Gambling in the USA
The Cordish Companies Celebrates Major Construction Milestone During “Topping Off” Ceremony for New $270+ Million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana Project

LRGC Gaming Investors LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies, marked a significant milestone in the construction of the first land-based casino in the Shreveport-Bossier market during the “Topping Off” ceremony for the new $270+ Million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, a project that will serve as a regional destination for world-class gaming, dining, entertainment, and hotel amenities.
The Cordish Companies and General Contractor AnderCorp were joined by State of Louisiana, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Former Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin; Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Chris Hebert; Louisiana State Senator Sam L. Jenkins, Jr.; Bossier City Mayor Thomas Chandler; Bossier Parish Police Jury President Philip Rodgers, along with dozens of other state and local elected officials, and regional business, community and tourism leaders, to celebrate the final commemorative beam being raised to complete the superstructure of the new world-class property.
“Today marks an incredibly special day for The Cordish Companies as we continue to expand our Live! brand in the Southeast region of the country with the development of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana. With the first land-based casino in the market, Live! Casino & Hotel will be a transformative development that will bring a first-class gaming and entertainment experience to millions of visitors, create significant new jobs, and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for the community for generations to come,” said Rob Norton, President of Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies.
Located along the scenic Red River in Bossier City, directly across from Shreveport, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will feature more than 47,000-square-feet of gaming space; 1000+ slots and electronic table games; 40+ live action table games; a sportsbook; an upscale 550-room hotel, resort pool and fitness center; a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose Event Center for top name entertainment, meeting, conventions, non-profit and social gatherings; a 31-site RV park with concrete pads and full hook-ups; structured and surface parking; and 30,000-square-feet of best-in-class dining entertainment venues with new food and beverage outlets.
The project, which is scheduled to open in Q1 2025, is projected to generate more than $35 million in gaming tax revenues for Bossier City and more than $168 million for the State of Louisiana within its first five years of operation and create approximately 1500 new jobs including 750 new construction jobs and approximately 750 permanent jobs for local and regional residents.
Careers will be available in every field, including hotel operations, finance, marketing, human resources, information technologies, food and beverage, facilities, security and surveillance and casino operations. Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will also purchase tens of millions of dollars in goods and services in the region. As recognized leaders in community outreach with unparalleled track records of supporting local and regional businesses, The Cordish Companies is committed to ensuring contract opportunities for local, MBE/WBE, and veteran-owned companies.
“I am honored to lead the board at such an exciting time for the gaming industry in Louisiana. Our team has worked so hard to establish this first land-based casino in the Bossier market, and we are ecstatic to be one step closer to realizing it with today’s topping off of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana,” Chris Hebert, Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, said.
“We have already seen the benefits that Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana has brought to Bossier City. As we get closer to opening this landmark property, our anticipation continues to build, and I couldn’t be happier for my community and more appreciative of Live! for its partnership and positive impact,” Thomas Chandler, Mayor of Bossier City, said.
“Bossier Parish is very excited to have Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana that will soon become a destination for many locals and visitors. We are very thankful for the investment they are making in this area and cannot wait to see it to completion,” Philip Rodgers, President of the Bossier Parish Police Jury, said.
“Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is a spectacular one-stop destination for excitement for everyone from gaming enthusiasts, foodies, sports fans, concert goers or just locals and visitors looking for their next night out. Hundreds of men and women are working hard to make sure that this property will be unforgettable the moment it opens its doors, promising an experience that will entice visitors from near and far to return again and again. Today marks a significant milestone in this journey, and we eagerly anticipate showcasing all the incredible offerings we have planned for early 2025,” John J. Chaszar, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, said.
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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