For decades, the mantra of the gaming industry was that cash reigned supreme, but in today’s market we appear to be on the verge of a widespread revolution, one spearheaded by cashless innovators like Marker Trax. The company is changing the way casinos issue credit, and a revamped underwriting process is key to that success, writes Chief Credit Officer Melissa Lambson (l.).
Decades removed from doctor-sponsored cigarette ads and the rise and fall of the Marlboro Man, the retail casino industry is the last in the U.S. still grappling with indoor smoking. As former regulator Richard Schuetz (l.) writes, the last time we had this song and dance was when airlines phased out the practice some 30 years ago.
Aruze Gaming America will close its Las Vegas headquarters and lay off 100, many of whom will gain new jobs at Interblock and Play Synergy, which are acquiring Aruze’s ETG and slot operations respectively.
Alejandro Tengco (l.), head of the Philippine gaming regulator, has put all offshore operators on probation and will require them to be relicensed. He also continues a plan to sell off the agency’s casino assets.
Former casino executive Steve Wynn (l.) and Nevada gaming regulators have finally come to an agreement over a previous sexual misconduct complaint, ending a multi-year battle that has gone in and out of state courts. In the end, Wynn will pay a $10 million fine and sever all ties with the state’s gaming industry.
The Illinois Gaming Board is trying for the third time to revoke the video gambling terminal license of Chicago businessman Jeff Rehberger Jr. (l.), owner of Lucky Lincoln Gaming, which has 1,200 machines in more than 200 locations.
Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura (l.) has publicly acknowledged that an integrated resort in the prefecture likely will not open until 2030. The delay was attributed to the central government’s lengthy approval process.
In Australia, pokies are public enemy number one, as the Victorian government recently became the latest state to impose cash-in limits and mandatory pre-commitments.
A gang of roulette wheel fraudsters ripped off many Spanish casinos, gambling halls and bingo halls by manipulating the roulette wheels over three months. The gang took in more than €400,000 before most of its members were arrested, police reported.
NCAA President Charlie Baker wrote a letter to Rep. Dina Titus informing her that there have been 175 sports betting violations since 2018. Betting-related scandals have dominated the conversation surrounding college sports for some time.
BetMGM is respectable. Carrying a third place market share is nothing to sneeze at. But with the acquisition of Angstrom Sports and STS, Entain is determined to seek a higher share or at least be profitable.
We find ourselves at the precipice of second quarter earnings season, although Las Vegas Sands and Monarch Casino have already kicked things off. Let’s get these investor calls going, and please, no more speeches.
National Indian Gaming revenues set new records in FY 2022, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has reported. Figures show that Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) was $40.9 billion, $1.9 billion (4.9 percent) higher than in 2021.
In the ever-expanding list of gaming suppliers, American Gaming Systems (AGS) remains one of the most unique and, in recent years, one of the most successful. Two pivotal figures in that success are this week’s guests, CEO and President David Lopez and Chief Marketing Officer Julia Boguslawski (l. to r.).
Galaxy Macau’s new premium-mass room won’t officially open until mid-August, but it’s already boosted average wagers in the category, says gaming analyst George Choi.
The season finale at the Hong Kong Jockey Club set two new records for turnover. On July 16, the track exceeded historic results for both a single meeting and the year’s final run.
The U.K. Gambling Commission has fined Betfred £3.25 million and Star Racing Ltd. £594,000 for failures to properly maintain anti-money laundering procedures. The companies were also criticized for not having sufficient controls in place to protect new patrons.
The former Swedish gaming monopoly Svenska Spel has reported dramatic increases in digital revenue for the first six months of 2023. This enabled the company to overcome less rosy figures from its land-based casinos and retail business.
The island nation of Curaçao’s National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) will take effect in September. The island is updating its gaming ordinance at the behest of the Netherlands, which tied Covid economic relief to a gambling regulation overhaul.
Chile is considering a new tax rate for online gambling platforms. When all the taxes, including VAT, are taken into account, the Economy Committee of the Chamber of Deputies could decide to set the rate at 38.2 percent, among the highest in the world.
An anti-casino group in Japan claims that MGM Resorts is ineligible to receive an integrated resort license in Osaka because it conducted an illegal online gaming business when it acquired iGaming company LeoVegas.
A top revenue official of the state of Colorado has indicated talks are underway to push for a bill to legalize online casinos in the state, to add to the current mobile sports betting market.
Light & Wonder has launched a live game show, Authentic Gaming’s 7’s on Fire LIVE, using Light & Wonder’s intellectual property for the European market along with the 7’s On Fire franchise.
Bally’s Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with online live casino supplier Stakelogic ahead of the launch next year of online gaming in the state.
There were three major rule changes in Major League Baseball before the start of the 2023 season and they have been shown to have an impact on the betting market.
Ohio’s system of kiosks for sports betting and its oversight by the state Lottery Commission have yet to show signs of growth. The lottery is losing money because its fortune is tied to the kiosks.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (l.), the first sports commish to accept sports betting, warns of potential trouble unless the leagues increase education as a means to combat the issue.
The company tried to make ends meet in the U.S. but only managed to come away with two states. Now PlayUp hopes to find the magic after deals fell through.
Officials at Hard Rock Sportsbook announced last week that they have rebranded and are now called Hard Rock Bet in an effort to merge its sports betting and iGaming platforms into a single app.
The Queen Baton Rouge (l.), the city's first land-based casino, will open to the public on Thursday, August 24, following an $85 million expansion. The venue will feature 750 slots, 18 table games, a sportsbook and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken.
The Sears store at Pheasant Lane Mall, in Nashua, New Hampshire (l.), closed since 2020, will open as the Mint historical horse racing gambling facility in late 2024, said owners ECL Entertainment and partner, Toronto-based Clairvest.
The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) recently approved a resolution on problem gambling that urges states to tackle the issue and gave tips on how to achieve that objective.
The Rockingham County, North Carolina planning commission voted against a casino developer’s request to rezone land near a disabled children’s camp. But the board of commissioners, whose members include the state Senate Majority Leader’s son, will have the final say.
The National Indian Gaming Commission warned tribal casino operators about nationwide scams in which imposters claim to be vendors or state or tribal casino officials. The NIGC urged tribes to be alert and train staff to recognize a scam.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation received approval from Wagoner County, Oklahoma to build a travel plaza with a small casino in Coweta. No information has been given for the start of construction or other details.
A retired sheriff from a neighboring county has endorsed the proposed Shiloh Resort & Casino of the Koi Nation in Sonoma County. Former Sheriff Brian Martin (l.) spent more than 30 years in law enforcement and was Sheriff of Lake County for 17 years.
For the first time in 107 years the president of Local 54 of the Unite Here Union, which represents Atlantic City casino employees, will be a woman, as Donna DeCaprio (l.) was elected July 19.
Payment provider Pavilion Payments has announced that it is expanding its staff count by 10 percent, including several middle and upper management positions.
MGM Resorts International and Marriott International announced a marketing alliance under which the Marriott booking system will cover 40,000 MGM rooms.
NeoGames shareholders voted to approve the company’s takeover by Aristocrat Leisure Limited, in a deal signed in May that will see the acquisition complete in 2024.
