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Although vital gambling services such as poker, slot machines, and table games continued without interruption, the disturbance impacted essential functions

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In the wake of a cyber breach at the renowned Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona, the FBI and local law enforcement have launched a thorough investigation, shedding light on the escalating concerns surrounding cybersecurity within the casino realm. This incident, which led to a significant disruption in services, amplifies the vulnerabilities prevalent in the industry and underscores the urgent need for heightened security measures

Casino Del Sol Responds Swiftly to Cybersecurity Breach, Maintains Core Services

Upon uncovering unauthorized attempts to breach its network, Casino Del Sol promptly took action, notifying the public through its official channels and swiftly suspending various services, including casino credit, cash transactions, and ATM services, among others, reported BNN Breaking.

While essential gambling services like poker, slot machines, and table games remained operational, the disruption affected critical functions, necessitating immediate attention to restore normalcy.

In a bid to mitigate the fallout from the breach, the casino resorted to cash-only transactions at its dining establishments and bars, ensuring minimal disruption to guest experiences. Despite these measures, guests encountered inconveniences such as malfunctioning electronic room keys, prompting staff to assist with manual access to rooms—a testament to the widespread impact of the breach on day-to-day operations.

Such incidents not only undermine consumer trust but also pose significant financial risks, as evidenced by the estimated $100 million cost incurred by MGM Resorts International following a similar cyberattack in 2023.

Casino Del Sol Apologizes, Highlights Urgent Need for Cybersecurity Measures

In response to the breach, Casino Del Sol apologized for any disruptions caused to its patrons and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing guest safety and security. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving nature of cyber threats and the imperative of proactive measures to safeguard sensitive data and maintain operational continuity.

At the beginning of February, cybersecurity expert Dan Lohrmann warned of the persistent threat of cyberattacks targeting casinos, citing the incidents involving major gambling operators like MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.

Despite efforts to mitigate risks, the industry remains vulnerable, with Lohrmann emphasizing the importance of proactive monitoring and strategic action to reduce the likelihood of breaches and ransomware attacks.

Lohrmann’s insights highlighted the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across the gambling sector in response to escalating cyber threats. As authorities delve deeper into the investigation of the cyber breach at Casino Del Sol, the broader implications of the attack reverberate across the casino industry, prompting a reevaluation of existing security protocols and crisis management strategies.

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The properties were warned about the nearby wildfire on Tuesday evening, prompting the evacuation

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Two gambling venues in Oklahoma have evacuated amid a local near the Kansas border. The spreading fire forced local residents to evacuate as well.

The affected casinos were two tribal venues, namely the Native Lights Casino and the 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel. Both properties are situated near the border with The Sunflower State and were exposed to high risks of being engulfed by the fire.

For reference, the two casinos are operated by the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians respectively.

The properties were warned about the nearby wildfire on Tuesday evening, prompting the evacuation. Some Chilocco residents were also asked to leave their homes as the fire was headed directly toward that area.

At that time, the wildfire was directed north of Newkirk, a small city in Kay County. The County itself was affected by the flames, resulting in a lot of smoke that affected local traffic. At first, Newkirk residents were advised to evacuate but that order was later retracted as firefighters from the two neighboring states were able to get the situation under control.

Firefighters Prevented the Fire from Reaching the Casinos

At 9 pm, Kay County Emergency Management representatives released an update on the situation, announcing that firefighters from Oklahoma and Kansas had managed to stop the fire’s advance, preventing it from reaching the Native Lights Casino and 7 Clans First Council Casino Hotel.

For reference, the danger of the wildfire had initially increased because of some unexpected wind.

Kay Country wasn’t the only place in the state affected by the ongoing wildfires. As of Tuesday, Oklahoma was experiencing 32 fires, resulting in damages and loss of forests. Reports say that the fires have also led to injuries and property damage.

Two Oklahoma Casinos Dealt with Cyberattacks

Luckily, the two casinos in northern Oklahoma were unaffected thanks to the firefighters’ hard work. Damages to the two properties could have added to the woes of local tribal organizations in the wake of the recent cybersecurity incidents.

For reference, two of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma’s properties, namely the Indigo Sky Casino and Resort and Outpost Casino, experienced data security incidents in December. Both properties warned customers that their data might have been compromised, advising them to protect their identities.

In the meantime, Oklahoma continues to mull over the legalization of sports betting.

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The proposal, introduced by Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, seeks to ensure brick-and-mortar casinos in the state remain competitive amid the expansion of gambling in Nebraska and Illinois

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Iowa is one of the US states that currently offers not only legal sports betting but casino gambling as well. The state currently offers legal retail and online betting on sports, as well as casino gambling via 19 brick-and-mortar casinos. The tax rate applicable for sports betting is set at 6.75% on sports betting revenue, while casinos that generate a minimum of $3 million in gross revenue pay a 22% tax rate on their gross gambling revenues.

Amid the growing competition from casinos in nearby states, lawmakers in Iowa are exploring options for the gradual reduction of the tax rate applicable for land-based casinos. One such effort is led by Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, who filed House Study Bill 719 earlier this month. The proposal, calls for a slight decrease in the rate applicable for casino operators.

Under House Study Bill 719, the 22% tax rate for land-based casinos will decrease by a percentage per fiscal year. This process, under the proposed bill, will continue through the fiscal 2027 year, when the tax rate for retail casinos will be reduced to 19% on gross gaming revenues. The aforementioned proposal comes at a time when the state Governor anticipates tax cuts on the income of Iowa residents.

Ultimately, the slight reduction in the taxes for casinos seeks to make them more competitive amid the growing competition from nearby states. For example, nearby casinos in Illinois and Nebraska may gain an advantage against Iowa and attract visitors considering their lower tax rate.

Casinos Provide Vital Economic Stimulus for Local Communities

Bloomingdale, who was recently quoted by Iowa Capital Dispatch, revealed that casinos across Iowa have helped local communities. This economic stimulus, she said, helped by providing vital resources. “Every fire department has a new fire truck, every church has a new roof, every cemetery has tombstones that have been fixed, on a paved road. So I look at the things that they’ve (casinos) done in our communities that, you know, if they have 1% more income, that money would go directly into our communities,” added Bloomingdale.

Additionally, she spoke about the importance of tax cuts, acknowledging that lawmakers are considering lower taxes for corporations and individuals but not casinos. “It just doesn’t seem fair,” Bloomingdale added, pointing out that if Iowa considers lowering taxes the state should “look at everyone.”

Bloomingdale’s proposal gained traction by securing approval from a House Ways and Means subcommittee on Monday.

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The Canadian province is following best practices in reining in gambling harm from Europe and the rest of the world

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On Wednesday, February 28, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) rolled out the measure which is designed to safeguard against the proliferation of gambling harm and problem gambling in the jurisdiction.

Firm Bulwark Against Gambling Harm

The decision follows a public consultation on the matter, and it aligns with a higher ambition to ensure that consumers are steered clear of harmful practices. Moving forward, no active or retired athletes may appear on advertising or promotional materials for internet gambling in the province.

The only case where this is allowed is as part of responsible gambling practices and campaigns, with influencers, celebrities, and otherwise well-known entertainers and people of prominence coming under the same restriction.

Yet the onus is on licensed companies in the province to ensure that no transgressions occur and that the new rules are observed to the letter of the law. Operators would have to meticulously study the personalities they want to work with to launch campaigns that are aimed at advertising and boosting awareness for their brands.

The AGCO similarly expects companies to ensure that their advertisement does not appear to minors or individuals under the legal gambling age. The rules further ensure that the industry is advertising more responsibly and ethically, including a prohibition that now bans ads to appear near schools, among a select list of venues.

The ban has been welcomed by the Canadian Mental Health Association which congratulated the regulator on the swift execution of its plans, journeying from public consultation to consideration, to implementation. A spokesperson for the association, Camille Quenneville, called the new rules “a critical step” designed to safeguard consumers.

Beware of the Pitfalls

Yet, Quenneville used the opportunity to also speak about “alarming trends” in online gambling, and especially among young people who are the most at risk of falling victim to harmful gambling practices. Jurisdictions such as the Netherlands still discover that a quarter of individuals under the age of 24 are moderate-to-risk gamblers, which is a serious enough concern to merit further addressing.

“We encourage a public health approach to regulating iGaming. This includes implementing further restrictions on advertising and marketing until all advertising for iGaming is completely prohibited,” Quenneville said, urging the industry to lead by example and protect consumers.

The provincial market has been looking to strengthen the safeguards available to players, including the rollout of a request for proposals for a self-exclusion system.

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Hoke stressed the susceptibility of electronic gaming systems to fraudulent activities, with a specific focus on the exploitation of players\’ club schemes

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The lucrative world of casino gambling is facing a formidable adversary: organized groups employing sophisticated tactics to exploit slot machines, causing substantial financial losses to casinos across the US. According to a leading expert in casino surveillance and security, this issue is rapidly escalating, posing a significant threat to the industry’s profitability.

Casino Surveillance Expert Sounds Alarm on Rampant Slot Advantage Play Tactics

Darrin Hoke, a seasoned professional in casino surveillance and operational protection, recently shed light on the alarming trend of slot advantage play during core training sessions at the World Game Protection Conference held at the Tropicana Las Vegas, reported CDC Gaming.

Hoke emphasized the vulnerability of electronic gaming systems to fraud and abuse, particularly highlighting the exploitation of players’ club schemes and internal and external fraud mechanisms.

Slot machines represent a substantial portion, accounting for 75% to 85%, of all gaming revenue in casinos, underscoring the severity of the issue. Hoke revealed that many casinos inadequately monitor these complex networks, leaving them susceptible to exploitation by organized groups engaging in slot advantage play.

Hoke explained that these groups exploit various tactics to extract significant sums from casinos, primarily targeting video poker due to its low house edge. By strategically utilizing free-play incentives and leveraging multiple accounts, these groups amass substantial winnings without significant financial risk.

Casino Industry Should Ramp Up Measures Against Slot Advantage Play

The modus operandi typically involves enrolling multiple individuals into the casino’s direct mail program to accumulate free play rewards. Once a certain threshold is reached, the group collectively utilizes these rewards to generate profits, circumventing the need for personal funds. Hoke emphasized that while this practice is not illegal, it results in substantial losses for casinos, with some groups allegedly moving billions of dollars across the country.

Moreover, these groups employ sophisticated strategies, such as team play and exploiting must-hit jackpots, to further enhance their advantage. Despite casinos’ attempts to incentivize customer loyalty through free play offers, Hoke noted that these efforts often result in wasted expenses, with a significant portion of free play going unutilized.

Hoke urged casinos to adopt proactive measures to combat slot advantage play, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing player behavior and identifying patterns indicative of exploitation.

Additionally, he highlighted the need for enhanced security protocols to detect and deter organized groups from engaging in fraudulent activities.As casinos grapple with mounting financial losses attributed to slot advantage play, industry stakeholders are under increasing pressure to implement comprehensive measures to safeguard against exploitation and preserve profitability.

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January witnessed a decline, falling short of securing a position among the top 10 highest gaming wins on record

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Nevada casinos raked in a hefty $1.27 billion from eager gamblers in January, marking a slight step back from the previous month’s record-breaking figures. The report comes amidst a flurry of activity in the entertainment capital, sandwiched between the grand openings of several resorts in December and the highly popular Super Bowl LVIII hosted in Las Vegas on February 11.

The Last Vegas Strip Records First Decline Since June 2023

While December boasted an impressive $1.43 billion in casino wins, January saw a dip, failing to clinch a spot in the top 10 highest gaming wins on record. Notably, the iconic Las Vegas Strip, typically the powerhouse driving the state’s economy, experienced a downturn with earnings totaling $686.2 million, significantly lower than December’s record-breaking $905.4 million haul.

Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst for the Nevada Gaming Control Board, noted that the decrease in January marked the Strip’s first decline since June 2023, thus breaking a streak of six consecutive increases.

Lawton attributed the decline to various factors, including the disruptive construction associated with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November and December, prompting some tourists to postpone their visits until February for the Super Bowl festivities. Additionally, the timing of the Chinese New Year influenced visitor patterns, impacting January’s results.

Despite the Strip’s setback, other areas such as downtown Las Vegas, the Boulder Strip, and off-Strip locals’ casinos witnessed a resurgence from December’s figures. Notably, properties in the “Balance of Clark County” category recorded a record-breaking $169.3 million in earnings, buoyed by the recent opening of Durango Casino & Resort in early December.

Slot Machines Fuel Nevada’s Gaming Growth

The state remains on solid footing, boasting a 4.77% increase over the previous year’s performance, with the Strip outperforming at 6.78%. Slot machines emerged as a driving force behind the off-Strip surge, contributing $135.8 million to the overall earnings.

Comparing January 2023 to the present, Nevada saw a modest 0.51% improvement, while the Strip lagged behind by 3.79%. However, the shortfall was compensated by robust performances in Reno, where earnings soared by a staggering 55.0% compared to the previous year, partly attributed to favorable weather conditions that bolstered casino foot traffic.

With February’s figures expected to receive a significant boost from Super Bowl activities, Nevada’s casinos are poised to maintain their winning streak, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the 36th consecutive month.

Meanwhile, the state’s percentage fee collections for February reached $99.7 million, marking a 3.74% increase over February 2023, indicating continued resilience in the gaming sector despite fluctuations in performance on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

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In his February 29 ruling, Judge Schopler underscored the frivolousness of the plaintiffs\’ claims, referencing more than 20 unsuccessful lawsuits with inconsistent and groundless arguments

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After years of legal battles, a federal judge has brought closure to the longstanding dispute over the tribal casino in the Jamul Indian Village, located in San Diego County. US District Judge Andrew G. Schopler, appointed by President Joe Biden, not only dismissed the latest case against the casino but also imposed sanctions on the plaintiffs, marking an end to the protracted legal saga.

Kumeyaay Native Americans Reveal Historical Dispute in Battle for Tribal Land

The case dates back to the early 1990s when the Kumeyaay Native Americans, residing in the Jamul Indian Village, held an election regarding the construction of a casino and a hotel on their tribal land. The decision led to a series of legal challenges initiated by a group opposing the construction, which persisted over the years.

In his ruling issued on February 29, Judge Schopler emphasized the frivolous nature of the plaintiffs’ claims, citing over 20 failed lawsuits with shifting and meritless arguments, reported Courthouse News Service. Judge Schopler accused the plaintiffs of pursuing the case in bad faith, solely for harassment purposes, and ordered all attorney fees to be borne by the plaintiffs.

The core of the legal battle revolved around allegations that the construction of the casino infringed upon ancestral burial grounds, owned by the Roman Catholic Church of San Diego. The plaintiffs contended that the transfer of the cemetery plot to the Village was fraudulent, and orchestrated to evade responsibility for desecration.

Federal Judge Ends Lawsuit Against Tribal Village, Urges Plaintiffs to Cease Legal Pursuits

However, Judge Schopler dismantled these arguments, highlighting the plaintiffs’ misunderstanding of state laws and failure to prove fraudulent transfer. Moreover, he pointed out a critical legal flaw: the absence of the Village as a defendant, despite its indispensable status. As a federally recognized tribe, the Village enjoys sovereign immunity, rendering it immune to lawsuits.

Consequently, Judge Schopler dismissed the case and cautioned against further legal pursuits by the plaintiffs and their attorneys, warning of escalating financial penalties. Expressing hope for a definitive resolution, he urged the plaintiffs to accept their losses and cease litigation.

Last year the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC) expanded its Jamul Casino with a luxurious 16-story hotel boasting 200 rooms, including 52 suites, alongside extensive amenities such as a rooftop pool deck, restaurant with scenic views, retail space, meeting areas, spa, and fitness center. 

Linked by a pedestrian sky bridge, the hotel aimed to elevate the gambling experience. The expansion reflected JIVDC’s strategic growth plan following a substantial loan, with Chair Erica Pinto emphasizing the economic benefits for the tribal nation and local community, while casino president Mary Cheeks anticipated enhanced competitiveness in the leisure market.

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The casino game developer has acquired its first license in the United States, hoping to continue expanding in the country

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The first state where Supremeland Gaming will be able to operate its products is Pennsylvania, with the Keystone State’s Control Board issuing an interim authorization that will allow the supplier to roll out its content portfolio with interested and licensed operators.

Supremeland Secures Coveted Pennsylvania Market Entry

Supremeland Gaming is a Swedish iGaming studio and developer which is only getting started, with the company creating four vivid and standout games, Munition Mine, Red Panda Rising, Wild Quad Squad, and Die Pinata Die, with the developer planning on more spectacular releases in the months to come.

Although an upstart studio, the company already has created unique experiences. The company reunites two development arms under its banner, to name Powderkeg Studios, which has developed all of the four current releases, and a new project that is still a work in progress.

Powderkeg Studios is specifically based in New York, allowing Supremeland Gaming to rapidly expand its portfolio in the coveted market. The company specifically signed an agreement with EveryMatrix and the latter’s SlotMatrix platform to ensure that once cleared to roll out in iGaming America, Supremeland would have a trusted and ready partner locally.

Company Planning New Development Arm Launch

Commenting on the opportunity, Supremeland Gaming CEO Rickard Öhrn had this to say about exploring the company’s achievements and future opportunities in the market:

“We are thrilled to have obtained our first approval in the United States, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce our titles to the American igaming community. This is a momentous occasion for Supremeland, and we are eager to contribute to the vibrant gaming culture in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Earlier this year the company hired new teammates as it sought to strengthen its development and operational capabilities, bringing new senior mathematicians and technical artists on board.

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The reactivation specialist will collaborate with the operator to tap into its vast data base and elicit response from registered but lapsed players

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Enteractive, which specifically targets dormant customer accounts of partner brands, leveraging a personal and tailored approach in each instance, has teamed up with PlayStar, an online casino that is rapidly expanding in the United States.

PlayStar Turns to Dormant Customer Base

As PlayStar has been growing its local footprint in the United States, the company has become equally motivated to ensure that it gets the best bang for its buck, turning to Enteractive for this reason.

Lapsed players will now be approached by Enteractive which leverages a specific and personalized approach which uses a technology known as (Re)Activation Cloud and uses player databases to look for opportunities to reactivate accounts.

To this end, the company uses native speakers who contact a target player in their own language and come up with a personalized campaign to galvanize the player into returning to a casino platform or business, or in this case – on PlayStar.

Enteractive uses a fairly traditional approach, ensuring that human operators do the outreach, backed by vast troves of data and an action plan. The company has more than 15 years of experience and it has been responsible for reactivating 8.1 million lapsed players in 2023 alone, making it one of the most successful and impressive companies in the vertical.

PlayStar CMO Jon Bowden welcomed the opportunity to see the company work with Enteractive in a bid to drive stronger results for the company.

The team’s expertise in both conversion and  reactivation campaigns will help us maximize our NGR and enhance the player experience for audiences.

PlayStar CMO Jon BowdenBuilding the Type of Partnerships That Matter

Enteractive CBO Andrew Foster was similarly pleased with the opportunity to establish another important partnership with an entity from the iGaming sector, which his company has been focusing on developing.

“With the aid of our highly skilled team of local US call agents, we are certain that PlayStar can increase their results in player conversions and reactivations,” Foster explained, confident that this partnership will benefit both companies.

Previously, Enteractive entered a similar partnership with global gaming and sports betting brand Stake.com, embarking on the same journey to reactive players and bolster results for the operator.

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As Problem Gambling Awareness Month is about to get underway, states around the country, weighing whether they have been doing enough

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The campaign, backed by the National Council on Problem Gambling, seeks to heighten public awareness of problem gambling and boost support for prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

The Silver State Acts Hesitantly on Problem Gambling

It similarly seeks to connect people who may need such services to the available options. Commenting on the upcoming month and the state of the state in Nevada, the International Problem Gambling Center’s (IPGC) Elizabeth Evans has expressed concerns about whether enough has been done.

At least in the Silver State. Evans has lived experience with addiction, making her uniquely suited to understand the grueling self-flagellation that gambling addicts go through, to speak nothing of mounting debt.

IPGC Executive Director Stephanie Goodman is similarly concerned about whether enough people are getting the message. Yet, she also seems moderately optimistic. Speaking to 8newsnow, Goodman finds reasons to be upbeat.

“What happens here is I think a space of hope,” she explains. Yet, there is an underlying trend that cannot be simply ignored. For starters, Nevada is not nearly doing enough. This opinion is shared by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling counselor Ted Hartwell who echoes those concerns.

The Silver State has indeed been slower to respond to the need to muster more efforts – private and public – to address the issue of problem gambling. Lawmakers have already agreed to spend $2.2 million on problem gambling in 2024, but this may be insufficient to accomplish the task at hand, which is to spread awareness, and importantly – to offer treatment services to individuals who are already suffering.

There have been all sorts of calls to help bolster awareness. Goodman for one has criticized the lack of similar awareness for responsible gambling, or a sufficient chunk of the big events driving the state’s revenue being allocated to helping people who are suffering from gambling proliferation.

Funding Missing the Main Problem

According to UNLV’s International Gaming Institute Distinguished Fellow Alan Feldman was similarly concerned about how Nevada is addressing what is a growing problem not just in the state, but all across the nation. According to Feldman, efforts to fight back against gambling addiction ought to start in school already, citing evidence from other jurisdictions.

Feldman similarly cautioned that there is a gap in the understanding of problem gambling and more study of the issue is necessary. This underlying challenge comes amid the fact that Nevada may have more people who need and are even interested in assistance than there is funding to cover. Nevada is not alone in underfunding problem gambling safeguards, as Washington D.C. fully did away with it.

From the East Coast to the West Coast, there have been strong voices in support of doing more to protect consumers. This is good news. Now the money needs to be mustered for tangible results to materialize.

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