PAGCOR Names Wilma Eisma as President

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has named Wilma Eisma (l.) as the regulator’s new president and chief operating officer. Eisma is the first woman to hold the position.

Nebraska's First Permanent Casino Opening May 13

Harrah’s Columbus (l.), Nebraska’s first full-fledged, newly built permanent casino, will open May 13 with 400 slots, 11 table games, sportsbook and restaurant, plus Nebraska’s only 1-mile racetrack. Three temporary casinos currently operate in the state.

Ukraine Lawmakers Abolish Gaming Regulator KRAIL

The Ukrainian government has had its hands full in the last two-plus years, but its gambling industry has recently become a front-page issue now that lawmakers voted to disband the country’s regulatory body.

Featured Stories More

Alabama Gambling Expansion On Hold

A conference committee of Alabama House and Senate lawmakers working on expanded gambling legislation has not met recently, although one member said the committee has held “several productive meetings.”

MGM Secures $3.4 Billion in Funding for Japan IR

MGM Resorts and Orix Corp., partners in a multibillion-dollar integrated resort project in Osaka, Japan, have finalized $3.4 billion in loans to fund the development. The IR on Yumeshima Island is projected to open in 2030.

Delaware Lottery, BetRivers Oppose More Licenses

Delaware legislators thought expanding the number of online sportsbooks had no drawbacks. Higher handle. More revenue. But Rush Street Interactive, parent of BetRivers, and the Delaware Lottery said no dice.

Arizona Tribe Previews New Desert Diamond Casino

Last week, the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise of Arizona hosted a preview of its new $450 million facility, the Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks (l.) at San Lucy, which is due to be complete by the end of 2024.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Inspired by the Possibilities

It’s clear by now that the IGT-Everi deal has not been well received by investors, and that in turn could be seen as an opportunity in and of itself. With regard to other intriguing deal-making possibilities, how does Inspired Entertainment sound?

ASIAN GAMING More

Saipan Regulator Delays IPI License Decision

Regulators in the Northern Mariana Islands canceled an April 19 hearing in which they were to consider revoking the gaming license held by casino operator Imperial Pacific International. No new date has been set.

Could Casino Revive Malaysian ‘Ghost Town’?

Officials in Malaysia are reportedly considering a casino in Forest City, a $100 billion project in the planned Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Observers have called the development a white elephant and a ghost town.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

KSA Chairman Warns of Online Gaming Conflicts

René Jansen (l.), who will soon leave as chair of the Dutch Gaming Authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) warned industry members of upcoming changes to online gaming. Lawmakers want to reform the industry.

GLOBAL GAMING More

Kazakhstan Lawmakers May Shake Up Gambling Ads

The republic of Kazakhstan appears headed toward banning bloggers from advertising gaming platforms and online gaming. Bloggers would still be able to cover sporting events, but not run gambling ads.

SPORTS BETTING More

DraftKings, Hermalyn Trial Opens in Massachusetts

Michael Hermalyn left his position at DraftKings to take the same job with Fanatics. The sportsbook accused Hermalyn of breaking a non-compete clause. He said he did not because such clauses are not legal in California.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Virginia Governor Approves Petersburg Bill

Petersburg will replace Richmond as one of five Virginia casino host cities under legislation signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (l.). A voter referendum could be held in November. Casino gambling was approved by voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth and rejected in Richmond.

Iowa Drops Casino License Moratorium

In the last minutes of the legislative session, the Iowa Senate did not agree with the House to extend the gaming license moratorium for another five years, giving Cedar Rapids a third shot at a casino.

Pennsylvania’s Rivers Removing 302 Slots

Regulators in Pennsylvania have approved the petition of Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino to make significant changes to its gaming floor, including removal of 302 slot machines.

Massachusetts Mayor Wants MGM To Stay

Springfield, Massachusetts Mayor Domenic Sarno (l.) said he’s spoken with MGM about keeping its casino open, but added a new owner must be a known brand with “financial sustainability” and “marketing aspects.”

Pennsylvania Gamblers Spend More Time Online

A study of Pennsylvania’s gamblers finds that far more of them play on online gaming sites than wager at brick and mortar casinos. The numbers come from a study funded by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Kansas Tribe Regains Sovereignty Over Illinois Land

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kansas, regained sovereignty over 130 acres of former reservation land in northern Illinois. The tribe will work with consultants to determine the best use of the property, but there are no casino plans “at this time.”

PEOPLE More

Weitman Leaving Wynn After 20 Years

Wynn Las Vegas President Steve Weitman (l.) announced after 20 years, he’ll leave the company on June 10 “to pursue my next chapter.” Weitman also held executive positions at the Walt Disney Company.

Penn Entertainment Names LaBerge CTO

Penn Entertainment has named Aaron LaBerge (l.) the operator’s new chief technology officer, reporting directly to Penn President and CEO Jay Snowden.

Hasson Named Interim Mohegan Gaming COO

The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority has named Joseph J. Hasson interim COO. He comes to the role from general manager of Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. He replaces Jody Madigan.

GOODS & SERVICES More

Koin Sues Everi Over Digital Wallet

Koin Mobile has sued Everi Holdings over the Everi digital wallet, alleging the Everi platform blocks alternative methods to fund gaming activities.

NUTSHELL More

THEY SAID IT More

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.