News and Analysis
Iowa Bettors Welcome Bet365 to the State
Bet365 sportsbook is live and accepting bets in Iowa after forming a licensing partnership with Casino Queen Marquette. Iowa is the operator's fifth state as it's already live in Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey (online casino and sports), and Colorado. The site joins 20+ other sportsbooks already live in the state and opens with a new player welcome bonus worth up to $365 in bet bonuses. It's regulated and licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
No Horses on the Track: Latest from Churchill Downs, Kentucky
Churchill Downs has halted all racing at their Kentucky racetrack due to increased horse injuries in May 2023. An internal review has already taken place, alongside an investigation by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). Still, none has pinpointed the reason for the increase in injuries, which has led to 12 horse deaths.
Despite the lack of findings, Churchill Downs has decided to relocate the remainder of the Spring Meet, which runs until July 3rd, while they continue to investigate and review the track and safety protocols.
Catch Up: What's Happening With North Carolina's Legalization Effort?
This week North Carolina's state Senate approved HB 347 on its second reading. If the bill passes the last hurdles and is signed into force, it is set to approve 12 interactive wagering licenses under the remit of the North Carolina Gambling Commission.
Is the bill likely to progress further and make it to the finish line? It's uncertain, as two similar bills reached this point last year but did not gain the final approval required.
Greentube Gets Go Ahead Light from Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Greentube has gained permission to launch in its fourth US state, Pennsylvania, under a PGCB supplier license, meaning it can offer its games at online casinos in PA. Greentube has been active in the industry for 12+ years, creating over 400 casino games, the most popular of which include their Diamond Link™ and Cash Connect™ series and stand-alone titles, including Myty Elephant, Gangsters Paradise, and Wild West Slot.
Greentube's CFO, Michael Bauer, commented: "Receiving a license to offer our market-leading content in Pennsylvania is another important milestone for Greentube as it continues to expand its presence across North America. We are looking forward to working alongside operators within the state to serve players with our unique brand of entertaining content."
AGA: More Support for Responsible Gambling Required
With the NBA finals on the horizon, AGA CEO Bill Miller has called for more to be done to support those struggling with addiction and to protect those at risk. Speaking to USA Today, Miller offered three ways the industry could be doing more:
- Additional funding for responsible gambling services
- The prohibition of college sports betting partnerships
- And making help more accessible
Miller also highlighted the need for targeted, not general funding, proactive consumer education, greater research, a national hotline and support service (over state-by-state options), and greater adherence to the voluntary AGA Responsible Marketing Code.
Game of the Week
West Coast Cash Infinity Reels Slot: ReelPlay, RTP:96.16%
West Coast Cash is a new slot game from the all-star developer, ReelPlay. The game comes with the studio's Infinity Reels mechanic, packing attitude, and an authentic, although not branded, GTA-esk feel. Set somewhere on the West Coast, this slot calls to US players and comes packed with OG action, characters, and a banging soundtrack that perfectly sets the scene (make sure you play with the music on).
The reels are 3x4, and it's high volatility, so get ready for a longer playing session. Infinity reels mean that if you hit a win and the last symbol is on the rightmost reel, a new reel is added, continuing the spin and providing the chance to improve the win. The reels will continue to grow as long as you keep adding winning symbols to the reels. When no new matching symbol land, the game pays. Each new reel also increases the progressive multiplier by x1.
If you manage to add 12 additional reels, you'll trigger the Infinity Bonus, which instantly awards a massive 888x your total bet. There's also a LevelUp Respins round. You'll need 3+ cash scatter symbols to start the game with 3 respins (any new cash scatter resets the total, and all scatters stick for the round). Once you fill a reel with cash symbols, a new reel is added on the right.
On each respin, Cash, Dealer, and Enforcer symbols get a $ sign added to them, and a symbol has 6 $ signs; it levels up, increasing the prize multiplier. Plus, every time a cash symbol levels up, it can also transform, leading to even bigger wins and extra in-round functions!
Start spinning the brand new and epic West Coast Cash Slot at these rated ReelPlay Casinos. It costs $0.20 up to $20 a spin, and you might see yourself walking away with the top payout, which is a massive 20,350x your bet! This game's got some reel magic about it - it shouldn't be missed.