Archive: Vol. 17 • No. 49 • December 16, 2019
After some final tweaking, a package of gaming bills approved by Michigan lawmakers was forwarded to Governor Gretchen Whitmer (l.), who said, "As I understand the bills, I plan to sign them." The legislative package, sponsored by state Rep. Brandt Iden, would legalize sports betting, online gaming and daily fantasy sports. Tax on sports betting is 8.4 percent, but online gaming got slammed with taxes between 20 percent and 28 percent.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: Will Incheon Casinos Give Korea A Leg Up On Japan?
South Korea’s ambitious plan for a cluster of casino resorts in the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) may give the country’s gaming sector a head start on Japan’s nascent integrated resort industry. A Caesars resort (l.) is due to open in 2021. Mohegan Gaming’s Inspire will follow in 2022.
December Starts Badly for Macau’s Casinos
VIP play in Macau has been on the downslide all year, and Xi Jinping’s visit later this month wasn’t expected to help. But gaming revenues as the month started indicates things could get a lot worse.
Eldorado Sells Three Properties
The deal is done: Eldorado Resorts has sold its Isle Casino Cape Girardeau (l.) and Lady Luck Casino Caruthersville in Missouri and Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort in West Virginia. Selling the Missouri properties will avoid federal antitrust complications as part of the sale of Caesars Entertainment to Eldorado for $17.3 billion.
Hard Rock Gets Another Extension in Spain
Hard Rock Entertainment, trying to overcome obstacles to its integrated resort project in the Catalan region of Spain, has received a second license extension from the local government. The most recent six-month extension expired on December 5.
Rick Hill, Tribal Gaming Pioneer, Passes Away
Rick Hill, one of the most important players in the early history of Indian gaming, passed away suddenly last week. Hill was the former chairman of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, and the first chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association.
CNIGA Leadership Passes the Baton
The California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) leadership has passed the baton to new leaders, including a new chairman. Outgoing Chairman Steve Stallings (l.) handed over his role to James Siva, who previously served as vice chairman.
Do iGaming Fines Reduce Problem Gambling?
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) has levied a series of fines against a handful of iGaming companies. But to the Coalition to Stop Internet Gambling, it’s a sign of bad things to come. Now the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is weighing in.
AGA Updates AML Compliance Practices
The American Gaming Association has evolved into a synergistic relationship with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). After a more adversarial role that resulted in millions in fines against casino companies, the industry developed a positive partnership with the feds. Bill Miller (l.), AGA president and CEO, says the industry continues to be a leader in compliance.
No Site In Sight For Indian Casino Ships
The government of the Indian state of Goa has failed again to procure a new location for casino ships that operate on the Mandovi River. The boats continue to operate despite numerous pledges by several administrations to move them.
Sports Betting Hall Announces New Members
The Sports Betting Hall of Fame has announced the names of five inductees who will be added to the lineup next year at the Betting on Sports America conference, organized by SBC. Among those named are former New Jersey state Senator Ray Lesniak (l). and Vegas oddsmaker Roxy Roxborough.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: How Will Caesars & Eldorado Merger Change the Playbook?
Speculation abounds about how the 2020 acquisition of Caesars Entertainment will affect Eldorado Resorts, and the properties and operations of both. The changes and ripple effects could be dramatic.
GGB PODCAST: Steve Peck, Associate Principal, Klai Juba Wald Architects
This week, the GGB Podcast features an interview with Steve Peck, the associate principal with Klai Juba Wald Architects on the lead role he took in the design of the already iconic Guitar Hotel at Hard Rock Hollywood in Florida.
ASIAN GAMING More
LRWC Hits Pause on Philippines Casino Plan
Leisure & Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) has shelved plans to build a $550 million integrated resort on Boracay Island in the Philippines, at least for now. Eusebio Tanco, the company’s acting chairman, said he’ll hang onto the real estate and “land-bank it,” but left the door open to a future IR.
Amax International Is Now Century Entertainment
Hong Kong-based investment and junket company Amax International Holdings has officially changed its name to Century Entertainment International Holdings Ltd. The change was approved on December 3.
Philippine AML Council Pushes for Stricter Rules
The Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council says the government that must implement stronger anti-money laundering processes by October 2020 or risk landing on a “grey” list by the Financial Action Task Force.
Portions of Macau Rail Line Finally Open
Sixteen years after the service was first announced, trains are now running between Taipa and the Cotai resort district. Eleven stations are operating along the line, including key stops at Macau Airport, the Taipa Ferry Terminal and the Lotus Bridge checkpoint.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
Danish Regulator to Introduce Deposit Limits
On January 1, Danish gaming regulator Spillemyndigheden will introduce mandatory deposit limits for online gambling. It will also amend the inspection standards for lotteries to ensure that they conform to the requirements for iGaming.
Casino Admiral Granada Open in Spain
On November 29, the Novomatic Group opened its third casino in Andalusia, Spain. Casino Admiral Granada (l.) offers 110 video slots, electronic roulette, American roulette, blackjack and Caribbean stud poker.
Novomatic to Sell Casinos Austria Stake
Novomatic AG has agreed to sell its 17 percent stake in gaming operator Casinos Austria to Czech gaming conglomerate SAZKA Group for an undisclosed sum. SAZKA CEO Robert Chvatal (l.) says he wants to focus on the core markets and innovation.
Gambling Down in Sweden
A study by the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) indicates that Swedes are gambling less since the market’s reregulation, completed in January. Overall, gambling dropped 6 percentage points year-on-year.
ONLINE GAMING More
Kentucky Hopes 2020 Is Lucky for Online Poker
After legislation failed to approve online poker in Kentucky in 2019, a key sponsor feels optimistic about next year. The new governor, Andy Beshear (l.), is more pro-gambling. Plus, the legislative calendar favors a simple majority instead of the 60-votes-of-100 threshold in force in 2019.
European iGaming Shows Double-Digit Growth
Online gambling across Europe rose 11 percent year over year, with the UK representing a third of the business, according to the European Gaming and Betting Association. The association, which represents a half dozen betting firms, pointed out that sports betting was the top online activity.
TAG Media Launches US-Odds.com
TAG Media, an EU-based iGaming affiliate marketing consultancy, has launched its first affiliate website in the New Jersey market. US-Odds.com is a new breed of affiliate portal catering to American players in regulated states. It launched with a $1 million free-to-play jackpot game.
SPORTS BETTING More
Two Missouri Bills Would Give Pro Leagues ‘Royalty’
Two bills filed December 1 would make Missouri the first state to pay professional sports leagues and the National Collegiate Athletic Association a royalty on sports betting handle. A bill sponsored by state Senator Tony Leutkemeyer (l.) would reward the leagues and the NCAA with a .75 percent fee on gross wagers.
In Six Months, Arkansas Sports Bettors Wager $8.5M
Arkansans have wagered $8.5 million in the first six months of sports betting. But only two venues offer the wagers: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (l.) in Hot Springs and the Saracen Casino Annex in Pine Bluff. Only on-site betting currently is allowed.
Oregon Sports Betting Rakes in $17.1M in November
The first full month of activity by the Oregon Lottery’s sportsbook app Scoreboard raked in more than $17 million in bets. The bets were modest sized, with the average being $23.76.
FanDuel to Give Massachusetts Fantasy Fans Access to Horse Racing
Suffolk Downs (l.), a simulcast-only track, will become a wagering provider which will enable FanDuel to market horse racing to a new audience of daily fantasy sports fans. The program, approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, is expected to introduce new fans to horse racing.
AC Mayor, City Council Ask for Share of Sports Betting Revs
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small (l.) wants the city to get what racetrack towns get: a share of the sports betting revenues generated in casinos. City Council agrees. But the state doesn’t look too willing.
Indiana Sports Betting Strong with Mobile Play in November
November statistics show Indiana producing strong sports betting results, thanks in large part to mobile betting. Handle increased more than 60 percent from October. The take was helped by lack of sports betting in neighboring states of Ohio and Illinois.
DraftKings, Council to Promote Responsible Betting
DraftKings has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gaming to promote responsible betting programs. The company joins Caesars Entertainment, the Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Resorts International, and the Stars Group as platinum-level members. The goal is to curtail gaming addiction through sports betting.
Sports Betting Increases Viewership for Games
The legalization of sports betting has had an impact on the number of fans tuning in to watch games. The figures show gains not only in television but in digital viewing as well. A co-owner of the hard-to-watch New York Giants (l.) said having a bet on the line helps keep viewers engaged.
Will India Shut Down Sporting Leagues?
A watchdog agency in India has suggested a shutdown of the Twenty 20 (T20) cricket leagues after a recent, low-tier match drew tens of millions in bets. Betfair has stopped taking bets on matches involving the team.
Colorado Sports Betting Interests to Meet
The various stakeholders in Colorado sports betting will meet soon as the Limited Gaming Control Commission begins developing a regulatory framework for the industry. Voters approved sports betting in November and the state has until May to put regulations into effect.
Uzbekistan: Legal Bets Will Boost Football Programs
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (l.) hopes to bring sports betting to the country to attract funding for sports programs, especially football, to raise the level of play and make a better showing in the World Cup.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Virginia Senator Suggests Norfolk, Portsmouth Compromise
A Virginia lawmaker recently suggested the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk jointly develop a casino in Hampton Roads since they sit opposite each other on the Elizabeth River. But state Senator Louise Lucas (l.) of Portsmouth said, "We're going to have our casino, and that's it!"
Caesars Southern Indiana Debuts New Casino
After abandoning its former riverboat casinos, the $90 Million Caesars Southern Indiana Casino is now open to the public. The casino includes a new 110,000-square-foot land-based facility that reportedly elevates entertainment and gaming in region. At left, the Juno Bar in the new facility.
Maverick Gaming Closes Purchase of CC Gaming LLC
Maverick Gaming has closed on the purchase of Colorado’s largest casino operator encompassing three Denver-area casino properties, including Black Hawk’s Z Casino (l.), collectively featuring 1,500 slot machines, 20 table games and 119 hotel rooms. Majority owner Eric Persson says the purchase gives Maverick the second state that has legalized sports betting.
Peninsula Pacific to Buy Iowa Hard Rock
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, which currently owns half of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City (l.), has announced an agreement with Warner Gaming to purchase 100 percent of the property.
Rocky Gap, Live! Lead Maryland Revenue Boom
Maryland gaming revenues for November were up slightly thanks to substantial increases from Rocky Gap Casino Resort (l.) in Western Maryland and Live! Casino and Hotel near Baltimore.
Kansas Casino, Lottery Extend Contract
To secure better financing terms, Boot Hill Casino and Resort (l.) in Dodge City, Kansas renewed its contract with the state Lottery Commission and managers Butler National Corp. five years early.
Casinos All Around, Yet a College Gaming Program Dies
It appears the struggles of New York’s commercial casino industry may have claimed an unlikely victim. Without a single full-time student, a college degree program in gaming management at Schenectady County Community College (l.) is closing its doors less than two miles from Schenectady’s Rivers Casino & Resort.
Horseshoe Baltimore Unveils Gaming Terrace
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (l.) has unveiled a $15 million open-air terrace with 174 slot machines and 16 table games, equipped with overhead heaters, where smoking is permitted.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Oklahoma Governor Threatens to Invite in Commercial Casinos
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (l.) says the state's 35 casino-owning tribes should pay more in exclusivity fees after their 15-year gambling compacts expire January 1. Tribes say the compacts automatically renew at the same rate. The standoff escalated last week when Stitt suggested commercial casino companies could be invited in to operate in the state.
Washington Welcomes First Indian Supreme Court Justice
The first appointment of a Native American to the Washington state Supreme Court has been announced by Governor Jay Inslee. Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis (l). has had a 20-year career as a judge in both the superior court and tribal court.
Wind Creek Details Pennsylvania Hotel Plans
Wind Creek Bethlehem (l.), formerly Sands Bethlehem, has revealed details of its planned $90 million hotel tower in plans filed with the Pennsylvania city. The new tower will be built next to the existing hotel.
Morongo Expansion, Renovation on Track
Southern California’s Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa is partway through an expansion and renovation that will add a third to the size of the resort. Eight hundred new slot machines will also be added.
Michigan Band Pays Off Casino Debt
The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa paid off a $30 million loan it took out in 1995 to pay for building its Lac Vieux Desert Casino Resort (l.) in Watersmeet, Michigan—two years ahead of schedule. The tribe had refinanced the debt several times over two-plus decades.
California Tribe Breaks Ground on Tribal Center
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, who own the Rolling Hills Casino Resort (l.) in California, last week held a groundbreaking for the new Nomlaki Administrative and Community Centers.
Oklahoma Tribes Approve Casino Expansion
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma last month received a loan that will enable them to expand and renovate the Lucky Star Casino-Watonga Hotel. Tribal Governor Reggie Wassana (l.) said the expansion will be good for creating jobs and raising revenue to serve members.
LOTTERY More
Mississippi Lottery Sells $9 Million in First Days
Mississippi Lottery Corporation President Tom Shaheen said the lottery sold $8,932,200 million in tickets in the first six days following its November 25 debut. About $3.8 million went toward prizes.
Multi-State Lottery Offers $1.5M Settlement
The Multi-State Lottery Association will pay an Iowa man $1.5 million regarding his claim that a $9 million jackpot he won in 2011 would have been larger if the previous jackpot had not been rigged by MUSL's former Information Security Director Eddie Tipton (l).
PA to Investigate Lottery Fraud Prevention
Eugene DePasquale (l.), auditor general of Pennsylvania, is planning a performance audit of the state’s lottery, focusing on repeat winners, and on safeguards against fraud.
Scientific Games Signs California, Massachusetts Lottery Extensions
Scientific Games has signed a three-year extension of its contract with the California State Lottery, and an all-new contract with the Massachusetts Lottery.
IGT Secures 10-Year Extension with Barbados Lottery
IGT has signed a 10-year extension of its contract with the Barbados Lottery, under which it provides private management services to four lottery licensees.
NCPG Discourages Child Participation in Lottery
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched its annual holiday campaign to discourage minors from playing the lottery. The campaign emphasizes that studies have shown that early childhood gambling experiences can lead to gambling abuse as an adult.
PEOPLE More
MGM Detroit Boss Tapped for Vegas Strip
Michael Neubecker is taking the helm at the MGM Grand as president and chief operating officer. It’s a property the Michigan native knows well. He succeeds Trevor Scherrer, who was there less than a year after replacing longtime CEO Scott Sibella.
Whittemore Recommended for Licensing
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has recommended that Ellen Whittemore, executive vice president and general counsel for Wynn Resorts Ltd., be licensed as an officer of the company.
MGE Promotes Pineault, Hamilton
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment of Connecticut has announced that Ray Pineault (l.) has been appointed regional president, a newly created post. Succeeding him at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville will be Jeff Hamilton, former assistant general manager.
VSiN Appoints First CMO
Derek Van Nostran, whose resume includes stints with Sinclair Digital, CNN and the Weather Channel, has been named chief marketing officer for VSiN. He was selected for his expertise at developing streaming services and building audiences across multiple platforms.
Moss Named AZ Casino Hotel GM
Cliff Castle Casino Hotel in Camp Verde, Arizona has named Aaron Moss general manager. The property is owned by the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
Kim to Head Twin River Worldwide
John Taylor, Jr. (l.) has stepped down as chairman and executive chairman of Twin River Worldwide Holdings. He will be replaced by Soohyung Kim, a large shareholder in Twin River, as well as managing partner and chief investment officer.
Konami Names Kremer VP of Studio Operations
Konami Gaming has named acclaimed game developer Jason Kremer as vice president of studio operations, charged with overseeing R&D efforts as the company expands its game library.
SG Board Member Kennedy to Step Down
David L. Kennedy, a longtime director of Scientific Games, is stepping down from his post after 10 years with the company, during which he was briefly president and CEO.
Mark Brown and IPI Part Ways—Again
For the second time in recent years, former Macau and U.S. gaming executive Mark Brown (l.) has resigned his post as CEO of embattled Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International (IPI).
SIG Names Itay Fisher CEO
Itay Fisher has been named chief executive officer of Sports Information Group, LLC (SIG) which provides premium data driven content to the sports industry through its Daily Racing Form (DRF). He has been at SIG since last year as chief technology officer and then chief operating officer.
FSB Tech Names Bowen New CFO
FSB Technology has appointed Andrew Bowen as its new chief financial officer. Bowen has previously held positions at Edge10 Group, InTouch Games, Ladbrokes and Scientific Games.
Silver Heritage Appoints New Director
Silver Heritage Group, which operates the Millionaire’s Club in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. has announced the appointment of Darryl Kaplan as a non-executive director of the company, effective immediately. Silver Heritage also runs Tiger Palace Resort in Bhairahawa.
GSL Names New Partners, Director
GSL Gaming Group marked its second anniversary in December by adding new partners, elevating current partners and adding a new director of business development, Tracy Fields.
MGM China Names Meng as Director
Shanghai attorney Simon Meng has joined the board of MGM China as an independent non-executive director. Meng is a partner at Linklaters specializing in cross-border M&A, direct investments and joint ventures in China and has advised numerous Chinese and multinational corporations.
Donaco Appoints New Chairman, Resumes Trading
Last week, shares in Asian casino operator Donaco International Ltd. were once again available for trade on the Australian Securities Exchange. Trading was suspended December 2 due to a shakeup on the board.
Michigan Tribe Elects Davis Chief
The tribal council of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has elected Timothy Davis as its new chief. The tribe operates the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and Soaring Eagle Waterpark in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and the Eagles Landing Casino near Standish.
NCPG Names Advisory Board Members
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has created a new Advisory Board whose membership includes leaders in problem gaming, gaming regulation and the industry. Stephen Crosby (l.), the founding chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will join the board. It will advise the National Council and help raise awareness on new issues.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Minnesota Tribal Group Selects Konami Synkros
Konami Gaming, Inc. announced last week that its Synkros casino management system has been selected by Red Lake Gaming Enterprises Inc., operator of casinos in Northern Minnesota.
Betting Game Show a First Between Network, Operator
Bleacher Report has launched an interactive game show in conjunction with Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Turner Sports. The B/R Betting Game Show will be held weekly before a live audience at Caesars Palace sportsbooks. Fans will compete for cash and prizes.
IGT Dynasty ETGs Live at Resorts World New York
IGT’s Dynasty electronic table games (l.) have been installed by Resorts World Casino New York City, with 20 terminals expanding already-large footprint of IGT games.
Codere to Add 1,000 Zitro Games in Mexico
Codere has signed an agreement with Zitro under which 1,000 games in the supplier’s Illusion and Allure cabinets will be installed in Codere’s casinos in Mexico.
Holland Casino Debuts Aristocrat’s MarsX
Holland Casino is the first operator in Europe to install games on Aristocrat’s new MarsX Upright cabinet, debuting the product at its Utrecht venue.
Omnigo iTrak Now Omnipresent in Macau
Omnigo Software now has a global footprint thanks to the deployment of its iTrak Incident Reporting and Risk Management System solution by casino operators in both Macau and Las Vegas.
AGS Launches Online with 888 Holdings
AGS has launched several of its top slot games online to sites operated by iGaming leader 888casino, bringing its content online to real-money markets in the U.S. and worldwide.
Betsoft Partners with Bombagames
Betsoft has signed an agreement with iGaming operator Bombagames, under which Betsoft content will be released on Bombagames’ 4starsgames.gr site.
EveryMatrix Launches RGS Matrix
EveryMatrix has launched RGS Matrix, a stand-alone iGaming solution with a modular platform architecture that allows new games to be released with no down time.
GameSource Wins Innovation Gold Award
GameSource, a cloud-based platform giving casinos access to a library of electronic games, was honored with the Innovation Gold Award at the 7th Annual Business Awards of Macau.
Apex ‘Clover Link’ a Hit at Isle Pompano
The Clover Link Big Island and Ret Hot Burning games from Apex Gaming are hits at the Eldorado Group’s Isle of Capri Pompano Beach Casino in Florida.
PA University to Add Gaming Law Class
Pennsylvania’s Widener University has added an expanded gaming law course to its curriculum at the Commonwealth Law School, the first full, semester-long course on the topic in 10 years. Susan Hensel (l.), director of licensing for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, will teach the class.
AGS Voted Among ‘Best Places to Work’
AGS has been recognized by Glassdoor.com as one of the 50 “Best Places to Work” in the United States, as judged by anonymous, unsolicited employee reviews.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
UNLV to Host January AI Conference
The UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law will host a day-long conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics in the gaming industry on Friday, January 17, 2020. Speakers include Joe Bertolone (l.), the new director of the UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation.
‘Smart’ Casino Table Debuts at G2E Philippines
South Korean IT company BGNT showcased its newest smart casino table at G2E @ the Philippines, held in Manila December 3-4. The table features radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and enables operators to manage data that once was the exclusive province of dealers.
FBM Displays Video Bingo at G2E Philippines
FBM Gaming presented its new video bingo machine at the recent G2E @ the Philippines trade show, of which it was a title sponsor. The Galaxy machine was showcased with next-gen FBM games such as Bingo-Go and Rubingo.
G2E Philippines 2020 in the Works
Reed Exhibitions Greater China, organizer of G2E Asia @ the Philippines trade show, says it is “actively considering” hosting a second show in 2020. Reed COO Josephine Lee said feedback on the first show was positive.
NUTSHELL More
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THEY SAID IT More
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