
Archive: Vol-19-No-37-September-20-2021







Numbers Predict a Record Year for NFL Betting
Whether crowds packing sportsbooks, bettors placing wagers online, and trade group predictions, 2021 promises to be a record breaker after the Covid-19 fueled doldrums of 2020. Hang on to your helmets, folks.






In Yokohama, Melco and Genting Close Up Shop
With the election of anti-casino mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Genting Singapore have ended their plans to pursue an integrated resort development in Yokohama, Japan. Melco’s project (l.) was designed by noted architect Zaha Hadid.






American Favorability Toward Gaming Grows as Industry Expands
The ongoing record-setting gaming industry recovery has been pegged to gaming’s commitment to responsibility and communities as Responsible Gaming Education Week 2021 kicks off, according to American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller (l.).






Proposed Gaming Changes Send Macau Casino Stocks into Freefall
A proposed crackdown on Macau’s gaming industry sent stocks plummeting last week for a loss of more than $18 billion in combined market value. Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong (l.) outlined the proposed changes, which are up for public comment through October.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: Surprise! MGM Wins Osaka Bid
In the runup to the bids to operate an integrated resort in Japan, MGM Resorts and its partner Orix were chosen by the government of Osaka as one of the finalists for a license. The team was the last applicant standing as others withdrew or were disqualified.
Caesars Sells William Hill Non-U.S. Operations to 888
Caesars Entertainment has sold off its William Hill non-U.S. assets to 888 Holdings for $3 billion. The deal catapults 888 into a top player in the U.K., with an additional 2 million customers.
Auditor: Crown Resorts May Not Survive Intact
For months, Australia’s Crown Resorts has endured testimony about compliance breaches, money laundering at its casinos and tax dodging. Crown has pledged a total overhaul, but that may not be enough.
U.S. Operators Deliver Upbeat Outlook
Executives of Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and Gaming & Leisure Properties delivered upbeat assessments of the outlook for the casino industry at the J.P. Morgan investor conference. But MGM’s Bill Hornbuckle’s (l/) comment about a possible purchase of Entain and the Cosmopolitan raised eyebrows.
MGE Cuts Share in Greek Venture
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has cut its majority share as investor in the Elliniko casino complex (l.) in Greece. The gaming company is either going to lower its profile or withdraw completely from the project.
Bally’s Brand Expands
The transformation of the former Twin River casinos to Bally’s properties continued last week in Rhode Islands, Illinois and Atlantic City where the company got the go-ahead to invest $100 million into Bally’s Atlantic City (l.).
AGA Announces Gaming HOF 2020, ’21 Inductees
The American Gaming Association announced the inductees for the 2020 and 2021 classes of the AGA Gaming Hall of Fame, to be celebrated during the Chairman’s Reception at G2E.
IGT Creates Digital & Betting Business Segment
IGT announced a commercial reorganization, creating a Digital and Betting business segment out of the iGaming and sports betting divisions formerly part of its Global Gaming department. The new division will be led by CEO Enrico Drago (l.).
DeSantis Seeks Dismissal of Compact Lawsuit
Attorneys for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (l.) are working to dismiss a lawsuit against the new Seminole compact, filed in July by two parimutuel owners. The Seminole Tribe also asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: China Drop-Kicks Macau
Macau casino companies lost billions of dollars in value last week, and the long-term value of their investments are questionable too. A Chinese government crackdown on gaming has Orwellian overtones, with operators compelled to possibly undermine their own industry.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Erika Nardini, Chief Executive Officer, Barstool Sports
This week, the GGB Podcast has a discussion with Erick Nardini, the CEO of Barstool Sports, on how the partnership with Penn National Gaming is going 18 months after it was announced.
ASIAN GAMING More
New RG Measure: Clocks on Macau Slots
The Macau government has mandated new player protections, with clocks to be added to slot screens by the end of 2024. The feature will flash periodically to make gamblers aware of their time at play.
Macau Golden Week Promotions in Full Force
Macau expects more than 30,000 visitors per day during the annual Golden Week holiday in the first week of October. To that end, tourism officials are rolling out promotions that emphasize the safety of travel to the SAR.
Sands China to Offer US$1.95 Billion in Senior Notes
In a plan to boost liquidity amid Covid-19 concerns, Sands China Ltd. will offer US$1.95 billion in senior notes to investors. The issue was announced August 9, on news of net losses of US$125 million.
Grand Ho Tram Strip Reopens in Vietnam
Starting last week, Vietnam’s Grand Ho Tram Strip (l.) was cleared to reopen to domestic travelers. The resort is located in a so-called “green zone,” where Covid-19 is under control.
Some of Philippines’ Richest Are Gaming Titans
A Forbes list of the richest Filipinos includes a number of people in the gaming business. They include the family of late casino tycoon Henry Sy (l.), which owns Belle Corp., an investor in City of Dreams Manila.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
U.K. Trade Group: Gambling Ads Singled Out
Michael Dugher, CEO of the U.K. Betting and Gaming Council, has complained about efforts to paint gambling ads with a sinister brush. People don’t like any ads period, he said.
Hungary Renews Gaming Concessions in No-Bid Deal
Five of the highest-grossing casinos in Hungary have been given 35-year extensions to their licenses. What's raised eyebrows among critics is that they were extended without a competitive bidding process to a company controlled in part by Istvan Garancsi (l.).
Scotland to Educate Students About Gambling Harms
An initiative in its early stages in Glasgow will teach school children about the potential harms of gambling. A pilot program is underway in some schools aimed at early intervention.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Chile Begins Bidding Process for Two Casino Licenses
The gaming regulator for Chile has begun the process of seeking bids for two casino licenses. The licenses could go to the existing Enjoy San Antonio or Enjoy Santiago casinos, or to other bidders.
Former B.C. Lottery Director Was Whistleblower
The whistleblower who led to the investigation of widespread money laundering at British Columbia, Canada, casinos, testified before the Cullen Commission recently. Ross Alderson (l.) is currently living in Australia.
Rise in Chile’s Gambling Sparks New Guidelines
Chile’s gaming regulator, alarmed by rising levels of gambling activity, has issued a new Decalogue of Good Practices of Responsible Gaming. Its purpose is to encourage responsible gambling behavior.
South Africa’s Oldest Casino Gutted by Fire
The oldest casino in South Africa has been badly damaged by fire and will be closed for at least three months. Some guests were injured but none killed in the Mmabatho Palms Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort (l.) blaze.
Brazilian Lawmakers Push Legal Gaming
Reviving and regulating casinos in Brazil is vital to the rebuilding of the country’s economy. That was the message of several Brazilian legislators who met with the head of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (l.).
Venezuelan President: Casinos Can Reopen
Casinos closed by Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez 10 years ago can reopen. The order was issued by Chavez’ successor Nicolas Maduro (l.), who hopes the 30 casinos will help revive the country’s economy.
NZ Government Pushes Back Against Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing in New Zealand has come under fire over lack of transparency and the welfare of the dogs. Without change, the future of racing is questionable
Crown Resorts’ New ‘No Jab, No Entry’ Policy
Crown Resorts has joined a growing list of gaming firms that now require all employees and patrons to receive Covid-19 vaccinations. Crown CEO Steve McCann (l.) says about half of 20,000 workers have had the jab.
ONLINE GAMING More
Indian State Poised to Ban Online Gaming
The Indian state of Karnataka is preparing to amend existing law to make online gambling illegal. The action was requested by the High Court of Karnataka. Violators would be punished by up to three years in prison.
Netherlands iGaming Group: Ad Controls Inadequate
The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) is calling for a stricter code of regulating gaming advertisement. Currently gaming ads are limited to three per commercial break, but only on the internet.
CNMI Governor Wants to Review eGaming Fee Hike
Slot parlors on the island of Saipan are closing or threatening to close after a fee increase was adopted that is doubling the license fees per machine. CNMI Governor Ralph Torres (l.) is reviewing the matter.
SPORTS BETTING More
Arizona Sports Betting in Time for NFL Kickoff
Commercial Sportsbooks in Arizona opened on September 9—just in time for the first day of the NFL season. Tribal sports books will have to wait a little longer due to a needed addendum to their gaming compacts.
NJ Regulator Warns Sportsbooks to Control Ads
David Rebuck (l.), the head of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, says if sportsbooks don't rein in advertising on their own, regulators will take action. He’s not the only one with that view.
Massachusetts Governor: Hurry, Sports Betting
Bay State Governor Charlie Baker (l.) is on a one-man campaign to get lawmakers to approve sports betting. After the first Patriot football game of the season he tweeted: “It’s time to act and get this done.”
First Washington Sportsbook Goes Live
Snoqualmie Casino became the first Indian casino in Washington state to offer a sportsbook. And it did it on the first day of the NFL season. The tribal casino is partnered with International Game Technology
Connecticut Sports Betting Agreements Now in Force
The Interior Department has OK’d the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes to offer sports betting in Connecticut. Governor Ned Lamont (l.) called it “a critical step to modernize our gaming landscape.
NHL Mum About Player Injuries, Could Hurt Betting Prospects
The NHL keeps bettors in the dark about player injuries. They bet anyway. The NHL signed a deal with Sportradar for data just as the company raised a bundle with an IPO.
Ontario Now Accepts Single-Game Bets
Single event betting got to a smooth start in Ontario Province with ProLine+ taking in more than $1 million in bets from 10 sports online. Baseball, football and soccer accounted for 80 percent.
Auditors Criticize D.C. Sports Betting
An independent auditor’s report says urgent changes are needed to boost revenue from Washington, D.C.’s sports betting operation, such as boosting odds and streamlining regulatory processes.
NY Mobile Operators Missed Kickoff, Hoping for Super Bowl
Mobile sports betting in New York State didn’t get done for the NFL kickoff, but lawmakers like Senator Joe Addabbo (l.) are sure the industry will launch in time for the Super Bowl.
Nebraska Sports Betting Could Launch Late 2021
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (l.) signed a sports betting bill in May, but wagering may not launch until late 2021. Bets only will be taken at on-site sportsbooks and bettors will not be allowed to wager on the Cornhuskers.
Sports Betting Debuts at Four Deadwood Casinos
Four Deadwood, South Dakota casinos, including the Gold Dust (l.), opened sportsbooks on September 9. Gamblers can place bets at windows or digital kiosks. Soon wagers can be placed through phone apps while the bettor is on-site.
SuperBook, University of Denver Sign Deal
The SuperBook in Colorado agreed to a multi-year deal with the University of Denver that focuses on branding, media and responsible gaming education. The partnership follows one with the University of Colorado and PointsBet.
Genius Sports Strikes Partnership Deals
Genius Sports has had a busy late summer signing partnerships with Caesars Sportsbook, WynnBET and Barstool. The deals come as the NFL season gets underway. Genius provides data and streaming.
Fubo Gets Arizona License, Deal with Jets
Upstart Fubo Gaming secured a license for online sports betting in Arizona. The company also concluded a deal with the New York Jets as a sports betting partner. The Jets added WynnBET as well.
PointsBet, NBC Sports to Debut Content
PointsBet and NBC Sports developed a partnership last year. With PointsBet named an approved NFL sportsbook, the operator will add program content with NBC Sports.
Caesars, Baltimore Ravens Sign ‘Premier Partner’ Deal
The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens has signed an agreement to become a “Premier Partner” with Caesars Sportsbook, and to expand the status of Horseshoe Baltimore as the team’s casino sponsor.
Tipico Expands Sports Betting Operations to Iowa
Malta-based Tipico will launch a mobile sports betting app in Iowa in the fourth quarter. The company formed a 10-year partnership with Caesars Entertainment to base its operations at Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf.
Rush Street Signs NFL Veteran Mark Schlereth as Brand Ambassador
Rush Street Interactive has signed Mark Schlereth, former Pro Bowl guard for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, as a brand ambassador for BetRivers.com.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
MGM to Buy Out Dubai World’s CityCenter Interest
The tempestuous pairing of Dubai World and MGM Resorts International will end soon. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has given the go-ahead for MGM to buy out Dubai World’s interest in CityCenter (l.).
Churchill Downs Silent On Arlington Buyer
Three finalists have bid on Arlington International Racecourse (l.), but owner Churchill Downs Inc. hasn’t announced a buyer. Observers said CDI is willing to sell the racetrack to a non-gaming entity to avoid competition at its Rivers Casino.
Louisiana Gaming Board Approves St. Tammany Casino
The Louisiana Gaming Board unanimously approved Pacific Peninsula Entertainment’s request to move its closed Bossier City riverboat casino to Slidell. First, St. Tammany Parish voters (l.) must approve the relocation.
Illinois Gaming Board Streamlines Licensing Process
The Illinois Gaming Board, under pressure to speed up new casino license approvals, voted to allow Administrator Morris Fruchter (l.) to authorize certain actions to avoid further delays.
Virginia Community Holds Public Hearing On Gaming Venue
A public hearing will be held September 21 in Dumfries, Virginia, where citizens can speak out on Colonial Downs’ proposed $389 million historical horseracing and entertainment center, the Rose.
Hard Rock Table Play Surpasses Horseshoe
According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, Hard Rock in Gary surpassed Horseshoe Casino in Hammond in table game win. But Horseshoe bet Hard Rock in slot play.
Plainridge Park Pitches Expansion to Massachusetts Lawmakers
Penn National Gaming, owner of Plainridge Park slot parlor, has asked Massachusetts lawmakers to let it add table games and expand its number of machines to better compete against Rhode Island casinos.
AC Council Supports Casino Smoking Ban
City Council in Atlantic City approved a resolution to support a Senate bill that closes the loophole that allows smoking on the casino floor. The casinos went smoke-free during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Mississippi’s Gulfside Announces Resort Partners
Biloxi-based Gulfside Casino Partnership announced new partnerships with five Arkansas firms to work on its proposed $254 million River Valley Casino Resort in Pope County.
Alabama Track Owners Launch Ad Campaign
The owners of Alabama’s four racetracks, including Birmingham Race Course (l.), have formed an association and launched an ad campaign highlighting the revenue the state’s losing by not allowing casino gambling, a lottery and sports betting.
Station Casinos, Culinary Clash on Casino Plan
Nevada’s powerful Culinary Union is working to halt a proposed new casino development planned by Station Casinos. Station has owned the development site on Durango Road (l.) in Las Vegas for more than 20 years.
Ocean Casino Sues Live! Philadelphia Over Slogan
Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort has sued Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia (l.) over use of the slogan “Go for the win” and its associated marketing campaign.
In Downtown Vegas, Foot Traffic Surges
Downtown Las Vegas, bucking a national trend of reduced foot traffic in casino districts, experienced a surge in foot traffic in August.
Vaccines A Must for New Hires at Resorts World
Want to work at Resorts World Las Vegas? Be prepared to get a Covid-19 vaccines. The Genting property, Las Vegas’ newest resort, has announced it will require all new hires to be inoculated.
Missouri AG Returns Campaign Donations
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (l.), who is running for U.S. Senate in 2022, returned campaign contributions from the owner of controversial video gambling company Torch Electronics.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Navajo Casinos Ponder Smoking Ban
Should Navajo Nation casinos, including Twin Arrows (l.) finally go smoke-free? Public health concerns, heightened by the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, may resolve the issue once and for all.
NY Court Sides with Cayuga Nation Over Gaming
The village of Union Springs, New York, failed once more to prove to the courts that the Cayuga Nation should not be permitted to run a gambling facility there. Village officials said municipal laws prohibit gambling.
Choctaws Mum on Stadium Rights Deal
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma leaders said they can’t reveal what the tribe paid the Texas Rangers for naming rights at the former Globe Life Park, now Choctaw Stadium (l.), according to their multi-year partnership.
Pamunkey Tribe Announces Norfolk Casino Builders
W.M. Jordan Company and Suffolk have been selected to build the Pamunkey Tribe’s $500 million casino resort (l.) in Norfolk, Virginia. The contract requires “high participation goals” for black-owned businesses.
Ho-Chunk President WhiteEagle Faces Removal
Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle (l.) has been accused of violations to the tribal constitution and could be removed from office at the next annual general council meeting.
Cherokee Approve Expanded Alcohol Sales
A majority of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina have passed a referendum allowing expanded beer and wine sales, including restaurants and hotels at the tribe’s casino properties.
California Tribe ID’s Land for Reservation, Casino
The Koi Nation of California has chosen 68 acres in Sonoma County to be its new tribal home. It plans to build the Shiloh Resort & Casino, which will have 2,500 slots, a 200-room hotel, dining and a meeting center.
PEOPLE More
Stan Mallin, of Caesars Palace and Circus Circus Fame, Dead at 98
Pioneering Las Vegas casino executive Stan Mallin (l.), who was co-creator with Jay Sarno of the Caesars Palace and Circus Circus casinos, has died at 98.
Ainsworth Names Harald Neumann CEO
Ainsworth Game Technology has named Harald Neumann (l.), former CEO of Ainsworth majority-owner Novomatic Group, as Ainsworth’s new chief executive officer.
EveryMatrix Names Lin CFO
EveryMatrix has named venture capital and equity expert Anton Lin as its new chief financial officer, where he will oversee performance across all business units.
Mohegan Gaming Names Madigan COO
Jody Madigan (l.) is the new chief operating officer for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. Madigan was GM of Paragon Casino and Resort in Louisiana while it was being managed by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
Paul Mallon Leaves Paddy Power After 10 Years
Paul Mallon headed the Mischief Making Department at Paddy Power sportsbook. The name refers to the high impact ad campaigns. Mallon will join ad agency Lucky Generals.
Lauren Jones Joins French Lick Marketing Team
Lauren Jones, former WAVE3 anchor and meteorologist and Covid-19 survivor, has joined the marketing team at French Lick Resort Casino in Indiana. She will emcee events and oversee social media for the venue.
Former CT Lottery Director Won’t Lobby for IGT
The former director of the Rhode Island Lottery, Gerald Aubin (l.), after retiring in 2020 considered becoming a lobbyist for IGT. He considered that position and opted not to work for the company he once regulated.
Wipfli Names Geer to Lead Tribal Consulting Practice
The accounting firm Wipfli has named Suresh Geer (l.) to lead its national tribal consulting practice. Geer brings 21 years of experience in tribal finance, including leadership roles with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Daniel Lovecek Joins Senet Advisory Firm
Daniel Lovecek, the former general counsel of wagering & media for Tabcorp, has joined former colleague Julian Hoskins at the gambling advisory firm Senet.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Acres Launches Cashless ‘Wallet’
Acres Manufacturing Company has officially launched Acres Wallet, a mobile setup blending cashless payments with loyalty and bonusing in real-time casino environments. COO Noah Acres (l.) says the wallet focuses on player incentives.
Quarter4 Launches Real-Time Predictions for NFL, NCAA
Sports analysis firm Quarter4 has announced the launch of its NFL and NCAAF predictions for the 2021 season. Quarter4 says it analyzes 250,000 layers of statistical data and other variables to make it forecasts.
Strive Gaming OK’d in Colorado
Strive Gaming has been approving for a temporary vendor license by the Colorado Gaming Control Commission. The player platform business said it expects to grow quickly in the U.S. and Canada
Paltronics Acquires SkyWire
Paltronics Australasia, an Australian gaming and hospitality technology solution provider, has acquired SkyWire Point of Sale, Spa and Activities Scheduling assets from SkyWire Media Inc.
LeoVegas Strengthens Safer Gaming via AI
LeoVegas Group has released a new layer of AI-power messaging aimed at informing players about safer gambling. The messages, delivered by the PinkCasino, BetUK and 21.co.uk brands will be individually tailored.
BMM Celebrating 40th at G2E
BMM Testlabs will celebrate its 40th year of operations at this year’s Global Gaming Expo October 4-7 in Las Vegas, the company’s CEO has announced.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
G2E to Feature Hornbuckle, Maddox in Keynote
The Global Gaming Expo announced that MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle and Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox (l.) will be featured in a keynote address Wednesday, October 6.
NJ Governor Murphy, Former Penn CEO Wilmott Featured at ECGC
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (l.) has been announced as a keynote speaker at the East Coast Gaming Congress & NextGen Gaming Forum in Atlantic City next month.
Soo Kim to Deliver Keynote at SBC Summit
Bally's Corp. Chairman Soo Kim will deliver the keynote address at the SBC Summit North America, November 30-December 2 at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.
NCPG Announces 2922 Conference Dates
The National Council on Problem Gambling announced the dates and formats for the 2022 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gaming, to be held in Boston July 20-23, 2022.
THEY SAID IT More
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