Sun, Oct 23, 2011
MGM Resorts last week reached an agreement with Dan Lee’s Creative Casinos to become a part owner and operator of the $400 million Mojito Pointe casino resort (rendering at l.) in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It will be MGM ‘s first resort in Louisiana and should complement the company’s Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Lee obtained Louisiana’s last gaming license and was former head of Pinnacle Entertainment, which owns the neighboring L’Auberge Casino Resort.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has threatened to veto the gaming expansion bill approved in May by the legislature unless they downsize it and make the changes he suggests. But most observers believe that all parts of the bill—particularly slots at racetracks—are important or it will fail in the legislature.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The U.K. casino industry has been suffering for four years under the perceived and real differences created by the 2005 Gambling Act. A recent hearing before a parliamentary committee may have helped to crystallize the problem in the minds of both legislators and operators. Less than 1 percent of the nearly quarter million slot machines in the U.K. are in casinos.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
With many pressing issues confronting the U.S. Congress—deficits, jobs, debt, foreign wars and more—the issue of online gaming is unlikely to be considered seriously in the crucial fall session. So what happens next? Caesars’ Jan Jones (l.) says her company will consider supporting state-by-state legalization initiatives.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Ohio’s Lottery Commission is moving at top speed to make it possible for the state’s seven racetracks to open racinos as soon as possible, possibly within a year. Still to be decided is possible relocation of some of the tracks, like Penn National’s Beulah Park (l.), near Columbus.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
New York, New York will see its first legal gaming hall starting Friday, October 28. Resorts World at Aqueduct will open with about 2,500 slot machines, and will have 5,000 by January.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Diane Feinstein (l.), a powerful U.S. senator representing California, is trying to stop two tribes from being allowed to develop off-reservation casinos.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The tourism minister of the Bahamas, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace (l.), is ready to present the cabinet with detailed proposals for liberalizing the casino gaming industry. Now all he needs is for the cabinet to find the time to address them.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A referendum in New Jersey in November will ask voters if they would like to legalize sports betting in the state. While most professional and collegiate sports organizations oppose sports wagering, many Americans enjoy the activity, even if it means placing an illegal bet. So what will happen in New Jersey?
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Investor quarterly reports and the conference calls that accompany them are usually boring and mundane. But there are several “personalities” who make it worthwhile to listen in and learn.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Randy Fine, the managing director of the Fine Point Group, conducted at G2E where he delivered the closing keynote presentation.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Francis Tam Pak Yuen (l.), an official with the Macau government reiterated that the SAR will not raise the announced 5,300 limit on live table games, even though Sands China plans to open two new casinos in the first quarter of 2012.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
MGM Resorts is trading on the strength of its recognizable brands to build resorts in various regions around the world. Mumbai, India will be getting its own Bellagio (l.), MGM Grand and Skylofts, but without casino gaming.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Vietnam appears to have caught the eye of Casinos Austria International. A casino management project in a to-be-constructed, five-star resort hotel is said to be in the works.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
While it seems inconceivable it could get even more important, the share of Macau gaming revenues claimed by the table game of baccarat is getting larger, while the mass market slot revenue remains static.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Spain-based Codere Group has agreed two separate deals to place betting terminals in gaming venues and food and beverage locations in the newly established market of Valencia.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Hard Rock International is expanding its branding relationship with Palace Resorts in Latin America. The latest announcement has three properties in Mexico debuting as Had Rock resorts in 2012. Hard Rock International Executive Vice President Michael Shindler (l. to r.) celebrates with Palace Resorts' Rodrigo Chapur, Rafael Chapur and Roberto Chapur Duarte.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Though the South Beach Casino in Manitoba (l.) has been a moneymaker since it opened in 2005, management fees paid to Minneapolis-based Hemisphere Gaming have troubled some tribal members.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The union representing workers at Ontario’s Casino Windsor is supporting legislation to authorize single-game sports betting in Canada.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The end of the road is in sight for the Full Tilt franchise. A purchase agreement with a French businessman has yet to be approved and the U.S. authorities are ready to press a Ponzi case against the Irish-based company. And a new civil suit names former Full Tilt pro player Phil Ivey (l.) as a defendant.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The first formal hearing of an online gaming bill in the current Congress will convene next week, as the House considers several bills. In addition, the Congressional “super-committee” is showing some interest in the revenue that could be produced by legalization.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Trump Entertainment Resorts has joined with hedge fund Avenue Capital Group and Donald Trump in a joint venture to pursue online gaming.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Betting and gaming operator William Hill is performing damage control after a recent walkout by its online gaming marketing department. However, a press release from the firm did not address the rumor of a possible relocation of the department from Israel to Gibraltar.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The Massachusetts Senate and House, having both passed a bill that authorizes three casinos and a slots parlor, will now appoint a committee to work out the differences in the two bills and present the chambers with a bill that both can pass. One site under consideration is Foxborough, the home of the New England Patriots of the NFL.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Both the Tropicana Casino & Resort and Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City are looking to expand into traditionally non-gaming areas. The Trop has been allowed to test slot machines in The Quarter (l.), the casinos 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex off the Boardwalk on the opposite side of Pacific Avenue. The pilot program will be reviewed by the state DGE for 90 days. Harrah’s plan to place six blackjack tables at The Pool, its popular pool and nightclub, is under review by the DGE.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Thousands of union workers at Detroit’s three casinos, including MGM Grand Detroit (l.), called off a strike when a new four-year agreement was tentatively reached. The new contract calls for health care concessions and across-the-board wage increases. Union members still must vote on the contract.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Supporters and opponents of sports betting in New Jersey have weighed in on the controversial topic. A non-binding referendum on the November ballot would challenge a federal ban on sports wagering. But would it be enough to save the state’s failing casino industry?
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A bankruptcy court judge in Las Vegas has ruled that the struggling casino, known for its scantily clad waitresses, may hire a financial adviser to help it find investors.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
New Hampshire’s House Labor Committee recently endorsed a bill that designates casino dealers and other gambling industry workers as tipped employees, making it possible for casinos to lower salaries below minimum wage.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
It depends on who you ask and where you ask it. Two polls deliver vastly different results as a bill that would allow commercial casinos in Miami goes to lawmakers. And to protect its own interests, the Walt Disney entertainment dynasty may fight to keep casino gaming out of Florida. Its hefty political contributions could be persuasive, but the Malaysian gaming giant, Genting, also has deep pockets.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The former Empress Casino in Joliet, Illinois, is now the Hollywood Casino, complete with a new 120,000 square foot pavilion and a 1,200-car parking structure. The Penn National Gaming property is located 35 minutes from Chicago.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Wells Fargo Gaming Capital, LLC recently loaned Nevada Gold $11 million to refinance its existing debt. Remarked Chief Executive Officer Robert Sturges, “It is very noteworthy that Nevada Gold has been able to attract the interest of a financial institution with the stature and credibility of Wells Fargo."
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Oregon governor John Kitzhaber has asked state lottery officials to reconsider launching a new online game, The ORcade, which was set to go live within a few weeks. The game features cartoon graphics and other features that could appeal to minors.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The deadline is approaching for backers of a new $1.1 billion Minnesota Vikings stadium to arrange financing to replace the aging Metrodome. With the state’s share set at $300 million, state officials once again are taking a look at gaming revenues.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Crews are installing more than 1,300 slot machines at Peninsula Gaming’s $280 million Kansas Star Casino, located in south central Kansas. Phase one of the development will open early next year.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A successful launch at Kentucky Downs has led other racetracks in Kentucky to pursue the installation of Instant Racing machines.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A new $50 million downtown convention center and hotel complex is going up in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The city will invest $49 million in the project, including a $14 million loan to Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg which will provide $1 million and assume ownership and management, then pay 4 percent interest on the 20-year loan.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to close a loophole in the state gaming law that has allowed businesses to offer slot-like games on computer terminals at their establishments.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A state House panel has cleared a bill that would provide an open bidding process for the last remaining Category 2 stand-alone casino license, designate originally for Philadelphia.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A casino going up near Oxford, Maine, is generating collateral business development in a state where other businesses are shutting or gearing down.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Dan Gilbert (l.) and a group of close friends that he grew up with and attended school with have banded together to form Rock Gaming LLC, which, with Caesars Entertainment Inc. are planning two “urban casinos” in Ohio and maybe one in Maryland.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The Spokane Tribe will hear from the Department of Interior in the next 30 days regarding its application for a $400 million off-reservation casino. Supporters point to jobs and profits, as well as a precedent with the Kalispel’s Northern Quest casino (l.). Opponents cite risks to Fairchild Air Force Base and a long line of applications for additional casinos.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A California tribe will have a tough sales job convincing residents of the town of Joshua Tree to support its proposal for a small, off-reservation casino.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The U.S. high court will not entertain a case by tribe to win damages based on a New York land-claim case. The Indians say they were shortchanged in transactions 200 years ago.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Recently 45 table game supervisors were laid off at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada, due to increased competition and the struggling economy. A gaming law change allowed the casino to employ fewer supervisors than previously required.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A new report indicates the Poarch Creek Indians of Alabama gave money to the Virginia-based Republican State Leadership Committee, which in turn donated more than $1 million to Alabama Republican campaigns. One of efforts was take over the Alabama state legislature, and another fought electronic bingo machines at non-Indian casinos.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Closed since June, Iowa’s CasinOmaha is still assessing the damage of floodwaters inside the casino from the Missouri River. As casino officials and FEMA calculate the cost, 300 tribal workers remain out of work.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Kathryn Densborn has resigned from as executive director of Indiana’s Hoosier Lottery, which appointed another state official as interim chief of the lottery.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
David Gilbertson, previously chief executive officer of Informa and LLP, has been named strategic adviser to GamblingCompliance. He brings more than three decades of experience to the new position.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The European division of Gaming Laboratories International has been accredited to test and certify internet gaming platforms in Spain. Aurora Merino Salas (l.), GLI’s new business development manager, says there is much interest from land-based operators.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Joingo has launched a mobile marketing plan for the Tamarack Junction Casino & Restaurant in Reno, Nevada, to add mobile functionality to the casino’s players club.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Giesecke & Devrient presented its BPS C4 banknote processor at the recent G2E show in Las Vegas. The device is designed for use anywhere large amounts of paper money are handled.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A new application developed by Aristocrat will allow players to experience slot games on Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Bellagio’s Caramel Bar and Lounge will close next month and be replaced by Lily Bar and Lounge, the Light Group recently announced. Lily will blend a high-energy nightclub with a mellow ultra-lounge and serve food from Bellagio’s FIX restaurant.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Soon guests at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Casino Del Sol and the Casino Del Sol Resort, Spa and Conference Center will be able to enjoy Starbucks beverages under a new licensing agreement—the first in the Arizona tribal gaming market.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The Mob Experience at Tropicana Las Vegas, which filed for bankruptcy in August, and makes a deal to remain open, with proceeds going to creditors. At left, Jay Bloom (at podium) and Louis Ventre, of Eagle Group Holdings, in happier times.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
If you see Detroiters looking down at the street, chances are they’re searching for wallets dropped by Greektown Casino-Hotel in its latest promotion. Each wallet contains $50 in casino cash and a voucher for a free one-night stay in the hotel.
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