Gambling in the USA
Famed Las Vegas magician, Murray SawChuck to ignite the closing summer fireworks show at Plaza Hotel & Casino

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will welcome famed magician from the Las Vegas Strip and numerous television shows, Murray SawChuck on Friday, Aug. 30 to ignite the final Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday fireworks show.
Inspired by the fireworks shows at Disneyland, the Plaza’s Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks has lit up the sky above downtown Las Vegas every Friday night since May 24 for Memorial Day weekend. The fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 will usher in the Labor Day weekend and be the last show this summer. Shot from the rooftops of the Plaza’s towers, the fireworks are visible to thousands of tourists and locals downtown as well as for miles beyond.
A headliner on the Las Vegas Strip for more than two decades, Murray SawChuck is magic’s #1 social media influencer and just released his first 1-hour comedy special streaming on TUBI. He is a regular on the History Channel’s Pawn Stars, the CW’s Masters of Illusion, and the Travel Channel’s newest shows, Magic Caught on Camera. He’s also been on more than 25 reality shows and was a finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
On Friday, Aug. 30 at 9:15 p.m., SawChuck will “ignite” the Plaza’s fireworks by pushing a detonator button on an oversized TNT box. Doors for the free viewing party on the Plaza’s rooftop pool deck open at 7 p.m. This event is open to the public and guests of all ages are invited to attend.
“The Plaza has enjoyed celebrating the summer with our signature fireworks shows,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “They have brought a new element of excitement and awe to the downtown experience this summer. As we approach the unofficial end of summer with Labor Day weekend, we are excited to have Murray join us to close out our inaugural Welcome to the Weekend Summer Friday Fireworks series. Murray is as iconic to Las Vegas and magic as the Plaza’s fireworks shows are to downtown. It’s a perfect partnership, and we welcome everyone to join us.”
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:
-
500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
-
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:
-
HCAL, LLC
-
JCM Global
-
Konami Gaming, Inc.
-
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.
-
Latest News4 days ago
AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts
-
Latest News4 days ago
HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST
-
Arizona4 days ago
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Multiple Cease-and-Desists
-
Latest News4 days ago
ACR POKER LAUNCHES ‘MONEYMAKER MAY-HEM’, OFFERING PLAYERS A CHANCE TO JOIN CHRIS MONEYMAKER IN LAS VEGAS FOR $10K MAIN EVENT
-
Latin America3 days ago
Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 40.64 Billion By 2033 | Astute Analytica
-
Compliance Updates3 days ago
Altenar gains ground in Brazil with virtual sports certification
-
Latest News3 days ago
Caesars Entertainment and AGS Expand Partnership to Bring Fan-Favorite Slot Titles Online for the First Time
-
Latest News3 days ago
CBF Extends Exclusive Integrity Partnership with Sportradar