Gambling in the USA
Free-to-play planets align for SportCaller with Sports Equinox
FanDuel partnership sees FTP specialist ramp fan engagement at milestone intersection of major US sports
SportCaller, the free-to-play (FTP) sports-game specialist, has bolstered its partnership with US operator FanDuel through the success of its latest game-rollout to fresh audiences countrywide across North America.
Having integrated SportCaller’s easy-to-deploy FTP platform – initially targeting March Madness, the MLB and then the new NFL season – FanDuel’s latest game targeted that rarest of sporting phenomena, the Sports Equinox, which had occurred only 18 times previously.
A Sports Equinox takes place when all four major sports (NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL) play a game on the same day. Twenty-six games took place across each of the four tentpole sports and users were asked to pick at least 20 correct results in order to win a share of the $500k jackpot. This FTP game was a first for FanDuel in that it was open to both Sportsbook and Fantasy customers, resulting in record-breaking take-up rates from players countrywide.
Alongside this SportCaller-powered FTP game, FanDuel also launched a mini-site with a data-driven Sports Equinox countdown clock to the first games of the day, which was even projected on to the side of a skyscraper in New York’s Times Square for the lead-up to the games. Sports Equinox followed hot on the heels of Keep the Cash, another $1 million game launched in time for the start of the NFL season in order to enhance fan engagement throughout the regular season and the playoffs.
This is a unique FTP offering in the US market, leveraging the success and learnings from Paddy Power Betfair whose original concept, Beat The Drop, shattered best-case projections at the 2018 World Cup. The instant acclaim for this product rollout (turning the tables on traditional operator-player dynamics by awarding customers their “winnings” up front) underlines the synergies delivered from a wider global collaboration with Flutter Entertainment, for whom SportCaller’s market-leading platform is fast becoming a key cog in a brand-wide localisation strategy.
Lorcan Kelly, VP of sportsbook product at FanDuel, said: “With this platform, we can now deploy new games, like Sports Equinox and Keep the Cash, as a targeted approach towards key sporting events, each offering a tailored solution with efficient real-time reporting.”
SportCaller MD Cillian Barry added: “After the breakout success of Beat The Drop for Flutter Entertainment over the last World Cup, it’s a real validation to now be delivering similar record-breaking retention results for FanDuel in the States. It’s an exciting time in an embryonic market.
“It’s so rare that the planets align for a Sports Equinox. Therefore, it was great that we could respond by creating a game that immediately captured the public’s imagination and attention. It consolidates the traction already generated by games such as Keep the Cash, which offers free games for the duration of an enthralling NFL season that is coming to the boil over the next few months.”
All SportCaller games ride on the back of a unique account-management platform, which is equipped with the industry’s finest CRM and geolocation tools. This helps overcome any local regulatory challenge across fragmented legislative landscapes, above all in the US where regulation continues to show varied hands state-by-state.
SportCaller’s pioneering performance in the domain of enhanced acquisition and retention remains second-to-none across a raft of different sports, which will now include: college sports, NBA, MLB, golf, tennis, UFC, boxing and NFL.
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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