The Kingpins of the Las Vegas Casino Strip

The Las Vegas Strip has undergone a dramatic transformation from a remote desert highway into one of America’s most iconic districts – a neon-lit canyon of glamour, excess, and capitalist ambition. Its decades-long journey reflects the shifting tides of power and vision that have defined Sin City.

The Strip’s humble origins date to the 1930s as a vital road linking LA to Las Vegas through empty Nevada desert. Back then, Vegas was a sleepy railroad town. Visitors were scarce beyond Hoover Dam construction workers who lodged in modest motels flanking the two-lane road.

However, some visionaries saw potential in the desert outpost. For example, in 1941, the El Rancho Vegas resort opened on the Strip, pioneering the casino-hotel model. Its success inspired more developers, even catching the eye of notorious East Coast mobster Bugsy Siegel. In 1946, he built the extravagant Flamingo Hotel, cementing organized crime’s presence on the Strip and kicking off an era of rapid development.

Over the ensuing decades, the Strip exploded with lavish properties like the Sands, Dunes, and Stardust coming up. By the 1960s, complexes like Caesars Palace had transformed the Strip into an entertainment epicenter synonymous with indulgence. The 1970s saw boundary-pushing projects like the original MGM Grand.

All this time, the Strip remained a diverse patchwork of independent hotel-casinos. But today, this landscape looks very different. Today, the Strip is dominated by just two gaming giants – MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment – which combined control over half the major resorts.

This consolidation of power is a new phenomenon. So how did we get here? How did just a handful of brands come to rule Sin City’s once fiercely independent Strip? This article delves into the key power players ruling today’s Las Vegas casinos and how they clawed their way to the top. Let’s get right into it!

The Rise of the Vegas Titans

The modern battle for the Strip began in 1989. After over a decade of stagnation, the opening of Steve Wynn’s opulent Mirage Resort kicked off a casino building boom in Las Vegas. Competitors rushed to construct ever more ostentatious properties along the Strip. MGM Grand, Luxor, Excalibur, Paris, New York-New York and other eye-catching megaresorts popped up in quick succession.

Behind the scenes, casino operators scrambled to expand their footprints. The Mirage’s success inspired a wave of mergers and acquisitions that steadily consolidated power. By the early 2000s, four major companies controlled the Strip landscape:

  • MGM Mirage owned the MGM Grand, The Mirage, and Treasure Island
  • Caesars Entertainment owned the Caesars Palace, Bally’s, and Paris Las Vegas
  • Harrah’s Entertainment owned Harrah’s and later Imperial Palace
  • Mandalay Resort Group owned Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus

However, come 2005, two seismic deals shrank that number to two. MGM acquired Mandalay in a deal worth $7.9 billion, bringing the Luxor, Excalibur and Mandalay Bay under its umbrella. Meanwhile, Harrah’s purchased Caesars Entertainment for $9.4 billion, including Caesars Palace. Almost overnight, MGM and Harrah’s (later renamed back to Caesars) became the undisputed kingpins of Las Vegas casinos.

Today these two giants lord over the Strip. MGM Resorts owns iconic properties like Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage, New York New York and Park MGM. On the other hand, Caesars Entertainment has under its wings Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Paris, Planet Hollywood and other famous resorts. Together they control around 17 of the 27 major hotel-casinos on the Strip.

Challengers remain, however. For example, Phil Ruffin’s TI west of Caesars Palace provides some tough competition, while there’s the Venetian and Palazzo complex which operate independently as well. But none come close to matching the power of the “Big Two.” For better or worse, MGM and Caesars together form the public face of Las Vegas.

The Fall and Rise of Caesars

Caesars Entertainment’s path to becoming one of the Strip’s titans was particularly rocky. The company seemed an unstoppable force in the early 2000s following its mergers with Harrah’s. However, the massive 2005 leveraged buyout by Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital soon saddled it with crippling debt.

As the 2008 financial crisis hit, Caesars struggled to manage its over $20 billion leverage. By 2015 it was forced to declare bankruptcy. The subsequent restructuring slashed Caesars’ Strip presence, with creditor ownership rising to over 60%. But it also birthed a new force in Las Vegas real estate: VICI Properties.

Part of Caesars’ bankruptcy settlement involved splitting its property assets from gaming operations. As a real estate investment trust (REIT), VICI could own Caesars resorts tax-free and lease them back to the operating entity. This allowed Caesars to offload debt while benefiting from rent payments.

Initially owning just former Caesars properties like Harrah’s and Planet Hollywood, VICI expanded by acquiring competitor real estate. In 2022, it bought fellow REIT MGM Growth Properties, assuming ownership of MGM Grand and other non-Caesars casinos.

VICI now owns more than 10 resorts on the Strip assets including Caesars Palace, The Mirage, Park MGM and the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Though banned from gaming operations, its massive property portfolio makes the company such a powerful player in the battle for Las Vegas real estate.

MGM Follows the REIT Route

Seeing the advantages of removing real estate from gaming, MGM Resorts followed Caesars’ lead in 2016. MGM Growth Properties was spun off to hold iconic Strip properties like Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage. Leasing them back brought MGM valuable rental income while unburdening itself from billions in leverage.

The REIT strategy bore other benefits too. By selling its properties, MGM gained cash to reinvest in expansion and acquisitions. In recent years it purchased the Cosmopolitan and CityCenter complex on the Strip, along with prominent U.S. regional casinos like Empire City in New York.

The creation of MGM Growth Properties also positioned MGM’s real estate for acquisition. When VICI bought MGM’s REIT in 2022, it gained a treasure chest of prime Vegas hotels. MGM in turn saw over $4.4 billion freed to deploy in new gaming ventures. The global resort company likely remains eager for future Strip acquisitions.

The Changing Face of Las Vegas Ownership

The rise of real estate investment trusts (REITs) has fundamentally altered the ownership landscape in Las Vegas. By spinning property assets into separate companies like VICI and MGM Growth Properties, casino operators gained numerous advantages:

  • REITs provide tax benefits, allowing property owners to lease hotels back to casinos at lower effective rates.
  • Separating real estate from operations removes leverage from gaming companies’ books thereby improving debt profiles.
  • Cashing out property assets helps to generate funds for new investments and growth opportunities.
  • REITs can acquire competitors’ real estate and consolidate ownership under one roof.

For casino operators, these benefits come at the cost of no longer owning their iconic hotels. On the other hand, for REITs, gaming regulations prohibit direct involvement in casino operations. This new structure divides the Strip’s power between property kingpins like VICI and casino brand giants like MGM and Caesars.

It also opens the playing field to commercial real estate investors. For example, groups like Blackstone and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are snapping up Strip hotels purely for their property potential. The battle, therefore, is expanding beyond gaming corporations to include private equity firms, REITs, and investment funds drawn to Vegas real estate.

However, some foresee the REIT structure as merely a temporary separation between ownership and operations. VICI in particular has steadily consolidated control of the Strip’s most valuable buildings and land. Its CEO recently acknowledged ambitions to eventually operate casinos should regulations change.

For now, the REITs remain formally separated from gaming. But down the road, the kingpins of Las Vegas real estate could make a play at uniting property and operations under the same roof once again.

The Other Players Circling for a Piece

While MGM and Caesars may dominate center Strip, other investors continue battling for a slice of the action. Here are a few notable ones making huge moves:

Phil Ruffin

A successful businessman, Phil has acquired and revived distressed properties like Circus Circus and also owns half of Trump International Hotel. Ruffin remains a small but opportunistic player worth watching.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

This wealthy California tribe recently purchased The Palms and Rio Hotel & Casino. They are leveraging their tribal gaming experience to enter the competitive Vegas market.

Blackstone

The private equity group has gone on a Vegas buying spree, acquiring The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Bally’s and more. Their deep pockets make them a real threat for future deals.

These investors, along with VICI Properties, reflect how the “battle for Vegas” now includes property owners and real estate players beyond gaming companies. The kingdom MGM and Caesars once ruled alone clearly has attracted new power brokers into the space.

The Strip of the Future

MGM and Caesars will likely continue holding their kingpin status for the foreseeable future. Their rewards programs, volumes of hotel rooms, and Strip geography give them prime advantages with visitors. Consolidation has also led to cost savings and operational efficiencies that benefit their bottom lines.

However, as with any industry, staying on top requires constant adaptation. A case in point for example is that younger generations don’t gamble as much as their elders. Today, Las Vegas is responding by emphasizing clubs, pools, restaurants, and experiences catering beyond the casino floor. For this and more reasons, MGM and Caesars will need to evolve to keep drawing new visitors into their resorts.

There are also signs the real estate divorce between gaming and property ownership could one day lead to divorce between owners and operators. VICI Properties is legally prohibited from running casinos. However, with its growing presence on the Strip, some speculate it could lobby to change REIT rules banning gaming involvement.

If allowed to operate casinos, VICI would become a fearsome competitor given its footprint on the Strip. For now, MGM and Caesars’ control looks solid. But as past decades have shown, the battle for Las Vegas never stays quiet for long. The ruthless competition will likely churn the Strip’s ownership for decades to come.

An Overview of Key Players in the Battle for Vegas

  • MGM Resorts International
    • Current Properties: Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Mirage, Mandalay Bay, New York-New York, Park MGM, Luxor, Excalibur.
    • Previously Owned: Treasure Island, The Cosmopolitan, Monte Carlo/Park MGM, Circus Circus.
    • Future Projects: New megaresort The Fontainebleau planned for northern Strip
    • Company History: Formed from mergers including MGM Grand & Mandalay Resort Group in 2005
    • CEO: William J. (Bill) Hornbuckle IV since 2020, veteran executive with decades at MGM
  • Caesars Entertainment
    • Current Properties: Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, Paris, Planet Hollywood, The Cromwell, The Linq
    • Previously Owned: Rio, Imperial Palace
    • Recent Moves: Merged with Eldorado Resorts in 2020, rebranded Bally’s to Horseshoe Las Vegas
    • Company History: Grew rapidly in 1990s/2000s before 2008 leveraged buyout crippled finances
    • CEO: Tom Reeg since 2020 merger with Eldorado, veteran casino executive
  • VICI Properties
    • Current Properties: Caesars Palace, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Park MGM, The Venetian, more than 50 Strip assets
    • Recent Moves: Acquired competitor REIT MGM Growth Properties for $17.2 billion in 2022
    • Company History: Spun off from Caesars Entertainment during its bankruptcy in 2017
    • CEO: Edward Pitoniak since VICI’s inception, veteran REIT executive
  • Blackstone
    • Current Vegas Properties: The Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, CityCenter
    • Company History: Global private equity group, acquired its first Vegas asset with Cosmo purchase in 2014
    • CEO: Stephen Schwarzman, co-founded Blackstone in 1985, a net worth of over $29.7 billion
  • Phil Ruffin
    • Current Properties: Circus Circus, TI (formerly Treasure Island)
    • Company History: Self-made businessman who acquired first Vegas property in 1997
    • CEO: Phil Ruffin runs his privately held company, with no outside investors
  • San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
    • Current Properties: The Palms, Rio Las Vegas
    • Company History: Prominent California tribe expanding off-reservation land
    • Leadership: Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena guiding the tribe’s gaming ambitions

We Can’t Forget The Little-Known Players

Behind MGM, Caesars and the deep-pocketed investors above lie an ecosystem of smaller independent casinos still retaining influence along the Strip. Here a few notable ones you might have heard of:

  • Wynn Resorts: Upper-end niche with Encore and Wynn properties at the north end of the Strip.
  • Las Vegas Sands: Focused on conventions after selling The Venetian and The Palazzo resorts to VICI and Apollo in 2022
  • Station Casinos: Locals-focused casinos like Palms Springs off the Strip now owned by Red Rock Resorts

Additionally, casino magnate Steve Wynn also retains a lot of influence as the visionary developer behind The Mirage and Bellagio, despite exiting these companies.

The Ever-Changing Strip

The Las Vegas Strip today would be nearly unrecognizable to visitors from just 20 years ago. The quick rise of REITs like VICI has particularly fractured ownership of the Strip’s crown jewels.

Yet while the players keep changing, the allure of Las Vegas remains intact overall. MGM and Caesars might have ruled the Strip’s casinos for over a decade, but now they must actively fight to maintain their place. Changing customer tastes, new regulations, competition and technology are all shaping the battlefield and the next wave of consolidation or fragmentation likely lurks just over the horizon.

The true winners in this never-ending battle are the millions of visitors who come to Las Vegas to play under the neon lights each year. The ruthlessly competitive casino industry must continually reinvent itself to attract and wow growing legions of gamblers and tourists who visit every year.

For anyone seeking thrills and making bets, Las Vegas remains undefeated and will likely remain this way for many years to come.

Casinos are powerful drivers in US economic activity netting over $300 billion a year

By Shadrack Kairu

According to a new study by the American Gaming Authority (AGA), the casino gambling industry in the United States now drives nearly $329 billion in total economic activity annually, cementing its status as a pivotal economic anchor across dozens of states nationwide.

The extensive report underscores the gaming industry’s monumental growth, with recent metrics indicating the sector’s aggregate impact has swelled over 26% since 2017. That translates into 1.8 million American jobs underpinned by the industry today, alongside $104 billion in associated wages and benefits. Additionally, $52.7 billion flows into public coffers via taxes applied on elements like casino earnings, supplier sales, and employee incomes.

Breaking down the economic impact of the casino industry in the US

A closer analysis of the sector’s full footprint shows a multiplier effect that goes far beyond proceeds directly won by commercial, tribal, and online casinos. In fact, direct gaming revenues accounted for only 22.5% of the industry’s total $329 billion US economic impact calculated for 2022.

The research also reflects substantial gains registered across critical metrics since the last AGA analysis published in 2018 using 2017 metrics. Over those five years, aggregate economic activity has expanded by 26% fueled especially by swelling employment, capital investments, and tax payments tied to the national gambling ecosystem.

While casino properties themselves remain top contributors, the loosening of gaming laws has paved the way for the emergence of a sprawling industry web including construction companies, tourism bureaus, entertainment firms, restaurants, tech vendors, payment processors and countless other beneficiaries.

For example, when you zoom in on core operations, America’s commercial and tribal casino sectors directly supported around 1.8 million jobs last year. This includes about 700,000 positions within casinos or affiliated hospitality businesses.

Employee wages have notably risen above 2017 levels, totaling $24 billion nationwide during 2022. This showcases how casinos increasingly provide middle-class incomes, especially in smaller cities or rural areas often eager to attract gaming development.

Given ongoing state-led pushes to legalize both retail and online gambling coupled with further post-pandemic recovery anticipated, projections point to America’s gaming sector enlarging its world-leading status over the decade to come.

The industry contributed $52 billion in taxes to the government in 2022

In terms of tax contributions, AGA’s analysis calculates that federal, state and local taxes collected from the gambling industry exceeded $52 billion for 2022. This drastic 29% increase over 2017 levels highlights gambling’s integral fiscal role in bankrolling critical public services countrywide.

As AGA CEO Bill Miller observed regarding the tax windfall, “Think back to where we were a few years ago with nearly 1,000 casinos, almost all of them closed. Today, we’re seeing record revenue in the industry.”

Underscoring this viewpoint, multiple authorities described the sheer magnitude of casino tax infusions and associated job creation as fundamental for myriad municipalities.

“Despite some economic headwinds, casinos remain powerful drivers of economic activity,” explained gambling historian David Schwartz of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He added that climbing annual revenues signal gaming’s enduring popularity amongst Americans from coast to coast.

Likewise, Stockton University Professor Jane Bokunewicz noted that besides tax proceeds, many casinos constitute the largest overall employers within surrounding populations. Through hiring local workers and utilizing regional vendors, such enterprises confer an instrumental economic role where established.

“Casinos are often the largest employers in a region, with major commitments in terms of wages and benefits. People employed by casinos use those wages and benefits to purchase additional goods and services, generating secondary economic impact.”

Stated Bokunewicz

By investing substantially in amenities and area infrastructure whilst providing careers that foster wider spending, casinos frequently catalyze prosperity indirectly. This manifests via revitalized local establishments as employed residents afford more recreation and shops flourish when visitor numbers swell.

As millions countrywide already rely on casino-derived incomes, upgrading regulations to attract further development could thus be prudent for state and city leaders pursuing economic growth.

The casino industry continues to grow exponentially in the US

Historically, the concept of legalized gambling originally took root back in 1931 when Nevada permitted gaming locally before later welcoming the famous casino hub Las Vegas. Over subsequent decades, many other states followed across America.

For example in 1976, New Jersey became the second state to allow commercial betting, including within the now-iconic casino destination Atlantic City. 11 more states gradually followed from 1989 to 2011, authorizing slot machines or full-scale casino gambling venues.

Today, the industry continues to see unprecedented levels of growth as more states acknowledge the potential this industry holds in terms of spurring their local economy. At the same time, more policies are still being introduced to tame issues arising with this growth.

The rise of online casinos

A big part of the growth of the gambling industry today can be attributed to the increasing capabilities of internet-connected mobile devices. As smartphones and tablets enable convenient real-time access to games, once-obscure niches like online bingo and digital lottery services have gone mainstream.

For example, there has been a sharp rise in the number of online sweeps casinos and other forms of social casinos. These platforms enable players to play using virtual coins – usually named Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. The former holds no monetary value and is meant purely for entertainment purposes, while the latter can sometimes be redeemed for prizes like gift cards or vacations. While not tied to real money, these new platforms allow participants to experience the excitement and engagement of various casino-style games from slots and poker to bingo and keno.

Of course, there has been a lot of debate around whether such platforms should be considered a form of gambling or not from a legal standpoint. Proponents argue that since users don’t wager or win real money, no actual gambling occurs. However, others counter that the games too closely emulate US real money online casinos, potentially serving as a gateway, especially for minors. Lawmakers continue to grapple with appropriately regulating such new internet entertainment spaces. Ultimately though, their rising popularity speaks to humanity’s timeless attraction and embrace of gambling for entertainment.

What does the future hold?

With even more states vying to welcome casino gaming as awareness builds around associated fiscal advantages, projections suggest industry growth reaching a compound annual growth rate of 12% annually moving forward nationwide. Supported by ballooning iGaming as online platforms get regulated progressively, financial experts foresee casinos becoming nearly a $150 billion market by 2030.

The recognition of gaming’s economic potential combined with the increasing digitization that continues to expand access promises an incredibly vibrant future for US gambling interests. Couple this with the growing societal acceptance and you can easily tell that the coming decades point towards increasing integration of gambling into mainstream recreational ecosystems.

Now driving 1.8 million jobs and billions in incomes and taxes, the sector’s sheer scale debunks outdated notions of casinos as magnets for vice. Instead, the country now appears to fully embrace their role in uplifting local economies from coast to coast. As that understanding widens, so too will gaming’s already mammoth $329 billion footprint as casinos morph into mainstream entertainment and catalysts for shared growth.

Tough Love – Five US casinos decline paying out $77K won by underage gamblers

By Shadrack Kairu

Five US casinos and a race track are taking a hard line regarding underage gambling by forfeiting over $77,000 won by prohibited patrons considered underage.

New Jersey state regulators ordered Resorts Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino Resort, Bally’s, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s and Freehold Raceway to surrender the payouts after investigations found underage gamblers had accrued the winnings against the rules.

The casinos placed funds into escrow temporarily allowing gamblers to prove eligibility. But with no one validating the legal gambling age despite waiting periods, authorities designated the violators as banned “prohibited patrons”. Now forfeited monies totaling $77,600 will go towards assisting state programs that help vulnerable groups.

Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City accounted for the highest forfeiture at over $51,000 accrued from cases that took place since 2020. Investigations revealed that banned underage gamblers or those unable to validate legal ages had accrued slot machine payouts playing games illegally.

Ocean Casino, on its part, relinquished $7,500 while Bally’s casino forfeited $5,600. Freehold Raceway harness racing track and sportsbook surrendered $4,400 and lastly, Golden Nugget and Harrah’s gave up $4,200 and $900 respectively and will now fund state programs instead.

Other US Cases Involved Gamblers On Self-Exclusion Lists

Separately, gamblers caught playing after voluntarily placing themselves onto New Jersey’s confidential “self-exclusion list” registry also faced winnings seizures recently.

This database run by gaming officials allows individuals admitting gambling problems to formally ban themselves statewide, requesting removal from mailing lists plus blocked access from online casinos and forfeiture of any prohibited payouts if caught violating terms.

Once listed, casino compliance staff are required to prevent gaming activities by these patrons. However if incidents occur violating agreements, winnings by self-excluded persons still get surrendered as regulations dictate. Exclusion terms at most US real money online casinos span one year, five years or permanent lifetime bans.

Ongoing enforcement by the casino industry

As the issue of underage gambling continues to pose challenges, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and its casino members have pledged to prioritize responsible gambling policies as an integral part of daily operations across the industry. This includes diligent efforts to prevent minors from accessing casinos and gambling opportunities.

The latest AGA code of conduct states that members must communicate legal gambling ages clearly in properties, online casinos, and promotions. Besides, all customer-facing staff must undergo training on procedures for addressing unattended children, underage gaming, and preventing minors from accessing alcohol and tobacco.

If an unattended child is identified in a casino, security personnel take reasonable steps to locate parents on-site or by phone contact. The code emphasizes: “If a child appears unsupervised or in violation of curfews, security or appropriate personnel must be contacted.”

According to Gary Schneider, a decades-long Gamblers Anonymous member, rising numbers of teens are seeking help for severe gambling problems in recent years:

“In the last year, we are seeing more and more 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18, 19, 22, 24 that are coming in with severe gambling disorders,”

Gary Schneider observed.

Experts also warn online access has “exacerbated” gambling addiction risks by enabling instant betting from mobile devices. “It’s very easy to lose tens of thousands of dollars just by picking up your phone,” said Felicia Grondin of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.

To tighten the noose even further, some gambling companies including some sweeps casinos are now increasingly integrating machine learning and AI to restrict prohibited groups automatically. This is to ensure forged IDs become virtually useless as biometric facial recognition databases expand preventing underage patrons and banned persons from slipping through cracks.

How Parents Can Get Help Around Underage Gambling

One of the biggest modern challenges for parents has to be navigating new threats like underage gambling addiction. Luckily, there are now plenty of support options for concerned parents and guardians including the following:

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

As America’s oldest advocacy group solely countering gambling addiction founded in 1972, NCPG uniquely understands this affliction’s strains on families. So they offer parents multi-format help including a 24/7 confidential helpline, live chat services, webinars, video tutorials, extensive prevention literature and training sessions all focused particularly on youth gambling disorders.

Realizing one-size rarely fits all, offerings range from home-based monitoring controls plus bank activity oversight to frank conversations objectively explaining gambling’s balanced risks versus entertainment realities for teenagers today. Specific parental advice also covers appropriately utilizing activity blocking and detailed accounting software, teaching broader balanced financial and money management life skills as well as tips on selecting qualified counsellors or credentialed therapists during early troubling stages.

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)

Complementing NCPG’s focus on the practical aspect of gambling, AACAP provides more clinical assistance through online education. This is aimed at unveiling warning signs of addiction like peer pressure, undiagnosed impulse control issues or unresolved emotional problems that disproportionately affect minors. Their searchable database connects affected families to local accredited specialists ranging from counsellors and therapists up to child psychologists and board-certified adolescent psychiatrists.

Some of the treatment avenues covered include both outpatient and intensive inpatient programs using evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) tailored to counteract root causes behind harmful dependencies like gambling. For parents preferring faith-based approaches, AACAP resources also integrate suitable providers espousing applicable spiritual principles into individualized therapies that promote overall positivity.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

For over 65 years, the GA program has helped parents, teenagers and anyone else wanting to confidentially share gambling addiction struggles in order to move forward positively day by day.

Multiple free support meetings occur nationwide both virtually and locally in most regions to provide solidarity plus strength and practical lived experience – all necessary when stopping destructive habits like gambling. Attendees find non-judgement talking through challenges among peers who understand the exact difficulties faced. GA also partners frequently with addiction therapists for supplemental care avenues aiding families as part of customized game plans addressing individual needs.

Children and Screens

The non-profit Children and Screens group offers parents assistance through their “Betting on Our Future” program explicitly focused on emerging Generation Z threats from mushrooming gambling outlets and persuasive marketing messages.

Their interdisciplinary experts including child psychologists continually generate adolescent gambling risk studies quantifying impacts. They also provide parental monitoring controls, balanced youth gambling usage advice in an entertainment context, short educational videos and broader advocacy against unrestrained gambling growth’s behavioural effects on highly impressionable kids.

Therapy Insider

Finally, for parents understandably feeling overwhelmed tackling a newly diagnosed gambling disorder affecting their teenager, Therapy Insider delivers an impartial mental health resource consolidating best available treatment guidance in one place. Their searchable addiction therapist directory assists families in identifying fully-qualified counsellors, psychiatrists and dedicated treatment facilities locally using simple screening tools filtering by exact speciality needs around juvenile gambling alongside independent reviews from verified past clients.

Beyond the therapist finder, their services also incorporate useful educational materials conveniently explaining warning signs of gambling addiction, preventative steps cultivating healthier habits and all-important proactive measures avoiding further destructive dependencies threatening adolescents.

The Road Ahead

For a long time, underage gambling wasn’t given the attention it deserves. But finally, authorities are starting to show seriousness by enforcing regulations and now even seizing winnings from underage gamblers. Tougher policies, biometric screening, and forfeitures send a clear message – exploiting minors for profit won’t be tolerated.

Still more is needed, like ramped-up education on gambling addiction and counselling tailored to increasingly tech-savvy youth. Parents must also stay vigilant in monitoring online activities while instilling balanced perspectives on gambling’s risks. Finally, there’s a need for tighter legislation that caps excessive gambling amongst the society’s most vulnerable.

It’s certainly going to be a struggle, but with the renewed efforts, there’s hope for future generations to gain resilience against the harms that come with gambling addiction.

Las Vegas Best Casino Playgrounds

By Shadrack Kairu

Las Vegas is known for many things, but its casinos are without a doubt the main draw. Indeed, ‘Sin City’ boasts the most casinos per square foot of any city in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll hear the unmistakable sounds of slot machines clinking, cards being dealt, and dice rolling.

With over one hundred casinos, ranging from quaint slot-machine parlours to opulent billion-dollar playgrounds, it’s hardly a surprise that so many consider Las Vegas to be the “entertainment capital of the world”. Millions of people flock to this vibrant city each year just to try their luck in America’s gambling paradise.

Whether you’re eager to pick up a seat at the slot machine, in search of a dining haven, interested in playing engaging board games and poker, or simply want to satiate your curiosity about gambling, Las Vegas is the best place to be. The Las Vegas Strip, situated along South Las Vegas Boulevard, is particularly famous for its luxurious and extremely large casino resorts, but for those who prefer convenience and accessibility, online casinos offer an exciting alternative.

However, given the abundance of choices, it may be practically impossible to visit every casino playground in this city. That’s where we come in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 must-visit casino playgrounds in Las Vegas, providing insights into their unique features and player perks. Our aim is to help you make an educated decision about where to experience the thrill of gaming the next time you visit this city. So, let’s get started.

Best Casino Playgrounds in Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas Casino

There’s nothing in the world like Wynn Las Vegas Casino. Known simply as The Wynn, this is a Forbes Five Star-rated luxury hotel and casino. It was opened in 2005 and immediately became the most expensive casino resort ever built at the time, at a cost of $2.7 billion. Its 45-story tower also became the tallest building in Nevada.

The casino floor here isn’t something we see every day. For starters, you get to enjoy a whopping 111,000 square feet of casino space populated with some swanky table games, slots, poolside gaming, lush high-limit salons, and ultramodern sports books. Wynn Las Vegas’s signature Poker Room is another pleasant choice for poker fans, thanks to its instant cash play, daily tournaments, and The Wynn Signature Series & Wynn Classic.

Above all, Wynn Las Vegas Casino wants you to win at all costs – and it shows. A quick glance at the casino’s Wynn Rewards Promotions reveals exclusive perks and special offers that members can enjoy. You may qualify for a chance to spin by simply signing up for Wynn Rewards and playing. Still, as a Wynn Rewards member you can enjoy exciting perks such as daily, weekly and monthly promotions, as well as unique dining options and luxurious accommodations.

Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Bellagio Casino

The iconic Bellagio Resort & Casino is a crucial pit stop for guests visiting the Strip for the first time. With a mammoth 156, 000 sq. ft. casino and 3,933 rooms, it is one of Las Vegas’s largest casino playgrounds. The world-famous Bellagio Fountain show is indisputably the casino’s biggest drawcard. Inspired by the European villages, this casino and resort overlooks a Mediterranean-blue lake where water rises 460 feet above an enormous 8-acre fountain to form a magnificent ballet, a sight to behold for visitors of all ages.

Meanwhile, the casino’s signature attraction is its poker room. A major stop on the World Poker Tour, Bellagio Casino features 40 poker tables of Omaha 8, Seven Card Stud, Hold ‘Em, and more, plus two high limit areas. But if poker’s not your cup of tea, the Bellagio’s slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps are also popular.

What’s more, Bellagio Casino, operated by MGM Resorts International, has a nice assortment of bonuses. The MGM Rewards program is where the magic happens. When you become an MGM Rewards member, you get rewarded for virtually every dollar you spend. You can get personalized gaming and entertainment deals, guaranteed lowest hotel rates, special discounts on dining and spa, and plenty more.

Location: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Ellis Island Casino

Ellis Island Casino Hotel & Brewery is the place to be for a great time that won’t hurt your wallet. It offers an affordable blend of casino gaming, superb dining and accommodation, and a family-friendly atmosphere with a touch of warmth and hospitality. Ellis Island Casino features 28,500 sq. ft. of space chock-full of all of your favorite games.

There’s a colorful array of nearly 300 hottest slot machines, live blackjack, roulette, sports books, and craps for guests seeking to try their hand at gambling. If you want a break and would like to try something different, enjoy Las Vegas #1 Karaoke venue, or go to the wine lounge and enjoy the finest wine, all located right within Ellis Island Casino.

Most importantly, great news for casino enthusiasts as Ellis Island Casino has three cool offers that are straightforward to claim. The first offer allows you to play $10 to win $100 in free play. The second one requires you to play $20 to receive a free Ellis Island t-shirt. And the final offer gives you a chance to win $10 matchplay for any even-money table game wager you make.

Location: 4250 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Paris Las Vegas

Experience everything you love about the “City of Lights” at Paris Las Vegas Casino & Hotel, right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. From its rooftop pools and garden-inspired nightclubs to an Eiffel Tower ride, this one-of-a-kind casino hotel exudes the same passion, excitement, and ambiance as Europe’s most romantic city.

Paris Las Vegas packs an enormous 95,965 sq. ft. casino decked out with slots and table games, including baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and craps. The spacious poker room encompasses several tables that are nicely separated from the clutch. There are also plenty of sportsbooks with massive screens covering the entire length of the room. Guests will also have individual betting stations and mobile sports wagering options.

Paris Las Vegas is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, which is good news, as Caesars is synonymous with clever deals and giveaways. Join Caesars Rewards and see a variety of perks lined up for you. From Cyber sale discounts to advanced purchase savings to exclusive rates on select Vegas suites, there’s something exciting on the Strip every day, so make your next Vegas stay count.

Location: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Venetian Casino

The famed Venetian Casino resort is a bold, fascinating replica of the city of Venice in Italy. The Venetian casino lobby, encompassing 138,684 sq. feet space, is completely frescoed to its domed ceiling. Its focal point is a massive gilded sphere anchored by four golden women reminiscent of Venice’s Campanile and Rialto Bridge.

The casino itself has some of the most diverse table games, including options like Caribbean Stud poker, craps, Imperial baccarat, progressive Pai Gow Poker, etc. On top of that, there’s a sportsbook for sports betting fans. The sportsbook includes independent booths with small screens for focused sports betting. Located right on the main casino is the poker room where plenty of high-limit games and tournaments are hosted.

Guests can take advantage of Venetian’s Grazie casino rewards program at Venetian Casino. In this program, players earn points by playing slots and video games. These points can be redeemed for food, beverage, entertainment, and accommodations. The best part? Venetian Casino’s ideal location in one of the most exciting crossroads of the Strip puts you within walking distance of the biggest attractions on the Strip.

Location: 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Cosmopolitan Casino

Cosmopolitan Casino, or The Cosmopolitan, is where cutting-edge technology meets the familiar games you’ve come to love. Slot machines take on a breathtaking new meaning with a promise of a stimulating, life-changing experience, whereas classic Las Vegas tables assume a sophisticated, modern luxury.

The 100,000 sq. ft. casino space houses approximately 1,400 slots and video poker machines and 17 table games, with stakes ranging from as low as $0.01 up to $500 and above. Adding to the excitement, there’s a seriously state-of-the-art race and sportsbook, with dozens of high-def screens, LED video walls, lounge-style seating, and mobile wagering. Guests are served food and cocktails with panoramic views of the iconic Las Vegas Strip through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Now you can join Identity Membership & Rewards, Cosmopolitan Casino’s loyalty program, and unlock prizes ranging from free Identity Play to thousands in cash. Your membership starts at Velvet, and as you play and earn tier points, you move up the ranks. Once you have 50,000 tier points, you reach the highest level, Platinum, where you can unlock exclusive offers for casino play, luxury dining, terrace suites, valet parking, concerts and poolside entertainment, and more for unique experiences.

Location: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Palazzo Resort Casino

Venetian Casino’s sister casino, Palazzo Resort Casino, radiates classic Italian luxury, albeit refined to suit modern tastes It features 3,025 suites, 375,000 sq. ft. of upscale shopping, 450,000 sq. ft. of conference space, and world-class dining and entertainment. Above all, Palazzo offers a remarkable 105,000 sq. ft. of casino space, making it one of the biggest casino playgrounds in Las Vegas. The casino has all kinds of casino games on offer.

Need table games? Test your mettle on the Palazzo’s high-limit gaming lounge where 60 table games, including all their variations, await. Slot game enthusiast? Play a great array of slot machines and enjoy the excitement as the reels spin and the bells ring. Don’t forget to experience the thrill of Vegas gambling with the casino’s poker room and Yahoo Sportsbook, both located next door at Venetian.

The casinos of The Venetian and The Palazzo use the Grazie casino rewards program. As a Grazie Rewards member, you earn points on the casino games and when you spend at the resort. Every dollar gives you the benefit you deserve, from cops and free play to luxury suite upgrades.

Location: 3325 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Luxor Las Vegas Casino

This 30-story glass and steel pyramid-shaped casino hotel stands out with its distinctive Ancient-Egypt-themed design. It’s one of the budget-friendly casino hotels in Las Vegas, too, drawing crowds with its value-packed omelet, pizza and carving stations, plus global eats. At night, its powerful 315,000-watt light beam shines out from the tip of the pyramid to create an awe-inspiring spectacle that illuminates the Las Vegas skyline.

At 120,000 sq. ft., Luxor’s casino is among the largest, and that means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the games. Inside, you will find over 1,100 exciting slot machines, many of them Egyptian-themed. It also features 16 different poker tables, and race and sportsbooks, with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100. In 2018, Luxor opened its Hyper Esports Arena Las Vegas, a 30,000 sq. ft. venue with a 50-ft LED video wall, the first dedicated esports arena on the Strip.

As part of MGM Resorts International, Luxor features the MGM Rewards program, in which you can earn big rewards for your slot play, table games, hotel stays, dinning, and more.

Location: 3900 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA

Red Rock Casino

Tucked away from the neon circus of the Strip, this stunning suburban casino resort sits on 70 acres of land near the sculpted desert sandstone of the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Both locals and tourists frequent this place for its sunset desert panoramas. Away from that, the resort includes 118,309 sq. ft. casino space surrounded by restaurants, bars, and lounges, with great views of Summerlin.

Slot and video poker machines run the gamut, with nearly 3,000 titles from classic cherries-and-sevens to the latest in cutting-edge video slots. In other words, variety is the name of the game. There are 60 table games, a 20-table smoke-free poker room, a 20-seat Keno lounge, 600-seat Bingo hall, a race and sportsbook with a 96-ft video wall, and two private rooms for high rollers.

No matter what your game is, the incredible casino floor at Red Rock always has something new on offer to help even out the odds. You can get STN Sports bonus, free giveaways, bonus multipliers, and more. There’s an exciting new offer to enjoy every month at any of the Station Casinos. Be sure to keep an eye on the casino’s promotions page so you don’t miss out on any new promotions.

Location: 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA

Caesars Palace Casino

A classic Las Vegas Casino, Caesars is the name that springs to our mind when we think of gambling, for good reasons. Originally launched in 1966, Caesars has spent the last few years revamping its casino, recently renamed Caesars Palace. It now pairs its upscale Ancient Roman setting and extensive casino offerings with some of the best entertainment, retail, and dining in the city.

Caesars’ high-energy casino is a mammoth 124,200 sq. ft. of space featuring 1,300 slot machines and 160 table games. Its spacious poker room is outfitted with 16 tables for nonstop gaming experience. There’s also a massive sportsbook with large screens, plus seats, and a VIP vibe. The games themselves are top-notch and Caesars has great deals and offers.

Caesars’s Rewards program allows members to earn credits and rewards at nearly a dozen different Caesars Entertainment resorts. It’s a tiered program where members can win exclusive offers for gambling, shopping, and hotel benefits. Overall, we think that Caesars has everything you’d want from a casino playground. The location is perfect, right in the heart of everything, and the chances to win real prizes via the VIP program are limitless.

How Las Vegas Casinos Keep Players Coming Back

Every aspect of Las Vegas Casinos, from the floors to the ceilings and everything in between, is designed to entice visitors to come back for more. Here are some of the clever ways that Las Vegas best casinos playgrounds use to attract and retain their clients:

Stimulating Ambiance and Themes

The best Las Vegas casinos come with opulent and thematic designs you won’t find anywhere in the world. Each establishment features luxurious interiors with cozy spaces, eye-catching themes, state-of-the-art architecture, labyrinth-like walkways lined with enticing games, and so much more. All these are meant to help visitors feel at home, stay longer and most importantly come back to Vegas.

Generous Loyalty Programs

This is possibly the most common tactic Las Vegas’ best casinos employ to encourage players to keep utilizing using their services. The more you play, the more loyalty points you earn. Rack up enough and you stand to win perks such as free meals, exclusive access to events, show tickets and exclusive rates on rooms to name a few.

Unlimited Entertainment

Not only do Las Vegas best casino playgrounds offer fun gaming options but they also provide a diverse range of entertainment. From world-class shows featuring popular artists to lively nightclubs hosting top DJs, these establishments offer much more than just gambling. They do this to attract a broader audience and ensure patrons stay engaged even when they’re not actively playing.

Welcome to Las Vegas!

There you have it – some of the most iconic casinos that have shaped Las Vegas’s reputation as the gambling and entertainment capital of the world. Whether you’re looking for classic ambience at Caesars Palace, Parisian romance at Paris Las Vegas or luxury at Wynn, you’ll find the perfect playground for you in this desert oasis.

Just don’t forget to play the loyalty programs at online casinos so you can come back and enjoy world-class gaming and entertainment again. We hope you enjoy your stay and experience here!

Social Casinos Lineup: Complete List

By Shadrack Kairu

Social casinos are one of the new gaming trends in the US right now and their popularity is well-founded. These gaming platforms provide casino-style games that you can play for free for entertainment purposes only. Upon registration, players receive free virtual coins, often called ‘Gold Coins’ which they can use to stake on games.

Many social casinos also allow players to play in a sweepstakes mode using a different form of digital coins known as Sweeps Coins and potentially redeem cash prizes for doing so. Besides, most now typically come with a dedicated chat room where players can interact with each other, thereby fostering a sense of community.

For these reasons, online casinos are increasingly becoming popular in the country, especially among social media-savvy teenagers and young adults. They’re quickly redefining the gaming world too.

Worth noting also is that social casinos don’t require the same license as real money casinos, which means they’re legal in the United States. Players can enjoy their favorite casino games even in states where online gambling is illegal.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best social casinos in the US right now. We’ll explain what sets each option apart from the rest so you can find one that’s right for you.

Let’s dive in.

List of the Best Social Casinos:

Pulsz Casino

Starting our list is Pulsz Casino, which knocks every other social casino out of the part with its quality collection of 700+ Vegas-style games and daily free rewards. It also provides an intuitive and clutter-free interface where you can easily browse the games through the game lobby or search for the games via the search bar. At this time, you can choose from different forms of slots; there are no table games, poker, scratch cards, or live dealer games unfortunately.

In terms of player rewards, Pulsz offers some of the best social casino bonuses around. Join the platform today and you’ll instantly receive 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.3 Sweeps Coins as a welcome bonus. You’ll also have access to a special sign-up offer that gives you up to 362,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Sweeps Coins with your first purchase.

Chumba Casino

Chumba Casino markets itself as America’s #1 social casino experience. And, with its 150+ games, over 1 million daily traffic, and responsive 24/7 customer support, it’s difficult to disagree. This brilliant sweepstakes casino offers a simple, user-friendly layout with games categorized into slots, bingo, jackpots, table games, and slingo. You can easily find your way around even if it’s your first time trying this casino out.

Above all, bonuses are the name of the game at Chumba Casino. The moment you sign up, you’ll be ushered into the platform with 2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins for free to get you started. But that’s not all you can look forward to. If you opt to make a purchase, you’ll have the option of claiming 10,000,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Sweeps Coins at the reduced price of $10, instead of $30.

LuckyLand Slots Casino

As the name implies, LuckyLand Slots specializes in slots and jackpots. There are currently 100+ superb collection slots on the platform, with more dropping every month. The games here are custom-built and not found elsewhere. The best part? LuckyLand has a friendly community called Lucky Ducks where you can make new friends, showcase your wins, and have fun.

If you find LuckyLand Slots as interesting as we do, sign up now and get 7,777 free Gold Coins and 10 free Sweeps Coins. You’ll also qualify for a bonus on your first purchase which allows you to get $10 worth of Gold coins for only $4.99.

Funzpoints Casino

Funzpoints Casino packs around 75 games. How many games you can play depends on which game mode you’re on: Standard or Premium mode. The latter comes at a price but unlocks the casino’s full game catalogue and other perks. However, you can still enjoy the fun on Standard Mode and even earn Free Funzpoints that allow you to win free tickets for the daily jackpot draw.

For every 500 Funzpoints you win, you earn one ticket to the draw. Of course, you can also purchase Funzpoints. If you decide to do so, you’ll receive a 100% deposit match up to $20 on your first purchase. Throw in a $2.50 site credit and 1,000 Funzpoints you receive on sign-up, and you’re well-equipped for uninterrupted gameplay.

Fortune Coins Casino

With only 50 games, Fortune Coins may have you thinking it’s a mere flash in the pan. But make no mistake; this online sweepstakes casino features top-quality slots, poker, and card games with stunning gameplay and visuals that make for an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the games are compatible across devices.

The welcome bonus at Fortune Coins is 20,000 Gold Coins and $4 Fortune Coins. You can also choose your preferred package for your first purchase and get a bonus amounting to 1,250,000 Gold Coins and $43 Fortune Coins.

Stake.us Casino

Stake.us Casino is the world’s favorite crypto sweepstakes casino offering 300+ premium-quality slots, and scratch cards. It also offers in-house games called Stake Originals, including Mines, Crash, Plinko, and more. Payments at Stake.us are made entirely with crypto and the good news is that all major cryptocurrencies are accepted.

What’s more? Stake.us gives new players $25 Stake Cash and 250,000 Gold Coins to play with. Those who win with their Stake Cash can redeem it into Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency and cash out.

High 5 Casino

Featuring over 300 slots from top providers around the globe, including the most recognized titles like Da Vinci and Secrets of the Forest, High 5 Casino is more about quality than quantity. The games have stunning graphics and all sorts of symbols and features that enhance the gameplay experience. There are special symbols called Diamonds which you can use to activate free spins, random multipliers, and other promotions.

If you’re a new entrant, High 5 owes you a free welcome bonus that comprises 250 Game Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds. You’re also entitled to some ongoing free spins promos, giveaways, and daily boosts.

BetRivers.net Casino

BetRivers.net Casino is purely a play-for-fun casino, but it feels like a traditional online gambling site. It has a casino section hosting 1000+ games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, slingo, and more. Apart from that, it has a sports section where you can place sports bets with Virtual Credits (VC) just for fun.

Unfortunately, BetRivers.net doesn’t have a standard welcome bonus with a fixed prize. But don’t fret—new players get to spin a wheel for a chance to win from $10-$1000 worth of VC.

SweepSlots Casino

There are 300 games at SweepSlots online casino. While it’s not the most impressive collection, we love that the games have interesting themes, special symbols, and bonus mechanics that ensure interactive gameplay. Plus, hovering over the game title provides a quick preview of what the game looks like in action.

In addition to a generous welcome bonus comprising 10,000 GC and 5 Sweeps Coins, SweepSlots gives you a 25% discount on Gold Coin purchases up to $100. It also offers a daily login bonus of 1,000 Gold Coins, as well as occasional free spins to try out new games on the site.

WOW Vegas Casino

WOW Vegas prides itself on its polished, minimalist interface presented in a black-and-blue shade that’s easy on the eye. The main hamburger menu provides quick links to buy coins, redeem, promotions, VIP programs, and more. There’s a huge selection of 400+ casino-style games, with each game clearly labelled. The games load quickly and with ease.

New players who join WOW Vegas automatically receive 5,000 WOW Coins and 1 Sweeps Coin just for signing up. Then, by making a first purchase of $9.99, players get 1, 500,000 WOW Coins and 30 Sweeps Coins.

Conclusion

Social casinos are the way to go if you love playing casino games but hate having to risk money to do so. From slots and table games to video poker and even live dealer games, these platforms have them all.

As stated earlier, social casinos are primarily designed for entertainment purposes only. You can’t win real money prizes playing social games. However, if you choose to play games using promotional sweepstakes coins, you can potentially turn your gameplay into valuable rewards.

Ready to dive into your social gaming experience? Go check out the above social casinos and enjoy a casino-style gaming experience without spending a dime.

Bally Bet re-launches in New York after temporary exit

By Ginevra Alessandrello

In an exciting Low Deposit Casino development, Bally Bet Sportsbook is back in the United States and has re-entered the largest online gaming market. Owned by the Bally’s Corporation, it had to leave New York for around five months to transition to some new and improved technology powered by the Kambi Group and White Hat Gaming. Now, Bally Bet online casino and sportsbook is back at the Empire State in New York, even bigger and better!

A year before temporarily shutting down, Bally Bet NY generated only $16 million in total handle, while some other NY online sportsbooks exceeded that in just one month. Bally Bet also only went live in July 2022, months after the busiest NY online sports betting market launched. This meant they missed out on huge revenues from online casino and sportsbook bonuses and promotions. After some mistakes and wasted dollars, Bally Bet closed its virtual doors in New York in the summer.

Earlier this month, Bally Bet re-launched sports betting in Indiana and continued to offer sports wagering in Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, and Virginia. With its re-launch in New York, a city that reported a $454.1 million betting handle, with a 5% decline week-over-week, Bally Bet is bound to do wonders for the numbers for the city that never sleeps. Most recent figures reveal that New York generated $43.9 million in revenue from legal sports betting for the week; that’s a lot of numbers!

The Bally Bet New York re-launch brings the state’s total online sportsbooks to seven: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Rhodes. Bally Bet has also improved its customer support and player protection tools to ensure a superior customer support experience and robust, Responsible Gambling tools to ensure maximum protection for vulnerable players.

This new casino, part of our featured Casinos With a Low Minimum Deposit, is powered by the Kambi Group and White Hat Gaming. With legit and licensed online gambling and sports betting, top-of-the-range online security, fair games, and Responsible Gambling tools, Bally Bet Casino is the one to try. To attract new customers in New York, Bally Bet is offering an online casino welcome bonus of a $250 risk-free casino play, with a $10 minimum deposit limit. Bonus T&Cs apply.

The new platform by White Hat Gaming and Kambi Group

With the new NY opening, the Kambi Group allows online bookmakers to feature various betting bonuses, hundreds of different sports markets, and betting odds on their online sportsbooks. Among the many Kambi Group clients is Mr Green online casino, which showcases their quality level.

Under the agreement with Bally Bet, Kambi will provide the online sportsbook and White Hat Gaming will offer their exclusive and innovative account management (PAM) platform solution. Services by the PAM solution includes the Traveling Wallet, which allows players to access their account balance, loyalty offers, and bonuses across multiple states. PAM also ensures that players can access a cashier with extensive payment options, 24/7 customer support, and a wide range of player protection tools.

Kambi is an independent sportsbook provider that offers a fully managed online sportsbook with innovative betting services such as Bet Builder. Kambi runs many top-rated US sportsbooks, so it is a trusted brand. It is licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and offers sports punters over 65 sports markets, with 300,000 pre-match betting events and 165,000 live betting events. A partnership between Kambi and White Hat Gaming ensures Bally Bet online casino can successfully operate in the most lucrative US market.

While Bally Bet is known for providing a top-notch online casino, White Hat Gaming adds its modern and sophisticated platform, excellent slots, and casino games to the equation. White Hat Gaming online casinos are among the best globally, as they are packed with world-class slots, giant jackpots, scratchcards, Live Dealer casino games, and table games. White Hat Gaming Casinos offers its players a well-structured VIP and Loyalty Program, tons of fun competitions, 24/7 customer support, and more. White Hat Gaming is licensed by Malta and the UK Gambling Commission.

New player protection tools

With new player protection tools, USA players can access their app, account balances, bonuses, and loyalty offers without creating another Bally Bet app. Player enjoyment is a pillar of Bally’s ethos, which believes online gaming should be fun, not a source of stress or harm. Their easy-to-use, Responsible Gambling tools will help players control the way they play.

Users can place limits on how long they play and how much they deposit. Self-exclusion is also available for players who want to block their accounts temporarily or permanently. Bally Bet is supported by the unique Traveling Wallet functionality, an excellent range of slots and casino games by renowned software providers, and responsible gaming tools – so it’s primed for success from the Buckeye State to the Empire State.

Balley’s Corporation’s Third Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

Internationally, Balley’s Corporation experienced record-breaking revenues of $632.5 million, an increase of 9.4% from last year. Their casinos and resort takings are 9.3% up from last year, to $359.0 million. Revenues from their Interactive division are $243.9 million, up 7.2% from last year.

Among the many achievements enjoyed by Balley’s Corporation is the 2015 inauguration of Bally’s Gold Links at Ferry Point, a premier golf course with a clubhouse for special events and fine dining options. Golfers can enjoy a links-style 18-hole course with spectacular views of New York City’s skyline. Latest developments include the opening of Chicago Temporary Casino, the first Bally’s Corporation Casino in Chicago. Bally’s Corporation is one of the world’s leading entertainment companies, with millions of players on digital gaming platforms and traditional casinos.

History of Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation is an online gaming, betting, and interactive company based in Providence, Rhode Island. With its roots in 1932 as Bally Manufacturing Corporation, then a pinball games provider, the company then changed its name to Bally Entertainment and diversified to video games, casinos, health clubs, and theme parks. Today, Bally’s Corporation owns and operates 15 casinos, online sportsbooks, and a horse track in Colorado.

Bally’s Corporation’s journey began in 2004 when it was called BLB Investors, a group of companies that bid on Wembley plc, a race track in the UK and USA. Wembley’s primary asset was Lincoln Park, a greyhound track in Rhode Island. In 2005, BLB bought Lincoln Park, but by 2008, the global recession hit BLB hard, and they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a bankruptcy that lets businesses restructure their debts while continuing to operate and pay off their creditors. In 2010, BLB was owned by a syndicate of lenders including the Bank of America, Sankaty Advisors, and Wells Fargo. In 2011, BLB changed its name to Twin River Worldwide Holdings, acquired the Bally’s brand from Caesars Entertainment, and re-branded all their properties under the Bally’s name.   

Bally Bet Casino is a top-rated USA brand where players can collect big bonuses and other rewards for joining and making the $10 minimum deposit requirement. Download the sports betting app and access thousands of sports markets and bets for every type of sports punter, from casual fans to pros. The casino features classic slots, jackpot slots, table games, and live casino games.

Best Real Money Casinos 2024: Our Top 10 Picks for Legal Play

By Shadrack Kairu

Looking to play real money casinos but are unsure sure where to turn to? You are not alone. The online casino market is filled with various types of casinos, and choosing an operator that you will enjoy may seem overwhelming. In recent years, a new type of online casino has been making waves in the US: sweepstake casinos.

Sweepstakes casinos are similar to traditional online casinos in many ways. They offer pretty much the same game variety, payment methods, support, and more. The key difference lies in their approach to wagering on games.

Sweepstake casinos employ a unique model where users play various casino-style games using sweeps coins (or another premium currency) and can later redeem those winnings for real-world rewards, including cash and cash-equivalent prizes. These platforms have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional online casinos given that they offer a legal way to enjoy casino games.

Interesting? On this page, we showcase our handpicked list of the best real money casinos in 2024 that are tried and tested by our experts.

We’ll delve into their unique features, game variety, bonuses and promotions, banking options, and support to help you make the best decision about where to play next. Let’s dive right into it.

Top 10 Real Money Casinos in 2024

  • SweepSlots – Best All-Rounder
  • Pulsz – Best for Slots Games
  • Wow Vegas – Best New Sweepstake Casino
  • Sweeptastic – Amazing Rates on Coin Purchases
  • High5 Casino -Best for Its Loyalty Program
  • Stake Casino – Best for Crypto enthusiasts
  • Betrivers – Best for Games Variety
  • Chumba – Most Generous Welcome Bonus
  • Fortune Coins – Best for Fish Games
  • Tao Fortune – Best Casino Theme

Best Real Money Casino Reviews

With new sweepstakes casinos launching regularly, 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking year for the industry. To help you find the best sites, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 real money online casinos based on key factors like game variety, bonuses, themes, and other features.

SweepSlots: Best All-Rounder

SweepSlots is a 2021 launched online casino that offers just over 100 games. Its library covers slots, tables, and instant games like scratch and keno games for a well-rounded gaming experience.

SweepSlots is not short of bonuses. The moment you sign up, you’ll receive a solid welcome bonus of 10,000 Gold Coins and 5 Sweeps Coins just for signing up. You will also receive an additional 100% bonus of Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins on your first purchase up to $20.

Moreover, you’ll get a daily login bonus of 500 Gold Coins and 0.5 Sweeps Coins, as well as a 2.5% reload bonus each time you purchase at least $10 worth of coins.

For coin purchases, SweepSlots currently supports Skrill, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, and Discover. What’s more, its support team can be reached via email or phone, and there is a FAQs section for most common issues.

Pros

  • Big welcome bonus
  • Daily free coins
  • Discounts on subsequent purchases
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Limited game selection
  • No live chat

Pulsz: Best for Slot Games

Pulsz Casino debuted in 2020 with a teeming library of over 700 titles by top providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evoplay. The entire games library is slots, which is great if you’re a slots fan.

For payment methods, you can choose between Visa, MasterCard, Trustly, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, and bank transfers.

Along with a FAQs section for most common issues, Pulsz offers 24/7 support via email and phone. The support team can also be reached via Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.

New Pulsz members can receive 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.3 free Sweepstakes Coins upon signing up. On top of that, players can get a 66% discount on their first purchase, allowing them to secure 362,000 Gold Coins and 30 free Sweepstakes Coins for just $19.99. Add in daily log-in promotions, and it’s easy to see why Pulsz is a popular choice among players.

Pros

  • Outstanding table game selection
  • Backed by popular software providers
  • Daily bonuses and coin rewards
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • No live chat
  • Support is rather slow

WOW Vegas: Best New Sweepstakes Casino

Despite only launching in 2022, WOW Vegas recently hit the 700+ games mark. It has outdone many of the older, more established players, making it one of the best new sweepstakes casinos in the market.

The casino’s first purchase pack offers 1.5 million WOW Coins and 30 free Sweepstakes Coins for just $9.99. The casino also offers a phenomenal slate of promos and regular tournaments for existing customers.

Here, you will find an excellent variety of payment options, including all major credit cards, e-wallets, and online banking.

The only way to get support at WOW Vegas is by submitting a request to the support team, or by browsing the FAQ sections where most common inquiries are answered. That said, the average response time at WOW Vegas is 24 hours, which is a big point in the casino’s favor.

Pros

  • Best game selection of any new sweepstakes casino
  • Generous first purchase bonus
  • Regular tournaments and promotions
  • Prompt customer support

Cons

  • No live dealer games
  • No phone/live chat support

Sweeptastic: Amazing Discounts on Purchases

Sweeptastic Casino is a new site founded in 2023. You can play 1000+ Vegas-style games, and possibly redeem cash prizes along the way. Sign up at this platform and receive a generous welcome bonus of 27,777 Lucky Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins. You also qualify for amazing rates on coin packages.

For example, you can purchase 20,000 Lucky Coins + 20 Sweeps Coins for $9.99 or 45,000 Lucky Coins + 45 Sweeps Coins for $29.49. You also get daily login bonuses, regular coin giveaways, and more.

Sweeptastic Casino accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.

Should you find yourself needing some help, you can try the casino’s FAQs section. If you’re unable to find the answer to your questions, you can email the casino directly.

The fact that the Sweeptastic Casino allows email support only is a little disappointing. Nonetheless, the support team is on standby 24/7, and responses are pretty quick.

Pros

  • 1000+ games
  • Exceptional rates on purchases
  • Daily login bonuses and regular giveaways
  • Accepts Cryptocurrencies

Cons

  • Table game selection is thin
  • Limited game providers

High 5 Casino: Best Sweeps VIP Program

Launched in 2012, High 5 Casino is arguably one of the most established operators on this list. It plays host to over 800 cutting-edge video slots, progressive slots, table games, and even live dealer games – which are rare to find in the social casino space.

The welcome bonus at High 5 Casino incorporates 250 Gold Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds. That’s also one of the best welcome offers online.

The standout feature of this site though is its Club High Five loyalty program. It consists of seven loyalty levels. Climbing up the tiers unlocks exclusive daily, weekly, and monthly VIP offers, as well as a dedicated VIP manager, and a sneak peek at the casino’s latest products.

The banking options at High 5 Casino are solid compared to the competition. You can use one of popular payment options, including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Skrill, and PayPal.

It’s a shame that High 5 Casino doesn’t offer phone support. Fortunately, there’s a 24/7 live chat function and email support. We found the High 5 Casino support team to be helpful.

Pros

  • Authentic slots, made in the USA
  • Stellar live dealer game selection
  • Large welcome bonus
  • Fantastic loyalty program

Cons

  • No phone support
  • Restricted in ID, MI, NV, and WA

Stake Casino: Best for Crypto Enthusiasts

Stake Casino has expanded its game library to around 300 titles since launching in August 2022. Slots, blackjack, roulette, and scratch cards are among the titles on offer.

Sign up today and earn 250,000 Gold Coins and $25 Stake Cash to use on the site. You’ll also get a 5% Rakeback offer besides daily bonuses of 10,000 Gold Coins and $1 Stake Cash.

Stake is one of the few legal crypto sweeps casinos in the U.S., making it a top choice for crypto enthusiasts. It supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and several others.

The easiest way to get in touch with Stake’s support team is via live chat or email. A big bonus is that its support is available seven days a week.

Pros

  • A modern crypto-friendly website
  • Quite easy to master and navigate
  • Unique scratch card games are available
  • 24/7 support

Cons

  • Fiat currency is not supported
  • No live casino games

Betrivers: Best for Games Variety

Betrivers is the industry-leading sweepstakes version of the popular BetRivers Casino. With over 1,000 games available in all 50 states, including sports betting, we don’t think any competitor can match Betrivers’s sheer variety of gaming options.

If you’re interested in the best games variety, join Betrivers Casino today, and you could win up to 1,000 Virtual Coins (VC) upon registration. You can also claim 20 VC$ every four hours to keep the fun going.

Betrivers offers a few different payment methods. You can choose between a variety of credit/debit cards, prepaid cards, e-wallets, and direct online banking.

The support team at Betrivers is accessible via email. A detailed FAQ section is also available and outlines common topics like rewards, gameplay, and promotions.

Pros

  • Backed by a renowned brand
  • Big selection of over 2,000 games
  • Supports sports betting
  • Daily rewards up to 10k VC$

Cons

  • No live chat
  • Confusing rewards policy

Chumba Casino – Best Welcome Bonus Package

Operating since 2017, Chumba Casino is brought to you by VGW Limited and offers an excellent online sweepstakes experience. The standout highlight at Chumba Casino is undoubtedly its market-leading welcome bonus. Simply for registering an account, you’ll receive a whopping 2 million Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins completely free.

But the treats don’t stop there. Make your first purchase of just $30 and you’ll unlock an additional 10 million Gold Coins and 30 Sweeps Coins. When competitors offer thousands, this million-dollar bonus blows them out of the water.

With 150+ enjoyable games spanning slots, bingo, Slingo and table classics, Chumba’s comprehensive library sets itself apart too. Top titles include Millionaire Slots, Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania 2 and Cyber Quest Mission Control. Just don’t expect a sportsbook.

We love Chumba for its market-leading welcome bonus, huge game selection, and the chance to redeem real rewards. However, a confusing VIP program and lack of live dealer titles mean it still has room for improvement.

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonus on signup and first purchase
  • 150+ high-quality slots, bingo and table games
  • Innovative Slingo games
  • Lucrative loyalty program for prizes

Cons

  • No live casino games
  • The VIP program is poorly explained

Fortune Coins – Best For Fish Games

Fortune Coins is a relatively new sweepstakes casino launched in April 2022. It’s owned by Social Gaming LLC and available to play in most US states, except Idaho and Washington.

When you sign up, you can claim welcome bonuses of up to 380,000 Gold Coins and 1,400 Fortune Coins – no deposit needed. Keep returning to grab daily login bonuses of 30,000 GC and 100 FC too.

With 50+ slots, table games, and unique multiplayer Fish Games, Fortune Coins provides plenty of entertainment.

While you can’t win real wagers, redeeming sweepstakes prizes is possible. Simply earn Fortune Coins through promotions and gameplay, then exchange 100 FC for $1 cash.

Fortune Coins lacks a VIP program or roulette games, and could improve its bonus terms. But for a modern, mobile-friendly sweepstakes site with frequent giveaways, it delivers plenty of perks.

Pros

  • Generous welcome bonuses up to 380k GC and 1,400 FC
  • Decent selection of 50+ slots and Fish Games
  • Innovative multiplayer Fish Game experience
  • Easy-to-navigate mobile interface

Cons

No demo play option

Lack of a VIP rewards program

Tao Fortune – Best Casino Design

Founded in 2022 and licensed in Curacao, Tao Fortune brings an exciting Chinese theme to the world of sweepstakes casinos. Right from registration, the generosity begins – grab up to 88k free Gold Coins plus future reload bonuses.

Tao Fortune’s 70+ slots and table games come from NetGame Entertainment and feature stunning graphics with Chinese symbols and sounds. Alongside slots like Bandits Bounty, check out Hold-n-Link games like African King. Just don’t expect a huge variety.

In terms of coins, Tao Coins are for fun play only, while Secret Coins earned through purchases and promotions can be exchanged for gift cards and cash.

Pros

  • 88k free Gold Coins welcome bonus
  • Generous reload and referral bonuses
  • Smooth, Asian theme & design
  • Live chat support is available 24/7

Cons

  • Game variety trails some rivals
  • Restricted in some US states

Best Real Money Casinos 2024: How Do They Compare?

Having reviewed 10 of the top real money online casinos for 2024, it’s clear there are some stellar options for players. Let’s compare the best platforms based on their key strengths:

Game Variety

The casinos on our list offer anywhere from 50 to over 1,000 real money games. Sweeptastic and BetRivers lead with a whopping 1,000+ options. Newer sites like WOW Vegas and Pulsz make up for smaller libraries with amazing bonuses.

Bonuses & Promotions

All of our recommended real money casinos incentivize players to sign up and purchase coins through rewards programs and welcome bonuses. However, Chumba Casino is a clear standout on this front for exceptionally generous offers like their $2 million welcome bonus in virtual coins.

Banking

Our list contains both traditional online casinos that take debit/credit cards as well as crypto casinos for players who prefer digital currencies. Stake is tailored specifically for crypto users with support for Bitcoin, Ethereum and more.

Mobile Experience

Players who prefer gaming on the go should consider options like Tao Fortune that optimize their platforms across mobile devices without sacrificing features or functionality.

Customer Support

Quality customer service is vital when playing for real money. Fortunately, the majority of our casinos offer 24/7 live chat in addition to email and phone assistance. However, email-only support of some sites means there’s room for improvement.

Conclusion

After extensive research covering tens of real money online casinos, we narrowed our list down to the top 10 based on game variety, bonuses and promotions, banking options, mobile compatibility and customer support. While the market continues evolving rapidly, these recommended sites currently lead the pack when it comes to security, features and overall player experience.

Whether you’re looking for traditional card and table games or innovative slot titles from top providers like IGT and Bally Tech, there’s something here for every player. Just starting out? Chumba’s $2 million coin welcome bonus gives you tons of gameplay. Prefer crypto deposits? Check out Stake Casino’s platform built for Bitcoin users. Want to play on the go? Tao Fortune serves up seamless mobile integration.

With new platforms launching regularly, we’ll continue vetting candidates and updating our rankings here. For now, choosing any of our top 10 real money online casinos guarantees a safe, rewarding and enjoyable experience overall. Sign up, claim those bonus coins and let the games begin.

Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association Established in the US

By Daniela Rose

A new player has officially joined the playing field to promote responsible gambling practices in the United States – the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA).

The Association, founded on November 8th, 2023, is getting ready to make waves in the online casinos industry, with an aim centred on responsible gambling and a commitment to guaranteeing a safe and entertaining environment for players.

The RGAA currently has a solid lineup of founding affiliates, while the selection of a president has yet to be confirmed. Read on to discover how the founding affiliates will be vital in shaping the Association’s policies and goals.

The New Association is Based on Five Pillars

The RGAA is on a mission to encourage responsible gambling practices in the United States’ fast-developing iGaming industry. With the legalization of low-deposit casinos in certain states, the need for a unified approach to responsible gambling is more visible than ever.

The Group intends to target online casino operators and their affiliate partners, recognizing the critical role that affiliates play in driving player traffic. The RGAA aspires to develop a complete network focusing on player well-being and ethical business practices by integrating both operators and affiliates.

The five pillars upon which the RGAA is built each symbolize a crucial facet of responsible gambling:

  1. Competitive Gambling Markets – Emphasizing the need for open and competitive markets to ensure players have access to various modern online gambling options.
  2. Industry Education – Through developing an impending slate of efforts to increase visibility and recognition within the gambling industry.
  3. Player Protection – Directing users to their locally licensed and regulated options, enabling product innovation, higher customer service standards, and a better overall experience.
  4. Advertising Codes of Conduct – Ensuring ethical advertising and marketing practices that reduce problem gambling.
  5. Responsible Gambling Practices – Built on dedication, astute campaigns, and a genuine sense of responsibility to both the industry and the players.

The Association is currently in the process of selecting a permanent President to serve as the organization’s figurehead and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of responsible affiliate practices, advocating for its members’ needs and interests, fostering relationships with industry stakeholders, and advocating for the highest standards of integrity.

What Value Does This Association Bring

The RGAA comprises companies that market and advertise gambling, gaming, or sports betting. Its purpose is to promote responsible gambling practices, enable gaming affiliate companies to advocate appropriate regulation and safeguard players’ best interests while servicing the market successfully.

Better Collective, Catena Media, Gambling.com Group, oddschecker Global Media, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia plc formed the Association to push for sensible legislation and player protection.

Better Collective

Better Collective has a variety of global and national sports media operations with the goal of becoming the premier digital sports media conglomerate.

“We are committed to doing everything possible to help empower our industry to promote gambling as entertainment and enable our customers to enjoy our products and services responsibly. Having the industry come together with a unified approach to creating standards and guidelines puts the best interests of our consumers, customers, and their families at the forefront. Not only is this the right thing to do for our customers, it’s the best thing to ensure the success and longevity of the industry and our businesses.”

Mark Frank Pedersen, Better Collective’s North American CEO

Better Collective, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (BETCO), has a portfolio that includes HLTV.org, Action Network, VegasInsider.com, Playmaker HQ, and FUTBIN.com.

Catena Media

Catena Media is an international performance marketing company that creates high-quality leads for online casino and sports betting platforms.

“The US gambling market is swiftly regulating, and affiliates are vital to the industry. Catena Media is proud to be a founding member of the RGAA, an association committed to promoting responsible, positive wagering experiences through legal, regulated operators.”

Michael Daly, Catena Media’s Chief Executive Officer

The Group aims to help online casino and sports betting players make informed decisions by linking them with partners via reputable, educational, and creative brands.

Gambling.com Group

Gambling.com is a performance marketing agency that serves the online gambling sector.

“All stakeholders in the American online gambling market need to understand the critical role affiliate companies play in helping regulated online gambling operators achieve their growth targets. Gambling.com Group is proud to be part of the new Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association to ensure that standards remain high among our peers and that the voice and message of the affiliate marketing community is heard loud and clear.”

Charles Gillespie, head of Gambling.com Group

It has multiple brands in its portfolio and a global footprint.

oddschecker Global Media

oddschecker Global Media is a digital sports and gambling portal that connects clients to their gaming brands.

“Our consumers are at the heart of everything we do, so we, together with our fellow founding members, wanted to lead the way in promoting social responsibility in the affiliate industry and creating a safer gambling environment for consumers in the US as that market continues to grow. Our ambition is that the RGGA will support fair play for all.”

Stuart Simms, CEO of oddschecker Global Media

The Group is committed to providing data-driven products across its portfolio.

Spotlight Sports Group

Spotlight Sports Group (SSG) is a global leader in sports betting, horse racing, fantasy sports technology, and media.

“Spotlight Sports Group has always been at the forefront of the responsible gambling ecosystem, consistently looking to go above and beyond regulatory requirements. We are proud to be a founding member of the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association, which I believe will play a role in ensuring the highest standards are set among the affiliate industry.”

Mark Renshaw, Spotlight Sports Group’s Executive Officer

By providing a reliable and industry-leading product, the Group is devoted to improving the worldwide sports betting experience for bettors in ways that go beyond simple odds and data.

XLMedia plc

XLMedia is a global digital media company that develops engaging content for highly engaged audiences and links them with appropriate advertising.

“XLMedia is very proud to be a founding member of the RGAA, an association committed to promoting responsible online gambling. As an affiliate marketing company, we play a critical role in providing consumers with choice while supporting regulated online gambling operators to reach customers and grow their business.”

David King, Chief Executive Officer at XLMedia plc

The Group operates a portfolio of premium brands in regulated marketplaces, focusing on Sports and Gambling. In essence, XLMedia brands reach out to passionate people at the appropriate moment with the right content.

RGAA: Paving the Way for Ethical Online Gambling in the US

As the RGAA gets traction, its impact on gambling at online casinos with a low minimum deposit in the United States is expected to be noteworthy. The Association might be able to contribute to a safer and more responsible gambling environment by developing a culture of integrity and accountability.

It’s clear to see that the joint efforts of operators, affiliates, and regulators indicate some favorable transition toward more ethical and player-centric operators.

As the organization intends to collaborate closely with authorities to establish and execute effective regulations promoting player well-being, we are excited to see what the future holds for responsible gambling in the US iGaming industry.

Fact from fiction: Can you use Casino Sites in the US Legally?

Online casinos became a hot topic in the United States when they were introduced in the mid-1990s. Back then, they were not officially recognized and were actually in legal limbo.

Some US states tried to apply older-school gambling laws to this but the real change came years later when the US Department of Justice declared that the Wire Act of 1961 only applied to sports betting, not online gambling as a whole. This 2011 landmark decision opened the door for states to proceed with legalizing online casinos officially within their own districts or regions.

In 2012, history was made when Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling, followed by New Jersey a year later. In fact, New Jersey had some of the most active players back then.

Today, seven states have legalized online gambling, with Rhode Island being the last in February 2024. In addition, some 38 states and Washington DC have made online sports betting legal. This number is expected to rise in the years to come, as more regulation is reviewed and updated.

So, can people legally use US online casinos? It depends on the state where they reside. Remember that there are many dangers present at unregulated illegal US casinos. More about this in the following section.

You really need to make sure you play at a legal casino site

Those who want to have a fun experience, without thinking of whether they are breaking the law – stick to using legal casino sites.

Gambling in a state where online gambling is illegal can get you into heaps of trouble. This could lead to your winnings being confiscated, or you could face fines and even jail time.

In some states, you could also face civil lawsuits from individuals and companies affected by your gambling activities.

So, whether you are physically present in a state where online gambling is illegal does not matter. What matters is whether you use an online gambling service in that state, you will still be subject to that state’s laws.

To make sure you are above board, check if online gambling is allowed in your state. Make sure to also check the online casino site you have chosen. Ensure it has a valid license issued by the regulatory authority in that state. Such bodies include the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and the PA Gaming Control Board.

In addition, you can use offshore online casinos with licenses issued by well-known authorities like the Curacao Gambling Control Board. Information about casino licenses is usually displayed on the casino website’s footer.

This is about the only way you can ensure you are in line with the law while playing. Another way is checking out reviews and recommendations like what Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) does. As a casino information portal, MDC does all the research, checks each casino’s licensing, and does a full-on screening process to make sure the casinos it recommends are legitimate.

Some US States have legalized Online Casinos

Legal online casinos have been available in the US since 2012, but only in certain states. That’s why you should be well informed if you, as a resident of a specific US state, can enjoy casino games on your computer or mobile device without legal consequences. Using illegal casinos in a territory where such activity is unlawful can lead to numerous problems.

After you ensure there are no obstacles, you can register and start using that site’s features. Of course, the main thing is to use real money to get the opportunity for real winnings. Therefore, in addition to legality, you need to pay attention to several other things that the site offers, such as payment methods, speed of payment, bonuses, and the selection of games.

To make your search easier, we present a list of states where online casinos are allowed and information about their regulatory bodies.

  • Delaware (since 2012). Regulatory body: Delaware Lottery
  • New Jersey (2013). Regulatory body: New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the
    Division of Gaming Enforcement
  • Pennsylvania (2017). Regulatory body: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
  • West Virginia (2019). Regulatory body: West Virginia Lottery Commission
  • Michigan (2019). Regulatory body: Michigan Gaming Control Board
  • Connecticut (2021). Regulatory body: Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming
    Division

Some US States allow Online Sports betting

Traditionally, American states have been more liberal regarding sports betting. Online sports betting is no exception. Players from 30 states and Washington D.C. can bet on sporting events without breaking the law. There are announcements about legalization in several more states in the next period.

As in the case of online casinos, the use of legal online betting sites is crucial. Interestingly, many of the leading casinos also have dedicated betting sites. Additionally, some are strictly focused on betting.

Licensed sports betting websites are your best choice, as regulatory bodies that issue licenses thoroughly investigate their operations. Only those platforms that meet the strict conditions receive licenses.

The following is a list of states that allow online betting and their respective regulatory bodies.

  • Arizona – Arizona Department of Gaming
  • Arkansas – Arkansas Racing Commission
  • Colorado – Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission
  • Connecticut – Department of Consumer Protection – Gaming Division
  • Delaware – Delaware Lottery
  • Florida – Florida Gaming Control Commission
  • Illinois – Illinois Gaming Board
  • Indiana – Indiana Gaming Commission
  • Iowa – Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
  • Kansas – Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
  • Kentucky – Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
  • Louisiana – Louisiana Gaming Control Board
  • Maine – Maine Gambling Control Unit
  • Maryland – Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
  • Massachusetts – Massachusetts Gaming Commission
  • Michigan – Michigan Gaming Control Board
  • Nevada – Nevada Gaming Control Board Gaming Commission
  • New Hampshire – New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority
  • New Jersey – Office of Attorney General – Division of Gaming Enforcement
  • New York – NYS Gaming Commission
  • North Carolina – North Carolina State Lottery Commission
  • Ohio – Ohio Casino Control Commission
  • Oregon – Oregon Lottery
  • Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
  • Rhode Island – Department of Business Regulation
  • Tennessee – Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
  • Vermont – Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
  • Virginia – The Virginia Lottery
  • Wahington D.C. – Office of Lottery and Gaming
  • West Virginia – West Virginia Lottery Commission
  • Wyoming – Wyoming Gaming Commission

Minimumdepositcasinos.org tells you all you need to know in our casino reviews

Dozens of online casinos are available to US players from states where this activity is legal. Minimumdepositcasinos.org is here to help simplify the process of choosing the best online casinos for you.

Our expert team writes reviews that cover all the essential features. These reviews pay particular attention to the number and variety of games, bonuses, software, fairness, and privacy. In addition, we provide precise information about the states in which these casinos are available.

Minimumdepositcasinos.org tells you all you need to know in our casino reviews. Take some time to read the reviews and see for yourself.

Rhode Island becomes 7th US state to Embrace Online Casino Gaming

By Daniela Rose

Rhode Island’s US online casinos have partnered with Bally’s Corporation to offer exciting casino games, including slots and table games. For Rhode Island, becoming the 7th state in the US to embrace online casino gambling could be their lucky number 7 at play.

House and Senate lawmakers in Rhode Island House voted to approve the new iGaming bill into law, which Governor McKee approved just hours before the deadline expired. However, all is well, as players from Rhode Island will be playing online slots and table games starting in April 2024.

According to the law, Bally’s will have a monopoly on online casinos. This means that Gamesys, which is Bally’s online division, could potentially be the sole operator throughout the state. Gamesys operates under various brands, including Virgin Casino, Rainbow Riches Casino, and Tropicana Casino.

Revenues will be generated by imposing a 50% tax on online slots, and the remainder will be divided between Bally’s and IGT. Table games will face a lesser 18% revenue tax, and access to mobile sports betting in Rhode Island is strictly for those aged 21 and older, which aligns with the state’s land-based laws.

President of Bally’s Rhode Island Operations, Craig Eaton, stated that the new gaming product launch results from collaboration with the General Assembly, Governor McKee, and state regulators. According to the Gambling Insider, Eaton noted that the latest gaming product is to “enhance state revenue and better position the State’s casinos in the competitive New England gaming market.”

Now that Rhode Island has become the 7th US state to legalize online casino gaming, US players can experience a full range of new digital slots and table games with responsible gambling at the helm. According to Bally, this latest move will create between 50 and 75 jobs, which is much needed.

What Bally’s brings to Rhode Island

Bally’s has partnered with Stakelogic, a live table games developer, to provide studio and software technology. Roughly 170 slot games and live dealer games like Roulette and Blackjack will be initially offered, with plans for further expansion.

Bally’s investment in infrastructure has also resulted in the construction of a 4,000-square-foot Live Dealer Table Games studio at its Lincoln, Rhode Island studio – potentially creating about 75 new jobs.

To inaugurate Bally’s live casino, venture in North America, they will use Stakelogic’s cutting-edge software starting in April 2024. Intending to introduce popular online live casino games in Rhode Island, Bally’s sweepstake casinos are meeting the massive demand of modern players.

Recognized as a rising star in iGaming, Stakelogic is active in over 20 markets and operates two live casino studios in Europe and 170 new slots. Their cutting-edge live dealer technology has elevated them to the forefront of the online gambling industry.

Stakelogic has established a good reputation for developing and creating some of the most popular slots in modern times, and they intend to do the same in the live casino field. This has been possible due to the incredible team they have in place to operate Stakelogic Live.

In June 2021, Stakelogic announced the launch of its new Live casino product – Stakelogic Live. It is situated in Birkirkara, Malta, and has twenty-two tables. The development team is in Kyiv and Belgrade.

Stakelogic has also recently obtained its UK licence. They’ve also launched three live game shows: Runner8Runner, Super Stake Roulette, and Super Wild Hold and Spin.

Background on Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation is an interactive corporation based in Providence, Rhode Island. Rooted in 1932 as a manufacturer of pinball games named Bally Manufacturing Corporation, they later altered their name to Bally Entertainment.

They ventured into video games, gambling casinos, health clubs, and theme parks. Today, Bally’s Corporation has 15 properties, including US real-money online casinos, online sportsbooks, and a horse racetrack in Colorado.   

Gamesys operates Bally Casino with Premier Entertainment AC, Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort. According to the Casino Control Act, Bally’s action occurs under an Internet Gaming Permit issued by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, making the site above board. Safety and security have been taken care of with geolocation technology and responsible gambling initiatives.

USA players can access their app, account balances, bonuses, and loyalty offers with new player protection tools. Now, USA players can control their gambling habits with readily available responsible gambling tools to track their playtime and restrict how much they deposit. In addition, self-exclusion is also possible, where players temporarily or permanently block their online casino account.

About Bally Casino

Launched in 2021, Bally Casino is a relatively new addition to the iGaming space but quickly established itself as a great online spot for players in New Jersey. The casino’s table games offer an impressive assortment of blackjack or European Roulette, and regarding slots, it’s time to get excited: Bally Casino delivers hundreds of slot games.

This online casino offers all the games you’d expect from a serious online casino, like 88 Fortunes, Dancing Drums Explosion, and MEGAWAYS™ slots; they’ve got those, too. And that’s only scratching the surface. From classics to brand-new releases, Bally’s slots are sure to delight.

Players who enjoy Live Dealer casino games can add live games and real-time excitement. Sit at one of the tables and test your mettle against your opponent in live versions of table games that offer an interactive element where you talk to the host or other participants while you play.

If you’re new to online casinos or want to add another layer of safety to your online gaming experience, we recommend you try Bally’s exclusive Daily Free Games. It all depends on which game you play, but you can win free spins or bonus money, which you can use for certain other games that award real money prizes.

Like all of Bally’s games, the Daily Free Games do not require a download, allowing you to play directly from your browser, both on your computer or smartphone. With its unique Traveling Wallet feature, fantastic casino games from top software developers, and responsible gaming features, Bally’s is the one to try.

From Ohio to New York, Bally Bet is ready for success. Whether or not you’re familiar with Bally’s brick-and-mortar properties in Atlantic City and beyond, the site has a great library of games, an attractive “money back guarantee” take on the casino’s welcome bonus, and dedicated mobile apps.

Players needing assistance playing online slots and casino games at Bally’s can rely on a 24/7 live chat feature. What’s more, new players joining Bally’s Casino can start their gambling adventure with a new selection of casino games.

Legal Gambling in the US

Legalized gambling in the United States has seen significant strides, particularly with the widespread acceptance of sports betting across 38 regions. While online casino gambling has been slower to gain traction, its growth is evident, with expectations of legalization in numerous states on the horizon.

Of course, with this growth, consumers are experiencing the best way to play online casino games while enjoying the comfort of their homes. At the same time, revenue is generated from taxes and licenses, which helps the community.