NEWS & NOTES

Resorts World Genting in Malaysia could see revenues return to 95 percent of pre-Covid levels in 2023, boosted by a strong recovery in the domestic market. According to ratings agency Fitch, the recovery “should be aided by a limited reliance on foreign visitors and additions to the new Genting SkyWorlds theme park.” ● Sands China recently donated MOP1.08 million (US$135,000) to representatives of seven higher education institutions at a ceremony at the Venetian Macao, as part of the company’s ongoing support of higher education in Macau. It is the 16th consecutive year of the annual initiative, which provides scholarship and fellowship money to Macau tertiary institutions. The program has benefitted almost 1,600 students since 2006. ● Oktoberfest Macau at MGM will return this month. The event, “Cheers, Macau!” will take place October 20-30 at MGM Cotai. The “Macau meets Munich ” carnival and Beerfest blends entertainment, food, technology and culture. ● BetMGM has signed entertainer Vanessa Hudgens as a celebrity brand ambassador. Hudgens will be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns, promotions and social media content for BetMGM’s iGaming and casino platforms. ● The city of Las Vegas has partnered with the Stat Hotel & Casino on the Strip to build a new pedestrian “viewing deck” along Las Vegas Boulevard that will allow passersby to view the Gateway Arches sign safely without obstructing traffic. The deck will cost approximately $200,000 to build, and city officials are hopeful it will be open in time for New Year’s Eve, which is one of the busiest times of the year with regards to foot traffic. Jace Radke, a spokesman for the city, said that it will be considered public property, and therefore will be maintained by city crews. ● Famed chef Eyal Shani is set to open two new restaurants in the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip—Miznon, a laid-back, “fast-casual” restaurant specializing in Israeli comfort food, will open before the end of the year; HaSalon, a more traditional sit-down venue featuring seasonal cuisines and rotating menus, is slated to launch sometime in 2023. Both restaurants are extensions of existing brands; Miznon now has six locations throughout the U.S. and HaSalon was first founded in 2008 back in Tel Aviv. In a statement, Shani said that “There’s inspiration around every corner, and being able to showcase the best of what we do in such a vibrant and unique location is an extraordinary opportunity. ● Las Vegas ‘ Caesars Palace has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its main entryway and porte-cochère, which includes a new 15-foot statue of Augustus Caesar as well as hand-painted Roman portraits and a 3,200-pound chandelier which includes over 10,000 crystals. The company also added a new bar, called Galleria Bar, in the hotel lobby, which was designed with “a modern take on a palatial Italian study” and features life-size sculptures as well as 22 slot machines. ● Downtown Las Vegas’ El Cortez Hotel & Casino has completed a $3 million renovation of 47 rooms that have been in service since the property opened in 1941. Tagged as the “Original 47,” the project aimed to recreate a mid-century ambiance with brass fixtures and Latin-inspired themes that are a nod to Cuban culture. The hotel also unveiled its new Vegas History Hallway, which is a collaboration with the Mob Museum—the corridor details the history of the El Cortez and its former owners, mobsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum and Moe Sedway. ● The U.K. Gambling Commission has fined Petfre Limited, parent company of Betfred and Oddsking.com, £2.8 million (€3.2 million/$3.0 million) for violations of social responsibility and anti-money laundering standards of the Gambling Act. The offenses occurred between 2019-2020. In one example, a patron lost £70,000 within a 10-hour period less than a day after opening an account. Leanne Oxley, director of enforcement and intelligence at the commission, said she expected other operators to review these instances and adjust their behavior. “Where standards do not improve, tougher enforcement will follow.” ● Flutter Entertainment’s newly created subsidiary Sisal Italia has won the tender for a monopoly of gaming in Tunisia. The 10-year license was awarded by Tunisia’s sports betting authority, Promosport. It will provide sports betting, online games, instant lotteries and number games—including all retail and online gaming in the country. Marco Caccavale, managing director, Sisal International, commented, “Winning the tender in Tunisia is a significant achievement for Sisal,” adding, “Not only does it showcase our lottery expertise and leadership at a local and international level, it demonstrates execution against our strategic ambition to enter into regions which have considerable growth opportunities and development prospects in the future.”● The Tachi Yokut Tribe’s tribal state gaming compact with California has been ratified. Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 559, formalizing the compact. The bill’s author, Senator Melissa Hurtado, stated, “For decades the Tachi Yokut Tribe has been a valuable partner in the Kings County Community. The Tribe provides scholarship assistance, job training and adult education programs, health and welfare assistance and other social services.” Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Chairman Leo Sisco said, “[T]he compact affirms the tribe’s dedicated partnership and government-to-government relationship with the State of California and solidifies the future of our people.” ● South Dakota Commission on Gaming reports that Deadwood’s casinos in August reversed a four-month trend of lower gaming handles. The total gaming handle increased by 16.6 percent compared to a year ago. In the first four months, handle decreased, one month by 8 percent. That began to reverse in May. With August factored in, the year’s gain so far is 0.53 percent. Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman said, “August’s strong performance pushed gaming revenues into positive territory for the year.” He added, “We are thrilled to see 2022 numbers matching 2021’s record breaking year.”