Sin & the GOP

Las Vegas tourism officials are in Washington, D.C., in hopes of luring the Republican National Convention to Las Vegas for the next convention. Some conservatives may not be persuaded.

Published February 3, 2014

Pony Up

Nevada gaming operators Steve Wynn, Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta recently donated the maximum allowed by law to Idaho Governor Butch Otter (l.), running for his third term....

Published February 3, 2014

Bet On It

Gambling opponent Greg Abbott, Texas' attorney general who's running for governor, invited potential donors to give $5 to his campaign and win prizes if they guessed the score of...

Published February 3, 2014

NEWS & NOTES

Small Nuggets of News

Published February 3, 2014

Hainan ‘Casino’ Shut Down—Again

Illegal gambling is reported to be rife in the popular South China resort of Sanya on Hainan island and authorities are cracking down. More than 16 people have been...

Published February 3, 2014

Report: PokerStars May Be in New Jersey in 2014

A report on CalvinAyre.com suggests that a new DOJ policy may allow PokerStars to resolve its outstanding federal legal issues. That could satisfy New Jersey regulators and allow the...

Published January 27, 2014

iGaming War Picks Up Steam

The war of words between the gaming industry and its largest company, Las Vegas Sands, heated up last week as the company circulated a letter issued by the FBI...

Published January 27, 2014

Virgin Online Casino NJ To Launch; Is Wynn Next?

New Jersey will have another online casino competing for revenue as Gamesys and the Virgin Group began taking real money bets in the state at virgincasino.com. Gamesys is partnered...

Published January 27, 2014

Proposed Catawba Casino Progressing

The Catawba Indian Nation's proposed casino in Cleveland County, North Carolina will provide 4,000 new jobs, said Chief Bill Harris (l.) of the South Carolina-based tribe. The tribe considered...

Published January 27, 2014

Biloxi Progressing With Demolition, Construction

The demolition of the foundation of the proposed $700 million Harrah's-Jimmy Buffet casino project and the construction of a new baseball stadium (l.) are moving forward in Biloxi, Mississippi....

Published January 27, 2014

A Win for Downtown Vegas Arena

Despite a marked lack of support among the business community in Downtown Las Vegas and the casino industry, the longstanding Cordish arena proposal continues to chug along.

Published January 27, 2014

Indiana Casino Taxes Hit 8-Year Low

In 2013, wagering and admissions taxes at Indiana casinos dropped a combined 9 percent, or $752.4 million, the lowest amount in eight years. Still, casinos are investing in capital...

Published January 27, 2014

Shareholder Stalks Archon

Boston-based Esplanade Capital continues to make a play for casino owner Archon Corp., despite “stonewalling” from the owners, Paul and Sue Lowden (l.).

Published January 27, 2014

Georgia Gambling Sponsor Says Timing’s Off

Georgia state Rep. Harry Geising said Governor Nathan Deal (l.) may not want to address expanded gambling while he is running for re-election. Geising has proposed a bill to...

Published January 27, 2014

Two Las Vegas Casinos Accept Bitcoins

The virtual currency Bitcoin will be accepted at Las Vegas’ D casino (l.) and the Golden Gate casino. A co-owner of the two casinos said customers had asked about...

Published January 27, 2014

William Hill: It Was a Very Good Year

The stateside business of British bookmaker William Hill reported a 150 percent rise in net revenues for the final quarter of 2013. It was William Hill’s first full year...

Published January 27, 2014

Illinois Committee May Appeal To Legislature

Now that the Illinois Joint Committee of Administrative Rules unanimously rejected the Gaming Board's proposed video gambling reforms, board chairman Aaron Jaffe said he will appeal to the full...

Published January 27, 2014

Cuomo Proposes Tax Hike on Racing

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York wants to boost funding for the state Racing Commission in part by raising the surcharge on handle. It could add $2 million of...

Published January 27, 2014

Arkansas Racino Starts $37 Million Expansion

A $37.4 million casino expansion and renovation project, including a 41,000 square foot gaming floor addition, is under way at Southland Park (l.) racino in West Memphis, Arkansas. Including...

Published January 27, 2014

Minneapolis Airport To Expand Lottery Sales

As early as next month, travelers and workers at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport may be able to buy lottery tickets using 2,500 electronic tablets already installed in a...

Published January 27, 2014