Sat, Jun 04, 2011
A surprise gaming expansion bill passes quickly through the Illinois legislature and lands on Governor Pat Quinn’s desk, due to heavy lobbying by new Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (l.). With a new Windy City casino, four more riverboat licenses, and slots at racetracks, it represents a huge jump in capacity and threatens market equilibrium.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The anticipated demerger of Australia’s Tabcorp into separate entities for casinos and all other gaming has received a “yes” vote from shareholders and affirmation from the court. Now, casino operator Echo Entertainment and gaming and wagering company Tabcorp can settle into their new roles as objects of takeover speculation. However, the engineer of the deal, Tabcorp Chairman Elmer Funke Kupper (l.), is out of a job.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Asian gaming giant, now building the racino at Aqueduct in New York City, spent $236 million for 14 acres on Biscayne Bay in Miami, now home to the city’s leading newspaper (l.). While the resort is not contingent upon gaming, it will progress much faster with it.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The May numbers are out for Macau and yet again, the SAR’s casinos have produced record revenues for the period. At the same time, the release of the MGM China IPO reached its peak, pricing at the highest level estimated.
Fri, Jun 03, 2011
The question of online gaming is becoming a crucial—and divisive—issue in Indian Country. Many tribal leaders are urging Native Americans to step up to their place at the table, but there is no consensus on the position they should take. A panel at last month’s GIGSE conference (l.) in San Francisco outlined the major problems.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Ohio Senate is likely to pass a bill that the House passed two weeks ago that would greatly increase the tax burden on the state’s four regional casinos that voters authorized in a constitutional amendment in 2009. The bill is being pushed by Ohio’s anti-gaming governor, John Kasich (l.).
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Caesars Entertainment and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation signed a 7-year extension of Caesars’ management agreement for the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel at an event celebrating the completion of the first phase of the casino’s $650 million expansion project. But some say the tribe ought to diversify, especially as tribal distributions are down and a $1 billion debt looms.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Politics is an important factor in many businesses, but nothing like it is in the gaming business. Savvy investors need to understand how the decisions made by politicians and public officials can impact their financial stakes.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Bill Hornbuckle, the chief marketing officer for MGM Resorts International, on how the company is developing a new players club with wide ramifications for the company and the industry.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam has found a second major developer in Pinnacle Entertainment. The company has agreed to invest $95 million for 26 percent of Ho Tram Strip primary Asian Coast Development Ltd. and develop and manage the second phase of the integrated resort project. Anthony Sanfilippo (l.), president and CEO of Pinnacle Entertainment, says it’s a coup for his company.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Philippines is getting new gaming and tourism investment from the Manila Jockey Club. On tap are projects that include casino gaming, hotels and the region’s first racino.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Switzerland is known for having a tightly regulated casino industry. The operator of the Casino Schaffhausen has learned that the hard way, now that the federal court has OK’d the right of the casino commission to levy a SFR400,000 fine for ignoring what it considers was an easily spotted problem.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Spain is ready to privatize almost a third of its national lottery operator. The ongoing debt crisis is seen as the primary motive for the sale of 30 percent of LAE.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Hard Rock International recently announced its 16th property—the first in Latin America—will open in December 2011 in Panama City. The 66-story hotel will offer 1,499 rooms with 796 suites including the Hard Rock signature 2,659 square foot Rock Star Suites.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
It appears that Australia has seen the future and it looks something like Singapore. The government’s tourism ministry is ready to help make the nation more welcoming to international VIP casino guests. Former politician Karl Bitar (l.), now employed by Crown, defends the industry.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The SkyCity casino at Hamilton, New Zealand will start round-the-clock operations on July 1. Seemingly conversely, management is also requesting a reduction in the minimum number of tables it is required to operate on weekdays, from the current two to just one.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Nicaraguan lawmakers are bringing the nation’s gaming venues into a tighter regulatory environment. The new plan is said to be capable of increasing tax revenue to the government without increasing rates on operators.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
With steadfast opposition from one House committee chairman, attention has moved to another committee where Chairwoman Mary Bono Mack (l.) may be more receptive of at least offering hearings on a measure to legalize online gambling.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Well-known poker pro Phil Ivey (l.) announced he will not participate in the 2011 World Series of Poker because his sponsor, Full Tilt Poker, has not repaid U.S. players after the shutdown of its site.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Despite his internet gaming bill being blocked by U.S. House of Representatives, New Jersey Congressman Rob Andrews (l.) is determined to push his amendment, and help veterans in the process.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Casinos and slots at racetracks did not make the cut in this year’s session of the Texas legislature, which will not reconvene until 2013. The opposition of Governor Rick Perry (l.) played a large role. However, proponents of expanded gambling are not giving up; they believe casinos and racinos will become a reality within five years.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
John Sabini (l.), the chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, all but assured developers that the board will approve a racino at the site of a former Catskills resort, where the Mohegan tribe hopes to develop a resort.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Despite the slide in the locals market, the Pennsylvania company thinks it can grow its new property in Henderson, Nevada, M Resort, by tapping a database of millions of preferred customers.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Hard Rock International is seeking permits to build the first small-scale casino in Atlantic City, as investments in the East Coast gaming market continue.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Flamingo casino in Las Vegas will once again team up with musician Jimmy Buffett (l.) to create a 15,000-square-foot casino addition with a Margaritaville-theme. The expansion will celebrate the birth date of both partners, who turn 65 this December.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Revel’s CEO Kevin DeSanctis (l.) recently revealed that the casino is strongly considering a smoke-free environment. But how will the policy effect revenue when the newest Atlantic City property opens next year?
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Measure now circles back to the Assembly, which will consider the appointment of independent agents. The final bill could be passed by the end of the year.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
South Beach chic could be the ticket to bring younger patrons to an older property as Nikki Beach becomes the latest and greatest beach club on the Las Vegas Strip.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Bob Riley (l.), the former Alabama governor, says don’t bother calling him to testify at the bingo corruption trial. He’s going to be on the road, literally, taking a motorcycle trip to Alaska.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
A grand jury report shows the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board intentionally ignored information on alleged mob ties for applicant Louis DeNaples and others to push licensing through.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The 300-room Sands Hotel at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem became the second Pennsylvania casino property with hotel rooms in a soft opening over the holiday weekend.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The finishing touches are being added to the new $120 million Grand Falls Casino Resort , set to open June 9 in Lyon County, Iowa, six miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The casino-hotel-entertainment complex is expected to attract one million visitors annually and generate $70 million in gambling revenue.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Nine cocktail servers, who were allegedly fired from Resorts because of how they looked in the new, revealing outfits, have hired Gloria Allred to represent them. The attorney is well known for taking on cases involving women’s rights.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Last year, police in downtown Cleveland prepared for an increase in crime following the opening of the city’s new $350 million casino. But that never happened. In fact, according to law enforcement officials in nearby states with casinos, crime does not go up when casinos open.
Fri, Jun 03, 2011
When Palace Casino in Biloxi reopens on June 14 and reveals the second phase of its $53 million expansion, it will be the first smoke-free casino resort in Mississippi, according to GM Keith Crosby (l.). Smoking only will be allowed outdoors or in the new $1 million smoking lounge, since a survey by the casino indicated eight out of 10 customers and a similar number of employees do not smoke.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Pinnacle Entertainment's $357 million L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge came close to being called Riviere. But after an extensive review of possible names, the company chose to go with the familiarity and a positive association of its L’Auberge Lake Charles property.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
A star-studded $1 million buy-in tournament at the 2012 World Series of Poker could raise $5 million for international charity One Drop.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Pojoaque Pueblo has signed a three-year contract with Full House Resorts of Las Vegas to manage Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The previous management, Fine Point Group, resigned its contract in March, alleging unethical business practices, a charge denied by Governor George Rivera (l.).
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Jemez Pueblo of northern New Mexico would like to build a casino on off-reservation land it owns in Anthony. But horse racing groups are opposed, even though studies show their industry would recover after a brief downturn.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Five years after a federal court judge has ordered the National Indian Gaming Commission to rule on whether the Tahlequah casino sits on Indian land, there is still no decision. The delay has prompted attorney general Pruitt to issue a letter, claiming the state has been deprived of tax revenue that funds education.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
After several years of delay, the Mohegan Sun wants to build a new hotel, and is seeking a third-party partner to expand its hotel and casino operations.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Wyoming tribe of Northern Arapahos listened to their older members, respectfully known as “elders,” before embarking on Indian gaming. But embark they do.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Despite making a deal to develop a casino in New York’s Catskills, the Mohegan tribe is still determined to build a casino in Palmer, Massachusetts, if the legislature ever acts to expand gaming.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The Seneca tribe, which has watched its stalled Buffalo casino project turn to rust, is designing a new, smaller, more integrated casino for the upstate New York community.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
California tribe seeks redress—and $1 million—in the case of a Vegas gaming exec with multiple bankrupt companies.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The city of Glendale, Arizona, recently hired a second lobbying firm, Policy AZ, LLC, for a monthly fee of $6,000, to help it fight the Tohono O’odham Nation’s proposed casino. Glendale already pays Husk Partners $10,000 a month to work on the casino situation.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Longtime Alfastreet executive Matjaz Petek has joined Atronic International as gaming operations manager for the EMEA region.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Bulgaria-based Euro Games Technology has appointed Daniel van Marissing to head its overall sales and marketing effort. The Dutchman has been in the industry since the mid 1990s, working first at Bourgogne et Grasset and then at Ainsworth Game Technology.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
The entire slot floor of the new MonteLago casino in Las Vegas will consist of machines using JCM Global’s “iVIZION” bill acceptor (l.).
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
A business owned by members of Canada’s Cree Nation has been cited by a prestigious packaging awards program for its hotel amenities used in many tribal gaming resorts.
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