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


Chicago Betting Tax Plan May Be Stopped by State Lawmakers

Chicago’s recent talk about a new sports betting tax might soon become irrelevant if lawmakers in Springfield get their way As city officials explore a 1025% local betting tax as part of the 2026 budget, the state legislature is moving to make sure only Illinois—not its cities—has the authority to regulate or tax wagering Good to..
7 months ago

Wyoming Lawmakers Back Bill Giving Cities Power Over Horse Racing Venues

Wyoming legislators are moving to give cities and towns more control over gambling facilities, including simulcast wagering and historic horse racing (HHR) operations, shifting decision-making power away from counties Good to Know The new bill would require city or town consent for HHR and simulcasting permits Wyoming currently..
8 months ago

ACMA Blocks Seven More Illegal Gambling Sites Across Australia

Australia’s communications regulator has ordered a fresh wave of gambling site bans as it continues to tighten enforcement of national gaming laws Good to Know Seven new websites have been blocked for breaching the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Over 1,300 illegal sites have been restricted since late 2019 More than 220..
8 months ago

Michigan Bettors Push Handle Past $524 Million in September

Michigan’s online gaming sector continued to show resilience in September 2025, with the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) reporting steady performance across the iGaming and sports betting markets Good to Know Total revenue from iGaming and sports betting reached $3027 million in September Online casinos accounted for more..
8 months ago

ewsmax Approves $5 Million Plan to Buy Bitcoin and Trump Coin

Media company Newsmax Inc has joined a growing wave of public firms adding cryptocurrency to their balance sheets The company announced on October 16 that its board approved a strategic digital asset purchase plan of up to $5 million, aimed at acquiring bitcoin and Trump Coin over the next 12 months, depending on market conditions Good to..
8 months ago

MGM Resorts Sells Northfield Park Operations for $546 Million

MGM Resorts International has agreed to sell the operations of MGM Northfield Park to Clairvest Group for $546 million in cash, marking another step in the company’s long-term strategy to focus on its digital and global projects Good to Know The sale will reduce MGM’s master lease payments to VICI Properties by $54 million..
8 months ago

Ho-Chunk Nation Finalizes $610 Million Financing for Beloit Casino

The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin has finalized a $610 million financing deal to fund the construction of its long-awaited casino resort in Beloit, one of the largest tribal gaming transactions completed in recent years Good to Know The financing includes a $305 million revolving credit facility and a $305 million delayed-draw term..
8 months ago

Prime Minister of Curaçao Takes Control of Gaming Authority After Board Exit

The gaming authority of Curaçao is now under direct oversight from Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas following the resignation of the entire supervisory board in mid-September Local media report that the newly formed Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has been left without its top governing body only months after beginning operations under a modernized..
8 months ago

MGM Drops Yonkers Casino Proposal on Deadline Day

MGM Resorts has walked away from its Empire City Casino expansion plan in Yonkers after determining that the project no longer met its financial goals The decision came right on the deadline for submitting tax rate proposals to the New York Gaming Commission, reshaping the race for the city’s three available casino licenses Good to..
8 months ago

Allwyn Merges with OPAP to Form Global Lottery Giant

Allwyn has confirmed a major merger with Greek gaming group OPAP, forming one of the largest listed entertainment companies in the world The move builds on a decade-long partnership and strengthens Allwyn’s reach across Europe and North America Good to Know The deal values the combined group at around $1856 billion The merged..
8 months ago

Mayor Bowser Revives Plan to Legalize Poker and Blackjack in Washington D.C.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has renewed efforts to legalize poker, blackjack, and commercial bingo as part of a broader strategy to strengthen city finances and attract visitors during a period of economic uncertainty Good to Know The proposal, called the Poker and Blackjack Gaming Authorization Act of 2025, would allow..
8 months ago

Four Casino Proposals Advance to Final Review in New York Licensing Race

The long-awaited selection process for New York’s new downstate casino licenses has entered its final phase After months of community hearings and debate, four proposals remain under review, with a decision expected by December 1 Good to Know Four bids are still in contention: Hard Rock and Resorts World in Queens, Bally in the..
8 months ago

Las Vegas Man Files Suit Against Bellagio After Casino Attack

A Las Vegas man has filed a lawsuit against the Bellagio, claiming the casino failed to protect him from a violent robbery tied to his slot machine winnings The case, reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, centers on an incident that allegedly occurred inside the casino while the player waited for a payout Good to Know The lawsuit..
8 months ago

Bally’s and Intralot Complete €2.7B Merger

Bally’s Corporation has officially wrapped up the sale of its international technology arm to Greek gaming leader Intralot SA, forming a new combined entity called Bally’s Intralot The merger blends Bally’s strong digital backbone with Intralot’s global lottery infrastructure, aiming to reshape how gaming and lottery operations connect..
8 months ago

Deutsche Bank Predicts Bitcoin Will Join Gold on Central Bank Balance Sheets by 2030

A new report from Deutsche Bank suggests that Bitcoin (BTC) is on track to become a formal reserve asset for central banks, sitting alongside gold as a long-term store of value and hedge against inflation Analysts at the bank say Bitcoin’s evolution mirrors gold’s historical path from a speculative commodity to a trusted safeguard during..
8 months ago

Aristocrat Leisure to Acquire Live Slot Streaming Firm Awager

Australian gaming giant Aristocrat Leisure Ltd has confirmed plans to acquire Awager Ltd, a fast-growing company in the live slot streaming sector, from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management LP The deal, announced Wednesday, marks another strategic move by Aristocrat to deepen its footprint in digital gaming and player engagement Good..
8 months ago

Detroit Casinos Post Lower September Revenue

Detroit’s three casinos saw a modest decline in gaming revenue for September, according to new figures from the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Alongside the report, the regulator reaffirmed its support for the State’s FY26 budget, highlighting the importance of responsible oversight and community well-being Good to Know..
8 months ago

Golden Gate Casino Now Fully Virtual With Digital Gaming Floor

The Golden Gate Casino, the oldest gaming establishment in downtown Las Vegas, has officially transitioned to a fully virtual casino floor, replacing all live dealers with digital tables and touch-screen interfaces According to a report from KSNV News 3 Las Vegas, the bold move has already paid off, generating nearly double the initial financial..
8 months ago

AGCO Fines theScore 105K for Failing Responsible Gambling Standards

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined Score Media and Gaming Inc, widely known as theScore, 105,000 dollars for breaching responsible gambling standards The regulator said the company failed to act on several warning signs of problem gambling, resulting in multiple violations of the province’s Registrar’s Standards for..
8 months ago

Inspired and Gaming Arts Partner to Bring Online Slots to Land Casinos

Inspired Entertainment is taking another major step in its global expansion strategy, announcing a new collaboration with Gaming Arts to adapt its online slot portfolio for land-based casinos across North and South America The partnership brings together Inspired’s proven digital content with Gaming Arts’ strong presence in regulated..
8 months ago