Gambling in the USA
Illegal Gambling Opponents Call on State, County Health Departments to Order Immediate Shutdown of ‘Games of Skill’ Machines
An advocacy group battling against the explosion of illegal gambling across Pennsylvania is calling for an immediate shutdown of so-called ‘games of skill’ due to public health concerns related to spread of Coronavirus.
The unregulated and illegal machines, which have proliferated in gas stations, corner stores, restaurants, clubs and bars throughout Pennsylvania, pose risk as conduits of the Coronavirus. The National Institutes of Health this week released a study that found that virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days on surfaces. The scientists found that the virus survives for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
“At a time in which Pennsylvania casinos have made the difficult but appropriate decision to shut down to protect the health of their patrons, employees, and the public, these machines continue to attract gamblers of all ages,” said Peter Shelly, spokesperson for Pennsylvanians Against Illegal Gambling (PAIG). “You don’t have to be a health expert to know that the extended period of times in which players interact with these machines could accelerate the spread of Coronavirus to some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
PAIG is calling on the Pennsylvania Department of Health as well as county health departments throughout the Commonwealth to order business owners to immediately shut down any machines operating in their establishments.
While Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the closure of non-essential businesses, many of these machines exist in businesses that remain open because they offer essential products and services. Shelly noted that the Governor’s order (issued on March 19) mandates that “Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries” must close.
Shelly emphasized that the emerging threat underscores the risks associated with unregulated gambling, which likely is being magnified by gamblers having fewer options amid the crisis.
The estimated 20,000 illegal machines operating in Pennsylvania divert revenues from the Pennsylvania Lottery that provide vital programs for older Pennsylvanians as well as casino revenues, a portion of which is distributed to counties for public improvement projects and programs.
Lottery officials recently testified that the machines could divert $200 million in funding this year for senior centers, low-cost prescription drugs, and programs such as Meals on Wheels. Lottery officials estimate that for every games of skill machine placed in a Lottery retailer, the Lottery loses approximately $2,284 per machine per month.
“With casinos shuttered and Pennsylvanians making the wise choice to stay at home we are already facing a perfect-storm scenario that will negatively impact revenues available to help older Pennsylvanians and our communities,” Shelly said. “The continued operation of these machines pose enormous risks to the short-term health of Pennsylvanians and the long-term health and stability of the entire Commonwealth.”
SOURCE: Pennsylvanians Against Illegal Gambling
Gambling in the USA
Mohegan Digital Launches New Online Casino Experience in Pennsylvania: Play.MoheganPAcasino.com
Mohegan Digital, which is the iGaming division for Mohegan, fully launched a new online gaming experience in Pennsylvania. Play.MoheganPAcasino.com and associated mobile apps are now live and offering an advantageous sign-up bonus. Like all Mohegan Digital online gaming offerings, MoheganPAcasino.com has no shortage of thrilling slots, table games and more.
“This is an exciting moment for Mohegan Digital as we expand our very own online gaming brand to Pennsylvania, in close coordination with Mohegan Pennsylvania,” said Rich Roberts, president of Mohegan Digital. “Our growth with the MoheganSunCasino.com app in Connecticut and New Jersey continues to surpass expectations, as does our PlayFallsView app in Ontario, CA. To now have our fourth launch in the great state of Pennsylvania marks another great opportunity for Mohegan Digital!”
PA residents and visitors can now visit Play.MoheganPAcasino.com or download the MoheganPAcasino.com iPhone app on the App Store, or through Google Play for Androids users as well. Navigation to the new online casino experience is also available through MoheganPA.com.
Play.MoheganPAcasino.com offers players daily jackpots, along with more than 500 total games across Slots, Table Games and Live Dealer offerings. Some popular games at launch are Vegas Nights, BlackJack Diamond Series, Cash Machine, Wheel of Fortune PowerWedges, Cleopatra, Ultimate Fire Link, 88 Fortunes, Deal or No Deal Slingo, Live Dealer games, Baccarat and much more. By this summer, Mohegan Digital is expected to increase the total number of games to 700.
Additionally, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s popular Momentum program, which is a free to sign-up loyalty rewards program allowing members to earn perks, points, tournament invites and leveling up opportunities, will be synced in with online accounts later this spring as part of this exciting roll out of MoheganPAcasino.com. This means that whether guests are playing online or in person at the premier gaming destination in Pennsylvania (Mohegan PA), the benefits build in the same account.
“We’re dedicated to offering an unmatched online gaming platform in the fast-growing iGaming industry,” said Guy Greene VP of Marketing, Mohegan Digital. “Creating a fun, immersive and user-friendly experience, combined with reliability and great guest service are features that Mohegan Digital have become synonymous with, and we’re thrilled to bring it all to Pennsylvania.”
A rebrand of the on-site Sportsbook inside Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, PA, which is currently known as the Unibet Sportsbook, will also soon take place. Located near the entrance of Mohegan PA, this popular venue which offers plenty of prop bets, same game parlays, futures and much more, will soon be known as the Mohegan Pennsylvania Sportsbook. Guests can stay tuned to moheganPA.com for details, as this rebrand will also take place at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s off-track wagering locations in Lehigh Valley and Allentown.
Gambling in the USA
Games Global Launches Custom Slot Game Caesars Palace Frenzy with Caesars Digital
Launch marks the first bespoke game launch in the partnership between gaming operator and premier gaming provider
Games Global today announced the exclusive launch of Caesars Palace Frenzy, a Caesars-branded slot title that marks the first bespoke game launch on behalf of Games Global’s partnership with premier gaming operator Caesars Digital. Caesars Palace Frenzy is now exclusively live on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey with plans to expand to Michigan and Pennsylvania, offering players another highly engaging, operator-specific gaming experience with iconic Caesars Palace branding.
Caesars Palace Frenzy combines the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip’s iconic casino with innovative gaming dynamics crafted by Games Global. Designed exclusively for Caesars Digital online casino players, this game delivers an online slot experience with engaging gameplay, sophisticated graphics and dynamic features like scatter pays, multiplied free spins selected by a concentric wheel and a seven-tier jackpot line-up.
This launch demonstrates Games Global’s continued emphasis on partnering with top iGaming operators to deliver exclusive and custom gaming products to players.
“Working closely with Caesars Digital to create Caesars Palace Frenzy has been an exciting journey,” the Chief Executive Officer for Games Global, Walter Bugno, said. “This game is more than just an online slot experience, it is an adventure that mirrors the thrill and grandeur of one of the world’s most iconic destinations. We’re thrilled to see it come to life and deliver a unique blend of entertainment and gaming.”
“We’re committed to collaborating with top gaming providers to launch custom online casino experiences for our players that can’t be found anywhere else,” the Senior Vice-President and Chief iGaming Officer for Caesars Digital, Matt Sunderland, said. “Caesars Palace Frenzy delivers on that commitment by providing an elevated gaming experience that we’re certain our players will enjoy.”
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has announced the plans to build a brand-new casino resort on its Tribal lands in Polk County.
“We are incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter. This new casino resort will not only provide significant economic benefits for those living and working in the region, but it will also become a vibrant destination for visitors,” Ricky Sylestine, Chairman of the Tribal Council, said.
While specific details are still being finalized, the new resort may offer a variety of amenities including a state-of-the-art casino floor, hotel accommodations, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
The Tribe has engaged the architectural firm FFKR to design the new resort. FFKR is known for its innovative and creative designs. The Tribe is confident the firm will create a truly exceptional destination.
In addition to the new casino resort, the Tribe is planning an extensive remodel to its existing Ischoopa/One Stop Convenience Store and Truck Stop. The remodel will include adding electronic bingo machines.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas will be releasing news related to the new resort and any additional developments in the coming months.
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