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GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Reese Palley, Former Atlantic City Businessman

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Reese Palley, Former Atlantic City Businessman

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Reese Palley, an early businessman in Atlantic City who left to sail the world after selling a hotel to Bally Manufacturing where the Bally’s Atlantic City hotel and casino is located today.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: China: A Bubble To Burst?

FANTINI’S FINANCE: China: A Bubble To Burst?

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The Macau casinos are doing tremendous business because of the positive economic situation in China. But what happens when things turn south or the government decides enough is enough? Can you base your business on this relative uncertainty?

Aristocrat Names New Chairman

Aristocrat Names New Chairman

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Dr. Ian Blackburne will take over as chairman of Australia’s Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. effective December 1, replacing the retiring David Simpson.

Reid’s Lead

Reid’s Lead

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Harry Reid says he’s considering permitting an online poker bill to move through Congress, but his Nevada constituents aren’t happy about it.

Cosmopolitan Joins Team Marriott

Cosmopolitan Joins Team Marriott

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, the newest luxury casino resort set to open mid-December on the Strip, has partnered with Marriott’s Autograph Collection, solving one of its big problems: the lack of a hotel reservation service.

Developer Buys Land for Cleveland Temp Casino

Developer Buys Land for Cleveland Temp Casino

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The development company that has the right to build a casino in Cleveland has agreed to buy 16 acres near the city’s Tower City Center (l.) that would be used for the permanent casino. He has also purchased another building to serve as a temporary casino while the permanent one is built.

Barbados Association Opposed to Casinos

Barbados Association Opposed to Casinos

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The subject of casino gaming was recently re-introduced into the discussion on Barbados. The leadership of the island’s hotel and tourism association believes the local product doesn’t need casino gambling to compete. The Barbados Hilton at left.

Gaming Working for Singapore

Gaming Working for Singapore

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

Visitation to Singapore continues to increase as both casinos (Marina Bay Sands at left) start operating on all cylinders.

Worker Shortage Hurts Macau Development

Worker Shortage Hurts Macau Development

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

A shortage of construction workers due to the Macau government’s restrictions on foreign employees has delayed the completion of a Las Vegas Sands project (parcels 5 and 6, l.) and threatens Galaxy Entertainment’s Cotai Strip development.

WEEKLY FEATURE: House of Cards in Saipan

WEEKLY FEATURE: House of Cards in Saipan

Fri, Aug 27, 2010

The latest push to establish casino gaming on Saipan came in the form of a House bill, which passed last week. However, the Senate once again appears ready to oppose casinos.

First Woman Leads Mohegan Tribe in 300 Years

First Woman Leads Mohegan Tribe in 300 Years

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

After nearly 300 years, the Mohegan tribe will once again see a female take the role as chief.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fire Sale?

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fire Sale?

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

Ameristar has waited almost four years since the passing of its founder, Craig Neilsen, to put itself on the market. Was it a gamble to wait so long?

Profitable Gaming Tribe Takes Roll as Banker

Profitable Gaming Tribe Takes Roll as Banker

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

When banks turn them down for financing, the court of last resort for many Indian gaming tribes is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux of Minnesota, owners of the Mystic Lake Casino (l.), who have loaned over $200 million in the last two years to fellow tribes.

Genting’s Alleged Double-Dealing

Genting’s Alleged Double-Dealing

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

Former head of Empire Resorts claims top officials at Genting New York operated without a license, and worked against his company’s best interests. Joseph Bernstein includes former Foxwoods CEO Mickey Brown (l.) in his accusations.

Triple Threat Killing Irish Clubs

Triple Threat Killing Irish Clubs

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

Ireland is in the process of reviewing ways to renew its obsolete gaming laws, but progress has been slow. Now, with government hurting due to the economy, a new attempt to wring taxes from existing private gaming casinos, like the Fitzwilliam Casino in Dublin, is proving too much for the ailing industry.

LV Sands' Leven Opens Up

LV Sands' Leven Opens Up

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

In a Macau talk show, LV Sands President and COO Michael Leven (l.) discusses the good things the company has done in Asia—and the not so good.

PAGCOR: Expansion Before Privatization

PAGCOR: Expansion Before Privatization

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

The chairman of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Cristino Naguiat (l.), says the corporation’s Entertainment City resort complex in Manila will go forward and that he’s also considering integrated resorts in other cities.

WEEKLY FEATURE: M Resort on Block in Vegas

WEEKLY FEATURE: M Resort on Block in Vegas

Fri, Aug 20, 2010

Poor financial performance in a down economy and a failure of the neighborhoods surrounding it to grow has caused the M Resort in Las Vegas to fall behind in its debt. Lender Lloyds Banking Group drew a dozen bidders when it put the casino resort up for auction last month.

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Rob Wyre, General Manager, Isle of Capri Casino and Pompano Park Racetrack

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Rob Wyre, General Manager, Isle of Capri Casino and Pompano Park Racetrack

Sat, Aug 14, 2010

This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Rob Wyre, the general manager of the Isle of Capri Casino in Pompano Park racetrack in Florida, on the effects of the just-passed tax reduction that was linked to the Seminole tribe’s gaming compact with the state.

Parrott to Hall of Fame

Parrott to Hall of Fame

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The AGA has announced that the late Tim Parrott, former CEO of Shuffle Master and Aristocrat Technologies, will be inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame at G2E in November.

Reid Key to Passage of Online Gaming Bill

Reid Key to Passage of Online Gaming Bill

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The bill that would regulate online gaming in the U.S. has finally escaped subcommittee and is headed to the House and Senate. But supporters believe it will need the seal of approval from Nevada Senator Harry Reid (l.) in order to cross the finish line alive.

Feds Prefer Cascade Locks, Oregon for Casino

Feds Prefer Cascade Locks, Oregon for Casino

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The final environmental impact statement by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs application to put land into trust for a casino has identified the town of Cascade Locks on the Columbia River Gorge (L.) in Oregon as the best site.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Group Hug

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Group Hug

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Is business travel going to be the first harbinger of an improved environment in Las Vegas? Some of the numbers suggest it is.

Ameristar Up For Sale

Ameristar Up For Sale

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

U.S.-based gaming company hires an investment bank to weigh options on a sale of the company, while results from its Black Hawk, Colorado, casino (l.) are improving.

A Third Try for Kansas’s Sumner County

A Third Try for Kansas’s Sumner County

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Kansas is trying for a third time to pick a developer to build and operate a state-owned casino in Sumner County. Last week the county commission heard from three applicants.

Australia’s Tabcorp Shifts Focus to Casinos

Australia’s Tabcorp Shifts Focus to Casinos

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Australian gaming concern Tabcorp and CEO Elmer Funke Kupper (l.) seem intent on making the best of a bad situation. Facing the loss of non-casino slot revenue after 2012, the multi-sector operator is focusing on its casino business.

Genting Posts Astounding Singapore Numbers

Genting Posts Astounding Singapore Numbers

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

The casino owned by Genting Bhd in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa (l.), has blown all revenue estimates out of the water with its second quarter report.

WEEKLY FEATURE: PAGCOR Going Private?

WEEKLY FEATURE: PAGCOR Going Private?

Fri, Aug 13, 2010

Philippine businessman offers $10 billion for the PAGCOR casinos, as the nation’s new president, Benigno Aquino III, ponders the sins of the previous administration and the privatization of the federally owned corporation. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. (l.) is currently investigating licenses and contracts entered into in the past 10 years.

Leading Technology Awards to be presented at G2E

Leading Technology Awards to be presented at G2E

Sat, Aug 07, 2010

The 8th Annual Gaming and Technology Awards will be presented once again at G2E in November. A call for nominations went out today for products and services that will be recognized as the “best of show” at G2E. At left, Bally receives a first-place award from last year's program.

Frank Bill: Prospects Dim

Frank Bill: Prospects Dim

Sat, Aug 07, 2010

While a bill to legalize online gaming last week reached as far in the legislative process as any bill has so far, the hurdles that it still has to overcome are daunting.

Former NIGC Chief Predicts More Corruption for Indian Gaming

Former NIGC Chief Predicts More Corruption for Indian Gaming

Sat, Aug 07, 2010

A federal court decision that in 2006 removed the National Indian Gaming Commission from much of its enforcement role for Class III gaming is a cause for concern, says Phil Hogen (l.), a former NIGC chairman.

Gaming Summit Convened in New Jersey

Gaming Summit Convened in New Jersey

Sat, Aug 07, 2010

Democrats hold the first in a series of meetings designed to create the perception that they are as concerned about the future of Atlantic City as is Governor Chris Christie, who wants his “Hanson Report” implemented.

Good News, Bad News for MGM, Harrah’s

Good News, Bad News for MGM, Harrah’s

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

Second quarter earnings for two of gaming’s largest companies were not impressive, but some other news makes the bad report easier to take. MGM Grand Macau (l.) is refinanced, giving the company more room to maneuver in Asia and the U.S.

Fertittas Approved in Station Buyout

Fertittas Approved in Station Buyout

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

With the withdrawal of Boyd Gaming in late July as a bidder for a group of properties owned by bankrupt Station Casinos, a proposal from the Fertitta brothers (l.) was the highest bid. An August 27 court hearing could turn the former Station Casinos over to them and their lenders.

Massachusetts Gaming Bill In Coma

Massachusetts Gaming Bill In Coma

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

Gaming in Massachusetts appears dead for this year after a face-off between Governor Deval Patrick (l.) and the legislature left a gaming bill requiring CPR by special session to revive it.

Tabcorp Adds to Star City Improvement

Tabcorp Adds to Star City Improvement

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

The rivalry with Australian casino operator Crown is one driving force behind the latest additional commitment by Tabcorp to upgrade its Sydney casino. Another is the need to replace a few hundred million in revenue from non-casino operations that will be gone in a couple of years.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Genting Gets Aqueduct

WEEKLY FEATURE: Genting Gets Aqueduct

Fri, Aug 06, 2010

Genting, the Malaysian company that operates Genting Highlands (l.) near Kuala Lumpur, which stood alone in the last round of bidding for the Aqueduct racetrack casino, gets the thumbs-up from the New York Lottery Division.

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Lorenzo Langford, Mayor, Atlantic City, New Jersey

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Lorenzo Langford, Mayor, Atlantic City, New Jersey

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford on the state of the city and how he’s planning to use all help necessary—including casino executives—to help the revitalization of the city.

PartyGaming, Bwin Merge

PartyGaming, Bwin Merge

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Combination of two powerhouses will create online gaming’s largest company, dominating the poker, casino, sports betting and bingo spaces. Jim Ryan (l.), PartyGaming CEO, will share CEO duties in the new company with Bwin head Norbert Teufelberger.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Senior Service

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Senior Service

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Are older gamblers a market casinos can count on or will decreasing home values affect their disposable income?

Carcieri Fix Added to House Bill

Carcieri Fix Added to House Bill

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

The long-awaited “fix” to the Supreme Court decision Carcieri v. Salazar was inserted into a appropriations by adopted by a House subcommittee last week. Even if passed in the House, Senate action is more questionable. Rep. Tom Cole (l.), the only Native American member of Congress, calls the move “significant.”

Station Casinos Outlines Final Bankruptcy Deal

Station Casinos Outlines Final Bankruptcy Deal

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

The Fertittas come out of the bankruptcy in good shape as they own part of several of the spinoffs that come out of the final deal. In the end, the Fertitta brothers should remain in control of some of the major assets, including Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas (l.).

Three Apply To Develop Kansas Casino

Three Apply To Develop Kansas Casino

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Maybe the third time is the charm and Kansas receives three bids from prospective operators for a casino in the state’s south-central zone. Four years later, only one casino is operating in Kansas, the Boot Hill casino in Dodge City.

Showdown in New Jersey

Showdown in New Jersey

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Lawmakers call for a summit to assess Governor Chris Christie’s recently disclosed agenda, which would restrict gaming to Atlantic City and mandate state oversight of the island resort. At left, Christie addresses a press conference announcing his plans while the city’s movers and shakers look on.

Korean Company Plans Cambodia Casino

Korean Company Plans Cambodia Casino

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Intercity Group wants to bring a major gaming operator in to run the casino, which will be located in the area of the Angor Wat temples (l.).

Shakeup In Macau

Shakeup In Macau

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Two rival properties change leaders as competition heats up on the Cotai Strip. Greg Hawkins (l.) exits City of Dreams and Steve Jacobs gets fired from Sands China and its Macau properties.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Bay State Battle

WEEKLY FEATURE: Bay State Battle

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Massachusetts politicians reach a compromise on the proposed casino bill, but a measure to approve slots at two state racetracks likely dooms the bill to a veto. House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Governor Deval Patrick (forward) are the key players.

Changing Partners at Sands China

Changing Partners at Sands China

Mon, Jul 26, 2010

Steve Jacobs (l.) exits as clashes with Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson make his departure inevitable. LVS COO Michael Leven takes over on an interim basis and former president, Steven Weaver, returns.

Aquino Eyes PAGCOR Sale

Aquino Eyes PAGCOR Sale

Sat, Jul 24, 2010

Philippine President Benigno Aquino (l.) said he’s open to a possible sell off of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) but first need to get it into shape.

London Hippodrome Will Go Round the Clock

London Hippodrome Will Go Round the Clock

Fri, Jul 23, 2010

Turning a former landmark theater in the heart of London into a successful casino is a bold undertaking. Developer and bingo hall operator Simon Thomas thinks he and his father have the right formula to do just that.