This episode of the GGB Podcast hosts Craig Toner, CEO of Aristocrat Gaming, at ICE Barcelona, to discuss the company's innovations, global market strategies, and continued investment in R&D.
Toner highlights Aristocrat’s success with games like Buffalo and Lightning Link, their expansion into online gaming, and the launch of NFL and House of the Dragon-themed slot machines.
Proponents of a Cedar Rapids casino were hoping that the third time would be the charm. But a new moratorium on licenses, promised since the summer, would appear to be the death of those hopes.
The chances of a casino coming to Cedar Rapids, Ia. are looking slimmer by the day as state lawmakers have rushed to enact a new five-year moratorium on new gaming licenses that would run through June 30, 2030.
According to KCRG, on Jan. 30, the Iowa House passed the moratorium bill by a 68-31 vote as the state Senate advanced an identical bill the same day. The legislation would not only enact the license moratorium, it would also put new protocols in place for state regulators when considering new license proposals after the period ends.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and the Linn County Gaming Association now seem to be on the verge of losing out on the chance to develop the $275 million Cedar Crossing casino development for the third time. The proposal has already been denied twice, in 2014 and 2017.
A previous two-year moratorium expired on July 1, 2024, allowing stakeholders another chance to ramp up their efforts once again. Ever since the last expiration, though, lawmakers have vowed to enact another one, which makes this latest development somewhat unsurprising.
Having already heard the formal pitch for Cedar Crossing, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is currently set to make a licensing decision on Feb. 6. However, given how quickly the new moratorium is progressing, that hearing would appear to be moot.
With a newly launched legal online gaming market in tow, Brazilian lawmakers are now expected to set their sights on legalizing land-based casinos.
Celso Sabino, Brazil’s Tourism Minister, is expecting the vote to legalize land-based casinos to occur in the first half of 2025.
Brazil’s regulated online betting market went live on Jan. 1, but delays in legalizing land-based casinos throughout 2024 have cast doubt on the future of brick-and-mortar gambling regulation.
The bill to legalize casinos, bingo, jogo de bicho and betting on horseracing was approved by the Justice and Citizenship Committee back in June 2024. However, the Senate is yet to vote upon the proposal, with the latest delay coming in December.
Sabino remains confident, though, telling M&E: “The bill regulating casinos has already been approved in the Chamber of Deputies and is in the Senate. We expect it to be approved and sanctioned by the president in the first half of 2025.”
Yaw to continue efforts to legalize PA skill games, Full House suffers blow to Indiana relocation hopes, Nevada’s casinos gear up to fight lottery initiative and more.
PA Lawmaker Renews Effort to Legalize Skill Games
A Pennsylvania state senator is working to renew his quest to legalize and regulate tens of thousands of unlicensed “skill games” currently operating throughout the state.
State Sen. Gene Yaw is circulating a cosponsorship memo in preparation of introducing a new bill to officially legalize and regulate the slot-like games, which have multiplied throughout Pennsylvania over the past several years. The games, branded “Pennsylvania Skill” and manufactured by Georgia-base Pace-O-Matic, are claimed to be legal because an element of skill can improve the chances of winning.
The state’s casino operators, as well as the American Gaming Association and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, have long battled the spread of the games, contending they are illegal, unregulated slot machines. Opponents point out that the games operate without assurances of their fairness, and with no responsible gaming or anti-money laundering protections.
They also point out that the skill games are untaxed, providing no revenue to the state, and thus, are unfair competition to casino slots, for which operators pay an effective state tax of 54 percent.
Pennsylvania courts, meanwhile, have returned several decisions in favor of Pace-O-Matic in cases where the games have been seized by state authorities. The manufacturer consistently points to those decisions as evidence of the legality of the games.
“Skill games are a piece of the economy in our state,” Yaw told The Center Square. “They cannot and should not be ignored.”
Full House’s Efforts to Relocate Indiana Casino All but Dead
On Jan. 29, a proposal to relocate an Indiana casino license from Rising Sun to New Haven was killed in committee without a vote. Per the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Sen. Ron Alting, who chairs the Public Policy Committee, opted to pull Senate Bill 293 after hearing testimony from almost two dozen opponents.
Regional casino operators Full House Resorts were the driving force behind the legislation, as the company sought to relocate its Rising Star Casino to New Haven, where it said it could perform better and contribute much more tax revenue.
Despite the pulling of SB 293, other avenues remain in play. It could be reassigned to another committee, or the language could be added to other gaming-related bills still alive. “There will be a number of other opportunities for this to be amended,” said bill author Sen. Andy Zay, per the Chronicle.
Nevada Casino Stakeholders Poised to Fight Lottery Initiative Again
This session, the Nevada Legislature will again take up AJR5, which, if passed, would establish a lottery in Nevada for the first time. The measure passed both chambers in 2023 but needs another round of passage before it can go before voters in 2026. As expected, the Nevada casino industry is gearing to fight the measure with all its might, as it has done dozens of times over the years. Perhaps the biggest lobbying force is the Nevada Resort Association, which represents 75 properties throughout the state.
“To say that a statewide lottery is going to net a couple of $100 million a year in revenue is somewhat unfounded,” association lobbyist Nick Vassiliadis told the Nevada Independent.
“You need to get down into the weeds in terms of what type of lottery you plan on running. That discussion never took place.”
Virginia Casino Bill Advances to Full Senate
The years-long effort to bring a casino to Tysons, Va. advanced further than ever Jan. 28 when the state’s Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted to send Senate Bill 982 to the full chamber. If passed, the bill would give the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors the ability to call a voter referendum to allow for a casino in Fairfax County near Tysons.
Similar legislation was tabled last year but is making progress this year. If a referendum were to be approved, the license would be made available through a request for proposal process, but Comstock Companies has long proposed a sprawling multi-use development centered around a casino for the site.
“This project presents a huge opportunity to fund school construction in the Commonwealth,” said Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, per FFXnow. “The majority of the Fairfax County Delegation to the General Assembly supports giving Fairfax County’s [local] government the authority to let voters decide if they support an entertainment district in the County.”
Coney Island Community Board Opposes Casino
A southern Brooklyn community board voted against changing land use rules for the proposed Coney Island casino.
Community Board 13 voted 24-11 to deny developers’ application to close part of Bowery Street and purchase air rights above existing buildings to make way for the facility, dubbed “The Coney” and proposed by partners Thor Equities, Legends Entertainment, the Chickasaw Nation and Saratoga Casino Holdings.
The votes of community boards are only advisory opinions, and do not affect plans for New York’s downstate casino applicants, but local community support is one of the factors expected to weigh on the final decisions on awarding three downstate casino licenses.
Lung Association Report Urges NJ Casino Smoking Ban
The American Lung Association’s 2025 State of Tobacco Control report, released Jan. 29, called on New Jersey lawmakers to “finally make New Jersey smokefree by closing the loophole which continues to allow smoking and e-cigarette use in New Jersey’s casinos.”
The call to action coincides with the years-long efforts of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a group of Atlantic City table-game dealers; and Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) to end the casino exemption to the state’s 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act.
The annual report also called on state leaders to ban menthol cigarettes, increase tobacco taxes and invest more in anti-smoking initiatives.
“Here in New Jersey, we are seeing tobacco industry lobbyists working to prevent smoke-free casinos from becoming a reality,” said Michael Seilback, assistant vice president for nationwide advocacy at the American Lung Association, in a press release accompanying the report.
“The tobacco industry is also introducing new products that appeal to youth like e-cigarettes that mimic smartphones, kid-friendly flavors and flavored nicotine pouches that are heavily marketed by social media influencers.”
Mississippi Eyes Smoke-Free Casinos
A new bill introduced in Mississippi would strengthen smoke-free protections statewide, including to commercial casinos. Introduced by State Rep. Bryant Clark, the Mississippi Smoke-Free Air Act of 2025 would build on Mississippi’s many municipal smoke-free ordinances to standardize protections across the state, including eliminating smoking in casinos.
“Mississippi has an opportunity to create a healthier, more inclusive experience for everyone, including casino workers and visitors,” said Onjewel Smith, Southern states strategist for Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, in a press release. “New Orleans celebrates 10 years of smoke-free gaming this month, proving that healthier, smoke-free workplaces are not only possible—they’re successful. If our neighbors can do it, so can we.”
North Dakota Bill Would Dissolve Gaming Commision
In North Dakota, Senate Bill 2224 was approved by the Senate Jan. 29, and it now heads to the House. If approved, the bill would streamline the gaming regulatory process in the state by dissolving the state Gaming Commission and placing all authority with the Attorney General’s office.
Currently, the AG’s office drafts rules for gaming regulation that are then considered by the commission, which then sends them back to the AG’s office. The proposed rules are then sent to the Administrative Rules Committee, composed of legislators, for finalization and adoption. The commission has not met since Jan. 1, 2023, and there are currently two vacancies that have yet to be filled since Gov. Doug Burghum left office.
West Virginia Looks to be Next State to Fight Sweepstakes
West Virginia appears to be the next state primed to take aim at sweepstakes sites, according to a Jan. 29 report from Casino Reports. Regulators in Michigan and Maryland have already sent cease-and-desist letters to operators, and a bill has been introduced in Mississippi that would ban the sites.
Casino Reports, citing anonymous sources, reported that West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is preparing to take action against sweepstakes sites. He did not confirm those intentions to the publication, but gave the following statement:
“We have serious concerns about West Virginia consumers, specifically our children, being targeted by illegal gambling operations. From day one, my priority has been to protect consumers and ensure our children are not being exposed to these operations or their advertising — while at the same time supporting those which are licensed and operating within the confines of the law. At this time, we cannot comment on specific cases or provide any further details.”
Report: Peoria Officials Have Consulted with Boyd on Casino Locations
For months, Boyd Gaming has been at the center of a dispute between the cities of Peoria and East Peoria, Ill. Boyd operates the Par-A-Dice riverboat casino in East Peoria, but has indicated that it plans to develop a new land-based casino in Peoria. This refers to a longstanding revenue sharing agreement between the two cities that stipulates any future land-based facilities be built in Peoria.
According to a Jan. 25 report from the Peoria Journal Star, officials there have already started to have concrete discussions as to where a future casino might be built.
“Just removing itself from our area entirely, you start bumping into other gaming markets,” mayoral candidate Chuck Grayeb told the newspaper. “So, we want to make it a great place, show them some of the locations where we think it would work well relative to our interstate highway links. There are a couple of sites we are sharing with them, and our staff is working with them very closely.”
Chandeni Sendall Named to NGCB
On Jan. 29, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced that Chandeni Sendall will take over for the outgoing Brittnie Watkins as the latest appointee to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB). Sendall has worked as a deputy city attorney in Reno, and prior to that she was an internal auditor for Caesars Entertainment.
“I’m grateful to Gov. Lombardo for this appointment to serve the state of Nevada,” Sendall said in a statement. “Along with my legal background, I look forward to applying my educational background in economics and my work experience in the gaming industry as I begin my new role at the Nevada Gaming Control Board.”
NV Resort Association Names New Directors
The Nevada Resort Association, which represents more than 70 hotel-resorts in the state, Jan. 28 elected new officers to its board of directors for the 2025-26 term. John Maddox, Caesars’ senior vice president of government relations, was named chair, and Michael Britt, Red Rock Resorts’ senior vice president of public policy and communications, was named vice chair. Boyd Gaming’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Paul Anderson was reelected as treasurer, and the association’s President and CEO Virginia Valentine was reelected secretary.
Major Illegal Gambling Ring Busted in Florida
In Florida, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced Jan. 27 that it seized nearly $1 million and almost 1,000 illegal slot machines in an illegal gambling bust. Six people have been arrested, and the investigation netted four illegal gambling parlors as well as the warehouse of the company believed to be supplying the illegal slots. According to CBS12, the investigation traced back to 2019.
Miller lays out the newest Minnesota proposal, New Hampshire lawmakers keep betting age at 18, HG Vora nominates three to Penn’s board and more.
Here’s What’s in a Yet-to-be-Filed MN Wagering Bill
Stakeholders are hoping that 2025 will finally be the year the legal sports betting gets through the Minnesota legislature, and Sen. Jeremy Miller Jan. 27 revealed what’s in his latest proposal.
Per a press release on the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus website, Miller said, “Minnesota continues to miss out on what is now a $150 billion industry. We were on the brink of success last year; I strongly believe 2025 could be the year we get this across the finish line.”
The draft bill would allow for legal digital sports betting tethered to the 11 tribal casinos at a 20 percent tax rate. Miller addresses two key issues that have come up previously by allocating 50 percent of all tax revenue for “charitable gaming tax relief” and 20 percent “to enhance horse racing in the state.” Horse racetracks have previously argued that they should get a piece of the wagering pie. Miller’s proposal doesn’t give the tracks access to wagering, but would funnel dollars toward it.
So far the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association has not responded, but a key issue with the bill is that it calls for a tax. Minnesota tribes have exclusivity for Class III gaming, per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. In general, states can’t tax tribes without their consent. In Arizona, Connecticut and Michigan, tribal digital sports betting off reservation is taxed by the state. But in Florida, the Seminoles are not taxed. The tribe does pay a revenue share agreed upon in their compact with the state, but digital sports betting is not regulated or taxed by the state.
Miller said the proposal combines previous versions of legal sports betting bills as well as new ideas “brought forward from constituents and stakeholders. The goal of this proposal is to bring folks together to work toward a bipartisan solution to legalize sports betting in Minnesota.”
Minnesota’s legislative session opened Jan. 14. As of Jan. 29 the bill had not been filed.
NH Legal Wagering to Stay at 18
New Hampshire is one of four U.S. jurisdictions that set the legal wagering age at 18. For now, that’s where it will stay.
The New Hampshire House Ways and Means committee Jan. 27 declined to move forward HB 83, which would have raised the legal betting age to 21, reports iGB. The committee voted, 11-7, that the bill was “inexpedient to legislate,” which means that it is dead.
Kentucky, Wyoming and Washington, D.C. are the other three jurisdictions that allow 18-year-olds to place bets.
During the Ways and Means executive session, there was some conversation about whether or not to change the legal betting age.
Rep. Thomas Schamberg favored the bill, saying, “I think it is important that we make a statement about the age limit like we have about alcohol, tobacco products and vapes. Basically, I am supporting the age of 21 in New Hampshire.”
But Rep. Cyril Aures spoke for what turned out to be the majority.
“I’d just like to say that I see it as a liberty issue for young people,” he said. “If they want to bet with their money, let them bet.”
No Decision Made on Nicole Bowyer Settlement
At its monthly meeting Jan. 30, the Nevada Gaming Commission voted to table a proposed settlement for Nicole Bowyer, a registered casino host and wife of Mathew Bowyer, a convicted illegal bookmaker. Bowyer was her husband’s host at Resorts World Las Vegas, where he was known to launder his illicit proceeds. Thus, she profited off of his gambling losses, earning hundreds of thousands from the casino.
Commissioners sought harsher terms for what they deemed to be “especially egregious” conduct. No fine was included in the proposal, and they indicated they’d like one to be, but requested to know about the couple’s forfeitures as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. They also sought a lifetime ban rather than the proposed term of five years.
Activist Investor Nominates 3 for Penn Board
The New York-based investment firm HG Vora Jan. 29 nominated three director candidates to Penn Entertainment, accusing management of failing to help the group reach its “full potential,” reports iGB.
HG Vora charged Penn’s board of management with “reckless spending of nearly $4 billion” on M&A deals and media partnerships. The group called Penn’s interactive strategy an “abject failure” that has over promised and not delivered.
As a result, the firm, which holds a 4.8 percent shareholding in Penn, has nominated William J Clifford, Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez to Penn’s board of directors.
Hartnett is a former CEO of Superbet and has previously held director roles with Flutter’s Paddy Power Betfair business and Sportsbet. He also held other roles within the Flutter business, including as chief development officer during its acquisition of FanDuel.
Sports Betting in Paradise?
A Hawaii bill that would legalize digital sports betting was referred to the House Economic Development Committee Jan. 27. HB 1308 and its Senate partner, SB 1569, would allow for up to four wagering platforms and operators would be taxed at 10 percent of adjusted gross gaming revenue.
Hawaii currently has no form of legal gambling – it is one of a handful of U.S. states that does not have a lottery. But lawmakers have been entertaining the idea of legalizing sports betting for several sessions. The sports betting bills would also regulate and tax fantasy sports.
HB 1308 and SB 1569 are the latest gambling bills filed in Hawaii this session. SB 1572 would also allow for digital wagering at a 15 percent tax rate while banning daily fantasy. SB 1507 would legalize online casino but explicitly ban legal sports betting. And SB 373 is a stand-alone legal daily fantasy bill. None of the bills have been assigned hearing dates.
Sayonara Sweepstakes?
Mississippi Sen. Joey Fillingane is taking a different pathway toward dealing with the rise of unregulated sweepstakes platforms than his peers in New Jersey. Fillingame Jan. 20 introduced a bill that would ban the games. Online gambling is illegal in Mississippi, though lawmakers for several sessions have been trying to get digital wagering passed.
According to the bill, any “online race books, online sports pools and online sweepstakes-style casino game, is hereby declared to be a gambling device, and the offering of play or operating an online or interactive platform that offers for play such games with the State of Mississippi shall be deemed unlawful under the provisions of this section.”
Fillingane’s SB 2510 would make any violation of the law a felony, punishable by up to a $100,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.
In New Jersey earlier this month, a bill regulating and taxing online sweepstakes was filed.
Sportsbooks Favor the Chiefs for First Time
The day after the NFL Conference Championships, digital sportsbooks across the U.S. and retail sportsbooks in Las Vegas showed they favored the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. In most cases, the Chiefs were listed as 1.5-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs are playing in their third consecutive Super Bowl and have a chance to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight – but 2025 is the first time they have been favored.
On prediction site Kalshi, bettors also favored the Chiefs, 54-47 percent, and as of Jan. 29, $1.8 million in contracts had been placed.
Two Sports Lounges to Open in British Columbia
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation will open two new brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the coming months, reports Canadian Gaming Business. A “lounge” at Chances Casino Kelowna is set for a “sneak peak” on Super Bowl Sunday before opening for regular business Feb. 10. The PROLINE venue has a 25-foot video wall. BCLC also plans to open a sportsbook at the Parq Casino in Vancouver in March.
“The lounges offer something for sports lovers and sports bettors alike, including a best-in-class sports viewing experience and sports-betting terminals offering a full suite of competitive and live odds,” a BCLC spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business. “The sportsbook lounge is not just for sports betting, it is a go-to viewing destination for both regular game days and, for the biggest sporting events of the year, where B.C. sports fans and sports bettors can watch their favourite teams together, the home of the home team.”
In Other News …
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law the bill that strengthens digital sports betting and casino advertising guidelines, the Yonkers Times reported Jan. 28. In addition to including addiction helpline contact information, advertisements must now include warnings about harm that can be caused by addictive gambling.
ESPN Bet and the PGA Tour Jan. 27 announced they will debut a new betting stream Feb. 6 at the WM Phoenix Open. The new feed will be available on ESPN+ and is set to include six Tour events. It will provide live golf coverage ahead of the existing television broadcasts.
A Connecticut bill to allow betting on in-state college teams was filed Jan. 21 and referred to the Joint Committee on General Law. Betting on in-state teams is currently banned.
North Dakota lawmakers voted against a bill that would have brought legal online sports betting to the state. The House defeated HCR 3002, Jan. 22, with 70 representatives voting against and 24 voting for.
Florida suit at the center of tribes’ fight against sweepstakes, Chukchansi Casino fights against impersonators, Swinomish opens a new sportsbook and more.
Florida Lawsuit Could Inform Sweepstakes Fight
This week’s installment of the Indian Gaming Association’s (IGA) “New Normal” webinar series on sweepstakes featured insight on a key lawsuit in Florida that could set precedent for similar battles across the U.S., writes iGB.
On Jan. 29, series hosts Victor Rocha and Jason Giles–IGA’s conference chair and executive director, respectively–were joined by James Meggesto and Samir Patel, gaming attorneys from the firm Holland & Knight LLP.
The discussion centered around the legal pathways for fighting back against sweepstakes. In recent months, Rocha and Giles have interviewed several industry figures about the topic. These range from lobbyists to regulators to fellow tribal leaders.
Central to the discussion was an ongoing lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Knapp v. VGW Holdings. Meggesto and Patel said it is unique from other lawsuits brought against sweeps operators. The two men authored an article on the suit Jan. 21, and its potential implications for the industry.
On the webinar, Patel asserted that sweepstakes “have percolated to the top” of issues currently impacting operators. Meggesto said he’s “been a little bit surprised by the lack of urgency” in fighting their proliferation.
Wait! That’s Not Us!
California’s Chukchansi Casino says someone else is placing fake social media posts offering online casino and bonuses to the casino, according to yourcentralvalley.com. The media outlet reported Jan. 23 that the casino posted on its official social media feed that the ads “are not affiliated with us.”
RSI Opens Retail Sportsbook at Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Washington’s Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Rush Street Interactive Jan. 27 announced the opening of a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the tribe’s casino. The new sportsbook is RSI’s first foray into Washington state.
“RSI shares the Swinomish Tribe’s commitment to integrity, innovation, and delivering exceptional guest experiences,” RSI CEO Richard Schwartz said via press release. “Our expertise in training and supporting land-based casino teams ensures that this new sportsbook will not only attract new player demographics but also optimize cross-promotion with the tribe’s existing gaming and hospitality amenities. This collaboration will create a thriving sports betting experience that benefits the entire operation.”
In Other News …
North Dakota’s Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa got initial approval to build a casino, Knox News Radio reported Jan. 29. The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole passed a letter of intent for the project, which must still get additional local and federal approval.
PAGCOR hails record results in 2024, Thai residents push back on casinos, LVS credits Singapore for healthy Q4 and more.
PAGCOR Posts Record Results
In results announced Jan. 30, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) called 2024 a record year for gaming revenue in the jurisdiction. The state-run regulator said the industry generated PHP112 billion (US$1.9 billion) in 2024, up almost 41 percent year-on-year.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco attributed the results to the e-Games and e-Bingo sectors. Together, they contributed PHP48.79 billion to the total—slightly more than 50 percent.
“Our 2024 financial performance is the best so far in the history of PAGCOR,” said Tengo, “and we thank our employees and stakeholders for making such achievement possible.”
PAGCOR exceeded the PHP100 billion mark just once, in 2018, with revenues of PHP104.12 billion. But that outcome was influenced by a one-time sale of property worth PHP32.71 billion.
Survey: Most Thai Residents Oppose Casinos
A majority of Thailand residents surveyed by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) say they don’t support the government’s push for entertainment complexes with casinos in the largely Buddhist kingdom.
According to the Bangkok Post, the NIDA poll showed that 59.19 percent of respondents oppose the complexes, with just 29 percent supporting them. In addition, more than 58 percent strongly oppose legal online gambling.
Draft legislation calls for five resorts with conference centers, amusement parks, hotels and concert venues as well as casinos. The bill has been approved in principle by the cabinet and is now under review by the Council of State, which has 50 days to present its report. It will then go to the parliament.
Proponents of the bill say the resorts will increase tourism revenue by 13 percent; Citigroup estimates that a mature Thai gaming industry could reap revenue of US$9.1 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) per year—more than Singapore, the third-largest global market behind Macau and Las Vegas.
But some are worried about the social cost. The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF) of Thailand says the casino plan is a short-term fix that cannot fix complex problems. “The state does not have money, does not know how to make money,” and is resorting to gambling as a cash grab, said SGF member Wichet Pichairat.
Thai lawmakers hope to open the first complexes by 2029, before Japan debuts its first casino resort in Osaka.
Macau Gaming Industry Expects Strong Chinese New Year
Thanks to relaxed visa policies and an economic kickstart from Beijing, casinos in Macau could exceed analysts’ expectations for growth in 2025.
A strong Chinese New Year (CNY) should help. The national holiday, which began Jan. 29, could bring up to 150,000 travelers a day to the special administrative region (SAR), in spite of a lingering recession. According to MSN, as of last week more than 21 luxury hotels had already sold out for the early days of the holiday.
Beijing is lending a hand, with Individual Visa Schemes (IVS) “fully relaxed and optimized” to entice more tourists to the city, according to Macau Business.
The central government has trimmed interest rates and “pushed a basket of incremental policies to promote (economic) recovery,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping in the runup to the festivities.
Last month, S&P Global warned that continuing economic turbulence could “impair Macau cash flow and (compromise) improvement.” But the Macquarie Capital team believes consensus forecasts of a 6 percent-plus boost in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2025 are “too bearish.” Along with stimulus measures, they pointed to international roadshows designed to boost overseas travel to Macau.
“China values Macau and continues to endorse the destination,” the team wrote.
Vitaly Umansky of Seaport Research said GGR could grow by 7 percent “if the Chinese economy grows and consumer confidence levels improve.”
LVS’ Q4 Buoyed by Strength in Singapore
Despite mixed results, shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) surged more than 8 percent after hours following fourth-quarter financials released Jan. 29.
Total revenue fell slightly to $2.9 billion, but exceeded analyst estimates of $2.87 billion, according to Benzinga. The take from Macau operations fell about 5 percent to $1.86 billion.
LVS Chairman and CEO Rob Goldstein noted “ongoing recovery” and lower visitor spend has hampered results in Macau, where the company operates the Sands Macao, Venetian Macao, Londoner Macao and Parisian Macao.
But Singapore, home of Marina Bay Sands, “continued to deliver outstanding financial and operating performance” for the U.S.-based firm, he added.
“We continued to execute our strategic objectives during the quarter,” said Goldstein. “We remain enthusiastic about our opportunities to deliver industry-leading growth in both Macau and Singapore in the years ahead as we execute our capital investment programs in both markets.”
Sentiment on investor website Stocktwits did an about-face on the results, going from “bearish” to “extremely bullish” following the call. According to Market Insider, Citi raised its target on LVS from $64.50 to $67. It maintained a “buy” rating on the stock.
Philippine Senators Insist Chinese National Granted Citizenship Has No POGO Ties
On Jan. 27, a majority of Philippine senators granted citizenship rights to Li Duan Wang, a Chinese national who has been linked to the vice-ridden offshore gaming industry.
According to the Philippine Star, 19 senators voted to approve Li, described by Sen. Risa Hontiveros as a junket operator that did business with an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO). In July 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned POGOs following revelations that some were fronts for online scams. Multiple POGO raids turned up evidence of money laundering, human trafficking and torture.
Hontiveros, who led the Senate investigation into POGO crimes, presented a photo of Li with POGO “big boss” Duanren Wu, the alleged mastermind of a POGO in Pampanga.
“It should not inspire confidence in us Senators that Wang is an associate of a fugitive and a POGO boss embroiled in human trafficking,” she protested.
Hontiveros cast the sole dissenting vote. Those in favor included leading POGO critics like Senate President Francis Escudero, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and senators Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito. They insist they found no “direct links of Li to POGO,” Gatchalian said.
“We respect (Hontiveros’) vote,” Escudero said. “But the majority decides on the passage of a bill. That is democracy.”
Apuesta Total looks to maintain pole position in Peru, ANJL urges parents to keep minors off betting sites, the latest jersey sponsorship deals and more.
Apuesta Total CEO on Staying Ahead in Peru: “Everybody Wants to Take You Down”
Gonzalo Perez, CEO of local operator Apuesta Total, is embracing the challenge of maintaining the role of market leader in Peru.
Having previously told iGB Apuesta Total is top of the Peru market with a 25-30 percent share, Perez believes now is the time for the company to press on and capitalize on its spot at the summit.
Speaking to iGB at ICE, Perez said: “I think we have one of the biggest challenges in the market, which is to maintain our leadership.
“Everybody’s looking at you and everybody wants to take you down. I think once you’re the leader, you need to run faster. You cannot sleep. You cannot say, ‘Okay, now I’m the leader in the market’ and wait around.”
Betsson Becomes Racing Club’s Front-of-Jersey Sponsor
Betsson has announced the enhancement of its deal with Argentinian soccer club Racing Club de Avellaneda, becoming its front-of-jersey sponsor.
Betsson and Racing Club first signed a partnership in May 2023, with the operator’s branding featuring on the back of the team’s jerseys last season.
According to Games Magazine Brazil, that deal has now been expanded with Betsson, which holds a number of regional licenses in Argentina, set to appear on the front of Racing Club’s jerseys.
Betsson Group CEO Jesper Svensson said: “Racing Club’s rich history, passion, and excellence mirror Betsson’s core values, making this collaboration a natural fit.”
ANJL Urges Parents to Block Minors from Betting Sites in Brazil
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has cautioned parents against letting their children access betting sites in Brazil.
To access betting sites authorized by the federal government, Brazilians must provide their Individual Taxpayer Registration (CPF) number and complete facial recognition checks to verify their identity and confirm they are at least 18 years old.
However, the ANJL emphasizes that the age restriction will only be effective with the cooperation of parents and guardians. In theory, they could enable children to bypass the restrictions by allowing them to use their personal data, which constitutes a criminal offense.
“The Association has done its part in creating mechanisms to prevent access by minors,” ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge explained. “But awareness-raising actions also need to be embraced by those responsible for these people.”
Roobet Named as Chelsea’s Latin America Betting Partner
English Premier League soccer club Chelsea has announced Roobet as its official betting partner in Latin America.
The regional partnership will see Chelsea give Roobet users the opportunity to win tickets to games and other bespoke prizes.
Roobet hopes the multi-year deal, which also covers Canada, will enhance its brand across 32 markets.
“Bringing the evolution of igaming to the world in partnership with Chelsea will continue to elevate the unique experience that Roobet offers to our players,” Roobet’s co-founder Anthony Brennan explained.
The latest announcements from Aristocrat, IGT, Zitro and more.
Aristocrat Launches NFL Slots in Puerto Rico
Following the historic North American launch of its NFL-themed game portfolio, Aristocrat Gaming has begun to launch its player-favorite NFL Slots franchise outside of the continental U.S. with a 13-casino debut on the Jackpot del Encanto link in Puerto Rico.
The all-new NFL Triple Score by Aristocrat Gaming will be the first title in the NFL Slots franchise to launch beyond the continental U.S., and the company marked the industry game-changing event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration on Jan. 22 at Casino del Mar in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
NFL Triple Score is now available on gaming floors alongside Jackpot del Encanto, a program featuring select slot machines in participating casinos across the island. In this program, prizes increase as more players participate, with a progressive jackpot starting at $20,000. The game is showcased on the MarsX Portrait cabinet and is modeled after the wildly successful Bao Zhu Zhao Fu game family.
IGT PlayDigital Launches Second Title from Prosperity Link Game Family
IGT PlayDigital announced the U.S. iGaming market arrival of Prosperity Link Cai Yun Heng Tong. Currently available in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Prosperity Link Cai Yun Heng Tong is a compelling IGT omnichannel sensation that is well-known among players for its immense success in land-based casinos around the world.
IGT PlayDigital’s Prosperity Link Cai Yun Heng Tong game is a five-by-three-reel game that offers up to 243 ways to win. The title offers four attractive jackpot levels, including an operator-configurable wide-area progressive, and the game family’s signature Money Ball collection features.
Zitro Digital Goes Live in Brazil
Zitro Digital announced its entry into the newly regulated Brazilian iGaming market, marking a key milestone in its expansion strategy across Latin America. With deep roots in Brazil, Zitro Digital brings its portfolio of in-house content to local players, marking a new chapter in the company’s longstanding connection with the country (the supplier’s founder and CEO, Johnny Ortiz, is Brazilian).
Brazilian players can now enjoy a selection of Zitro Digital’s slots, including the popular series Fu Frog, as the company introduces its offerings to operators within the country. The move comes as part of Brazil’s ongoing efforts to create a regulated and secure online gaming environment for players, offering a responsible platform for gaming activities.
IGT Honored at ICE
International Game Technology PLC announced that it was recognized with top honors in two prominent award programs held in conjunction with ICE Barcelona 2025: the International Gaming Awards and the European Casino Awards.
IGT won the following awards in Barcelona:
Aristocrat Gaming Receives Multiple Accolades at ICE
At the premiere year of ICE Barcelona, Aristocrat Gaming was honored to be recognized by the gaming industry with wins at the International Gaming Awards (IGA), Global Gaming Awards EMEA, and European Casino Awards.
At the International Gaming Awards, held on Sunday, Jan. 19, Aristocrat as an enterprise was recognized with the Sustainability Award.
The following evening, Aristocrat Gaming was awarded Casino Supplier of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA.
Additionally, at the European Casino Awards, Aristocrat Gaming was awarded Best Slot Machine for MarsX Portrait and Best Slot Game for Coin Trio.
GLI Honored as Services Provider of the Year
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named Services Provider of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA Edition 2025.
The award ceremony, held during ICE Barcelona, recognizes organizations that are shaping the future of the gaming industry with innovative solutions and exceptional service.
The Services Provider of the Year award celebrates excellence among companies offering indispensable services to the gaming sector, including hosting, cybersecurity, legal expertise and more. Winners were selected by an independent panel of industry leaders.
At ICE Barcelona, GLI’s global teams, including representatives from GLI, Bulletproof, SIQ Gaming Laboratories, and iTech Labs, showcased the company’s fully integrated compliance and cybersecurity services speaking with companies of all sizes and jurisdictions.
Novomatic Launches NovoVision at Casino Tróia in Portugal
Novomatic has successfully launched its NovoVision casino management system ad Casino Tróia, a popular gaming and entertainment venue on the Tróia Peninsula off the coast of Setúbal in Portugal.
With the system activated, the first point of contact for the casino guests are the NV Access registration desks, where they are enrolled with a player account and an NFC card for their NV Wallet. Once all regulatory requirements and data protection obligations are fulfilled, guests are granted access to the gaming floor, where their next step will lead them to the NV PromoTower to participate in the casino’s promotional program via the NovoSpin Wheel.
All 150 video slots of leading manufacturers across the Casino Tróia have been retrofitted with NovoVision player tracking modules (PTM) for smooth and intuitive cashless gaming. They also ensure precise accounting processes and for player revenues to be consistently accounted for in the loyalty program. Also, the majority of the casino’s live tables have been equipped with NV Tables accounting functionalities.
GLI Promotes Andrea Bossard to Vice President, Engineering
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has promoted Andrea Bossard to vice president, engineering, She was formerly senior director of engineering. In her new role, she will work to optimize GLI’s delivery for land-based suppliers, regulators, and operators globally.
Bossard has been with GLI since 2006, holding multiple management roles within the organization. She has a background in QA testing coupled with an education in mathematics and computer science.
Merkur’s Tsikouras honored with ICE Landmark Award
Aristidis Tsikouras, CEO of money management specialist at GeWeTe, the cash-handling solution subsidiary of Merkur Group, was presented with the ICE Landmark Award 2025 at ICE Barcelona.
Tsikouras received the award for his 25 years of service with the Merkur Group and his professional achievements in the gaming industry. The award recognizes the influence he has had on the global gaming industry over the course of his career.
The awards are presented by trade fair organizer Clarion Gaming.
It ain’t easy being a regional U.S. casino operator these days. Revenue is being dwarfed by inflation and the threat of iGaming expansion looms large. But there is one company that could buck this trend, if it plays its cards right.
Deutsche Bank equity analyst Carlo Santarelli has published a report that splashes some cold reality on regional gaming trends.
By factoring out various data to achieve as close to apples-to-apples comparisons as possible, Santarelli shows that gross gaming revenues in brick-and-mortar properties have generally been flat and have fallen well short of inflation.
Those revenues have grown 6.9 percent over the past decade. Exclude Ohio, which as a late starter weights the results with a youthful growth spurt, and revenues actually declined a fifth of one percent. Inflation during that time totaled 32 percent.
Further, as Santarelli has shown in his previous studies, iCasino is taking its toll on brick-and-mortar properties. Factor out early iCasino states and Ohio, and regional brick-and-mortar revenues rose a more acceptable 4.5 percent.
The picture that Santarelli presents is not new to readers of this space, as we have repeatedly pointed out the nearly languishing state of regional brick-and-mortar gaming.
There is little reason to think that the legacy regional casino business will turn around as iGaming spreads, a growing number of casinos share the pie and as gray gaming proliferates, from sweepstakes sites to so-called skill-based games.
Compounding the problem is that some companies have cut costs to the point of squeezing the fun, or value proposition, out of the customer experience, resulting in diminishing returns. When going to a casino is no longer fun, people will quit going to them. The hard-core gambler just looking to gamble can more conveniently satisfy that desire on his or her cellphone in an increasing number of jurisdictions.
As we’ve also noted, the opportunities for long-term investors in US regional casinos have been companies with steady growth plans like Boyd Gaming and Churchill Downs, and their shareholders have been rewarded with rising stock prices.
In many cases, the answer to this malaise is in the hands of legislators and regulators. They can protect the jobs and tax revenues provided by casinos if they rein in gray gaming, for example.
Until or unless changes in public policy occur, the opportunities for brick-and-mortar equity investors will remain limited to the few companies with sound growth plans and excellent operators able to generate increasing profits from current operations, such as Monarch Casino.
NOW IS THE TIME
One regional casino operator with more than its share of growth opportunities is Full House Reports.
Thanks to the Illinois Supreme Court, this may be the year in which Full House wins or loses investor confidence that it can capitalize on those opportunities.
That is because the court has knocked down a lawsuit challenging the issuance of the Waukegan casino license that Full House holds, thus clearing the way to gain financing to construct a permanent casino where its temporary American Place now operates.
If Full House successfully finances the project and, as part of the process, refinances other debt, it will be all systems go.
The bullish outlook for Full House is that it gets acceptable financing and American Place combines with the relatively new Chamonix resort in Cripple Creek, Colorado, to transform the company. In the simplest calculation, a 15 or 20 percent return on the combined $750 million investment would be transformational for a company otherwise at $30 million to $40 million a year in EBITDA.
Without the financing, however, or without executing on fulfilling the profit potential of the new casinos, Full House will be a debt-laden little company facing uncertain and unpleasant options.
Our bet is on Full House. Chamonix has gotten off to a slow start and critics question whether the luxury resort is overbuilt in a small town miles down twisting mountainous road from its primary market, Colorado Springs.
However, this is Colorado. Residents know how to traverse twisting roads and the state knows how to clear winter snow for motor vehicles. Black Hawk and its canyon road are evidence of that. And the Colorado Springs and southern Denver exurbs are big enough. All one has to do is look at nearby Broadmoor Resort to see that an upscale operation can thrive in the market. Most importantly, gaming revenues at Chamonix are growing by double digits.
So, now it is up to CEO and former Wall Streeter Dan Lee to get the financing needed to make Chamonix and American Place work. If he does, the onus then will be on Full House to execute operationally and fulfill what appears to be considerable potential.
This week we sit down with Derek Webb (l.), a table game inventor and longtime industry figure, to talk about his newest mission with the Campaign for Fairer Gambling.
Derek Webb is a former poker player who used that knowledge to invent 3 Card Poker, one of the staples of any casino floor today. He sold that game and another, 21+3, in the late ‘90s and early 2000s amid many legal challenges. When he returned to the industry as the founder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, he shook up the U.K. gaming industry by leading the successful charge to reduce the maximum bet on gaming machines in the bookmaking shops from ₤100 to ₤2. Now he’s set his sights on the illegal—and legal—online gaming sites that he claims are damaging online players and the world’s economy. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros in Los Angeles in Jan.
Tabcorp has confirmed the appointment of Gillon McLachlan as the Australia-facing operator’s new managing director and CEO.
The formal announcement follows the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.
Following McLachlan’s appointment, Bruce Akhurst has retired from the Tabcorp board and stepped down as executive director with immediate effect.
Akhurst, who had been filling the role on an interim basis, announced his intention to retire in September 2024, but continued to assist Tabcorp with the approvals process for McLachlan’s appointment.
Tabcorp initially announced that it planned to hire McLachlan, a former CEO of the Australian Football League, last June.
He was expected to assume his new position at Tabcorp last August before the process was delayed.
McLachlan succeeds Adam Rytenskild, who resigned last March after less than two years in the role following allegations of “inappropriate and offensive” language in the workplace.
Brett Chenoweth, who replaced Akhurst as Tabcorp chairman following the company’s AGM in October, had previously served as the operator’s chair of the Risk, Compliance and Sustainability Committee.
Chenoweth authorized the latest release, confirming McLachlan’s arrival, to the Australian Securities Exchange.
The company completed its demerger in 2022, splitting its lottery operations from wagering, media and gaming services.
“I’m proud of our achievements since the demerger,” Akhurst said when McLachlan was initially announced as the prospective new CEO.
“We’ve moved quickly to transform the company. We’re a faster, more innovative and more responsive organization today than we have ever been.
“Gill needs no introduction. He is recognized as one of Australia’s leading CEOs and securing Gill is a great vote of confidence for Tabcorp’s future. We’ve laid strong foundations; Gill brings a growth mindset and the capability to capitalize on the opportunities ahead of us.
“Importantly for us, Gill brings an added dimension of having been responsible for some of the most significant media rights deals in Australian sports history. We’re excited about the potential growth opportunities for our wagering and media business under his leadership.”
Speaking last year about his upcoming appointment, McLachlan said: “Tabcorp is a wagering, broadcast and integrity services business and the challenges of growing it are appealing.
“There are enormous opportunities ahead and I’m looking forward to driving the sport category among other things.
“Tabcorp is part way through its transformation journey. I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team to accelerate and deliver on the growth opportunities.”
Dallas McCready has been promoted to the role of President and CEO of Canada’s Atlantic Lottery.
McCready has served as Atlantic Lottery’s Chief Strategy Officer since 2022 and has more than 20 years of experience in the gaming industry and the public sector.
Atlantic Lottery said that McCready was selected from a ‘robust pool of candidates’ following a ‘comprehensive board-led search process’.
McCready succeeds Patrick Daigle, who announced his intention to retire from Atlantic Lottery in 2025 after more than 27 years of service. An ad-hoc board committee was established to oversee the recruitment process, with the aim of appointing a successor early this year.
The committee partnered with management and human resources consultancy Royer Thompson to lead an extensive international search that considered more than 120 applicants.
Sean O’Connor, Chair of Atlantic Lottery’s Board of Directors, said: “He brings significant gaming experience and a unique set of skills and experiences that will drive the organization forward at a very exciting time in the industry. The fact that we were able to identify the ideal next President and CEO from the internal executive ranks speaks to the strength and depth of the team at Atlantic Lottery.”
Before serving as Chief Strategy Officer and leading the development of the lottery’s five-year strategic plan, the former Spielo Gaming executive was Vice-President at Inversa Systems after serving as a Deputy Minister with the Government of New Brunswick.
The four Atlantic provincial governments established Atlantic Lottery in 1976. The lottery’s shareholders are the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission, and Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
McCready said: “I’m honored to have earned the confidence of the board and I look forward to the exciting work ahead with the team.
“Atlantic Lottery has always punched above its weight. With increasing competition in the sector, we are emerging as a leader in healthy play for our customers while continuing to make a game-changing impact for the people and places of Atlantic Canada.”
French land-based gaming operator Groupe Partouche has opened its first casino in the Republic of Benin.
The casino in Cotonou, Benin’s largest city with a population of just under 700,000, is the operator’s second such establishment in Africa after Djerba in Tunisia.
The group confirmed that the casino opened on Tuesday within the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel five-star complex, which was inaugurated in December 2024 by the Accor hotel chain.
“The country has been developing a vast program for several years to boost its tourism sector, with numerous sites, events and infrastructures set up,” Groupe Partouche said in a statement. “The opening of this new casino will reinforce this policy.”
The operator said added earlier this week that it was “pursuing an ambitious strategy of opening new iconic locations”.
Major developments in Cannes and Paris required “substantial and focused investments [that] temporarily impacted profitability,” the group said.
The company also acquired an 8,000-square metre, seven-storey building at Place de l’Etoile in Paris on January 15. The venue will be home to the Parisian Gaming Club and Groupe Partouche’s head office.
The operator also provided an update on a number of its other casinos.
The main games room will be relocated at the Contrexéville casino in north-eastern France, with the project set to be completed by June this year. The Vichy casino is also undergoing a total renovation, with delivery scheduled for December 2025.
Other redevelopments that will start in the 2025 financial year include casinos in Cabourg, Calais, La Ciotat and Pornic, as well as the Parisian gaming club.
The partial closure of three land-based casinos in France due to renovation work led to a relatively flat 1.5% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for Groupe Partouche’s latest financial year through to October 2024. Venues in Annemasse, Divonne and La Tour-de-Salvagny were affected.
Outside France, the company posted annual GGR of €76.3m ($79.6m/£63.9m) – up 7.3% on the previous year.
Star Entertainment Group has agreed to sell the Star Sydney Event Centre as part of an A$60m deal.
The troubled Australian gaming group has reached the exclusivity arrangement with leading theatre operator Foundation Theatres Pty Ltd as it seeks to raise much-needed cash. Star Sydney Event Centre is a multifunctional venue that hosts exhibitions, galas and conferences. Foundation Theatres owns and operates Sydney Lyric and Capitol Theatre.
The contract, which also includes two additional spaces within The Star Sydney complex, is subject to settlement adjustments and regulatory consents. The move comes as the embattled casino operator raised concerns about liquidity and cash earlier this month, having only A$79m in available cash at the end of December 2024. Star Entertainment has been hit by a number of regulatory issues in recent years that have threatened the future of its venues.
Foundation Theatres said the Event Centre will continue to operate as usual whilst planning continues for its redevelopment into a 1,550-seat Broadway-style theatre. Planning has also commenced for a contemporary music venue for up to 1,000 and a flexible venue for theatre, cabaret, comedy and concerts for up to 550.
Steve McCann, chief executive of The Star, said: “The Star has worked closely with the team at Foundation Theatres since they acquired the sublease for the Sydney Lyric in 2011. We are pleased to partner with them as part of the continued evolution of our broad entertainment offerings at The Star Sydney.”
Foundation Theatres will pay a A$60m exclusivity fee in respect of the transaction into escrow on or before 31 January 2025 which will be released to The Star as consideration for the disposal subject to finalisation of the long-form transaction documents and satisfaction of conditions.
Entry into long-form documents for the transaction and completion are currently targeted to occur by the end of February.
Foundation Theatres said: “We can’t wait to see what opportunities these venues bring to the performing arts industry in Sydney.”
Earlier this month, Star Entertainment announced that Q2 FY25 revenue was down 15% year-on-year to A$299m. Q2 EBITDA loss of $8m was an improvement on the A$18m loss in the prior period. Revenue at Star Sydney declined by 6% compared to the previous quarter, impacted by the implementation of mandatory carded play and cash limits.
Thailand’s Council of State said on Tuesday that a consensus has not been reached yet on how much space should be set aside for casinos in the country’s Entertainment Complex bill.
The admission by the Council – which advises state entities and produces laws and regulations – came after the Finance Ministry initially proposed an allocation of 10% of the space for casinos.
However, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledged that the 10% figure could be left off the bill and added that putting a fixed figure on space allocation may not future-proof the law.
The Council’s secretary-general Pakorn Nilpraphan added on Tuesday that the details of the bill have been debated since it was approved in principle by the Cabinet more than two weeks ago.
The Council has 50 days to present its report before it is put before parliament.
A series of discussions have taken place this month between representatives of the Finance and Interior ministries, as well as other government agencies.
Thai newspaper The Nation suggested that doubts over whether casinos could sprawl into a greater proportion of new entertainment complexes could raise concerns among the public.
Earlier this week a new poll by the National Institute of Development Administration on behalf of the Bangkok Post found that 59% of citizens oppose the government’s plans to introduce regulated casino complexes and online gambling. This is in contrast to last year’s public consultation process, which found that four out of five residents backed the bill.
Under the proposed legislation, five resorts will be built across the country, including conference centers, amusement parks, hotels and concert venues, as well as casinos.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra insisted she would address concerns that the new facilities could accelerate problem gambling.
“Entertainment complexes are not free gambling dens,” she said, before adding that the developments would “serve as a key attraction for tourists, generating new sources of income for Thailand”.
She insisted: “This is crucial because our current income is not enough to drive GDP growth.”
Hard Rock International has integrated its Hard Rock Bet sports betting and online casino platform into the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program, which can be used in more than 200 locations worldwide.
Through Unity, players will earn tier credits for both programs with their online play at Hard Rock Bet and can transfer points between the two programs for online and on-property rewards.
Hard Rock’s portfolio of locations includes casinos, hotels, cafes and Rock Shops worldwide, and new Hard Rock Bet sign-ups are automatically registered for a Unity by Hard Rock account.
The operator also has a partnership with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises to reward travelers on land, sea and at ports of call with reciprocal benefits through Unity by Hard Rock, Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale and Celebrity Cruises’ Blue Chip Club.
“Integrating Hard Rock Bet into Unity will be a game-changer for guest engagement,” Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment and brand management at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming
“This enhancement not only offers a fun, interactive way for guests to earn points when placing bets, but also significantly boosts loyalty.”
“By rewarding guests for their playtime, we create a win-win scenario where guests enjoy an enriched experience, and we foster an introduction to all the amazing verticals in our brand through point redemption opportunities at hotels, casinos, cafes, Rock Shops and entertainment venues.”
Operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Hard Rock Bet is available in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia.
The NFL American football league has struck a partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to develop and implement a training program for university and college student-athletes.
The comprehensive responsible gambling training program will launch with a pilot phase at eight universities and colleges across Canada in the upcoming 2025 spring semester.
Following this phase, insights and feedback will be used to refine and improve the program before it is rolled out to 30 universities and colleges in time for the 2025-26 academic year.
The RGC said that the feedback process would include a “robust evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and impact of the training”.
Both the NFL and RGC are open to sharing the results and key learnings from the program with a broader audience to maximize its impact, given that previously published research.
“Student-athletes face unique pressures from academics, athletics, and the accessibility of sports betting, making them vulnerable to risky gambling behaviors,” RGC chief executive Sarah McCarthy said.
“Our partnership with the NFL is a crucial step in supporting this group by providing the education and tools needed to make informed decisions. Early responsible gambling education helps student-athletes build capacities to succeed both on and off the field.”
The program will be tailored to the specific student-athlete audience and will include an interactive session featuring videos and best practices for responsible gambling.
The aim of the scheme is to ensure student-athletes recognize their vulnerability to problem gambling, can identify the signs of gambling-related harms, and learn about relevant resources that are available.
Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, added: “We are proud to support the Responsible Gambling Council in this important initiative.
“Our shared goal is to equip these student-athletes with the tools and knowledge to navigate gambling risks, fostering a safer and more responsible environment. We also hope to gain insights that will be invaluable in shaping future responsible gambling efforts to benefit all those who play and engage with our game as fans.”
The NFL already has a partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, which focuses on enhancing problem gambling prevention services and promoting responsible gambling initiatives in the United States.
Other initiatives have also been launched with the aim of providing support to the same audience.
In October 2023, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) launched its first sports betting e-learning module to educate student-athletes about gambling-related harm.
Just under a year later, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) – founded by a collective of major operators – said that it planned to launch a college gambling education initiative in 2025.
Analysts have played down fears that declining revenue figures for Las Vegas casinos in recent months may signal a more worrying financial outlook.
Casinos on the main strip in the city have reported five consecutive months of year-on-year gaming revenue falls, while establishments in downtown Las Vegas and on the Boulder Strip have posted decreases in three of the past four months, according to the latest available data.
Across the state, there was a fall of nearly 2% in gaming revenue between June and November 2024, while there are expectations that December’s figures will show another soft month.
However, analysts and operators have cited several factors for the slowdown, including some exceptional months in 2023 and a fall in returns generated from baccarat table games. The inaugural 2023 Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix also had a greater economic impact than the 2024 race, observers have claimed.
However, the fact that slot machine handle is up nearly 2% year-on-year “indicates that things are still pretty healthy in Vegas,” according to Macquarie Capital senior research analyst Aaron Lee said.
“I think there has been some pulling back,” Lee told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “But overall, I would say that things are still very stable if you look at the underlying demand fundamentals.
“People have actually spent a lot of money over the past couple of years, and so there’s going to be some natural pulling back [in leisure demand]. But in terms of our outlook, we think on the gaming side, revenues will probably be flat to slightly up in 2025.”
Brendan Bussmann, a gaming industry analyst with Las Vegas-based B Global, who cited that consumers had endured two “technical recessions” in the last four years, added: “A slight downturn in numbers does not necessarily indicate softness in the market but other factors that have contributed to the overall current environment.”
There is also optimism regarding the rise of non-gambling revenues at casinos, with food, drink, entertainment and hotel room revenues all solid, while some of the strip’s biggest operators have already revealed increases in conventions and meetings this and next year.