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Gambling in the USA

Bally’s Withdraws from Nittany Mall Casino Project

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Bally’s and SC Gaming announced the termination of their agreement to open and operate a Category 4 satellite casino near Penn State University at the Nittany Mall. Despite the split, the project remains on track to open in the first half of 2026.

The decision comes three years after the two companies agreed to develop a “mini casino” in what was previously a Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall, located just five miles from Penn State’s campus. Originally, Bally’s wasn’t eligible to bid on the license when the auction was held four years ago. Ira Lubert, the sole owner of SC Gaming, was eligible due to his stake in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, won the bid, and later partnered with Bally’s. The plan was that the gaming venue would bear Bally’s regional casino operator brand.

However, amidst Bally’s shifting corporate priorities, the agreement fell through. Lubert has made it clear to state regulators that he has the financial resources to advance the project on his own.

“As a part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process, I demonstrated to the Board my resources and capability to independently develop and operate this casino project without reliance on a third party, including Bally’s,” Lubert said in a statement.

Lubert’s experience includes the development of the Valley Forge Casino Resort during the global financial crisis, and he holds a 3% stake in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

When Bally’s and SC Gaming decided to team up on the Pennsylvania mini casino three years ago, the project aligned with Bally’s prior ventures. Since then, however, Bally’s has rapidly shifted its focus toward larger, more expensive developments in major cities. The company’s new priorities include developing a permanent gaming venue in Chicago, which will be its most expensive project to date. Additionally, Bally’s is pursuing a license in the New York City area and still holds the operating rights for Tropicana Las Vegas.

While the future of the Tropicana site remains uncertain and there are no guarantees Bally’s will secure a downstate permit in New York, the Chicago venture alone demands significant attention. This suggests that shedding smaller projects, such as the Pennsylvania mini casino, could be a prudent move at this time.

In July, Bally’s agreed to be acquired by Standard General, the hedge fund that is the gaming company’s largest shareholder. This development wasn’t on the table three years ago when Bally’s agreed to work with SC Gaming on the Nittany Mall casino.

Prior to accepting the takeover offer from Standard General, some shareholders criticized Bally’s for becoming financially strained and focusing too heavily on expensive projects in Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York. Some investors argued that abandoning some or all of these projects could lead to cost savings.

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Although specific cost efficiencies from exiting the Pennsylvania mini casino partnership weren’t quantified, the move aligns with Bally’s new vision. With Chairman Soo Kim, the founder of Standard General, likely taking a larger day-to-day role in Bally’s operations, more cost-cutting measures may follow, but that remains to be seen. It is clear, however, that the Nittany Mall casino didn’t fit with Bally’s renewed strategic goals.

“The termination of the framework agreement aligns with Bally’s long-term strategic goals and allows the company to allocate resources towards other priorities. Bally’s remains confident in its ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing market,” the company said in a press release.

Gambling in the USA

California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

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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.

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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.

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Gambling in the USA

NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

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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.”

 

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Gambling in the USA

Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

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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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