Vol. 9 • No. 45 • November 21, 2011 - Print This Issue
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Vol. 9 • No. 45 • November 21, 2011, Featured Articles, GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCASTS
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Don Marrandino, President, Eastern Division, Caesars Entertainment
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Don Marrandino, the president of the eastern division for Caesars Entertainment. For 20 years in Las Vegas, Marrandino concentrated on creating new revenue. Now he’s returned home to do the same in Atlantic City.
Download this Podcast Episode or Click Below to Play it.
When Don Marrandino took over the eastern division of Caesars Entertainment (which consists of the four Atlantic City properties and Harrah’s Chester in Pennsylvania), the decline of the Atlantic City market was at its nadir. Things haven’t gotten much better for gross gaming revenues, but certainly have improved in all other aspects, including non-gaming revenues as well as the overall political situation in Atlantic City, where the casinos now play a large role in operating the tourism district of the city.
Marrandino brought more than 20 years of Las Vegas experience back to his hometown and immediately made a difference by focusing on the amenities the Caesars properties offer outside the casino. He spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros at his offices in Atlantic City in late October.
More Featured Articles
WEEKLY FEATURE: Truth or Dare?
As Florida ponders a big dive into big gaming, pundits ask if the Sunshine State—home to seven Seminole casinos and a number of parimutuels—can handle the upgrade. But some of the revenue estimates for the market vary so much, it’s hard to tell what is reality, and Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado (l.) is reconsidering his early support of the Genting plan.
Congress Hears Online Story
Two hearings in Congress last week presented contradictory information, further muddying the waters for lawmakers who are coming down to the wire to decide whether an online gaming bill will pass this year or wait until 2013 at the earliest. NIGA’s Ernie Stevens (l.) says tribes want to be included or they vow to stop any bill.
Caesars Dips Toe Into Public Pool
The world’s largest casino company, now privately held, announces plans for a $50 million IPO. The company cancelled plans last year for a $500 million IPO, so is the recent announcement just testing the waters?
Kyrgyzstan Casino Ban On Track
The recent presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan did nothing to alter the anti-casino movement there. If anything, allegations brought forth during the campaign only served to heighten the image of casinos as places of illegal activity.
It’s A Deal
French billionaire Bernard Tapie (l.) finalized a deal with the Department of Justice to buy Full Tilt Poker, may return the deposits of its players and eventually to reopen one of online poker’s most successful sites.
European Associations Welcome Parliament Report
The European Parliament recently adopted the report on online gaming prepared by Jurgen Creutzmann. The step paves the way for continued action on the subject at the European level. Oddly, associations representing both sides of the argument announced their pleasure with the adoption of the report, including the head of the European Casino Association, Ron Goudsmit (l.).
Hard Rocking at The Jersey Shore
The New Jersey Casino Control Commission has officially approved Hard Rock International for one of the two “boutique casino” licenses in Atlantic City. According to Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen (l.), the $465 million project expects to begin next summer and complete its first phase by 2014.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fueling the Problem
What happens when gas prices go up? Customers stay closer to home and don’t go as often to casinos, compounding the problems casinos face during this economic dive.