Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Ohio legislature has passed legislation that sets the landscape for gaming in the state for the next 10 years, and limits it to four regional casinos and seven racinos. Beulah Park (l.), near Columbus, Ohio, is owned by Penn National, and would be moved to Dayton. The law was passed after Ohio Governor John Kasich and the casino/racetrack owners came to an agreement.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Months after U.S. indictments of three online poker websites very little has been heard from the international online gaming regulators. While there is no expectation that all regulators will agree with the indictments, there certainly should have been an investigation. But outside of the Alderney regulators, nothing has happened. What’s going on?
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Pending final state gaming board approval, the new $435 million Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, located just 16 miles from downtown Chicago and up the road from O’Hare Airport, will open July 18. The 147,000 square foot casino, open 22 hours daily, will offer 1,050 slots and 48 table games with Illinois’ highest betting limits.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
France is the latest country to pull the license of Full Tilt Poker in a cascade of problems that started when the website was indicted by the U.S. Justice Department in April. And then a group of Las Vegas players filed a class-action lawsuit against the company. But a deal with a group of European investors to buy the company could be accomplished by next week and begin to resolve the problems surrounding the company.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (l.) has put a bill to expand gambling on hold for a period that could last until January 2013. Approved on May 31, the legislation would add slot machines at horse racing tracks, Chicago airports and the state fairgrounds, and allow five new Illinois casinos in Danville, Chicago, Lake County, southern Cook County and Rockford. Supporters say the state would benefit from $1.6 billion dollars in upfront fees and $500 million dollars or more annually in tax revenue.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Construction has begun on a nine-story, 250-room hotel tower and a 1,600-seat multi-use event center at the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Michigan. The tribe also announced a $410 refinance and the early buyout of its management agreement Lakes Entertainment, Inc.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (l.) has fired all five members of the state gaming commission after they agreed to reduce taxes on an already struggling state gaming industry.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Italian VLT and non-casino slot markets are booming. Economy Minister Giulio Tremonti (l.), who recently had to cut 43 billion euros from the budget, has taken notice. Now a new round of licensing is expected to pass the Senate, with implementation to follow quickly.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The landslide election of Yingluck Shinawatra (l.), Thailand’s first woman prime minister, could start the ball rolling toward gaming legalization, according to one respected consulting firm.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
International Game Technology once again goes outside the gaming industry to fill the newly created position of president with Eric Berg (l.), while the company announces the departure of a longtime sales executive.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The leading awards for technology in the gaming industry return once again to Global Gaming Expo, where the 10th annual edition will presented in October. Novomatic received the award in 2010 for the “Best Table Gaming Product.”
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Mitchell Etess, the CEO of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, on expansion plans for the tribally owned company.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Melco Crown Entertainment has a new loan and revolving credit facility. The terms are said to be somewhat higher than previous facilities but give the company more latitude in use.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The shady reputation of the Macau VIP operators was kicked up a notch last week when one of the most prominent organizations was listed on the NASDAQ U.S. stock exchange. AERL operates VIP rooms at Galaxy Macau.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Malaysia’s Genting Group is said to be acquiring a local lottery operator from the privatized Tanjong. According to one unnamed source, the deal should have been completed last Thursday. However, no news of a signed agreement had yet emerged prior to the weekend.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Two weeks after Melco Crown acquired a majority ownership in the stalled Studio project in Macau, government officials continue to contend that no casino has ever been approved for the development.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
In yet another record-setting month, Macau casino revenues in June were up over 50 percent from June 2010, sparking a surge in casino stock prices.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Slovenia’s HIT Group appears to be regaining its footing. Operations for the first half of 2011 showed improvement over 2010 and the company’s chairman recognizes the need to compete with the growing slot offering in neighboring Italy.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Rank and Guoco appear to finally be on the same page. The allegedly accidental takeover attempt of the U.K. gaming concern now faces two deadlines. Sellers have until July 15 to accept Guoco’s offer. Remorseful sellers have until July 22 to buy back their shares. And CEO Ian Burke is back.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Casinos Austria International has pulled out of a partnership that was aiming for a casino license in Liechtenstein. Citing a change in direction by the partner, CAI may be replaced by a Swiss company which recently suffered a disappointment at home.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The U.K. Gambling Commission has acted on one of its professed goals to make life simpler for casino operators and suppliers. It will now be much easier for casinos to trial new games, game variants and side bet options.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The proposed online gaming legislation which Greece submitted to the European Commission has elicited a negative opinion from the E.U. organ. The bill’s alleged numerous restrictions and lack of clarity have one of Europe’s main industry lobbying groups agreeing with the commission.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has succeeded in getting an amendment for stricter punishments for illegal gambling passed in the Duma. What effect if any the move has on the number of illegal casinos in operation remains to be seen.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Australian independent MP Andrew Wilkie has a new opponent in his bid to pass mandatory pre-commitment for slot players. The National Rugby League has joined the fray and is backing its words with an ad campaign that will reach 1.5 million sports fans.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The future of Nepal Recreation Centre and its remaining casinos is currently being discussed in the nation’s supreme court. A stay order has temporarily halted the cancellation of NRC’s license to operate, with the next hearing scheduled for July 11.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The District of Columbia held a public hearing to vet its controversial plan to introduce online gaming. Despite objections from opponents, the D.C. Lottery will release six practice games on the site igamingdc.com over the next several weeks, with a plan to offer live wagering on September 8.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Senator Jay Rockefeller has come out with an 18-point plan to trim the deficit by regulating and taxing internet gaming. The proposal comes as Democrats and Republicans meet to hash out the federal budget.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Online betting firm Betfair has added its voice to the protest against the German states’ draft treaty for online gambling. In a letter to the European Commission, Betfair called the treaty disproportionate, discriminatory and protectionist.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Mobile gaming is coming to East Timor. Philippines operator PhilWeb has been awarded a license to operate mobile gaming and will launch as soon as possible under the brand Gold Mobile.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
In the event of legalization, Scientific Games’ Sciplay joint venture will provide internet poker services to the California Online Poker Association.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
In one of the highest-priced recent U.S. casino transactions, Boyd Gaming Corporation will purchase the former Imperial Palace in Biloxi for $288 million by the end of the year. Gulf Coast casinos have been impacted less by recession than other regions.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Two licenses are up for grabs with the new “small” casino legislation in Atlantic City. At the deadline last week, three companies submitted expressions of interest. Hard Rock International is the only one to have advanced beyond this stage, however.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Plans for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City include taking over 26,938 square feet of city owned property, as well as a small section of O’Donnell Park to be used for an underground garage tunnel. The ambitious $275 million project is being embraced by city officials, who plan a July 21 meeting to iron out the details. But it may be the only small casino built.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
States collected $23.94 billion in revenues from lotteries, slot machines, table games and other gambling in fiscal 2010, a 2 percent increase over fiscal 2009 but still lower than 2008 results. Most of the revenues came from lotteries, casinos, racinos and parimutuel wagering, according to a new report.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
A judge in Washington, D.C., last week sanctioned Culinary Local 226, charging its campaign against Station Casinos was “prejudiced.” But he declined to toss the case.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Tropicana in Atlantic City continues to court high-end play with the introduction of the luxurious new Cielo Suites. Trop CEO Tony Rodio (c.) helped cut the ribbon officially opening the suites last week.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The bribery and corruption case against casino interests and lawmakers could be broader than the nine people currently on trial. Sources say the feds are still investigating.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Vegas-based gaming company has inked a five-year deal to run the Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt Regency on Tahoe’s north shore.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Canadian developer Michael Moldenhauer, whose license application for a Baltimore casino was rejected by the state, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging reverse discrimination.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
An archaic rule made out-of-state gaming companies jump through hoops to enter the biggest U.S. market. That’s all changed.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal recently signed into law a bill to allow online betting and phone wagering on horse races at tracks throughout the state. Previously, placing bets online and by phone has only been legal at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Racino supporters in shut-down Minnesota point to their success in neighboring Iowa, where three racinos, including Prairie Meadows, generate $90 million in annual tax revenues, or 1.5 percent of the state budget. They say installing slots at the state’s two horse racetracks could bring in at least $125 million annually in taxes, but threaten the health of tribal casinos like Grand Casinos Mille Lacs.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Legislation allowing poker, blackjack and other table games with human dealers --instead of the current offering of video machines— at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly. The change would result in 430 new jobs and increase the payroll by $15 million.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The disputed election for principal chief of the Cherokee Nation has resulted in recounts, lawsuits and litigation. The tribe, which owns eight gaming facilities in northeastern Oklahoma, awaits the tribal Supreme Court’s ruling on who will lead them. Chief Chad Smith’s (l.) job is in the balance.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The casino that the state of Michigan and fellow gaming tribes claim the Bay Mills Indian Community opened illegally in Vanderbilt, will stay closed by order of a three-judge federal appellate court, although a final ruling hasn’t been made.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Rincon band of Indians against the former governor of California may open the way for several of the state’s tribes to seek to renegotiate compacts that they signed with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
A U.S. district court has ruled that the Arizona legislature acted illegally when it passed a law that enabled the city of Glendale to annex land to prevent it from being put into federal trust for the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The reversal by the Obama administration of a rule that made it harder for tribes to put land into federal trust has reopened the case of the Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Pascua Yaqui tribe strives to place tribal members in senior leadership positions throughout its Sol Casinos, according to CEO Wendell Long (l.). The policy will apply to the tribe’s new Casino del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center, which will employ 350 people when it opens in November.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
According to a provision in the will of Stan Fulton, owner of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, New Mexico State University could lose half ownership and half the profits from the racino if a casino opens within 50 miles of the property. A proposed casino in Anthony, New Mexico, is within that area.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Exec simultaneously resigns from both his board chairmanship at Nevada Property LLC, parent of the Cosmopolitan, and top job at Deutsche Bank.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Peter Arceo has been named senior director of sales and marketing for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Arceo brings nearly two decades of experience to his new position, developing marketing strategies for both properties.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Novomatic’s Austrian Gaming Industries subsidiary has appointed gaming supply veteran Laurent Gaubout to serve customers in France and Monaco.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Oneida Indian Nation has named Robert Fetterman as vice president of finance for the tribe and its Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
NEWave has named gaming industry veteran Clair Rogers as senior vice president of sales.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Penn National Gaming has named Tom Teesdale as vice president of marketing for the Argosy Casino Resort in Kansas City.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The former president of the Arima Race Club has been named to lead the new betting levy board of Trinidad & Tobago. Kama Maharaj will lead the effort to make horse racing a viable industry on the islands.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The surging Italian VLT market is providing the impetus for new products and new partnerships. The Slant Top Evolution cabinet is the latest from German-British joint venture Merkur Inspired.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Former four-term Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, who was released from federal prison earlier this year, recently completed six months of home detention. Edwards, 83, served eight years in prison for a bribery and extortion scheme to rig riverboat casino licenses.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
Legendary WSOP winner kicked off the games last week, but stayed out of the competition, saying he’s “lost passion” for the game since Black Friday.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The unexpected recovery of Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark,” has offered theater patron Foxwoods Resort Casino a welcome prestige.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The iconic Art Deco boat S.S. Admiral, which formerly housed the President Casino at the St. Louis Mississippi Riverfront, will be “recycled.” The century-old riverboat-turned-casino did not attract any serious bids at auction.
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