This Tribal Sportsbook Is ‘Manned’ by Women

Last July, Wisconsin’s Oneida Nation signed a deal with Governor Tony Evers to open the state’s first legal sportsbook. A temporary venue debuted in November, with a permanent location due by Super Bowl Sunday. In an interesting twist, sports betting here is run primarily by women.

Report to MGC: Asian Immigrants at Greater Risk for Problem Gambling

A report last month to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission makes the case that recent Asian immigrants—often alone, with little community or family support—are especially vulnerable to problem gambling. It recommends broad-based community investment as part of the solution.

Leading the Way

Cassie Stratford, the new president of Global Gaming Women, has been paving the way at Boyd Gaming for a decade in the legal affairs office. She approaches each of those roles with unique strategies. She was recently promoted to senior vice president of legal operations and compliance.

More Macau Clarity

André Cheong Weng Chon (l.), a spokesman for the Macau’s Executive Council, an advisory board to CE Ho Iat Seng, outlined legislation that will be headed to the city’s Legislative Assembly, outlining any changes to the gaming laws and the process for the tender for the six casino concessions—yes, six.

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WEEKLY FEATURE: Tax Hike Looms for Singapore IRs

Singapore’s two integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands (l.) and Resorts World Sentosa, are about to be socked with a big tax increase. The tax rate on mass-market revenues up to SG$2.2 billion (US$1.6 billion) will rise 20 percent, while revenues exceeding that will see a 47 percent tax spike.

Blackstone Gets Inside Lane on Crown Bid

Blackstone last week boosted its offer for Crown Resorts by 5 percent to A$8.87 billion (US$6.46 billion), and the Crown board of directors has indicated they are pleased, especially majority shareholder James Packer (l.). Now it’s Star Entertainment’s turn to counter if they still are interested.

Florida Amendment Battle Pits Seminoles Against Sands

Political committees backed by the Las Vegas Sands Corp. and the Seminole Tribe are suing each other over the collection of signatures to place on the November ballot a constitutional amendment allowing casinos in North Florida.

Wakayama Group Files for IR Referendum

A citizens’ group in Wakayama, Japan has collected more than 20,000 signatures to force a referendum on the city’s integrated resort bid. Clairvest Neem Ventures heads a consortium to bring an IR (l.) to the city.

Take-Two to Acquire Zynga

Video game giant Take-Two will acquire social gaming content supplier and “Farmville” creator Zynga in a deal valued at $12.7 billion. The merged business is expected to bring in $6.1 billion annually in net bookings.

Wampanoag Tribe to Reevaluate Casino Plans

The federal government has reversed itself and will now allow the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to put land into trust. However, the tribe will reevaluate its plans for a casino resort, First Light (l.), in Taunton, Massachusetts.

Eilers & Krejcik Acquires Fantini Research

Eilers & Krejcik Gaming announced last week that it has acquired assets of Fantini Research, including all existing gaming-related news publications and its virtual trade show business. Fantini Research founder Frank Fantini will continue to write columns for GGB and consult with clients.

ASIAN GAMING More

China Cross-Border Gambling Arrests Exceed 80K

Last year, the Chinese government investigated 17,000 cases of cross-border gambling and detained 80,000 people in association with those incidents. The figures were released this month by public security officials.

Philippine Court Dismisses Okada Fraud Charges

A Philippines appeals court has dismissed fraud charges against Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada (l.) over claims he misappropriated millions of dollars from his former company, Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment.

Cambodian Casino Strike Enters Fourth Week

A strike by casino workers at NagaWorld in Phnom Penh is now entering its fourth week. Protestors are demanding the reinstatement of hundreds of laid-off casino workers and the release of jailed union leaders.

Long-Running Sands Feud Winding Down

The long court battle between the Las Vegas Sands and Asian American Entertainment Corp. may finally end after years of litigation. The outcome could hang on a signature by former Sands exec William Weidner (l.).

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Flutter Closes on Tombola Purchase

Flutter Entertainment has completed its acquisition of bingo operator Tombola. The all-cash transaction provides Flutter with a successful operator in the U.K. with an estimated 400,000 players a month.

Genting HK’s German Unit May Default

MV Werften Holdings Ltd., the German shipbuilding unit of Genting Hong Kong Ltd., has filed for bankruptcy. Genting said this might lead to a default on $2.77 billion for an unfinished cruise ship.

Creditors Begin Break-up of Codere

The breakup of the Madrid-based Grupo Codere SA has begun. Creditors of the gaming group will start with its bingo and arcade assets in Argentina. This will help the company recover its profitability.

ONLINE GAMING More

Snipp to Acquire Gambit Digital

Canada’s Snipp Interactive Inc. has agreed to acquire Gambit Digital Promotion Inc., including its subsidiary Gamblit Rewards Inc., from the Gambit consumer network

Ezugi Licensed in Great Britain

Ezugi will supply its live-dealer online games in Great Britain under the license of its parent company, Evolution Gaming, providing 11 of its most popular games in the U.K. for the first time.

SkillOnNet Partners with Zitro

SkillOnNet will partner with Zitro Gaming to provide make the full suite of Zitro game content available to iGaming sites in Latin American markets.

Playtech Partners with NorthStar Gaming

Playtech has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Canadian online casino and sports betting company NorthStar Gaming, under which NorthStar will use the Playtech platform.

Argentine Province Legalizes iGaming

Lawmakers in the Argentine province of Córdoba (l.) have approved a bill that would legalize online gaming. It will allow online casino games, sports betting and lotteries.

Indian State Pursues Online Gaming Ban

MK Stalin (l.), chief minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, has promised to pursue a ban of online gaming. A Madras High Court ruling struck down such a ban last year.

Spanish Commission Backs iGaming Reforms

Spain’s competition watchdog, Comision Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia, has come out in favor of gaming reforms including loss limits and time limits on every online session.

SPORTS BETTING More

Louisiana Regulators Target Super Bowl Launch

Louisiana Gaming Commission Chairman Ronnie Johns (l.) said the launch of online sports betting is not imminent as rumors have indicated, but hopefully fans can place bets on sports ahead of the Super Bowl.

Oklahoma Legislator Files Sports Betting Measure

Oklahoma tribal casinos could offer sports betting under a bill filed by state Rep. Ken Luttrell (l.). The measure would amend the tribal gaming compact and direct 10 percent of net sports betting revenue to the state.

Texas Pro Teams Continue Sports Betting Push

The heads of Texas professional sports teams like Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (l.) are playing the long game when it comes to legal bets. The Sports Betting Alliance will press lawmakers despite disappointing results last year.

BetMGM Goes Live in New York

BetMGM launched its online sportsbook in New York on January 17. BetMGM is already an official sports betting partner of the Knicks, the Rangers and Madison Square Garden Arena.

Arizona Coyotes Unveil Digital Sports Betting

Meruelo Gaming LLC and the Arizona Coyotes have unveiled an online and digital sportsbook platform, SaharaBets. Bettors will be able to download SaharaBets on smartphones, create accounts and deposit funds.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Richmond, Virginia Could Face Competing Referendums

Richmond, Virginia voters narrowly defeated the $565 million One Casino and Resort. Now Councilwoman Reva Trammell (l.) wants a do-over, and state Senator Joe Morrissey wants Petersburg voters to have a crack at it.

Vegas Trade Show a Barometer of Covid Impact

Las Vegas’ biggest trade show was cut short this month by a surge in the omicron variant of Covid-19. It could point to a much longer economic recovery for the city and its crucial convention business.

Wynn May Not Expand in Boston

Wynn Resorts is reconsidering plans for an entertainment venue, restaurants and parking garage on land across the street from Encore Boston Harbor (l.). It has so informed the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Nebraska Racetrack Awaits Legislature’s Approval

Fonner Park (l.) in Grand Island, Nebraska, hoped to open a temporary facility in December, following regulatory approval. But it’s still waiting for the rules to be approved the state attorney general, governor and legislators. And tax relief for casinos may be off the table.

New Jersey Reintroduces Smoke-free Casino Bill

Cynthia Hallett (l.), president of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, says 2022 will be the year lawmakers in New Jersey approve a casino smoking ban. On January 12, six senators introduced a bill to start the process.

Aria Reveals Redesigned Sky Villas, Suites

The Aria in Las Vegas has unveiled its ultra-elite, recently upgraded Sky Villas and Sky Suites. The fancy digs go for $1,000 per night and up for suites and up to $7,500 for villas.

New Jersey Rejects Mediation in PILOT Suit

New Jersey Judge Joseph Marczyk asked state lawmakers to decide if meditation would settle a lawsuit against the state filed by Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson (l.) . The state said no, sending the dispute over removing revenue sources to trial.

Developer Breaks Ground on AC Water Park

Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. recently broke ground on a $100 million water park at the Showboat. The attraction will feature slides, lazy rivers and other amenities.

Bally’s KC Opens VIP Gaming Lounge

Bally’s Kansas City has introduced an exclusive VIP gaming area, the Celebrity Casino & Lounge. The lounge offers 30-plus slot machines plus blackjack, roulette and dining.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Oregon Tribes, Track Owner Clash Over HHR Machines

Oregon tribes want lawmakers to block the addition of historical horse racing machines at a Grants Pass Downs racetrack (l.). They say the slot-like machines would render the facility a private casino, banned under Oregon law.

Legal Issues Delay Fourth Arkansas Casino

Legal issues are holding up construction of the Cherokee Nation Businesses’ $225 million Legends Resort Casino (l.) in Arkansas. The project would create 1,000 jobs and have a $5 billion economic impact in its first decade.

Minnesota Group Alleges Tribal Conspiracy

A citizens group claims Minnesota officials conspired with the Prairie Island Indian Community to endorse a $154 million water system for a future casino. Tribal officials said they had no casino plans.

Machine-Makers Test Games at Idaho Casino

The 2,200-square-foot Discovery Den at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho is the first tribal gaming industry’s testing ground for major manufacturers’ newest gaming machines.

LOTTERY More

In U.K., Lottery Revenue for Charity Shrinks

Concerns have surfaced regarding the U.K. National Lottery. First, the amount of revenue for charitable causes has declined. Second, scratch cards and online games are suspected of contributing to problem gambling.

IGT to Develop WWE-Branded Lottery Games

IGT has signed a multi-year agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. granting the supplier exclusive licensing rights to develop WWE-branded omnichannel lottery games.

PEOPLE More

AGEM Elects New Officers

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers elected its 2022 slate of officers at its January monthly meeting, including several new one-year officials. David Lucchese (l.) also began his second term as president.

Andrea Taylor Named GM of Sky Ute

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has appointed Andrea Taylor as general manager of Colorado’s Sky Ute Casino Resort. Taylor has been serving as acting GM since November, following the retirement of Charley Flagg.

MGM Resorts Board Member John Kilroy Resigns

John Kilroy, a longtime real estate industry executive, resigned from the board of MGM Resorts International effective December 31. MGM said Kilroy left “to pursue other interests.”

Play Globally Adds Hensel to Advisory Board

Play Globally, Inc., a provider of free-to-play gaming products, has appointed Susan Hensel to the company’s advisory board. The former Pennsylvania gaming regulator is also a co-founder of Hensel Grad P.C.

Doura-Schawohl Opens Global RG Consulting Firm

Brianne Doura-Schawohl has launched a boutique government relations and gaming consultancy that focuses on responsible gaming. Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

HBG Design Names Peak as New Practice Leader

Nathan Peak has been named the new practice leader at HBG Design. Peak will focus on impactful design, new market growth, nurturing talent and work-life flexibility for HBG employees.

Mashpees Name New Tribal Administrator

David Greendeer has been named tribal administrator of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts. Greendeer is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and grew among members of the Mashpee Tribe.

GOODS & SERVICES More

Everi to Acquire Atlas Gaming Assets

Everi Holdings will acquire key assets of Australian slot supplier Atlas Gaming, with the goal of expanding Atlas product further into international markets.

PayNearMe’s MoneyLine OK’d in New York

PayNearMe announced last week that it has been approved by the New York Gaming Commission to offer its MoneyLine platform to licensed sports betting operators in the state.

SoftSwiss Picks Oddin.gg for Esports

SoftSwiss, which last year launched its sportsbook platform, has selected Oddin.gg to provide its odds feed and risk management solutions for esports titles such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends and Dota 2.

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NUTSHELL More

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