Several states—Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan and others—are considering bills that would legalize iGaming. While similar measures have been considered before, there are more serious and dedicated efforts to pass them. Could Pennsylvania be first? Mario Scavello (l.), the head of a key state Senate committee estimates that support exists to legalize online gaming, daily fantasy sports and possibly other gaming expansion by March.
The U.S. Supreme Court has kept the hopes of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (l.) alive in its challenge of a federal ban on sports betting by asking for input on the state’s appeal from the U.S. Solicitor General’s Office. The solicitor represents the federal government before the court. Though it could delay a decision by the court on whether to hear the case by several months, it’s already a better outcome than the last time the state appealed sports betting in 2014. The court chose not to hear the state’s first appeal.
Caesars Entertainment Operating Co. was a giant wreck when it entered federal bankruptcy protection two years ago with $18 billion of debt. It’s been fixed, finally. A judge has approved a restructuring of the company as a REIT and an operating entity with their combined debt cut by more than half. Caesars CEO Mark Frissora (l.) says the new company will be “stronger.”
Vietnamese citizens who want to gamble in the country’s casinos must produce proof of income and meet age and income minimums, according to the latest draft decree. Initially, two casinos may be opened to locals. Sheldon Adelson (l.), chairman of Las Vegas Sands, has visited Vietnam recently with an interest in building a casino in Ho Chi Minh City.
Florida Senator Bill Galvano’s wide-ranging gambling proposal attempts to strike a balance between the requirements of the Seminole Tribe, which operates the Hard Rock Hotel Casino in Hollywood (l.), which annually shares millions in revenue with the state, and the desires of parimutuels and other interested parties. By introducing his bill two months before the legislative session starts, Galvano hopes to avoid “death by 1,000 cuts.”
MGM Resorts and its Macau subsidiary, MGM China Holdings, say they’re pushing the opening of MGM Cotai (l.) from the second quarter to sometime in August. The parent company cited complexities with the design of the $3 billion project as the reason.
Some Connecticut lawmakers aren’t entirely sold on the idea that a third, satellite Indian casino to help the two gaming tribes ward off competition from Massachusetts is a good idea. Senator Tony Guglielmo (l.) is opposed because he doesn’t think it’s an appropriate way to rebuild an economy.
Expanded gambling is included in a 10-bill package created by Illinois Senator President John Cullterton and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (l.), allowing casinos in Rockford, Danville, Lake County, Chicago and the south Chicago suburbs, plus slots at racetracks. State Senator Dave Syverson said each bill includes a "poison pill" so all pass, or none.
Now that founder and chairman Steve Rittvo has left to pursue other opportunities, the Innovation Group is building its future upon data analytics and emerging markets. Rittvo is working on project development, with the first success being a project with the Cordish Companies in Madrid.
With the fourth quarter earnings season arriving, Las Vegas Sands should be one of the more interesting of the investors’ calls. The company has a multitude of issues to cover, which should impact the future of the company.
This week the GGB Podcast features an interview with David Jacoby, the CEO of Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino, the first brand new casino to open in Las Vegas in six years.
If Japan legalizes integrated casino resorts, pachinko operator Dynam Japan Holdings Co. Ltd. could be “ripe for strategic investment on the part of an international integrated resort operator,” says Union Gaming.
Macau has turned a corner after a two-year downturn and can expect “relative political stability and a reviving economy” in 2017, according to one report. But the jurisdiction is still under threat from various quarters. Chief regulator Paulo Martins Chan (l.) says he’s ready to consider lowering the 39 percent tax rate.
The government of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has begun deporting more than 1,300 Chinese workers arrested last year at an illegal online casino reportedly run by Chinese gaming tycoon Jack Lam (l.), who may be extradited.
A shortfall in funding has prompted Fitch Ratings to downgrade its rating on Imperial Pacific International Holdings. The firm shelved a bond offering meant to raise up to $400 million for its resort casino on Saipan. CEO Mark Brown (l.) has been moved to chairman, while YL Kwong is appointed CEO.
Hong Kong-listed New Silkroad Culturaltainment Ltd. recently sold fewer than 37 percent of some 1 billion stock shares it offered last year. New Silkroad has a controlling stake in a casino on Jeju Island in South Korea.
The Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel, which closed for violations of the Macau city fire code last July, may now be closed indefinitely. The owners tried to remedy code violations but now may surrender their hotel license.
Crown Resorts employees detained in China for alleged gambling crimes last fall may remain in custody into 2018. The 17 staff members, including VP Jason O’Connor, are now being held at the Shanghai Detention Center.
A multimillion-dollar casino under construction in Bath, England since 2014, will finally open in the spring of 2018, say developers. The project, about six weeks behind schedule, will include a 147-room hotel.
The UK is proposing a change in its 10 percent tax on profits from bookmakers taking bets on horseracing. The proposal would expand the tax to all bookmakers taking bets from the UK, regardless of where they are located. Currently, only UK based bookmakers pay the levy. The new rules would also assess stiffer fines for sites without effective problem gambling and money laundering controls.
Baha Mar is hiring 1,500 Bahamian locals ahead of its planned opening in April under new owners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises. The recruiting drive is expected to generate more than 4,000 jobs at the US$3.5 billion resort casino by the end of this year.
Casino du Liban (l.) in Lebanon is ready to expand into online gaming. Casino du Liban has issued a public tender to find an international partner to help it launch an online gaming website.
The government of Kenya has banned the importation of “all gaming equipment, machines and devices forthwith.” The order came down from Commissioner of Customs and Border Control Julius Musyoki.
The world’s next gaming jurisdiction may be Mongolia. The East Asian country, strategically located between Russia and China, may benefit from the local appetite for gaming.
888 Poker is the latest online poker site to leave the Australian market in light of proposed new online poker restrictions and licensing laws in the country. The proposed changes to Australia’s gambling act would ban online poker. Other online sites such as PokerStars are expected to also leave the market.
Not surprisingly, a new report from Adam Krejcik (l.) from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming shows that after several years of exponential growth, in 2016 the daily fantasy sports industry grew only about four percent in 2016. Players spent an estimated $3.26 billion on daily fantasy sports for the year.
The Missouri Gaming Commission has been writing new regulations regarding daily fantasy sports betting, which the legislature approved last fall. But those rules may not be implemented for a while since the state's new Republican Governor Eric Greitens (l.) has frozen all new rules and regulations for businesses until February 28.
PartyPoker will hold its first Million National event at Sochi Casino and Resort in association with Poker Club Management in Sochi. The tournament event includes a $1 million prize pool and will help inaugurate the newly opened casino.
Casino Technology, through its interactive division, has been granted a Class II license to provide online gaming content for the regulated market in Romania.
Croatia has issued an online gaming license to SuperSport, which launched the country’s first licensed online poker room this month. Operators in the country must own a land-based casino there.
Gaming and gambling app store Betcade will shut down its operations at the end of the month. Founder David Chang said announced the closing, but did not give a reason for the shutdown.
Anthony Murgio, operator of the Coin.mix Bitcoin exchange pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to obstruct an examination of a financial institution. Coin.mix was shut down in 2015 by the FBI after bringing charges the site exchanged cash for criminal groups.
WPTDeepStacks has been acquired by WPT Enterprises Inc. Now in its fourth season, WPTDeepStacks partnered with the WPT in 2014 to replace the WPT Regional and DeepStacks Poker Tour brands in the U.S. and Europe. WPTDeepStacks Hollywood will be held January 19-24 at the Seminole Hard Rock in Florida.
Sheriff Gaming’s former CEO Stjin Flapper told Dutch media outlets that has filed a €75 million against the Netherlands government. The suit charges that the Dutch government caused the collapse of the site when it jailed Flapper and associates for alleged money laundering in 2013. The charges were eventually dropped.
Malta-based gaming software and solutions provider, Tain has launched a new Fast Bet sports betting service. The service allows players to bet on in-play actions during sporting events.
The American Gaming Association is fighting to eliminate a provision in a federal tax overhaul bill authored by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran (l.) that would subject casino operators to a 2 percent federal gaming tax.
Under legislation introduced by Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas (l.), poker would be legalized as a game of skill. It's the third time Lucas has submitted poker legislation. Bill S 1400 also would regulate live poker tournaments and tweak the meanings of "illegal gambling" and "charitable gambling" in the Commonwealth's code.
Nevada gaming in 2016 posted its first annual industry-wide profit in eight years, buoyed by Las Vegas’ continued strength as a tourist destination. The city is riding record waves of visitors, and they’re spending far more on hotels, restaurants, shopping and shows than they are gambling.
More than a year before the first full-blown casino will open in Massachusetts, the host communities have reported increased economic activity that can be directly linked to the planned casino resorts, including the renovation of Springfield’s Union Station (l.). And the first slot parlor to open in the state is beginning to gain traction.
David LeVan (l.), the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania businessman who has failed twice in attempting to bring gaming to the historic town, has launched a third attempt.
A new report indicated legalizing casinos could generate $400 million in annual tax revenue for Georgia, but also could lead to costly public safety and social issues. It stated an Atlanta casino would cannibalize existing businesses and attract more locals than tourists. Still, state Senator Brandon Beach (l.) will introduce a bill allowing Georgia casinos.
The Oakland Raiders have told the NFL they will build a stadium in Las Vegas whether Sheldon Adelson participates, as planned, or not. In a presentation before league officials where the team filed the necessary documents, the team said it has a financial commitment from Goldman Sachs to secure the team’s move to Sin City.
The three-person commission of Vigo County, Indiana unanimously approved a resolution supporting a Terre Haute casino. The action follows the introduction of a bill by state Senator Jon Ford allowing Rising Star Resort and Casino (l.) to move up to half of its games to a new Terre Haute casino-hotel.
MGM Resorts International has bought a new Washington, D.C. office building the operator says will be used as a base for advancing public policy initiatives.
Pennsylvania casinos reported more than $3.2 billion in revenue for 2016, which is a record for the state’s casino industry and the sixth straight calendar year topping $3 billion in revenue.
Gulfport Gaming Development will ask the city planning commission for approval to use a 10-acre site for a proposed $140 million-$160 million casino on January 26. A few days later the developers will present construction plans to the city and property owners. Previously Rotate Black and other developers proposed a casino on the site.
Pennsylvania gaming regulators have fined two casinos for allowing underage gambling and a third casino for failing to initiate appropriate internal controls.
The Hawaiian Gardens Casino is ready to celebrate its $90 million renovation. But the California Bureau of Gambling Control is overturning their party punchbowl by asking that the casino’s license be revoked for allegedly violating federal money-laundering laws.
The Cherokee Nation recently opened its 10th casino, Cherokee Casino Grove (l.), in the northeast corner of the state. Due west in the panhandle, the Shawnee Tribe awaits the decision of the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding its land-trust application to move forward with the proposed Golden Mesa Casino.
The Timbisha Shosone Tribe, which is based near Death Valley, was scheduled to give an update on its proposed $29 million off-reservation casino in Ridgecrest, Kern County, California, near the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (l.). Last year the city sold 26 acres to the tribe, which wants to put the land into trust.
Ho-Chunk filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against Northstar Campaign Systems, which failed to gather enough signatures to place on the November ballot a proposal to allow casino gambling in Nebraska. About 35 percent of the signatures gathered by Northstar were disqualified. But Northstar officials said they "will be vindicated."
It may be cold outside, but for more than 800 people seeking jobs at the by Ilani Casino in Ridgefield, Washington, the opportunities were worth exposure to inclement weather. The casino held a job fair last week.
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether an employee of a tribe who causes damages while on a job for that tribe—although off the reservation—is protected by the tribe’s sovereign immunity. The case of Lewis v. Clarke involves a limousine driver who caused an accident that injured a non-Indian couple, who have sued for damages.
The tribe that operates the Mohegan Sun is proposing a $600 million non-gaming project for the land across the Thames River from the development. Officials are hailing the Riverwalk proposal on the site of an old hospital as a redevelopment that could revive the town of Preston.
The Tule River Indian tribe is moving forward with the process of relocating its Eagle Mountain casino (l.) from the reservation to 40 acres the tribe owns in Porterville. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has begun the environmental review of the project.
The Fort Still Apache Tribe of New Mexico is going to court to try to force the National Indian Gaming Commission to obey a federal court order that it reconsider its 2015 decision that the tribe was not eligible for offering gaming on its reservation. The NIGC had until January 13 to carry out the order.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina announced it will add 100,000 square feet of meeting space, up to 800 hotel rooms and a parking deck. Currently the property is constructing a bowling and entertainment complex, scheduled to open later this year.
Palm Springs, the home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, may soon see a new development rise next to the Spa Resort Casino on 18 acres. The tribe released an environmental impact report on the project last week.
The issues caused by a federal judge’s ruling that the Bureau of Indian Affairs erred when it put more than 300 acres into trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe are proliferating. The latest is the status of a memorandum of understanding between the tribe and town of Mashpee, on Cape Cod.
Vietlott, Vietnam’s American-style lottery, has drawn fire from other lottery outlets in the market. The computerized draw games, which debuted in July, have proven very popular among the Vietnamese.
A ban on smoking in businesses that operate video lottery terminals in Hancock, West Virginia have caused a precipitate fall in revenues since the ban went into effect in July 2015. The operators of the LVLs have joined with Mountaineer Park slots parlor to ask the Hancock County Commission to lift the ban.
Does Sheldon Adelson use bad language? The world will never know. The casino tycoon’s 3-year-old libel suit against Wall Street Journal reporter Kate O’Keefe (l.) for saying so has been dismissed by mutual agreement with the newspaper and with no damages assessed.
Konami Gaming has promoted Amy Greene to senior director of finance and sales operations, overseeing fiscal functions and business processes for the slot manufacturer.
Everi Holdings has named gaming supply veteran Dean Ehrlich as executive vice president and games business leader, reporting directly to CEO Michael Rumbolz.
MGM Resorts has added John Kilroy the CEO of a real estate investment trust, to its board of directors. The addition is expected to bolster the success of the MGM Growth Properties REIT the company founded last year to control its major Las Vegas Strip casinos and the Borgata in Atlantic City.
Novomatic AG has named Bernhard Krumpel the new head of group communications, succeeding Hannes Reichman in the position responsible for corporate image.
Alex Latner has been named general counsel at Playtech, where he will oversee a team of 13 lawyers and an administrative staff. Latner has been Playtech's Berwin Leighton Paisner client relationship partner and has advised Playtech on most of its major transactions since 2005.
AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman (l.) stressed the gaming industry’s commitment to the state in an address to the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Task Force.
As Novomatic moves closer to closing its deal to acquire a majority stake in Ainsworth Game Technology, AGT’s chief reports the integration of technology is progressing well.
Crown Melbourne has implemented the fast-growing Buster Blackjack side bet from AGS on blackjack tables at the Australian casino, representing the first placement of the product outside the U.S.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa recently debuted a new 46-table poker room, featuring 40 televisions, wifi, a high-limit lounge with two VIP tables, a 16-seat bar and 20-seat snack bar, outdoor covered smoking area and dedicated parking. The casino is one of seven owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Tropicana Las Vegas announced it is continuing a revitalization of its restaurant offerings. Guests can also enjoy the all-new Fresh Mix, along with the remodeled Barista Cafe and Biscayne Steak - Sea - Wine.
A Michigan inventor is offering slot manufacturers a patented technology that would allow players to embed their smartphone images into video slot games.
Euro Games Technology has completed delivery of additional slots and multi-player gaming stations to the floors of two major Monaco casinos, expanding its presence in the market.
March 1 is the entry deadline for the highly respected Missouri Gaming Association’s 21st annual Project 21 scholarship. The monetary scholarship awards honor six Missouri high school students who educate their peers on the dangers of underage gambling.
Leaders of the Native American gaming community will participate in panels at ICE Totally Gaming after a Tribal Business Diversification Summit at the U.K. Parliament.
Advantech-Innocore is featuring a lineup of CD monitors, digital signage and player tracking solutions in an ICE Totally Gaming booth display dubbed “Gaming Intelligence.”
The inaugural Cyprus Gaming Show, May 8-9 at the Kaya Artemis Resort and Casino, will showcase new regional opportunities in both land-based and online gaming.
Joseph Eve CPAs will present a seminar on Title 31 compliance for the casino industry in New Orleans in February, offering the most up-to-date compliance information.
