All You Need to Know About Minimum Deposit Casinos in the US

Leading online gaming developer Wazdan has gone into partnership with bet365, bringing its all-new slot content to players in New Jersey. Wazdan is all set to offer its entire suite of slot games, which includes its newly-released title, 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition. Aside from this, Wazdan is promising bet365 players in NJ access to various features - including an array of jackpots.

Global online gaming developer Wazdan has further strengthened its US footprint by launching its full portfolio of slot games on bet365's online casino platform in New Jersey. Partnership brings popular iGaming content, including 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition, to Garden State players. The rollout marks another strategic milestone for the company as it continues to expand across regulated markets in North America.

Through this latest agreement, bet365 users in New Jersey can now enjoy Wazdan's entire suite of online slot titles, including the newly released slot title, 36 Coins Grand Gold Edition. The launch also includes access to in-game jackpot features and Wazdan's signature gameplay mechanics, all designed to enhance engagement with players.

Expanding strategic alliance with bet365

The debut in New Jersey is part of a broader global collaboration between Wazdan and bet365. The two gaming powerhouses have previously partnered for content rollouts in the United Kingdom, Ontario, Greece, and Bulgaria. Their growing partnership reflects a shared vision of delivering high-quality, innovative content to regulated iGaming markets around the world.

"Our launch in New Jersey marks another major milestone in a state that shows rich demand for captivating iGaming content," said Izabela Słodkowska-Popiel, Head of Account Management for North and Latin America at Wazdan. "We're excited about the road ahead and look forward to strengthening our global collaboration with bet365 in both existing and emerging jurisdictions, as we continue to offer premium gaming experiences."

A robust New Jersey portfolio

Wazdan first entered the US market through New Jersey and has since made the state a focal point of its American expansion. Since 2023, the company has forged several key partnerships with top-tier operators in the area. These include agreements with Hard Rock Digital, BetMGM, and PlayStar, enabling Wazdan to provide its diverse gaming content to a broader base of online casino players.

Furthermore, in October of 2024, Wazdan signed a landmark deal with Caesars Entertainment, giving the company access to Caesars Palace Online Casino as well as Caesars Sportsbook & Casino in New Jersey. That partnership significantly increased Wazdan's exposure in the Garden State and paved the way for additional growth.

Multi-state momentum across the US

Aside from New Jersey, Wazdan has expanded its reach into other regulated US markets for iGaming, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. In September of 2024, the developer entered Michigan through a collaboration with Caesars, marking its first venture into the Midwest.

Earlier in 2025, Wazdan partnered with Fanatics Casino to launch its slot content in three licensed jurisdictions. The company has also inked deals with North American operators like SkillOnNet and Rush Street Interactive, boosting its brand presence and content availability across multiple platforms.

Looking towards the future

The launch on bet365 in New Jersey represents yet another important step for Wazdan in its quest to become a top-tier provider in the North American iGaming space. By leveraging its growing network of operator partnerships and continuing to develop high-performing, innovative slot games, the company is well-positioned to capture further market share as more US states embrace regulated online gambling.

With its strong momentum and a growing list of strategic alliances, Wazdan's presence in the US is set to grow, promising more exciting content for players and more value for partners like bet365.

Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world, has officially partnered with the American Gaming Association, becoming the first-ever cruise line to sign up with the casino advocacy group. Carnival focuses on limited-time, adult-only cruises, and its 'All-Casino Exclusive Sailings' are a big hit with numerous passengers.

Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise operator globally, has officially joined the American Gaming Association, becoming the first cruise line to partner with the nation's foremost trade group representing tribal casino and commercial interests. The move is seen as a groundbreaking step in bridging the maritime leisure sector with the land-based gaming industry.

Headquartered in Miami, Carnival Corporation operates a global fleet of cruise lines that include brands such as Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. The company offers onboard casino experiences featuring slot machines and table games as well as dedicated gambling spaces, including both smoking and non-smoking areas.

A strategic partnership for growth and responsibility

The AGA, based in Washington, DC, is known for its advocacy in promoting a strong, well-regulated, and responsible gaming industry. Carnival's membership reflects a shared commitment to those values.

"Joining the American Gaming Association is an important step in advancing our industry leadership and ensuring we remain at the forefront of responsible gaming and regulatory best practices," said senior vice president of global gaming for Carnival Corporation Marty Goldman. "This partnership opens new avenues for collaboration and knowledge-sharing that will directly benefit our guests, team members, and the broader Carnival Corporation organization."

AGA's senior vice president of membership and events, Maureen Beddis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We're thrilled to welcome our first cruise line member," she said. "Carnival's commitment to delivering world-class gaming experiences at sea complements our efforts to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible gaming across the industry."

A new chapter for onboard gaming

Carnival's move comes amid a growing focus on enhancing the onboard casino experience. In May, Carnival launched a series of special sailings branded as 'ACES' - short for All-Casino Exclusive Sailings. These limited-time, adults-only voyages feature enhanced casino promotions and gaming-focused events. According to internal sources, the ACES initiative was developed to capitalize on fleet availability after dry dock schedules for ships like Carnival Conquest and Magic were delayed.

Through AGA membership, Carnival gains access to a host of exclusive industry tools - including regulatory guidance, professional development programming, research insights, and access to policy committees. The affiliation allows Carnival's leadership to contribute to national gaming conversations while leveraging data and resources to fine-tune its own gaming offerings.

"This partnership allows corporate leaders and team members to stay at the forefront of industry trends, access cutting-edge data, and participate in events and committees that shape the future of gaming," the AGA stated.

Cruise casinos: legal and regulated

While cruise casinos cannot operate until ships reach international waters - where they are beyond the jurisdiction of their departure port - they are still subject to rigorous regulation. Carnival and its peers, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Virgin Voyages, are all members of the Cruise Lines International Association. As part of CLIA, cruise lines are required to meet gaming standards akin to those enforced by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, widely considered the benchmark in casino regulation. Each onboard casino is independently audited on an annual basis for compliance.

Cruise casinos typically maintain a minimum payback percentage of 75% on slot machines, though many opt for higher payout levels - generally between 80% and 85% - to remain competitive. This compares to land-based casinos in Nevada, where slot paybacks often exceed 90%.

Carnival's membership in the AGA not only signals its growing influence within the regulated gaming sector but also reflects a trend of alliances between traditional and non-traditional gaming environments. As onboard entertainment continues to evolve, this partnership demonstrates the increasing importance of regulatory alignment, guest safety, and industry-wide collaboration.

The latest survey conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling has revealed that there is less risk for problem gambling today than before the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is still a long way to go when it comes to challenges, including that nearly 20 million adults in the US have reported behaviors related to problem gambling.

The latest national survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling reveals a promising decline in the number of Americans experiencing problem gambling behaviors since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with almost 20 million adults still reporting troubling gambling activity, the organization warns that continued federal and state-level support is vital to prevent a backslide.

Released today, the NGAGE 3.0 survey (National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences) presents a mixed picture: while progress has been made in public awareness and access to support services, high-risk behaviors remain concentrated in vulnerable demographics, such as younger adults, frequent sports bettors, and online gamblers.

"This new research shows that the nationwide efforts in responsible gambling and public awareness are making a positive impact, but the work is far from over," said the President of NCPG's Board of Directors, Derek Longmeier.

Encouraging trends since the pandemic

The survey found that approximately 20 million US adults reported experiencing at least one problematic gambling behavior "many times" in the past year - a decrease from 2021's 27.5 million. This reversal suggests that expanded outreach, increased use of helplines like 1-800-GAMBLER, and broader public education campaigns are beginning to move the needle in a positive direction.

Nonetheless, the figure remains higher than in 2018, indicating that gambling-related harm is still more prevalent than before the pandemic. "We must build on this momentum by embedding problem gambling into the broader public health infrastructure and investing in what we know works," Longmeier emphasized.

Risk concentrated among specific groups

The NGAGE 3.0 data highlight that the most vulnerable gambling demographics continue to bear the brunt of gambling harm:

• 28% of those gambling on ten or more activities showed signs of problem behavior.
• 35% of people who gambled on three or more types of activities weekly or more often meet concern thresholds.
• Fantasy sports bettors (24%) and traditional sports bettors (17%) reported notably high rates of gambling issues.
• Young adults (ages 18 - 34) showed a higher incidence (15%) of gambling-related problems, compared to just 2% among those 55 and older.
• Men (10%) were almost twice as likely as women (5%) to report gambling-related challenges.

Additionally, the surge in online gambling - now reported by 22% of Americans, up from 15% in 2018 - correlates with an increase in high-risk behavior. Parlay betting, in particular, nearly doubled in popularity since 2018, raising red flags about potential loss-chasing and compulsive tendencies.

Gaps in public understanding and treatment confidence

Despite these concerning statistics, merely 39% of Americans view gambling addiction as a "very serious" health issue, trailing behind perceptions of drug addiction (62%) and alcoholism (55%). Alarmingly, 37% of people exhibiting risky gambling behavior said they believe recovery is unlikely - more than double the rate of the general population.

These findings demonstrate the need for continued public education and stigma reduction. NCPG leaders say that while awareness is improving, skepticism about treatment efficacy and misunderstandings about gambling's severity remain significant barriers to progress.

Federal action urged to sustain progress

While the NCPG survey signals hopeful trends, it also sends a clear message: stabilization does not mean resolution. NCPG is calling for the federal government to allocate a portion of the sports betting excise tax directly to gambling addiction services, establishing a sustainable and dedicated funding stream for prevention, research, and proper treatment.

"All who profit from gambling, including the government, have an ethical imperative to use some of that money to mitigate gambling's harms," Longmeier said. "Gambling addiction deserves to be treated by the states as the serious health crisis that it is."

The organization also continues to work with state affiliates to ensure that gambling tax revenues are directed specifically toward gambling addiction support - an area that is too often overshadowed by broader substance abuse programs.