News and Analysis
NCPG: Four States Need to Improve Regulations
A new National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)commissioned report investigating responsible gaming regulations in US iGaming states has been released by Vixio. The information compared standards against the NCPG Internet Responsible Gambling Standards, finding that Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, and West Virginia fell short of the standards. While Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania met the majority of standards, but not all.
The report monitored and assessed based on 59 indicators across nine umbrellas (policy, staff training, supporting informed decision-making, addicting players, self-exclusion, advertising and promotion, game and website features, research, and payments). It concluded: "NCPG recommends every state with igaming or those looking to legalize igaming adopt the IRGS standards to best protect consumers from the negative consequences of gambling."
Bragg Gaming Enters NJ Markets
Bragg Gaming has penned a deal with DraftKings that will see the provider's games from its in-house studio - Atomic Slot Lab - and partner studios live in NJ. President and COO of the Bragg Gaming Group, Laura Falzon, commented that the move helped secure the provider's plans to expand across North American markets.
Sports Betting Live in Massachusetts
Legal sports betting went live in Massachusetts this week, with class 1 operators launching from Jan 31st. Mobile wagering is yet to go live, with an expected launch date in March. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has also announced the launch of its voluntary self-exclusion scheme for sports bettors in the state.
Konami Expands through Caesars Partnership
Konami and Caesars Digital have hashed out a new supplier deal that will see the complete Konami suite of games go live across all Caesars Digital sites. Konami slots are already popular in Caesars land-based casinos across the USA and will now be available to online players.
Caesars Digital Vice President said of the deal, "Our world-class casino mobile app and online sites provide an all-in-one destination for exceptional gaming entertainment… We're pleased to be working with Konami to bring even more diversified entertainment options to our online players that build on our goal of offering unmatched gaming experiences both in person and online."
Mohegan Sun Joins NY Casino Bids
As the race to secure one of New York's three new land-based permits intensifies, Mohegan Sun has joined the fray, submitting a Freedom Plaza joint bid with the Soloviev Group. The proposal, besides the casino, includes a museum, a large green area, a performance venue, a Ferris wheel, a 1,000-room hotel, and two residential towers to help relieve housing pressures in NY while creating thousands of jobs.
PGCB Approves New Bally's Casino
The Pennsylvanian Gambling Control Board has approved a new category 4 casino license for a land-based establishment in College Township, Centre Condado. The license was awarded to SC Gaming OpCo, and the new casino will be operated by Bally's.
Category 4 licensing allows for between 300-750 slot machines and a further potential 30 table games (permission is required). The project is expected to take 12 months to complete once it starts, creating 350 construction jobs and a further 350 full-time employment opportunities once the casino opens.
Game of the Week
Harlequin Wins: High 5 Games, RTP 96%
Harlequin Wins is a bright and colorful slot filled with playful elements. It's played on 3x5 reels, and set in a French Chateau, but probably unlike any slot you've spun before. It also comes with H5G's trademarked mechanic, Racking up Riches.
What's so different about this slot? Well, you don't need to make winning combinations of symbols. Instead, single joker scatter symbols reveal themselves when the reels are spun. Each scatter you land comes with the payout detailed on the symbol.
Score three scatter symbols anywhere on the reels, and you'll score access to the Racking up Riches bonus feature. This takes you to a new game screen with 8x5 reels, which cascade and grow as you win more, plus there are multiplier payouts available! What we love most about this new US slot release is how easy triggering the bonus is!
Ready to take Harlequin Wins for a spin? Then set your bets from $0.25-75 and check it out at these H5G Casinos!
