There’s nothing quite like a first impression: when former casino executive and regulator Richard Schuetz first met Scott Schettler at the Stardust (l.), things didn’t get off to the best start. However, decades later, Schuetz will now present Schettler as an inductee to the Sports Gaming Hall of Fame—funny how things work out.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
Gaming companies in Nevada now have fewer obligations with regard to reporting foreign operations, thanks to revisions featured in the recently passed SB266.
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 recently passed sports betting legislation and now they’re considering adding commercial casinos and video lottery terminals as part of 2023 budget appropriations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (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.
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.
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.
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers has issued a call for nominations for the eighth annual Memorial Awards honoring Jens Halle and Peter Meade.
