- Playtech-powered slots added to the game library of bet365 NJ
- Casinos keep returning to business in the United States
- Casino reopening delayed in the United Kingdom
In online casino news this week, Playtech and Bet365 New Jersey have teamed up to launch a brand-new online casino product. It went viral on Thursday, August 6, making an important milestone in the history of Playtech, one of the biggest developers of online slot games in the world.
When it comes to land-based casinos, the biggest news from the last couple of days is that casinos in the United States continue reopening. Earlier this week, we saw three Detroit casinos coming back to business, as well as Bok Homa Casino in Sandersville, MS reopening on Friday.
Over the Atlantic, the United Kingdom government has decided to postpone the casino reopening for at least a couple of days.
Playtech Enters US Market With the Help of Bet365 New Jersey
Starting this week, Bet365 New Jersey is offering Playtech-powered games in its casino. This marks Playtech’s first step into the US online gaming market, with more such actions expected to follow soon.
The game developer from the United Kingdom is a big name in the world of online casinos, albeit not in the US. However, the Isle of Man-based company has set its eyes on the US market. And bet365 is going to help them achieve this plan.
Bet365 is another UK gambling company that’s been offering its services in America. Starting last year, bet365 is running an online gaming platform in New Jersey. Its main platform has been the online sportsbook, although there have been some casino games in the offer as well.
The game library of bet365 New Jersey has gotten much bigger this week with the addition of Playtech slots. Some of those games include Frankie Dettori’s™ Magic Seven, Great Blue, and White King.
US Casinos Keep Reopening
The COVID-19 pandemic might not yet be over, but life is coming back to normal in the United States. One of the signals that the things are getting better is that most land-based casinos have either reopened or are planning to do so in August.
In most US states where casino gambling is legal, casinos have been given the green light to return to business. Las Vegas casinos are back in business since June, while Atlantic City casinos followed the same path a month later.
Earlier this week, Michigan also saw the reopening of three Detroit casinos. Furthermore, some Mississippi casinos are going to reopen in the next few days.
The same, however, is not the case oversees. In the United Kingdom, the casino reopening was planned to start this week. However, the government decided to postpone it.
Boris Johnson Delays UK Casino Reopening
The COVID-19 lockdown is over in the UK, but things are far from being back to normal. Casino venues, for example, are still waiting for the government’s approval to reopen.
They were supposed to return this week, but the UK Prime Minister announced it’s not going to happen for, at least, another fortnight.
“Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks, and remaining close contact services must remain closed. Indoor performances will not resume.” Boris Johnson
How long will the UK casinos stay closed remains unknown. Still, judging by the apparent improvement of the coronavirus situation, we should see them returning to business in mid-August.
The pressure is on the PM to approve casino reopening as there’s a danger that more than 6,000 jobs could be lost. According to the UK Betting and Gaming Council, the delay could force the casinos to offload several thousand employees.
The gaming sector in the United Kingdom employs over 14,000 people in 125 land-based casinos. There are also 4,000 employees involved in the supply chain. Their jobs too are on the line as a result of the pandemic.
Apart from casino employees, the COVID-19 casino suspension can also put a lot of pressure on the UK treasury. The gaming industry brings nearly $400 million in tax every year. At least, that’s what used to be the case before the COVID-19 lockdown. The tax revenue fin 2020 is going to be much, much lower.
