PA Board Considers New Auction For Mini-Casinos
Regulators in Pennsylvania are contemplating the future of gaming board auctions for Category 4 mini-casinos after two auctions went without bidders. The state could open up the auction to companies currently not operating in Pennsylvania.
Penn National Pinnacle Purchase Advances
With the recent approval of the Mississippi Gaming Commission and other state gaming regulators, Penn National Gaming’s $2.8 billion purchase of Pinnacle Entertainment is moving forward. The deal will give Penn National a total of 41 properties in 20 states and save the company $100 million annually, contends Penn National CEO Tim Wilmott (l.).
Mardi Gras Sold To Soffer
Real estate mogul Jeffrey Soffer recently bought the Mardi Gras Casino and Race Track in Hallandale Beach. It had been closed due to hurricane damage. Florida regulators approved the closing but won’t issue a gaming license until Soffer pays $2 million for the license fee and a $250,000 regulatory fee.
Virginia Welcomes Expanded Gambling
New Kent County, Virginia could welcome two new gambling venues in the near future. Revolutionary Racing and Peninsula Pacific Gaming purchased Colonial Downs for more than $20 million based on legislative approval of historical racing machines. And the Pamunkey Indian Tribe announced it may build a $700 million casino (l.) resort on 600 acres.
Florida Legislators Leave Gambling To Voters
In Florida, incoming Senate President Bill Galvano and incoming House Speaker Jose Oliva (l.) tried but failed to agree on a gambling bill that would please the Seminole Tribe, racetrack and card room operators and other gambling interests. That leaves the future of expanded gambling in the hands of voters if they approve Amendment 3.
MGM Sells Mandarin Oriental at City Center
Just as MGM Chairman and CEO James Murren said during last week’s earnings call, the company is dedicated to reducing debt. And the next day, MGM announced it had sold the Mandarin Oriental at the CityCenter development.
Governor Warns Against ‘Conclusions’ About Wynn Boston Harbor
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (l.) has backed off his demand that Wynn Resorts withdraw from the state as a result of the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Steve Wynn. This might be good news for the company.
Nevada Pushing for More Sports Events
With Las Vegas named a finalist to host the NFL draft in the next year or two, Governor Brian Sandoval (l.) thinks it’s a good idea to try to attract similar events to the casino mecca. A new committee composed of business and political leaders statewide will be studying how.
BorgataCasino.com Revamps Site, Launches New Games
BorgataCasino.com has redesigned its website and added to its lineup of games. The online casino now offers live-dealer games, virtual sports betting and a host of traditional online casino games
Florida Internet Cafes: Legal In City, Illegal In County
Internet cafes operate in St. Augustine, Florida, but they’re illegal in St. Johns County. City police monitor the half-dozen cafes, since St. Augustine was the base of the internet café chain Allied Veterans of the World, whose owners and associates were arrested in 2013 for money-laundering and racketeering. Afterwards, legislators closed the cafes statewide.
One Size Sports Betting Doesn’t Fit All
As the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on lifting the federal sports betting ban draws closer, states are busily considering legislation to address the issue. The bills differ from state to state and frequently from other measures within the same state. Some states’ bills include major leagues’ 1 percent integrity fee while others reject it outright. And time is running out for most states.
PokerStars Blocks Social Games Play from Washington State
PokerStars has stopped accepting players at its free social games sites from Washington State after a federal court ruling there that social games play constitutes gambling under state law. The Washington State Gambling Commission says it has been receiving questions about a number of free online casino and poker sites that are denying access to state residents.
