Gambling in the USA
Everi Announces Senior Management Transition
The Board of Directors of Everi Holdings has announced that Chief Executive Officer Michael D. Rumbolz will be appointed Executive Chairman of the Board and that current Chief Operating Officer Randy L. Taylor will succeed Mr. Rumbolz as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Taylor also will be appointed to the Board of Directors. All appointments will be effective 1 April 2022.
“Under Mike’s leadership the Company’s market capitalization has increased from $168 million at the time of his appointment as Interim President and CEO in February 2016 to approximately $2 billion today. The Company’s appreciation in market value, the significant growth we have achieved across our business and the culture of collaboration and innovation that exists at Everi today all directly reflect Mike’s leadership. Mike was instrumental in establishing a vision for Everi, and he steered the Company through significant changes while implementing new operational practices. His contributions include improving the Company’s depth and breadth of leadership, driving a corporate culture based on teamwork, collaboration and inclusion, and putting Everi on a growth path based on continuous operational improvement. He led the Company’s smart, targeted internal and external investments that have significantly improved the Company’s earnings power and its Free Cash Flow. Mike has placed Everi on a very strong foundation for the future. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Mike for his nearly six years of outstanding service to the Company as our CEO, and we are excited that we will continue to benefit from his experience, insights and guidance as Executive Chairman,” Ronald Congemi, Lead Independent Director of Everi, said.
“During his more than ten years at Everi, Randy Taylor has consistently assumed additional leadership and operations responsibilities. We are very fortunate to have a talented executive in Randy who is capable of seamlessly stepping into the CEO role to continue to lead and advance the strong growth trajectory and momentum the Company has established over the last several years. Randy knows Everi intimately and has played a critical role in shaping the Company’s growth initiatives while also being a leading advocate for establishing the values and principles we stand for as a company. Randy is highly respected by all of our stakeholders, both in and outside the company, and the Board is highly confident he is ideally suited to become our next CEO to continue to advance and execute Everi’s growth strategy in the years ahead,” Ronald Congemi added.
“I am honored by the trust the Board has shown me and excited by the substantial opportunities we have to grow Everi in the years ahead. Mike has had a tremendous influence on building Everi, and I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work closely with him. With our core, recurring-revenue businesses continuing to grow strongly and early-phase growth ventures like iGaming and our cashless wallet technology set to be meaningful contributors in the future, Everi is favorably positioned for near and long-term growth and continued success,” Randy Taylor said.
Randy Taylor has served as President and COO since 1 April 2020, having previously been Executive Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer since March 2014. Mr. Taylor joined Everi in November 2011 as Senior Vice President and Controller.
Prior to joining Everi, he served at Citadel Broadcasting Corporation for ten years rising through a variety of financial roles to become Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Accounting Officer. Previously, Mr. Taylor served in various financial positions in the gaming industry with both casino operators and gaming suppliers.
“It has been an honor to serve as Everi’s CEO, working with the finest team in the industry for nearly six years. I believe the Company’s best years are still ahead and I look forward to all of Everi’s future successes. I am confident that under the continuity of the Company’s leadership highlighted by Randy assuming the CEO role and with our great team, that Everi will continue to drive our existing business momentum and will continue to grow shareholder value,” Mike Rumbolz said.
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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