Report: Discussions Underway to Include eSports in 2024 Olympics
Leopold Chung, secretary general of the International eSports Federation, has disclosed that his group is in “deep in talks” with organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics about including eSports as a demonstration event at the games. The International Olympic Committee recognized eSports as a competitive sports activity in November. In another story, the second annual Casino eSports Conference will be held in September at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.
MLB, NBA May Be Trying to Cut Investment in DFS
A report on ESPN says Major League Baseball and the NBA are trying to exit their investment in daily fantasy sports sites DraftKings and FanDuel, but would still maintain partnerships with the sites. The report said the leagues are in discussions with the two DFS firms.
70 Bids Received for Italian iGaming 75
Italy’s casino regulator ADM recently received 70 applications to operate online gaming. A variety of bids were submitted.
China Bans Online Poker Apps on Social Media
China appears to be cracking down on online poker by declaring that the game will no longer be recognized as a competitive sport and banning promotion of online poker games on social media. According to local media, the ban will require all apps offering any form of social poker game to be shut down and removed from app stores by June.
Wynn Wars Escalate
Elaine Wynn is suing Wynn Resorts to force the board of directors to postpone its upcoming annual meeting and reopen its membership to new nominations. At the same time, a shareholder advisory group backed the contention of Elaine Wynn that a “close friend” of former chairman Steve Wynn should be rejected for board re-election. And the name “Wynn” has been stripped from the huge casino tower rising across the Mystic River from Boston, replaced by Encore Boston Harbor.
Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort Reveals New Strategy
The developers of Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort casino have outlined a strategy for the property, which is in stark contrast to the failed policies of the property’s former management as the Revel casino. Developer Bruce Deifik said officials have listened closely to patron’s criticisms of Revel and are striving to create a better customer experience, which will include a complete redesign of the previously confusing casino floor (l.).
Lifting Sports Betting Ban Could Help Horseracing
Advocates for the precarious horseracing industry are convinced that the legalization of the unrelated activity sports betting could benefit them. They envision racetracks offering both forms of wagering and cross marketing to increase their customer base.
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.
