GAMING News
Tribal First Provides Comprehensive Insurance and Risk Management Solutions
Tribal First, a specialized program of Alliant Underwriting Solutions, has focused exclusively on meeting the insurance and risk management needs of tribal governments and enterprises since 1993 Today, Tribal First is the largest provider of insurance solutions to Native America and a leader in the specialty areas of tribal business enterprises, including gaming, alternative energy, construction and housing authorities. In addition to its longstanding presence in the United States, Tribal First provides best-in-class insur-
Nations via its Tribal Canada
offers a full range of employ-
through Tribal Care, a robust
Catawba Nation Gaming Authority Announces Dynamic Collaboration
Catawba Nation Gaming Authority announced it has engaged with Peak Strategic Partnerships to monetize its strategic resort assets with regional and national brand partners.
Peak Strategic Partnerships will identify and broker sponsorship and partnership opportunities for Catawba Nation Gaming Authority's new Kings Mountain property – Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort – which is set to debut its introductory casino in spring 2026 to replace the current temporary casino
This collaboration will further elevate Catawba Two Kings
accelerate the expansion of its
Velvix Rising: The New Face of Slot Innovation
In an industry dominated by legacy giants, one emerging force is rewriting the rules of slot machine innovation – and fast Velvix, the boutique slot manufacturer with big ambitions, has carved out its place as a disruptor worth watching At this year’s show, Velvix isn’t just showing up It’s making a statement
From its striking cabinet designs to its player-first gameplay philosophy, Velvix has built a brand around bold ideas and fast execution. Over the past 12 months, the company has secured multiple state licenses across the United States, expanded into new domestic and international markets, and launched several standout
PENN Entertainment Sets Grand Opening Date for Second Hotel Tower at M Resort Las Vegas
PENN Entertainment, Inc announced that it expects to open the second hotel tower at M Resort Spa Casino Las Vegas (“M Resort”) to the public on Monday, December 1, pending customary regulatory approvals. The approximately $206 million project is slated to open months ahead of the original construction timeline. In addition, the company is partnering with The Emeril Group to bring Meril,
neighborhood restaurants, to the property
“We’re thrilled to be unveiling our newest development in Henderson on the heels of our recent grand opening of the new Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois,” said Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President of PENN Entertainment “This new tower and restaurant from The Emeril Group expands our market-leading amenities at M Resort and provides
BOOTH #2416
10 Reasons to Choose AMERIND’s Tribal Workers’ Compensation Program
By Robert Dahl, Chief Operating Officer, AMERIND
1. Empowerment.
A M E R I N D ’ s T r i b a l W o r k e r s ’
C o m p e n s a t i o n ( T W C ) p r o g r a m empowers tribal entities to take full control of their workers compensation to maintain sovereignty
2. Customization.
A M E R I N D ’ s T W C p r o -
g r a m i s s p e c i f i c a l l y designed for tribal gove
Indian Country
3. Flexibility.
5. Adaptable. U n
systems, however, our TWC program is
needs For larger tribes with an existing
AMERIND will underwrite the tribe’s ordinance and handle the claims pursuant to that ordinance.
p AMERIND does not try to force tribes i n t o a “ o n e
e - f i t s
” p r o g r a m . AMERIND is interested in your preferred approach to covering employee injuries
4. Coverage.
Like state workers compensation systems, AMERIND’s TWC program covers medical expenses, lost wages, death benefit and permanent disability benefits
6. Control.
you with control of your
resources to reduce your employee injury expenses Creating a safe work
helps your tribal govern-
attract and retain valuable employees
7. Savings. AMERIND has saved tribes millions of
economies and elevating tribal sovereignty
8. Competitive. AMERIND’s TWC program is competitive with the other insurance compa-
Hasbro Strikes New Multi-Year Casino Licensing Partnerships
Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, announced a new slate of m u l t i - y e a r l i c e n s i n g p a r t n e r s h i p s aimed at transforming and expanding its most popular brands across the casino category After a comprehensive review and market evaluation, Hasbro has selected Aristocrat Technologies, Evolution, Galaxy Gaming and Bally’s as its newest partners in casino licensing The new partners join existing licensee Sciplay.
T h e a
r s h i p s and bringing beloved brands to life across more formats than ever
“We’re all about play – and that means meeting our fans wherever they are, from the game table to the casino f l o o r , ” s a i d C l a i r e H u n t e r G r e g s o n , Director, Gaming Relationships “These v i s i o n a r y n e w p a r t n e r s h a v e t h e expertise and imagination to reimagine our brands in bold, exciting ways for adult audiences ”
nies who offer TWC programs
9. Tribal Values. Founded in 1986 as an act of unity among more than 400 tribes, AMERIND is the only 100% tribally owned insurance provider.
10. Safety. A M E R I N D
foster a workplace culture that focuses on safety to reduce employee injuries on the job AMERIND regularly promotes hazard awareness and prevention and additionally encourages safet y c o n s c
down to staff When supervisors reinf o r c e
only boosts morale, but it also keeps claims down
A n A M B e s t A - ( E x c e l l e n t ) r a t e d c o m -
p a n y , A M E R I N D c r e a t e s a f f o r d a b l e ,
s u s t a i n a b l e i n s u r a n c e p r o d u c t s a n d
s e r v i c e s f o r I n d i a n C o u n t r y F o u n d e d
i n 1 9 8 6 i n r e s p o n s e t o t h e l a c k o f s e r vi c e s i n r u r a l t r i b a l c o m m u n i t i e s ,
A M E R I N D i s t h e o n l y 1 0 0 % t r i b a l l y
o w n e d i n s u r a n c e p r o v i d e r G i v i n g
b a c k t o I n d i a n C o u n t r y i s o n e o f
A M E R I N D ’ s t o p p r i o r i t i e s . A M E R I N D
p r o v i d e s p r o p e r t y , l i a b i l i t y , c o m m e r -
c i a l a u t o a n d w o r k e r s c o m p e n s a t i o n i n s u r a n c e f o r t r i b e s , t r i b a l g o v e r n -
m e n t s , t r i b a l b u s i n e s s e s , a s w e l l a s i n d i v i d u a l p r o p e r t y c o v e r a g e
A M E R I N D i s a l s o h e l p i n g t r i b e s o b t a i n
s t a t e o f t h e a
Proper Loud and Galactic Announce Groundbreaking Deal
Hasbro has a nearly 30-year history of licensing its age-appropriate IP to the gambling sector With this new l i n e u p o f p a r t n e r s , t h e c o m p a n y i s e x p a n d i n g a c c e s s t
t a i n m e n t experiences that reimagine its brands for a growing base of adult fans and gamers
Following is the list of partners:
• Aristocrat Technologies – B2B manufacturer land-based slot machines
•
online slots and live casino
• Galaxy Gaming – B2B developer a n d m
games
• Bally’s – B2C Online casino operator W
January 2026, adult fans will see some of Hasbro’s beloved brands integrated into new and existing casino formats, i
games and online casinos F
corporate hasbro com
In a landmark announcement set to reshape the future of entertainment, content and technology, Proper Loud –the powerhouse team that has carved the path to success and helped bring to life ventures including Prime (Hydration & Energy), Misfits Boxing, The Baller League and Lunchly – has entered into a global partnership with innovative prediction market platform Galactic
Predictor.io marks the pioneering socially-driven prediction market platf
engagement with gamified, predictive experiences – powered by some of the w
content brands
Galactic, already well-established through key partnerships with media giants such as Sports Illustrated, has further bolstered its U S presence by a
r t n e r s h i p s a n d d i s c u ssions with both a Futures Commission M e r c h a n t ( F C M ) a n d a D e s i g n a t e d
Contract Market (DCM) These alliances are intended to strengthen Galactic’s regulatory and compliance path across
North America, reinforcing its commitment to operating within the highest industry standards pending formal registration and approvals.
This bold new platform will allow
n content like never before – predicting o u t c
c h
llenges and becoming active particip a n t s i
trending culture. Backed by cuttingedge tech, ongoing regulatory preparations and unmatched creator influence, the venture is poised to redefine how the next generation interacts with content
By blending entertainment, prediction and social influence, this joint platform is set to be a game-changer across sports, music, lifestyle and creator economies The launch is expected to roll out in phases starting later this year, subject to regulatory clearances, with exclusive creator-led campaigns and real-time fan activations For more information, go to predictor io
Merkur Group Brings Gaming Innovations to Show
M e r k u r G r o u p i s e x h i b i t i n g a t t h i s year’s show The internationally successful gaming expert from Germany, together with its sister companies and strategic partners, are exhibiting its extensive portfolio of premium jackpot systems, captivating games and stateof-the-art cabinets at stands 3353 and 3650.
Among the highlights, the German gaming powerhouse is presenting the Link Overdrive jackpot system – first unveiled at ICE 2025 – which has been winning over players with its high-frequency Jackpot feature, free games with additional Diamond Reels and its distinctive Big Reel feature. Another standout is the brand-new Link Palace
L i n k e d P r o g r e s s i v e J a c k p o t S y s t e m
F e a t u r i n g a t o t a l o f f o u r d i f f e r e n t games, it invites guests into diverse g a m i n g w o r l d s w h e r e t h e y c a n encounter Wild Reels, Free Spins and Symbol Boosts as they play for substantial rewards.
H a v i n g b e c o m e a t r u e p l a y e r favorite in its home market of Germany – thanks in large part to its thrilling Hold & Spin Mechanic – the Jackpot Feature Dragor is now set to make its international debut as Merkur Gaming brings this highly popular, adrenalinecharged System to the global stage. Another promising content highlight in the German company’s portfolio is t h e s u c c e s s f u l M - P r i m e m u l t i g a m e
p a c k a g e D i s t i n g u i s h e d b y i t s c l e a r , user-friendly menu design and highly intuitive player interface, M-Prime also delivers an even more immersive gaming experience through the addition of new game titles, harmonized soundscapes and cohesive win animations
Merkur Gaming is highlighting its content creations on its latest cabinet family, Mod Ex This innovative line stands out for its unique modularity, enabling customers to configure the m o n i t o r , b o d y a n d b a s e e n t i r e l y according to their operational needs and the preferences of their players At
G2E, the Mod Ex 332 and Mod Ex J55
a r e o n d i s p l a y I n a d d i t i o n , M e r k u r
Gaming is featuring its content on the internationally acclaimed Zonic Trio, which continues to impress operators and players alike with its ergonomically arranged 31 5-inch Full HD screens
A s i n p r e v i o u s y e a r s , M e r k u r
Gaming is joined by additional subsidiaries and strategic partners of the Merkur Group at the booth with the iconic laughing sun Building on last year’s success – Gaming Arts presented itself together with Merkur Gaming at a joint stand for the first time at G2E 2024 – the Las Vegas-based partner is once again be part of the expansive Merkur World Among others, Gaming Arts is showcasing its two brand-new produ c t s , “ G l o r y o f G i z a ” a n d “ E t e r n a l Riches,” at this year’s fair Each title features two individual games, presented on the Mod Ex J55, delivering fresh and exciting content for operators’ gaming floors.
M o r e o v e r , t h e c a s h h a n d l i n g experts from GeWeTe are making an i m p r e s s i o n i n L a s V e g a s w i t h t h e i r machine-optimized solutions for banknote and coin validation, dispensing and recycling, while the software supplier Bede Gaming is giving guests exciting insights into its high-performance gaming platform. Also returning to the Merkur exhibition space is strategic partner and Slovenian ETG s p e c i a l i s t S p i n t e c , s h o w c a s i n g a n extensive portfolio of electronic table g a m e s I t s l a t e s t C h a r i s m a l i n e f e atures a diverse range of automated, virtual/video and live games, includi n g R o u l e
Craps and Sic Bo Recognized as the Best ETG in Asia and proven to be a t o p - p
Europe and LATAM, Charisma has set n e w b e n c h m
electronic table gaming
F o r m o
merkur-gaming com
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and Palms Casino Resort Named Best Casinos in the Country
Y a a m a v
&
Manuel has earned the number one “best” title in three USA TODAY 10Best R e a d e r s ’ C h
Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas, Best
C a s i n o H o t e l a n d B e s t C a s i n o R e s t a u r a n t f o r T h e P i n e s
Steakhouse Palms Casino Resort, the sister property of Yaamava’ Resort &
Casino, was named Best Casino in Las Vegas Yaamava’ and Palms have maintained their top positions for three and two years respectively, with Yaamava’, t h e o n l y A A A F i v e D i a m o n d c a s i n o resort, moving into the Best Casino Hotel spot for the first time this year Yaamava’ clinched all three of its nominated categories.
The dynamic “California to Vegas Connection,” Yaamava’ and Palms offer the best of both casino experiences in the region through membership in the Club Serrano loyalty rewards program
“Winning the title of best casino in t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s i s a t r e m e n d o u s honor for everyone at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication o f o u r t e a m a n d a t r i b u t e t o Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s enduring vision of hospitality We are incredibly grateful for this award and will continue to strive for excellence in e v e r y t h i n g w e d o , ” s a i d K e n j i H a l l , General Manager of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
Yaamava’ offers unparalleled exper i e n c e s w i t h l u x u r y c a s i n o g a m i n g , world-class live entertainment, awardwinning dining, opulent resort accommodations and a Forbes Travel Guide F i v e - S t a r s p a . Y a a m a v a ’ R e s o r t & Casino’s gaming floor has more than 7,400 slots – the most in the West – and h o s t s s e v e r a l w o r l d - p r e m i e r e s e a c h year, debuting the newest and most exciting slots Players also have access to five high-limit gaming areas and 150 table games G
where they can win coveted prizes, including rare, collectible items like Action Comics number one, the 2025 Mustang GT 60th anniversary edition and custom and vintage luxury watches T
One of
in
States, guests of The Pines can indulge in both Kobe and rare Japanese Wagyu beef
Palms Casino Resort is the first and only Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe, offering guests a vibrant gaming floor, two resort towers with 766 rooms and suites, a dynamic mix of dining options a
d ‘Best Casino in Las Vegas’ for the second year and proud to continue setting the standard for quality gaming and exceptional service We are grateful to our team members for embracing our Tribe’s culture of hospitality to deliver an extraordinary experience to every P a l m s g u e
, Chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority
Not only does the Club Serrano loyalty program unlock exclusive exper i e n c e s t o s t a y a n d p l a y a t b o t h Yaamava’ and Palms, but members can a l s o e n j
d rewards at Monarch Beach Golf Links, o
f courses in California
Y a a m a v a ’ R e s o r t & C
s i n o a n d Palms Casino Resort were nominated by a panel of experts, including editors f r o m U S A T O D A Y , e d i t o r s f r o m 10best com, relevant expert contributors and sources from both media and other Gannett properties before being voted on by the public
For more information, go to www yaamava com
G a m i n g N e w s T h u r s d a y , O c t o b e r 9 , 2 0 2 5 1 3
Tribal First (Cont’d from p 1) c u l t u r e s e m p l o y e d b y t r i b a l l y o w n e d a n d o p e r a t e d o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d w i l l s t r u c t u r e i n s u r a n c
s u i t e o f s e r v i c e s a n d s o l u t i o n s t h a t includes health administration, pharmacy, medical stop-loss, wellness and PRC administration
titles that have caught the attention of operators and players alike What sets Velvix apart? A blend of agile game development, distinctive themes and a willingness to take creative risks
“Operators today are looking for more than just another game on the floor,” says Chris Wieners, Managing Director of Velvix. “They’re looking for originality, adaptability and a partner
(Cont’d from p 1)
innovative opportunities that enhance guest experiences and boost brand visibility. These initiatives will introduce unique offerings and targeted brand placements within the casino environment, fostering deeper engagement between partner brands and their audiences
"Peak Strategic Partnerships has an impressive track record of elevating brands in the tribal gaming industry," s a i d T r e n t T r o x e l , C a t a w b a N a t i o n Gaming Authority Vice President. "By leveraging the Peak team's expertise and longstanding relationships, we will b e b e s t p o s i t i o n e d t o e n h a n c e o u r unparalleled entertainment experience for our guests at Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort from the moment we open our doors."
When construction on the new $1 b i l l i o n C a t a w b a T w o K i n g s C
h e w o
d - c l a s s casino destination will feature a 24story, 385-room hotel connected to the
much needed additional room capacity f o r g r o u p b u s i n e s s a n d t h e o v e r a l l s t r o n g d e m a n d o f t h e H e n d e r s o n locals market ”
The new hotel tower nearly doubles the capacity of the Company’s property south of the Las Vegas Strip, bringing its total to 765 rooms and suites Meeting space will also increase, a s t h e n e w , 1 5 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e f o o t Montese Ballroom is expected to open on October 1, 2025 PENN estimates the overall expansion will add 120 new jobs to M Resort’s workforce.
T h e E m e r i l G r o u p , f o u n d e d b y Chef Emeril Lagasse, is excited to introduce Meril to the visitors and community of Henderson This marks the second location of the concept named a f t e r L a g a s s e ’ s d a u g h t e r , M e r i l T h e C o n t e m p o r a r y A m e r i c a n r e s t a u r a n t has earned a loyal following for its w a r m , w e l c o m i n g a t m o s p h e r e a n d d i v e r
T r i b a l F i r s t ’ s m i s s i o n i s t w o f o l d : t o h e l p y o u p r e s e r v e y o u r h e r i t a g e a n d t o p r o t e c t y o u r f u t u r e B y f o c u s i n g
e x c l u s i v e l y o n s e r v i n g N a t i v e A m e r i c a , T r i b a l F i r s t h a s a d e e p u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e m a n y d i v e r s e
who listens That’s where Velvix steps in.”
With titles such as “Show Me The Piggy Deluxe,” “Outback Adventure” and “Bee Rich” gaining traction, Velvix
h a s p r o v e n i t c a n d e l i v e r c o n t e n t that’s not only eye-catching, but also performs Each game features original math models, robust bonus mechani c s a n d i m m e r s i v e s t o r y t e l l i n g – a combination that keeps players coming back
casino complex, including the introductory casino and main casino floor, which will open in two phases C a t a w b a T w o K i
Resort's initial opening will showcase
sports betting kiosks and Lucky North Rewards desk Phase II will follow with
open in 2027 The approximately two million-square-foot complex will boast 4
experiences, 11 bars and the freshest casino resort experience in the market
n v e i l a n e w , e x c e p t i o n a l c a s i n o r e s o r t t o t h e
c o m m u n i t y . W e ' r e h o n o r e d t o h a v e
t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o s e r v e t h e C a t a w b a
N a t i o n a n d i t s G a m i n g A u t h o r i t y , "
s a i d S e a n B o y d , C h i e f O p e r a t i n g
O f f i c e r o f P e a k S t r a t e g i c P a r t n e r s h i p s
" W e l o o k f o r w a r d t o d i s c o v e r i n g
i m p a c t f u l o p p o r t u n i t i e s a n d u n e x -
decades of culinary expertise and global travels Meril delivers an approachable yet elevated dining experience that reflects the chef’s signature style
“We can’t wait to begin welcoming more visitors to our market-leading resort,” added Todd George, Executive Vice President, Operations for PENN. “Coupled with our extensive, expanded array of amenities and our highly successful partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders, M Resort is becoming the premier destination for visitors and convention attendees from across the country ”
The new M Resort hotel tower will b e t h e s e c o n d c o m p l
d d e v e l o pment of PENN’s previously announced growth projects that include new landb a s e d c a s i n o s i n J o l i e t ( o p e n e d o n August 11th) and Aurora, Illinois, and a new hotel in Columbus, Ohio For the M Resort development, PENN anticipates accessing $150 million in funding in the fourth quarter from Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. at a 7.79% capitalization rate
But Velvix isn’t just focused on gameplay. Behind the scenes, its inhouse engineering team is working on next-gen cabinet innovations and progressive link options that aim to comp
y heavyweights Meanwhile, its nimble s
based on operator feedback
year’s show: Velvix is no longer the newcomer – it’s a contender The com-
p e c t e d w a y s t o d r i v e r e a l v a l u e f o r
C a t a w b a T w o K i n g s C a s i n o R e s o r t a n d i t s g u e s t s f a r b e y o n d t h e d e s t i n a -
t i o n ' s d e b u t "
About Catawba Nation Gaming Authority
T h e C a t a w b a N a t i o n ' s t e m p o r a r y
Catawba Two Kings Casino is located about 35 miles west of Charlotte at 5 3 8 K i n g s M o u n t a i n B l v d i n K i n g s M o u n t a i n , N o r t h C a r o l i n a , j u s t o f f
Interstate 85 at Exit 5. It features over 1 , 1 0 0 g a m i n g m a c h i n e s , i n c l u d i n g electronic table games (ETGs), 14 live table games, North Carolina's closest s p o r t s b o o k t o C h a r l o t t e a n d c a s u a l
dining The permanent casino resort is being developed on an adjacent site and is expected to open with an introductory phase in spring 2026. The final Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort will f e a t u r e 4 , 3 0 0 s l o t s , 1 0 0 l i v e t a b l e games, 11 dining outlets, 11 bars and a 385-room hotel It is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs and hund r e d s o f c o n s t r u c t i o n j o b s i n t h e r
M Resort Spa Casino, the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders, is located on more than 90 acres on the southeast corner of St Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants The resort offers over 92,000 square feet of gaming, eleven restaurants and bars, the Forbes Four-Star Spa Mio, a modern fitness center and a 100,000 square foot pool and events piazza. M Resort is operated by PENN Entertainment
About PENN Entertainment P E N N E n t e r t a i n m e n t , I n c , t o g e t h e r with its subsidiaries, is North America’s leading provider of integrated entertainment, sports content and casino gaming experiences. PENN operates in 2 8 j u r i s
pany is debuting several new titles, showcasing previously released game updates and offering a first look at its forthcoming premium linked offering Whether you’re an operator seeking flexibility, a distributor looking for differentiated product or a player chasing the next great hit, Velvix is ready to deliver the next big win
brates the Catawba Nation's history and hopeful future in their ancestral lands in North Carolina, paying tribute t
About Peak Strategic Partnerships P
sidiary of Peak Integration, offers specialized services for the casino, sports and entertainment industries. Backed by decades of experience and strong industry relationships, PSP excels at identifying and maximizing sponsors h
enhancing customer experiences and driving incremental revenue, PSP prov i d e s s p
advertising and digital solutions, delive
long-term, value-driven partnerships for sustainable growth F
twokingscasino com
and iCasino offer-
L’Auberge®, ESPN BET™ and theScore BET Sportsbook and Casino[R]. PENN’s ability to leverage its partnership with ESPN, the “worldwide leader in sports,” and its ownership of theScore™, the t
Canada, is central to the Company’s
grow its customer ecosystem. PENN’s focus on organic cross-sell opportunities is reinforced by its market-leading retail casinos, sports media assets and t
state-of-the-art, fully integrated digital sports and iCasino betting platform, and an in-house iCasino content studio (PENN Game Studios) F
pennentertainment com
Velvix (Cont’d. from p. 1)
Catawba Nation
PENN Entertainment (Cont’d from p 1)
About M Resort
