Bally’s has cancelled plans to build a casino in Pennsylvania after putting an end to a three-year-old contractual agreement with SC Gaming.
The casino operator revealed that “corporate strategic priorities have shifted elsewhere”, meaning that it will no longer take part in developing the establishment in College Township, Pennsylvania.
“We are grateful for the collaboration and achievements we have accomplished with SC Gaming over the past three years,” said George Papanier, President of Bally’s Corporation.
“However, as our strategic focus evolves, we have made the difficult decision to conclude our relationship.”
Despite Bally’s backing out of the deal formed in 2021, SC Gaming is planning to continue the project alone with its expected H1 2026 projected completion remaining the same.
“As a part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process, I demonstrated to the Board my resources and capability to independently develop and operate this casino project without reliance on a third party, including Bally’s,” said Ira Lubert, Owner of SC Gaming.
“I have a proven track record of casino resort development in Pennsylvania, having successfully developed the Valley Forge Casino Resort during the challenging economic conditions following the 2008 financial crisis.
“With that experience, I am fully confident that this project will be a success, delivering a casino development that both College Township and the Commonwealth can take pride in.”
Bally’s had planned to begin construction in 2025 to meet the projected completion in the first half of 2026, and despite the operator pulling out, SC Gaming expects to keep this plan for construction intact.
Lubert added: “We remain on track to bring this transformational development to life for Central Pennsylvania, and I wish Bally’s continued success in their exciting ventures, including major projects in Chicago and Las Vegas.”
Playtech has agreed to a multi-year collaboration with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) which aims to utilise technology to create a more sustainable gambling environment.
The igaming supplier will work together with UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI), which was established in 1994 and provides the global gaming and gambling industry with research-based solutions, insights and executive education.
UNLV’s IGI and Playtech will combine their expertise on several topics of mutual interest, with the key focus areas being how AI and machine learning can be used to promote and support safer and more responsible gambling.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Playtech in advancing our responsible gambling research,” commented Kasra Ghaharian, PhD, Director of Research at UNLV IGI.
“Their expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning is crucial in promoting safer gambling behaviours amongst players all around the world. Playtech’s dedication to reducing gambling related harm, aligns with our own goals of employing the most advanced methodologies to understand, predict, and prevent potential gambling harm.
“As responsible gambling becomes increasingly important in the US and around the world, our collaboration with Playtech is more vital than ever.”
Playtech has committed funding to an IGI project that explores how AI can be used to train chatbots to encourage safer gambling behaviours among sports bettors.
At IGI’s Center for Gaming Innovation, an internship in the inaugural Gaming Manufacturing Internship Program has also been supported by the igaming supplier.
Brett Abarbanel, PhD, Executive Director at UNLV IGI and Associate Professor at UNLV William F Harrah College of Hospitality, stated: “It is a joy to work with Playtech across IGI’s many education, innovation, and research programs. Playtech is a global leader in gambling and gaming, and together we will advance a stronger, more sustainable industry.”
Jonathan Doubilet, VP of US Business Operations at Playtech, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the prestigious UNLV International Gaming Institute. Their expertise in the gambling and technology sector helps continue to generate powerful insights that benefit all stakeholders in advancing player protection.
“Supporting their cutting-edge research, to lead the way in developing innovative solutions to enhance player protection and promote safer gambling behaviours, is a priority for us.”
Earlier this week, Playtech published its H1 2024 financials, reporting that it is “on course to deliver” its FY 2024 adjusted EBITDA slightly ahead of expectations, as its B2B operations drove growth for the business during the first half of the year.
