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Full Tilt Phonies

Full Tilt Phonies

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The U.S. Department of Justice accuses the disgraced online poker site of operating a Ponzi scheme, using deposits collected from player to enrich the board of directors, including poker superstar Howard Lederer (left). The accusation causes the American Gaming Association to renew its push for a legalized poker industry, highlighted by an effective regulatory process that will prevent such scams from occurring.

Columns : ASIAN GAMING

Macau Developing Second Commercial Role

Macau Developing Second Commercial Role

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The success of Macau has been built mainly on a single industry. The government wants to change that by using historic and linguistic ties to other former Portuguese colonies to grow international trade, with rural Hengqin Island as the centerpiece.

Philippines Operator Adding 6,500 Rooms

Philippines Operator Adding 6,500 Rooms

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Alliance Global Group recently announced it has 6,500 hotel rooms either under construction or planned for various projects in the Philippines, including at its Resorts World Manila property (l.). The operator of the Philippines’ largest casino has a joint venture there with Genting Hong Kong.

Sands China Tops Macau Market

Sands China Tops Macau Market

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

A recent estimate of visitors to Macau’s casino properties gave the edge to Sands China in August and early September, with the Venetian Macao (l.) leading the way.

Vietnam Puts Clock on Swiss Project

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Vietnam has become one of the world’s hot spots for resort development plans. But the government appears to be worried that too many of these plans are not moving forward as quickly as once thought.

Melco Receives Carbon Reduction Award

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

CarbonCare Asia awarded its Champion Gold Label to Melco International Development Limited in recognition of the company’s carbon-reduction measures.

Columns : GLOBAL GAMING

British Columbia Targets Money Laundering

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

In an effort to crack down against money laundering, the British Columbia Government will gradually phase out the use of cash at casinos. Players will use other methods to buy in.

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Ignores Court Order

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

When the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority fired its board chairman, he sued and won back his job. Now SIGA continues to ignore a court order to reinstate him.

Isle of Man Seeks Casino Resort

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The Isle of Man wants to hear from developers interested in building and operating a five-star casino resort. The location in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and the U.K., could satisfy the region’s unfulfilled wish for a destination resort.

Columns : ONLINE GAMING

D.C. Decision

D.C. Decision

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Two city councilmen introduce a bill that would repeal the law that allows the D.C. Lottery to institute online gaming throughout the city. Powerful forces in Congress have already lined up against the bill, and this could be the end for the measure, but the bill’s sponsor, Council Michael Brown (l.), doesn’t see any delay.

E.C. Approves Danish Online Law

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

It took nine months, but the European Commission has concluded that Denmark may tax online gaming operators at 20 percent while maintaining progressive rate of up to 75 percent for their land-based counterparts. The land-based industry is none too pleased.

German State’s Online Opening Act

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The struggle of one German state to convert the 15 others to a liberalized gaming market mindset appears to have taken a major turn with the Schleswig-Holstein passage of online gaming legislation. However, a completely open market may be further away than it seems.

AGA Releases Online Poker Code of Conduct, Online Video

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Just before last week’s amended indictment of Full Tilt Poker, the American Gaming Association announced a new online poker “Code of Conduct” that will govern the way AGA members approach the yet-to-be-legal activity. And a new entertaining video makes a solid case for legalization.

FairPlayUSA Ups the Ante

FairPlayUSA Ups the Ante

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Former FBI Director Louis Freeh has joined the prestigious board of FairPlayUSA. Freeh joins former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge (l.) to the industry-funded coalition, which advocates for Congress to enact a regulatory framework for Internet gambling and to create enforceable online poker laws.

Cozy Games Partners with EveryMatrix to Offer Mobile Games

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Gaming technology leader Cozy Games has struck a deal with EveryMatrix to offer its suite of mobile casino games. More than 25 EveryMatrix operators will now offer “Lucky Clover,” “Multi Hand Blackjack” and other popular games.

Columns : UNITED STATES GAMING

Illinois Lawmakers, Governor May Compromise on Casinos

Illinois Lawmakers, Governor May Compromise on Casinos

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Illinois lawmakers want to negotiate with Governor Pat Quinn (l.) on how extensive the gaming expansion bill should be—but Quinn says he is frustrated that they haven’t first officially given him the bill.

Massachusetts Senate Takes up House’s Gaming Bill

Massachusetts Senate Takes up House’s Gaming Bill

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Massachusetts could be just a few weeks away from passing a bill that would allow three casino resorts and a slots parlor. State Senator Patricia Jehlen (l.) wants the host communities to hold a referendum before any casino is located there.

Ohio Racinos Could be Ready in January

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The legal machinery is almost in place to begin issuing licenses that would allow Ohio’s seven racetracks to become racinos by adding video lottery terminals.

New Hampshire House Mulls Gaming Bill

New Hampshire House Mulls Gaming Bill

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Lawmakers in the Granite State want to beat nearby Massachusetts by legalizing two Las Vegas style casinos that could have as many as a total of 10,000 slot machines, many at Millennium Gaming’s Rockingham Park racetrack (l.).

Study: Eastern Pennsylvania Could Support One More Casino

Study: Eastern Pennsylvania Could Support One More Casino

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Results of an Innovation Group study on the Pennsylvania gaming market show the state could support one more casino in the eastern part of the state. Treasurer Rob McCord (l.) favors casino in that location.

Gaming Regulation Reforms to Benefit Atlantic City

Gaming Regulation Reforms to Benefit Atlantic City

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement has proposed a set of new rules that carry out Gov. Chris Christie’s casino regulation reform. The new rules, now under a 60-day public review, make it cheaper and easier for casinos to conduct operations. Trump CEO Bob Griffin (l.) welcomes the changes.

November May See Gaming Expansion in Maine

November May See Gaming Expansion in Maine

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Maine may see the expansion of gaming if three proposals on the November ballot are approved. Supporters of racinos—with horseracing and slot machines—in Biddeford and Washington County are promoting their cause, while the city of Lewiston is pushing for a full-blown casino. And operators of Las Vegas’ Silverton (l.) will manage the new casino in Oxford.

MTR Sues Arneault

MTR Sues Arneault

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

MTR Gaming Group has filed suit against former CEO Ted Arneault (l.), alleging that Arneault violated a non-compete agreement by working with a new racino owner.

 More Financial Woes for Former Atlantic City Hilton

More Financial Woes for Former Atlantic City Hilton

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The former Atlantic City Hilton, in bankruptcy since January, has a $25 million pension liability on top of its asking price, a financial setback that could sink a potential deal.

Cordish to Chinese: Green Card for Investment

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Baltimore-based Cordish Company is courting investment in its Maryland Live! casino from Chinese businessmen by offering to arrange green cards in exchange for their $500,000 buy-in.

Adelson: Sands Is Flush

Adelson: Sands Is Flush

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Sands CEO says the company could pay a dividend in 2012 as receipts from Macau and Singapore meet optimistic forecasts.

Contract Negotiations Far Apart in Atlantic City

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Local 54 of UNITE-HERE, Atlantic City’s largest union, has resumed talks with nine of the city’s casinos after their contract has expired. Both parties hope to avoid a strike, which many agree would be devastating for the declining gaming market, but the latest proposals aren’t even close.

Illinois Looks to Other State-Fair Casinos

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Illinois’ governor looks to Delaware and New Mexico for examples of casinos funding state fairs, part of the gaming expansion program before him.

SugarHouse Plans Expansion

SugarHouse Plans Expansion

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino unveiled an expansion plan that includes retail, hotel, office and residential space as well as a pedestrian riverfront promenade.

Hooters Has Big ‘War Chest’

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Canpartners Realty, which owns almost all the Vegas hotel’s distressed debt, wants immediate payment of almost $2 million to hundreds of creditors.

Fight Over Ameristar Payments Settled

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The Indiana Gaming Commission approved a settlement agreement between the city of East Chicago, Foundations of East Chicago and Second Century, Inc. Established in 1994 by a former East Chicago mayor, Second Century was created to receive tax revenues generated from Ameristar Casino.

Pinnacle Gets Baton Rouge Extension

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

July 31, 2012 is the new deadline for Pinnacle Entertainment to complete its $357 million Baton Rouge casino. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board recently granted the company the extension because of construction delays caused by high water levels on the Mississippi River.

Mississippi Casinos Are Rebounding

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Mississippi casinos have survived recent hardships, which caused revenues to decline over the past four years. But Jerry St. Pé, chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission is optimistic about the future.

Closed Ohio River Bridge Impacts Indiana Casino

Closed Ohio River Bridge Impacts Indiana Casino

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Business dropped by more than 10 percent at the Horseshoe Southern Indiana Casino immediately after state officials closed the nearby Sherman Minton Bridge (l.). The 50-year-old bridge was abruptly closed September 9 after inspectors found cracks in the steel structure.

‘Girls Gone Wild’ Founder Wins Wynn Case

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

A state judge recently tossed out a criminal theft and bad check indictment against Joe Francis, founder of the Girls Gone Wild series. Francis owed the Wynn Las Vegas resort a $2.5 million casino debt, but Wynn executives will continue to fight for repayment.

Casino Revenue Would Keep Columbus Team

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

As part of a plan to keep the financially troubled Blue Jackets National Hockey League team in Columbus, Ohio, the city would use future casino tax revenue to buy Nationwide Arena from Nationwide Realty Investors. Nationwide would become part owner of the team.

St. Louis Assessor Assails Casinos Appraisals

St. Louis Assessor Assails Casinos Appraisals

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The St. Louis County Board of Equalization recently cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the appraised values of River City (l.) and Harrah’s casinos, and County Assessor Jake Zimmerman is demanding the “outrageous decision” be reversed.

Columns : TRIBAL GAMING

Connecticut Tribes Concerned Over State Security Costs

Connecticut Tribes Concerned Over State Security Costs

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun are currently talking with Dannel P. Malloy (l.), the governor of Connecticut, over the cost of state-mandated security services. They are seeking a reduction in costs and a more thorough assessment of auditing procedures.

Rumors Flying Over Potawatomi Hotel Plans

Rumors Flying Over Potawatomi Hotel Plans

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Various sources have said the Forest County Potawatomi tribe has asked construction firms and architects for proposals for a 22-story, 400-room hotel adjacent to its Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee. However, a tribal spokesman says there are no imminent plans.

Cherokees Delay Oklahoma Casino Expansion

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The expansion of the Cherokee Nation’s casino at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has been delayed pending approval of the final plans by tribal officials. The tribe is moving forward with expanding operations at its Fort Gibson and Ramona facilities.

Columns : PEOPLE

BMM Names Foley Operations VP

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

BMM International has named the former technology chief of the Nevada Gaming Control Board as the testing company’s new vice president of operations.

David Purvis New Stanleybet CEO

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Online sports betting operator Stanleybet has appointed a new CEO with strong gaming industry credentials. David Purvis was previously with Cyberview and Inspired Gaming.

Ribero Joins Tropicana Board

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

A former Hilton exec, a marketing specialist, joins six-member board of the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel-casino.

Promotions Made At Harrah’s New Orleans

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Dan Real has been named regional president, LuAnn Pappas has been promoted to regional vice president of marketing and Jil Green has been hired as vice president of human resources.

XRiver Technologies Names Smallman

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Steve Smallman has been named business development director at XRiver Technologies LLP, one of the leading providers of hardware to the handheld gaming market. Previously he held numerous senior positions at Gametech International.

Rivin Appointed VP of Hotel Operations at AC Tropicana

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City has announced the appointment of Alan J. Rivin as Vice President of Hotel Operations. An industry veteran, Rivin’s previous experience includes Vice President positions at Trump Taj Mahal and Resorts Atlantic City.

Brendel, Lychock and Vito Advance at Suzo-Happ Group

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The Suzo-Happ Group has appointed Jim Brendel its new President and CEO. He will succeed Suzo-Happ Chairman Jim Norton. Additional promotions at the company include advancement for Fred Lychock and Andy Viso.

Columns : GOODS & SERVICES

IGT ‘Ghostbusters’ Slot Debuts

IGT ‘Ghostbusters’ Slot Debuts

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

IGT’s video slot based on the 1984 blockbuster film has begun a 30-day exclusive launch at MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas.

Multimedia Gets Nevada License

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Multimedia Games, with success in other gaming jurisdictions, can target Nevada as well, now that the state Gaming Commission has awarded a license to the Texas slot company.

Rank Online Adds Aristocrat Content

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Rank Group has begun offering customers of its online gaming sites the same content as they would find at one of the group’s land-based casinos. The game “50 Lions” from Aristocrat is being presented by online gaming software provider GameAccount Network.

SK+G Designs L’Auberge Website

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

SK+G of Las Vegas has recently added an interactive division that develops digital platforms to advance casino marketing.

Wynn Offers Red Card Enhancements

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Wynn Las Vegas and Encore recently launched enhancements to the Red Card loyalty program. Now points can be redeemed for comps at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore for fine dining, show reservations, pool cabanas, tee times at the exclusive Wynn Country Club, special room rates and more.

Departments : TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES

Bally Plans Huge Display at G2E

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Bally Technologies will display nearly 300 games along with a wide array of system and server-based gaming applications at its G2E booth.

Aristocrat to Launch New Game Categories

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Aristocrat Technologies will use G2E to launch several new game categories as well as additions to all existing game and systems groups.

NEWave Offers ‘Software Update v4’

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

NEWave will introduce several different software solutions at G2E in a package designed to increase productivity and protect against fraud.

Columns : WILD CARD

Adelson Fires Back

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

The Sands CEO has accused a former Macau exec of stealing secrets. The onetime CEO, Steven Jacobs, says Adelson pressured him to conduct improper business.

Sportsbetting Kiosks a ‘Game Changer’

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

A Nevada trade group is keeping an eye on the wagering terminals, which allow players to bet without ever entering a sports book.

Columns : NUTSHELL

News & Notes

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011

Columns : THEY SAID IT

Quotable Quotes

by Staff

Sun, Sep 25, 2011