Gambling in the USA
AGS Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results
AGS reported operating results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2020 .
“Although casinos started to reopen in the later part of the quarter, we remained disciplined in how we reintroduced cost back into the business, ramping departments that are essential to run our business, such as field service, R&D and manufacturing,” said AGS President and Chief Executive Officer David Lopez . “Initial game performance on EGM units that are in-service has been strong and better-than-expected, which allows us to lean on our strong recurring revenue footprint in this challenging environment. Prior to and even during COVID-19, we were seeing strong initial performance from our new products, such as the Starwall and Orion Rise , as well as continued momentum from our new titles on Orion Portrait and our suite of table game progressives. Given the breadth and depth of our current content portfolio, we believe that the long-term opportunities for AGS remain intact, and that we have ample liquidity and the best-in-class team to navigate through near-term uncertainties.”
Kimo Akiona , AGS’ Chief Financial Officer, added, “Our careful management of expenses and capital expenditures during the casino shutdowns in the quarter in addition to drawing $30 million under the existing revolving credit facility and entering into incremental term loans of $95 million have resulted in a strengthened liquidity position. Although it is hard to predict exactly how the pandemic will continue to impact the macro operating environment, given all of the measures we’ve taken, we believe we are positioned with sufficient liquidity and flexibility to emerge from this a more competitive and more nimble organization.”
Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results
During March and April and continuing through mid- to late-May of the current year, nearly all of our customers closed their operations due to business disruption caused by the global spread of COVID-19 and the actions by governments and businesses to contain the virus. The markets that we serve have been severely impacted, which is the primary reason for the decreases in the metrics noted above, specifically revenues, (loss) income from operations, net loss, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin.
A limited number of customers reopened in mid- to late-May and through June; by June 30 , approximately 500 of our 650 customers properties in the United States and Canada were partially open. In Mexico , 25 of our 320 customers properties were partially open as of June 30 .
Total revenue decreased to $16.8 million , primarily due to decreased gaming operations revenue and unit sales in our EGM segment.
Gaming operations revenue, or recurring revenue, decreased to $10.2 million compared to $53.6 million in the prior year period, primarily related to our leased EGMs and Table Products that were impacted by closed casinos. This decrease was slightly offset by increased revenue in our Interactive segment.
Net loss of $42.6 million increased year-over-year from net loss of $7.6 million in the prior year, primarily due to the decrease in EGM and Table Products revenue, partially offset by decreases in expenses that were a result of management’s actions taken to decrease spending amid COVID-19, including employee furloughs, a reduction in force, and salary reductions. Additional savings resulted from the Company’s focus to reduce expenses, primarily in sales and marketing activities, professional fees, and delayed development expenses.
Total Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)(1) decreased to a loss of $1 .2 million compared to $35.7 million in the prior year period, driven by decreases in our EGM and Table Products segments and slightly offset by growth in our Interactive segment.
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.
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.”
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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