Vol. 10 • No. 1 • January 9, 2012 - Print This Issue
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Vol. 10 • No. 1 • January 9, 2012, Featured Articles, PODCASTS
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Whitaker Askew, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Gaming Association
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Whitaker Askew, the vice president of government affairs for the American Gaming Association, about the federal issues facing the gaming industry, including the pressing subject of online poker.
Download this Podcast Episode or Click Below to Play it.
Whit Askew arrived in Washington to take a job with the National Republican Congressional Committee, where he worked on several campaigns, research assignments and fundraising initiatives. After a stint with an insurance political action committee, he joined U.S. House Republican Leader and now Speaker of the House John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), where he served as executive director of The Freedom Project. Askew was in charge of Boehner’s political campaigns, when, in 2010, he was part of the team that helped lead House Republicans to win 63 net congressional seats, giving them their first House majority since 2006. Now, with the AGA, Askew is focusing on the effort to legalize online poker in the U.S. Although this interview was conducted prior to the recent DOJ opinion that online poker is indeed legal, Askew discusses the effort to engage Congress. Although this interview was conducted prior to the Department of Justice decision on the legality of online poker vis-à-vis the Wire Act, Askew’s responses are still revealing. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros on the phone from his offices in Washington D.C. in December.
More Featured Articles
WEEKLY FEATURE: Everything But the Kitchen Sink
A revised bill tries to stroke all parties as the potential casino bidders jockey for position. Florida state Senator Dennis Jones wants an up-or-down vote on the destination resort bill the day before the official legislative session begins, but Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff (l.), the bill’s sponsor, wants it delayed.
Cuomo: Let’s Get in the Game in New York
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (l., delivering last week’s “state of the state” address) touts economic growth, jobs creation with full-scale non-tribal casinos in the Empire State. The Seneca tribe is fighting back with ads opposing the plan. And Cuomo wants to enhance one existing casino, Resorts World New York at Aqueduct with a huge new convention center.
Macau Shatters Yearly Revenue Record
Analysts were boo-hooing “disappointing” December results, but the Macau gaming industry was not crying about the yearly totals, up more than 40 percent over revenues in 2010, which was a good year by itself. The market share race is increasingly landing in favor of Sands China, even before it opens Cotai Central (l.) early this year.
Richard Haddrill Elected AGA Board Chairman
Bally Technologies CEO Richard Haddrill has been elected the new chairman of the American Gaming Association, replacing Boyd Gaming President Keith Smith. MGM Resorts International’s Jim Murren was chosen as vice chairman.
Bermuda Inching Towards Gaming
Bermuda has wrested with the question of allowing casino gaming for a number of years. Previous attempts have met with rejection of the idea by citizens and government alike. However, some recent polls are giving certain politicians, such as Charles and Kim Swan (l.) new hope.
Kentucky: Law or Referendum?
As the new legislative session begins in Kentucky, lawmakers are weighing which road to travel in the effort to expand gaming in the state—by legislation or by constitutional referendum. Governor Steve Beshear (l.) favors a vote.
Cyprus Exploring Casino Options
The government of Cyprus has flirted with legalizing casino gaming for years but never followed through. Now it appears conditions are finally right—as soon as a location is agreed for a single casino. Will Las Vegas Sands and CEO Sheldon Adelson (l.) be the ones to build it?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Supply Side Economics
For several years, investors have shied away from the slot manufacturers. The replacement cycle, server-based gaming and service windows have promised increased sales, but have not fully delivered. But hope springs eternal.