Las Vegas may soon be the last jurisdiction in the world that allows smoking in its casinos. But what happens if that goes away? Ira Sternberg (l.) has some ideas.
With RGEM completing its September run, we recap the amazing articles published by GGB News and submitted by the experts in the field revealing a healthy diversity of opinions.
Even small casinos with low limits can be targets of card counters. In this guest edition of Casino-Ology, Andrew Uyal (l.), a casino executive with lots of experience with both small casinos and card counters, offers some guidance as to what works and what doesn’t.
Cyberattacks have rocked the global casino industry as of late, and industry veteran Bruce Merati (l.) argues that new technologies such as data encryption and blockchain systems will help prevent future missteps.
With no deal in place by the September 26 deadline, Las Vegas workers represented by Culinary Workers Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165 have voted in favor of a strike, meaning that the unions’ leadership may now call for a walkout of over 50,000 non-gaming employees throughout the city.
West Flagler and Associates, owners of three jai alai licenses and a poker room. Yet they continue to maneuver against Florida’s biggest casino business, the Seminole Tribe, to prevent a sports betting monopoly.
Grand Sierra Resort owner Alex Meruelo has announced a sweeping $1 billion capital investment project centered around a 10,600-seat arena that will become the new home of Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball.
Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International are now facing five separate class-action lawsuits related to the compromise of personal data in the recent cyberattacks.
Osaka, Japan’s integrated resort is finally a go, with final approvals by the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The MGM Resorts-led project will be the first casino in Japan.
There has been some confusion about the new Advertising Standards set by the Canadian Gaming Association and Paul Burns (l.), president and CEO of the CGA, is trying to make them clearer.
The U.K. Gambling Commission is nearly done with the first round of consultations on the Gambling White Paper proposals. The next consultations should begin this winter.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (l.) wants the legislature to approve two gaming compacts that were rejected by the state Supreme Court in 2020. The compacts would generate additional revenue for the state.
The third quarter of 2023 is complete, but it seems that much of the dialogue from the first half of the year will be repeated again here soon. As such, it may be more fun to identify key points to watch for the rest of the year.
The judging for the 23rd annual GGB Gaming & Technology Awards is complete, and this year’s winners have now been announced. In addition to a new category for best sports betting product, three new judges were also added to the official panel.
The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) has become a staple in the international gaming community, thanks in large part to its steadfast leadership and dedication to excellence. Now, with such leaders in place like Chairman Earle G. Hall (l.) and Vice Chairman Nimish Purohit (r.), the future looks as bright as ever, both for the IGSA and the industry at large.
Gaming regulators in Macau have decreed that citywide casino operators can partner with a maximum of 50 junket runners in 2024. It’s the latest directive in an effort to manage the VIP industry.
The Philippine Department of Finance will help the country’s gaming regulator sell off its casinos. Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong says it’s “very feasible” that the assets will be ready for market in 2025.
U.S.-based special purpose acquisition company 26 Capital has liquidated following the collapse of a planned merger with Philippines integrated resort Okada Manila (l.).
The Philippines remain on the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force, and must provide “strict enforcement” of anti-money laundering controls in casinos to get off the global watchdog’s rolls.
Denmark has begun enforcing a law that requires retail bettors to have player ID cards. The goal is to prevent anonymous gambling and increase consumer protection.
The Norwegian Lottery Authority is leaning on banks to enforce rules against processing transactions involving unlicensed casinos. It is enforcing the “payment intermediary ban.”
Sweden’s government is looking at a hike on the gambling tax rate from 18 to 22 percent. If adopted by the Regeringen this could raise an estimated $48.4 million.
U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is investigating reports of banks de-banking accounts linked to gambling transactions. The Gamblers Consumer Forum raised the issue.
Swedish gaming regulator Spelinspektionen is in accord with proposed changes to the country’s Money Laundering Act, as well as adjusted fees for violations.
Crockfords Casino, the oldest in London, could follow the Ritz Club and the Clermont and close due to a lack of high-end gamblers. Recently foreign high rollers have been bypassing London for Paris and Milan casinos.
A worldwide survey of sports betting numbers put Australia atop the list with an average of $1,300 revenue per user, four times the average of $340. But the U.S. has the highest number of bettors.
A group of international health officials have penned an op-ed that accuses gaming companies of behaving like big tobacco. They call for them to be treated the same by governments.
From September 2024 onward, all video games featuring simulated gambling in Australia will be restricted to those aged 18 or over. Additionally, games featuring loot boxes will have an M rating.
The sports betting market in Brazil has grown spectacularly since it was legalized in 2020. Supporters worry that high license fees and high tax rates could hobble that growth.
Three major professional sports leagues are asking lawmakers in Quebec to consider a competitive market for online sports betting sites, saying it would “level the playing field.”
Mexico’s president has issued a decree that would ban slot machines. The decree, expected to come into effect soon, would also reduce how long casino licenses are good for.
Crown Resorts has rolled out a new branding campaign to help reconstruct the beleaguered operator’s image from just a casino operator to a more well-rounded entertainment provider.
Maryland legislators and iGaming experts attending a panel on the future of gambling in the state agreed legalized online casino gambling is unavoidable, but it would offer increased tax revenue and consumer protections.
Kentucky sports betting began with retail in-person outlets and pulled in a handle of $4.5 million in the race horse capital of the U.S. Big numbers are expect to come from online betting, which began September 28.
Following a technical glitch on September 24, state regulators said Penn Sports Interactive was allowed to freeze the accounts and void the bets of Barstool Sportsbook customers who wagered on the Giants-Cardinals game.
Horse racing is nicknamed the Sport of Kings, but it is facing a significant decline in wagering and those involved in the sport are not sure how to bring the numbers up.
Commissioners of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) were not unanimous in proposed changes to casino tax distributions, but they ultimately approved the plan.
The New Jersey Supreme Court will rule on whether Ocean Casino Resort (l.) is entitled to pandemic-related insurance payouts that they were denied by insurance companies.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission rejected Kalshi’s proposal to allow wagering on Kalshi’s regulated event exchange, calling it unlawful gambling with implications “beyond the election itself,” including fundraising and polling.
Red Rock Resorts’ newest project, Durango Casino and Resort, is now fully set for its November 13 opening following unanimous approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission. Sure, the company’s problems with Culinary remain, but that won’t prevent anything at this time.
As the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Seneca Nation continue negotiations on a new gaming compact, one New York lawmaker is blasting the pace of the talks.
The public had a chance to virtually comment on the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ economic impact study for the Koi Nation’s proposed casino resort in Sonoma County, California. County officials, residents and other tribes all oppose the project.
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation’s Son of Star facility is expected to open in 2026 in White Shield, North Dakota with 230 slots, six table games, a sportsbook, poker room, restaurant and campground.
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority has awarded a total of $1.3 million to 52 charities and other organizations throughout the southern Nevada region.
Mark Stebbings (l.), chief operating officer of U.K.-based sports betting giant Betfred, has stepped down from his post after almost 30 years with the company.
Aruze Gaming Global has promoted Kelcey Allison (l.) to the post of global chief operating officer, and has named Mark Hettinger as the company’s new general counsel.
Marker Trax and Koin have appointed Sean Salce (l.) as vice president of business development, eastern region and Mark Wiedemer (r.) as senior director of business development.
Tashina Lazcano (l.), a marketing leader recognized for dedication to the advancement of women in gaming, has been named for a Patricia Becker Pay It Forward Award.
Station Casinos has partnered with payment provider Sightline to launch its new on-premises app, STN Mobile. In addition to gaming, the app also includes features for all aspects of Station properties, from dining to booking.
The BetMGM sportsbook is now live in the U.K., powered by Kambi’s award-winning technology, including LeoVegas Group’s full stable of sports betting brands.
Macau casino operator Sands China has announced a deal with South Korea’s Kakao Pay and Macau Pass, digital payment providers who can help make transactions easier for South Korean customers.
