Gambling in the USA

European Gambling Versus US Gambling 2019

Published

6 years ago

April 18, 2019

While Asia is gaining plenty of momentum, Europe and the US are still the largest bodies of gambling conniseurs. Asia may well become a leader in the future, but a lot of countries are going to have to loosen the reins on its residents before that’s likely to happen.

An in depth look at the gambling industries in both Europe and the US indicates both regions are currently experiencing explosive growth, though not necessarily in the same gambling sectors. While the differences will be identified below, there are areas where the gambling industries are quite similar. For instance, online casino sites in the USA are pretty much the same as top casino sites operating in Europe. In some cases, the top online casinos are owned and operated by the same ownership groups. Moving on, we want to spend some time discussing important differences.

Integration of Gambling into the Culture

In Europe, particularly in the UK, gambling has been widely accepted as a viable form of adult entertainment for a long time. There are opponents advocating for the cessation of gambling activities, but they really don’t have much of a voice.

Part of the reason why there is such a high level of integration of gambling into society is because of the influence the region has had on gambling in general. Aside from slot machines, most table games were invented and rolled out in countries like France and Italy. The longest existing land-based casinos reside in Europe. The reality is some forms of gambling has been legal in portions of Europe for over 200 years. It’s also noteworthy that Europe has always been well ahead of the curve when it comes to online gambling of any kind.

In America, horse racing in the only form of gambling that has any real longevity. Up until the 1950s, most other forms of gambling (slot machines, bingo, poker) were being provided in churches and the back rooms of bars. When land-based casinos finally came into the mainstream in the late 1950s, access was only available in Las Vegas with Atlantic City following suit almost 20 years later. It’s only recently that Americans have begun accepting gambling in general as a viable form of adult entertainment.

Game Selection

There’s a stark difference in the forms of gambling for which each region shows a preference. In the UK, there’s a large contingent of gamblers who support the horse racing industry. Truth be told, there’s more race tracks in Europe per capita than anywhere else in the world. Europeans also love to wager on European football (soccer) as well as bingo. Neither of those betting options have much of a following in the US.

In America, slot machines are king in the casinos. Next up would be blackjack where as Europeans prefer Baccarat and Roulette. The horse racing industry is strong in the US, but many people consider it a bit of a niche market. By the way, Americans love to play lotteries, a reality that has produced dozens of people with a net worth of over $100 million.

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There is one other area within the gambling industry that offers insight about the people’s attitudes towards gambling. In Europe, the regulation of gambling operations is important, but there is a higher level of tolerance for unregulated providers. In the US, the government goes to extraordinary lengths to keep a tight grip on how and where citizens are permitted to gamble.

Gambling in the USA

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

Published

3 days 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.

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.