Gambling in the USA
Strive Gaming Announces New Investment Round to Propel Future U.S. Commercial Growth Ambitions

OpenBet leads round, positioning Strive as strategic U.S. Player Account Management partner for the global sports betting powerhouse
Strive Gaming, a leading Player Account Management (PAM) platform within the U.S. betting and gaming industry, today announced it has raised a new investment round. OpenBet, a leading content, platform and service provider to the global betting industry, led the round.
OpenBet’s agreement with Strive Gaming complements its existing product architecture and is set to provide increased commercial opportunities for both organizations across North America, including in newly operating tribal markets. OpenBet already holds a strong position within the U.S., with several leading brands entrusting its technology, content and services to power their retail and digital offerings.
The investment deepens the collaboration between both companies and brings their leading platforms to market as a fully-integrated solution. The combined offering includes player protection and regulatory compliance features from Neccton, which OpenBet acquired in 2023.
Strive Gaming was founded in 2021 by Damian Xuereb and Max Meltzer, who will continue to lead the company and operate independently. Strive Gaming’s PAM solution will retain its platform-agnostic nature while maintaining the deepest integration with OpenBet to drive future expansion opportunities.
Jordan Levin, CEO of OpenBet, said: “This investment in Strive Gaming unlocks major new opportunities for OpenBet and bolsters our position as an end-to-end global industry-leader. With the strength of Strive Gaming’s PAM as a future-proofed solution for the U.S. market, combined with OpenBet’s high standards, we can offer U.S. operators a fully integrated, turnkey proposition that will fuel responsible betting experiences. This new partnership sparks a new chapter in our history, and we are looking forward to working closely with the Strive Gaming team.”
Max Meltzer, CEO of Strive Gaming, said: “Strive Gaming is perfectly positioned to increase our PAM market share and become a leader in the U.S. online betting industry over the coming years. OpenBet is a key, trusted brand in the global sports betting arena, and we welcome the company’s investment, in a move that will take us in a bold new direction, while maintaining our independence. We are extremely excited for our partnership with OpenBet – together, OpenBet and Strive Gaming have expertise across the entire betting industry, combined with strong tech and talent.”
Within three years of its founding, Strive Gaming has emerged as one of the leading U.S. PAM providers in terms of quantity of customers, with partners including Four Winds Casino, Golden Nugget (DraftKings), Desert Diamond and Betsafe.
Strive Gaming’s PAM offering has been specifically designed to address the requirements of U.S. facing operators. It offers speed to market in the complex regulatory environment, and a competitive set of features and functionality, as well as integrations to a wide range of the world’s leading content providers.
In addition to OpenBet, participants in the investment round included Knutsson Holdings AB, the former largest shareholder of casino content giant, NetEnt before its acquisition by Evolution Gaming. Astralis Capital Management LP, a specialist gaming fund, and a founder of one of Europe’s fastest growing casino operators, also joined the consortium alongside Betsson AB, the global gaming operator that was a seed investor in Strive Gaming’s exponential 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.
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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