WATCH: Casino News Roundup June 17, 2025

Our news reporter, Alan Evans, brings you the latest news from the casino industry on June 17, 2025.

Can't watch right now? Here's the full transcript:

It’s Tuesday 17th of June. This is your Casino News Roundup

Graton Resort and Casino in Northern California is undergoing a major multi-phase expansion, set to significantly boost its gaming capacity, hotel accommodations, and entertainment offerings.

Led by CMO Jeremy Weinstein, the project includes adding 240 new hotel rooms, a state-of-the-art non-smoking casino wing with expanded gaming options, a high-limit area, and a rooftop restaurant.

The resort is also investing in a new entertainment venue capable of hosting top-tier acts, with the first phase opening in March 2026.

Owned by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the expansion aims to enhance inclusivity and attract diverse guests from the Bay Area and beyond, solidifying its status as a premier gaming and entertainment destination.

The new EU AI Act, set to impact the casino industry, bans manipulative, exploitative, and secret scoring practices using AI, ensuring greater transparency and player protection.

Casino operators must now avoid using AI to deceive players, target vulnerable groups, or secretly score and discriminate against them, with penalties reaching up to €35 million or 7% of global revenue.

The legislation emphasises safeguarding players from emotional manipulation and unfair treatment, while urging industry leaders to review and redesign their AI systems to comply with these new rules, making responsible AI use not just good practice, but a legal requirement.

Global gambling faces a serious crisis as illegal online gambling accounts for 71% of all online gaming revenue in Europe, totaling over €80 billion in 2024.

Industry leaders warn that criminal operators target vulnerable players, undermine regulations, and drain tax revenue. Experts at the Berlin summit emphasized the need for international cooperation to combat these black market activities, which pose risks to consumer protection and industry integrity.

Authorities are increasing enforcement efforts, but the fight against illegal gambling remains urgent to safeguard consumers and ensure a sustainable, regulated gambling industry worldwide.

Maverick Games has launched a new sports betting platform in Ontario, partnering with Delasport to offer an innovative and personalized betting experience.

The platform features advanced tools like quick bets, gamification, and interactive features, aiming to make sports betting more fun and user-friendly.

This launch highlights Ontario's growing regulated iGaming market, with Maverick Games becoming the second brand to use Delasport’s sportsbook technology. The partnership also plans to introduce new jackpot games later this year, enhancing the gaming experience for Ontario players.

In a quirky new gambling sensation, 155.io’s CEO Sam Jones has launched Duck Race, a chaotic, 24/7 live betting game featuring plastic ducks navigating unpredictable obstacles in a flowing river.

Inspired by traditional village duck races, the game combines real-world physics, robotic arms, and high-stakes betting, with some players wagering thousands of dollars.

The game is evolving with new features like duck weight categories, a crocodile obstacle, and of course the obligatory abandoned shopping trolley. Plans are underway to bring it to casinos, including Las Vegas, and global markets.

Sam also aims to develop a child-friendly, non-gambling version, while building the brand through merchandise and media. The chaotic game promises to be the next big hit in innovative betting entertainment.

That’s it for now. You can read all these news stories and more on our website at casinos.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and sign up for all our special offers and free giveaways. 

Bye for now.