Time to Ban the Ban on Olympic Bets

In 2000, Arizona Senator John McCain pushed to prohibit betting on Olympic sports. Amid excitement about the Winter Games, a Vegas sports book director calls that ban “outdated.”

Published February 17, 2014

Foxwoods Unveils Casino ‘Sketch’

Sal Semola, president of the proposed Foxwoods Catskills Resort, told a crowd in Liberty, New York that the project would fit in with the mountain setting and return the...

Published February 17, 2014

NJ Senate President Supports Atlantic City Five-Year Plan

New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney says Atlantic City needs the time to complete its five-year push—which is entering its fourth year—to turn tourism around in the resort. However,...

Published February 17, 2014

ACEP Forecasts Lower Net Loss

The parent company of the Stratosphere, two Arizona Charlie’s casinos and the Aquarius in Laughlin has released its fourth-quarter 2013 results early, in hopes of lowering its interest rates.

Published February 17, 2014

Connecticut Police Raid Two Internet Cafes

Connecticut state and local policy cracked down on two sweepstakes cafes in twin raids conducted last week in Enfield and Bloomfield.

Published February 17, 2014

Texas Senator Questions Legality of Proposed Lotto Game

Texas lawmaker Bob Deuell doubts that it’s legal for the state lottery to host a game in which the state can be the jackpot winner. He has asked the...

Published February 17, 2014

Iowa Approves Fantasy Sports Bill

A bill that recently passed the Iowa Senate State Government Committee would allow Iowans to win cash and other prizes playing fantasy sports. About 264,000 Iowans play the games,...

Published February 17, 2014

Indiana Casino Must Ban Smoking

In a 3-2 vote, the Indiana Supreme Court reversed Evansville's smoking ban that exempted the Tropicana riverboat casino. The majority said the casino exemption violated the state's Equal Privileges...

Published February 17, 2014

Nebraska Legislators Consider Constitutional Amendment

A Nebraska legislative committee recently heard testimony regarding a proposal to let voters decide if they want to legalize casino gambling. State Senator Russ Karpisek, sponsor of the bill,...

Published February 17, 2014

Bill Would Allow 24/7 Deadwood Bars

A bill that recently passed the South Dakota House of Representatives by a 36-33 vote would allow 24-hour liquor sales in bars in Deadwood hotels with 10 or more...

Published February 17, 2014

Northern Nevada Casino Undergoing $50 Million Renovation

A $50 million renovation has begun at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, including a western-themed Gilley's, sports bar, bingo area and sports book, all to be completed...

Published February 17, 2014

New Mexico Will Investigate Racetrack Lease

New Mexico Attorney General Gary King will investigate the 25-year lease signed in 2011 granting racino operator Downs of Albuquerque to open a larger casino at the state fairgrounds....

Published February 17, 2014

Detroit Seeks Way Out Of Casino Tax Deal

When Detroit arranged a swaps deal with two banks, using casino tax revenue as collateral, officials never expected interest rates to drop, costing taxpayers more than $200 million since...

Published February 17, 2014

Report: Miss America Pageant Finances Raise Questions

In an analysis of the Miss America Pageant’s finances by the Press of Atlantic City, the paper found the pageant organization’s expenditures and top executive salaries fluctuate wildly even...

Published February 17, 2014

Arkansas Racinos Post Record Revenue

Two Arkansas racinos posted record revenues for 2013. Thoroughbred racetrack Oaklawn in Hot Springs posted a 10 percent increase in wagers of $1.154 billion, and greyhound racetrack Southland in...

Published February 17, 2014

Revel Owners Receive Operating Approval

Chatham Asset Management received approval from New Jersey regulators to operate the Revel casino hotel in Atlantic City. The company is part of a lender group that emerged from...

Published February 17, 2014

Lobbyists, Campaign Cash Flowing To Florida

Conservative legislators said they could support expanded gambling if Governor Rick Scott negotiates a Seminole Tribe compact this year, and if voters pass a constitutional amendment requiring their approval...

Published February 10, 2014

California Mulls New Taxes on Gaming

California legislator are mulling changes to the state’s gaming laws that could mean more taxes and regulations for card rooms. The state’s tribal casinos (Southern California’s Barona Valley Ranch...

Published February 10, 2014

N.H. House Votes to Allow Keno

The New Hampshire House may have taken the first halting steps toward gaming expansion with the approval last week of keno games by the state lottery. Is this a...

Published February 10, 2014

New Yorkers Continue to Debate Casinos

The sentiment for and against Vegas-style casinos in upstate New York is split widely, depending upon where you are located.

Published February 10, 2014