
Archive: Vol-21-No-26-July-3-2023






The Future of Gaming: Leveraging Digital Chips, Embracing Online Transition
The gaming industry has a tendency to evolve slowly, in the same way that it takes a lot of effort to make a U-turn with a cruise ship. However, those who prepare for the future of crypto-based payment options will find themselves ahead of the pack, writes industry veteran Bruce Merati (l.).





CASINO-OLOGY: The Myth of Offsetting Betting
The message of this month’s behind-the-scenes breakdown of casino play from game extraordinaire Bill Zender (l.) is cut and dry: offsetting betting is a myth, and actually falls in the house’s favor.





Silverstein, Parx Casino Join NY Casino Race
Real estate mogul Larry Silverstein (l.) and his firm Silverstein Properties, in partnership with Greenwood Gaming, owner of Pennsylvania’s Parx Casino, have joined the race for a license to operate a casino in New York City.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: Controversy Follows NBA Draft After Reporter Swings Odds
FanDuel and one of its partners, NBA journalist Shams Charania (l.), found themselves in a controversy on NBA Draft day when the reporter tweeted about a player’s draft position and it moved the betting line.
Venetian, Palazzo Reach Labor Deal; “Big Table” Talks Continue
The Venetian and Palazzo (l.) recently became the last Strip properties to agree to labor deals, but there’s still a long summer ahead, as a multitude of other high-profile contracts around Las Vegas expired June 1.
Rebound for Macau Junkets?
Macau junkets, decimated by Beijing’s crackdown on capital flights, are contributing more to the city’s post-Covid resurgence. But the remaining licensed junkets are treading lightly in their dealings with concessionaires.
Australian Committee Recommends Phased Ad Ban, Federal Regulator
A federal inquiry into Australia’s online gaming industry and its related harms, chaired by Peta Murphy MP (l.), has resulted in a slew of new recommendations, including a gradual ban on bettings during sporting events and the introduction of a national online gaming regulator.
NSW Cashless Trial Cut Short; State Machine Count Slashed
The first trial of cashless play in New South Wales has been cut short by a reported cyber attack, just one day before the state government announced plans to slash the statewide machine cap and lower the cash-in limit to just US$334.
New Fanatics Offer to PointsBet Seals Deal
The high-profile bidding war for PointsBet’s U.S. assets is now over, after Fanatics re-raised the pot to $225 million. DraftKings folded, but not after causing quite the stir.
Kentucky, Vermont Approach Sports Betting Regs Differently
Kentucky, being the state that it is, makes sure the race tracks get involved with the new sports betting law. Vermont relies on three factors, only one dealing with money.
NY Assembly Adjourns, No Seneca Compact
The New York State Assembly, despite returning for a special session that ended June 21, adjourned without passing a bill authorizing the finalization of the Seneca Nation’s gaming compact.
Lawmakers Reduce NJ iGaming Renewal Term
A bill originally extending New Jersey’s nation-leading internet gaming market for 10 years has been amended to a five-year term by a state Assembly committee.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Importance of the Human Element
As investors, sometimes the things we overlook or take for granted are the simplest. When looking at the best performers in the casino space, oftentimes the best answers are the ones with solid leadership, a clear long-term vision and the money to make it happen.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Ryan Walker, General Manager, Legends Bay Casino
The Reno-Sparks gaming market remained largely unchanged for over 20 years before Legends Bay Casino opened its doors in August of last year. The venue took over 10 years to materialize, and industry veteran Ryan Walker (l.) assumed the role of general manager back in February with the goal of bringing the property to its full potential.
Can the NCAA Control Sports Betting as Scandals Pile Up?
The NCAA is experiencing several scandals involving betting among staff and athletes and several say the problem may only get worse.
ASIAN GAMING More
Steep Tax Hike in Store for HK Jockey Club
The Hong Kong Jockey Club is looking at a stiff increase in its football betting tax. Lawmakers have passed a bill that would assess more than $300 million per year in new taxes through 2028.
Zhijiang Battles Extradition to China
Casino bigwig She Zhijiang (l.), chairman of developer Yatai International, is fighting extradition to China on charges he ran an illegal gambling operation in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
France Proposes new Rules for Gambling ads
France’s gambling authority, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has issued a draft decree that requires all online gambling ads to include a warning about the dangers of excessive gambling. Such ads must also point to where consumers with gambling problems can get help.
U.K. Committee Takes Feedback on White Paper
The U.K.’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which oversees gambling in Great Britain, has created a select committee into the regulation of gambling that will begin taking public input. Those wishing to provide feedback have until July 14 to submit it.
Sweden Tightens Party Lottery Rules
The government of Sweden is conducting an inquiry of rules that govern party political lotteries. Many regulations that apply to other lotteries don’t apply to these games that raise money for political parties. These rules also discourage transparency, say critics.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Sri Lanka to Create Gambling Regulatory Authority
President Ranil Wickremesinghe (l.) of Sri Lanka recently proposed the creation of a Gambling Regulatory Authority. The Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to create the panel and put it in charge of regulating the sector and collecting taxes from gambling.
Star Entertainment Sheds Grand Mirage GC
Australia’s Star Entertainment has agreed to sell its half-share of the Sheraton Grand Mirage on the Gold Coast for $128 million. The embattled company needs cash flow to pay off staggering legal bills and fines.
Brazil Begins Creating Sports “Betting Secretariat”
Staff from Brazil’s Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) and Ministry of Finance are meeting to create a new sports betting secretariat. The agency will implement all of the new federal regulations governing sports betting and be in charge of funds raised from it.
Curaçao to Tighten Gaming Regulations
The Caribbean nation of Curaçao will begin subjecting its gambling industry to tighter regulations beginning September. The new National Gambling Ordinance (LOK) will conform the country with international standards and improve the country’s reputation, says its Finance Minister.
Mexican Casino Group Calls for Reforms of Gaming law
The Association of Permit Holders, Operators, and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) has requested that the government of Mexico update the Federal Law of Sweepstakes and Gaming. The law was written in 1947.
Taylor Swift Takes Heat for Crown Deal
Pop singer Taylor Swift has been criticized for partnering with Crown Resorts as part of her 2023 Australian tour stop. Anti-gambling activists say the alliance will encourage gambling among her young fans.
ONLINE GAMING More
New York Lawmaker Eyes Online Casino, Lottery
New York state Senator Joe Addabbo (l.), chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, said like online sports betting, online casino and online lottery could generate $1 billion in tax revenue for education.
Light & Wonder, Betsson Sign Distribution Agreement
Light & Wonder has signed a new agreement with leading online gaming operator Betsson Group, under which third-party content will be made available through L&W OpenGaming platform.
SPORTS BETTING More
Aston Villa, Burnley Ink Shirt Deals; PL Re-Ups with Genius Sports
Aston Villa and Burnley signed a shirt sponsorship deal with online casino companies, while the Premier League extended their partnership with gambling data firm Genius Sports.
Minnesota Sports Betting Sponsors Confident About 2024
Minnesota did not make it in 2023, but lawmakers feel confident about 2024. The cause is gaining more bipartisan support, but then again, we’ve heard that before.
Ohio: BetMGM Sportsbook to Move Out of GABP
The sportsbook that debuted in the Great American Ball Park (l.) is leaving for a hip section known as the Bank. It was the only operation in a ballpark that struggled financially. It also played a role in a potential scandal.
Arkansas Approves 17 New Sports Betting Markets
Arkansas regulators approved 17 new sports betting markets, adding to its original 15 authorized markets. The new options range from cornhole to beach volleyball, drag racing to table tennis and more.
Bally Bet Shut Down for Kambi Transition
Bally Bet is shuttering its operations for at least four months while they switch from its failed platform to technology provided by Kambi.
New Jersey Sports Betting Bills Await Return to Session
State Senator Joe Cryan (l.) has introduced a bill aimed at preventing fraud. Other bills restrict ad content, restrict access to those under 21 and more.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Las Vegas’ Circa Burned for $1.17 Million in Latest Casino Heist
In the latest of what has been a puzzling string of casino heists across the U.S., a Las Vegas man has been arrested and charged with conning the Circa Hotel & Casino (l.) in downtown Las Vegas out of more than $1 million, with more than $300,000 of that still unaccounted for.
Rio Hotel Planning $850M Renovation
The Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will undergo a multimillion-dollar overhaul, remaining open throughout. The multi-year makeover will begin in the final quarter of this year.
Green Valley Ranch Announces Large-Scale Renovations
Green Valley Ranch (l.) in Henderson has announced a new slate of renovations, set to conclude by early 2024. The main focus will be the former buffet area, which will be redesigned into new restaurants and high-limit rooms.
NV Loosens Foreign Reporting Requirements for Operators
Gaming companies in Nevada now have fewer obligations with regard to reporting foreign operations, thanks to revisions featured in the recently passed SB266.
Nebraska Racino Applies For License Move
Hastings Exposition and Racing asked the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for permission to move its proposed $100 million horse racing track and casino from Hastings to Ogallala due to “uncertainty.”
North Carolina Lawmakers Consider Casinos, VLTs
North Carolina lawmakers recently passed sports betting legislation and now they’re considering adding commercial casinos and video lottery terminals as part of 2023 budget appropriations.
Accel Agrees To Pay Illinois $1 Million
Ending a disciplinary case that began in December 2020, Accel Entertainment will pay the state of Illinois a fine of $1.1 million for “inducements” to businesses to install the company’s video gaming machines.
Louisiana Casino Moving Ashore
Treasure Chest Casino (l.) in Kenner, Louisiana will move off Lake Pontchartrain to a new $100 million land-based facility in spring 2024, with double the current gaming floor area, four restaurants and meeting space.
Illinois Law Would Let Casinos Hire Convicted Felons
Currently, Illinois law bans convicted felons from working in casinos. But a bill awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (l.) signature would permit casinos to hire convicted felons for non-gaming positions.
Virginia Launches Gambling Support Committee
Effective July 1, Virginia’s Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee will focus on preventing gambling addiction and providing resources to those fighting gambling addiction.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Bill Stalls That Would Give First Nations Control of Reserve Gaming
A bill that has been proposed in the Canadian parliament would give First Nations the exclusive control over gambling and lotteries that occur on their reserves. However, Bill S-268 has been tabled in the Senate.
California Tribe Free-to-Play App to Boost Casino Visits
The 29 Palms Band of Mission Indians isn’t waiting on the sidelines while lawmakers work to pass sports betting. They now have free-to-play games, which mimic sports betting without breaking the law.
PEOPLE More
Kenji Hall Named GM at Yaamava’
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has named Kenji Hall (l.), who was the COO of the casino for the tribe, as the new general manager of the Yaamava’ Casino.
Rebecca Riant Named ClubsNSW CEO
Rebecca Riant (l.) has been tapped as the new CEO of ClubsNSW, an industry trade group representing gambling clubs in New South Wales, Australia. Riant was formerly with Tabcorp and the Star Sydney.
Mass. Gaming Commission Seeks New Director
Massachusetts Gaming Commission will begin a national search for an executive director. Current director, Karen Wells, is stepping down July after three and a half eventful years that included the pandemic. She is leaving an efficient organization different from the one she took over in 2020.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Vetnos sues PrizePicks alleging theft of technology
Fantasy sports provider Vetnos recently filed a lawsuit against PrizePicks, saying the company stole its proprietary technology.
Eclipse Installs New Game Library at Naskila Casino
Eclipse Gaming has installed its newest library of Class II slot games and cabinets, including the popular Big Shake series, at Naskila Casino in Livingston, Texas.
AGEM Calls for Award Nominations
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers has issued a call for nominations for the eighth annual Memorial Awards honoring Jens Halle and Peter Meade.
TRADE SHOWS & CONFERENCES More
G2E Registration Open
Registration for Global Gaming Expo 2023 is now open, according to the trade show’s producers, the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.