Sands Sevens Out in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s fourth mini-casino license was awarded to Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, owner of the Parx casino (l.) outside of Philadelphia, for a casino inn Cumberland County, after regulators invalidated the bid submitted by Las Vegas Sands Corp. because it infringed on a buffer zone owned by Mount Airy’s Lawrence County casino.
A Clouded First Year for N.Y. Casinos
The state’s commercial casino experiment hasn’t lived up to expectations, falling a collective $230 million shy of gaming revenue projections. The del Lago casino (l.) in the Finger Lakes district, fell far below predictions. Experts don’t expect the challenges will fade wither, citing an ongoing proliferation of gaming across the Northeast.
Full Speed Ahead, Says New Wynn CEO
Matt Maddox (l.) is working to assure employees and investors that Wynn Resorts’ growth pipeline is intact. He also affirmed the company’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward sexual harassment and announced formation of an executive-level task force focused on gender equality.
Showboat Atlantic City Owner Seeks Casino Eligibility
Philadelphia developer Bart Blatstein (l.), who owns the Showboat hotel in Atlantic City, has petitioned New Jersey gaming regulators for a statement of compliance indicating the Showboat could be used as a casino and he would be eligible for a casino license. The former casino was re-opened in 2016 by Blatstein as a non-casino hotel. Blatstein said at the time he had no plans to re-open it as a casino.
Maryland Governor Supports Education ‘Lockbox’
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (l.) announced plans to increase education spending over the next decade should lawmakers pass a bill creating a “lockbox” that guarantees casino revenues go to school spending.
Soros Now Major Caesars Shareholder
The reorganization of Caesars Entertainment Corp. approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Court made the family business of billionaire George Soros (l.), one of the operator’s largest shareholders, and a major donor for liberal causes
WSOP.com opens satellite tournaments for Super Colossus, other events
Satellites for the Main Event haven’t started, but WSOP.Com is offering several satellites this month for other WSOP events in 2018. They include the Super Colossus, a $565 buy-in event. Last year’s winner took home $1 million, the guaranteed top prize for the event.
PlaySugarHouse.com’s ‘Smash the Pig’ Lets Players Win Instant Prizes
PlaySugarHouse.com’s “Smash the Pig” promotion lets players earn iRush Reward points to receive “Smash the Pig” scratch cards that will either award coins when they fill up the piggy banks or instant bonus prize money.
Horse Racing Spotlight: Fair Grounds, Laurel Park Offer Big Races February 17
Fair Grounds in Louisiana and Laurel Park in Maryland don’t always get the love from bettors, but they have some big races ahead on February 17. Plus, Gulfstream Park’s Rainbow Pick 6 is growing and how to find your NBA betting edge.
PA iGaming Moves Forward
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has made applications available on its website for operators and suppliers seeking licenses to conduct online gaming. There are 13 licenses available, reserved for the 13 gaming operations that will be up and running when the Live! Casino in Philadelphia opens. That includes Sands Bethlehem (l.), the casino operated by Las Vegas Sands.
Online Gambling Down in Delaware
Online gambling revenue was down substantially in Delaware for 2017. The Delaware Lottery, which licenses three racinos, Delaware Park (l.), Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway, and operates online poker on the 888poker platform, reported that iGaming revenue declined by 18 percent from 2017 to 2016 to $2.4 million.
Scientific Games Launches SG Digital
Scientific Games launched SG Digital, the new interactive division incorporating the recently acquired NYX Gaming Group, at last week’s ICE Totally Gaming trade show. Matt Davey (l.), formerly CEO of NYX, explains the new division’s strategy, and will assume the same role with SG Digital.
