Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Social Responsibility at biggest show on Earth; ICE 2018

World Casino News
Social Responsibility at biggest show on Earth; ICE 2018

The gaming industry's most important trade show will get underway in London next week when ICE Totally Gaming opens at ExCeL London on Tuesday, 6 February 2018. ICE represents all sectors of the online and land-based gaming industry under one roof. In a nutshell, ICE is a meeting place, marketplace, provides educational and debating forums, and has become an important networking and social event for the entire industry. It is the meeting point for the world gaming industry. The show grows year by year and about 30,000 delegates, exhibitors, and visitors will converge on London from 60 different jurisdictions and 150 different countries worldwide. Over 8,500 operators are expected at this year's show. It's a busy time in London with Gambling Insider's Global Gaming Awards London happening the night before the big show kicks off and the London Affiliate Conference opening at ExCel on the 7th. Industry heavyweights like Scientific Games will be on hand as will start-ups and boutique developers. Seventeen start-ups will participate in the Pitch ICE competition including sports betting, Bitcoin, social gaming, and daily fantasy sports innovators. One of those companies is Bethereum - a blockchain-powered social betting platform that used ethereum Smart Contracts. Other up and coming concerns include Beer League; Betonbot; Bookee; BotGaming; Chalkline Sports; ChopsticksInTheApps; DFS Italia; Mutuel Play Ltd; Performance Predictions; Players Vote; Puurl; Reality Races; ScoreFair; Social Bets; Spotcoin; and, STATZUP. Operator accountability and social responsibility always play a large part in the show. One panel debate will address the use of KYC (know your customer) data to identify problem gamblers. UK-facing providers need to be on top of the Gambling Commission's three-year strategy to identify those who may not be playing for fun and to help manage the risk. GBG data intelligence specialists Head of Gaming, Peter Murray told Totally Gaming: "Responsible gambling is firmly at the top of the Commission’s agenda for the foreseeable future. It’s crucial that operators have full visibility and understanding of the tools that are available to them and how they can be combined to help support compliance with new, evolving regulations." The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) will celebrate their two-decade anniversary at this year's event. The GSA estimates that 70% of companies that supply the global gaming industry have been, or are currently involved in the organization. The company's standards are applied around the world. European and US staff will be representing the GSA. GSA President Peter DeRaedt, said: "Over the past 20 years, more than 1,600 volunteers from over 190 companies have contributed their expertise to create 15 GSA standards in nine committees. Their commitment is a testament to the power of collaboration. Our standards create the framework for innovation and reflect the combined knowledge and expertise of our members and the industry," according to a Monday press release (PDF). The All-in Diversity Project will also be taking note of progress in exhibition quality. Although most decision makers in the industry are men, there are ways to draw them to booths without objectifying any gender, as had been the practice of some companies in the past using 'showgirls' to draw in a crowd. The Gambling Commission has been clear, that although there is no statutory requirement mentioning diversity, they do look at it, especially in the roles of corporate governance. Sessions organized by Global Gaming Women focusing on diversity and inclusion will feature on Wednesday. For more about this year's event please visit ICE 2018 at https://www.icetotallygaming.com

LeoVegas gets green light for listing on Nasdaq Stockholm

World Casino News
LeoVegas gets green light for listing on Nasdaq Stockholm

Nasdaq Stockholm's listing committee has formally approved Swedish online gaming operator LeoVegas AB for listing on the main Nasdaq Stockholm regulated market. Confirmed in a press release on Tuesday, Jan. 30, the company expects to conclude its trading on the Swedish First North Premier stock market index on Feb. 2, with first-day trading on Nasdaq Stockholm scheduled to commence on Feb. 5. While approval is pending fulfillment of customary conditions, LeoVegas confirms in its press release that it expects those conditions to be met by the first day for trading on Nasdaq Stockholm. The Nasdaq listing means global and regional branding for the company, global investor access and liquidity. Commenting on the upcoming change, CEO for LeoVegas AB Group, Gustaf Hagman, said: "This change in listing can be credited to a strong team effort by everyone at LeoVegas, and I want to take this opportunity to express extra praise to my team for the hard work they have done to bring this across the finish line. “The change in listing strengthens the Group and gives us an even better quality seal in our communication and cooperation with authorities, licensors and partners. For institutional investors - both in Sweden but even more so abroad - we will become more accessible and attractive as a company. Today is a big day for LeoVegas and yet another step in our ongoing journey of growth." After ending 2017 with a deal to acquire the firm behind RoyalPanda.com for almost $141.4 million, LeoVegas AB announced earlier this month the signing of an agreement to purchase counterpart Intellectual Property and Software Limited for $90 million, giving it control of numerous United Kingdom-facing online casino domains including BetUK.com, SlotBoss.co.uk and Bingos.co.uk.

Super Bowl betting report: 10 observations from the sports books

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Super Bowl betting report: 10 observations from the sports books
South Point hasn’t finished populating its Super Bowl 52 prop board yet and has enforced a strict $1,000 limit so far. The property is still approaching a half-million dollars in handle on the props alone, and that’s with five days that traditionally account for ...

Videoslots wins third consecutive Best Casino award

Casino City Times
Videoslots wins third consecutive Best Casino award
The online casino was recognized in multiple categories after pushing its games portfolio to more than 2,100 during the last 12 months.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Steve Wynn to be investigated by Gaming Control Board

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Steve Wynn to be investigated by Gaming Control Board

When state gaming regulators pursue an investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations Steve Wynn is accused of, they would need to determine that his actions represented a detriment to gaming and hurt the reputation of the state in order to discipline him.

Two New Atlantic City Casinos Apply for Online Gambling Licenses

CasinoGamesPro.com
Two New Atlantic City Casinos Apply for Online Gambling Licenses

The flourishing Internet gambling market of New Jersey could get even larger. Two new Atlantic City casinos which are set to open in 2018 have been considering whether to offer online gambling services to their customers. The owners of the former Revel Casino Resort, now Ocean Resort Casino, and the ones of the former Taj […]

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Top 10 Super Bowl LII proposition bets

Casino City Times
Top 10 Super Bowl LII proposition bets
With Super Bowl LII just days away, Casino City's Gary Trask crunches the numbers and pores over the hundreds of prop bets available to come up with 10 wagers worth making this Sunday.

William Hill reports $1 million Super Bowl bet on Eagles

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
William Hill reports $1 million Super Bowl bet on Eagles
On Monday afternoon a bettor placed $1 million on the Eagles to win Super Bowl 52 on the William Hill mobile betting app ...

Monday, January 29, 2018

GameAccount Network to power Ocean Resort Casino online offerings

World Casino News
GameAccount Network to power Ocean Resort Casino online offerings

After last week inking a strategic partnership for the United States with sportsbetting solutions innovator SBTech, British online gaming software supplier GameAccount Network has now revealed the signing of a multi-year deal with the new owner of the coming Ocean Resort Casino. Previously known as TEN Atlantic City until it was sold for $200 million earlier this month to an entity known as AC Ocean Walk LLC and renamed, the 1,399-room Ocean Resort Casino expects to re-open for business in the summer complete with a casino featuring some 2,000 slots as well as approximately 100 gaming tables. To complement this casino, the Atlantic City property additionally intends to offer real-money online gaming and sportsbetting utilizing the New Jersey-licensed platform from GameAccount Network while moreover integrating these propositions with its on-site rewards program via the London-based firm’s Patent3 innovation. “This new Internet gaming destination is currently expected to launch in [the first half of] 2018 and will contribute materially to GameAccount Network’s revenues and earnings in [the second half of] 2018,” read a Tuesday statement from GameAccount Network. “Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is the substantial casino property formerly known as TEN Atlantic City/Revel Casino Hotel Atlantic City.” GameAccount Network also stated that it intends to release its financial results for the twelve months to the end of December on March 29 and expects these to have benefitted from the signing of four more clients for its United States-facing Simulated Gaming offering. It declared that this innovation is now utilized by twelve casinos across the country and accounts for over $8 billion in annual land-based gaming revenues. “GameAccount Network’s United States-facing Simulated Gaming business continued to benefit from the launch of several new United States casino operator clients in 2017 including Ocean Resort Casino, Chickasaw Nation’s WinStar World Casino, MGM’s The Borgata, Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone and Station Casinos,” read the statement from GameAccount Network.

Future Gambling Location Resorts World Catskills Employs Upstate New York Businesses for Construction

CasinoGamesPro.com
Future Gambling Location Resorts World Catskills Employs Upstate New York Businesses for Construction

The State of New York is soon going to have its brand new gambling location which goes by the name of Resorts World Catskills. The new casino venue is expected to bring the Las Vegas spirit to the region and introduce a new level of proficiency when it comes to the gambling field in Upstate […]

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Barcelona to Welcome Second Edition of Live Gaming Summit in April

CasinoGamesPro.com
Barcelona to Welcome Second Edition of Live Gaming Summit in April

The international gaming industry has scheduled a second annual meeting which will give enthusiasts the opportunity to network and socialize with like-minded people in the field. The second edition of the Live Gaming Summit is going to take place on 26th April this year. As for the location, it is a well-known venue which has […]

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Fallout continues over Wynn sexual misconduct allegations

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Fallout continues over Wynn sexual misconduct allegations

Fallout over sexual misconduct allegations and the resignation of Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn as Republican National Committee fundraiser mounted Sunday as calls increased for lawmakers and groups to return contributions and disavow support.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Partypoker Powerfest in full swing

World Casino News
Partypoker Powerfest in full swing

Since January 21st, online poker players have been logging on at partypoker to take part in the 7th edition of Powerfest. The poker festival is one of the most popular on offer by partypoker, this time around offering 147 tournament events with $15 million in guaranteed prize money up for grabs. The action continues through February 4th, providing players with plenty of events to enjoy. Powerfest fits players of every bankroll as there are Low, Medium and High tier tournaments provided. The events in the Medium category will have buy-ins 10x the amount of the Low events. The events in the High category will have buy-ins 10x the Medium events. Players can choose to compete for the lesser buy-in, go for mid-range or on the high end, even a mix of them all! Players will find something on the schedule each day in each category. February 4th marks the final day of Powerfest with three events set to offer a $1 million in guaranteed prize money. Players can take part in the Main Event, scheduled for the 4th, offering a buy-in of just $215. This is the Medium option. Players can opt to compete in the Low Main Event for $22 or the High Main Event for $2,100. During Powerfest, party has been providing leaderboard competitions. As players compete in Powerfest events, they earn points based on finishes. The better the tournament finish, the more points earned. Leaderboards are on offer for the Low, Medium and High events. Partypoker will be providing $170,000 in prizes to the top 150 players on each leaderboard. Today, players will find a host of events on the schedule, in Low, Medium and High categories. Take part in Event # 24, a $25K guaranteed No-Limit Hold’em event with a $22 buy-in or go for the higher event, the $200k guaranteed event with a $215 buy-in. Additional tournament types on offer today include the Title Fight Special Edition, PKO and Turbo Pot Limit Omaha events, and more. Powerfest continues through February 4th, so there is still plenty of time for players to get in on the online poker action!

Senior management reshuffle at Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited

World Casino News
Senior management reshuffle at Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited

In Macau, casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited has reportedly announced a number of planned changes to its senior leadership team including the imminent departure of industry veteran Gabriel Hunterton as President for its City of Dreams Macau property. According to a report from GGRAsia, industry veteran Hunterton was appointed to oversee the Cotai Strip venue a year ago with this role now set to be filled by David Sisk, who currently serves as President for Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited’s nearby Studio City Macau enterprise. In addition, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited reportedly explained that Geoffry Philip Andres, President for its City of Dreams Manila venue, will take over from Sisk at Studio City Macau while Kevin Benning is to be promoted to the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President in the Philippines. “The redeployment of our senior operating management across our integrated resorts is aimed at optimizing our operating excellence,” reportedly read a statement from Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited. “We are leveraging on key individuals who all have demonstrated their expertise in managing and delivering strong growth.” GGRAsia moreover reported that November saw Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited record net third-quarter revenues of around $1.38 billion, which represented a year-on-year rise of almost 19.5%, with the firm declaring that this swell had been ‘primarily attributable to higher rolling chip revenues at City of Dreams [Macau] and the commencement of rolling chip operations at Studio City [Macau] in November of 2016’.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

See Grand Funk Railroad at Apache Casino Hotel

Casino City Times
See Grand Funk Railroad at Apache Casino Hotel
Guests can enjoy the five-member band's collection of hits on 23 March.

Steve Wynn resigns as RNC finance chairman amid allegations

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Steve Wynn resigns as RNC finance chairman amid allegations

Steve Wynn stepped down Saturday as Republican National Chair Committee finance chairman amid allegations of sexual misconduct, Politico reports.

Standout World Series gambler now looking to cash in on Super Bowl

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Standout World Series gambler now looking to cash in on Super Bowl
The same bettor who took this city's sports books for millions of dollars on the World Series is setting his sights on the Super Bowl. The bettor placed a $500,000 wager ...

Las Vegas business leaders predict trends in tourism, real estate and employment

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas business leaders predict trends in tourism, real estate and employment

Las Vegas’ business elite gave the bad and the good of expectations for 2018 and beyond.

Friday, January 26, 2018

New York’s New Casinos Hurt Other Gambling Operators’ Performance

CasinoGamesPro.com
New York’s New Casinos Hurt Other Gambling Operators’ Performance

According to a newly-filed analysis, the state of New York saw a sharp increase in its gaming revenue due thanks to three new casinos’ opening in 2017. On the other hand, the new casinos in the state are now blamed for hurting the competition in the region’s gambling market which has already been pretty much […]

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Arsenal F.C. agrees cryptocurrency sponsorship deal

World Casino News
Arsenal F.C. agrees cryptocurrency sponsorship deal

One of the English Premier League’s biggest teams, Arsenal F.C., has reportedly inked a partnership deal with US-based CashBet, a cryptocurrency designed for sports betting, online casino and eSports. Via the deal, which was announced on January 24, the same day as CashBet Coin was due to be launched, the professional football club based in Highbury, London reportedly becomes world football’s first team to partner with a cryptocurrency. The iGaming cryptocurrency, which can be used on apps powered by CashBet and iGaming sites, hopes to benefit from Arsenal’s extensive reach as a football club which receives global support. Per the agreement, the California-based CashBet Coin will be advertised during Premier League home games inside the Emirates Stadium. The value of the deal was reportedly undisclosed. Commenting on the new partnership, CCO for Arsenal, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We are pleased to welcome Cashbet Coin as our partner. We are looking forward to working with CashBet Coin as they launch their new cryptocurrency,” according to the Evening Standard. Also commenting on the deal, Founder and CEO for CashBet, Dr. Mike Reaves, said: “With our ICO for CashBet Coin, we are actively targeting a global, multi-billion dollar marketplace of iGaming content providers, operators and players. “We are delighted to do so in partnership with one of world football’s true giants in Arsenal, enabling us to build our brand and engage this audience in a meaningful way.” The deal comes as a growing number of business leaders and regulators express concern regarding the potential dangers to consumers who risk their savings in unregulated virtual currencies. According to British daily newspaper The Guardian, the Financial Conduct Authority, a financial regulatory body in the United Kingdom, warned consumers in 2017 that if they invested in Bitcoin, they should be prepared to lose their money. The Guardian reports that the FCA waved comment on the decision by Arsenal to promote a cryptocurrency, but that it was pointed out by a spokesman that the regulator was planning to “conduct a deeper examination of the fast-paced developments” of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and if necessary, would take “further regulatory action.” For its part, CashBet reportedly said that it was pleased to have secured a deal with Arsenal as the company is “actively targeting a global, multibillion-dollar marketplace of i-gaming content providers, operators and players,” as reported by The Guardian.

London Affiliate Conference networking schedule announced

World Casino News
London Affiliate Conference networking schedule announced

The London Affiliate Conference (LAC) is fast approaching and iGB Affiliate has released a networking schedule for the event that will be held over the course of four days at the ExCeL London beginning February 7, 2018. While the guide is very handy, networking never really stops at LAC. But the schedule points out the main events inside and out of the main conference room where delegates have a chance to meet and mingle with 5,000 others and get to know some of the brightest minds in the industry. Whether you attend the dedicated parties, mingle on the floor, or wind it all up with a drink in the hotel bar, you can always meet someone new or reestablish loose connections with peers on the east side of London. The official opening party will be held at Trade Union. Payment processor for the industry, UPAYCARD will host a networking party at Tropicana Beach Club. The Draft House will be the location to meet up and wind down. Shona ODonnell, head of operations at iGaming Business said: "This is traditionally the busiest time of the year for our industry, but we can’t wait for the London Affiliate Conference to get underway next month. "We have laid on a series of events that will allow delegates to network and unwind at some of London’s most exciting venues," according to press released by iGB Affiliate this week. She added, "It’s an ideal opportunity to spend a week in London with the industry’s most influential individuals." Following is the full networking schedule for LAC 2018. Kick things off with welcoming drinks from 16:00 – 18:00 on Wednesday the 7th. Meet up at Tower Hotel on St. Katharine's Way to exercise your elbow shaking hands and lifting merrymakers. Hugs are allowed. Then from 21:00 until the last call, join in the official LAC opening party at Trade Union, 3 Thomas More Street, St Katharine's & Wapping. On Thursday night from 21:00 until late UPayCard will be holding another official networking party at Tropicana Beach Club. For those unfamiliar with the trendy outpost, take your choice between two themed bars and enjoy the palm trees along with exotics flora. Admission is free to the iGB Affiliate Awards which begin at 21:00 on Friday night, the 9th. Head over to The Brewery at 52 Chiswell Street to accept your award or cheer on your colleagues as delegates celebrate an eventful year in the iGaming business together. Once again, Intertops is sponsoring the Unwind Session from 13:00 – 16:00 on Saturday 10th February 2018. The Draft House will be your venue to finish off the week. Say your goodbyes and exchange any contact info you may have missed or misplaced earlier before catching a plane, train, or driving your auto home. For more information about LAC, please visit: http://www.igbaffiliate.com/events/london-affiliate-conference#networking

Wynn’s Paradise Park to be powered by solar energy

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Wynn’s Paradise Park to be powered by solar energy
Paradise Park, casino mogul Steve Wynn’s planned multiuse development behind his Strip hotels, will be powered exclusively by renewable energy, Wynn Resorts announced today. The park will be ...

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Las Vegas shooting contributes to 26-year low in number of local weddings

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas shooting contributes to 26-year low in number of local weddings

The number of people tying the knot in Clark County fell to a 26-year low after the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history tainted the city’s image and spooked lovers.

MGM Cotai allocated 125 tables, 77 more may be transferred

World Casino News
MGM Cotai allocated 125 tables, 77 more may be transferred

The DICJ, Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, has allocated MGM China Holdings Ltd 125 new to market tables for their MGM Cotai property which is expected to open in February. The tables will be allocated in parts with 100 available upon opening and the remainder to be allowed on January 1, 2019. Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tac made the announcement to reporters yesterday according to a report on GGRAsia. The company was also authorized to place up to 900 slot machines at the property. Mr. Leong also said that MGM could move up to 77 tables from MGM Macau which opened ‎18 December 2007. It was later reported that all 100 new tables are destined for the mass market floor. No specific numbers were given for the transferred tables in terms of Junket and VIP room operations. Macau has been operating under a market cap for new tables since 2013. While analysts have been able to predict allocations to some degree, based on a maximum 3% per annum allotment, the awards are entirely at the discretion of the DICJ. Some analysts were expecting a larger allocation for MGM Cotai. Galaxy Macau Phase II and Studio City each received 250 new tables when they opened in 2015, while Parisian Macau and Wynn Palace each received 150 total new tables when they opened in 2016. According to another report, Morgan Stanley said in a note today: "We believe consensus were expecting 150 tables over the next two years and may be disappointed to get total of 125 tables. "One of the key reasons could be the licence expiry for SJM/MGM in March 2020. We believe once the licence extension is sorted, it is possible to see MGM China receiving more tables for this project," the banking group added. The licenses of all six concessionaires are set to expire on various dates between 2020 and 2022. The government has not announced a clear policy on how licenses will be renewed or if they will be up for bid on the open market.

Inspired confirms partnership with Sportium

Casino City Times
Inspired confirms partnership with Sportium
Sportium and its affiliated retails venues in Panama will offer Inspired's Rush Football, Rush Horses and Rush Dogs products.

NBA outlines plan for nationwide sports betting

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
NBA outlines plan for nationwide sports betting
In what could end up being a seminal moment for sports gambling in America, the NBA on Wednesday formally requested a set of laws that could be the basis for ...

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Sands posts increases in fourth-quarter revenue, earnings

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Sands posts increases in fourth-quarter revenue, earnings

Las Vegas Sands Corp. on Wednesday shrugged off languid earnings results at its Las Vegas properties with strong efforts in Macau and Singapore to post double-digit percentage increases in revenue and earnings for the company’s fourth quarter.

Apache Casino Hotel hosts Queen tribute band

Casino City Times
Apache Casino Hotel hosts Queen tribute band
Queen Flash, a six-piece band that has been performing since 2000, will perform at the Oklahoma casino on 2 February.

Slot jackpots hit on consecutive days at Las Vegas Valley casinos

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Slot jackpots hit on consecutive days at Las Vegas Valley casinos

Two Station Casinos properties reported slot jackpots on consecutive days in January, according to a statement from Station Casinos.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Slayer to visit Mohegan Sun on final tour

Casino City Times
Slayer to visit Mohegan Sun on final tour
The Grammy-winning heavy metal band will perform at the Connecticut casino on 1 June.

Genii games for Bede Gaming Limited

World Casino News
Genii games for Bede Gaming Limited

Online casino games developer Genii has announced the signing of a deal that will see its full portfolio of 140 high-definition titles made available to remote operators via the platform from fellow British innovator Bede Gaming Limited. London-headquartered Genii stated that the agreement will enable clients of Bede Gaming Limited to enjoy an innovative online games portfolio that ‘incorporates a broad range of genres to cater to players of all types and from any market’ such as its patented Spin16 range. Nick Barr, Sales Director for Genii, which also has offices in Malta and Vietnam, declared that the deal will enable his firm to utilize the online gaming platform from Bede Gaming Limited to ‘deliver innovative and patented content with player engagement and interaction firmly embedded in each game to operators in the gaming market swiftly and easily’. For its part, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne-based Bede Gaming Limited explained that the agreement will assist its ‘industry-leading mobile performance’ as the games from Genii are available to enjoy on ‘all mobile platforms’ including those running the Apple, Android and Windows operating systems as well as via desktop. “This is a great addition to our ever strengthening product,” read a statement from Michael Brady, Chief Executive Officer for Bede Gaming Limited. “Genii will add a new dimension to our offering with its innovative and engaging content while its broad genres ensure there are games to accommodate all player types.”

British Poker Pro Gavin “gavz101” Cochrane Is on a January Online Winning Streak

CasinoGamesPro.com
British Poker Pro Gavin “gavz101” Cochrane Is on a January Online Winning Streak

In the poker world, players can amass an impressive amount of winnings in a short period of time if they happen to be on a winning big and fast. This happens when Lady Luck smiles upon them and grants them with a bunch of good hands which secure them the top positions on the leader […]

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Jeju Shinhwa World Casino Operator Targets Diverse Southeast Asian Visitors

CasinoGamesPro.com
Jeju Shinhwa World Casino Operator Targets Diverse Southeast Asian Visitors

The Hong Kong-listed Landing International Development Ltd. is one of the leading gambling operators on a global scale, and as such it has the ability to influence a larger number of gambling enthusiasts. It was recently stated that the gambling management of Jeju Shinhwa World Resort is planning on diversifying its visitors and target independent […]

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Gaming Realms inks two-year deal with Golden Nugget

World Casino News
Gaming Realms inks two-year deal with Golden Nugget

UK-based gaming company Gaming Realms plc (LON:GMR) announced on Monday that it has penned a two-year license and revenue sharing agreement with Golden Nugget that has seen its Slingo Originals range launched on GoldenNuggetCasino.com. The developer, publisher and licensor of mobile real-money and social games reportedly said that, per the terms of the two-year agreement, the AIM-traded firm has launched on the Golden Nugget website seven ‘Slingo Originals’ titles, including the well-received Slingo Extreme, Slingo games and Slingo Riches. According to Shares Magazine, additional new games titles will also be launched over the coming months. In 2017, a 30 percent share of the New Jersey online gaming market was reportedly held by Golden Nugget, making it the Garden State’s largest operator. The prior year, the Golden Nugget experienced a 36.4 percent year-over-year increase in online gaming revenues, which resulted in its market share in 2016 going up to 21.5 percent compared with 20.8 percent the year prior. In December 2017, the casino reportedly brought in upwards of $6 million in revenue for the fifth time and for the third consecutive month for the first time ever, according to the Online Poker Report. Patrick Southon, CEO for Gaming Realms, said, “Working with New Jersey's largest online gaming operator is a fantastic opportunity for Gaming Realms,” according to the UK news agency. “Given the size of Golden Nugget's player base and success of Slingo to date, we are excited by the commercial prospects of our partnership,” added Southon. Also commenting on the deal, Golden Nugget vice-president of online gaming, Thomas Winter, said his company “prides itself” for offering the largest selection of online games in New Jersey. Winter went on to say, “We are very excited to start this partnership with Gaming Realms, which will see Golden Nugget Casino add the innovative, New Jersey-designed Slingo games.”

Monday, January 22, 2018

Top 10 Super Bowl viewing parties in Las Vegas

Casino City Times
Top 10 Super Bowl viewing parties in Las Vegas
With the Big Game on its way, Sin City is pulling out all the stops to make sure fans have the time of their lives come 4 February.

Atlantic City longs for sports betting, action on Eagles

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Atlantic City longs for sports betting, action on Eagles
Atlantic City and southern New Jersey have always been Philadelphia Eagles country. And with the local team in the Super Bowl, the seaside gambling resort can only dream of ...

Mississippi Casino Venues See 2-Percent Drop in 2017 Revenue

CasinoGamesPro.com
Mississippi Casino Venues See 2-Percent Drop in 2017 Revenue

The gambling industry in the state of Mississippi has seen several ups and downs in the recent months and this is not a surprise to anyone, as there is considerable development in the field. According to the recently released information regarding the profitability rates of the gambling sector in the state, the revenues of gambling […]

The post Mississippi Casino Venues See 2-Percent Drop in 2017 Revenue appeared first on CasinoGamesPro.com.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

NetEnt to launch Jumanji video slot in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment

World Casino News
NetEnt to launch Jumanji video slot in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment

Swedish online casino games developer, NetEnt, (NETB:Stockholm) has reportedly agreed to a deal with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to launch a new video slot machines game that will be based on the original 1995 American fantasy adventure film Jumanji. To be released later this year, the new Jumanji game follows the December 20, 2017, launch of the second installment in the Jumanji franchise, ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. The blockbuster film is based on the 1981 Chris Van Allsburg-written children’s book of the same name and serves as a stand-alone sequel to the original Jumanji. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has won for the third consecutive weekend at the box office delivering more than $700 million worldwide. This weekend, the film ranked fifth for the Fri-Sun time frame, having taken in around $20 million. That is the seventh-biggest fifth weekend gross of all time, according to Forbes. Commenting on the deal, Chief Product Officer for NetEnt, Henrik Fagerlund, said: “Being able to secure a deal for another high-profile title showcases the moves we’re making in diversifying our roster of games,” according to the press release (pdf). Jumanji is in good company within NetEnt’s renowned branded games portfolio that includes such hits as Motörhead Video Slot™, Guns N’ Roses™, and Planet of the Apes™. Faerlund continued, “The original Jumanji movie, which debuted in 1995, remains a moviegoer favorite and continues to demonstrate its cross-generational appeal more than 20 years later! Also, with the recent release of the new film, the Jumanji brand is more popular than ever. We’re excited for the game launch in 2018.” ICE attendees can get a sneak peek of the game at NetEnt’s stand (N3-242). Look for NetEnt to continue the tradition by unveiling another branded title at ICE on Tuesday, February 6 and 15:00.

Bandits walk away with money, chips from Las Vegas casinos

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Bandits walk away with money, chips from Las Vegas casinos
Bandits have gotten away with cash and chips from four Las Vegas casinos since last week, leaving police on the hunt for multiple suspects ...

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Ojibwa Casino construction and completion dates further delayed in Upper Michigan

World Casino News
Ojibwa Casino construction and completion dates further delayed in Upper Michigan

In August 2016, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula approved both Ojibwa Casino renovations in a referendum authorizing a total of $40 million for the projects with $6.5 million slated for Baraga and $33.5 million for their Ojibwa Casino in Chocolay Township. This reversed funding approved in 2015 would have seen the bulk of the money go to the Baraga project. The state’s rejection of KBIC plans to build an off-reservation casino prompted the re-apportionment decision approved by community members. In early December 2016, KBIC held groundbreaking ceremonies on the casino expansion and improvement projects. Since that time the casinos, namely the Ojibwa Casino in Marquette County, have encountered some costly issues resulting in the completion date being pushed back to 2019. In Marquette County, construction costs for the septic system have swelled by about $2 million, according to TV6 & FOX UP. Additionally, the electricity quota has reportedly increased from $375,000 to $600,000. The significant increases in Marquette have not only put work on hold but have made alterations to the infrastructure plans for the Baraga Casino necessary. Ojibwa Casino General Manager, Don Wren, reportedly told TV6, "There’s a whole process that goes into that, not only just paying for that but also the design work." Wren said it was “things like that” that pushed them back but that, "It’s still going to be really great, a great place to come." "It’s just not quite as grand as we would have hoped for because of the Marquette property," Wren explained. According to the latest report, the plan by officials is for renovations at the Baraga Casino to be completed this spring, however, completion of the planned new 76-room hotel, Marquette Casino Convention Center and entertainment arena has reportedly been extended to late summer of 2019. In May last year, Wren told TV6 that “The Marquette property is moving right along. We're running a little behind where we want to be, but with every construction project we do, or what everybody does, it's always the site issues that hold you up." At that time, the expected completion date for the Marquette Ojibwa Casino property was September 2018 and a March 2018 date was given for completion of the Baraga casino. In this latest interview, Wren told TV6, "This is a whole different animal here, and a whole great big change to this area not only to this casino, but to community as well so this will take longer.” While construction has been delayed and the completion date of the Marquette property pushed back by about a year, the marketing committee reportedly said they are on track with the rebranding of both casinos. "We are close to having our brand logo ready to roll and from there we will have new advertising on TV, radio, and print," said Marketing Manager Jim Orr. "We also will have new outdoor billboards and direct mail, online and social media all with our marketing plan." Mr. Orr did not respond to WCD’s requests for comment prior to this publication. According to the Oct. 2017 TV6 report, construction was set to begin on the Baraga casino mid-November 2017. On the evening of January 19, 2018, staff at the Baraga casino told WCD in a phone conversation that construction has begun on the parking lot but not the casino itself. The October 2017 article also states that officials had hoped that before winter began they would move three houses located where the entertainment arena at the Marquette property will be built. In speaking with staff at the Marquette Casino on Jan. 19, 2018, WCD was told that they had just recently begun removing trees in preparation to move the houses.

Savvy businesspeople missed the mark with Lucky Dragon

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Savvy businesspeople missed the mark with Lucky Dragon

It’s hard to imagine that someone as smart as William Weidner, former president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands and one of the backers of the Lucky Dragon, could have been so wrong about positioning the off-Strip casino that closed its doors Jan. 4 and faces a foreclosure auction on Feb. 6.

Kenny Loggins to visit Pala Casino

Casino City Times
Kenny Loggins to visit Pala Casino
On 6 July, the singer and songwriter will perform in concert at the California casino's Starlight Theater.

Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas being sold, sources say

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas being sold, sources say

Owners of the Hard Rock Hotel are in talks to sell the Las Vegas resort, and plans call for billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels to operate it, two people familiar with the matter said Friday.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Macau casino entrepreneurs have a good year

World Casino News
Macau casino entrepreneurs have a good year

The ongoing recovery of the casino market in Macau has reportedly helped some of the industry’s best-known entrepreneurs to increase their wealth even further, with four local gambling magnates appearing in the top 30 of the most recent Hong Kong’s 50 Richest People list published by Forbes. The last year has seen the 40 casinos in the former Portuguese enclave record an over 19% increase year-on-year in aggregated gross gaming revenues to just over $33 billion and this swell reportedly assisted Lui Che Woo (pictured) in pushing his net worth up by nearly 70% to $19 billion. The octogenarian serves as the Chairman for Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited, which is responsible for the giant Galaxy Macau development among many others and has risen from the sixth spot in the 2016 Forbes rankings to sit at third just behind real estate magnates Li Ka Shing and Lee Shuan Kee. The previous twelve months was also reportedly profitable for Pansy Ho Chiu King from MGM China Holdings Limited, which runs the MGM Macau venue and is hoping to open its new $3.46 billion MGM Cotai development next month, as she climbed one spot from last year’s ranking to sit in 15th position on the new Forbes list. The 55-year-old is the daughter of Macau casino tycoon Stanley Ho Hung Sun and is now the second-richest woman in Hong Kong after financial services tycoon Pollyanna Chu Yuet Wah with an estimated new net worth of $5.5 billion. However, one of the biggest movers on the Forbes list was Lawrence Ho Yau Lung as his latest estimated net worth of just over $2.5 billion has seen him ascend from last year’s 42nd position to the 29th spot this time out. The 41-year-old serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited, which is behind the City of Dreams Macau, Altira Macau and Studio City Macau properties, while last month saw him sell off the entirety of his 17.37% stake in Asian casino operator Summit Ascent Holdings Limited. But, the recent Forbes list was not good news for everyone as Angela Leong On Kei from Macau casino giant SJM Holdings Limited, which operates some 20 casinos in the city including the iconic Grand Lisboa venue, saw her net worth fall by 7.5% year-on-year to stand at $3.7 billion. Despite dropping from 18th position in 2016’s rankings to 22nd position this time around, the 56-year-old’s fortunes could soon turn around following the expected premiere next year of her company’s multi-billion Grand Lisboa Palace development on the Cotai Strip.

William Hill’s Possible Sale of Australian Assets Would Mean Exodus from the Country

CasinoGamesPro.com
William Hill’s Possible Sale of Australian Assets Would Mean Exodus from the Country

A quick throwback to the UK gambling operator William Hill’s decision to make a multi-million acquisition of three Australian bookmakers four years ago makes it now look doomed from the start. The beginning of the week saw the British betting giant reveal it has been considering to dispose of its Australian assets. Almost three years […]

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Macau growth to benefit Las Vegas casino operators, says report

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Macau growth to benefit Las Vegas casino operators, says report

Macau gross gaming revenue growth will continue to sizzle over the next two years as more Chinese flock to the peninsula, according to Morgan Stanley.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

PlayOJO launches in Sweden

Casino City Times
PlayOJO launches in Sweden
To celebrate its debut in the country, the casino will offer a special free spins bonus.

NFL Playoffs by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of championship week

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
NFL Playoffs by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of championship week
Those cursing the Minnesota Vikings for not kicking the extra point to cover as 5.5-point favorites in their miraculous 29-24 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday should direct their criticism inwards. ...

Optimistic prediction sends Macau share prices soaring

World Casino News
Optimistic prediction sends Macau share prices soaring

Share prices for some of the biggest casino operators in Macau have reportedly climbed considerably this week following the publication of a report from brokerage firm Sanford C Bernstein Limited that claimed the city could post up to a 24% increase year-on-year in aggregated gross gaming revenues for January. According to a report from Investor’s Business Daily, the value of shares in Wynn Resorts Limited, which is responsible via its Wynn Macau Limited subsidiary for the Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace Cotai properties, have risen by 1.9% this week to reach their highest price since 2014. Similarly, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which runs the former Portuguese enclave’s Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Sands Cotai Central venues via its Sands China Limited subordinate, has reportedly seen its share price swell by an even more impressive 2.3% since last week. Equally exciting, the operator behind the City of Dreams Macau, Altira Macau and Studio City Macau properties, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited, reportedly recorded a 3.3% boost this week. The price of shares in MGM Resorts International, which runs the MGM Macau venue and is hoping to open its new $3.46 billion MGM Cotai development next month, gained 2.85% to hit an all-time high. Sanford C Bernstein Limited reportedly explained on Tuesday that it expects the city of around 700,000 people to record between a 22% and 24% year-on-year boost in aggregated gross gaming revenues for January, which could see the total figure for the 31-day month reach as high as $2.96 billion. Investor’s Business Daily additionally detailed that the 40 casinos in Macau ended 2017 by recording a 19.1% increase year-on-year in annual aggregated gross gaming revenues to just over $33 billion before explaining that Sanford C Bernstein Limited’s predicted rise would be the city’s largest since the 29.2% gain seen in July when total takings hit $2.85 billion.

888poker Introduces XL Blizzard Online Poker Festival

CasinoGamesPro.com
888poker Introduces XL Blizzard Online Poker Festival

The world of poker just welcomed an impressive online poker tournament festival which has a lot on offer and could make many people much more content. This is the XL Blizzard series which is hosted by 888poker, promising a total of 34 events ready to welcome their participants and able to grant them with generous […]

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Michael Kelly to lead Vietnam branch of American Chamber of Commerce

World Casino News
Michael Kelly to lead Vietnam branch of American Chamber of Commerce

In Vietnam, Michael Kelly has reportedly been selected to serve as the new Chairman for the local branch of the American Chamber of Commerce as it looks to continue developing and strengthening relationships between businesses in the Asian nation and their counterparts the United States. According to a report from GGRAsia, Kelly is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for local casino operator Asian Coast Development Limited and its Ho Tram Project Company Limited subsidiary and is following in the footsteps of Natasha Ansell, Vietnam Chief Country Officer for Citibank, in filling the one-year role with the American Chamber of Commerce. “It is with great humility that I take on this position to strengthen the American Chamber of Commerce as the voice of American business in Vietnam in order to create a competitive and sustainable business climate for United States companies and investors here,” read a Friday statement from Kelly. “I look forward to working with my American Chamber of Commerce colleagues to ensure the organization’s ongoing success.” Kelly reportedly has over 30 years of senior management experience with several gaming firms and joined Los Angeles-based Asian Coast Development Limited in September of 2015 after running a pair of his own casino resorts. His latest firm, which also has offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is responsible for the $4.2 billion Ho Tram Strip development in Vietnam’s Vung Tau Province and is soon hoping to be given official permission to transform the property’s foreigner-only casino into a venue that is additionally accessible to locals. Located on a 405-acre beachside plot approximately 75 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, the Ho Tram Strip enterprise opened its 541-room The Grand Ho Tram Resort and Casino venue in July of 2013 before inaugurating a Greg Norman-designed golf course 15 months later. Asian Coast Development Limited explained that it has moreover recently started work on a second hotel tower that will eventually see the development feature some 1,100 guest rooms while continuing to construct a nearby luxury residential offering due to be christened as Gallery Villas At The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip. Asian Coast Development Limited further explained that its Ho Tram Strip venture could soon grow even larger after May of 2016 saw its Ho Tram Project Company Limited subordinate ink a memorandum of understanding with CotecCons that may see the development add in excess of 1,000 condo-hotel and time-share residences.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Wells Fargo closures to have ‘minimal’ impact on Southern Nevada jobs

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Wells Fargo closures to have ‘minimal’ impact on Southern Nevada jobs

Wells Fargo Co.’s plans to cut nearly one in seven U.S. branches by 2020 will have a limited impact on its presence in theSouthern Nevada region, a local bank official said Wednesday.

Resorts World Catskills plans early opening

Casino City Times
Resorts World Catskills plans early opening
The New York casino resort will open its doors to the public on 8 February, several weeks ahead of its previously announced 1 March opening date.

Ask the Slot Expert: American slots and English fruit machines: Divided by more than a common language

Casino City Times
Ask the Slot Expert: American slots and English fruit machines: Divided by more than a common language
English fruit machines operate differently from American slots.

MGM real estate spinoff wants to buy Caesars real estate company

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
MGM real estate spinoff wants to buy Caesars real estate company
MGM Growth Properties, the company that acts as landlord for many MGM properties, wants to combine with VICI Properties, the company that owns ...

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

LeoVegas agrees to acquire IPS

Casino City Times
LeoVegas agrees to acquire IPS
The company will acquire the assets of Intellectual Property & Software Limited, including top brands Slotboss and Bet U.K.

Nevada State Sees New Gambling Regulator Chairwoman and Surging Casino Profits

CasinoGamesPro.com
Nevada State Sees New Gambling Regulator Chairwoman and Surging Casino Profits

So far this week has brought game-changing news for the state of Nevada and the gambling industry there. The well-known gambling hub on the west coast of the United States reported surging figures of its casino profits and the good news means that the business downturn is finally coming to its end. In the meantime, […]

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West Virginia Reintroduces Online Gambling Bill Aiming to Legalize Field

CasinoGamesPro.com
West Virginia Reintroduces Online Gambling Bill Aiming to Legalize Field

The state of West Virginia has been willing to legalize online gambling for the last almost a year and this month brought the news that a group of several Democrat state lawmakers has made a second attempt in introducing the bill which has the potential to make online gambling legal within the borders of the […]

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Manila Prepares for First Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference amid Surging Gambling Interest in Cryptocurrencies

CasinoGamesPro.com
Manila Prepares for First Blockchain & Bitcoin Conference amid Surging Gambling Interest in Cryptocurrencies

The place of digital currencies in our rapidly developing world is undoubted, as it marks an important step towards digitalization and a more reliable financial world, according to the idealists of the cryptocurrency field. It was recently announced that the Philippines have taken their interest to another level and they are going to host the […]

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Monday, January 15, 2018

Kick it or not, extra point makes a big difference in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Kick it or not, extra point makes a big difference in Las Vegas
The clock had ticked down to zero, and Minnesota fans were already deep into a celebration like no other. In this city's legal sports books, though, the outcome was ...

Grosvenor Victoria Casino doubling down on Dual Play

World Casino News
Grosvenor Victoria Casino doubling down on Dual Play

In the United Kingdom, live online casino games innovator Evolution Gaming Group AB has announced the signing of a deal with Rank Group that will see it bring one of its Dual Play Baccarat innovations to the operator’s Grosvenor Victoria Casino from next month. Evolution Gaming Group AB explained that the bespoke multi-camera baccarat table is to join a Dual Play Roulette counterpart that has been inside the west London casino since October and offer land-based and online patrons the ability to simultaneously enjoy around-the-clock speed baccarat action from the gaming floor of the Grosvenor Victoria Casino. James Stern, Business Development Director for Evolution Gaming Group AB, described the agreement as ‘a significant extension of our live casino convergence offering’ before declaring that Grosvenor Victoria Casino’s decision ‘further underlines the unique appeal of our expertly deployed [and] bespoke Dual Play tables’. “Baccarat has a unique mystique and a large, devoted and discerning player base worldwide,” read a statement from Stern. “It translates very well to the Dual Play vision, which has rapidly become the convergence solution of choice for top land-based casino brands worldwide.” Evolution Gaming Group AB stated that baccarat players will also be able to utilize their smartphones and tablet computers to enjoy Dual Play Baccarat games from inside the Grosvenor Victoria Casino’s The Dining Room restaurant. The operator is moreover set to live stream the action live via large screens at its other venues. The developer furthermore detailed that it is soon due to begin offering its licensees the ability to live stream Dual Play Baccarat games from inside the Grosvenor Victoria Casino so that players may ‘sample the thrill of playing live at this popular and busy casino’. For his part, Colin Cole-Johnson, Digital and Cross Channel Services Director for Maidenhead-based Rank Group, proclaimed that his firm was ‘keen to extend our investment in Dual Play’ after the Grosvenor Victoria Casino’s initial Dual Play Roulette offering ‘proved to be very popular’.

The Philippines Bid 2017 Farewell with Lower than Expected Gambling Revenue

CasinoGamesPro.com
The Philippines Bid 2017 Farewell with Lower than Expected Gambling Revenue

The gambling industry in the Philippines has been going through a lot of development through the last twelve months and the beginning of this month brought even more new development. Now that 2017 is gone it is time for evaluation of the performance in the gaming field and this is when the Philippine Amusement and […]

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