The Federal Trade Commission is challenging the announced merger of DraftKings and FanDuel, saying it will lead to a company dominating 90 percent of the daily fantasy industry. The regulator filed a complaint aimed at stopping the merger pending an administrative trial scheduled for November. A federal judge has ruled to temporarily block the merger.
The National Indian Gaming Commission, the organization that oversees Indian gaming in the United States, has ordered the Northwood Casino, operated by the Nooksack Indian tribe of Washington state shuttered. National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri (l.) said that the tribe doesn’t have a legally functioning tribal council.
A bill to legalize online poker in the Empire State easily passed the Senate, but died in the Assembly without coming to a vote. It’s the second consecutive year the lower house failed to join the Senate in endorsing regulation, and the reasons why are no clearer than they were in 2016. Sponsor J. Gary Pretlow (l.) says wait ‘til next year.
Opponents to the bill now before the Pennsylvania Senate say the House VGT proposal would help the controversial liquor-licensed “stop-and-go” convenience stores. The 12 state casinos say VGTs would devastate slot revenues, while proponents contend that these machines are already operating illegally.
As Japanese lawmakers flesh out details of the country’s coming casino industry, analysts suggest there will be no Vegas-style Strips; no junkets; and—in potential good news for investors—a chance for locals gaming. A “Strip” like venture had been suggested for Osaka’s Yumeshima Island (l.).
The decision that the Connecticut legislature recently took to allow the state’s two gaming tribes to build a third casino will help the tribes fend off competition from the MGM Springfield. However, it will hurt the state’s off-track betting (OTB) facilities, like Bobby V's Restaurant and Sports Bar in Windsor Locks (l.).
The American Gaming Small Business Jobs Tour returned to Maryland last week to highlight the $1.7 billion impact and the creation of nearly 3,000 small business jobs via casino gaming. The stop was held in conjunction with the fifth anniversary of the Live! casino (formerly Maryland Live!) outside of Baltimore, and featured an address by Geoff Freeman (l), AGA president and CEO.
This week the GGB Podcast features a discussion with David Lopez, the president and CEO and Julia Boguslawski, the vice president of marketing, for the gaming equipment manufacturer, AGS, on how the company is doing things differently for its customers.
Universal Entertainment Corp. has linked founder Kazuo Okada (l.) to new alleged cases of illegal activity. Earlier this month the company suspended Okada for “a serious violation of governance” in relation to a loan.
Voters in Kinmen County, Taiwan, will go to the polls October 28 to vote on casino gaming on the coastal island. The measure will pass if 50 percent of voters approve of the plan.
David Ming Huat Chua (l.), ex-Genting HK president and owner of casino operator Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., had to be subpoenaed to make an appearance in the Resorts World Manila investigation. When he finally appeared, he asked the government to allow the company to reopen the casino, the site of the attack that claimed 37 lives in early June.
Members of Crown Resorts’ international marketing team, detained in Mainland China since last October for gambling-related crimes, will have their first hearing in a Shanghai district court this week. Crown majority owner James Packer (l.) appears to have closed most of the company’s international marketing offices.
The Macau government is warning casino concessionaires and junket operators to strictly enforce a 2016 rule banning proxy bets, or using phones to allow remote players to gamble through an intermediary. In the past few months, the government has made several arrests of people involved in the betting scheme.
Imperial Pacific International Holdings Ltd. is seeking to raise HKD46 million (US$5.9 million) for Phase I of its Imperial Pacific Resort project, now under construction on the Pacific island of Saipan.
Asian Coast Development Ltd. will add a residential tower and waterfront villas to its Grand Ho Tram Strip resort in Vietnam. The company expects to break ground on the development in the fourth quarter of this year.
Australian-listed Donaco International has signed a deal with global marketing agency Vivo Tower Ltd. to bring more junkets to its Star Vegas property in Poipet, Cambodia, near the Thai border.
Belgian officials say they are considering new restrictions on gambling advertisements airing on TV. The initiative is being brought Belgium’s Minister of Justice, Koen Geens (l.), and is drawing the support of the country’s Gaming Commission and several politicians.
The UK Gambling Commission through a joint operation with the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit reported an 87 percent decline in gambling advertisements on illegal websites.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. is in talks with investors from North America and Asia to do a buy and lease back deal on three parcels in Vancouver, Canada, essentially creating a REIT. CEO Tony Santo (l.) says an IPO could be in the future for the Canadian gaming giant.
The merger of Aussie gaming giants Tabcorp and Tatts Group has been approved by the Australian Competition Tribunal. The combined business will be worth an estimated AU$11.3 billion (US$8.6 billion). Tabcorp Chairwoman Paula Dwyer (l.) says the merger benefits many different parties.
The Niagara Falls, Ontario city council recently passed a resolution for the city to "persuade" Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to essentially stop the process seeking a new operator for its two casinos, including the original one (l.). Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said 1,400 jobs are at stake and the city has been left out of the process.
Gaming operators in Kenya are looking at a substantial boost in their taxes—from a high of 7.5 percent to 35 percent. It could’ve been worse; one plan under review would have raised taxes across the board to 50 percent.
A ban on casino cruises off the shores of Western Australia has been lifted, according to Tourism Minister Paul Papalia (l.). Under the new rules, the cruise ships must still remain 12 nautical miles from land.
An elite police unit has arrested gang members and loan sharks accused of money laundering in British Columbian casinos. Nine arrests were made by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) after a yearlong investigation.
According to a study by the iDevelopment and Economic Association (IDEA) and authored in part by Victor Strategies’ Gene Johnson (l.), New Jersey’s online gaming has brought close to $1 Billion in economic impact through 2016. Online gaming has also created more than 3,300 jobs in the state and over $124 million in taxes to state and local governments.
Congressman Charlie Dent (l.) of Pennsylvania is reportedly trying to attach RAWA language onto a congressional appropriations bill. The move comes even as his home state is considering passing an online gambling bill.
Recognizing the enormous revenue potential of interactive and online gambling, Jamaica is developing fast-track legislation to regulate its gaming industry, said Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw (l.). He said the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, Jamaica Racing Commission and Casino Gaming Commission will merge into the Jamaica Gaming Commission.
North Carolina and Texas legislators recently voted against legalizing and regulating fantasy sports in their states. The issue will not be revisited there until 2019. In Michigan, lawmakers still are considering state Senator Curtis Hertel Jr.'s legislative package that would create legal definitions for fantasy sports and establish consumer protections for players.
An unidentified coder for skins betting sites tells eSports journalist Richard Lewis that the sites often scam customers with deceptive practices. The report focused on “case opening” sites that have largely gone unnoticed in the recent controversies over skins betting. Skins betting is the gambling of virtual tools and weapons used in online games such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. will accept bids for administrators to develop, manage and operate offshore gaming sites. The consultant will be paid 10 percent of net revenues earned by the POGOs.
Unikrn and Betgenius have joined forces to create an immersive live eSports betting platform that will leverage Betgenius’ data services and Unikrn’s betting community. Unikrn also announced that it will launch its own virtual currency titled UnikoinGold.
GVC has introduced a new live casino studio called the Clubhouse through a partnership with Evolution Gaming. The company calls it the most significant upgrade of its live dealer offerings since it acquired bwin.party.
Ian Hughes (l.), VP of global services for Gaming Laboratories International, says the company’s testing of compliance systems and services for online gaming is on the rise.
Playtech BGT Sports has extended a deal with Betfred and will supply an additional 570 terminals to the UK bookmaker. The company has now supplied Betfred with 2,800 terminals.
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City expects to have a complete renovation of the former Trump Taj Mahal (l.) ready to go by Memorial Day 2018. Hard Rock International intends to completely revamp the property in the $500 million makeover, removing every single minaret.
A 250,000-square-foot addition to the Strip resort’s convention center is now under construction. When it’s completed in late 2018 the property will have more than 850,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space to sell, second only to Mandalay Bay in the MGM Resorts International portfolio.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered the state Gaming Control Board to re-examine the application of Stadium LLC for possible violation of the law’s rule limiting casino ownership. Live! (l.) is a partnership between Baltimore-based Cordish Companies and Greenwood Gaming, which owns the Parx Casino.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recently granted conditional approval for 600 historical racing machines at Churchill Downs in Louisville. A $60 million, 85,000 square foot facility will be built to house the machines, to be completed in summer 2018. The project will create 250 construction and 200 permanent jobs.
Miami Beach commissioners voted unanimously to approve two ordinances that would prohibit casinos or other gambling facilities within the city limits. Mayor Philip Levine said casinos are appropriate for cities without "a real vision." Lawmakers rejected allowing another casino license in South Florida. The casino ban does not apply to other Miami suburbs.
The new hotel at New York’s del Lago Resort & Casino (l.) will debut July 1, two weeks ahead of schedule and just in time for the holiday weekend. Spa del Lago will feature 205 rooms and 30 suites, 3,700 square feet of banquet space, a café, bar and coffee shop.
Circuit Judge John Cooper in Tallahassee, Florida recently changed his earlier ruling that pre-reveal machines are not gambling. In an appeal filed by the Seminole Tribe, Cooper he reversed his stance and declared the games are illegal slots. The tribe threatened to withhold revenue sharing payments to the state.
Under a new bill signed into law this year, gaming license denials will no longer carry the taint of “unsuitability.” The Nevada Gaming Commission can now decide to reject an application under less harsh conditions, which may still allow a failed applicant to do business in the industry. Commission Chairman Tony Alamo (l.) had pushed for more flexibility.
Florida is the home of 12 of the nation's 19 greyhound racetracks, although attendance and profits continue to decline. But dog races are required for the tracks to continue to operate lucrative card rooms. Grey2K USA Worldwide, a greyhound protection organization, said dogs are needlessly suffering and dying at Florida tracks.
The NFL has settled a lawsuit by a youth charity that charged league with fraud over its enforcement of its gambling policy at a Nevada casino in 2015. The charity, Strikes for Kids, sued the league after it was forced to relocate a charity bowling tournament that was to feature appearances by NFL players. The league said the event could not be held at a casino.
Oregon lawmakers have targeted the state’s poker rooms. A bill currently circulating would add requirements to the clubs that would make it almost impossible for them to operate.
The Hollywood Casino Columbus was the last of Ohio’s four casinos to come online, but it is doing better than the other three. But it’s not doing as well as the Buckeye state’s top racinos.
Indiana casinos blame Illinois video gaming machines for April's revenue decline. Only Majestic Star I (l.) in Gary had a revenue increase to $8.65 million from $8.55 million in April 2016. However, casino operators are praising a new law to phase out an add-back tax and replace the admissions tax with a supplemental wagering tax.
In anticipation of changes in the self-ban law, effective July 1, the Iowa Gaming Association asked the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to review violations and penalties. The new law will allow people to sign up for the self-ban list for five years instead of the current lifetime requirement.
Iowa's Rhythm City Casino Resort (l.) in Davenport and Isle Casino in Bettendorf experienced rising revenue since moving ashore one year ago. Rhythm City revenue increased 44 percent to more than $51 million over last year and Isle's revenue rose 11 percent, topping $65 million, in the first 10 months of the fiscal year.
In November 2016, a couple's book light, plugged into a too-powerful charger, exploded and caused a fire and extensive damage at Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport, Mississippi. The resort filed a negligence lawsuit against the couple seeking unspecified property damages, recovery of lost revenue, attorneys’ fees and interest.
A dispute between the Seneca Tribe and the state of New York over casino revenue-sharing payments shows no signs of a resolution. Tens of millions of dollars in funds for local governments hang in the balance. Niagara Falls, which has lost funds from Seneca Niagara (l.), is cutting costs.
Residents of Elk Grove, California are suing the city council to try to knock loose records that could show city officials secretly colluded with tribal officials to make it easier for them to put land into trust for a casino. The Wilton Rancheria and Chairman Raymond Hitchcock (l.) want to build a $400 million casino on land in the city.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation officials warned the Red Creek Holdings group they could face legal action if they include a casino in their Broken Arrow, Oklahoma restaurant (l.), opening in August on tribal land owned by a Muscogee (Creek) member. The Red Creek group has been pricing slot machines and other gaming equipment.
In a show of good faith, the Seminole Tribe of Florida still pays the state a share of revenue from blackjack, although it's not required. the most recent payment was $19.5 million. Meanwhile, the tribe’s casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood (l.) earned a "BBB" from Fitch Ratings, indicating "diminishing uncertainty" about the tribe's financial future.
A $5 million, 43,000 square foot renovation recently was completed at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma. Improvements include a redesigned gaming floor with 250 electronic games, an entertainment venue, upgraded simulcast viewing area, banquet facility, bar and grill. Opened in December 2005, the facility offers six months of live races.
Environmental assessments still are not completed for the White Earth Nation's proposed Star Lake Casino in Dent, Minnesota. The county planning commission has expressed concern over topographical alterations for a parking lot, and area residents are worried about wetlands removal. The development would include a casino, hotel, dining, retail and an RV park.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community announced construction will begin July 24 on a $33.5 million expansion project at its Marquette Ojibwa II Casino in Chocolay Township, Michigan, including a 76-room hotel, restaurant and event center. The work will be completed by December 2018. The tribe also will invest $5 million in upgrades at Baraga.
Ho-Chunk and the Forest County Potawatomi Community are expanding their casino resorts in Wisconsin. Ho-Chunk recently debuted Phase I of its $153 million Project Forward, featuring $40 million in upgrades at its Wisconsin Dells property. The Potawatomi announced a 119-room, 180,000 square foot tower including a spa and meeting space.
The Chitimacha Tribe recently held a celebration honoring the past and present. Its Cypress Bayou Casino-Hotel in Charenton, Louisiana began as a bingo hall in 1988. Today the tribe's economic activities, including the casino, Raintree Market, Trading Post and Keta Group contractors, allow it to offer education, medical care, housing and more.
The Ontario Lottery has had to write off $10 million in debts from 605 defaulted accounts since 2010. The loans are from short-term credit extended to players.
Saying state-sponsored gambling would expand via vending-machine lottery ticket sales, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback (l.) vetoed House Bill 2313. Brownback said the lottery has a greater impact on low-income citizens. Earlier the bill passed the House 98-19 and the Senate 34-4. Supporters said lottery sales would have increased to $30 million.
If Illinois legislators don't pass a budget by June 28, the state may not be able to offer Powerball and Mega Millions lottery games, the Multi-State Lottery Association warned. Without a budget, the state will not have the money to pay lottery prizes, said Illinois Lottery Acting Director Greg Smith.
The FBI came close to discovering information that would have told them ten years ago that a massive lottery fraud was taking place. However, investigators let one of the perpetrators go after he convinced them that the large amounts of money he was moving was done because he didn’t want his wife to know he had won the lottery.
Amaya Inc. has appointed former Scientific Games executive Jerry Bowskill as the company’s new chief technology officer, charged with overseeing a new product direction for the company.
FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, named Kathy George chief executive officer. George joined FireKeepers in 2012 and has served as the casino's general manager and vice president of hotel operations. She replaced Brian Decorah who left the operation in March.
Penn National Gaming named Mike Galle general manager at the Mississippi casinos of Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast in Bay St. Louis and Boomtown Casino Biloxi. Galle previously was manager at Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley in Youngstown, Ohio. His gaming industry career began in 1992 in surveillance.
Ross Ferrar, CEO of Gaming Technologies Association, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia.
Liliana Costa has been nation vice president for Latin America by Spectrum Gaming Group. The global company specializes in gaming research and regulatory services.
Industry operations and customer retention specialist Antoine Bonello has been named chief operating officer at Malta-based online gaming operator Mr Green. Previously Bonello was director of integration for PaddyPower Betfair during the merger of the Malta and UK offices and also was head of operations for Betfair's legacy business.
A former player development executive of Mohegan Sun Pocono casino in Pennsylvania has been sentenced to 32 months in prison in connection with a player’s club scam.
Casino de la Vallée, the famous Italian casino, has signed a long-term deal with Crane Payment Innovations (CPI) that specifies SC note acceptors for nine years and beyond.
House Advantage has acquired the ClubLinq API and solution suite from Intermezzo, expanding its library of system solutions designed to promote customer loyalty.
JCM Global has appointed Southern Gaming Solutions as distributor of its products, including the UBA bill acceptor, in Georgia for its amusement-game industry.
