Gambling in the USA
Global Gaming Women Reveals Exciting Event Schedule for Global Gaming Expo 2024, Featuring the 14th Annual Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser

Global Gaming Women (GGW) has announced the 14th Annual Kick Up Your Heels premier fundraising event to support the GGW Charitable Education Fund. The event supports scholarships and other development offerings for professional women in the gaming industry and celebrates honorees of the Patty Becker Pay It Forward award on Wednesday, October 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at XS Nightclub at Wynn, Las Vegas. Tickets are $200 per attendee, increasing to $300 on September 28.
GGW has also announced the return of Sip & Social with Guest Speakers Brittany Driscoll, co-founder and chief executive officer at Squeeze, and Hayley Paige, creative director and chief inspiration officer at SHE IS CHEVAL. This will take place on Thursday, October 10, from 8 to 10 a.m. inside The Venetian Ballroom on Level 2 of The Venetian Expo. Tickets are $52 per attendee, increasing to $60 on the week of the event. Registration is required. In addition, this event will also celebrate the honorees of CDC Gaming Reports’ “10 Women Rising in Gaming”, in partnership with Global Gaming Women.
Current and prospective GGW members, partners, and allies are invited to the G2E GGW Retreat, as a dedicated space for networking, podcasting, headshots, and swag, on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Venetian Conference Center, Lando 4201AB-4203, 4th Floor. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and a variety of snacks. Refresh at the glam station and take advantage of free professional headshots by Shannon Mason Photography, available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unwind with a leg and foot massage, recharge at the electronic charging stations, and reinspire yourself at the podcast booth, featuring industry leaders, legends, and the next generation of GGW trailblazers.
Directly prior to the opening of G2E on Sunday, October 6 at El Cortez Hotel & Casino, GGW will celebrate the official awards ceremony for 10 Women Rising in Gaming, presented in partnership with CDC Gaming Reports. All honorees will be recognized during this inaugural celebration event.
GGW leadership continues the essential pillar of work as the leading gaming industry non-profit dedicated to supporting, inspiring, and influencing the development of professional women, with participation in a series of educational panels during G2E with three distinctive panels.
“Global Gaming Women is leading an exciting lineup of educational programs at this year’s G2E. Starting with Monday’s sessions, followed by the 14th Annual Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser on Wednesday evening, and culminating in Thursday morning’s inspirational keynote at Sip & Social, we’re also thrilled to unveil the all-new GGW retreat—a dedicated space for our members to network and engage in exclusive experiences throughout the event. Thanks to the steadfast support of our generous sponsors, we can continue offering these enriching opportunities for connection, empowerment, and collaboration. Together, we’re advancing women’s success and enhancing our industry,” said Lauren Bates, President & Board Chair of Global Gaming Women.
A mix of high-profile sponsorship opportunities are available in support of Global Gaming Women’s event offering at G2E, including the Kick Up Your Heels Fundraiser and the Sip & Social networking breakfast event. In addition, GGW’s mission is realized year-round by the support of sustaining sponsors.
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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