Gambling in the USA

What We Can Learn From the US States That Have Legalized iGaming

Published

3 years ago

July 20, 2022

For many, gambling is an emotive subject. Some people love it. The anticipation, the thrill, and what-ifs that form while waiting for the result. However, some people and communities object to gambling on moral grounds; these could be related to religion, morals, or traditions. The USA has always had a strange relationship with gambling ranging from total prohibition to Las Vegas marketing itself as the world’s gambling capital. Ever since the Supreme Court overturned the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that had served as a blanket prohibition on state-sponsored sports betting, state after state has opened up to legalized gambling. Before the ban was lifted, it was estimated that Americans wagered $150 billion illegally every year.

That $150 billion figure illustrates that banning something does not make it go away; it simply drives it underground. While some states like Utah and Hawaii will never legalize gambling, many others are looking at the trailblazer states like New Jersey or overseas to Europe and seeing that regulated gambling can bring significant revenue to state coffers.

The state of New Jersey pushed for the change to the law, and New Jersey immediately passed laws that allowed Monmouth Park to begin to take sports bets. The state had licensed legalized online casinos and poker rooms in 2013, and by August 2018, the first online sports books in the state were opened.

We can learn from New Jersey alone that gambling is big business. In September 2018, the state handled $1.01 billion in wagers. The lion’s share of this came from igaming at nine casinos and three racetracks. In addition, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, $92.7 million was spent online.

What really matters to the states that have legalized online gambling is the revenue it generates for private operators and their shareholders and the taxes levied for the state. For example, the latest figures from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement are as follows:

“For the month of June, Internet Gaming Win reported by casinos and their partners was $133.1 million, reflecting growth of 24.4% compared to $107.1 million for the prior period. For the year-to-date period, Internet Gaming Win reported by casinos and their partners was $814.5 million, reflecting growth of 28.4% compared to $634.2 million for the prior year-to-date period.

Sports Wagering Gross Revenue: Sports Wagering Gross Revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $39.2 million for June 2022, reflecting a 44.9% decrease when compared to $71.3 million in the prior period. Sports Wagering Gross Revenue reported by casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $308.7 million for the year-to-date, reflecting a 16.2% decline when compared to $368.3 million for the prior period. ”

UK companies had highly developed gaming software and technology. The best NJ online casino was able to integrate the existing games onto its platform to get it up and running quickly. The European operators had been working in legalized markets for years. So rather than try and reinvent the wheel, states that have legalized iGaming have imported the technology and business acumen from businesses that already knew what they were doing.

This model was followed up by all the states who went on to legalize iGaming. There are now 21 states where sports betting is legal. In Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, residents can play online casino games, including table games like blackjack and roulette and a wide variety of online slots. The technology behind these games comes from European brands. They already have an extensive portfolio of games backed up by the top software providers in the world. They also have developed the best algorithms to spot potential gamblers and prevent gambling harms where possible.

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There is constant innovation in this market. Companies are constantly bringing out new slot games to ensure that there is something for players to enjoy. In addition to the enhanced graphics and animations which make exciting virtual gaming online possible, gamblers can now play games with a live dealer without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

While the US might have been behind the UK and other countries in legalizing online gambling, the US land-based casinos are now looking to buy up the European pioneers. MGM has recently agreed to purchase Stockholm-headquartered online slots company LeoVegas.

The states that have legalized iGaming are finding that they are not only gaining revenues through taxation but are attracting tourists’ money too. Americans no longer have to go exclusively to Las Vegas to be able to enjoy a flutter. To gamble legally, a player must be physically present in their gambling state. They do not have to be permanent residents. This means that sports fans can enjoy a gamble on the game’s outcome. As well as the revenue from the gambling tax, a state like Pennsylvania can also benefit from hotel revenues from people attending the game or placing a bet from their holiday accommodation.

The most significant barrier to entry for operators is the high cost of doing business in a state like Pennsylvania. The tax rate in the state is effectively 36%, and operators have to pay an upfront $10 million licensing fee. As more states open up, will they need to start competing against each other?

Related Topics:Gambling Legalized iGaming US States

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Gambling in the USA

Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort Rising in Kings Mountain as First Year of Construction is Completed

Published

5 days ago

June 23, 2025

Niji Narayan

Significant construction has been completed during the first year of work on the $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain, N.C., a site off Interstate-85 only 35 miles from Charlotte and close to the South Carolina border.

Construction on all aspects of the project is in full swing, with the foundations for the casino complex and hotel completed several months ago, the casino complex at its full height and expanding horizontally, and steel continuing to rise for the 24-story, 385-room hotel. The hotel tower framing is now 10 stories high, with an additional floor being added nearly every week. At completion, the hotel will be connected to the casino complex.

The casino complex includes the introductory casino on the first level, three levels of covered parking, a back-of-house level and top level with the main casino floor and restaurants. The introductory casino, set to open in spring 2026, will include 1350 slot machines, 20 table games, a 40-seat restaurant, a bar, sports betting kiosks, and Lucky North Rewards desk.

The introductory casino will replace the current temporary (prelaunch) casino, which continues to grow in popularity as it nears its fourth anniversary on July 1.

The main casino complex is targeted to open in 2027. It will be about 2 million square feet and feature:

• 4300 slot machines

• 100 table games

• 11 dining outlets, including a steakhouse, Italian restaurant, marketplace with six venues, café, and grab-and-go outlet

• A players lounge

• 11 bars, including a center bar and sports bar

• A 2700-space parking garage built under the casino complex and 800 surface parking spaces

The project has created hundreds of construction jobs. Upon completion, the casino resort will employ an estimated 2200 regional residents and citizens of the Catawba Nation.

“This casino resort will be an economic game changer for Catawba citizens and a force to drive the economy of Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain. This project is a testament to our resilience, our commitment to self-sufficiency, and our determination to build a better future for ourselves and our future generations,” Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris said.

Harris noted the temporary casino is contributing to many community and charitable organizations in the region, and that will only increase as the full casino resort opens.

The project is being led by the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority under Vice President Trent Troxel, with Yates-Metcon as the construction general contractor; Delaware North as the gaming management, development and hospitality consultant; and SOSHNY Design architects.

“Once again, I want to thank the Cleveland County, City of Kings Mountain, federal and state leaders who have supported the Catawba Nation’s efforts develop the casino resort in its ancestral lands in North Carolina,” Harris said.

Work has also been completed on two key infrastructure projects for development of the permanent casino resort that were funded by the Catawba Nation: doubling the size of the Dixon School Road Bridge over I-85 near the casino entrance and installing new sewer lines near the casino.

Gambling in the USA

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Named Luckiest Casino in US by Casinos.com

Published

1 month ago

May 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has been named the luckiest casino in the US according to a recent study conducted by Casinos.com. The resort claimed the top spot based on an in-depth analysis of Tripadvisor reviews, measuring the frequency of luck-related keyword mentions.

With a 25.49% luck rate, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa topped the list thanks to glowing guest feedback, including frequent mentions of jackpots, hand pays and bonus wins. 50 reviews mentioned the word “jackpot,” and 19 even referenced a “hand pay.”

Casinos.com tracked keywords such as lucky, luck, won, winning, success, jackpot, hand pay, winner, bonus, profit to determine which U.S. casinos inspired the most winning moments among visitors.

“I hit 4 jackpots. I stayed one night. I had a blast. The machines are as loose as anywhere else,” wrote one Tripadvisor reviewer, noted Casinos.com, capturing the essence of why the casino landed in the No. 1 spot.

“We’ve always known this was a lucky casino, but it’s exciting to see that recognized through data-driven research. It’s a testament to the vibrant energy on our casino floor and the unforgettable experiences we strive to create for every guest,” said Steve Bonner, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

The ranking reinforces Seminole Hard Rock Tampa’s reputation as one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the US. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa was not involved in the study and was unaware of it until the results were publicly released.

Over the past year, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has paid out nearly 839,000 jackpots totaling more than $2.45 billion, continuing to deliver thrilling high-stakes gaming. Since May 1, 2024, the casino resort has awarded 375 jackpots of $100,000 or more, amounting to an impressive $61 million in winnings. Notably, 47 of those massive wins stemmed from bets of $5 or less and nine came from wagers of $3 or less.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa offers a fully integrated casino experience with a sleek, modern design and welcoming atmosphere of 245,000 square feet of gaming space and entertainment. With 5230 of the hottest slot machines and a full range of table games such as poker, blackjack and baccarat, there is no shortage of opportunities to win. Additionally, guests can enjoy live craps, roulette, and sports betting at their leisure.

Gambling in the USA

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

Published

2 months ago

April 25, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

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.

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.