News and Analysis
Get the Latest on Responsible Gambling with New Entain Foundation App
The Entain Foundation is a responsible gambling charity formed and funded by Entain and BetMGM. This week the service has launched a free new responsible gambling app, “Gamble Responsibly America.” The app offers various tools, information, and support for US players struggling with problem gambling. Players can learn how to use responsible gambling casino tools, complete self-assessments, and keep a gambling diary. There’s also 24/7 live chat support which is teamed by specialists in the field.
Whether problem gambling is something you experience or not, every gambler should understand the risks associated with gambling, use responsible gambling tools, and regularly assess their behavior. If you want all the tools for this in one handy app, take this new service for a test drive.
The PGCB Fines Land-Based Operators: Toe the Line of Face the Fine
This week both Boyd Gaming and Penn National Gaming have come under fire from the PGCB. Penn National received two fines totaling $120,000, the first for allowing a self-excluded player to gamble and the second for funneling payments to service providers resulting in lower licensing fees. On the other hand, Boyd Gaming received a fine of $150,000 after the commission ruled that they had failed to disclose information relating to the suitability of a key employee listed on the company's license.
Bally’s Still Growing Strong as it Enters Illinois Market
Last week Bally’s completed its acquisition of Tropicana Casino, Evansville. This week, the company is still growing strong as they hit headlines with the second completed acquisition in as many weeks, this time buying up Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, Illinois. While online casinos are not currently legal in Illinois, online sports betting is, and Bally’s now has a foothold to capitalize on this.
Bally’s president and chief executive, George Papanier, said: “As the latest step in our ongoing portfolio diversification strategy, we are excited to complete our acquisition of Jumer’s and enter the rapidly growing Illinois gaming market. […] The closing provides Bally’s with the potential to capitalize on several lucrative sports betting opportunities, which we expect will drive revenue and cash flow growth.”
Messi: The New Face of Hard Rock Casino
Football legend Lionel Messi has signed a 5-year deal becoming the new ambassador of Hard Rock Casino for the brand’s entertainment, hospitality, and restaurant properties. Twinning the agreement with the brand’s 50th anniversary, which falls this year, Hard Rock will also be offering a new collection of Messi merch to commemorate both events. Messi is the first athlete to partner with Har Rock.
If Hard Rock Casino just became a front runner in your online casino search, NJ players can check our Hard Rock Casino Review.
State Finances: Market Figures in NJ and MI For May
Online gaming revenue in NJ has increased 25.9% YoY for May, with Borgata Casino leading the way in terms of revenue as the highest-earning casino, followed by Golden Nugget, then Resorts Casino.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, the MGCB reports online revenue falls for the second consecutive month showing a slight decline of 0.8%. While online casino revenue is holding steady, it was sports betting that saw the decline. During May, the state generated a whopping $18.1m in taxes from online casino revenue. In terms of revenue in this state, the most popular online casinos are BetMGM in pole position, FanDuel hitting number two, and DraftKings in third place.
Online gaming revenue figures might seem dull at first glance. Still, they are a great way to stay on top of which markets are growing and, therefore, likely to see more significant investment and innovation, plus which operators are the most popular, giving you guys an insight into the hottest casinos in each market state.
Slot Game of the Week
Amber Sterling's Mystic Shrine: DGC. RTP: 96.31%
With 5x3 reels, 20 lines, re-spins, multipliers, and a 4-tiered jackpot, Amber Sterling’s Mystic Shrine brings this daring explorer to slot screens once again for explosive win action. Not sure who Amber Sterling is? Well, she’s DGC’s slot version of a fearless explorer, similar to Lara Croft. In this game, she’s exploring an ancient shrine filled to the brim with riches that equate to 5000x your bet and an over-the-average RTP of 96.31%.
As with all slots, the aim here is to line up symbols, and score betline wins, but in this title, you’ve got an Action Reel Mechanic that can randomly trigger the Blazing Wild Streak Feature, plus wilds and scatters, and a pick and click jackpot bonus game.
The Action Reel sits on top of the reel frame and can show 1, 2, or 3 flames; when it does, the corresponding number of reel positions will be marked. Should an x1, x2, x3 re-spin symbol show, then the Blazing Wild Streak Feature will begin. This grants a re-spin with all multipliers stuck in place and all marked positions turing wild with multipliers of up to 5x applied, causing the promise of big wins from re-spins.
Find 3 scatter symbols, and the main game reels will disappear, replaced with a click, and pick Buddah Burst Round, where all you have to do is uncover matching gems to win one of four jackpots! Ready to play? This game is available to play at BetMGM, Party Casino, and Borgata Casino, with bets starting from $0.20.