Vol-21-No-44-November-6-2023 Archives

Responsible Gaming with the Power of AI and Blockchain

At this juncture, the gaming industry is presented with numerous challenges related to security, sustainability and responsible gaming. While the potential dangers of new technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence are certainly real, the potential benefits they could bring are worth the gamble, says industry veteran Bruce Merati (l.).

Can Macau Compete in a Crowded Sports Market?

In the quest to end its reliance on gaming for tax revenues, Macau is exploring its potential future role as a sports hub. Casino operators are already mounting large-scale sporting events.

Automation Impacts Striking Detroit Casino Workers

Among the issues raised by striking Detroit casino workers is the impact of automation on their jobs. Cocktail servers and housekeepers said new technology like Smart Bar and HotSOS make their jobs harder, not easier.

New Horizons: IGSA Details Latest Expansion with GSA Africa

After decades of collaboration and innovation around the world, the International Gaming Standards Association has set its sights on Africa, and IGSA Vice President Mark Pace (l.) recently spoke with GGB News about the backstory and future goals of its new division, GSA Africa.

Seminole Tribe of Florida Poised to Welcome Sports Bettors

It’s been more than two years in and out of courtrooms, right up to the high court. But the Supreme Court declined to step in on behalf of the parimutuels, giving the Seminoles reason to rejoice.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Maine Launches Sports Betting; Partnerships Form

Sports betting finally was launched in Maine and DraftKings and Caesars partnered with Native American tribes to offer legal wagers.

Tropicana Must be Demolished by End of 2024 if Approved, Officials Say

In a perfect world, the Oakland A’s would like to start playing in a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip by the start of the 2028 regular season. In order for that to happen, the Tropicana (l.) would need to be shuttered and demolished by the end of next year, officials recently told the Las Vegas Stadium Authority.

Virginia Beach to Enforce Skill Game Ban

After the state Supreme Court overturned an injunction in a case challenging Virginia’s ban on skill games, the city of Virginia Beach announced a 30-day grace period before owners and operators face criminal charges.

Yet Another Thai Committee to Consider Legal Gaming

Thailand will form a new committee to consider legalized gaming, including casinos. A legal industry would capture domestic gamblers who now cross the border to play in Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia.

Queensland Govt. Proposes New Casino Regulations

The Queensland state government recently proposed a bill that would greatly expand the regulatory obligations for the state’s four casinos, including mandatory pre-commitment and loss limits. Attorney General Yvette D’ath (l.) vowed that non-compliance will result in “significant” penalties.

Irish Government Rethinking Proposed Gambling Ad Ban

Under pressure from Ireland’s racing industry, the Ministry in charge of gambling may be rethinking a proposal to ban gaming advertising. That is part of the Irish Gambling Regulation Bill, the first update of the law in 100 years.

A Pair of Related Sports Betting Proposals Filed in California

Tribal leaders wanted no part in another run at sports betting so close to the 2022 defeat of their propositions. Then two related proposals pop up with exclusivity for tribes. Only thing, the tribes knew nothing about it.

MS Lawmakers Debate Mobile Sports Betting, iGaming

Mississippi already has sports betting in casinos but a task force is hearing arguments to legalize the online version, as well as online casinos.

Oklahoma Lawmakers Reject Two Compacts

Stating compacts allowing two small Oklahoma tribes to offer off-reservation gaming contained “significant fatal flaws,” a legislative panel unanimously rejected the compacts negotiated in 2020 by Governor Kevin Stitt (l.).

GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Mike Donovan, Chief Marketing Officer, Bally’s Corporation

Mike Donovan (l.) has extensive experience operating in some of gaming’s most competitive jurisdictions. Recently named chief marketing officer for Bally’s Corporation, Donovan is in charge of bringing players to all 17 Bally’s properties in the U.S.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

Record-Breaking October in Macau

Macau casinos continue to rack up post-Covid revenue records. October GGR reached its highest level since the pandemic started at MOP19.5 billion ($2.42 billion). The city reopened to tourist traffic in early January.

Trafficked Workers Freed from Myanmar Casinos

Approximately 200 foreigners were recently rescued from workplaces at illicit casinos in Myanmar. The United Nations has said hundreds of thousands of people have been forced into similar work in Southeast Asia.

Netherlands Mulls Hiking Gambling Tax

Two Dutch MPs have filed an amendment to the Gambling Tax Act that would increase the tax on operators by 1 percent. That would bring it to 30.5 percent. They hope to lower excise duties on alcohol as a result.

100,000 Swedes Self-Exclude From Gambling

More than 100,000 Swedes have signed up for the gambling self-exclusion system. Spelpaus, run by Sweden’s gambling authority, Spelinspektionen, has operated since January 1, 2019 when it was relaunched from an earlier version.

Norwegian Operators Roll Back Marketing

In April Lottstift, Norway’s gambling regulator, ordered state-owned operators Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto to cut back advertising spending. It concluded that they don’t have to compete as much because illegal gambling is down.

Brazil Lays Out Requirements for Online Gaming Market Entry

Brazil has published Ordinance No. 1330, which spells out what operators wanting to operate online casinos or offer sports betting will need to do to obtain a license. They must indicate interest by the end of November.

India’s Tax Collectors Chase Operators for Large GST Sums

India’s GST Council has presented casinos, racing companies and online gaming operators with demands to pay more than $12 billion in unpaid goods and services taxes (GST). The demands all relate to the fiscal year 2018.

Wynn’s UAE Gaming Project Called ‘Fantastic’

One of Dubai’s largest contractors, ALEC, has won the contract to build the casino for Wynn’s $3.9 billion casino resort. Newly appointed CEO Barry Lewis says, “It’s going to be fantastic for Ras Al Khaimah.”

OLG Basks in Competitive Market

The growth in both land-based and digital gaming has set records and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is crediting competition for the increase in revenue.

SBS to Give Streamers Option to Block Gaming Ads

SBS has announced that starting next year, viewers of its SBS On Demand platform will have the ability to opt out of seeing certain kinds of ads, with gaming being one of them.

Professional Golfer Suspended Three Months for Betting on Sport

Jake Staiano (l.), who plays on the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour, was suspended for three months for betting on golf.

Questions Remain After NHL Player Suspended for Gambling

Shane Pinto (l.), a player with the Ottawa Senators, has become the first person in the NHL suspended for gambling, but several questions have arisen regarding the 41-game ban.

Colorado Agency Considers Ban on Fantasy Pick’Em Contests

Colorado’s Division of Gaming is developing rules for the latest in fantasy sports competition. From where Josh Kirschner of PrizePicks sits, it isn’t pretty.

Iowa Governor Supports Sports Betting Criminal Investigation

Governor Kim Reynolds (l.) called a news conference about deployment of the Iowa National Guard. But the conference attracted questions about the investigation into Illegal sports betting among student athletes. She’s in favor.

Betway Quits as Illinois’ Only Bidder for Standalone License

Betway had a license ready and waiting in the sports-rich Illinois. They were the lone bidder for a supplemental standalone license. Then the sportsbook pulled up stakes, no reason given.

PA Bill Would Ban Skill Games

Joint House/Senate legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly would ban the so-called skill games that have been placed in thousands of varied locations around the state.

Illinois Regulators Approve Bally’s Chicago License

The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved granting Bally’s Chicago a full gaming license for its $1.7 billion casino complex (l.), which must be completed by September 9, 2026. The temporary facility at Medinah Temple may continue to operate until then.

NV Judge Dismisses Las Vegas Room Rate Class Action Suit

A proposed class action lawsuit that accused several high-profile operators of violating antitrust law by conspiring to overcharge for room rates has been dismissed, but plaintiffs have already promised to re-file an amended claim within the allotted 30-day window.

Las Vegas Labor Talks Continue, but Threat of Strike Still Remains

Negotiations between Las Vegas operators and labor unions are said to be progressing slowly, but with workers having already authorized a strike vote in September, the threat of a citywide walkout is still in play.

Virginia Casino Supporters Spend Millions

Urban One and Churchill Downs have spent more than $10 million to influence voters to support the proposed $563 million Richmond Grand Resort and Casino, which was narrowly rejected in 2021.

MGM Springfield Settles Wage, Tip Complaint

MGM Springfield (l.) will pay $6.8 million to more than 2,000 workers in settlement of wage and tip violations found after an investigation by the state Attorney General’s office.

NGCB Recommends Fontainebleau for Approval

The Nevada Gaming Control Board has voted unanimously to recommend licensing approval to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas (l.), which hopes to debut as planned on December 13.

Social Gambling Brands Leave Michigan

Following a two-year investigation, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ordered the social casino Golden Hearts Games to cease operations in the state. Virtual Gaming Worlds also pulled out, and the Michigan Gaming Control Board banned pick’em fantasy products.

Baccarat Carries NV in September; Several Markets Show Declines

The latest round of data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board showed that the state continued its run of $1 billion-plus in revenue, thanks mostly to stellar baccarat performance. Most other markets besides the Strip, however, posted year-over-year decreases.

Arkansas Supreme Court Upholds Casino Ruling

The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision that the license awarded to Legends Casino and Cherokee Nation Businesses by the Arkansas Gaming Commission was unconstitutional, since only one entity can hold a casino license.

Texas Tribal Casino Receives 100th Statement of Support

The city council of Port Arthur, Texas recently provided the 100th statement of support for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s right to offer electronic bingo at its Naskila Casino (l.). Other resolutions have come from businesses as well as civic and governmental groups.

Featured Stories More

Top Podcast box

Nominations

GAMING EVENTS CALENDAR

FEATURED STORIES

COLUMNS

GGB PUBLICATIONS