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Gaming, Casino and Culture News

November 13, 2024

Films of Sphere concerts part of company’s future revenue strategy

Nevada (Las Vegas)

After just over a year of operations, Sphere Entertainment Inc. is starting to figure out how to program the massive Las Vegas entertainment venue to stem slumping earnings. What that means for the Sphere’s future is more performances each day to maximize the building’s use, Executive Chairman and CEO James Dolan told investors. The company reported an operating loss of $125.1 million on revenue of $127.1 million for the quarter that ended Sept. 30.

News

Las Vegas Strip hotel-casino lays off top-level employees

A luxury Strip resort has parted ways with several long-time and high-level employees, according to multiple sources. The Venetian and Palazzo casinos laid off an unknown number of employees this month, some of whom had worked at the Strip resort for over a decade. Among those known to be affected by the layoffs are executives and senior-level employees in multiple departments, including hotel operations, marketing, celebrations/banquets, group meetings and casino hosts. An internal memo obtained by the Review-Journal confirms the staff reductions.

News

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas responds to Culinary Union’s threat to strike before F1 race

An off-Strip hotel-casino is preparing for a strike deadline that could threaten its staffing before the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix next week. In a Tuesday statement, Virgin Hotels management said they were aware of the strike deadline and were “fully committed to finding a fair resolution” during negotiations that are expected to take place on Thursday. But the management alleged union negotiators have not put the property’s proposals to a vote or responded to other proposals.

News

Bahamas: Vici Properties in negotiations to buy Atlantis Paradise Island resort

The multi-billion dollar owner of iconic Las Vegas mega resorts such as Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and the Venetian is exploring a deal for Paradise Island’s Atlantis resort. Tribune Business can reveal that VICI Properties, a New York headquartered real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns 93 resort, gaming and hospitality assets spread across the US and Canada, is in talks with Atlantis’ current owner, Brookfield Asset Management, although the two parties have yet to reach agreement on a sale or how the potential deal may look.

News

Texas Lottery’s move could ignite tribal gambling expansion

The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas informed the Texas Senate that if it didn’t rein in the online sales of Texas Lottery tickets, the tribe would pursue full-blown casino gambling in the state. Though the tribe omitted it from their correspondence, recent legal developments might mean these casinos won’t be housed on reservations; they might pockmark the entire state.

News

Federal hearing held over Arkansas amendment that revoked casino license

A federal judge heard arguments Tuesday about whether Arkansas’ Issue 2 should be put on hold. Cherokee Nation Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the State of Arkansas after voters approved a ballot measure that stopped the group’s planned casino. Cherokee Nation had planned to build a casino near Russellville in Pope County and had been granted a license.

News

New York: Turning Stone casino starts new phase of $370 million expansion

The latest phase of a $370 million expansion at the Turning Stone Resort Casino — the largest since it opened in 1993 — is now underway. Some 73 tons of steel arrived at the Oneida Indian Nation-owned casino in recent days. The nation and its business arm, Turning Stone Enterprises, also announced this week they have signed contracts with 26 different contractors, all based in Upstate New York, to handle mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other work on the project. The plan is to make Turning Stone the largest resort convention destination in the state.

News via Grok

Casino News

Here are some recent highlights from the world of casino and gambling news:

Las Vegas Layoffs: A major resort on the Las Vegas Strip has reportedly laid off several high-level employees, indicating potential shifts or financial recalibrations within the company.

Encore Las Vegas: The construction of the new 48-story Encore Las Vegas tower is progressing, with an expected opening late next year. It will feature over 2,000 rooms and a significant casino space, alongside a Frank Sinatra-themed restaurant.

Sweepstakes Casinos: There's growing discussion around sweepstakes casinos, their regulatory blind spots, and how they might be affecting the traditional gambling industry. This topic was highlighted in a discussion by Howard Glaser from Light & Wonder.

Bally's Chicago: Bally's casino in Chicago is experiencing some challenges, with admissions dropping by 13% from the previous month, suggesting that the operation might not be meeting expectations or that there could be strategic missteps.

Casino's Rescue Plan: In France, Casino, a major retailer, has reached an agreement with its employees and new management on a rescue plan that includes a social component, which had been lacking in previous proposals.

Casino Jackpot: A fortunate gambler on the Las Vegas Strip turned a modest $50 bet into over $1,000,000, showcasing the allure and potential of casino gaming.

These snippets provide a glimpse into the current dynamics of the casino industry, reflecting both the excitement of big wins and the strategic maneuvers of major players in the sector. (Grok)

News

Casinos via Grok

Casinos are establishments primarily designed for gambling, offering various games of chance for patrons to wager money. Here's an overview based on the latest information:

Overview of Casinos:

Origin and Etymology: The term "casino" comes from Italian, originally meaning a small country villa or summerhouse. Over time, it evolved to refer to places where gambling activities were the main attraction.

Location and Integration: Casinos are often integrated with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other entertainment venues to provide a comprehensive experience. They can be found worldwide but are particularly famous in places like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Macau.

Types of Games: Common casino games include: Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and various forms of poker.
Slot Machines: These range from traditional mechanical reels to modern video slots with sophisticated themes and bonus features.
Electronic Games: Video poker, keno, and electronic table games.
Specialty Games: Like bingo, which might be offered in certain jurisdictions.

Online Casinos: With the advent of the internet, online casinos have become increasingly popular, providing a digital platform for many of the same games found in physical casinos.

Recent Updates on Casinos:

Regulatory Changes: There have been updates in casino regulations, especially concerning online gambling. For instance, some states in the U.S. have recently moved towards legalization or expansion of online casino gaming.

Technological Advancements:
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Some casinos now accept cryptocurrencies, and there are decentralized casino platforms emerging, like those mentioned on platforms like X, where users can stake tokens to "become the house."
Live Dealer Games: Online platforms have introduced live dealer games, providing a more authentic casino experience through live video feeds.

Economic Impact: Casinos continue to be significant contributors to local economies, with Nevada reporting a notable increase in gambling revenue for September 2024 compared to the previous year.

Entertainment and Non-Gambling Activities: Casinos are increasingly focusing on becoming entertainment hubs, offering concerts, comedy shows, sports betting, and other attractions to diversify their appeal.

Fees and Costs: There have been mentions of increases in resort fees and parking fees at some casino resorts, which might affect visitor experience and costs.

Cultural and Social Aspects:

Gambling Addiction: Casinos and gambling activities come with the risk of addiction. Many establishments promote responsible gambling but also receive criticism for potentially encouraging addictive behaviors.

Entertainment Value: Beyond gambling, casinos offer a unique blend of luxury, excitement, and entertainment, making them popular tourist destinations.

When considering visiting or engaging with casinos, whether in-person or online, it's important for individuals to understand the rules, the odds of games, and to gamble responsibly. The information available on platforms like X or websites like Casinos.com can provide insights into the latest trends, games, and regulatory changes in the casino industry. (Grok)

News via Grok

Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip, often simply referred to as "The Strip," is a 4.2-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South in Clark County, Nevada, just outside the city limits of Las Vegas. Here's an overview:

Attractions: It's famous for its concentration of resort hotels, high-end casinos, and entertainment venues. The architecture along the Strip is eclectic, with themes ranging from ancient Egypt (Luxor), medieval times (Excalibur), to replicas of famous cities like New York (New York-New York) or Paris (Paris Las Vegas).
Notable shows include Cirque du Soleil productions, magic shows by famous magicians like David Copperfield, and residencies by top musicians. Free attractions include the Bellagio Fountains, the Mirage Volcano, and the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign.

Accommodations and Casinos: The Strip hosts some of the world's largest hotels by room count, like the MGM Grand, The Venetian, and Caesars Palace. These mega-resorts offer not only gambling but also luxury shopping, fine dining, and entertainment facilities.
Recent developments include new resorts like the LVXP project, which proposes to add an NBA-ready arena, and there's been talk about expanding with unique attractions like an adults-only mini golf course at Mandalay Bay.

Transportation: The Deuce, a double-decker bus, and the Las Vegas Monorail are popular ways for tourists to travel along the Strip. However, walking is a common way to experience the sights and lights, especially at night when the area truly comes alive.

Events and Conventions: The area is known for hosting major events like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), SEMA Show, and various sporting events, including the recent addition of Formula 1 races which have construction impacts on the Strip's landscape.

Shopping and Dining: Shopping ranges from high-end malls like The Shops at Crystals to themed shopping experiences within resorts. Dining options are vast, from celebrity chef restaurants to 24/7 buffets.

Nightlife: The nightlife is legendary, with clubs like XS and Omnia, which are among the most renowned in the world, offering top-tier DJ performances.

Current Developments: There are continuous updates and construction projects, like the planned LVXP resort, which could significantly change the skyline and entertainment options on the North Strip.
The Sphere at The Venetian has become a new landmark, known for its massive LED screen exterior and immersive entertainment experiences inside.

If you're planning a visit or just interested in what's happening, the Las Vegas Strip remains an ever-evolving spectacle of entertainment, where the latest in hospitality, gaming, and show business is always on display. Remember, with ongoing construction and new projects, the Strip's landscape might look different with each visit. (Grok)

News

Las Vegas Grand Prix via Grok

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a significant event in the Formula One racing calendar, taking place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Here are some key points about the event:

Background: After a long hiatus since the early 1980s, Formula One returned to Las Vegas with a new street circuit in 2023. The event marked the first Formula One race in Las Vegas since the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

Circuit: The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is 6.2 kilometers long with 17 corners. It features a mix of straights, including a 1.9 km straight down the Strip, and tight sections around notable Las Vegas landmarks like the Bellagio, the Venetian, and Caesars Palace.

Race Dates: For 2024, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled from November 21st to 23rd.

Format: Unlike some other races in the U.S. calendar (like Austin and Miami), the Las Vegas Grand Prix does not feature a sprint race. Organizers have expressed contentment with this format, citing the event's unique entertainment offerings.

Ticketing and Experience: The event offers various ticket types ranging from general admission to exclusive hospitality packages. These include access to entertainment zones, fan activations, and luxury viewing options like Skyboxes or the Paddock Club.

Economic and Cultural Impact: This race not only promises high-speed action but also integrates the entertainment capital's allure with dining, nightlife, and celebrity events. It's expected to bring significant economic activity to the area, with various hospitality and entertainment venues involved.

Safety and Traffic: Local authorities, like LVMPD and Clark County, have been involved in discussions regarding safety and traffic management due to expected large crowds and road closures.

Public Sentiment: On platforms like X, there's a mix of excitement for the event's spectacle and logistical concerns about traffic and road closures.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix aims to blend the thrill of Formula One with the non-stop entertainment of Vegas, making it a unique entry in the F1 calendar. (Grok)

News

WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

WrestleMania 41 is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on April 19th and 20th, 2025. This event marks the return of WrestleMania to Las Vegas for the first time since WrestleMania IX in 1993, which was held at Caesars Palace.

Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dates: Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Significance: This WrestleMania will be historic as it will be the first to be livestreamed on Netflix internationally, following the merger of WWE Network with Netflix. It's also notable for being held during Easter weekend, which is a typically slower period for Las Vegas, potentially attracting a massive influx of visitors.

The event promises to be an economic boon for Las Vegas, with expectations of over 180,000 fans contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism. Apart from the main event, WWE will also bring other shows like Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, and the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to the city, enhancing its wrestling festivities.

Tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale on October 25, 2024, and there are also various travel packages available, including VIP options for fans wanting an exclusive experience.

The anticipation for this event is high, as reflected in posts on X, where fans and travel companies are promoting special packages for the occasion. (Grok)

News

AEW Double Or Nothing

AEW Double or Nothing is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Here are some key points about the event:

Inaugural Event: The first Double or Nothing took place in 2019 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, marking AEW's first-ever event and PPV.

Theme: The name "Double or Nothing" references a gambling theme, fitting with the event's traditional Las Vegas setting.

Significance: It's considered one of AEW's "Big Four" PPVs, alongside All Out, Full Gear, and Revolution, highlighting its importance within the company's annual calendar.

Recent Developments: 2024 Event: Held on May 26, 2024, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, celebrating AEW's five-year anniversary. Key matches included:
Swerve Strickland vs. Christian Cage for the AEW World Championship.
An Anarchy in the Arena match where The Elite defeated Team AEW.
Mercedes Moné won the AEW TBS Championship from Willow Nightingale.
Match Styles: Over the years, Double or Nothing has featured unique matches like the Stadium Stampede and Anarchy in the Arena.

Location: While traditionally held in Las Vegas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 events were held at Daily's Place in Jacksonville, Florida.

Cultural Impact: The event has helped establish AEW as a legitimate competitor in the wrestling industry, showcasing high-stakes matches and attracting both wrestling fans and those interested in the event's broader entertainment value.

For fans or anyone interested in the latest in AEW, keeping up with AEW's official channels or wrestling news outlets would provide the most current information on upcoming matches, results, and any changes to the event format or location. (Grok)

News

US Betting via Grok

The landscape of US betting has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision in Murphy v. NCAA in 2018, which struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Here are some key points about the current state of betting in the United States:

Legal Status: Sports betting is now legal in many states across the US, with each state regulating it differently. This legalization has led to a boom in both physical and online sportsbooks.

Online Sportsbooks: BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook are among the most prominent names in the online betting market. They offer betting on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. These platforms provide various promotions, live betting options, and sometimes even live streaming of events.

Mobile Betting: Most states with legal sports betting have embraced mobile betting apps, which allow users to place bets from anywhere within state lines where betting is legal.

Election Betting: There's been a notable trend in betting on political outcomes, like the U.S. presidential election. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have gained attention for allowing bets on these events, though the legality and ethics of such markets are frequently debated.

Regulation: Each state has its own regulatory body overseeing sports betting, ensuring compliance with laws, managing licensing, and protecting consumers. For instance, in Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board is responsible, while other states have different commissions or boards.

Public Interest and Participation: The legalization has led to increased public interest, with betting becoming more mainstream. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have seen substantial betting volumes.

Economic Impact: Betting has contributed significantly to state revenues through taxes. For example, a post from X indicated that Colorado passed a proposition to direct sports betting tax revenue towards water projects.

Innovation in Betting: There's a trend towards more interactive and engaging betting experiences, like live betting where odds change in real-time as the event progresses, and prop bets on individual player performances or specific game events.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges: Despite the growth, issues like gambling addiction, market manipulation, and the need for responsible gambling practices remain significant concerns. States have implemented measures like self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and educational campaigns to address these.

Future Trends: The industry is expected to continue growing with potential expansion into more states. There's also interest in expanding into less traditional betting like esports, and there might be further integration of technology for personalized betting experiences.

Remember, while betting can be fun, it's important to engage in it responsibly. Always set limits, and consider the legal age and location requirements for betting in the US. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling or state-specific help lines can provide assistance. (Grok)

Hotel, Casino And Gaming News: U.S, Global

October 9, 2024

Hard Rock Casino Rockford has 2nd largest GGR

Illinois

Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought in the 2nd highest casino gambling revenue of any casino operating in Illinois. In September 2024, Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought in $13,717,722 in revenue. That makes Rockford’s casino the second largest in revenue in the state, behind the Rivers Casino Des Planes, which brought in $41.5 million in September. The total GGR for Illinois in September was $138.9 million with 1,140,023 admissions; the 2023 GGR was $132.1 million with 1,038,436 admissions.

News

Tropicana implosion paves way for A's stadium

Nevada

The Tropicana Casino and Resort, one of the last true mob buildings on the Las Vegas Strip, was reduced to rubble Wednesday morning. The implosion cleared land for the proposed $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the relocating Athletics, which is part of the city's latest rebrand into a sports hub.

News

Shift to attract millennials to casinos

Nevada

Innovations in gaming space and expanding technology in the postpandemic era continue to attract a new, younger generation to Las Vegas and its casinos, MGM Resorts International President Bill Hornbuckle said Tuesday at the Global Gaming Expo.

News

Allegiant Stadium to host Gold Cup soccer matches

Nevada

International soccer will once again kick off at Allegiant Stadium next summer. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved an event production agreement during its Tuesday board meeting, including matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in June 2025.

News

Ten Vegas restaurants together grossed almost $200M in 2023

Nevada

Never underestimate the power of a seat on the Las Vegas Strip. Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas, which offers some of the best street-side dining on the boulevard, was the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the city in 2023, according to Restaurant Business. Alexxa’s brought in $28.8 million in food and drink sales, and about 600,000 meals served. The restaurant ranked No. 9 on the list…The 10 Vegas restaurants (all but one on the Strip) in the top 100 together racked up nearly $200 million in sales for 2023.

News

Revenue Surges 48% Year-Over-Year in September 2024

West Virginia

West Virginia’s sports betting revenue surged in September 2024, seeing a 48% increase compared to the same month last year…the state generated $7.1 million in revenue from a $46.4 million handle, marking the second-highest monthly revenue ever recorded for the state’s sportsbooks…the total handle—$46.4 million wagered—was down 7% compared to September 2023.

Casino And Gaming News

Macau

October 2024

Macau's gaming revenue jumps 15 percent

Macau's gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September, exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels travel to the gambling hub.

Gross gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The result is compared to the median analyst estimate of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78 percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

The reporting was still lower than in the previous month, as September - when children go back to school and it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a weak season for Macau.

Expectations for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday, are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong, with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.

Affluent players remain able and willing to spend, and the trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing a survey of gaming table performances.

Still, retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness. Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for the first time since China's reopening from Covid early last year, according to Choi. It is expected that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable income, he added.

News

Global Gaming

Eklutna tribe clears land for anticipated casino

Alaska

A tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the possibility that it will soon win federal approval to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal gaming operation. The casino would be the first of its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the gaming hall on 8 acres of land…The parcel is in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage.

News

Julapun pushes for talks on casino complex plan

Thailand

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded by the middle of the month. He said the discussion will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.

News

Nevada

Sports Betting Revenue Grows in August

Nevada sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue, total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost from the $431.6 million bet during the same month last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared $25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate…The 5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest this year, though on par with the market’s average win rate of less than 6%.

News

Florida

Slot revenue rises to $54.9 million in August

Florida Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the state’s non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million in wagers. That’s a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase from the $54.1 million generated in August 2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrah’s Pompano Beach Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.

News

Pete Rose dies at age 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great, Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.

News

Australia

Star Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey consultants; Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino has emerged as a laggard in the troubled company’s property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation as low as $8m!

News

Atlantic City

Atlantic City hotels defeat latest class action over casino room rates

Major casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class action accusing them and a revenue management platform of overcharging for room rentals.

U.S. District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey, ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers had failed to present enough evidence to let their price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.

Williams dismissed the consumers’ lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue management platforms that rely on rivals' data can be deemed price-fixing.

The judge’s ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have appealed a Nevada federal judge’s order dismissing their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.

In both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed sensitive internal information — such as real-time price and occupancy data — to a shared software platform that offered pricing recommendations.

The hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.

Representatives from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in the New Jersey case at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador; Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately respond to a similar request.

The consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used Cendyn’s “Rainmaker” software “as their shared pricing brain” that “does all the hard work for them.”

They said “while the AI-driven technology at issue may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.” (Wires)

Casinos/Profile via Grok

Here's an overview of the latest updates and trends regarding casinos as of October 2024, based on the information available:

Global Expansion and New Developments:

Jamaica is re-opening the application period for an integrated casino-resort license, indicating interest in expanding its tourism and entertainment offerings through casino gaming.

Norfolk, Virginia has given final approval for a new casino project, which will likely contribute to local tourism and economy, reflecting a trend where cities are increasingly seeing casinos as economic development tools.

Japan and UAE are among the regions moving towards establishing casino facilities, aiming to attract tourists. However, these might be restricted to non-locals, a common practice to control potential social impacts of gambling within the local population.

New York continues to explore online gambling legislation, which could significantly expand the casino industry's reach in the state by legalizing online casinos.

Economic Performance:

Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, reported a slight decline in casino winnings for August 2024 compared to the previous year, suggesting possible market saturation or shifts in gambling preferences towards other forms like online betting.

Innovation and Entertainment:

Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, has proposed an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field, illustrating how casinos are increasingly integrated with sports and entertainment complexes to offer multifaceted experiences.

Technological and Gaming Trends:

There's a noted trend towards tightening up on various casino offerings like comps, free play, and even slot machine payouts, possibly in response to increased competition from online gambling platforms and a need to adjust profit margins.

Online Gambling continues to grow, with platforms like Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and DuckyLuck Casino highlighted for their offerings in the U.S. This reflects a broader shift towards digital platforms, where convenience, a variety of games, and bonuses are key attractions.

Security and Social Responsibility:

Casinos globally are enhancing their surveillance and security measures, often referred to as "the eye in the sky," to combat cheating and fraud, ensuring a safer environment for all patrons.

There's an ongoing emphasis on responsible gambling, with various regions implementing measures and support systems for gamblers, recognizing the potential social and economic impacts of casino gambling.

Market Sentiment:

From posts on X (formerly Twitter), there's a mix of excitement about new casino developments and concerns over the tightening of casino offerings, suggesting a complex relationship between gamblers and the industry.

In summary, the casino industry in 2024 is witnessing expansion into new markets, integration with broader entertainment complexes, technological adaptation towards online platforms, and a strategic focus on security and responsible gambling. This reflects an industry evolving to meet new consumer behaviors, technological capabilities, and regulatory environments. (Grok)

Casino News/Profile via Grok

The term "casino" refers to a facility where gambling activities take place, which often integrates with other entertainment options like hotels, restaurants, and live shows, making it a central hub for leisure and gambling. Here's an overview based on current insights and historical context:

Evolution of Casinos: Originating from the Venetian Ridotto in 1638, casinos have evolved from exclusive gambling houses to multifaceted entertainment centers. Today, they are known for merging traditional gambling with modern technology, offering everything from classic table games to digital slots and live dealer sessions.

Modern Online Casinos: The digital age has ushered in online casinos, providing an accessible platform for gambling from anywhere. These platforms, like those highlighted in recent promotions on X, offer various incentives such as bonuses for new sign-ups, free spins, and the integration of cryptocurrencies for transactions, enhancing user engagement with promises like "deposit now and receive FREE BTC!" This reflects a trend towards digital currencies in gambling for increased security, anonymity, and efficiency.

Cultural Impact and Controversy: Casinos, both physical and online, are not without controversy. They're often discussed in terms of their societal impact, including issues like gambling addiction. A perspective shared on X questions the legality and morality of state-run casinos like Holland Casino in the Netherlands, pointing out the potential for addiction due to high stakes gambling, contrasting it with smaller community events like bingo nights.

Entertainment Beyond Gambling: Besides gambling, casinos are pivotal in the entertainment industry, hosting concerts, stand-up comedy, and even sports events. This diversification aims at attracting a broader audience, not just gamblers, enhancing their appeal as comprehensive entertainment hubs.

Global Presence: Casinos like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and those along the Las Vegas Strip are not just gambling venues but architectural marvels and economic powerhouses, contributing significantly to local economies through tourism.

Technological and Thematic Innovation: Modern casinos incorporate advanced technology for surveillance and game fairness, alongside themes that range from historical to futuristic, creating immersive environments for visitors.

Community and Legal Perspectives: There's an ongoing debate about the accessibility of casinos to locals, especially in regions where gambling might be viewed as culturally or legally sensitive. This reflects in discussions on platforms like X, where the impact of allowing locals into casinos like in Vietnam is pondered, weighing tourism benefits against social costs.

In summary, "casino" in today's context represents more than just gambling; it's a convergence of technology, entertainment, and sometimes, societal debate. The integration of online platforms and cryptocurrencies is pushing the boundaries of traditional gambling, making it more inclusive yet sparking discussions on regulation, addiction, and societal impact. (Grok)

Casino And Gaming News

Macau

October 2024

Macau's gaming revenue jumps 15 percent

Macau's gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September, exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels travel to the gambling hub.

Gross gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The result is compared to the median analyst estimate of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78 percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

The reporting was still lower than in the previous month, as September - when children go back to school and it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a weak season for Macau.

Expectations for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday, are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong, with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.

Affluent players remain able and willing to spend, and the trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing a survey of gaming table performances.

Still, retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness. Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for the first time since China's reopening from Covid early last year, according to Choi. It is expected that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable income, he added.

News

Global Gaming

Eklutna tribe clears land for anticipated casino

Alaska

A tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the possibility that it will soon win federal approval to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal gaming operation. The casino would be the first of its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the gaming hall on 8 acres of land…The parcel is in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage.

News

Julapun pushes for talks on casino complex plan

Thailand

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded by the middle of the month. He said the discussion will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.

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Nevada

Sports Betting Revenue Grows in August

Nevada sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue, total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost from the $431.6 million bet during the same month last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared $25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate…The 5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest this year, though on par with the market’s average win rate of less than 6%.

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Florida

Slot revenue rises to $54.9 million in August

Florida Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the state’s non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million in wagers. That’s a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase from the $54.1 million generated in August 2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrah’s Pompano Beach Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.

News

Pete Rose dies at age 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great, Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.

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Australia

Star Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey consultants; Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino has emerged as a laggard in the troubled company’s property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation as low as $8m!

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Atlantic City

Atlantic City hotels defeat latest class action over casino room rates

Major casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class action accusing them and a revenue management platform of overcharging for room rentals.

U.S. District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey, ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers had failed to present enough evidence to let their price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.

Williams dismissed the consumers’ lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue management platforms that rely on rivals' data can be deemed price-fixing.

The judge’s ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have appealed a Nevada federal judge’s order dismissing their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.

In both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed sensitive internal information — such as real-time price and occupancy data — to a shared software platform that offered pricing recommendations.

The hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.

Representatives from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in the New Jersey case at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador; Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately respond to a similar request.

The consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used Cendyn’s “Rainmaker” software “as their shared pricing brain” that “does all the hard work for them.”

They said “while the AI-driven technology at issue may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.” (Wires)

Gaming, Hotel And Casino News: U.S

September 2024

New Jersey Internet gambling sets new record at $198M in revenue, but land casinos lag

Internet gambling in New Jersey had its best month ever in August, bringing in over $198 million in revenue even as most of Atlantic City’s land-based casinos continued to win less than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures released Monday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement show that internet gambling brought in $198.4 million, the highest monthly total ever recorded in the state and an increase of nearly 28% from a year earlier. That was the good news for Atlantic City’s gambling industry.

News

BetMGM impresses in NFL Week One, Jefferies analyst says

BetMGM handily outperformed the field in New York state in the first week of NFL wagering, according to data published September 15 in a Jefferies Equity Research investor note penned by analyst James Wheatcroft. According to Wheatcroft’s analysis, BetMGM grew its handle 54 percent from last year, revenue 24 percent, and winning margins 8.2 percent. For the market overall, the handle grew by 14 percent, but revenue dropped 43 percent and margin was down 6.8 percent. FanDuel recorded a seven percent decrease in handle and 54 percent lower revenue.

News

llinois: Casino revenue shoots up 3.1% in August after a slow summer

Illinois casinos posted positive monthly revenue for the first time since the spring. The state’s 15 casinos combined for a win of $140 million in August, up 3.1% from July’s total of $135.8 million. Revenue totals do not include online casinos because iGaming is illegal in the Prairie State. Illinois is a leading earner for land-based revenue and sports betting handle (total amount bet). But, is nowhere to be found in the world of online casinos. The state’s legislators made two attempts to legalize IL online gaming this year, but both fell short.

News

F1 not moving the Vegas needle, Truist analyst says

“F1 stuck in neutral for now,” wrote Truist Securities analyst Barry Jonas, leading off a September 16 investor note on the subject of Las Vegas room rates. He deemed them “fairly stable but soft” into the fourth quarter. A Truist survey of Las Vegas hotel-room prices had shown growth in August followed by slowness throughout the fall. Jonas said these findings were congruent with MGM Resorts International’s forward-looking commentary during its second-quarter earnings call. Wrote Jonas, “While our survey is just one facet of the market and can change, we note continuing investor concerns around slowing growth amidst tough comparisons.”

News

August casino revenue $63 million

Virginia (results) - Lottery Commission - The Virginia Lottery released its report on casino gaming activity for the month of August 2024. There are three operating casinos in Virginia: HR Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia. During August, gaming revenues from Virginia casinos totaled $63.1 million. Hard Rock Bristol $15.9 million, Rivers Casino Portsmouth $26.6 million, and Caesars Virginia $20.4 million. Virginia law assesses a graduated tax on a casino’s AGR, or wagers minus winnings, and $11.8 million in taxes were paid to the Gaming Proceeds Fund.

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MGM getting more solar energy with rural Nevada solar farm

Nevada (Las Vegas) - A solar farm in the remote Nevada desert will double MGM International’s capacity to use solar energy. It entered a power purchase agreement with a utility-scale solar company to use its forthcoming facility in Lincoln County. The company is expected to begin using that boost in green energy in 2026. MGM uses 90 percent renewable energy for 11 of its Las Vegas resorts’ daytime needs, the company said, but the new solar farm and battery storage facility will power 100 percent of daytime needs and some of what’s needed for nighttime.

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Three Strip casinos get new top exec

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Three casino properties on the Las Vegas Strip will soon have a new boss following the company departure of the trio’s former top executive. Ken Ostempowski will be assuming the role of senior vice president and general manager of Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe. Ostempowski currently holds similar roles overseeing The ROW Reno, a three-casino resort destination in Northern Nevada operated by Caesars. According to Ostempowski’s LinkedIn profile, he has held executive-level positions in multiple gaming markets, including Las Vegas, the Gulf Coast, the Midwest and Colorado.

News

Strip resort reveals rare tier-match offer

Nevada (Las Vegas) - For the first time since introducing a new player rewards program, a Las Vegas Strip casino is offering to upgrade gamblers’ loyalty cards to a comparable level from other casinos. The Venetian casino-hotel is launching a tier-match promotion that will allow customers to receive a Venetian Rewards card status that is on par with or better than what they currently have with another casino operator. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas’ tier-match event begins Oct. 1, according to a recent email, and will run through Jan. 1.

News

Boyd bets big on large sportsbooks even as mobile betting flourishes

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The largest sportsbook operated by Boyd Gaming Corp. may not be the place “where everybody knows your name.” But that sentiment is the reason the company (with its nine Las Vegas casinos) and other gaming operators continue to invest millions of dollars into expanding or modernizing large sportsbooks with massive viewing screens, comfortable seating areas and food and beverage options. Those expenditures happen even as more than 65 percent of Nevada’s $8 billion sports gaming industry come through mobile wagering accounts — bets made anywhere outside the casino. “A sportsbook is more than just a place to make wagers,” said Boyd Gaming Vice President of Race & Sports Bob Scucci. “At our properties, the sportsbook is the place where people come four or five times a week. It’s where they go to meet their friends and congregate.”

News

Opening sportsbook with Jay-Z at Ocean Casino, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin explains Atlantic City’s appeal

Michael Rubin’s love for Atlantic City goes back to when he was about 12 years old. “The gambling age was 18 when I was a kid,” the once-small kid from Philadelphia recalled. “I remember when I was 12 years old, I went to an Atlantic City casino, to Caesars. It was 40 years ago. I won $2,500. I called my mom from a pay phone and said, ‘Mom, I got great news! I just won $2,500!’ She asked how, and I said, ‘I’m in a casino in Atlantic City,’ and she goes, ‘You’re grounded, get home.’ That’s my favorite story.”

News

A jobs boon from a casino at Manhattan’s Hudson Yards? Experts aren’t betting on it.

When casino giant Wynn showed off plans for its Hudson Yards West casino proposal last month, it enlisted progressive heavyweights to make the case that the venture would be a jobs bonanza for poor and working-class New Yorkers. The endorsements were full-throated and infused with hope and promise. Leaders from the NAACP, National Urban League and Win, New York City’s largest provider of family shelter and permanent supportive housing, were among the groups that said the proposal would bring significant career opportunities.

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Maine’s first in-person sports betting bar opens in Portland

Maine’s first, in-person sports-betting bar is officially open. “Oddfellahs” opened on Market Street on Friday… The bar has partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, one of two sportsbooks authorized under Maine’s new law to run sports betting, the other being DraftKings. The founder of “Oddfellahs” says there’s more to the bar than just sports betting.

News

IIlinois Gaming Board renews Rivers Casino’s license

The Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday renewed Rivers Casino’s gaming license as well as Hawthorne Race Course’s master sports wagering license. Both renewals by the state agency came via unanimous 4-0 votes and are good for four years, with Rivers now licensed through August 2028 and Hawthorne through September of that year.

News

Bellagio removing trees as F1 prep begins on the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is around the corner and the Bellagio casino-hotel is days away from starting race preparations. On Monday, work crews will begin removing the trees in front of the Fountains of Bellagio along Las Vegas Boulevard to make room for the construction of the Bellagio Fountain Club (an F1 spectator area for VIPs). (Wires, A.I News)

Sydney, Australia

24 hours to fix a casino: Star chases cash to fend off insolvency -
September 1, 2024

The Star Entertainment Group is chasing hundreds of millions of dollars in extra funding from investors as the embattled casino operator fights the clock to stave off financial collapse.

Discussions with its major investors, such as pokies billionaire Bruce Mathieson, continued deep into Sunday evening ahead of the expected release of Star Entertainment’s annual results on Monday.

A fresh injection of cash into the business would allow Star to secure its ongoing viability after a second probe into the company’s culture found it unsuitable to hold a casino licence.

Mathieson, with an estimated wealth of $2.5 billion, is one of the investors to have backed Star’s previous rounds of capital raising last year, which netted close to $1.5 billion. The casino operator’s business is currently worth just $1.3 billion, based on the last trading price of its stock at 45 cents.

Fund manager Perpetual has been another willing backer of Star Entertainment in recent months. Mathieson owns a 9.6 per cent stake but recently received regulatory approvals to acquire up to 20 per cent of Star’s shares. Meanwhile, Perpetual lifted its stake to 8.8 per cent in May but would need regulatory approval to lift its stake above 10 per cent.

The next 24 hours will be crucial for the casino operator, which was forced to delay the announcement of its full-year results on Friday. Star Entertainment needs to show the market it has the funding needed to stabilise its underperforming casino business while also fixing the probity issues that have left the company’s retention of its Sydney casino licence in doubt.

According to reports in the Australian Financial Review, Star is also talking to its lenders about debt relief and possible fresh funding. It is also said to be talking to the NSW and Queensland governments about tax relief.

The company was sounding out investors for a $300 million raising last week via a convertible notes issue before the final report of a second inquiry into its Sydney casino landed from Adam Bell, SC, on Friday. While the report said Star Entertainment was still unfit to hold a licence, it stopped short of recommending the licence be revoked.

Star’s latest results are expected to reveal massive writedowns of its newly opened Brisbane casino, Queen’s Wharf, which cost nearly double the initial $2 billion estimate, and at a time when casinos are underperforming across the country due to the cost of living crisis and anaemic tourist interest. The Queen’s Wharf precinct is a joint venture with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium.

Star Entertainment chief executive Steve McCann, who previously led Crown Resorts through to its takeover by US private equity group Blackstone, joined the company in June.

“I recognise that there are many complex issues and challenges for the company to address,” McCann said at the announcement of his appointment.

“I am committed to working with the board and the various stakeholders to help drive change, restore confidence and achieve a sustainable resolution.”

Star Entertainment will also have to contend with the soon-to-be-implemented cashless gaming cards, which are designed to stop money laundering and address problem gambling on poker machines but will hit the company’s pokie revenues in Sydney.

Earlier this year, Star issued a downgrade saying it now expects to generate just $1.68 billion in total revenue from its two casinos in Queensland and its casino in NSW this financial year. This is a fall from $1.8 billion in 2023, which was originally thought to be the low point.

The Star recorded a total loss of $2.44 billion in 2023. Its then CEO, Robbie Cooke, was adamant at the time the group would do better this year.

On top of its underperforming casino business and the remediation needed to retain its casino licence, Star also faces further fines, including from the money laundering regulator AUSTRAC. Last year, Star provided for fines and penalties of $150 million from alleged non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws in its financial report for the half-year ended December 31, 2022, after ASIC raised concerns.

Gaming analysts from Macquarie estimate the AUSTRAC fine could hit $350 million, but another significant issue is what cost-cutting is needed to keep it in line with structurally lower revenues next year.

“Star Entertainment has attractive long-duration casino licences across Queensland and NSW, but there are near-term uncertainties on the earnings, and a long list of outstanding issues which need to be cleared before we can get comfortable with the investment thesis,” Macquarie said.

Star also faces class action lawsuits on behalf of investors who have watched the stock plunge from a pre-pandemic high of $4 to just 45¢ as of last week.

Star declined to comment on Sunday. (Wires)

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Gaming, Hotel, Casino and Sports News: USA

July 2024

American Gaming Association announces 2024 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees

The American Gaming Association Wednesday announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three individuals for their contributions to the industry. The new members are: Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman, Seminole Gaming CEO, and former chairman of the AGA. Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming Institute Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, and a former executive with MGM Resorts International. Debi Nutton, Everi Holdings Board Member, executive coach-consultant, and former casino operations executive. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

News

Las Vegas: Downtown Grand hotel-casino seeks buyer

A downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino is looking for a buyer. Downtown Grand, the 1,124-room property one block north of the Fremont Street pedestrian mall, is on the market, multiple industry sources confirmed. The property is owned by real estate investment firm CIM Group and operated by Fifth Street Gaming, a Las Vegas-based operator whose portfolio includes the Silver Nugget and Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and Casino in North Las Vegas and the Golden Tiki restaurant in Chinatown. Fifth Street Gaming and the property’s agent...did not respond to multiple requests for comment Tuesday.

News

New Jersey fines DraftKings $100K for reporting inaccurate sports betting data to the state

In one of the most sternly worded rebukes they have ever issued, New Jersey gambling regulators have fined DraftKings $100,000 for reporting inaccurate sports betting data to the state, which it called “unacceptable conduct” that demonstrated weaknesses in the company’s business abilities. The errors resulted in regulators having to post corrected financial data for several months, something that had not happened in 13 years. The mistakes involved overstating the amount of money wagered on multi-tiered bets, or parlays, and understating other categories of wagers.

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Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe hotel renovations set to begin

The Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino is moving ahead with major renovations under its new owner, billionaire Tilman Fertitta. Last August, Feritta’s Golden Landry’s LLC and GN NV Holdings acquired the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe from Paragon Gaming with cash, then rebranded it. Fertitta’s attorney Sonia Vermeys with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck told the Nevada Gaming Control Board Wednesday that the her client had always intended to finance the transaction. In December, the owner of the land entered into a term-loan agreement with Deutsche Bank.

News

Bermuda regulator’s reports show efforts to resolve casino industry roadblock

Failed efforts by the Bermuda Gaming Commission to solve the banking issues that have held up the launch of a casino industry are described in newly released annual reports. David Burt, the Premier, finally tabled the publicly funded regulator’s reports for 2020 to 2023 in the House of Assembly last Friday, after falling behind in sharing them with taxpayers. They shed some light on how the commission has tried to get banks to handle casino transactions — a necessity for the sector to get up and running — but even the most recent report, for 2022-23, is out of date.

News

Bally’s Chicago secures casino financing, unveils new hotel design

One week after taking possession of the Freedom Center printing plant, Bally’s has secured the needed financing to supplant it with a $1.7 billion Chicago casino complex on the 30-acre site in River West. Bally’s announced a deal Friday with Gaming and Leisure Properties, a Pennsylvania-based real estate investment trust, to provide $940 million to fund the construction of the permanent casino. In addition, Bally’s has also finalized redesign of its planned 500-room hotel tower, which has been shifted from north of the casino to the south to avoid damaging city water pipes along the Chicago River, pending approval from the city’s planning department.

News

Walmart is preparing major push into lottery sector

At its annual summit in early April, retail giant Walmart convened various lottery industry vendors and suppliers and revealed, more or less: Walmart is preparing a push from lottery bystander to active participant and competitor, with plans to launch an app that it may eventually equip with iLottery capabilities. The message was conveyed in meetings with the likes of IGT, Scientific Games, NeoPollard, and others currently working with the retail behemoth. Walmart representatives unveiled a slogan aimed at the lottery industry, “Be in it to Win it,” according to presentation materials from the Bentonville, Arkansas summit that were reviewed by Lottery Geeks.

News

Colorado: RCI Hospitality pulls casino license applications in Colorado

Entertainment company RCI Hospitality Holdings has withdrawn its applications to operate casinos from the Colorado Division of Gaming. The company, known for operating strip clubs and nightclubs like Rick’s Cabaret and restaurants like Bombshells Restaurant and Bar, also disclosed its intention to develop its share buyback program. The decision follows the NASDAQ-listed company’s acquisition of three properties in Central City for potential casino developments, which will not proceed as planned. The company also intends to sell other properties that are no longer required, including a 20,000-square-foot building and another site initially intended for a 30,000- to 40,000-square-foot development.

News

Las Vegas: Tropicana operators take the next step toward implosion

The Tropicana is one step closer to coming down, after property operators submitted a commercial implosion permit application with Clark County officials on Thursday. A permit application shows Bally’s Corp., operators of the former Rat Pack-era resort, want to implode a 22-story concrete tower and a 22-story steel tower in a “single explosive event.” A spokesperson for Bally’s said the company is still expecting an October implosion. No other details were available. The company tasked with the implosion will be Controlled Demolition Inc., according to the application. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

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Gaming, Casino and Property News

Nevada sets May gaming revenue record

In Case You Missed It

June 27, 2024

Nevada set a May record with $1.32 billion in gaming revenue. It was also the eighth highest total in history as the Strip continues to benefit from a strong events calendar that boosted hotel occupancy and room rates.

The $1.32 billion rose 2.5% or $31.6 million versus May 2023. For the year, total win is up 3.2% or $202 million, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Of that, the combined total for the Las Vegas Strip and the balance of Clark County are up $207.2 million or 4.9% for the year. The Strip alone is up 3.5% for the year.

The Strip’s gaming win of $742.5 million increased 3.7% or $26.6 million and accounted for 84.1% of the statewide increase in May. Statewide win excluding the Strip increased $5 million or 0.9%, according Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst for the Gaming Control Board.

Lawton said the Strip benefited from a very robust event calendar in May. Harry Reid International Airport recorded its second highest month in passenger count in history in May.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported 3.65 million visitors in May, a 4.6% increase over May 2023’s 3.49 million. The LVCVA cited the Electric Daisy Carnival, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, and convention attendance of 461,900, up 1.8%.

Lawton said special events or other items of note included Canelo Alvarez fighting Jaime Munguia at the T-Mobile Arena on May 4 for the undisputed Super Middleweight world title. Justin Timberlake performed at the T-Mobile Arena for his “Forget Tomorrow” world tour on May 10. The Rolling Stones played Allegiant Stadium on May 11. The MGM Grand Garden Arena featured Pearl Jam for two nights on May 17-18. Maroon 5 returned to Dolby Live at Park MGM May 17-31. Garth Brooks and Adele were both in town for their residencies at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for multiple dates during the month of May. Carrie Underwood returned to the Resorts World Theatre from May 22-31.

The strong event schedule helped fill hotel rooms; overall occupancy was 86.1%, up from 84.4% a year ago. Weekend occupancy was 93.4%, up from 93.2%. Strip occupancy hit 88.5%, up from 87%. The average daily room rate on the Strip was $212, up 9% from $194 a year ago, according to the LVCVA.

The Strip’s slot win totaled $402.9 million and increased 2.6% or $10.1 million with a 6.5% or $306.3 million increase in coin-in. Slot hold was 7.99% versus 8.29% last year, Lawton said.

The Strip’s games win totaled $339.5 million and increased 5.1% or $16.4 million and drop increased 4.9% or $100 million. Games hold percentage was 15.8% versus 15.7% last year.

Strip baccarat win totaled $122.1 million, but was down $8.7 million or 6.6%. Volume totaled $758.1 million, down 2.4% or $18.2 million. Hold was 16.1% versus 16.9%. Total win excluding baccarat increased by 6% or $35.2 million.

Strip twenty-one win of $93.2 million increased 17.6% or $13.9 million. Volumes totaled $615.3 million and increased 10.43% or $58.1 million. Hold percentage was 15.15% versus 14.23% last year.

Strip roulette win of $37.4 million increased 55.5% or $13.3 million. Volumes totaled $185.9 million and increased 28.7% or $41.5 million. Hold percentage was 20.09% versus 16.63% last year.

Locals casinos generate $277.7 million in revenue in May, up 5.1% year over year. Revenue is up 10.3% for the second quarter compared to a year ago.

Downtown casinos had $74.8 million, up 1.6% over $73.6 million in May 2023. North Las Vegas had $24.7 million, up 2.1% over last year. Downtown’s occupancy reached 76.1% in May, up from 71.4% a year ago. Room rates were up 15.4% to $124.92

Elsewhere, Laughlin had $36.9 million, down 21.4% from $46.9 million a year ago. Mesquite had $16.3 million, up 8.5%. Reno had $65.2 million, down 1.1%. Sparks had $15.3 million, up 2%. South Lake Tahoe had $17.6 million, down 9.4%.

Lawton said Laughlin was impacted by slot-revenue timing in May 2023, as April 2023 ended on a Sunday and revenue was subsequently reported in May 2023. Laughlin casinos also experienced some softness in slot volume, down 5.7% even with an additional weekend day. Total win of $36.9 million was down 21.4% or $10.1 million. For the year, Laughlin is down 6.2%. Slot win was down 23.4% or $10.2 million. Slot coin-in was down 5.7% ($27.9 million), while the hold was 7.2% versus 8.9%.

Statewide, Nevada sportsbooks won $36 million, up 19.8% or $6 million compared to May 2023 on a hold percentage of 7% versus 5.7% last year. Sportsbook wagers totaled $515.1 million, down 2.3% or $12 million compared to last May, when $527 million was wagered statewide. Mobile wagers totaled $351.2 million, down 1.9% or $6.7 million and accounted for 68.2% of total wagers, Lawton said.

Statewide slot win of $886.1 million increased 1% or $8.5 million and coin-in of $12.3 billion was up $501.2 million or 4.2%. Slot hold percentage was 7.19% versus 7.43% last year.

Statewide table, counter, and card games win of $434.3 million increased 5.6% or $23.1 million and games drop of $2.9 billion, increased 4.8% or $132.6 million from May 2023. Games hold percentage was 15.13% versus 15.01% last year.

Statewide baccarat win of $126.4 million decreased 5.5% or $7.4 million and baccarat drop of $780.3 million decreased 1.8% or $14 million. Baccarat’s hold percentage was 16.20% versus 16.84% last year. Statewide total win excluding baccarat increased 3.4% or $39 million. This is the first decrease in monthly baccarat win since June 2023, ending a streak of 10 consecutive increases.

Statewide twenty-one win of $116.8 million increased 11.4% or $12 million. Volumes totaled $788.1 million and increased 12.9% or $90.2 million. Hold percentage was 14.82% versus 15.02% last year.

Statewide roulette win of $44.1 million increased 45.9% or $13.9 million. Volumes totaled $217.6 million and increased 24.9% or $43.3 million. Hold percentage was 20.29% versus 17.37% last year. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

UK teen arrested in connection to global cybercrime group that targeted MGM Resorts
- July 19, 2024

LAS VEGAS

Police in England arrested a teenager in connection with a global cyber online crime group that targeted several companies, including MGM Resorts, according to the FBI office in Las Vegas.

West Midlands police arrested a 17-year-old boy from Walsall, a town in West Midlands, England, on Thursday, July 18, the bureau posted on X Friday morning.

The arrest was made by officers from the Regional Organised Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM) and the National Crime Agency in coordination with the FBI, according to West Midlands police.

Officers took the suspect, who was not named, into custody on suspicion of blackmail and computer misuse act offenses. He was released on bail while West Midlands police continued its investigation.

Officers recovered evidence that they said included several digital devices that will be forensically examined.

The suspect’s arrest is part of a global investigation into a large-scale cyber hacking community that targeted major companies, including MGM Resorts.

“These cyber groups have targeted well-known organizations with ransomware and they have successfully targeted multiple victims around the world taking from them significant amounts of money,” Detective Inspector Hinesh Mehta, cyber crime unit manager at ROCUWM, said in a West Midland Police release.

On Sept. 11, 2023, a “cybersecurity issue” affected some of the systems for MGM Resorts International. The company shut down some of its systems to help protect the company’s data.

Nearly ten days later, MGM Resorts posted on social media stating that all operations returned to normal.

“We know first-hand the damage these criminals can do and the importance of working with law enforcement to fight back,” a spokesperson from MGM Resorts said in the release. “By voluntarily shutting down our systems, refusing to pay a ransom and working with law enforcement on their investigation and response, the message to criminals was clear: it’s not worth it.”

2023

High Stakes: The ‘life-or-death’ battle over a company name

Two stars of Australia’s new economy – the similarly named share trading platform Stake and online cryptocurrency casino juggernaut stake.com – are locked in a life-or-death court battle over naming rights amid growing concerns the gambling outfit has major plans for its home country.

Stake the share platform launched legal action in the Federal Court in August seeking to enforce its trademarks and stop stake.com, a multibillion-dollar enterprise, from using that name for its business in Australia.

The fast-growing Sydney-based share trading platform, the third-largest broker in the country, alleges that the casino group stake.com has been breaking Australian consumer law and has misled consumers through the use of its brand in Australia and its marketing, including its sponsorship of the Alfa Romeo team and the sale of apparel.

Stake the share trading platform, which owns the URL stake.com.au, alleges stake.com’s use of the name in Australia has potentially led to consumers believing the two brands are related when they are not.

The share trading platform Stake, founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs Dan Silver and Matt Leibowitz, alleges there is a threat that more consumers could be misled if stake.com is allowed to continue with its plans to grow its business significantly in Australia under the brand name Stake.

The casino group, led by Melbourne-based twenty-somethings billionaires Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, is expected to seek to have the matter summarily dismissed.

A spokesperson for stake.com said: “We are aware of a frivolous claim lodged in the Federal Court by Stakeshop, which in part claims that our global Formula One team sponsorship impinges on their ability to sell trucker hats.”

“We are proud of the global stake.com brand. As a group, we abide by the laws of the countries in which we operate, and do not offer our stake.com platform to Australian customers. We believe the claim has no legal merit and will vigorously defend our rights.”

The court case has shed new light on stake.com’s expansion plans for Australia, where it remains blocked to Australian users.

Court documents reveal the casino group has sought to buy the stake.com.au website from the sharemarket trading platform business. According to the court documents, the casino group has also registered several Australian website domains for its Australian expansion and applied to register a slew of trademarks including Stake Australia, Stake Bet and Stake Casino.

The Federal Court action comes after years of simmering tensions between the two groups over the use of stake.com’s name in Australia.

Stake.com was established in 2017 but flew under the radar in Australia until late 2021, when this masthead revealed the local origins of the business that had grown to be one of world’s largest online casinos, processing hundreds of billions of bets on sports, virtual table games and online slot machines.

In early 2022, stake.com signed hip-hop megastar Drake as its lead ambassador. Later in 2022 it signed a multi-year deal to become lead jersey sponsor for English Premier League team Everton FC as well as its sponsorship of Alfa Romeo’s F1 team.

The significant increase in stake.com’s marketing and media presence was noticed at the share trading platform group that built its user base during the COVID-inspired boom in Gen Y and Gen Z investors, thanks in part to its ultra-low cost brokerage fee model, savvy marketing and the broadening into other financial services including a superannuation product.

A spokesman for Stake the share trading platform said that since the group was founded in Australia it had built a client base of more than 500,000 and more than $2.5 billion in assets under management.

“Over the past six years, we have established a trusted and culturally relevant Australian brand that reflects our dedication to meeting customer needs. It permeates all parts of our business, spanning products, content, internal culture, customer interactions and much more, making it our most valuable asset. We are committed to protecting the Stake brand and the high level of consumer trust associated with it,” the spokesman said.

“We are concerned by the threatened use of the Stake brand in Australia by stake.com in relation to gambling, casino and sports betting services, due to the potential for customer confusion and damage to our brand and reputation.”

Stake.com is not available in Australia but according to court documents, the group is already making arrangements for a major expansion in this country and is seeking a sports betting licence.

In October 2022, stake.com casino executive Brais Pena Sanchez contacted Stake share trading founder Silver on LinkedIn and arranged a video conference meeting where the pair discussed Stake the share platform selling its Australian URL, stake.com.au, to the Curacao-registered, Australian-operated casino group.

During those discussions, Sanchez – the casino group’s chief strategy officer – informed Silver that stake.com planned to launch in Australia under the name Stakebet, or similar, according to court documents. A deal never ensued and the website remains owned by the share trading platform.

Tensions flared again in early 2023 after stake.com the casino was announced as the new team sponsor for Formula 1 team Alfa Romeo, sparking a flurry of legal letters between the two groups ahead of the Melbourne race.

According to the court documents, the casino group’s lawyers assured the share trading Stake that it would not use its logo in conjunction with the Melbourne Grand Prix and did not intend to display the name on any vehicles or uniforms or as part of the Alfa Romeo team name.

However, the share trading Stake alleges that during the four days of the Grand Prix, Stake casino logos appeared on banners for official team merchandise, the team display and on signs at the event and in the race program.

In May, Stake.com was applying to register a large number of new trademarks for goods and services. This included Stake Australia, Stake Bookie, Stake Betting, Stake Gaming, Stake Esports, Stake Casino, Stake Sportsbook, Stake Bet, Stake Punt, Stake Sports, Stake Pokes and Stake Slots.

The casino group has also registered a series of Australian website names under the “.au” domain including stakebet.au; stakecasino.au, stakesports.au and playstake.au.

The case continues.

Crown to launch digital self-exclusion scheme for casinos - July 2023

People with gambling problems will be able to ban themselves from Crown casinos over the internet instead of having to do so in person, as part of a wider overhaul of the group’s approach to harm minimisation.

Crown Resorts’ new safer gambling program also includes the establishment of a dedicated gambling policy team, which will monitor customer playing behaviour and create interventions to better prevent gambling harm from occurring.

Crown boss Ciaran Carruthers joined the business last year following an overhaul of Crown’s management, after a series of bruising inquiries into the company. Carruthers, who has led other global casino groups including Wynn Macau, said the new leadership of Crown was committed to making gambling safer, even if it meant less turnover in its casinos.

“I have been in this business for 34 years and I can tell you – no one does this,” Carruthers said.

“It is critically important to me that when I look at the long-term viability of this business that people see our resorts as entertainment to enjoy safely.”

Under the changes, customers will be able to block themselves from entering a Crown casino through a new digital self-exclusion portal. Those who wanted to ban themselves from Crown venues were previously required to visit, in person, a designated responsible gambling centre run by the group.

The group has also moved to cashless gaming at Crown Melbourne and Crown Sydney – a condition of its temporary gaming licences in NSW and Victoria– as well as introducing $10 maximum bet limits on poker machines at Crown Perth. The technological overhaul required to facilitate the changes has so far cost the business $13 million.

Carruthers pointed to changes Crown has already made which go beyond government regulation, such as encouraging customers to take breaks every three hours, as an indicator of its commitment to shifting problem gambling patterns.

The group said it wanted to establish advisory panels to work with state regulators and community groups to improve gambling harm education and share its research.

Carruthers conceded some aspects of its new approach to harm minimisation, called Crown PlaySafe, would not be welcomed by heavy gamblers. But he argued the changes would make the casinos more appealing to the general public.

Crown’s new head of gambling policy research, Dr Jamie Wiebe, said the most critical shift in the groups gambling policy was a move away from harm minimisation to prevention.

“We want to prevent a problem from ever happening,” she said.

The new program was unveiled just weeks after the Federal Court determined Crown will pay one of the biggest penalties in Australian corporate history to the financial crimes watchdog, after past anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism failings in its Perth and Melbourne casinos.

The $450 million fine is about five per cent of Crown’s last listed market capitalisation before it was taken private by Blackstone Capital for $8.9 billion in May last year.

In 2019, an investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes revealed Crown had been infiltrated by international criminal syndicates and money launderers.

Crown was forced to overhaul its board, management and procedures to satisfy the regulators, who approved a conditional licence for Crown to operate its Barangaroo casino in June 2022. The conditional licence is valid until the end of this year.

Carruthers said the integrated hospitality offerings at Crown meant the casino could afford to embrace the shift.

“I want people to enjoy the experience of our casinos whether they’re coming for dining, casino or retail. I’m fairly agnostic across which one of those experience or how many of those experiences you want to enjoy,” he said.

Reclusive Sydney gambling mogul emerges as kingmaker in South Africa - September 2023

Reclusive online gambling mogul Martin Moshal is playing an increasingly influential role in a push to oust the South African government.

Mr Moshal, who lives on the exclusive Sydney Harbour row of Camp Cove alongside shopping centre billionaire Steven Lowy, is not on many rich lists but has made a fortune from online casino technology.

Herman Mashaba is the leader of ActionSA, one of a handful of opposition parties Mr Moshal has backed in the lead up to the 2024 South African national election. Mr Mashaba, known for taking a tough line on immigration and endorsing hard labour for prisoners, is hoping the gambling tycoon will continue his support.

“I wish he won’t give up on us and help us democratically remove the [incumbent African National Congress] and bring about a peaceful transition... please help ActionSA,” Mr Mashaba said in an interview with The Australian Financial Review.

“I have been lucky to have known Martin long before I went into politics,” he added. “I approached him and he was willing to back me up because he knows me as a capitalist... Martin was one of the first to come to the party.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s social democratic African National Congress party is set to come under pressure next year amid South Africa’s dire economic troubles. A senior party official has warned the country could become a failed state.

Mr Moshal is the largest individual political donor in South Africa in the last two years. He has given 46.5 million rand ($3.8 million), according to electoral records analysed by My Vote Counts, a non-profit advocating for more transparency in politics.

“Given the amounts donated it has become clear to us he now has a large stake in our politics,” said Robyn Pasensie, a researcher at the organisation.

The size of Mr Moshal’s wealth is unknown. He is extremely private and only admitted to his ownership of online gambling giant Betway after UK journalists traced his ownership back to offshore trusts. Mr Moshal did not respond to a request for comment.

Aside from ActionSA, Mr Moshal has donated to the Democratic Alliance (DA), Build One South Africa and said he also intends to support the Inkatha Freedom Party. Mr Moshal is ActionSA’s biggest backer. The Australian Financial Review is not suggesting Mr Moshal supports the party’s policies.

“I’m not saying these parties are all perfect, but we shouldn’t let perfect be the enemy of good... They are all far better than the government we have today,” Mr Moshal told The Jewish Report earlier this year.

“Pirkei Avot was my late dad – John Moshal’s – favourite part of the Talmud within which Rabbi Tarfon is quoted as saying, ‘It’s not up to you to finish the task, but you aren’t free to avoid it’.”

Mr Moshal said he believed South Africa needed a new government and was on its way to becoming a failed state.

“[This is a] government that’s corrupt, cannot provide basic security and opportunity to its citizens... we need the change of government and leadership that these parties can provide.”

ActionSA is known for advocating for life sentences and hard labour for serious offenders and also wants to repeal the ANC’s Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy, a form of affirmative action introduced post-apartheid.

“Martin knows my views on racial policies and how dangerous they are,” said Mr Mashaba, who started off in business and was the founder of African hair care brand, Black Like Me.

ActionSA has also been vocal on immigration, views labelled as “xenophobic” by some critics and politicians.

“We recognise that South Africa was built... on the back of migrants,” said Mr Mashaba. “But they must come here legally... you break our laws, we will send you back to your country, the country where you came from.”

One of South Africa’s main economic problems is mismanagement and corruption inside the country’s electricity utility Eskom. The utility has been forced to implement rolling blackouts, which have further stymied economic growth.

“If Eskom cannot run on a commercial basis then it must die a natural death,” Mr Mashaba said, adding changes were needed to give other companies the opportunity to compete.

Mr Moshal’s Entrée Capital is one of Israel’s most active funds in the Israeli VC space. He is the beneficiary of a trust which is the largest individual shareholder in Super Group, which became the parent of Betway and online casino brand Spin after a 2022 listing. The group reported net gaming revenue of €1.3 billion ($2.1 billion) in 2022.

“Moshal is one of the least visible betting entrepreneurs in the world,” Guardian reporter Rob Davis wrote in his book Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain.

“Moshal made much of his fortune from his home in Durban where he patented a series of technological solutions for the online gambling world and developed them via his company Microgaming. The company has since become one of the industry’s leading software players”

A philanthropist, he sits on the capital management advisory committee of Sydney’s Moriah College, alongside Steven Lowy and former Babcock & Brown chief executive Phil Green. He is also a life trustee of the Moriah Foundation and previously donated to Israel’s SpaceIL project attempting to land spacecraft on the moon.

SkyCity puts aside $45m for potential AUSTRAC penalty - August 2023

SkyCity Entertainment set aside $45 million for a penalty if it is convicted of breaches of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism laws.

The financial crimes watchdog, AUSTRAC, lodged proceedings against SkyCity in December over alleged serious and systemic non-compliance with the laws at its Adelaide casino.

SkyCity said on Monday it was difficult to determine the size and timing of the penalty, given the proceedings are in the early stages. But it decided to lodge a $45 million provision on the basis that each breach attracts a maximum civil penalty of between $18 million and $22.2 million.

“Estimating the potential exposure to penalties with any degree of accuracy at this stage of that ongoing process remains challenging, particularly given the outcome is highly dependent on a range of factors which are not yet known,” a statement said.

AUSTRAC has alleged “serious noncompliance” with anti-money laundering laws against SkyCity, claiming the company allowed 59 suspicious patrons to churn more than $4 billion in dirty cash through its Adelaide casino. The independent review is on hold because of the Federal Court action.

The company cut full-year earnings expectations at an investor day in May, with a slowdown in revenue from the international business and rising legal and compliance costs related to a crackdown on money laundering weighing on its bottom line. Analysts have provisioned about $50 million for the AUSTRAC fine, but there is no guarantee that will be enough.

In late May, SkyCity announced it would hire an independent expert to review its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism programs. It is still waiting for South Australia’s investigation into whether it should hold a casino licence to recommence.

“Judgements in civil penalty proceedings bought by AUSTRAC to date demonstrate that the Court’s determination of the appropriate penalty ... is very specific to the fact in each case and that the Court will have regard to a broad range of factors,” SkyCity said.

SkyCity’s provision announcement coincided with a $45.6 million write-down of the Adelaide casino licence, which was attributed to the value and timing of future discounted cash flows.

The company said the impairment and provision were non-cash and would not affect earnings for fiscal year 2023. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation remain in line with guidance of $NZ300 million ($276.6 million) to $NZ310 million.

SkyCity’s provision comes a month after the federal court agreed on rival casino operator Crown’s $450 million fine for breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism laws. The fine is being paid over a two-year period without interest.

Shares closed on Friday at $2.09.

Hotel room rates plummet for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend - September 2023

Hotel room rates for Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend have fallen by nearly 60 percent in some cases since they were first posted last fall. But an industry expert says that does not necessarily mean interest in the event is failing to meet expectation.

When select Las Vegas resorts in November 2022 opened their booking schedules for race weekend, listed prices were as high as they have been seen in the city’s history. While still at higher than normal rates, a major decrease has occurred.

When a drop in booking pace occurs, it automatically triggers revenue management systems to suggest the lowering of room rates, according to Dr. Mehmet Erdem, professor of hotel operations and technology at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality.

Pennsylvania online casinos cross $5 billion in lifetime revenue - September 2023

Business is booming in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State is the clear market leader when it comes to online casino revenue within the US. After August’s total of $171.9 million, Pennsylvania surpassed the $5 billion threshold for lifetime revenue.

Pennsylvania online casinos are constantly upgrading and adding new content, and customers are responding. It doesn’t appear the market will be slowing down anytime soon, either.

Pennsylvania has set the US online casino revenue record four times over the last 11 months, and almost did so again. August’s revenue total of $171.9 million came second to March’s figure of $181.5 million. It was the second-best month of all time for any state with legal online casinos.

Atlantic City: Five-year turnaround of Ocean Casino Resort among city’s greatest successes - September 2023

In the winter of 2019, if any New Jersey sportsbook had tried to offer odds on the Atlantic City casino hotel then known as Ocean Resort Casino making it through another summer, no gambler in their right mind would have taken the bet.

Fast forward to the end of summer 2023, and the property now called Ocean Casino Resort is one of the city’s best performers. In fact, an argument can be made that Ocean’s rise to the upper echelon of the Atlantic City casino market is the most remarkable turnaround of any gambling parlor in history.

From its failed origins as Revel Casino Hotel to its seemingly doomed trajectory in February 2019, the $2.4 billion casino at the north end of the AC Boardwalk felt almost cursed (if you believe in that kind of stuff). But, apparently, the gambling gods decided Ocean was deserving of a better fate.

Once shunned by casino operators, responsible gaming campaign turns 25

At a time when problem gambling matters were rarely mentioned in gaming company boardrooms, Harrah’s Entertainment decided the issue needed to be raised on casino floors.

But it wasn’t just rival corporate executives that looked askance at the idea of employees learning how to spot signs that a customer might have a gambling problem.

“Our own lawyers tried to block it,” recalled Jan Jones Blackhurst, who was then a Harrah’s senior vice president. With the support of company CEO Phil Satre, she led Harrah’s launch of the casino industry’s first responsible gaming initiative in the mid-1990s.

“We had employees that wanted to be educated on the subject. They wanted to be able to help,” said Jones Blackhurst, who completed two terms as Las Vegas mayor before joining Harrah’s. “Maybe because I came out of politics. You have a responsibility to your communities, your customers and your employees. We believed it was the right thing to do.”

Sportsbooks ratchet up targeted advertising at start of NFL season

Shortly after the NFL forged authorized gaming partnerships with a host of leading sportsbooks in the 2021 offseason, operators began flooding the airwaves with a series of humorous spots that featured celebrities hawking their products.

Caesars Sportsbook spent lavishly on an ad package starring the Manning Brothers and actor J.B. Smoove as the eponymous emperor. During Super Bowl LVII last February, Kevin Hart expressed his displeasure for “taking the under” in a DraftKings spot while standing mere feet from WWE wrestler The Undertaker. Another commercial from FanDuel featured a live field goal attempt by former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, one that drifted wide left of the upright at the last second.

Former lieutenant governor calls for Nevada Gaming Commission cyber briefing after MGM and Caesars hacks - September 2023

In light of cyberattacks on MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment, former Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, now a Nevada Gaming Commission member, called for a briefing on the hacking incident to shed more light on what happened and how it can be prevented in the future.

The suggestion comes the same day the Massachusetts Gaming Commission met in executive session “to consider information related to an MGM cybersecurity issue.” It held a similar closed meeting on Monday.

After it returned to the public session on Thursday, the Commission entered into an executive session regarding security at MGM Springfield, according to the Commission agenda.

Krolicki made his comments at the end of Thursday’s five-hour meeting of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Since it was made during the public comment session, the commission could not take up the matter, but it’s likely the issue will return to the Commission and the Nevada Gaming Control Board at some point.

In the latest cyberattack that started being felt Sept. 10 and went into this week, hackers knocked slot machines out of commission and created havoc with ATMs and computer systems. MGM, which is reported by a Wall Street analyst to have lost between $4.2 million and $8.4 million a day with the hack, said its systems were operating normally across their properties nationwide as of Wednesday. Caesars reported it was hacked in late August and had customer information stolen but paid a $15 million ransom that avoided any shutdowns.

In December, the Commission approved cybersecurity regulations for the state’s gaming industry to protect operators’ information systems from attacks that could shutter casinos and compromise customer data. The rules went into effect Jan. 1. That approval came right after BetMGM reported that its customers’ personal information – including Social Security numbers – was obtained in an unauthorized manner and included information on their transactions.

In the regulations, casinos were required to do a risk assessment of their systems by the end of 2023 and take any necessary steps on an ongoing basis to ward off an attack. If any breach was successful that compromised player data, credit card information and other records, including that of employees, properties would be required to report it to gaming regulators within 72 hours.

“It would be important and enlightening given the recent events of the past week regarding cyber security and ransomware in particular at MGM and our friends at Caesars and look at how it impacts our world and regulatory responsibilities,” Krolicki said, later adding, “I think at some point in time when there’s the energy and understanding of what just happened if we could get some kind of briefing of what transpired that’s appropriate for public record and perhaps policies going forward of how do we avoid these things and if they do happen whether the reporting schemes on whether it was immediately reported to the Gaming Control Board. There are a lot of questions and a lot of publicity. It’s a global story, and I just think it would behoove all of us to get a good handle on what just happened.”

The Nevada Gaming Control Board released a statement on Sept. 13 saying Gov. Joe Lombardo and the board “are monitoring the cybersecurity incident with MGM Resorts and are in communication with company executives. Additionally, the Nevada Gaming Control Board remains in communication with other law enforcement agencies.”

Casino consultant Brendan Bussmann, managing partner of B Global, which tracks gaming boards and commissions, said the Massachusetts hearing won’t be the last and expects states across the country to hold similar sessions wanting to hear from MGM executives.

“Nevada is the second regulator that I know has raised their hand on this after Massachusetts,” Bussmann said. “It should be about what happened and how it happened, which should be considered confidential information. This is going to be a question that every regulator for both commercial gaming and tribal gaming is going to be concerned about. Since we’re still trying to figure out what happened, then we can see what tools we need as an industry to beef up our efforts on cyber-related events.”

While everyone is focused today on MGM and Caesars, this is not the first cyber attack, Bussmann said.

“This can go back to the Las Vegas Sands attacks in 2014 from the Iranians and any other data breaches that happened between then and now,” Bussmann said. “I would expect every state at a minimum has MGM and Caesars in it to at least say what happened and what can we do regulatory to help this and what can we do with testing and what can we do IT and host of things.”

Bussmann said the regulators can’t be reactionary but instead should get evidence on how it happened and use the best resources outside of the casino industry, such as security firms, to do it right.

“There’s no one better suited to regulate Nevada on this issue than the Gaming Control Board in working with law enforcement partners across the country,” Bussmann said.

2023

Casino, Gaming, Sports Betting and Pop Culture News

DraftKings lays off roughly 140 employees in corporate restructure

DraftKings is eliminating about 140 jobs, part of what the sports betting company is calling a reorganization. A majority of the eliminated positions are based in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and primarily span both engineering and HR roles related to hiring, according to someone with direct knowledge of the moves. The 140 positions amount to a low single-digit percentage of the company’s workforce. DraftKings stock jumped nearly 10% on the day to close at $16.48.

Penn Entertainment reports small year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 despite Mattress Mack payout

Despite a huge winning bet by Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and inclement weather in December, Penn Entertainment’s 2022 fourth-quarter results were consistent, according to CEO Jay Snowden during Thursday’s investors’ call. McIngvale’s bet on the Houston Astros to win the World Series via Penn’s Barstool Sportsbook cost Penn $10 million. And Snowden claimed that “severe weather in certain parts of the country”...put a drag on revenue.

Las Vegas sports news

If the Oakland Athletics relocate to Las Vegas, north Strip and downtown resort operators would strongly support the team building a $1 billion ballpark in their area. Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella confirmed that he and hotel owners from the north Strip and downtown Las Vegas met with A’s brass Wednesday. They discussed the potential of a 35,000-seat domed stadium on the Las Vegas Festival Grounds site, located on the southwest corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.

Las Vegas Strip breaks monthly revenue record

Led by a record surge on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada closed 2022 with its 22nd consecutive months of $1 billion and higher in gaming revenue and added to its record gaming revenue for the year, which was set in November. For calendar-year 2022, Nevada reported $14.8 billion in gaming revenue, topping the $13.4 billion in 2021, a 10.5% increase. The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported Tuesday that casinos collected $1.31 billion in revenue in December, a 14.3% jump over December 2021.

Sharp bettors weigh in quickly on Super Bowl; two 6-figure wagers

Patrick Mahomes needed all of his magic to help send the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl in four years. But sharp bettors don’t believe in magic. They’re banking on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII for the franchise’s second NFL title in six years. Less than 30 minutes after the Super Bowl line opened at pick’em at multiple sportsbooks, the Eagles emerged as consensus 1½-point favorites.

Governor names ex-judge George Assad to seat on Nevada Gaming Control Board

Former Las Vegas judge George Assad, who was sanctioned by judicial overseers for a punishment he meted out and lost his re-election bid after his son robbed the Bellagio in a high-profile heist more than a decade ago, was named to the Gaming Control Board on Monday by Gov. Joe Lombardo. Assad, 71, who was a Las Vegas Municipal Court judge from 2002 until 2011, will have a four-year term as a member of the board that directs the statewide agency charged with regulating and enforcing laws.

Tribes need to do a better job of coordination

Tribal organizations with departments ranging from casino gaming to health care need to do a better job of understanding everyone’s needs, thinking strategically, and working toward common goals that benefit tribes for the long term. That was the prevailing sentiment that emerged from the panel discussion, “The Top Five Things Tribal Councils Should Expect and Evaluate from Their Executive Leaders,” held at the Raving Next gaming conference in Albuquerque.

Some overdue recognition

I’ve always been a fan of awards in the gambling industry. In my mind, any recognition beyond a paycheck and a pat on the back has value. Our industry has never lacked awards. The biggest enchilada is certainly induction into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame. Like all Halls of Fame, only the most successful movers and shakers get inducted into the AGA’s Hall, no posers or wannabes. Many gaming-media companies issue awards, including regional gambling publications and newspapers that serve casino cities, although most newspapers are just trying to sell advertising to the honored casinos and companies.

Industry poised for “biggest-ever” ICE London

Clarion Gaming has confirmed next week’s ICE London 2023 will be the biggest on record, occupying 41 halls of its London ExCeL home. Having returned from the pandemic last April with a scaled-back offering, this year’s ICE will occupy 51,466 square metres of the London-docklands exhibition centre, exceeding the previous high of 49,690 m2 in 2020. Sister show iGB Affiliate London will occupy ExCel’s remaining three halls, with a week’s worth of satellite events throughout London.

Las Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings

Aided by a boost in the Las Vegas economy and tourism, Boyd Gaming set a record for revenue and adjusted earnings during the fourth quarter and 2022 as a whole, setting the stage for strong earning reports to come in February from Strip and other operators. For all of 2022, Boyd Gaming reported revenue of $3.56 billion, compared to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income was $639.4 million, or $5.87 per share, compared to net income of $463.8 million, or $4.07 per share, for 2021.

Aristocrat finalizes acquisition of Roxor Gaming

Aristocrat Leisure Limited Friday announced it has completed the acquisition of igaming supplier Roxor Gaming Limited. The deal was first announced in September 2022. Roxor will form part of Aristocrat’s igaming business Anaxi, which was rebranded in October 2022. Aristocrat initially announced the creation of a dedicated igaming business in February 2022 to pair with Aristocrat Gaming and the Pixel United mobile-first publishing business. “We’re thrilled to welcome Roxor to Anaxi and the broader Aristocrat group,” said Anaxi CEO Mitchell Brown in a statement.

Texas: Casinos in Dallas-Fort Worth? Lawmakers will consider expanded gambling

A North Texas representative has filed legislation to expand casino gambling in Texas and legalize sports betting. Fort Worth Republican Rep. Charlie Geren filed the proposal on Friday. The legislation is supported The Destination Resort Alliance, which is backed by casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands. It remains to be seen whether the bill passes in a state that in the past has been reluctant to expand gaming, but Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan have left the door open for expanded casino gambling as the legislative session that started in January begins to ramp up.

Las Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings

National (results) - Aided by a boost in the Las Vegas economy and tourism, Boyd Gaming set a record for revenue and adjusted earnings during the fourth quarter and 2022 as a whole, setting the stage for strong earning reports to come in February from Strip and other operators. For all of 2022, Boyd Gaming reported revenue of $3.56 billion, compared to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income was $639.4 million, or $5.87 per share, compared to net income of $463.8 million, or $4.07 per share, for 2021. Total adjusted EBITDAR for 2022 was $1.39 billion versus $1.37 billion for 2021. Full-year 2022 adjusted earnings were $662.0 million, or $6.07 per share, compared to adjusted earnings of $584.2 million, or $5.12 per share, for 2021.

Penn reports small year-over-year revenue increase in Q4

National (results) - Despite a huge winning bet by Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and inclement weather in December, Penn Entertainment’s 2022 fourth-quarter results were consistent…Penn’s revenue for the fourth quarter reached $1.6 billion, a year-over-year increase of 0.8%. But net income for the quarter, $20.8 million, decreased by more than 50% compared to the $44.8 million generated in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The World Series of Poker announces its full 2023 schedule

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The World Series of Poker has announced its full summer schedule with an eye on having the largest Main Event field in history and, if it happens, awarding the poker promotion of a lifetime. The 54th version of the world’s largest poker tournament runs May 30-July 18 at the recently rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas with 95 bracelet events. The No-Limit Hold ’em World Championship, known as “The Main Event,” will take place from July 3 to 17 and if it sets a record for entries, one entrant will be drawn at random to win a Main Event for Life package, buying him or her into the next 30 Main Events.

Video gambling up statewide, mostly flat in area in 2022

Illinois (slots/results) - Video-gambling terminals in Illinois continued to rake in the dough in 2022, though in our area, revenues were flat or fell slightly…the amount of money put in minus the amount paid out — amounted to $2.71 billion in 2022, a 9.5 percent increase over 2021's $2.47 billion. At the same time, the number of terminals grew by about 7.6 percent, from 41,826 at the end of 2021 to a hair over 45,000 a year later.

Officials moving forward with plans for Diamond Jacks Casino

Louisiana (Bossier City) On Feb. 1, Mayor Tommy Chandler of Bossier City met with the Foundation Gaming Group to discuss the construction activity which will soon be happening at the former Diamond Jacks Casino property…Chandler and members of his staff met with the group and the project's general contractor AnderCorp to discuss the initial details of the future transformation on this casino and hotel.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore workers rally

Maryland (Baltimore) - Unionized workers at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore are demanding raises in line with others in the gaming and hospitality industry in the city and elsewhere, saying casino revenues have rebounded since the pandemic while compensation has stalled. About 20 workers and union representatives demonstrated Wednesday in front of the casino on Russell Street near downtown, calling for raises, holiday pay and other changes. Workers said bargaining has stalled with owner Caesars Entertainment on a contract that expired in October.

The High Rollers

News

The Psychology of High Rollers: What Motivates Big-Time Gamblers?

We've all heard about them, but have you ever wondered who high-rollers really are? To get an answer to this intriguing question, we must first define this category. So, high-rollers are individuals who enjoy gambling and are willing to wager large sums of money on their favorite casino games.

Generally, they are wealthy individuals (business people, celebrities, royalty, etc.) who can afford to spend large amounts on entertainment. Of course, they can also afford to lose thousands of dollars without worrying about the consequences.

You can easily recognize them because they are usually attracted to the adrenaline rush and excitement. Sometimes they tried other adrenaline-rush activities before deciding to get involved in high-stakes gambling. You'll find them in both land-based and online casinos like Spinfever, and many of these establishments offer specially-designed perks and incentives to attract and retain this category of players.

The Role of Money: Why Do High Rollers Keep Betting Big?

Some might say it's all about the money regarding high rollers, but that's not the case. Still, it's a crucial motivator for this category of casino players when it comes to placing big stakes in brick-and-mortar or online casino sites. The potential for high payouts is a significant draw for high-rollers looking to turn their bets into big wins.

In most cases, these individuals are wealthy and have much disposable income, making it easier to take risks and place large bets. We've all heard the basic rule of gambling - don't gamble the money you can't afford to lose. These people keep getting big because they won't notice the losses even if they enter a losing streak.

Of course, we shouldn't ignore the fact that there's an opportunity for these people to win significant amounts of money. Yes, they are already wealthy, but they can always become wealthier. So, the potential rewards seem attractive to high rollers because they can get more power and influence, improve their status and prestige, and support their lifestyle thanks to the big prizes.

Beyond Money: The Other Factors that Motivate High Rollers

The chance to win substantial amounts of money can be an excellent motivator for many people. Still, it's not just the financial gains that make high rollers keep betting big. We created a list of other things contributing to this behavior and lifestyle.

The Thrill

For high-rollers, the thrill of winning and the chance of earning even more money can be compelling. The larger the bet, the greater the potential payout, and the more exciting the game becomes. This approach to this form of entertainment keeps players on the edge of their seats, which is why it's often a major factor in motivating high-rollers to place large stakes at casinos.

The Feeling of Exclusivity and the VIP Treatment

Another thing that makes high-rollers consider wagering a lot of money is the exclusivity and VIP treatment accompanying these players. Whether they prefer online casinos or their physical counterparts, it doesn't matter because the best options usually provide special perks and deals to make high-rollers join these casinos and keep coming back.

For instance, some can enter private gaming rooms or access luxurious accommodations and personalized services. Many online casinos with VIP programs provide special gifts and access to exclusive tournaments to high-rollers. Some of them have bonuses and promos designed for these users. In any case, these exclusive perks can make high-rollers feel valued and appreciated and motivate them to continue betting big at casinos.

The Challenge

Besides the potential for high payouts and unique incentives, high-rollers find this form of gambling attractive due to the challenge of playing high-stakes casino games. Games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat require a high degree of strategy and skills and offer the potential for high rewards for those who are successful. Those who enjoy a good challenge will find these high-stake games particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts

All in all, money is a significant motivator for high-rollers when it comes to using big stakes in casinos, but this is not the only thing that makes them visit these places. The exclusivity and VIP treatment, the challenge of playing high-stakes games requiring skills, knowledge, and strategy, and the thrill also motivate these players to take risks and bet big.

Casino News Newswires Special

New York, Atlantic City, Meadowlands...

Atlantic City casinos are facing threats on multiple fronts from new competitors not just in New York, but from within their own state.

That’s not great news for a seaside resort in which the amount of money won from in-person gamblers continues to lag, with seven of the nine casinos winning less from on-premises customers than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

At the East Coast Gaming Congress Thursday at the Hard Rock casino, numerous executives from some of the major casino companies in America acknowledged the opportunity of three downstate New York casino licenses — and the risk they will present to Atlantic City.

And the operator of a racetrack in northern New Jersey, just outside New York City, told media he believes New Jersey voters will authorize construction of a casino in the Meadowlands shortly after New York casinos open and New Jersey gamblers tire of paying bridge tolls and sitting in traffic to get to gambling halls in New York.

“Now more than ever we know there’s a threat coming with New York City gaming coming,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small said at the conference. “We understand the threat. We want to continue to work together to do things right to put Atlantic City into a prime position, no matter where these casinos are, that we diversify our options.”

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, is straddling both markets.

His company operates a casino in Atlantic City that is the second-most successful in the market. And Hard Rock is partnering with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen on a proposed $8 billion casino complex at Citi Field in the city’s Queens section.

If as many as three casino open in or close to New York City, Allen said, Atlantic City’s in-person gambling revenues could fall by 20% to 30%.

“We have to be prepared for that,” he told attendees at the conference.

Allen said Atlantic City’s Hard Rock will weather the storm of New York competition. But he said he does not want to see any competitors in the city close, throwing 2,000 to 3,000 people out of work in a repetition of a wave of casino closings in Atlantic City from 2014 to 2016 that saw five casinos close. Two have since reopened under new ownership.

Tom Reeg. CEO of Caesars Entertainment, which owns three of Atlantic City’s nine casinos, also said New York casinos will be a challenge. His company, too, is seeking a New York casino license with SL Green, and Roc Nation in Times Square.

“We’re pursuing that license with fervor,” Reeg said. “I share Jim’s concern about where the (Atlantic City) market is headed as we head into New York.”

Soo Kim, chairman of Bally’s Corporation, which has a casino in Atlantic City, said table games revenue from New York gamblers “will be harder to attract” once casinos open in New York City. “With casinos in New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware, there’s casinos everywhere.”

He said New Jersey can rely on its robust internet gambling market to offset some expected losses.

Concerns don’t end with New York.

Jeff Gural runs the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City, along with the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs racetrack casinos in upstate New York.

He also has a deal with Hard Rock to build a casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack — a proposal that was put on the back burner when New Jersey voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum on expanding casino gambling beyond Atlantic City in 2016.

“I’m just waiting for New York to open,” Gural said in an interview. “People will say, ‘Why am I driving over the George Washington Bridge and paying an $18 toll and sitting in traffic to go gamble?’”

Gural said the 2016 referendum failed largely because it was written to permit more than one casino in northern New Jersey without specifying where.

“People don’t want a casino in the neighborhood,” Gural said. “If we make it clear it’s only at the Meadowlands, common sense tells you there will be a casino in the Meadowlands.”

Gural said that will happen in “a lot sooner than 10 years.”

Mark Giannantonio, president of Atlantic City’s Resorts casino and of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said during Wednesday’s opening day session of the convention that Atlantic City views New York casinos as a threat.

“New Jersey has to be prepared for this, to make Atlantic City more attractive for people to visit, and there’s a lot of work to do,” he said. “Table games clearly will be impacted.”

He said Atlantic City has a “two-year window” to prepare for New York competition by cleaning itself up, improving its infrastructure, and assigning more police to the Boardwalk and other areas so visitors see a visible law enforcement presence. He also said Atlantic City needs to solve its problem with homelessness.

But Giannantonio said Atlantic City can survive the advent of new competition in an already cutthroat northeastern casino market.

“I’m always going to rely on hotel, entertainment, retail and the experience on the casino floor,” he said. “I believe in my heart that Atlantic City, with some hard work, will be an opportunity. We’re excited about the future.”

Press Release / December 22, 2023 / by IMPACT Wrestling Staff

Numerous Matches Confirmed For Countdown Show, Including Singles and Tag Team Action plus a Championship Match

Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling is back, bigger, better and longer than ever at the HARD TO KILL pay-per-view extravaganza on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The new-look TNA era kicks off with a special 1-Hour COUNTDOWN TO HARD TO KILL Show, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, airing exclusively on the TNA+ app and, in the coming weeks, TNA will announce perks for new TNA+ subscribers.

The Countdown Show features a one-on-one battle of former IMPACT Wrestling World Champions, RICH SWANN vs. STEVE MACLIN. Also scheduled for the Countdown Show: TNA Originals ERIC YOUNG and KAZARIAN team up against BRIAN MYERS and EDDIE EDWARDS (with ALISHA EDWARDS).

Plus, TOMMY DREAMER will defend the Digital Media Championship on the Countdown Show against CRAZZY STEVE.

Additional matches for the Countdown Show will be announced in the coming weeks – and the only way to see the first matches of the new era of TNA Wrestling is to download the app and subscribe.

TNA Wrestling in early December announced that it has partnered with Endeavor Streaming to deliver its global, on-demand streaming service, TNA+, starting on Friday, January 5.

Endeavor Streaming will power the new TNA+ app to deliver an enhanced user experience to all fans across the top streaming platforms, as well as mobile and connected devices.

TNA+ will be available at TNAWrestling.com, via iOS, tvOS and Android mobile apps, as well as big screen devices such as Android TV, Fire TV and Roku, with more platforms to follow. Subscribers will have the choice of a “Special Attraction” membership tier that features access to the full TNA/IMPACT Wrestling library and all TNA+ special PPV programming other than the 4-tent pole annual events offered at a price of $9.99 monthly or $95.99 per year, and a “World Championship” membership tier that includes all the perks of the Special Attraction tier, plus the 4-tent pole PPV events, offered at a price of $219.99 per year. Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.

Crown promises the safest casino in the world with new carded play - December 2023

Crown Melbourne is promising to be the safest casino in the world after spending more than $20 million developing new swipe-card technology forcing poker machine players to set binding limits on losses and time spent gambling.

The casino, which came under scrutiny after the 2021 Finkelstein royal commission concluded it had engaged in “disgraceful” misconduct, said the introduction of the mandatory cards from Thursday signalled a “new era of transparency and commitment that has not been in the gaming and entertainment industry before”.

Under the changes, gamblers using any of Crown’s 2500 poker machines will have to set maximum limits on how much money they are prepared to lose and how much time they want to spend playing. Punters will also have access to player activity statements, detailing their spending and playing habits over time, while Crown staff will use the system to track problematic gambling behaviour.

In an interview with The Age, Crown Melbourne chief executive Mike Volkert said the new technology was world first, costing “north of $20 million”.

But Volkert suggested there was unlikely to be a significant impact on Crown’s poker machine earnings, warning the greatest challenge would be educating tourists visiting for short periods who wanted to casually play poker machines.

“We need to educate them, enrol them very quickly and get them over that kind of learning curve ... I think for us [that] is probably the biggest challenge,” he said.

The introduction of the cards, which experts say is likely to put pressure on other gaming venues in Australia and internationally to introduce similar systems, comes at a tricky time for the casino.

This week The Australian Financial Review reported that Ciaran Carruthers, the chief executive of Crown Resorts, which owns Crown Melbourne, was facing an investigation initiated by Crown over allegations he intervened to allow patrons to gamble even though they had been blocked by security.

As reported by this masthead, Crown wrote to employees on Wednesday confirming it had engaged a legal firm to investigate two separate allegations that Carruthers had intervened to allow blocked patrons onto the gaming room floor, asking them to come forward with any other allegations.

The Age has extensively covered claims of poor governance and bad behaviour at Crown, including past allegations of money laundering and a failure to tackle problem gambling.

Last year, the casino, which is owned by US private equity firm Blackstone, was hit with a maximum $100 million fine for failing to stop people from gambling for more than 24 hours straight at the Southbank complex. This year it was fined $30 million for a past practice – under the previous owners – of illegally allowing punters to gamble by signing over thousands of uncleared bank cheques to the value of at least $1.5 billion.

In August, former premier Daniel Andrews announced what he said was the toughest gambling and anti-money laundering measures in Australia, promising that all pubs and clubs would be forced to introduce carded play.

That followed repeated warnings that applying the changes only to Crown could simply cause problem gamblers and money laundering to shift to other venues.

But so far the government has not said when the changes, which are likely to be resisted by the powerful clubs lobby, will be rolled out to the state’s 26,380 poker machines in pubs, clubs and hotels.

Monash University gambling expert Professor Charles Livingstone said mandatory pre-commitment provided people with a tool to control their spending on poker machines, but warned that the Allan government would need to step up efforts to expand it to pubs and clubs.

“My sincere hope is that Crown has introduced a system which will encourage people, as they’re required to, to set sensible limits to control their playing … and obviously to get on top of the money-laundering issue, which has really been a bugbear for many years down at that place,” Livingstone said.

“But I don’t think there is any doubt that until there will be a transfer at least of low-level money laundering, even up to middle-level money laundering, to pubs and clubs, until this is in place across the state.”

Crown said it was now working to roll out the cards at its Perth casino.

Volkert said Crown was “absolutely willing and happy” to share information on the rollout of new technology with other venues also facing the introduction of mandatory carded play.

“We just have to work together and we need to have a commonsense approach to ... solve some very important problems. If we can share some of that with the industry, we’re very happy to do that.”

Under the changes announced in August, players in all gaming venues will be forced to use a card to sign in and set loss limits. So-called “load limits” – the maximum amount of money a player can feed into a poker machine at a time – will also be cut from $1000 to $100, while all venues except Crown will face mandatory closure periods between 4am and 10am.

Casino News - July 2023

Online Casino Gambling in NJ Nears $1 Billion in 2023

Online Casino Gambling in NJ Nears $1 Billion in 2023 (July 14, 2023)
Online casinos in New Jersey are way ahead of last year's record-setting pace with data released on Friday by the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement showing the activity generated $149.3 million in revenue in June, an increase of 12.1 percent year-over-year for this month.

Online casinos netted more than $930 million in revenue, which represents a 12.1 percent year-over-year clip growth compared to 2022.

June’s numbers are coming in below May’s $161.4 million. Casino gambling to some extent will likely come down with fewer people betting sports during the last spring and summer months.

The DraftKings-owned Golden Nugget has reclaimed the top spot for all NJ online casinos, knocking off Borgata, which is part of the BetMGM group of casinos.

Golden Nugget took in over $41.7 million.

Half of the Recent 850 Referred Gambling Addicts at One Clinic Are Children (July 14, 2023)
More than 850 people have been referred to a clinic for video game addicts since it opened in 2020 and half of those were children, according to a report appearing in the Guardian on Friday.

The National Centre for Gaming Disorders (NCGD), a London clinic, was originally given NHS funding based on seeing just 50 people a year. That nunber, however, ballooned to 30 people a month since the end of March this year – more than seven times anticipated demand.

Loot boxes were among the chief culprits and accounted for about a quarter of those seeking treatment. These comprise of gambling-style features offering randomised rewards.

Almost 12% of patients who played video games compulsively referred to playing Fortnite, with 10% citing Minecraft, 8% mentioning Call of Duty and 4.7% using the gaming platform Roblox.

Of the 855 referrals, 408 were gamers, of whom 227 were under 18.

Maine's Head of Sports Betting Claims White Supremacist Sympathizing Tweets 'Meant to Be Humerous' (July 12, 2023)

Maine's top gambling law officer, Milt Champion, returns to work on Monday after serving a 40-hour suspension. He was also expected to undergo in-person state training on workplace harassment and social media policies.

This all stemmed from a series of tweets back in May deemed to contain racist and misogynistic subject matter.

"While the two tweets were intended to be humorous, I recognize they were anything but. They were a mistake and an error in judgment, and I apologize for my actions," Champion said in the release. "I thank the employees of the Unit for their hard work and commitment in my absence."

On May 6, Champion expressed frustration about being told “ladies” was an unprofessional term for females, and suggested “Bitches” would be more appropriate.

Sure that could be viewed by some perhaps as a bad attempt at humor.

But as Gambling911.com also noted at the time, Champion somehow felt compelled to defend a tweet by Brian Krassenstein describing the Patriot Front as a "hate group in the United States that espouses white nationalism and neo-fascist ideologies".

Kentucky Sports Betting to Go Live September 7 (July 10, 2023)

Steve Bittenbender breaks things down following today's meeting in Kentucky regarding the upcoming launch of regulated sports betting in the commonwealth.

"Monday was really just a checkpoint for Kentucky officials responsible for rolling out sports betting statewide. They still have 59 more days of work ahead of them and that's just to get brick/mortar sportsbooks up and running and 80 to get online apps live."

He had a few key takeaways:

1. Tracks and operators will be able to start applying for sports betting licenses in Kentucky as soon as tomorrow (July 11, 2023).

2. The Sept. 7 brick/mortar launch date appears to be universal, according to the KHRC, if the tracks are ready.

3. The KHRC also tells me that tracks could theoretically have one brick/mortar operator at their track and another at their HHR satellite parlor. Remains to be seen how many (if any) may take advantage of that.

As many as 27 licensees could have the ability to operate in Kentucky apparently. It's not likely we'll get anywhere close to that number.

Unibet Vows Fixes Following Gambling911 Scathing Reports (July 10, 2023)

Unibet appears to have finally recognized it can't keep allowing its website and retail sportsbook business in Pennsylvania to keep going down and making as if nothing is wrong.

The company advised its PA customers over the weekend that "site improvements are on the way".

It's about time.

Unibet has already switched over to proprietary software in neighboring New Jersey.

Our own Thomas Somach had highlighted how folks were unable to place bets with the Unibet mobile app over extended periods of time in the state. The walk-in book at The Downs at Mohegan Sun in the Lehigh Valley, which is run by Unibet, also was shuttered during this time.

The company appeared to be more concerned about customer cleanliness than they were about keeping their website and sportsbook operational.

Somach also reported on how the company’s facility at the Downs at Lehigh Valley had erected signs warning customers that if they don’t get the smell out, they can get the hell out.

Man Charged With Riding Motorcycle Through Vegas Casino (July 6, 2023)
A motorcyclist is facing numerous charges after doing wheelies along Las Vegas Boulevard and riding through a casino, and on stairs and escalators.

Las Vegas Metropolitan police posted the arrest on one of the department’s social media accounts. It said R.A.I.D. officers took the man they referred to as the “reckless rider” into custody.

The rider is yet to be identified. He was wearing a shirt that read “Till the (expletive) wheels fall off.”

“The rider thought he would never get caught,” the police post stated.

He is facing the following charges:

3 felony counts of driver disobeying police officer, endangering person or property

4 gross misdemeanor counts of disregard for the safety of person or property

4 misdemeanor counts of reckless driving

1 felony count of assault with a deadly weapon

1 felony count of child abuse and/or neglect

1 felony count of coercion with force or threat of force

Pro Sports Care More About Gambling Than Violence Against Women and Racism (July 6, 2023)

Deadspin's Carron J. Phillips writes that "if you’re talented or rich enough, it’s becoming clear what will and won’t be forgiven in sports."

Gambling on games or in team facilities will not.

"Greg Hardy got to play football again. Antonio Brown keeps hanging around. Donald Sterling and Robert Sarver made millions after selling their teams," Phillips writes.

He points out that the Titans Hassan Haskins was arrested last month for allegedly strangling his girlfriend.

"Society didn't blink," he writes.

Wouldn’t it be great if sports took racism and violence against women this seriously from the jump? Imagine where we would be if that happened.

But, for something like that to occur it would mean that society, let alone sports, would have to take a stand against both transgressions — and we know that’s a pipedream.

Now, it seems like the rest of the sports world is following the NFL’s lead — as it often does. And once you realize that the NFL is usually a mirror of society, it becomes quite clear why racism and violence against women are easily forgiven while “gambling” is a blasphemous offense.

Last week, the NFL suspended indefinitely more players for violating the league's gambling policy. They included Isaiah Rodgers, Rashod Berry, and Demetrius Taylor.

“The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility,” read the NFL’s statement after the latest round of suspensions.

Phillips does note that the New York Yankees suspended relief pitcher Jimmy Cordero on Wednesday for the rest of the season for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

ASA Bans Jake Paul Ladbrokes Tweet (July 5 2023)
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has determined that a Ladbrokes tweet violated its terms and conditions.

They claim that boxer and YouTube influencer Jake Paul was featured in the tweet and that his appeal is too geared towards minors. It's not immediately clear now many of his more than 20 million subscribers are actually teenagers. Paul does appeal to adults as well, thanks in no small part to his boxing skills.

Of course the irony in all of this is that Jake Paul now has an ownership interest in a sportsbook, Betr.

The tweet in question appeared back in February.

"@TommyTNTFury beat @JakePaul by split decision last night. So, we've got to ask the question… What's next for Jake Paul? Vote here now."

At the bottom of the tweet, the gambling company also linked to a poll with the options: "Win the re-match", "Head to the MMA", "Return to YouTube" and "Join the WWE".

it's not immediately clear what fine, if any, will be imposed.

Churchill Downs Extends Baffert Ban Through 2024 (July 3, 2023)

Churchill Downs Inc. has decided to extend Bob Baffert's two-year suspension for at least another 18 months, per a release. That would keep the Hall of Fame trainer from running horses in next year's 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

“Mr. Baffert continues to peddle a false narrative concerning the failed drug test of Medina Spirit at the 147th Kentucky Derby from which his horse was disqualified by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission in accordance with Kentucky law and regulations," Churchill Downs said in a statement. "Prior to that race, Mr. Baffert signed an agreement with Churchill Downs which stated that he was responsible for understanding the rules of racing in Kentucky and that he would abide by them. The results of the tests clearly show that he did not comply, and his ongoing conduct reveals his continued disregard for the rules and regulations that ensure horse and jockey safety, as well as the integrity and fairness of the races conducted at our facilities.

"A trainer who is unwilling to accept responsibility for multiple drug test failures in our highest-profile races cannot be trusted to avoid future misconduct. Mr. Baffert will remain suspended from entering horses at all racetracks owned by CDI through 2024. After such time, we will re-evaluate his status.”

Ohio Will Reportedly Double its Tax Rate on Sports Betting (July 2, 2023)
Mobile gambling analyst Steve Brubaker tweeted this weekend:

"Lots of chatter about Ohio doubling the tax rate on the already nearly destitute OSBs. Boo hoo. Don’t forget that this same industry marched all over the country telling legislators that the hold was only 5% and to keep taxes and fees low. Hold rate is now 8% and climbing. 60% (up arrow)."

His tweet comes after that state's House and Senate reached an agreement on a budget for the state and that budget with the budget conference committee agreeing on a version doubling the current tax rate of 10% on sports betting to 20%.

Jessica Wellman had this to offer:

Alex Cane, CEO of Sports Trade responded:

"Horrible precedent. What other businesses in Ohio are taxed by revenue, much less *over 1,000% of revenue*?"

These costs will almost certainly be passed onto gamblers in the form of less competitive lines and bonus offerings.

West Virginia House Minority Whip Foresees Sports Betting Content Creator Oversight Bill Passing in Next Session (July 2, 2023)

West Virginia House minority whip Shawn Fluharty foresees the sports betting content creator oversight bill passing in the next session.

This is proposed regulation that applies to content creators in the industry. Such concerns were in the spotlight over the past week after it was revealed that an NBA insider, Shams Charania, forced a line change based on his wrongful information while employed by a sportsbook.

Maryland already requires disclosure and independent evaluation of influencers and media partners by its regulated sportsbooks.

Fluharty tells Legal Sports Report this is bigger than the Shams controversy.

“I’m not saying FanDuel had any unclean hands here. But if they wanted to, they certainly could. That’s because there is no regulatory boundary in place,” Fluharty told LSR on Monday. “… This is kind of the forecast of what’s next in the regulatory and legislative realm. And it shines a light on something we’ve been talking about for months. You just needed a clear example, and this is a clear example.

“I think really what the Shams thing did was it blurred the lines of influencer and reporter,” Fluharty said. “ … It used to be, in Las Vegas, the public drove the lines. Now, the sportsbooks are driving the lines 100%. They have the ability to do that now. Because they can influence the public using their own people.”

Casino Theft Cage Scheme Involves at Least 3 Properties, Mexican Phone Numbers (June 30, 2023)
A scheme to dupe casino employees into thinking they were transferring money from cages to a legitimate business involves at least three casinos and Mexican phone numbers, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Friday reveal the allegations involve thefts at Circa Hotel & Casino, Eureka Casino Resort in Mesquite and the Golden Nugget in Laughlin — as well as federal investigators, including the U.S. Secret Service.

SpankOdds Free Indefinitely (June 29, 2023)

SpankOdds to be Free for All Eternity - Well, at least indefinitely. At some point the nearly one-year-old line service is likely to begin charging, but its founder, Gadoon “Spanky” Kryollos, announced via Twitter there will be no charge entering this football season (2023) at least.

SpankOdds is one of the few line services incorporating US regulated books and those out of Vegas along side offshore mainstays.

The platform bills itself as "a real-time odds monitoring and injury alerting software that gives sports bettors an advantage".

CBS Sports: Isaiah Rodgers Among Those to be Suspended for Violating League Gambling Rules (June 29, 2023)
Colts veteran Isaiah Rodgers is one of several NFL players facing full-season 2023 suspensions as part of the league's latest investigation into gambling allegations, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones - Read More
Kim Zolciak’s Estranged Husband Has His Own Issues Amid Controversial Claims (June 29, 2023)
Kroy Biermann claims he and Zolciak's financial debts are because of her gambling problem, but he has his own personal gambling bills to worry about. Zolciak appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Biermann, she claims, owes the Baha Mar Casino in the Bahamas $52K in unpaid gambling debts. The casino filed suit and the complaint has since been obtained by TMZ. According to the suit, Kroy obtained a $100,000 line of credit for use at Baha Mar Casino in advance of a November 2021 trip, and he ended up using $52,500 to gamble. The company in charge of handling Baha Mar Casino's credit line allege the reality TV star and NFL player drew $52,500 in chip markers at the casino and didn't repay the amount before leaving. Ugly divorce allegations continue. The couple's marriage fell apart after 13 years. Read More
More Gambling Suspensions Coming: Colts Isaiah Rodgers Among Them
(June 28, 2023) - Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (an arm of NBC Sports) has been doing an admirable job of covering the hypocrisy surrounding the National Football League's gambling policy and its attempts to reign in players while reaping the rewards of US regulated sports betting partnerships.

ESPN warns of more suspensions coming by week's end. We don't know who or how many, though Indianapolis Colts' Isaiah Rodgers is being named in media reports.

The good news is that the league seems to be trying harder, when it comes to properly educating players. The bad news is that flaws seem to remain.

Florio writes:

And they surely will. As previously mentioned, it becomes difficult for the NFL to have true moral authority when it comes to properly enforcing “thou shalt nots” when the NFL is stuffing its pockets full of cash from those who shalt continue to lose it.

Only when the league creates a true firewall between football and wagering will the league truly be equipped to create safeguards that players can understand, honor, and accept — especially since the entire situation currently oozes with hypocrisy.

Current Hot Headlines

Report: Colts' Isaiah Rodgers Among NFL Players Facing Yearlong Gambling Suspensions
Charles Barkley on His Gambling: 'I Wanna Be Dead Broke When I Keel Over'
DraftKings Drops Bid for PointsBet
$35K Fine Imposed After Underage Gambling At Harrah's Casino
Philadelphia Man Sentenced in Stabbing Death of Girlfriend at Atlantic City Casino

Holy Smoke! Circa Casino Scammed Out of $1 Million

(June 27, 2023) - A popular Las Vegas casino has reportedly been scammed out of $1 million in what's being called a "fire extinguisher scam".

Say what?

Erik Gutierrez, 23, has been charged with theft of more than $100,000.

He is alleged to have contacted Circa’s casino cage claiming to be the owner of the property and said he needed $320,000 for an emergency payment to the fire department in order to check fire extinguishers and other gear.

Ultimately, a cage supervisor ended up allegedly handing over $1.17 million during off-site exchanges believing they were giving it to Circa’s owner.

While Las Vegas police have recovered $850,000, $314,000 remains missing.

The casino’s CEO Derek Stevens said, “Although I love a good PR story, this isn’t one of them. Circa Resort & Casino is cooperating with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in this investigation. We greatly appreciate their efforts to date and cannot comment further due to an ongoing investigation.”

Joe Theismann Backs NFL's Gambling Crackdown
(June 27, 2023) - "We can't have fans believing games are 'fixed'," said football legend Joe Theismann, noting that he supports the league's crackdown on sports betting.

The NFL policy reinforcements and "re-education" come in response to the sport-wide surge of athlete suspensions for violating gambling rules. Sports analysts like Mike Florio still point to the hypocrisy.

"It better work. I think the NFL, because of the stringent nature of these rules that have been put in place, realizes that you just don't want to let anything seep into the game to give people the perception that the games are fixed, they're really trying to make sure of that," Theismann said Thursday during an appearance on "Varney & Co".

"From an NFL player standpoint, you think of the millions of dollars that the players are making. If you wanted to go into a facility, I guess in the off-season, it might be okay. But I don't think they're going to say if you play in the NFL, you can't gamble. But they certainly want to protect the integrity of the game as much as they possibly can. And I can certainly understand it," he continued.

Current Hot Headlines

Could Sportsbooks Stop Taking Bets on Drafts After NBA Controversy in Light of Shams Scandal?
How Reporters Can Affect Betting Lines
Survey Confirms Worst Clichés About Lottery-Loving ‘Crypto Bros’
Bare-Knuckle Fighting, Disc Golf, Futsal, Snooker, and Water Polo Bets Among 17 New Sports Betting Markets Approved in Arkansas
New Jersey Senator Proposes Bill to Regulate Sports Betting and Casino Advertising
Marcin Horecki Denies Mike Matusow as he Captures Poland's First-Ever Live WSOP Bracelet
PrizePicks Sued

(June 25, 2023) - PrizePicks has fast become a behemoth on the Daily Fantasy Sports scene with its hybrid DFS product that comes the closest to sports betting without requiring a license in most US states.

Now that the company is so big, it's also a target for what some say are frivolous lawsuits.

Case in point, a lawsuit filed this week alleges PrizePicks stole technology to use on its prop product, an accusation the company denies.

“After years of trying unsuccessfully to get us to buy its technology and intellectual property, Vetnos has now apparently resorted to a frivolous lawsuit to change our minds. That is not a good business or legal strategy. We intend to aggressively defend against this lawsuit and point out its many errors and outright falsehoods,” said Jason Barclay, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Public Policy at PrizePicks.

About Bet365

Bet365 Group Ltd (commonly known and stylized as bet365 and spoken as "bet three-six-five") is a British online gambling company based in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Denise Coates, who remains the majority shareholder and joint-chief executive alongside her brother, John.

Overview

Bet365 is an online gambling company offering sports betting and casino type games.

In addition to the company headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, Bet365 have further offices in Manchester, Gibraltar, Malta, Bulgaria] and Australia. The group employed over 4,000 people as of 2020.

Bet365 is a trading name of Hillside (New Media) Ltd. and operations including payments through the affiliate programme are carried out under that name.

History

Bet365 was founded in 2000 in a portable building in Stoke-on-Trent by Denise Coates. Denise developed a sports betting platform and trading team to launch the business online in March 2001. The business borrowed £15 million from RBS against the family's betting shop estate which had been started by Peter Coates in 1974 and had been run by Denise Coates as managing director from 1995. Bet365 sold its betting shop chain in 2005 for £40 million to Coral and paid off its loan to RBS.

Bet365 chairman Peter Coates also has the same[specify] position at Stoke City and in May 2012 Bet365 signed a three-year contract with the club to become shirt sponsors. In April 2016, the company became the new title sponsors for the club's stadium for the next six seasons, replacing fellow local enterprise the Britannia Building Society. In the summer of 2016, Bet365 also signed shirt sponsorship deals with Bulgarian clubs Ludogorets Razgrad and Slavia Sofia for the upcoming two seasons.

In February 2022, Bet365 extended their partnership with UFC. The sponsorship sees the brand named as the exclusive UFC 'Official Betting Partner' in the UK and Ireland.

Bet365's reported figures (March 2020-21) showed revenues of £2.8 billion and a profit of £470 million before tax.

Denise Coates, joint chief executive, continues to run Bet365 and is the majority shareholder with 50.1% of the shares. Her brother John, joint chief executive, runs the business alongside her, with her father Peter holding the position of chairman.

In the summer of 2019, the largest UK bookmakers and online casino operators William Hill, GVC Holdings, Flutter Entertainment, Stars Group and Bet365 entered into an agreement to transfer funds to combat gambling addiction. They agreed to increase the amount from 0.1% to 1% of gross income in the next 5 years.

On September 30th, 2021, Bet365 were announced as the official betting partner of the boxing promotion “BOXXER” along with sky Sports boxing. Additionally, Bet365 were announced as the company’s official odds partner meaning the bet platform was integrated across all digital content. (Wikipedia)

2023

Blackstone preparing to “invest significant capital” into Crown Melbourne upgrade

The President of US private equity giant Blackstone says the company is planning to invest heavily into a much-needed renovation and upgrade of Crown Melbourne following its AU$8.9 billion (US$6.5 billion) acquisition of the property’s parent company, Crown Resorts, last year.

Speaking with The Australian while in town this week, Jon Gray said he was confident Crown could become one of the world’s leading casino operators again in the coming years but that significant improvements were required across its long-time flagship operation in Melbourne.

Describing Crown Melbourne as “truly one of the kind, given its scale”, Gray explained, “Melbourne is a physical turnaround story and our objective would be to invest significant capital there and enhance the asset, which we think will be great for the community and great for tourism there as well.”

On Crown’s recent regulatory issues, which found the company deemed unsuitable to hold casino licenses in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth but given two years in each market to return to suitability, Gray added, “We want to be a best-in-class entertainment company and hotel business. We understand that there was a lot that wasn’t done right and we’ve got to come in here and operate at the highest standard, the highest standard from a compliance standpoint, but then make them as attractive as possible to customers.”

Despite the challenges still faced by Crown, which last week agreed to pay a whopping AU$450 million (US$293 million) fine to settle litigation by Australia’s financial crimes watchdog AUSTRAC, Gray has likened Crown – and particularly Crown Melbourne – to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Blackstone famously acquired the struggling Las Vegas Strip property for US$1.7 billion in 2014 and eventually sold the business for almost US$5.7 billion after investing heavily into the property.

“If you went back to that (Cosmopolitan) story, it was a company that had been built, foreclosed on and had a number of staff issues and needed capital to complete it,” he recalled. “And we went in, we brought in a lot of capital and hardware, but then software in terms of restaurants and entertainment, a great management team.”

Asked by The Australian what role Crown’s three Australian casinos could play moving forward, Gray replied, “We think these are great tourism assets. And frankly, I think tourism is one of Australia’s great growth engines. Sydney, Melbourne, Perth – these are world-class cities that people want to visit. So isn’t it a good idea to own world-class assets in those cities?

“It’s a new day at Crown. That’s what we want to convey to people – we’re committed to operating this business at the highest standard possible and ultimately, we want tourists to come back in a big way.”

2023

Casino, Gaming, Sports Betting and Pop Culture News

DraftKings lays off roughly 140 employees in corporate restructure

DraftKings is eliminating about 140 jobs, part of what the sports betting company is calling a reorganization. A majority of the eliminated positions are based in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and primarily span both engineering and HR roles related to hiring, according to someone with direct knowledge of the moves. The 140 positions amount to a low single-digit percentage of the company’s workforce. DraftKings stock jumped nearly 10% on the day to close at $16.48.

Penn Entertainment reports small year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 despite Mattress Mack payout

Despite a huge winning bet by Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and inclement weather in December, Penn Entertainment’s 2022 fourth-quarter results were consistent, according to CEO Jay Snowden during Thursday’s investors’ call. McIngvale’s bet on the Houston Astros to win the World Series via Penn’s Barstool Sportsbook cost Penn $10 million. And Snowden claimed that “severe weather in certain parts of the country”...put a drag on revenue.

Las Vegas sports news

If the Oakland Athletics relocate to Las Vegas, north Strip and downtown resort operators would strongly support the team building a $1 billion ballpark in their area. Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella confirmed that he and hotel owners from the north Strip and downtown Las Vegas met with A’s brass Wednesday. They discussed the potential of a 35,000-seat domed stadium on the Las Vegas Festival Grounds site, located on the southwest corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.

Las Vegas Strip breaks monthly revenue record

Led by a record surge on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada closed 2022 with its 22nd consecutive months of $1 billion and higher in gaming revenue and added to its record gaming revenue for the year, which was set in November. For calendar-year 2022, Nevada reported $14.8 billion in gaming revenue, topping the $13.4 billion in 2021, a 10.5% increase. The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported Tuesday that casinos collected $1.31 billion in revenue in December, a 14.3% jump over December 2021.

Sharp bettors weigh in quickly on Super Bowl; two 6-figure wagers

Patrick Mahomes needed all of his magic to help send the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl in four years. But sharp bettors don’t believe in magic. They’re banking on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII for the franchise’s second NFL title in six years. Less than 30 minutes after the Super Bowl line opened at pick’em at multiple sportsbooks, the Eagles emerged as consensus 1½-point favorites.

Governor names ex-judge George Assad to seat on Nevada Gaming Control Board

Former Las Vegas judge George Assad, who was sanctioned by judicial overseers for a punishment he meted out and lost his re-election bid after his son robbed the Bellagio in a high-profile heist more than a decade ago, was named to the Gaming Control Board on Monday by Gov. Joe Lombardo. Assad, 71, who was a Las Vegas Municipal Court judge from 2002 until 2011, will have a four-year term as a member of the board that directs the statewide agency charged with regulating and enforcing laws.

Tribes need to do a better job of coordination

Tribal organizations with departments ranging from casino gaming to health care need to do a better job of understanding everyone’s needs, thinking strategically, and working toward common goals that benefit tribes for the long term. That was the prevailing sentiment that emerged from the panel discussion, “The Top Five Things Tribal Councils Should Expect and Evaluate from Their Executive Leaders,” held at the Raving Next gaming conference in Albuquerque.

Some overdue recognition

I’ve always been a fan of awards in the gambling industry. In my mind, any recognition beyond a paycheck and a pat on the back has value. Our industry has never lacked awards. The biggest enchilada is certainly induction into the American Gaming Association’s Hall of Fame. Like all Halls of Fame, only the most successful movers and shakers get inducted into the AGA’s Hall, no posers or wannabes. Many gaming-media companies issue awards, including regional gambling publications and newspapers that serve casino cities, although most newspapers are just trying to sell advertising to the honored casinos and companies.

Industry poised for “biggest-ever” ICE London

Clarion Gaming has confirmed next week’s ICE London 2023 will be the biggest on record, occupying 41 halls of its London ExCeL home. Having returned from the pandemic last April with a scaled-back offering, this year’s ICE will occupy 51,466 square metres of the London-docklands exhibition centre, exceeding the previous high of 49,690 m2 in 2020. Sister show iGB Affiliate London will occupy ExCel’s remaining three halls, with a week’s worth of satellite events throughout London.

Las Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings

Aided by a boost in the Las Vegas economy and tourism, Boyd Gaming set a record for revenue and adjusted earnings during the fourth quarter and 2022 as a whole, setting the stage for strong earning reports to come in February from Strip and other operators. For all of 2022, Boyd Gaming reported revenue of $3.56 billion, compared to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income was $639.4 million, or $5.87 per share, compared to net income of $463.8 million, or $4.07 per share, for 2021.

Aristocrat finalizes acquisition of Roxor Gaming

Aristocrat Leisure Limited Friday announced it has completed the acquisition of igaming supplier Roxor Gaming Limited. The deal was first announced in September 2022. Roxor will form part of Aristocrat’s igaming business Anaxi, which was rebranded in October 2022. Aristocrat initially announced the creation of a dedicated igaming business in February 2022 to pair with Aristocrat Gaming and the Pixel United mobile-first publishing business. “We’re thrilled to welcome Roxor to Anaxi and the broader Aristocrat group,” said Anaxi CEO Mitchell Brown in a statement.

Texas: Casinos in Dallas-Fort Worth? Lawmakers will consider expanded gambling

A North Texas representative has filed legislation to expand casino gambling in Texas and legalize sports betting. Fort Worth Republican Rep. Charlie Geren filed the proposal on Friday. The legislation is supported The Destination Resort Alliance, which is backed by casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands. It remains to be seen whether the bill passes in a state that in the past has been reluctant to expand gaming, but Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan have left the door open for expanded casino gambling as the legislative session that started in January begins to ramp up.

Las Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings

National (results) - Aided by a boost in the Las Vegas economy and tourism, Boyd Gaming set a record for revenue and adjusted earnings during the fourth quarter and 2022 as a whole, setting the stage for strong earning reports to come in February from Strip and other operators. For all of 2022, Boyd Gaming reported revenue of $3.56 billion, compared to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income was $639.4 million, or $5.87 per share, compared to net income of $463.8 million, or $4.07 per share, for 2021. Total adjusted EBITDAR for 2022 was $1.39 billion versus $1.37 billion for 2021. Full-year 2022 adjusted earnings were $662.0 million, or $6.07 per share, compared to adjusted earnings of $584.2 million, or $5.12 per share, for 2021.

Penn reports small year-over-year revenue increase in Q4

National (results) - Despite a huge winning bet by Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and inclement weather in December, Penn Entertainment’s 2022 fourth-quarter results were consistent…Penn’s revenue for the fourth quarter reached $1.6 billion, a year-over-year increase of 0.8%. But net income for the quarter, $20.8 million, decreased by more than 50% compared to the $44.8 million generated in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The World Series of Poker announces its full 2023 schedule

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The World Series of Poker has announced its full summer schedule with an eye on having the largest Main Event field in history and, if it happens, awarding the poker promotion of a lifetime. The 54th version of the world’s largest poker tournament runs May 30-July 18 at the recently rebranded Horseshoe Las Vegas with 95 bracelet events. The No-Limit Hold ’em World Championship, known as “The Main Event,” will take place from July 3 to 17 and if it sets a record for entries, one entrant will be drawn at random to win a Main Event for Life package, buying him or her into the next 30 Main Events.

Video gambling up statewide, mostly flat in area in 2022

Illinois (slots/results) - Video-gambling terminals in Illinois continued to rake in the dough in 2022, though in our area, revenues were flat or fell slightly…the amount of money put in minus the amount paid out — amounted to $2.71 billion in 2022, a 9.5 percent increase over 2021's $2.47 billion. At the same time, the number of terminals grew by about 7.6 percent, from 41,826 at the end of 2021 to a hair over 45,000 a year later.

Officials moving forward with plans for Diamond Jacks Casino

Louisiana (Bossier City) On Feb. 1, Mayor Tommy Chandler of Bossier City met with the Foundation Gaming Group to discuss the construction activity which will soon be happening at the former Diamond Jacks Casino property…Chandler and members of his staff met with the group and the project's general contractor AnderCorp to discuss the initial details of the future transformation on this casino and hotel.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore workers rally

Maryland (Baltimore) - Unionized workers at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore are demanding raises in line with others in the gaming and hospitality industry in the city and elsewhere, saying casino revenues have rebounded since the pandemic while compensation has stalled. About 20 workers and union representatives demonstrated Wednesday in front of the casino on Russell Street near downtown, calling for raises, holiday pay and other changes. Workers said bargaining has stalled with owner Caesars Entertainment on a contract that expired in October.

2022

Casino, Gaming and Sports Betting News

‘Most torturous year of my life’: Russell Crowe on making Poker Face

A tech billionaire hosts a high-stakes poker game between friends, but the evening takes a turn when long-held secrets are revealed, an elaborate revenge plot unfolds, and thieves break in.

Russell Crowe calls his time creating the movie Poker Face “one of the most torturous 12 months of my life”.

The Oscar-winning Hollywood star was called on to perform the movie-making miracle a week after his father John died, before the film had been cast and with a script that had to be substantially reworked just five weeks before shooting began.

“I’m not sure what to tell you about this [movie]. [It’s about being] put forward in a position of when things are imperfect, and an example of that kind of situation couldn’t be more personified by how this film came to me,” Crowe told a crowd at a screening of the film in Sydney last week.

“They had this American fella [Gary Fleder] who was down here, setting it up and preparing it and that sort of stuff, and he had a family situation arise ... and he left.

“Now about a week before that, my dad had actually died, so I was in that kind of strange cycle ... and they came to me and they said ‘Look, here’s a thing. Do you want to take over this production? It’s not cast ... and you’ve got like five weeks before you start.’”

Crowe not only stars in the film, which premiers on streaming service Stan on Tuesday night, he is also its director and has a screenplay credit.

Filmed in Australia last year, the movie is about tech billionaire Jake Foley (Crowe) who hosts a high-stakes poker game with childhood friends. It is a mix of thriller and drama, with an overarching theme of a man examining his legacy....

Gambling.com acquires Casinos.com from Caesars

During last week's Gambling.com earnings call, the company announced that it has acquired the Casinos.com domain name from Caesars. Terms of the deal were not shared on the earnings call.

From Domain Investing:

Here’s what Charles Gillespie, CEO of Gambling.com, stated about the acquisition of Casinos.com on the earnings call:

“To continue to best position ourselves for the future of iGaming around the world, we recently completed the acquisition of a superstar marquee domain, which, in our view, is the single most desirable and valuable domain name for companies in our line of business, Casinos.com.

The addition of Casinos.com to our already best-in-class domain portfolio enables us to build another powerhouse global brand alongside Gambling.com using our existing teams, technology and knowhow.”

Here’s what Charles Gillespie, CEO of Gambling.com, stated about the acquisition of Casinos.com on the earnings call:

“To continue to best position ourselves for the future of iGaming around the world, we recently completed the acquisition of a superstar marquee domain, which, in our view, is the single most desirable and valuable domain name for companies in our line of business, Casinos.com.

The addition of Casinos.com to our already best-in-class domain portfolio enables us to build another powerhouse global brand alongside Gambling.com using our existing teams, technology and knowhow.”

Since the deal closed in the Fourth Quarter of this year, perhaps the acquisition cost of Casinos.com will be reported in the company’s next quarterly report. In fact, in the company’s quarterly report for activity through September 30th, the company mentioned the acquisition in the section covering events after the reporting period. “In November 2022, the Company acquired the Casinos.com domain name,” the company shared.

It does not appear that Caesars did much with the Casinos.com domain name. Using Archive.org, I can see the domain name was used to forward traffic to Caesars website. Judging by the coming soon page, it looks like Gambling.com has plans to build Casinos.com into a uniquely branded casino-related platform.

*click here for full article

(Domain Investing)

Australia's Star says regulator-named manager to run Sydney casino - 17th October 2022

SYDNEY, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Australia's Star Entertainment Group (SGR.AX) said on Monday a regulator-appointed manager would be stepping in to run its Sydney casino after an investigation by an independent commission found it had failed to prevent money laundering and criminal activity.

The firm was fined A$100 million ($62 million) by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC), which also suspended its license to operate the casino in Sydney, effective Oct. 21, Star said in a statement.

The commission appointed Nicholas Weeks as the manager, who will assume full control from Friday for the next 90 days to ensure the casino is compliant with all relevant laws.

The suspension period will be crucial for Star to prove its merit to hold a casino license.

Weeks' authority as a manager of Star's assets are limited to the operational needs of the casino.

"The period during which the manager has control will enable the exploration between the NICC and the operator and TSEG (The Star Entertainment Group) of the possibility that the former operator may be capable of demonstrating to the NICC it may become suitable to hold a casino licence," the commission said in its notice to Star.

Keeping the casino operational is in public interest to protect the thousands of jobs at risk, the notice said.

The decision to slap Star with the maximum fine possible comes on the first day on the job for Star's new Chief Executive Robbie Cooke.

Star's shares on the Australian bourse are on a trading halt.

Australia's gambling industry has been in the spotlight in recent years, with public inquiries lashing its biggest casino operators due to lapses in money laundering protections

(This story has been corrected to say licence suspended effective Oct. 21, not Oct. 2 in the second graph)

The United States Igaming Revenue Report - August 2022

National (igaming/results) - Deke Castleman, CDC Gaming Reports - Total igaming revenue for August 2022 in the six igaming states totaled $394.7 million, up 22.9% from August 2021…New Jersey was $131.4 million, reflecting growth of 16.1%...Michigan produced $130.9 million in revenue, up 34.2% higher. Pennsylvania online gaming revenue was, $107.2 million, 17.3% higher than August 2021…Connecticut operators, DraftKings and FanDuel won $13.1 million and $8.8 million…West Virginia igaming revenue was $10.8 million, more than double the $4.5 million result from August 2022…Delaware’s internet casinos essentially tied their record igaming revenue of $1.3 million, a 30% leap over August 2021.

Nebraska’s first casino to open Saturday

Nebraska (Lincoln) - Paul Hammel, Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska’s first casino is expected to open Saturday morning in the Capital City, pending approval by the state gaming commission. A temporary casino, located at the Lincoln Racecourse Thoroughbred track, is scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with more than 400 slot machines ready to go. “We have every expectation that we’ll get a license,” said Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic wing of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and operator of WarHorse.

Prop 27 Campaign Switching Tactics in CA Sports Betting Push

California (sports) - Matthew Waters, Legal Sports Report - The campaign behind Prop 27, the push for legal online CA sports betting, is changing its tactics with just six weeks to go. Yes on 27 pulled all of its TV ad buys in major California markets this week, the San Francisco Chronicle reported…the campaign is only advertising on broadcast spots in the Los Angeles market. A spokesperson from the campaign said the standard TV ads from both sides are “not benefiting anyone.” Instead, funding will be used for direct mail and digital advertising.

Chinese Ambassador warns crimes harmful to relations

Asia (China/Philippines) - Inside Asian Gaming - China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, has warned that the proliferation of crime linked to the country’s Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry are harmful to relations between the two nations. Philippine News Agency reports that Huang issued a statement on Wednesday in which he reiterated that China firmly opposes all forms of gambling and will continue to take strong measures against it.

MGM CFO talks acquisitions, divestitures, and strength of Las Vegas

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming Reports - Speaking to the Deutsche Bank Leveraged Finance Conference on Tuesday, MGM Resorts International CFO Jonathan Halkyard touted the strength of the Las Vegas Strip, especially convention business, and spoke glowingly about the casino-giant’s property and company transactions. Halkyard also discussed the second quarter and closing on the sale of its REIT to VICI Properties for $4.5 billion. He cited MGM’s acquisition of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and paired that with the $1 billion sale of the operation of the Mirage to Hard Rock International. “Together, these two transactions have materially improved the portfolio in Las Vegas,” Halkyard said.

Nevada esports-wagering expansion moving forward

Nevada (esports) - Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming Reports - Nevada’s Esports Technical Advisory Committee asked the state’s Attorney General’s office Wednesday to draw up regulations that would permit widespread esports betting on tournaments and championships starting in 2023. The committee will meet on Oct. 24 to review and finalize the regulations and forward the package to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and eventually the Nevada Gaming Commission.

‘We’re just getting started’: Las Vegas gets its parade

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Mike Grimala, The Sun - On Sunday, the Las Vegas Aces delivered the city its first major league sports championship. On Tuesday, the city delivered for the Aces, as several thousand fans packed the area around the Bellagio fountains for the team’s historic title celebration. The atmosphere was one of triumph as the Aces rallied to commemorate the franchise’s victory against the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA Finals.

Famed Israeli chef opening 2 restaurants in The Venetian

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Johnathan L. Wright, Review-Journal - Eyal Shani — the celebrated chef with restaurants in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Oceania and his native Israel — is bringing his take on Mediterranean cooking to the Las Vegas Strip with the debut of two restaurants at The Venetian. Miznon, serving fast-casual Israeli street food, is planned to open in late 2022. HaSalon, offering seasonal ingredients and a menu with nightly changes, is scheduled to launch in 2023. Both will be in the Palazzo Tower of The Venetian.

Regulators consider $100K fine against William Hill

Nevada (regulation) - Richard N. Velotta, Review-Journal - The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday will consider slapping the Caesars Entertainment Inc.-owned William Hill sportsbook with a $100,000 fine, following a four-count complaint filed in August by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The Control Board accused William Hill of violating gaming regulations by failing to promptly resolve a system failure that affected more than 50,000 bettors since 2015.

Wynn Resorts seeks dismissal of lawsuit from massage therapist

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Richard N. Velotta, Review-Journal - Attorneys for Wynn Resorts Ltd. are seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a Wynn Resorts massage therapist earlier this month, and a hearing has been scheduled in October. Attorneys Robert Eglet, Tracy Eglet and Danielle Miller filed a lawsuit on Sept. 1 in Clark County District Court on behalf of Brenna Schrader, who alleges the company continues to create a hostile work environment and retaliate against her years after then-CEO Steve Wynn forced her to act as an “on-call sexual servant.”

Newest casino is nearly set to open in Newburgh Mall

New York (Newburgh) - Chris McKenna, Times Herald-Record - Hundreds of black slot machines and table games are in place and waiting to be fed cash, spread across a couple acres of blue and orange carpeting where the Bon Ton department store used to be. Within the next three months, New York's newest casino is expected to open its doors, a playground of electronic gambling devices inside the Newburgh Mall that will operate 20 hours a day. Resorts World Hudson Valley will feature 1,200 machines in all, most of them slots, but also 82 unmanned imitations of typical casino offerings like craps, roulette and blackjack.

Pennsylvania GCB issues fines for underage gambling

Pennsylvania (regulation) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Wednesday approved three consent agreements during a public meeting resulting in $280,825 in fines for two gaming operators. Two approved consent agreements, producing fines of $160,000 and $100,825, Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County. The third fine of $20,000 resulted from negotiations between the OEC and Pilot Travel Centers and PJF Southeast, operator of two Video Gaming Terminal establishments.

BetMGM announces partnership deal with NBC Sports, replacing PointsBet

National (sports) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - BetMGM, and NBC Sports Wednesday announced a new partnership for the 2022 NFL season highlighted by weekly integrations on Football Night in America and content across other NBC Sports platforms. BetMGM replaces PointsBet, which had signed a similar integration deal with NBC last year, but recently opted out. “It is a tremendous opportunity to partner with the talented team at NBC Sports and have the ability to engage with football fans nationwide,” said BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost.

ESPN Updating, Expanding, Prioritizing Sports Wagering Content

National (sports) - Chris Altruda, Sports Handle - ESPN may still not know its sports wagering end game with regard to whether it will have its own sportsbook or partner with one, but the Disney-owned network and multimedia platform is definitely making the commitment to content as betting continues to expand across the United States. ESPN recently announced an expansion of programming that includes new shows across multiple platforms and expanded roles for on-air talent. The moves, which coincided with the start of the NFL season — the primary driver of sports betting in the U.S. — are designed to keep ESPN front and center in a rapidly changing landscape where content is available at every turn.

Cavaliers, Bengals, Guardians, racinos and more approved for sports betting

Ohio (sports) - Donald Emmons, OH Bets - The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) approved sports betting licenses for 10 sports gaming proprietor and four sports gaming supplier applicants during its Wednesday morning meeting in Columbus. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Guardians, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Football Club of Cincinnati were among those approved for sports gaming proprietor licenses. Also approved for the same type of license were MGM Northfield Park, Eldorado Gaming at Scioto Downs, Hollywood Casino Columbus, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, and Belterra Park in Cincinnati.

Tulalip Casinos Celebrate Opening of New Retail Sportsbooks

Washington (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino have celebrated the opening of two retail sportsbooks. The events featured Seattle Mariners great and Baseball Hall of Fame member Randy Johnson at Tulalip Resort Casino, and Seattle Seahawks legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Steve Largent at Quil Ceda Creek Casino. “Like all of us at Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino, the DraftKings team is committed to excellence, and we intend to give local sports fans an experience that can’t be beat,” said Brandon Jones, Sportsbook Manager at Tulalip Resort Casino.

Tulalip To Host Hiring Fair for Over 100 Job Openings

Washington (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - Tulalip Resort Casino, Quil Ceda Creek Casino and Tulalip Bingo & Slots will offer starting hourly wages ranging between $16 and $31.64 at the “Tulalip Hiring Fair” Thursday, Sept. 22, between 9am and noon. There will be on-the-spot hiring for more than 100 job openings, including scores of newly created positions. Offer bonuses for select positions will be offered ranging between $250 and $1,000, and application assistance will be available starting at 9am. The event will be held at the Tulalip Hiring and Training Center.

Arizona reports $41.6 million in contributions

Arizona (Indian gaming) - KECY - The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) reports of $41.6 million in tribal gaming contributions. Furthermore, this amount represents an increase of 2.1 percent when compared to first quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. “Arizona’s tribal gaming industry continues to impress, with a quarterly contribution record of $41.6 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund,” said Ted Vogt, Director, ADG.

Gila River Branding Entitlement on Arizona Coyotes Home Jerseys

Arizona (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - The Arizona Coyotes and Gila River Resorts & Casinos have announced a multi-year partnership extension agreement that provides Gila River with the branding entitlement on the Arizona Coyotes official home jerseys. The announcement marks the first time in NHL history that a Native American-owned gaming enterprise will have its logo on an NHL team jersey. The Gila River Resorts & Casinos logo will be on the Coyotes’ black Kachina jerseys for all home games played at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena beginning in October for the 2022-23 season. Additionally, Gila River will be the season-long presenting sponsor and participate in a variety of community activations throughout the season.

Casinos, retailers, other employers host job fairs in metro Phoenix

Arizona (Indian gaming) - Russ Wiles, Arizona Republic - Many employers remain in a hiring mode, although a recession might be looming. In fact, 85% of businesses say they’re actively hiring, according to a national survey by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That’s up from 81% in the spring. Many Phoenix area employers are turning to job fairs and special promotions to lure applicants. Talking Stick Resort will host a job fair Sept. 27 for hospitality positions there and at sister property Casino Arizona…Some positions will pay a $1,500 signing bonus. Benefits include a 401(k) retirement-plan company match, education assistance and medical, dental and life insurance. Paid time off is available for full- and part-time employees.

Echo Zulu Swings Back into Action in Dogwood

Kentucky (racing) - Byron King, Blood-Horse News - Last year's champion 2-year-old filly, Echo Zulu , scratched moments before the start of the June 11 Acorn Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park due to perceived unsoundness when headed to the starting gate, regroups under the evening lights at Churchill Downs in the $275,000 Dogwood Stakes (G3) Sept. 24. After the L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds-owned filly received a subsequent clean bill of health…She walked for a few weeks and didn't resume a workout schedule until mid-August at Saratoga Racecourse for Steve Asmussen.

Rich Strike Breezes at Churchill Ahead of Lukas Classic

Kentucky (racing) - Corrie McCroskey, Blood-Horse News - Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Rich Strike worked at Churchill Downs Sept. 21 in preparation for the Oct. 1 Lukas Classic (G2), according to trainer Eric Reed. The son of Keen Ice breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 with regular exercise rider Gabriel Lagunes aboard. He ranked ninth fastest out of 19 horses who worked Wednesday. "He worked very relaxed, I couldn't have been happier with the way he finished up, that's what we wanted," Reed said.

12-Year-Old Racehorse Retires as Winner in 100th Start

Kentucky (racing) - Byron King, Blood-Horse News - On a day when owners began plotting the careers of million-dollar horses purchased at the start of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Sept. 12, the connections of a $3,000, 12-year-old claiming horse celebrated an auspicious conclusion to his career in a lower-level race at Arizona Downs .In his 100th race, a milestone start his connections had targeted for the veteran campaigner to wrap up his racing career, Joe Wheeler and Curt Ferguson's Success Rate bowed out a winner, scoring by 1 3/4 lengths in a six-furlong race with a $9,525 purse.

DAZN, LiveScore and WSC debate betting and media

Europe (SBC Summit) - Ted Orme-Claye, SBC News - The third panel of day one on the SBC Leaders track at this week’s Barcelona Summit dived into a topic that has been on the minds of many over the past year – the convergence of media and betting. Appearing on the discussion were three speakers with extensive experience of this field – DAZN CEO Shay Segev, LiveScore Group CEO Sam Sadi and WSC Sports CEO and Co-Founder Daniel Shichman… Returning to the media-betting perspective, he added: “Even if you’re in the media space, you can’t be satisfied with delivering sports and taking advertising and subscription revenues.

ECA Casino Industry Forum heads to Baden

Europe (Austria) - Phil, G3 Newswire - The ECA Casino Industry Forum takes place in the picturesque Austrian town of Baden from September 27-30, 2022. It is the gathering place for Europe’s leading casino operators to discuss the challenges, opportunities, trends, and developments in land-based and online casino gaming. Casino Baden plays host to over 60 guests at this year’s event, marking the return of the ECA Casino Industry Forum after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

Government continues crackdown on illegal gambling

Americas (Columbia) - James, G3 Newswire - Coljuegos, reported that it carried out 41 inspections in the department of Córdoba and that it removed 544 gaming machines that were operating illegally. Coljuegos added that if the machines had been operating legally, then they would have generated 8,182 million Colombian pesos (about US$1.84 million) in operator fees plus VAT of 3,157 million pesos (about US$ 712,000). At the same time the board reported that the 30 municipalities of Córdoba, between 2020 and so far this year received about 50,089 million pesos, (US$11.3 million), from the legal gaming sector, in fees and taxes.

Delaware breaks igaming record again in August

Delaware saw both revenue and handle rise in August. Igaming revenue hit $1.3m (£1.14m/€1.3m), up 37.2% from $945,512 at the same point last year. It was also marginally higher than the previous record of $1.25m that was set in July 2022. Players spent $36.8m on igaming in August, up 69.6% year-on-year, but down 6.6% from $39.4m during the July 2022 peak. Retail sports betting generated $354,444 during August, which was up 439.7% from $65,678 at the same time last year, but 7.5% lower than the $383,249 recorded in July this year. Bettors wagered $2.9m on sports in August, which was down 40.8% from $4.9m at the same time last year and up by 7.4% on $2.7m in July. (HGS)

Truist Securities praise southern California tribal casinos

The analysts at Truist Securities have pointed to the “amazing” depth and size of the southern California tribal casino market. After visiting six casinos between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Truist team said the properties had “fresher, more diverse” slot floors compared with comparable regional market properties, and that the tribes tend to refresh 10-25% of the slot floor annually (versus 5-10% for commercial casinos). With regard to sports betting, financial expectations were “modest,” but the key issue was about tribal sovereignty and the fact that Prop 26 would give the tribes full control of further regulations such as online casino. (JP)

Bally’s applies to offer mobile sports wagering in Illinois

Bally’s has applied for a Management Services Provider license from the Illinois Gaming Board. Bally’s plans to operate as Bally Bet, but it is unclear whether it would do so as part of its casino in Chicago or its Rock Island casino near the Iowa border. The application follows BetMGM’s entry to the state in March. Barstool Sports also received its license in March. Bally Bet launched mobile betting in Iowa in July 2021, clocking up $4.3m, of which $2.3m was recorded in the first eight months of this year. FanDuel and DraftKings account for roughly 65% of Illinois’ $496.1m mobile handle, according to data from July. The state launched mobile betting in June 2020. (HGS)

Disney CEO continues to create confusion about ESPN’s sports betting plans

Having told a conference that it was “working hard” on a sports betting app, Disney CEO Bob Chapek had to row back on his comments when he then told CNBC that ESPN “was never going to be a book” and was instead seeking a sports betting partner because ESPN was able to provide “frictionless sports betting” to fans. Chapek’s comments echoed those of ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, who told The Athletic in June that the company “can be doing more. We need to be serving the sports fan with what they’re expecting, and taking the friction out of the process.” (JP)

Nevada esports-wagering expansion moving forward

Nevada’s Esports Technical Advisory Committee asked the state’s Attorney General’s office Wednesday to draw up regulations that would permit widespread esports betting on tournaments and championships starting in 2023. The committee will meet on Oct. 24 to review and finalize the regulations and forward the package to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and eventually the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issues fines for underage gambling, licensing issues

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Wednesday approved three consent agreements during a public meeting resulting in $280,825 in fines for two gaming operators. Two approved consent agreements, producing fines of $160,000 and $100,825, stemmed from negotiations between the Office of Enforcement Counsel and Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County.

Cavaliers, Bengals, Guardians, racinos and more approved for Ohio sports betting licenses

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) approved sports betting licenses for 10 sports gaming proprietor and four sports gaming supplier applicants during its Wednesday morning meeting in Columbus. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Guardians, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Football Club of Cincinnati were among those approved for sports gaming proprietor licenses.

Nebraska’s first casino to open Saturday, pending OK of license; state launches self-exclusion program

Nebraska’s first casino is expected to open Saturday morning in the Capital City, pending approval by the state gaming commission. A temporary casino, located at the Lincoln Race Course Thoroughbred track, is scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with more than 400 slot machines ready to go... In preparation for the opening, problem gamblers are being urged to file a “voluntary self-exclusion form” to bar their admission to the casino and the temptation to gamble.

Bragg Gaming, Bally’s Interactive, enter igaming content development partnership

Bragg Gaming Group Wednesday announced that it has entered an igaming content development partnership with Bally’s Interactive, the digital arm of Bally’s Corporation. Per the agreement, Bally’s Interactive online brands including Virgin Casino, JackpotJoy and Vera&John, will launch content from Bragg’s proprietary slots studios, including Atomic Slot Lab and Indigo Magic.

Great Canadian Gaming: Next year looks great

Fitch Ratings recent B+ rating on Great Canadian Gaming Corp.’s long-term debt reflected optimism in the company, which is owned by Apollo Management. Senior secured debt got a B+, unsecured debt a B-. According to Fitch, the ratings reflect healthy generation of discretionary free cash flow and a recovering Canadian casino economy.

California: YouTube slots influencer Brian Christopher hosts first group slot pull on his Pop’N Pays More game

Live online slots player and YouTube star Brian Christopher visited Jamul Casino in the San Diego area over the weekend to launch three of his own branded slot machines. The new Pop’N Pays More slot machines were installed on Sept. 14 with many guests rushing to play them immediately.

Washington: Tulalip Resort, Quil Ceda Creek casinos open DraftKings Sportsbooks

Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Creek Casino each opened a DraftKings Sportsbook [Tuesday] with celebratory appearances by two Seattle sports legends.

France: FDJ enters ‘exclusive negotiations’ to acquire horse betting operator ZEturf

La Française des Jeux (FDJ) is apparently seeking an expansion of its standing in the French betting space, targeting an acquisition of ZEturf Group...a horse racing betting operator as well as the company behind the ZEbet brand.

Relax Gaming debuts in Colombian igaming market via MegApuestas deal

Relax Gaming has marked its entry into the Colombian igaming market through a deal with operator MegApuestas, which sees the supplier make its tier one games available to Colombian players.

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The Media Man Group including Media Man Int, Media Man Australia, Casino News Media, Global Gaming Directory, Hottest On TV, Wrestling News Media, Bitcoin News Media and Cafe News Media have searched the world once again and deliver some of the freshest, most up-to-date casino, gaming, sports and pop culture news and intel to be found anywhere.

Nevada Gaming Control Board preparing for disciplinary hearing against Steve Wynn

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Tuesday confirmed that it is preparing for a disciplinary hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission against former Wynn Resorts Ltd. CEO Steve Wynn on sexual harassment charges. Wynn, now a Florida resident, has said that because he is no longer licensed by state gaming regulators and has divested all financial connections with the company that he believes he is no longer subject to its discipline.

The plan for a downtown Chicago casino now has a surprising ally: river lovers

Chicago’s push for a casino has stirred fervent debate focused mostly on the predictable: whether the right site was chosen, how much tax revenue it will generate and whether it will worsen noise, traffic or problem gambling. But river advocates and ecological preservationists see the complex in a different light. To them, the Bally’s plan to replace the Tribune printing plant in River West can be a meaningful next step in the ongoing makeover of the city’s riverfront — if done right.

Ontario: More staff back, but border issues continue to be a challenge for Caesars Windsor

While the bulk of the staff at Caesars Windsor have returned to work, officials say there's still more work to do as they prepare for the fall. Back in March, unionized workers at Caesars voted 93 per cent in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, covering the roughly 1,800 workers at the casino. With restrictions related to COVID-19 mostly lifted, one of the remaining issues involves the border and being able to get more visitors from the US back.

Michigan Gaming Control Board highlights need for gaming education

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is trying to do its part to help raise awareness on responsible gaming among the state’s youth in tandem with the American Gaming Association’s “Responsible Gaming Education Month.” According to a press release from the MGCB, and citing statistics from the National Council on Problem Gambling, between 60% and 80% of high school students say they’ve gambled for money in the past year, and some 4% to 6% of them are considered gambling addicts.

Mixed ruling filed in Apple, Google, Meta social casino case

The Northern District of California issued an opinion partly siding with social casino users late last week, determining that the defendants, Apple, Google, and Meta Platforms defeated only two of three theories of liability on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act grounds.

Caesars Atlantic City debuting the first east-coast location of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

What’s opening next? This question applies to all three of Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City casinos. There are so many projects on the to-do list that something new is debuting every month.

Survey suggests many in Ontario cool to sports wagering

Over three months after the full launch of Ontario’s sports-betting industry, a survey conducted by Canada Sports Betting suggests a majority of people in the province haven’t taken to wagering on athletic events. Canada Sports Betting surveyed 1,222 people between July 19-20 regarding their views on the regulated sports-betting market.

North Carolina: Catawba Nation opens sportsbook inside temporary Two Kings casino

Another sports-gambling venue opened on Tuesday in North Carolina, this time at the temporary casino opened by the Catawba Nation last year along Interstate 85 near the South Carolina border.

Caesars opens two retail sportsbooks in Louisiana on the eve of football season

Caesars Sportsbook made a big splash less than a week before the NFL season begins, opening two new retail locations for sports betting in Louisiana.

Hard Rock Sportsbook launches in Indiana, Tennessee

Hard Rock Sportsbook is officially live in Indiana and Tennessee, just days ahead of the start of the 2022 NFL season. The mobile sportsbook is now operational in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Liz Truss’s UK premiership raises hopes of countering affordability checks, lawmaker says

Liz Truss's appointment as prime minister has been hailed as a major positive for racing by fellow Conservative MP Laurence Robertson, who hopes she will oppose the controversial affordability checks, which are set to feature in the upcoming gambling white paper and would cost the sport millions. Robertson, whose Tewkesbury constituency includes Cheltenham racecourse, has long campaigned against strict betting restrictions.

Camelot drops legal challenge over UK National Lottery licence transfer to Allwyn

Outgoing National Lottery operator Camelot has dropped a legal challenge which was preventing the handover of the lottery licence to rival Allwyn. Allwyn has ended its counter-claim against Camelot for damages due to delaying the £6.4bn contract.

Player protection and responsible gambling at the core of the agenda for SBC Summit Barcelona

Hundreds of player safety professionals will gather at SBC Summit Barcelona September 20-22 to share their gambling harm prevention strategies and help improve the industry's understanding of the subject of responsible gambling.

The Media Man Group including Media Man Int, Media Man Australia, Casino News Media, Global Gaming Directory, Hottest On TV, Wrestling News Media, Bitcoin News Media and Cafe News Media have searched the world once again and deliver some of the freshest, most up-to-date casino, gaming, sports and pop culture news and intel to be found anywhere.

Nevada Gaming Control Board preparing for disciplinary hearing against Steve Wynn

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Tuesday confirmed that it is preparing for a disciplinary hearing before the Nevada Gaming Commission against former Wynn Resorts Ltd. CEO Steve Wynn on sexual harassment charges. Wynn, now a Florida resident, has said that because he is no longer licensed by state gaming regulators and has divested all financial connections with the company that he believes he is no longer subject to its discipline.

The plan for a downtown Chicago casino now has a surprising ally: river lovers

Chicago’s push for a casino has stirred fervent debate focused mostly on the predictable: whether the right site was chosen, how much tax revenue it will generate and whether it will worsen noise, traffic or problem gambling. But river advocates and ecological preservationists see the complex in a different light. To them, the Bally’s plan to replace the Tribune printing plant in River West can be a meaningful next step in the ongoing makeover of the city’s riverfront — if done right.

Ontario: More staff back, but border issues continue to be a challenge for Caesars Windsor

While the bulk of the staff at Caesars Windsor have returned to work, officials say there's still more work to do as they prepare for the fall. Back in March, unionized workers at Caesars voted 93 per cent in favour of a new three-year collective agreement, covering the roughly 1,800 workers at the casino. With restrictions related to COVID-19 mostly lifted, one of the remaining issues involves the border and being able to get more visitors from the US back.

Michigan Gaming Control Board highlights need for gaming education

The Michigan Gaming Control Board is trying to do its part to help raise awareness on responsible gaming among the state’s youth in tandem with the American Gaming Association’s “Responsible Gaming Education Month.” According to a press release from the MGCB, and citing statistics from the National Council on Problem Gambling, between 60% and 80% of high school students say they’ve gambled for money in the past year, and some 4% to 6% of them are considered gambling addicts.

Mixed ruling filed in Apple, Google, Meta social casino case

The Northern District of California issued an opinion partly siding with social casino users late last week, determining that the defendants, Apple, Google, and Meta Platforms defeated only two of three theories of liability on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act grounds.

Caesars Atlantic City debuting the first east-coast location of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

What’s opening next? This question applies to all three of Caesars Entertainment’s Atlantic City casinos. There are so many projects on the to-do list that something new is debuting every month.

Survey suggests many in Ontario cool to sports wagering

Over three months after the full launch of Ontario’s sports-betting industry, a survey conducted by Canada Sports Betting suggests a majority of people in the province haven’t taken to wagering on athletic events. Canada Sports Betting surveyed 1,222 people between July 19-20 regarding their views on the regulated sports-betting market.

North Carolina: Catawba Nation opens sportsbook inside temporary Two Kings casino

Another sports-gambling venue opened on Tuesday in North Carolina, this time at the temporary casino opened by the Catawba Nation last year along Interstate 85 near the South Carolina border.

Caesars opens two retail sportsbooks in Louisiana on the eve of football season

Caesars Sportsbook made a big splash less than a week before the NFL season begins, opening two new retail locations for sports betting in Louisiana.

Hard Rock Sportsbook launches in Indiana, Tennessee

Hard Rock Sportsbook is officially live in Indiana and Tennessee, just days ahead of the start of the 2022 NFL season. The mobile sportsbook is now operational in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Liz Truss’s UK premiership raises hopes of countering affordability checks, lawmaker says

Liz Truss's appointment as prime minister has been hailed as a major positive for racing by fellow Conservative MP Laurence Robertson, who hopes she will oppose the controversial affordability checks, which are set to feature in the upcoming gambling white paper and would cost the sport millions. Robertson, whose Tewkesbury constituency includes Cheltenham racecourse, has long campaigned against strict betting restrictions.

Camelot drops legal challenge over UK National Lottery licence transfer to Allwyn

Outgoing National Lottery operator Camelot has dropped a legal challenge which was preventing the handover of the lottery licence to rival Allwyn. Allwyn has ended its counter-claim against Camelot for damages due to delaying the £6.4bn contract.

Player protection and responsible gambling at the core of the agenda for SBC Summit Barcelona

Hundreds of player safety professionals will gather at SBC Summit Barcelona September 20-22 to share their gambling harm prevention strategies and help improve the industry's understanding of the subject of responsible gambling.

Media Man, Casino News Media and Greg Tingle Promotions news: New Las Vegas resident Mark Wahlberg promises ‘Hollywood 2.0’

New Las Vegas resident Mark Wahlberg promises ‘Hollywood 2.0’

Nevada (Las Vegas) - John Katsilometes, Review-Journal - Mark Wahlberg is not moving to Las Vegas. He already has. We need to shift to the present-tense when referring to Vegas plans for the Hollywood A-lister, who has purchased a two-story estate in The Summit Club for $14.5 million. “My hometown,” is how Wahlberg referred to Las Vegas in the latest episode of BeondTV’s “Lights, Camera, Vegas,” hosted by Rachel Smith. “I live in Nevada. I plan on making, hopefully, a film studio, and we want to build a shoe factory in Nevada. “We want to create a lot of jobs, and a lot of excitement. Hollywood 2.0.”

Summer tourism profitable despite nagging inflation

New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Eric Conklin, The Press - Between Atlantic and Cape May counties, tourism officials say the summer season may not have been as hindered by inflation as was feared months ago. “I think the summer was strong,” said Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. Cape May County tourism director Diane Wieland said, “This year, as we went into it, we kind of predicted that things were not going to be as great, but it was still going to be good,” Wieland said. Wieland said beach badge sales and occupancy tax collections — two revenue streams the county uses to gauge its tourism economy — were slightly down from a year ago 2021 but remain strong.

Turning Stone plans biggest expansion since it opened

New York (Indian gaming) - Don Cazentre, Post Standard - Turning Stone Resort Casino is about to embark on its largest expansion project since opening in 1993. The project, which will be completed over a period of several years, will nearly double the Oneida Indian Nation-owned resort’s convention and conference space, while also adding a new hotel, dining options and other amenities.

Suppliers relocate resources to other Asian gaming markets

Asia (Macau) - Tony Lai, Macau Business - Suppliers of casino gaming equipment with operations in Macau are relocating manpower and resources to other gaming jurisdictions in Asia like the Philippines and Singapore, Bloomberg reported. The financial news agency quoted Jay Chun, chairman of the Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association, saying at least four multinational casino suppliers in Macau were doing so. Data from Bloomberg Intelligence said the gaming revenue of Macau only recovered to about 18 per cent of the 2019 level…the Philippines and Singapore recuperated back to 79 per cent and 68 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels respectively in the six months ended June 2022.

Circa still faces $4.5M overlay in football contests

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Todd Dewey, Review-Journal - Five days before Saturday’s entry deadline, Circa Sports is a long shot to meet its $6 million in guaranteed prize money for its $1,000-entry Circa Million IV contest. The downtown sportsbook needs 6,000 entries to meet its guarantee, up from $4 million last year. “I have a better chance of making the NBA than we do of reaching the guarantee in the Circa Sports Million,” said 5-foot-8, 130-pound Circa sportsbook operations manager Jeff Benson.

Flanker at Mandalay Bay could be Las Vegas’ next big sports bar

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Brock Radke, The Weekly - RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay was a paragon of Strip dining for nearly 15 years…seemed like an impossible act to follow after closing in late 2018…“As the sports scene in Las Vegas has evolved with professional teams coming to town, sports bar and grill concepts have also evolved,” Christie said in a statement. “Flanker Kitchen and Sports Bar will strive to become the next generation leader by delivering an approachable premium dining, drinking and sports-viewing experience.”

‘If you’re a gaming company, wouldn’t you want to be in Nevada?’

Nevada (Reno/Sparks) - Howard Stutz, The Independent - Century Casinos’ pending $195 million acquisition of the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks will rewrite the company’s corporate profile. The regional casino operator, which began in Europe, doesn’t have what gaming observers consider a flagship resort…Northern Nevada provides Century an opportunity to prove its operational expertise in a destination market. The Nugget has 1,382 hotel rooms, more than triple the combined hotel rooms Century has in its U.S. portfolio.

Changes make Colorado an enticing casino market

Colorado (Black Hawk/Cripple Creek) - Howard Stutz, The Nevada Independent - Nevada’s major gaming companies avoided Colorado for nearly two decades after casinos were legalized in the historic mining towns of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. Initially, bets in the state were limited to $5 and casinos were not open 24/7…There was zero interest by Las Vegas or Reno casino operators to enter Colorado. Expansion from tiny storefront casinos to mid-sized resorts has been taking place over the last few years. In Black Hawk, three properties account for more than 1,300 hotel rooms, roughly 85 percent of the total market. In Cripple Creek, a 300-room hotel-casino that is being built by Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts will double the market size when it opens next year. Las Vegas and Reno gaming companies committed millions of dollars to change the perception of the Colorado casino communities.

Muckleshoot Tribe lifts final iron beam onto future hotel tower

Washington (Indian gaming) - Robert Whale, The Reporter - To the beating of drums, dancing and the chanting of sacred songs, the Muckleshoot Tribe gathered to celebrate the topping-off ceremonies for its 18-story, 400-room, luxury hotel tower on Aug. 26. Then, to a loud cheer, construction workers hoisted the final steel beam for the Muckleshoot Casino’s highly anticipated resort tower into place, and as it slid into place, the tribe celebrated the feat with fireworks. The event heralds the first major addition to the casino since the gaming establishment opened 27 years ago at 2402 Auburn Way S.

Foxwoods’ new $85 million casino project will create “vibrant hub”, CEO says

Connecticut (Indian gaming) - New London Day - Foxwoods Resort Casino’s plan to add a sixth gaming space is as much about rearranging the layout at North America’s biggest casino as it is expanding, Foxwoods’ top executive said Thursday. "The thought is to create a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the property,” Jason Guyot, president and chief executive officer, said in a phone interview. "We’re spread out so far, from the Rainmaker Casino on one side to The Fox Tower on the other side, it’s difficult for guests to manage. There’s no better place to put it (a new gaming space) than Grand Pequot, the busiest section of the property - the heartbeat of the property.” Guyot said the new gaming space, which will replace the Grand Ballroom, will have around 500 slots, including 175 high-limit machines, and 24 table games, including the usual mix of blackjack, roulette, craps and the like, as well as a 40-seat bar.

Crown’s Sydney casino to open next month

The Crown gaming empire’s flagship skyscraper on Sydney Harbour will open its luxury casino in two weeks.

“The doors to Australia’s only VIP casino will begin opening to members and guests from 08.08.2022,” Crown said in a statement on Monday.

Crown had been prevented from opening the casino in its $2.2 billion dining and hotel tower in Barangaroo for more than a year.

The opening was delayed and then blocked after an inquiry led by former Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin found Crown was not fit to operate a casino.

Last month the troubled gambling behemoth was given approval by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority for the members-only gaming facilities inside the upscale Barangaroo complex to finally open on a conditional basis.

The conditional period, which will run for 18 to 24 months, will allow the authority to monitor changes made at Crown Sydney and ensure they are “embedded” in the business.

“The opening of our gaming operations at Crown Sydney is a defining moment for Crown, and the culmination of months of hard work from our dedicated team,” Crown Sydney CEO Simon McGrath said.

“The entire team at Crown Sydney has been preparing for this moment for a long time and we felt the symbolism of the 08.08 date represented ideal timing to open our doors.”

The number eight is believed to be the luckiest number in China because eight is associated with wealth.

LGA chair Philip Crawford said last month the Bergin inquiry highlighted the scale and scope of issues to be remedied by Crown, with potentially billions of dollars having been laundered through its casinos.

“With a complete clean-out of the board and senior executive, Crown has made significant progress and has agreed to ongoing work to regain its casino licence,” he said in a statement.

Crown says its gaming operations are set “over two luxurious VIP gaming floors – Crystal Room and Mahogany Room – with 12 additional exclusive private Sky Salons located on levels 28 and 29”.

The facilities accommodate approximately 160 gaming tables and 70 electronic table games.

The Crystal Room gaming floor will open on day one, with Mahogany Room set to open at a later date.

“We are committed to delivering a safe and responsible gaming environment for all, and Crown Sydney’s restricted gaming facility has been designed with the highest levels of governance and compliance,” Mr McGrath said.

All patrons are required to be a member or guest of a member and undergo comprehensive checks.

“The gaming floors at Crown Sydney set a new standard in luxury and elegance,” Mr McGrath said.

The once-listed Crown is being taken private by US investment firm Blackstone after a successful $8.9 billion takeover was ticked off last month.

Star posts FY loss after Sydney casino hit

Casino operator Star Entertainment Group has swung to an annual loss, weighed down by extended COVID-related closures and a hefty writedown at its flagship Sydney casino amid regulatory troubles.

Australia's second-biggest casino operator on Monday posted a full year loss of $198.6 million for the year to June 30, compared to a $57.9 million profit a year earlier.

The company said it took a financial hit after its three properties on the east coast were collectively closed for 125 days in the first half of the year due to pandemic restrictions.

It also slashed the value of goodwill for its main Star Sydney property by $162.5 million "due to regulatory and other uncertainties".

Star said normalised net loss, excluding the significant items, was $32 million. Revenue for the year to June 30 dipped 1.2 per cent to $1.53 billion.

"Clearly, in the regulatory environment we're working our way through it was appropriate to consider a higher level of risk and so we effected that through the weighted average cost of capital. The consequence of that was an impairment on the Sydney property," interim Chairman Ben Heap told AAP.

By 1415 AEST, shares in the company were down 1.7 per cent to $2.86, adding to the nearly 20 per cent drop in value so far in 2022.

Star's fortunes have sagged in recent months amid regulatory scrutiny after hearings at an NSW inquiry unearthed allegations about money laundering, fraud and links to organised crime at its Sydney casino.

The company is now awaiting the outcome of that review into its suitability to hold a NSW casino licence by the end of this month.

It faces a separate investigation from the financial crimes regulator, as well as an inquiry on its suitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland, which is set to hear from witnesses from Tuesday.

Star is also facing competition from bigger rival Crown, which opened the doors of its Sydney casino earlier this month following the long-delayed green light from the NSW watchdog, after recently emerging from its own regulatory troubles.

Star, currently the dominant casino operator in Sydney, says it's too early to form a view on the impact of Crown, but added that "it recognises that it will be operating in a competitive marketplace".

While domestic gaming demand has picked up, international business is still down significantly as Australian casinos steer clear of junket operators, which previously contributed significant numbers.

They have also been affected by the slow recovery of the international tourism market, which is likely to rebound to pre-COVID levels only over the next couple of years.

Still, the group says it's seeing the positive revenue trends from the fourth quarter of FY22 continuing into the current financial year.

Domestic revenue for the period from July 1 to August 18 rose 9 per cent on the comparative pre-COVID period of 2019, largely thanks to a 26 per cent recovery in the Gold Coast's domestic revenue.

Domestic revenue at the Star Sydney was in line with pre-COVID levels.

"That sort of run rate is very encouraging. It indicates our growth sits above pre-COVID numbers, and given all the factors that we're facing at the moment, the underlying performance of the business has been terrific," Mr Heap said.

Star will not pay any final dividend, meaning it has not paid any dividend for the FY22 year.

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Mobile Gaming, Mobile Casinos to take of in Asia Pacific market, European firms push

Play4Property.com prepares for Asia Pacific campaign, Foxtel promos, Google factor!

Classic Casino Games website portal a hit with classic casino game fans, of course

Crown Casino - pathological gamble closing arguments on the way in court trial

Clubs to take more action to prevent kids exposure to gambling

World Casino Directory website portal development a preferred directory by gamblers

Microgaming Grand Slam Of Slots Tournaments popular with new and experienced players

Sparta new slot game available at Casino Las Vegas

Wild Pirates slot game available at CasinoClub.com

The Sound Of Money slot game available at InterCasino.com

Cashino online slot a hit at Sky Vegas

Azteca online slot at Casino Tropez and Titan Casino popular, part of new campaign

Ladylucks mobile game to hit Australia

CasinoClub.com launches two new games: Roman Empire and Keno Cash

Hollywood blockbuster slot themes trend remains popular

Stanley Ho, gaming tycoon said to be recovering well from hospital

Harrah's Entertainment remains optimistic on new gaming and igaming laws for U.S

Media Man Australia website portal approaching 1 million hits for the month

World Series of Poker inks ESPN 7 year deal

Gamer movie set for release

Poker King movie to boost online poker in Asia Pacific

PKR.com sponsors Poker In The Park