Gambling in the USA
NIGC Appoints Francisco Olea as New Phoenix Region Director
The National Indian Gaming Commission has appointed Francisco Olea (Pascua Yaqui Tribe) as the new Region Director for the Phoenix Region. Olea officially began his role on July 8, 2019, and is taking over for retiring Region Director Lance Vallo.
Since 2001, Olea has held various supervisory and management positions with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, working for both the Tribal Gaming Office and Casino Operations. Most recently, he served as Compliance Manager for the Tohono O’odham Nation.
In the new role, Olea will be responsible for technical assistance, training and compliance at 59 Indian gaming facilities owned and operated by 49 federally-recognised tribes located in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado.
“Mr. Olea brings a diverse background to the NIGC, having worked for both tribal regulatory agencies and casino operations. His law degree brings an additional level of expertise and perspective to the position and we look forward to him applying his experience and leadership as the Region Director,” Dustin Thomas, NIGC Director of Compliance said.
“We are thrilled that Mr. Olea is joining the NIGC team. Mr. Olea’s nearly two decades of experience in the tribal gaming industry, his scholarship, and his passion for serving Indian Country make him an exceptional pick to lead the Phoenix Region,” NIGC Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause said.
“I’m very excited to continue working with tribes in an area that’s a perfect fit for my unique work experience and formal education. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and look forward to upholding and maintaining the integrity of Indian Gaming while assisting tribes in their collective endeavor of self-sufficiency for the betterment of their people,” Olea said.
Spinomenal, the leading iGaming content provider, has made its US debut after launching an exciting collaboration with a leading operator in the state of New Jersey, and is anticipating many more valuable collaborations with top tier online casinos.
Following impressive growth rates, Spinomenal is making a major move into the New Jersey iGaming market, marking a key step in its global expansion. By entering this crucial U.S. region, Spinomenal will bring its innovative games to a new audience, strengthening its presence and leadership in the iGaming industry.
Spinomenal’s specially selected titles will be going live via Pariplay’s Fusion aggregation platform in the New Jersey market. Some of the outstanding titles being made available for NJ players are Demi Gods II, Majestic Wild Buffalo and Kitsune’s Scrolls.
This marks a major milestone in Spinomenal’s strategic expansion plan, as this debut establishes the company’s initial presence within the New Jersey market, with further growth anticipated across the US iGaming ecosystem. This move underscores Spinomenal’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and further solidifying its position as a leader in the online casino industry.
Lior Shvartz, CEO for Spinomenal commented: “After a decade of establishing and positioning Spinomenal as a leading provider in the iGaming industry, we have now taken a big leap and will provide our exciting content to the esteemed New Jersey audience. We are highly optimistic about entering this prominent market, following the process of obtaining approval from the DGE.”
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe has announced that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board has made the decision to suspend operations at Mechoopda Casino. The final day of operations will be Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Mechoopda Casino says this decision comes after months of deliberation and efforts to address the various challenges affecting the casino’s operations.
Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, said: “Suspending operations at the Casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community. While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the Casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.”
The Tribe is taking steps to support both its employees and community partners during this transition period:
Employee Support: The Tribe is committed to offering resources and guidance to assist team members through this difficult time.
Remaining Open Until January 31: The Casino will remain open through its final day of operation, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the remaining days of service.
-
Canada7 days agoBragg Gaming Announces Preliminary Unaudited Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2025 Strategic Initiatives and Guidance
-
Canada7 days agoPlayson Signs Agreement with Light & Wonder in Global Distribution Deal
-
Compliance Updates4 days agoGovernor Lombardo Appoints Chandeni Sendall to Nevada Gaming Control Board
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoKambi Group plc secures licensing approval in Nevada
-
Compliance Updates4 days agoPA Gaming Control Board Levies Fines Totaling $282,205
-
Latest News7 days agoSCCG Launches Cybersecurity Services (CSaaS) to Safeguard the Gaming Industry
-
Latest News2 days agoRebranded VSiN Las Vegas 1230 The Game Brings 24-7 Sports Betting Talk Format to Vegas Radio Listeners Just Ahead of Biggest Sports Betting Day of the Year
-
Latest News3 days agoSCCG Launches ProServices to Expand a Full Suite of Professional Services for the Gaming Industry