NEWS & NOTES

• Leech Lake Gaming has announced that smoking is returning to its Minnesota properties, including Northern Lights Casino in Walker, Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake and White Oak Casino in Deer River, the Pilot Independent reported. Smoking will continue not to be allowed at the company’s Shingobee on the Bay casino, said CEO Michael Michaud. “After reviewing the properties’ data we determined that it is a key component in choosing which casino you’ll visit. We will offer non-smoking sections in the casinos to cater to those who do not smoke,” he said. “Although according to industry standards state only 13 to 17 percent of people who gamble smoke, we feel it was important to those who do smoke in northern Minnesota to have a choice.” • Officials from the Venetian and Palazzo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip have confirmed that guests will soon be charged for self parking beginning later this summer. According to a statement given to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the change was implemented after “evaluating operations and business demand,” and further details will be released “in the near future.” The move coincides with the launch of the MSG Sphere venue just east of the two properties, which will open to the public September 29. • On July 18, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) announced a donation of $300,000 to the organization Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY), a longtime partner of the international operator. To date, LVS has contributed over $2 million to NPHY, and the latest donation will go toward mental health services, transportation and other necessities like food and clothing.