New Casinos Struggle in New York
The four new casinos that have opened in New York in the last two years are still struggling, but improvements are coming. Resorts World Catskills (l.) is ready to ramp up a marketing and branding effort now that most of the in-house amenities have opened.
West Virginia Sports Betting Expected By Football Season
Despite an 18-day delay waiting for approval of emergency sports betting rules, officials at West Virginia’s five casinos are confident sports betting will be available by football season, though probably not online or via mobile apps. Casinos may operate sports books out of temporary locations for 90 days.
New Casino Headed for Fremont Street
Las Vegas City Council has given an enthusiastic nod to the Stevens brothers’ plan to build the first ground-up Downtown gaming resort in decades. There will be 777 hotel rooms, more than 117,000 square feet of gaming—and a brand new home for Sassy Sally, and includes land formerly holding the Las Vegas Club (l.).
World Series of Poker Sets Attendance Record
The World Series of Poker drew 123,865 players for the 50-day tournament event setting an attendance record for the sixth straight year. Prize pools for the events totaled more than $266 million.
The WSOP Main Event 2018 got a boost from online players
The WSOP Main Event 2018 saw increased attendance, successful online tournaments and the first online winner ever playing from New Jersey. Here’s a rundown of how the entry of online players boosted this year’s tournament.
Saratoga kicks off its 40-day meet on July 20 with $150K events
Saratoga’s Race Course launches its 40-day meet with 69 stakes races and $18.8 million in purses on July 20. Here’s a rundown of the key race events at Saratoga and other tracks around the country.
Pennsylvania’s Online Lottery Off to a Strong Start
Just a couple of months since launching instant-win online tickets, the Pennsylvania Lottery has seen 45,000 players sign up and $21.6 million in wagers. This signals that strong growth could be ahead.
Mississippi, West Virginia, Rhode Island Could be Next to Offer Sports Betting
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that banned sports betting, several states have been working to get in on sports betting. Mississippi, West Virginia and Rhode Island have recently passed bills that could result in legalized sports betting.
Proposed Data Center in Atlantic City Could Spark Esports Development
Continent 8, a UK-based company has proposed building a $5 million data center in Atlantic City, which could help the resort become a major player in the eSports market. The center would be based in the city’s Boardwalk Hall (l.) and the state Casino reinvestment Development Authority is working to finalize a contract.
Fantasy Football Group Asks Texas High Court to Review NFL Case
Fan Expo, which lost a lot of money which the NFL forced it to cancel the National Fantasy Football Convention in July 2015, is appealing its two loses to the Texas Supreme Court. Fan Expo is partially owned by former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Malta Issued 165 New Gaming Licenses in 2017
The Malta Gaming Authority issued 165 remote gaming licenses in 2017, up substantially over 2016 and 2015 respectively. Still total gaming tax paid by remote operators was down three percent to €26.5m, despite the increase in activity, due to a “more equitable and fair” taxation model, officials said.
Trade War Could Wound Gaming
A trade war between the United States and China started by President Donald Trump (l.) could have wicked side effects for Macau and Las Vegas. Risk management firm Steve Vickers & Associates says Macau’s gaming industry is “highly exposed” in the trade war building between the U.S. and China. Operators close to Trump may be especially vulnerable. And visits to Vegas from Mainland China could also be impacted.
