Tropicana Entertainment Inc., owned largely by billionaire Carl Icahn (l.), will be sold to Eldorado Resorts Inc. and Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. for $1.85 billion in cash, giving Eldorado seven casinos in six states. Eldorado also will buy the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois for $327.5 million in cash from MGM Resorts International and its venture partner.
Elaine Wynn (shown in happier days with her former husband), now the largest shareholder in Wynn Resorts, last week settled a six-year lawsuit with the company and former CEO and ex-husband Steve Wynn. A demand for a restructured board was acted upon immediately with the appointment of three outside executives as directors. The addition of Dee Dee Myers, Betsy Atkins and Wendy Webb brings the number of women on the board to four.
Hard Rock International CEO Jim Allen hosted a three-city simulcast press conference announcing a June 28 opening date for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City at the former Trump Taj Mahal site. The project will cost more than $500 million.
Japan’s ruling coalition will submit Part II of its plan for integrated resorts to parliament on April 27, which could pave the way for the legislation to be approved before the current Diet session ends in June. The wild card in the equation, however, is the cloud of scandal hanging over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (l.)
Caesars Entertainment, which operates tribal casinos in California and Arizona, announced that week that it would build and operate a casino for the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians near Sacramento. The $168 million casino will feature a 25,000-square-foot casino and it will open in 2019.
New Jersey will begin online poker player sharing with Nevada and Delaware as soon as May 1. Two of Caesars Interactive’s online poker brands—WSOP.com and 888 Poker—plan to go live in preparation for the upcoming World Series of Poker. Caesars officials said it anticipates final regulatory approval from all three states and has submitted its software for testing in all three jurisdictions.
After announcing a strategic investment in the company by Morgan Stanley, VizExplorer revealed new products and logged new contracts for its software products. CTO and Founder Andrew Cardno (l.) says his company is solving difficult problems for its clients.
Caesars Entertainment has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to manage two luxury hotels and a beach club in Dubai, the operator’s first non-gaming resorts. It’s the first non-gaming venture for Caesars.
MGM Entertainment is reportedly in talks with Wynn Resorts about buying the Wynn Boston Harbor (l.), which still has a year before its scheduled opening. If the sale were made it would remove Wynn from regulatory hot water with Massachusetts gaming regulators but create new problems for MGM because one company can only own one casino in the state.
Ted Chan has joined Galaxy Entertainment Group as chief operating office for Japan development. Michael Mecca has retired as president, but will remain on the board and will also serve on the Japan team.
When a small gaming company out of Reno makes a big splash in the casino industry, you’d better pay attention. And Eldorado is ready to make the entire word sit up with its recent buys of Isle of Capri and Tropicana.
This week, the GGB Podcast revisits an interview with Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, recorded in late October of 2017, reflecting on the AGA’s position on several issues, including the addition of tribal gaming operators into its membership.
Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group and its Philippine partner, Leisure Resorts World Corp., are denying reports that they are looking for a new site for a multimillion-dollar resort planned for Boracay.
Investors are gorging on stocks related to the Chinese island of Hainan on news of President Xi Jinping plans to transform the tropical resort into what one analyst has called “Asia’s Hawaii.” Those plans include a limited amount of gaming.
Stanley Ho, the 96-year-old chairman of Macau casino operator SJM Holdings, will retire at the company’s general meeting in June, becoming chairman emeritus. Ho will be succeeded by his daughter, Daisy Ho (l.).
South Korea’s foreigner-only casinos are seeing a surge in revenues with the partial lift on the Chinese travel ban. Sales in January and February were up 15.9 percent year-on-year to KRW204.8 billion (US$191.6 million).
Australian-listed Donaco International Ltd. says its Star Vegas casino in Cambodia “continues to rebuild” following a contentious battle with its Thai vendor for breach of contract and violating a non-compete order.
Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels Inc., a unit of Philippine casino investor Bloomberry Resorts Corp., has taken out a PHP73.5 billion (US$1.41 billion) loan in part for “investments and working capital requirements.”
A U.S. government report on international narcotics control strategy identifies gaming centers of Macau and the Philippines as deficient in anti-money laundering efforts.
The UK Gambling Commission has published changes to its licensing conditions that took effect earlier this month. The changes apply to what regulatory data must be provided to the commission and also new rules for society lotteries and external lottery managers.
A new casino may open this year in the Spanish city of Vigo. The casino is a joint project of the Luckia Group and Cirsa, who own the Casino La Toja (l.) in O Grove municipality in Galicia.
In France, a gambling regulation chair was announced by the Bordeaux University Foundation, which pledged $291,000 over three years in support. Three research professors from the University's legal division will lead the chair, which will finance symposia, training and international visibility, and address public health, money laundering and crime, taxation, jobs and economic development.
A study of online consumer betting habits saw changes in demographics and last hour wagering on the 2018 Grand National horse race in Liverpool. The study by data intelligence firm GBG found that wagers in the last hour before race start doubled over 2017. Also, online betting increased in all demographic groups over 30 years of age.
Casino Malta has announced it has acquired the rights to the Battle of Malta poker tournaments. The tournament was first held in 2010 and has grown to over 2,000 entries in the 2017.
Italian gaming regulators have introduced a nationwide self-exclusion register that will allow gamblers to fill out a single online form to bar themselves from accessing Italian-licensed online gambling sites. Players had to previously join self-exclusion lists at each individual site.
Vinicius Lummertz, Brazil’s newly appointed minister of tourism, has stated that he favors “the limited opening of casinos.” He notes that the country is already awash in gaming, and may as well be able to tax it.
Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung and his Australian-listed Aquis Entertainment Group have until May 14 to submit the final proposal for an AU$330 million (US$257 million) redevelopment of Canberra Casino (original plans at left).
Caesars Windsor in Ontario, Canada has been closed since April 6 when most of Unifor Local 444's 2,300 members rejected a tentative offer and walked off the job. The union offered a new proposal but company officials rejected it outright. Meanwhile, Caesars Windsor players have shifted to Gateway Casinos in Point Edward and Dresden.
The Shorelines Casino Peterborough in Ontario, Canada will open in late August or September. The $49 million casino-hotel will offer 500 slot machines, 22 table games tables, a buffet restaurant and an a-la-carte menu restaurant. The project created 75 construction jobs and will employ 150 people when completed.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority is considering new rules for gambling advertising during live sports events. One focus is on placing restrictions on ads during live-streamed sports similar to restrictions on ads during broadcasts of live sports.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association has come out against new regulations in Tasmania that will prohibit pubs from serving customers while they are playing at gambling machines. The new rules would also apply to casinos between 6 p.m. and closing. The association said the rules, which go into effect in May, are harsh and restrictive.
Queens Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (l.) has introduced a bill to form a 10-member panel to recommend policies and best practices for governing the state’s prospective online market in sport betting. A separate bill to legalize both a land-based and remote industry is under consideration in the Senate.
The South Korean Fair Trade Commission has fined three South Korean games developers about $1 million for misrepresenting the odds used in their in-game loot boxes. The companies include the country’s largest games developer, Nexon Korea, which was fined about $890,000 for deceiving customers over the chances of winning virtual prizes.
Playtech has bought a 70.6 percent stake in Italian gaming and betting operator Snaitech for €846 million. The company said it expects to acquire all the remaining shares in Snaitech by the fourth quarter of 2018.
The Asian Poker Tour has announced a sponsorship agreement with CoinPoker, which bills itself as a “worldwide cryptocurrency-based” online poker room. CoinPoker will offer players around the world the chance to enter online qualifying events for APT Main Events, Super High Roller events and other APT tournaments.
The players’ unions for the four major professional sports leagues, including the NLFPA (l.), say they want a seat at the table when any fees are discussed in connection with legal sports betting.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (l.) announced he will seek to end the role of the city’s state designated financial controller Jeffrey Chiesa. The state currently controls Atlantic City’s finances through the state Division of Local Government Services. Chiesa and his law firm were appointed by former Governor Chris Christie to control the city’s finances as it faced possible bankruptcy in 2016. The move is part of a review by Murphy’s office to return the city to local control.
Last week’s auction by Pennsylvania regulators of a license to operate a satellite mini-casino was the second auction to draw no bidders. Will the next round of bidding be open to out-of-state operators? The state gaming board will soon decide.
A ferry service across the Ohio River between Northern Kentucky to Full House Resorts' Rising Star Casino in Indiana is taking shape. Full House recently completed building the push tug and 10-car barge that will make three crossings an hour. Construction recently began on the landings and access roads.
For the fourth time, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (l.) rejected the popular name and ballot title for a constitutional amendment proposed by Driving Arkansas Forward. Rutledge also rejected for the first time the ballot wording for a separate proposal submitted by Arkansas Wins in 2018. Both amendments would authorize casinos and direct revenue to highways.
A $70 million expansion at Bronco Billy's Casino and Hotel was approved 4-0 by the Cripple Creek, Colorado Historic Preservation Board. The project would include a 6-story, 199-room hotel, event center, gaming floor renovations and parking garage. Local competitors fear the contemporary building would ruin the city's historic character.
Cold weather continued to hamper Atlantic City’s casinos, which saw their revenue decrease by 1.5 percent in March. The resort has seen three straight monthly declines to start the year, but online gambling remains a bright spot bringing in about $25 million for the month. The seven casinos won $218.4 million overall.
Due to concerns about expanded gambling and implementation costs, a Louisiana Senate committee rejected a bill by Senator Danny Martiny (l.) allowing sports betting at casinos, if the U.S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban. However, the House voted 67-23 for a bill legalizing daily fantasy sports. If it passes, voters in every parish must approve it.
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has approved a $4.3 million subsidy for the Miss America Organization to stage this year’s Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Several area politicians have questioned continuing subsidies for the pageant.
In 1996 the majority of voters in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana rejected video poker machines. Riverboat gambling wasn't on the ballot there, like in other parishes including Calcasieu, now home to Lake Charles' three casinos. Former Lafayette Mayor-President Joey Durel (l.) said, "We wanted Lafayette set apart and not dependent on money from gambling."
The three casinos of Detroit, Michigan (MotorCity Casino at left) are setting records for profits. In March the aggregate of the three did better business than they have ever done since opening in 1999. They are doing even better right now due to a labor strike across the border in Canada.
Three operators of skill games in Denver have been arrested and charged with hundreds of violations. They are accused of operating machines that pay money—which is considered gambling in Colorado.
When the dust settled after an epic battle between labor and tribes, the U.S. Senate (l.) wasn’t able to muster enough votes to pass the Tribal Sovereignty Act. Tribes consider the bill necessary to preserve self-rule while unions consider it a dagger aimed at union organizing.
Chances are zero for any more casinos in Connecticut without the nod of the federal government. That’s the opinion of Connecticut Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz (l.), who last week called for a comprehensive policy on gaming expansion in the Nutmeg State.
The Seminole Tribe will continue to pay $300 million annually to Florida in exchange for blackjack (l.) exclusivity, although it has the right to stop. Still, lawmakers are considering holding a special session to iron out details on gambling legislation. State Senator Bill Galvano said "discussions are continuing" but no specifics have been announced.
A grand opening celebration recently was held for the 8,000 square foot expansion at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Duck Creek Casino (l.) in Beggs, Oklahoma. The enlarged casino floor added more than 200 new machines, including 4D games. Festivities included a VIP event for tribal and gaming officials and the casino's top 600 players.
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the right of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians to open a casino in Central California. The tribe proposes a casino with 2,000 slots, 40 gaming tables, hotel and dining. And Mechoopda Rancheria can now proceed with its plans for a casino near Chico in the northern part of the state. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that the Bureau of Indian Affairs can put 645 acres into trust for the tribe.
Battle Creek, Michigan area schools are fighting childhood obesity with help from FireKeepers Casino Hotel, which provides carts with healthy snacks kids can eat during the school day and at home. Last year FireKeepers opened the nonprofit Fire Hub restaurant and food pantry, serving more than 8,500 families.
Council Oak Steaks and Seafood at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida will temporarily relocate while the property's $1.5 billion expansion, including a new guitar-shaped hotel tower, is constructed. Meanwhile Council Oak's popular Sunday brunch will be served at Kuro and include a sushi station.
The two sides are already embroiled in a dispute over casino revenue sharing. Now the powerful western New York tribe is suing the state over the validity of a 64-year-old right of way allowing a few miles of the New York State Thruway to pass through its reservation.
After more than ten years of litigation the Northern California Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians has acknowledge defeat in its efforts to build a $1.2 billion casino on land in Point Molate (l.) that once belonged to the U.S. Navy, but which now belongs to Richmond, near San Francisco.
The city of Ridgecrest and the city’s visitors bureau see a lot to like about a proposal by the Timbisha Shoshone for a casino. The facility would aim at attracting motorists on their way to visit Death Valley, and Mammoth and many other attractions along the way.
A replacement Soboba Casino and Resort being built under construction by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is moving ahead briskly. The tribe is confident the replacement will be ready to open by the end of the year.
The Tohono O’odham tribe, which operates the Desert Diamond casinos, wants visitors to its casinos, but draws the line at the National Guard. Last week the tribe declared it will take no part in a Guard deployment to protect the border.
Gaming Arts, LLC has named former longtime IGT and Bally executive Jean Venneman as chief commercial officer, charged with leading sales, marketing and product management.
Brooks H. Pierce, a 25-year industry of the gaming industry, recently was named senior vice president, North America at London-based Inspired Entertainment. Most recently Pierce was managing director at Aristocrat Technology's Americas Group. He also served as president, North American gaming at Scientific Games and as chief revenue officer at WMS Gaming Group.
The Responsible Gaming Collaborative, recently established by the American Gaming Association, will identify policies and programs that support responsible gambling, help prevent problem gambling and hold government accountable for allocating resources. AGA leader Geoff Freeman (l.) says Collaborative members include leading gaming industry groups, academic professionals and advocacy groups.
Scientific Games announced that it has met with New Jersey regulators about its sports betting product as the state awaits a U.S. Supreme Court decision on its challenge of a federal ban on sports betting. Matt Davey (l.), the CEO of SG Digital, has started product review sessions with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
IGT has installed its Dynasty electronic table games and New Jersey’s first Live Connect suite of baccarat, roulette and blackjack games at Resorts Casino Hotel.
The National Indian Gaming Association recently received a donation from BMM Testlabs' Next Generation Initiative tribal charitable fund. Director Tribal Gaming Division Jodi DiLascio (l.) said the money would help NIGA create a facility in Washington, D.C.
The 2018 edition of the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Conference was held in Las Vegas last week for the first time ever. Attendance was up over 25 percent and tribal gaming was front-and-center in the gaming industry focus.
Hong Kong-based entrepreneur Allan Zeman (l.), who became non-executive chairman of Wynn Macau Ltd. after Steve Wynn’s exit in February, is one of the panelists who will speak at G2E Asia next month.
May 7-9, 2024: SBC Summit North America, Meadowlands Exposition Center, Secaucus, NJ. Produced by SBC Events. For more information visit sbcevents.com.
May 14-16, 2024: Cage Conference + Connect User Conference, Gila River Resorts & Casinos Learn about new technologies that enhance profitability and network with industry leaders who have proven success in Cage, Revenue and Player Services. For more information visit skiild.com/cage-conference/.
June 3-5, 2024: SiGMA Asia, SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines. Produced by SiGMA Group For more information visit sigma.world/.
June 4-6, 2024: G2E Asia 2024, The Venetian Macao, Macau, SAR. Produced by RX and the American Gaming Association. For more information visit g2easia.com/.
June 18-20, 2024: Canadian Gaming Summit, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada. Produced by SBC Events. For more information visit sbcevents.com.
July 16-19, 2024: iGB L!VE 2024, RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands Produced by Clarion Gaming. For more information visit igblive.com.
