
Archive: Vol-22-No-17-April-29-2024







PAGCOR Names Wilma Eisma as President
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has named Wilma Eisma (l.) as the regulator’s new president and chief operating officer. Eisma is the first woman to hold the position.






Nebraska's First Permanent Casino Opening May 13
Harrah’s Columbus (l.), Nebraska’s first full-fledged, newly built permanent casino, will open May 13 with 400 slots, 11 table games, sportsbook and restaurant, plus Nebraska’s only 1-mile racetrack. Three temporary casinos currently operate in the state.






Poll: Smoke-Free Casinos Gaining Traction in Nevada
A poll commissioned by a clean air advocacy group found that nearly 60 percent of Nevada voters support a ban on smoking inside casinos.






Ukraine Lawmakers Abolish Gaming Regulator KRAIL
The Ukrainian government has had its hands full in the last two-plus years, but its gambling industry has recently become a front-page issue now that lawmakers voted to disband the country’s regulatory body.
Featured Stories More
WEEKLY FEATURE: County Approves Tropicana Demolition, Implosion Coming This Year
Las Vegas is a city of constant evolution and transformation, and the next example will be the demolition of the longstanding Tropicana (l.) to make way for a new ballpark for the soon-to-be Las Vegas Athletics. County officials have officially approved the demolition, and an implosion is expected this fall.
Report: NGCB Now Involved in Las Vegas Money Laundering Probe
The Nevada Gaming Control Board has now joined in the federal money laundering investigation involving multiple Las Vegas casinos and former industry executive Scott Sibella, after it initially cleared Sibella of wrongdoing.
Alabama Gambling Expansion On Hold
A conference committee of Alabama House and Senate lawmakers working on expanded gambling legislation has not met recently, although one member said the committee has held “several productive meetings.”
MGM Secures $3.4 Billion in Funding for Japan IR
MGM Resorts and Orix Corp., partners in a multibillion-dollar integrated resort project in Osaka, Japan, have finalized $3.4 billion in loans to fund the development. The IR on Yumeshima Island is projected to open in 2030.
Crown Sydney Returns to Suitability; CEO Still Cautious
Crown Sydney (l.) has retained its casino license, according to NSW state regulators. While this is certainly good news for the company, it still faces massive operational challenges ahead, says CEO Ciarán Carruthers.
Bell Two Continues for Star as Foster, Cooke Give Testimony
Star Chairman David Foster and former CEO Robbie Cooke gave testimony in Bell Two inquiry hearings last week as the company continues to spiral deeper into regulatory and financial distress.
Missouri Voters May Decide if Sports Betting Becomes Law
It’s been a tough road to turn sports betting into law in Missouri. But this year may be different because it seems a supporting group has collected enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot.
Delaware Lottery, BetRivers Oppose More Licenses
Delaware legislators thought expanding the number of online sportsbooks had no drawbacks. Higher handle. More revenue. But Rush Street Interactive, parent of BetRivers, and the Delaware Lottery said no dice.
Arizona Tribe Previews New Desert Diamond Casino
Last week, the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise of Arizona hosted a preview of its new $450 million facility, the Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks (l.) at San Lucy, which is due to be complete by the end of 2024.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Inspired by the Possibilities
It’s clear by now that the IGT-Everi deal has not been well received by investors, and that in turn could be seen as an opportunity in and of itself. With regard to other intriguing deal-making possibilities, how does Inspired Entertainment sound?
GGB PODCAST: Jason Gastwirth, Managing Partner, Interstate 15 Sports and Entertainment
This week the GGB Podcast is joined by Jason Gastwirth (L), the managing partner with his new company, Interstate 15 Sports and Entertainment to talk about how he hopes to leverage his vast casino experience in those fields to companies entering the gaming market.
GGB Podcast sponsored by iGamingPlayer.
ASIAN GAMING More
Saipan Regulator Delays IPI License Decision
Regulators in the Northern Mariana Islands canceled an April 19 hearing in which they were to consider revoking the gaming license held by casino operator Imperial Pacific International. No new date has been set.
Could Casino Revive Malaysian ‘Ghost Town’?
Officials in Malaysia are reportedly considering a casino in Forest City, a $100 billion project in the planned Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Observers have called the development a white elephant and a ghost town.
Suntrust Gets $38 Million Loan to Complete Westside City
Suntrust Resort Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of LET Group Holdings of Hong Kong, has announced that it has secured a $38 million loan to complete its Westside City hotel and casino in Manila.
EUROPEAN GAMING More
Court Orders Operators to Refund Dutch Gambling Losses
A Dutch court has ordered two gaming companies hosting players from the Netherlands without a license to refund a total of €450,000. The losing players sued to get their money back.
KSA Chairman Warns of Online Gaming Conflicts
René Jansen (l.), who will soon leave as chair of the Dutch Gaming Authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) warned industry members of upcoming changes to online gaming. Lawmakers want to reform the industry.
GLOBAL GAMING More
Canadian Court: Excluding Casino Managers Doesn’t Violate Labor Code
Preventing casino operation supervisors from joining a union at Casino de Montréal doesn’t violate their freedom of association, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled. Supervisors later formed their own managers’ union.
Puerto Rican Senate Approves New Slot License Regulations
After first taking a pass on it, the Senate of Puerto Rico has approved Regulation for the Issuance, Management, and Control of Licenses for Slot Route Gaming Machines. It was proposed by the Gaming Commission.
Kazakhstan Lawmakers May Shake Up Gambling Ads
The republic of Kazakhstan appears headed toward banning bloggers from advertising gaming platforms and online gaming. Bloggers would still be able to cover sporting events, but not run gambling ads.
SPORTS BETTING More
Connecticut Bill to Permit Bets for In-State College Games
UConn has been in the news a lot lately thanks to the basketball teams’ success in the NCAA tournament. But residents haven’t been able to bet on the games because the schools are in-state. Lawmakers want that changed.
Ontario Bans Wagering on WBA Events Citing Integrity Issues
According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the World Boxing Association crossed the line when it engaged in insider betting. Let’s see where it leads.
DraftKings, Hermalyn Trial Opens in Massachusetts
Michael Hermalyn left his position at DraftKings to take the same job with Fanatics. The sportsbook accused Hermalyn of breaking a non-compete clause. He said he did not because such clauses are not legal in California.
NY Budget Cuts Props for Future Awards, Problem Gambling Funds
The New York state budget proposal eliminates prop bets for future awards like MVP. The budget also did away with an increase in funding for problem gambling services.
UNITED STATES GAMING More
Virginia Governor Approves Petersburg Bill
Petersburg will replace Richmond as one of five Virginia casino host cities under legislation signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (l.). A voter referendum could be held in November. Casino gambling was approved by voters in Bristol, Danville, Norfolk and Portsmouth and rejected in Richmond.
Iowa Drops Casino License Moratorium
In the last minutes of the legislative session, the Iowa Senate did not agree with the House to extend the gaming license moratorium for another five years, giving Cedar Rapids a third shot at a casino.
Eureka Casino Announces $100 Million Renovation and Expansion
Eureka Casino in Mesquite (l.) will undergo a two-phase renovation and expansion, to the tune of $100 million. Officials said the first renovation phase should be completed by 2027, but no timetable has been established for the second.
Pennsylvania’s Rivers Removing 302 Slots
Regulators in Pennsylvania have approved the petition of Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino to make significant changes to its gaming floor, including removal of 302 slot machines.
Ground Broken for Las Vegas-Los Angeles Rail Line
Ground was broken last week for the high-speed railway from Brightline West that aims to connect Las Vegas and Southern California, the first step for a project that has been years in the making.
Massachusetts Mayor Wants MGM To Stay
Springfield, Massachusetts Mayor Domenic Sarno (l.) said he’s spoken with MGM about keeping its casino open, but added a new owner must be a known brand with “financial sustainability” and “marketing aspects.”
Pennsylvania Gamblers Spend More Time Online
A study of Pennsylvania’s gamblers finds that far more of them play on online gaming sites than wager at brick and mortar casinos. The numbers come from a study funded by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
TRIBAL GAMING More
Cayuga Nation Sues N.Y. Gaming Commission, Jackpocket Inc.
Tribal gaming has one thing in common: any gaming on tribal land must be overseen and approved by tribes. When the state gaming commission approved Jackpocket Inc to sell lottery tickets on Cayuga land, they sued.
Kansas Tribe Regains Sovereignty Over Illinois Land
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kansas, regained sovereignty over 130 acres of former reservation land in northern Illinois. The tribe will work with consultants to determine the best use of the property, but there are no casino plans “at this time.”
PEOPLE More
Silver Replaces Brown on Nevada Gaming Commission
On April 18, retired Nevada Supreme Court Justice Abbi Silver (l.) was appointed to the Nevada Gaming Commission, replacing Commissioner Ogonna Brown.
Weitman Leaving Wynn After 20 Years
Wynn Las Vegas President Steve Weitman (l.) announced after 20 years, he’ll leave the company on June 10 “to pursue my next chapter.” Weitman also held executive positions at the Walt Disney Company.
Penn Entertainment Names LaBerge CTO
Penn Entertainment has named Aaron LaBerge (l.) the operator’s new chief technology officer, reporting directly to Penn President and CEO Jay Snowden.
DraftKings Appoints Chief Responsible Gaming Officer
DraftKings has brought in its first chief responsible gaming officer, Lori Kalani (l.), who will report to CEO Jason Robins. Kalani left the Cozen O’Connor law firm to take this position.
Hasson Named Interim Mohegan Gaming COO
The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority has named Joseph J. Hasson interim COO. He comes to the role from general manager of Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. He replaces Jody Madigan.
GOODS & SERVICES More
Koin Sues Everi Over Digital Wallet
Koin Mobile has sued Everi Holdings over the Everi digital wallet, alleging the Everi platform blocks alternative methods to fund gaming activities.
Aristocrat Receives Final Approval for NeoGames Acquisition
Aristocrat Leisure Limited has received the final regulatory approvals for its acquisition of iGaming solutions provider NeoGames valued at $962 million.
Light & Wonder Partners with Bragg Gaming
Bragg Gaming Group is partnering with Light & Wonder in a new global online gaming content distribution agreement, adding Bragg games to the L&W catalog.
U.S. Integrity, Odds On Compliance Complete Merger
A pair of businesses devoted to maintaining the integrity of sports betting have completed a merger into a single company. Welcome Integrity Compliance 360.
NUTSHELL More
NEWS & NOTES
Small Nuggets of News
THEY SAID IT More
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Outrageous pronouncements, simple statements and words of wisdom.