Caleta Gaming Leads the Way in Brazil’s Regulated Gaming Market

Caleta-Gaming-First-Brazilian-Provider-Certified-for-the-Regulated-Market-in-Brazil-Caleta Gaming has solidified its position as a leader in the gaming industry, becoming the first Brazilian game development provider to achieve certification for the country’s newly regulated market. This milestone, granted by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), affirms that Caleta Gaming’s Random Number Generator (RNG), Remote Gaming Server (RGS), and select game titles meet Brazil’s stringent regulatory standards.

Certified titles include popular games such as Bingo Samba Rio, Ocean Riches, Dragon Rising, Cherry Cherry, and Carnival Beauties. Other certified hits, like Bingo Royale, Torch of Fire, and Atlantis Bingo, demonstrate the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Caleta is already progressing with a second phase, which will see 26 additional games undergoing certification.

“This achievement validates our dedication to quality and our ability to adapt to the demands of regulated markets, especially in our home country,” said Fabíola Jaeger, CEO of Caleta Gaming.

Benefits for Operators and Players

Caleta Gaming’s success paves the way for operators seeking to thrive in Brazil’s regulated gaming environment. By partnering with Caleta, licensed operators gain access to certified, locally tailored games designed to ensure seamless compliance while offering an exceptional player experience. The certification provides operators confidence in offering products that align with Brazil’s strict standards while meeting local preferences.

The certification comes at a pivotal time, as Brazil’s gaming market is poised for transformation. With the government introducing comprehensive regulations for land-based casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming activities, Caleta Gaming’s proactive approach ensures it remains at the forefront of this evolving industry.

Regulatory Delays and Advertisement Ban

While Caleta Gaming moves forward, Brazil’s Senate recently delayed a critical vote on a bill to legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, and jogo do bicho. Initially set for December 4, the vote has been postponed, potentially until December 10, 2024, as opposition from social and religious groups continues.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has introduced measures to regulate gambling advertisements through Order No. 2,344/2024. This directive bans all gambling incentives, including bonuses and promotional credits, to protect vulnerable populations. Companies failing to comply face steep fines of R$50,000 per day.

Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux also issued a ruling to accelerate regulatory measures targeting advertisements if aimed at children and social welfare beneficiaries. His decision emphasizes safeguarding these groups from the socio-economic impacts of gambling.

Expanding Brazil’s Gaming Market

Caleta Gaming’s recent certification reflects the company’s readiness to adapt to these dynamic regulatory changes. With a growing portfolio of certified games and a commitment to quality, Caleta is well-positioned to lead Brazil’s regulated gaming market, setting a benchmark for innovation and compliance.

As Brazil continues to navigate the complexities of regulation, companies like Caleta Gaming are ensuring the integrity and sustainability of this emerging industry.

Source: 

“Pioneering Excellence in the Brazilian Gaming Market”, Caleta Gaming press release, December 2024.

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Pennsylvania Leads U.S. in Casino Tax Revenue

Pennsylvania-Leads-U.S.-in-Casino-Tax-RevenuePennsylvania has outpaced all other states in collecting casino tax revenue, cementing its place as a leader in the U.S. gambling landscape. In 2023, the state’s tax revenue from casinos reached a record $2.3 billion, surpassing New York at $2 billion and far exceeding Nevada’s $1.2 billion.

The state owes much of this success to its tax structure, particularly its 52% tax rate on slot machine revenue, which dwarfs the 6-8% rates seen in Nevada. According to Doug Harbach, Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, this model significantly contributes to state coffers.

With a highly taxed and regulated system, Pennsylvania ensures its gambling industry supports public programs while generating substantial state revenue. In addition to traditional casino games, online casino platforms and sports betting continue to grow as critical revenue sources.

“Slots is taxed here at about 52% for the casinos,” Harbach explained.

Rapid Growth in iGaming and Sports Betting

Pennsylvania’s gaming market thrives not only in physical casinos but also in the rapidly growing online sector. Internet casino games like slots and blackjack are becoming increasingly popular, with national records for iGaming revenue being broken recently.

Sports betting, both online and in-person, has also seen robust growth. According to the Pennsylvania Council of Compulsive Gambling, $7.68 billion was wagered on sports in 2023. This segment has expanded largely due to the convenience of mobile apps, which allow users to bet from virtually anywhere.

However, professionals caution against overindulgence. Handicapper Raphael Esparza offered advice for responsible gambling: “Just because there’s a Monday Night Football game on TV, that does not mean you have to bet it.”

Despite its successes, the state’s gambling industry faces growing concerns about the accessibility and potential risks of gambling, as calls to 1-800-GAMBLER continue to rise.

Skill Game Ban Faces Legal Hurdles

While Pennsylvania benefits from its regulated gambling framework, the legal status of skill-based gaming machines remains contentious. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania recently paused Philadelphia’s enforcement of a ban on these machines, pending an appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Skill games, often found in convenience stores, require players to complete simple tasks to win cash prizes. Critics argue they closely resemble slot machines and exploit loopholes to bypass gambling laws. Philadelphia’s City Council passed a ban on the machines in April, citing concerns over crime and their unregulated status.

However, proponents view these games as vital for small businesses. Mike Barley, spokesperson for Pace-O-Matic, a manufacturer of skill games, called the court’s decision “a victory for Philadelphia small businesses,” emphasizing the machines’ importance in generating supplemental income.

Governor Josh Shapiro has suggested regulating and taxing skill games at a 42% rate, similar to the state’s casino framework. Lawmakers are exploring ways to incorporate these machines into Pennsylvania’s regulated gambling industry while ensuring oversight and accountability.

As debates over skill games continue, Pennsylvania’s ability to balance industry growth with effective regulation will remain critical.

Source:

“Pennsylvania ranks first in casino taxes collected in US; professionals advise to gamble responsibly”, abc27.com, December 9, 2024.

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Las Vegas Crime News Roundup: Anti-Trump Song Leads to Shooting

A couple who played a song, “F**k Donald Trump,” as they were parked at a Vegas residence displaying a pro-Trump yard sign, got their car sprayed with bullets last week.

Donald Trump
Donald Trump. pictured above. A couple played a song critical of the former president. Their vehicle was sprayed by bullets. (Image: Council on Foreign Relations)

So far, the couple, not the shooter, were arrested for the violent incident.

Jennifer Lund, 38; and Timothy Parks, 45, remain in the Clark County Detention Center as of Saturday. They both were charged with assault, battery and stalking, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.

The incident began last Sunday when Parks and Lund decided to stop at the house. The song, also known as “FDT,” was being played from the car.

“Parks parked his Tesla in front of the residence with Lund in the passenger seat… [playing] the song …,’” police said.

Upon hearing the song, three men went up to the Tesla. Lund allegedly screamed at the trio. One of the men punched Parks, police said.

Then, one of three men pulled out a firearm. As the Tesla drove away, the man fired at least seven shots at the car.

Before leaving the location, the Tesla was put in reverse and the motorist drove over the foot of one of the three men, police said.

“Lund stated since [the people] put the Trump sign in their yard, she feels like she has every right to tell them how she feels about it,” according to a police report quoted by KLAS.

Lund advised this was not the first time she went to that house to play the … Donald Trump song. Lund states she hates Donald Trump and hates every person who represents or votes for him.”

The shooter later told police he fired the gun because he felt threatened, police said.

The couple appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court last week. Judge Rebecca Saxe set bail for both at $20K.

The exact location of the incident wasn’t revealed in local news reports.

Las Vegas Murder-Suicide

A Las Vegas man fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself at a residence on Friday.

The Rancho Destino Road shooter died by suicide, police said.

A caller initially alerted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) about the shooting at 5:34 p.m. on Friday.

Police officers arrived at the residence. Officers entered the house and found the bodies. They had passed away in the apparent murder-suicide.

Autopsies will be performed by the Clark County coroner’s office. Their names will be identified, and doctors will confirm the cause and manner of death.

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Borgata Hotel Incident Leads to Large Atlantic City Police Presence, Partial Evacuation

Numerous local police officers rushed to Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa late Thursday afternoon after a guest claimed to have a bomb and firearms.

Police respond to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Police respond to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, pictured above. No bombs nor armed suspects were found in the Atlantic City hotel despite the rumors. (Image: WPVI)

The incident began at 3:55 p.m., when the Atlantic City Police Department (ACPD) got a phone call from a man who said he was in the Borgata. He said he was armed with firearms and an explosive device.

Social media posts further claimed that a person had barricaded himself in a hotel bathroom. He was threatening to shoot up the property, according to the online rumors.

But the rumors couldn’t be confirmed as of 7 p.m. Thursday, according to BreakingAC, a local news site.

Acting quickly, ACPD officers and Borgata security guards searched the large property. Portions of the complex were evacuated.

No Arrests

No suspect had been apprehended as of late in the afternoon. Neither a firearm nor explosive device were located.

Later in the day, police were still trying to confirm if the threat was valid.

But BreakingAC did report the Atlantic City Bomb Squad responded to the hotel-casino.

More than a dozen police vehicles also were seen outside of the hotel. TV news helicopters were flying over the neighborhood.

Officials remain tight-lipped on what was transpiring.

It appeared that many entrances to the complex were blocked, out of a concern about safety, according to initial news reports.

Cops rushed inside the MGM Resorts International-operated hotel, too. Traffic was being rerouted to nearby roads.

To calm the fears of those in the building, and nearby, the ACPD issued a late-afternoon statement.

There is NO active shooter,” ACPD Capt. Kevin Fair said in the online message to the public.

Partial Evacuation

“Out of an abundance of caution, portions of the building were briefly evacuated,” the ACPD statement also revealed.

Patrons have … since been allowed back in the building and law enforcement has cleared the scene.”

ACPD officers expect to issue a further update later on Thursday night.

Businesses inside the complex remained open, according to Philadelphia TV station WPVI.

The hotel has 2,798 rooms. It opened on July 2, 2003. Developed through a partnership with Boyd Gaming, MGM bought out Boyd’s 50% stake in the casino. The property is owned by Vici Properties.

Last year, it was announced Borgata’s Water Club was getting renovated. The hotel tower’s more than 700 guest rooms, and suites, were being refreshed.

Borgata is the longtime brick-and-mortar casino leader in Atlantic City.

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Casino Crime Round Up: San Jose Gambling, Prostitution Raid Leads to Arrests

Five suspects were apprehended after a North San Jose, Calif., raid of an illicit gambling operation this week.

San Jose Police Department cruiser
San Jose Police Department cruiser, pictured above. Police officers raided an illegal gambling operation. (Image: San Jose Spotlight)

Authorities also seized 33 guns, about 20K in cash, 150K rounds of ammo, and some 500 pounds of suspected marijuana during Wednesday’s court-ordered raid.

The arrested suspects are Saolepea Liu, 42, of Antioch, Calif., as well as Nido Nguyen, 35, Phuong Nguyen, 44, Windie Pratt, 41, and Anai Garcia, 24, each of San Jose.

Each was booked on charges at Santa Clara County Jail. Specific counts weren’t immediately released.

The investigation began earlier this month when San Jose Police Department (SJPD) officers were tipped off there was an illegal casino operating in several units in a commercial building on Autumndale Drive in North San Jose.

It turns out there was more than illicit gambling occurring at the site. SJPD officers said they uncovered illegal drug sales and prostitution, according to San Francisco TV station KRON.

Women who were victims of sex trafficking at a brothel in the building were provided resources and assistance following the raid, KRON reported based on a SJPD statement released on Friday.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible.

Over $2K Robbed from Casino

A Bozeman, Mont. man was arrested this week after allegedly holding up a small gaming facility and burglarizing a gas station.

Duane Cantwell, 50, was charged with a count each of robbery and burglary after the theft from Bozeman’s Montana Lil’s Casino on Wednesday night.

A female clerk at the business claimed the bandit grabbed her as she tried to count money.

Please don’t hurt me, please don’t hurt me. I have children who need me,” she pleaded with the robber.

He then ordered her to hand over the loot and said he wouldn’t harm her if he got the cash.

He fled the business after being given $2,126, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.

He drove off in a white Ram 1500 pickup truck. His photo was captured on a surveillance camera.

Cantwell also allegedly burglarized a Town Pump gas station administrative office in Belgrade, Mont. on Wednesday night.

He entered the office by climbing through ceiling tiles. The office was “trashed,” police revealed. But it’s unclear if anything was stolen.

On Thursday, police had identified Cantwell as the suspect. They spotted his pickup truck at Montana’s Gallatin County Fairgrounds. He was found inside a nearby camper and apprehended.

He was booked at Gallatin County Detention Center. His case was turned over to local prosecutors.

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