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.

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.

The Philippines Supreme Court has ordered that Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada (l.) be restored as chairman and CEO of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment, which operates the Okada Manila casino resort.

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.

Melco Resorts and Entertainment’s City of Dreams Mediterranean integrated resort in Cyprus is experiencing setbacks due to construction difficulties. Melco is hopeful the property will open by year’s end.

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 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.

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.

Dividends provide cash that investors can use as they see fit. The value of repurchases can be canceled when companies offer overly generous stock options. It’s a good sign when gaming firms can consider both options.

This week, the GGB Podcast sits down with Latisha Casas, the chairwoman of the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority and Cynthia Kiser-Murphey, the general manager, of the Palms Casino Resort, on the reopening of the Palms as the first Las Vegas resort casino to be owned and operated by a Native American tribe.

The NUSTAR Resort & Casino has become the latest integrated resort to open in the Philippines. It is the first IR to open on Cebu Island, after short delays related to Covid-19.

The annual Golden Week holiday in Macau drew approximately 136,650 visitors and filled about hotels to about 56 percent of total capacity on average.

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.).

Bloomberry Resorts has purchased a stake in Emerald Bay (l.), an integrated resort project operated by PH Resorts Group. No details of the agreement have been released, but the property is slated to open next year.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

The global online gaming market is expected to reach more than $127 billion by 2027, according to a new report from Grand View Research, for an annual growth rate of 11.5 percent annually.

Light & Wonder has acquired online gaming platform and game developer Playzido, significantly expanding its iGaming capabilities and footprint.

Sportradar’s annual report on illegal match-fixing revealed that 903 matches were flagged involving 10 sports in 76 countries. It’s the highest number of questionable games the organization has ever identified.

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’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.

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.

A report by the USBets.com website indicates that promotional credits offered by sports betting taxes are significantly reducing state taxes on sportsbook income.

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.

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.

The casino giant announced last quarter it was done with sportsbook marketing. Caesars Sportsbook cut expected marketing spend by $250 million.

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.

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 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.

Sycuan Casino Resort has announced a one-year endorsement deal with San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove (l.). Musgrove will be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns, promotions and social media content.

Arkansas’ Saracen Casino Resort has launched its sports betting platform known as BetSaracen, becoming the second casino in the state to do so. Southland Casino offers the Betly sportsbook app.

Circa Sports has announced that it will build and operate a sportsbook within the American Place casino near Chicago. The company’s sports betting app will also be made available to Illinois bettors.

Casino Arizona and its sister property, Talking Stick Resort, have announced that they are now official partners of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team.

The American Gaming Association reported that U.S. commercial casinos recorded a record-breaking $5.3 billion in revenue for March, and their best three-month start ever.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CQ Holding now is the owner of the two downtown riverboat casinos in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: the Belle of Baton Rouge and Hollywood Casino. Renovations are planned at both properties, officials said.

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.

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.

Rock stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS fame have opened their Rock & Brews Casino in Braman, Oklahoma. The resort property opened last week.

An expansive horse racing compound has been proposed in Pahrump by the Nevada Standardbred Association Inc., complete with a track, stables, an attached casino-resort and more.

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.

The New York Racing Association hope the legislature will step up and approve funds to finish planning and demolition of the old track and to rebuild a latest version.

A new program New York Responsible Play Partnership helped bring responsible gaming message to del Lago Resort and Casino (l.). The key program is a digital connection to get help for problem gambling.

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.).

Former Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell (l.) has been convicted on federal bribery charges. Also convicted: David DeQuattro, who offered the bribe.

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.

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.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (l.) has named John MacIver and John D’Aquila to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, and reappointed Julie Imanuel Brown, Michael Yaworsky and Charles Drago.

Quick Custom Intelligence has announced David Jacques Farahi will be the company’s new executive chairman, after previously working with QCI as a consultant.

Graton Resort and Casino has appointed Mario Maesano (l.) to be its vice president of marketing. Maesano has nearly 30 years’ experience in the industry, including international positions.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Maryland has appointed Joshua Allison as its new director of player development. Most recently, Allison was vice president of customer development at Baha Mar in the Caribbean.

Ericka Panther, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been named a new compliance officer for the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Ahead of its upcoming launch, DAZN Bet has appointed Gemma Burge as head of Safer Gambling, in efforts to establish safe betting practices before going live.

U.S. Integrity, a sports betting integrity monitoring and technology company, has appointed former Bloomberg engineer Ricky Wong as its new chief technology officer.

As gaming continues to expand into new states, the National Council on Problem Gaming is attempting to buy the rights to the number 800-GAMBLER and turn it into a singular, national campaign.

Gaming Arts announced that it will partner with Brian Christopher (l.), the YouTube and internet “slot influencer” whose slot channel attracts more than 5.1 million views per month.

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, 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.

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.

The 29th annual Casino Collectibles Association Show, coming to Las Vegas June 16-18, will offer four free educational seminars about the history of the gaming industry.