Gambling in the USA
Oneida Indian Nation Announces Multi-Million Dollar Expansion at YBR Casino to Create New Entertainment Experience with Social Games
Located in Chittenango Plaza, the expansion includes a new entertainment wing featuring a six-lane luxury Brunswick Bowling center, two Topgolf Swing Suite bays, pool tables, shuffle board, a stylish full-service bar, and new dining options. The renovation project also includes a redesign of the casino’s exterior.
The Oneida Indian Nation announced the third phase of construction at its YBR Casino, located in the Village of Chittenango. The renovation will expand upon the casino’s extensive gaming options with a new state-of-the-art entertainment wing, slated to open in early February. It will feature a six-lane luxury Brunswick Bowling center, two high-tech Topgolf Swing Suite bays, and other social games. The new section will also feature a new full-service bar and dining, more than ten television screens and dedicated sports-betting stations. The renovation will also include an exterior redesign that stylishly combines the aesthetics of Central New York’s industrial history with a modern 21st-century look.
YBR Casino’s expanded amenities include partnerships with Topgolf Swing Suite and Brunswick Bowling, two leading national brands in the recreational gaming:
TOPGOLF SWING SUITE
Topgolf Swing Suite is the country’s most popular provider of interactive group-golfing venues, delivering fun for all ages where golfers and non-golfers alike can come together for playful competition. Both of the bays at the YBR Topgolf Swing Suite will feature a variety of HDTVs, comfortable lounge seating, golf and non-golf games, including Zombie Dodgeball, Baseball Pitching, Soccer, Hockey and more.
BRUNSWICK BOWLING
Brunswick Bowling, a leader in the bowling industry for over 125 years that specializes in creating modern, full-service bowling centers around the world, will construct a six-lane center featuring top-of-the-line equipment designed to create an engaging experience for guests of all ages and skill levels.
ADDITIONAL SOCIAL GAMES AND NEW DINING
New entertainment amenities at YBR Casino include the addition of pool tables and shuffle boards—popular social games with a new generation of guests.
YBR Casino also recently launched new weekly live esports tournaments. Every Wednesday, the tournaments bring egamers to The Lounge with Caesars Sports at YBR Casino to compete for weekly cash prizes, Free Play and more.
BURGERS OF MADISON COUNTY
YBR Casino opened the newest location of Burgers of Madison County, the extremely popular restaurant from Point Place Casino, with a menu of delicious burgers, milkshakes and more.
“With the latest renovations to our gaming floor, the addition of The Lounge with Caesars Sports and this next phase of expansions, YBR will be completely transformed into a multi-entertainment venue unlike anything else in the area,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Oneida Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter. “This new phase of renovations at YBR is geared to exceed guest expectations, and is a reflection of the Oneida Indian Nation’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting in Central New York. By expanding our offerings, we will be creating new jobs and helping to revitalize the region as a premier tourist destination.”
This expansion builds on the Oneida Indian Nation’s collaborations with national brands in the gaming and entertainment fields. Earlier this year, the Oneida Indian Nation partnered with Caesars Entertainment to develop The Lounge with Caesars Sports, state-of-the-art sports-betting venues with VIP amenities, luxury seating and award-winning menus. YBR Casino is now home to New York State’s largest sports book and has proven to be a winner with new and loyal casino guests alike.
“The expansion of entertainment options at YBR Casino and the reputation the Oneida Indian Nation has for offering the best amenities for guests is consistent with the fun, social experiences guests know and expect from Topgolf,” said Peter Kratsios, Director of Business Development from Topgolf Swing Suite. “More than half of the guests who enjoy Topgolf have never touched a golf club in their life, so we are confident the addition of Topgolf Swing Suites will attract new guests, golfers and non-golfers, to the property.”
“We’re excited about our partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation and bringing new entertainment options to YBR Casino,” said Jason Dean, Director of New Business Development for Brunswick Bowling Products. “When experienced in an atmosphere like YBR Casino, we know that Brunswick Bowling will be the perfect complement to the YBR Casino experience.”
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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