NetEnt Signs Deal with Churchill Downs
NetEnt has entered into an online games partnership with Churchill Downs in a move which should increase its presence in the New Jersey online market. Churchill Downs has targeted entering the state’s online gambling and sports betting market by early next year. NetEnt said the deal will be an important contributor to growing Churchill Downs online casino offerings.
Nevada Casinos Push for Online Sports Betting Registration
Nevada casino companies asked for a change in state regulations that would allow gamblers to register for online sports betting accounts completely online at a meeting of the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Current regulations say patrons must visit the land-based sports book and sign up for accounts. The board did not act on the request.
Wynn Resorts Joins With BetBull for Sports Betting in U.S.
Wynn Resorts announced a partnership with European operator BetBull Ltd. for sports betting services throughout the growing U.S. market. As part of the deal, Wynn Resorts will acquire a 22.5 percent stake in BetBull. A price for the acquisition was not disclosed.
Sweden Receives 55 Applications for Online Gambling Licenses
Sweden has received at least 55 applications for online casino and sports betting licenses under a reworking of its gambling regulations. Previously, only one betting site, Svenska Spel, was legally permitted to operate in Sweden. However, starting in January and gambling site with a license will be able to legally take bets in Sweden.
Playtech Benefits from Philippine PAGCOR Ruling
PAGCOR, the Philippines’ gambling regulator, has announced that it will give UK-based tech supplier Playtech a practical monopoly as a provider of random number generated casino games to the country’s online gambling licensees. The regulator named Montford Inc. as gaming software provider for Philippine licensees. The company distributes PlayTech games.
Fertitta Offers Caesars a Merger
Caesars’ stock soared on the news that Tilman Fertitta (l.) was pitching the casino giant on a reverse merger that values it at $13 a share. Caesars would acquire the billionaire’s restaurants and Golden Nugget casinos in a deal that would see him emerge as chairman, CEO and largest shareholder in the combined company. Analysts are generally positive about the combination, but the Caesars properties in Atlantic City could be a stumbling block.
Penn National Completes Pinnacle Deal
With the approval of 14 state regulators and the Federal Trade Commission, Penn National Gaming finalized its $2.8 billion acquisition of 12 Pinnacle Entertainment casinos. Boyd Gaming acquired four Pinnacle casinos to avoid federal trust issues. Penn National now operates 40 casinos and racetracks in 18 states and employs more than 30,000 people. Only Penn’s purchase of Margaritaville (l.) in Bossier City, Louisiana is still outstanding.
Poll Shows Florida’s Amendment 3 Will Pass
Associated Industries of Florida released a poll showing 70 percent of likely voters support Amendment 3, which would give voters, not lawmakers, the “exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling” in the state. Disney Worldwide Services and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, owners of Hard Rock Hollywood (l.), gave $36.75 million to support the November 6 ballot issue.
Wynn Probes by Massachusetts, Nevada, Nearing Close
Probes of Wynn Resorts Ltd., and its former CEO Steve Wynn (l.), conducted by investigators of Nevada and Massachusetts’s gaming regulatory agencies are nearing their end. The investigations will be given to commissioners, who will decide whether to punish the company for the sins of its former leader.
Mount Airy Submits Mini-Casino Plan
The Mount Airy Casino Resort (l.) has submitted its plan for a mini-casino and entertainment complex on 100 acres of land in Big Beaver, Pennsylvania, on the Ohio border, far from the Mount Airy facility.
Idaho Governor Supports Historical Horse Racing Initiative
Idaho’s Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has come out in favor of Prop. 1. The controversial proposition is opposed by many political groups and the state’s gaming tribes. It would give racetracks the right to have hundreds of “historical horse racing” machines, which look too much like slot machines for some peoples’ taste.
Chubby Checker Honored at Casino Entertainment Awards
Singer and dancing legend of the 1950s and beyond, Chubby Checker (l.) was honored October 10 as Casino Entertainer of the Year. The award was presented at the Global Gaming Expo’s sixth annual Casino Entertainment Awards.
