Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Governor Deval Patrick’s decision to name Stephen P. Crosby (l., with Patrick), a man who has worked with both Democratic and Republican administrations in Massachusetts, to head the state’s gaming commission, is meeting with almost universal praise. Crosby promises dedication, deliberations and integrity.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of an Indian gaming tribe in Michigan that could have national repercussions. The Gun Lake Band opened a very successful casino (l.) earlier this year despite a challenge to its legality. Should the lawsuit succeed, only Class II gaming could be used.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A group called Arizonans for Fair Gaming has filed an initiative to let voters decide if they want privately owned casinos and racetracks in the state. Stating tribes have an unfair monopoly now, the group would need 173,000 signatures before July 5 to put the issue before voters in November. Existing Indian casinos, like Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort (l.) in Mesa would be threatened.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Some observers of the Florida gaming situation say the destination resort bill now before the legislature has little chance of being approved. And the most lucrative potential location—Miami Beach—had said “Thanks, but no thanks.” Finally, MGM is one other party recently heard from as Chairman Jim Murren (l.) visits the state.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Atlantic City’s Revel casino has imposed of term limit of four to six years for some of its front of the house positions, including games dealers, valets, bartenders, front desk agents and cocktail servers. The policy, which is unprecedented in the gaming industry’s hiring practices, has drawn criticism from a local union already not happy with Revel and its president, Kevin DeSanctis (l.).
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
SJM Holdings CEO Ambrose So (l.) stated last week that the company received a letter from the Macau government indicating that SJM would be granted its land concession in the Cotai area sometime in 2012.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
James Packer liked the Burswood casino (l.) in Perth when he pushed his company to buy it seven years ago. After the current AUS$750 million upgrade and name change, he is ready to like it even more.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast features a discussion with Bo Bernhard, who has recently been named the executive director at the International Gaming Institute inside the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Harrah’s Hotel College about where the IGI is and where it’s going.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A new report issued last week revealed that Sands China continues to dominate the mass-market segment of the Macau gaming business, although upstart Galaxy Gaming is making a move.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Israel-based Queenco Leisure has moved ahead with a JV agreement to develop the first two phases of its project in Cambodia, Holiday Palace Hotel in Sihanoukville (l.). Ultimately, the company wants to have a complete casino entertainment center with 3,000 rooms and condos.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
While explaining in rudimentary terms about the VIP system, a recent article in The Economist magazine on the Macau gaming industry outlines possible outcomes should the Chinese economy falter.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A recent report on gaming has stirred the question of legalizing online gaming for Singapore residents. The argument that has been “settled” elsewhere is now open to new discussion in Singapore, says analyst Jonathan Galaviz (l.).
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Long waits at border crossings coming into Macau should be eased if plans go forward to extend the e-Channel service for visitors from Mainland China.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The worldwide economic rollercoaster of recent years has not seemed to touch Macau’s casinos. That situation is expected by tax collectors and experienced Macau watchers to continue into 2012.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The traditional rivalry between horseracing and casinos takes on added weight when the combatants are Macau and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The latter is looking for ways to get back some of the revenue it is losing to the city just a quick ferry trip or puddle hopper away.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The city of Sheffield was once famous for its steel. Now, a long-vacant building that once played a big part in the U.K.’s industrial past will become a casino—if the city council can ignore the complaints from those opposed.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
It is difficult to image two casino industries with less in common than those of Macau and the U.K. However, one U.K. Parliament member on the committee studying possible revisions to the 2005 Gambling Act went to Macau to check out the scene. Cause for hope?
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The PokerStars online casino has released a statement outlining its procedures for handling player deposits, in an attempt to assure players their money will be safe.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Denmark is finally ready with its regulated, commercial online gaming sector. The January 1 start date is expected to be met, despite the inevitable last minute challenges.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is looking for a partner to help it launch an online casino, poker and sports betting. At the moment OLG has no online gaming presence, unlike its counterparts in other provinces.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A section of the sports betting bill S3113 that would have included online wagering has been eliminated to clear the way for easy passage. The bill, which allows New Jersey casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting at their facilities, will only be enacted if the federal government overturns its ban on the activity. Senator Raymond Lesniak, sponsor of the bill, sees it as a tool to challenge the constitutionality of the federal ban.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Online gaming operator Betfair has tagged Gerald Corbett (l.) to chair its board. He will first assume the position of deputy chairman starting January.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The Rank Group and FremantleMedia Enterprises partner on a branding deal to bring “The X Factor” to Rank online casinos as a slot game.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
B2B online gaming software supplier OpenBet has again gone outside the gaming industry for a key new hire. Amanda Bicknell is taking on the role of sales director after serving as a sector business manager for Microsoft in the U.K.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A champion of self regulation for online gaming suppliers and operators is changing its board structure for 2012. Two of three board members who are leaving—Bill Galston and Frank Catania—have been with eCOGRA since it was formed in 2003.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Gaming vet Ron Johnson will oversee only non-gaming operations at the casino hotel, now known as LVH (l.). A judge may ultimately let him run the gaming side too. Owner Colony Capital is not happy with the choice.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
John Taylor, the chairman of Rhode Island’s Twin River slot parlor, remains optimistic that the facility can keep its competitive edge if a proposal to add table games is passed next year. The Rhode Island casino industry is threatened by competition from neighboring Massachusetts, which just approved three casinos and a slot parlor.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
One of the two casino companies in Ohio has bought Cleveland’s Ritz Carlton to service their customers, the first of the four casinos authorized by Ohio voters could open in three months. But a slow ramp-up of the regulatory process could delay the opening.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (l.) can’t escape from casino politics, even when speaking about a huge open space project. Quinn was tweaked about his opposition to a casino bill last week at an event attended by several top Illinois politicians, including the mayor of Chicago and president of the Senate.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A dispute involving a license transfer to run additional racing days could derail Governor Chris Christie’s plan to privatize the New Jersey horseracing industry, and shut down Monmouth Park (l.). A new agreement must be worked out by December 20, or deal will fall through, jeopardizing the livelihood of some 7,000 racetrack employees.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Attorneys for the partners in the revoked Foxwoods Philadelphia project say they filed an appeal of their license revocation before last week’s deadline, although the court did not record it.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Like Sheldon Adelson before him, Steve Wynn has been sued for alleged failure to pay overtime to a security guard. Neither of the plaintiffs requested the overtime pay before filing the suit.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
At a business summit last week, at least one economist had encouraging words for leaders in every sector. Early signs may indicated a rebound in 2012.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Forced to close for several weeks due to spring floods, Harlow’s Casino and Resort in Greenville, Mississippi announced a major renovation project. Construction will be completed in 2013. Harlow’s was recently purchased by Churchill Downs.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Four casinos in Deadwood, South Dakota, have sued the state Department of Revenue over having to pay taxes on promotional dollars. These slot machine credits can account for as much as 20 percent of a casino’s gaming revenue.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Two Indiana state legislators plan to file bills allowing a land-based casino in Gary to boost economic development. They’re willing to give up one of the city’s two gaming licenses to avoid the appearance of wanting to expand gambling.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville, Missouri recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The casino has brought significant revenue and steady employment to the small Missouri River town, and impressive financials to the Isle of Capri company.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Majestic Star Casino, which operates casinos in Indiana, Tunica and Black Hawk, recently emerged from bankruptcy. The company filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2009.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A Minnesota state senator has proposed allowing bars and restaurants to sell lottery tickets through electronic devices, to help fund a new $1.1 billion Vikings football stadium. The proposal could generate more than $92 million in annual revenues with $55 million going to help fund a stadium.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Republican lawmakers in Washington State have proposed allowing electronic scratch ticket lottery machines in card rooms to even the playing field with casino-owning tribes that pay no revenue to the state. W. Ron Allen (l.), chairman of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, says it would have no positive impact.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Although MotorCity Casino owner Marian Ilitch’s (l.) Gateway Casino Resorts has pumped millions of dollars into the possible future development of a Shinnecock Indian Nation casino over the past eight years, the tribe last week voted against renewing the contract with the firm. The tribal council wanted more time for an independent legal review of the contract, but the vote went forward anyway.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A tribal court judge recently ruled the Pueblo of Pojoaque illegally terminated a contract with Fine Point regarding management of Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in Santa Fe. Randall Fine (l.) said the pueblo did not consult him in important decisions; the pueblo said Fine was difficult to work with.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
California is leading a trend in removing longtime members from tribal rolls. Critics say they are doing it because of money.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
As a year-plus long deadlock continues between the Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State, the tribe has begun expansion on its Allegany Casino & Hotel (l.). The Seneca have withheld over $300 million in compact money owed the state, claiming that New York racinos are cutting into their commercial gambling operations.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A Bay Area casino made possible by a controversial amendment to a Congressional bill eleven years ago is still the subject of controversy, and now, a federal lawsuit.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas named longtime casino executive Thomas McCartney to the newly created position of chief operating officer.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Jamie Gold, the 2006 World Series of Poker champ, will shill for the Tropicana’s new poker room, which will also be named for the $12 million prize winner.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Hired in November as president and chief executive officer of Pearl River Resort, Bryce Warren recently resigned. Officials said the departure was due to “personal reasons.” The tribe also announced Tonya Tarrant has been appointed chief financial officer.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Industry veteran Charles Meredith is setting up shop as senior legal advisor to the $4.2 billion Ho Tram Strip project in Vietnam.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
New Jersey-based Spectrum Gaming recently announced two promotions. Steven M. Ingis (l.) was named vice president of Legal and Regulatory Services and Shawn K. McCloud was named vice president of Analysis.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Bally Technologies has won the top awards for Continuous Improvement and Demand-Driven Manufacturing in the American Manufacturing Strategy Awards for 2011.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
The soon-to-open Kansas Star Casino has selected the iVIZION bill validator and the Intelligent Cash Box system for slots at the casino.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
A subsidiary of Loto-Québec announced that it has selected Amaya Gaming Group to provide online gaming content for the lottery’s website.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Quixant has opened a new, larger facility in Taiwan for the design and production of its slot machine gaming platforms. Success with products for the Italian market and other jurisdictions spurred the need for a 230 percent increase in space.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Among the exhibitors at this year’s ICE are companies that have made their names in one area but are now moving with the times into new gaming sectors.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
For the final ICE being held at Earl’s Court in London, casino supplier TCS John Huxley decided to do something different: not participate. Instead, the firm is duplicating its G2E Las Vegas tactic of exhibiting at a famed location set away from the masses.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney offers a bet to fellow candidate Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, and sets off a firestorm of criticism that he is out of touch.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Last week’s announcement by Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson that he’s opposed to online gaming received some vicious reactions from internet gamblers who see the chances of legalized online poker in the U.S. slipping away.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff (l.) recently published book in which he discusses his dealing with the Tigua Indians of El Paso and attempts to reopen the tribe’s Speaking Rock Casino. Abramoff’s remembrance of things past doesn’t necessarily jive with the evidence.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Gambling is not legal in the state of Georgia, but a recently released study indicated that three casinos with 10,000 games could generate nearly $1 billion annually. In the Eurasian nation of Georgia, online poker is proliferating.
GGB Magazine | GGB News | RD&E Magazine | Casino Design | Tribal Government Gaming | GGB iGames | Casino Connection
RSS 2.0 Feed