Nintendo fans and casino-goers alike have something to celebrate this July. While Nintendo closes the curtain on its beloved Mario Kart World icon series for Switch Online, a bold new chapter opens for the franchise — on the casino floor. Here’s how the classic racing game is crossing into the world of gambling, and why this new twist is catching fire in emerging markets.
Final wave of Mario Kart World icons now available
On July 17, 2025, Nintendo officially launched the seventh and final wave of user icons themed around Mario Kart World — a treat exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members. This final batch brings a vivid assortment of characters, vehicles, and scenic backgrounds, including:
● Mario in classic racing form
● Toadette, Lakitu, and even the iconic Cow from Moo Moo Meadows
● Colorful karts, tracks, and stylized icon frames
As with previous waves, players can redeem:
● Character icons for 10 Platinum Points each
● Borders and backgrounds for 5 Platinum Points each
These icons will only be available until July 23, 2025, marking the end of this collectible campaign. It’s a fitting farewell as Nintendo’s tribute to one of its most enduring franchises wraps up with flair.
Mario Kart meets the casino: Running Rich GRAND PRIX
While Nintendo signs off on its icon series, Mario Kart’s spirit is living on in an entirely new realm.
Running Rich GRAND PRIX, developed by Competition Interactive, has made a splash in casino entertainment. Described as “Mario Kart meets the casino floor,” this is not your average slot machine. Designed with a full-size steering wheel, video game-style power-ups, and bonus racing rounds, it blends car racing gameplay with the thrill of gambling.
This hybrid game isn’t just a gimmick—it’s one of the most interactive slot machines ever designed, targeting a younger generation raised on video games. Keith Winters, the founder and CCO of Competition Interactive, called it a “breakthrough” after years of R&D and regulatory navigation.
As video game-style slots gain popularity, emerging markets are also racing to catch up. According to KTO, a key player in the Brazilian iGaming space, online slots now account for 93.66% of all online casino gaming. This trend shows that Brazil, with its rapidly growing user base and mobile-first audience, is becoming a global hotspot for online slots — including innovative, gamified formats like Running Rich GRAND PRIX.
This explosive growth in Latin America underscores the global shift toward casino games that feel more like entertainment than traditional gambling. However, whether you’re chasing ghosts on Rainbow Road or spinning the wheel in a slot game inspired by it, it’s important to play responsibly.
If you’re trying your luck with casino-style games, keep the following in mind:
● Set limits on time and spending
● Never chase losses
● Only play for fun, not as a way to make money
● Take breaks, especially during long sessions