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Congress considers bill to reverse online gambling ban
Fri, May 08, 2009
Lawmakers introduced legislation designed to repeal the online gambling ban in the U.S. and establish a system for regulating the industry.
Vol. 7 • No. 17 • May 11, 2009 - Print This Issue
Cover Story
Featured Stories
WEEKLY FEATURE: Seminoles, tracks reach deal in Florida
Fri, May 08, 2009
Tribe can keep tables, Class III slots in South Florida; tracks get lower tax rate; other tracks can get slots
Melco Crown set to open City of Dreams in Macau on June 1
Fri, May 08, 2009
Company’s most ambitious project to date will debut early, on June 1, and bring to Macau what is likely to be the last mega resort to open for a few years. CEO Lawrence Ho (l.) calls COD his company’s “flagship.”
Russian leader says ‘Nyet’ to deadline change
Fri, May 08, 2009
The president of Russia intends to see all gambling halted come June 30—except for operations within the four designated gambling zones.
Delaware sports-betting bill fails
Fri, May 08, 2009
The Delaware state House failed to achieve the required three-fifths majority to add sports betting to the gambling options permitted under the state Constitution, due to objections from racinos, including Dover Downs (l.), over a proposal to raise the gaming tax.
Landlord seeks bank rent from Binion's, Four Queens
Fri, May 08, 2009
Landlords for property on which Binion's hotel and casino sits in Downtown Las Vegas are suing the owner of the casino for back rent.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Bargain Basement
Fri, May 08, 2009
Four stocks fit our criteria that could be a good buy in comparison to many gaming stocks that have soared in the past few months.
Tribes urge common strategy on high court’s Carcieri decision
Fri, May 08, 2009
Gaming tribes who fear the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s Carcieri v. Salazar decision, issued in March, which appears to limit the ability of many gaming tribes to put land into federal trust, are trying to work out a national strategy for pressuring Congress.
GGB Podcast: John Donnelly, Partner, Levin Staller, Atlantic City
Fri, May 08, 2009
This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with John Donnelly, an Atlantic City attorney and partner with Levin Staller with deep roots in the gaming industry.
Columns : ASIAN GAMING
Hong Kong VIPs lose billions in Macau
Fri, May 08, 2009
A report commissioned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club estimates that high rollers from Hong Kong lost more than $1.5 billion last year in Macau.
Goa ships accused of polluting river
Fri, May 08, 2009
The month-long voting process that ends May 13 has left Goa’s casino ship industry in limbo and given opponents plenty of time to find new problems with the craft.
Columns : EUROPEAN GAMING
Meeting to save Slovenia casino
Fri, May 08, 2009
A small casino in what should be a prime location is in danger of going under, despite efforts by one of its generally competent owners.
FOBTs and online business help U.K. bookmaker
Fri, May 08, 2009
Weather and handicappers’ skills conspired to hurt William Hill’s revenue from horse racing, but fixed-odds betting terminals and online gaming brought relief.
Malta seeks orderly end to machine proliferation
Fri, May 08, 2009
Politics and semantics created a runaway situation with gaming machines on Malta, and politics and semantics will probably end the crisis.
Columns : GLOBAL GAMING
Boutique hotel added to Embo South Africa bid
Fri, May 08, 2009
Boutique hotel operator Mantis Group has joined the hunt for the Nelson Mandela Bay casino license with an offer to build a high-end hotel as part of the Embo bid.
SkyCity speculation launches Adelaide development rumors
Fri, May 08, 2009
It is not official, but SkyCity CEO Nigel Morrison has made it no secret that he would like to see a bigger casino complex for this South Australia city.
Legislators want Chile law changed
Fri, May 08, 2009
The legislation that allowed all the new casinos in Chile did not take into account the problems that would result for existing casinos.
Columns : ONLINE GAMING
Online operator sues Dutch government
Fri, May 08, 2009
One of the largest online betting operators is taking the Dutch government to court over efforts by the Netherlanders to squelch cross-border gaming.
Finland casino gaming online in 2010
Fri, May 08, 2009
European Union confusion continues as Finland prepares to extend its monopoly gaming system to online poker and casino games.
Online study finds gamblers 'rational'
Fri, May 08, 2009
A study by Bwin Interactive Entertainment and Harvard Medical School suggested that online gamblers behave rationally, visiting online casino moderately and wagering less when they are losing.
Australian laws under attack
Fri, May 08, 2009
Australia's prohibition on online gambling has prompted some companies to call for new regulations, while others simply ignore the laws.
Minnesota wants blacklist
Fri, May 08, 2009
The state of Minnesota wants internet service providers to block access in the state to 200 gambling sites.
Casinos attack cyber-squatters
Fri, May 08, 2009
A number of gaming companies are going after so-called cyber-squatters who have websites with names similar to trademarked casino names.
Columns : UNITED STATES GAMING
New York racino developers face deadline for Aqueduct plans
Fri, May 08, 2009
Last year’s winner, Delaware North, may be back in the bidding along with former competitors to build a 328,000-square-foot gaming hall at Aqueduct in the borough of Queens.
Fontainebleau crisis continues
Fri, May 08, 2009
Contractors lay off workers as lenders cut funds and lawsuits move forward.
Tropicana Entertainment exits Chapter 11
Fri, May 08, 2009
A year after filing for bankruptcy, Tropicana Entertainment is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Horse racing is in free fall
Fri, May 08, 2009
Despite the occasional bright spot, such as the May 2 Kentucky Derby, which attracted 150,000 spectators, horse racing as a sport appears to be in free fall.
MGM Mirage stocks rise; might not be enough
Fri, May 08, 2009
News of a deal that guaranteed financing to finish CityCenter raised MGM Mirage stock prices, but not everyone agrees the company is on solid ground yet.
SugarHouse design approved
Fri, May 08, 2009
Philadelphia’s riverfront casino is finally on a fast track toward construction after the state Gaming Control Board renewed its slot license and approved revised plans that include an interim casino that could be open by next spring.
Major casino planned for Baltimore
Fri, May 08, 2009
Baltimore City Entertainment Group announced plans for a major casino with the maximum allowable slot machines in the city of Baltimore, replacing an initial plan for a small facility.
Pennsylvania gaming contribution ban overturned
Fri, May 08, 2009
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned a broad ban on political contributions by casino interests, instituted as part of the 2004 gaming law, as unconstitutional.
Texas legislature close to voting on casino bill
Fri, May 08, 2009
A bill that combines most of the gaming interests in Texas, including two tribes, racetracks and those who want regional casinos—and tosses the issue to the voters to decide— will probably be voted on this month. However, chances of passage appear slim.
Minnesota Senate turns down racino amendment
Fri, May 08, 2009
The Minnesota Senate April 20 voted down two attempts to amend the government finance bill to allow state-sponsored gaming at the state’s two racetracks.
Prudential suing over Turnberry development
Fri, May 08, 2009
Prudential is suing the developer of the Turnberry Towers in Las Vegas seeking total ownership of the high-rise condo project.
Judge approves Magna bankruptcy auction
Fri, May 08, 2009
A U.S. bankruptcy court judge has approved the plan of Magna Entertainment to sell several prominent assets, including several horse tracks—but not the operator’s Maryland tracks.
Bankruptcy judge to decide soon on Greektown agreement
Fri, May 08, 2009
A bankruptcy judge is expected to issue a ruling soon that will determine if the Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit, Michigan can meet the obligations it has with the city of Detroit in order to qualify for significant tax breaks.
Ohio casino proponents lobby county commission
Fri, May 08, 2009
Supporters of a constitutional amendment that would authorize four regional casinos in Ohio’s largest cities lobbied the Ottawa County commissioners last week.
California lottery proposition trailing in polls
Fri, May 08, 2009
A California proposition that would alter the state’s lottery, making it more competitive, but also allowing the state to borrow $5 billion from future profits and switching future profits away from the schools—appears to be trailing, according to statewide polls.
North Carolina to revisit video poker
Fri, May 08, 2009
North Carolina lawmakers have been trying to come up with a law that will drive a stake through the heart of video poker—so far without success. They are getting ready to try again.
Massachusetts town to hear about casino benefits
Fri, May 08, 2009
Residents of the Massachusetts town of Palmer will get their arms twisted—in a friendly way—next week at a forum on casino gaming conducted by the town’s Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Hard Rock Hotel owner cuts stake in property
Fri, May 08, 2009
Bad quarter makes Morgan Hotel Group re-consider its intention of owning and operating the off-Strip property.
Rhode Island racino suspends dog racing
Fri, May 08, 2009
The financially troubled Twin River racino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, has suspended greyhound racing as of May 31—The next step could be filing for bankruptcy, says a spokesman for the operation.
Kansas county board hears casino proposal
Fri, May 08, 2009
The commissioners of Sumner County, one of four casino “zones” in Kansas last week heard presentations from three casino developers, including Lakes Entertainment, Foxwoods and South Central Gaming. The board’s endorsement of one or more of them could forward the proposal (s) to a state review board.
Illinois chambers could clash over gaming
Fri, May 08, 2009
The leader of the Illinois Senate continues to study a plan to expand gaming in the state. The House Speaker, still stung by a connection between impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich and gaming legislation, doesn’t want to get burned again this year.
California city wants its own high-speed rail stop
Fri, May 08, 2009
Barstow, California, a city in the desert about midway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, wants its own stop along the route of the proposed high-speed rail project, the DesertXpress, proposed for between Victorville and Las Vegas.
Columns : TRIBAL GAMING
Catskills, New York, county agrees to Seneca casino proposal
Fri, May 08, 2009
Plans continue for several Sullivan County tribal casinos; Indians hope new Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will rewrite Bush administration casino policy.
California charities as ask help to make up for bingo losses
Fri, May 08, 2009
Charities near Sacramento, California that have relied on revenues from electronic bingo games—only to see that source pulled by the courts—are asking the legislature for help.
Opposition mounts to Oklahoma casino
Fri, May 08, 2009
More than 1,000 people from Oklahoma wrote to the BIA opposing plans by the Shawnee Tribe to build a $400 million casino in Oklahoma City.
Tribal casino smoking ban passes third committee in Connecticut
Fri, May 08, 2009
Tribal chiefs say governor will veto any bill to eliminate smoking at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos; Indians refuse to consider a full ban until neighboring states enact them.
California casino foes consider appeal of court ruling
Fri, May 08, 2009
Foes of a casino in Rohnert Park, California, near Petaluma, say they will probably an appeal a court decision that would allow the Graton Rancheria Indians to proceed with a casino project.
Family won’t give up grazing rights to make way for Arizona casino
Fri, May 08, 2009
An elder Navajo woman and her family who have grazed their sheep for generations on high desert land that the Navajo Nation wants to use for a casino don’t want to give up the use of the land.
Arizona town downplays casino boycott talk
Fri, May 08, 2009
Officials in the Arizona town of Sahuarita are trying to tamp down talk of boycotting a local Indian casino from townspeople angry that the tribe that owns the casino wants to host a federal detention center for captured illegal aliens.
Columns : PEOPLE
Gaming executive Roy Student to be honored by New York college
Fri, May 08, 2009
Veteran gaming and hospitality executive Roy Student will be honored by his college alma mater, New York Institute of Technology.
Columns : GOODS & SERVICES
G2E and the Fine Point Group announce free webinar series
Fri, May 08, 2009
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) and the Fine Point Group (FPG), in conjunction with official media sponsor Global Gaming Business, announce a free webinar series entitled "Thriving in a Crisis."
Bally to supply systems for Sheraton Puerto Rico, Lodge at Deadwood
Fri, May 08, 2009
Bally Technologies was chosen to provide the server-supported systems for the new San Juan casino’s Ethernet-based slot floor and marketing/customer service functions, and a system package for the Lodge at Deadwood in South Dakota.
Gaming Support USA approved by Ontario
Fri, May 08, 2009
Gaming Support USA, Inc. has received approval as a gaming supplier by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada.
AC Coin launches 12 new games
Fri, May 08, 2009
AC Coin & Slot is launching 12 new games in its Mega Bonus series, including several community-play setups as well as new stand-alone games using the slot-maker’s signature bonus games.
MotorCity creating ‘e-pit’
Fri, May 08, 2009
MotorCity is planning on being the first Detroit casino to offer a collection of low-limit, multi-player electronic table games in what is being called an “electronic pit.”
Aristocrat installs Hyperlink in Greece
Fri, May 08, 2009
Slot-maker Aristocrat technologies has added two titles in its “Xcite” series of Hyperlink multi-progressive slots to Casino Loutraki in Greece.
Atronic announces new focus on Asia
Fri, May 08, 2009
The slot manufacturer has strengthened its group of executives heading Asian game sales, and is conducting focus groups to understand Asian player behavior.
IGT announces offering of convertible notes
Fri, May 08, 2009
The leading slot manufacturer is putting $500 million of its convertible notes due in 2014 into a private offering for qualified institutional investors, with proceeds to be used to reduce debt.
TVG strikes deal with TrackNet
Fri, May 08, 2009
TVG and TrackNet Media Group are pairing up to enhance sports betting options at racetracks.
PokerPro placed at Nevada property
Fri, May 08, 2009
PokerTek, Inc. has installed two PokerPro tables at the Mountain View Casino in Pahrump, Nevada.
Talarius to add WagerWorks games
Fri, May 08, 2009
Talarius reached a deal with WagerWorks, a subsidiary of International Game Technology, to add the company's games to its website.
Columns : WILD CARD
Las Vegas loses Danny Gans
Fri, May 08, 2009
Legendary Strip performer passed away unexpectedly on May 1.
Fear the Flu
Fri, May 08, 2009
The swine flu hits slot parlors in Mexico and causes other gaming jurisdictions to take precautions.
Historic Fire in Vegas
Fri, May 08, 2009
The former Moulin Rouge, once Las Vegas’ only interracial casino and recently a subject of possible redevelopment, catches fire and burns to the ground.