Nevada Casino Group Permitted to Join State’s Lawsuit with Kalshi
The Nevada Resort Association, the most powerful casino trade group in the state, has been granted permission to join the state’s lawsuit against prediction market Kalshi, SBC reported June 4. State regulators issued a cease-and-desist order against Kalshi earlier this year, and the platform sued in response. So far, Kalshi has been granted a preliminary injunction to continue operating while the case is deliberated.
Judge Andrew Gordon, who granted the preliminary injunction, acknowledged that NRA members have a lot at stake in the fight, and therefore the association should be allowed to intervene.
“If Kalshi prevails in this case, the NRA members likely would be placed at a considerable competitive disadvantage because Kalshi and others like it would not have to comply with Nevada’s comprehensive gaming laws, including prohibitions on bettors under 21 and types of bets allowed,” Gordon ruled, per SBC.
Mystery Building Near South Point Found to Be Soundstage for YouTuber
A mysterious, hangar-like structure constructed near the South Point casino in Las Vegas has been discovered to be a soundstage for “Beast Games Season 2,” a reality show hosted by YouTuber MrBeast, who boasts the site’s largest audience with nearly 400 million subscribers.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported June 3 that the building will be taken down by June 30 and that several parties, including contractors and the South Point, signed non-disclosure agreements related to the building and the taping.
Last July, the first season of Beast Games was filmed at Allegiant Stadium, featuring 2,000 contestants vying for a $5 million prize. However, that taping resulted in a class-action suit alleging sexism and unsafe conditions, and a separate MrBeast-related event at Resorts World in April was refunded after multiple guests complained about false advertising.
New Nevada Bill Opens Gaming Salons to All Patrons
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo June 1 signed SB 459 into law, which will open up private gaming salons to the public when they are not in use.
Salons are the name used for private rooms frequented by high-rollers and VIPs, and the bill now removes a $500 minimum slot wager inside salons. Moving forward, properties will be able to set their own limits with approval from regulators.
The bill came in response to a Nevada Gaming Control Board workshop last year, in which casinos said that the existing salon regulations were too extreme and outdated. Among the bill’s supporters was the Nevada Resort Association, which said that the changes will help casinos “remain competitive by offering customized experiences for high-value, high-profile guests who may be choosing to play in other states,” per the Nevada Independent.
No Word on Future of Freehold Raceway
Freehold Raceway in New Jersey ceased operations last December, and the fate of the shuttered track is still uncertain. According to the Asbury Park Press, track owner FR Park Racing confirmed that operations “cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward.”
The only other recent mention of the track came from Penn Entertainment, a partner in the FR Park joint venture. Penn CEO Jay Snowden said on an earnings call last year that Freehold was not among its better horse racing holdings, which “are either at or above break even on a stand-alone basis, and they’re also, we believe, some of those are great development options for us down the road for potential land-based casino legalization.”
Funding for Florida Regulator Uncertain
As the Florida legislative session nears its end, the state’s House and Senate remain divided over funding for the Gaming Control Commission, per Florida Politics. The Senate proposes a spending plan of $37 million whereas the House’s proposal was $31.6 million. An allocation of $4.7 million for enhanced licensing and enforcement systems made up the majority of that gap.
“There’s only so much money to go around. If a dollar does not go to a licensed facility or a tribal facility, it’s going into a criminal’s pocket. It’s as simple as that,” FGCC Executive Director Ross Marshman said at a January hearing, according to Florida Politics.
Construction Underway at Happy Valley Casino
Construction has started on the freshly minted Happy Valley Casino inside of the Nittany Mall in State College, Pennsylvania, according to WTAJ. The mini-casino will feature 750 slots, 30 tables and two dining options and is expected to open in April in 2026.
The project is on track after several setbacks, including a change in partnership midway though from Bally’s Corp. to Saratoga Casino Holdings. A large portion of the opposition the project has faced has been in relation to its proximity to Penn State University, as detractors have voiced concerns over the casino’s potential impact on young students.
“College kids are not our target demographic; it is really that 45-plus age range is typically who comes to casinos,” Happy Valley CEO Eric Pearson told WTAJ. “The college students are not interesting to us as customers. However, their parents, when they come to visit, we’re excited to welcome them.”
MGM National Harbor Unveils Ultimate Fire Link Zone
MGM National Harbor is debuting an Ultimate Fire Link Zone, a refined 2,400-square-foot venue for devoted players of the Ultimate Fire Link gaming brand from Light & Wonder.
Housing 48 different Ultimate Fire Link slot machines, the space is the first designated Ultimate Fire Link Zone within MGM Resorts International’s global portfolio.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to the Ultimate Fire Link Zone, one of the DMV’s most unique gaming venues,” said Alex Alvarado, MGM National Harbor’s vice president of casino operations. “This new space aligns with our continuous efforts to deliver a one-of-a-kind gaming experience for our guests.
MGM National Harbor’s Ultimate Fire Link Zone is located on the casino floor near the entrance from the Conservatory.
