The Star Entertainment Group has selected veteran American casino executive John Koster to lead The Star Sydney, marking another step in the company’s ongoing restructuring following a change in ownership and continued financial pressure. The appointment, which remains subject to regulatory approval, places Koster at the helm of the Sydney property at a time when the group is implementing cost reductions...
A national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicates that early exposure to gambling is widespread in the United States, while routine healthcare discussions about gambling behavior remain uncommon. The online survey, carried out from February 19–23, 2026, included 2,072 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,975 were 21 and...
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has called on authorised persons and industry stakeholders to participate in newly launched EU consultations on anti-money laundering standards that will affect the gaming sector across the bloc. AMLA Expands Oversight to Gaming Sector The consultations were opened by the European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and focus on three draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS). These cover...
Macau’s casino industry recorded year-on-year growth in February, supported by heightened visitation during the Chinese New Year holiday period, according to official data released by the city’s gaming regulator. Figures published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and cited by GGRAsia show that gross gaming revenue (GGR) for February totaled MOP20.63 billion (US$2.56 billion). The result marked a...
Austria’s Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption has filed criminal charges in the long-running CASAG investigation, targeting former Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache and two senior figures from the gambling group Novomatic AG. Prosecutors accuse Strache of accepting benefits to exert influence and allege that two Novomatic executives granted benefits to influence a public official. The indictment, submitted to the...
Hawthorne Race Course has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in federal court in Chicago, taking what executives describe as a necessary step to stabilize operations and seek new investment. The filing, submitted Feb. 27, aims to restructure debt while keeping the long-running Stickney track active and preserving hundreds of jobs tied to Illinois racing. License Suspensions and Financial Pressures The 134-year-old...
Nevada regulators approved two of the state’s most prominent former gaming officials to serve on the board of Resorts World Las Vegas, as the Strip property continues to address compliance and financial challenges that have defined much of its early history. The Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously granted licenses to former Governor Brian Sandoval and former Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman...
Pragmatic Play’s Haunted Crypt takes players into a dark mausoleum setting where multiplier wilds and free spins form the core of the gameplay. The 5×3 video slot runs across 20 paylines and combines a gothic graveyard theme with a position-highlighting system that becomes central once the bonus feature activates. The game carries a maximum RTP of 96.51% in both Value and Speed...
Massachusetts regulators approved a first-in-the-nation rule that forces legal sportsbooks to explain player limits, placing new transparency requirements on an issue that has drawn complaints from bettors and scrutiny from policymakers for more than a year. 48-Hour Notice Standard Targets a Recurring Complaint The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted 5-0 on Thursday, February 26, to adopt regulation 205 CMR 238.30. The rule...
Caesars Entertainment is evaluating takeover interest, including a possible bid from Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta, raising the prospect of a major reshaping of ownership on the Las Vegas Strip. Discussions remain preliminary and a transaction is not assured. People familiar with the matter indicated that talks could still fall apart. Caesars is also said to be considering a management-led buyout as...