NEWS & NOTES

Uruguay’s governing Frente Amplio party will put forward a law that would allow casino cruisers to operate in Uruguayan territorial waters. Senator Yerú Pardiñas supports the initiative because the casinos will be open during “restricted hours and exclusively for (use) of passengers on board.” Officials say the law would encourage passengers to spend more time money in Uruguay. ● Melco Resorts & Entertainment has completed the acquisition of all of its parent’s interest in the entity developing City of Dreams Mediterranean in the Greek-controlled Republic of Cyprus. Melco Resorts acquired the 75 percent interest held by Hong Kong-listed Melco International Development Ltd. in ICR Cyprus Holdings Ltd. The remaining 25 percent stake is controlled by Cyprus Phassouri (Zakaki) Ltd. ● The city council of Redding, California voted unanimously last week to oppose the Win River Expansion Project, in which the Redding Rancheria would add a 69,500-square-foot casino, a 250-room hotel, an outdoor amphitheater and more. Supporters of the project cite benefits like new jobs. Detractors are worried about increased traffic, environmental impacts, and potential loss of small business. Mayor Julie Winter says she doesn’t oppose the expansion but cannot support the proposed location on I-5 south of Redding. Winter says she doesn’t think a casino should not serve as a gateway to the city. ● Expect the publication of Japan’s IR Basic Plan, detailing the requirements for operators planning to bid on integrated resort licenses in the country, sometime in November, according to a report in the Sankei Shinbun. It is also believed that the Casino Management Board will be formally established in January. The publication of the IR Basic Plan will be followed by a public comment process. ● The Pennsylvania Lottery reported record highs in revenue and profits. The lottery reported it recorded $4.5 billion in sales in the 2018-19 fiscal year, an increase of 7 percent over the previous year. Profits were $1.14 billion, an increase of 4.5 percent. It paid out $2.9 billion in prizes. The lottery recently added online games, offering iLottery games for computer, tablet or mobile device. The agency generated $381 million in iLottery sales for the year. The lottery’s profits go to services for the elderly. ●. MGM Resorts International has raised the resort fee for overnight stays at its Aria, Bellagio and Vdara hotels on the Las Vegas Strip from $39 to $55 per night. The increase took effect August 1. The fees at MGM’s 10 other Las Vegas hotels remain unchanged. ●. New York’s Resorts World Catskills has opened a 7,000-square-foot poker room featuring 20 tables with seating for 180. Located on the main casino floor, the venue offers a dedicated cashier, complimentary beverage service, USB charging ports at every seat, 27 55-inch TVs and an outdoor smoking deck.