Gambling in the USA
Plaza Hotel & Casino debuts reimagined Main Street façade as new downtown destination for cocktails, gaming, and dining

Under the twinkling lights of its iconic dome, the Plaza Hotel & Casino officially cut the ribbon to celebrate the upcoming grand opening of its Main Street Reimagination projects that transformed its historic Main Street façade and porte-cochère into a one-of-a-kind destination for cocktails, gaming, and dining with four new venues: Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts, the rooftop patio at Oscar’s steakhouse, and Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, downtown’s only smokefree and social media friendly gaming space. All venues will officially open to the public on June 10.
Plaza Hotel & Casino CEO Jonathan Jossel cut the commemorative ribbon at the project’s centerpiece Carousel Bar, alongside city of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, former Mayor Oscar Goodman, leading gaming social media influencer Brian Christopher, and Judith Perez Siegel, owner of Pinkbox Doughnuts and Michael Crandall, chief business officer of Pinkbox Doughnuts.
“For more than 50 years, the Plaza has called 1 Main Street home,” said Jossel. “Main Street is where Las Vegas got its start, and the Plaza continues to enhance this historic and exciting thoroughfare. Last year, we opened the legendary live music venue Sand Dollar Downtown. Today, we further establish Main Street as a premier downtown destination with the addition of Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts, Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, and a rooftop patio overlooking it all at Oscar’s steakhouse.”
At the ribbon cutting, Jossel thanked city of Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and her husband, former Las Vegas Mayor and steakhouse namesake, Oscar Goodman for their continued support of the Plaza and downtown redevelopment. He also recognized Judith Perez Siegel, Michael Crandall, and Brian Christopher for partnering with the Plaza. Jossel added that the Plaza’s evolution and improvements, including these four projects, wouldn’t be possible without the vision of the property’s owner, Poju Zabludowicz, chairman and CEO of Tamares Group.
New Venues
The centerpiece of the Plaza’s Main Street reimagination project transforms the space under the Plaza’s iconic dome into the Carousel Bar, an outdoor bar experience unlike any other. Guests enjoy handmade cocktails, beer, wine, and mocktails among life-sized Vegas-themed elements, including carousel horses moving up and down, a martini glass with a spinning olive, an oversized deck of cards, a 14-foot-tall neon showgirl sign, and a rotating ribbon of lights above the bar. The bar’s design preserves the dome’s iconic vintage Vegas lights that have been featured in numerous movies and shows over the years. The 2,500 sq. ft. outdoor venue includes Vegas’ only outdoor video poker machines, an outdoor cooling system, and seating for nearly 100 guests in booths, at the bar, and along its outer rail that overlooks Main Street at the western entrance to the Fremont Street Experience.
Adjacent to Carousel Bar is Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, downtown’s first smoke-free and social media friendly gaming space. The new gaming space expands the popular social media influencer’s presence at the Plaza by 5X, from the original 16 slot machines to an expansive 2,500 square feet with 75 of the industry’s latest and most innovative games for guests 21 and older. The space also supports social media posting like never before by offering fun backdrops for selfies and group shots as well as the ability to play only copyright friendly songs that can be posted on social platforms.
Oscar’s rooftop patio is above the new gaming space and accessible via the restaurant’s existing lounge. Offering the award-winning restaurant’s full dinner menu in addition to its extensive wine and cocktail lists, Oscar’s patio will be the first al fresco space for fine dining in downtown. Able to accommodate approximately 225 people, the patio at Oscar’s is a great new location for dinner and cocktail receptions with amazing views of downtown, including Carousel Bar and the lights and action on Fremont and Main Streets.
The fast-growing Nevada-based doughnut franchise, Pinkbox Doughnuts rounds out the Main Street Reimagination with its first location in downtown Las Vegas. Known for its over-the-top doughnut creations and immersive store experiences, Pinkbox Doughnuts welcomes guests through a giant 12-foot-tall 3D doughnut with sprinkles entrance. The interior décor of the 1,200 sq. ft. store mirrors Pinkbox Doughnuts’ other locations with its pink floor stripes and 3D sprinkles, signature pinks drips on the walls, and a glass doughnut display case that shows the full line of more than 70 delicious and whimsically designed doughnuts.
Naming Contest
The Plaza is asking the public to help name the Carousel Bar’s life-sized showgirl. Now until July 10, potential names can be submitted online at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/showgirl/. Winners will be announced July 11 and will receive a two-night stay at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, $100 to Carousel Bar, $250 to Oscar’s steakhouse, and one dozen free doughnuts at Pinkbox Doughnuts. The selected name will be engraved on a nameplate beside the showgirl.
Special hotel offer
To showcase the new food & beverage venues, the Plaza is offering the “Reimagine Your Stay” hotel package for stays June 10 through Sept. 6 that includes two complimentary signature cocktails at Carousel Bar, two free glazed doughnuts at Pinkbox Doughnuts, and 20% discount for dinner at Oscar’s steakhouse. The package can be booked online with the code: IMAGINE.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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