In a special edition of the GGB Podcast, we sit down with Dave Lucchese, the president of Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, on how AGEM was impacted by the pandemic and why he now sees a bright future for the organization.
Sportsbook giant DraftKings has reportedly offered more than $20 billion to acquire gaming group Entain Plc. If the deal goes through, DraftKings would get 50 percent of the BetMGM sportsbook, leaving the other half to MGM Resorts, which is fighting back.
A tighter grip on Macau casinos by the Chinese government has operators understandably jumpy. Stocks plummeted on the news, then stabilized. Many questions remain, with billions of dollars in investment at stake.
Clairvest Neem Ventures, the consortium chosen to partner on a Wakayama, Japan integrated resort (l.), will complete a draft development plan for the complex by the end of November.
Caesars Entertainment and Nobu Hospitality will open two new Nobu Hotels and restaurants in New Orleans (l.), Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and renovate the original Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace.
Casinos in Russia’s Primorye gaming zone got three months tax-free in 2021 to help them endure through the Covid-19 pandemic. The special economic zone near Vladivostok is home to Tigre de Cristal and Shambala.
Tim Miller (l.), executive director of the UK Gambling Commission, says the industry is growing faster than regulators can handle, which “heightens old challenges and brings new risks.”
Three positive cases of Covid appeared again in Macau, and now all residents and visitors must submit to a Covid test between Sept. 25 and 28. All casinos remain open for now, but it doesn’t bode well for next week’s Golden Week celebrations.
Two executives of Mount Airy Casino (l.) in Pennsylvania told the state Gaming Control Board that unlicensed so-called “skill games” are a major reason slot demand in the state is down.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has rebranded its eponymous San Manuel Casino as the Yaamava’ Resort. The California tribe will “pursue additional growth opportunities under the San Manuel … enterprise.”
G2E is back and better than ever. But what innovations and improvements will we see and are the buyers ready to buy? Check out the Fantini team’s pre-show observations.
This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Korbi Carrison, the event director of G2E for Reed Exhibitions (RX), on how the 2021 version of the show is shaping up.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (l.) last week imposed a controversial new tax on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators that will dedicate the revenue to the nation’s fight against Covid.
Resorts World Genting, Genting (l.), the Malaysian company’s flagship casino complex in Genting Highlands, is on tap to reopen as early as October 1, according to reports.
Philippine lawmakers have established the Boracay Island Development Authority, which will oversee the reopening of the island and ensure its environmental integrity. A casino owned by billionaire Andrew Tan (l.) is part of the planned development.
Lenders have agreed to give Wynn Macau a $1.5 billion revolving line of credit facility to refinance debt and general corporate expenses. The loans will reach maturity in four years.
The French L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux, which regulates gaming, has begun a public consultation on advertising. It’s concerned that sports betting ads are targeting young people.
Spanish-based Codere group will soon be taken over by its creditors. The change is part of a debt-for-equity agreement that cancels the debt and leaves the noteholders to run the company beginning November 5.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky (l.) is predicting that the liberalization of laws to allow casinos again with create a boom. He estimates the new industry could bring in €160 million a year.
Dutch Minister of Legal Protection Sander Dekker (l.) plans to prosecute off-shore gaming websites who accept money from Dutch players. The new licensed gaming regime goes into effect October 1 in the Netherlands.
In the U.K. cabinet overhaul, Nadine Dorries (l.) has been named secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In her new role, Dorries will oversee changes to the Gambling Act.
Fitch Ratings Agency maintains a negative rating on Australian casino giant Crown Resorts due to compliance issues that threaten its licenses to operate in three states in the country.
The Federal Group, which currently has a monopoly on slot machines in the Australian state of Tasmania, is fighting to preserve that monopoly. A proposed bill would allow pubs and clubs to install the machines.
Brazil’s Congress continues to move forward on legalizing casinos in the South American country. Members of the Chamber of Deputies have been added to a working group (l.) that will build a regulatory system.
Years ago, the Commonwealth of Kentucky charged PokerStars with illegal gambling based on 300-year-old case law. Kentucky wanted more than $800 million but settled for less than half that amount
When New Jersey lawmakers approved online casinos in 2013, the bill included an end date of 2023. At that point, the legislation needs to be reauthorized or online gaming will come to an end.
The Indian state of Tamil Nadu will again allow online gaming. The Madras High Court has struck down the ban on all real-money online games. Adda52, PokerBaazi, and MPL Poker are expected to return.
Belgium’s high court has ruled that online gaming operators may not host different types of games on the same website. This reflects existing law in land-based casinos, where sportsbooks and casino gaming are separated.
The state gaming regulatory agency in Maryland has opened license applications for the 17 locations, including M&T Bank Stadium (l.), home of the Baltimore Ravens, named in the state’s enabling legislations as eligible for sportsbooks.
New York lawmakers won’t require oral presentations from would-be online sportsbook licensees, in the interest of launching by the Super Bowl. Senator Joe Addabbo (l.) says the move won’t compromise integrity.
A bill to legalize sports betting in North Carolina is now before four House committees. “Prohibition doesn’t work,” said sponsor Senator Jim Perry (l.). Wagers could generate $25 million to $50 million in taxes for schools.
The Chicago Bears may leave the Windy City for the site of the Arlington International Racecourse if they win the bid for a racetrack there. Team officials have been unable to resolve their rift with the owner of Soldier Field.
Caesars Entertainment has reached marketing agreements with the Indianapolis Colts, Louisiana State University and the publisher of NOLA.com. The three offer multiple opportunities for Caesars.
The NFL and Extreme Networks have partnered on an agreement to provide Wi-Fi analytics for the league. The analytics could have an impact on the growing popularity of in-game betting.
Former NFL coach and sports broadcaster Tony Dungy (l.) may give up his position as a network analyst during the NFL season. The reason? The proliferation of sports betting and even worse, sports betting ads.
G3 Esports has partnered with Comtrade Gaming to effect G3’s entry into the U.S. market for sports betting platforms with a new esports betting product.
BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, announced last week that it had launched its mobile app at Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi.
Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers is the exclusive betting partner of Magic City Jai Alai in Miami, with access to official league data and streaming feeds for viewing and betting on live games in real time.
BetMGM has signed MMA journalist Ariel Helwani (l.) as its newest brand ambassador. Helwani will integrate BetMGM into his promotional content and be featured in marketing campaigns.
Former UNLV Rebels quarterback and ex-ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne (l.) has agreed to become a content contributor and brand ambassador for Caesars Sportsbook.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has finalized regulation for online sports and event betting in the Canadian province. The Registrar Standards for Internet Gaming could go into effect by December.
The sports merchandising company Fanatics is close to acquiring a sport betting business. Rush Street Interactive seems to have the inside track, but Betsson is in play too.
Caesars Entertainment has presented plans for its $500 million Caesars Virginia in Danville, set to open in 2023. The project calls for 1,400 slots and table games, 500-room hotel, sportsbook and World Series of Poker room.
Voters in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana will vote on a proposed $329 million Camellia Bay casino resort (l.) on December 11. The outcome could overturn a 1996 referendum rejecting casino gambling in the parish.
The College Township Council in Pennsylvania has unanimously approved a land development plan for the Nittany Casino, a satellite facility coming to the Nittany Mall near Pennsylvania State University to be owned by Ira Lubert (l) and built and operated by Bally’s.
Iowa Greyhound Park will close following a shortened 2022 season, due to a shortage of dogs following the end of Florida racing. Also, subsidies keeping the track solvent will end in 2022.
When it comes to holding a grudge, the Hatfields and McCoys had nothing on Station Casinos and the Culinary Union. Their feud has been ongoing for more than two decades.
Fans of Wayne Newton (l.) will say “Danke Schoen” to the entertainment legend, who will mark his 58th anniversary at the Las Vegas Flamingo with a series of stage shows. Newton has long been known as Mr. Las Vegas.”
Bally’s Atlantic City will open the first phase of its new high-limit room (l.) in October with the rest to be completed in November. The room has table games and an upscale lounge with light fare.
VICI Properties has completed its $3.4 billion equity offering intended to aid in the acquisition of rival REIT MGM Growth Properties and the Las Vegas Strip assets of Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Fred Dakota (l.), who opened a casino with a single blackjack table in his Baraga, Michigan garage in 1983, died at his home at age 84. The venue was considered a milestone for Native American gambling.
The Koi Nation of Northern California has announced plans to put 68 acres of land into trust with the plan to develop a $600 million casino resort (l.) on the property. The Koi expect opposition from residents and other tribes.
The Innovation Group has announced the return of its Native American Internship Program, suspended due to Covid-19. College and grad-level students and gaming staff gaming are eligible to apply.
The $100 million, 72,000-square-foot expansion at Gun Lake Casino in Wayland, Michigan opened with a new steak and seafood restaurant, tap house, sports bar and other new entertainment and dining options.
Scientific Games Corp. has named Connie James (l.) as its executive vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer and corporate secretary, replacing CFO Mike Eklund.
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority has announced the appointment of Cynthia Kiser Murphey (l.) as general manager of the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Toni Korsanos (l.), one of only two Crown Resorts board directors who was not forcibly removed during a sweeping leadership overhaul, has resigned her post. Nine other board members have left in the past year.
John Moran Jr. (l.) has retired from his membership in the Nevada Gaming Commission. He also served as Commission chair. Vice Chairman Steve Cohen has assumed the position on an interim basis.
Pontus Lindwall (l.), founder and CEO of Betsson, will leave his position. Lindwall served in this capacity from 1998 to 2011 and again from 2017 to the present. He guided the company through a major expansion.
Fifth Street Gaming has named Seth Young, former chief innovation officer of PointsBet, as the company’s new chief strategy officer, reporting to CEO Seth Schorr.
Harrah's Resort Southern California has announced the appointment of Jill Barrett (l.) to the role of senior vice president and general manager. Barrett has almost 30 years of experience in the gaming industry.
Former NBA marketing exec Jeff Gamble (l.) has joined PointsBet as its new vice president of creative. Most recently, Gamble was VP of creative and content for the Brooklyn Nets and Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment.
Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has appointed Tammi Barlow (l.) as its director of corporate social responsibility. Barlow has more than a decade of experience in the field, and previously worked for Caesars.
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment announced last week that Justin Ruggieri will represent the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise as its new general counsel.
James Patrick Bondoc (l.), former VP of corporate social responsibility for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has been appointed to the state-run gaming agency’s board of directors.
Jennifer Bowman, IGT’s senior director of EMEA, and Shondra Deloach-Perea, vice president of field services for the company, were awarded Women in Gaming Diversity Awards.
Playtech announced new appointments to its board of directors, including a new non-executive director, Linda Marston-Weston (l.), and independent director appointments.
Sazka Entertainment has appointed Olympic two-time gold medal winner. Sebastian Coe (l.) to its board. The appointment comes as the Czech lottery giant seeks to become the licensee of the U.K. National Lottery.
Wynn Resorts officials have announced a plan to combat climate change by reducing their carbon dioxide production by 2050 and doubling its renewable energy by 2030.
The Entain Foundation will give fund a study of responsible gambling, policy and health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The project is a first for the U.S.
Aristocrat Gaming has entered the casino systems market in the state of Washington, converting the system at BJ’s Bingo & Casino to the Oasis 360 casino management platform.
Gary Platt Manufacturing announced it has equipped the new sportsbook (l.) at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania with its Sportsbook Club chair model.
Gaming services provider Success Dragon International has announced a deal to “supply, set up and manage” at least 120 slot machines and multi-terminal units at two Macau casinos, Grandview and Casa Real.
While news that the U.S. government will ease international travel restrictions is good news for Las Vegas, it will not take place in time to benefit the Global Gaming Expo.
The Casino Entertainment Awards, normally held in conjunction with the Global Gaming Expo but sidelined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will return in 2022, producers says.
Sightline Payments has announced it will sponsor the 2021 EPIC Player Protection Symposium, November 30. Sightline Senior VP Jonathan Michaels (l.) will participate in a panel discussion on the subject.
October 4-7, 2021: Global Gaming Expo (G2E 2021), Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. The casino industry’s largest and most important conference and trade show. Produced by Reed Exhibitions. For more information, visithttps://www.globalgamingexpo.com.
November 9-11, 2021: G2E Asia 2021, Venetian Macao. Produced by Reed Exhibitions and the American Gaming Association. For more information, visit www.g2easia.com.
November 15-18, 2021: SiGMA Europe—Malta Week, Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Malta. SiGMA, alongside AGS and AIBC, is bringing its 4 leading shows together for one conference. For more information, visithttps://sigma.world/en/europe/.
