Vol. 9 • No. 46 • November 28, 2011, Featured Articles, GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCASTS
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: John Palmieri, Executive Director, New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with John Palmieri, the new executive director of New Jersey’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority on his role with the powerful agency, which will operate Atlantic City tourism district and all the public agencies that operate within the district.
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When New Jersey Governor Chris Christie decided to allow the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to operate the new tourism district in Atlantic City, which encompasses all aspects of the zone where the casinos are located, he completely revamped the organization. The Atlantic City Visitors and Convention Authority, along with the Special Improvement District, a quasi government agency that provides maintenance and tourism services in the zone, were folded into the CRDA, along with a public safety group that is a coalition of the New Jersey State and the Atlantic City Police departments. To lead that organization, Christie brought in an outsider, a wise move considering the CRDA’s previous role as a political plum. John Palmieri has experience in urban redevelopment in Boston, Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. His responsibilities in Atlantic City may prove difficult since gaming revenues have been decline for four years and public safety and cleanliness also need improvements. Palmieri spoke with Global Gaming Business Publisher Roger Gros and Editor Frank Legato at his office in Atlantic City in October.
More Featured Articles
WEEKLY FEATURE: Reaching the Finish Line
Although “gentlemen start your engines,” is used to signal the beginning of a NASCAR race, the term could easily be applied to gaming developers in Massachusetts, where a bill signed by Governor Deval Patrick (l.) opens the gates for a period of extreme bidding to site three casinos and one slots parlor.
'Sweetheart Deal' in Florida?
Critics of the proposed mega-casino resort bill say the 10 percent tax rate in the Bogdanoff-Fresen bill amounts to a giveaway. Casino developers call it an incentive.
Macau Government Predicts Decline in Gaming Revenue
In his annual report to the legislature, Secretary for the Economy and Finance Francis Tam Pak Yuen (l.) predicted that gaming revenue—and its accompanying tax revenue—would decline next year. Investors should not be concerned, however, since the Macau government is notoriously conservative in its revenue predictions.
Burns Leaves Bally for Leadership Post at TCSJohnHuxley
TCSJohnHuxley announced that David Heap will resign his post as group CEO effective March 1, to take on a role as adviser to the Knutsson companies. In his place, Cath Burns (l.), most recently VP of Asian Pacific for Bally Technology, will become global CEO.
Singapore to IRs: Stop Targeting Locals
The government of Singapore has enacted tough new regulations on advertising and promoting casino gaming to its residents. More than just window dressing, the new rules extend into a number of areas previously untouched, such as merchandising, and greatly expand the definition of a local.
Control Board Chief Seen as Major Barrier to Expanded Illinois Gaming
The governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, and Aaron Jaffe (l.), an ex-judge, 81-years-old, that he has reappointed chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, are together seen as holding the bridge against expanded gaming in the state.
Cherokee, Perdue Renegotiating Compact
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, operators of Harrah's Cherokee Casino in North Carolina, and Governor Bev Perdue (l.) are close to negotiating a new compact that will satisfy both sides. The tribe wants table games and exclusive gaming rights; the state wants up to 8.5 percent of gross revenues.
Genting Malaysia Buys London Poker Club
The Genting Group continues to add to its worldwide gaming portfolio. The latest acquisition—the Fox Poker Club—is relatively small but significant for the group’s London presence.
New Executive Director Named at NIGA
The departure of the longtime executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association, Mark Van Norman, has led to the elevation of former legal counsel Jason Giles (l.) to take the position.