The complicated web of the U.S. gaming industry makes it difficult to usher in new innovations on a consistent basis. However, industry veteran Bruce Merati (l.) argues that the next frontier that will drive growth is not solely land-based or digital—it’s a hybrid of both.
GGB’s annual list of movers and shakers is one of the gaming industry’s highest honors. This year’s edition features high flyers from every facet of the industry, including Fontainebleau’s Jeffrey Soffer, Pavilion’s Chris Justice, Playtech’s Mor Weizer, UNLV’s Brett Abarbanel and many more.
Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International has been given until the end of December to remit more than $60 million in past-due license fees. IPI has filed a lawsuit, claiming tacked-on fees nullify its agreement.
It took nearly 20 years, but the Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened last week on the Strip. The luxury resort hosted a ribbon cutting (l.) and opening night ceremonies that included a raft of stars, athletes and politicians.
Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers (l.) is under an internal investigation following claims that he allowed two patrons back onto the Crown Melbourne casino floor after they had been removed by security.
The Cordish Companies’ $270 million land-based casino will replace the former Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, which has been shuttered since 2020. The venue, set to open in early 2025, will carry the Live! Casino and Resort brand.
Philippine developer PH Resorts has announced that Tiger Resort Leisure & Entertainment will invest in its stalled integrated resort in Cebu (l.). The company operates Okada Manila in the capital city.
It is possible that Brazil may pass a bill on sportsbook regulations by the end of the year. The Senate just passed Bill 3.626/2023, which the government says could bring in 1.65 billion reais ($332.27 million) annually.
Irish politicians are listening to the racing sector that claims it could be irreparably harmed by the Gambling Regulation Bill. They propose amendments to induce Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing to stay in Ireland.
The Guardian obtained records from the New York State Gaming Commission that shows FanDuel tried to get the regulators to create more favorable rules. Ohio is also getting tough with Fanatics and FanDuel.
Along with the launch of new casino games and sports betting, the Seminole Tribe said it plans to resume payments to Florida under the 30-year compact signed in 2021. The tribe stopped the payments of more than $350 million annually in 2019.
Moving into 2024, the overall temperature of the economy is mixed yet mostly optimistic. In the meantime, some companies would appear to be trading at somewhat bargain prices, and that always brings up the possibility of selling puts to capitalize on potential growth.
Jette Nygaard-Andersen (l.), who led U.K.-based Entain as CEO during investigations of bribery of a former subsidiary in Turkey, has resigned. Shareholders were unhappy with a $732.4 million settlement with HMRC.
Jim Rafferty (l.) is the father of gaming in New Hampshire. The longtime casino executive took his family to the state almost 20 years ago and established what is one of the most unique models for casino gaming in the U.S.
Macau lawmakers have proposed higher potential jail terms for gambling crimes from a maximum of three years to as much as eight years, plus greater restrictions for people detained on suspicion of crimes.
Macau’s Social Welfare Bureau has sounded the alarm about gambling addiction among tourists to the gaming mecca. This year, 30 percent of problem-gambling cases involved visitors.
The German gambling authority Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) is getting pushback on how big the country’s gambling black market is. Its claims are being challenged by trade organizations DSWV and DOCV.
Sweden’s online gaming trade association BOS and gaming regulator Spelinspektionen fear that higher tax rates being proposed could drive many bettors underground. A hike of from 18 percent to 22 percent is proposed.
India has begun cracking down on illegal offshore wagering sites and apps. At the same time Indian states have started handing huge bills to casino companies for back taxes.
The Federal Gambling Authority of Columbia, Coljuegos, announced it is planning on overhauling the country’s slot machine laws in an effort to eradicate illegal machines.
The Seminole Tribe chipped away at the barriers. They’re almost gone. Once a decision comes from the Florida and the U.S. Supreme Court, the monopoly will be complete. Money flowing to the state again.
Nothing quite feels so good to a sitting politician than tax revenues exceeding projections. Such is the case two months after the launch of sports betting in Kentucky.
Sports betting had unintended consequences: threats and abuse against athletes by gamblers upset a team lost. The NCAA has launched a study to collect and analyze data in an effort to find a solution.
A Senate bill fell one vote short of the majority needed earlier this year. Brandon Beach (l.) has high hopes a more inclusive bill will find a home in 2024 in a state with no gambling outside of a lottery.
Henderson’s M Resort (l.) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new $206 million hotel tower. The new tower will add 384 rooms to the property, doubling its existing capacity.
The $185 million dollar Hollywood Casino in Joliet, Illinois pledges to be the biggest casino resort in the area and will have hotels, restaurants and entertainment spaces.
Now that the first-ever Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix is complete, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will turn its attention to Super Bowl 58 in February.
Following its surprise purchase of the Dallas Mavericks, Las Vegas Sands also purchased 100 acres near the former Texas Stadium (l.). Observers speculate the land could become the site of a new arena and casino resort.
The new expansion of Bally’s Kansas City (l.), done by JCJ Architecture, includes a new 38,470-square-foot commercial center and an artful reimagining of the existing casino's riverboat-style exterior.
Officials in Petersburg, Virginia once again are seeking the state’s fifth casino license, following Richmond voters’ second and even more decisive rejection of the proposed $565 million Richmond Grand Resort and Casino.
Average daily revenue at Bally’s Chicago (l.) in November dropped 9 percent to $253,604 compared to $278,268 for its opening month of September. Attendance also fell 14 percent from 3,347 daily visitors in September to 2,882 in November, according to the Illinois Gaming Board.
An approximate $1.17 billion has been gambled on video lottery machines in South Dakota this year and some cities have imposed caps on the popular machines.
Google has begun accepting and publishing advertisements from sports betting and lottery suppliers, under an updated policy that went into effect December 12.
Cherokee Nation Business received the support of the Quorum Court in Pope County, Arkansas, moving its proposed $300 million Legends casino resort in Russellville closer to reality. But competitor Gulfside also is expected to seek the court’s support.
The $275 million expansion at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina, begun in September 2022, includes an expanded gaming floor, new 12-story hotel tower and 1,300-vehicle parking deck.
A dispute between two tribes in Wisconsin and some lawmakers has prompted Governor Tony Evers (l.) to urge a legislative committee to release gaming funds. It is holding up $1 million each to the two tribes but releasing it to nine others.
New Jersey State Senator Joseph Cryan (l.) has introduced legislation that would ban online lottery tickets, saying it would hurt brick-and-mortar locations.
Last week, Cambodian gaming operator NagaCorp Ltd announced the death of its founder and CEO, Chen Lip Keong (l.), at the age of 75. His son, Chen Yiy Fon, has been appointed the firm’s new chief executive.
Mike Rumbolz (l.), executive chairman and former CEO of Everi Holdings, has been elected chairman of the American Gaming Association, to succeed Jim Allen.
Flutter Entertainment will officially list on the New York Stock Exchange on January 29, while maintaining its listing on the London Stock Exchange for now.