The Vallen Legacy Set in Stone

Hospitality Hall’s new “Jerry and Flossie Vallen Executive Suite” tells the story of triumph over challenge and the tenacious spirit that helped build UNLV.

Maine OKs Sports Betting, But Tribal Monopoly May Not Last

On May 2, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed a bill that gave gaming tribes the exclusive right to mobile sportsbooks, with commercial casinos, OTBs and racetracks permitted to offer retail books. But at least one lawmaker says the tribal monopoly should not stand.

FanDuel Pushes Aggressive Player Acquisitions

The leading sportsbook is bucking a trend by pursuing acquisitions when rivals are holding back. The FanDuel parent Flutter added more than 1.3 million customers in the first quarter.

Marcos Is Back in the Philippines

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator, was elected president of the Philippines in a landslide victory last week, with Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, to serve as vice president. What does the new administration mean for the country’s evolving gaming industry?

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WEEKLY FEATAURE: Final Macau Gaming Law In Flux

The bill that would change Macau gaming law is changing the closer it gets to the deadline of late June for its passage, according to committee chairman, Andrew Chan Chak Mo (l.). It appears that the “satellite” casinos, which operate under the licenses of four of the six concessionaires, will remain, and the gaming tax could be lowered for international visitors to the SAR.

Chicago Residents Vent Casino Concerns

At a community meeting last week, Chicago residents expressed a range of concerns over Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s choice of Bally’s $1.74 billion casino resort in River West. The full city council and the Illinois Gaming Board must approve the proposal.

Kansas Governor Signs Sports Betting Bill

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (l.) last week signed a sports betting bill that lets the state’s four casinos open retail sportsbooks, partner with three online betting operators and open up to 50 retail venues.

More Executives Out at Star Entertainment

Three more executives have resigned from Star Entertainment Group amid allegations of money laundering and other compliance breaches at the Australian casino giant. They follow former CEO Matt Bekier (l.) who stepped down in April.

Wynn CEO Talks UAE, New York City and Macau

Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings (l.) used a first-quarter earnings call to discuss the company’s planned $2 billion resort in United Arab Emirates, as well as prospects in New York City and Macau.

California Sports Betting Measures Down to Two

As the players in California’s battle to legalize sports betting have been reduced from four to two, spending is intensifying. The campaign pits a tribal initiative against one pushed by out-of-state sportsbook operators.

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South Korean Casino Firm Woos Returning Japanese

South Korean casino operator Paradise Co Ltd. is looking forward to the return of Japanese tourists to Incheon, and has sent a marketing team to Japan to extend an invitation to its flagship, Paradise City (l.).

Thai Casinos Could Undermine Singapore

The proposed legalization of casinos in Thailand could imperil Resorts World Sentosa’s (l.) multibillion-dollar expansion plans by siphoning off Chinese gamblers, according to Maybank Investment Bank.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Belgium Mulls Ban on Gambling Ads

Belgium’s Federal Justice Ministry seeks to ban all ads for gaming except those for the National Lottery. The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators opposes the measure.

Norway to Overhaul Gaming Laws

Norway has begun a consultation for a reform of fragmented laws that govern gaming in the country. Some of the laws are almost a century old. The goal is to discourage addiction, protect minors and protect consumers.

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Brazil Deputies Work to Revive Gaming Legislation

Legislators in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies (l.) are working to get a bill that would legalize gaming back on schedule before the national elections in October. Supporters say the bill would support international tourism.

Gaming Innovation Group Expands into Angola

iGaming operator Gaming Innovation Group is partnering with Full Games SA to provide account management and sportsbook solutions for Full Games’ operations in Angola, a newly-formed gaming market.

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North Carolina Mobile Sports Betting Looking Good

A mobile sports betting bill that passed the North Carolina Senate 26-19 last year is set to pass the House by June 30. A recent poll indicated 52 percent of North Carolina voters support legalizing online sports betting.

Germany Awards First Online Slots License

Germany’s newly created online gaming regulator Glücksspielbehörde has issued the country’s first online slots license. The license was granted to Mernov, which is part of the Gauselmann Group.

Germany Awards First Online Slots License

Germany’s newly created online gaming regulator Glücksspielbehörde has issued the country’s first online slots license. The license was granted to Mernov, which is part of the Gauselmann Group.

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Maine Sports Betting Unlikely to Launch Before 2024

A bill that authorizes retail and mobile sports betting in Maine is now the law of the land. However, the Gambling Control Unit says it could take up to two years to write regulations so that consumers can place bets.

Record Handle Recorded on Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby generated the largest betting handle in the history of the event, with a total of $179 million bet in the parimutuel pool, although the longshot win of Rich Strike had little effect on books.

Vermont Bill Would Allow Mobile-Only Wagers

A draft bill has been obtained that would allow mobile betting in Vermont. The state would be one of three limited to mobile wagers, along with Wyoming and Tennessee. The bill’s author has not been revealed.

Bally Bet Aims for Q2 Launch in New York

With a redesigned platform for its mobile sportsbook, Bally Bet moves closer to launching this quarter. What the company will not do is fling promotional dollars just to get a signature.

California Casino Partners with NHL Affiliate Team

Spotlight 29 Casino (l.) in Coachella, California is now the official and exclusive casino founding partner of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, a minor league hockey team affiliated with the Seattle Kraken.

BetMGM Partners with Houston Astros

BetMGM is now the exclusive sports betting partner of the Houston Astros baseball team. The deal marks BetMGM’s first relationship in Texas, and will give the operator signage in Minute Maid Park, among other benefits.

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Bally’s Rejects Buyout Offer

Bally’s Corp. has turned down a buyout offer by its largest shareholder, Standard General, led by Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim (l.). The company offered $38 per share for all the company’s outstanding stock.

Cosmopolitan Gives $5,000 Bonus to Every Employee

As the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas inches closer to closing the sale the MGM Resorts, outgoing President Bill McBeath announced that every employee would receive a $5,000 bonus in appreciation of their hard work.

Lumiere Place Becomes Horseshoe St. Louis

The former Lumiere Place Casino and Hotel in St. Louis now is officially Horseshoe St. Louis, following a May 3 ribbon-cutting. The property’s exterior and casino floor will be renovated.

Illinois Hard Rock Adds Hotel to Casino Plans

In Illinois, Hard Rock Rockford officials said the success of the temporary casino means they are considering adding a hotel to the original plans for the permanent venue. The property is set to open in late 2023 or early 2024.

Virginia Casino Holds Topping-Off Ceremony

A yellow steel beam signed by construction, casino and local officials was put into place in a ceremony at Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Virginia. The $300 million venue is set to open in early 2023.

Indiana Racino Expansion Breaks Ground

Work has begun on the $39 million, 30,000-square-foot expansion at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Indiana. The project will include 150 new slots and 16 table games.

Pope County Voters Blesses Arkansas Casino

A new poll indicates a majority of voters in Pope County, Arkansas approve the proposed $225 million Legends Resort & Casino in Russellville. Pope County voters rejected casino gambling in 2018.

Problem Gaming Bill Moves Forward in Colorado Senate

Colorado’s Senate has passed a bill that would apportion $3 million to treat problem gaming. It differs from a House bill that would guarantee funding every year, rather than having to be reauthorized each year.

NJ Poll Reveals Strong Support for Smoking Ban

New Jersey’s Richard Stockton University conducted a poll on the smoking ban and by a two to one margin, they supported it. But there are still opponents in high places, including Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small (l.).

TRIBAL GAMING More

Milwaukee Casino Announces $100 Million Renovation

The Potawatomi Hotel & Casino (l.) in Milwaukee has announced a $100 million renovation project that will revolutionize the casino’s third floor and usher in the next era of entertainment at the resort.

California Rancheria Opens New Property

The Elk Valley Rancheria has opened a new, relocated casino. The Elk Valley Casino is located on a meadow in Crescent City, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It opened April 22.

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Nevada Board Recommends License for Accel

The Nevada Gaming Control Board recommended granting a two-year license to Accel Entertainment, which is on track to close on its acquisition of route operator Century Gaming Technology.

Galaxy Gaming Launches Triton Casino Systems

Galaxy Gaming, Inc. has launched Triton Casino Systems, a new table game progressive operating system. Triton Casino Systems has refined the elements that made its precursor, Bonus Jackpot System, successful.

AGEM Index Down 9.7 Percent in April

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers’ stock performance index for April was down 9.7 percent, with the biggest contributor to the decline being a decline in Aristocrat share price.

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