NEWS & NOTES

Some members of the Philippines’ anti-kidnapping task force will learn Mandarin and other Chinese languages, on the basis that ethnic Chinese are some of the most commonly targeted victims of casino-related kidnappings in that country. According to the Manila Bulletin, since 2017, law enforcement has recorded more than 50 cases of casino-related kidnappings and arrested more than 100 Chinese nationals suspected of kidnapping offenses. • SLS Las Vegas has unveiled a new VIP gaming salon as part of a $150 million remodeling under way at the north Strip casino hotel. Xfinity, as the venue is known, features baccarat, roulette, six-deck shoe and double- deck blackjack, bar-top video poker and 40 high-limit slots and 24-hour beverage service. • The number of people treated for problem gambling in Ireland hit a record high in 2018. Records show that 257 people were treated for gambling addiction in the units of the health service in Ireland during the year, and almost 1,750 cases have been identified since 2010, when statistics were first collected. Last year’s figure represents a 17.4 percent increase from 2017 and eclipses the previous high of 222, set in 2012. •. The NFL and its television partner networks have taken a cautious approach to talking about sports betting since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, but one major network is going to allow some on-air gambling chat during the 2019 season. Last week, an NBC executive said there will continue to be “somewhat isolated” gambling references during NFL broadcasts this season. • Sportradar, a provider of sports data intelligence, has launched the first in a series of white papers designed to inform sports rights holders and content owners on how they can successfully leverage and monetize their digital ecosystem. Key takeaway points include the importance of establishing data-based streaming strategies to tell stories to fans or find the right formula for monetization based on the various options available, along with the need to understand fans and their consumption habits to serve them with the right content, on the right platform.