Following the announcement of free self-exclusion support for Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, and Tennessee, The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP) announced that, beginning this August, individuals in California will have a simple, no-cost way to take the proactive step of voluntary self-exclusion to address their gambling through NVSEP.

NVSEP is working closely with the California Council on Problem Gambling to ensure that the program fills a great need for Californians.

Robert Jacobson, Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling, stated: “California self-exclusion is a critical state program which allows individuals to request that a card room prevent them from gambling at, or in many cases entering, the premises for a designated period. This can be a crucial tool for those battling gambling addiction. However, enrolling in the program in person at a card room’s premises can have a powerful triggering effect, potentially leading to a relapse or deterring the individual from self-excluding entirely.”

“Remotely excluding – i.e., mailing in a form – can be a great alternative; however, it requires that the enrollment form be notarized to verify the identity of the person submitting the form. For someone suffering from an addiction – especially one which causes severe financial hardships – each added barrier or cost makes it that much more difficult for them to take that first step on the road to recovery. NVSEP’s offer of free notarization services for those enrolling in California’s self-exclusion program removes a significant barrier, potentially having a tremendously positive impact on countless Californians dealing with gambling addiction by making one of our most vital prevention and recovery tools more accessible,” said Mr. Jacobson.

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Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, said: “NVSEP is singularly focused on expanding free and simple access to voluntary self-exclusion to those who need it. This announcement has the potential to help many of the tens of millions of people who either call California home or make it a travel destination and need a free and effective way to protect themselves.”

International Game Technology PLC announced that it has released the highly anticipated Whitney Houston Slots game, giving players across the US an exciting new entertainment opportunity at their favorite casinos. The dazzling game is bringing the “Voice of a Generation” to a growing list of casinos, delivering an immersive experience that is sure to captivate Whitney Houston fans and slot enthusiasts alike.

“IGT is thrilled to bring the new star-studded Whitney Houston Slots game to casino floors across the US. Whitney Houston slots exemplifies IGT’s winning formula for licensed game themes: a world-class entertainment experience combined with a precise alignment of the licensed theme fan base and the slot player demographic,” said Nick Khin, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Gaming.

IGT’s Whitney Houston Slots was created in collaboration with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, resulting in a high-energy casino experience that authentically captures the talents and energy of the global superstar. Here’s what Whitney Houston fans and slot players should know about the game:

• Delivers a Concert-Like Experience. Casino guests will feel the beat of a legacy of chart-topping music while playing Whitney Houston Slots. The game features hit songs such as “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “So Emotional,” and “How Will I Know, which are brought to life through a synchronized audio and video experience on the towering SkyRise cabinet.
• Incorporates a Variety of Music-Inspired Elements. From game symbols to bonus content, the game is infused with iconic Whitney Houston concert footage and famous photos. One of many game highlights is its interactive platinum record collection-pot feature, where players collect platinum record symbols that land on the reels, which may then spill back into the game to trigger the Respin Bonus.
• Features Jackpots that Will Make Players Want to Dance. Pairing mega star power with big win potential, Whitney Houston Slots features four highly entertaining jackpots, including the top-level $500,000 wide area progressive jackpot. The game also incorporates gameplay mechanics that seasoned slots players know and love, including a dedicated lock and respin bonus, Cash on Reels, Stacked Wilds, and free games.
• Creates a Must-See Spectacle on the Gaming Floor. Certain to capture attention across the gaming floor, Whitney Houston Slots is housed on IGT’s newest hardware technology, the SkyRise cabinet. The SkyRise cabinet stands over 11 feet tall and features two 55-inch, 4K resolution curved-edge LCD screens to deliver vivid graphics, state-of-the-art sound, and optimized lighting design. When four of these cabinets are placed in a side-by-side bank configuration, the top screens of all four units seamlessly integrate and synchronize images to create a concert-like video wall.

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) (“MGM Resorts” or the “Company”) today announced that its subsidiary, LeoVegas Group (“LeoVegas”), has entered into an agreement to acquire the product and technology platform constituting the U.S sportsbook and online casino from Tipico Group Ltd (“Tipico”).

This acquisition is the second major investment by LeoVegas, following the acquisition of game developer Push Gaming in 2023. The acquisition will allow LeoVegas to operate a purpose-built proprietary sportsbook across all international markets and brands, with the exception of those exclusive to the BetMGM JV, with a focus on a clean, fast consumer experience with top-class product, pricing and functionality.

Tipico will wind down its U.S. operations prior to the closing of the acquisition. As part of the transaction, LeoVegas will acquire certain of Tipico’s U.S. facing management, technology and trading teams across the U.S., Colombia and Europe.

“The acquisition of Tipico’s award winning U.S. platform marks a significant milestone in the strategic development of MGM Resorts’ global digital gaming business, allowing us to operate a proprietary sports betting platform,” said Gary Fritz, President, MGM Resorts International Interactive, “This acquisition gives us control of our entire technology ecosystem, and we are delighted to bring Tipico’s U.S. team, with their track record of developing high quality product and pricing capabilities, into our business.”

LeoVegas CEO Gustaf Hagman added: “By controlling our own sportsbook technology, we ensure that we will deliver the world’s greatest iGaming experience to customers across all our markets and brands. Powering our strong brands with a competitive and innovative sports product will enable us to grow and strengthen our sportsbook offering in both new and existing markets. I look forward to welcoming the talented teams from Tipico’s U.S. business into the LeoVegas Group very soon.”

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The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.