Gambling in the USA

Spectrum Gaming Group Expands Professional Staff to Meet Growing Demand

Published

6 years ago

January 29, 2019

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Spectrum Gaming Group announces the hiring of four professionals to meet the growing demand for its economic, regulatory and public-policy services around the world.

“Building on our 2018 growth throughout Asia, Europe and North America, we are proud to add four outstanding professionals to the Spectrum team. We will rely on them heavily for what is already shaping up to be a busy 2019,” said Fredric Gushin, Spectrum Managing Director.

Asaka Ishiyama joins Spectrum as Senior Vice President, Japan. Ishiyama has more than 35 years of hands-on experience in business and development, with extensive exposures to American, Australian, Southeast Asian and South Asian business cultures. Ishiyama served on the Board of Directors for Adelaide Casino in Australia and has recently worked with Spectrum on its Japanese engagements. He previously served as head of Citigroup asset management group, where he directed and managed debt/real investment investments in Japan. Based in Tokyo, Ishiyama will oversee Spectrum’s business development regarding integrated resorts (IR) in Japan.

Matthew Roob joins Spectrum as Senior Vice President, Financial Analysis. Roob spent the last seven years at Seneca Gaming Corp., where he most recently served as Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. At Seneca, he worked with the executive team in overseeing three successful casinos in Western New York. Since 1995 he has worked for or with gaming companies on myriad projects and in markets throughout the country. Roob will head the Spectrum’s financial analysis and strategic planning practices.

Richard Doss joins Spectrum as Marketing and Events Coordinator. He most recently handled promotions and marketing for the Golden Nugget Lake Charles in Louisiana. Doss coordinates Spectrum’s marketing tasks and oversees production of the East Coast Gaming Congress as well as production of the Winter and Summer meetings for the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, for which Spectrum serves as Executive Director.

Daniel Phillips joins Spectrum’s global advisory team through a strategic alliance to identify and develop new relationships with online and sports-betting providers who wish to enter the U.S. market. Over a 25-year period, Phillips – based in the UK – has established himself as a senior figure in the regulated gaming industry for several public and leading companies across the online, retail and social spaces. He has held director and C-level roles with Playtech, Gala Coral, Chartwell, Fertitta Interactive, and others.

About Spectrum: Spectrum Gaming Group is a non-partisan consultancy that specializes in the economics, regulation and policy of legalized gambling worldwide. We have provided independent research and professional services to public- and private-sector clients since 1993. We bring wide industry perspective to every engagement, having worked in 38 US states and territories and in 47 countries on six continents. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.spectrumgaming.com.

Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.

Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage

The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.

Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved

The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.

Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions

Among key licensing matters:

500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.

Key Employee Licensing Actions

The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:

Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.

Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny

The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.

Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.

Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals

Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:

HCAL, LLC
JCM Global
Konami Gaming, Inc.
PDS Gaming, LLC

Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.

Notable Withdrawals and Denials

In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.

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A Broader Look Ahead

With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.

Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Peter Tolan

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.

Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.

The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.

On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.

Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”

For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”

Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2025

Niji Narayan

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.

“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.

The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.

“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.