NEWS & NOTES

Lottomatica has received a Responsible Gaming recertification from the European Lotteries Association (EL). EL recertifies triennially, with Lottomatica first receiving certification for its responsible gaming programs in 2009. In tandem with the EL recertification, Lottomatica also received recertification from the World Lottery Association (WLA) for the Company’s Level 4 accreditation. Lottomatica’s assessment to obtain certification renewal was carried out by an independent third party, which verified Lottomatica’s commitment to planning and developing a program aimed at player protection and promotion of a responsible gaming model.  •  The Navajo Nation has been paid .5 million by the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. The money was paid into the Net Revenue Distribution Fund, which may distribute the money to individual chapters for use in infrastructure, housing, economic development and education.  The gaming enterprise previously paid $5 million in 2012 and $1 million and 2013.  •  The Rancho Mirage, California, Chamber of Commerce has named its Large Business of the Year Rammy Award of Excellence to Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. The annual award is selected through a ballot process where only chamber members vote. Chamber Executive Director Samantha Tweddell said last week, “We are thrilled that Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has been recognized for a Rammy Award as they are such a strong leader and contributor to Rancho Mirage.”  •  Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut just reopened its former Paragon restaurant, sitting on the 24^th floor as VUE 24. The rebranding included shifting from the former French-Asian fusion to “lavish brasserie charm,” although keeping the same romantic vistas. Adam Odegard, Foxwoods’s vice president of food and beverage described the new menu as “old familiar classics, with twist.” Odegard added, “This is not a chef-driven restaurant. This is basically a restaurant that celebrates classic continental dishes, great crafted cocktails and really unique, old-school French desserts.”  •  Arizona Department of Gaming announced last week that the state’s tribal casino revenues are up 6.9 percent for the last quarter, compared to the previous year. This is the sixth quarter in a row to show an increase, according to Department of Gaming Director Daniel Bergin.  •  The Polk County, Iowa board of supervisors last week voted to loan $30 million in additional financing to build a convention hotel in downtown Des Moines. The hotel will be adjacent to the Iowa Events Center. The County owns the center, operating it using gaming revenue from the Prairie Meadows casino.  The loan will require that the county refinance the Iowa Events Center.