Vol. 8 • No. 2 • January 18, 2010 - Print This Issue
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Vol. 8 • No. 2 • January 18, 2010, Featured Articles, PEOPLE
NIGC Selects New Commissioner
Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma member Steffani A. Cochran has been appointed to the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Steffani A. Cochran has joined the National Indian Gaming Commission as the panel's third commissioner. Cochran was nominated by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in October 2009 to fill the position, which has been vacant since December 2007.
Cochran joins Acting Chairman George Skibine and Vice-Chairman Norm DesRosiers on the commission.
Cochran, who is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, has served as Special Counsel for Indian Affairs for the New Mexico Attorney General's Office, as well as General Counsel for the Pueblo of Pojoaque, proving that she has a wealth of experience in the field of Indian law.
"My career as a public servant has included work for tribal and state governments, so this will be my first opportunity to serve the federal government," Cochran said. "Gaming is unquestionably a vital component of tribal economies, which is one reason that I am so excited about this opportunity."
More Featured Articles
WEEKLY FEATURE: Online Indians
At its annual convention, one of the most contentious intra-tribal issues was raised in a public forum with an examination of the Morongo tribe’s plan to legalize internet poker in California. Some tribal officials complain that opening up that market, which would include the state’s card clubs, could destroy the Indian gaming industry in California.
Foxwoods Philly: What Next?
Pennsylvania’s table-game law extends the deadline for Foxwoods Philadelphia as the casino’s partners could replace Connecticut’s Mashantucket Pequot tribe as the main investor and manager. GGB News has learned that Steve Wynn (l.) and Wynn Resorts may be the savior for the project.
Boyd CEO Elected AGA Chair
Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith has been elected chairman of the American Gaming Association’s board of directors, replacing T.J. Matthews, former chairman of IGT.
Mozambique OKs Casinos but with Sell-by Dates
Operators expect a gaming license to come with a time limit. However, the new law in Mozambique, signed last week by President Armando Guebuza (l.), while promoting more gaming development, also allows the government to take over a casino—and all its contents and associated businesses, with no compensation to the operator—when the license expires.
Charitable Bingo Prepares To Go Silent In California
By the end of January the last charitable electronic bingo games will go silent in California. The charities that employ them appear to have shot their last legal bolts, which is a victory for the state’s gaming tribes that wanted the games shut down.
Tight Money Slams Macau
The honeymoon for Macau’s new chief executive may be over as China tightens its monetary policy and spawns rumors of new visa restrictions.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Michael Johnson, Dean, Cornell School of Hotel Administration
This week’s Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Michael Johnson, Dean, Cornell School of Hotel Administration, who discusses the college’s increasing emphasis on gaming as part of the degree curriculum.
Brand New at Harrah’s
Harrah’s Entertainment takes over management of Planet Hollywood on the Las Vegas Strip even before it finalizes ownership of the property. But reports that the company was ready to resume construction on a hotel tower at Caesars Palace was denied by a company spokesman.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Roller Coaster Ride Continues
Volatility is the word when it comes to gaming stocks, especially in light of last year’s collapse. But how far can they come back before another “correction” hits?
‘G’ Means “Good” for Rank U.K.
The year just passed was tough on most gaming businesses. For the Rank Group, however, encouraging signs were visible that they are at least on the right track with their modern casino brand.