Gambling in the USA
New Coalition Forms to Protect Social Games in Washington
Civic leaders, industry experts and tech executives in Washington have formed a new coalition to protect the social games industry in the state.
The coalition is leading an effort to ensure the state does not restrict access to so-called social games, which are played statewide by millions and support thousands of local jobs, according to the coalition.
The fear of restrictions or bans on social games stems from the Washington State Gambling Commission’s refusal in 2018 to issue guidance establishing that social games are not a form of illegal gambling. The “Game On WA” coalition says some 23,000 people are employed by the social games industry in Washington, jobs that could be on the line if the WSGC’s failure to act is not corrected.
Paul Mathews, founder and president of social-games company Playstudios Inc., said in an opinion piece written for GeekWire in October that concerns over social games being a form of gambling stem from the fact that players can win “non-redeemable tokens or credits,” which he describes as a “flawed premise” that “grossly misrepresents social games.”
“A potential misinterpretation of Washington state’s gambling statute by a federal court could mean Washington residents will lose access to their favorite apps,” Michael Schutzler, CEO of Washington Technology Industry Association and the Game On WA co-chair, said.
The coalition also is led by former Washington Governor Gary Locke and Kristina Hudson, executive director of OneRedmond. The group seeks to educate the public and lawmakers about the value of the social games industry and to convince the state Legislature to “affirm that social games are a form of entertainment, and not illegal gambling.”
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.
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