Merkur Group expands into the U.S. market: The German gaming giant has completed its acquisition of Las Vegas-based Gaming Arts, following approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission. The move strengthens Merkur’s U.S. presence and marks a major step in its global growth strategy.

Last week the Nevada Gaming Commission decided to remove the ban on communications equipment, including cell phones, in sportsbooks. Improving technology made the rule harder and harder to enforce, while also making the necessity for the rule largely obsolete. Since the advent of cell phones, casinos have levied rules against their use inside the sports books.