The New Phenomenon of Hybrid Gaming

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 Magazine Announces its 25 People to Watch for 2024

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.

Fontainebleau Opens in Las Vegas

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.

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Ground Broken At Shuttered Louisiana Casino Site

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.

Brazil’s Senate Adopts Sportsbook Regulations

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 Parliamentarians Amend Gambling Legislation

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.

Seminoles To Resume Florida Payments

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.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Put ‘Er There

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.

Entain CEO Resigns After Huge Court Settlement

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.

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India Cracks Down on Betting Sites

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.

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Las Vegas Sands Buys Land Near Former Texas Stadium

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.

Bally’s, JCJ Unveil Kansas City Expansion

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.

Petersburg Seeks Fifth Virginia Casino License

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.

Bally's Chicago Posts Disappointing November Numbers

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.

Google Updates U.S. Gambling Ad Policy

Google has begun accepting and publishing advertisements from sports betting and lottery suppliers, under an updated policy that went into effect December 12.

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Officials Support Cherokees For Final Arkansas License

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.

Harrah’s North Carolina Expansion On Track

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.

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NagaCorp Founder Chen Lip Keong Dies at 75

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.

Rumbolz Elected AGA Board Chairman

Mike Rumbolz (l.), executive chairman and former CEO of Everi Holdings, has been elected chairman of the American Gaming Association, to succeed Jim Allen.

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Flutter to List on NYSE January 29

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.

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