GAMING News
Customized and Competitive Workers Compensation for Casinos
By Tina Duncan, Director of Business Development, AMERIND
LAS VEGAS OCT. 9, 2024
Make the ‘Gong’ of Fortune Resound and Unleash Infinite Riches
Tribal gaming entities have many considerations when protecting property, employees and covering liability exposures, especially since they are not a one-size-fits-all risk model Casinos need to work with a trusted broker on key risks and design an insurance program around those risks Property, liability, commercial auto and workers compensation policies should be uniquely crafted to protect tribal assets, while considering cultural preferences A Tribal Workers’ Compensation (TWC) program should be selected without sacrificing the ability to determine its level of coverage Tribal gaming entities can avoid the fraud and abuse that’s prevalent in state systems through a sovereign TWC program. There are several workers
MGM Resorts & BetMGM to Increase Responsible Gaming Messaging at NFL Stadiums
MGM Resorts and BetMGM announced that they are once again partnering with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM 2024) The two companies will execute their responsible gaming campaign at designated National Football League (NFL) stadiums for the second year, with increased exposure for GameSense® GameSense is an industry-leading responsible gaming program first develo p e d a n d l i c e n s e d to MGM Resorts in 2017 by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) The program focuses on positive, transpar-
to gamble responsibly With this development, GameSense marketing will appear
captivating new slot adventure, “Gong ” As players strike the ancient gong, a magnificent dragon rouses to life Its fiery breath, a dazzling spectacle, illuminates the path to hidden treasures promising eternity, abundance and luxury
Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 13
Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas and Best Casino Restaurant – The Pines Modern Steakhouse
Palms Casino Resort, owned and operated by San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority, was named Best Casino in Las Vegas Yaamava’ and Palms together are t
both casino experiences in the region through membership in the San Manuel loyalty rewards program, Club Serrano
“We are dedicated to pro-
ences to everyone who visits
Continued on Page 13 Continued on Page 9
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel was named “best” in two categories in USA
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Set against the neon-lit backdrop of Vegas, this vibrant 5x3 slot introduces a new bonus game feature to the popular Big Bass series
Landing two scatters in the base
iGaming software provider Slotegrator.
T
Gaming’s slot games to be distributed to a wider range of online casino operators through Slotegrator’s platform.
game gives a random chance to win a third If the scatters can move down a position without leaving the reels, a respin is triggered Alternatively, a random hook can pull one of the reels up
• W i t h f o u r j a c k p o t s – M i n o r , M i n i ,
Major, and Grand – Cherry Boom offers players plenty of chances to win big
• Collect 9, 12, or 15 “7” symbols to t r i g g e r t h e j a c k p o t , m a k i n g C h e r r y Boom a game where dreams of winning can become a reality
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to reveal another scatter
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Money symbols carry random values of up to 5,000x the player’s bet, with a random bazooka feature bringing money symbols into view if the fisherman lands without any on the grid. If money symbols appear without a f i s h e r m a n , o n e c a n b e r
hooked in as well.
Players in select markets will have a choice of bonus buys, with super free spins requiring only three fisherman wilds to be collected during the feature to level up a cash trail.
A B i g p o t G a m i n g s p o k e s p e r s o n said, “The iGaming industry cannot be d i s c u s s e d w i t h o u t m e n t i o n i n g
S l o t e g r a t o r W e a r e
v e r y p l e a s e d t h a t Bigpot Gaming’s cont e n t w i l l b e a b l e t o
a n d c o m p u t e r s . Additionally, the games support m u l t i p l e l a n g u a g e s a n d c u r r e n c i e s , making them accessible to players in various regions.
Bigpot Gaming’s slots are certified by global testing labs including GLI, BMM, GA and iTech Labs. The company provides operators with tools to manage games, monitor real-time statistics and customise return-to-player (RTP) rates.
r e a c h m o r e p l a y e r s with this partnership
B i g p o t G a m i n g w i l l continue to repay the t r u s t o f i t s p a r t n e r s w i t h c o n t i n u o u s efforts and will continue to improve to provide excellent content
Pragmatic Play’s Slots portfolio, follow-
G o l d Megaways™ and Mystery Mice I r i n a C o
n i d e s , C h i e f O p e r a t i n g Officer at Pragmatic Play, said, “Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe extends an iconic game series from Pragmatic Play, taking players on an exciting journey to Vegas where two cash trails in the bonus game can help to reel in big wins ” Pragmatic Play currently produces up to eight new Slot titles a month, while also delivering Live Casino and Bingo games as part of its multi-product portfolio, available through a single API.
developer Capecod Gaming, integrating over 130 of Capecod’s titles into its system
t h a t b r i n g s a b e t t e r e n t e r t a i n m e n t experience to players ” In August 2024, Slotegrator partn e r e d w i t h I t a l i a n s l o t s
Earlier in the year, Slotegrator also expanded its partnerships with Belatra Games and Rich88, adding a variety of gaming content to its platform
American Attitudes Toward Casino Gaming, Sports Betting
Reach High-Water Marks
Communications
betting as acceptable forms of entertainment and responsible industries,
Association (AGA).
A m o n g
water marks in consumer
A
gaming industry behaves responsibly in the communities where it operates, 9
s b e t t i n g a s a n acceptable form of enter-
t a i n m e n t , a n d 7 5 % o f
A m e r i c a n s s u p p o r t l e g a l
s p o r t s b e t t i n g i n t h e i r home state.
increases in favorable views toward the industry’s commitments to responsible gaming, with 65% of Americans now
tors agreeing with this sentiment, up from 70% and 78%, respectively last year T h i s
y increased perceptions across several areas:
Responsible Marketing and Advertising
A
f t h e legal industry’s efforts around responsible marketing and advertising marketing, with 65% of respondents saying they believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising, u p
“ T h e s e l a t e s t s u r v e y r e s u l t s h i g h l i g h t a c o n s i s t e n t
n d over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility and provides unmatched entert a i n m e n t , ” s a i d J
Yaamava’. It is a great honor to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to hospitality,” said Kenji Hall, General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. “The tradition of excellence stems from the Tribe’s generous and welcoming nature that extends across various aspects and can be felt by our guests, team members, partners and friends It is rewarding to be a part of this culture ”
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino offers u n p a r a l l e l e d e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h luxury casino gaming, world-class live performances, award-winning dining, opulent resort accommodations and a Forbes 5-Star spa Yaamava’s elite gaming floor features more than 7,200 slots – the most in the west – and hosts many world-premiere games each year to bring the newest and most exciting slots to Yaamava’ Guests also have access to five high-limit gaming areas and 150 table games for a unique gaming experience
The Pines Modern Steakhouse is home to Yaamava’s Collection 86 – a world-class cache of rare and niche wines and spirits – and offers an exquisite dining experience from start to finish One of only a handful of Kobe-certified restaurants in the United States, guests of The Pines can indulge in both Kobe and rare Japanese Wagyu beef
saying the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling – a notable rise from 55% last year. This confidence is even stronger among those who engage with the industry d
casino players and 88% of sports bet-
Yaamava’s Vegas connection, sister property, Palms Casino Resort, was
offering guests a vibrant gaming floor, two resort towers with 766 rooms and suites, and a dynamic mix of dining options including celebrity chef-driven
rooftop lounge Palms Casino Resort is the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American
Hospitality Authority
Yaamava’ Resort was also recognized in the Best Hotels category This Forbes- rated hotel offers exceptional guest service, top of the line amenities and features 432 modern guest rooms and suites
Yaamava’ and Palms were nominated by a panel of experts, including editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best com, relevant expert contributors, and sources from both media and other Gannett properties before being voted on by the public
Specifically, 46% of land-based casino players and 57% of sports bettors noted an increase in responsible gami
Americans say they have encountered responsible gaming messaging in the past year, up from 56% in 2022
Familiarity with Responsible Gaming Resources
Americans familiar with at least one
increase from 65% in 2022 Awareness is particularly high among industry participants, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource
Effectiveness of Responsible Gaming Programs
Data shows 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59% last year Among those who participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree that these programs are effective.
Increased Awareness of Responsible Gaming Messages
The study shows a significant rise in the n
About Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Y a a m a v a ’ R e s o r t & C a s i n o a t S a n
Manuel is the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and Four-Star-rated and AAA Diamond-rated entertainment destination in the Inland Empire (IE), featuring a 17-floor hotel with spacious suites, an elevated pool deck, a Forbes Five-Starrated spa and salon, and a state-of-theart theater
R e c e n t l y n a m e d t h e 2 0 2 4 U S A TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award f o r B e s t C a s i n o o u t s i d e o f L a s Vegas and the Best Casino Restaurant for its Pines Modern Steakhouse, it is l o c a t e d j u s t 7 0 m i l e s f r o m downtown Los Angeles in Highland, California The Casino has more than 7 , 2 0 0 s l o t s , f i v e h i g h - l i m i t g a m i n g rooms, luxury retail shops, a wide variety of award-winning dining options, a n d m o r e t h a n a d o z e n b a r s a n d lounges, including IE’s premiere sports bar, The 909 Food Hall The San Manuel
E n t e r t a i n m e n t A u t h o r i t y o w n s a n d operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
About Palms Casino Resort
Palms Casino Resort is a trailblazer as the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe W i t h 7 6 6 h o t e l r o o m s a n d s u i t e s a c r o s s t w o t o w e r s , P a l m s o f f e r s a d y n a m i c m i x o f b a r s a n d r e s t a u r a n t s i n c l u d i n g t h e a c c l a i
“The gaming industry’s responsibility efforts are stronger than ever, and
Maloney
Methodology
Kantar, on behalf of the AGA, conducted an online survey July 31 - August 9, 2024 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and over related to responsible gaming and industry perceptions. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups. F
.americangaming.org.
C h e f M i c h a e l S y m o n a n d s k y - h i g h
d i n i n g a t V e t r i C u c i n a f r o m
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suites like the Hardwood Suite for basketball fans, the Kingpin Suite for bowling
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Yaamava’ (Cont’d from p 1)
Atlantis Gaming Corp. Celebrates First Profits: A Game-Changing Milestone
n y ' s t r a j e c t o r y W i t h i n j u s t 9 0 d a y s o f
o p e r a t i n g t h e w h o l l y o w n e d a s s e t ,
t h e p r o p e r t y m a n a g e m e n t t e a m g e n -
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a m o d e s t b u t h i s t o r i c f i r s t p r o f i t f o r
t h e c o m p a n y S t r a t e g i c V i s i o n L e a d s
customized, competitively priced and
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c o m p e n s a t i o n c a r r i e r s s e r v i n g t r i b a l gaming entities, so your broker should provide multiple options to ensure you aren’t paying too much It’s a best practice to get a new quote annually
AMERIND’s Tribal Workers’ Compensation Program
A M E R I N D ’ s T r i b a l W o r k e r s ’ Compensation product is an alternative to state programs and empowers tribal entities to take full control of their workers compensation program The AMERIND Workers’ Compensation program maintains the tribe’s sovereignty and is tailored to offer maxim u m e f f e c t
u c i n g overall claim expenses The product is
Zitro (Cont’d from p 1)
w i t h i t s i n n o v a t i v e B o n u s C e n t r a l L i n k
m e c h a n i c T h e c o r e g a m e p l a y
r e v o l v e s a r o u n d a c e n t r a l s y m b o l ,
w i t h p l a y e r s c o l l e c t i n g b l u e s y m b o l s
D eliminates the need to comply with
include medical expenses, lost wages, death benefits and disability benefits AMERIND provides online access to real-time claim information, an experienced claims team with the expertise, deductible and self-insured retention (SIR) options
Making Good Decisions for Indian Country
Dan Kain, Business Executive with the Puyallup Tribe, said he knew from his first meeting he had shared values with AMERIND. “The tribe retained AMERIND over a decade ago based on AMERIND’s
t o S u c c e s s A G C ' s a c h i e v e m e n t i s a
d i r e c t r e s u l t o f t h e c o m p a n y ' s b o l d
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s i z e s l o n g - t e r m v a l u e a n d c o m m u n i t y
i m p a c t I n J u n e 2 0 2 4 , A G C a c q u i r e d
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s t r a t e g i c e q u i t y s w a p – 7 5 M s h a r e s
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c o m p a n y t o s e c u r e a h i g h l y v a l u a b l e
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o p a b l e e q u i t y T h i s c a l c u l a t e d m o v e
p o s i t i o n e d A G C f o r s u s t a i n a b l e g r o w t h , a n d t h e r e s u l t s m a t e r i a l i z e d " T h e i n h e r e n t v a l u e o f t h i s t r a n s a ct i o n a n d t h o s e i n t h e p i p e l i n e d e m o n s t r a t e s t h e p o t e n t i a l t o u n l o c k s i g n i f i c a n t e q u i t y f o r A G C a n d o u r i n v e s t o r s , g i v e n t h e p r o p e r s t r u c t u r e " s a i d H e r b S t r a t h e r , R e a l E s t a t e S t r a t e g i s t a n d P a r t n e r i n t h e a c q u i s it i o n F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w atlantisgamingcorporation com
ability to provide the best coverage and rates, and, more importantly, its ability to protect the tribe and its assets,” Kain said “From a cost perspective, AMERIND is very competitive with larger insurance companies A policy costs less than the competitors, making it an easy choice,” he continued “AMERIND serves a niche market – tribal governments and businesses Tribes Protecting Tribes – it’s a motto that describes them well because they are so engaged in Indian Country They always approach our discussions with the attitude that we’re all in this together They want to vet your needs and then make good decisions ”
AMERIND: Your 100% Owned and Trusted Insurance Partner
i e s a n d e l e v a t i n g t r i b a l s o ve r e i g n t y A M E R I N D a l s o p r o v i d e s s t r a t e g i c p l a n n i n g f o r b r o a d b a n d d e p l o y m e n t b y t r i b a l g o v e r n m e n t s a n d b u s i n e s s e n t e r p r i s e s t h r o u g h o u t I n d i a n C o u n t r y .
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o www.amerind.com.
c e n t r a l s y m b o l ’ s v a l u e f o r i n c r e a s e d p a y o u t s
U n l o c k t h e d r a g o n ’ s p o w e r , b y activating the dragon symbol, which further enhances the experience by c o l l e c t i n g a l l a c t i v e p r i z e s o n t h e
t o e n h a n c e t h e i r v a l u e A d d i n g t o t h e t h r i l l , t h e g o n g s y m b o l r e p l i c a t e s t h e
MGM Resorts (Cont’d. from p. 1)
more often and in more prominent venue locations during each game.
GameSense messaging will be promoted at the following stadiums:
• A c r i s u r e S t a d i u m ( P i t t s b u r g h Steelers)
• A l l e g i a n t S t a d i u m ( L a s V e g a s Raiders)
• Empower Field at Mile High (Denver Broncos)
• Ford Field (Detroit Lions)
• GHEA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)
• M & T B a n k S t a d i u m ( B a l t i m o r e Ravens)
• MetLife Stadium (New York Jets)
• Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans)
• S t a t e F a r m S t a d i u m ( A r i z o n a Cardinals)
In 2023, MGM Resorts and BetMGM were among the first gaming operators
t o p r o m o t e r e s p o n s i b l e g a m i n g through marketing within League stadiums
“We’re excited to bring responsible gaming initiatives directly to fans in these NFL venues again this season,”
s a i d R h e a L o n e y , C h i e f C o m p l i a n c e Officer, BetMGM “We are setting a new
standard for safety and awareness in the industry. At BetMGM, we believe that protecting our players and promoting responsible play is essential to the future of sports betting.”
BetMGM will also add to its catalogue of advertisements in the coming months that highlight its comprehensive responsible gaming resources. The spots will feature brand ambassadors sharing engaging messaging, similar to its highly regarded responsible gaming commercial featuring NHL MVP Connor McDavid.
Also, coinciding with RGEM 2024, M G M R e s o r t s i s a n n o u n c i n g a $
responsible gaming research through t
C
Responsible Gaming and Kindbridge Research Institute These studies aim to advance industry best practices and fill s
studied populations, including women military Veterans
S
Officer, MGM Resorts, said, “The importance of responsible gaming research funding cannot be overstated As a gaming industry leader, it’s imperative that our company supports efforts to b e t t e r u
bonus screen Mega and Super progressive jackpots can be won with just o n e s y m b o l , w i t h v a l u e s a d j u s t i n g based on the player’s chosen denomin a t i o n A d d i t i o n a l l y , a c h i e v i n g 1 5 symbols triples the value of the central symbol
impact gambling has on various populations, including those that may be at greater risk of developing problematic behaviors.”
T h r o u g h o u t R G E M 2 0 2 4 , M G M Resorts and BetMGM will continue to c o n d u c t e x t e n s i v e t r a i n i n g t o r a i s e e m p l o y e e a w a r e n e s s o f r e s p o n s i b l e g a m i n g . R e c e n t l y , M G M R e s o r t s ’ GameSense Advisor Program certified m o r e t h a n 5 0 0 c u s t o m e r - f a c i n g employees, equipping them with the skills and confidence to educate cust o m e r s a b o u t c a s i n o g a m e s a n d empower them to make informed decisions. BetMGM will also deploy extensive employee training, including additional education for its VIP Staff, while a d v a n c i n g r e s p o n s i b l e g a m i n g through lived experiences with its EPIC Global Solutions partnership A d d i t i o n a l l y , n e w G a m e S e n s e messaging will be displayed promin e n t l y o n t a b l e g a m e s t h r o u g h o u t MGM Resorts’ properties nationwide Similar messaging will continue to be featured on all slot machines, 8,000 of which include QR codes offering access to responsible gaming information and e d u c a t i o n a l m a t e r i a l s f r o m GameSense Responsible gaming tips will also appear on MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas marquees and on more than
With its unique mechanics, captivating theme and the potential for big wins, “Gong” promises to be a thrilling addition to casino floors
F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , g o t o w w w zitrogames com or stop by booth #2859
35,000 screens across the company’s
s p o n s i b l e g
m i n g t o o l s within its platform as well. These tools are designed to help players manage their budgets, stay within their limits, and promote a responsible and sustainable entertainment experience.
MGM Resorts and BetMGM continu e t h e i r p a r t n e r s h i p w
Responsibly.™ public service campaign to educate new and seasoned bettors on responsible sports wagering. The campaign aims to protect customers and reinforces the use of regulated markets, which prioritizes player protection and safeguards
Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President
“Collaboration is integral to strength-
efforts Both in their work with the AGA and throughout the legal, regulated
advancing responsible gaming in
AMERIND (Cont’d. from p. 1)
