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Not making progress

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Not making progress

 

Yordan Petkov, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, talks about some of the unique challenges studios are facing when developing slots for the US market

Momentum is starting to build behind legal online casino in the US, with a growing number of states rolling out regulatory frameworks and awarding iGaming licences to operators. This is creating a significant market for studios to explore, with increasing demand among operators and players for new and exciting slot content.

This opportunity has not gone unnoticed by studios that have made their name in the European market, with many now turning their attention to North America. But those that think the slots that top the charts in the likes of the UK, Sweden and Italy will be as successful in the US are mistaken.

The US is a very different market when it comes to culture and player expectations. Added to this are the regulatory requirements that studios must ensure their games comply with. This means not being able to launch slots with certain mechanics and features, and this in turn makes for a challenging environment in which studios must produce games that hit the spot with players.

The classics are always the best:

At the moment, players seem to be drawn to the slots they recognise from the gaming floors of their favourite land-based casinos in Las Vegas and beyond. I’m talking about slots such as Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune. Online casinos stock these games as it is a great way to transition players online for the first time via titles they are familiar with and trust.

But as the market matures, player expectations will change with more complex games coming into favour. Of course, modern slots with gripping mechanics and engaging bonus features will also have greater appeal among the lucrative but hard-to-reach Millennial and Generation Z audiences, which operators will want to tap into via their online offerings.

However, the US presents a unique challenge for studios to overcome in that states have specific regulations that relate to the features that are and are not permitted in online slots. In particular, there is a ban on progressive features that are carried over several spins. In short, each spin is seen as an independent game round so all features must begin and end within that spin.

So, what does this mean? No progress bars, no collectables, no multipliers or free spins that build as the game plays out. Essentially, all the things that make modern slot games so exciting to play. This is leaving studios with a bit of a conundrum – how to hold the player’s attention for longer periods when any potential progression made in a single spin is lost on the next spin.

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The clock is ticking:

This is forcing studios to think outside of the box, and that of course is a good thing. The key is to come up with concepts, mechanics and features that build high levels of anticipation into a single spin. This can include things like offering a second chance to win on every base game bet – this is something that we have done with our ClockwaysTM mechanic.

The way it works is that the outer symbols rotate clockwise, changing the symbol positions to create more, bigger wins in a way that keeps players on the edge of their seats.

Another tactic studios can look to explore is adding progression into multi-round bonus features such as free spins. With free spins usually lasting eight rounds or more, there is scope to bring in elements of progression here with any progress made reset once the bonus round comes to an end. This is easier said than done and requires super-smart mathematicians to create the models behind such mechanics while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

But it’s not just the gameplay where studios can try new things. There is plenty of room to be creative around themes, design, sound and even narratives and characters that run through the game. US players are drawn to a wide range of slot themes, from magic to the Wild West as well as dragons, farming, sports, Egypt and Norse.

There is so much that can be done here to take these classic themes and elevate them through stories, characters, striking artwork and immersive sound. While the gameplay is always crucial to engagement, so too is the look and feel of the game.

Of course, the ultimate success of a game requires all of these factors coming together – theme, design, sound, math and gameplay. The US does present some unique challenges for studios to overcome, but those with the right teams in place will be able to work together to create compelling slot games that are fully compliant with the rules in each state.

It’s a tough hurdle to clear, but it’s what makes the US market so interesting for studios.

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Maryland Lottery and Gaming Comission Selects Intralot for Lottery System Contract

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Intralot S.A. informs the investor community and its stakeholders that on July 15, 2025 the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission approved the recommendation to award a new Lottery Central Monitoring and Control System (LCMCS) contract to its US subsidiary, Intralot, Inc. following a competitive bidding process.

The vendor awarded the contract will manufacture the counter terminals and self-service vending machines that sell tickets at 4,300 Maryland Lottery retailer points of sale; develops the software that runs the system’s sales and accounting functions; and provide numerous related services that are necessary to operate the Maryland Lottery. The term of the contract is 10 years with a possible 5+1 year extension.

As part its proposal to the State, Intralot has engaged nine local business enterprises (MBE) to service the Maryland Lottery contract. Historically, vendors have used fewer MBE partners, but Intralot believes its new approach will create far greater opportunities for local communities.

Intralot’s financial proposal corresponds to a total estimated contract term price of $260,393,946.

The Gaming Control Commission’s approval is an intermediary step in the award process for
approving any future contract.

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ISI Sports Partners with Canton Gaming to Launch Retail Sportsbook at The Greene Turtle

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Global race and sportsbook technology provider Internet Sports International (ISI) has entered into a partnership with Canton Gaming LLC, a retail sports wagering facility located at The Greene Turtle in Baltimore, Maryland. ISI is powering the retail sports wagering operation using its award-winning sportsbook system.

The Greene Turtle Sportsbook is now live, offering patrons a thrilling experience to wager on their favorite sporting events with real-time odds and live-action updates. The automated sportsbook kiosks feature a broad range of betting propositions suitable for both novice and veteran bettors alike.

“ISI Sports is the perfect partner to elevate our sportsbook offerings. In a competitive industry, ISI’s state-of-the-art kiosks enable us to set new service standards and continuously innovate for our guests’ entertainment. The seamless process from negotiations to opening was remarkable, thanks to ISI’s outstanding service,” said Jay Sapperstein, owner of Canton Gaming.

The Greene Turtle has been accepting sports wagers for two seasons and has now upgraded all 10 of its sports betting kiosks with ISI’s proven software. In the near future, the sportsbook plans to offer an increasing array of tailored betting options to meet the evolving preferences of Maryland customers.

“ISI’s advanced technology, combined with 25 years of industry experience, allows us to quickly support both start-up operations and providers transitioning from exiting platforms,” said Ernest Matthews, Vice President and General Counsel.

“With multiple sportsbook providers leaving markets across the US, more retail casino clients are seeking innovative, cost-effective ways to establish or replace their sports betting operations. Their existing hardware can often be reused, significantly reducing initial investment. The recent rollout went flawlessly, thanks to the top-tier facility and staff. We look forward to a long-term partnership, as we are confident that ISI is here for the long haul in retail sports betting,” Matthews added.

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NYC Council Rejects Bally’s $4B Bronx Casino Bid

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The New York City Council has rejected Bally’s land-use rezoning proposal for its planned $4 billion Bronx casino.

The City Council voted 29-9, with four abstentions, against gaming giant Bally’s request to rezone parkland for commercial use at the Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point property it operates in the Bronx. The move effectively ended Bally’s shot to secure the required land use and other zoning approvals needed for winning a casino license. The motion to disapprove of Bally’s request was put forward by Bronx Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato.

The proposed $4 billion Bally’s Bronx hotel and casino resort, totaling more than 3 million square feet, was planned for roughly 16 acres of parking lots and the practice green area at Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point. The complex’s design includes a 500,000-square-foot casino with 3500 gaming machines and 250 table games, a 500-room upscale hotel and a 2000-person event center.

Bally’s, in its official application filed in late June with the New York State Gaming Commission, called Bally’s Bronx a “once-in-a-generation” investment. “This development represents an audacious vision to develop a former landfill and transform it into an economic engine for the Bronx — the borough’s single largest private development.”

Without Bally’s in the running, the field of New York casino contenders narrows to seven. Three developers previously ended their plans, including the $12 billion Hudson Yards West casino proposal from Related Cos., Oxford Properties and Wynn Resorts. The group dropped its bid following strong community opposition.

Three casino licenses are available for the downstate region that includes New York City. A viable bidder would have to secure a two-thirds majority vote from a community advisory committee before a proposal could advance to the next round and be considered by the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board, which will make its final decision by Dec. 1. In addition to a $1 million filing fee, the teams selected would each have to pay a $500 million license fee while also meeting the requirement of a $500 million minimum capital investment.

If none of the bids secures enough committee votes, the state will not issue any licenses.

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