Gambling in the USA
Pennsylvania Skill, Powered by Pace-O-Matic, Congratulates PA Gaming Control Board and Casino Giants on Surpassing 2023 Revenue Numbers
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Pace-O-Matic (POM), creator of Pennsylvania Skill games, has congratulated the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) which saw an 8.7% increase in gambling revenue in May 2024 over revenue in May 2023.
The funding comes from slot machines, table games, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals (VGTs). The May revenue total is $520,997,868.
As the PGCB celebrates yet another enormous financial win, small businesses, veterans groups, volunteer fire companies and other fraternal clubs across the state also are pleased with the income they receive from operating legal skill games.
“The increased revenue for casinos and other gambling enterprises under the jurisdiction of the PGCB is good for the commonwealth. These numbers show that there is room in the state for both casinos and small businesses that operate skill games to be successful. There is no competition between the two,” said Mike Barley, spokesman for Pennsylvania Skill.
Barley questions why casinos, especially Parx Casino, are fighting skill games when they continue to see increased revenues month after month and year after year. He added he is disappointed the giant casino industry wants to destroy family businesses and organizations that count on skill games for supplemental income by seeking to impose a crushing tax rate on the games. Legislation to regulate skill games calls for a 16% tax on skill games while casinos say the tax should be 52%.
“Sadly, $521 million a month is not enough to satisfy the greedy casino industry. Instead, they want to kill small businesses, American Legions, volunteer fire companies, Moose Lodges and other places that count on income from skill games. These locations could never afford to pay the same tax rate that wealthy casinos pay. Casinos know that but they simply don’t care,” Barley added.
Barley explained that POM supports legislation sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Danilo Burgos that will regulate and tax skill games. There is bipartisan backing for the legislation that will put guardrails around skill game operations and provide $250 million in skill game tax revenue for the state in the first year alone. Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to see skill game tax revenue as part of his 2024-25 state budget. But, Barley added, that revenue is generated only through a reasonable tax on skill games.
Several courts have ruled Pennsylvania Skill games are legal, including a unanimous Commonwealth Court in November. In addition to providing supplemental income to small businesses, the games are manufactured in Williamsport and 92% of the income they generate stays within the local economy or the state.
Gambling in the USA
MGCB to Increase Regulatory Capacity with Additional Staff, Contribute $6M to Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund
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On Thursday, June 27, the Michigan Legislature reached an agreement on the state’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget which includes $1.9 million of funding earmarked to support the addition of 14 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions at the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). These positions are necessary to support the agency’s internet gaming and sports betting regulatory operations in one of the fastest-growing U.S. gaming markets, expand the MGCB’s regulatory capacity, and enhance protections against illegal activity.
Additionally, the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and its associated programs will receive a $3 million funding increase from the MGCB. This increased allocation of proceeds from internet gaming and sports betting funds will enhance the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline operated by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, and support gambling research and education for youth about gambling, as well as existing treatment options to assist those with gambling addiction and related problems.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Whitmer and the Legislature for their commitment to enhancing the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s operations with their support of additional FTE positions, underscoring their dedication to strengthening the agency and it’s regulatory efforts. Moreover, the MGCB’s increased contribution, from $3 million to $6 million, to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates our proactive approach towards responsible gaming. Together, we are safeguarding the integrity of the industry while prioritizing the well-being of Michigan citizens,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.
The MGCB will use another $3 million in its FY2025 budget to support the continuation of the agency’s “Don’t Regret the Bet” responsible gaming messaging campaign. Launched on March 1, 2023, the campaign provides tips and information to Michigan citizens that can help them play it smart and keep gambling from getting out of hand.
The bipartisan budget agreement is now headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for her consideration and signing into law, with funding allocations expected to take effect Oct. 1, the start of the state FY2025 budget calendar year.
Gambling in the USA
High 5 Casino Wins Social Gaming Operator of the Year for Second Consecutive Year
![High 5 Casino Wins Social Gaming Operator of the Year for Second Consecutive Year](https://gamingamericas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8202.jpg)
High 5 Casino is thrilled to announce its consecutive win as Social Gaming Operator of the Year at the EGR North America Awards 2024. This prestigious award reaffirms High 5 Casino’s exceptional performance and innovation in the social gaming sector.
“We’re honored that High 5 Casino has once again received the Social Gaming Operator award,” said Tony Singer, CEO of High 5 Games. “Beyond our growth in users, it’s the happiness our players find in the H5C community that motivates us to continually improve. Our commitment is to provide players with top-notch casino content, and we’re determined to solidify H5C as the leading social casino brand worldwide.”
An independent panel of judges selected High 5 Casino for its outstanding performance and innovation over the past year. The award recognizes High 5 Casino’s notable commercial success and community-building efforts in the social gaming market.
“The recognition from EGR North America Awards is a testament to our team’s dedication and the support of our players,” added Tony Singer. “We are excited to continue pushing boundaries in social gaming and delivering unforgettable experiences to our community.”
The winners were announced on June 27 at an awards ceremony held at Midtown Loft & Terrace in New York City. High 5 Casino secured the Social Gaming Operator of the Year award due to its outstanding product quality, revenue growth, and leadership in innovation across product differentiation, marketing, and technology.
Gambling in the USA
National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program Adds Free Support for California
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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.
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.”
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