By Robert Fletcher   Tue, Apr 8, 2025

Intralot has signed a six-year extension to an electronic gaming machine monitoring deal with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) of New Zealand.

The agreement will see Intralot continue to provide its Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) solution for Class 4 (non-casino) gaming machines. Intralot agreed to the extension through its Intralot New Zealand subsidiary.

The DIA has exercised a one-year extension option in the current EMS agreement. This will extend the existing deal, which had been due to expire next month, to May 2025.

As such, the six-year renewal will run from 2026 to 2032, with a one-year further extension option.

Intralot Pledges Advanced Monitoring Solutions

Intralot introduced EMS in March 2007 to track and monitor gaming machines in Class 4 venues including pubs and clubs. By doing so, Intralot said this ensures the integrity of games and accurate financial reporting.

The DIA in New Zealand will continue to benefit from the EMS platform. Intralot has also made several upgrades to the solution to enable new range of “advanced services and functionalities.”

In addition, Intralot’s services will fully support responsible gaming requirements in New Zealand.

“The extension builds on long-standing partnership of Intralot and the DIA,” Intralot said. “It demonstrates our company’s successful collaboration in implementing and operating the EMS platform in New Zealand to the highest industry standards.

“Our world-class platform and EMS services are fully aligned with the International Gaming Standards Association. They meet the most comprehensive regulatory requirements.”

This extension follows Intralot’s recent project with Nebraska’s Charitable Gaming Division in the U.S. to implement a real-time monitoring system set to launch soon. Intralot’s system is already operational in Victoria in Australia and both Georgia and Ohio in the U.S.

By Robert Fletcher   Tue, Apr 8, 2025

Westgate Resorts, the privately held timeshare company behind Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Nevada, has announced the death of its founder and executive chairman, David Siegel.

Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982, with its first property being an orange grove he owned in Florida. Over the years, the company has grown its portfolio to 22 resorts across the U.S.

One of his final actions as executive chairman was a role in the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales, which is due to close this year. The addition will bring over 44 additional resort destinations under the Westgate umbrella.

His success at Westgate saw Siegel receive several honors during his career. These include an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University, ARDA’s ACE Philanthropy Award, and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Florida.

Westgate to Continue Siegel’s Legacy

Current Westgate CEO Jim Gissy paid tribute to Siegel, saying: “David never forgot his humble roots, starting Westgate in his garage and using the company to lead others to become inspired and successful.

“David worked hard to leave us a company that will continue to preserve its family origins, and the significant resources and ambition to instill joy in the lives we touch through the hospitality we provide.

“It was David’s enduring wish that the spirit of what makes Westgate successful – entrepreneurialism, customer satisfaction, and quality product that is at the heart of our DNA – will be the guiding principles of the next generation of leadership at our company.

“We know that we are all up to the task of driving forward the legacy of this visionary man and the company he founded.”

Siegel’s Life Outside Westgate

Aside from his success at Westgate, Siegel will also be remembered for his other endeavors. This includes his work on tackling drug issues in the U.S. following the death of his daughter in 2015.

Siegel founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation to honor Victoria. The organization advocates for the widespread availability of Naloxone, lobbying Congress and raising awareness on the issue.

His efforts led to June 6, the day of his daughter’s passing, being recognized as National Naloxone Awareness Day.

Also, as a U.S. Air Force Veteran, Siegel donated over 28,000 complimentary vacations to armed services members. In addition, the Westgate Foundation recently distributed grants of $1.5 million to community-focused organizations across the U.S.

Siegel is survived by wife Jacqueline, 13 children and 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, Apr 7, 2025

Resorts World Sentosa has linked up with Marriott International to launch a new luxury hotel - The Laurus - in Singapore.

Due to open in Q3, The Laurus will operate as a Marriott Luxury Collection Resort. The 183-room hotel will be located on the edge of a tropical forest next to Resorts World Sentosa.

Rooms at the all-suite hotel will be spread across five floors. Visitors will also have access to courtyard spaces and a function room for larger events.

Other on-site amenities will include dining options, a swimming pool and fitness center. The Laurus will begin taking bookings from next month, Resorts World Sentosa and Marriott confirmed today (April 7).

Once open, The Laurus will be the first Luxury Collection branded property in Singapore.

Marriott and Resorts World Celebrate Singapore Heritage

Commenting on the project, Resorts World Sentosa CEO Tan Hee Teck described the hotel as a “landmark collaboration.” He said it fits in with the company’s wider approach to luxury guest experience.

“We are thrilled to invite guests to immerse themselves in Singapore’s rich heritage, reconnect with the captivating beauty of Sentosa’s lush flora and fauna while experiencing our hallmark hospitality, defined by unparalleled sophistication, outstanding quality and innovation,” he said.

“The Laurus stands as a shining beacon. It heralds a new era of exceptional luxury and hospitality, further cementing our esteemed status as Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort.”

Rajeev Menon, president for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott, described the new development as a “milestone” project for the company.

“This milestone reflects our commitment in contributing to the evolving luxury landscape of this extraordinary island city,” Menon said. “Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s storied past and rich cultural heritage, The Laurus, will celebrate the essence of the city.

“We look forward to welcoming global explorers and collectors to experience Singapore’s captivating charm through the lens of our brand.”

Resorts World Sentosa is also home to several other hotels, as well as a casino, restaurants, an aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore.

By Robert Fletcher   Mon, Apr 7, 2025

Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hotel business of the Poarch Creek Indians (PCI), has completed the purchase of Birmingham Racecourse in Alabama.

Full terms of the deal, announced last week, were undisclosed. However, according to Wind Creek Hospitality, the acquisition of Birmingham Racecourse is a “significant financial investment” for the tribe.

Opened in 1987 by businessman Milton McGregor, the venue began life as a thoroughbred horse racing track. It transitioned to a greyhound racing track in the 1990s, whereas during recent years, it has relied on simulcast betting and pari-mutuel wagering.

Wind Creek said the purchase is part of its long-term commitment to develop a “world-class” destination resort in Birmingham. It added this will help create jobs, spur economic growth and benefit both the city and the region.

What Does the Future Hold for Birmingham Racecourse?

The initial agreement between PCI and the McGregor Family was announced last November. Further plans for the future operations of the venue will be announced in due course.

However, PCI has said it will continue running the pari-mutuel and historical horse racing games currently in operation.

Wind Creek Hospitality, also based in Alabama, owns and operates three properties in the state. It also owns hotel and casino properties in Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois, as well as resorts in the Caribbean.

“We are excited to finalize this acquisition and begin a new chapter for the Birmingham Racecourse,” PCI Gaming Authority president and CEO Jay Dorris said. “Our vision is to build upon the strong foundation that is already in place while enhancing the facility to create a first-class entertainment destination that benefits the Birmingham community and the region.”

Wind Creek Committed to Birmingham

PCI tribal chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan emphasized the tribe’s dedication to investment in the Birmingham community.

“As a tribal people, we are committed to being good neighbors,” Bryan said. “We also want to be a force for economic growth and positive change.

“We’re very excited to have this wonderful opportunity in Birmingham. We look forward to creating a top-tier entertainment venue that will bring a boost to the local economy, provide good jobs, and attract tourists from all over the country to one of America’s most dynamic cities.”

By Frank Legato   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Tribal gaming stakeholders from around the U.S. converged in sunny San Diego for IGA 2025, and suppliers unveiled a host of new games and products.

Slot suppliers roll out their “new model year” of games every October at the Global Gaming Expo, but the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, presented every spring by the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), provides an early occasion for suppliers to preview many of their newest games for tribal casino operators.

Most of the slot manufacturers reserve at least one game launch for the IGA show, and some do several. Following, in alphabetical order by manufacturer, are the slot suppliers’ show reveals for IGA 2025.

AGS

AGS used the IGA show to continue the rollout of its Revel stepper cabinet, with show reveals of the games Diamond Nudge and Straight Cash Triple Double Spin.

Diamond Nudge is a three-reel, nine-line traditional mechanical reel-spinner with nudge arrows on several symbols. When the nudge symbols land on a payline, they nudge up or down to form new reel results. Each spin can yield up to 11 nudges, with the opportunity for multiple wins on a single spin.

Straight Cash Triple Double Spin is a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” game, in which numbers landing on the payline form the award. In addition to the number symbols, the reel map includes “re-spin” symbols that can yield additional wins, and multiplying wild symbols that increase the pay in winning combinations. The wild multipliers work together when two land—two “3X” symbols increase a payline win by nine.

On the video side, AGS launched Fortune Frenzy, a two-game family with three trees serving as collection pots. The “Free Spin” and “Jackpots” trees can trigger the main Frenzy feature, a six-spin free-game bonus that can be extended with additional spin symbols.

Ainsworth Game Technology

Ainsworth had two show reveals at the IGA event. Triple Troves, with base games Koala and Panda, is a three-pot game featuring huge base-game payouts. A “Jackpot” feature is triggered when the player collects five wheel symbols during a free-spin round. The player can be awarded more than one spin on the jackpot wheel, increasing chances at hitting a progressive.

Dragon Legacy is a five-pot game in which red envelope symbols reveal credit awards and multipliers to enhance the payouts. The game includes a free-spin bonus, as well as a wheel spin and a jackpot picking bonus feature.

Aristocrat Gaming

Aristocrat launched a follow-up game to its popular “Mo Mummy” franchise called Spooky Link. Featured on the new Baron Portrait cabinet, it includes pots resembling iconic Asian statues that add enhancements to a free-spin round. “Mo Symbols” yields additional cash-on-reels coins, and “Mo Spins” adds free games to the bonus. The familiar “Mo Mummy” mummy character—or “Yo Yeti” in the other version of the game—stands above the reels during the feature and occasionally throws additional coin values and multipliers to the screen.

Other IGA launches for Aristocrat included Jackpot Buffalo, on the huge King Max cabinet; and Cash Express Legend, on the Baron Dual-Screen cabinet.

Jackpot Buffalo adds cash-on-reels symbols, multipliers and a bonus wheel to the classic Buffalo game. During an eight-game free-spin round, doors on reel spots reveal cash-on-reels symbols, buffalos and other high-paying symbols. The Hold & Spin feature takes place on two independent reel arrays, yielding cash symbols, lower-level progressives and a “Mega Wheel” symbol that allows players to spin for jackpots including a wide-area progressive resetting at $1 million.

Cash Express Legend takes the venerable locomotive bonus of that game family to three classic base games—Buffalo, Joyful Panda and Choy Sun Doa. In the bonus round, gold coins representing credit awards drop from up to five trains steaming across the screen.

Aruze Gaming Global

Aruze Gaming Global (AG2) launched two new game families at the IGA show. Triple Treasure Pot Neo is a two-game family of 50-line games featuring three collection pots enhancing a free-spin feature. “Coin Nudge” awards all cash-on-reels coins on the screen, and nudges the symbols to make room for additional coins. “Extended Reels” doubles the screen array to 100 paylines. “Jackpots” awards bonus prizes and progressives when three of the same jackpot symbols appear during the free-game round.

Pow Pow Panda is a cash-on-reels game in which a panda in the middle of the screen yields instant awards of all cash symbols on the screen. In the free-spin round, the panda stays in the middle spot, awarding all cash symbols with every spin.

Bluberi

Bluberi used the IGA show to launch Cash Racoons, formerly part of a multi-game program, as a stand-alone title. The game is centered around a bonus wheel that is triggered by six coin symbols. During base-game play, racoon characters pop up to initiate re-spins for extra wins or boosts to the bonus wheel. In the latter case, multipliers on the wheel can boost from the 2X-4X range to 6X-100X.

Another feature of the game is the Vault Bonus, in which bombs land during a free-spin round to fill eight spots on a vault display overhead. When eight bombs are collected, the vault opens and the raccoon character awards a credit prize. The free-spin round then continues to collect bombs to remain displayed for the next bonus—a persistence feature that can yield multiple awards and remain on the screen to entice future players.

Eclipse Gaming Systems

Eclipse launched a new cabinet at the IGA show. Called Callisto, it features a 49-inch flat-screen monitor and a video button deck. According to the company, it is twice as powerful as the Eclipse legacy format.

Show reveals were highlighted by Link Blast, with base titles Mighty Tiki and Ra’s Legacy. The three collection pots have a unique way they “grow.” At the beginning of play, they appear as baby tikis or baby sphinx characters, complete with pacifiers. As coins land and fly up to the pots, the characters “grow up,” until when they are ready to burst, they are full-grown, mature adult characters.

The pots enhance gem symbols in a hold-and-spin feature. “Multiplier” applies 2X multipliers to cash-on-reel symbols, Minor jackpots and Mini jackpots, up to six times during the feature. “Gem Blast” blasts cash-on-reels symbols to new reel spots, creating new cash awards. “Extra Spin” extends the hold-and-spin feature after three spins without landing a coin.

Everi

Everi displayed the newest three-reel mechanical version of Powerball, with a video lotto ball blower in the center of the screen. When the bonus is activated, five credit prizes fall to the screen in the form of white lotto balls, along with the red Powerball, which can reveal either a multiplier for the white-ball values, or one of five jackpots, including the Grand progressive.

Everi also revealed new products in the fintech space, including Jackpot Xpress, a program that automatically prints tickets for report-level jackpots and simultaneously emails the federal W2-G form to the winner; Pit Xpress, which enables digital markers on table games that allow players to instantly draw on credit lines (the company likens it to “DocuSign for markers”); and the Entegrity Title 31 solution.

Gaming Arts

Gaming Arts launched a new cabinet based on technology from its partner company Merkur Gaming. The Mod-Ex 227 features dual 27-inch monitors, designed for use with Casino Wizard, Gaming Arts’ multi-game electronic table game product.

IGA game launches included San Din Fu, a three-pot collection game in which the pots enhance an eight-game free-spin round. The game is featured on a modified version of the original Mod-Ex portrait cabinet, with a new player interface and a large digital button panel. The pot enhancements include “Multiplier,” which increases cash-on-reels awards; “Ultra Reels,” which removes the lower-paying royals from the free-spin round; and “Extra Wilds,” which increases the wild symbols in the free games.

Also new from Gaming Arts was Bankin’ More Bacon, a game from Bluepoint Games that has been successful in iGaming markets. All cash-on-reels symbols, including jackpots, appear as bank checks. The “Bankin’” feature is triggered by a safe symbol to add up all coin and jackpot symbols on the screen for an instant award. If two safe symbols land, the coins and jackpots are awarded twice.

IGT

IGT unveiled a new large-format cabinet at the IGA show, along with two launch games—one Class III title and one Class II title. The cabinet, the Rise55, features a 55-inch, 8K monitor in a towering presentation. A backing screen provides an LED display that changes colors along with edge lighting in an interactive light show.

For Class III markets, the inaugural Rise55 game is Magic Treasure Gold, which company officials said is in several test banks that have consistently performed at three times house average or better. It features three “Money Bank” pots, each containing “Money Balls” that become cash-on-reels symbols or low-level jackpots when falling to the reels in a one-time bonus. Other bonus events include a “Cash Spins” event awarding a random number of spins, a free-spin event, and a jackpot bonus that includes multipliers up to 9X.

For Class II markets, the Rise55 features Stinkin’ Rich Tail Wins. This latest release in the popular IGT game family features seven different bonuses and treasure chests that serve as collection pots. In the main Lock & Respin bonus, the skunk character lobs bombs down to the reels that become cash-on-reels symbols that rise in value with every spin. The feature resets at six spins with every cash symbol, instead of the normal three. A “Collect” symbol lands several times during the feature, for instant payments of all cash symbols on the screen. There also is a “Jackpot Wheel” that can result in the top progressive prize.

Another IGA launch for IGT was Bring the Boom, a two-game family on the PeakCurve49 cabinet. This game features five collection pots, one of which adds pointers to a “Boom! Wheel” that spins to award credits, free games, or a separate jackpot wheel that can lead to the top progressive.

Incredible Technologies

Incredible Technologies (IT) used the IGA show to launch Boost Blast Dynamite Daisy on the new Prism Skybox cabinet. The game is the first to feature IT’s new “Persistence Filter.” This feature gives operators a choice on whether to display in-progress persistent features to players as an enticement to pick one machine or to hide those features to discourage so-called “jackpot vultures.” The math of the game remains the same regardless of the choice.

In the main bonus feature of the mining-themed game, dynamite symbols on the reels cause gold nuggets and higher-value diamond symbols on a grid above the reel array to explode and cascade down as they are awarded. This is the “persistence” option to the operator—to display diamonds about to explode with big awards or to display logo art that hides the symbols.

There also are wheel symbols on the prize grid. When the dynamite explodes one of those, it triggers a spin on a bonus wheel that includes all jackpots, including the top Super Sync Progressive, resetting at $100,000.

The other bonus feature in the game is “Symbol Boost,” in which scatter symbols replace lower-paying symbols with the top-paying symbol in a free-spin round, and add rows to the grid up to a maximum of 16 rows. If the player reaches the point where the top row is unlocked, all minor symbols have been replaced with the top-paying symbol.

Interblock

Interblock revealed a new electronic table game at the show, called Blackjack x2. It is a blackjack game with a total of nine side bets—various pairs on the first two cards, three 7s, etc.—on which the player can wager independently. For instance, the player can wager $5 on the blackjack game and 50 cents on each side bet to have maximum action on every hand.

But what really makes the game interesting is the option to double the screen to display two independent blackjack hands. The game is equipped with a love bench to accommodate a couple that wants to play together, or a single player can double his or her action on every hand.

The operator has the option to set the house rules—6-5 or 3-2 blackjack, surrender, insurance, etc.—and to set the accepted wagers.

Konami Gaming

Konami launched a unique game at the IGA show called Money in the Bank. The main feature in this game is a “banked amount” of credits determined by the wager—the higher the bet, the larger the bank. Randomly during a free-spin round, a “Share the Bank” feature occurs, in which credits are “drawn” from the player’s bank to increase cash-on-reels awards. A random “Break the Bank” feature draws all of the credits from the bank and adds them to all cash-on-reels awards, after which the bank resets to the original level.

Base games in the new family are “Pay Out West” and “Bacon Blvd.” In the latter, a pig character randomly appears when coins land in a hold-and-spin feature to increase the value of the player’s bank.

Light & Wonder

Light & Wonder (L&W) launched three new games at the IGA show. The company revealed the newest entry in one of its most popular game franchises in Huff N’ Puff We’ve Had Enough. The game series is based loosely on the Three Little Pigs fairy tale, and most of the games in the series pay awards when the wolf in the story breaks through one of the pigs’ houses. The idea here is that the pigs fight back. When hard hat symbols land, they upgrade over three spins to upgrade the pigs’ house, from straw to wood to the brick “mansion.” The wolf awards credits at each upgrade. There also is a wheel feature and a free-game round in which buzzsaw symbols unlock additional rows to the reel array.

Lucky Mon Evolutions is a three-pot game in which the pots combine for lucrative bonuses. Pots add cash-on-reels coins, multipliers, and a “lasso” feature that frames three reels and expands the cash-on-reels symbols to all spots in each reel.

Monopoly Express Platinum Edition is a new wide-area progressive game that features three collection pots, with a fourth pot added when a silver train symbol lands on the screen. When this occurs, a train travels across the screen and drops coin awards as it goes, as well as occasional “postcards. “Collecting five postcards awards the top wide-area progressive.

Novomatic Americas

Novomatic used the IGA show to launch Ultra Boost, a three-pot game that enhances a hold-and-spin round. Pots include “Unlocked Reels,” which doubles the three-by-five reel array in the feature; “Prize Upgrade,” which randomly increases the value of cash-on-reels coins; and “Extra Spin,” which adds a spin to the cycle. The hold-and-spin feature includes both cash-on-reels and jackpot symbols.

Other IGA launch games for Novomatic were Space Booster, a unique pot-collection game that allows the player to progress through bonus enhancement pots; Cash Flood, which displays three rows of cash-on-reels symbols above the reel array and increases the values on top as the lower rows are collected; and Clover Link Elements, from Novomatic’s Apex partner, a three-pot, hold-and-spin version of the popular Clover Link series.

Zitro

Zitro had three show reveals at IGA. Devil’s Link is a dual-screen hold-and-spin game—Zitro brands it “Bonus Link”—in which a devil character throws multipliers down to the screen during the feature. The multipliers stay where they land, framing the spot until a cash-on-reels or jackpot symbol locks in place. The character continues to throw multipliers to the screen during the feature, adding multipliers to other reel spots and increasing the multipliers on the spots already displaying multipliers. The multipliers not only apply to cash-on-reels coins, but can multiply the lower-level jackpots several times over.

A free-spin feature on this game awards five free games including expanding wild symbols. The devil can increase the range of the wild symbols up to a three-by-three grid on the reel array. The hold-and-spin feature can be triggered within the free-spin round, after which the free-game round resumes where it left off.

Fortune Legacy features a unique free-spin feature with collection pots marked “Multiplier,” “Double,” and “Extra Life.” Multiplier triggers a unique feature in which a full reel of wild multiplier symbols shifts with every free spin, leading to potentially huge jackpots. The Double pot doubles the reel array, and Extra Life adds three extra spins at the end of the cycle.

Wonder Dream features three pots enhancing a hold-and-spin feature that occurs on two independent reel arrays. A “Blast” enhancement throws additional coin, Mini and Minor symbols to the reels. An “Increase” enhancement boosts the value of all cash-on-reels symbols. The “Multiplier” pot multiplies the values of those symbols.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Steve Cohen’s dream of developing a casino next to Citi Field has won the support of state Senator John Liu, who has championed legislation to rezone the area for commercial use.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has received a huge boost to his efforts to develop a sprawling $8 billion casino complex called Metropolitan Park near the Mets’ Citi Field in Queens. On March 30, state Senator John Liu introduced legislation that would rezone the 50 acres of parking lots near the stadium from parkland to commercial use in order to accommodate the project.

In addition, Cohen and partner Hard Rock International have also pledged to develop the Flushing Skypark project, a pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting downtown Flushing and Willets Point.

According to Gothamist, Liu said the project “will not be easy to achieve,” but Cohen has agreed to contribute $100 million for infrastructure improvements to Flushing Meadows Corona Park even if the Skypark does not move forward.

The project needs the zoning change in order to qualify for one of three downstate casino licenses, which are to be awarded by the end of the year. However, Liu’s district only includes a portion of the land—most of the project falls under the purview of Senator Jessica Ramos, who has opposed the plan since it was first proposed.

“My position has not changed. I cannot support a casino in Corona and am a definitive no on any alienation bill that goes against my neighbors’ wishes,” she said in a statement to the New York Post.

Generally, the state Senate will defer to local officials when it comes to such projects, and it is unclear if the bill will pass if Ramos does not support it. Cohen is one of 11 bidders vying for the three available licenses.

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Alabama expansion efforts reignite, Bally’s get big lift for Bronx proposal, A’s secure permits for stadium project and more.

Albritton Unveils New Alabama Gambling Expansion Attempt

After expansion efforts in Alabama last year fell short by a single vote, stakeholders are gearing up for another push. Senator Greg Albritton on April 3 released copies of his two-bill package that includes a constitutional amendment and a 141-page bill outlining several new gambling offerings.

According to AL.com, Albritton’s proposal includes a lottery, sports betting, electronic gaming at six sites, a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for four Class III casinos, the formation of a state gaming commission and other details. Electronic gaming and sports betting would be taxed at 24 percent of net revenue, as well as an excise tax on each gaming machine and a wagering tax on every sports bet.

Electronic gaming would be approved at three former greyhound race tracks and existing bingo halls in three counties. Last year’s package was much more comprehensive, and ultimately came up just short in the state Senate.

“It is very trimmed down,” Albritton told AL.com. “It’s the least amount we can do that I think is economically viable. … We got federal money drying up. We’re doing a cutting of taxes in a lot of areas. We have an economy that is questionable right now.”

Bally’s Bronx Casino Proposal Gets Key Zoning Support

Two New York officials—Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblyman Mike Benedetto—on March 31 announced plans to introduce legislation that would allow Bally’s Corp. to develop a 500,000-square-foot casino at the site of its Bally Links golf course in the Bronx, per the New York Post.

The development, which would also include a 500-room hotel and a 2,000-seat event center, needs to be reclassified as parkland in order to qualify for one of three available downstate casino licenses, so the legislation is crucial for Bally’s efforts. The company is one of 11 vying for the licenses, which will be awarded by year’s end.

Notably, the two politicians said in a joint statement that their support of the project is for the Bronx, not Bally’s.

“In order to keep this process transparent and allow for the community to properly review a complete proposal, we are introducing parkland alienation legislation required for the application process,” they said. “This is not an endorsement of this project, rather it is our determination that the Bronx should be allowed to participate and submit an application.”

A’s Ballpark Project Secures Land Use Permits

The soon-to-be Las Vegas A’s got unanimous approval for a slew of land use permits from the Clark County Commission for the team’s $1.75 billion, 33,000-seat stadium project along the Las Vegas Strip. The permits ranged from recreational or entertainment facility to outdoor dining and more.

Construction on the stadium is expected to start between April and June, to be complete in time for the 2028 MLB season. The A’s are playing in a minor-league stadium in Sacramento in the interim. With permits in tow, the team will now be establishing a season ticket office in the city and will begin pursuing various partnership deals.

“At some point we will announce a date for the groundbreaking and we’ll get the chance to see that beautiful structure come out of the ground,” A’s President Marc Badain told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “It will be another piece of infrastructure for Las Vegas to be proud of.”

According to the paper, the April 2 commission hearing saw several figures comment in support of the project, including reps from gaming companies, labor unions and more. The support for the project was a stark contrast to the Allegiant Stadium process, which was much more contentious, primarily due to the hefty public financing sum of $750 million.

Light & Wonder Pulls Second Game in Aristocrat IP Dispute

Light & Wonder (L&W) announced April 2 that it is now pulling all of its Jewel of the Dragon games from casino floors as a result of its ongoing intellectual property dispute with Aristocrat that originally centered around L&W’s Dragon Train game series.

Aristocrat amended its original complaint March 14 to include the Jewel games as well. L&W is accused of infringing on IP from Aristocrat’s Dragon Link family.

According to CDC Gaming, L&W CEO Matt WIlson said on a call with analysts that there were only 150 Jewel games in deployment, compared to 2,200 Dragon Train games. “It’s a small game in relation to the universe of games we’ve created,” he said.

CFO Oliver Chow told analysts that the revenue from the Jewel games was under $10 million and therefore “immaterial” to the company’s overall performance. The company ordered reviews of its games from 2015-2021 and 2021 onwards, and no new issues have been raised thus far from those reviews.

Fairmount Park to Become Illinois’ First Racino

Fairmount Park and owner Accel Entertainment on March 31 announced plans to invest between $85-$95 million “in casino facilities and improvements to the horse racing experience,” per Fox 2. By adding a planned 271 slots, it will become the first racino in Illinois.

“Soon, folks will be able to come in and enjoy the casino as well as racing here at the track,” Vince Gabbert, senior vice president of U.S. gaming and GM at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, said in a statement. “We’ve brought in the best slot machines and electronic table games on the market. Every game on the floor is either brand-new or a fan favorite, making for an exciting selection.”

Urban One CEO Signals Potential iGaming Efforts

Urban One, the media company and developers behind two failed casino referendum attempts in Richmond, Virginia, has signaled an interest in pivoting to online gaming legalization efforts in Maryland, according to a March 31 report from RBR.

Per the report, Urban One President and CEO Alfred Liggins said on the company’s recent fourth-quarter earnings call, “Our Maryland effort was not around brick-and-mortar casino, it was around their iGaming legislation. It died again this year, but iGaming is a great business, as well. And it’s only in six states … versus 37 or 38 states that actually have brick-and-mortar casinos.”

  Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Sweden nixes retail casinos, ANJ approves harm reduction plans, U.K. researchers call for ad restrictions and more.

Sweden Votes to Discontinue Land-Based Casino Gambling

The Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, has decided to abolish land-based casino gaming. As a result, the state’s monopoly, Svenska Spel, will shutter its last casino located in Stockholm.

A proposal to discontinue Casino Cosmopol was first made last May. The Riksdag said the amendment will become effective from January, banning land-based casinos in Sweden.

The operator has begun the process of liquidating the final Casino Cosmopol location.

Commenting on the decision, Casino Cosmopol CEO Ola Enquist shared the government’s concerns over the division’s performance in recent years. Enquist said the rise of online gambling in Sweden has turned more players away from land-based casinos.

Sweden’s ATG, Finnish Suomen Hippos Create Sportsbook JV

Sweden’s racing monopoly AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) and Finnish equestrian association Suomen Hippos have created a sportsbook joint venture in Finland.

Finland is reforming its online gambling market and opening it up to private operators. Under the new model, the state monopoly Veikkaus will maintain its monopoly over lotteries, scratchcards and physical gaming machines.

However, starting January 2027 private operators will be allowed to offer online betting and casino games, as well as horse racing.

“We believe that our new joint Finnish company gives us the best opportunity to actively and responsibly influence the future of the horse industry,” Suomen Hippos CEO Minna Mäenpää said in a statement issued April 1.

France’s Regulator Approves Harm Reduction Action Plans

France’s l’Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has given the green light to mandated industry harm reduction action plans.

Since October 2019, French gambling operators have been obligated to submit to the ANJ action plans to prevent excessive play and underage gambling for review and approval.

The ANJ reviewed the action plans of the country’s monopolies PMU and FDJ United between January and March this year. It also looked at plans from online operators and land-based sites. France has 16 licensed online gaming operators and 203 casinos.

While the ANJ has approved the industry’s action plans, it wants stricter compliance, such as on the ban of sales to children. It has recommended this could be done by deploying more “demanding” policies on points of sale monitoring.

U.K. Gambling Harms Researchers Call for Ad Restrictions

A panel of gambling harm researchers have called for greater restrictions on gambling adverts and casino games. The call was made during a parliamentary health and social care committee meeting April 2.

It has suggested that the U.K. government should enforce greater restrictions on land-based slots, as well as other casino games.

The panel also expressed worries around the sector’s influence on research funded by the statutory levy.

“I think we need to have much more severe restrictions and greater protections at a population level, particularly for children and young people, but also for those who are harmed and to not normalise this behavior,” panel member Heather Wardle, professor of gambling research and policy, University of Glasgow said.

Gaming Realms Reports International Growth

Licensing and games supplier Gaming Realms has reported growth in North America of 59 percent, reaching £12.9 million  in licensing revenue.

In its full-year results for 2024, it reported revenue of £28.5 million ($36.8 million), up 22 percent year-on-year. Group EBITDA also increased by 25 percent to £12.3 million.

The supplier, which produces the game series Slingo, posted a flat 1 percent growth in the U.K. last year.

By Matt Rybaltowski   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Bookmakers and tribes continue California discussions, more states push back on Kalshi and Hawaii sports betting moves.

Sports Betting Alliance, Tribes Consider Plan for Wagering Framework in California

The Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention kicked off March 31 with a panel that featured two of the nation’s most prominent executives in the sports betting industry.

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins made a rare appearance during a panel moderated by conference Chairman Victor Rocha. Robins was joined by Christian Genetski, president of FanDuel Group. The two executives appeared ready to mend fences with California tribes after a failed 2022 ballot initiative. The referendum on mobile sports betting only received 17 percent of the overall vote, far below the threshold needed for approval.

“It is safe to say we won’t do another 2022-style referendum,” said Genetski. “The conversation needs to be driven by the tribes.” Robins emphasized that maintaining a positive relationship between the tribes and commercial operators should remain “essential.”

A day later, the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a group of leading commercial sportsbooks, unveiled a proposed tribal collective market structure that would enable national operators to enter the California market.

Members of the SBA, which is composed of four operators including DraftKings and FanDuel, would pay a minimum guaranteed amount to each tribe on an annual basis. The proposal also calls for monthly revenue-sharing payments from the commercial operators to the tribes. News of the proposal was first reported by Casino Reports.

Two tribal groups, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, issued a statement regarding the roundtable with the SBA April 2. The groups noted that further discussions among tribal governments are expected to take place in the coming weeks and months.

“This is a complex matter that involves navigating federal, state and tribal laws, which requires thorough debate and careful resolution,” they wrote in the statement.

Midwestern States Become Latest to Issue C+D Orders Against Kalshi

As the road to the Final Four came to an end, two Midwestern states joined several others in issuing cease-and-desist orders to operators of websites that offer prediction markets on sports.

On March 31, Ohio became the third state to issue a notice to Kalshi, following Nevada and New Jersey. A day later, the Illinois Gaming Board issued a similar order to Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com. Kalshi, a New York-based prediction market, has come under fire from a bevy of states over the contention that its derivative products on sports have characteristics that mimic sports wagering.

Last week, Robinhood pulled sports event contracts in New Jersey after regulators gave the exchange less than 48 hours to remove the offerings across the state. Unlike the others, the Illinois regulator did not set a firm date that requires the sites to comply with the request.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Casino Control Commission took exception to the availability of the contracts to minors. The companies allow customers under 21 to sign up on their websites, OCCC Executive Director Matthew Schuler wrote in a press release. The commission views the easy access to minors as a “flagrant” repudiation of the state’s gambling laws.

In response, Kalshi has filed suit against two states, New Jersey and Nevada. A New Jersey court delayed a hearing scheduled for this week until April 30. The new hearing date coincides with a roundtable on event contracts scheduled by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission on the same day. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour argued that the state regulators “fundamentally misunderstand” the products, which he believes reinforces the foundation of U.S. financial markets.

“They mobilize the most elegant and effective properties of free financial markets towards the pursuit of unbiased truth,” Mansour wrote in a post on X.

Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Passes Senate Committee

Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, Hawaii has remained on a short list of states with steep odds to legalize sports betting.

The odds lowered this week after a Senate committee passed a bill that would decriminalize the activity in the Aloha State. The bill, HB 1308, advanced in the Senate Ways and Means Committee by a vote of 11-2. The bill sets a $250,000 licensing fee and a proposed tax fee of 10 percent on sports wagering revenues.

The proposed legislation would require a full Senate vote of approval before it can be sent to the desk of Gov. Josh Green. If signed, the bill allows for up to four legal sports betting platforms statewide.

“As you can see, the legislature wanted to be cautious and that’s smart,” Green told reporters. “We got a survey and about two out of three in our state wanted to do gaming – as long as the monies went to an important set of projects.”

By Jess Marquez   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

DOI reassessment triggers lawsuit from Scotts Valley Band, Poarch Creek Indians finalize Birmingham Racecourse purchase and the Ione Band lays foundation for future REIT deals.

Scotts Valley Band Sues DOI After Trust Approval Scrutiny

The Department of the Interior (DOI) in a letter dated March 26 announced that it was temporarily rescinding its previous approval of the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ $700 million casino project in Vallejo, California while it reconsiders arguments lodged by opponents.

Three other state gaming tribes—the United Auburn Indian Community, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation—in March filed suit against the DOI for approving the off-reservation casino in the last days of former President Joe Biden’s term.

Now, the Scotts Valley Band has also sued the DOI for reconsidering the approval. According to the Vallejo Times-Herald, the tribe is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the review and allow the development to proceed as before. In addition to a casino, the project includes 24 family residences, an administration building, a biological preserve and more.

“This is like trying to replay a football game after the final whistle has blown and the score has been posted,” Scotts Valley Chairman Shawn Davis told the Times-Herald. “We won. The process is over. We shouldn’t have to replay the game because others don’t like the outcome.”

Poarch Creek Close on Birmingham Racecourse Acquisition

The Poarch Creek Indians announced April 2 that the tribe has closed on its purchase of the Birmingham Racecourse in Alabama, formerly a horse and dog racing track. The tribe is planning to “build upon the strong foundation that is already in place while enhancing the facility to create a first-class entertainment destination that benefits the Birmingham community and the region,” according to Yellowhammer.

Parimutuel wagering and historical horse racing will continue at the property, the tribe confirmed. Unlike the other properties owned by the Poarch Creek Indians’ Wind Creek Hospitality arm, Birmingham Racecourse is not on tribal lands and therefore cannot be converted into a Class III casino. But gambling expansion is top of mind in Alabama again this legislative session, and if the state were to legalize casino gaming, the property would be a prime site for development.

REITs Could be Source of Capital for Tribal Projects

A first-of-its-kind financing agreement between the Ione Band of Miwok Indians and Gaming and Leisure Properties (GPLI) could create a new capital source for tribal gaming projects.

On April 1 a panel at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention, moderated by CBRE’s head of credit research Colin Mansfield, featured three figures involved in the deal:

• Sarah Dutschke, chair, Ione Band
• Brandon Moore, president and COO, GLPI
• William Newby, president, TFA Capital Partners

Panelists explained the financing agreement, which is the first between a tribe and a real estate investment trust (REIT). GLPI and the Ione Band last September entered into a $110 million delayed draw term loan to fund the construction of the tribe’s Acorn Ridge Casino project near Sacramento.

Over the course of discussion Moore explained that GLPI had been working on such a deal for nearly a decade. The only thing missing was the right partner with the right project, which eventually became the Ione Band. When asked about the potential for more tribal financing deals moving forward, Moore told iGB that the REIT is open for business.

He confirmed GLPI has “discussed this concept with a few different tribes” and is “willing to move forward with the concept” again soon.

“Would we do several hundred million [more]? Sure, absolutely,” he said. “If the underwriting is there and the project is good and we believe in the team, we would absolutely pursue a transaction before we see in five years whether [the Ione Band] elects to enter into a long-term lease or not. We are actively pursuing this if it’s a good fit.”

By Marjorie Preston   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Macau sees slight GGR uptick in March, Thai officials question recent casino polls, RWS announces latest expansion and more.

Macau Casinos Post Modest Increase for March

Macau casinos recorded a 0.8 percent increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) last month, to MOP19.6 billion (US$2.45 billion). The subdued returns were not “materially impacted” by the March arrests of alleged illegal money-changers, said Seaport Research analyst Vitaly Umansky. But the crackdown could briefly discourage visitation to the gaming hub.

Illegal money-changers help gamblers sidestep government controls on cross-border transactions. Last October, the Macau Legislative Assembly criminalized the unlicensed exchanges, which prey on casino customers. Authorities said the operations lead to “fights, fraud, thefts, illegal immigration and other crimes.”

The latest sting netted 42 alleged money-changers, including ringleaders, according to Macau Business. They allegedly facilitated MOP813.7 million in cross-border transfers.

April GGR could be “slightly affected by near-term potential headwinds” from the crackdown, Umansky wrote. “Customers may stay away from pawnshops and others may forego a near-term trip to Macau.” But long term, the effect should be negligible. Seaport sees a 10.9 percent lift in the second half, for a 6.5 percent year-on-year increase in GGR for 2025.

“Growth should be driven by increase in marketing efforts by operators and consumer trends,” Umansky wrote. China stimulus and policy measures should help build consumer confidence.

Was Thailand Casino Poll Rigged?

On March 27, Thailand cabinet members passed the country’s Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalize casino resorts in the country.

Recent polls reported that many Thai residents oppose legal casinos, fearing they will lead to gambling addiction and increased crime. But during a recent public comment period, the government reported, 80 percent of more than 71,000 respondents said they support the proposal.

Now former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn suggests the survey, conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office, may have been flawed. According to the Bangkok Post, the results showed uncannily similar levels of support for every aspect of the legislation.

Statistically, it implied that 57,500 out of 71,303 respondents gave the same answers. “Even from Mars, the result looks improbable,” Somchai said. “Yet, the cabinet believes it.”

People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu warns that the government will try speed to approvals before the current parliamentary session ends on April 10. “Let’s see what method will be used here to push the casino bill ahead of the others,” Parit said.

He also said lawmakers need to carry out a feasibility study. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has said that review would take place after the bill passes in parliament.

“Why after and not before?” Parit demanded.

Macau Government to Assess Operators’ Non-Gaming Investments

On March 28, Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip announced that the government will grade casino operators on their non-gaming investments.

The six operators—Sands China, Wynn Macau, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, Melco Resorts, and SJM Holdings—signed new 10-year license agreements in December 2022. The terms require them to support economic diversification by adding theme parks, sporting arenas, cultural facilities and other non-gaming attractions.

The government wants non-gaming revenue to contribute 60 percent of gross domestic product by 2028, with gaming responsible for 40 percent. In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, gaming accounted for more than 50 percent of GDP, and non-gaming kicked in less than a tenth.

Debts Imperil Satellite Casino Operator

Last year, Macau satellite casino operator Macau Legend Development (MLD) accumulated losses of HK$667.23 million (US$86 million), up from just HK$4.9 million in 2023.

In a March 28 filing, the company said failure to comply with “certain loan covenants” has rendered loans of HK$2 billion “immediately repayable.” But those loans “may not be repayable.” The debt burden casts “significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern,” MLD acknowledged.

MLD operates Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, with a casino that operates under the SJM Holdings concession. In recent years, the firm sold its Savan Legend Casino in Laos. And in 2015, it signed a deal to build a HK$2 billion entertainment complex in the West African nation of Cabo Verde.

But that development “did not proceed beyond some empty, rudimentary structures,” Macao News reports. Last year Cabo Verde officials showed MLD the door, accusing it of “flagrantly and repeatedly” violating its obligations related to a planned complex.

Now the firm is at the mercy of lenders. It is “actively seeking support from the banks for the restructuring of outstanding installments due in 2025.”

Resorts World Sentosa to Debut New ‘Lifestyle’ Complex

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), one of two integrated resorts (IRs) in Singapore, has announced it will open “a new lifestyle destination” called Weave in the second half of this year.

Once known as the Forum, the new five-acre development will include “Asia-exclusive flagship stores and novel experiences.”

RWS Chief Executive Tan Hee Teck said Weave “marks a significant milestone in our RWS 2.0 transformation. … More than a retail space, Weave is a dynamic social hub connecting guests across the resort and attractions to create an immersive journey from day to night.”

In 2019, RWS and Marina Bay Sands, its sole competitor in the market, agreed to invest a combined S$9 billion (US$6.7 billion) in new tourism and MICE facilities, in exchange for an extension of their duopoly through 2030. In November, Singapore gaming regulators renewed the property’s casino license for two years, instead of the typical three, due to “unsatisfactory” results following the pandemic.

By Kyle Goldsmith   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Uncertainty lingers for Brazilian casinos, Argentina mulls iGaming ad ban, SPA floats national betting system and more.

Could Land-Based Gambling Be Legalized in Brazil in 2025?

Despite Brazil regulating online gambling in January, questions remain over if and when the land-based alternative will be legalized.

Although the Justice and Citizenship Committee in Brazil approved PL 2,234/2022 in June last year to legalize land-based casinos, bingo, jogo do bicho, and horse race betting, the Senate vote faced multiple postponements.

However, the appointment of pro-gambling Davi Alcolumbre as Senate president in February and a shift in mindset in Brazil has given some in the industry hope 2025 will finally be the year the country legalizes land-based betting.

“Alcolumbre is not only a very experienced senator but is also very knowledgeable about the importance of legalizing land-based entertainment,” Hard Rock’s Alex Pariente told iGB. “So there’s good dialogue, there’s good collaboration. I think we have good sentiment towards advancing with this.”

Argentina Senate Preparing to Debate Online Gambling Ad Ban

The Senate in Argentina is preparing to debate a bill that would ban advertising of online gambling in the country.

In November, Argentina’s House of Representatives approved a bill to ban all advertising of online gambling through channels such as TV, radio and other media outlets.

According to G3Newswire, the bill will now go through just three committees rather than the previously established five, with the Senate session to be overseen by Senator Lucia Corpacci.

Illegal Operators Account for 60 percent of Brazil Betting Market, IBJR CEO Warns

André Gelfi, co-founder and CEO of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), has cautioned that the illegal market still represents around 60 percent of Brazil’s monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR).

Brazil launched its regulated online gambling market on Jan. 1, though concerns remain over the black market, with licensed operators wary of unfair competition.

Gelfi, who also holds the position of managing partner of Betsson in Brazil, told Poder360 illegal operators still account for BRL1 billion ($175 million) in GGR a month, which equates to 60 percent of the total online market.

“Our main challenge going forward is the formalisation of our betting market,” Gelfi said. “There is unmonitored, untaxed economic activity taking place in this market and this makes the development of a sustainable market very difficult.”

Brazil to Ban Betting with Social Welfare, SPA Leader Confirms

Regis Dudena, head of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), has confirmed gambling with social welfare funds in Brazil will be prohibited.

In an interview with Estadão, Dudena confirmed the SPA will ban recipients of social welfare programs like Bolsa Família and the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC) from betting in Brazil.

Dudena’s confirmation comes after a Supreme Federal Court ruling in November that upheld Minister Luis Fux’s emergency measure banning gambling with social welfare funds.

“We are preparing a measure to comply with the decision in the way we think is possible, which is to prohibit beneficiaries, specifically of Bolsa Família and BPC,” Dudena said. “But this is still in the final stages of alignment, especially legal, to see if it complies with the Supreme Court’s decision.”

Brazil Regulator Invites States to Collaborate on National Betting System

The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) in Brazil has invited state politicians to a meeting to discuss creating a “national betting system” aimed at aligning state regulations with federal gambling laws.

The SPA will host a meeting at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Brasília, with the aim of aligning state gambling laws with federal regulations and developing a unified betting strategy for Brazil.

The regulator believes a national betting system in Brazil would enhance cooperation between federal and state governments, strengthening relationships and improving the enforcement of betting laws and regulations in the country’s newly regulated online betting market.

As outlined by the SPA, the national betting system would clarify federal rules, promote best practices, establish minimum standards for responsible gambling, and enhance methods for combating money laundering and match-fixing.

By Frank Fantini   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

Make no mistake, the aftermath of the Trump tariff crusade has been painful for the gaming space. But as always, a crisis presents opportunities.

So, where do gaming stocks stand in this new, chaotic world of higher tariffs and threats and counter-threats over them by seemingly every country?

If you thought they’d be somewhat insulated because of the fact that casinos don’t trade in goods and online operators enjoy still-growing markets, you’d be wrong, at least by initial investor reaction.

Gaming stocks sold off as badly or worse than any retailer or car company on the day after the Trump Tariffs were announced. One reason is guilt by association. They are in the consumer discretionary sector, after all, and a lot of funds buy and sell stocks on computer models that don’t differentiate between a Nike making shoes overseas and a Churchill Downs generating all of its revenue at home.

Here are some numbers from The Day After: the Nasdaq sold off 5.97 percent and the Russell 2000 plunged 6.59 percent.

What might be called the Big Four (Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, Wynn and Caesars) fell 9.04 percent. Nevada-facing locals operators (Red Rock Resorts, Golden Entertainment, Boyd Gaming and Monarch Casino) fell 5.97 percent.

Even seven online stocks representing a cross-section of the space (DraftKings, Flutter, Rush Street Interactive, SportRadar, Genius Sports, Gambling.com Group and Bragg) fell an average of 5.39 percent. Some other precipitous losers were Penn Entertainment down 10.02 percent and Full House Resorts 14.15 percent.

And there could be more bad news ahead. Even the most domestic of gaming operators will be negatively affected if the tariff chaos and its aftermath lead to economic recession. That would be especially true of Las Vegas casinos, which can also expect a drop in international visitation if Canadians and others decide they’d rather spend their vacation and entertainment dollars in a country where they feel welcome. And further jacking up parking and resort fees isn’t likely to endear operators to domestic customers, either, taking price gouging off the table as a revenue raiser.

But, as always, crises can bring opportunity, especially to the patient. Viewed from that perspective, gaming can outperform and even generate good returns for investors over time.

Let’s look at two of our long-time favorites, the gaming REITs. On The Day After, they far outperformed with Gaming & Leisure Properties slipping just 2.25 percent and Vici Properties only 0.53 percent.

Further, in a time when interest rates are falling and likely to fall more, their dividends alone are attractive. GLPI’s dividend currently yields 6.15 percent and VICI’s 5.37 percent.

And, with rock solid rents, they are likely to maintain and even grow profits even if others decline in a recession.

Another classic lesson during bear markets is to seek out best-in-class. Among gaming operators, that could include Wynn in the destination resort space and Red Rock among Las Vegas locals. Both have more affluent, thus more recession-resistant, customers than their direct competitors. Each also has growth kickers—Wynn with its multi-billion UAE project and Red Rock with its Durango expansion, Las Vegas Valley growth plan and the long-delayed North Fork Rancheria project in California.

Likewise, several regional casino operators combine operational excellence with beaten-down valuations. Finally, if a recession comes, one can expect more states to legalize online gambling to boost tax revenues, thus boosting iGamers.

In summary, we can’t predict what the next days, weeks or even year will bring, but the right gaming stocks present opportunities.

By Roger Gros   Fri, Apr 4, 2025

In this episode we sit down with Wendy Anderson (l.), CEO of RG24seven.

For Wendy Anderson, her involvement with BMM Testlabs only showed her the need for a training vehicle for employees and executives with land-based and online gaming to address the issue of problem gambling. Along with BMM CEO Martin Storm, they created RG24seven Virtual Training, which allows the target market to join in when it’s convenient. And the basic training is free to all, but for a more comprehensive and targeted approach, RG24seven will design custom training for its clients. Anderson spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros at the ICE conference and tradeshow in Barcelona in January.