The Mississippi Senate became the first chamber in the U.S. to pass a bill banning sweepstakes casinos. House Representatives then amended it in early March to include online sports betting language.

Although SB 2510 passed the initial legislation, the Senate rejected it for the sports betting language. The bill headed to a conference committee last week, with the Senate represented by Fillingane, Sen. Mike Thompson, and Sen. David Blount.

That bill is now officially dead since Monday was the deadline for conference committee reports. The Mississippi legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 6.

SB 2510 Included A 12% Tax, Up To Two Licenses Per Retail Casino

While sweepstakes casinos are not specifically defined in the bill, the measure still grouped them as unlicensed operators. Violators would have been subject to felonies, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 10 years in prison.

“If any person shall operate an online platform that facilitates illegal wagering, such person shall be guilty of a felony. Upon each conviction, a person shall be fined in a sum not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00), or shall be imprisoned for a term of years not to exceed ten (10) years, or by both fine and imprisonment,” the bill reads.

“The assets, rights, and privileges used in connection with violations of the provisions of this section shall be liable to forfeiture, to the State of Mississippi or to the county in which a violation is committed.”

The House provisions in SB 2510 included a 12% tax and up to two licenses per retail casino. The bill also would have established the Mobile Sports Wagering Tax Fund, which would have directed $6 million per annum until 2030 to support small retail casinos.

State Regulators Can Still Take Action Against Sweeps Operators

This means a sweepstakes casino ban and online sports betting legislation in the Magnolia State might have to wait until next year. It’s good news for sweeps players who enjoy playing free-to-play games via Stake.us or Crown Coins Casino.

However, the state could still take action against sweeps operators, such as regulators issuing cease-and-desist letters. Legal sports betting is also available to residents, but bettors can only place wagers in person at brick-and-mortar casinos.

Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York have also introduced legislation to ban sweepstakes so far this year. New Jersey assembly bill A5447 recently gained a second sponsor and a counterpart bill in the Senate.

In addition, New York Sen. Joseph Addabbo’s SB S9226 led to sweeps operators like Hello Millions, High 5 Casino, SportsMillions, PlayFame, SpinBlitz, and Rolling Riches each announcing plans to exit the Empire State.

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Hello Millions, High 5 Casino, PlayFame, Rolling Riches, SpinBlitz, And SportsMillions Each Announced Phased Exit Strategies

In emails shared across Reddit last week, users posted final closure notices from multiple sweepstakes platforms. Each site announced a phased exit strategy leading up to full account closures by late April.

“We are disappointed to advise that as of April 30, players in New York will no longer have access to our social gaming services,” PlayFame announced in an email to players. “From April 3, you will not be able to purchase any further Gold Coin packages.

“… On April 30, your account will be automatically closed, and any remaining Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins will expire. … This was a difficult decision for us to make, and we understand that this may be disappointing news.”

In a separate announcement posted by Reddit user u/Zestyclose-Leader-73, Rolling Riches Casino cited “regulatory changes” in New York as its main reason for ceasing operations. The platform ended new player registrations and purchases on March 20 and will close all New York-based accounts on April 20.

High 5 Casino also informed its New York players that the platform will no longer be available to residents on April 10.

“We regret to inform you that High 5 Casino will discontinue service in New York,” the statement reads. “Existing players can continue to play and redeem until April 10, 2025, but purchases will no longer be allowed starting March 27, 2025.”

Sweepstakes casinos allow players to engage in virtual casino-style games for free, while allowing them to purchase virtual Gold Coins that can later be redeemed for cash prizes. Both Gold Coins and Sweep Coins are available for players to purchase, but neither currency holds real-world cash value.

SPGA Exchanged Informed Dialogue With State Officials

The Social and Promotional Games Association (SPGA) responded to the sweeps operators’ exit with an announcement, stating that its members will adjust their strategy in New York after exchanging “constructive and informed dialogue” with state officials.

The SPGA highlighted daily fantasy sports (DFS) as the perfect business model for sweepstakes gaming to follow moving forward. Sweeps operators argue that their free-to-play games should be classified as “promotional sweepstakes” rather than casino gambling.

An SPGA spokesperson said:

“Innovation in digital entertainment often requires a constructive and informed dialogue with lawmakers and policymakers. We saw that dynamic with fantasy sports, and we believe the same approach will help shape smart policy around sweepstakes promotions.

“A proposal to ban sweepstakes games would be unnecessary if they were already prohibited under state law. … We know New York officials recognize the need to get this right…

“… Any decisions about social sweepstakes could have broader implications, not only for promotions by companies like Starbucks and Marriott, but also for any mobile game where consumers spend money, from Candy Crush and Coin Master to Clash of Clans and Monopoly Go.

“Unlike online casino products, social sweepstakes games include a no-purchase-necessary option. Most players participate for free, and the games offer a low-pressure, low-risk entertainment experience, one of the reasons they enjoy such broad consumer appeal.”

SB S5935, introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo, calls for violating operators to receive fines as high as $100,000 and license losses. The bill also grants authority to the New York State Gaming Commission and the Attorney General to enforce penalties against violators.

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Bringing slots to the digital setting has been the main focus since Playtika announced its partnership with IGT last year. The digital upgrade of Regal Riches was next on the agenda after IGT’s Cleopatra II was integrated into the mobile game back in January.

“Our partnership with IGT continues to allow us to consistently provide the best experiences for our players and Regal Riches is more than just a game — it’s an experience,” said Amnon Calev, Executive General Manager of Slots Central and Slotomania at Playtika.

“We’ve reimagined this iconic slot to highlight its vibrant visuals, unique gameplay, and thrilling surprises that made it a casino favorite. Every detail has been carefully designed to deliver an immersive digital adventure where players can truly reign supreme.”

Bonus Games, A Wilds Meter Are Among Features

Moreover, Regal Riches will be available for all players in the Slotomania app. Other notable features include bonus games, a Wilds meter, and the chances to win Mega Free Games, Major Free Games, or Minor Free Games.

Slotomania can be downloaded for free via the App Store or Google Play. Games are also available on Amazon, Android, and Windows Phone, in addition to Facebook, iPad, iPhone, and the Web.

Despite the use of slot machines, there are no cash prizes offered for the player community. However, Slotomania offers over 170 entertaining free slots, 1 million free Coins upon download, and 3-hourly bonuses to its players.

Founded in 2010, Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: PLTK) is a mobile gaming entertainment and technology market leader with an extensive selection of game titles. The company is headquartered in Herzliya, Israel, and has employees across offices worldwide.

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According to the PGCB’s news release, 1,363 individuals are now currently on the Board’s several Involuntary Exclusion Lists. The Board placed two individuals, a man and a woman, on the Casino Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving a minor or minors unattended while gambling in a Pennsylvania casino.

The male patron allegedly left two children, ages 8 and 13, in a vehicle in the parking lot of Valley Forge Resort Casino for 52 minutes while he gambled, and the female patron reportedly left an 8-year-old unattended in a hotel room at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia for over an hour while she gambled on slot machines.

Eight More Added To Involuntary Casino Exclusion List, Nine Others Placed On Involuntary Interactive Gaming List

The PGCB also denied a request for removal from the list: A female patron who, in 2022, left three minors, ages 10, 14 and 15, unattended in a vehicle in the parking garage of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course for 1 hour and 41 minutes while she gambled at slot machines.

Under Pennsylvania law, adults are prohibited from leaving minors unattended in the parking lot or garage, a hotel, or other venues at a casino since it creates a potentially unsafe and dangerous environment for the children.

Furthermore, the Board added eight more individuals to the Involuntary Casino Exclusion List due to criminal offenses, and nine others were placed on the Board’s Involuntary Interactive Gaming list for fraudulent actions as well.

The PGCB also announced that it approved a consent agreement presented by its Office of Enforcement Counsel (OEC), which resulted in a fine of $10,000 jointly against Washington Trotting Association LLC, operator of Hollywood Casino at The Meadows and Sports Information Services Limited.

The fine was the result of allowing an individual to post 35 past-posted sports wagers at kiosks in the casino.

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PowerPlay launched in Ontario in 2023 with live dealers, slots, video poker, and sports betting. The platform’s agreement with GiG provides the company access to GiG’s iGaming platform, content management system, and its sportsbook, Sport X.

Richard Carter, Chief Executive Officer of GiG, said:

“GiG’s expertise in delivering market-leading technology is once again proving instrumental in helping partners such as PowerPlay navigate the complexities of regulated markets. The successful launch into Ontario highlights our ability to facilitate seamless market entry while ensuring stability and scalability for long-term growth.

“Our continued focus on delivering a market-leading service provision, from secure platform infrastructure to optimized user experiences, is key to enabling partners to maximize their potential. We are proud to be playing a role in PowerPlay’s success and the ongoing evolution of both the Ontarian market and the wider future of iGaming in Canada, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner in the regulated space.”

PowerPlay Is Licensed By The Alcohol And Gaming Commission Of Ontario

In addition, PowerPlay will have access to GiG’s state-of-the-art AI tools, DataX and LogicX, along with machine-learning models. Both modern tools will aid the decision-making process to attract new players while retaining current users.

PowerPlay is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Bettors can place wagers on major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. However, there is no dedicated app, same-game parlays, or even live streaming.

Dean Serrao, Chief Executive Officer at PowerPlay, said:

“The successful migration to GiG’s technology platform is a milestone for PowerPlay as we continue to grow in Ontario. This partnership allows us to offer an enhanced and seamless experience for our players, while leveraging GiG’s flexible and scalable solutions to expand our presence in the market. We are excited for what’s ahead and confident this move will help us strengthen our position as a leading brand in the province.”

Since sports betting officially launched in Ontario in April 2022, online gaming in the province has seen substantial growth. In the second quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the online gambling market reached CAD $738 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

The market also saw CAD $7.12 billion in handle in February, a drop from CAD $7.83 billion in January, and $280 million in total non-adjusted GGR, a 15% month-over-month decrease from the reported CAD $327.9 million in January.

Although PowerPlay is not available to United States residents, the gaming platform recommends these social casino sites to Americans: No Limit Coins, Funrize, Funzcity, McLuck, and Pulsz. If not sweepstakes sites, online casinos are available to citizens as well.

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SB 1235 modifies the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s disciplinary authority concerning certain gaming licensees, requires vendor and affiliate licensees to provide books and records, prohibits certain advertising, and authorizes certain bets and wagers on boxing and mixed martial arts.

More importantly, SB 1235 states that “certain persons conducting sweepstakes or promotional drawings shall not allow or facilitate participation in certain real or simulated online casino gaming or sports wagering.”

The bill also makes operating an illegal gambling business a Class D felony. Those crimes are punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Since Connecticut already has legal online casinos, lawmakers have decided to finally crack down on the free-to-play, casino-style gaming model.

Connecticut General Law Committee Passed SB 1464

The General Law Committee also passed SB 1464, which would authorize online gaming operators to conduct multijurisdictional Internet gaming for peer-to-peer casino games, ensure proper compliance reporting and disclosure requirements, and establish maximum wagers for online sports betting.

A sweepstakes casino is an online gaming platform that operates under a legal framework in gray area. These casinos offer players a chance to participate in online casino games and win prizes using a promotional sweepstakes model. Instead of real money, they use a virtual currency, typically Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC).

Three states where sweepstakes casinos are legal while online sports betting isn’t include California, Georgia, and Texas. There are technically 48 legal sweepstakes states, as Washington and Idaho are the only two jurisdictions where its officially banned.

Lawmakers in Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York are also pursuing a sweepstakes gaming ban.

New Jersey assembly bill A5447, introduced by Democrat Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, calls for penalties of up to $250,000 for every day that a prohibited service is offered, such as sweepstakes gaming.

The post Connecticut Senate Committee Unanimously Approves Anti-Sweepstakes Gaming Bill appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The invention makes craps more enjoyable and convenient for players everywhere. In addition to enhancing the player’s experience, it could even provide another revenue source for casinos and gaming companies.

“I wanted to create an innovative and high-tech take on the dice game known as craps,” said the inventor, who submitted his invention to Chicago’s sales office of InventHelp. “So, I invented JAY’S DICE GAME. My design allows you to bet and enjoy the casino game without actually traveling to a casino, and it ensures the game is played correctly and fairly.”

The patent-pending invention is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, individuals can write Dept. 23-CHK-2131, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368.

Electronic Craps Has Its Pros And Cons

Although electronic craps already exists, this version of the game isn’t perfect. The upside is that players always roll their own dice and can play as fast or as slow as they want. The cashout at the game is quick and easy, and there are no betting chips.

However, software glitches can ruin a player’s gaming experience, and users may find that the monitor screen’s list of possible bets is difficult to comprehend. And how about that annoying A.I. voice?

Roll to Win Craps, which made its debut in Las Vegas in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a hybrid game that allows players to toss dice onto an electronic table. It was developed by Aruze Gaming America Inc.

The game’s digital table even offers helpful tips for new players. Harrah’s became the first Las Vegas casino to have Roll to Win Craps. Online casinos are also planning to add electronic versions of craps as its popularity grows.

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According to a Monday news release from OpenBet, the buyout was backed by Ariel Emanuel with participation from OpenBet executives, including CEO Jordan Levin.

OpenBet Pursued Buyout To Boost Operational Effectiveness

London-based Oakvale Capital LLP and The Raine Group acted as financial advisors to Endeavor, while Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to Endeavor. The buyout was made to enhance player experience, drive market expansion, and improve operational effectiveness.

Levin said: “As this new chapter begins, OpenBet is better positioned than ever to drive market expansion and product innovation while defining the future of betting and gaming entertainment. Our group is extremely excited about OpenBet’s path forward…”

This move comes nearly a week after Endeavor reached an agreement to sell IMG ARENA, Endeavor’s sports betting data business operating under OpenBet, to Sportradar.

OB Global will own and continue to manage IMG ARENA until the close of the transaction. Pending regulatory approval, the sale is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.

OpenBet’s future is secure for accelerated growth and state-of-the-art innovations, stemming from its established success in regulated betting and gaming markets, according to front office executives.

The company’s platform serves more than 200 operators globally, providing modular and scalable technology for a modern experience.

Global Expansion Remains A Top Priority

In addition, OpenBet continues to set its sights on global expansion, especially in emerging markets. The firm is working to expand its presence in Brazil, a regulated market with millions of sports bettors and casino gamblers.

OpenBet has already established itself with BandBet in Brazil and reached other partnerships with major market operators. To keep up with industry competitors, this was a necessary business strategy to ensure the best, modern betting experience for one of the most populous countries.

Moreover, OpenBet powers over 20 World Lottery Association (WLA) members globally. That includes offering sports betting solutions to government-sponsored and government-owned lotteries.

To enhance player protection, the company utilizes AI-driven technology through its subsidiary, Neccton, to stay up to date on responsible gaming practices in the industry.

OpenBet, which is also a WLA Gold Contributor, relies on revolutionary innovations, such as Betbuilder, to drive integrity across the industry by providing same-game parlay experience.

For real-time geofence management, OpenBet Locator is another new tool of location intelligence designed to help safeguard businesses.

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