The Wall Street Journal last week published an explosive story alleging that Steve Wynn (above) has assaulted dozens of women during his years as head of Wynn Resorts and before that Mirage Resorts. Wynn denied the allegations, but it took the wind out of his fourth-quarter conference call where he highlighted a profit of $492 million, offered more details of his Las Vegas project, Paradise Park, and announced the development of Wynn West, on the former Alon site across the Strip from Wynn Las Vegas and Encore.
An attorney for the National Basketball Association testified before the New York State Assembly in favor of legalized sports betting—with 1 percent of wagers to the league. This would make a significant impact on any potential for sports betting in the U.S. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (l.) was the first leader of a major sports league to come out in favor of legalization.
A report in the UK’s Sunday Times says the long-awaited new bet limit on fixed odds betting terminals will be slashed to £2, the lowest option being considered. The report cited an unnamed ally of the UK’s new Culture Secretary Matt Hancock (l.). The report sent UK bookmaker stocks plummeting and was denounced as a rumor by the gambling industry.
The Greek Finance Ministry will reportedly entertain bids for an $8 billion resort development at the former Ellinikon International Airport near Athens. U.S. casino operator Caesars Entertainment is said to be interested. In addition, the government is lowering taxes, abolishing entry fees and easing casino relocations. It’s all part of a plan to attract international interest in at least four new gaming licenses, including one in a multibillion-dollar mixed-use resort complex proposed near Athens.
Reports have it that a deal is in the offing to sell the iconic off-Strip resort to an investment group that includes Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels. The same sources say Virgin will run the property and that management is already reviewing designs featuring the Virgin brand.
MGM China’s new integrated resort, MGM Cotai in Macau, was set to open its doors on January 29, but last week the company announced it would open during the month of February, with nothing more specific. The delay is just the latest in a long line of postponements dating back almost two years. The property will feature the “Spectacle,” (l.) a multimedia extravaganza.
Pennsylvania regulator Susan Hensel (l.) gives back to the state by conducting gaming law classes at her alma mater, Widener University Commonwealth Law School. She uses her years of experience and connections to educate her students.
Although the debut of MGM Cotai was postponed yet again, Macau University Professor Desmond Lam was treated to a pre-opening tour. The well-known academic calls the property the right step forward for Macao’s integrated resorts
The charges that Steve Wynn has been a sexual predator in his own company for years could have huge implications beyond the man himself. His company is his persona, so what happens if Steve Wynn is forced to resign?
This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Kevin Sheehan, the president and CEO of Scientific Games, on how he has managed to increase the value of his company so substantially in less than two years on the job.
The Japan government is expected to submit its Integrated Resorts Implementation Bill to parliament by April, according to reports. Casino will raise the country’s profile as a tourism destination, says Shinzo Abe (l.).
South Korean real estate firm Landing International Development Ltd. says it will open the casino at Jeju Shinhwa World (l.) in South Korea by the end of next month. Casino exec Chris Block called February 28 “a working date.”
The country’s foreigners-only market continues to struggle, typified by the Gaming Club on Ha Long Bay, which reported a net loss in 2017 that was seven times worse than the previous year. Despite its proximity to China the property has lost money five straight years.
The Las Vegas Sands Corp. says redevelopment of the casino at its Sands Cotai Central (l.) into the Londoner Macao will begin by the end of 2018 and continue into 2020. The redo will be phased to minimize disruptions.
According to a report on an Olympic website, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party may push to legalize eSports in that country ahead of the 2024 games, when eSports could be a medal sport. The report quoted Japanese officials—where eSports contests are illegal under current laws—as saying they are considering amendments to allow eSports and for players to earn money for competing.
Police in Macau last week arrested a croupier and a security guard in the theft of almost HK$48 million (US$6 million) in gaming chips. The chips were lifted from a VIP room in the casino.
A trade mission by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce travelled to Macau in anticipation of the launch of a new direct flight route from Dublin to Hong Kong this year. The group toured Wynn Macau and attended a lunch seminar hosted by Wynn Macau Chief Operating Officer Ciarán Carruthers (l.) among others.
A Macau’s court has ordered the former operators of the Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel and the Greek Mythology Casino to pay millions in fines for violating labor laws.
A casino zone has been OK’d to open on Russia’s Crimean peninsula in September 2019, according to Prime Minister Sergey Aksenov (l.). The project, first announced in 2014, has attracted an unnamed “large operator.”
Spain's leading casino operator, the Cirsa Group, placed bids to operate two casinos in the Principality of Andorra. The new 27,000 square foot Cirsa Andorra Escaldes Engordany would open in 2020, and the Cirsa Andorra Caldea would open in 2018 at the Parque de La Mola de Escaldes-Engordany.
One of Europe's oldest and largest casinos, Casino di Campione (l.) in Italy, may be forced to declare bankruptcy by Como province prosecutors. The casino has liabilities of $67 million and assets of $21 million, and owes $40 million to Swiss banks. Casino officials have been accused embezzlement and corruption.
In fiscal 2016-2017, although slot machine revenue fell by 1.47 percent, it still led the French casino market, accounting for 84.87 percent of the total $2.36 billion, an increase of 2.48 percent over the previous year. Electronic table game revenue rose by 24.33 percent to $178.1 million, with number-one Electronic English roulette posting $174.1 million.
Italy’s Tuscan region has approved new measures to combat gambling addiction. They include higher penalties, improved Know Your Customer training, and a minimum of 500 meters (550 yards) from ATMs.
The Barangaroo Delivery Authority in New South Wales, Australia awarded a $1.6 billion contract to a consortium to complete Central Barangaroo, the final component of a $6.4 billion multi-use development in Sydney. The project, to be completed in 2024, will include a casino, hotel, office space, retail and recreational facilities, and house 23,000 people.
An Australian $1.3 billion increase in betting on poker machines or “pokies” (l.), in New South Wales has led to concerns the machines may be being used for money laundering. Officials said an "inexplicably" large increase in betting on the machines in Sydney is raising concerns.
Australia’s Greens Party has slammed MP Nick Xenophon (l.) for backing off his push to ban pokies in the country. Xenophon is now advocating a “harm minimization” plan that would work to reduce problem gambling.
A bill that would legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports in Nebraska has been stymied by threats of a filibuster. The sponsor says the bill would protect consumers. Critics say it would victimize them.
PokerStars has begun sharing online poker player pools between players in France and Spain. The company is the first to take advantage of recent playing sharing agreements between several European markets. The company began sharing players just one day after Spain published its player sharing resolution.
Sports betting platform supplier SBTech and iGaming software supplier GAN are partnering on a sports betting solution for Pennsylvania should sports betting become legal.
Verizon Communications Inc. is reportedly studying the possibility of entering the U.S. online sports betting market, should the federal ban be overturned.
The European Gaming and Betting Association has asked the Norwegian Data Inspectorate to investigate how the Norwegian Gaming Authority handles bettor deposits, alleging violations of player privacy rights.
Based on recommendations from a legislative task force, Louisiana state Senator Ronnie Johns (l.) said he'll introduce legislation allowing the state's 15 riverboat casinos to move ashore and to base floor space on gaming spaces rather than the 30,000 square foot limit. He said his proposal will be "a significant start in looking at the industry."
The Florida Senate is reviewing issues held over from last year, like decoupling live racing from gambling and lowering the slots tax rate. In the House, state Rep. Jason Brodeur filed a bill to exempt fantasy sports from state regulation. Brodeur said like a fishing tournament or dog show, skill is required to win. Speaker Richard Corcoran (l.) vows to oppose any bill that expands gaming.
Illinois state Senator Dave Syverson's (l.) Senate Bill 7 passed the Senate and awaits a House vote. The measure would allow up to six new Illinois casinos, mostly along state lines. Syverson said Illinois residents spend their money in Indiana and other bordering states. He's especially concerned about a proposed Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Lawmakers in Delaware have introduced a bipartisan bill to aid the state’s struggling racinos by reducing taxes and fees—the third such attempt over the past three years. Dover Downs (l.), Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway have all been struggling in the face of increased competition.
MGM Springfield is working with local technical schools and colleges to sponsor classes that will help the casino fill dealer positions. It expects to hire 450 dealers, and a total of 3,000 for its $960 million casino in Massachusetts’s third largest city.
The Mardi Gras Casino and Resort in Nitro, West Virginia has been purchased by Delaware North, a New York-based owner of casinos. The purchase price was not announced.
Stadium Casino, the partnership of Cordish Companies and Greenwood Gaming now beginning construction on Philadelphia’s second casino, has won a license to build a mini-casino near Pittsburgh.
The debt ratings agency has issued a new report warning that things are going to get tougher for operators in New York’s crowded casino market. The new openings in the last year have sliced the pie thinner, Moody’s said, and the coming of Resorts World Catskills (l.) could cannibalize the market further.
Idaho Attorney General Lawrence G. Wasden (l.) says a proposed initiative that would let voters decide whether to legalize “historical horse racing” might run afoul of the state’s constitution that only allows pari-mutuel wagering in racetracks.
In their fifth consecutive year of increases, revenue at Mississippi's 12 coastal casinos rose .4 percent to $1.192 billion, versus $1.188 billion in 2016—despite October closures due to Hurricane Nate. Statewide, casino revenue fell from $2.12 billion in 2016 to $2.08 billion. River casinos' revenue decreased from $932.5 million in 2016 to $885.2 million
The defeated backers of a casino measure in Maine are suing the state’s election and ethics commission for imposing $500,000 on them for improperly detailed campaign finance documents. The lawsuit calls the fine unconstitutionally excessive.
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has upheld a decision of state gaming regulators denying Mount Airy casino founder Louis DeNaples’ (l.) request to resume business in the state gaming industry.
In April, Spirit Airlines, the principal airline flying out of Atlantic City International Airport, will offer nonstop service to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
U.S. hotel operator Wyndham Worldwide announced its Wyndham Hotel Group is acquiring La Quinta's hotel operations for $1.95 billion. The purchase adds another U.S. brand with about locations to the group. Wyndham will now control 21 different hotel brands including Ramada, Days Inn and Super 8 budget lodgings.
More than 48 million travelers passed through the Las Vegas airport in 2017, an all-time high that eclipsed the previous record set 10 years ago. Domestic travel was up 2.4 percent to 43.9 million while international volume surpassed 3.6 million.
Following a temporary closure after a fire swept its shuttle boat, the Tropical Breeze Casino boat reopened January 25. Passengers were forced to jump into freezing waters; a 42-year old woman later died and 15 were injured. The captain had prior drunk driving and drug convictions. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
Rhode Island’s state government has long relied on taxes from casino gaming. Now its governor, Gina Raimondo, hopes to add revenues from sports betting.
A bill that would exempt Indian businesses from the National Labor Relations Act has passed the House. Opponents promise a robust fight in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke (l.) approved the Shawnee Tribe's land-trust application, moving forward the tribe's proposal to build a casino in Guymon, Oklahoma, 370 miles from its Miami headquarters. The 2,500-member tribe had been landless for 160 years. Opponents had gathered more than 1,800 signatures on a petition opposing the proposed casino.
The Pequot and Mohegan tribes of Connecticut insist that their $300 million casino for East Windsor is moving along. However, it would be hard to identify a part that is actually in motion.
Mystic Lake Casino unexpectedly canceled its deal with Nomadic Entertainment, whereby Nomadic would build a temporary, 9,500-seat nightclub and present name entertainers before the Super Bowl. Casino officials said they couldn't "ensure an event that is up to our standards of quality.” Nomadic sued in federal court for $3.4 million in construction and teardown costs and other considerations.
Due to septic system and electricity cost increases, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community delayed the completion of renovations and expansions at its Ojibwa Casinos in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (Marquette at left). The $40 million projects, including $33.5 million for Marquette and $6.5 million for Baraga, now will be completed in September 2018 at Marquette and March 2019 at Baraga.
Six Virginia tribes, some including descendants of Pocahontas' (l.) Powhatan tribe, will be federally recognized under the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, sponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. When the bill becomes law, the number of federally recognized tribes will increase from 567 to 573.
The tribal state gaming compact between the Wilton Rancheria and the state of California has been published in the Federal Register. It is the next step in building a $500 million casino in Elk Grove. The compact was just one of nice compacts that were OK’d by the BIA.
Downstream Crafted Brewing Company recently introduced two site-produced craft beers at Downstream Casino Resort in Quapaw, Oklahoma. Computers run the small brewing system in a 120 square foot space next to the Legends Sports Bar and Restaurant. Operating a full capacity, it puts out 400 gallons of beer every 10 days.
Table Mountain Casino (l.), located in the central part of the Golden State, just finished a year of celebrating 30 years in business. It grew from a small bingo parlor to a sophisticated casino resort.
The Stillaguamish Tribe of Arlington, Washington last week held a ground breaking for a $60 million expansion of its Angel of the Winds Casino (l.). The event was attended by about 200 members, tribal officials and guests.
Southern California’s Aqua Caliente Band has unveiled its plans for a gaming and entertainment center in downtown Cathedral City. Besides gaming it will include dining, retail, mixed use and tribal offices.
Ainsworth Game Technology North America President Mike Dreitzer (l.)has resigned, according to a filing the company made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The move follows the completion of a purchase of 53 percent of Ainsworth by Novomatic Industries.
Hong Kong-listed casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment has announced a realignment of its executive teams in Macau and Manila, replacing City of Dreams Manila President Gabe Hunterton.
Norbert Teufelberger is stepping down from his role as a non-executive director of GVC Holdings. He is expected to leave in February after having served an agreed two-year term with the firm.
Aruze Gaming America has promoted Justin Arcemont, who is assistant general manager of the Las Vegas-based supplier, to the position of managing director of global sales.
Blockchain lottery operator Quanta has named former Intralot executive Konstantinos Farris as its chief technology officer. He will oversee IT project management, product testing and integration, and will work with Quanta’s technical development teams. Konstantinos will also develop technical aspects of the firm’s IT strategy, the company said.
Jack Entertainment has added two more Interblock electronic table game stadiums to its casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati as part of a new multi-year deal.
Incredible Technologies and Boyd Gaming have partnered to stage the Golden Tee World Championship at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in June. A total of 64 players will compete on 16 Golden Tee machines on The Orleans Showroom stage for more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $20,000 top prize.
Gaming industry intelligence solutions provider VizExplorer has announced an agreement with London casino Les Ambassadeurs Club to provide gaming analytics.
The BC Lottery Corporation will enter into a $250,000 agreement with Archiact Interactive to produce a virtual reality game. But officials noted it may not be available soon due to required testing and approvals. Also concerns are being raised that virtual games can be as addictive as being inside an actual casino.
Sky Racing World, the Louisville, Kentucky-based distributor of international horse-racing content and subsidiary of Australian wagering operator Tabcorp, has announced the relaunch of its New Zealand simulcast product for the North American market. The relaunch comes ahead of the G1 Karaka Million.
Hong Kong-based TGG Takara Gaming Group, an open-source and interactive gaming platform, has announced two partnerships that will mark its entry into the Cambodian gaming market.
The Totally Gaming Academy will launch the Responsible Gaming Academy at ICE, featuring a program of free sessions on how to promote responsible gambling.
The ICE Totally Gaming trade show in London will host the official launch of ICE Africa, an exhibition and education conference to take place in October.
Novomatic has previewed a lineup of market-ready innovations it will display at its huge stand at the ICE Totally Gaming trade show and conference next week in London.
