Gambling in the USA
PA Gaming Control Board Levies Fines Totaling $242,500
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved fines totaling $242,500 against two casino operators.
The fines were the result of Board approvals at its public meeting of consent agreements between the PGCB’s Office of Enforcement Counsel and:
- Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC, operator of the Sands Casino Resort in Northampton County, separate fines of $120,000 for underage gaming violations and a second for $110,000 regarding the awarding of free slot play; and
- Washington Trotting Association, LLC, operator of the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County, a $12,500 fine for an underage gaming violation.
DETAILS
The first fine levied against Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC stemmed from 11 incidents in which individuals under the age of 21 accessed the gaming floor:
- An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- An 18-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at table games and was served alcohol;
- A 19-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at table games and was served alcohol;
- A 19-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines;
- A 20-year-old female gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines and was served alcohol;
- A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor and wagered at slot machines; and,
- A 20-year-old male gained access onto the gaming floor on two separate days and wagered at table games and was served alcohol.
The second fine approved by the Board against Sands Bethworks Gaming, LLC for permitting the issuance of free slot play by employees who were not authorized to do so and/or issuing free slot play of amounts above authorized levels. Free slot play is used to build and reward patron loyalty, and drive repeat visits from valuable customers who might otherwise patronize another facility in or outside the Commonwealth.
The fine against Washington Trotting Association, LLC stemmed from an 18-year-old male gaining access onto the gaming floor, wagering at table games and being served alcohol.
The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in the PGCB’s Public Hearing Room located on the second floor of the Strawberry Square Complex in Harrisburg.
About the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board:
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is tasked to oversee all aspects of the state’s casino industry, including sports wagering offered currently at eight locations. The oversight also includes other new gaming initiatives, expected to be launched in the coming months, which were created through Act 42 of 2017, an amendment to the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act.
The Commonwealth’s casino industry currently consists of 10 stand-alone and racetrack casinos in operation, along with the two smaller resort casinos. These facilities collectively employ over 16,000 people and annually generate approximately $1.4 billion in tax revenue from slot machine and table games play. The largest portion of that money is used for property tax reduction to Pennsylvania homeowners.
Additional information about both the PGCB’s gaming regulatory efforts and Pennsylvania’s gaming industry can be found at gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov. You can also follow the agency on Twitter by choosing @PAGamingControl.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Gambling in the USA
IGT Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin Electronic Table Game Makes Global Debut in Las Vegas

IGT announced that its much-anticipated Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin electronic table game (ETG) recently made its world debut at Downtown Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The vibrant standalone ETG game includes many of the attributes that have propelled the success of the Wheel of Fortune slots franchise for nearly three decades including word puzzles, wheel spins and exciting jackpot rewards. The game is accompanied by an attention-grabbing, 9-plus-feet upright video wheel that stands independent of the ETG terminals and entertains casino guests with the famous âWHEEL-OF-FORTUNE!â chant.
âDowntown Grand was delighted to have the world premiere of IGTâs Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin ETG solution on our gaming floor. Our guests instantly connected with the Wheel of Fortune brand and are eager to try their favorite slots brand in a new format. The stature and appeal of gameâs accompanying âBig Wheelâ is inspiring a wide range of players to give the new game a try,â said Paul Phillips, Director of Casino Operations at Downtown Grand Las Vegas.
âBuilding on the continued success of IGTâs GameAce Roulette and Mesa4K terminals across North America, we are thrilled to introduce Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin to ETG players. The successful launch of Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin at Downtown Grand Casino speaks to the excitement that we can bring to a gaming floor, the universal appeal of the Wheel of Fortune brand, and IGTâs commitment to delivering game-changing innovation,â said Nick Khin, CEO of Gaming at IGT.
IGTâs Wheel of Fortune Big Money Spin game is enjoyed on the Companyâs GameAce ETG offering and features an intuitive gameplay design. To make a wager, players select a color-coded bet amount that corresponds with the colored wedges on the gameâs digital Wheel of Fortune wheel. Players win when their wager matches the digital spin outcome, filling in letters in the gameâs iconic puzzle board. The gameâs Fortune Spin Bonus and Jackpot Bonus activate the solutionâs large physical wheel, delivering a highly visible and recognizable win celebration on the gaming floor.
Gambling in the USA
MGCB Wins Platinum dotCOMM Award for âMini Meâ Responsible Gaming Commercial

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has earned a 2025 Platinum dotCOMM Awardâthe competitionâs highest honorâfor its âMini Meâ commercial, part of the agencyâs Donât Regret the Bet responsible gaming campaign. The spot won top recognition in the Social Media Marketing â Use of Video category, honoring creativity and excellence in digital communication.
Developed to reach young adults ages 18-24âa demographic research shows is at heightened risk of gambling-related harmââMini Meâ combines hand-drawn animation with live-action footage to deliver a lighthearted yet impactful reminder about making smart choices when it comes to gambling. The approachable tone was designed to engage without stigma or judgment, helping the message resonate with its intended audience.
In just six months, the video generated strong engagement across Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Gas Station TV (GSTV), and other digital platforms, including:
⢠255,781 impressions
⢠149,345 individuals reached
⢠13,059 clicksâmore than any other ad in the MGCBâs campaign
⢠On GSTV, 2.2 million+ impressions and a 100% completion rate, surpassing industry benchmarks by 10%
âWinning a Platinum dotCOMM Award underscores the effectiveness of our responsible gaming messaging. The âMini Meâ spot was intentionally designed to speak to young adults in a way that is approachable, relatable, and memorable. This recognition affirms that our message is not only being heard, but also making an impact,â said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams.
The MGCB previously earned a Platinum dotCOMM Award in 2023 alongside King Media for the launch of the Donât Regret the Bet integrated marketing campaign, which continues to expand its reach across Michigan.
Launched in March 2023, Donât Regret the Bet aims to prevent gambling problems before they start and reduce the number of people in Michigan who develop a serious gambling addiction. The MGCB and King Media have collaborated on a wide range of responsible gaming messages reaching Michiganders across multiple platforms â including broadcast TV and radio, point-of-sale video ads at gas stations, digital billboards, social media, streaming services, and podcasts.
âWeâre proud to see the âMini Meâ spot recognized on an international stage. From the very beginning of our partnership with the MGCB, our focus has been on creating work that not only stands out creatively, but also makes a measurable difference in peopleâs lives. This award validates the power of that missionâand it inspires us to keep pushing forward in our shared commitment to prevent problem gambling before it starts,â said Coleen King, president and founder of King Media.
Gambling in the USA
Aristocrat Interactive⢠to Showcase Innovative iLottery Solutions at NASPL 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show

Aristocrat Interactiveâ˘, the Real Money Gaming (RMG) division of Aristocrat, today announced its participation as a Level II Sponsor at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show.
NASPL, the leading trade association representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, serves as a platform for collaboration, research, standards, and best practices that drive the future of the industry. Taking place September 8â11, 2025 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in Ontario, Canada, the event, themed âHere to Playâ, will gather lottery leaders from across North America to explore the evolving future of the industry.
Aristocrat Interactive will be showcasing its latest innovations for the iLottery sector through an interactive booth setup, one-on-one directorâs dialogue sessions, a product and services showcase, and more. Attendees will get a first look at new eInstant titles, featuring fresh game mechanics and the businessâs first cross-over game with its iGaming & Sports division. Aristocrat Interactive will also highlight its successful omnichannel solutions, which connect retail and online play to enhance player engagement and experience.
Building on this momentum, Aristocrat Interactive recently launched the New Hampshire Lotteryâs new digital platform, signed long-term contracts with the Michigan Lottery and the Massachusetts Lottery, and secured a two-year extension with its NeoPollard Joint Venture in North Carolinaâwhere Aristocrat Interactive provides the iLottery platform. These partnerships underscore Aristocrat Interactiveâs commitment to helping lotteries deliver engaging digital experiences and sustainable growth.
âNASPL always sets the table for engaging discussions that can advance our customer-driven strategies to drive real digital growth for lotteries,â said Chris Shaban, Managing Director, iLottery at Aristocrat Interactive. âWeâre looking forward to another opportunity to showcase Aristocrat Interactive as a solidified, future-ready unit with global gaming expertise.â
Attendees can connect with Aristocrat Interactive at Booth #209 and meet the team for one-on-one discussions in Room #205. Aristocrat Interactive will also hold a showcase on Wednesday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m. at its booth.
For more information about Aristocrat Interactive and its iLottery solutions, please visit aristocratinteractive.com.
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