Ziv Chen

Ziv Chen


Ziv has been deep in the iGaming trenches for over 20 years, long before most people could spell "geolocation compliance." With a background in marketing and business development at some of the biggest names in gambling tech, Ziv knows the industry from the inside out. Since joining Covers, he's turned his sharp eye (and sharper keyboard) toward everything happening in the fast-moving world of online gambling. Whether it's new state launches, the latest twists in regulation, or what the big operators and game providers are cooking up next, Ziv breaks it all down with clarity, context, and just the right amount of snark. He covers the business side of betting, from affiliate trends and revenue reports to the tech powering your favorite slots. His motto in writing is “let’s make it make sense without putting you to sleep.”
When he’s not tracking gambling legislation or looking for the next breaking story, Ziv is living and dying with every pitch and play from his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. As a Pitt graduate, it’s a city loyalty forged in heartbreak, but one he wouldn’t trade for anything, except maybe a few more playoff wins.
When away from the keyboard, Ziv loves to hit the road and soak up the energy of casinos. Whether strolling the neon jungle called the Vegas Strip, or wandering into a smoky riverboat casino in the Midwest, Ziv’s in his element. He’s the guy chatting with players, blackjack dealers, and asking pit bosses way too many questions, all in the name of “research,” of course. The casino floor isn’t just his workplace, it’s a weird and wonderful ecosystem of flashing lights, wild characters, and pure sensory overload, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sport to bet on: College Football
Sports movie: Any Given Sunday
Sports snack: Primanti’s sandwich at Acrisure Stadium
Covers feature: iGaming News


California Sweepstakes Bill Softens Stance on Individual Players
California lawmakers revised AB831 to remove language that would have criminalized players of online sweepstakes games, but critics argue the bill still unfairly targets businesses and service providers supporting these platforms.
Peer-to-Peer Only: Underdog Adjusts Pick'em Offerings in California
Underdog Sports has pulled its house-based Pick’em contests in California, pivoting to a peer-to-peer model amid legal pressure and a recent AG opinion labeling DFS contests illegal under state law.
Legal Dispute Between CCGNJ and NCPG Threatens National Gambling Helpline
A legal dispute over the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline threatens national access to problem gambling support services.
NY Mayor Adams Could Still Save Bally’s New York Casino Bid
While the New York City Council has voted against zoning changes for the new casino, Mayor Adams could still veto the rejection.
Five-Card Pai Gow Among Games Approved by Nevada Regulators
The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved several new table games, including a five-card Pai Gow variant, following successful trials at Las Vegas casinos.
California Coalition Opposes Sweepstakes Bill Amid Gambling Debate
A coalition including the ACLU and major advertisers is pushing back against California’s AB 831, a bill aimed at illegal gambling that critics warn could ban legal sweepstakes and promotional marketing.
Bowyer Sentencing Nears in Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal's Final Chapter
Almost a year after pleading guilty to a string of federal offenses, Matt Bowyer, the illegal bookmaker at the center of the Ohtani betting saga, appears headed for sentencing in late August.
NBA Expansion Talks Intensify with Las Vegas and Seattle Leading the Conversation
The research has no time frame, but the NBA Commissioner mentioned Las Vegas’ links to recent basketball events like the NBA Cup.
Bruno Mars Quips He's 'Almost Out of Debt' Following Viral Moment With Blackpink’s Rosé
Bruno Mars jokingly claimed he’s “almost out of debt” after performing with Blackpink’s Rosé, reigniting rumors of $50 million in gambling losses.
Casino Operator Maverick Gaming Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Maverick Gaming filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a failed legal challenge to tribal sports betting and high fixed costs from rapid expansion, listing up to $500 million in liabilities.
BetMGM Sets $2.50 Minimum Bet in Illinois After Tax Changes
The sportsbook will introduce a $2.50 minimum wager in the Prairie State starting Wednesday, July 16, as a reaction to the state's new per-bet tax system.
NYC Council Rejects Zoning Changes, Derailing Bally's Bronx Casino Bid
Bally's Chair Soo Kim criticized the decision, attributing it to shifting expectations and a lack of appreciation for the company's efforts.
Gambler Hits $1 Million Jackpot at Circa Resort in Las Vegas
The guest wagered $250 and watched the reels until a jackpot notification appeared on the screen, showing they had won a total prize of $1,082,545.37.
Influencer Sues Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Over $500,500 Payout
Caesars eventually paid out the money to Emmanuel Kromah, but he alleges that the casino defamed him, interfered with his business contracts, and carried out unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Caesars Launches Vegas-Style Live Casino Studio in Michigan
Caesars Entertainment has launched a branded live dealer studio in Michigan through a partnership with Evolution, offering customized blackjack, roulette, and baccarat games across its online casino platforms.
Scientific Games Launches GameChoice AI to Enhance Lottery Player Experience
Scientific Games introduced GameChoice, an AI-driven lottery recommendation engine that helps players discover new games, increasing sales and engagement at nearly 10,000 vending machines across the U.S.
Former MLB Star Derek Jeter Joins BetMGM as Brand Ambassador and Casino Game Star
The MLB legend adds star power alongside Wayne Gretzky, Barry Sanders, and other BetMGM athlete partners.
Hard Rock Atlantic City Launches New Digital Center for Hard Rock Bet
The Digital Center is open 24/7 and located within Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in the Unity Players Club.
Will Kassouf Banned from Remainder of 2025 WSOP
Will Kassouf has been banned from the WSOP after penalties and a disruptive Main Event bust.
Caesars Sportsbook Adds Universal Wallet in Nevada
Caesars Entertainment launched a universal digital wallet for its Caesars Sportsbook app in the Silver State. This lets users manage sports betting funds and Caesars Rewards credits in one integrated account across multiple US states.