Sat, Feb 04, 2012
The Florida casino bill is dead after a House committee fails to vote on it. Supporters could not overcome a coalition of anti-gaming forces, led by Disney, to make the case for more jobs and increased tourism to the economically struggling state. Genting stands to be the big loser because of the massive investment it has made in Florida.
Sun, Jan 29, 2012
The International Casino Exposition has known no other home but the Earl’s Court convention center in London, but with plans to demolish that facility to add new housing, ICE was forced to relocate. The final event held at Earl’s Court was a momentous one and a healthy mix of land-based and online casino suppliers vied for attention on a packed exhibit floor.
Sat, Jan 21, 2012
The debt problems weighing on Kerzner International’s Atlantis property just got worse. Brookfield, the creditor that was going to step in and take over, has pulled out of the deal. Now the impact of the court-ruling inspired decision is creating ripples in the Bahamas’ political world. And legendary developer Sol Kerzner (l.) has stepped down as CEO of Kerzner International but remains as chairman of the company.
Sun, Jan 15, 2012
A rift has developed on the board of Wynn Resorts pitting the chairman, Steve Wynn, against the former vice chairman and single-largest shareholder in the company, Kazuo Okada (l). A lawsuit filed last week by Okada requesting to see some financial statements followed a bid at the last Wynn board meeting to oust the vice chairman. Okada’s Universal Entertainment is connected to the grey market pachinko industry in Japan and has begun building a casino in Manila.
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
The “green light” given online gaming by last month’s Department of Justice decision concerning lottery ticket sales on the internet, may be the tiniest bit premature, given the narrow focus of the letter and traditional opposition to gambling. But that hasn’t stopped online gaming advocates and investors in climbing on board what they see as a potential gravy train as states begin to jockey for position to legalize the activity.
Sat, Dec 24, 2011
After a shaky 2010 and a more encouraging 2011, the gaming industry is hoping the rebound will come in 2012. But that was the hope for 2011. GGB News writers recap the year and look forward to next in an exclusive peek into the jurisdictions and industry segments that will make the news—either good or bad—in 2012.
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Governor Deval Patrick’s decision to name Stephen P. Crosby (l., with Patrick), a man who has worked with both Democratic and Republican administrations in Massachusetts, to head the state’s gaming commission, is meeting with almost universal praise. Crosby promises dedication, deliberations and integrity.
Sun, Dec 11, 2011
Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson has decided that he is personally opposed to internet gambling, although he stresses he was not speaking specifically for his company. In an exclusive interview with Adelson conducted in November, he told Global Gaming Business the reasons why he can’t support or help promote online gaming.
Sat, Dec 03, 2011
Boyd Gaming has called off its plan to sell Florida’s Dania Jai-Alai racino after the investor group was unable to close the sale. Analysts believe the consideration of integrated resorts in South Florida prevented the funding of the project.
Sun, Nov 27, 2011
After two Congressional hearings on internet gambling cast doubts about legalization, the failure of the “super-committee” seemed to put the final nail in the coffin for online gaming in 2011. The result could be the revival of interest in state-by-state legalization, a move now considered more acceptable to the land-based gaming industry.
Sat, Nov 19, 2011
After years of debate and consideration, a gaming expansion bill that would authorize three casino resorts and one slot parlor in Massachusetts is heading to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk. Now the race begins to see who can land the licenses.
Sun, Nov 13, 2011
There were few gaming issues on the ballot in this off-year election. The most interesting was a vote that would supposedly allow sports betting in New Jersey, but don’t expect to see Las Vegas-style sports books cropping up on the Boardwalk anytime soon. Also decided on Election Day last Tuesday were whether to allow additional casinos in Maine and several races that brought in new governors that would impact gaming jurisdictions.
Sat, Nov 05, 2011
MGM Mirage and Boyd Gaming enter a joint venture with Bwin.Party to work together on an online gaming site once it becomes legal in the U.S. MGM will own 25 percent of the business, while Boyd takes a 10 percent piece. Jim Ryan (l.), co-CEO of Bwin.Party, says the companies have been working toward this agreement for 18 months.
Sun, Oct 30, 2011
With a “destination resort” bill in the pipeline, which would permit three casino resorts, the real showdown is about to begin. Many businesses including Disney want to guard their turf; parimutuels, like Isle of Capri’s Pompano Park (l.), just want to survive.
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
MGM Resorts last week reached an agreement with Dan Lee’s Creative Casinos to become a part owner and operator of the $400 million Mojito Pointe casino resort (rendering at l.) in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It will be MGM ‘s first resort in Louisiana and should complement the company’s Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Lee obtained Louisiana’s last gaming license and was former head of Pinnacle Entertainment, which owns the neighboring L’Auberge Casino Resort.
Fri, Oct 14, 2011
As Genting (a rendering of the company’s $3 billion resort planned for Miami, above) and Las Vegas Sands vie to build the first big casino project in Miami, smaller communities weigh in on the risks and benefits of expanded commercial gaming. A court decision last week allows the legislature to determine the shape of a state gaming industry, with no public referendum required. And what will it mean to the existing racinos and tribal gaming operations?
Fri, Sep 30, 2011
The advent of a new administration in Japan gives hope that gaming could become a means of economic redevelopment in the nation that has been slammed by earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons and the economy in recent years. New Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda (above) will be asked to evaluate a plan that would introduce Singapore-style integrated resorts in several regions of Japan.
Sun, Sep 25, 2011
The U.S. Department of Justice accuses the disgraced online poker site of operating a Ponzi scheme, using deposits collected from player to enrich the board of directors, including poker superstar Howard Lederer (left). The accusation causes the American Gaming Association to renew its push for a legalized poker industry, highlighted by an effective regulatory process that will prevent such scams from occurring.
Sun, Sep 18, 2011
Ecuador is closing down all gaming, including 32 casinos in 5-star hotels. A decree from President Rafael Correa (l.) last week ordered the immediate stop of all gaming and the closure of the casinos and legal bingo halls in six months. The move followed a May referendum to end all gaming in the country.
Sat, Sep 10, 2011
Recent media speculation that Macau casino resort operator Melco Crown might be getting involved in the Philippines PAGCOR City project has brought nothing but silence on the matter from Melco Crown and its primary owners. When the project was first announced four years ago, Melco co-CEO Jamie Packer (left) decided not to participate. At least one analyst isn’t buying the news at all.
Sat, Sep 03, 2011
A deadly fire in a Monterey casino kills 52 people. Several arrests are made in an attempt to “scare” the casino owners. Then corruption probes have been launched that have closed more than half a dozen Mexican casinos from coast to coast. What will this mean for Mexican gaming?
Sat, Aug 27, 2011
Bay State lawmakers have taken the covers off a bill that would authorize three regional casino resorts and one slots parlor. An agreement between Governor Deval Patrick, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Theresa Murray (l.) should finally result in a Massachusetts gaming industry.
Sun, Aug 21, 2011
The creditors of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, owners of the Foxwoods Resort Casino, appear near to a deal with tribe to restructure its debt. The deal could blaze a trail for other tribes that also issues with their lenders.
Sat, Aug 13, 2011
With a few public comments, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (l.) opens the floodgates—of enthusiasm, of criticism, of multi-million-dollar revenue projections. But the change won’t be easy or quick and will require a constitutional amendment that may be difficult to pass. And what about neighboring Massachusetts, also eyeing casinos?
Sat, Aug 06, 2011
Caesars Entertainment moves forward with the center-Strip Las Vegas project that will create an entertainment district along with a massive 500-foot observation wheel that can carry almost 1,000 people at one time. The project is slated to cost $500 million.
Fri, Jul 29, 2011
FairPlayUSA, a Washington D.C.-based group whose advisory board includes former Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge, has recently been established to gather support for U.S. regulation on internet gaming. The coalition, founded and funded by major land-based casino companies, supports the establishment of a comprehensive online poker law, as well as strengthening the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act to give law enforcement the tools to crackdown on illegal operators.
Sat, Jul 23, 2011
The Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois opened last week, but whether it will be the final casino to open in the state remains uncertain as Illinois Governor Pat Quinn continues to consider a massive gaming expansion law.
Sun, Jul 17, 2011
The Illinois State Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the 2009 Video Gaming Act, striking down a lower court’s decision, clearing the way for thousands of new slots at bars and restaurants. The decision is separate from a proposed massive increase in gaming positions proposed by the state legislature and being considered by the governor.
Sun, Jul 10, 2011
The Ohio legislature has passed legislation that sets the landscape for gaming in the state for the next 10 years, and limits it to four regional casinos and seven racinos. Beulah Park (l.), near Columbus, Ohio, is owned by Penn National, and would be moved to Dayton. The law was passed after Ohio Governor John Kasich and the casino/racetrack owners came to an agreement.
Fri, Jul 01, 2011
Alderney suspends the license of Full Tilt Poker, causing the online poker giant to go offline in Europe, casting doubt on whether it will ever be successful again. But reports of a possible buyout could save the deposits of U.S. players.
Sun, Jun 26, 2011
Korea appears ready to change its regulations and allow residents of the country to patronize future integrated resorts. The position taken by tourism minster Chung Byoung-gug (left) follows reports in recent months that major operators Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands would be willing to build if locals are allowed to play.
Mon, Jun 20, 2011
The controversial memo that essentially halted the spread of off-reservation casinos in the U.S. was withdrawn last week by the Obama administration’s Bureau of Indian Affairs head Larry Echo Hawk (l.), which will begin to accept applications again for taking land into trust for gaming purposes.
Sun, Jun 12, 2011
The long-stalled Macau Studio City project will reportedly be taken over by Melco Crown Entertainment, led by Lawrence Ho. The Studio City site (rendering of the original project above) is located on the Cotai Strip past the Venetian and near the Wynn Resorts site. The agreement with the previous owners would give Melco its third casino in the SAR, the second in Cotai.
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
A surprise gaming expansion bill passes quickly through the Illinois legislature and lands on Governor Pat Quinn’s desk, due to heavy lobbying by new Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (l.). With a new Windy City casino, four more riverboat licenses, and slots at racetracks, it represents a huge jump in capacity and threatens market equilibrium.
Sun, May 29, 2011
Federal authorities bust another 10 online gaming websites, but this time they go beyond poker. Gaming industry ramps up efforts to get approval for a federal bill that would legalize, regulate and tax online poker.
Fri, May 20, 2011
Macau’s newest integrated resort opens in the Cotai region. Galaxy Macau, the Cotai flagship of parent company, Galaxy Entertainment, promises that an Asian-centric design will make it the preferred resort for the major segment of the Macau market.
Sat, May 14, 2011
A game of slow motion chicken is shaping up between casino developers in Ohio on one side, and the governor and legislature on the other side. Governor John Kasich wants to raises taxes on gaming, and one casino developer has stopped construction of two casinos, including the Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland (l.), in response, while the other threatens a lawsuit should governor follow through on his threats.
Sun, May 08, 2011
AGA’s State of the States report shows progress toward the elusive comeback of the gaming industry and well-established acceptance of the industry. Non-gaming amenities continue to show increases in visitation by casino customers.
Fri, Apr 29, 2011
The success of Singapore is a major factor in the renewed effort by the South Korean government to create an integrated resort industry. Carrots include increased tourism, more jobs and market potential four times that of Singapore. The stick: the threat of a change in government after next year’s national elections. Kangwonland (l.) is the only Korean casino open to citizens of the country, while 16 small casinos are available to foreigners only.
Fri, Apr 22, 2011
The Vancouver city council rejected the relocation of Paragon’s Edgewater Casino to a site near the BC Place stadium complex (rendering above), bowing to public pressure, rejecting hundreds of jobs and millions in additional tax revenues, as well as the argument that a first-class city needs a first-class casino.
Sun, Apr 17, 2011
The hammer finally came down on the most popular online poker sites in the U.S. when the federal government last week indicted 11 officials of the companies and arrested two of them. The Justice Department has shut down the U.S. websites of the companies. Wynn Resorts has terminated its agreement with one of the indicted companies.
Sun, Apr 10, 2011
The annual trade show of the National Indian Gaming Association, held last week in Phoenix, attracted vendors from around the world and featured a contest for NIGA leadership between current Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. (l.) and challenger Ivan Makil, the former president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. But it wasn’t much of a contest in the end as Stevens trounced Makil.
Sat, Apr 02, 2011
A new statewide poll indicates 86 percent of Texans believe the public should vote on legalizing casinos, with 67 percent of respondents in favor of gambling and 29 percent against. They may have a chance to do that if gambling bills pass the Texas House. Houston’s Tilman Fertitta, whose Landry’s Inc. owns the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and soon in Atlantic City, is a big supporter.
Sat, Mar 26, 2011
Nevada was the center of the online gaming world last week. Wynn Resorts announced that it had reached an agreement with the online gaming site, PokerStars, to offer internet poker if the activity is legalized in the United States. A bill that would legalize intrastate online poker was considered in Carson City, and Caesars’ deal with 888.com was approved by the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Fri, Mar 18, 2011
Gavin Isaacs (l.), executive vice president and chief operating officer of Bally Technologies for the past five years, will be the new CEO of Shuffle Master, Inc., while Ramesh Srinivasan, moves from systems head to president and COO of Bally.
Fri, Mar 11, 2011
Florida legislators recently filed a bill to allow five Las Vegas-style casinos throughout the state. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which operates four casinos in the state, including Tampa’s Hard Rock Casino Hotel (l.), and parimutuels say they'll fight the plan. Most of the large casino companies are said to be active in the state.
Fri, Mar 04, 2011
Governor Chris Christie (l.) vetoes a bill that would have permitted intrastate online gaming in New Jersey. His concern about legality and constitutionality includes a desire to give the voters of the state a chance to approve the measure via a referendum. Meanwhile, legislatures in Iowa and California move bills legalizing online poker.
Fri, Feb 25, 2011
The groundbreaking for Baha Mar, the only mega-resort project in the Western Hemisphere, marks a milestone for tourism in the Bahamas. Chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian was joined by distinguished guests, including Chinese VIP dignitaries, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Sat, Feb 19, 2011
The stalled Revel project gets funding and will resume construction, while Trump Marina is bought by Landry’s, which plans to transform the building into the Golden Nugget Atlantic City (l.), returning a beloved brand to the seaside gaming destination.
Sat, Feb 12, 2011
Three of the four full-scale casinos approved for Ohio are under way. But the future of slots at racetracks is less certain as the owners shuffle the sites and wait for the governor’s approval. Toledo’s Raceway Park (l.) may move it Penn National gets approval.
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