Las Vegas casinos closed for the first time in history two weeks ago. The Nevada tourism-based economy has ground to a standstill. Here’s some images that will haunt you if you love Las Vegas.
As gaming operators grapple with the global shutdown, human resources consultant Donald Hoover reminds them that, more than any time in history, they must “walk the talk” and support their employees.
(l. to r.) Sol Kerzner, Bob McMonigle and Norm DesRosiers
The deaths of three giants of the gaming industry occurred in the last 10 days, and the industry will be much less full without them, Bob McMonigle, Norm DesRosiers and Sol Kerzner.
Now is not the time to go into a shell and cut your marketing. Now is the time to focus your marketing in new ways to create loyalty when good times return, says expert casino marketer Julia Carcamo.
Jim Murren officially ended his tenure with MGM Resorts, with Bill Hornbuckle (l.) becoming president and CEO, and Paul Salem assuming the role of chairman of the board. Murren, meanwhile, will head up a Nevada task force to tackle the coronavirus issue in the state.
Macau has responded in sweeping fashion to a recurrence of coronavirus cases, weeks after it appeared the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus had been halted. Visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are exempted from this order, and most would arrive via the Macau airport (l.).
Traumatized by the Covid-19 pandemic, the gaming industry is looking to Washington for assistance. Last week, MGM Resorts boss Jim Murren met with former casino owner Donald Trump (l.) to appeal for help, and the American Gaming Association has called for “swift and comprehensive” action.
The government of New South Wales has won its legal battle to force Lawrence Ho’s (l.) Melco Resorts to turn over internal documents as requested for an investigation of James Packer's Crown Resorts.
As it looks now, the Covid-19 pandemic rocking markets around the world is unlikely to put much of a dent in Japan’s integrated resort plans, though local meetings on the planned industry can’t be held for now.
As the industry shuts down, leaders of the supply sector, including Marcus Prater (l.) of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, want to ensure lawmakers include them in government stimulus packages for business.
With New York State facing a $6 billion budget deficit and its tax-paying gaming industry shut down, proponents of internet sports betting like state Senator Joseph Addabbo (l., with Governor Andrew Cuomo) believe the chances of legalization look better than ever.
As the first tribal casino to voluntarily close due to the coronavirus pandemic, San Manuel assumes a familiar position in Indian Country: that of a leader. San Manuel CEO Loren Gill (l.) explains how the decision was made and why it means so much for the employees, tribal members and customers.
The government of the Canary Islands has announced that it has suspended new gambling halls as well as additions to existing establishments for 18 months while its gaming regulations are overhauled.
Buoyed by an extra day, mild weather, and sports betting, casinos in Atlantic City enjoyed a 19 percent increase in gaming revenue in February. That was before the Covid-19 pandemic.
To get around an 18-month waiting period for online-only sports betting, FanDuel has agreed to purchase a race track—Fairmount Park in Collinsville—to allow it to go live sooner.
Sure, the gaming industry is on a rollercoaster ride. But a closer look shows signs of stability, proof of resilience, and pockets of opportunity. Here’s a common sense approach.
This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Ernie Moody, the founder of Action Gaming and the inventor multi-hand video poker, which transformed the slot floors in the 1990s.
SJM Holdings says construction is complete on its long-awaited US$5 billion arrival to Macau’s Cotai Strip, Grand Lisboa Palace (l.). Coming off a year in which SJM’s casinos generated a 12 percent increase in profits, CEO Ambrose So said the company is ready to meet the “challenges” of 2020.
Manila, Philippines is in a state of lockdown to April 14, on order of President Rodrigo Duterte (l.) All domestic travel into the region is also suspended. PAGCOR also shut down the online POGOs late last week.
With global travel on ice, Singapore tourism is expected to drop far more than initially anticipated. The city-state is home to two integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands (l.) and Resorts World Sentosa.
Genting Singapore Ltd., operator of Resorts World Sentosa (l.) in Singapore, will institute pay cuts for staff at the managerial level or higher due to impact from the Covid-19 pandemic.
South Korean casino Kangwon Land (l.), which originally planned to close for just three days due to the Covid-19 contagion, last week again extended the closure.
Imperial Pacific International, which operates the only casino on the island of Saipan in the Western Pacific, closed its doors last Tuesday due to concerns about the Covid-19 virus.
Rome-based bookmaker Newgioco has temporarily closed 150 of its betting shops. On March 8, the Italian government issued a public health decree strictly curtailing public gatherings, travel and business.
French casinos have been closed until April 15 on order of the Minister of Solidarity and Health. Like its neighbor, Italy, France has been especially hard-hit by the coronavirus strain.
Cyprus Casinos, a unit of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, has closed its five casinos in the Greek-controlled republic following an official edict related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Casinos in all Canadian provinces have been ordered closed in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Ontario, for one, responded after 142 cases of infection were reported.
The Indian states of Goa and Sikkim have ordered a temporary shutdown of its casino industry to help combat the spread of Covid-19. Goa has seven offshore casino boats (l.) and nine land-based properties.
The Philippines’ Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) says Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have a greater risk for money-laundering and terrorism-financing activities.
Playtech, expecting major losses due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, is halting all operations for a month in Italy, one of its major markets and one of the worst-hit regions since COVID-19 first appeared.
The Norwegian government has ordered bingo halls in the country to limit their operations to online only. The measure is an attempt to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Spotlight Sports Group, which publishes horse racing information including the Racing Post (l.), and U.K. bookmaker bet365 have announced a new partnership that will result in video initiatives through 2021.
The District of Columbia finally has a sports betting app, but not much to bet on, with major league and college sports shut down. Mobile sportsbook Intralot is Washington’s provider.
Rhode Island sports betting laws require bettors to register for accounts at one of the state’s two casinos (Twin River sportsbook at left). The guideline has left the state’s percentage of online wagers among the lowest.
Sports fans hoped to place their bets on March Madness games when legalized wagers kicked off only to be thwarted by the tournament’s cancellation due to the coronavirus.
The Montana Lottery Commission had begun installing the necessary infrastructure for 142 sports-betting license holders in the state when the NBA and other sports leagues were shut down by the coronavirus.
European football administrators have postponed their most important international event, the European Championship, for a full year, providing another blow to sportsbooks.
Saratoga Harness Racing Inc. has agreed to buy the operating assets of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado from American Gaming Group LLC. The company said the purchase fits in with its goal of diversification.
Unlicensed, unregulated video gambling machines continue to spread in Missouri, but state Rep. Denny Hoskins's proposed bill would legalize the games in fraternal and veterans’ organizations, truck stops and retail outlets with liquor licenses.
Earlier this year IGT and Twin River mended fences and ended their feud over who would contract with Rhode Island to offer lottery services. Now their joint venture is coming under fire from state lawmakers. Twin River Executive Vice President Marc Crisafulli (l.) says the deal enhances Rhode Island’s ability to compete with Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Delaware casinos shut down Monday, March 16 in response to the state of emergency declared by Governor John Carney to limit exposure to the Covid-19 virus.
Though layoffs have begun at MGM Resorts International, the company has pledged to continue to pay the staff it retains, including part-timers. Wynn also is extending the commitment to tipped employees at its two Las Vegas resorts (l.) and employees of Encore Boston Harbor.
West Virginia was the last state to report a coronavirus case, but when one resident tested positive, Governor Jim Justice (l.) ordered casinos, along with restaurants and bars, to close at until further notice.
On March 17, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (l.) declared a statewide public health disaster emergency, closing the state's 19 commercial casinos, among other businesses until the end of the month.
Louisiana's 20 commercial casinos, several tribal casinos and about 200 video poker truck stops closed March 17 for two weeks in the battle against the coronavirus. Louisiana Gaming Board Chairman Ronnie Jones (l). said no casino operators objected to the board's closure order.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson ordered the state's three casinos to close through March in response to the coronavirus. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs (l.) had run races without spectators the previous weekend.
All three Detroit casinos (MotorCity casino at left) and most of the state's 23 tribal casinos closed temporarily to try to stop the spread of coronavirus. Casinos that didn't close removed slot machines chairs to add space between players and intensified cleaning efforts, among other activities.
Full House Resorts President and CEO Daniel Lee (l.) recently told the company had not been affected by the coronavirus. Days later, state government mandates compelled Full House to close its properties in Mississippi and Colorado.
Just four days after opening Illinois' first legal sportsbook, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines (l.) shut down for two weeks. The state's nine other riverboat casinos followed. Then the Illinois Gaming Board shut down video gaming machines across the state, all in an effort to contain the coronavirus.
Mississippi casinos were ordered to close on Monday, March 16 until further notice by the state gaming commission. The shutdown will affect most of the 10,400 employees at the 12 coastal casinos and 16,000 statewide.
After Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (l.) banned gatherings of 50 or more people, the Kansas Lottery ordered the four state-owned casinos to close through March 30.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson (l.) has closed the state's 13 casinos to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Parson ordered the shutdown through March 30.
California’s gaming halls, including casinos and card rooms, closed as one last Thursday when Governor Gavin Newsom (l.) issued a “stay-at-home” order for all state residents.
NFL Draft festivities were expected to draw 350,000 sports fans to Las Vegas next month. Covid-19 put a stop to that, but the draft itself will go on in a virtual format.
After Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (l.) banned gatherings of 100 of more people, the state's four casinos and seven racinos could limit the number of people in the buildings, including employees, or close—they chose the latter.
Following the “abundance of caution” formula, both of Rhode Island’s casinos have closed, including the Twin River Casino Hotel and Tiverton Casino Hotel.
A 100-room, five story hotel (l.) could be built overlooking the Pacific Ocean now that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of “No Significant Impact” for the project. It is a proposal of the Trinidad Rancheria of California.
At first stoutly maintaining their sovereign rights to keep their casinos (Mohegan Sun at left) open in the face of the outbreak, eventually Connecticut’s gaming tribes eventually yielded to pressure from Governor Ned Lamont. This is the first time since the 1990s that they have closed.
Tribal officials in Oklahoma changed their stance on closing casinos in response to the coronavirus in a 24-hour period. As late as March 16, tribal leaders said their casinos would remain open, but later that day, all tribes announced their casinos would close through March 31, including the state’s largest casino, Winstar (l.).
On March 20, after the first big wave of casino shutdowns across the country, Seminole casinos in Florida agreed to close as well. State Rep. Jackie Toledo had urged tribal officials to cease operations to protect the public health. As late as Friday evening, however, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming (l.) in West Miami-Dade remained open.
Most Arizona Indian casinos have closed for safety reasons, including the Desert Diamond West Valley Casino, operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation, which just opened last month. The initial closures are aimed at early April reopenings, although in this fluid situation that could change.
All of Oregon’s tribal casinos, although not under state control, have bowed to social pressure and closed. “Stay home. Be safe. The beach will be waiting,” declared one of them.
In response to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' (l.) order prohibiting gatherings of 50 or more people, several Wisconsin tribes elected to close their casinos for at least two weeks.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants statewide to close. Tribal casinos didn’t have to follow the order, but several did. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community closed its Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (l.) in Prior Lake, the state's largest, for 14 days starting March 18.
The shutdowns of tribal casinos bring to 18 the number of gaming venues in the Empire State that have closed in response to the spread of the coronavirus. The state’s four commercial casinos and eight racinos have been shuttered by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo.
In Alabama, after a patron at Wind Creek Casino in Wetumpka tested positive for coronavirus, Wind Creek Casino officials said the casino property would close March 15 for 24 hours for deep cleaning. However, "upon further consideration" they closed all three locations until March 30.
New Mexico’s casinos have closed temporarily, at least until the end of March. Casinos of the Pueblo of Pojoaque have decided to open their pantries and feed the hungry with the food that would have been used in their restaurants and buffets.
Even lotteries are taking a hit from the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. Throughout the U.S., claim centers are closing, cutting their hours of operation, or even suspending sales until further notice.
Spanish lottery operator Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado has suspended sales of all lottery tickets, both retail and online, in compliance with lockdown orders from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (l.).
Bob McMonigle, who helped build IGT into a slot manufacturing powerhouse, passed away last week in Las Vegas. He was respected member of the gaming industry and helped create the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers.
Respected tribal gaming regulator Norm DesRosiers passed away last week after a short illness. He was a member and vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission from 2007 to 2010.
Australia’s Crown Resorts has appointed Alan McGregor as its new chief financial officer. The appointment follows management changes in January that saw former CFO Ken Barton named group CEO.
The Plaza Hotel and Casino has named Shelly Brown national sales manager, responsible for attracting new corporate and travel business to the Las Vegas property.
An analyst note from JP Morgan predicts that Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. stands to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than before and in position to acquire weaker competitors.
Indian gaming conference SPiCE India, which last week planned to adhere to its originally scheduled run dates of March 25-27, has announced it will be postponed due to travel restrictions imposed by the government.
The International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) has announced that its annual International Gaming Summit will be held June 16-18 at the Culloden Estate (l.) in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The Phil-Asian Gaming Expo (PAGE) will be held at SMX Convention Centre and World Trade Center (l.) in Manila, July 30-August 1. It’s the second year for the gaming industry trade show.
WEEKLY FEATURE: Macau Closes Borders to Foreigners
