Archive: Vol-18-No-9-March-9-2020
For the first time last week, a U.S. casino closed because an employee contracted the coronavirus, and several gaming conferences have been cancelled due to the contagion. Macau has seen an uptick in visitation, but the recovery is expected to be long and slow. And late last week, Bloomberg published an article speculating that the virus could scuttle Eldorado’s purchase of Caesars. Eldorado President Tom Reeg (l.) argued that there was “zero risk” in the deal.
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WEEKLY FEATURE: Massachusetts Tribe Soldiers On
This year marks 400 years since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. Cedric Cromwell (l.), chairman of the tribe that met them there, says it’s shameful that the Mashpee Wampanoag still are not federally recognized as “Indian.” The tribe recently lost a court decision that makes their quest for a casino in the state even more unlikely.
Beijing Proposes New Measures to Stop Online Gambling
Chinese Minister of Public Security Zhao Ke Zhi (l.) says the government will uncover attempts to hide the flow of gambling funds. He’s calling for “joint strikes” in cooperation with foreign governments to shut down China-facing sites in their countries.
Florida, Seminole Agreement Unlikely
Florida House Speaker José Oliva (l.) said it's unlikely lawmakers and the Seminole Tribe will reach an agreement on a new gambling compact by the March 13 deadline. A special session on gambling may be required.
U.K. Auditor Slams Gambling Commission
The U.K. Gambling Commission has been ineffective in efforts to reduce problem gambling and addiction, according to the country’s National Audit Office and Labour MP Carolyn Harris (l.).
Is Kentucky Sports Betting Bill Losing Steam?
A bill to legalize sports betting in Kentucky looked like a shoo-in when it was introduced by Rep. Adam Koenig (l.) in January. Since then, HB 137 has languished, and the issue has split House Republicans into opposing camps.
PGA, Action Network Launch GolfBet.com
The PGA Tour and the Action Network to have launched GolfBet.com, a betting content provider, making the golf tour the first professional organization in the country to profit from sports betting in a direct way.
GLI Regulators Roundtable Packs Them In
A full house greeted speakers at GLI’s Regulators Roundtable last week in Las Vegas. Dedicated to educating new and veteran regulators on the challenges and opportunities of the gaming industry, the Roundtable featured many panels on technology, including (l. to r.) GLI Marketing VP Christie Eickleman moderating a panel with SBTech US President Melissa Riahei and Scientific Games VP Mili Dalmia.
Wynn Plans Caribbean Casino
Wynn Hotels & Resorts may build a $6 billion casino resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (l.). The U.S.-based firm would build the project in phases, and plans a total of 9,000 hotel rooms.
A Problem with Gaming Regulatory Agencies
Noted gaming industry veteran Richard Schuetz (l.), who has held positions as an operator, supplier and regulator, believes the state of gaming regulation is pitiful. He cites his own experience and his observations during his long career in gaming.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Max Meltzer, Chief Commercial Officer, Kambi
This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Max Meltzer, the chief commercial officer for the online gaming systems provider, Kambi, which has had much success since the legalization of sports betting in the U.S.
ASIAN GAMING More
Philippine Casino Group Expands, Rebrands
The Widus Hotel and Casino (l.) in the Philippines’ Clark Freeport Zone will be rebranded as the Hann Casino Resort. The change accompanies a multimillion-dollar expansion.
Donaco Reaches Settlement with Cambodian Rival
Asian casino operator Donaco International Ltd., which runs Star Vegas (l.) in Poipet, Cambodia has agreed to settle a longstanding dispute with a market rival.
Indian State Rejects Casinos
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state and home of the Taj Mahal (l.), will not welcome casino gaming any time in the near future. The current government objects based on moral grounds.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
Hilton Plans Casinos in Ukraine
U.S.-based Hilton Hotels has announced that it will spend $30 million to develop two casinos inside its property in Kyiv, Ukraine, providing the government legalizes gaming inside hotels.
ONLINE GAMING More
iGamingPlayer Is Now Live In Indiana!
iGamingPlayer.com, the leading provider of online betting information and analysis in the U.S., has partnered with three premier iGaming operators—BetRivers, BetAmerica and PointsBet—to provide legal online betting options to players in Indiana.
Report: iGaming Up in U.K.
A U.K. Gambling Commission report showed a 6 percent increase in mobile sports betting, along with a 3 percent rise in online gambling, among other revelations.
Serbia to Raise iGaming Taxes
Serbia’s Minister of Finance Siniša Mali (l.) has presented legislation that would replace the 2011 Gambling Act. Among other things, it would increase the tax rate for iGaming.
SPORTS BETTING More
In Atlantic City, A Sports Betting Snapshot
The first Sports Innovation Meetup (l.), held last week at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, examined the nascent world of legal U.S. sports betting, with an eye to educating the public on smart bets—using tried-and-true formulas combined with the latest data and technology to make those wagers.
Kansas Senate, House Bicker on Betting
The Kansas Senate has approved a sports betting bill, despite concerns that it favors companies that run the state-owned casinos. But its future remains uncertain as the House prepares to hold a hearing on its own. And Governor Laura Kelly (l.) reportedly wants more money via online lottery sales.
Massachusetts Begins Sports Betting Process
The Massachusetts House has established a framework for sports betting in the state. The amendment spells out wagering limits, specifies tax rates, and names the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as regulator.
Louisiana Tackles Sports Betting Bills
A handful of new sports betting bills will be considered by Louisiana lawmakers. Supporters say mobile betting is the way to ensure revenue competitiveness. Lawmakers may call for a parish-by-parish vote.
Georgia Holds Hearing on Sports Bets
In a Georgia Senate committee hearing on sports betting, lawmakers asked whether a constitutional amendment would be required to introduce the wagers. Pro teams like the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL playing in Mercedes Stadium (l.) in Atlanta, support efforts.
Minnesota Senate Unveils Sports Betting Bill
After failing last year, the Minnesota Senate has initiated efforts to legalize sports betting. State Senator Roger Chamberlain (l.) discussed his plan before a committee, which did not vote at this time.
Wyoming House Nixes Sports Betting
The Wyoming House has defeated legislation that would have legalized sports betting in the state. Bill sponsor Tom Walters (l.) said too many voters oppose gambling. He hopes to change their minds by next year.
South Dakota Casinos Await Voter Approval
South Dakota casinos are rooting for a referendum that could lead to legal sports betting. Governor Kristi Noem (l.) has not openly opposed the plan, which supporters see as a source of much-needed revenues.
FanDuel Livestreams NHL Games
FanDuel Sportsbook has partnered with IMG Arena to live stream NHL games using its mobile wagering app. Fans will be able to see two games a day for the rest of the regular season. Games will be out-of-market to abide by blackout restrictions in the markets FanDuel serves.
Illinois To Launch This Week
Illinois casinos will be eligible to launch week, just in time for March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournament. BetRivers at Rivers Casino (l.) in Des Plaines will be the first out of the gate.
William Hill Pivots to U.S.
Despite profits from end-of-year activity, William Hill, an established British bookmaker, sees the U.S. as its hedge against declining income in the U.K., due to the closure of more than 100 bookmakers after the maximum bets on FOBTs were lowered from ₤100 to ₤2.
NJ Track Seeks Sports Betting License
Freehold Raceway (l.) in New Jersey has taken steps to get a sports betting license, something the state’s other two tracks acquired shortly after the legalization of sports betting.
Roar Digital Launches in Indiana
A joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings, Roar Digital kicked off its sports betting app in Indiana.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Lawmakers Join Push for NYC Casinos
A $6.1 billion budget shortfall in an election year put together, they spell opportunity for deep-pocketed gaming operators like Genting, which owns a slots-only casino at Aqueduct racetrack (l.) and is pushing for full-scale casinos in New York City. But with upstate casinos struggling, how likely would it be to convince legislators to expand gaming in the state?
Utah Bill Targets ‘Fringe Gambling’
Utah state Senator Karen Mayne (l.) wants to pass a law that would excise what she calls the “cancer” of “fringe gambling.” Utah’s constitution forbids all forms of gambling, but illegal machines reportedly proliferate.
Caesars Hikes Resort Fees at Four Vegas Resorts
The Linq, Harrah’s Las Vegas, the Flamingo (l.) and Bally’s all have upped the nightly charge for hotel guests, from $35 to $37. Come April, the properties will be near the center of festivities surrounding the 2020 NFL Draft.
Could MGM Springfield Spark New Development?
The city of Springfield, Massachusetts, wants to create a downtown “casino impact district” in the area surrounding MGM Springfield (l.). The goal is to use tax incentives and zoning to encourage economic development.
Nebraska Judge Bans Historical Horseracing Machines
Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska will not be allowed to install historical horseracing machines under a temporary injunction issued by Lancaster County Judge Andrew Jacobsen. State Attorney General Doug Peterson (l.) sued to have the machines declared illegal last year.
Illinois Racing Board Members Resign
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (l.) recently asked for the resignations of Illinois Racing Board Chairman Jeffrey Brincat and commissioners Edgar Ramirez and Greg Sronce for making illegal political donations.
Vegas Casinos Hit by Suspected Ransomware Attack
Slot machines at two Las Vegas casinos were out of service for days after a suspected ransomware attack. The targets were the Four Queens Hotel and Casino (l.) and Binion’s Casino.
Puerto Rico Seeks Gaming Consultant
The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission is seeking a consultant to help it face “the challenges of a new industry” said Commission Executive Director José Maymó Azize (l.).
TRIBAL GAMING More
In New York, Oneidas Take Aim at Tax ‘Equalization’
New York’s struggling commercial casinos say they’re playing on an unlevel field because they pay higher taxes than their tribal competition. Researcher Clyde Barrow (l.), in a study commissioned by the Oneida Indian Nation, says that’s simply not true.
Connecticut Gaming Expansion Gets Second Look
A coalition of Connecticut lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to legalize sports betting, make it exclusive to the tribes and encourage them to build a casino in Bridgeport. Governor Ned Lamont (l.) counsels a less monopolistic approach, allowing lottery and OTB operators to also participate.
LOTTERY More
Mississippi Lottery Generates $16 Million
Since its November debut, the Mississippi Lottery has produced $16 million for the state. Lottery revenues up to $80 million will go toward infrastructure for the first 10 years; any balance will go toward education.
Virginia Lottery Promotes Responsible Gambling
In observance of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Virginia Lottery and the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling have broadcast a public service announcement that encourages responsible play.
PEOPLE More
Incredible Technologies Adds Team Members
Incredible Technologies has named Steve Brzezinski as account manager, Eastern Division, and Jim Esposito and Shail Patel as directors of strategic accounts and sales, Western Region.
Barton Adds Crown Director Role
Last week, Australian gaming operator Crown Resorts announced that group CEO and Managing Director Ken Barton has been appointed a director of the company.
GOODS & SERVICES More
i2c, Sightline Partner for Omnichannel Offering
Payments firm i2c is partnering with Sightline Payments to deliver cashless, mobile and omnichannel payment services to gaming resorts, state lotteries and digital betting sites.
Praesepe Includes RG Messaging on Cat C Machines
Praesepe, the Gauselmann-owned U.K. gaming operator, has added safer-gambling messaging on its digital B3 and Category C machines. Director of Compliance Amanda Kiernan (l.) called it “part of our social responsibility commitment to customers.”
VA Opens Problem Gambling Center in Vegas
The Veterans Administration has opened (l.) a gambling addiction treatment facility in Las Vegas, aimed at helping military veterans with gambling-related disorders.
PA Board Launches Problem Gaming Website
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has launched a new website that provides user-friendly access to information on recognizing and treating problem gambling.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
Novomatic to Celebrate 40th Year at NIGA
Novomatic Americas will showcase parent Novomatic AG’s 40th anniversary at NIGA’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow with its most comprehensive portfolio of gaming entertainment technology to date.
NCLGS Comes to ECGC
Members of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States, including Ohio state Senator William Coley (l.) will be among the speakers at the East Coast Gaming Conference, April 27-28 in Atlantic City.
NUTSHELL More
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