
Archive: Vol-22-No-12-March-25-2024






Dean Serpa Accepts MA Gaming Commission Exec Position
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has appointed Dean Serpa (l.) executive director. He was formerly deputy chief of staff for former Gov. Charlie Baker.





Oklahoma Choctaw Casino Resort Opening in May
The Choctaw Nation’s $238 million Choctaw Landing Casino and Resort, which opens in May in Hochatown, Oklahoma, less than four hours from Dallas, is expected to attract 443,000 visitors annually and create 400 jobs.





Shohei Ohtani, Interpreter in Center of Sports Betting Storm
Baseball’s regular season kicked off as March drew to a close. But Ippei Mizuhara (l.), the interpreter for two-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, brought loads of baggage for his debut as a Dodger in the form of wire transfers and illegal sports betting.
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WEEKLY FEATURE: Maryland iGaming Far From a Sure Thing
With the passage of an online gaming bill in the Maryland House, voters could have a chance to vote on the matter this fall. But the Senate is in no hurry to pass a companion bill, which must preface a constitutional amendment.
Fontainebleau Fires Back with Counterclaim in WLV Feud
Representatives from Fontainebleau Las Vegas have filed a counterclaim in response to a recent contract infringement lawsuit from Wynn Las Vegas, saying that Wynn is simply jealous of the shiny newcomer. The saga, while steeped in legal jargon, resembles that of a young adult novel.
New Jersey Launches Responsible Gaming Campaign
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin (l.) marked March’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month by announcing a new campaign to direct $300,000 to problem gambling research and treatment.
Philippine Gaming Regulator Foresees Billions in Investment
Financiers could invest up to $6 billion into the Philippine gaming industry over the next five years, according to Alejandro Tengco (l.), head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Rytenskild Out as Tabcorp CEO Over Alleged Sexual Comments
Tabcorp CEO Adam Rytenskild (l.) has been ousted following an internal investigation—the longtime executive allegedly made sexual comments toward a female regulator when the company was attempting to secure a betting license extension in Victoria.
London Mayor Criticized for Not Banning Transit Gambling Ads
When Sadiq Khan was running for mayor of London in 2021, he promised to eliminate gambling ads that cause harm on trains and buses. Now the London Assembly’s Health Committee is insisting he keep his promise.
Proposed Illinois Sports Betting Tax Hike Has Opponents
When Illinois went live with sports betting, the tax rate ranked among the lowest. Gov. J.B. Pritzker (l.) wants to significantly increase the rate to close budget shortfalls. But some folks think it could backfire.
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark Increased Betting on Women’s Basketball
Her 3-point shots are a thing of beauty, but Caitlin Clark (l.) does more than drop 3’s. The Iowa senior has set women’s college basketball abuzz. She broke scoring records for men and women. Bettors have taken notice.
BIA to Take Public Comment on Koi Nation Casino Proposal
The Department of the Interior may require an environmental impact statement for the Koi tribal casino proposed for Windsor, California. They propose a 540,000-square-foot casino with 2,750 slots, and hotel and spa.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Big Apple of My Eye
The race for New York City casino licenses is an intriguing one, and deeply political. The proposals are numerous, expansive and expensive, but no matter who the winners are, investors will be salivating.
GGB PODCAST: Brian Christopher, Casino Gaming Influencer and CEO, BC Ventures
The social media landscape has given rise to an ever-growing list of influencers, or those with sizable followings in a particular culture or industry. In the slot and casino world, no influencer can match the audience or popularity of Brian Christopher (l.).
GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.
ASIAN GAMING More
Hornbuckle on Osaka: Path to 2030 Opening ‘Pretty Straightforward’
Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO of MGM Resorts International, says the company is at a “critical” juncture in its development of an integrated resort in Osaka, Japan, but will be on track for 2030 if work starts now.
Thai Casino Bill Will Reach House on March 28
This week, Thailand’s National Assembly will consider a bill to legalize casinos in the kingdom. It could be an uphill battle in a country where anti-gambling sentiment runs high.
Bloomberry, GGAM Settle Solaire Dispute
Philippines gaming operator Bloomberry Resorts, which owns Solaire in Manila, has settled a longstanding legal dispute with Global Gaming Asset Management, agreeing to buy back 921 million shares held by GGAM.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Chile’s Senate Debates Online Gaming Bill
The Chilean Senate Economic Commission is studying a bill to legalize online gambling and create a competitive market. But some industry critics say the 37 percent total tax is way too high to benefit the industry.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi on MGM Radar for Casino
MGM Resorts International, which wants to open the first casino in the United Arab Emirates, is looking at two possible locations. CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle (l.) is aiming at Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Curaçao Sets March 31 Deadline for Online Gaming Licenses
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has given operators until March 31 to register their interest in getting a license to offer online gaming. The board has also issued guidelines for operators in advance of the deadline.
ONLINE GAMING More
Philippine Senate Bill Would Ban iGaming Promos
Philippine Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill to ban online content that promotes iGaming. The legislation would prohibit gambling ads and any materials that show viewers how to gamble.
SPORTS BETTING More
DraftKings Accuses Former Executive of Info, Employee Theft
Just before the Super Bowl, Michael Hermalyn bolted from DraftKings to Fanatics. He also tried to lure two colleagues and released confidential information. Now DraftKings wants an injunction against Hermalyn.
Florida Anti-Gaming Group Issues Amicus Brief for W. Flagler
On the off chance the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case of West Flagler and Associates vs the Department of Interior, Florida Gambling Opponents want to pitch in. They filed an amicus brief over sports betting.
Fanatics Grabs Arizona License; More to Come for Upstart
Fanatics has not been in the sportsbook business very long, but just added its 17th license. As many as five more could be issued in 2024, including New Jersey and North Carolina.
Ontario Bettors Frustrated with Delayed Payouts from State Sportsbook
Canadians have this strange affliction. When they win a sports bet, they’d like to be paid and paid in a reasonable time. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation would like to accommodate, but they just can’t.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
MGM Considers Selling Ohio, Massachusetts Properties
Industry insiders said MGM Resorts International is working with financial advisors regarding the sale of casinos in Northfield, Ohio and Springfield, Mass., due to disappointing financial results.
Site of Famed Strip Landmark Goes Unclaimed at Auction
A recent land auction involving the plot of the Diamond Inn Motel on the Strip, home of the famous pink elephant statue (l.), was closed after potential buyers failed to meet the $12.5 million minimum bid.
Editorial States Bally’s Chicago Concerns
The Chicago Sun Times published an editorial outlining numerous concerns about Bally’s Chicago, including its need for $800 million for construction, falling stock price, underperforming temporary casino, revised hotel plans and more.
NY Senate Advances Problem Gambling Bills
A key committee of the New York state Senate has cleared three bills designed to identify and diminish problem gambling, including an increase in funding treatment.
Metro Line Stations Suggested for DC Suburban Casino
A message on the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce blog suggests Silver Line stations on the DC Metro commuter line as potential casino sites.
Poll Indicates Support for North Carolina Casinos
A new Survey USA poll showed 55 percent of North Carolina residents strongly or somewhat support casino gambling in rural areas, mirroring an earlier poll indicating 57 percent of voters in favor of commercial gambling.
NJ: iGaming, Sports Betting Up; Casino Revenues Down
New Jersey reported soaring February revenue numbers for online casinos and sports betting, but a slight year-on-year decline for Atlantic City brick-and-mortar casino revenues.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Four Tribes Oppose Oregon Tribe’s Medford Casino
The Coquille Indian Tribe of Oregon has worked for 10 years to open a new casino in Jackson County, near Medford. This project is opposed by four tribes that have sent a letter to the Department of the Interior.
Osage Nation Competes for Missouri Lake Casino
The Oklahoma-based Osage Nation recently hired a lobbying firm to assist with efforts to develop a casino at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. But an investor group supported by Bally’s also has its sights set on a lake-area casino resort.
Wisconsin Oneida Casino Expands Mobile Sports Betting
The Oneida Casino in Wisconsin expanded its online sports betting throughout most areas of the Oneida Nation. The property also announced plans to expand the size of the casino, build a hotel and add dining.
PEOPLE More
IGT Makes Executive Changes
IGT’s Marco Drago will step down as a non-executive director, to be replaced by his son, Enrico Drago, in that role on the board, while Gil Rotem is elevated to president of IGT PlayDigital.
Mike Larragueta Appointed CEO of RSCVA
Mike Larragueta (l.) has been confirmed as the new CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, after an extended search process that left him as the sole candidate remaining.
McPherson Named Permanent CIO of SkyCity
Veteran executive Andrew McPherson (l.) has been named as the permanent chief information officer at SkyCity after first being brought in on an interim basis.
Jamul Casino Names Charles Daniels IT Chief
Charles Daniel has been named vice president of information technology for Jamul Casino (l.). Daniel brings a wealth of IT experience with him to the San Diego County casino. He has been in the industry for 20 years.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Marriott Bonvoy, BetMGM Partner in Loyalty Program
Marriott International travel program Marriott Bonvoy is collaborating on a rewards program with BetMGM, linking accounts between the two programs.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.