Puerto Rico Legalizes Slots Outside Casinos
The new law, enacted as part of a comprehensive reform of the island’s tax code, transfers some 25,000 non-casino EGMs from the gray market into the legal market. The government expects the change to boost its coffers by $160 million a year in new revenue. The law will put yet another nail in the coffin of the territory’s casino industry, including Casino de Puerto Rico (l.), which has been struggling for years.
Vegas Wins 2020 NFL Draft
The league voted to bring the annual three-day extravaganza to Las Vegas in a move obviously timed to boost the fortunes of the new Las Vegas Raiders, who will start their 2020 season as the casino capital’s home team. The city expects to enjoy some sizable economic benefits as well.
New Jersey CRDA Bets on ESports
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority will invest about $700,000 to promote eSports events at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall (l.) and the resort’s convention center. The authority is hoping to attract younger visitors and millennials to the resort through the events. The events will be presented by Ingame Esports Inc.
Sports betting quick hits for the last two weeks of the NFL season
Heading into the last two weeks of the NFL, we have a few quick hits and tips to hedge your bets. Plus, a look at the last few horse races of 2018.
Oakland Sues Raiders, NFL Over Move to Vegas
The city of Oakland is seeking triple monetary damages under U.S. antitrust law, accusing the team and the league of devising a $378 million payment, disguised as a “relocation fee,” to buy support for the move from the other team owners. The complaint claims the move also violates the NFL’s own relocation rules. The team will relocated to a new stadium (l.) in Las Vegas in 2020.
Report: Bill Miller to Head AGA
A news report names Bill Miller, a Washington, D.C. insider with more than two decades of lobbying experience, as the choice as the next CEO of the American Gaming Association. Miller will replace Geoff Freeman, who left the position in June, to lead the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
888 Acquires All American Poker Network
888 Holdings has completed a $28 million buyout of the All-American Poker Network from investment partner Avenue Capital. The company called the move an important step in achieving long-term success in the U.S. market. 888 Holdings is the only online poker site available in all three U.S. states where it is currently legal and is also gearing up to launch in Pennsylvania when play begins there.
New Jersey’s Freehold Raceway Planning Sports Betting
Freehold Raceway (l.) in New Jersey will join the state’s other two tracks in offering sports betting some time in 2019 according to the track’s owner. Freehold has been conspicuously absent in the state’s sports betting industry which launched in June and featured live sportsbooks at the Meadowlands racetrack and Monmouth Park racetrack. Freehold is partly owned by Penn National.
Barclays Introduces Gambling Block App
UK bank Barclays has announced a new gambling-block app for its online platforms. The feature will allow customers to turn-off transactions with all gambling-related properties including retail bookmakers, casinos, racetracks, lottery and online gambling sites. The gambling-block feature has been co-developed with citizen financial advisory the Money Advice Trust, and seeks to bring greater control and spending safeguards to Barclays customers.
Leadership Changes at Wynn Las Vegas
Maurice Wooden, a longtime executive with Wynn Resorts, has stepped down as leader of the company’s two Las Vegas properties. Replacing him is Marilyn Spiegel (l.), who preceded Wooden as president of Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. The company also announced a new marketing chief and a new role for former marketing exec Michael Weaver.
Isaacs Leaving Scientific Games
Gavin Isaacs has resigned his position as vice chairman of Scientific Games, and will be leaving his position at the end of the month, although he will remain a consultant to the company. Isaacs says he has every intention of getting back into the industry in some capacity.
Aristocrat Cuts Ribbon for Summerlin Campus
Executives of Aristocrat Leisure, limited and Aristocrat Technologies cut the ribbon on a new two-building North American headquarters campus in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. Cutting the ribbon are (l. to r.) Managing Director of the Americas Matt Wilson, Aristocrat Chairman Ian Blackburne. Aristocrat CEO Trevor Croker, Kevin T. Orrock, president, Summerlin, the Howard Hughes Corporation.
