Pennsylvania Casinos Ponder Sports Betting
So far, only two of Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos, Penn National’s Penn National Race Course and Parx Casino (l.) outside of Philadelphia, have opted for licenses to operate sports betting, while experts and pundits predict who the most likely next licensees will be.
American Gaming Association Announces 2018 Gaming Hall of Fame Honorees
Peter M. Carlino (l.), Richard Haddrill, Philip P. Hannifin and Steven Perskie will be presented with industry’s highest honor at G2E next month. The four are the latest class to be inducted into the prestigious American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame.
MGM Springfield Roars out of the Gate
The long-awaited $960 MGM Springfield enjoyed a remarkably lucrative first week, bringing in almost $9.5 million, and welcoming 150,000 visitors the first three days. MGM President Michael Mathis called the opening “tremendously successful.”
Bay State’s Wynn Probe Comes to Vegas
Investigators with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission were in the Las Vegas last week gathering information about Steve Wynn (l.) and his former company, and could release their findings by the end of the month. A separate investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board is also wrapping up and could be made public soon after.
MGM Resorts Buys Hard Rock Operations in Ohio
MGM Resorts has purchased the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park. This allows MGM to enter the lucrative Ohio market for the first time, and possibly take advantage of sports gaming should the Buckeye state legalize it. MGM Growth Properties bought the real estate of the Rocksino in July for just over a billion dollars.
New Jersey CRDA Defends Its Financial Performance
The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority responded to a state audit critical of its spending and accounting procedures by saying that the agency—which is charged with distributing casino funds for redevelopment—has conducted its own regular audits and vowed to work with the state to address any problems.
Politics Complicates California Sports Betting
The Golden State, befitting its enormous economy, has a complicated political structure. So complicated, with so many interests, that it seems unlike it will legalize sports betting for a long time. Steve Stallings (l.), chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, says tribes are unified in opposing sports betting at racetracks and card rooms.
Boyd Takes Over Valley Forge Casino
Boyd Gaming has officially taken title to Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge Casino Resort (l.), announcing plans to move quickly with expansion plans under the state’s new gaming law.
Penn National Proceeds With Pennsylvania Mini-Casinos
Penn National Gaming will invest $120 million in a mini-casino in a former Sears department store at a mall in Springettsbury Township (rendering at left). The facility will open in 12-18 months with 500 slots and 20 table games at first, plus a restaurant and sports bar. Penn National officials also have narrowed down Berks County locations for a second mini-casino.
WSOP Brings Circuit Events Online September 18-30
WSOP is taking its Circuit Events online for the first time on September 18-30. The event offers $700,000 guaranteed over 13 days for New Jersey and Nevada players. Check out our overview of these events and more.
September iGaming Promos: Trip to Hawaii, Double Bonus Dollars + More Monthlong Offers
In September, VirginCasino.com is giving away a trip to Hawaii. GoldenNugget.com is doubling its bonus dollars. Several iGaming sites offer monthlong promotions—they take more on-site play to pay off, but the rewards are usually pretty great. Here’s an overview.
Federal Betting Oversight Gets Real
While nothing is likely to be decided before the midterms, regulatory legislation is coming, and proposals already are being aired on Capitol Hill regarding the shape it will take. They include controversial measures that would give sports leagues a say in which bets are acceptable and exclusive control over data. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (l.) has joined Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, and may be joined by the newest senator, John Kyl, the replacement for the late John McCain.
