
Archive: Vol-21-No-23-June-12-2023






Gambling Companies Criticized for Targeting Africa
European gambling firms are taking advantage of poor inhabitants of sub-Saharan nations by preying on them. The Guardian recently reported on a 16-year-old boy who may have committed suicide because he got in way over his head when he gambled every day.





How Will the PGA-LIV Merger Affect Golf Betting?
With the shocking news that the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour had agreed to merge with the LIV Golf Tour, an unintentional benefit for golf fans might be more good bets.





NFL Wades Deeper Into Betting Controversies
The NFL is, undoubtedly, the biggest and most influential brand in the U.S. sports market. For decades, the league eschewed betting entirely, often putting on airs to “protect the shield.” Now, however, the league has jumped head-first into the wagering ecosystem, and is dealing with a flurry of related scandals as a result. Could we be approaching a tipping point?
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: KSA Tightens Grip on Dutch Market with Flurry of Activity
The Dutch gaming authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has been very active. It has fined two lotteries for offering online games not covered by their licenses and asked the government to update the country’s online gaming laws. It has also targeted two unlicensed operators.
Richmond, Virginia Considers Casino Do-Over
In 2021, the Virginia Legislature approved casinos in five cities, if voters approved them. Referendums passed in all five cities except Richmond, but the city council there is close to approving a re-vote in November—against the will of many residents.
A’s Ballpark Funding Deal Facing Tough Challenges
Nevada lawmakers are not jumping to pass the public funding package that would help fund the Oakland Athletics’ proposed new stadium smack-dab in the middle of the Strip. In fact, they haven’t even voted on it, despite a multi-day special legislative session.
Macau GGR Slows Down
Macau’s casino industry followed five months of growth with a seasonal slowdown. June is typically a lackluster month for casinos in the Chinese enclave, which reaped $223 million in the first four days.
Star Ent: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Pushed to Early 2024
Given all the recent riff-raff, Star Entertainment would really like to get its multibillion-dollar Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (l.) development up and running. However, in efforts to get things right from the start, the company has delayed the opening to the first half of next year.
Norway Demands Kindred’s Exit From Market
Norway’s gaming authority Lottstift’s judgment against the Kindred Group has been upheld by an appeals court. The authority fined (€100,000) the subsidiary Trannel International Ltd. to force it to stop offering illegal online services to Norwegians.
North Carolina Sports Betting Clears the Finish Line
After a few near misses, North Carolina got its act together and passed legislation to create sports betting. It only needs the governor’s signature, which is almost assured. Almost.
Las Vegas Golden Knights in NHL Finals With Operators Behind Them
The Las Vegas Golden Knights are back in the Stanley Cup Finals. But this time they are the favorites. Sportsbook operators have vowed to cheer the hometown team on even if it impacts the bottom line.
Seneca Nation Agrees ‘In Principle’ on NY Compact
The Seneca Nation announced that it has reached agreement in principle with the state of New York over a new gaming compact, after several months of negotiations.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Noah Acres, Principal, Acres Manufacturing
The Acres name is one of the most respected in all of gaming—after decades of innovation and experimentation, the company has set its sights on cashless technology and casino management systems. Principal Noah Acres (l.) expounds on these advancements in this week’s podcast.
ASIAN GAMING More
China Pressure Behind Myanmar Blackout
A Thai entity that exported electricity to Myanmar reportedly bowed to China by cutting power to two border cities that host casinos. The action was linked to China’s crackdown on capital flight and illegal gambling.
Singapore Racetrack Set for Redevelopment
The Singapore Turf Club, which occupies almost 300 acres in the crowded city-state, will close sometime before March 2027, officials have confirmed. Reasons include a decline in racing and a need for developable land.
NagaWorld Expansion Delayed
NagaCorp, owner of Cambodian casino resort, NagaWorld, has announced it will delay the property’s Phase 3 expansion by as much as four years. The Hong Kong-listed firm is still in post-Covid belt-tightening mode.
South Korea Launches Gaming Trade Group
South Korea, home of 17 casinos, has formed an industry trade group, the Association of Korea Gaming Tourism Professionals. Members convened May 30 with a goal to make the gaming sector more competitive.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
French Tennis Federation Tap AI to Stop Player Threats
Players at the major tennis tournaments face a growing threat from disgruntled fans. The French federation has signed with an AI company to try and cut off the nasty comments before they hit home.
BGC Asks for Cooperation from Social Media
Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is calling on social media to do what it can to encourage safer gambling. And if blandishments won’t work, it is also calling on the government to put pressure on social media to do things like offer ways for consumers to opt out of gambling advertisements.
Malta Regulator Canceled Six Gaming Licenses in 2022
The Malta Gaming Authority canceled six gambling licenses last year, down from seven in 2021 and 14 in 2019. In 2022, it also accepted 41 license applications and issued 31 licenses.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Construction of Hard Rock Ottawa Finally Underway
The planned construction for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (l.) in Ottawa, Canada, is finally underway after being delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rotana Hotel Group to Open Georgia Resort
A U.A.E.-based hotel group, Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio, has announced plans to build the Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio at Batumi beach, on the shores of the Black Sea. The casino-resort, the first built by Rotana, is planned for a 2026 opening.
Montreal Grand Prix Could See Striking Casino Employees
Montreal casino employees have threatened to strike during the busy Grand Prix weekend if their demands for a new contract are not met.
NSW May Limit Pokies After Midnight in Latest RG Push
Parents often say that nothing good happens in the middle of the night—regulators in New South Wales are echoing that sentiment, and are considering a midnight cutoff for poker machines after a new study connected late-night play with problem gambling.
Australia: Northern Territory Lowers Poker Machine Cap
The cap on the number of poker machines in Australia’s Northern Territory has been lowered by 40 units, from 1,699 to 1,659, to help bolster responsible gaming efforts.
ONLINE GAMING More
DoubleDown, IGT to Pay $415 Million Settlement
A judge has approved a $415 million settlement in the class-action lawsuit against DoubleDown Interactive and IGT over chip sales in so-called social casinos.
Maine Kicks iGaming Bill to 2024
Maine lawmakers have pushed a bill to 2024 that would give the state’s Native American tribes the exclusive right to offer iGaming and sports betting.
Chile Could OK iGaming in 2023
An iGaming bill drafted last year has been OK’d by the Economic Commission of Chile’s Chamber of Deputies. Commissioners voted 9-3 to approve the legislation.
Pavilion Payments Introduces Software Development Kit
Pavilion Payments has introduced a comprehensive iGaming software development kit that offers a seamless solution to integrate the supplier’s VIP Preferred program.
SPORTS BETTING More
LSU Ends Caesars Deal; Legislature Outlaws New Ones
LSU has ended a sports betting partnership deal with Caesars Sportsbook just as the state’s Legislature passed a bill that would prohibit such agreements.
FanDuel Passes $1 Billion In New York Mobile Sports Revenue
FanDuel reached a milestone by becoming the first mobile operator to pass the $1 billion in revenue in New York. The operator hit the milestone in week 73.
Ohio Revenue Stream is a Tale of Two Platforms
When it comes to revenue from mobile or in-person sportsbooks, Ohio is holding its own. But the kiosks approved for bars and restaurants have yet to do as well as expected.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
MGM Updates Policy to Allow Pics, Vids, Streams at Tables
In today’s world, everyone has a smartphone, which means that everyone is a content creator. As such, MGM recently became the first Nevada operator to allow players to take pictures and videos while playing table games.
Flurry of Horse Deaths at Churchill Downs Triggers Meet Move
There have been 12 horses die at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and officials at the iconic track announced they have suspended the spring meet to try and figure out why.
PA Self-Exclusion List Reaches 20,000
Pennsylvania’s Casino Self-Exclusion program has received its 20,000th voluntary request, with 21 percent of those gamblers requesting lifetime bans.
Kentucky’s 18+ Rule Criticized by Ohio Regulator
Kentucky recently passed sports betting legislation to allow gamblers 18-20 to wager on sports and the top regulator for betting in Ohio criticized the policy.
Responsible Gaming Bills Stuck in New York, New Jersey
A pair of responsible gaming-related bills are having a difficult time clearing the finish line in New York and New Jersey, and time is running out to make it happen.
Public Comments Heard on Proposed Encore Boston Expansion
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission held its second public comment session regarding the expansion proposal of Encore Boston Harbor (l.).
Illinois Casino Interested In Golf Course Land
In Illinois, Hard Rock Rockford (l.) faces competition to acquire part of a 220-acre former golf course, located next to where the 180,000-square-foot casino and entertainment center are being built. The city’s Park District shuttered the course in 2020 as a money-saving move.
Michigan Racetrack Approved For Relocation
Plymouth Township, Michigan’s board of trustees is nearing approval of Northville Downs (l.) racetrack’s request to relocate. The 79-year-old racetrack, the oldest in the state, is moving to the former Detroit House of Corrections site.
Decision on Off-Track Betting at Pimlico Still Up in Air
The owners of Pimlico Race Course (l.) have waffled on the decision to get rid of off-track betting and no definitive answer has yet to come.
Virginia Casino Benefits Local Businesses
Since the temporary Caesars Danville (l.) opened in Virginia in May, area businesses report increased activity and excitement in the former textile manufacturing center. The permanent casino will open in late 2024
TRIBAL GAMING More
Kansas Tribe Awaits Florida Sports Betting Ruling
The state of Kansas will allow the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to amend its gaming compact to offer online sports betting. But the tribe is awaiting the outcome of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s appeal in federal court.
LOTTERY More
Experts Urge State Lotteries To Help Addicts
Gambling addiction experts interviewed in an ABC News report said states must do more to offer services to lottery addicts, who disproportionately are minorities or low-income. One official called the situation “a form of systemic racism.”
PEOPLE More
Four More Years for Wynn CEO Billings
Craig Billings (l.), CEO of Wynn Resorts since November 2021, will remain in the position until at least June 1, 2027 under a new four-year contract. The company has also extended the contract of CFO Julia Cameron-Doe.
Culinary Union Leadership Stands Pat in Latest Election
The results of the latest leadership election for the Culinary Union are in, and the top three spots are unchanged—Ted Papageorge is secretary-treasurer, Diana Valles is president and Leain Vashon is vice president.
GLI Names Otto South Africa GM
GLI has promoted Pierre Otto (l.), a longtime executive with extensive experience in the African gaming industry, to general manager, South Africa.
Leech Lake Gaming Names Michaud CEO
Leech Lake Gaming, operator of Minnesota casinos owned by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, has named casino industry veteran Michael Michaud (l.) as its new CEO.
Table Trac Continues Expansion, Adds Florio to Sales Team
Table Trac has hired industry veteran Thomas Florio to the role of head of business development for the eastern U.S.
GOODS & SERVICES More
IGT Extends Wheel of Fortune Licensing
IGT has signed a 10-year extension to its exclusive licensing deal to produce slot machines based on the Wheel of Fortune game show, rights it has retained since 1996.
Sightline Receives Multiple Honors
Sightline received multiple honors in May, including congressional recognition, SBC Awards, and an American Business Award for communications.
Light & Wonder Partners with Shift4 on Cashless
Light & Wonder has signed an agreement with Shift4 to integrate Shift4’s payment processing technology into L&W’s cashless table game debit solution.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.