Gambling in the USA
NOVOMATIC Americas to introduce an inspiring variety of its latest products to Tribal Gaming customers at NIGA 2019
NOVOMATIC Americas Brings the Thunder. Supported by the NOVOMATIC Group, NOVOMATIC Americas is looking forward to highlighting its latest product innovations on Booth #2331 at the National Indian Gaming Association’s upcoming trade show NIGA 2019 on April 1st – 4th at the San Diego Convention Center.
Sleek cabinets, sports betting technology, licensed content and exhilarating progressives will be the focus of NOVOMATIC Americas stand this year. Tribal Gaming customers will see NOVOMATIC’s stunning product lines showcased alongside a substantial variety of entertaining, licensed content, core content, systems, sports betting kiosks and exciting new progressive jackpot product lines.
“This year more than ever, NIGA is a celebration of our commitment to Indian Gaming and a recognition that our Tribal Gaming partners are a leading force on the global gaming stage,” said Rick Meitzler, President and CEO of Novomatic Americas. “We are committed to developing and delivering innovative solutions that add value to tribal casino operations, share our roadmap for the future and support NIGA’s goal of improving the lives of each and every tribal member. With the NIGA delegation trip to Austria this past January, we continue to reinforce our commitment to providing entertaining, innovative products that drive economic growth.”
Featured at the NOVOMATIC Americas booth will be their latest riveting suite of linked progressive product lines including the official world premiere of the mighty Thunder Cash™ Link.
With the latest hardware solutions featuring exclusive gaming content, the PANTHERA™ 1.43 and PANTHERA™ 2.27 command attention. The PANTHERA™ Curve 1.43 will be the striking standard as power and performance will keep your players engaged and on the edge of their seat, as the imposing curve 43” UHD screen and high design visibility hit the mark for a sophisticated and fun player presentation.
The V.I.P. focus continues with the V.I.P. LOUNGE™ Curve 1.43; the compact curve is the modern gamer’s choice! The perfect gaming curve view and interactive LED illumination deliver a visually compelling gaming experience. The curved screen and viewing angle enhance the suite of premium game content offered on the V.I.P. LOUNGE™ Curve 1.43. This breathtaking cabinet, with its space optimized format and it’s vertical 43″ full HD curved screen, will feature a host of new titles for 2019.
The NOVOSTAR® V.I.P. Royal 2.65 continues to impress casino operators across North America and is one of the most requested products in the NOVOMATIC portfolio.
Pay Day™ Progressives are debuting on the PANTHERA™ 2.27 cabinet and mesmerize! NOVOMATIC Americas will introduce a series of high-energy standalone progressive games from the US-based Mount Prospect Game Development Studios. First releases are Prized Panda™ and Prize of the Nile™ – but watch this series quickly grow in new and exciting titles.
Expanded ETG side bets, the proven myACP casino management system, NOVOMATIC ActionBook™ Self-Service betting kiosks, Absolute Vision™ content management system, and the successful Greentube™ iGaming experience will all be on display.
“We take tremendous pride in our expanding relationship with NIGA and our Tribal Gaming development focus,” added Meitzler. “We have added new product lines like our Novomatic ActionBook™ self-service sports betting kiosks and our myACP Novo Rewards customer relationship management tools. We also are debuting our Absolute Vision™ content management platform and continue with our significant commitment of offering the latest in cabinets, content, technology, systems, and performance for our Tribal Gaming customers. This year we are launching proven progressive product lines on our best-selling cabinets to demonstrate our dedication to being a valued entertainment provider to our Tribal Gaming partners.”
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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