It Takes Two

Now that times are getting a little tough and margins a little smaller, operators must think of new ways to maximize their entertainment offerings. Traditionally, residencies feature one artist, but why not get creative with two acts in one? As always, Vegas expert Ira David Sternberg (l.) has some ideas.

Illinois Gov. Pritzker Seeks Sportsbook Tax Increase

Illinois has become the latest state to enter the sports betting tax rate debate, as Gov. JB Pritzker (l.) wants to jack up the tax rate on sportsbooks from 15 percent to 35 percent. But FanDuel wants its fans to just say no to JB.

Alabama Lottery Hangs by One Vote

The Alabama House approved a conference version of a gambling bill allowing a lottery but the Senate rejected it by one vote. The bill could be voted on again and if it’s approved, a statewide referendum would be held August 20.

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Foster Out as Star Chairman; Ward Named as Replacement

Star Entertainment has announced that Chairman David Foster (l.) has been replaced by Anne Ward in the wake of the Bell Two regulatory inquiry. Foster will remain as a non-executive director and interim CEO until a replacement is named.

Bulgaria Moves to Ban Gaming Ads

Politicians in Bulgaria have unanimously voted for bans on almost all gaming ads. The bill amends the country’s Gambling Act to add a prohibition on online gaming ads, ads on TV, the radio and in print.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Observing the Landscape

First-quarter earnings have, as always, given investors an insight into the current gaming landscape—some have backs against the wall, whereas others are hitting their stride. And then there’s the REITs, as steady as they come.

GGB Podcast: Soo Kim, Chairman, Bally's Corp.

This week the GGB Podcast is joined by Soo Kim (l.), the chairman of Bally’s Corporation, on the company’s plans for the former Tropicana site in Las Vegas and the process toward the building of a permanent casino in Chicago.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

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IPI Still Hoping to Finish Saipan Resort

Imperial Pacific International, bankrupt operator of a Saipan casino, continues to suggest it can find a way to complete construction of its resort on the Western Pacific island and resume operations.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

Tax Change for Cyprus Casinos in North

Northern Cyprus lawmakers have adopted changes to casino taxes that could cut tax revenue in half. This is a challenge for the Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s City of Dreams Mediterranean, operating in the south.

Ireland’s Gambling Bill is Mired in Parliament

Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill (GRB) has been mired in political infighting for more than a year. The delay in reforming the country’s nearly century-old law highlights tensions in the three-party coalition.

UKGC Investigates Sports Betting Market Complaints

Some consumers are complaining about alleged claims that wrong results are being recorded in soccer wagering markets. The U.K. Gambling Commission says it plans to meet with industry reps over the claims.

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Indonesia Forms iGaming Task Force

The government of Indonesia will form a special unit to combat offshore iGaming. Law enforcement has already identified illicit servers in Cambodia and the Philippines that offer online gambling to Indonesians.

Korean Teens Now Involved in Illegal iGaming

More than 1,000 teenagers were among almost 3,000 people accused of operating illegal online gambling sites in South Korea. Seventy-five adults were arrested and $45 million in receipts were seized.

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Atlantic City Dealers Blast Murphy, Local 54

Anti-smoking Atlantic City dealers blasted New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (l.) and the union local representing Atlantic City hotel and restaurant workers for failing to support a smoking ban.

UNLV Looks to Lease 42-Acre Off-Strip Plot

UNLV is looking to enter into a 99-year ground lease with G2 Capital Development, a deal that the school says could generate $1.25 billion in revenue during the term. G2 has not disclosed its plans should the lease be granted.

Texas Poll Shows Casino, Sports Betting Support

More than half, 56 percent, of 1.600 likely Texas voters support casinos and 30 percent oppose, according to a new poll. Also, 47 percent of Texan voters favor online sports betting, with 37 percent opposed.

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Caesars Palace Online Casino Enhances App

The recently enhanced Caesars Palace Online casino mobile app is the industry’s first to offer multi-lobby navigation, allowing players to discover “curated lobbies” offering slots, table games, Live Dealer and more.

Mohegan Launches Online Casino

Mohegan Digital has launched its own branded online casino in Pennsylvania after its former iGaming partner, Kindred, left the U.S. market.

Hard Rock, Cruise Line Form Partnership

Hard Rock International has formed partnerships with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises to offer reciprocal perks to loyalty members, such as discounts and complimentary cruises and hotel stays.

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