News and Analysis
29 Initial Applicants Register for MA Sports Betting Permits
Sports betting in Massachusetts was signed into law on August 29th by state Governor Charlie Baker. As part of the pre-launch process, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission requires parties interested in a sports license to complete a survey so that they can survey the applicants.
The MGC has now revealed that 29 interested applicants have registered interest. The state will issue seven online-online licenses, while all land-based casinos and racetracks may apply for permits.
Texas Governor to Consider Casino Expansion if Re-Elected
Texas Governor. This week, Greg Abbott announced that he would consider expanding casino regulations in the state if re-elected. This is a u-turn for the governor, whose past stance has been wholeheartedly against expansion.
Abbott remains against widespread casino growth but will be willing to listen to industry proposals. Abbott's opponent in the polls, Beto O'Rourke, has already voiced support for a more significant casino industry in the Lone State. Currently, there is only one Native American casino operating in the state.
EveryMatrix Launches in the USA with BetMGM
EveryMatrix and BetMGM have hashed out a deal to see EveryMatrix games go live at BetMGM NJ. Erik Nyman from EveryMatrix said,
"I am so delighted to announce that EveryMatrix has launched our games in the US with BetMGM through our CasinoEngine platform. Going live in the US is one of the largest undertakings an online gaming supplier can accomplish, and I am particularly proud we achieved this milestone with BetMGM, one of the most progressive operators in the industry. We are excited to advance on our roadmap initiatives with BetMGM and deliver across North America as we are licensed in multiple states."
Caesars Plan on Times Square Casino
Caesars Entertainment has announced plans to build a New York Times Square casino with SL Green Realty. The site would be the first full casino in New York City and include a theater and numerous restaurants. Caesars is yet to apply for the license, and there is also interest in the casino permit from Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Universal Entertainment.
Slot Game of the Week
Book of Souls 2: El Dorado RTP: 96.98%
If you're looking for a top slot to spin you through the weekend, this little "Book of" number is the perfect play. You can load up the reels from $0.10 - $100 and play the game at BetMGM, Borgata, and Party Casino.
Don't expect anything all too surprising from this title. It delivers solid gameplay, with potentially massive wins of up to 20,000x your bet, but few twists. If you're ready to start hunting lost treasures, hit up the 5x3, 20-line reels, and spin along to the epic drumbeat soundtrack.
The main bonus symbol is the Scatter Wild, which is wild, pays from 2+ symbols (up to 200x your total bet), and triggers 10 free spins when 3 symbols land anywhere on the reels. Aside from the Scatter Wild, there's only one other symbol to watch out for, the high-paying main character, Lara Jones, which pays out 10,000x for 5 symbols.