of the vocal brick-and-mortar casino lobby and public health advocates. He has previously argued that legalizing online casinos would help reduce the risk of residents using unregulated products such as sweepstakes casinos and offshore sites. 

Maryland is weighing similar measures after unanimously passing legislation in the state Senate.

Connecticut, Florida, Mississippi, and New Jersey lawmakers have also filed bills seeking to tighten regulations against sweepstakes gambling.

Opponents Call Proposal ‘Misguided’

SB 181 has drawn fierce opposition from the Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA), which said that it “recklessly misclassifies” sweepstakes gambling as illegal. 

The SPGA has expressed concerns that SB181’s “overly broad definitions” could criminalize customer engagement strategies from Marriott, United, Delta, and Hilton. It argues that “the vast majority of users never spend a dime” and dubs the Louisiana bill “economically and culturally tone-deaf.” 

The strongly worded statement concludes: “SPGA calls on Lousiana lawmakers to reject SB181 before it inflicts lasting damage on the state’s economy and reputation as a hub for innovation.” 

The post Sweepstakes Gambling Crackdown Reaches Louisiana With SB 181 Proposal appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Louisiana Senate Judiciary B and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committees met this week to discuss the prevalence of igaming, potential regulation and the impact of the industry on jurisdictions across the country. Louisiana, which legalised online sports betting in 2022, is discussing igaming as America’s seven regulated markets drive strong revenue.

According to data provided to committee members, America’s 38 regulated sports betting states are projected to generate $13bn in annual gaming revenue. By comparison, the seven US igaming markets are estimated to generate $8bn in revenue in 2024.

Lobbyists of igaming in Louisiana note the prevalence of illicit gaming as a reason to bring regulated online casinos to the state. About $4.6bn has been wagered illegally with online casinos in Louisiana, according to a study by the American Gaming Association.

Regulation of igaming is also expected to provide added protection to state residents.

“There are well-documented connections between illegal online gaming taking place in the state and the money that comes from it for money laundering, for drug trafficking and for organised crime,” said Light & Wonder Global Head of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel Howard Glaser during this week’s committee meeting. “These are some of the reasons that states consider regulating online casino gaming to protect consumers, combat transnational crime and capture tax revenue.”

The regulation of igaming in Louisiana is expected to also thwart the growth of unregulated sweepstakes operators that are operating in markets across America without licensing.

“These are not mom-and-pop shops like the old days of internet cafes,” adds Glaser. “These are big international companies with one spending $400m on marketing in the U.S.”

Despite the prospects of potential new revenue, igaming is drawing concerns from organizations, including entertainment operating company The Cordish Companies.

“Over $700m has been invested or committed to move casinos on shore bringing tremendous economic benefits to Louisiana,” said The Cordish Companies General Counsel Mark Stewart. “But we submit that bringing igaming to Louisiana would pull the rug out from under these projects and discourage additional land-based investment.”

The potential regulation of igaming in Louisiana is drawing cannibalization concerns. Representatives at the meeting from the Cordish Companies used data from three existing regulated iGaming markets to showcase a slight drop in gross revenue for retail casinos.

Opponents of igaming in Louisiana also cite gambling addiction as a reason to prevent the regulation of online casinos in the state. The quick accessibility of igaming through cell phones has also raised concerns for entities wanting to combat problem gambling.

Lawmakers in Louisiana will continue to discuss igaming and its potential impact on the state’s gaming market while taking into account the pros and cons of online casinos. Senate Resolution 149, passed in June, will allow lawmakers to continue the discussion.

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Codere Online

Codere Online has appointed three new members to its board of directors – Gabriel Saenz de Buruaga, Taavi Davies and Claude Noesen.

The appointments were part of the company’s annual general meeting and all three new members have been selected for an initial term of one year on the board, replacing Patrick Ramsey, Michal Elimelech and Laurent Teitgen.

Gonzaga Higuero, CEO of Codere Group, was also re-appointed as a director and will serve as Chair of the board. 

Higuero stated: “We welcome these new additions to the Board and look forward to working with them to build upon the significant progress achieved by the company in recent years.”

Changes have also been made to Codere Online’s board committees. In the audit committee, Noesen has been appointed as a member, while Borja Fernández and Daniel Valdez will continue to serve as Chair and member, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the compliance committee, Davies and Mark Dunn have been appointed as members, while Rafael Catalá and Yaiza Rodríguez will continue to serve as members.

Higuero added: “I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Pat for his valuable contribution and dedication as Chairman since Codere Online went public in 2021, and I am excited that he will be joining me on the board of our parent company, Codere New Topco, following its recently announced recapitalisation and as it looks ahead to a promising future.”

CT Interactive 

CT Interactive has appointed Monika Zlateva as its Chief Commercial Officer.

The igaming supplier noted that Zlateva brings expertise in new business development, customer acquisition and retention to the position and has showcased leadership in business strategy, sales initiatives and marketing campaigns.

Zlateva also brings a wealth of igaming experience to CT Interactive, as she has previously worked for the likes of 7777 gaming, BetConstruct, Amusnet Gaming and SBTech, holding leadership roles such as Business Development Partner, Business Development Director and Regional Director of Business Development.

Commenting on her new role on LinkedIn, Zlateva said: “Very excited and honoured to join the CT Interactive team! It’s not a secret that casino content is the closest to my heart so I am looking forward to growing the business together with such great professionals! Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”

Louisiana Gaming Control Board

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has named Christopher Hebert as the Chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He is also the first African-American to serve as Chair. 

Having previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana for over 19 years and as the Director of the Gaming Division for the previous eight years, Hebert will now lead the regulation of all gaming activities under the jurisdiction of the Pelican State.

Landry said: “I am proud to announce the appointment of Christopher Hebert as the Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. He has the experience and background needed to properly regulate such a large industry. I look forward to the great work he will do for our state and our economy.”

Hebert will be replacing Ronnie Johns as Chair, who is relinquishing his role at the end of June after being appointed in 2021.

Commenting on his new role, Hebert noted: “Proper regulation of the gaming industry is crucial at a time in which gaming revenue continues to be a substantial part of our state’s economy. 

“I am both humbled and honoured that Governor Landry has tapped me as the first African-American Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and I vow to continue the hard work of previous chairmen in ensuring that gaming is free from criminal and corrupt elements. 

“We will continue to regulate in a fair manner which ensures that our gaming licensees are able to operate in an environment that generates healthy revenue for the state through economic development.”

Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie

The Nederlandse Online Gambling Associatie has announced that Peter-Paul de Goeij is stepping down as Director of the association as he plans to emigrate abroad.

Eric Konings has been named by NOGA as Interim Director. He will be supported by Frans van Steenis, former CEO of Staatsloterij, the state lottery.

“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his commitment over the past five years, in which he has shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA in an excellent way,” stated Remko de Boer, Chair of the board of directors of NOGA.

“As a result, NOGA has been able to represent the interests of its members well, in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do expect that the coming period will not be less turbulent. That is why we, as a board, have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation.”

Commenting on his departure, de Goeij said: “The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am stepping down now, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to make efforts to ensure that the game is safe and responsible.

“That is and remains the best way to achieve optimum consumer protection. I would like to thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I am happy to hand over the baton to Eric.”

Konings noted: “The industry is facing some major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this.

“In addition, NOGA is explicitly orienting itself on how the interests of the industry can be organised in a future-proof way. I am happy that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of scout to shape this process with me.”

Van Steenis added: “A lot is happening in the gaming sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policymakers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all those involved in the gambling file.”

New York State Gaming Facility Location Board

The New York State Gaming Commission has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Vicki Been as Chair of the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, which is in charge of overseeing the commercial casino sitting process in the New York Metro region.

“Professor Been’s expertise is tailor-made to guide this process and I am proud to name her Chair of the Gaming Facility Location Board,” stated Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer. 

“This outstanding team is performing a great public service for which we are all grateful. We look forward to a robust competition for up to three licences.”

A member of the board since 2022, Been is the Judge Edward Weinfeld Professor of Law at New York University School of Law, an Affiliated Professor of Public Policy of the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Faculty Director of NYU’s Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. 

With a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and being a graduate of the NYU School of Law, where she was a Root-Tilden Scholar, she returned to NYU following public service as Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development for the City of New York and Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development.

On the faculty at NYU since 1990, Been has focused her scholarship on the intersection of land use, urban policy and housing. She has also clerked for Judge Edward Weinfeld of the Southern District of New York and Justice Harry Blackmun of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Commenting on her new role, Been said: “I am honoured to take on this important role and look forward to working with my talented colleagues on the Gaming Facility Location Board to evaluate casino proposals that bring real tangible benefits to their host community and the entire state.

“My colleagues and I are committed to overseeing a fair, transparent and transformative casino siting process.”

Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder

Gemeinsamen Glücksspielbehörde der Länder has announced that Udo Götze, State Secretary in the Thuringian Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, will hand over the position of Chair of the board of directors to Reiner Moser, Head of the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalisation and Municipalities of Baden-Württemberg.

The handover will take place on July 1, 2024, bringing an end to Götze’s one-year term as Chair.

Götze noted: “Together with the federal states, the GGL has created a very good basis for the successful regulation of this rapidly developing digital market. Everyone involved can be proud of that.”

Moser added: “The regulation of gambling on the internet is a challenging task that focuses on the prevention of gambling addiction and the protection of players and minors. There were and will continue to be immense challenges to overcome. 

“This includes, among other things, the implementation of court decisions on the use of IP blocking as an enforcement instrument, but also developments in the area of supervision of legal providers. I am confident that GGL will successfully address these challenges. It can continue to be sure of the support of the states and the board of directors.”

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These approvals will see Acres cashless gaming functionality, enabled by its Foundation casino management technology and system, increase the number of states where regulatory bodies that have access to the solution to nine. 

“We want to thank the regulators in Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and in the six states that previously approved Foundation’s cashless gaming solution for their diligent review and approval of our innovative technology,” said Noah Acres. 

“Each of these regulators have taken an important first step in helping to bring modern technology to their state’s operators that brings added convenience to casino players through an engaging and seamless user experience while providing operators with a powerful tool to grow revenue, attract new guests, and operate more efficiently and effectively.”

Approved by Louisiana Gaming Control Board, Mississippi Gaming Commission and Missouri Gaming Commission, Acres’ solution is currently deployed in all these states in a total of 21 casinos across nearly 31,000 slot machines. 

Acres’ Cashless Casino technology solution is integrated with providers such as IGT, Light & Wonder, Aristocrat and Komani. 

Acres added: “As the casino gaming floor continued to stagnate with its reliance on 20+ year old systems technologies, Acres dedicated itself to developing revolutionary casino gaming technology that helps drive similar consumer engagement and revenue benefits already enjoyed by nearly every other industry. 

“While legacy casino management systems’ providers IGT, Light & Wonder, Aristocrat, and Konami attempt to address consumer preferences for cashless gaming solutions by recycling decades-old Cashless Wagering Account technology – which requires casino operators to assume financial liability for all customer deposits – Acres’ Foundation technology is a modern architecture that eliminates the CWA entirely to effectively mitigate risk, operate faster, and offer more security for player funds and a more intuitive player experience. 

“The core belief that drives our commitment to technology innovation is that the gaming industry’s lack of modernisation is costing it billions of dollars in lost revenues and we encourage all industry constituents to review our position paper that highlights the key benefits of our approach to cashless gaming.”

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Following its closure over two years ago due to the pandemic and damage from Hurricane Laura, the transformation into a brick-and-mortar casino will see an all-new 60,000-square-foot property open in southwest Louisiana. 

The property will include nearly 1,000 slot machines and table games, as well as an official WSOP poker room, a Caesars Sportsbook and 253 hotel rooms. 

“The support from the Lake Charles community has been tremendous, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests back to experience our all-new resort,” said Jeff Favre, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Horseshoe Lake Charles. 

“After being closed for more than two years, to reopen as a Horseshoe casino is the cherry on top of a pretty spectacular celebration.”

In addition to a wide palette of food and beverage outlets that will be available on day one, Horseshoe Lake Charles will bring multi-Michelin-starred chef, Gordon Ramsay, to the Pelican State with the opening of Gordon Ramsay Steak in mid-2023.  

The doors to Horseshoe Lake Charles will open for the first time at noon on December 12, pending Louisiana Gaming Control Board approval, with a ribbon cutting taking place at noon on said day. 

“When we closed the Isle of Capri in 2020, we were not expecting the property to be shut down for this length of time,” added Anthony Carano, President and COO of Caesars Entertainment. “But we couldn’t be prouder of our team and all of the hard work they’ve put into this beautiful property. 

“We look forward to welcoming our partners and the community to celebrate with us as we commemorate this milestone and introduce them to Horseshoe Lake Charles.”

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Lauding the state entry as “yet another milestone” along its road to nationwide expansion across the US market, the igaming hosting provider’s receipt of rights to legally operate in Louisiana follows similar moves undertaken across a multiple states, including New Jersey and Michigan. 

“At Internet Vikings, we have worked tirelessly to develop solutions that are far different from other hosting companies, with more innovative services that are uniquely tailored to each individual client,” stated Rickard Vikström, CEO and Founder of Internet Viking.  

“In light of our steady growth and expanding customer base, we look forward to continuing in this direction. We are glad to be operating in Louisiana, and we will continue to work towards extending our US presence.”

In June 2021, the state officially recognised and legalised sports betting, with a retail debut taking place in October of last year and online participation debuting in January 2022. As part of the moves, legally authorised operators now include commercial and tribal casinos, racetracks and online enterprises. 

In December of last year, Internet Vikings marked its debut in the state by going live in Baton Rouge, with the strategic move into Louisiana said to “tick off yet another box” towards its aim to be “one of the finest” igaming hosting providers across North America. 

Victor Jerlin, CTO and Founder at Internet Vikings, commented: “This is a great achievement for us. Louisiana holds a wealth of opportunities as it finally welcomes the online gaming community. 

“We have seen exponential growth in this lucrative sector, and being at the forefront allows us to offer a myriad of crucial services to businesses of all sizes.”

However, despite its Louisiana movements, the firm has already set its sights on several more states, which are in the process of preparing to open their doors to regulated online gaming in one form or another. 

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The former sees capital investments being undertaken in both Louisiana, California and Nevada, with work having commenced on a new land-based facility for the riverboat Treasure Chest Casino in the Pelican State.

“We are confident the all new Treasure Chest will further expand the property’s customer base while increasing its appeal to our existing customers and drive enhanced results following its opening in late 2023,” noted Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd.

In downtown Las Vegas work is also said to be continuing on the expansion of the Fremont Hotel and Casino, where the company is hoping that the project allows the capture of a larger portion of pedestrian traffic.

Elsewhere, in the Golden State a collaboration with the Wilton Rancheria Tribe is “on track” and “making good progress,” with a Sky River Casino to open in September complete with a 100,000 square foot casino, 2,000 slot machines, 80 table games and 17 food and beverage venues.

“Thanks to its location just south of Sacramento, this property is well-positioned to capture a significant share of the Sacramento and Bay Area markets,” it is said.

With Smith adding “beyond these capital investments, we also continue to expand our presence in sports betting and online gaming.”

As a result of recently passed sports betting legislation in Kansas and Ohio the company is also planning the roll-out of retail and mobile offerings alongside FanDuel.

Subject to regulatory approvals, launch will commence during autumn and early 2023, respectively, which will expand the partnership into eight states.

The company also disclosed that it remains “on track” to complete the $170m acquisition of Pala Interactive “around the first of the year”.

“Our online gaming strategy is built upon leveraging our geographic distribution, loyalty program and customer database to build a profitable regional online casino business,” Smith continued.

“Pala will provide us the full suite of products, technology and expertise we need to execute that strategy without the need for additional significant investments or acquisitions. 

“And of course, our five per cent ownership of FanDuel is an important strategic asset that will grow more valuable as sports betting expands and FanDuel continues to build on its position as the nation’s leader in online sports betting.

“In both our online and land-based operations, we are building a strong foundation for long-term growth.”

The comments come as the group assesses its performance through the year’s second quarter, which saw revenue record a slight uptick to $894.5m (2021: $893.6m).

Boyd reports that “all three operating segments continue to product strong results,” with the Las Vegas locals and downtown divisions increasing four per cent and nine per cent to $236.46m (2021: $236m) and $53.89m (2021: $38.78m), respectively. This offset a 2.42 per cent midwest and south revenue drop to $604m (2021: $618.72m).

Net income rose 22.54 per cent during the three month period to $146.8m (2021: $113.7m), with adjusted EBITDA recording its second highest performance to close at $353.9m (2021: $385.4m).

“The second quarter of 2021 was a challenging comparison due to benefits from government stimulus and the lifting of COVID restrictions,” Smith concluded.

“This quarter’s excellent results were driven by a continued focus on our core customer and sustained efficiencies throughout our business. 

“Our operating trends remain strong, as play from core customer segments grew both year-over-year and sequentially from the first quarter of 2022. We also improved company wide operating margins from the first quarter despite inflationary pressures. 

“Overall, we are encouraged by the continued strength of our business, and remain confident in our strategy and our ability to navigate today’s uncertain economic environment.”

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