Jan/Feb 2023

Editors Letter

A Happy New Year to all our readers and, as we head into 2023 and even people born in the 1990s start to feel old, it feels like an important one for US gaming. Every year can be said to be important, of course, but there are definitely some industry-defining talking points to consider for the 12 months up ahead.

The first is the mainstream discussion around responsible gambling. Following the media storm caused chiefly by the New York Times in November regarding college campus advertising of gaming, both Caroline Ponseti and Paul Sculpher write about the topic in this issue of Gaming America. Is the fact this topic has gone mainstream actually a good thing for the industry? And will the US learn from the UK's mistakes by self-regulating advertising before it's too late?

Naturally, the growth of online gaming is another talking point set to create column inches in 2023 and we consequently have several cyber security articles in this edition. We also have an exclusive interview with Howard Mittman, 888's US President, along with several other insightful interviewees from across the industry.

Our cover feature, meanwhile, is inspired by another huge trend within iGaming; the high growth of tech firms versus their almost-equivalent high losses. Operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Interactive and, in particular, DraftKings, have worked for years to build a huge player database, with the plan to become profitable once that market is conquered. But when will investors want their money back if, quarter after quarter, the profits still don't come? It's all about 'riding the wave,' and Stephen Crystal and Brian Wyman help us analyze this key topic in what we hope you find an insightful Q&A discussion.

In The Magazine
US gambling's illegal gray market

As highlighted by an American Gaming Association report, the gray market is siphoning hundreds of millions from regulated industries. Gaming America asks - what should be done about this?

888: sportsbooks and casinos - the power of the joint offering

Gaming America discusses an overlooked sports betting demographic with 888 US President Howard Mittman.

Internet Vikings: Poker - the importance of pooling your resources

Gaming America sits down with Internet Vikings Head of US Elena Kvakova to discuss interstate gaming partnerships.

How to excel at sports betting media

Knowledge is power and XLMedia Director of Partnerships Cody Darwick discusses how his company intends to spread this knowledge to as many US bettors as possible.

iGaming responsibility: a path to acceptance

TransUnion Head of US Gaming Declan Raines tells Gaming America how higher responsible gaming standards could accelerate the iGaming industry to new levels of success.

Why operators can't rest on their AML laurels

SmartSearch Managing Director Martin Cheek sits down with Gaming America to discuss the Enablers Act and why compliance regulation will only get stricter.

The dialogue around responsible gaming

Herald Group Senior Director Caroline Ponseti talks to Gaming America about the limits of responsible gaming standards and how the industry can morally mature.

Is this the dawn of the metaverse casino?

Gaming America sits down with FlowPlay President and Co-Founder Derrick Morton to discuss AI and social casinos – and how land-based operators will react to them.

Growth at all costs: when will sportsbook giants focus on profitability?

Sportsbooks must spend big to win over US bettors. Gaming America looks at whether this approach is sustainable – for both operators and their investors.

Sports betting: Don't gamble with your cybersecurity

Gaming America sits down with Menlo Security Senior Director Mark Guntrip to discuss predatory cybercriminals who target global sports events: and what can be done to safeguard against them.

KYC: How operators can best avoid fines

TMT Analysis Co-Founder Fergal Parkinson sits down with Gaming America to discuss how operators can proactively avoid controversy and fines.

Cipher's crystal ball: Small sportsbook affiliates stand up to the behemoths

Cipher Sports CEO Adam Fiske talks predictive analysis in sports betting and why there's still room in the US affiliate market.

California still dreaming: Sportsbooks will be undeterred by Prop 27 and 26's defeat

Game Day joins Gaming America to discuss how sports betting legalization remains an unstoppable force – despite facing setbacks.

The advent of the social sportsbook

OddFlex CEO Colin Dew-Becker sits down with Gaming America to discuss the modernization of sports betting via the 'social casino model.'

VIP programs: How much is a US bettor's allegiance worth?

Gaming America speaks to casino operators about the importance of VIP programs in regards to customer retention.

US sports betting scandal: There is such a thing as bad press

US gambling has come under fire from the media recently. Industry expert Paul Sculpher discusses why this may be a 'watershed moment' for the industry.

Will the US hop aboard the esports betting wagon?

There is a gigantic appetite for esports betting, but its progress in the US has been lethargic. Gaming America takes a closer look.

Viewpoints: How are gaming suppliers preparing for the Super Bowl LVII?

Gaming America speaks to David Ball (Kambi), Leighton Webb (PayNearMe), Joe Pappano (Sightline Payments) and Lindsay Slader (GeoComply).

Product Reviews
Product Review: Dimension 49 slot machine by Konami

Emphasis is placed on UX with the newest iteration of the ever reliable Dimension series.

Product Review: Dragon Link $1m Slot by Aristocrat

Aristocrat breathes (fiery) new life into high denomination slots.

Product Review: Forgotten Treasure by Velvix

Multipliers and free spins ahoy with with this latest offering from Velvix.

Product Review: SB22 by K22

Aided by AI features, it offers new levels of sportsbook security.

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