
Archive: Vol-19-No-44-November-8-2021







Veterans At Greater Risk for Problem Gambling
Research shows that military service members, both active-duty and retired, are at greater risk for problem gambling. A recent study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, calls for more screening and improved access to treatment.






D.C. Sports Betting Struggles to Find Its Footing
In 2020, Washington D.C. launched GambetDC as its mobile sportsbook. Revenues fell far short of expectations, and when commercial sportsbooks opened at pro sports stadiums, the differences were even more glaring. What’s the problem—and more importantly, what’s the solution?






Who Won GGB’s Gaming & Technology Awards?
Global Gaming Business presents the winners of the 20th annual GGB Gaming & Technology Awards. Don’t miss this special video commemorating the best products and services in the casino industry.






November Surprise: Voters Defeat Richmond Casino, NJ College Wagers
In unexpected decisions on November 2, voters in Richmond, Virginia defeated a major casino proposal, and New Jerseyans made it plain they want no further expansion of gaming in that state. Here’s a rundown of those and other results from last week’s elections.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: IGT Legend Mathewson Dies at 93
Chuck Mathewson, who led IGT to sustained dominance of the slot market while serving as the company’s chairman from 1986 to 2003, has died at age 93.
Two Strip Properties For Sale
The two dominant players on the Las Vegs Strip, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, have both indicated that they plan to sell one of the properties there. While Caesars hasn’t identified the specific resort, MGM last week announced the Mirage (l.) is on the block.
Japan IRs Get A Boost in Recent Election
Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (l.) secured a healthy majority in the House in the November general election. That was good news for the country’s nascent IR industry, which the new PM supports.
California Tribes: No Compromise on Sports Betting
California tribes have come out against two sportsbook plans that could challenge their own at the ballot next year. Their stance seems to close the door on a compromise among tribes and commercial interests. Anthony Roberts (l.), chairman of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, says the measures would be bad for California and for tribes.
Packer Willing to Slash Crown Stake
Billionaire James Packer (l.), Crown Resorts’ controlling shareholder, denies any knowledge of money laundering at the company’s casinos, but is willing to sharply reduce his ownership stake, now at 37 percent.
Report: Nevada Tourism Getting Back on Track
A new report shows that tourism to the Silver State is improving steadily by the month. Summer saw “historically strong numbers,” said the head of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.
Florida, Louisiana Roll Out Sports Betting
With little fanfare, Florida kicked off legal sports betting on November 1 with retail and online betting (l.). The low-key launch coincided with several legal attempts to wrest control from the Seminole Tribe, whose new compact gives them exclusive rights to mobile betting in the state. Louisiana launched its new industry the day before, with a little more ballyhoo
Allen Named Chairman of AGA
The American Gaming Association last week named Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen (l.) as the next board chairman. CEO Bill Miller gets a contract extension.
NC Chief Slams House Support of Lumbee Tribe
Chief Richard Sneed (l.) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has slammed the U.S. House for its support of Lumbee Indian recognition. Federal recognition could lead to a Lumbee casino in North Carolina.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Reality Check
The pink cloud of excitement around sports betting and the global recovery has abated. Investors are in sell-off mode, a lot of bullish quarterly predictions fell flat, and it’s back to a world where stocks sell on fundamentals.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Paul Steelman, Founder and President, Steelman Partners
This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Paul Steelman, the founder and president of Steelman Partners, to discuss his role in the design of the new Genting project on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas.
ASIAN GAMING More
Macau Struggles to Get Off the Mat
Macau posted the worst-ever gross gaming revenues for October due to a Covid surge that killed Golden Week. Barring new viral cases, gaming analysts hope for the start of a bounce-back in November.
Macau Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Ho in Prostitution Case
Late last month, Macau’s Court of Final Appeal upheld an eight-year prison sentence for Alan Ho (l.), former director of the Hotel Lisboa, for exploitation of prostitution.
Star Entertainment to Sell, Lease Back Brisbane Casino
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has announced it will sell its Treasury Casino Hotel (l.) in Brisbane, then lease it back for 30 years from investment firm Charter Hall.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
Northern Ireland Updates Gaming Code
Northern Ireland is revamping its gaming laws for the first time in 35 years. The minister in charge, Deirdre Hargey (l.) is calling for a Mandatory Code of Practice to be added to the updated laws.
Mayfair Casino Guilty of Discrimination
A black dealer at the fashionable Crown London Aspinalls casino (l.) in Mayfair has won a discrimination suit against her employer. She was told she couldn’t deal because a patron wanted white dealers only.
LeoVegas Penalized for Violating Money Laundering Requirements
The Danish Gaming Authority Spillemyndigheden has fined the online casino company LeoVegas for violating the country’s anti-money laundering regulations. It found five violations in a 20-player sampling.
GLOBAL GAMING More
CNMI Court OKs Sale of Saipan Casino Equipment
A U.S. court has ordered all gaming equipment owned by Imperial Pacific International to be sold. The Saipan casino operator arrived with promises of international tourism and increased prosperity, but now is insolvent.
ONLINE GAMING More
Everi Digital Releases Games in Connecticut
Everi Digital has released three-reel mechanical slot themes to online casinos in Connecticut for the first time, bringing the total of states served to nine.
Scientific Games Enters Live Casino Market
Scientific Games has acquired Authentic Gaming, a leading provider of premium live casino iGaming solutions, to move into the live casino market for the first time.
Rush Street Launches ‘RushArena’
Rush Street Interactive has launched “RushArena,” a proprietary multi-player tournament engine that allows head-to-head competition between online players.
Sweden Removes Deposit Cap on iGaming
Sweden’s gaming regulator Spelinspektionen will drop its controversial deposit cap on November 14. However, the regulator has been told to “evaluate” other consumer protection measures.
Flutter Claims Dutch Withdrawal Will Cost £50 Million
Flutter Entertainment has said it will lose £50 million through its temporary exit from the Netherlands’ online gaming market. It is leaving only to return, and plans to apply for a license to operate legally
SPORTS BETTING More
Maryland Sports Betting Stalled Again
The launch of sports betting in Maryland was delayed once again when the state panel set up to approve applications asked for more information from applicants. Governor Larry Hogan (l.) signed the sports betting bill in May.
Ohio Lawmakers Near Sports Betting Deal
Legislators in the Buckeye State say they’re close to a deal for legal sports betting. It’s been two years and still several bills are competing in both chambers, but Senate President Matt Huffman (l.) said he’s “optimistic.”
Wyoming Sports Betting Off to a Good Start
The first month of mobile-only sports betting in Wyoming was promising. Operators launched September 1 and took in $6.2 million in wagers, according to the state gaming commission.
Illinois Lawmakers Vote to Allow College Sports Betting, Remote Signups
The Illinois legislature with a super majority passed an amendment to its state betting law that allows betting on college athletic contests and the end of the in-person registration requirement. All that remains for the bill to become law is the signature of Governor J.B. Pritzker (l.).
Connecticut Now 9th Largest Sportsbook Market in the U.S.
Connecticut’s first week of sports betting began October 19, including at the FanDuel sports book at Mohegan Sun (l.), and propelled the state market into ninth place in the U.S. Connecticut has now passed Colorado, which has 2.2 million more residents.
BetMGM Adds NFL’s Johnson as Newest Ambassador
Last week, iGaming and sportsbook company BetMGM announced the signing of former Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (l.) as its newest brand ambassador.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Illinois Track Closes to Make Way for NFL
Arlington International Racecourse (l.)will no longer run races. The track owner expects to sell the land to the Chicago Bears for a new stadium in the suburbs. But Chi-town will put a full court press to keep the team.
Mets Owner in Talks for NY Casino
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen (l.) is angling for one of NYC’s first casino licenses. Cohen wants to build a casino right next to Citi Field Stadium in Queens, and is already talking to the Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Hard Rock to Invest $70 Million in Cincinnati Hotel
Hard Rock has committed to invest $70 million to add a 300-room hotel to its resort in downtown Cincinnati. It’s part of the company’s plans to rebrand the former JACK Casino into a regional destination.
Greyhound Racing to End in Iowa Next Year
Iowa will see its last greyhound season and last greyhound race in May 2022. Then the Iowa Greyhound Park (l.) in Dubuque will close. Greyhound racing has been in decline in the state for 20 years.
Bally’s Begins Three-Year Overhaul in Atlantic City
In an efforts to rejuvenate one of the oldest casino hotels in Atlantic City, Bally’s Corp. has embarked on a $100 million upgrade of its namesake property, with renovated hotel rooms, new slots and other entertainment.
Poker Is Back at MGM Springfield
The MGM Springfield Casino (l.) in Massachusetts has reopened its poker room. The poker room was closed for 18 months due to Covid. It will have 13 tables that can each support up to nine cash players.
Oakland A’s: Viva Las Vegas
The Oakland A’s baseball team still are interested in relocating to Las Vegas, even as the team negotiates with its home city in California. A’s brass have sent surveys to fans of the AAA affiliate Las Vegas Aviators.
Station’s Newest Casino Priced at $750 Million
In a quarterly earnings call last week, Station Casinos executives said they won’t sell the three casinos they closed during the pandemic, and also disclosed a price tag for their planned Durango Drive casino: $750 million.
Las Vegas Becoming a Leader in Sustainability
Sin City resorts have embraced sustainability as a business practice. At Caesars Entertainment properties alone, almost 20 tons of recyclables are removed from the trash on busy weekends.
NAB Will Return to Las Vegas in 2022
The National Association of Broadcasters will return for a four-day convention in Las Vegas next April. The 2020 show was one of the first major trade shows to be shut down by Covid-19.
Ellis Park to Open HHR Venue in Kentucky Mall
The Ellis Park racetrack plans to open a new historical horse racing machine venue in the Towne Square Mall development in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Resorts World Las Vegas Buys Luxury Airliner
Resorts World Las Vegas has added a new deluxe amenity: a 262-seat Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The jet will be used for corporate travel and high-value resort guests, including charters.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Poarch Band Finalist for Chicago Casino
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, owner of Wind Creek Hospitality and its 10 gaming properties, is a finalist for the license to operate a casino in Chicago’s south suburbs.
Osage Nation Plans Ozarks Hotel, Casino
Oklahoma’s Osage Nation is planning to develop an entertainment district at the Lake of the Ozarks that will include a hotel complex featuring a casino and a slate of non-gaming amenities.
Oregon Tribes Say Racetrack is Illegal Casino
A racetrack with an entertainment center that offers historical racing machines proposed by coffee billionaire Travis Boersma (l.) is proposed for Grants Pass Oregon. Six gaming tribes call the plan a violation of law.
Supreme Court Ruling Expands Untaxed Tribal Land in OK
A recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court expanded Indian Country to about half of Oklahoma. That also means that tribal members who live within that territory won’t have to pay state income or sales taxes.
Michigan Tribe Seeks Approval for Casino
The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians seeks the approval of Governor Gretchen Whitmer to build a $180 casino at Fruitport Township. The project would convert the defunct Great Lakes Downs Racetrack.
San Manuel Continue Yaamava’ Expansion
The reopening of the acclaimed Pines Modern Steakhouse (l.) at the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in California is a “another milestone” in the expansion of the property, according to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Spokane Tribe Opens Expanded Casino Floor
The Spokane Tribe of Washington November 1 opened its additional casino floor: Phase 2 of its $400 million expansion. It will eventually include a hotel, dining, retail shopping and an entertainment center.
LOTTERY More
IGT to Modernize French Lottery System
IGT has signed a seven-year agreement with the operator of the French National Lottery to upgrade the current lottery central system with the advanced Aurora platform.
PEOPLE More
Tennessee Sports Betting Head On the Job
Tennessee lawmakers have transferred control of sports betting in the state from the Tennessee Lottery to the Sports Wagering Advisory Council. Mary Beth Thomas (l.) assumed the executive director role on November 1.
Exec Team Named for Foxwoods El San Juan
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and LionGrove have named a leadership team for the Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. Their partnership is reviving the stately old landmark that was empty for years.
Wogoman Joins NCPG
Cole Wogoman, who served as legislative counsel to D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh, has joined the National Council on Problem Gambling as government relations manager.
Win Systems Adds to Team
Gaming industry provider Win Systems has added Elias Kostopoulos (l.) as its business development director of public gaming systems, and Javier Morales as the sales manager for the systems division in Spain.
New Hires at Washington Casino
Angel of the Winds Casino in Arlington, Washington, has announced the appointments of a new chief people officer and chief technology officer. Stephen Heise and Allen Kreger are gaming industry veterans.
PointsBet Adds Chris Simms to Talent Roster
Former NFL quarterback and broadcaster Chris Simms has added his talent to PointsBet sportsbook. Simms will create sports betting content. He will also retain his position with NBC Sports.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Aristocrat to Produce NFL-Themed Slots
The National Football League and Aristocrat Gaming have announced an exclusive slot machine licensing agreement under which Aristocrat will produce NFL-themed slot machines.
Kambi Signs Sportsbook Deal with Desert Diamond
Kambi Group has signed a multi-channel agreement to provide its sportsbook to Desert Diamond’s three Arizona properties, with a mobile sportsbook to follow.
IGT Publishes Global Responsible Gaming Policy
IGT has announced the launch of its worldwide policy on responsible gaming, dedicating itself to “promoting fair play” and complying with RG regulations in its operations in more than 100 countries, according to IGT Senior Vice President Wendy Montgomery (l.).
Sands China, Bank of China Launch Branded Credit Card
Sands China Ltd. and the Bank of China Macau Branch have officially launched their BOC Sands Lifestyle UnionPay credit card. The credit card, aimed at Macau residents, offers rewards at Sands China resorts.
GeoComply Receives Louisiana License
GeoComply has received its Temporary Certificate of Authority to operate in Louisiana as its sports wagering provider license is being finalized for approval.
Paysafe Partners with SuperBook in NJ, Colorado
Paysafe announced that its payments platform is now live in Colorado and New Jersey through a partnership with SuperBook Sports, which is already showing growth in the Colorado market.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
World Game Protection Conference Set for February
The World Game Protection Conference is set to return to Las Vegas February 15-17 at the Tropicana, focusing on threats and operational risks to casinos.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
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