Latest News
Meta Gaming Veteran Secures $6M to Accelerate Stablecoin Gaming Integration

ZOOT (getzoot.us), a sweepstakes gaming platform bringing video game sensibilities to iGaming entertainment, announced it has raised $6 million in seed funding led by CoinFund, one of the world’s first cryptonative investment firms, with participation from Griffin Gaming Partners to expand the current US-focused business to a global-facing, stablecoin-driven one. The investment further grows the opportunities for instant, borderless payments in digital entertainment as stablecoin adoption surges past $239 billion in circulation, with payment giants like Visa and PayPal racing to integrate crypto rails for faster, cheaper transactions.
Co-founded by gaming industry veterans John Cahill (ex-Sega, Shockwave, Yahoo Games, and Open Wager) and Sean Ryan, who led Facebook’s multi-billion dollar games business, ZOOT is building an iGaming platform that pioneers a new approach to iGaming that combines the engagement of video games with the efficiency of blockchain-based payments. Ryan brings decades of experience from leadership roles including CEO of digital music service Listen.com/Rhapsody and co-founder of social casino games company OpenWager (home of leading sweeps product Luckyland Slots), which was successfully acquired by VGW in 2017.
“Blockchain gaming with real currency integration represents one of the most compelling opportunities in digital entertainment today. We’re bringing video game design principles to iGaming to create experiences that are not only entertaining, but also transparent and instantly rewarding. With stablecoins eliminating traditional payment friction, we can serve players globally with zero fees and instant payouts,” said Sean Ryan, CEO and Co-Founder of ZOOT.
Building on its successful launch in the US-focused sweepstakes sector, ZOOT’s upcoming global platform addresses key friction points in traditional online gaming—namely payment processing delays and geographic restrictions. The platform’s flagship games, including its leading Beer Pong adaptation of the classic Plinko game, show how traditional chance-based mechanics can be reimagined through a video game lens with more interactivity and greater audio and graphical fidelity.
“We are now seeing explosive growth in stablecoin adoption, and real-money gaming is a trillion-dollar market waiting to be transformed by crypto rails. Sean is one of the most thoughtful and experienced entrepreneurs in gaming, and we believe he and his team will be one of the largest winners in this market as they create a much more mainstream experience for real-money gaming players around the world,” said David Pakman, Managing Partner and Head of Venture Investments at CoinFund.
Compliance Updates
INCENTIVE GAMES SECURES MICHIGAN GAMING LICENSE

Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Provisional Michigan gaming licence by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), effective today. This achievement allows the company to bring its innovative suite of Real-Money Games to operators and players across the state.
The Michigan licence represents Incentive Games’ first foray into the North American regulated market. This comes shortly after the launch of Incentive Studios, the company’s dedicated Real-Money Gaming division, which is set to drive its ambitious growth in this sector. The licence underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, security, and operational integrity. Obtaining this licence, which requires excellence in areas such as robust security protocols and comprehensive responsible gaming measures, provides access to one of the most dynamic iGaming markets in the United States.
Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, said, “Securing our Michigan licence marks an exciting new chapter for Incentive Games. It’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to meeting the highest regulatory standards and unlocks a significant opportunity for us in a critical North American growth market. This will allow Incentive Games to forge new partnerships and bring our highly engaging Real-Money Games directly to players in Michigan. We’re very grateful to the MGCB for this achievement, which is a pivotal step in our global expansion strategy as we continue to deliver world-class products and build strong partnerships in the region.”
Gambling in the USA
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Unveils Expanded Non-Smoking Gaming Floor

Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel has officially opened its newly expanded non-smoking gaming floor, marking a significant milestone in the property’s continued commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
Located adjacent to the hotel lobby, the new, larger non-smoking slot floor will feature nearly 400 of today’s most popular slot machines in a fresh, modern environment designed exclusively for non-smoking guests. This addition enhances the casino’s dedication to providing smoke-free gaming options in a luxury setting. For convenience and ease of access, non-smoking guests can also take advantage of the smoke-free entrance via the hotel’s valet parking.
This new space complements Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s existing fully enclosed, non-smoking slot area near Falls Buffet and Snoqualmie Café & Deli, offering guests even more choice and accessibility when it comes to their preferred gaming environment.
In addition to these gaming enhancements, all restaurants on property are 100% non-smoking, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for guests seeking an elevated, smoke-free entertainment and dining experience.
“We’re thrilled to offer our guests even more smoke-free options. The expansion of our non-smoking gaming floor reflects our ongoing efforts to listen to our guests and create an atmosphere that’s both exciting and comfortable for everyone,” said Mary Lou Patterson, CEO of Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel.
Canada
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.
The $350 million resort brings the brand’s unmistakable energy to Canada’s capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.
In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors’ electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand’s signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.
A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
“Bringing Hard Rock to Canada’s capital is an iconic milestone for our brand. We’re proud to expand our global footprint and create a destination where locals and visitors can experience world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment all in one place,” said Jim Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Hard Rock International.
“Our government is thrilled that Hard Rock chose Ontario for its first fully integrated hotel and casino venue in Canada. This new entertainment and hospitality destination will draw visitors from near and far to Ottawa, create and sustain hundreds of local jobs, and provide millions of dollars for local infrastructure and community programs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
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