Gambling in the USA
Could PAM be the key to the US opportunity?

The US holds untold potential as it steadily regulates and many believe that an advanced, smart Player Account Management (PAM) system should be a priority for operators wishing to reap those rewards.
Gaming Americas spoke to four of the industry’s premier PAM professionals to find out what operators should be on the lookout for.
- Tsachi Maimon, CEO, Aspire Global (TS)
- Rob Fell, White Hat Gaming, COO (RF)
- Brandon Walker, Business Development Manager, Amelco (BW)
- Chris Looney, Chief Commercial Officer at Bragg Gaming Group and ORYX Gaming (CL)
As the US becomes more regulated, what advantages does a Player Account Management (PAM) system offer?
TS: The US is growing rapidly and nobody wants to be late to the party. Right now, operators are in a huge rush to go with any available product that is ready-for-market, and some are taking the M&A route to solve this issue. We recently saw that DraftKings acquired BlueRibbon for the jackpot product they developed, as well as Bally’s tabling a bid for Gamesys to improve its digital platform capabilities. However, most operators do not have a budget to acquire products and instead need to lean on third-party providers to build their business.
Rather than going down a similar route of acquiring technology layer by layer, the advantages of using a PAM solution are clear. The operator can differentiate within CRM and segment players for superior engagement. In addition, each US state has differing regulatory requirements. If you are building infrastructure for an individual state, that means you need to repeat that process time and time again. Our PAM system offers a single infrastructure that can be rolled out quickly, for fast, seamless entry into multiple states. We call this a ‘state in a box’.
BW: A PAM system should be the engine that powers the full solution and does exactly what it says on the tin. At Amelco, we’re able to deliver a full-service ecosystem for gaming that combines all verticals (eSports, Sportsbook, Casino etc) powered by our own PAM, which offers multiple components that take the customer through the full journey.
The ability to offer this is especially key in the US – where a full PAM system is a necessity for delivering a 360-degree offering in what is, in effect, only recently online territory. A 360 offering can help an operator stand out and not all leading sportsbook suppliers have this, and they’ve certainly felt the impact.
The wallet element of the PAM system is the real differentiator, and the more dynamic your customer journey is, the more your offering will resonate with a modern American player that expects speed and convenience. At the end of the day, solid foundations are the name of the game in the US, and having a powerful PAM effectively reduces the need for an operator to create a dedicated department. Coupling that with the retention numbers the solution provides is a recipe for success.
RF: A single instance of PAM back office or administration for the operator allows for the viewing of revenue reports, player behaviour and analytics, configure CRM, define segmentation and set bonus programmes in place. This is a clear advantage and allows for the management of sports, casinos and more in an incredibly lean and efficient way.
CL: A successful PAM provider offers rapid, in-house integration of content alongside features such as a product-wide bonus system, integrated and capable CRM and a tightly integrated Data Warehouse solution. Crucially as more states open up, built-in compliance parameters which can be easily configured for each jurisdiction are a must. A system that offers efficient player acquisition and retention options are also beneficial as operators scramble to gain market share in new territories.
The winners will be those B2B providers that can offer full-stack solutions, meaning the possibility to handle both back-end and front-end services. Full-stack solutions are better integrated and provide a service which is much better received by end-users. Through our growing stable of brands, technology and content including the ORYX PAM and player engagement features, at Bragg we offer the lot.
What PAM features are going to be important to operators as the US market evolves? How will these be implemented?
RF: Both generic, such as player protection features, and state-specific RG and reporting functionality will be key. To succeed and to keep up with the expected pace of states going live, these modules need to be flexible to keep up with new requirements, but also scalable so they can work across the platform, varying states and customer needs.
For some PAMs like White Hat Gaming, this is based on learnings taken from work that has been done for the EU regulated markets and this will really help especially as it’s expected that some states will follow the UK’s lead. The second part is a tight integration of land-based offerings. This will mean that payment integrations with machines, cages and also API to proprietary loyalty schemes will become increasingly important to optimising cross-sell in both directions.
Obviously, there are other features, such as fully integrated bonus tools and intuitive marketing campaign segmentation and orchestration, that should be tightly coupled to the PAM.
TS: There are three key elements within a strong, successful PAM. First, it provides the ability to connect a player wallet to many integrations – everything from payments to content providers and KYC. Second, there is the creation of automated funnels for onboarding players, collecting documentation and creating scalability for the operator. Third, it is the ability to programme advanced CRM and promotional tools and to then communicate these through many different channels. All of this comes together to create higher player value for the operator.
It is also true that in the US as with other markets, the PAM alone is not enough. We approach operators with our full package of sportsbook and casino products and services, including managed services, in order to appeal to land-based businesses in the US that want to move online.
CL: Responsible gaming products are paramount for all stakeholders, both to fulfil responsibility requirements and guarantee business sustainability. We have already started seeing a shift from traditional responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion, reality checks and spending limits, to more advanced solutions capable of detecting and preventing addiction. Responsible gaming is more important than ever and identifying and preventing harmful behaviour is a priority for all.
We also expect that player engagement tools will be key in the US and, given the existing interest in social and gamification features, familiarity and demand will be high.
PAM suppliers with experience in land-based and omni-channel solutions will also have an advantage. Mobile is king, but an understanding of retail solutions and methods of delivery through various channels could make the difference.
BW: There’s one main gamechanger – KYC, and, in particular, the ability to offer single logins across multiple states. To put this in perspective, as it stands for many, old-school operators need their customers to download a new app each time they cross state lines, which is a real headache. Removing this obstacle is going to be essential for many when it comes to scale.
The way I see it, it’s all about creating solutions that are unique to the US market, and these need to suit the completely new dynamic that the US presents. Such KYC-based features need to offer a solution that makes it as easy to get involved in the action as soon as possible. Each additional minute lost during the sign-up process effectively means a loss of initial retention. Of course, that’s starting to change now, with the likes of Iowa’s elimination of the need for players to initially register on-site with a casino sportsbook being a good example. Of course, a solid bonus engine is also crucial to what the PAM can offer.
Scalability will be important in such a fluid environment, what challenges does this pose in the development of a PAM offering and how can those be overcome?
CL: The US market is expected to bring a very high number of players/transactions, which will require the platforms to have powerful and scalable solutions capable of coping with the traffic. It will be essential for suppliers to ensure the very lowest downtime and the fastest disaster recovery times. The US market will demand the highest standards and the penalties will be high, so providers must be on top of this.
TS: Features that are crucial to scalability include automation, the seamless onboarding of the customer and cash-out options. In the mass market, with so many players involved, it is crucial that manual processes are removed from the equation in order to grow.
I believe the high double-digit growth we have seen in the existing US states will continue for the next few years. Back in Europe, the first regulated markets grew dramatically in the beginning, but experience dictates that after that initial period, US regulators will re-assess the situation and that could have an adverse impact on limiting operator growth, effectively stabilising the market.
RF: Scalability in this sense to us isn’t just about being able to cope with traffic for the Super Bowl or the Kentucky Derby, it’s about quickly being able to scale across multiple states, adding multiple clients, supporting multi-app and product strategy while offering single instances of back office, CRM and bonus tools.
Trying to retrofit this scalability to old tech stacks is challenging so PAMs that have been developed from scratch with this in mind will overcome this type of scaling issue much more effectively.
BW: It’s all about single login and a single app. Operators need to be able to scale across multiple states, which means a hub-and-spoke architecture design that can enable a singular HUB to power spokes across numerous jurisdictions via one app. This is not yet mainstream in the US, but this is what operators need to start doing if they want to lay claim to a national presence.
The design, look and feel of such an app is also essential – and we need to remember this is one of the world’s most discerning markets for customer UX when it comes to entertainment. This means the ability to offer differentiators is key, such as bonus campaigns with interchangeable widgets – all embedded with casino – removing any need for a separate casino app, and potentially a further loss of retention.
Gambling in the USA
UNLV International Gaming Institute Announces 2025 ESPN Research Fellows

Selected research projects will generate new insights into how responsible gambling messages are delivered and perceived in the rapidly evolving sports media landscape
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas International Gaming Institute (IGI) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 ESPN Research Fellowships. This year’s cohort features a group of scholars whose proposals will advance understanding of responsible gambling messaging in sports media and its implications for consumer well-being.
Fellowships recipients include:
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Dr. Brandon Mastromartino, Director of the Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming and Assistant Professor of Experiential Marketing at the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University. Dr. Mastromartino’s project will evaluate two of the NFL’s responsible gambling PSAs using a fan-centered marketing framework.
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Dr. Chris R. Noland, Assistant Professor of Advertising at the University of South Florida’s Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications. Dr. Noland will examine the influence of celebrity endorsements and promotional inducements in Instagram advertisements on online sports betting behavior.
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Dr. Ramon Silva Leite, Professor in the Postgraduate Program in Management at Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Dr. Silva’s project will investigate how responsible gambling messages are constructed and delivered through sports media, and how young sports bettors perceive and respond to them.
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Dr. Sarah Stokowski, Associate Professor of Athletic Leadership at Clemson University’s Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. Dr. Stokowski will investigate how college student-athletes perceive and interact with sports betting content on social media.
These projects will provide important insights into practical strategies that policymakers and the industry can adopt to help safeguard the wellbeing of sports enthusiasts and the public at large.
“IGI is tremendously proud of the work our previous Fellowships produced. A key goal of this initiative is to support innovative and impactful research to better understand the rapidly changing global sports and betting environment,” said Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at IGI. “This research represents critical perspectives on how gambling is represented in sports media and holds important implications for all gambling stakeholders.”
“Responsible gaming continues to be a priority for ESPN, and we are proud to continue our collaboration with IGI to support research that delivers real-world impact,” said Kevin Martinez, Vice President of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “These new projects will provide valuable insights into how responsible gaming messages can be delivered effectively across sports media and help strengthen standards that protect fans everywhere.”
Each research fellowship lasts six months. Research results will be featured in an IGI webinar in 2026.
Gambling in the USA
Iconic Online Games Set for Land-Based Debut Through Collaboration of Gaming Arts and Evolution

Gaming Arts, LLC and Evolution, through its dedicated land-based slot games partner Bluhare Studios, announced a landmark collaboration to adapt a select group of Evolution’s most celebrated online slot titles for the land-based Class III gaming market. This partnership combines proven game mechanics, strong brand recognition, innovative features, and Gaming Arts’ suite of high-performance MOD EX cabinets to deliver products designed to meet the expectations of today’s land-based casino players.
The first wave of releases is scheduled for Q4 2025 in North America and will be available across Gaming Arts’ latest cabinet line-up: the MOD EX J55, MOD EX 227, and MOD EX 337. Four titles will lead the launch, each carrying a strong legacy in online gaming along with exciting new enhancements for the casino floor.
Divine Fortune has been a global standout since its debut, ranking as the number one title for Evolution in the United States. Performing well in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and in all states it can be found online. It’s no surprise it has inspired successful online sequels such as Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. Now, this player favorite will make its long-awaited land-based debut. Developed in collaboration with Gaming Arts, Divine Fortune Ascensionbuilds on the success of the original with a fresh twist, introducing an all-new three-pot perceived persistence feature designed to heighten engagement.
Starburst, released in 2012, is one of the most recognizable slot titles in online gaming history and Evolution’s top performer globally. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, it has remained a staple for over a decade, inspiring sequels such as Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy. Starburst Supernovareimagines this classic with a multiplayer-enabled format, launching as part of a two-game multi-pack. Both titles will feature a new perceived persistent bonus mechanic that culminates in a hold-and-spin feature, adding a fresh layer of excitement to an already proven brand.
This collaboration also creates new opportunities for integrated marketing campaigns across both online and land-based platforms, reinforcing brand engagement and building stronger connections with players.
“We are thrilled to be working with the Evolution team, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gambling markets. This partnership allows us to work with two of Evolution’s most celebrated titles and bring them to a brand new player base”, said Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer, Gaming Arts.
“Bringing these iconic titles to land-based casinos represents a major step forward for Gaming Arts,” said Rob Ziems, CEO of Gaming Arts. “This collaboration goes beyond simply combining Evolution’s exceptional game brands with our latest MOD EX hardware. We are working closely with Evolution to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play while also innovating and modernizing them to create fresh, engaging experiences that will truly resonate with today’s casino players.”
Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, said: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction; from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift. This collaboration allows us to bring our world-class IP to the incredibly talented team at Gaming Arts, and watching them work their land-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”
Gambling in the USA
TCSJOHNHUXLEY to Sponsor Inaugural G2E Dealer Championship

G2E Las Vegas 2025 is set to host the first-ever US Dealer Championship, and TCSJOHNHUXLEY is delighted to announce its sponsorship of this landmark event. The championship, which celebrates the skill and professionalism of casino dealers, will take place at The Venetian Expo from October 7-9, 2025.
The G2E Dealer Championship will bring together the nation’s top casino dealers to compete for the title of “Best Dealer.” Contestants will be judged on their technical precision, game knowledge, and ability to provide a superior player experience.
As a proud sponsor TCSJOHNHUXLEY will be supplying all the Roulette tables for the competition, ensuring the highest standard of equipment for the championship. This not only highlights the company’s commitment to the dealers but also provides the perfect platform to showcase its renowned manufacturing expertise. TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s world-class Roulette tables are testament to the precision engineering and superior craftsmanship that has set the industry standard for decades.
Phil Lee, TCSJOHNHUXLEY Chief Financial Officer & Managing Director Americas comments, “We are delighted to be a part of the first G2E Dealer Championship, an event that truly celebrates the invaluable role of casino dealers. Dealers are the heart of the live gaming experience, and we are committed to supporting their success. Our outstanding Roulette tables will provide the perfect platform for these talented professionals to showcase their artistry and skill.”
The G2E Dealer Championship will take place at Booth #5225, located in The Strip at G2E.
The sponsorship underscores TCSJOHNHUXLEY’s unwavering commitment to the live gaming sector and the professionals who drive its success. The company invites all attendees to witness the championship and visit its stand at Booth #4439 during the expo to see its full range of innovative solutions.
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