Gambling in the USA
A cure is in the cards: Play a royal flush and win in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis
The 6th Annual Irv Feldman Texas Hold `Em Tournament and Casino Night helps support pulmonary fibrosis patient education, disease awareness and clinical research
The Feldman Family Foundation will celebrate its 6th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament to support the fight against pulmonary fibrosis on Saturday, March 2, 2019, in the grand ballroom of the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois. This year’s poker tournament will feature a buffet dinner, premium sponsored open bar, charitable casino gaming and a charitable poker tournament with more than $30,000 in prizes. Participants of the poker tournament will also have the opportunity to win the grand prize—a $10,000 seat at the World Series Of Poker in Las Vegas.
The Irv Feldman Texas Hold ‘Em and Casino Night was founded by the Feldman family in 2013 in memory of their father who had succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a fatal, incurable lung disease. In honor of Irv, the family hosts poker and casino night to raise money to help end pulmonary fibrosis. Playing poker is a passionate Feldman family pastime and one of the few times Irv Feldman could forget his fight against pulmonary fibrosis and enjoy his family. Poker got Irv and the Feldman family through eight long and difficult years.
The 6th Annual Irv Feldman Poker Tournament and Casino Night is a night filled of fun, poker, great food, specialty cocktails and interactive casino fun! It is a night that is not to be missed, and the auction packages are as memorable as the event.
The Feldman Family Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for families impacted by pulmonary fibrosis. The Irv Feldman Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament and Casino Night is hosted in collaboration with local community partners, such as CHEST Foundation and Northwestern Memorial. All proceeds benefit the fight against pulmonary fibrosis. The Feldman Family Foundation is proud to partner with the top organizations in the lung health arena and make an impact in the fight against pulmonary fibrosis and significant contributions of over $600,000 in support.
Player tickets are $150, and attendee tickets are $100. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.irvholdem.com, or contact Angela Perillo at [email protected].
About the CHEST Foundation:
The CHEST Foundation, the charitable foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians, champions lung health by supporting clinical research, community service and patient education. Through CHEST Foundation-supported programs, CHEST’s 19,000+ members engage in advancing the lung health of millions of patients in local communities around the world. More than 95 cents of every dollar raised goes toward advancing the foundation’s mission-based programming. Since its inception, the foundation has provided more than $10 million in funding for clinical research and community service, with a reach that spans more than 60 countries. For more information about the CHEST Foundation, visit chestfoundation.org.
About the Irv Feldman Family Foundation:
The Feldman Family Foundation is founded by Irv Feldman’s sons, Mitch and Laury Feldman, in partnership with Mara Fox. Pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal lung disease for which there is no cure, devastated the Feldman Family. The mission of the Feldman Family Foundation is to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for families living with pulmonary fibrosis.
Source: CHEST Foundation
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

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:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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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.
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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:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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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:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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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.
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

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

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.
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