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


AGA Panel Discusses Shifting Culture Toward Player Protection

The American Gaming Association gathered industry voices on September 24 for a responsible gaming webinar that tackled how new technology and product design are reshaping safer play Moderated by AGA SVP of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney, the session brought together panelists from Aristocrat, OpenBet, Sportradar, and the Responsible Online..
8 months ago

Boyd Gaming Reports Cybersecurity Incident, Casino Operations Unaffected

Boyd Gaming confirmed a cybersecurity breach on September 23 in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission The company stressed that the attack had no impact on its casinos or day-to-day operations Good to Know The incident involved internal employee records linked to a limited number of individuals All 11 Boyd Gaming..
8 months ago

Merkur Group Completes Gaming Arts Acquisition in Las Vegas

Merkur Group has locked in a new chapter of growth in the United States after finalizing its purchase of Gaming Arts LLC The deal gives the German company direct access to Nevada’s land-based casino market and adds momentum to its wider 2025 expansion drive Good to Know Nevada regulators approved the acquisition in May 2025 Merkur..
8 months ago

Tether Considers $20 Billion Dollar Fundraising Round

As reported by Bloomberg, stablecoin leader Tether Holdings may be preparing one of the largest private fundraising rounds ever seen in crypto The company is exploring a raise of up to $20 billion, which could push its valuation to around $500 billion and place it among the most valuable private companies on the planet Good to Know..
8 months ago

KVA Warns of Casinos Targeting Dutch Youth Online

The Netherlands is facing new concerns after the Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) published research showing how unlicensed gambling platforms and their partners are aggressively recruiting underage players --- Good to know KVA reports that affiliates and influencers use TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and Telegram to reach minors..
8 months ago

São Paulo Police Raid Targets Illegal Gambling and Fortune Tiger Scheme

Police in São Paulo have launched a major operation in the city of São José do Rio Preto, aiming to break up gambling networks tied to popular electronic games Good to know The raid, codenamed Tiger Hunting, targeted operations linked to Fortune Tiger, also known as Jogo do Tigrinho Five search and seizure warrants were carried..
8 months ago

Wynn Al Marjan Resort in UAE Progresses Toward 2027 Launch

Wynn Resorts’ ambitious project in Ras Al Khaimah is climbing higher every month, and developers say the opening remains firmly on schedule Good to know Construction on the 70-story tower has already reached the 61st floor The property is set to feature 1,542 hotel rooms and more than 22 dining venues Wynn Al Marjan will be the..
8 months ago

Teen Linked to Las Vegas Casino Cyberattacks Turns Himself In

Las Vegas police say a teenager suspected of taking part in the 2023 casino cyberattacks has surrendered to authorities His name has not been released because of his age, though prosecutors want him tried as an adult Good to know The teen faces charges tied to the hacking group known as Scattered Spider MGM and Caesars were among..
8 months ago

Rio de Janeiro Unveils “Las Vegas Plan” to Boost Gambling Sector

Rio de Janeiro’s government is betting on a bold new initiative that could reshape the city’s entertainment economy Dubbed informally as the “Las Vegas Plan,” the project aims to transform Rio into a national hub for regulated gambling by dramatically expanding the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) across the state Good to..
8 months ago

GLPI Confirms Progress on Bally’s $1.19 Billion Chicago Casino Resort

Chicago’s River West neighborhood is turning into the site of one of the country’s most ambitious casino projects Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) has confirmed progress on its $119 billion investment in Bally’s Corporation’s flagship casino resort, a development that is expected to reshape the city’s entertainment scene Good..
8 months ago

Better Gambling Forum Launches Global Framework for Safer Play

A new international effort is pushing gambling discussions into fresh territory The Brain Capital Alliance, working with G7/G20, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum, has rolled out the Better Gambling Forum and introduced the Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Good to know RG3P is designed to..
8 months ago

DigiPlus Seen as Possible Candidate for City of Dreams Manila Takeover

he future of DigiPlus Interactive Corp has stirred plenty of chatter in the Philippines gaming industry after speculation tied the company to City of Dreams Manila While rumors continue to circulate, the company has clarified that no firm deal is in place Good to know DigiPlus is best known for its BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone..
8 months ago

Louisiana Casinos and Racetracks Generate $214.8m in August Revenue

Louisiana’s casino and racetrack operators closed August 2025 on a strong note State regulators reported higher year-over-year gaming revenue, with riverboats, racetracks, and the state’s lone land-based casino all showing meaningful activity despite a few dips in individual facilities Good to Know Louisiana’s total gaming..
9 months ago

Brazil Lawmakers Consider Ban on Betting Ads in Public Contracts

A new bill in Brasília could reshape how betting companies appear in public campaigns and official events, especially those tied to the government Good to Know Bill 1911/25 targets betting ads in government contracts, not the platforms themselves Concerns focus on youth exposure, addiction risks, and family debt in lower-income..
9 months ago

Michigan Advances Bill to Allow 10 Percent of Funds in Crypto

Michigan has inched closer to potentially holding digital assets in its state reserves Lawmakers confirmed that House Bill 4087 moved to its second reading on Thursday and has now been referred to the Committee on Government Operations Good to Know The bill allows Michigan’s treasurer to invest up to 10% of stabilization funds in..
9 months ago

Brazil Congressman Pushes for Criminal Penalties Against Illegal Gambling

Brazil’s betting industry has taken big steps forward with regulation, but some lawmakers believe the job is not finished Congressman Jorge Goetten is now calling for tougher enforcement to tackle unlicensed operators Brasília policymakers see promise in the regulated industry but remain wary of the illegal sector that still thrives..
9 months ago

Birches Health Secures $20 Million To Grow Nationwide Addiction Treatment Programs

Gambling and digital addiction support is starting to get more attention in the US, and Birches Health is one of the companies making real moves in this space The treatment provider has just closed $20 million in combined Series A and Seed funding, with backing from some well-known venture capital firms Good to Know Birches Health has..
9 months ago

Atlantic City Casinos Record Best Summer Since 2012

Atlantic City just wrapped up its hottest summer run in more than ten years Strong in-person gambling, combined with record-breaking online play, helped push New Jersey’s casinos to their best summer showing since 2012 The summer boost reversed what had been a sluggish start to the year, giving operators a 28% year-over-year cushion heading..
9 months ago

Avenir Casino Bid in Manhattan Rejected After Swift Vote

Silverstein Properties and its partners had spent years adjusting their $7 billion Avenir casino plan in Manhattan—adding new hotel collaborators, reshaping designs, and even expanding affordable housing commitments Yet, despite those efforts, the project hit a wall this week when its community advisory committee shut the door on the bid in a..
9 months ago

Caesars NY Casino Bid Rejected

A long-running bid to bring a Caesars Entertainment casino to Times Square has hit a wall The New York Community Advisory Committee voted down the proposal on September 17, leaving the project unable to advance to the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board Good to know The project needed four committee votes but only received two..
9 months ago