UK Gambling Commission Calls Skins Betting Operators ‘Parasites’
The UK Betting Commission has come out strongly against skins betting in eSports, labeling skins betting operators as “parasites.” The commission said skins betting is a danger to players and especially underage players. The commission has been one of the first regulators to successfully prosecute skins betting operations.
China Floats New Bitcoin Rules
Bitcoin exchanges would have to identify clients and follow banking regulations under new guidelines for virtual currencies being considered by China’s Central Bank.
Record Year for Las Vegas Tourism
Southern Nevada welcomed more visitors than ever before in 2016, and they spent more than ever before, according to a new report prepared for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. They generated $35.5 billion in gross product, hundreds of thousands of jobs and $11 billion in wages.
Pennsylvania Revenues Drop as Expansion Considered
A continuing drop in Pennsylvania casino revenues comes as lawmakers continue to debate expansion with iGaming and other aspects. Bills in each chamber of the legislature are different, however, with higher fees in the Senate, which also favors an iGaming tax of 25 percent, much higher than the 14 percent proposed in the House. However, a bill that would allow VLTs at bars and restaurants sponsored by Rep. Mark Mustio (l.) could kill any deal.
Senecas Halt Payments to New York
Even though its compact doesn’t expire until 2023, the Seneca Nation last week said it would halt payments that it has made to New York state for the last 14 years. Recently elected President Todd Gates (l.) said the tribe was no longer required to make the payments as per the gaming compact with the state.
Wynn Adds $300 Million to Everett Casino Cost
Additional amenities have driven up the price for the massive Wynn Boston Harbor, which is being built in Everett, across the Mystic River from Boston. The casino is now expected to cost $2.4 billion. But the neighboring town is concerned about traffic from the new casino.
New Hampshire Casino Bill Reintroduced
The dean of New Hampshire senators, Lou D’Allesandro (l.), has never learned to take no for an answer when it comes to casinos for the Granite State. He has, once again, introduced a bill that would authorize two casinos in the state.
Connecticut Eyes Two Casino Bills
Lawmakers in Connecticut have two bills to consider that would each authorize a third casino in the state. One would reserve the casino license to the two gaming tribes, the Mohegans and Pequots; the other would open it up to competitive bidding. State Senator Craig Miner (l.) says it’s only fair to consider both, although he will vote against each one.
Washington’s ilani Casino to Open Soon
The opening of Washington’s ilani Casino Resort near La Center. The $500 million casino is expected to attract about 4.5 million people a year to its 2,500 slot, 75 table game resort.
Iowa Approves Lifetime-Ban Change
Iowans on the state’s lifetime ban list now may enter a casino five years later, and may sign up to be placed on the banned list for another five years, under recently passed legislation sponsored by state Senator Robie Smith (l.). He said behavioral health specialists believe a lifetime ban discouraged problem gamblers from seeking help.
Revamped Lucky Lady Casino Awaits
The old Normandie Casino (l.), California’s oldest card club, has been reborn as the Lucky Lady Casino after new owner Larry Flynt spent a reported $60 million to revamp it. He held a grand opening for the new, flashy Lady last week.
Harrah’s Burned by New Orleans Smoking Ban
Caesars Entertainment executives say New Orleans’ 2015 smoking ban has cost the company’s downtown Harrah’s casino some $70 million in lost revenue. The company is hoping three new smoker-friendly slot areas will fill some of the gap.
