Vol-22-No-20-May-20-2024 Archives

GGB PODCAST: Scott Fisher and Suzanne Perilloux Leckert, Partners, Convergence Strategy Group

This week the GGB Podcast talks with Scott Fisher and Suzanne Perilloux Leckert, partners in the Convergence Strategy Group, about how their company has become an important consulting organization for jurisdictions and companies getting involved in gaming.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

Impact of the Corporate Transparency Act on the Gaming Industry

The recent enactment of the Corporate Transparency Act carries with it some noteworthy provisions for casinos and the gaming industry overall. These provisions are outlined in depth by Jones Walker attorneys Craig Landurm and Tommy Shepherd.

Sin City to Sports Heaven: Las Vegas as an Athletic Destination

The emergence of Las Vegas as a premier sports city wasn’t always a foregone conclusion, and its recent success isn’t unjustified—it’s been earned through persistence and execution. GMA Consulting Managing Director Josh Swissman helps explore how the city has cemented itself as a high-caliber sports destination.

GGB PODCAST: John Schadler, Executive Director, Monogram

This week the GGB Podcast sits down with John Schadler (l.), the executive director of Monogram, a new ad agency designed to help luxury brands achieve success in Las Vegas and beyond.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

Mirage to Close July 17 for Hard Rock Renovations

The iconic Mirage Hotel & Casino (l.) will close for good July 17 as its new owner, Hard Rock International, will begin large-scale renovations to the property, rebranding it as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

WEEKLY FEATURE: Star Entertainment Makes Final Appeal for Suitability as Bell Two Draws to Close

Star Entertainment will now await a final ruling from Commissioner Adam Bell SC as the Bell Two inquiry has ended. The last month has seen several disastrous developments for the company, and the fate of Star Sydney now potentially hangs in the balance.

Encore Boston Harbor Plans Put on Hold

Wynn Resorts is looking to build off of Encore Boston Harbor’s (l.) success with a major expansion. But issues over taxes and fees have put the plans on hold.

Cohen Does Albany Blitz for Citi Field Zoning Bill

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is embarking on a lobbying effort to pass a bill in the state legislature to rezone part of the parking lot of the Mets’ Citi Field ballpark (l.) for a casino.

Thailand to Minimize Gaming in Proposed IRs

If Thailand OKs a plan to develop integrated casino resorts, the emphasis will be on non-gaming attractions, says Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Gaming floors could occupy about 5 percent of total space.

AIGF: India Needs Light Regulations to Become iGaming Hub

India stands poised to become a “global gaming innovation hub,” claims the industry. For that to happen, however, the government needs to support such growth with “light touch” regulations.

Bulgaria’s Gambling Ad Ban Becomes Law

Amendments to Bulgaria’s Gambling Law, voted without opposition, became law after President Rumen Radev declined to veto them. However, media outlets, gaming operators and sports clubs are calling foul.

New York Rep. Tonko Preps Bill to Limit Sports Betting Ads

New York Rep. Paul Tonko (l.) is workshopping his federal sports betting advertising bill, expected to be introduced later this year.

Minnesota Racino Expands Federal Lawsuit

Running Aces racino in Columbus, MN expanded its federal lawsuit from three to five casinos, alleging the casinos illegally offered unauthorized games, giving them “illegal and unfair competitive advantages.”

Malaysian PM: No Dice on Second Casino

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (l.) has once again shot down speculation that government leaders and global gaming companies were discussing a second casino in the country.

Galaxy Macau to Introduce Smart Tables in July

Come July, Galaxy Entertainment in Macau will install its first “smart gaming tables” equipped with RFID chips. The tables alert operators to cheating and also provide valuable customer data.

South Korea Looks to Shut Down ‘Pseudo-Casinos’

The South Korean government has developed new guidelines to help curb illegal gaming halls and prosecute operators. Penalties include prison terms of up to seven years as well as hefty fines.

Macau Looks to Boost Tourism with Visa Program

China has added eight cities to the Individual Visa Scheme for Macau to shore up a flagging tourism sector. Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said the SAR hopes to host more international events.

Henry Birch in Running for Entain CEO

Henry Birch (l.), former chief executive officer of the Rank Group, is in the running to be CEO of Entain. The company’s former CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen resigned last year.

Proponents of Brazilian Gambling Cite Tourism

Supporters and foes of casinos, bingo halls, horse racing wagering and “jogo do bicho” in Brazil are debating whether it would benefit tourism. A hearing was held before the Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ).

New York Bill Would Legalize Online Poker

Senator Joseph Addabbo has introduced Bill 9226 in the New York Senate. The bill would legalize online poker and tax it at 15 percent. It would also put it under the umbrella of the New York State Gaming Commission.

New York Committee Races to Pass Bundle of Gaming Laws

The New York State Committee that oversees gambling has a flurry of bills it hopes to get passed as the session moves to the end. Award futures, DFS changes and additional allocations of taxes are on the docket.

Fanatics Finishes Final PointsBet Transition In New Jersey

In 2023, Fanatics Betting & Gaming got a huge jump into sportsbooks when it acquired PointsBet’s U.S. holdings, which included existing markets. They completed the transformation to shed the PointsBet moniker.

Alabama Lawmaker Discusses Gaming Bill Failure

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (l.) recently said that there “just wasn’t enough time” to pass gambling legislation in the recent session. Residents want more regulation of illegal gambling but without enforcement, so “nothing will change.”

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