Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The advent of a new administration in Japan gives hope that gaming could become a means of economic redevelopment in the nation that has been slammed by earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons and the economy in recent years. New Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (above) will be asked to evaluate a plan that would introduce Singapore-style integrated resorts in several regions of Japan.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The Philippines is in for renewed attention now that Japanese firm Universal Entertainment is moving forward with plans for two casinos and three hotels in Manila. Heavyweight UE head Kazuo Okada, who serves on the Wynn Resorts board, plans to make casinos the main business of the traditional machine manufacturer.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
After meetings in London last week, the Alderney Gaming Commission revoked the license of Full Tilt Poker. The next day, a shady French businessman made a bid to buy the company. The recent addendum to the April indictment that accuses Full Tilt of conducting a “Ponzi” scheme to defraud its players has rippled across the poker industry and has given U.S. casinos more ammunition to insist that online poker be legalized and regulated.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The Massachusetts Senate last week dealt with more than 60 amendments to the gaming expansion bill with more scheduled to be considered next week. A vote on the bill that would allow three casino resorts and one slots parlor could be voted for soon.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The integrated resort question in Taiwan has taken another step towards realization. The number of properties recommended has doubled from the original two, with an emphasis on IRs having an entertainment element without specifying that element be a theme park.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Monarch Casino and Resort Inc. has bought the Rivera casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. The owners of Reno’s Atlantis Casino Hotel picked up the casino from Riviera Holdings, which recently emerged from bankruptcy.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The recent Supreme Court ruling that slapped down California’s attempts to coerce gaming tribes into paying large amounts of gaming profits into the state’s general fund to have ramifications for the state’s tribal gaming compacts negotiated by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (l.).
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Caesars Entertainment gets the Baltimore casino license, while two applicants remain for the license to build a casino at Rocky Gap state park in western Maryland. Lakes Entertainment President Lyle Berman (l.) wants the Rocky Gap license.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut and the NagaWorld Casino in Cambodia have signed contracts to implement system and game solutions by Bally Technologies, and the company signed an enterprise-wide deal with the BC Lottery.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Stanley Ho, the founder and dominant figure in Macau gaming for decades, sells his remain stake in the company he started, SJM, to his fourth wife, Angela Leong.
Mon, Oct 10, 2011
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast concludes a series of interviews leading up to last week’s G2E. In this installment, GGB Editor Frank Legato speaks with Aristocrat President Nick Khin, on what his company is going to be exhibiting at the big trade show.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Joel Bergman, the chairman and founder of Bergman Walls Architects, and a participant in many of the grandest casino designs in Las Vegas and beyond.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
When Galaxy Macau opened in May, it came with expectations that it would expand the mass market, but injure its sister property, StarWorld. Neither of those has happened, but the property is still a resounding success.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Resorts World Sentosa at Singapore appears to be feeling the effects of a local labor shortage. The company expects to need 1,000 additional employees in the next year.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The Macau government and operators there all speak favorably of diversification into non-gaming amenities. However, economic and competitive realities may determine the real future of such investment.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
More foreign workers were hired in Macau last month, continuing a trend that began last year. More demand for jobs in the casino industry has driven the trend.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The dominance of the table game market in Macau has made it difficult to grow the slot machine market. But with a recent announcement that after the 2013 expiration of the table-game cap, growth will still be limited, it could be an opportunity for manufacturers of slots and electronic table games.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Kyrgyzstan lawmakers have voted to ban casinos, slot halls and other forms of gaming. Operators are now warning that the same underground casino situation that exists in Russia and Kazakhstan will be seen in their own land.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Greece has decided not to sell its stake in lottery and sports betting operator OPAP but to offer 10 more years to the life of the existing monopoly. If the deal goes through, all 35,000 planned VLT licenses will be under the control of OPAP through 2030.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
U.K.’s Rank Group is hoping that adding a large terrace to a popular local hotel bar will translate to more gaming revenue for a planned casino elsewhere on the premises. The non-gaming terrace is for a new provincial casino, which still needs to be granted licenses for gaming and alcohol.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Spain has canceled the proposed sale of 30 percent of national lottery operator LAE. At a potential €7.5 billion, the IPO would have been the largest in the nation’s history. Upcoming elections could see a change in government that would seal the fate of all privatization plans for now.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Sometimes being owed more money is a good thing--at least, that is the hope of Australia’s Echo Entertainment. A local media report seems to take some delight in announcing that the Star casino in Sydney is currently chasing AUS1 million a week in loans to its growing VIP clientele.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Passions continue to run hot in Australia when it comes to the battle for or against mandatory pre-commitment legislation for slot players. Tempers are beginning to wear thin—even between those on the same side of the issue.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
A study by consultant H2 Gambling Capital predicts the mobile gambling market will grow by 19.3 percent a year for the next four years.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
North America’s premier interactive gambling conference, iGaming North America, returns to Las Vegas in March 2012. The conference will expand its educational offerings and broaden the range of participation, providing land-based operators with the tools and regulatory guidelines to make the transition into online gaming.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
As lawmakers consider expanding gambling to Las Vegas-style casinos in south Florida, several casino operators have invited them to visit their facilities. One has even traveled to Resorts World Singapore (l.), a resort owned by Genting, which has purchased 30 acres of property in downtown Miami where it plans to develop a $3 billion resort.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Las Vegas’ culinary local compares Station Casinos to a totalitarian regime, and likens the Fertitta brothers (l.) to dictators. The attack is extended to the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) that is actually more valuable than Station Casinos.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
A Clark County District Court judge says yes. The Nevada Supreme Court says no. That could keep a long-simmering legal dispute on the back burner.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
One of Atlantic City’s largest retail outlets, the Pier Shops at Caesars will go up for auction October 28. Now in foreclosure, the Pier Shops is assessed at $115 million.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Less than a year after Genting put shovels in the ground, the long-awaited Aqueduct racino, Resorts World, is almost ready to debut. But talks about expanded gaming in New York complicate the opening.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
Empire Resorts and the Concord hotel want to develop property in Sullivan County in New York’s Catskill Mountains, and Concord wants to compete directly with Empire Resorts’ racino.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The battle over casino tax assessments in St. Louis County heated up recently with the Board of Equalization changing its decision on River City Casino—but not Harrah's. County Assessor Jake Zimmerman and board members blame each other for the situation.
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The Las Vegas hotel has severed its relationship with the hospitality company, but insists it will keep the venues open under the Nikki name. Jack Penrod (l.), president of the parent company, sues to keep that from happening.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
While the governor remains undecided, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (l.) says projected revenues are unrealistic. But according to a poll, the public is all for it.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
With a referendum on sports betting now on the November ballot, New Jersey’s Senate Gaming and Tourism Committee, chaired by Atlantic County Senator James Whelan (l.), held a hearing to establish legislation in case the measure is approved. Support for sports wagering has transcended party lines, and has been championed by the state’s failing horse racing industry. However, even if the referendum passes, a 1992 federal ban on sports betting would need to be repealed or overturned before New Jersey could participate.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Ohio’s Controlling Board has approved a contract for a lottery central monitoring system for the racetracks that are expected to deploy video lottery terminals next year.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
A former Alabama lawmaker goes straight to the top—the White House—for help to end the state’s lengthy trial against gaming interests.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
A county councilman in Maryland’s Prince George’s County has introduced a bill that would specifically ban slots in the county, as Penn National pushes for legalization of slots at Rosecroft Raceway (l.).
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Recent reports confirm that if neighboring Massachusetts were to expand casino gambling, then neighboring New Hampshire would suffer Lottery losses. The new comes as the House Ways and Means subcommittee is working on a gambling bill to allow two casinos with 5,000 slot machines.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The smoking ban on casinos that took effect last November continues to negatively impact revenues in Deadwood, South Dakota. Year-to-date revenues for 2011 are $72 million, down from $67 million for the same period in 2010.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Boyd Gaming recently received the go-ahead from Mississippi regulators to proceed with its purchase of the Imperial Palace Casino Resort Spa. Boyd will pay $278 million in cash for the property and invest another $44 million in capital improvements.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
After the recent carjacking in the parking garage of Atlantic City’s Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, the local police force has reinstated garage patrols. The violent crime incident has brought to light an image problem the city has struggled with for decades. Law enforcement is hoping to rehabilitate the city’s unsafe image.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City has petitioned the court to deny attorneys Gloria Allred and Nathan Goldberg from defending nine former cocktail servers who have filed a discrimination suit against the casino. Resorts alleges that Allred’s “grandstanding public behavior” would not bring anything to the case. Allred, a successful feminist attorney, claims she is just trying to “level the playing field.”
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
In a push to make Detroit’s Greektown Casino-Hotel a more inviting destination, the company has planned new renovations and a marketing campaign that relies on customer participation.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, owned by the Red Cliff band of Chippewa Indians, has become a major tourist destination in northern Minnesota. The modern casino was constructed using green initiatives, and takes advantage of Lake Superior with a marina, dining and camping options, kayaking, hiking, and other non-gaming amenities. Open only two months, the Red Cliff band is already looking to expand.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Tribes and mayors are on opposing sides regarding the Tohono O’odham Nation’s proposed casino in Glendale, Arizona. And in Congress, Arizona Congressman Trent Franks (l.) has introduced a bill that would block the casino, which was originally proposed in 2009.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Discussions are under way between Dinosaur, Colorado officials and the Ute Tribal Council regarding the development of a destination resort there. The project would include a casino, a lodge or hotel, an RV park and a golf course.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The Wyandotte Nation cannot start construction on its planned casino north of Wichita, Kansas until it gets approval from the Interior Department. Tired of waiting for an answer, the tribe has filed a lawsuit claiming the Interior Secretary is taking too long.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Harrah's Cherokee Casino has brought the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians unimagined political clout and economic betterment. Now the tribe can hire top lobbyists to represent its interests in Raleigh and Washington, D.C., as well as offer tribal employees incentives such as job promotions and revenue sharing.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The expansion of FireKeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan, is proceeding toward a fall 2012 opening. The project will feature an 8-story hotel tower, increased bingo space and a new multi-purposes event center.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Full House Resorts recently was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission to manage the Pueblo of Pojoaque’s Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort. Full House will receive a monthly base fee of $100,000 and a success fee when it reaches set financial targets.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
At a September hearing, few members of the public commented on regulations that will govern internet poker if and when it’s legalized.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
BMM International has named Alisha Ray to the position of vice president of compliance for the Americas.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Lottomatica Group announced that Alberto Fornaro has been named the Italian video lottery and slot conglomerate’s new chief financial officer.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee has hired Kristina Potrykus as marketing director. Previously she was marketing director at Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved gambling on mobile devices inside of hotel rooms, adding to the areas in a resort in which to wager.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
The head of testing organization BMM Global says the company will log record earnings this year as it continues to log new contracts in several worldwide markets.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Video Gaming Technologies has been granted a license to manufacture and distribute video lottery terminals in the new Illinois market.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
DEQ Systems’ EZ Pai Gow system has debuted at California’s Commerce Casino, as the company launches new tracking software for the product.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
Thunder Valley Casino Resort and PlayerSoft Technologies have launched PlayerSoft’s Mobile Enrollment program to sign new customers up for its players club.
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
A recent interview of a top Macau regulator was no doubt designed to promote transparency and confidence in the SAR’s regulatory system. Unfortunately, it has done just the opposite.
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