Ricky Grant

Ricky Grant

iGaming.org Writer Crypto/Casino/Sports
Ricky is a bitcoin enthusiast and understands the significance of cryptocurrencies not just in the iGaming industry but in society. Ricky has a particular interest in the US Casino landscape, and anything related to this. His favorite casino table games are blackjack and baccarat.

EXPERTISE

  • Crypto
  • Casino
  • US Market
  • iGaming

Ricky's latest articles


Michael Rumbolz Takes the Helm as AGA Chairman

The first-ever digital green bond issued via the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain was recently issued by Societe Generale, which is the reason behind this stablecoin project This action demonstrates the bank's dedication to traceability and openness, especially when it comes to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data The deliberate use of..
2 years ago

U.S. House Panel Advances Legislation for Blockchain Leadership

The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023 was unanimously passed by the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce, marking a significant advancement in the nation's application of blockchain technology After passing with a resounding 46–0 vote on December 5, the law is expected to have a major impact on strengthening the US's competitive..
2 years ago

Winstar Casino to Host Chickasaw Nation’s New Gaming App

he Chickasaw Nation, stepping into the digital era, has introduced a pioneering mobile gaming app, a first in Oklahoma's online gambling scene This app, which allows real money transactions, is set to be launched at the Chickasaw's largest entertainment venue, the Winstar World Casino and Resort, located near the Texas border in..
2 years ago

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) Concludes Successful €45 Million Bond Issuance

The crucial €45 million bond sale by Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) was successfully completed, representing a major financial step for the firm GiG's combined borrowing ceiling of €1000 million equivalent is boosted by the €450 million and SEK3500 million tranches of the three-year issue GiG provided an overview of how net revenues from..
2 years ago

Playtech’s Failed Bid for 888 Holdings Revealed Amid Challenges

The proprietor of the massive betting company William Hill, 888 Holdings, was up for takeover by the gaming software company Playtech back in July, which was an unexpected turn of events Rejected on the basis that it undervalued the firm, 888 Holdings turned down the £700 million ($883 million) offer at 156p per share Given that the business..
2 years ago

Federal and Local Investigations Surround Bally’s Acquisition of Chicago Casino License

Federal and municipal authorities are closely examining Bally's, the gaming business based in Rhode Island, over its acquisition of the much sought-after casino license in Chicago Bally's license was obtained through a licensing procedure that is being investigated concurrently by Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg and the US Attorney's..
2 years ago

MGM Grand Detroit Reaches Historic Labor Agreement, Ending 47-Day Strike

Following an extended 47-day impasse, the Detroit Casino Council made a historic declaration announcing the approval of an unparalleled labor contract with MGM Grand Detroit The decision, which ends the walkout that started on October 17, follows suit with similar agreements with MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, demonstrating..
2 years ago

Binance’s Settlement Sets Stage for Crypto Evolution, Says Kraken’s Chief Legal Officer

The cryptocurrency sector is full of hope following the news that Binance, the largest exchange in the world, agreed to pay over $4 billion in fines to resolve accusations with the US authorities Chief Legal Officer of Kraken Marco Santori recently told CNBC that he is optimistic about Binance's settlement sparking a change for the better in the..
2 years ago

Youth Gambling Addiction Allegedly On the Rise In the United States

The Guardian recently reported on the growing concerns in the United States regarding a surge in gambling addiction among young people, linked to the boom in legal sports betting This worrying trend has led to calls for stricter regulation Treatment clinics and helplines are overwhelmed with the increasing number of young people seeking help..
2 years ago

Kansspelautoriteit Imposes €3 Million Fine on Betent for AML and CTF Violations

In a recent development, the Netherlands’ gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has wielded its regulatory power once again, slapping a substantial fine on operator Betent, operating under the Betcity brand The fine, totaling EUR 3 million (approximately $327 million), comes as a consequence of Betent's failure to comply with Dutch..
2 years ago

GCGRA Strengthens Team with New Head of Investigations

Edward Aylward has joined the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates, which was founded earlier this year, as the Head of Investigations, in a calculated effort to strengthen the team This latest appointment is in keeping with the authority's objective to expedite regulatory supervision in the rapidly..
2 years ago

Kindred Group Initiates Strategic Exit from North America Between Ongoing Review

As part of its continuous cost-cutting effort, Kindred Group has announced its strategic decision to depart the North American market This action comes after the group's April strategic review, which sought to investigate possibilities for a full or partial corporate sale Subject to regulatory procedures, the anticipated duration of the withdrawal..
2 years ago

New York City Introduces Zoning Changes Paving the Way for Casino Developments

The administration of Mayor Eric Adams recently made a big move when it disclosed zoning amendments that may lead to the construction of casinos in several parts of New York City The changes that were leaked on November 23 are intended to make it easier for three casinos to open up shop in and around the five boroughs These casinos are projected..
2 years ago

MGC Chairperson Raises Red Flag on Responsible Gambling Tool Utilization

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), chaired by Catherine Judd-Stein, recently received the Q3 results of sports wagering from Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, PSI, and WynnBet During an engaging discussion, Jake List, Senior Director of Regulatory Operations at DraftKings, revealed that just 01% of their clientele regularly used time..
2 years ago

PENN Entertainment Breaks Ground on $100 Million Hotel Expansion in Hollywood Casino Columbus

With this historic step, PENN Entertainment will begin building a state-of-the-art hotel at Hollywood Casino Columbus, which will be a major turning point for the growing venue To demonstrate its eagerness to turn the casino into a legitimate local attraction, the firm is holding a "groundbreaking ceremony" today at 1 am ET Elevating the..
2 years ago

The Ongoing New Jersey Casino Smoking Ban Still Running

The casinos in Atlantic City have benefited from a special privilege for over 20 years: they are free from the state-wide smoking law in New Jersey, which forbids smoking in public places Up to 25% of a casino's gaming floor may now have indoor smoking due to the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act This exception has generated controversy, particularly..
2 years ago

Supreme Court Ends Okada Manila Ownership Dispute

The Supreme Court has rendered a definitive decision in the ongoing Okada Manila ownership issue, which is an unexpected development The status of the resort, which was formerly run by founder Kazuo Okada, who was overthrown, drastically changed last year when the Court approved a forceful takeover On Monday, though, there have been some recent..
2 years ago

Van Don Vietnam Awaits Approval for $2.2 Billion Resort and Casino

Vietnam is on the brink of developing a $22 billion integrated resort and casino in Van Don, a plan that's currently under consideration by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh This grand project is envisioned for Van Yen village, covering a vast 245 hectares in the Quang Ninh Province The Ministry of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with..
2 years ago

Sweden’s Riksrevisionen Investigates Spelinspektionen’s Market Supervision

Sweden's National Audit Office, Riksrevisionen, has initiated an audit of the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen (SGA), confirming its intentions that we reported on in August of this year This investigation aims to assess the effectiveness of SGA's oversight of the gambling market, especially in the context of the market's re-regulation..
2 years ago

Mohegan INSPIRE Resort South Korea Announces Soft Opening for November 30

Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, led by President Chen Si, is gearing up for the first stage of its much-anticipated opening on November 30 This initial phase introduces a slew of impressive features, including three hotel towers with 1,275 rooms, South Korea's first multi-purpose arena, the largest ballroom in the country, a unique digital..
2 years ago