While the big money in mobile wagering remains for lawmakers to decide next year, sports betting is finally up and running in the Empire State, which research has shown, could be the biggest sports betting states in the country. The first two books, at Rivers Casino (ribbon cutting, left) and Tioga Downs, came on line last week. Several tribal casinos are next up and most of them at least should be in business by the start of football season.
The Majestic Star Hotel in Gary closed at the end of June. Spectacle Entertainment Vice President Jahnae Erpenbach (l.) said decreasing occupancy and the need for significant renovation led to the closure, plus the state approved the casino to move to a land-based location in the future with better highway access. That new $400 million venue will be managed by Hard Rock International and create 1,000 construction and 2,000 permanent jobs.
The recently opened Encore Boston Harbor overlooking the Beantown skyline has met expectations for profits since it opened June 23. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reports that the new Wynn Resorts casino brought in $16.79 million the first week.
The leaders of Oklahoma's five most powerful Native American tribes, including Bill Anoatubby (l.), governor, Chickasaw Nation, approved a resolution denouncing Governor Kevin Stitt's plan to renegotiate tribal gaming compacts. Stitt wants to reexamine Oklahoma's exclusivity fees, which he said are the lowest in the nation. The tribes claim the compacts should automatically renew when they expire on January 1, 2020. Stitt disagrees.
A bill that would legalize numerous forms of gaming in Brazil is before Congress. If it passes, at least nine cities in the state of Mina Gerais could open or reopen gaming halls. Tourism chief Newton Cardoso Júnior (l.) has asked that the legislation go to a vote before September.
Plans call for an entertainment complex next to Wynn Palace that includes two hotel towers, interactive attractions and a high-tech theater. The Crystal Pavilion (l.), as it’s called, will break ground in 2021, the year before Wynn’s casino concession comes up for renewal. Opening is slated for 2024.
Online casino gaming has come to Pennsylvania as Parx Casino in suburban Philadelphia and Penn National’s Hollywood Casino near Hershey launched online gambling as part of a three-day test watched by state regulators last week.
SB 154 awaits the signature of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (l.) following a 91-26 vote in the state House. The bill will allow on-site sports betting at the Eastern Band of Cherokees' two casinos. Online and mobile wagering will not be permitted. A separate bill would establish a gaming commission which would conduct a sports betting feasibility study.
A 25-year veteran of Indian gaming, John James, has been hired to be president and CEO of Connecticut’s Foxwoods Resort Casino. He becomes the first permanent executive of the corporation since former CEO Felix D. Rappaport died of a heart attack in June 2018.
Sports betting has exploded in the U.S. and one only needs to look to the state that made it legal to see the roadmap to the future: New Jersey. The state has used sports betting to boost casino attendance and increase gross gaming revenues.
This week the GGB Podcast features a discussion with Mike Donovan, the vice president of marketing for Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, on his efforts to revitalize the property by using tried-and-true marketing techniques that are proven winners on the Boardwalk.
The move was announced after a news service in China accused the Macau-based junket giant of breaking Chinese law by recruiting Chinese players to gamble online. Suncity’s Chairman Alvin Chau (l.) denies the charge but is playing it safe by quitting the business even in jurisdictions where it’s legal.
The growth of the online casino sector in the Philippines has led to a boom in the construction of POGO centers, complete with offices and residential units. Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations are mostly staffed by Chinese workers.
Southeast Asian casino operator Silver Heritage Group says it has not been served with any official notice relating to reports that Nepal has suspended the sale of its Tiger Palace Resort Bhairahawa (l.) while land encroachment allegations are investigated.
The government of China will establish a consulate in Sihanoukville. The Cambodian resort city is home to dozens of Chinese-financed casino operations, and locals have complained about an increase in crime.
Asian casino investor Landing International Development Ltd. has denied reports of a link with a third-party company dealing in cryptocurrencies or digital tokens. In a July 22 filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Landing said it has “no business relationship” with HK Shenhua World Blockchain Tech Development Ltd.
The Philippines National Bureau of Investigation has arrested nine people in connection with the alleged abduction of a Chinese man over an unpaid casino debt. The suspects reportedly ordered the victim to call relatives in China and ask them to pay PHP2 million (US$139,000) in ransom.
A report from the Global Lottery Monitoring System says the vast majority of suspicious sports bets concern football matches and European events. The GLMS reported 64 matches in the first half of 2019 as a result of suspicious betting activity.
Dutch gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit has published its first guidelines to prevent money laundering in the country’s gaming market. But the guidelines, which apply only to land-based Holland Casino properties, are not classified as officially binding, according to reports.
Russian bookmakers have welcomed a new law that streamlines the online player identification process. The new rule eliminates the requirement that each player be identified twice, both by a bookmaker and by TSUPIS, a centralized payment hub.
The UK Gambling Commission has ordered the management of Wolverhampton-based Casino 36 to undergo “extra training” as part of a £300,000 penalty package for money laundering and social responsibility failures.
Southwest London, Ontario could have a new $75 million casino in 2021 if officials approve Gateway Casinos & Entertainment's proposal. The Starlight Casino would create 700 new jobs and offer 40 table games, 1,000 slots, a concert venue and restaurants. Gateway's smaller casino in Western Fair will remain open for now.
Phase I of the Hotel Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino (l.) has opened in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The project currently includes 1,048 hotel rooms, gourmet restaurants and bars, and a 12,000-square-foot casino.
More than two dozen betting companies in Kenya are trying to resolve their disputes with the Betting Control and Licensing Board, which recently suspended or deferred their licenses to operate.
Rush Street Interactive is offering an app from GeoGuard that should allow users of Apple devices to play at its PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers mobile sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. According to reports, the app is produced by GeoComply and can be found in the Apple App Store.
Cherry AB subsidiary ComeOn has been awarded new licenses enabling it to offer its sportsbook and casino products in the regulated Danish market. Issued by the Danish Gambling Authority, the license will run for a period of five years, the maximum length for a gaming permit in the country.
A bill to bring legal sports betting to Puerto Rico may have encountered fresh head winds. Last week, vulgar texts from Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares (l.) made headlines, prompting demands for his resignation. Rosselló is a leading proponent of the sports betting legislation.
New Jersey gamblers have bet more than $3 billion on sports in the first full year that it became legal in the state and Atlantic City casinos saw revenue increase 20 percent in June according to figures released by state regulators. Since the state’s first sports bets were taken on June 14, 2018, New Jersey has seen $3.2 billion wagered. Jeff Gural (l.), operator of the Meadowlands sports book in northern New Jersey, says he expects $500 million in wagers at his book alone in 2019.
Sports betting may begin September 1 at Indiana's five casinos assuming the Indiana Gaming Commission approves draft regulations at its August 28 meeting. Wagerers will be allowed to place bets in person at sportsbook windows or kiosks; mobile and internet betting will be allowed later. Caesars’ regional president, Dan Nita (l.), says the regs will have some “flexibility.”
William Hill US will operate sportsbooks at Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, both owned by Eldorado Resorts in eastern Iowa. Bettors will be able to wager through William Hill's mobile app, on-site kiosks and the InPlay menu. The sportsbooks are expected to open in August following regulatory approvals.
The D.C. Council has approved a controversial sole-source, no-bid contract granted to Greek supplier Intralot to manage online sports betting and the online lottery. Opponents complained that the contract will handcuff the district’s system, and claim corruption was involved in the selection.
The Montana Lottery is confident enough about the rollout of sports betting that it anticipates taking wagers this year. Intralot, which currently provides technology for the state lottery, will expand its duties to include sportsbooks.
Nearly two thirds of English Football League fans say it is all right for gambling companies to sponsor teams according to a survey of more than 27,000 fans by the league. Maybe not coincidentally, online gambling operator 1xBet has named English Premier League club Chelsea a commercial partner and Paddy Power has signed a shirt sponsorship deal with Huddersfield Town.
West Virginia Lottery Director John Myers (l.) said sports betting can be a "pain in the butt" one year after legalization. He said making sure casinos' sports betting operations complied with state law took up a lot of staff time. Also, he said lottery sales last year were $1.14 billion but less than $2 million came from sports betting.
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey (l.) said athletes' mental health should be considered before sports betting is further expanded. He cited examples such as whether a field goal is made or missed or a 3-point try is successful. Sankey said SEC presidents and chancellors support the NCAA 's efforts to seek federal legislation regulating sports wagering.
New Hampshire has become the sixth state in 2019 legalize sports betting as Governor Chris Sununu (l.) signed a bill legalizing sportsbooks in the state. The law allows for both online mobile sports betting and love sportsbooks. The state expects to generate $7.5 million in 2021 for educational programs growing to $13.5 million by 2023.
The Las Vegas-based casino giant upped its lobbying drive for full-scale gaming in New York City by signing up state Democratic heavyweight David Paterson (l.) to lead it. MGM and Genting are all-in, too, and the chances are strong that other major operators will be joining the fray.
Hard Rock International will partner with an investment group seeking the casino license for Rockford, one of the south suburbs permitted to have a casino under Illinois' new gambling law. Cheap Trick guitarist and Rockford native Rick Neilson (l.) is almost part of the page. And Union Gaming Analytics was chosen to conduct a feasibility study regarding a Chicago casino. Five potential sites, on the South and West sides, have been selected.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which purchased the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem last month, has officially renamed the property Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Voters in Pope County, Arkansas rejected an amendment allowing a casino. But now public opinion seems to be turning in favor of a casino, as five operators compete for a possible license. One official believes voters didn't know they were opposing deluxe Las Vegas-style casinos with hotel towers, high-end restaurants and other amenities.
While much of the focus on the Eldorado Caesars merger is on Las Vegas, New Jersey’s gambling resort is waiting to see how it will impact its market. If approved, Eldorado resorts would own four of Atlantic City’s nine casinos and employ 40 percent of its casino workforce. Reports suggest Eldorado would close the Bally’s casino (l.) if forced to pick one.
An administrative law judge has ruled against granting a permanent license to the owner of the Lake Elsinore Casino (l.) in Southern California. But the judge gave the Kingston Group a chance to transfer ownership.
Mount Airy Casino Resort (l.) launched its new 20,000-square-foot concert venue, billed as the largest such venue in northeastern Pennsylvania, with a concert by Bruce Hornsby.
Jai alai is making a comeback in South Florida, where racetracks and racinos are adding frontons. The latest example is a proposal by Eldorado Resorts and Cordish Companies to install a 300-seat fronton at Isle Casino Racing Pompano Beach (l.). Jai alai currently is offered at Magic City Casino, Gulfstream West, Casino Miami and Dania Beach.
Arlington Heights, Illinois trustees will draft an ordinance prohibiting electronic machines. The games recently appeared at liquors stores, a newsstand and laundromat. Police began an investigation into the games in May. Proponents claim they're similar to McDonald's Monopoly game. Business owners agreed to unplug them machines pending further review.
The makers of Queen of Virginia electronic gambling machines (l.) sued the Charlottesville Commonwealth's Attorney Joe Platania, who ordered the games removed from retail locations by August 5. The plaintiffs seek an injunction allowing them to operate the games, a declaration that the machines are legal games of skill and unspecified financial relief.
New Jersey has changed the requirements for petitioning to change a municipality’s form of government just as Atlantic City is seeing just such an effort. The new requirement ups the number of signatures needed to force a referendum on a change. An effort is underway in the resort to change its government from its current mayor/council format.
A challenge to the Spokane Tribe’s casino near Airway Heights, Washington, was dismissed by a federal judge last week. The lawsuit was brought by the Kalispel Tribe and Spokane County.
The 14-story, 562-room hotel tower at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino won't officially open until October 3 but rooms are available on the first four floors. The $720 million expansion also includes a 245,000 square foot casino with an oval-shaped entrance hall featuring a 24-karat gold leaf-covered piano previously owned by Elvis Presley.
With 23 properties, gaming remains the main revenue producer for the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma. Its WinStar World Casino Resort (l.) features the largest casino floor in the U.S., at 698,000 square feet. In the past decade, the tribe has established 60 non-gaming businesses employing 13,000 people, including banking, healthcare, broadcasting, federal agency services, even specialty chocolates.
The Prairie Island Indian Community in Welch, Minnesota wants to expand to Pine Island, where it purchased 1,500 acres, to accommodate more tribal members. The tribe owns the Treasure Island Resort and Casino, which would remain at Prairie Island even if its Pine Island property is taken into federal trust, said Tribal Council President Shelley Buck.
A group called Speak Up Shasta, which opposes the Redding Rancheria’s proposed relocation of its Win-River Resort and Casino to the 232-acre Strawberry Fields that it recently acquired, plans to speak against the proposal to the Redding City Council. However, the public comment period for the proposal in Northern California has already passed.
The Tejon Indian Tribe hopes to build a $600 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Bakersfield, California. It has begun a campaign to build up public support before the federal government decides whether to put the land into trust.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which operates two casinos in Rhode Island, is continuing its campaign to keep legislature from approving Governor Gina Raimondo’s (l.) $1 billion, 20-year contract with IGT to provide lottery services to the state.
The UK’s National Lottery could rise from 16 to 18 years old to play, UK officials said. The move would aim to cut underage gambling in the UK, but has already sparked controversy as the initial proposal would apply only to scratch cards and not the national drawing.
A judge has handed Pennsylvania casino owners a setback in their effort to block the state lottery from offering online games they say simulate casino-style slot machines.
A series of testimonies before the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities have revealed strange goings-on within the Lottery Corp. several years ago. Bemused commissioners learned that two lottery officials asked an FBI agent to secretly record the chairman of the lottery board in 2014.
Lawrence Levy, formerly a top official of Austria’s Novomatic AG, has officially taken the reins as CEO of Ainsworth Game Technology, the Australian supplier of which Novomatic is majority shareholder.
Mary Giuliano has been named managing director at Virgin Hotel's Hard Rock Las Vegas. Previously Giuliano was general manager at MGM Resorts International's Vdara non-gaming all-suite hotel. Giuliano will oversee the transition of the Hard Rock Las Vegas into the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which include a $200 million renovation.
Merkur Sports & Gaming has named Mathias Dahms, former operations manager of the XTiP sports betting brand in Europe, as the company’s new managing director.
The South Point Hotel Casino and Spa is hosting the Las Vegas debut of several of the top-performing slot games and cabinets from supplier Everi Holdings. The Renegade 3600 (l.) is one of the titles that Cliff Paige, slot director at South Point, is most excited about.
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers has announced four new members, bringing membership in the trade group of leading gaming suppliers to 171.
The Merit Grand Mosta Casino in Svilengrad, Bulgaria, has given plaudits to the Clover Link jackpot game from Apex Gaming, which links eight Apex slot games at the casino.
AGS plans to display its latest cabinet in the Orion series, as well as new progressives and table-game utility products, at the OIGA Conference & Trade Show.
SBC’s flagship Betting on Sports event will take place in Barcelona in 2020 as part of the company’s international expansion plans across the sports betting and gaming industries. It’s the first time the conference will be held outside of London.
