Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Skill game operators in Philadelphia scored a recent victory when the city’s ban on the games was overturned less than a year after it was enacted.

The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has overturned a Philadelphia city ordinance banning so-called “skill games” at city businesses.

The controversial machines, which resemble and pay out cash like slot machines but purport to involve a level of skill that contributes to winning, have long been opposed by Pennsylvania’s casino owners and the industry at large, because they are not required to undergo the strict regulatory and licensing requirements of slot machines and return no tax money to the states, and because they have no player protection guarantee such as responsible gaming measures.

However, skill game distributors, operators and Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic (POM), developer of the prominent game family branded as “Pennsylvania Skill,” have won several court decisions overturning law-enforcement seizures of the game.

This latest decision addresses a ban on skill games passed in March by Philadelphia City Council and signed by Mayor Cherelle Parker. The ban was challenged in a lawsuit filed by skill game distributor G&B Amusements and local gas station owner Harry Sandhu, who operates the games. A Common Pleas Court judge upheld the ban and denied a motion for an injunction to prevent enforcement of the ordinance.

In holding for the skill-game operators in a ruling issued Dec. 6, Commonwealth Court Judge Patricia A. McCullough cited a former court decision that held games not located in regular casinos are not subject to the state’s gaming laws. “As the law stands today, POM games that are located outside of regulated facilities are neither illegal nor regulated,” McCullough wrote.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Philippine offshore gaming operations must close up shop no later than Dec. 31. Only 17 licensed POGOs remain, but new ones may emerge, an official warns.

Six months ago, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlawed offshore gaming operations known as POGOs, which had been linked to crimes including kidnapping, human trafficking, prostitution and murder.

Marcos ordered operations to cease immediately, and gave them until Dec.  31 to phase out completely. Presently, only 17 POGOs remain, down from a high of almost 300 in 2019, says the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the state-owned regulator.

“You can expect that there will be no more licensed POGOs operating by the end of this year,” PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said in comments reported by the Manila Times.

But Secretary Jonvic Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warns against complacency. “We are mounting guerrilla operations because some Filipinos have learned to set up their own POGO firms,” he said.

POGOs were introduced under former president Rodrigo Duterte, and over time became infiltrated by Chinese organized crime, serving as fronts for online scams. They resorted to trafficking and kidnapping to fill their boiler rooms, and subjected some workers to abuse and torture. POGOs are also suspected of conspiring with Philippine officials to continue their dirty work.

An editorial in the Philippine Inquirer said “failures of governance made the rise of POGOs possible.”

The quad committee of the House of Representatives will recommend charges against 10 retired and active government officials for their alleged involvement in POGOs as well as “extrajudicial killings” (EJKs) and illegal drugs, according to committee chairman and Surigao del Norte representative Robert Ace Barbers.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Cordish fights back against Louisiana iGaming, Illinois gaming tax revenue hit new high in FY24, LVCVA’s Hill says this year’s F1 not as impactful and more.

Cordish: We Oppose LA iGaming, But Will Offer It, if Legal

At a Louisiana state legislature Senate Judiciary B Revenue and Fiscal Committee hearing Dec. 11, a sea of land-based casino operators threw their support behind legalizing iGaming. But the Cordish Companies were a rogue wave.

And one consultant called out Cordish for its contradictory stance. The company is lobbying against a digital expansion of gaming in Louisiana, but operates an online casino in Pennsylvania, reports iGB.

The anti position is not new for the Cordish Companies. The company has land-based casinos in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, it won the right to build locations in New Hampshire and Virginia. When Maryland lawmakers in 2024 made a push to legalize online casino, it was Cordish that pushed back. At that time, company representatives called iCasino a “jobs killer” with “inflated revenue projections” that will stymie economic development while “cannibaliz(ing) gaming tax revenue.”

But the company is in the minority among casino operators. Representatives from Boyd Gaming, which operates five gambling locations in Louisiana, and Caesars Entertainment, which owns three properties in Louisiana, enthusiastically support expansion. Former Michigan lawmaker Brandt Iden, now head of government relations for Fanatics Betting & Gaming, also spoke in support.

Representatives from Boyd and Caesars called igaming “additive” to their businesses.

But Cordish — along with the Louisiana Video Gaming Association (LVGA) — pushed a different agenda. During his opening remarks, Cordish General Counsel Mark Stewart called online casino a “bad bet” for Louisiana. He went on to show photos of land-based properties, some with casinos and some without. He also showed a photo of a job fair and said, “it’s important to point out that you will never see something like that with iGaming.”

Stewart went on to say that while the financial reward is significant — though overstated — the social cost of igaming is “too high.” He showed a Deutsche Bank slide that revealed an 11.7 percent decline in physical casino revenue in three states with live igaming. That was compared to a 17.7 percent  increase in revenue in six states without legal iGaming.

Big Money in Illinois in FY2024

Data from the fiscal year 2024 edition of the “Wagering in Illinois” report from the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability showed that the state’s gaming industry generated a record $2.08 billion in tax revenue in FY24, the most ever for the Prairie State, writes iGB.

According to the report, state tax revenue grew 4.8 percent  year-over-year from $1.99 billion in FY23. Illinois has one of the strongest gaming industries in the U.S., with casino gaming, video gaming (slot routes), sports betting, horse racing and lottery.

The report covers not just the last fiscal year, but references financial reports dating back to legalisation dates for each genre of gambling.

The commission noted that FY24’s growth was “largely driven by the steady expansion of video gaming, elevated lottery sales and rapid growth in sports wagering.” The first two sectors generated the majority of tax revenues – $886 million from the lottery and $848 million from slot routes. Sports betting contributed $190 million in taxes and licensing fees, with horse racing contributing $6 million.

Casinos, meanwhile, generated $158 million, nearly identical to FY23’s total of $157 million. Two new casinos opened during the year, but authors wrote that that has not made “a pronounced impact” on tax revenues. This, they said, was “due to a number of factors including a reduced tax structure, credits issued and higher administrative costs.”

LVCVA’s Hill: This Year’s F1 Not the Same as ‘23

The second edition of the Formula One (F1) Las Vegas Grand Prix has come and gone, and while the event was still a success in that it helped supplement what is normally a down time, it didn’t quite match up to the record numbers from last year, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill.

“There are no economic impact numbers out yet,” Hill told the Las Vegas Review-Journal Dec. 10. “They’re certainly going to be lower than they were last year, we know that, and expected that. But it’s still a great weekend. It turns what is one of the slowest weeks of the year into one of the best weeks of the year. But from an economic standpoint, it’s not the same.”

With regard to improvements moving forward, Hill told the outlet that the biggest hurdle is still the building and tear-down of the race infrastructure. He said stakeholders will potentially bring in more workers to “shorten the timeframe” and become “more efficient with that set-up and teardown.”

Nassau Holds Hearing on Sands New York

A public hearing on the proposed $6 billion casino and resort at the Nassau Coliseum site drew parties on both sides of the issue to the Nassau Legislature Dec. 9.

The hearing was held to discuss the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which outlines plans to manage increased traffic by expanding a local highway. Las Vegas Sands has pledged $150 million for infrastructure improvements.

Some residents expressed doubts that the measures would mitigate the increased traffic that would result from a casino, and others expressed concern over the project’s projected daily water usage of 750,000 gallons.

Meanwhile, supporters pointed to the jobs, increased tourism and infrastructure improvements expected from a Sands casino.

Public comments on the impact statement will be accepted by Nassau County until Jan. 6. It is one of 11 proposed casinos vying for three available downstate licenses.

Local Residents, Officials Push Back on Richmond-Area Casino

At a Dec. 5 town hall meeting in Henrico County, Va., local officials and residents voiced their displeasure towards the development of a new Churchill Downs-operated Rosie’s Gaming Emporium, which will take over a shopping center vacancy. There is no current timeframe for the development of the casino, but the process of how it came to be has been controversial.

Essentially, Churchill has the right to operate up to 175 historical horse racing (HHR) machines up until midnight without needing approval or public hearings. But the company submitted its application for the casino days before a new ordinance was enacted in June that would have required such steps, and many feel that Churchill is rushing its way through the development process to skirt those responsibilities.

“They knew that after Tuesday, June 25, that the actions of my colleagues and I, unanimously, would require — when we passed that amendment — public input,” Brookland District Supervisor Dan Schmitt said at the meeting, per WRIC. “At every single turn, they navigated a pathway to avoid hearing you [the public].”

In response, Churchill issued a statement to the outlet saying that it was “excited to have received the necessary approvals from Henrico County to develop a new boutique gaming concept that will allow us to create jobs, generate tax revenue, and offer exciting entertainment options.”

Peoria to Hire Consultants, Attorneys in Hopes of New Boyd Casino

The Peoria City Council voted unanimously Dec. 10 to authorize the hiring of a financial consultant and outside council as the city continues to ramp up efforts to entice Boyd Gaming to move away from its riverboat complex in East Peoria in favor of a new land-based casino in Peoria. Innovation Capital will be hired as the consultant and the firm Elias, Meginnes & Seghetti will be hired as counsel—contracts will initially be for six months with the expectation that the process could take a year or more.

“A major casino expansion is a significant financial undertaking, and in order to approach Boyd with the best team and scenarios possible, we felt it very important to retain (an) industry leading investment banking firm to help us with the financial advice,” city attorney Patrick Hayes said during the meeting, per WCBU.

Boyd said during a regulatory meeting in the spring that it intends to file applications for a new facility sometime in 2025 or 2026. A previous revenue sharing agreement between Peoria and East Peoria stipulates that any future land-based casinos be located in Peoria, and Hayes told Mayor Rita Ali that that language is explicit and straightforward. Boyd has operated its riverboat in East Peoria since 1996.

“It’s our view that this matter should take somewhere between six months to a year to determine the outcome. It may take longer, but that’s the best estimate we can provide today,” Hayes. “One reason that we know that most of that activity will take place during 2025 is that the Boyd and the gaming board have indicated that their facilities expansion plan is due in March of 2026.”

Caesars Virginia Opening Pushed to Dec. 17

On Dec. 6, Caesars Virginia announced that it will push back the grand opening of the property to Dec. 17 rather than the originally announced date of Dec. 12. The company didn’t offer a reason for the delay but did say that Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman will attend the event and place the ceremonial first sports bet. The doors will open at noon but festivities will start at 10:15 a.m.

“We know that there is tremendous excitement for our grand opening, and we appreciate everyone’s patience with this short delay,” Caesars Virginia General Manager Chris Albrecht said in a release. “The team has been working around the clock to officially open the doors.”

Churchill Downs Sets Feb. 12 Opening Date for Owensboro Casino

Churchill Downs’ latest Kentucky casino, Owensboro Racing & Gaming, will open Feb. 12, the company announced Dec. 6. The $100 million property will feature 600 historical horse racing (HHR) machines, a sportsbook, food and beverage options and more.

“The entire team is incredibly excited to welcome the public to our grand opening festivities on February 12,” said General Manager Steve Roof, per the Owensboro Times. “The day will feature a ceremonial ribbon cutting, giveaways, promotions, and live entertainment. It will be the perfect kickoff to all the thrills that await our guests at what is sure to be a premier regional entertainment destination.”

Fertitta Expected to be Tapped for Ambassador Role

CBS News reported Dec. 11 that billionaire casino owner Tilman Fertitta is widely expected to be named as the U.S. ambassador to Italy as president-elect Donald Trump continues to fill positions for his upcoming transition back to the White House.

Fertitta owns several Golden Nugget-branded casinos around the country, including one in downtown Las Vegas. He also recently became the largest individual shareholder in Wynn Resorts, although reports have said that he has no intention of taking over the gaming giant.

Fontainebleau Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary

Dec. 13 is the one-year anniversary for the opening of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and its first 12 months of operation were nothing if not eventful. The property, which had been in development for nearly 20 years, went through a slew of executives in its first few months and also faced a lawsuit from Wynn Resorts for poaching its executives. But as 2025 approaches, stakeholders feel confident that the ship has been righted.

“Next year we’re in a tail wind because, I think we’ve now established ourselves as a destination with not just great hotel or food and beverage or beautiful property, but it really is about the people that work here and in the service that they provide,” President Maurice Wooden told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

IGSA Updates Membership Tiers/ Dues

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) Dec. 11 announced new changes to its membership and due structures. Under its previous framework, members were categorized as bronze, silver or gold with annual dues ranging from $11,200-$89,500. The new fee structure will now range from $5,000-$50,000, with the following membership tiers:

• Director Level: For companies looking to set the overall IGSA strategic direction
• Industry Level: For companies operating in the land-based and online sectors
• Vertical Level: For companies operating in the land-based or online sectors
• Operator Level: For land-based or online casino and sports betting operators
• Committee Level: For companies looking to participate in only one or two committees

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

DCMS to evaluate impact of gambling reforms, Super Group ups full-year guidance, Spain sees Q3 iGaming growth and more.

Gov’t Evaluation to Consider Consumer Impact of Gambling Act Review

The U.K. government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is working with the Gambling Commission to evaluate the country’s recent gambling reforms.

The previous Conservative government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act Review was published in April 2023 after a series of delays. It included a white paper dictating ways to modernize these regulations.

As part of the evaluation, announced on Dec.  5, operator and consumer surveys will be carried out to assess whether these gambling reforms are being delivered effectively or causing unintended consequences.

The evaluation focuses on the impact of specific policy measures implemented under the Gambling Act Review. This includes whether measures are achieving intended outcomes and any unintended consequences.

Measures already implemented this year include mandatory stakes on online slots and a statutory levy on gambling profits to support gambling harms charities and healthcare.

Super Group Raises Full-year Revenue Guidance to $1.7 Billion

Super Group, the parent company of Betway, has increased its full-year revenue guidance by 3.2 percent following a “strong” performance in the first two months of the fourth quarter.

The group’s favorable performance in Q4 is the reason behind its increased forecast. Both October and November were “strong” months for the business, it said, although it did not provide any additional context.

CEO Neal Menashe said: “I’m very proud of our performance this year and delighted we are in a position to raise our full-year revenue and ex-US adjusted EBITDA guidance again while announcing another dividend for 2024.”

As a result of the higher guidance, the Super Group board has announced a special cash dividend for shareholders set at 15¢ per share. Related to ordinary shares, the dividend is payable on Jan. 8 to all shareholders.

Spain Q3 Online GGR up 14 Percent as Easing of Ad Restrictions Fuels Growth

Spain’s betting regulator Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) reported Q3 online gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $366.5 million, a rise of 14.4 percent year-on-year.

During the period operators continued to benefit from the Supreme Court’s decision in April to lift a number of gambling marketing restrictions, including prohibiting celebrity advertising and welcome bonuses.

The rise in GGR was aided by increased deposits and withdrawals, which grew 23.9 percent and 30.3 percent respectively compared to Q3 2023, while operators took advantage of the relaxed advertising restrictions by increasing marketing expenditure 9.7 percent quarter-over-quarter to $138.5 million. There were 1.7 percent more player accounts compared to Q2.

Casino GGR stood at $206.9 million in Q3, comprising 54 percent of Spain’s total online GGR. It grew 17.3 percent year-on-year, aided by blackjack revenue growth of 49.4 percent and a slots GGR increase of 25.8 percent.

Gamban Founder Calls For Horse Racing Exemption From U.K. Affordability Checks

Matt Zarb-Cousin, the co-founder and director of external affairs at Gamban, has called for horse racing to be exempt from the U.K.’s new affordability checks as he claims it is not as high risk a betting product as online casino.

In August, the Gambling Commission launched its financial risk checks pilot, which triggers more extensive checks for a player when their monthly deposit hits $636. This measure will be adapted in February 2025 and net deposits will be lowered to a threshold of $191 or above.

“If racing was to delineate from the current online casino and slots operations, if it was a separate license or a separate platform, we wouldn’t be having a situation where racing could be subject to affordability checks,” Zarb-Cousin said on the Barstewards Enquiry podcast this week.

“It’d be a completely different risk profile in terms of the products.”

Dutch Court Rejects Online Casino’s Appeal Against KSA Fine

A judge from the court of The Hague has rejected Dutch online casino operator Bingoal’s appeal against a $417,000 fine it received from gambling regulator the KSA in June 2023.

Local trade publication Casino Nieuws reported on Dec.  12 the operator filed the appeal in 2023 as it disagreed with the fine, which related to sending advertising emails to players under the age of 24, which is prohibited.

At the time the operator argued the size of the fine could lead to unlicensed operators having an advantage over licensed ones like Bingoal.

The judge considered the operator’s Q1 turnover in its decision on whether to reduce the penalty amount. But they determined that as Bingoal reported $82.6 million in turnover, it was able to pay the fine off in monthly installments.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Kentucky handle approaches $3 billion after first 13 months, William Hill faces fines in NJ, FanDuel debuts a new RG tool and more.

Kentucky Sportsbooks Took $2.9 Billion in Bets in First 13 months

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) Dec. 10 shared that from launch in September 2023 through Oct. 31, bettors laid down $2.9 billion in wagers and the state has reaped $46.1 million in tax dollars to help fund its depleted pension program.

Kentucky has eight live sports betting platforms, and at the Dec. 10 meeting, the KHRC approved renewals for all as well as awarding Prime Sports a service provider licence. Prime will partner with Churchill Downs to offer digital sports betting. Prime Sports is live in New Jersey and Ohio and its back-end partner Plannatech was awarded a licence in Arizona in August. The platform differentiates itself by promising not to limit bettors and welcoming sharps.

William Hill Fined in NJ

William Hill and back-end provider Amelco were fined $20,000 in New Jersey, the Associated Press reported Dec. 9. The company’s Atlantic City casino sportsbook allowed $25,000 in bets on games that were already completed, according to the story. The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) said the sportsbook took wagers on college basketball games, hockey games and boxing matches that were contested over a two-day period in February and June 2022. According to the DGE, 42 bets on college basketball were accepted.

Owned by Caesars Entertainment, the William Hill sportsbooks paid out on 12 winning college basketball bets, while the rest were voided.

In other action, the DGE fined sports betting technology provide Amelco $10,000 for allowing PlayUp to take a bet in 2022 on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg becoming the next U.S. president. Election betting through sportsbooks isn’t legal in the US, though a court recently allowed that derivatives exchanges could take such bets.

Sports Wagering Contributes $11.8 Million in Maryland

Maryland’s sports wagering market generated nearly $11.8 million in contributions to the state during Nov. 2024, the largest single-month total the program has produced since its launch in Dec. 2021.

Sports wagering contributions to the state are directed to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. The largest previous single-month contribution was $9.4 million in Sept. 2024. Through the first five months of fiscal year 2025 (July 2024 through November 2024), sports wagering has delivered $40,065,740 to the Blueprint Fund, compared to $18,111,505 for the same period in FY2024.

FanDuel Rolls Out New RG Tool

FanDuel Dec. 10 rolled out its latest responsible gambling tool, called “MySpend.” Consumers can use the personalized dashboard to track spending and “net wins,” according to a company press release. Conceptually, the idea is that players will be able to track their spending patterns and manage budgets. Bettors are also encouraged to use FanDuel’s other RG tools, which include ways to monitor time spent betting, set their own bet limits and more.

“FanDuel believes our customers should always have a budget and plan in mind when they engage with our products, and we are thrilled to introduce My Spend to help customers track their spending and manage their play,” Alison Kutler, VP for responsible gaming and community impact at FanDuel, said via press release. “As we look to continuously raise the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator, we look forward to continuing to bring new and innovative ways to support our customers.”

In other news …

WagerWire secured “high-profile” investors for its recent funding round, the company announced Dec. 12. The sports betting marketplace added investor Danny Moses, former Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith, Pinnacle Co-Founder George Molsbarger and GoodPaper Ventures. Consumers on WagerWire can buy and sell existing sports bets.

The NBA was the most popular US professional league to bet on, according to a new report from bet-tracking app Pikkit. The company released its “Instant Replay,” a look back at the year, Dec. 9. According to the report, 34 percent of all bets among its 600,000 users were placed on the NFL, followed by 22 percent on Major League Baseball and 19 percent on the NFL.

Two Michigan bills, one that would increase the sports betting tax by .1 percent and another that would raise the iGaming tax 1 percent, dropped Dec. 5. Per Casino Reports, The higher tax rates would drive more dollars into local and state coffers.

IC360 appointed lobbyist Bill Pascrell III a special advisor, the company announced Dec. 10. Pascrell III played key roles in the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and the legalisation of igaming in New Jersey in 2013.

According to a Pennsylvania television station, the state collected $2.3 billion in taxes in 2023, the most for any state in the US. New York collected the second most at $2 billion, and Nevada was a distant third at $1.2 billion.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Seneca compact negotiations remain stalled, California card rooms influence state politics, IGA announces ICE seminar series and more.

Seneca-NY Compact Talks Still Paused After Election

The compact between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York expired last December , but the two sides have been unable to make meaningful progress on a new agreement since then. The Senecas elected a new president, J.C. Seneca, in November , and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new counsel, Brian Mahanna, started in September. Now, as the state prepares for a new legislative session, stakeholders hope that an agreement can be reached.

In a Buffalo News report from Dec. 9, the tribe said that negotiations were “paused,” and that it was “mutually agreed” to. But Hochul’s office said that talks stopped “at the Seneca Nation’s request,” adding that the state now “looks forward to continuing to work toward an agreement with the Seneca Nation of Indians that is fair, serves the interests of all parties, and addresses the needs of key stakeholders.”

Since his election as president, Seneca has said that coming to an agreement is paramount for the tribe, which operates casinos in Buffalo, Salamanca and Niagara Falls. The two sides were said to be close to a deal last year before it was discovered that the new compact included a casino in Rochester, which caused the deal to fall apart. Hochul’s Republican detractors have been very critical of the way her administration has handled negotiations.

“The Seneca Nation has been negotiating in good faith from the beginning,” Sen. George Borrello told the Buffalo News. “The same cannot be said for the Hochul administration. They have pulled the rug out from under these negotiations several times. I have been hoping that with the end of the year approaching, there might be greater interest from the state in finalizing this deal. Whether that happens remains to be seen.”

California Card Rooms Flex Political Might

California’s card rooms were behind the defeat of three state politicians who supported a bill that allows tribes to sue the card rooms. Cal Matters Dec. 10 reported that the card rooms spent $3 million to defeat Cupertino assemblyman Evan Low and Fullerton assemblyman Josh Newman, both of whom lost re-election bids. The card rooms also targeted assemblyman Brian Maienschein, who had termed out but was running for San Diego city attorney. He lost that race.

“We really don’t want to be the sort of, you know, the Rodney Dangerfield of industries. We want to be respected,” Keith Sharp, a lawyer for Hawaiian Gardens Casino, told Cal Matters. “We (will) work hard to continue to gain respect and protect our employees, protect our cities, protect our businesses.”

All three, as well as Laurie Davies, who won her race, voted for SB 549 in September. That bill allows the tribes to sue the card rooms over the legality of its use of third-party providers of proposition player services (TPPPS). The tribes contend that the system violates their right to exclusivity for casino gaming. Card rooms can offer player-banked games, but the tribes say that the system all but makes the games house-banked. Because of its sovereignty, Indian Country has not been allowed to sue, but the law allows a one-time lawsuit that must be filed by April 1, 2025.

FanDuel Expands Government Relations Department

FanDuel Dec. 11 added two new executives to its government relations team, which now encompasses working with state legislatures and tribal governments. Per iGB, the company added James Hartmann and Louis Trombetta. The pair bring diverse backgrounds to the ever-burgeoning department, which now not only monitors and works with state legislatures, but also in Indian Country.

Hartmann brings a legal background. He was a prosecutor in Chicago and New York City before shifting into politics. In Illinois, he was the lead House gaming attorney. Hartmann was heavily involved in crafting the legislation that led to the legalization of sports betting in Illinois in 2019.

Trombetta was the first executive director of the Florida Gaming Commission. He oversaw the build-out of the commission and the regulatory process and set state legislative priorities.

Since tribes in California in 2022 killed a commercial sports betting proposal, FanDuel has been growing its government relations team to include some who specialize in Indian Country.

Planning for ICE: Tribal Partnerships Seminar

The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Dec. 11 revealed the agenda for its “Tribal Partnerships Seminar,” a full afternoon of educational gatherings set for Jan. 21 at ICE in Barcelona. According to an IGA press release, the seminar will explore the “unique contributions of Native American tribes to the global gaming industry,” as well as new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The event will be held at the Fira Barcelona Gran from 1:30-4:30 p.m. local time.

Here’s a look at the agenda:

Tribal Partnerships in U.S. Interactive Wagering: Unlocking New Potential

A deep exploration of how tribal entities and global operators can create sustainable partnerships in the interactive wagering space, featuring IGA Conference Chair Victor Rocha as the moderator and IGA Chairman Ernest Stevens.

Opportunities and Challenges in U.S. Sports Betting: Is There Still Room to Play?

Analyzing the current state of the U.S. sports betting market and its potential for growth and innovation, featuring National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development Chair Derrick Watchman, Chaudhuri Law Principal Jonodev Chaudhuri and IGA Deputy Executive Director Danielle Her Many Horses.

Case Study: From Bingo Halls to Gaming Powerhouse – The San Manuel Legacy

A remarkable story of strategic growth, community investment, and cultural preservation that has positioned the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as a global gaming leader, featuring San Manuel Treasurer Leticia Prieto.

The State of Gambling in California: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Exploring the opportunities, challenges, and future of the state’s tribal gaming industry amidst legal and regulatory departments, featuring IGA Executive Director Jason Giles as the moderator and California Nations Indian Gaming Association Chair James Siva.

Michael Broderick Named GM of Red Earth Casino

California’s Torres Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians announced Dec. 10 that Michael Broderick has been named as the new general manager of the tribe’s Red Earth Casino in Thermal. Broderick joins the casino with more than 30 years of casino and hospitality experience with tribal properties across the U.S., including stints at Quechan Casino Resort, Northern Waters Casino Resort, Cahuilla Casino and Hotel and more.

Matthew Krystall, president of Torres Martinez Gaming Corporation board of directors, said in a statement: “Michael’s extensive expertise, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the gaming and hospitality landscape make him an exceptional choice to lead Red Earth Casino. We look forward to seeing his dynamic approach drive our mission of excellence and growth.”

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Hopes for Emerald Bay revived with new partnership, incoming Macau CE fills out executive team, NBA to bring preseason games to Macau next year and more.

Dennis Uy Has New Partner in Stalled Philippines IR

PH Resorts (PHR), the developer behind a half-finished integrated resort (IR) in the Philippines, has yet another chance to finish the long-idle project, known as Emerald Bay.

The subsidiary of Udenna Corp., owned by Philippine billionaire Dennis Uy, has signed a deal with the construction firm EEI Corp. to finance and complete the $465 million island resort. The agreement is subject to “definitive agreements, the fulfillment of conditions and regulatory approvals, if any,” the company said in a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Emerald Bay broke ground in 2017 and was originally slated for completion in 2022. According to Forbes, Uy has tried twice before to secure financing for the IR: first from Enrique Razon Jr.’s Bloomberry Resorts Corp., then from Okada Manila operator Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. Both deals quickly unraveled.

The project on Mactan Island will have a five-star beachfront hotel, four pools, 18 food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, conference facilities and a gaming floor with more than 700 electronic gaming machines and more than 140 tables.

Macau’s New Chief Executive Announces Team

Macau’s incoming chief executive has disclosed the names of his new team. Sam Hou Fai, the former judge who will succeed Ho Iat Seng on Dec.  20, was elected in October, with a mandate to continue the city’s diversification beyond gaming.

Macau Business reports that Tai Kin Ip, now director of the economic and technological development bureau, will become Macau’s secretary for economy and finance. O Lam, now vice president of the municipal affairs bureau, has been appointed secretary for social affairs and culture. Raymond Tam, director of the environmental protection bureau, will serve as secretary for transport and public works.

Incumbents André Cheong and Wong Sio Chak will stay on as secretary for administration and justice and secretary for security. And Elsie Ao Ieong U, now secretary for social affairs and culture, has been appointed commissioner of audit.

Adriano Marques Ho, now director of the city’s gaming inspection and coordination bureau (DICJ), has been tapped as director-general of customs. His replacement has not yet been announced.

All will join Sam in his effort to diversify the local economy and reduce its reliance on gaming. Their goal is to derive 60 percent of GDP from non-gaming industries, with gaming making up the balance.

NBA China Games to Make a Comeback in ’25

Starting next October, the National Basketball Association (NBA) will resume pre-season games in China, according to the Associated Press.

The tradition, which began in 2004 in Beijing and Shanghai, was interrupted in 2019 after Houston Rockets owner Daryl Morey expressed support for anti-government protests in Hong Kong.

At a Dec. 6 press conference, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said the league will return each year for the next five years to Sands’ 14,000-seat Venetian Arena. The first games will feature the New York Nets versus the Phoenix Suns.

The comeback “is fantastic for the fans,” said Tatum. “And it’ll give an opportunity for fans to experience live NBA basketball in their market once again. We have a long history of being here in China.”

Patrick Dumont, president and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., hailed the deal as a “win-win-win” for the NBA, the city of Macau and China, the largest global market for NBA sports. Dumont is also the governor of the Dallas Mavericks franchise.

With the sporting event, Sands China is doing its part to diversify entertainment as part of Macau’s “1+4” strategy to attract more tourists.

Cambodia has Issued Ultimatum on Illegal Gambling

On Dec. 4, Cambodian government officials gave illegal gambling providers an ultimatum: cease operations in seven days or face the consequences, including arrest.

That deadline expired on Dec.  11. Now authorities are actively pursuing offenders. Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, told the Phnom Penh Post, “Since the directive was issued, approximately 80 to 90 percent of the relevant parties have complied.

“Now that the grace period has ended, authorities will continue working against individuals engaging in illegal activities. If violations are clearly identified, we will build cases against them, which could involve police action or even legal proceedings.”

Genting Removed from Malaysian Stock Exchange

On Dec.  6, Genting Malaysia Bhd and Genting Bhd were removed from the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index due to declining market capitalization.

The KLCI, a rundown of the nation’s top 30 companies by full market cap, is reviewed semi-annually, according to the Malay Mail. Genting Malaysia is now ranked 37th on the list. Its parent company holds the 34th spot.

The changes will take effect Dec. 23, and the next review will occur in June 2025.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

New ad restrictions in Brazil, Colombian authorities crack down on illegal gambling, Chile considers new casino license and more.

Brazil Implements Advertising Restrictions on Betting to Protect Minors

The SPA in Brazil has issued a new ordinance implementing immediate advertising measures, with the legal market launch on Jan. 1, 2025 now just weeks away.

Normative Ordinance No. 1,902, published on Dec. 6, enforces restrictions initially outlined in July by Normative Ordinance No. 1,231, regulating how betting operators can advertise in Brazil.

Ads that have children or adolescents as a target audience are now banned, as well as ads that use images of children or elements that are “particularly appealing” to minors.

Additionally, all ads must now feature an ‘18+’ symbol or a message reading “prohibited for people under 18.”

Colombian Authorities Seize 1,000 Illegal Gambling Items

A joint operation between the Colombia Attorney General’s Office, the National Army’s Gaula and Coljuegos has seized 1,000 items used to operate illegal betting in the municipalities of Atlántico and Valledupar.

Authorities estimate the seized items are valued at COP200 million ($45,958), with the state missing out on close to COP17 billion annually in exploitation rights from the illegal gambling that was operated by the items.

Seven people were arrested as part of the operation, with Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié saying: “We have dealt a decisive blow to illegals. In the last week alone we carried out control actions in five departments, something never before seen in this state.”

Anatel Partners with SPA to Enhance Blocking of Illegal Websites in Brazil

The SPA has signed a cooperation agreement with Anatel to improve the blocking of illegal betting platforms in Brazil.

On Dec. 9, Anatel announced its Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) with the SPA, emphasizing its goal to create a “fast and direct flow of information” while reducing costs and enhancing oversight.

Anatel has been tasked with taking down illegal betting sites in Brazil, with the agency already blocking over 5,000 domains which were identified by the SPA.

However, Anatel president Carlos Baigorri previously compared the agency’s attempts at blocking sites to “mopping up ice”, calling for increased powers to help carry out its activities more effectively.

Chile Starts Process of Granting New Casino License

The Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ), the regulator of gambling in Chile, has initiated a process to grant a new nationwide casino operating license.

The license will become available as a result of the expiration of the permit for the company Rantrur SA in May 2027.

Companies interested in applying for the casino license will have 90 business days until a hearing on April 14, 2025, with a 10-business day period ongoing for consultations and clarifications.

Applicants can submit projects in any municipality, though each region can only have between one and three casinos.

Brazil Forms Interministerial Task Force to Address Problem Gambling

In response to rising concerns about problem gambling, Brazil’s federal government has created an interministerial working group to propose measures for prevention, support, and awareness ahead of the legal market launch.

The group will include representatives from the ministries of sport, finance, health and the communication secretariat. It will have 60 days to propose measures to counter problem gambling, with meetings held every two weeks.

The release announcing the group’s creation said: “The focus is on developing strategies to prevent, mitigate harm and offer support to individuals and communities affected by compulsive gambling practices or in vulnerable situations, considering the context of fixed-odds betting.”

Federal Regional Court Denies Attorney General’s Office Appeal

The sixth panel of the Federal Regional Court of the First Region (TRF1) has denied an appeal from the Attorney General’s Office (AGU), with operators licensed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) allowed to continue operations without federal approval.

According to BNL Data, the suspended ordinances mean Loterj can continue to regulate gambling in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with operators not needing to gain federal authorisation from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA).

The ruling upholds Loterj’s state notice, which guarantees it the right to operate, explore and regulate betting in Rio de Janeiro.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

The latest announcements from Global Gaming Women, Interblock, JCM and more.

GGW Names Pamela Buckley EVP

Global Gaming Women (GGW) announced the hiring of Pamela Buckley as executive vice president.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hotel and casino industry, Buckley brings an extensive track record of success in executive leadership, operations management and strategic program development to GGW. In her new role as executive vice president, she will oversee the strategic leadership and direction of Global Gaming Women and bring her expertise and passion to ensure the organization continues to thrive and grow.

Buckley joins GGW from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, where she served as executive director of casino VIP services and Fontainebleau Rewards. During her tenure at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, she established and optimized the resort’s VIP Services department as well as Fontainebleau Rewards, where she focused on customer loyalty, revenue generation, operational excellence, and fostering internal and external relationships.
Prior to Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Buckley worked for Caesars Entertainment, Inc., holding positions including director of VIP operations and director of inside sales over her 23-year career with the gaming giant.

Virgin River Adds Interblock Smart Table Games

Virgin River Casino in Mesquite, Nev. announced the debut of Interblock’s Live Smart Table Games, an innovative new addition to the gaming floor featuring a live craps table, a live dual roulette table, and two live blackjack tables, combining the authenticity of live-action table games with modern electronic table game technology.

Set in the center of the casino, the Live Smart Table Games area boasts 26 seats, with eight at craps, eight at dual roulette, and five at each blackjack table. Each game is run by a live dealer, using real cards, dice, and roulette wheels. Players place bets on a sleek, easy-to-use touchscreen interface, designed to make game play faster, smoother, and more convenient.

This intuitive system ensures 100 percent accuracy in payouts and game results, enhances game flow, and minimizes interruptions.

Betson Names Todd Cravens SVP of Gaming

Betson Enterprises, a division of H. Betti Industries, Inc., announced the appointment of Todd Cravens as senior vice president of the Gaming Division, effective Jan. 6, 2025.

Cravens will oversee the strategic growth and operations of Betson’s gaming division, focusing on expanding distributive gaming initiatives, strengthening customer and supplier relationships, and driving innovation within the industry. He will be based out of Betson’s Henderson, Nev. office and will join the company’s executive leadership team.

Cravens brings a wealth of experience in gaming and amusements, including his previous tenure as CEO and president of Galaxy Gaming. With a proven track record in organizational leadership, business development, and strategic execution, Cravens is well-positioned to lead Betson’s gaming division in its next phase of growth.

Betson Enterprises has been a leader in providing quality equipment and services to the gaming, amusement, and vending industries for 90 years.

IGT Sued Over WOF

Four slot-machine players have filed a class action lawsuit against IGT and five casino companies alleging that the bonus wheel on the popular Wheel of Fortune game is rigged.

The lawsuit alleges the bonus wheel’s design is deceptive because even though its segments are of equal size, they don’t have an equal chance of landing on a certain segment because a computer program controls the outcome of the spin.

Several industry observers have criticized the action as a nuisance lawsuit, pointing out that all slot machine results have been controlled by random number generator programs in computers since the 1980s.

JCM Global Installs Marquee Signage at Bucky’s Casino and Yavapai Casino

JCM Global announced the completion of installations of marquee signage at Bucky’s Casino and Yavapai Casino in Prescott, Ariz.

Bucky’s Casino guests are now greeted with a new single-sided Mitsubishi NXL 10mm stretching 14 feet wide by 7-and-a-half feet tall. Visitors at Yavapai Casino see a double-sided Mitsubishi NXL 10mm sign measuring 9-and-a-half feet wide by more than 5 feet high.

The signs capture the attention of drivers on State Route 69 and give guests the inside scoop on promotional campaigns, brand messaging, and other exciting offerings to be found inside each casino. The digital signage installations are the latest in JCM’s longstanding relationship with both properties.
Novomatic Americas Announces Management Change in U.S.

Novomatic Americas has announced a significant change in its management team aimed at reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable growth in the U.S. CEO Alexander Merwald has passed the torch to seasoned industry experts Sabine Stoppel and Jakob Rothwangl.

Stoppel, who has been a vital member of the management board of Novomatic Americas for over a year, brings over 35 years of extensive experience within the Novomatic AG Group. Rothwangl joins the leadership team as an experienced international expert, taking on an operational management role at Novomatic Americas Sales. Since 2021, he has played a key role in establishing the sales organization during the company’s market entry into the U.S. more than a decade ago.

Merwald will focus more on his responsibilities as CEO in South Africa, allowing him to concentrate on the continuous growth and planned legal expansions of the gaming segments in that region.

Cordish Names Robert Williams VP of Gaming Ops in Louisiana

Cordish Gaming Group, the gaming division of The Cordish Companies, announced the promotion of Live! Casino executive Robert R. Williams to vice president of gaming operations for the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, scheduled to open in Bossier City in the first quarter of 2025.

Williams brings a wealth of knowledge as a proven leader to manage the daily operations of table games, slots, and the sportsbook.

Previously, Williams served as vice president of slot operations and guest services at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of slot operations, ensuring adherence to guidelines and policies, and driving both employee and guest satisfaction to deliver a superior guest experience. Prior to joining the Live! team, he held leadership positions at various casino properties in Biloxi, Miss.

BMM Honored with Regulatory Award

Independent testing company BMM Testlabs announced it has been awarded the “Testing Service or Solution Provider of the Year” award at the 2024 Vixio Global Regulatory Awards, held last week in London.

The Vixio Global Regulatory Awards celebrate responsible individuals, teams, and businesses within the compliance and gambling industry. They are judged by an independent panel of leading industry experts, which means that being nominated or winning demonstrates excellence and commitment to responsible gambling and regulatory compliance.

BMM was selected for the prestigious award after being shortlisted with four other independent test labs. According to Vixio, this award represents an outstanding international testing laboratory that provides outstanding testing, certification, and professional services to the gambling industry.

  Thu, Dec 12, 2024

Oftentimes, investing is a complicated, analytical process as investors search for the next “big thing.” But sometimes it’s worth pointing out that the best-performing and most well-established companies are usually the best for shareholders.

There are myriad investment options in the gaming industry, from casinos (which we now call brick-and-mortar or even legacy) to technology of games and accounting and payments and data, to developers and providers of games, sports betting and online wagering of a growing variety of sorts, data providers, media and affiliates, REITs, and on and on.

Then there are the numerous ways to play both equity and debt.

It is a dizzying number of choices and the players and choices change rapidly as technology, legislation and regulation change daily and as new companies and new markets emerge.

It is a world that cries out for simplicity,  which prompts us to turn to the investment world’s wisest master of simplicity – Warren Buffett.

Looking at the vast array of choices, Buffett has famously said there are a lot of smart people on Wall Street searching for needles in haystacks. He looks for haystacks.

Thus, his equally famous and very profitable years-long holdings in the likes of Coca-Cola. Why try to find the next big thing among so many soft drink companies when there’s one global brand known to everyone. Put another way, Coke is it.

And that brings us to two names in gaming: Aristocrat and Flutter.

Amid all the complexity of choices as sports betting and iGaming emerge in the U.S. and elsewhere, Flutter continues to maintain its dominance. Amid all the money-losing companies with promises for tomorrow, Flutter makes money today, and more of it all the time.

Deutsche Bank equity analyst Simon Davies projects that Flutter will grow EBITDA by 24 percent next year, 25 percent in 2026 and 19 percent in 2027. Not bad for a company whose stock sells at 12.3 times his 2027 projection.

EBITDA margins should rise from 17.8 percent to 23.8 percent by then, Davies calculates.

Aristocrat has a more modest growth rate compared to its stock price as investors have bought into the story. But its steady growth is still an impressive promise of future profits for shareholders.

Perhaps most impressive about Aristocrat is its strategic approach demonstrated most recently by its decision to sell non-gambling online gamer Plarium for $820 million to focus on what brought it to its position as gaming’s leading supplier company.

Of course, Flutter and Aristocrat are not unknown stories. Their stocks have risen dramatically. But, to draw on the wisdom of another legendary investor, James O’Shaughnessy, companies whose stocks have outperformed the market tend to continue outperforming.

Their stock appreciation has led Flutter and Aristocrat to huge market capitalizations by gaming industry standards. Flutter’s market cap is US$50 billion. Aristocrat’s is AU$43 billion (US$27.3 billion). They sound like haystacks to me.

TAKE A BOW, JAMIE

Another key to successful investing is to find a productive visionary to invest with. Jamie Odell is clearly one such person in gaming.

If you bought Aristocrat stock in Sept. 2009 when he became executive chairman, your investment has multiplied 25 times. Your dividend alone now yields 30 percent on your original investment. Imagine, collecting 30 percent in cash every year, plus having the stock appreciation.

Odell left Aristocrat to become executive chairman of Light & Wonder in Sept. 2020. LNW stock has tripled since then.

Part of leadership success is identifying talent.  Odell passes that test, too. Aristocrat stock has quadrupled since Trevor Croker became CEO in 2017. LNW has doubled under CEO Matt Wilson in just over two years.

By Roger Gros   Thu, Dec 12, 2024

This week we sit down with Hugh Turner (l.), chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City.

Ocean Casino Resort is an Atlantic City staple, and Chief Financial Officer Hugh Turner would know a thing or two about the market, having held high-level financial positions there for over 20 years. Ocean, along with all of Atlantic City’s casinos, is doing its best to navigate a market with perhaps the stiffest competition from online gaming in the U.S.