Vol. 10 • No. 19 • May 14, 2012 - Print This Issue
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Roger Gros
Roger Gros is publisher of Global Gaming Business, a the industry’s leading gaming trade publication, and all its related publications. Prior to joining Global Gaming Business, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. He is the author of the best-selling book, How to Win at Casino Gambling (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its fourth edition. Gros was named “Businessman of the Year” for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.
Interview with Joe Hasson, General Manager, and Carol Thompson, Assistant General Manager, Aliante Station
Fri, Oct 31, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Joe Hasson, the senior vice president and general manager, and Carol Thompson, assistant general manager, of Aliante Station in North Las Vegas. Aliante Station will open on November 11 in a deflated economy. But Joe Hasson and Carol Thompson are confident that the Station Casinos’ property will thrive because it was built for the long term in a community that bears the same name in the northern part of the Las Vegas Valley. The property brings many of the amenities that have become popular at other Station casinos but has enough personality of its own that it should become a popular sport in North Las Vegas. The two executives spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros at their Aliante offices in Las Vegas in October.
Podcast With Robert Sturges, President, Nevada Gold & Casinos
Sun, Dec 21, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Bob Sturges, the president and CEO of Nevada Gold, a longtime casino executive who has righted the ship at his new company. Sturges took over Nevada Gold two years ago and has spent that time divesting the company of non-gaming assets, including a string of Pizza Hut restaurants in Brazil. Although down to only one operation in Cripple Creek, Colorado, and an Indian gaming contract, Sturges believes Nevada Gold is positioned perfectly as a buyer of small- to medium-sized gaming operations in the U.S. and beyond. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros from his office in Dallas in September.
He Said/He Said
Tue, Nov 25, 2008
If it often seems like the battle between Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson is a simple matter of “one-ups-man-ship,” an exchange of views last week on the visa restrictions imposed by the Chinese government for travel to Macau should reinforce that view.
Interview with Jim Druck, CEO, Southwest Casino Corp.
Mon, Dec 01, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Jim Druck, the president and CEO of Southwest Casino Corp., a small operator based in Minnesota with a bright future. Southwest Casinos was one of the first companies to get involved in Indian gaming. The company blazed the trail in compacts, management contracts and Class II regulations in many regions. Today, the company owns two casinos in Cripple Creek, Colorado, manages the Running Aces racetrack and card room in Minneapolis, and is involved in a resort-casino development in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Druck explains the genesis of the company and how it expects to be able to take advantage of an industry de-consolidating. Along with company president Jim Fox, Druck spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros from his offices in Minneapolis in October.
Podcast With Shawn Ellis, President, Ellis Gaming
Sun, Dec 21, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Shawn Ellis, the president of Ellis Gaming, which focuses on gaming consulting in Indian Country. Ellis got his start with the San Pascual tribe in California, where he worked with the Marnell Group to turn around a struggling casino. That has become his specialty these days, an important aspect during this economic downturn. Ellis Gaming includes many experts, in and out of gaming, who can provide marketing, financial and operational assistance to gaming operators. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros in his office in Las Vegas in October.
Podcast With Nigel Morrison, CEO, SkyCity Entertainment Group
Sun, Dec 21, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Nigel Morrison, the CEO of SkyCity Entertainment Group, the largest gaming company in New Zealand.
Podcast With Kevin Gover, Director, National Museum of the American Indian
Sun, Dec 28, 2008
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Kevin Gover, the director of the Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Gover has a long history with Indian gaming and tribal-federal issues.
Wynn Again!
Sun, Dec 28, 2008
Encore opens in Las Vegas during what most regard its most difficult economic times in history.
GGB Podcast With Kevin Kelley, Exec. VP and COO, Station Casinos
Sun, Jan 11, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Kevin Kelley, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Station Casinos, on how the locals' casino operator is responding to the economic crisis.
GGB Podcast with Richard Brown, President & CEO, Planet Hollywood Resorts Worldwide
Sun, Jan 18, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Richard Brown, the president and CEO of Planet Hollywood Resorts Worldwide, on his new job and his former bosses.
Podcast with Ron Sultemeier, Managing Director, Delaware North Gaming & Hospitality
Tue, Jan 27, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Ron Sultemeier, the managing director for Delaware North Gaming & Hospitality on his company’s recent win of the VLT license at Aqueduct Raceway in New York City.
Podcaset with Marilyn Winn, President, Bally’s, Paris & Rio Las Vegas
Sun, Feb 01, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Marilyn Winn, the president of the Rio, Bally’s and Paris hotels in Las Vegas on the tough economic times on the Strip.
Global Gaming Business Podcast: Heikke Rinta-Pantilla, Grand Casino Helsinki
Sun, Feb 08, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Heikki Rinta-Panttila, the general manager of Finland’s Grand Casino Helsinki, on the gaming industry in the far north.
BREAKING NEWS: Stimulus package includes major win for gaming industry
Fri, Feb 13, 2009
Provisions include debt reduction plans that favor many gaming companies laboring under huge debt loads
Gaming Stimulation
Fri, Feb 13, 2009
Provisions to President Barack Obama's stimulus package will reduce the tax burden on companies that seek to relieve some of their debt. This works in favor of many gaming companies laboring under huge debt loads. And tribes have reason to cheer, as well.
Interview with Bob McDevitt, President, UNITE HERE Local 54, Atlantic City
Sat, Feb 21, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Bob McDevitt, the president of Local 54 of UNITE HERE in Atlantic City, the union that represents the culinary and hotel workers in the city.
WEEKLY FEATURE: Stevens Re-Elected As NIGA Leader
Fri, Apr 17, 2009
Trade show and conference of the National Indian Gaming Association brings thousands to Phoenix, with new equipment, new operators ready to go.
Canadian Gaming Summit considers cross-border issues
Sun, May 03, 2009
The Canadian Gaming Summit, held last week at Caesars Windsor, brought together executives and exhibitors from across Canada and around the world, to obtain their annual recap on the gaming industry in the Great White North. After a welcome from Kelly MacDougald, the CEO of Ontario Lottery & Gaming, a panel of slot manufacturers (l.), sponsored by AGEM, kicked off the program.
Wynn, Friedmutter receive design awards
Sat, May 16, 2009
Steve Wynn and Brad Friedmutter (l.), along with several others, were honored by Hospitality Design Group at its annual trade show in Las Vegas.
Interview with Randy Fine, Managing Director, Fine Point Group
Sun, Jun 07, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Randy Fine, the managing director of the Fine Point Group, one of the hottest consulting companies in the industry.
GGB PODCAST: Steve Rittvo, President, The Innovation Group of Companies
Sat, Sep 12, 2009
This week's GGB Podcast features Steve Rittvo, the president of the Innovation Group of Companies. He discusses the current state of the industry, expansion opportunities, marketing initiatives and more with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Ellen Whittemore, Of Counsel, Lionel Sawyer & Collins
Sat, Sep 19, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features and interview with Ellen Whittemore, a gaming attorney with Lionel Sawyer & Collins in Las Vegas. Whittemore is a former official with the state regulatory agencies who understands the inner workings of the procedures in Nevada and she discusses some of her experiences with companies and regulators in Nevada and around the world.
WEEKLY FEATURE:Off-Rez Gaming Gets Boost
Fri, Sep 25, 2009
The Obama administration has indicated that it may look favorably on regulations that would permit an expansion of off reservation casinos, reversing a policy that was established during the Bush administration. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (l.) objects.
GGB PODCAST: Roger Thomas, Executive Vice President, Wynn Design & Development
Sat, Oct 31, 2009
This week, the GGB Podcast features an interview with Roger Thomas, the executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, on his role in the design of Encore Las Vegas and his upcoming Sarno Award for Lifetime Achievement to be presented to him at G2E later this month.
BREAKING NEWS: Dan Lee Exits Pinnacle
Mon, Nov 09, 2009
Confrontation with St. Louis politician over rezoning of land for casinos leads to resignation of the Pinnacle head. Company acts quickly to replace him temporarily with board members who have extensive gaming experience. But impact on Pinnacle Entertainment will be immediate.
WEEKLY FEATURE: Macau Celebrates 10 Years in China
Sat, Dec 26, 2009
A visit from Chinese President Hu Jintao (l.) caps off a celebration that featured the installation of Fernando Chui as only the second chief executive of Macau under the umbrella of Mainland China. The gaming industry is cited as an important part of the SAR’s economy, but the need to diversify is repeated again and again.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Barry Shier, Managing Principal, The Partner House
Fri, Feb 19, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features a discussion with Barry Shier, the managing principal with the Partner House, an independent management firm located in Las Vegas, on the former Wynn executive’s views of the gaming industry today.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Andrew MacDonald, Executive Vice President – Casino, Marina Bay Sands
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
This week on the Global Gaming Business Podcast, hear a discussion with Andrew MacDonald, the executive vice president – casino for Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, immediately after he accepted his new position.
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.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International
Fri, Sep 10, 2010
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Jim Allen, the chairman of Hard Rock International and the president of Seminole Gaming, on the remarkable growth and expansion of one of the great casino brands.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Jeff Hook, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Seminole Gaming
Sat, Sep 18, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Jeff Hook, the senior vice president of marketing for Seminole Gaming, on the success of Florida’s two Hard Rock casinos and other gaming ventures owned by the Seminole Tribe.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Jamie Odell, Chief Executive Officer, Aristocrat Technologies
Sat, Sep 25, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Jamie Odell, the chief executive officer of Aristocrat Technologies, one of the leading slot manufacturers in the gaming industry, on the company’s second quarter results and other issues.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Dennis Gomes, President, Gomes Gaming
Fri, Oct 01, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Dennis Gomes and his son Aaron, who are the principles in Gomes Gaming, about the purchase of Resorts Atlantic City and their plans for the hotel.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Cathy Walker, President & CEO, Seneca Gaming
Fri, Oct 22, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Cathy Walker, the president and CEO of Seneca Gaming on the premier gaming operation in northern New York state.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Mark Giannantonio, President, Tropicana Atlantic City
Sun, Nov 07, 2010
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Mark Giannantonio, the president of the Tropicana in Atlantic City, on his property’s performance since billionaire Carl Icahn took it over less than a year ago.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Tracie Stevens and Commissioner Dan Little
Fri, Nov 12, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with National Indian Gaming Commission Chairwoman Tracie Stevens and Commissioner Dan Little on their first few months in office.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Robert Griffin, President & CEO, Trump Entertainment Resorts
Fri, Dec 10, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Robert Griffin, the president and CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts, on his new job with the financially stable company.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Danny Gladstone, Chief Executive Officer, Ainsworth Game Technology
Fri, Dec 24, 2010
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features and interview with Danny Gladstone, the chief executive officer of Ainsworth Game Technology, on his company’s increasingly higher profile in the slot manufacturing sector of the gaming business.
WEEKLY FEATURE: Whistling Past the Graveyard?
Fri, Apr 29, 2011
Online gaming companies are playing down the impact of last month’s indictment of the big online poker sites, but it has clearly put a damper on plans to move a federal bill to legalize online gaming, although Congressman John Campbell (l.) says he’ll push forward with his bill. But will that encourage states to get into action? And what of the tribal desires to have a seat at the table?
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Dennis Gomes, President and Part-Owner, Resorts Atlantic City
Sat, Aug 20, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Dennis Gomes, the president of Gomes Gaming and part-owner of Resorts Atlantic City, along with his son Aaron, the senior vice president of casino operations, on what has occurred since they took over the property last December.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Entertainer and G2E Keynote Speaker Penn Jillette
Sat, Aug 27, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with magician, entertainer and philosopher Penn Jillette on what he plans to tell the audience at G2E in October where he will be a keynote speaker.