Understanding and Planning for a New Generation of Players

Today’s gaming operators face unprecedented, fast-moving changes and an evolving player profile. It’s more important than ever to “know your customer”—especially the elusive Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z. Are skill games (l.) part of the answer?

With Trump Plaza’s Gone, What’s Next in AC?

Last week, Trump Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk was imploded. What will rise from the rubble? Among the proposals: a family attraction and a mixed-use development. No one seems to be thinking casino.

M&A Meets Cyber Issues

Mergers and acquisitions always have to consider a variety of hurdles, but in the post-Covid-19 world the risk of cyber vulnerability is a key consideration. Here’s what a CISO should consider.

Nevada Relaxes Casino Capacity Limits

At the end of 2020, with a surge in new Covid-19 infections, things looked pretty dark for Nevada. Now, there’s hope that a recovery is just beyond the horizon. Restaurants can now include 35 percent of occupancy, which will rise to 50 percent in mid-March.

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WEEKLY FEATURE: Crown Crisis Deepens

Crown Resorts’ problems in New South Wales are causing concern in other Australian states. Western Australia, home of Crown Perth (l.) , is planning its own inquiry into Crown’s suitability, and Victoria may be close behind.

Macau’s CNY Disappoints, As Expected

Macau would have settled for daily arrivals of 20,000 to 30,000 during its Chinese New Year celebration. But in the first five days of the normally lucrative holiday, the average was less than 13,000.

Shinnecock Nation Announces Long Island Casino

The Shinnecock Indian Nation has announced it will develop a Class II casino on its Southampton, New York reservation, partnering with Tri State Partners, which has collaborated with the Seminole Tribe

GameCo CEO Denied License in Nevada

Blaine Graboyes, the CEO of skill-games supplier, GameCo, was rejected for a Nevada gaming license last week because the state Gaming Commission didn’t believe his explanation about how he acquired intellectual property from a bankrupt competitor.

Kansas Lawmakers Consider Sports Betting

The Kansas Senate recently held hearings on a bill that would legalize sports betting and mobile wagering in the state. Some stakeholders say convenience stores should participate in any new industry but for now, only casinos like the Kansas Star (l.), are included.

Apple Sued Over Illegal Gaming Apps

A class-action lawsuit charges Apple with running an unlicensed casino on its App Store. The suit revolves around casino style apps that offer free-to-play games but with in-app purchasing options for digital currency.

Atlantic City’s Trump Plaza Demolished

After seven years of standing vacant on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the former Trump Plaza casino was imploded last Wednesday, and toppled to the ground in about seven seconds.

Hawaiian Lottery Bill Advances

Hawaii is one of two states in the U.S. that bans all forms of gambling. That could change as a bill to create a state lottery advances in the Hawaiian legislature.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Why Regionals Rock

Three factors have made regional casino companies the growth darlings of gaming, and the storyline to watch right now. Their pandemic recover continues to amaze.

ASIAN GAMING More

Okada Manila Operator Seeks U.S. Investors

Universal Entertainment, which operates Okada Manila (l.), is planning to list the holding company for its Philippines integrated resort business on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq.

Genting Singapore: VIP Won’t Fully Recover

Genting Singapore Ltd., operator of Resorts World Sentosa (l.), predicts that Covid-19 and Beijing’s crackdown on “cross-border gambling” will unravel its high roller segment for good.

When Will Osaka IR Open?

Officials in Osaka, Japan have given up trying to pinpoint when an integrated resort in the region could open. Osaka originally pushed for an accelerated timeline, and an IR by 2025. Now it’s anyone’s guess.

Mohegans to Jumpstart Korean Venture Soon

U.S.-based tribal operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment says it’s close to funding its South Korean integrated resort, Inspire (l.), and will resume construction within three months.

Korean Locals Casino Reopens

Kangwon Land (l.), the only South Korean casino open to locals, reopened February 15 as its host province eased Covid-19 restrictions. It had been closed since December 8.

Genting Malaysia Casinos Reopen

Four Genting Malaysia resorts reopened last week: Resorts World Genting (l.) and Resorts World Awana on February 16, followed by Resorts World Kijal and Langkawi on February 19.

Westside City Manila Will Cost $1 Billion

Total costs for main hotel casino at the Westside City Project (l.) in Manila’s Entertainment City will amount to US$1 billion, according to Chinese investor Suncity Group Holdings Ltd.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Irish Groups Demand Limits on Gambling Ads

Fine Gael Senator Joe O’Reilly (l.) wants to put a limit on gambling ads and sponsorships from gambling companies during sports events. At least two associations, the Gaelic Players and Gaelic Athletics, urged similar steps.

ONLINE GAMING More

Playtech Signs New Licensing Deals

Playtech has secured licensing deals in four U.S. states and strategic partnerships as the company pursues opportunities in the growing U.S. online gaming market.

Google ‘Loot Box’ Suit Dismissed

A California judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Google that alleged the so-called “loot boxes” on some Google Play video games constituted illegal gambling.

SPORTS BETTING More

Louisiana Still Waiting Sports Betting Regulations

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has yet to create a regulatory model for sports betting in parishes that voted to approve the wagers last year. State Senator Ronnie Johns (l.) promises action in time for the April session.

Ohio Committee to Hear Testimony on Sports Betting

The Ohio Senate will take testimony on the pros and cons of legalizing sports betting in the state. Penn National’s Eric Shippers (l.) says legalization will protect consumers from fraud and also help with state budget gaps.

North Dakota House Committee Endorses Sports Betting

The bipartisan North Dakota House Judiciary Committee has endorsed a sports betting resolution that would permit a statewide voter referendum. Governor Doug Burgum (l.) has taken a neutral position on the issue.

Princess Cruises Offers Onboard Sports Betting

Princess Cruises has become the first cruise line to offer onboard sports betting via a custom app on its MedallionClass ships. Sports betting is only available in international waters or “wherever permitted by law.”

Sportradar Launches Fraud Detection System

Sportradar has launched a universal fraud detection system that safeguards sports integrity through funding its proven bet monitoring system free of charge to sports businesses.

BetMGM, Topgolf Are Now Partners

BetMGM and Topgolf Entertainment have announced a new partnership centered around an integrated sports betting and entertainment experience. The two companies will collaborate on marketing and promotional offers.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

March Debut Set for Virgin LV

A year in the making, the $200 million Virgin LV in Vegas will feature 1,500 rooms, a 4,500-seat theater, conventions and meetings facilities and a 60,000-square-foot casino. It’s expected to open March 25.

MGM Growth Posts Profit for 2020

MGM Growth Properties’ purchase of Mandalay Bay and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Strip helped it overcome a 10 percent decline in revenues, and boosted cash flow for the year to more than $703 million.

HHR Bill Awaits Kentucky Governor’s OK

The Kentucky House has passed a bill legalizing historical horseracing machines, and Governor Andy Beshear (l.) indicates he’ll sign it. The machines’ future was in doubt following a state Supreme Court ruling.

Alabama Senators Discuss Lottery, Casino Bill

The Alabama Senate held a hearing on state Senator Del Marsh’s bill proposing five casinos and a statewide lottery. Some lawmakers expressed concern that their districts weren’t among the five proposed.

Historical Racing Bill Advances in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire legislature is considering a bill that would betting of up to $25 on historic racing games (HHR). The tax revenues generated would be split between the state and charities in the Granite State.

Rosie’s Owner Proposes Virginia Casino

The owners of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium in Richmond, Virginia, have announced plans for a “gaming and entertainment center” (l.) in Dumfries,. The $389 million venue would be built atop a landfill.

Ohio Casinos Now Open 24/7

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (l.) has lifted a three-month curfew on casinos and bars in the state, allowing them to resume 24/7 operations. The curfew originally was in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In Missouri, Torch Electronics Sues Over Illegal Slots

Torch Electronics is suing several Missouri state agencies over their crackdown on illegal slots. Torch officials said the agencies exceeded their authority by removing the company’s illegal slots from convenience stores.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Cherokees Sue to Void Gulfside License

The Cherokee Nation of Arkansas has filed a lawsuit appealing the state racing commission’s decision to give a Pope County gaming license to Gulfside Casino Partners.

New Mexico Tribal Council Approves Gaming Funds

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise of New Mexico will receive $15 million from the tribal council to help four casinos forced to temporarily close due to Covid-19. The funds will help replenish the casino treasury.

LOTTERY More

Does N.H. Lottery Feed Problem Gambling?

The National Council of Problem Gambling is decrying the surge of lottery sales in in New Hampshire, especially online. It says these dramatic increases are fueling the increase in problem gamblers.

PEOPLE More

Tirpak Resigns from Full House Board

Bradley Tirpak, who helped lead a proxy fight against the former management of Full House Resorts, has resigned from the panel, effective immediately.

Ochoa Becomes Executive Chef at Sahara Las Vegas

The Sahara Las Vegas last week announced the promotion of Candace Ochoa (l.) to executive chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, where she will oversee all culinary operations for the award-winning restaurant.

VSiN Names Herd Alum as Program Director

VSiN, the network devoted to sports betting, has hired Jon Goulet as its first program director. Goulet arrives from a stint as executive producer of the “Herd with Colin Cowherd.”

GOODS & SERVICES More

IGT Deploys HHR Machines in Virginia

IGT has deployed historical horse racing machines at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment Rosie’s properties in Virginia with HHR versions of several of its most popular titles.

Boyd, Aristocrat Launch BoydPay Digital Wallet

Boyd Gaming Corp. and Aristocrat Technologies have launched BoydPay, a new digital wallet product, at casinos in Indiana, Ohio and Las Vegas. Payments will be linked to third-party funding sources. Boyd’s Blake Rampmaier (l.) says the agreement will enhance the guest experience.

Global Payments Inks IGT Deal

Last week, Global Payments Gaming Solutions announced an expanded agreement with International Game Technology to provide a wide range of funding solutions for cashless gaming across IGT products.

Macau Court Rejects SG Patent Appeal

Macau’s Court of Final Appeal has rejected the appeal of Scientific Games concerning the SAR’s denial of a patent application for SG’s electronic gaming machine technology. The patent acquired by Jay Chun (l.), chairman of LT Game, has been upheld.

TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More

NIGA Trade Show Coming to Vegas in July

The National Indian Gaming Association has scheduled its annual trade show and conference for July in Las Vegas. The event, canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19, is typically held in San Diego.

NUTSHELL More

THEY SAID IT More

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