Las Vegas, Brought to You By…

Vegas is always on the lookout for new revenue streams, and as Ira David Sternberg (l.) posits, innumerable off-the-wall sponsorships may be worth some more consideration.

A Tribute to a Legend

When Steve Norton (l.) passed away a few weeks ago, the industry chugged along, doing what it does best, providing jobs, tax revenue, entertainment and tourism. But none of that would have been possible had it not been for Norton and his groundbreaking idea to bring casinos to the struggling town of Atlantic City.

MGM Reveals Empire City Plan

MGM Resorts International has revealed its plan to transform its current racino, Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York, to MGM Empire City (l.), if granted one of three downstate casino licenses.

Kindred to Exit North America

Kindred Group announced that as a result of its ongoing strategic review, the online gaming operator will exit the North American market immediately.

Miriam Adelson Buys Majority Stake in NBA’s Mavericks, Casino Rumors Swirl

Las Vegas Sands controlling shareholder Miriam Adelson (l.) has purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks using proceeds from a $2 billion LVS stock sale. Former majority owner Mark Cuban, who was not shy about his intentions of partnering with LVS on a potential casino development in Texas, will retain control of basketball operations for the team.

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NJ Smoking Ban Vote Delayed

A bill that would ban smoking inside Atlantic City casinos remained stalled in the state Senate Health Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee after Democrats delayed a scheduled vote.

In Korea, Inspire Debut Highlights Non-Gaming

Mohegan Gaming of Connecticut opened its new Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea last week. The soft opening featured non-gaming attractions as the operator awaits its casino license.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Post-Turkey Potpourri

The death of investing giant Charlie Munger is cause for reflection and appreciation for some of the companies that demonstrate the beauty of buying good fundamentals at fair prices. Additionally, a number of recent developments have piqued our interest.

GGB PODCAST: Gil Rotem, President, iGaming, IGT

IGT has some of the most impressive games and platforms for iGaming, which are being directed by Gil Rotem (l.), who was named president of that division in 2021 and has led the company to be considered as one of top iGaming providers.

GGB Podcast sponsored by IGT.

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China Says Saipan Casino Exec is a Crime Boss

Former Macau junket chief Ji Xiaobo (l.), who ran failed Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International, has been named the head of a “criminal syndicate” by a Chinese court. Ji has gone undercover to avoid arrest.

Japanese Prefecture Still Exploring IR

Lawmakers in Hokkaido, Japan, will convene a study group to explore the potential of a casino resort in the prefecture. So far, the central government has only approved one license, leaving two more available.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

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Industry Fights Mexican Slots Ban

Mexico’s gambling industry isn’t going to take an attack on its existence lying down. It has decided to go to court to fight a ban on slot machines that will, within five years, force many casinos out of business.

ONLINE GAMING More

Bill Advances to Legalize Chile’s Online Gaming

Chile’s legislature is moving a framework to regulate online gaming in the South American country. The Economic Commission of the Chamber of Deputies recommended a “1 percent responsible gambling tax.”

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UNITED STATES GAMING More

Virginia Cities Want Rejected Richmond Casino

Since Richmond, Virginia voters rejected a casino for the second time, officials in other communities, including Fairfax County and Petersburg, are moving forward plans to host the state’s fifth authorized casino.

Indiana Lawmaker’s Felony Stops 2024 Gambling Bills

Indiana legislative leaders said no gaming bills will be considered in the 2024 session, following former state Rep. Sean Eberhart’s (l.) admission that he took a bribe in exchange for pushing 2019 legislation favoring Spectacle Gaming.

Ohio Casino Holds Hotel Groundbreaking

Penn Entertainment broke ground a $100 million, 180-room hotel at Hollywood Casino Columbus (l.), expected to open in 2025. The project will create 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions.

Massachusetts Problem Gambling Spending Questioned

A Boston television station investigation found the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which receives $18 million annually from gambling revenue, spends four times as much on prevention as on treatment.

Legalizing Alabama Gambling Depends On Regulation

Alabama state Rep. Andy Whitt said regulating “rampant” illegal gambling could lead to legislation allowing casino gambling and a lottery. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said he expects gambling legislation to be introduced in the 2024 session.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Seminoles Take Cautious Approach to Sports Betting

The game isn’t over in Florida. West Flagler Associates and the Bonita-Fort Myers Corp. have at least one card to play with the U.S. Supreme Court in their suit against the Seminoles. And who knows how many others to play.

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Casino App Developer Allegedly Used Bots

A class-action suit alleges that AviaGames, a developer of casino apps used by players of skill games, pitted users against bots instead of similarly skilled human players.

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QUOTABLE QUOTES

Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.