Third Connecticut Casino Dealt Critical Blow
The chances of a third Connecticut casino (above) jointly owned by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribe grew much more remote last week when a federal court judge ruled that the tribes couldn’t force Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to approve changes to the compact with the state because they had no standing. The casino is being considered to diminish the impact of MGM Springfield, just 12 miles away in Massachusetts, which opened in August.
Pennsylvania OKs Sports-betting Licenses for Parx, Hollywood Casinos
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has approved the state’s first two sports-betting operations at Parx Casino (l.) in Bensalem, and the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County. The two casinos hope to launch sports betting by the end of the year. The board also approved two online gaming licenses for the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia and the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
Dover Downs Adds NASCAR Betting
Dover Downs Racetrack has added betting to its major NASCAR races under the state’s sports wagering program, run by the Delaware Lottery.
FTC, Nevada Approves Penn National-Pinnacle Deal
After issuing a second request for information in March, the Federal Trade Commission approved Penn Nation Gaming’s $2.8 billion acquisition of Pinnacle Entertainment. The FTC had cited potential unfair competition issues, but agreed to the deal based on Boyd Gaming’s $575 million acquisition of three Pinnacle casinos in Cincinnati, St. Louis and Kansas City. Nevada also gave its regulatory approval, where Penn owns M Resort (l.).
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Picks Leader as Wynn Investigation Arrives
Just as the Wynn investigation was about to end, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby stepped down last month after being accused of favoritism. The remaining members voted to elevate Gayle Cameron (l.) to the chair.
Construction Begins on High-Tech Vegas Arena
Ground has broken just off the Strip on the world’s first MSG Sphere. The 18,000-seat bubble-shaped arena, a joint venture between Las Vegas Sands and Madison Square Garden, is slated to debut in 2021 with imagery and sound systems unlike anything to come before it.
Eldorado Resorts Finalizes Tropicana Acquisition
Eldorado Resorts has finished the acquisition of Tropicana Entertainment from Icahn Enterprises and now has full operating rights for the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City (l.). The announcement was quickly followed by a report that Eldorado has fired the Atlantic City casino’s online staff. The $1.85 million deal to acquire Tropicana Entertainment was announced in April.
Florida Poll Show Shrinking Support For Gaming Amendment
A new Florida Chamber of Commerce poll indicated 54 percent support for Amendment 3. Two months ago a poll showed 71 percent support for the proposal to give voters exclusive rights to approve gambling expansion. In September, Disney (l.) and the Seminole Tribe each gave $5 million to Voters In Charge, the political group behind the amendment.
Deal to Sell Closed AC Casino Falls Through
A potential deal to sell the closed Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City to nearby Stockton University has fallen through. The university wanted the property as part of a new Atlantic City campus, but developers said the university—which wanted the casino tower razed—required too much time without assurances to complete the deal.
Online Poker Sites Host Big Events, Leaderboards and More in October
New Jersey’s online poker sites have a lot going on over the next month, including big events, leaderboard promotions and more. Here’s an overview of what’s coming up.
Last Chance to Score $150K in Bonus Cash at PlaySugarHouse.com
PlaySugarHouse.com is offering up to $150,000 in bonus money through its King Cash Bounty Hunt promotion. But, act fast, because the event ends September 30.
New Hampshire Debuts iLottery, Oregon Adds Lottery App with Sports Betting to Come
New Hampshire has debuted a new iLottery online platform and plans to offer 24 games over the next year. In separate news, the Oregon Lottery has added a mobile app with “built-in excitement,” and plans to add sports betting.
