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Wynn to Philly
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Casino mogul Steve Wynn (l.) will come to Philadelphia, as Wynn Resorts has signed a deal to take over majority ownership of the troubled Foxwoods Philadelphia project.
Vol. 8 • No. 8 • March 1, 2010 - Print This Issue
Cover Story
Featured Stories
Weekly Feature: New Giant for South Africa
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Rival South African casino operators Gold Reef Resorts and Tsogo Sun have agreed a merger that will finally see the two combine their considerable assets. Each company brings seven casino resorts to the deal.
Las Vegas Sands: Singapore Opening April 27
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
An official opening date has been announced by Las Vegas Sands for Marina Bay Sands, its $5.5 billion project in Singapore. The debut will lag more than two months its chief competitor, Genting’s Resorts World Sentosa.
Comprehensive U.S. Tax Bill Includes Online Gaming OK
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
A wide-ranging bill introduced by two senators, Ron Wyden and Judd Gregg (l.), that would reform the American tax structure includes provisions to tax, regulate and legalize internet gaming.
Station Casinos Set to Emerge From Bankruptcy
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Station Casinos recently announced that it has reached an agreement with its secured lenders, which could lead to the company’s emergence from bankruptcy this summer, saving its ownership of 12 casinos, including its flagship, Palace Station (l.).
Pennsylvania Power
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The Pennsylvania Gaming Congress celebrates three years of success and predicts a new surge with the addition of table games to the state’s casinos. Keynote speaker Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is greeted by Marcel L. Groen, a partner in Fox Rothschild, one of the organizers of the event.
GLOBAL GAMING BUSINESS PODCAST: Andrew MacDonald, Executive Vice President – Casino, Marina Bay Sands
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
This week on the Global Gaming Business Podcast, hear a discussion with Andrew MacDonald, the executive vice president – casino for Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, immediately after he accepted his new position.
MGM Mirage Gets Critical Debt Extension
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Fears that the company will declare bankruptcy to avoid settling huge bond payments in 2011 have eased now that MGM has reached an agreement with major debtors. Analysts say CityCenter (l.) is performing well enough to stave off any deep financial trouble in the near term.
Reorganized Ontario Gaming Organization Not Yet For Sale
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Paul Godfrey (l.), the new chairman of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. says he’d buy the organization if he had the money, but it’s not for sale.
Trump, Icahn Face Off in Court
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Rival billionaires play Monopoly in their quest to claim three Atlantic City casinos. Each side declares the other is unfit to run the embattled company, now in bankruptcy for the third time.
Columns : ASIAN GAMING
Report: Macau Crackdown Not Imminent
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
A Chinese newspaper says the feared clampdown on visas and a tightening of the money supply by the central government in China is not yet being considered.
Donald Trump of Cambodia Opens First Casino
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The Titan King casino on the Vietnamese border will be the first for a Cambodian tycoon who seeks to revive the country’s entertainment industry.
Stanley Ho Due Home Soon
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Months of recovery from two surgeries may be over soon for Stanley Ho as a relative says he will be released from the hospital.
Columns : EUROPEAN GAMING
First Shots Fired in U.K. Tax Revolt
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The U.K. system of gaming taxes has long been a point of frustration for operators. Particularly those with operations in multiple sectors—casino, bingo, betting shops, online gaming—are struck by the seemingly random nature of levy assignment. Now, one of the major U.K. players is saying, “Enough.”
Local Ukraine Authority Seeks Compensation for Lost Funds
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Last year’s surprise shutdown of all gaming in Ukraine left many communities high and dry when it came to anticipated tax revenue. One affected region is asking the federal government for help.
New Viage Concept Opening in Brussels
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Grand Casino (l.), the temporary casino in Brussels moves to its permanent address at the end of this week. The design effort that went into the temporary facility bodes well for the new premises.
Columns : GLOBAL GAMING
First Shots Fired in U.K. Tax Revolt
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The U.K. system of gaming taxes has long been a point of frustration for operators. Particularly those with operations in multiple sectors—casino, bingo, betting shops, online gaming—are struck by the seemingly random nature of levy assignment. Now, one of the major U.K. players is saying, “Enough.”
Israel Once Again Looking at Eilat Casino
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The question of a casino for Israel’s Red Sea resort is back on the table, as far as the tourism ministry is concerned. Opposition based on arguments of crime and prostitution cannot be far behind.
Princess Guyana Opens
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
A new Princess Casino has opened in the South American country of Guyana. The Turkish operator continues to enlarge its footprint in the region.
South African Court Says Elonwabeni Should Get License
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
A decision to award an Eastern Cape casino license to an operator three years ago has been overturned by a local court in South Africa. The license will go to a previously disqualified bidder.
Columns : ONLINE GAMING
Quebec Health Experts Oppose Online Gambling
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
While public health experts say state-sponsored online gambling will only serve to create problem gamblers, the government of Quebec claims regulation will do more good than harm.
Two Credit Card Companies Pull Out of Online Gaming
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Two of the largest credit card companies in the U.S. have decided to jump the gun on a law that bans internet gambling and are taking steps to keep their cards from being used to finance online casino play.
Norway Mimics U.S. Online Payments Ban
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Gaming monopolist Norway is attempting to tighten its control on the online gaming market by introducing a U.S.-style ban on payment processing.
Iowa Bill Would Allow Online Poker
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The Iowa legislature is considering a bill that would allow online poker and wagering on non-collegiate sporting events. Hearings have begun in the House State Government Committee.
New York Track, OTB Look at Internet Wagers
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
State wagering board must approve multiple applications, which are targeted at younger gamblers.
Casino Visitors Move to Internet
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
According to a recent study by research firm Mintel, only 30 percent of American adults visited a land-based casino in 2009, with 12 percent of adults having gambled online during the same year.
Columns : UNITED STATES GAMING
New Jersey Senate Approves Revel Tax Incentive
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Emergency resolution to prevent referendum on tax break for Revel (l.) passed 36-0 in the Senate. The union leader who opposes the deal called the last-minute measure 'Soviet-style government.'
Indiana Inland Casino Bill Dies
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Inland casinos in Indiana is an idea that will have to wait for another day. The House last week killed a bill that would have allowed casinos to loose their moorings and become dry land operations.
Aqueduct Choice Hangs in the Balance
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
A state probe must be completed before the winning bid, from Aqueduct Entertainment Group, becomes official. Concerns about political favoritism surround the choice.
Loveman: No Macau Talks for Harrah’s
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Vegas weak, IPO expected in three to five years, according to Harrah’s Chairman and CEO Gary Loveman (l.).
Nevada Revenues Continue Slump
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
With room rates and gaming revenues sliding, Las Vegas’ largest gaming companies are looking to boost their bottom lines with a variety of strategies.
Harrah’s Approved for PH Purchase
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Harrah's Entertainment has big plans for its newest acquisition, Planet Hollywood resort and casino. The company intends to expand its customer database to the new property and make needed changes to the business's operations.
MGM Revalues Atlantic City Land
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
As it prepares to depart the shore resort, the co-owner of Borgata will take a loss on 72 acres of undeveloped land in the city.
Alabama Governor Faces Critics
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
At a statehouse rally organized by casino proponents, Bob Riley defended his opposition to electronic bingo. Attorney General Troy King, meanwhile, demands a vote in November.
Jersey Horsemen Slammed for Lobbying
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has vetoed $40K earmarked by the state racing industry to hire lobbyists. Horse groups, who get millions in aid from the state, are spending some of it to lobby Trenton, says administration.
Missouri Casino Closure Appealed
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The Missouri Gaming Commission’s decision to close the President Casino in St. Louis has prompted Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. to appeal and the mayor of St. Louis to ask lawmakers to overturn the ruling.
Minnesota Racino Bill Introduced
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Two Minnesota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow slot machines at the state’s two racetracks, and which, they say, would raise $125 million for a variety of government programs.
What to Do With Fontainebleau?
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
New owner Carl Icahn has yet to announce his plans for the Fontainebleau resort, but some say he will wait until the market recovers to finish the project.
Ensign Family to Take Over Casino
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The Nevada Gaming Commission approved the sale of Northern Nevada’s Red Garter Hotel and Casino to the Ensign family in an emergency meeting, though regulators said the rushed nature of the meeting had nothing to do with Senator John Ensign.
Columns : TRIBAL GAMING
Middleboro Questions Tribe About Casino Intentions
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Apparently the selectmen of Middleboro, Massachusetts have had enough of reading about the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s flirtations with the town of Fall River. The town’s leaders sent a letter to the tribe last week asking it to clarify whether it intends to build a casino there or not.
Oklahoma Horsemen’s Groups Call For Investigation
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Two Oklahoma horsemen’s group’s asked the state’s Racing Commission to look into their fears that three Indian gaming tribes are not paying enough into a fund that reimburses horsemen for some money lost due to not allowing slot machines at the state’s racetracks.
Kansas Casino Developer Fears Class II Indian Proposal
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Chisholm Creek Casino Resort, which recently won a redo on its proposal contract with the Kansas Lottery to run one of four state-owned casinos, is skittish because of talks of a new Indian casino in Park City.
Connecticut Keno Proposal May Threaten Tribal Compacts
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell’s proposal to let the state lottery start offering Keno has some legislators worried that the action could threaten the state’s compacts with the tribes that operate two mega-casinos.
Tolleson Supports Tohono Casino
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The city of Tolleson, Arizona recently passed a resolution expressing support of the Tohono O’Oodham Nation’s proposal to build a casino in nearby Glendale.
Columns : PEOPLE
Moyer to Take Helm in Pittsburgh
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The general manager of Iowa’s Diamond Jo Casino is the new general manager of Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino.
GameTech Elects Two Board Members
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Former Acres Gaming executive Floyd “Bud” Glisson and Innovation Group CEO Steven M. Rittvo (l.) recently joined the board of directors at GameTech International.
40-Year Casino Veteran Takes Over Indiana’s Casino Aztar
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The appointment of 40-year casino industry veteran Grady Aitken to be interim general manager of Aztar’s Tropicana Casino in Indiana is a sign that the Tropicana is preparing to leave its two-year bankruptcy process.
Stratosphere Hires Restaurant GM
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Restaurant veteran Joseph Thompson is joining the Stratosphere’s Top of the World Restaurant in Las Vegas as general manager.
Weike Reorganizes Sales Team
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The Singaporean slot manufacturer has changed the structure of its sales organization as part of an aggressive growth strategy.
Columns : GOODS & SERVICES
AC Coin Launches ‘The QH’
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
The New Jersey-based slot company expects big results from the latest game in its “Big Roller” series.
Michigan Gaming Experts Host Webinars
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Three gaming regulation experts are hosting a three-part webinar series to educate gaming industry executives about the hottest compliance issues in 2010.
Cantor Signs Hard Rock
Fri, Feb 26, 2010
Cantor Gaming’s mobile gaming system will allow customers of Hard Rock Las Vegas to gamble on hand-held devices at designated areas throughout the resort. Cantor President Lee Amaitis displays one of the “in-running” betting devices.
Shuffle Master to Settle Shareholder Suit
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The table-game supplier will settle a lawsuit that alleged misleading accounting practices in connection with earnings and acquisition of a slot supplier.
IGT’s sbX Installed in Venice
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Casino di Venezia is installing IGT’s server-based sbX Floor Manager along with 100 new video slot machines.
Playtech Acquires Virtue Fusion
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Online software provider Playtech continues to follow its growth strategy, this time with the acquisition of the online bingo sector’s leading supplier.
Unibet to Provide PAF with Sports Betting
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
One of the more recent entries to the online B2B market is Swedish sports betting provider Unibet. The company has its first customer in Aland’s PAF.
Hermes SoftLab Joins Gaming Standards Association
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Slovenia is already known as a center for electronic roulette manufacturers. Now, a Slovenian software company is out to win its share of the gaming industry’s attention.
Greek Casino Upgrades Synectics System
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The Regency Casino Mont Parnes has upgraded its Synectics closed-circuit television surveillance system to digital operation.
Parlay Game Services Expands
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The Canadian software developer has created a European branch to expand its international base.
Fine Point Group, Casino Expand Partnership
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The Lucky Eagle Casino in Washington has been so pleased with the Fine Point Group’s makeover of the casino’s marketing strategies that the two entities have decided to expand their partnership.
Ex-MasterCard Execs Bet on Internet Gambling
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Three former MasterCard officials are now heading a UK processing company that plans to approve financial transactions to online gaming websites once the United States legalizes internet gambling.
Columns : WILD CARD
Reid’s Hole Card
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
The Senate majority leader is facing a tough re-election bid in his home state of Nevada but he’s got support where it counts: the gaming industry.
Clinton Plays Caesars Palace
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Former president receives a $1 million check from Harrah’s for his foundation at an event with employees. He later gives a speech and takes questions in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from Harrah’s VP Jan Jones.
Open Borders
Sat, Feb 27, 2010
Academic group advocates 24-hour border crossings between Macau and other parts of China.