Revenue from commercial casinos in 2022 topped $60 billion, topping 2021’s $53 billion to set an earnings record for the second consecutive year.

Bally’s Corporation has named Robeson Reeves (l.) its new CEO, replacing Lee Fenton, who is stepping down after one and a half years on the job; Reeves will oversee efforts to win a license for a Bronx casino.

The end of China’s zero-Covid policy and the return of Macau tourism has analysts buoyant on the gaming mecca’s continued recovery. Meetings and conferences could rise significantly throughout the year.

A Virginia Senate committee last week denied the opportunity for voters in Petersburg to approve a $1 billion+ casino in the city, but opened the door for Richmond to hold another second referendum to approve a casino (l.) after the first one narrowly failed.

All of the bad news that Star Entertainment has endured over the last 18 months may finally be proving too much to handle, especially now that the future of its flagship Star Sydney (l.) property is in jeopardy thanks to proposed casino tax hikes in New South Wales.

The smoking ban in New Jersey casinos took another step towards reality when the state legislature held a hearing to discuss the debate, though no date was set for a vote.

Senator Joe Addabbo has introduced a bill to legalize online gaming in New York state even though Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently proposed budget claims no revenue from the activity.

Three tribes based in North Dakota—the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation—have begun the process to buy the former White Sands Motel (l.) property on the Las Vegas Strip. The tribe will pay $10.25 million for the 1.1 acre parcel that is surrounded by other land owned by the tribes.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (l.) must know a good thing when he sees it. With less than two months in the books for sports betting, DeWine is pushing to double the tax rate to 20 percent. Sports betting supporters aren’t buying it.

Sometimes you just can’t argue with success—despite numerous economic fears and uncertainties, the U.S. gaming market continues to post strong figures, and January was no different. That begs the question, could international giant Flutter flutter its way across the pond and join in on the festivities?

The GGB Podcast this week features an interview Kevin Nephew, the president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corp., on how his experience of working for the state of New York aided him when he took over leadership of the gaming arm of his tribe.

Japanese lawmakers were expected to announce their decision on two proposed integrated resorts in the new year. It hasn’t happened yet, and Bill Hornbuckle (l.), CEO of bidder MGM Resorts, says time is wasting.

A trade group representing Macau’s remaining junkets has asked that the city roll back its decision to reinstate a 5 percent tax on commissions paid by casinos to VIP promoters.

An entity created by the merger of Okada Manila and 26 Capital could actually benefit from a delay in the deal’s completion. That’s the word from an analyst who is looking at greater recovery in Philippine gaming.

Singapore has done away with travel restrictions related to Covid-19. In a sign of ongoing regional recovery, tourists need not carry proof of vaccine, though pandemic measures could be reinstated.

The head of the U.K.’s Gambling Commission (UKGC), Andrew Rhodes (l.) February 9 shared his perspective on the “latest research shaping regulatory decisions in U.K. gambling.” He was a keynote speaker at the ICE London 2023 expo.

The CEO of the U.K. Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Michael Dugher, February 10 called for the new secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport Lucy Frazer not to burden the sector with new taxes. He also asked the government to expedite the release of its long awaited gambling white paper.

Bally’s officials said they support a bill allowing its two Rhode Island casinos to offer online slots and table games, generating an estimated $93.3 million in gross gaming revenue in the first year and $130.6 million by the fifth year.

New York Rep. Paul Tonko (l.) recently introduced the Betting on our Future Act. The bill bans any ad in any medium under the jurisdiction of the FCC. Drastic? You bet. But unless sportsbooks curb their ads, that becomes the law.

Missourians couldn’t bet on their home-state team, Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs, since sports betting isn’t allowed in the state. But a bill legalizing retail and online wagering has been introduced in the House.

In a 110-4 vote, Mississippi lawmakers passed a mobile sports betting bill sponsored by state Rep. Casey Eure (l.) that was amended to create a task force to recommend oversight and regulation. Sports betting is allowed on-site at retail and tribal casinos.

Georgia is wasting no time in an effort to finally approve sports betting. Each chamber has their own bill, and supporters of each bill say tying it into the lottery gets around a constitutional amendment.

With the 2022-2023 NFL season now in the books, the attention has shifted to Allegiant Stadium (l.) in Las Vegas, the site of next year’s big game.

In his recent State of the Union address, U.S. President Joe Biden (l.) introduced a new bill that would eliminate various kinds of “junk fees,” with resort fees included among them. A number of Nevada lawmakers, however, have since pushed back, arguing that the fees are justified and transparent.

As talks about a potential relocation for the Oakland A’s to Las Vegas continue on, it’s unclear at this time whether or not Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (l.) will be open to granting public funds towards a new ballpark, much like his predecessor Steve Sisolak did for Allegiant Stadium.

Hawaii state Senator Stanley Chang (l.) recently submitted a bill that would ban gambling advertisements in the state, especially those coming from Las Vegas casinos, but that’s proved to be controversial. Chang recently clarified his stance in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

The subject has been out of the news cycle for a while. But New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (l.) brought it back on Ask Governor Murphy when responding to a question from reporter Nancy Solomon. He says the casinos will pay their share.

Apollo Global Management first acquired the Venetian (l.) from Las Vegas Sands Corp., over one year ago, and so far, things have gone about as well as it could have hoped.

Monarch Casinos has agreed to pay a $400,000 fine to Colorado authorities, acknowledging that three of the sportsbook employees at its Black Hawk casino (l.) placed proxy bets on behalf of customers.

The bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus has been reactivated in the new Congress. Chaired by Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) (l.) and Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), as the name implies it is concerned with public policy as it relates to U.S. gaming laws.

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has won a judgment in a federal lawsuit. Some residents of Taunton, Massachusetts sued to prevent the Mashpees from building a $1 billion casino resort. They challenged the federal government putting land into trust for the tribe. The residents lost.

Mohegan, which operates the Mohegan Sun and other gaming properties of the Mohegan Tribe, has gotten a credit extension for $233.5 million in debt. The second amendment to Mohegan’s January 2021 credit arrangement extends the maturity date until November, 2025.

The largest organization of U.S. gaming tribes, CNIGA (California Nations Indian Gaming Association) has added five members. They include Alturas Indian Rancheria, Big Sandy Rancheria of Mono Indians, the Colusa Rancheria, the Karuk Tribe and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chairman James Siva (l.) presented the State of Tribal Nations address at the 26th annual Western Indian Gaming Conference at Sycuan Resort Casino in El Cajon, California.

Al Hopkins, the chairman of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, passed away last week at 81. He chaired the commission since 2015 and helped approve sports betting in the state.

On February 15, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort announced the appointment of John Dinius (l.) as president and CEO. He succeeds Dennis Leong, who held the position for 13 years.

Aruze’s acclaimed Muso Triple-32 cabinet has now been debuted for the European Market.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ dramatic victory over the Philadelphia Eagles produced Kambi’s second highest turnover game of all time, with approximately 25 percent of pre-game money placed on Bet Builder bets.

IGT has partnered with sports betting operator Betfred to provide its PlaySports technology for Betfred’s new sportsbook at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (l.).

The official attendance numbers for ICE London 2023 are nearly complete, and event host Clarion Gaming has said that it expects to set a new record, with over 40,000 attendees.