Sun, May 29, 2011
Federal authorities bust another 10 online gaming websites, but this time they go beyond poker. Gaming industry ramps up efforts to get approval for a federal bill that would legalize, regulate and tax online poker.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The 15th annual East Coast Gaming Congress examines an industry poised to begin recovery after years of recessionary woes. Issues discussed impact jurisdictions from Massachusetts to Florida and New Jersey to Ohio. (View video of ECGC at end of article).
Sun, May 29, 2011
Pinnacle Entertainment last week reached an agreement with Asian Coast Development Ltd. to invest in and manage the second of the company’s integrated resorts planned for the Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam. It is Pinnacle’s first foray into the Asian gaming market. ACDL is currently building its first IR on Ho Tram, MGM Grand (r.).
Sun, May 29, 2011
Landry's Inc. has been approved as the new owner of the Trump Marina in Atlantic City. Tilman J. Fertitta, Owner, Chairman and CEO of Landry’s, Inc., has completed the $38 million purchase. Renovations to the property, which is being re-branded the Golden Nugget, have already begun.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Australia could have a new casino operator by the start of the second week of June. The demerger of Tabcorp’s casino division into the entity Echo will begin trading on June 6 if a vote is successful on June 1.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The U.S. Supreme Court may review a lawsuit pursued by a Southern California tribe to limit the ability of state governments to squeeze money out of gaming tribes. The suit by the Rincon Band, which owns Harrah’s Rincon (l.) , could impact many other states.
Sun, May 29, 2011
In the race to bring giant Ferris wheel attractions to the Las Vegas Strip, one developer has county approval but no money; another has the money but no government OK.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Any forward thinking gaming company must consider Asia. The hottest growth region in gaming, Asian players continue to dominate the market, and operators and suppliers need to have a presence there.
Sun, May 29, 2011
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Gamal Aziz, the president of MGM Hospitality, on the growth of the non-gaming arm of MGM Resorts International.
Sun, May 29, 2011
According to a recent interview in Korea’s Chosun Daily, Steve Wynn is ready to build in Korea. The only stipulation is that the government allow locals to gamble—something that is only permitted in one of the country’s casinos today.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The long-awaited IPO from MGM Resorts for its Macau operations will start trading on June 3 after pricing is announced on June 2. With several billionaires already committed investors, the company expects to clear almost $1.5 billion, most of which will go to partner Pansy Ho (l.).
Sun, May 29, 2011
Ex-LV Sands exec Steven Jacobs says he was fired because he played by the book in Macau. Sheldon Adelson says the former resort chief is a liar who did deals on the side.
Sun, May 29, 2011
As more VLT product rolls out in Italy, revenue generated by the devices will naturally rise. But recent figures show that increased VLT play may be contributing to a decline in online gaming revenue. Casinos Austria’s Vincendo Meran in Italy at left.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Greece has been told by the European Commission that the pricing of entry fees to Greek casinos is unfair and unlawful. The existing system, where state-owned casinos charge lower entry fees and are therefore more competitive than private casinos, is expected to change.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Serbia appears to be serious about getting its gaming house in order. Following the presentation of a draft bill for consultation, police have carried out the largest raids to date on illegal gaming operations.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The debt crisis in Greece is inspiring the government to explore ways to raise cash—and quickly. Some state-held stakes in gaming operations could soon appear on the auction block.
Sun, May 29, 2011
As Ireland moves unsteadily towards a modern, regulated gaming model, news of a 2010 submission by Dublin’s city council has revealed an anti-change attitude among the city’s leaders. And should change occur, the council does not want to see casinos within its jurisdiction. Period.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Preliminary plans recently were announced for a 7,000-seat entertainment center to open in 2014 at Fallsview Casino at Niagara Falls, Ontario. The new venue would host concerts by nationally and internationally known performers, as well as sports and entertainment events.
Sun, May 29, 2011
It has been a difficult few months for New Zealand casino operator SkyCity Entertainment. First, the Christchurch Casino, of which the company owns 50 percent, was temporarily closed by the February earthquake. Now, old allegations of a flea infestation at the flagship Auckland property have resurfaced in the media.
Sun, May 29, 2011
A toothless bill that would legalize internet gaming in Nevada has passed the Assembly and will move on to the Senate, where passage is expected. But nothing will change. Still, Assemblyman William Horne (l.), who sponsored the bill, is optimistic.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Online gaming supplier Playtech has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gala Coral to provide the operator’s online gaming platform and products. On land, Playtech is nearing completion of converting 21,000 U.K. fixed odds betting terminals to its Videobet server-based gaming software.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Spain has its first legal online gaming operator—at least, within the confines of the autonomous region of Madrid. A bill that would allow licenses to be issued nation-wide is still pending publication and review by the European Commission.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Morris Mohawk is moving its players at Bodog.com to its newly licensed Bodog.eu site. The move appears to be part of an effort to differentiate the various markets in which the company is or intends to be active.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Australia might be getting ready to interdict online gaming in the style of the U.S. That is what the Australian Crime Commission is urging for the federal government and police.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Telecommunications industry veteran Kathy Perone was named chief operations officer at Hibernia Atlantic, the only diverse trans-Atlantic high-bandwidth connectivity provider. In addition, Hibernia Atlantic was chosen by Betfair, one of the world’s largest online sports gaming companies, to provide 10 gigabyte wavelength service for a network that will securely connect Betfair’s London office to its data center in Dublin.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Leander Games will develop online and land-based games branded with thrash metal band Megadeth. The deal follows the recently announced partnering with leading software giants Gaming Technology Solutions and OpenBet.
Sun, May 29, 2011
London’s Hippodrome Casino, opening in late 2011, will be able to benefit from the recently launched affiliate program of online counterpart HippodromeCasino.com. Tournaments that begin online will be able to be concluded at the Leicester Square location.
Sun, May 29, 2011
People Dimensions has teamed with Microgaming to offer courses and trainings geared to those in or desiring to enter the online gaming industry. Courses are available for various stages of career path.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Station Casinos’ plan to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy was approved by Nevada regulators, but unsecured creditors could be cut loose if a bankruptcy deal allows the Fertitta family to keep the Green Valley Resort in Henderson, Nevada, but passes Aliante Station (l.) in North Las Vegas to the lenders.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The dropping of a lawsuit and permits from the county are moving the Hollywood Casino Columbus (l.) towards beginning building. The developer, Penn National, agreed last week to settle its lawsuit against the city of Columbus and will allow its casino site to be annexed.
Sun, May 29, 2011
For yet another year, attempts to legalize gaming in Texas have failed. The last best hope, created racinos at the state racetracks, including Sam Houston (l.), co-owed by Penn National, dropped off the radar two weeks ago as legislators tended to more pressing needs.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Even though Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he supports a city-owned casino, an expanded gambling bill failed to pass an Illinois House panel. Supporters say casinos in Chicago and slots at racetracks and airports could have raised enough revenue to help the state plug its projected budget deficit of $1.2 billion.
Sun, May 29, 2011
A proposed mega-sports complex off I-15 in Las Vegas includes three stadiums that could seat about 60,000 people. But so far, the plan includes no space for parking and the land is being eyed by the Las Vegas bullet train to nowhere.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Legislation has been introduced to award the Atlantic City Race Course 90 percent of the Casino Simulcast Fund. The money, which has mostly gone to tracks in North Jersey, would be earmarked for capital improvements for the first year, with the addition of live meets in the future.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Gaming commissioners last week tabled a license approval for Jackpot Joanie’s. Some say this means a further crackdown on “slot arcades” that masquerade as taverns.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Operators at Twin River slot parlor are seeking a voter referendum to expand to a full-scale table games casino. They took their case to the Rhode Island statehouse, and are looking for a tax break.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The Colorado Gaming Association recently cut casino taxes by 5 percent, which will bring in additional revenues of $5 million. As a result, casinos will be able to make capital improvements they’ve been putting off and hire more employees, especially in the state’s leading gaming town, Black Hawk (l.).
Sun, May 29, 2011
Now under control of lenders, the company operates 15 gaming halls in three states, plus a slot route, most under the “Terrible’s” brand.
Sun, May 29, 2011
West Virginia Lottery revenues are up 3 percent compared to the 2009-2010 budget year, due to the overwhelming success of table games at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town. The casino posted April gross receipts of $13.06 million--more than double the combined revenues of West Virginia’s other four other casinos.
Sun, May 29, 2011
A new bill would allow people to once again smoke in bars, taverns and taprooms. The restriction would remain in place for restaurants and other public places. The smoking ban was first enacted in 2006, but is today largely ignored.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The Tropicana Casino Hotel in Atlantic City is involved in a contract dispute with three labor unions, and its position could hurt business. As owner Carl Icahn demands more concessions, the AFL-CIO has asked for conventions to boycott the property.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Unlike their counterparts in Mississippi, where several casinos closed due to flooding, Louisiana casinos were unaffected as the Mississippi River crest at 45 feet at Baton Rouge. “We jumped the snake,” said Baton Rouge gaming attorney Paul West.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Nevada committee members seem persuaded by testimony that strict rules and regulations will keep underage hotel guests from gambling. The Assembly bill now goes to the Senate.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Observers speculate the canny corporate raider could make another good deal by buying up more land around his unfinished Fontainebleau and creating a mega-development.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Ameristar Casinos has requested that the city of East Chicago turn over an unspecified amount of gambling revenues held in a $29 million escrow account to help rebuild the Cline Avenue bridge, which connects to the Ameristar property. But East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland said Ameristar’s request surprised him.
Sun, May 29, 2011
As Nevada considers a bill to turn over a portion of unclaimed casino winnings to the state, the bill is undergoing multiple amendments. Presently, the house keeps those unclaimed tickets.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc. recently announced it will purchase the Red Dragon in Mountlake Terrace, for $1.25 million—the company’s 10th mini-casino acquisition. As a result of the transaction, Nevada Gold will own and operate Mountlake Terrace’s two mini-casinos.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Observers of the Mississippi gaming scene have mixed opinions about singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville casino in Biloxi, which last month was approved by the state gaming commission 14-0. The $48 million, 68,000 square foot casino will create 650 jobs when it opens in spring 2012.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Resorts Atlantic City continues its renaissance and unveils its latest amenity, a sophisticated cabaret called Torch.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Caesars Entertainment’s effort to establish a special tax district to fund its $500 million Strip complex will go to the polls along side-by-side a competing bill.
Sun, May 29, 2011
A report issued by a grand jury in Pennsylvania calls for a complete overhaul of regulations, personnel and procedures at the state gaming board.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Any gaming bill passed in the Bay State should include a little something to help keep its racetracks alive, insists House Speaker Robert DeLeo (l.).
Sun, May 29, 2011
An Arizona tribe that wants to put land into trust 80 miles from its reservation could be considered a poster child for a practice called “reservation shopping” that U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (l.) wants to severely limit.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Randy Fine (l.), president of the Fine Point Group consulting firm, hired earlier this year to turn around an Indian casino in New Mexico forced to restructure, has released a statement explaining why it resigned.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The first phase of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel’s $650 million expansion project was recently completed, officials said. Located in Swain County at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s one of the nation’s largest hospitality expansions now under construction.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Governor Terry Branstad last week signed a bill that will set up a study of online gaming in the state. The study should frame the debate in next year’s legislative session in Iowa.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association recently announced the hiring of former Arizona Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Sheila Morago as the group’s first full-time executive director. OIGA represents 22 of Oklahoma’s 39 tribes; 33 have state gaming compacts.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The man who led Casinos Austria from 1968 to 2007, Leo Wallner, is retiring from the company’s supervisory boards at the end of June. Although citing age as the reason, the 75-year-old’s announcement follows the recent departure of the two top men at the company’s important international subsidiary.
Sun, May 29, 2011
The fast-growing Las Vegas boutique gaming law firm has named M. Magali Wysong as an associate attorney.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Aristocrat Technologies Europe has appointed Bas Visser as the European division’s new head of product and marketing.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Table Trac announced the appointment of software industry finance veteran Brian Hinchley as chief financial officer.
Sun, May 29, 2011
BMM Compliance is working with Mexico’s main electronics/telecommunications/IT trade organization to develop modern technical standards for a variety of gaming. The company is the first among its peers to be permitted to do so.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Caesars Entertainment combines the official launch of IGT’s new “The Hangover” slot with the premier of the movie’s sequel at Planet Hollywood.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Aristocrat Technologies debuted its new “Tarzan Lord of the Jungle” video slot at Wynn Las Vegas, marking the Las Vegas launch of the new game.
Sun, May 29, 2011
With a new wife, a vegan lifestyle and a booming Chinese business, Steve Wynn isn’t going anywhere, he tells the Wall Street Journal.
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