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Gambling in the USA

Exclusive interview with Joonas Karhu (Bojoko.us)

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Bojoko doubles down in the US and Canada

 

Bojoko is an award-winning online casino affiliate that has dominated the UK market since its launch in 2017. But now it is making a play in the fast-growing US market via Bojoko.us. We sat down with Joonas Karhu from Bojoko to learn more about what the company has planned for the US where it has recently launched in West Virginia and Michigan, and whether the market has lived up to its potential so far.

You have been live in the US market for many months now. Has it lived up to expectations or has it proved to be more challenging than expected?

From an affiliate’s perspective, the intent that players have is quite universal and that is to find a gambling site that has a solid offering from bonuses to payment methods, is reliable and preferably is peer-reviewed. Of course, it needs to be marketed by the affiliate in a way that players want to engage with the brand and what it has to offer. This is the same in the US as it is in other regulated markets around the world.

In terms of being more or less challenging than anticipated, prior to making our entry into the US we expected the process of applying for affiliate licenses to be paperwork heavy and laborious. But we have been pleased to discover that this has not been the case with regulators in each of the markets we are currently live in – New Jersey, West Virginia and Michigan – very welcoming and committed to making the process as smooth and seamless as possible.

What have been the main challenges faced and how have you overcome them?

It is better to consider the US as 50 countries instead of one. There are tremendous differences between states in terms of legislation and compliance, as well as what each operator offers to players in terms of brands, bonuses, payment options, etc. The Bojoko platform was not initially built for such a complex setup, so we have had to rethink and rebuilt the site’s infrastructure almost from scratch. This was ultimately an excellent exercise for us because we hadn’t undertaken such a thorough audit since we launched in 2017. I also believe it puts us in the driving seat to succeed in Canada which will undoubtedly take a similar province-by-province approach as the US.

You recently launched in West Virginia and Michigan – what are your plans for these states?

When we launch into any new market, we spend the first few months gathering data to better understand what the local quirks and player preferences might be in terms of what they look for in the online casino brands they want to play at. We also want to make sure that we are providing the information that players in that state/market are seeking while also allowing them to browse and choose the brands that best match their preferences. From this, we can then improve our offering in each state and this is exactly what we are now doing in West Virginia and Michigan. Ideally, we would scale Bojoko with the same technical template across the US and beyond, but we know we must be flexible and localise for each market if we are to succeed.

How do you think these states will stack up against the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania?

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I will give you a direct answer to what is a direct question. I have no idea. It is still very early days for all US markets so we will just keep having to collect and analyse data and see how it all plays out in the long term. That being said, we believe that all regulated online casino states have tremendous potential and that is why our plan is to apply for and secure licences in each.

Are you localizing Bojoko to each state? If so, what does that entail?

I began my career working in the Finnish market, first working with the Finnish monopoly operator Veikkaus and then moving abroad and working with big international companies active in the Finnish market. One of the most important factors in the market that separated growth companies from laggards was localisation. How well a brand could localise, in as micro-level as possible, made all the difference and I think it will absolutely be the same in the US. That is why at Bojoko we will continuously analyse states on an individual basis and work tirelessly to localise to the most micro level that we can.

How are you using your experience in the UK and other markets to guide your approach in the US?

The combination of explicit and tacit knowledge that our 15-person team has learned over the years will help guide us towards success in the US. The many trends and changes the team has seen in player preferences, as well as in terms of regulation and compliance, give us the experience and understanding needed to take on the US market and come out on top. We have always believed in regulation, licensing and compliance, and know exactly how to work within the rules while still providing a valuable product and service to players. I believe this is what sets us aside from other affiliate organisations.

Do you still believe the US will be one of the largest – if not the largest – legal online gambling markets in the world?

For me, there is no doubt about it. Sports betting has been the biggest focus for companies so far in the US, but I think over the years this will shift towards casino which is historically a more stable and profitable vertical for operators. The US market is only just getting started and I for one cannot wait to see how it is going to unfold. Of course, Bojoko will play a key role in helping players find the best brands for them.

Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

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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:

  • 500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.

  • 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:

  • HCAL, LLC

  • JCM Global

  • Konami Gaming, Inc.

  • 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.

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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.

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Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

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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.”

 

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Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

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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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