The integration will see Resorts Digital Gaming – the digital arm of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City – gain access to a large collection of EveryMatrix’s Spearhead Studios and Armadillo Studios casino games.

Ed Andrewes, CEO of Resorts Digital Gaming, explained: “Resorts Digital Gaming already has a market leading portfolio of slot and table games, and we are absolutely delighted to launch the EveryMatrix content in the US. 

“EveryMatrix has already proved that its games are very successful across other global igaming markets and we believe they will also perform well on resortscasino.com and mohegansuncasino.com in New Jersey.”

Following the partnership, both Resorts Digital and EveryMatrix have agreed to start deploying games in New Jersey as its first market with “an ambition” to extend the agreement across multiple states once regulated. 

“We’ve come a long way since we decided to enter the most significant gambling market in the world,” commented Erik Nyman, president Americas at EveryMatrix. “I am pleased to announce this distribution deal in the US, which allows us to make our games available with an option to add other titles as they become available through CasinoEngine.

“Ed Andrewes and his team have done an impressive job being one of the first operators to embrace online gaming in the US, and I trust they will be very satisfied with our games portfolio as it will further enhance their success in the market.”

Having established a presence in Miami earlier this year, EveryMatrix’s American branch has been active in pursuing new business ties to the US and LatAm markets, with Mexican land-based Foliatti Casino and Kindred Group opening new business opportunities.

The distribution agreement continues a busy week for EveryMatrix as it strengthened its position in the Greek regulated market with the launch of igaming operator winmasters. 

The Greek launch will see EveryMatrix provide the operator with its full product suite including player account management, sportsbook, casino management and affiliate platforms. 

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Following the closure of casinos around the US due to coronavirus, properties have now been told they can reopen on July 2 with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tropicana Casino Resort, Golden Nugget, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel preparing to welcome guests.

Hard Rock Atlantic City

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first of the Atlantic City casinos to release its COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.

The wait is finally over! We are excited to announce that we will be reopening on July 2.

Stay tuned for more details. pic.twitter.com/q7WPNNHkZs

— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) June 22, 2020

Upon reopening guests and workers at the entertainment venue will be required to wear face coverings with masks being provided on entrance if needed. Employees will be given PPE if required.

Our commitment to the safety of our guests and team members has always been paramount.

Our new thermal imaging technology is a differentiator and we look forward to safely welcoming you back. pic.twitter.com/Mf9oS8Wy5e

— Hard Rock Atlantic City (@HardRockHCAC) June 23, 2020

All guests and employees will have their temperature taken on arrival before entering the property, with those with temperatures higher than 100.4 degrees being turned away.

Golden Nugget 

Golden Nugget has announced its reopening yet also revealed that all hotel reservations throughout July have been cancelled with deposits being refunded in full.

WELCOME BACK GOLDEN GUESTS!
We’re excited to announce we will reopen next Thur 7/2! View updates on your Tier Status, Comp Dollars, Cashback and more: https://t.co/HT62YL2yWH pic.twitter.com/g1Lb3Xn35u

— Golden Nugget AC (@goldennuggetac) June 23, 2020

The company has also revealed that it will be extending all current tier statuses through to February 2020 regardless of tier credit balance.

The casino has had a player development ream inside its properties to make sure machines and tables adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Our Player Development team is getting our casino floor ready for reopening next week! What’s the first slot machine you want to play at #GoldenNuggetAC? ?

?Justin Pincus
?Alisa Weiss
?Eric Robinson

Our Player Development team is enjoying the best view in #AtlanticCity! Only a few more days until our golden guests can enjoy it too!

From left to right:
?Sonny Ianoale
?Gerrilynn Grasso
?Alan Korman pic.twitter.com/gELTzZyEw2

— Golden Nugget AC (@goldennuggetac) June 27, 2020

Resorts Casino Hotel

Upon the announcement of reopening, Resorts Casino Hotel has released a video from CEO and president Mark Giannantonio who explained the company’s ‘Stay Safe Work Safe’ plan.

Within the initiative is increased hand sanitiser stations throughout the casino, glass dividers on slot machines and tables, and social distancing rules.

Hand sanitizer is important in helping to keep everyone healthy. You’ll see it all over our property when you come back through our doors in 6 days. pic.twitter.com/inJ4Rs3KYw

— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) June 27, 2020

We can’t wait to unveil all of our new safety enhancements in just 5 days. pic.twitter.com/1uvPFsi8pQ

— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) June 28, 2020

4 days. You know where else you’ll see 4? In our elevators. To maintain proper physical distancing, we are asking that only 4 people ride an elevator at once. pic.twitter.com/efCwaP6D6H

— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) June 29, 2020

Ocean Casino Resort

Ocean Casino Resort, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, has implemented several healthy and safety rules into their casinos stating ‘a clean hand is a lucky hand’.

Terry Glebocki shares with Raven Santana, NJTV, what your next trip to Ocean Casino Resort could look like. “A clean hand is a lucky hand.”<ahref=”https://t.co/MAz6TxLpwm”>https://t.co/MAz6TxLpwm

— Ocean Casino Resort (@TheOceanAC) June 26, 2020

In an interview with the New Jersey News Network, Terri Glebocki, CEO of Ocean Casino Resort, said: “The safety of our guests and our employees are our top priority. So, as you look at the property, you’re going to see over 200 fixed hand sanitising stations.

“You’re going to see a bottle of hand sanitiser anywhere you go. You’re going to see wipes if you want to wipe down your own equipment, You’re going to see twice as many people cleaning the casino floor as you did before—we call them ‘The Ocean Clean Team.’”

We’re doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our guests. #CleanHandIsAWinningHand Learn more about efforts here. https://t.co/1EF4SCOL4f

— Ocean Casino Resort (@TheOceanAC) June 27, 2020

Tropicana AC

Another casino to announce its opening on July 2 is the Tropicana AC which has stating that it is working with public health officials and regulators to implement safety and cleaning standards. 

We are excited to open our doors on 7/2/2020 at 8am EST. We are working w/ public health officials & regulators to take safety & cleaning standards to the highest level. Cheers to exciting times, unforgettable experiences, & to seeing you again. #bettertogether #togetherwewin pic.twitter.com/wTfEln1elD

— Tropicana AC (@TropicanaAC) June 25, 2020

On July 3, Bally’s, Harrah’s Resort, and Caesars will reopen their properties with all three casinos requiring guests and employees to wear face masks whilst indoors.

Ron Baumann, regional president, Caesars Entertainment, Atlantic City region, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back both our team members and customers to Bally’s, Caesars, and Harrah’s Resort and look forward to creating more memories together,

“The well-being of our team members and guests is important to us, and we are focused on enhancing our health and safety protocols to provide an enjoyable guest experience that emphasizes social distancing and cleanliness. 

“Whether you plan to visit us on the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk, or enjoy the sophisticated setting of the Marina District, our resorts offer a great travel escape for guests this summer — especially for those living within drive-time of the Jersey Shore, who can visit us on a tank of gas, without the flight.” 

Spend your summer with us! Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City officially reopens its doors to guests on July 3.

Details: https://t.co/dkkIpY0zjM pic.twitter.com/CuHNyxF16v

— Harrah’s Resort AC (@harrahsresort) June 26, 2020

Spend your summer with us! Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino officially reopens its doors to guests on July 3.

Details: https://t.co/KXqfD5B95i pic.twitter.com/BWiNR0EjTO

— Caesars AC (@CaesarsAC) June 26, 2020

Spend your summer with us! Bally’s Atlantic City officially reopens its doors to guests on July 3.

Details: https://t.co/UEnYoVNxOi pic.twitter.com/0cVFXkmMqg

— Bally’s AC (@BallysAC) June 26, 2020

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After Las Vegas got the action underway last week, a move which AGA president and CEO Bill Miller described as “a pivotal moment in our recovery,” US media outlets continue to carry reports that Atlantic City could be following suit on the Independence Day holiday of Saturday 4 July.

In preparation for that potential date the east coast gaming destination’s multitude of properties will be busy implementing their own safety protocols and procedures, including Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment’s Resorts Casino Hotel.

In response to the global health crisis the property has established a ‘Play Safe, Work Safe’ plan in order to welcome back guests and team members.

The strategy includes a significant capital investment to improve air quality, as well as clean and sanitise surfaces across the property, in addition to the installation of advanced bipolar ionisation and UV technology to purify the air and clean surfaces.

Furthermore, Resorts, which asserts that it will be ready to reopen as soon as the state indicates that it can do so, has stipulated a number of the measures as part of the plan that directly relate to the guest experience. These include:

• Hotel guests can utilise mobile express check-in and checkout.
• Casino and hotel elevators will maintain a maximum occupancy of four people.
• Social distancing will be seen throughout the property including on the casino floor where every other slot machine will be available for play and there will be limited seating at all table games.
• Seating in Resorts-owned and tenant-operated restaurants will be reduced to provide a comfortable dining experience.
• Hand sanitiser stations and hand wipes will be readily available throughout the property for the convenience of both guests and team members. 

“We want our guests to be able to enjoy the friendly and warm experience that has always been part of our core values but with the addition of new health and safety measures,” stated Mark Giannantonio, president and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel.

“We are excited about being one of the safest destinations in our region upon reopening. We will be utilising what research has shown to be the best sanitisation and air quality technology available today. As we adapt to our ‘new normal,’ we have taken the steps to provide for the safety and well-being of our team members and guests.”

The Wolverine State is also eyeing its own resumption after the Michigan Gaming Control Board approved minimum reopening guidelines for the Detroit casinos to protect public health and safety. The casinos will remain closed until reopening can be permitted under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Safe Start Plan.

The minimum guidelines for initial opening include a limit of 15 per cent of the legal capacity at each casino, limited entrance points with temperature checks, a ban on smoking on the casino floors, no poker rooms, heightened cleaning protocols and social distancing.

“In compiling these minimum guidelines, we considered CDC recommendations, Nevada Gaming Board guidelines and information from the National Indian Gaming Commission,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. 

“We required the casinos to propose reopening plans, and we consulted with the casino unions on the guidelines. We believe the guidelines will protect the public when it is safe to reopen the casinos.”

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Agreements entered alongside Mount Airy Casino and Eldorado Resorts, alongside its existing market access deal in New Jersey with Resorts Casino Hotel, gives the group current potential access to a total of 13 states.

Setting out its 2019 full year financial guidance, Stars Group expects revenues of between $2.64bn and $2.76bn, and adjusted EBITDA in the region of $960m and $1.1bn.

Rafi Ashkenazi, The Stars Group CEO, explained: “As we look at 2019 and beyond, we are excited to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us by leveraging our leading positions in attractive markets, strong brands, technology and operating expertise.

“We are pleased with our performance in the first two months of the year, underpinning our confidence in our financial guidance for 2019, and we are currently on track to deliver the full $70m in cost synergies from the acquisition of Sky Betting and Gaming within the current year alone, with potential opportunities for incremental synergies under review.”

Full year 2018 net revenues for the firm came in at a little over $2bn, a 54.6 per cent boost from $1.3bn, and adjusted EBITDA increase 30.1 per cent to $780.9m (2017: $600m).

On a quarterly basis revenues were reported as $652.8m, up 81.2 per cent from $360.6m, with an adjusted EBITDA of $239.4m, up 62.9 per cent from $147m.

Breaking down in to the group’s three reporting segments of international (incorporating BetStars assets), UK (Sky Bet) and Australia (BetEasy), Stars Group reported a Q4 revenue dip of 1.3 per cent to $355.7m (2017: $360.2m) for the former, with FY figures rising 9.7 per cent to $1.44bn (2017: $1.31bn).

Reporting increases across each of its key segments of poker, gaming and betting, the only decline came from the former in 2018’s final quarter, dipping ten per cent to $210.9m from $234.3m.

UK revenues came in at $225.7m and $394.1m respectively for the quarter and year ending December 31, 2019, driven by maintained momentum from a successful World Cup and start of the Premier League, whilst Australian operations contributed $72.3m and $196.9m respectively.

Ashkenazi commented: “2018 was a landmark year for the company We completed the acquisitions of Sky Betting and Gaming in the UK and BetEasy in Australia, extended our licensed footprint to 21 jurisdictions around the world and began laying the foundations to grow our presence in the US

“Our International business saw strong organic growth in the year despite restrictions in certain markets and lapping the initial roll-out of our Stars Rewards program.

“Our United Kingdom and Australia segments both performed in-line with our expectations during the fourth quarter, and we believe they are currently well-positioned to continue gaining market share in 2019.”

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Being hosted at the Atlanta Falcons home the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a promise of an action packed weekend throughout the region has been promised, as New Jersey gears up to build upon its $1.24bn wagered since the activity became legal, which brought in $50m in revenue for Atlantic City casinos.

Kevin Ortzman, president of the CANJ, explained: “Atlantic City’s casinos welcome all fans to enjoy the biggest sporting event of the year, and place their bets on the big game in New Jersey.

“Atlantic City is the perfect place for football fans to watch the big game and enjoy all that this seaside resort destination has to offer, including our world-class entertainment, top-notch restaurants, and brand-name retail shopping. It’s going to be an exciting time in America’s playground, and our sports books are ready.”

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, Tropicana Atlantic City and Wild Wild West at Bally’s all offer sports wagering in New Jersey, with the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City just went live with online and retail sports betting this week.

Rummy Pandit, executive director of the Lloyd D Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism at Stockton University, addresses a great opportunity for Atlantic City as the clash between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams approaches. “Sporting events like Super Bowl LIII are a great opportunity to draw visitors to the Atlantic City region in the colder months.

“Atlantic City’s sportsbooks are building a solid base of loyal consumers, who now have another great reason to visit Atlantic City all year round.”

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Officially opening on Friday November 16, the D’Iberville based property marked DraftKings debut entry into the retail space, a move which is to be quickly followed up with its launch at Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel.

By utilising IGT’s PlayShot technology, visitors to the Scarlet Pearl are able to place a variety of pre-match and in-play sports wagers, over the counter.

Furthermore, pending the necessary regulatory approval, the casino is also set to see the deployment of a series of IGT sports betting peripherals, such as kiosks and mobile technology, “as the regional sports betting market evolves”.      

Enrico Drago, IGT senior vice president of PlayDigital, commented: “We wish to congratulate Scarlet Pearl Casino for opening an exceptional sports betting venue, featuring IGT PlayShot sports betting technology.

“The IGT platform, and the expertise and appeal of the DraftKings brand, combine to deliver a truly world-class sports betting solution, that elevates the entertainment experience for sports fans in Mississippi.”

Transforming the property’s existing PRL Bar into a “multi-screen betting and social destination for sports lovers,” patrons are promised a space that will “offer fans the opportunity to engage with an immersive and entertaining gaming experience”.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening the DraftKings at Scarlet Pearl Sportsbook, as attended by Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder, and Mississippi sports legend Wesley Walls.

“Scarlet Pearl Casino prioritises offering our guests ‘A New Way’ to enjoy gaming entertainment,” added LuAnn Pappas, Scarlet Pearl Casino General Manager and CEO. “By leveraging IGT’s PlayShot sports betting technology, and the expertise of the DraftKings team, we were able to quickly make our vision for a state-of-the-art sportsbook for the Mississippi Gulf Coast a reality, and to offer our guests a reliable betting experience with a familiar brand.”

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Pending approval from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the approximately 5,000 square foot area is reported in certain quarters to begin welcoming guests as of Tuesday November 20.

“We’ve been working for months with the team at Resorts to make sure the DraftKings retail sportsbook meets the highest bar for quality and customer experience,” stated Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings. “We are tremendously excited to launch our first physical presence in the state with such a trusted partner, and to service their loyal patrons.”

Featuring a retail space that it is stated “will feature a best-in-class customer experience for sports fans in the Garden State,” it marks a further major milestone for Atlantic City’s first casino hotel.

Despite striking a deal with SBTech in July, it is also understood that the Resorts Casino Hotel sportsbook will be powered by Kambi, the technology supplier behind DraftKings’ early success in New Jersey.

Through this launch Resorts is aiming to muscle in on New Jersey’s early sports betting success, which has seen revenues of $336m taken since the states permitted such activity in mid-June, beginning with Atlantic City’s Borgata and the region’s duo of race tracks, namely Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.

Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, explained: “We are proud to partner with an industry leader in sports betting, and open an innovative sports betting experience that only DraftKings Sportsbook at Resorts will offer.

“Once completed, the new on-property retail space will bring an immersive and entertaining gaming experience for our guests and sports fans alike, ensuring the best sports betting scene in Atlantic City.”

Following its launch at Mississippi’s Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort earlier in the week, DraftKings sportsbook at Resorts is to feature multiple sports and wagering options, such as live, in-game betting with five windows and 12 kiosks.

Furthermore, the space will offer ultra-high-definition video walls, a VIP area, comfortable stadium-style seats with chargers, and a full bar with food and beverage service and bar top electronic slots.

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As well its top award, the manager of multiple properties both throughout the US and internationally, also secured second place awards for ‘Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas’ and ‘Best Player’s Club,’ related to its momentum rewards program, within the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Hailing the significance for MGE, the organisation’s CEO Mario Kontomerkos explained: “Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment is poised to be the worldwide leader in the integrated entertainment resort industry, which started with our all-encompassing flagship destination in Connecticut.

“We are honoured to be recognised as ‘Best Casino Hotel’ in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, as it further demonstrates Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s commitment to providing the ultimate resort amenities, and immersive experiences, for casino players and non-gamers alike.

“We look forward to continuing the success and momentum of Mohegan Sun, leading Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s next phase of growth both domestically and abroad.”

Nominees for the awards were selected by an esteemed panel, including editors from both USA Today and 10Best.com, in addition to relevant expert contributors, with readers voting over a four week period.

“2018 marked an exciting year for Mohegan Sun with several property updates, new guest offerings and tons of A-list entertainment,” added Ray Pineault, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun. “We are extremely proud that Mohegan Sun consistently receives industry accolades year after year, and we will continue to live up to our reputation of ‘Best Casino Hotel,’ solidifying our position as a world-class integrated resort destination.”

In addition to its Connecticut entity, the firm also counts sister properties Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania, the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey and the Ilani Resort in Washington State as part of its stable, in addition to Project Inspire, a South Korea development “intended to be the premier integrated entertainment resort (IER) destination in Northern Asia”.

Aiming to further cement its position within the industry, MGE is also pursuing projects in the Greek capital of Athens, and Canada’s Niagara Falls.

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As a result, MuchBetter is now available as an option to The Stars Group’s millions of active customers in selected markets and on selected brands, through its payment app, which is available for download via both iOS and Android devices.

Amongst The Stars Group brands set to see the benefit of the new deal, are PokerStars, PokerStars Casino, BetStars, and Full Tilt.

In a media release regarding the agreement, MuchBetter details that it is to now provide Stars Group customers “with an e-wallet that protects their information through device pairing, touch ID, dynamic security codes and a transaction review system that ensures only legitimate payments are approved to be processed.

“The modern payment service was engineered to comply with the recent and evolving regulatory environment for online gaming providers, and features a transparent approach to data and use of open APIs – which allows operators to develop on top of MuchBetter’s platform.

“MuchBetter also provides business partners with features such as dynamic customer authentication, innovative pricing that can reduce payment processing fees, instant pay-outs, anti-fraud features and competitive fees.

“With extensive gaming industry expertise across the MuchBetter team, its payments service has been customised specifically for The Stars Group brands, and its diverse customer base.”

Jens Bader, co-founder of MuchBetter, added: “MuchBetter’s business model is to challenge the legacy igaming payments companies, by providing an agile alternative that puts the user experience first.

“Our goal is simple – to provide The Stars Group with the best possible payments service, and to introduce users to our MuchBetter product.”

This news comes a short time after the BetStars brand launched in the New Jersey market, via its partnership with Atlantic City’s Resorts Casino Hotel.

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Initially available through mobile, and providing customers with “an innovative and robust mobile-led sportsbook,” BetStars is to complement the group’s existing poker and casino offerings through PokerStarsNJ and PokerStarsCasinoNJ.

As part of the launch, a series of player focused promotions are to be featured by BetStars, aimed at introducing new customers to BetStars, including a sign-up bonus and “odds boosts”, which multiply the odds and the potential payout to customers.

Matt Primeaux, SVP strategy & operations of the USA at The Stars Group, explained: “We are excited to introduce BetStars to New Jersey sports fans. As one of the largest online gaming companies in the world with millions of customers worldwide, we have successfully launched BetStars in regulated markets across Europe, and look forward to expanding and enhancing our New Jersey BetStars offering, including through leveraging the Sky Betting & Gaming acquisition following approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority, to provide a premier product and experience to our customers in this new and developing market.”

This new launch follows updates of a Pokerstars and BetStars collaboration for The Big Race, a motorsports themed $2 buy-in online poker tournament offering players the chance to win a plethora of prizes.

The Big Race tournament will take place on Sunday 23 September at 14:00 ET, and will randomly assign the top 20-placed players with a driver in the Russian Grand Prix on September 30.

The player with the winning driver will receive an EPT Prague package worth approximately €7,200, including eight nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Prague Hotel, a Main Event seat worth €5,300 and approximately €500 spending money.

In addition to the first prize package and players’ shares of the prize pool, the top 500 finishers in The Big Race will be awarded up to $2,500 worth of free BetStars bets in total, ranging from $2 to $50, awarded as follows:

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