MGM Buys Empire City
The gaming giant MGM Resorts has added another key piece to its East Coast strategy with the purchase of Empire City Casino (l.) in Yonkers, N.Y. The $850 million deal positions MGM as a major player in New York sports betting and a formidable competitor for the greater New York City market across all sectors.
Four Regulators Issue Sports Betting Manifesto
States should proactively decide to implement sports betting, but the federal government should not take the leading role. That’s the conclusion of a statement made by four state gaming regulators, including, Stephen Crosby (l.), chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
NBA Defends Right to ‘Integrity Fee’
The National Basketball Association issued a statement defending its right to a cut of the action in the form of a royalty or integrity fee in state or federal sports-betting regulation bills.
Penn National, Jamul Tribe Separate
The tiny Jamul Indian Village last week took possession of the Hollywood Casino Jamul from Penn National Gaming. The San Diego tribe immediately changed the name of the casino to Jamul Casino. Erica Pinto (l.), tribal chairwoman, proudly proclaimed, “We’re finally doing it for ourselves.”
D.C. Looking at Sports Betting
A member of the District of Columbia council says the district is seriously looking into sports betting through the D.C. Lottery in the wake of the removal of the federal sports betting ban.
Belmont sees soaring wagering with possible Triple Crown winner Justify
With Justify poised to be the second Triple Crown winner in the past four years, the 150th Belmont Stakes on June 9 is seeing a wagering euphoria. Churchill Downs, Santa Anita and Delaware Park follow with big races on June 16.
Slingo, ‘The Voice,’ video poker variations—Online casino sites cater to adventure-seekers
Many online players like to stick to the basics: blackjack, roulette and slots. But, others like to get a little adventurous. Online casino sites offer an array of games catering to players wanting to try something new.
Player sharing brings NJ, Nevada to WSOP event via online satellites
Online players in New Jersey and Nevada can join the tables at the World Series of Poker without actually traveling to Vegas through four online WSOP events. Thanks to player sharing, players physically located in New Jersey and anywhere in Nevada can play through WSOP.com, which is also still running satellites for both live and online events.
Pennsylvania Opens Online Gambling Licensing
Pennsylvania has begun taking applications for online gaming licenses. The $10 million licenses would allow existing casinos to run websites with poker, table games, and slots. Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos have until July 15 to turn in their applications. Once the deadline passes, they can apply for $4 million a-la-carte licenses for online poker, online table games, or online slots.
Paddy Power Betfair Considers FanDuel Acquisition in Wake of Sports Betting Ruling
Paddy Power Betfair has opened talks to merge its U.S. unit with daily fantasy sports company FanDuel as a way of positioning itself in the U.S. for sports betting after the Supreme Court ruling overturning a federal ban on sports betting.
Poker Pro Gordon Vayo Sues PokerStars
Poker pro Gordon Vayo (l.) has filed a lawsuit against PokerStars for fraud and false advertising. He claims to have suffered about $692,000 in damages. The claims come from PokerStars’ denial of payment resulting from his May 2017 first place finish in “Event 1-H” of the PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker.
Poker Pro’s Online Poker Site Readies for Launch
Poker pro Phil Galfond (l.) is expected to launch a new online poker site this summer, according to reports. The site has been much anticipated since Galfond announced it 2016 with speculation that it will cater to pros and high stakes gamblers. The site was announced as major poker sites began implementing strategies to attract casual players.
