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Deal Secures Future Of CityCenter
Fri, May 01, 2009
MGM Mirage and Dubai World announced an agreement with lenders that will ensure that construction on CityCenter will continue and the project will open as planned.
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WEEKLY FEATURE: Tropicana Bankruptcy Sale Approved In A.C.
Fri, May 01, 2009
The landmark casino has operated without an owner since December 2007. With a would-be buyer in place and a bidding floor of $200 million, it's time to go to court.
Melco Crown Re-Brands First Macau Casino
Fri, May 01, 2009
With the City of Dreams opening in a few weeks, Melco Crown (l.) has changed the name of Crown Macau to Altira Macau, launching a new brand and issuing another public offering.
Casinos Austria In Possible U.K. Project
Fri, May 01, 2009
The city that once eagerly awaited a “super-casino” is now evaluating other ways to experience an economic rebirth. A meeting between city officials and a director of Apollo Casino Resorts point to the inclusion of at least a gaming venue, if not a super-sized one.
NIGA Calls For Hogen To Step Down
Fri, May 01, 2009
Indian gaming association reportedly tired of confrontations with National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen, a Bush appointee.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Regional Rescue
Fri, May 01, 2009
Non-Las Vegas or Atlantic City casinos have proven to be most resilient during this economic downturn, and we can still fall back on them.
Layoffs Begin At Fontainebleau, While Lawsuit Could Get Interesting
Fri, May 01, 2009
The lawsuit filed by Fontainebleau Las Vegas against lenders it says are contractually obligated to provide financing for construction of a $3 billion Las Vegas resort could hinge on whether the economic downturn constitutes a “material adverse change.” All this in the backdrop of layoffs.
California Explores Legal Online Poker
Fri, May 01, 2009
Lawmakers in California are looking at legislation that would make the state the first in the U.S. to legalize online poker.
Split Decision On IGT/Bally Lawsuit
Fri, May 01, 2009
A judge has dismissed certain patent infringement claims but validated others in a lawsuit filed by slot manufacturer International Game Technology against rival Bally Technologies.
Canadian Gaming Summit considers cross-border issues
Sun, May 03, 2009
The Canadian Gaming Summit, held last week at Caesars Windsor, brought together executives and exhibitors from across Canada and around the world, to obtain their annual recap on the gaming industry in the Great White North. After a welcome from Kelly MacDougald, the CEO of Ontario Lottery & Gaming, a panel of slot manufacturers (l.), sponsored by AGEM, kicked off the program.
Columns : ASIAN GAMING
Report: Sands Macau Up For Sale
Fri, May 01, 2009
A Hong Kong newspaper last week reported that Las Vegas Sands was attempting to sell its original Macau property, the Sands Macau.
China Eyes Lottery Growth
Fri, May 01, 2009
Mobile gaming takes a big step forward with the introduction of a lottery betting service for mobile devices in China. The partnership of government agencies and a private company promises to create a brave new world of gaming.
India Operator May Abandon Ship
Fri, May 01, 2009
The operators of the original Goa casino ship may decide the game has gotten too old and the waters too crowded to continue.
Columns : EUROPEAN GAMING
U.K. Arena Happy With Casino Continuity
Fri, May 01, 2009
The departure of Isle of Capri from the U.K. market has left the company’s former casino at the Ricoh Arena in the hands of Rank Group. The operator of the arena sees the change as a positive step in the evolution of the ongoing project.
Confusion Over U.K. Poker Tax Hike
Fri, May 01, 2009
If the budget minister gets his way, taxes on poker revenue could put a halt to the latest live poker explosion in Britain.
Olympic Expanding In Poland, Contracting At Home
Fri, May 01, 2009
Despite the hard times, Olympic Entertainment Group is still able to grow—just not in its home market.
Columns : GLOBAL GAMING
Alberta Village Concerned About Calgary Casino
Fri, May 01, 2009
Small-town Albertans are worried that the bankruptcy of Calgary’s Silver Dollar Casino will cut off cash flow for community projects.
Mayors Protest Chile Casino Law
Fri, May 01, 2009
The absurdity of having two completely different sets of rules for casinos within the same jurisdiction is being demonstrated clearly once again.
Century Casinos Has First Approval For South African Sale
Fri, May 01, 2009
International operator Century Casinos is another step closer to selling its two South African properties to Tsogo Sun.
Canada Seeing Demand For Legal Sports Betting
Fri, May 01, 2009
Canadian provinces and players are hoping the federal government will see the light and legalize betting on individual games.
Columns : ONLINE GAMING
Online Odds Improving In U.S.
Fri, May 01, 2009
Industry observers think an attitude shift in the U.S. improves the chances of the country regulating online gaming.
Certification Top Priority For eCOGRA
Fri, May 01, 2009
eCOGRA is looking to improve its certification process with a new seal of approval for online operators who submit to extensive reviews and external auditing.
Columns : UNITED STATES GAMING
Mohegans Could Be In The Running For Aqueduct Racino
Fri, May 01, 2009
Executives of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, confident they have “the best understanding of the Northeast gaming market,” may make a play to build and operate a casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in New York City.
Wynn Sees Las Vegas Stabilizing
Fri, May 01, 2009
Steve Wynn said that rising occupancy rates suggest things are returning to normal in Las Vegas. He also reiterated his interest in buying a distressed casino if the price was right.
Indiana’s Empress Demolished
Fri, May 01, 2009
Joliet casino will be renamed and de-themed when construction on the property’s new pavilion is completed in a year.
Changes In Pennsylvania
Fri, May 01, 2009
New officials have been named for the top two regulatory positions in Pennsylvania—chairman and executive director of the state Gaming Control Board.
Harrah’s Revenue Takes Hit
Fri, May 01, 2009
The Las Vegas-based casino company saw revenue declines in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the first quarter of 2008.
Nevada Regulators Consider Licensing Change
Fri, May 01, 2009
The Nevada Gaming Commission is looking to change regulations pertaining to institutional investors, allowing a holding of up to 25 percent of voting securities before requiring a state gaming license.
Penn Quiets Acquisition Talk
Fri, May 01, 2009
Penn National Gaming CEO Peter Carlino said recently that while the company is interested in purchasing a casino on the Las Vegas Strip, it will only do so if the circumstances surrounding the deal are appropriate.
Kerkorian Wants To Dump The Mirage
Fri, May 01, 2009
MGM Mirage founder and majority shareholder Kirk Kerkorian believes selling the Mirage in Las Vegas would be more beneficial to the company than selling properties in Detroit or Biloxi.
Detailed Bids Submitted In Maryland
Fri, May 01, 2009
Four developers have submitted details of the slot casinos they plan to erect in Maryland, offering floor plans and architectural renderings of their project proposals.
No Bids Again For Kansas Casino Zone
Fri, May 01, 2009
For the second time in 2009 the deadline passed and no one bid for a casino slot in Kansas’s southeast zone. This was not unexpected as the zone is very close to a successful Indian casino in Oklahoma.
Gaming Opponents In Massachusetts Marshal Forces
Fri, May 01, 2009
Now that it is becoming more likely that some sort of gaming legislation will be passed in Massachusetts, perhaps by this fall, regional opponents of gambling and watch-dog groups are pushing back with lobbying and attention getting efforts of their own—while they remain determined to be vigilant.
Alabama Counties Could Vote To Ban Electronic Bingo
Fri, May 01, 2009
Legislators representing three Alabama counties are introducing bills that would give those counties the option of banning electronic bingo machines—except at an Indian casino, which opened in January. They hope to move before a court case or statewide vote, settles the issue.
Gaming Supporters Lobby Texas City’s Council
Fri, May 01, 2009
Supporters of bringing a resort casino to the recently devastated Gulf Coast Texas city of Galveston have asked the city council to provide residents with the facts so they can decide for themselves.
Tropicana Las Vegas Closes Rooms
Fri, May 01, 2009
Casino officials closed more than 500 rooms after local inspectors discovered compliance code violations in the Paradise Tower’s plumbing renovations.
Colorado Governor Vetoes Gaming Commission Bill
Fri, May 01, 2009
The Colorado legislature has failed to overturn Governor Bill Ritter’s veto of a bill that would have tied his hands as to who to name to the Limited Gaming Control Commission.
Residents Express Concern With Baton Rouge Casino
Fri, May 01, 2009
Baton Rouge residents said at a public meeting that a proposed casino by Pinnacle Entertainment will cause traffic problems; the casino developer says it will improve traffic around the property.
Maine Governor Opposes Bills To Expand Gaming
Fri, May 01, 2009
Maine Governor John Baldacci is planting himself foursquare against various bills in the legislature that would expand gaming. He insists that the voters should approve any gaming expansion.
Minnesota Lawmakers Seek Gaming Legislation Before End Of Session
Fri, May 01, 2009
Some Minnesota lawmakers are making a concerted effort to make expanded gaming part of the solution to the state’s budgetary problems—but they need to act soon before the current session ends, on May 18.
Ohio Tavern Owners Join Casino Debate
Fri, May 01, 2009
To those who are trying to build four regional casinos in Ohio, and another group trying to allow slot machines at its seven racetracks, add bar owners, who are proposing to spread 80,000 slot machines at racetracks and restaurants and taverns.
Indiana Bill Would Spare Casinos From Smoking Ban
Fri, May 01, 2009
An Indiana representative is willing to amend a bill to allow the state’s casinos to be the one island of smoking in a state that could ban it in every other public place.
Magna Bankruptcy Case Moves On
Fri, May 01, 2009
The bankruptcy proceedings for Magna Entertainment Corporation proceeded last week with several new developments, including an attempt by the operator to keep one of its premier races at its traditional location.
Lawmakers Split Over Video Poker Bill
Fri, May 01, 2009
Pennsylvania’s lawmakers are debating a bill that would legalize five video poker machines in each of up to 14,000 bars, restaurants and private clubs across the state.
Lender Says Las Vegas Casino “Mismanaged”
Fri, May 01, 2009
Canpartners Realty Holding Co. says Greek Isles owners were irresponsible about paying bills and were likely to default on loans.
Downtown Las Vegas Announces ‘60s Summer
Fri, May 01, 2009
Fremont Street Experience intends to pay homage to the summer of ’69 with performances, promotions and parties throughout the season.
Lucky’s Heads To Laughlin, Nevada
Fri, May 01, 2009
Sports book legend Lucky’s has partnered with Laughlin’s Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall to develop a sports book in the casino by the end of the year.
Vegas To Victorville Train Announced
Fri, May 01, 2009
Magnetic train has yet to leave track, but high-speed alternative is in the works to connect two Southwest cities.
World Series Of Poker On Track
Fri, May 01, 2009
After last year’s huge tournament, Harrah’s Entertainment is expecting a lower turnout for the 2009 WSOP because of economic concerns.
Rhode Island Spurns Track Takeover
Fri, May 01, 2009
With $565M in debt as part of the deal, the price for Twin River slot parlor wasn't right for lawmakers.
Columns : TRIBAL GAMING
Seminoles, tracks reach deal in Florida
Thu, May 07, 2009
Tribe can keep tables, Class III slots in South Florida; tracks get lower tax rate; non-gaming tracks can still get slots.
Snyder Associate A Casualty Of Seneca Shakeup
Fri, May 01, 2009
Seneca Gaming President and CEO Brian Hansberry departs and former Trump exec steps in as tribe deals with audit flap.
UAW, Foxwoods Reach Sixth Month Of Talks
Fri, May 01, 2009
Negotiators on both sides of the table can now seek Tribal Court intervention to conclude talks on behalf of table game dealers.
NIGC Unveils Oklahoma Office
Fri, May 01, 2009
The spread of tribal gaming in Oklahoma has led to the creation of a new National Indian Gaming Commission office in Oklahoma City.
Judge Rules In Favor Of Oklahoma Tribe
Fri, May 01, 2009
After months of wrangling, a judge determined that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation should control its casinos’ revenues instead of split them with smaller communities.
Arizona Casino Surpasses Expectations
Fri, May 01, 2009
The Quechan Casino Resort was apparently underestimated—the tribal casino has surprised insiders with its popularity and success after opening in February.
Supreme Court Declines To Hear California Compact Cases
Fri, May 01, 2009
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appears to be the loser as the U.S. Supreme Court last week declined to review an appeals court decision that allows the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians to deploy up to 2,000 slot machines at their casinos.
Northern California Casino Can Go Forward, Says Judge
Fri, May 01, 2009
A federal judge has rejected what may be the last legal challenge to 254 acres being put into federal trust for the Graton Rancheria of Northern California, which would allow the tribe to build a casino in Rohnert Park.
California Casino Resumes Construction
Fri, May 01, 2009
An expansion of the Thunder Valley Casino in Auburn, Northern California that had stopped for five months while the plans were reworked has resumed work with more modest plans.
Closing Bridge For Event Will Hurt Casino, Says Arizona Tribe
Fri, May 01, 2009
Tough economic times have forced the Quechan Indian Tribe of Arizona to say no to closing a bridge that serves its Paradise Casino for a local Rotary club fund-raiser.
No Casino Coming To Florida Town
Fri, May 01, 2009
Rumors flying that a Six Flags and Seminole Indian casino are coming to Hudson, Pasco County, Florida. The rumors are wrong.
Unearthed Documents Reveal Secret California Casino Pact
Fri, May 01, 2009
Previously unknown documents have been revealed that show that a group of San Luis Obispo County, California investors have been pursuing a secret plan for years to build an Indian casino in this coastal county.
Columns : PEOPLE
TableMAX Announces Sales Appointments
Fri, May 01, 2009
A leading supplier of electronic table games is expanding its sales force to meet increasing demand; the company has announced the appointment of two new sales executives.
Aruze Appoints Product Management VP
Fri, May 01, 2009
Slot manufacturer Aruze Gaming America continues to establish itself in the U.S. market with the appointment of a new vice president of product management.
Columns : GOODS & SERVICES
Betfair Hopes For Betting Exchange
Fri, May 01, 2009
Betfair is hoping to establish a worldwide betting exchange that includes the U.S., but its immediate focus is on improving the operations of the horse racing network it recently acquired.
GSA Issues Protocol Clarification
Fri, May 01, 2009
The Gaming Standards Association is using feedback from the industry to refine its game-to-system, or G2S, protocol; the association has released clarifications to the technology.
TCS John Huxley Launches NX2
Fri, May 01, 2009
The leading table game supplier has released a new roulette product that features a layout permitting players to use one chip in “neighbor betting” on three numbers that are next to each other on the wheel.
IGT Reports Income Drop
Fri, May 01, 2009
The world’s largest slot manufacturer reported a 44 percent year-on-year drop in earnings for the second quarter, but the company’s top executives say most of the bad news is behind the company.
Intralot Chosen By Croatian State Lottery
Fri, May 01, 2009
Intralot has won the competition to provide the Croatian State Lottery with an interactive gaming system for numerical and fixed-odds sports betting games.
Betfair To Feature CryptoLogic Games
Fri, May 01, 2009
CryptoLogic Limited and Betfair agreed on a deal that will see 10 of CryptoLogic's top-branded and non-branded slot games available on Betfair's web site.
Columns : WILD CARD
Turf War
Fri, May 01, 2009
A hospitality union is asking for the same rights as the Culinary in Las Vegas, prompting fears that it will try to siphon off existing Culinary members.
Columns : NUTSHELL
Columns : THEY SAID IT
Columns : WEEKLY FEATURE
Las Vegas Market Set For Saturation
Fri, May 01, 2009
Gaming executives worry that the openings of CityCenter and Fontainebleau by the end of 2009 will flood the market with room product that will send rates plummeting.
News : Breaking News
Seminoles, tracks reach deal in Florida
Thu, May 07, 2009
Tribe can keep tables, Class III slots in South Florida; tracks get lower tax rate; non-gaming tracks can still get slots.