NEWS & NOTES

Small Nuggets of News

Multi-channel content supplier Playtech has launched a wearable sports betting app available to all licensees, including full cash-out functionality, for the new Apple Watch which went on sale last week. In an extension to its multi-year “Coral Connect” omni-channel contract, the longstanding tier one Playtech licensee will be the first customer to offer “iWatch” app to its extensive UK and European player base.  •  Revenue from online poker in Delaware was up 26 percent in February, after implementation of an interstate liquidity sharing agreement that combined the state’s player pool with that of Nevada. The deal gave Delaware players access to cash games and tournaments offered by WSOP.com in Nevada. Overall gaming revenue declined 5 percent in March compared to February.  •  Nevada’s Clark County will launch a Strip pedestrian project, totaling $1.9 million for initial work. The project will see 25 fire hydrants removed, 360 new news racks installed, two traffic poles relocated, 16 new handicap ramps, and one traffic controller cabinet moved.  •  Forbes magazine named Mohegan Sun one of the country’s best employers for 2015, putting the company run by the Mohegan Tribe on a list that includes Pfizer and 500 other businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies across 25 industries. Mohegan Sun, which owns and runs its flagship casino and hotel in Connecticut and Mohegan Sun Pocono in Pennsylvania, placed 424 on the overall list of 503 honorees. The company also was named 12th nationwide in the travel and leisure category and was the second-highest performing gaming company within the category. “This is a huge honor for us and a testament to our dedicated team members who work tirelessly to make our resorts the best in the industry,” Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority President Bobby Soper said in a statement. “We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding environment for our team members and this recognition is a compelling endorsement of that effort.”  •  Scientific Games Corporation announced it has signed an extension to its instant products contract with the Arizona Lottery. Under the extension agreement, Scientific Games will continue to provide instant games and services to the Lottery through January 14, 2016. “We have worked with Scientific Games since 1981 and look forward to continuing that partnership,” said Tony Bouie, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “Their products, services and strategic recommendations have helped the Arizona Lottery grow year after year. This has returned important dollars to support economic and business development, education, environment, and public health and welfare in our state.”  •  The 62nd Macau Grand Prix, November 19-22, could see an estimated 5 percent to 6 percent growth in revenues this year, according to João Manuel Costa Antunes of the Macau Grand Prix Committee. The event will cost an estimated MOP200 million (US$25 million). Last year, the Grand Prix generated a record-breaking MOP51 million, of which MOP12 million was garnered from ticket sales.  ?   A casino in Blackpool, Lancashire, England closed last week, resulting in the loss of 50 jobs.The Sam Tai previously operated as the Paris Casino. In January 2014, Liverpool-based State Casino took over and invested around £70,000 (US$107,000) on renovations, to no avail.  ?  Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd. has announced plans with nightclub operator Pacha to open “Macau’s first megaclub,” Pacha Macau at Studio City, which is set to open later this year on the Cotai Strip.Pacha has clubs in major cities across the globe, including Ibiza, New York, Dubai, Buenos Aires and Sydney.  ?  Resorts World Manila will open a new grand ballroom and convention center in July. The facility will have seating capacity of up to 4,000. The resort is undergoing a $650 million expansion that will expand its Marriott Hotel. A planned third phase of renovations will expand the casino as well.  ?   The Hengqin New Area Free Trade Zone was officially inaugurated late last month. The FTZ should allow more small and medium-sized businesses from nearby Macau to have easier access to Hengqin and provide more opportunities for Macau to diversify. Galaxy Entertainment is among the first on the ground, and is planning a sports leisure vacation resort on the island.  •  New York-based High 5 Games has opened its new headquarters at the newly opened 1 World Trade Center on the 58th and 59th floors. According to CEO Anthony Singer, “This was an unparalleled blank slate that allowed us to design a one of a kind collaborative working environment that would take advantage of the wonderful views and allow us to integrate the state of the art technology we need to continue to develop some of the top titles in gaming.” High 5 produces some of the most recognizable slot titles and has its products in every continent and in 150 countries.  •  Journey will hold a nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The shows will feature some songs the band hasn’t played in years, while featuring very high energy in a smaller venue than the band is used to.  •  Watkins Glen International, a premier motor sports venue, has announced a partnership with Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Watkins Glen brings in hundreds of thousands racing fans in the region, while Seneca Allegany Resort & Casinos brings in 3 million visitors annually.   Traffic and pedestrian signalshave gone up for the first time at the Las Vegas welcome sign just south of the Strip. County commission Chair Steve Sisolak estimated 200 pedestrians and 56,000 vehicles pass the sign each day. Las Vegas Police had requested the signs due to increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  •  A 2018 FEI World Cup bid has been made by Las Vegas, who currently holds the only bid. The global equestrian even was held at the Thomas & Mack center recently, and Las Vegas will host the event in 2016 and 2017.  •  McCarran International Airport of Las Vegas has reported a 1.8 percent increase in passengers for Month, up to 3.9 million people passing through the gates. Korean Air saw passenger numbers climb 13.6 percent to 6,188.  •  Anchor Bar, known for inventing Buffalo-style chicken wings, will open a location in the Venetian food court June 15. The 1,200-square-foot quick service site will be converted from a former Nathan’s hot dog restaurant.