News and Analysis
Pennsylvanian Sportsbooks Show Negative GGR While Michigan Keeps Growing (Feb 2022 Figures)
Figures for February are in from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and the picture’s not so rosy. While total gambling revenue has increased in the state YoY by 24.4%, sports betting operators have recorded losses for the first time on record. While the casino sector has kept growing, six out of the state’s eight sportsbooks reported negative earnings. The most significant loss was Hollywood Casino’s Barstool Sportsbook, recording negative accounts of $3.3m.
While in Michigan, total gross gaming receipts are up 62.9% YoY for February 2022. However, compared with January 2022, the amount is down 6.8%. January was, however, a record-breaking month for Michigan, with the state acquiring more in gross gaming receipts than any other month on record, so this slight dip is nothing for the state to worry about.
Wazdan Secures Michigan Software License
In more good news from Michigan this week, pioneering games developer Wazdan has secured licensing to provide its games to online gambling platforms in the state. Michigan is Wazdan’s 19th regulated jurisdiction.
The new license means that Wazdan games will soon be available to players in this location. The company is already live in NJ and WV via a distributor deal signed with Scientific Games in early 2022.
Founded in 2010, Wazdan has grown rapidly in recent years and has over 140 cutting-edge casino games, including jackpot hits, with top titles, including Sizzling 777 Deluxe, Power of Gods™: the Pantheon, Black Horse™ Deluxe, and Relic Hunters and the Book of Faith™.
Chief Operating Officer at Wazdan, Michal Imiolek, said:
“We are very pleased to receive our license for Michigan, which marks our 19th regulated market certification…We work tirelessly to ensure our games meet the rigid standards expected by the industry’s regulators. North America has been a huge growth area for the business, and we can’t wait to hit the ground running in the state!”
NY Court of Appeals Decree Fantasy Sports Constitutional
A challenge that began in 2016 has finally been settled by the New York Court of Appeals, which ruled that fantasy sports games are not unconstitutional.
There’s a lot of detail to this case as it’s been spanning years and been through the Supreme Court and now the Appeals court, but in essence, it ruled that fantasy sports are not gambling, but rather contests of skill and, therefore, ruling against the four original plaintiffs that brought the case based gambling harms.
Since 2016, the internet gambling market in NY has vastly changed along with the legislature. Earlier this year, online sports betting went live. In addition, NY online casinos may soon also be on the horizon.
Game of the Week
Since we’re all about Wazdan this week, we thought, why not cover one of their most popular slot creations?
Relic Hunters and the Book of Faith™: RTP 96.37%
This is a 6x3, 20 line slot that is brimming with action. There’s a double wild symbol, Bastet Bonus Spins, A Pyramid Exploration Round (trigger both by accumulating corresponding special symbols, meters are at the top left and right of the reel frame), and a Free Spins game with walking wilds and bonus symbols! In all other respects, this is a normal video slot, so load up your bet level, spin the reels, and hope the symbols line up in your favor.
You’ll also get to experience Wazdan software as you play this game, and it comes with some specific features, such as adjustable volatility, an ultra-lite mode for mobile players, and fast spin mode.
If you like your ancient explorer Book of slots, you’re going to love this title. The slot features amazing, hand-drawn graphics and completes the spooky ambiance to this top title that allows bets from $0.20-100 a spin.
In the words of Wazdan: “Grab your adventure backpack and light the torch; it’s time to ride a tomb!” You can play this game at US Wazdan Casinos.
