Latest Casino News:Arcade and dining chain Dave & Buster’s is shaking up its offerings by introducing gambling features to its establishments. Departing from the traditional ticket redemption system for prizes, customers will soon have the chance to bet real money on select games like Skee-Ball and billiards.
Teaming up with Lucra, a specialist in real-money “gamification” software, Dave & Buster’s is set to develop a digital betting platform accessible through its loyalty club app. This move taps into the rising popularity of peer-to-peer betting but has also sparked debates over its legality.
The betting platform will be integrated with “skill-based” games, where success relies on players’ expertise and intelligence rather than just luck. Although details about the implementation remain undisclosed, skepticism has been voiced in response.
Headquartered in Dallas, Dave & Buster’s operates around 160 locations across the United States, including key sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Atlantic City. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of introducing gambling into family-friendly venues, sparking discussions among stakeholders.
Regulatory bodies overseeing gambling operations have taken a cautious approach to Dave & Buster’s plans. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has acknowledged the announcement and plans to investigate further.
“It’s certainly something we’re going to look into, just to learn more about it. We’re always watching for new things that are coming around — lots of fantasy sports and those kinds of things. From this angle — this is new” said Richard McGarvey from the Board.
Pennsylvania’s 在线赌博 sector generated over $2.1 billion in revenue last year. A survey by Penn State University revealed that half of online bettors reported experiencing issues like increased frequency and spending. In light of these findings, some question the wisdom of expanding gambling opportunities in restaurants.
CNBC reported that Dave & Buster’s aims to launch its betting platform within the coming months. Michael Madding, Lucra’s COO, told the network that the company believes the skill-based games offered by the restaurant chain are subject to different regulations than chance-based casino games like roulette and blackjack.
