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Games Global has announced a Betway player hit a €13.5 million ($14.7 million) progressive jackpot on Book of Mega Moolah on December 25, 2023

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The leading provider of innovative iGaming content boasting over 1000 exclusive games, a record-breaking progressive jackpot network, and 36 exclusive studios, Games Global, has announced Christmas Eve has been particularly merry for a Betway player.

The supplier that hosts a premium distribution channel that services more than 900 global gaming brands reported the lucky gambler landed a €13.5 million ($14.7 million) progressive jackpot on Book of Mega Moolah. 

The news comes just days after the provider announced its progressive jackpot WowPot! has also been hit on Wheel of Wishes on December 20, 2023. 

The €38,461,200.95 jackpot surpassed the previous online jackpot record win of €19.4 million ($21.1 million) hit on Games Global’s progressive jackpot Mega Moolah, becoming the largest ever amount to be awarded on an online slot.

In July, Games Global launched King Millions, a network jackpot with prizes going over the $33 million mark.

A Lucky €20 ($21.8) Bet

The winner only needed a €20 ($21.6) bet on the game to scoop up the big progressive jackpot.

Book of Mega Moolah is one of Games Global’s freshest releases encompassing their iconic Mega Moolah progressive jackpot.

The slot’s popularity and traction have been on a constant rise trend since it went live with operators just three months ago, with most players appreciating the mesmerizing mix between the timeless Mega Moolah experience and the standard “book of” formula.

Now, the fresh win counting eight figures is expected to further help the game stand out in Games Global’s versatile portfolio of jackpot slots.

The win is the eighth-biggest online slots prize in history, with numerous other important multimillion-euro wins awarded to players across Games Global’s progressive jackpot network.

Betway, “Thrilled” to See a New Customer Grab a Multimillion-Euro Jackpot

Betway’s dedication to offering state-of-the-art entertainment to its customers has been well supported by Mega Moolah’s ability to provide substantial wins and engaging gameplay over the years.

In October 2015, another Betway player in the UK won a €17.8 million ($19.4 million) prize on the Mega Moolah.

Commenting on the news of the latest win, Betway Group’s chief executive officer, Anthony Werkman, expressed their thrill for being able to once again witness one of their players “take home a staggering multimillion-euro jackpot prize, again won on Mega Moolah, one of our most popular titles.”

Werkman also mentioned their previous Guinness World Record for the “Largest payout in an online slot machine game” while strengthening their commitment to offering new, engaging, and versatile offerings in conjunction with Games Global.

Games Global’s chief product officer, Andy Booth, took the opportunity to express their absolute thrill at the news of the latest winning experience that took place on Christmas Eve while also congratulating the winner and expressing their eagerness to make more winners in the future.

In 2023, Games Global’s reputable network of progressive jackpots boasted a new win every 10 seconds on average.

In December, the company signed an agreement with Nailed It! Games for the global release of Cosmic Coins, a new slot featuring the Epic Strike mechanic honoring retro AWP machines.

During the same month, Games Global announced an expansion of an existing strategic agreement with Betsson Group.

-Mk Ssports

Local media outlet Patch has reported that developer Comstock is preparing to push hard for the opportunity to build a casino in Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station in Virginia

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There have been several moves that indicate that Comstock Holding Companies Inc. is gearing up to do just that with the media outlet citing evidence that the company has hired six lobbyists who should help argue its case when the Virginia General Assembly session commences on January 10, 2024.

Communicating Readiness to Build a Project If and When

However, this is not the only strategic move exacted by the developer, which is also said to have donated over $500,000 to various political candidates in a bid to secure legislative goodwill and push its case for the construction of a new casino.

The move comes at a time when the fight over who will get to build a casino in Fairfax County is intensifying and there has been sustained interest in the development of one, with Comstock Holding Companies Inc. not lacking any motivation to continue despite the challenges.

All lobbyists will focus exclusively on defending Comstock’s interests during the upcoming session. The Patch noted that Comstock had donated $244,500 to the Building a Remarkable Virginia Political Action Committee.

The media also specified that 14 Comstock employees had donated $29,525 to Del. Wren Williams’s political campaign, with the lawmaker introducing a bill that would have allowed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to propose a casino referendum on a future ballot. Williams though had been working on a bill prior to the donations it seems.

Comstock is a Fairfax County developer with supposedly well-established connections in the area and is also keen to continue securing work.

Donations and a Long Process That Ultimately Lies with Voters

Another donation was made to Dave Marsden who was also working on a bill seeking to bring a casino project to reality. Altogether, none of these donations raises any red flags, but they indicate that Comstock is very much willing and keen to see a bill that allows it to build in the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station area or around it.

Ultimately, however, the decision would most likely lie with voters as the bills, as they are outlined, are ultimately only going to give the public a right to determine if they want a casino. Comstock has already outlined its plans for a casino in Reston and has indeed presented detailed plans in September 2023, but a final push is still to come – both on the legislative front and then at the ballots.

Comstock’s donations may be trying to steer the ship in a direction that aligns with the company’s business interests, but it will ultimately be a decision made by Fairfax County residents whether a casino property will be arriving any time soon. Plans to open casinos are already underway in Bristol, Portsmouth, and Danville, with further plans discussed in Norfolk and Richmond.

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The Stafford resident hit the jackpot playing Super 4 Progressive Blackjack, a game available in several casinos across the US

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Undoubtedly, winning a jackpot at a casino is an unforgettable and exciting experience. One such lucky visitor played at Mohegan Sun, one of the largest gaming and entertainment destinations in the United States, and went home with a staggering jackpot of more than $500,000.

Details regarding the lucky visitor emerged earlier this week with Mohegan Sun confirming that his name is Jose S. The person, who is a Stafford, Connecticut resident, visited the casino and entertainment destination and hit the jackpot from Super 4 Progressive Blackjack.

As a result, the Stafford resident pocketed some $525,094. According to Mohegan, Jose felt lucky when visiting the venue. The person was right to feel lucky, considering the staggering Super 4 Progressive Blackjack jackpot. Jose did not confirm what he intends to do with the jackpot but without any doubt, he has plenty of options considering the hefty sum.

Mohegan Sun Offers a Range of Gaming Options

Visitors of Mohegan Sun can find the Super 4 Progressive Blackjack in Casino of the Earth, the venue’s state-of-the-art room located in the Hall of Lost Tribes. Visitors to the room can enjoy a wide range of table games, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, as well as a Race Book and more than 260 slot machines.

Casino of the Earth is a smoke-free room and offers more than 180,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space. Currently, Super 4 Progressive Blackjack is available only in a handful of casinos across the country and Mohegan Sun is one of them.

Mohegan Sun offers some 1,600 luxury hotel rooms, more than 70 shopping outlets and entertainment venues in addition to its gaming amenities. The massive gaming and entertainment resort is located along the Thames River in Southeastern Connecticut.

Its strategic location makes Mohegan Sun perfect for visitors from nearby states. The entertainment and casino resort is also close to a wide range of antique shops and museums, among other interesting places its guests can visit.

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A spokesperson of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska confirmed that only a slight delay is observed, and the property\’s expansion may be ready near the end of this year or early in 2025

Image Source: Prairie Flower Casino

Prairie Flower Casino is a popular gaming and entertainment destination located on tribal land in Carter Lake, Iowa. The venue is owned and operated by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and it first opened its doors in 2018. Since then, the Tribe has been continuously reinvesting in the property, introducing new amenities and improving its existing offering. Back in October 2022, the Ponca Tribe confirmed the groundbreaking for a 60,000-square-foot expansion of the casino.

The expansion is expected to bring some 600 slot machines, as well as video poker devices and electronic table games. Moreover, the Prairie Flower Casino expansion will bring a sportsbook with a pub, additional dining and retail outlets. The additional area will help the venue grow its gaming floor and the expansion is located on the east side of the current structure.

Initially, the work at the venue was expected to be completed this summer. However, slight delays may push that deadline through the end of the year or early in 2025, as suggested by a report released by the Star Herald. James Centers, a spokesperson for the Ponca Tribe, commented on the topic explaining that the slight delay was the result of issues with the supply chains. Yet, he said that the current delay is marginal adding that “if winter weather holds like it is right now, we could make up some ground.”

“What we’ve seen with supply-chain issues since the pandemic, generally speaking, it’s not terrible to be a few months behind.“

James Centers, spokesperson for the Ponca Tribe of NebraskaExpansion of the Casino to Gain Further Speed in the Spring

Centers revealed that the steel frame needed for the expansion is already built. Moreover, he added: “They’re using this time before winter really sets in to get that structure in place … with the hopes that when we emerge in spring we can go full steam ahead in terms of completing the expansion.”

Given that the construction works keep up with the current expectations, it is likely Prairie Flower Casino to welcome its first guests of the expanded venue by the end of the year. Centers did not mention if further delays can be expected.

The timeframes gambling operators set when building new venues or completing redesigns are significantly important. This is because delays may result in significant losses or in some cases even impact the future of certain projects. However, this is clearly not the case for Prairie Flower Casino, considering that its expansion is ongoing at the time of writing.

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BetGames has announced the creation of a bespoke variant of its debut crash game, Skyward, aimed at Brazil players via Betano

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Premium games provider with a focus on offering recreational bettors a portfolio of household games that are easy to understand, BetGames, has designed a bespoke version of Skyward, the first game in the high-energy Crash series with “exciting gameplay and convenient auto-betting and cash-out features.”

The new game variant is ready for launch in Brazil with the help of leading digital sports betting operator Betano. The agreement is expected to further strengthen the relations between the two parties while helping Betano reinforce its foothold in the emerging market in the country. 

Adapted Game Features for Brazilians

The bespoke game lets players from Brazil enjoy a series of adapted features including localized animations that perfectly meet their requirements and help them enjoy highly immersive gameplay experiences.

With the help of a series of game augmentation solutions, BetGames has managed to successfully eliminate specific problems like access to limited internet connections while answering players’ needs for low data consumption.

Gameplay stability, long wait times, and other similar challenges related to infrastructure should, therefore, not represent a problem for players in the country.

Players are invited to embark on a mesmerizing adventure on a plane in the game that boasts a visually appealing design set against the aerial backdrop.

No matter their level of training or expertise, all bettors can enjoy the smooth and exciting gameplay thanks to the simplistic format. The braver and more patient would-be aviators prove to be, the greater the rewards coming their way.

The bespoke game features a maximum multiplier set at x100,000. In July, PartyCasino announced it would boost its live and betting games portfolio with a new BetGames partnership. 

BetGames, “Excited to Bring Skyward to Betano”

Commenting on the new development, BetGames’ chief product officer, Ian Catchick, took the opportunity to express excitement for bringing Skyward to Betano and enabling their players to “experience a dedicated and localized edition” of their pioneer crash game, which has already been given a warm welcome on a global level since its release in November.

Catchick further explained the game is expected to freshen up BetGames’ expanding portfolio of games with “a new level of excitement and engagement” while paving the way to more lucrative partnerships in the market.

The Skyward variant for Brazilians is a new addition to a series of important projects that Betano’s parent company, Kaizen Gaming, has tasked BetGames with, making use of its growing reputation to create bespoke content for gaming operators.

At the same time, Kaizen Gaming’s head of Live Casino, Christos Mavridis, explained that by adding the localized variant of the game to its portfolio, Betano has taken one more step toward its goal of offering “the most unforgettable sports betting and gaming experience” to its customers.At the end of November 2023, BetGames announced a similar branded Skyward agreement with Betway for African players.

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The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court, targets key figures in the former management, including founder Anil Damani and several high-ranking employees

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ARC Gaming and Technologies, formerly known as Lucky Bucks, has filed a RICO lawsuit against its former executives, accusing them of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that allegedly siphoned off around $200 million from the company before its bankruptcy.

Lawsuit Unveils Alleged Systematic Looting of Lucky Bucks by Former Executives

The lawsuit, which was announced on January 2, alleges that the accused individuals engaged in a systematic looting of Lucky Bucks, diverting funds through various illicit means. Lucky Bucks, a major player in Georgia’s coin-operated amusement machine industry, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2023, citing increased competition and regulatory pressures.

ARC Gaming and Technologies claims that the defendants, including founder Anil Damani, Tony Kassam, and Imran Ali, orchestrated a complex scheme involving fraudulent transactions, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breaching fiduciary duties.

The lawsuit also alleges that the former executives utilized shell companies and competing businesses under their control to divert contracts and assets away from Lucky Bucks.

The company accuses Damani and his associates of borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars from lenders, only to distribute the majority of the funds among themselves. The complaint further details instances of selling customer contracts back to Lucky Bucks at inflated rates and the removal of serial numbers from machines before selling them in various states.

ARC Gaming Seeks Redemption After Restructuring Triumph

The lawsuit was initiated after a comprehensive investigation by industry professionals hired by new shareholders in September 2023 to review Lucky Bucks’ operations. Forensic investigators and litigation case analysis, combined with employee interviews, contributed to the formal complaint being filed.

Despite Lucky Bucks successfully emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023, ARC Gaming and Technologies is determined to hold the former executives accountable for their alleged criminal activities. The company aims to recover the stolen funds and assets, including $200 million in what they describe as “fraudulent and illegal dividends.”

Anil Damani, the founder and former owner, denies all allegations, stating that the claims are baseless and frivolous. Damani’s attorneys assert that he is a successful businessman and a pillar of the community, expressing confidence in defeating the claims in court.

As legal proceedings unfold, ARC Gaming and Technologies remains focused on its future, having completed a successful restructuring process and positioned itself as a strong contender in the Georgia coin-operated amusement machine industry. The company is set to announce new appointments for key executive positions, ensuring a dedicated management team committed to responsible governance and growth.

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Proponents contend that the proposed casino runs counter to the recently endorsed Reston Master Plan, which sought to foster expansion in pivotal industries like technology and higher education

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Amidst growing concerns over Comstock Companies‘ push to establish a casino on Metro’s Silver Line outside the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County, residents of Reston are urging state lawmakers to reject any legislation supporting the controversial project.

Activists Challenge Casino Plans, Cite Deviation from Reston’s Planning Principles

On January 6, activists from NoRestonCasino.org, a group opposing the casino plans, placed signs outside the Fairfax County Government Center, calling attention to what they believe is a deviation from Reston’s planning principles, reported local media outlet Patch.

The opposition argues that the Reston Comprehensive Plan, as well as the stance of Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn, does not align with the proposed casino development.

Lynne Mulston, president of the Reston Citizens Association, emphasized that, under current Virginia law, no legislation permits such development in Reston.

Mulston stated that the recent endeavors of a major developer to garner favor with Virginia State Senators Surovell and Marsden, along with other elected representatives, to influence legislative action, suggest a disregard for the social, economic, infrastructure, and other impacts on the Reston community.

During the Public Hearing for Fairfax Delegation to the General Assembly, Jennifer Jushchuk, representing Save Our Sunrise, voiced concerns about the proximity of the proposed casino to residential areas, emphasizing the family-oriented nature of the Sunrise Valley Neighborhood in Reston.

She mentioned that there is a single developer, Comstock, aiming to establish a casino and that they have significant investments in the properties surrounding the Wiehle Reston-East metro station, rather than in Tysons Corner.

Activists Highlight Environmental and Socio-Economic Concerns

Activists argue that the proposed casino contradicts the recently approved Reston Master Plan, which aimed to promote growth in key market sectors such as technology and higher education.

Mac Cummins, the CEO of RA, expressed that a casino would go against and be incompatible with the goals outlined in the recently adopted plan, putting at risk the extensive community planning efforts made in Reston over the years.

Health concerns were also raised during the public hearing, with Michelle Widmann Kimmel of Healthy Reston highlighting potential environmental toxicity and socio-economic problems associated with casino developments. Kimmel urged legislators to consider the lack of empirical research supporting claims of economic benefits from casinos.

State Senator Dave Marsden and Delegate Wren Williams introduced bills in 2023, which were later withdrawn, and now plan to reintroduce an expanded referendum bill in the upcoming legislative session.

Residents hope that their collective voice echoed through various community groups and elected officials, will deter the state legislature from endorsing a casino that they deem unwanted and unnecessary for the vibrant community of Reston.

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The Australian casino operator released an official statement, revealing that illegal online gambling websites had been using Crown’s intellectual property to deceive consumers

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Crown Resorts urged the community to exercise caution regarding counterfeit social media accounts and advertisements falsely using Crown’s identity. The operator was adamant that online gambling in Australia was strictly prohibited, reaffirming it did not offer any form of iGaming. Such developments further threaten Crown’s public image as the company struggles with reforms.

The Operator Urged People to Report Any Offending Websites

Crown’s official warning highlighted the rising prevalence of fraudulent social media accounts, advertisements, or apps that utilize Crown’s name, logo, images, and other identifying information. The operator was adamant it did not operate an online casino or provide any form of online gambling, as its activities are only limited to its physical venues.

Crown Resorts advised the public to refrain from engaging with such suspicious accounts, avoid disclosing personal information or credit card details, and promptly report fraudulent content or suspicious activity. Despite the Australian government’s efforts to curb illegal online operators, the country struggles to enforce its regulations, leaving many people vulnerable to gambling harm.

Crown continuously works with social media and technology companies to seek removal of fraudulent content as a priority.

Crown Resorts official statement

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been the country’s leading authority in identifying and dealing with illegal online operators. It regularly requests internet service providers to block offending websites and has been steadily intensifying its efforts. However, such measures usually have limited success as offending operators can change their IP address and circumvent restrictions.

Crown Still Struggles to Regain Compliance

The cautionary message comes amid Crown Resorts’ comprehensive reform initiatives across its Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth integrated resorts. The company is actively working to regain its casino licenses following inquiries in these three states, which delivered unfavorable assessments. Regulators have generally observed steady progress, raising hopes for the beleaguered operator.

Notably, Crown Melbourne recently implemented mandatory time and loss limits for all patrons using electronic gaming machines in compliance with recommendations from the Finkelstein Royal Commission. The company’s rigorous reform agenda is paying off in other jurisdictions, thanks to company-wide safer gambling initiatives and a determination to return to suitability.

Despite Crown’s progress, some recent developments have raised new integrity concerns. The company’s CEO is under investigation over allegations that he allowed removed patrons back into the company’s properties. If confirmed, these suspicions could substantially hinder Crown’s progress toward compliance, and seeing the company’s logo on illegal websites does little to improve its image.

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The latest approval enables the project with a $400 million price tag to gain further traction

Image Source: Hard Rock

In November, the Kenosha City Council in Wisconsin greenlighted a proposal of the Menominee Tribe and Hard Rock International which calls for the development of a new gaming and entertainment resort. The tabled project is planned to use some 60 acres of land, located on County Highway K, west of Interstate 94.

Now, the project continues to gain traction following a meeting of the Kenosha Common Council. The Council met on Wednesday this week and saw a majority of its members vote in favor of the project. With only six members voting against the project, a majority of 11 supported Hard Rock’s planned casino and entertainment resort.

This progress marked another important step toward the realization of the massive casino project that is estimated to have a price tag of nearly $400 million. Securing the approval of the Kenosha Common Council, the proposal will now seek another green light from the Kenosha County Board. The Board is expected to convene later this month, on January 16, and vote on the proposed project.

The Hard Rock Casino in Kenosha is expected to help create new workplaces, including jobs that will be available during the construction. The city itself would benefit from tax revenue, while the casino project is also expected to attract tourists, impacting positively local businesses.

Menominee Tribe Is Excited with the Progress of the Project

Gena Kakkak, chair of the Menominee Tribe, was excited about the recent approval the project secured, as announced in a report by Fox6. “We thank the City Council for its continued support for and confidence in the many positives that the Kenosha Hard Rock Casino will bring to the community,” she explained.

Additionally, Kakkak highlighted the efforts and support of Mayor John Antaramian for the proposal. Speaking about the benefits the new casino would bring, the Tribe’s chair said the project would create more than 1,000 new jobs and boost the local economy.

The price tag of the new project is estimated at $360 million. Besides the 1,000 permanent jobs, the construction of the casino which will last approximately 18 months will also create nearly 1,000 temporary workplaces. Annually, the project is estimated to welcome more than 2.4 million visitors with 1.6 million of that total arriving from other states.

Besides a Hard Rock Hotel with 150 rooms, the project will offer a massive gaming floor with 50 table games and a staggering 1,500 slot machines. Additional amenities visitors of the new venue can expect include a Hard Rock live entertainment venue, restaurants, bars and shopping outlets.

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Despite the casinos’ positive effects on the local economy, 51.4% believe that stricter regulations are needed

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South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos do not sit well with many of the local residents. According to a recent report, roughly half of the residents of Jeju Island believe that these properties have led to a drastic increase in crime. According to these locals, stricter regulations are needed.

The survey was conducted by representatives of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and inquired about the opinions of 1,000 local adults. A whopping 49.9% said that they believe the properties have led to a spike in the region’s criminal activities. In the meantime, 14.2% disagreed with that statement. The rest were neutral and did not have strong opinions on the matter.

The survey also inquired about islanders’ feelings about the casinos’ effects on the environment. More than half of the respondents (52%) said that the island’s foreigner-only casinos have a negative impact, pollute the environment and increase traffic problems. In the meantime, 13.7% disagreed with that statement.

Furthermore, 55.1% agreed that the casinos have a harmful effect on the local youth and the educational sector as a whole. However, 13.7% do not believe in a link between the educational system and the casino properties.

The Island’s Eight Casinos Provide a Boost to the Economy

Jeju Island houses eight foreigner-only casinos. These are managed and supervised by the provincial government and have been the subject of controversies for some time. For reference, South Korea prohibits gambling but allows foreign tourists to gamble in specific areas.

In addition to the aforementioned concerns, the casinos also bring some benefits. Roughly 40% of the survey respondents admitted that the island’s eight casinos do bring in more foreigners and lead to increased tourist spending. In addition, 33.7% agreed that the casinos have created many new jobs.

Speaking of jobs, 34.2% believe that operators should create more jobs for young people, while 32.8% would like casinos to provide more financial support to the local tourism sector.

Despite the casinos’ positive effects on the local economy, 51.4% believe that stricter regulations are needed. On the contrary, 27.3% of the respondents believe that the casinos could do with some more support from the government.

For reference, this survey was the first of its kind on the island. The Jeju Island government plans to conduct it every year in order to measure public opinion on the casinos and casino regulations.  

-Mk Ssports