Gambling in the USA
Four Gaming History Seminars Offered Free at Casino Collectibles Show

The Casino Collectibles Association is dedicated to the growing hobby of collecting casino memorabilia and the preservation of gaming history. Every year at their annual show four educational seminars related to gaming history are offered at no charge to the public.
Each seminar will be presented in the Joshua Room of the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Attendees are asked to arrive before each presentation’s scheduled start time. The audience will be encouraged to pose questions of the speakers at the completion of each seminar.
The seminar topics, speakers and appearance times are as follows:
Bahamian Rhapsody – The history of casinos in the Bahamas. Charles Kaplan is the current Chairman of the Museum of Gaming History. He is also the curator of the ChipGuide, the most comprehensive reference guide available for casino chip collectors, featuring a free on-line image database of over 285,000 gaming chips and memorabilia from worldwide casinos. Kaplan’s presentation will cover the time period after the mob was kicked out of Cuba by Castro’s revolution, when they sought other venues to ply their trade. The nearby Bahamas was one of their first targets. Gambling was illegal in the Bahamas until the Duke of Windsor, then the Governor of the Bahamas, issued an exemption for a seasonal casino at a private club on Cat Cay Island in 1939. The story is complicated and complex involving corrupt government officials, swindlers, the mob, a future President of the United States, a television celebrity and several billionaires. Seminar: Thursday, June 16 at 8 a.m.
How the chip market is affected by “sudden†new finds. Oscar Lappalainen has been immersed in the casino collectibles world and valuating chips and tokens on a daily basis for years through his work at Spinettis Gaming Supplies, and through the tutelage of CCA Life Member Mike Spinetti. His collecting hobby has expanded to include making casino history videos available on YouTube. Lappalainen will talk about the barrage of large quantities of “rare†chips that surfaced last year, and the affect this has had on the valuations of casino chips in the marketplace. Seminar: Thursday, June 16 at 3 p.m.
Collecting and Researching Silver Tokens. Dennis Berry, a coin collector since he was 12, got the silver token collection bug in 1994 when he discovered them at the Boomtown Casino in Verdi, Nevada. He is a charter member of the Silver Strike Club and the author of World Denominational Casino Tokens Silver and Gold. His presentation will cover his experiences over a quarter century collecting, researching and valuating casino silver tokens. Seminar: Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m.
Hot Oklahoma Nights. Paul Schaffer, a former Guinness World Record holder of the Largest Chip and Token Collection and CCA Life member has a passion for researching and collecting Oklahoma casino chips and tokens. His presentation will cover Oklahoma gaming from the beginning to present day, including how Native American cultures influence chip design. Through his collection he will share stories from his many travels to the Sooner State, highlighting his favorite and rarest Oklahoma chips. Seminar: Friday, June 17 at 3 p.m.
Public invited to attend these free seminars.
The free seminars run concurrently with the Casino Collectibles Association’s 29th annual show, which runs June 16-18, 2022. Featuring museum-like exhibits and over 50 dealers of casino memorabilia from all over the world, the public is invited to join in the fun of examining, buying, selling, trading or even evaluating casino collectibles and mementos. These include gaming chips, tokens, dice, slot cards, playing cards, matchbooks, menus, dinnerware, swizzle sticks, post cards – just about anything with a casino name or logo on it. There is a slight admission charge for the show floor on Thursday and Friday. Show admission is free on Saturday.
The Casino Chips and Collectibles Show registration and admission is open to the public June 17, 10 AM – 5 PM (admission $10), June 18, 9 AM – 4 PM (admission $5) and June 19, 9 AM – 4 PM (admission is free). Location is Exhibit Hall C at the South Point Hotel Casino, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada.
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.â€
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.â€
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.
Gambling in the USA
BMM INNOVATION GROUP SHOWCASES ITS SUPPORT FOR TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AT INDIAN GAMING CONFERENCE & EXPO MARCH 31 – APRIL 3 AT SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

Company to sponsor, attend, and speak at the San Diego, California show.
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,†“BIG Group,†or “BIGâ€), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, today announced its sponsorship and participation in the Indian Gaming Association’s (“IGAâ€) annual IGA Conference & Expo, March 31-April 3 at the San Diego Convention Center.
With over three decades of experience supporting Tribal gaming, BIG will be on-site as sponsors, speakers, and attendees to reinforce the Company’s steadfast commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-regulation.
Proud Partners in Tribal Progress
The BIG Group’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “BMM proudly partners with Tribal governments, Tribal casinos, and Tribal gaming equipment and technology suppliers to advance Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development. We are honored to continue supporting the growth and integrity of Tribal gaming through our trusted product compliance services, world-class training and virtual education, and our cybersecurity solutions to protect Tribal enterprises.â€
BMM’s long-standing relationships with Tribal gaming suppliers and regulators are at the heart of its mission. As active members of IGA and other key Tribal organizations, BIG is committed to elevating Tribal voices and ensuring Tribal interests remain at the forefront of industry growth.
BIG Group Shares Thought Leadership on Conference Panels and Trainings
- In addition to sponsoring and attending, the BIG Group’s expert thought leaders will speak and provide in-person training at the conference:
- Tuesday, April 1 at 9 am: Innovation vs. Regulation: Keep Pace with Emerging Gaming Technologies – Sean Mason, Senior Director of Tribal Services
- Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm: Gaming and Cyber Risk Best Practices – Mitigate Risk and Sleep Better at Night – Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales for BIG Cyber
- Wednesday, April 2 at 9 am: Level III Commissioner Certification Training – Peter Nikiper, Director of Technical Compliance
Unmatched Expertise in Product Compliance and Certification
As a trusted testing laboratory for Tribal gaming jurisdictions across North America, BMM’s focus is fairness, integrity, and security in every gaming environment. IGA attendees are invited to connect with BMM experts to learn more about the Company’s comprehensive product compliance programs.
Education & Training for Long-Term Success
BIG continues to empower Tribal gaming employees through exclusive education and training programs, including free access to RG24seven Virtual Training. These knowledge-sharing initiatives are designed to support responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of Tribal gaming operations.
Cybersecurity Solutions Tailored for Tribal Gaming
The BIG Group is focused on bolstering cybersecurity defenses for Tribal enterprises through its BIG Cyber services, which includes penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a host of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
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