New York To Establish Problem Gambling Advisory Council

As gambling gets set for another expansion, New York State has created the Problem Gaming Advisory Council, which will decide how to deal with problem gambling, from identification to treatment. Senator Joe Addabbo (l.) said the issue must be addressed quickly and decisively.

Maryland’s Pro-Business Approach to Sports Betting

Although it’s become the template used most frequently, should sports betting be limited to casino entities? In Maryland, a class of licensing permits local bars and restaurants to utilize sports betting kiosks potentially bringing the benefits of sports betting to the masses, according to Bruce Merati (l.) and Ira Rainess.

Pearl of the Palms

George Maloof was on top of the world—or at least the infamous Ghost Bar in this picture—when he and his family opened the Palms Casino Hotel off the Strip in Las Vegas. With a vision that went far beyond just gambling, Maloof engineered excitement with a spectacular display that lasted a few short years.

Dancing the Silly Dance

It was a nice letter, but with lots of other things to worry about—pushed by lobbyists with longer histories and deeper pockets—it’s unlikely much will come of the missive sent by the Congressional Gaming Caucus to Attorney General Merrick Garland, according to savvy gaming observer Richard Schuetz.

Thai Lawmakers Push for Legal Casinos

In Thailand, House representatives have proposed legal casinos as a way to help stamp out illegal operations and also bring in fresh revenues. Their proposal includes five properties, including one in Mae Sot (l.), near Myanmar, where gambling is still in its rudimentary stages.

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Macau Closes Businesses, Casinos for a Week

The zero-tolerance policy of the Chinese government has once again hit the gaming business in Macau hard. Late last week the government announced that all businesses and casinos would be required to close for seven days and residents stay in their home as positive Covid tests soar.

UK: PM Resignation Puts a Halt to Gaming Review

Boris Johnson (l.) has stepped down as Prime Minister of the U.K., along with dozens of other top officials. Gambling Minister Chris Philip is among those who have left office, which is expected to put a wrench into the country’s plans to reform its gaming legislation.

Former NGCB Chair Appointed as Raiders Team President

Longtime Nevada gaming regulator Sandra Douglass Morgan (l.) has been named as the new president of the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first black woman to serve as a team president in NFL history. Morgan previously served as chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

South Australia Launches Inquiry into SkyCity Adelaide Ops

SkyCity Adelaide (l.) is the latest casino to come under fire from Australian regulators. A new inquiry, headed by former Supreme Court Justice Brian Martin AO QC, will begin shortly in South Australia. The focus of the investigation has to do with money laundering and illicit relationships with VIP bettors.

Details of Macau Casino Tender Released, Questions Remain

Macau’s new gaming law took effect July 2, and details of the concession bidding process are now known by bidders. The special administrative region will award up to six new concessions by year’s end, but operators are still in the dark about certain details.

Illinois VGT Operators In Legal Battle

Illinois’ Gold Rush Amusements has sued Accel Entertainment, claiming that as a result of Accel’s actions, Gold Rush’s “standing, reputation, prestige, goodwill and business were damaged” resulting in “a loss of revenue and profits.” Gold Rush CEO Rick Heidner (l.) said promises from Accel CEO Andy Rubenstein have not been upheld.

Acres Launches ‘Cashless Casino’ App

Acres Manufacturing, started by the father-son team of John and Noah Acres (l.), has launched a new app called “Cashless Casino,” which enables a casino property to implement cashless wagering in as little as 15 weeks.

Protester at Hot Dog Contest Prompts Sportsbook Refunds

Joey Chestnut hoped to break his own record of 76 hot dogs consumed at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. However, a pork protester rushed onstage (l.) and interrupted his flow, leading some sportsbooks to refund the over bets.

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Okada Denies Allegations of Bribery, Violence

Okada Manila founder Kazuo Okada (l.) sent a letter to staffers denying allegations of bribery and reports that his representatives committed “slanderous and violent acts” as they took control of the Philippine resort.

South Korean Resort Hangs in the Balance

The developer of an integrated resort in Incheon, South Korea is likely to miss a March 2023 construction deadline, and may be ineligible for another extension. The IR was formerly owned by Caesars Entertainment.

MGM Resorts JV to Open Shanghai Hotel

Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, a 2007 joint venture of MGM Resorts International and Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, will launch the first MGM-branded hotel in Shanghai, aimed at luxury travelers.

Century Entertainment Targets September Cambodia Opening

Century Entertainment announced it will target September for the opening of its new table game operation in Dara Sakor, Cambodia (l.). This news comes after the company reported declines in revenue for the previous fiscal year.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Lithuania Reforms Law to Allow Online Gaming

The legislature of Lithuania has approved amendments to the national Gambling Law and the Lottery & Gaming Tax Law. The amendments legalize online gaming and create a new type of license for “remote gambling services,” different from a brick-and-mortar casino license.

Romania May Tax Gambling Withdrawals at 40 Percent

Romania’s Ministry of Finance is contemplating raising its tax code for gambling withdrawals to up to 40 percent. The Association of Remote Gambling Organizations (AOJND) has responded by saying this tax will encourage players to turn to illegal platforms.

Denmark Rebukes Casino Copenhagen for AML Law Breach

Danish gaming regulator Spillemyndigheden has admonished Casino Copenhagen (l.) for not doing enough to fight money laundering. It cited the casino for violating AML laws by lacking risk assessment and proper business procedures to address money laundering.

Germany to Issue 9 Online Gaming Licenses

Sachsen-Anhalt State Administration Office, which oversees the gaming sector of Germany, has approved nine new licenses for virtual slots and virtual poker. A total of 71 operators have submitted applications to the office since the games became legal in 2021. Only three are actually operating.

Dutch Minister Opposes Gaming Loss Limits

The minister in charge of gaming in the Netherlands opposes state-mandated loss limits. Minister for Legal Protection Franciscus Max Weerwind (l.) asserts that such limits will drive players into the arms of illegal platforms. He prefers that players set their own voluntary limits.

Acrismatic Group Lays First Stone for Casino Mediterráneo

Acrismatic Group held a groundbreaking ceremony July 4 (l.) for the $2.5 million Casino Mediterráneo in the Spanish town of Ondara, Alicante province. The casino will have an 805 square-meter gaming area and will create about 75 new jobs. It will also include a hotel.

GLOBAL GAMING More

India Mulls 28 Percent Online Gaming tax

India’s Goods & Services Tax (GST) Council is considering hiking the tax on online gaming from 18 to 28 percent. The possible move is sparking outraged opposition from the iGaming industry. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi (l.) sees it as a possible way to curb minors from gambling.

Ontario Fines DraftKings Canada $100K for Ad Violations

DraftKings Canada has been levied a $100,000 fine by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The sportsbook operator is accused of violating advertising regulations, which ban most advertising concerning inducements, bonuses or credits.

ONLINE GAMING More

IGT Completes iSoftBet Acquisition

IGT announced that it has completed its acquisition of iSoftBet, an online and mobile casino game supplier and third-party game aggregator, for €160 million.

SPORTS BETTING More

LIV Tournament Hopes to Improve Competitiveness with PGA

The LIV Golf Tour held its first tournament in the U.S., as organizers for the Saudi-backed tourneys hope to increase handle compared to the stronger PGA. More sportsbooks are signing on with LIV, and more high-level golfers are defecting as well.

FanDuel Ads Move from Risk-Free To No-Sweat

FanDuel has shifted the language of its promotions for new customers from risk-free to no-sweat. The change is recognition that risk-free isn’t really risk-free, especially for problem gamblers.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Majority of NJ Lawmakers Sponsor Smoking Ban Bill

The push to ban smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos now has the support of the majority of lawmakers in both chambers. The vote is expected to occur in September. Governor Phil Murphy (l.) says he’ll sign the legislation.

PA Rep. to Seek Expansion of Truck Stop Video Gambling

Pennsylvania State Rep. Seth Grove (l.) will introduce a law that removes the requirement for video gambling truck stops to sell a minimum quantity of diesel fuel. He compared it to a tavern having to sell a certain number of wings.

New Mexico Horsemen Sue Over Purse Accounts

The New Mexico Horsemen’s Association sued to keep control of casino subsidy accounts after the state Racing Commission put the racetracks in charge. The state Attorney General has issued an opinion siding with the commission.

Nebraska City Approves Racino, Just In Case

Ogallala, Nebraska is ready if the legislature eventually approves new casinos at racetracks beyond the six already in existence. The city council approved Elite Casino Resorts’ proposed $100 million Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack.

Fremont St in DTLV Could See Increased Security Measures

Downtown Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience (l.) has seen multiple shooting incidents in recent weeks, which has caused city officials, including Mayor Carolyn Goodman, to propose stricter safety measures. One proposition is a citywide curfew for those under 21.

Dream Las Vegas IR Project Near Airport to Break Ground July 8

Las Vegas locals and tourists alike will soon have a new option to choose from, as the Dream Las Vegas casino project (l.) will break ground Friday, July 8. The project is a joint venture between Contour and Shopoff Realty Investments, and is expected to debut sometime near the end of 2024.

New Hampshire Charity Casinos Merge

The co-owners of the former Keene Casino in New Hampshire (l.) have acquired competitor Wonder Casino, and will merge the two into one casino in a new location.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Checkbooks Out; Start Your Engines

With the certification by California’s Secretary of State Shirley Weber (l.) there will be just two sports betting referendums in front of California voters in November, backers on each side have deep pockets and the campaign will get very expensive.

LOTTERY More

Camelot Passed up for Allwyn for UK Lottery

The original operator of the U.K. National Lottery for almost 30 years, Camelot Group, has been passed over for the license to operate the lottery for another decade. The new license has instead gone to Allwyn Entertainment. Camelot is fighting the change with a court challenge.

IZI Subsidiary Awarded Maltese Lottery License

Malta-based National Lottery PLC, a part of IZI Group PLC, has been awarded the 10-year National Lottery license. It is a first for the National Lottery to be operated by a Maltese company. National Lottery will take over from Maltco Lotteries Ltd.

PEOPLE More

Nel Joins Galaxy Gaming as Senior VP of Sales

Galaxy Gaming announced last week that Steph Nel (l.) has joined the company as senior vice president of worldwide sales. Nel will oversee the company’s continuing global market expansion. Nel most recently ran the U.S. operations for TCSJohnHuxley.

GOODS & SERVICES More

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SBC Summit North America Starts July 12

Leaders of the gaming industry will participate in panels, exhibits and networking events at SBC Summit North America, set to take place July 12 through July 14 in New Jersey. The conference is expected to attract 3,000 visitors, up from 2,000 last year.

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