The coronavirus pandemic left Macau’s casinos largely deserted last week, during a Lunar New Year holiday that should have been their busiest season of the year. Visitation was down almost 70 percent as China closed its borders to outbound travel, trying to halt the spread of the deadly disease. And the virus is continuing to spread meaning the impact will last far longer than Chinese New Year.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that Americans wagered $6.8 billion on the NFL championship game Sunday, in which the Kansas City Chiefs vanquished the San Francisco 49ers 31-20, winning the Lombardi trophy for the first time in 50 years. A reported 100 million Americans tuned in to see the historic contest; according to data from the AGA, 3 million more American adults were expected to wager on the game than in 2019.
In Japan, just one-fifth of people responding to an Asahi Shimbun survey favor moving ahead with plans to build three multibillion-dollar integrated resorts in the country. Many residents have been disillusioned with the nascent industry since a handful of politicians including Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto (l.) were named in an IR-related corruption scandal.
Bills originating in the Hawaii Senate would create a Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corp. If approved, the legislation would end the Aloha State’s long ban on any form of gaming. Chief proponents of the landmark move are two state senators, Gilbert Keith-Agarian (l.) and Dru Kanuha.
A sweeping bill that would allow land-based casinos, online gambling, sports betting and lotteries in Ukraine has passed in its first parliamentary vote. It must pass two more readings in the Verkhovna Rada before going to President Volodymyr Zelensky (l.) for his signature.
Penn National Gaming has announced it will acquire a 36 percent interest in digital sports media company Barstool Sports, Inc., for approximately $163 million in cash and convertible preferred stock. The regional casino company is apparently targeting Barstool’s demographics, skewing much younger and more male than Penn’s current customer base.
Crown Resorts Executive Chairman John Alexander (l., with former Crown honcho James Packer) has resigned, and others in the Australian company’s executive ranks are also casualties of a regulatory inquiry into Crown’s suitability to hold a gaming license in Sydney, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s suitability as a major shareholder.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt recently asked a federal judge to order 30 tribes to stop offering Class III gambling. Four tribes have now sued the governor, who claims the state gaming compact ended January 1; tribes contend the compact automatically rolled over. Stitt is now asking a federal judge to back him up.
The proliferation of video games has permeated society to such an extent that almost all children and adolescents play. And increasing numbers of young adults are also playing, and playing longer. What does this mean, and how could it impact addictions to these games? Two attorneys from North Carolina, Madeline Campbell and Kurt Weaver, explain.
The pandemic raising fears in Asia and around the world has far outpaced the SARS scare of 2003, and is putting a chokehold on Macau gaming (though gambling continued to flourish, albeit illegally, online during the Lunar New Year). Where’s the upbeat news lately? REITs.
This week the GGB Podcast features Brooks Pierce, the president and chief operating officer of Inspired Entertainment, on the growth and potential of his innovative gaming technology company.
The Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the country’s gaming regulator have signed an agreement to help prevent money laundering and terrorism financing in online and land-based casinos. Sharing information “is important in supporting financial investigations,” said AMLC Chairman Benjamin E. Diokno (l.).
A planned sale of Casino Canberra in Australia has been tabled by the property’s owner, Aquis Entertainment. Aquis had offered Canberra for $32 million to Blue Whale Entertainment Pty Ltd. The deal fell through when Blue Whale failed to provide enough documents to ACT regulators
Finland's state gaming monopoly, Veikkaus, signed a multimillion-euro deal with a multinational gaming firm without undergoing a competitive bidding process, according to Finnish media. IGT got an eight-year deal with multiple options for renewal.
Horse Racing Ireland has reported a 6.6 percent increase in revenue in 2019, turnaround a ten-year decline. Brian Kavanagh, HIR chief executive, said the success requires long-term funding to assist the industry. Attendance at tracks rose more than four percent in 2019 while prize money grew 17 percent.
Anti-gaming forces have attacked operator Betway for an alleged lack of transparency about ownership and its use of incentives. By extension, critics have pointed a finger at the U.K. Gambling Commission for failing in its duty with respect to the company. The commission denies the charge.
Political parties in Ireland are delivering manifestos on curbing gambling abuses prior to the February 8 election. They all promise some sort of regulation to deal with problem gambling, including age restrictions, cooling off periods and a credit card ban.
A Brazilian delegation led by Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (l.), son of President Jair Bolsonaro, recently called on Las Vegas Sands CEO Rob Goldstein during a trip to Nevada. Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson has long stumped for casinos in Brazil, and has said he’d willingly invest.
In response to concerns about problem gambling, the Provincial Administration of Games of Chance (AJALaR) for La Rioja, Argentina is considering cutting casinos’ operating hours, and possibly raising taxes, according to Ramón Vera, the new administrator (l.).
Scientific Games Corp. and DraftKings are launching SG’s OpenGaming platform in New Jersey, including SG’s entire library of U.S.-available slot machine titles. Dylan Slaney (l.) of SG Digital said the alliance “will bring players the best online gaming experiences available today.”
The Dutch Council of State has ruled in favor of national gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in a case concerning the use of text-based promotions for online games of chance.
The Indiana Pacers join the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden as partners with DraftKings sportsbooks. The partnerships help promote sports betting, thus increase fan engagement on the outcomes of games, including in-play wagers.
Two competing bills would set up sports betting in Washington. One, supported by the state’s largest casino owner, Eric Persson’s (l.) Maverick Gaming, would spread the benefits among many stakeholders. The other, supported by gaming tribes, would give them a monopoly on sportsbooks.
A Kansas Senate committee heard testimony on legalizing sports betting at the state's four casinos and via mobile devices. Sports betting legislation failed last year, but estimates show it would generate $500 million annually.
In Missouri, House Bill 2088, sponsored by state Rep. Dan Shaul (l.), has passed a House committee. It would allow the Missouri Lottery Commission to oversee video lottery machines and sports betting. Shaul estimates the video lottery games could generate up to $400 million after five years, and sports gambling could produce $100 million after two years
Despite hosting consecutive Super Bowls, Florida is a long way from capitalizing on sports betting. Blame the lack of a viable compact with the Seminole Tribe and Amendment 3, which requires voter approval for new gaming. According to gaming law expert Marc Dunbar (l.), the amendment “closed the door on the legislature’s ability to unilaterally expand gambling.”
New Jersey Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (l.) has introduced legislation that would expand sports betting to include electronic competitions. Caputo said the expansion mirrors the growing interest throughout the state and country for these types of video games. The state DGE has already permitted such wagers on eSports in the past.
Southland Casino Racing (l.) has become the latest casino in Arkansas to offer a sportsbook. The casino took wagers on a variety of competitions beginning January 28, becoming the third in the state to offer sports betting. Slot manufacturer IGT has signed on to provide the sportsbook.
Remote sports betting is not mentioned in New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s (l.) proposed budget, the spending plan that largely outlines the legislature’s agenda for the year ahead. “Frustrating” is how one state senator describes the governor’s continuing resistance.
Betfred USA Sports sportsbook opened its doors inside the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort (l.) in Larchwood, Iowa on January 29. The sportsbook offers mobile and internet betting and includes an array of amenities from multiple screens to loungers to a bar and food service.
A month after the release of Phase I of its sports betting rules, the Illinois Gaming Board issued Phase II in a comprehensive plan to expand gaming in the state. The sports wagering bill coincides with plans to grant six new casino licenses and up to four racetracks with casino licenses. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (l.) signed sports betting into law in 2019.
SBTech, the Maltese company that won the right to operate Oregon’s sportsbook app last year, is very reluctant to share details of its state contract—so reluctant that it’s sued everyone involved to prevent news media from learning much the state pays.
Just in time for the Super Bowl, the Greenbrier Resort (l.) in West Virginia announced a sports betting app partnership with BetMGM, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC. The Greenbrier already partners with FanDuel. West Virginia's five casinos are allowed up to three sports betting and online casino partnerships; three casinos do not offer mobile sports betting.
Nigel Adams (l.), the U.K. Minister for Sports and Digital, promises examine football’s role in gambling addiction as part of his review of the 2005 Gambling Act. Adams may seek to characterize such sponsorship in the same vein as tobacco.
Rab Douglas (l.), a former soccer goalkeeper, has warned that gambling among players in Scotland is rampant. He went so far to claim some check bets during half-times. A coach, Douglas called on the Scottish Football Association to take steps to correct the situation.
Sportsbook operators in Las Vegas and Atlantic City suspended NBA betting on news that Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant had died in a January 26 helicopter crash. Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City (l.) honored Bryant by lighting up its rooftop globe as a basketball. Other casinos offered their own tributes.
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. said the city is negotiating with Carl Icahn, owner of the shuttered Trump Plaza (l.), to demolish the abandoned property, and that the city is going to be “aggressive” in tearing down other eyesores. Trump Plaza has been closed since 2014, a year when AC saw the loss of three other casinos: the Atlantic Club, Showboat and Revel.
Wyoming state Senator Ogden Driskill (l.) says the Wild West style of gaming in the Cowboy State is creating an anarchic situation, where few people know what’s legal and what isn’t. The situation calls for creation of a gaming commission, says Driskill, which can bring the disparate elements under one tent.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott (l.) has proposed a state budget that includes revenues from sports betting and keno. Leaders in the House are not enthusiastic, although some senators like adding sports betting to the mix.
Nine years after casino developers promised Massachusetts lawmakers the state could expect $400 million in gaming tax revenues a year, it appears the market has peaked at a much lower level. Governor Charlie Baker (l.) is projecting a 3.75 percent decline over last year’s gaming taxes in his new proposed budget.
Rhode Island-based Twin River World Holdings (TRWH) has finalized a deal with Affinity Gaming to purchase three properties in Colorado (including Golden Gulch, l., in Black Hawk) for $51 million. It has also announced a partnership with FanDuel to offer sports betting at all its casinos in the state.
An independent report commissioned by the Rhode Island legislature questions the 20-year lottery contract Governor Gina Raimondo (l.) negotiated with International Game Technology (IGT). It points out that most such contracts are for 10 years and that the state stands to pay more money than it should have to.
What does Atlantic City need to succeed in an uber-competitive gaming landscape? According to a panel of Atlantic City casino executives, it needs to clear out the city’s many blighted neighborhoods, improve transportation, and move drug treatment and homeless centers off the main drag.
The Indiana Gaming Commission postponed its February 7 meeting, where it was expected to approve Spectacle Entertainment's Vigo County casino license. Instead, the commission is investigating the casino company in connection with a political consultant's recent plea of guilty to federal charges of making illegal campaign contributions. Spectacle owns the Majestic Star casino on Lake Michigan.
Mississippi's 12 coastal casinos including Harrah’s Gulf Coast (l.) set a record in 2019 with gross gaming revenue of $1.3 billion, up $74 million over 2018. The state's total was $2.2 billion, up $74 million over $2.127 in 2018. Total sportsbook handle in November was $56.369, falling to $49.076 million in December due to the end of the SEC football regular season.
Kentucky state Rep. Adam Koenig (l.) has introduced HB 137, legalizing sports betting, fantasy sports and online poker. A similar measure failed to pass last year. The bill limits sports betting to racetracks and other sports venues, imposes more regulations on fantasy sports and taxes online poker revenue at 6.75 percent.
Developer Bart Blatstein has sold the Playground pier complex in Atlantic City back to Caesars Entertainment, the company he bought it from five years ago. Blatstein was unable to make the mix of entertainment and retailers work. The sale will enable Blatstein to concentrate on his efforts to convert the Showboat into a casino.
VICI Properties, the real estate investment trust spun off from Caesars Entertainment in 2017, has closed on its $843 million purchase of Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown racino (l.) from Jack Entertainment. VICI will lease the properties back to Jack for $65.9 million in total annual rent in a 15-year deal with four renewal options.
Upstate New York’s four commercial casinos were never billed for $13 million in combined regulatory fees, a state audit has uncovered. Among those in arrears: Rivers Resort & Casino in Schenectady (l.) The New York Gaming Commission, which was supposed to do the billing, says the fees will ultimately be paid.
It’s not that Sin City wants to be thought of as less sinful. It just wants a slight twist in the wording. “We kept the essence of it,” says marketing guru Billy Vassiliadis of the city’s new slogan.
Glenn Straub, former owner of the Revel casino-hotel on Atlantic City’ Boardwalk, was arrested in Florida on felony fraud charges for filing fraudulent construction liens against a former girlfriend.
Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts all made it to Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” for 2020. Of the three, Sands ranked highest, at No. 4 in the Hotels, Casinos and Resorts category.
Atari, manufacturers of 1970s-era video games including Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Mario Bros., is now opening a chain of branded hotels to serve gamers. The first one, in Phoenix, Arizona, will start construction in early fall, and should be finished in about two years.
Connecticut state Senator Cathy Osten (l.) has reintroduced a bill authorizing negotiations with the state’s two gaming tribes, who want to build a casino in Bridgeport. Osten says the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes “are two of our top employers and top revenue generators.”
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is appealing to Congress to pass the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Settlement Act. Since the Supreme Court failed to act on its last appeal, H.R. 759 is its last chance for legally operating a casino in the Lone Star State.
Sequoyah Simermeyer (l.), recently sworn in as chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, has announced the publication of a new NIGC Bulletin on Sports Books.
Legislation allowing a state lottery to fund education will be introduced by Alabama state Rep. Steve Clouse (l.) in the session starting February 4. Alabama is one of just five states without a lottery. Previous efforts to pass a lottery bill have failed due to opposition to gambling and turf battles over electronic gambling machines.
Czech lottery Sazka Group AS, owned by businessman Karel Komarek (l.), is asking the European Commission to investigate a new tax on lotteries that allegedly unfairly grants a state subsidy to other gaming services.
Australian company Tabcorp Holdings expects to prepare a bid for the 2023 National Lottery contract. Tabcorp joins two other confirmed suitors for the contract. Tabcorp’s interest comes amid charges it failed to deliver value for the A$11 billion (US$7.4 billion) merger with rival Tats Group.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has appointed Brenda Scolari (l.) to head the state Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Scolari has effectively run the cabinet-level agency as acting director for more than a year. In granting her the post officially, Sisolak praised her “creativity, managerial skills and sophistication.”
Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica Mississippi has announced the appointment of Brandon Dardeau as president and chief operating officer. Dardeau, formerly vice president of marketing at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, replaces the outgoing David Tsai (l.), who is moving to MGM Grand Detroit.
Las Vegas oddsmaker Michael “Roxy” Roxborough will be inducted into the Sports Betting Hall of Fame at the second Betting on Sports America trade show in New Jersey in April. Roxborough founded Las Vegas Sports Consultants and co-founded American Wagering Inc.
The Pennsylvania Lottery is taking interstate lotto games Powerball and Mega Millions online, after flat results for this year compared to a record year in 2018-19. The move is “part of our effort to appeal to new customers and meet our players where they already are—which is online,” said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko.
Tom Delacenserie, president and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corp., has announced he will retire March 6. Since he joined in 2017, lottery sales have hit record levels each year, growing to more than $1.1 billion. Kentucky Lottery Chief Operating Officer Marty Gibbs will serve as interim president and chief executive officer.
The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain (l.) has picked Scientific Games to supply a complete SG Systems Solution, along with player-favorite slot and table games.
Italy's largest, oldest casino has installed Novomatic’s innovative casino management and biometric access system at its two locations. Along with modern access control, the system offers innovative jackpot solutions, bonus programs and e-wallet functionalities.
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA), an advisor on electronic gaming machine technology and digital infrastructure for the casino and betting industries, is changing its name to reflect its worldwide role.
Konami Gaming, Inc. has announced R2 Gaming as its exclusive service partner throughout Canada. Konami and R2 have expanded their 15-year distribution partnership to include service and support for all provinces.
Scientific Games Corp. last week announced that it launched its newest hot slot, Ultra Hot Mega Link, at an exclusive player event hosted by Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada.
MGA Games and Iforium have signed a content agreement under which MGA titles will be available on gaming sites around the world using the Iforium Gameflex platform.
Genius Sports Media has partnered with OtherLevels to create a seamless solution for acquisition, engagement and retention across inbound and outbound channels.
The Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will feature two units of the famous Silver Strike slot machine from the 1980s, which offers the option of being paid in silver-clad collector coins.
One week before its first appearance at ICE 2020, being held in London this week, Game Payment Technology’s (GPT) cashless payments app confirmed it has made an agreement with a major U.K. acquirer.
Global sportsbook operator PointsBet has entered an exclusive primary skin agreement with Kansas Crossing Casino (l.) in Pittsburg, Kansas. The agreement allows PointsBet to provide retail and online sports wagering in the Sunflower State, pending regulatory approvals.
PlayOn, developed by ACS, has found a home at the D Las Vegas, the Strat, and several Station Casinos resorts. The debit card-based platform is winning high marks from all of them on the strength of its efficiency and the convenience it provides their customers.
Skillzzgaming studio has introduced its new Match-3 game genre, which combines elements of casual gaming and real-money games. Its portfolio currently includes five titles. More games are expected in the coming months.
Spinola Gaming has created a new jackpot insurance product designed to give casino game suppliers access to higher jackpots. The product, called Apex, helps casino providers amplify their content with the biggest jackpots now available.
Olympic gold medalist and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, will deliver a special keynote address at ICE London this week. Bolt will speak to conference attendees on Wednesday, February 5. And Tom Watson, former deputy leader of the UK’s Labour Party.
Members of the Global Market Advisors (GMA) Leadership Team including Steve Gallaway (l.) will be on hand at ICE 2020 in London to speak on various gaming- and hospitality-related topics, from land-based and online betting to sports betting, esports, virtual games, and more, including legislation and regulatory matters.
Everi Holdings Inc. will showcase its portfolio of solutions at this week’s ICE trade show in London. Among the products on display will be CasinoDirect Concierge (l.), a personalized mobile cash access service for VIPs and table game players.
The 24th Annual East Coast Gaming Congress & NexGen Gaming Forum, to be held at Harrah’s Atlantic City (l.) will feature keynote speeches by chief executives of eight gaming companies who will address an array of critical issues, from the future of mobile sports betting to the expansion of land-based gaming.
Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. will be exhibiting a complete lineup of products at Stand #S5-150 of this week’s ICE London trade show in London’s ExCeL Centre. The lineup will include innovative games and cabinets.
Ukrainian Gaming Week (UKG) 2020 will be held March 11-12 at the International Exhibition Centre in Kiev, Ukraine. The event will feature a conference, a two-day exhibition, and presentations by experts on the country’s new gaming legislation and its practical aspects.
