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Bally’s Considers New Takeover Bid Amid Flurry of Developments

If there was a phrase to describe the recent activity surrounding Bally’s Corp., it would likely be, “when it rains, it pours.” The operator has several high-profile developments cooking at once, both online and land-based, and recently received another takeover bid from Standard General, heavily discounted from the first just two years ago.

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Macau Operators Work to Strengthen Premium Mass

Casino operators in Macau, buoyed by post-pandemic visitation, are working to solidify their positions in the competitive marketplace. All are focused on catering to high-end premium mass customers.

Lithuania Moves Toward Banning Gaming Ads

Lithuania is moving toward legislation that would completely ban gaming marketing and require operators to track problem gambling. This would amend the existing Gambling Law.

Maryland Operators Split on iGaming

At recent hearings before lawmakers, four of six Maryland casino operators came out in support of legal iGaming, but two were unconvinced. Several bills on the docket would place iGaming under control of the state lottery.

FANTINI’S FINANCE: Get in Where You Fit in

The IGT-Everi megadeal has not exactly sent the tickers spinning as of yet, and although long-term prospects still look promising, it represents a stark reminder that more deals, more bids and more M&A proposals will be coming as the industry matures and executives look for new ways to create value.

GGB PODCAST: Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research, U.K. Gambling Commission

For many months, there has been a lot of conversation and debate surrounding every aspect of the U.K. gaming industry, and the U.K. Gambling Commission has been at or near the center of all of it as stakeholders work to come together on various reforms. Tim Miller (l.), the commission’s executive director of research, has played a pivotal role in helping to move the process forward.

GGB Podcast sponsored by Pavilion Payments.

ASIAN GAMING More

Nagasaki Partner Won’t Appeal IR Decision

The head of Kyushu Resorts, which partnered with Nagasaki Prefecture and Casinos Austria in a bid for an integrated resort, says the firm will not appeal the Japanese government’s decision to reject the proposal.

Thai Casino Study Set for Release

A second feasibility study on legal casinos in Thailand is expected to reach the House of Representatives next week. An initial study, completed in 2022, recommended up to five “entertainment complexes” with casinos.

EUROPEAN GAMING More

UKGC Names New Industry Forum Board

New members of the U.K. Gambling Commission’s “Industry Forum” are scheduled to begin meeting March 21. They join Forum chairman Nick Rust, who was appointed late last year.

Iran Dismantles U.K.-Linked Gaming Network

The Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) of the Islamic Republic of Iran has shut down an illegal online gambling ring linked to the U.K. It also arrested five people who it alleges were managers in the network.

GLOBAL GAMING More

Argentine Mayor Lobbies for Atlantic Coast Casino

The Casino Complex in Necochea, Buenos Aires province, Argentina that closed due to structural problems and later partially burned, could get some love from the state government. So promised Governor Axel Kicillof.

José Manssur: Trust the Brazilian Gaming Market

José Manssur (l.), the former advisor of the Ministry of Finance who led the Brazilian effort to legalize online betting and gaming, had a message for the first ever SBC Summit Rio: “Trust the market.”

ONLINE GAMING More

Addabbo: Budget Won’t Include iGaming

New York state Senator Joseph Abbaddo (l.) says the fact that the Senate’s budget does not include reference to online casino revenue means iGaming likely won’t pass this year.

Excitement Grows for Alberta iGaming Growth

The Alberta provincial government has earmarked money in its latest budget for an analysis of its regulatory structure, leading many to wonder whether or not the province could be the next to adopt an open, regulated market like Ontario.

SPORTS BETTING More

Georgia Sports Betting a Longshot but Still in Play

Georgia ends its legislative session March 28. The House has just begun talking about the Senate sports betting bill. No vote is planned as of March 15. Do the math. Yet people have hope as long as politics does not intrude.

NCAA to Probe Point Spread at Temple-UAB Game

Temple University has a long, proud basketball history so it seems unlikely their loss against the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an anomaly. Still, the NCAA will look at the point spread and rebounding issues.

UNITED STATES GAMING More

Louisiana Judge Strikes Down HHR

A Louisiana judge has held that historical horse racing machines, now live in state racetracks, constitute an illegal expansion of gambling under the state constitution.

Arkansas to Open New Casino License Application Period

The Arkansas Racing Commission could start accepting new applications for the state’s fourth and final casino license in Pope County as early as May. It’s the third time the state will grant a Pope County license, since the courts voided the previous two.

West Virginia Legislature Amends Gambling Bill

The West Virginia Legislature amended a bill that would have required gambling operators to provide player activity data to West Virginia University researchers who would analyze problem gambling in the state.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford Opening By Labor Day

The Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois is expected to open by Labor Day, September 2, officials said. The $310 million, 180,000-square foot venue will offer a casino with 1,300 slots, 44 table games and a sportsbook, plus restaurants, retail and a performance space.

Mississippi Riverboat Gambling Bill Dies

A bill that would have authorized riverboat gambling in Jackson, Mississippi on the Pearl River, or along adjoining bodies of water, died in the Senate Gaming Committee.

TRIBAL GAMING More

Coushatta Tribe Breaks Ground on Resort Expansions

The Coushatta Tribe will hold a groundbreaking ceremony including trial dancers and drummers at its casino resort in Kinder, Louisiana. The $150 million project will include an 8-story, 204-room luxury hotel, half to be suites.

PEOPLE More

KSA Has a New Chairman: Michel Groothuizen

Michel Groothuizen (l.), who conceived of and ultimately passed legislation creating Kansspelautoriteit (KSA,) the Dutch gaming regulator, has been named chairman. He replaces René Jansen, who served six years.

New Steve Wynn Biopic in the Works

Steve Wynn (l.), the crestfallen casino mogul who was ousted from his namesake company in 2018 due to widespread sexual harassment allegations, will be the subject of a new biopic depicting his rise and eventual fall from grace.

BMM Testlabs Promotes Elizabeth Orola

BMM Testlabs has promoted service delivery and operations veteran Elizabeth Orola (l.) to vice president of land-based global professional service delivery.

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BetMGM Monopolizes Entain’s Time, Says CEO

Entain CEO Stella David said on an earnings call of Entain’s joint venture with MGM: BetMGM took more resources and time than anticipated. It took time to realize how quickly it needed a better U.S.-oriented product.

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