Gambling in the USA
AGS Demonstrates Its Obsession With Tribal Gaming At The NIGA Indian Gaming Trade Show April 3-4; New Orion Upright Cabinet Makes NIGA Debut
Company’s passion for the game takes center stage as AGS displays full lineup of new slot and table games, and online social and real-money games
AGS today announced that it will be exhibiting at NIGA‘s Indian Gaming Trade Show April 3-4 in San Diego, with a spotlight on the Company’s newest core slot cabinet – the Orion Upright℠ – along with a host of new slot titles, table products, and online social and real-money gaming solutions.
AGS will be live in Booth No. 1651 at the San Diego Convention Center. Taking center stage will be AGS’ new Orion Upright, a core cabinet with many of the same features as the Company’s award-winning Orion Portrait℠ and Orion Slant℠ platforms, including the distinctive starwall design featuring 420 game-synchronized full-color LED lights to celebrate gameplay. The Orion Upright is launching with a library of exclusive new titles and greatest hits from AGS’ ICON™ cabinet.
Debuting for the first time at NIGA, gaming operators will experience AGS’ Orion Upright with the new Fortune Blast™ family featuring four brand-new titles — Luck and Luxury™, Imperial Luck®, Goddess Treasures®, and Blazing Luck™. This new series offers ways or line-pay evaluation for more winning opportunities, and a symbol-locking feature to keep players on the edge of their seats.
AGS President and Chief Executive Officer David Lopez said, “NIGA is a show we look forward to every year because it gives us a chance to meet with our tribal operator-partners in an intimate setting and highlight our newest and most exciting products that are launching over the year. This year we are very excited about our new Orion Upright because it fills a need on many casino floors for a differentiated, attractive, and sophisticated core cabinet with great content.”
The Company will also showcase its hottest new Class II and Class III titles for the Orion Portrait platform, including Crystal Magic®, Hearts and Horns™, Enchanted Pearl™, and the popular Rakin’ Bacon!™ with its cherubic pig that gets fatter and fatter as the wins add up. Hailing from the Company’s Australia game-development studio, the title Red Silk™ showcases a fresh new family on Orion Portrait featuring a three-level linked progressive, a wild reel feature, and up to 10 free games. For the Orion Slant, AGS will spotlight the Fa Cai Shu™ and Kingdom Ca$h® families, which offer themed banking, linked progressive jackpots, and a variety of math models for a diverse and exciting gaming experience.
AGS continues to propel its table products business with a host of new proprietary table games and table solutions. NIGA attendees will get to experience Super Start Hold’em™, a poker-style game whereby the players always start with the better two-card hand than the dealer; the popular Criss Cross Poker™ with Bonus Spin™; Blackjack Match Progressive™ featuring the popular must-hit-by jackpot level; and Three Card Blitz, an exciting new flush-based game featuring player vs. dealer excitement to achieve the highest-scoring hand using up to three suited cards.
AGS will demonstrate its two table-game progressive platforms – STAX™ and Bonus Spin – which just reached a milestone of more than 1,000 units installed across the U.S. with a healthy backlog of orders planned throughout 2019. The award-winning STAX has a must-hit-by option that is driving demand and excitement on games like Super 4®, Blackjack Match™, and Royal 9™ as players anticipate the chance to win one of the five progressive jackpots. And Bonus Spin offers an eye-catching and anticipatory experience with its virtual prize wheel.
From its table equipment lineup, AGS will showcase the Dex S™ single-deck poker shuffler, featuring a streamlined design that is economical, durable, reliable, and exceptionally functional.
In the Company’s Interactive display, AGS will showcase its ConnexSys™ Social White-Label Casino solution, a turnkey, free-to-play mobile casino app that integrates the casino brand with AGS’ proven and player-favorite land-based titles to keep players engaged at home, work, and on-the-go.
And with real-money gaming at the forefront of many tribal gaming operators’ agendas, AGS will also be on hand to provide live demonstrations of its AxSys Games Marketplace™ and large library of titles, featuring AGS top-performing games as well as a host of entertaining games from third-party developers.
About AGS:
AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II Native American gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and growth have helped us branch out to become a leading all-inclusive commercial gaming supplier. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, real-money gaming platforms and content, highly rated social casino solutions for operators and players, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at www.playags.com.
©2019 PlayAGS, Inc. All® notices signify marks registered in the United States. All ™ and ℠ notices signify unregistered trademarks. Products referenced herein are sold by AGS LLC or other subsidiaries of PlayAGS, Inc.
Source: AGS
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:
-
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.
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.
-
Latest News4 days ago
AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts
-
Latest News4 days ago
HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST
-
Arizona4 days ago
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Multiple Cease-and-Desists
-
Latest News4 days ago
ACR POKER LAUNCHES ‘MONEYMAKER MAY-HEM’, OFFERING PLAYERS A CHANCE TO JOIN CHRIS MONEYMAKER IN LAS VEGAS FOR $10K MAIN EVENT
-
Latin America4 days ago
Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 40.64 Billion By 2033 | Astute Analytica
-
Compliance Updates3 days ago
Altenar gains ground in Brazil with virtual sports certification
-
Latest News2 days ago
Churchill Downs Incorporated Reports 2025 First Quarter Results
-
Latest News2 days ago
Tachi Palace Casino trusts Continent 8 to bolster its cybersecurity through advanced managed SOC and SIEM solutions