Gambling in the USA
SCIPLAY BOARD ELECTS THREE NEW DIRECTORS
SciPlay Corporation, a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web platforms, announced the appointment of April Henry, Charles “CJ” Prober and Constance “Connie” P. James to its Board of Directors, effective May 1, 2022. In connection with these appointments, the Board increased its size from eight to nine directors.
The new directors bring decades of relevant experience across the technology, gaming and digital entertainment industries:
- Ms. Henry brings over two decades of experience advising global corporations across the technology industry on investments, mergers and acquisitions and global business development partnerships. A former Wall Street analyst from Morgan Stanley, she is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of Hawkeye Digital, a strategic consulting firm. April is also currently on the board of ATN International and is the EVP of Corporate Development for Science Inc, a top incubation and venture capital fund.
- Mr. Prober brings over two decades of experience in the digital entertainment and gaming industries. From 2008-2014, he was a senior executive at Electronic Arts, one of the world’s leading digital entertainment companies, serving in various capacities, including head of corporate development and SVP, digital publishing. Mr. Prober joined Electronic Arts via the acquisition of BioWare/Pandemic, one of the world’s leading video game developers, where he served on the executive leadership team. He left Electronic Arts to join GoPro, Inc. where he served as COO. He currently serves as CEO of Tile, Inc., the leading mobile app-based smart location company, and as a board member at Life360, the leading mobile app-based family safety platform, which acquired Tile in January 2022.
- Ms. James is a seasoned financial executive with nearly twenty years of gaming experience in financial and operational roles. She is currently EVP and CFO of Light & Wonder, Inc. (formerly known as Scientific Games Corporation), the largest shareholder of SciPlay, where she is one of the key architects of Light & Wonder’s strategic transformation to become the leading cross-platform global game company. Prior to joining Light & Wonder, she was a finance executive at Cargill Corporation, and previously she was CFO – Global Land Based Gaming at Aristocrat Leisure Limited, a gaming solutions provider based in Australia.
“I am excited to welcome a diverse group of proven leaders to SciPlay’s Board,” said Barry Cottle, Executive Chairman of the Board. “SciPlay is operating at the cutting edge of mobile games, and as we work to achieve our potential, having the right mix of perspectives in the boardroom matters. I look forward to working alongside April, CJ, Connie and our other board members to oversee SciPlay’s strategy to become a leading diversified global game developer and enhance value for our shareholders.”
“April, CJ and Connie bring decades of leadership experience in relevant industries and important strategic expertise that will enrich the Board’s oversight of the Company,” said Josh Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of SciPlay. “I am excited at the prospect of what the management team and our newly refreshed board can achieve together as we continue to execute our strategy and accelerate our growth.”
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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