Trump Trade War Bleeding into Gambling
U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada is being felt in the gaming industry, as late last week the provincial government in Alberta, Canada banned the purchase of slot machines made by U.S.-based companies.
Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian-made goods entering the U.S. That was set to go into effect last week but has been pushed to April. Alberta’s decision to fight back could be just the start. British Columbia and Ontario, which also offer legal gaming, could potentially follow suit.
Even one province putting a prohibition in place will sting major U.S. suppliers like International Gaming Technology (IGT) and Light & Wonder, both of which sell slot machines in Canada. According to the Nevada Independent, Alberta accounts for 4 percent of sales by all major manufacturers.
The Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which also already stopped allowing U.S. liquor to be imported, wrote that it “will prioritize procurement on companies that have support services in Alberta, Canada, or with countries that we share a free trade agreement with.”
Bally’s Launches ‘Game In Good Hands’ Responsible Gaming Brand
Bally’s Corporation launched its “Game In Good Hands” global responsible gaming initiative, emphasizing the pillars of trust and responsibility, in support of Problem Gaming Awareness Month.
The Game In Good Hands campaign will be promoted through both online and land-based casinos, utilizing signage, websites and direct mail communications to reach customers.
“Bally’s Corporation is proud to introduce the ‘Game In Good Hands’ responsible gaming campaign. This initiative highlights Bally’s dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all users of its gaming products worldwide,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s.
For online gaming, Bally’s provides a range of RG tools, from deposit and loss limits to session reminders, giving players the freedom to play their way. Plus, there is always someone on hand to assist if needed.
If players wish to self-exclude online, they should visit the responsible gaming web pages for more information. If players would like to self-exclude while at a Bally’s casino, they should visit the designated property location for immediate assistance.
To learn more about Game In Good Hands, visit here.
‘Revival’ Coming to Reno
The old Harrah’s site in Reno is set for a makeover, News4 reported March 10. Madison Capital Group announced that it has purchased the property and will start work on “Revival,” which will be a mixed-use development.
The renovation will include work on the “iconic” Harrah’s building, including redesigning its three towers and the hotel. The end result will be 300 “market-rate” residences, corporate housing and office space as well as grocery, restaurant and retail spots. There will also be integrated outdoor space, with Las Vegas-based Fine Entertainment opening The George as a flagship tenant
Since Caesars Entertainment sold the property after being acquired by El Dorado Resorts in 2020, redevelopment has been delayed through ownership changes.
Madison Capital executives and their local partner, Brianna Bullentini, said the project is about revitalizing downtown Reno.
“Breathing new life into this cornerstone property will play a key role in the continued revitalization of downtown Reno, further establishing it as a top city to live, work, and visit,” Madison Capital CEO and founder Ryan Hanks said.
New Zealand Casino Owner Star City Opposes Digital Expansion
SkyCity owns three land-based casinos in New Zealand, and as the country wrestles with whether to add digital gambling, SkyCity is pushing back. According to Complete iGaming via local media outlet RNZ, a proposal calls for 15 digital platforms. SkyCity is pushing for five platforms, as well as restricting access to local companies only. A second casino owner, the TAB, also wants the number of licenses restricted, but would agree to up to seven.
SkyCity and TAB are concerned about the potential cannibalization of their brick-and-mortar businesses should a robust, international online gaming market open.
Both companies, in documents filed with the federal Internal Affairs Department, argued against allowing non-New Zealand-based operators, saying those operators would not be subject to local taxes and that their presence could “hurt” local companies. But Internal Affairs Minister Minister Brooke van Velde told RNZ that giving preference to local operators may be in violation of the country’s free-trade agreements.
The government is set to issue licenses in February 2026.
In Other News …
The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino is no more … it is now known as the Bally’s Baton Rouge Hotel after Bally’s Corporation bought Queen Casino & Entertainment, Inc., according to Hotel Business.
Brandon Lenssen has been appointed the new vice president and general manager of Chamonix Casino Hotel in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the company announced March 10.
Bally’s Corporation announced March 11 that Mira Mircheva is now the executive vice president and chief financial officer, replacing Marcus Glover in that role. Glover is now the EVP of the Global Operations Group.
