Atlantic City Casino Strike Averted

In the first contract to expire following the pandemic, the Atlantic City casinos reached an agreement with Local 54, the union representing, waiters, bartenders, housekeeping and other trades. The agreement reflected the hard work and dedication of union members in pushing the industry to recovery.

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Bally’s to Sell, Lease Back Rhode Island Properties

Bally’s Corporation will sell the real estate assets of its two Rhode Island casinos to prominent REIT Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., and continue to operate them under a triple-net lease. The move is becoming increasingly popular among operators.

Osaka Anti-Casino Activists Press Their Case

A community group opposed to an integrated resort in Osaka, Japan (l.) says its petition to reconsider the project has met and exceeded the number of required signatures. Group members now want a referendum on the issue.

Brazil Chamber of Deputies To Consider Gambling

The Brazilian Senate has not yet advanced a bill allowing gambling. But the Chamber of Deputies’ Tourism Commission, headed by Deputy Newton Cardoso (l.), announced it will launch a new initiative to study legalizing gambling, including bingo, casinos, racing and integrated resorts.

Bally’s Says Chicago License Application Imminent

Bally’s could file its casino license application with the Illinois Gaming Board by the end of the month, said Chairman Soo Kim (l.). He stated he’s “reasonably confident” approval would arrive in time to open a temporary facility in June 2023.

Operator-backed Sports Betting Initiative Approved for CA Ballot

A measure that would legalize mobile sports betting in California has officially made it onto this year’s ballot, alongside a separate bill backed by the state’s tribes that would limit sports betting to tribal casinos only. Cody Martinez (l.), Sycuan chairman and tribal sports betting backer, says the mobile effort would increase underage and problem gambling in the state.

NagaWorld Casino Protest Turns Violent

A number of casino workers were injured last week when Cambodian security forces tried to break up protests outside NagaWorld in Phnom Penh. The workers have been on strike since December.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: 2 Perspectives to Consider Regarding Operators’ Valuations

Recent reports from two prominent financial analysts shed light on the changes that operators are going through, and what it might mean for company valuations and projections moving forward. The standard model of owning one’s property and focusing on brick-and-mortar may be fleeting, but is it worse than paying rent and doubling down on digital?

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IPI Claims It’s On Track to Reopen Saipan Casino

Troubled gaming operator Imperial Pacific International has announced that it will reopen its Saipan casino (l..) this fall. But with IPI’s checkered history and multiple regulatory breaches, some analysts are skeptical.

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NSW Denies Star Sydney’s Request for 1,000 New Machines

Star Entertainment Group, the Australian operator currently embroiled in suitability inquiries, has been denied in its request to add an additional 1,000 gaming machines to its Star Sydney casino. The uncertainty surrounding the company’s future was the chief reason for denial.

New Zealand Funds Problem Gambling Support

The New Zealand government will invest $48 million in the new Strategy to Prevent and Minimize Gambling Harm, designed to minimize the impact of problem gambling on several fronts. Minister of Health Andrew Little (l.) said the program will align the gaming and health industries.

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Washington State Gamers Propose Zynga Settlement

Plaintiffs in Washington state who sued games developer Zynga have proposed a $12 million settlement—Zynga is likely to accept. The lawsuit alleged some Zynga games made players pay real money for virtual casino chips.

Jeju Casinos Consider iGaming

Jeju Island in South Korea (“Dream Tower” at left) is studying the “pros and cons” of iGaming at its foreigner-only casinos. An online option may help the land-based local industry as it struggles to recover from Covid-19.

BetMGM Inks Deal With EveryMatrix

EveryMatrix signed an agreement with BetMGM to give players access to more games for its iGaming business. The deal included selecting games from two in-house studios in New Jersey.

Flutter's PokerStars Debuts In Ontario

Flutter Entertainment’s PokerStars brand launched its app and online games, poker, blackjack and sports products in Ontario. To celebrate the launch, the Ontario Platinum Series will offer Ontario players a $1 million prize pool.

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Station Fined For Nevada Sports Betting Violations

Station Casinos Inc. has been fined $80,000 by the Nevada Gaming Commission for allowing its sports betting app to take wagers after events concluded. Station blamed a computer software defect for the problem.

Bally Bet to Get into New York Mobile Market in Early July

Bally’s online sportsbook, Bally Bet, could see action in the New York market in early July. They will be the last of the nine registered operators to go into business. Even so, the company has no intent on going heavy into promotions.

Brazil: Soccer Teams Want a Piece of Betting Action

Brazilian soccer teams want a change in the Pele Law governing sports so that players can receive some of the income from sports betting. They argue that the sale of betting data alone produces enough money to share.

Sources: Fanatics Looking to Acquire Tipico

Sports merchandising company Fanatics is in talks to acquire sport betting company Tipico, according to unnamed sources cited in a CNBC report. Tipico is currently licensed in Colorado and New Jersey.

BetMGM, BetQL Network Announce Partnership

BetMGM is now the official sportsbook of Audacy’s BetQL Network. Terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed yet, but the partnership will expand the relationship between Audacy and BetMGM after the companies first struck a deal in March of last year.

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Did Hard Rock Exec Send Email Asking for Hochul Donations?

Hard Rock hosted a fundraiser at its Times Square hotel on June 20. Proceeds benefited the campaign of New York Governor Kathy Hochul (l.). An email was sent to clients and customers asking for her endorsement, but the company does not know who sent it.

Nevada Regulators Give Final OK to Legends Bay in Sparks

The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved the opening of Legends Bay Casino (l.) in Sparks, after nearly 15 years of planning and setbacks. The casino still needs to hire around 300 new staff, but still plans to open later on this summer.

Virginia Casino Opening Delayed

Officials said the $500 million Caesars Virginia (l.) in Danville will open in 2024, not December 2023 as originally announced, due to supply chain and labor issues. The casino resort will create 900 construction and 1,300 permanent jobs.

Temporary Illinois Casino Work Continues

The 70,000 square-foot Temporary by American Place casino is taking shape in Waukegan, Illinois and expected to open this fall with 1,000 slots, 50 table games, a sportsbook, restaurant and lounge and create up to 500 jobs.

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Star Names Robbie Cooke as New CEO

Longtime gaming and finance veteran Robbie Cooke has been chosen as the new CEO of Star Entertainment Group, the Australian operator currently embroiled in two separate suitability inquiries. Star hopes Cooke’s financial background will stabilize the company moving forward.

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RGB Predicts 1,000 Machine Sales in 2022

RGB International has projected sales for 2022 in the range of 1,000 machines, and stated it expects to return to profitability this year. The Philippines have been the company’s biggest buyer so far.

Zitro’s Glare Installed in Murcia

Zitro has installed its Glare family of cabinets, featuring multi-game titles Wheel of Legends and Bashiba Egyptian, at the BR Group’s Bingo Plaza and other locations in Murcia, Spain.

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