Gambling in the USA
Habanero strikes Rush Street Interactive deal

Supplier debuts games with high-profile online operator in Colombia – with US social casino to follow
Premium slots and table games provider Habanero has announced an agreement with Rush Street Interactive (RSI), the first United States-based gaming operator to launch a legal and regulated online sportsbook on a national basis in Latin America and a market leader in online casino and sports betting in the United States.
The Chicago-based company is known among its industry peers as the preeminent operator in the US online gaming market, having won the EGR North America “Mobile Operator of the Year” Award for 2019 as well as “American Operator of the Year” and “Casino Operator of the Year” at the 2019 American Gambling Awards.
Under the agreement, more than 50 titles from Habanero’s portfolio of engaging slots and table games have been launched on Rush Street Interactive’s RushBet.co, as well as taking its full portfolio of 170 games live with the group’s US-based social casinos in the near future.
The deal sees the supplier’s immersive gaming suite reaching a US audience for the first time, in addition to extending its LatAm reach following a string of major continental partnerships.
Commenting on the deal, Vera Motto, Business Development Executive at Habanero said: “We are thrilled to partner with Rush Street Interactive, a highly acclaimed group with an impressive multi-brand portfolio.
“We’re honoured to have been selected by an operator with such high standards and see this as testament to our record-breaking expansion over the past year. We look forward to a long and productive relationship together, especially when it comes to the US.”
Omar Calvo, GM at Rushbet.co added: “Habanero is a premium quality provider with a widely celebrated product suite, so we are delighted to partner with them as we continue to grow our existing catalogue of games for our players to enjoy.
“The supplier’s innovative slots and table games catalogue fits perfectly with our commitment to offer our players the most exciting mobile playing experience in Latin America, and we look forward to a productive commercial relationship across the Americas.”
About Habanero
With some of the industry’s most talented designers, developers and mathematicians, Habanero has quickly become one of the industry’s leading suppliers of slots and table games. It has earned a reputation for delivering consistency and quality thanks to its stable of great products and an intuitive back office. Focusing on creating the most engaging and entertaining content for online, mobile and land-based casinos, it now has more than 100 slot games, a wide range of table and video poker games, a number of varied and original marketing tools, as well as a unique trademarked jackpot system. The Habanero management team is spread throughout the world and has more than four decades of experience in betting and gaming.
About Rush Street Interactive
Founded in 2012 by industry gaming veterans, RSI is a market leader in online casino and sports betting in the U.S. The Company launched its first online gaming casino site, PlaySugarHouse.com in New Jersey, in September 2016 and was the first online gaming company to launch online sports wagering in Pennsylvania. With its BetRivers.com site, Rush Street Interactive was also the first to launch online sportsbooks in Indiana, Colorado and, most recently, in Illinois. RSI was the first U.S.-based gaming operator to launch a legal and regulated online sportsbook on a national basis in Latin America (Rushbet.co in Colombia). For more information, visit www.rushstreetinteractive.com.
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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