Latest News
Sportsbooks begin to reopen – just in time for MLB and NBA seasons

There is no hiding from the fact that the past few months have been particularly hard for land-based casinos and gambling houses. While online operations have largely benefited from lockdown rules and stay-at-home measures during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been quite the opposite experience for brick and mortar businesses.
Even as the outbreak continues to hit large parts of the United States, casino companies have begun reopening under strict health and safety measures in an attempt to get the industry’s economy moving once again. Reduced capacities and opening hours, temperature checks, face masks, and sanitization stations have all become the norm.
Among the areas of the gambling sector to begin reopening over the past few weeks has been sportsbooks across the United States.
The past two years have been an exciting time for sports betting in the US after the Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in all states, and while 18 states have begun operations, others are expected to soon follow suit.
The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of America’s professional sports leagues made sportsbook all but useless for the past few months. But as the return of pro sports fast approaches and federal and state restrictions continue to ease, sportsbooks have started to reopen the doors.
Sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Delaware, New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and Mississippi have all been welcoming visitors back over the past few weeks, while just this week, Betfred USA Sports – the US subsidiary of UK-based Betfred – announced it was set to launch its fourth sportsbook in Las Vegas at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
The timing of the widespread reopening of sportsbooks across the US is certainly not coincidental. While economically damaging to be closed for months, sportsbooks served little purpose with sports all-but nonexistent.
However, there is about to be an explosion of sports action in the coming weeks as North America’s four most popular sports all take to the field/court/rink.
What to look for: MLB, NBA, NHL
The Major League Baseball season, initially scheduled to begin in March, makes its long-awaited start on July 23 and will play out a significantly reduced regular season of just 60 games. The World Series are set to start on October 30.
The NBA season gets back underway in new surroundings from July 30 with 22 teams competing in a sort of mini league located exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort on Florida. Eight teams have been excluded on account of their inability to reach the playoffs. The Finals are scheduled to begin on September 30.
Just two weeks after the NBA kicks into gear, the NFL will start its pre-season games from August 14, with the regular season beginning on September 11. The Superbowl is scheduled for February 7.
Meanwhile, the NHL will take to the ice at the end of the month with exhibition games getting the delayed season back underway on July 28 before Stanley Cup qualifiers begin on August 1. The Stanley Cup itself will start on September 22.
As well as the “Big Four” generating plenty of interest for sports fans – and plenty of business for sportsbooks – North American horse racing has been able to continue hosting races, albeit on a reduced schedule.
The Triple Crown is going ahead after a change in the running order, with the Belmont Stakes already taking place. The Kentucky Derby will follow on September 5, with the Preakness Stakes staging the finale on October 3.
Other sports to bet on
All of this only highlights the packed sports schedule the United States is about to experience over the coming months. There will not be a day that goes by when baseball, basketball, football, hockey, or horse racing will not be happening, presenting an opportunity for sportsbooks to take advantage.
By offering visitors, the latest lines and futures bets on the “Big Four” sports and the latest Kentucky Derby odds and Preakness Stakes odds, sportsbooks across the United States will view the next few months as the ideal antidote to months of financial strain and inactivity.
You can bet on the Kentucky Derby odds online too through here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/odds
There is plenty of damage to be undone from the coronavirus pandemic, but the return of US sport and its constant presence for the foreseeable future will allow fans and sportsbooks to at least breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Compliance Updates
Blitzcrown Secures GLI Certification for Three Crash Games in Brazil

Breaking New Ground in Brazil: Blitzcrown’s Crash Games Now GLI Certified
Blitzcrown, MVG’s pioneering games studio, has secured Brazilian Certification as well as GLI-19 Certification from GLI(Gaming Laboratories International) for its industry-changing three Crash titles. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into Brazil’s thriving online gaming market, positioning Blitzcrown at the forefront of the region’s rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
The license comes at an important time for Brazil’s gaming sector, following the launch of the new licensing regime that started on January 1, 2025. The regulatory framework, signed into law in December 2023, has transformed the industry’s prospects.
The certification encompasses 3 innovative crash games: Crash, Fast Crash, and Twin Crash. This strategic milestone establishes Blitzcrown as the premier provider of certified Crash games in the Brazilian market, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence and gaming integrity. With the GLI-19 and Brazil certification process successfully concluded in March, Blitzcrown has solidified its position as an industry pioneer in this dynamic and emerging market.
Crash games are a recent addition to the global iGaming market, featuring the dynamic evolution of real-time multipliers and immediate reward structures. Blitzcrown has stood out by establishing groundbreaking game mechanisms that offer different and exciting gameplay experiences. Standard Crash provides players with a standard multiplier-based gaming experience, and Fast Crash is optimized for users seeking quick, intense multiplier experiences. The Twin Crash is an original format allowing players to place simultaneous bets on two separate multipliers.
Building on this momentum, Blitzcrown has announced plans to expand its certified portfolio with two additional versions of its innovative Plinko games, demonstrating the company’s strategic commitment to market expansion. This forward-looking initiative underscores Blitzcrown’s dedication to continuous innovation and sustainable growth in the regulated gaming markets.
Blitzcrown is MVG’s edge-game studio focused on pushing game ideas beyond their norms through innovative and non-traditional gaming experiences. The studio has been particularly recognized for its groundbreaking approaches in various game categories, including its successful Crash and Plinko series.
George Cho from MVG said: “This GLI certification testifies to Blitzcrown’s unwavering commitment to offering top-quality, fair gaming systems. We are well placed to take advantage of Brazil’s exciting new regulatory environment and the vast growth potential of the online gaming industry.”
Latest News
Belatra excited to present LatAm innovations at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is set for its latest appearance at BiS SiGMA Americas in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 7-10, 2025. The company will be based at Stand M30, where it will not only showcase its LatAm innovations but also celebrate its 32nd birthday.
This major milestone brings an extra layer of excitement to Belatra’s time in Brazil. iGaming professionals visiting the stand will enjoy an immersive experience inspired by the studio’s popular classics Make it Gold and Mummyland Treasures. Belatra’s stand includes a smoky bar for a mysterious touch, a prize-filled game for visitors, and a live Mummy roaming the event floor to bring the experience to life.
Belatra’s extensive portfolio of award-winning titles brings together timeless hits with powerful, innovative themes, providing unforgettable entertainment for players.
With a strong foothold in LatAm, Belatra’s regional team, based in Buenos Aires, and Belatra’s global team will be in São Paulo to explore new collaborations and showcase its localised approach to the market.
Andrés Troelsen, Belatra Games’ Commercial Director for Latin America, said: “Our Latin American presence grows ever stronger with the region forming a major part of our growth strategy. We’re happy to be back in São Paulo for BiS SiGMA Americas to connect with partners and explore new opportunities. This year is extra special as we celebrate our 32nd birthday, so come raise a glass with us at our smoky bar!”
Latest News
Workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Authorize Strike

More than 140 workers at Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel & Casino, represented by Teamsters Local 89 and Operating Engineers Local 399, have voted by a 98% margin to authorize a strike. The overwhelming vote is a direct response to management’s refusal to offer a fair contract.
“Our members are united and ready to fight for the strongest possible agreement. This vote sends a clear message — we will not back down. If management won’t negotiate in good faith, we’re prepared to take action,” said Avral Thompson, President of Local 89.
Caesars Southern Indiana, owned and operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), pulled in more than $240 million in revenue last year, making it one of the most profitable casinos in the state. Workers are demanding a contract that reflects their essential contributions to that success.
“I’ve worked at Caesars for over seven years, and we deserve a contract that values our hard work and dedication. No one wants to strike, but if management keeps disrespecting us at the bargaining table, we’re ready to demand what we’ve earned,” said Sandra Ramirez, a slot attendant at Caesars Southern Indiana and a member of Local 89.
After months of negotiations, management at Caesars Southern Indiana continues to refuse to offer fair retirement benefits and remains far apart on other key economic issues.
“At this point, the ball is entirely in management’s court. If Caesars faces a strike, management will have no one to blame but themselves for the fallout. We stand ready to back our members every step of the way,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman.
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