Shovels in the Ground for LV Convention Center Expansion
Construction is under way on a 1.4 million-square-foot expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Slated for completion in 2020, the massive project is forecasted to bring 600,000 additional visitors to the city each year and generate more than $800 million a year in new economic spinoffs.
Feds Rain on Vegas Pot Parade
Las Vegas was all set to host the country’s first dedicated marijuana lounges. But that was before U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions decided he doesn’t like the pot business, even in states where it’s legal. The decision calls into question how successful the marijuana retailers (l.) would fare.
iGaming Sites Reboot Promotions for the New Year
New Jersey’s online casino sites are refreshing and rebooting many of their promotions for the New Year. Here’s a rundown of some of the exciting tournaments, leadboards, deposit matches and more that are available throughout January.
3 Reasons to Get Excited about Online Gambling in 2018
2018 promises to be an exciting year in online gambling with the possibility of new games, old laws being repealed and jackpot-boosting partnerships. Poker pro Michelle Tomko has three reasons—besides the recent pesky New Year cold snap—to get excited about playing in the comfort of you own home in 2018.
New Jersey’s Pallone Introduces PASPA Repeal
New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone has introduced a new bill that would repeal the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. The bill is being introduced prior to a decision by the Supreme Court on New Jersey’s challenge to the 1992 PASPA law that banned sports betting in states where it did not already exist.
Fun in Florida?
Developments are popping up in Florida on several gambling fronts. A bill that would require a statewide vote on any gambling expansion progressed. The Seminole tribe sued 25 internet cafes, which are flourishing in the state, and expressed concern over fantasy sports legislation, introduced by Senator Dana Young (l). And dog racing may be a thing of the past if voters approve a referendum next year. But the casinos connected to the dog tracks will remain open.
Michigan iGaming Bill Adds Sports Betting
In the 2018 legislative session the Michigan House will consider three bills to legalize and regulate online gambling and sports betting. State Rep. Brandt Iden’s (l.) Lawful Internet Gaming Act would allow and license internet gaming, create the Division of Internet Gaming and impose a 10 percent tax on licensed internet gross gaming revenue.
Lawmaker: Rhode Island Would Consider Online Sports Betting
A key Rhode Island lawmaker said the state would quickly consider legalizing sports betting if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a federal ban. Rhode Island state Senator William Conley (l.), the chair of the state’s Senate Finance Committee, said the state would move quickly to consider sports betting in a recent interview.
MGM Expanding its eSports Offering
MGM Resorts International is taking the lead in reshaping Las Vegas as an eSports mecca, sealing a deal to bring a regular slate of cash tournaments to the MGM Grand starting in 2018. The new year also will see the gaming giant open the Strip’s first eSports arena (l.) at the Luxor.
eSports Joins the Academy at University of Akron
The University of Akron, Ohio has expanded its sports program into eSports, with a varsity team where “athletes” will be able to earn scholarships playing sports related video games. The university joins a growing number of campuses offering such programs.
Sports Betting Up in Denmark
Sports betting showed steady growth in Denmark’s gambling market in the last quarter according to regulators. Overall sports betting was up 9 percent. Overall revenue from both online and land-based sources was up 9.3 percent.
UK Warns Against Skin Betting in Video Games
An annual survey released by the UK Gambling Commission found that about 500,000 children are playing online betting websites, often with virtual money that can be converted to real cash. The commission also issued a warning that “skins” betting in video games—where online items are traded for cash—is becoming a serious problem among youth with 11 percent saying they have made skin bets.
