Vol. 9 • No. 1 • January 10, 2011 - Print This Issue
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Vol. 9 • No. 1 • January 10, 2011, Featured Articles, GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCASTS
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Michael Leven, President and COO, Las Vegas Sands
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Michael Leven, the president and COO of Las Vegas Sands, on the impressive performance of the company in 2010 and its prospects for the future.
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Las Vegas Sands emerged from near bankruptcy several years ago and today is a healthy, vital company with success stories in several jurisdictions. Michael Leven is largely responsible for keeping the company above water during that period. From the struggling Las Vegas properties to the booming Macau operations, Las Vegas Sands is a complex company with many different angles. And when Marina Bay Sands opened in Singapore last year, the interest in the company accelerated because of the great success there. What was a gamble several years ago has paid off handsomely for Leven, who just signed another two-year contract to run the company. He talks about all these jurisdictions, as well as his boss, Sheldon Adelson, and why Leven enjoys working for his old friend. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros at the Venetian in Las Vegas in November for the cover story of the Global Gaming Business January issue, the 25 People to watch for 2011.
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WEEKLY FEATURE: Will They or Won’t They?
A bill passed by the Illinois Senate that would allow five new casinos, more slots at existing casinos and Chicago-area airports and would allow racetracks to add slots is now being mulled in the House as the last days of the lame-duck session approach, but the taste for more gaming seems to be dropping. But even if it passed, Governor Pat Quinn (l.) may not sign it.
Macau Sets Record
With the release of the December revenue figures, the Macau gaming industry set yet another record and shattering last year’s numbers by more than 50 percent, proving yet again that the center of the gaming universe has shifted far to the East.
Steve Wynn Joins Monaco-Qatar JV
Steve Wynn is becoming an “outside director” of a joint venture between the governments of Monaco and Qatar. That in itself would be enough to rev up the rumor mill, but the announcement that HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has granted Wynn Monaco citizenship has kicked things into overdrive.
Christie Goes Boutique
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (l.) changes his mind and approves a bill that allows two “boutique” casinos in Atlantic City, starting the clock on a possible announcement by Hard Rock International. Meanwhile, changes in other bills designed to aid Atlantic City were under way.
Fine Point Group Named to Run New Mexico Casinos
The financially challenged Buffalo Thunder Casino Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been turned over to the Fine Point Group to turn the property around, according to Pueblo of Pojoaque Governor George Rivera (l.).
Goldstein Promoted at Las Vegas Sands
Rob Goldstein (l.), the very capable and longtime president of the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, has been elevated to president of global gaming operations for Las Vegas Sands. Could it be a sign of things to come at the company?
Major Merger Online
The merger between PartyGaming and bwin will result in online gaming’s largest company. With a new name and new brand, the company expects to become the dominant organization in the field. But it surely won’t be the last merger in the online sector.
Singapore Casinos Look for Strong 2011
With surprisingly high revenues for the portion of 2010 that they were open, the Singapore casinos are geared up for an even better 2011.
BIA OKs Oregon Indian Casino
The Cowlitz, a landless tribe in Oregon, has been given the go-ahead by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for a casino in La Center.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Counterintuitive Investing
Asia was the main generator of profits for casino investors in 2010 Where will the emphasis be for 2011?
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Willy Allison, Organizer, World Game Protection Conference
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Willy Allison, the producer of the niche conference World Game Protection, scheduled for February 21-23 at the M Resort in Las Vegas.