What do to when there’s no news story that simply dominates the headlines? Bust out an extra-large serving of “Jottings,” of course! For instance, Resorts World Las Vegas should turn it around in the latter half of this year, even if it’s merely the beneficiary of a rising tide lifting all boats in Sin City. Following a disappointing 2Q23 profit statement, owner Genting is projected to do better on the strength of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. But so will everybody else. By the same token, Resorts World Sentosa is expected to improve as visitation to Singapore, already impressive, continues to ramp upward … “Impeccable” is what Louisiana‘s top gaming regulator calls Cordish Cos. prior to its pending licensure in the Pelican State. We agree and Diamond Jacks owner Foundation Gaming must be pretty confident, too. It’s scrapped the riverboat casino and torn down the unprepossessing hotel, anticipating approval of owner-to-be Cordish. The latter intends to spend $250 million building a land-based casino, of which the state still has too few … Speaking of Cordish, the first of its intended casino sites in North Carolina cleared rezoning last week, despite loud public opposition. As the casino-legalization debate drags on in the Lege, opponents want to take it to a vote of the people. Given that polling shows as much as 55% support, casino detractors are playing a risky gambit …
WynnBet is pending further review in Michigan, where the outfit is coming off declining revenue and a particularly measly July. While 2.5% of the Internet-casino market might seem worth defending, sports betting receipts of $228,484 (before promotions) in July have to be embarrassing. Despite its brand name, WynnBet has never been a prime choice of bettors …
Early September wasn’t what Bally’s Corp. had in mind as a summer launch of its Medinah Temple temporary casino in Chicago. But we suspect they’ll take it, and gladly, as Illinois regulators prepare to vet practice gambling, starting Sept. 5. Bally’s is managing expectations by predicting it will make no more than $5 million a month through year’s end. We’re sure it will do better than that … From the crime blotter comes the sad news that Tropicana Atlantic City was the site of a mugging. Two 16-year-olds assaulted a female patron and stole her car keys (and her car). Trop security rose to the occasion by providing the video footage that led police to the culprits. “Note,” observes our Atlantic City bureau, “since New Jersey is generally a ‘no bail’ state, even adults would be set free, after they ‘promise’ to return to court at a later date. 16 year olds know they have nothing to worry about.”
Kentucky‘s brick-and-mortar sports books go live on Sept. 7, while the real action (online wagering) incepts on Sept. 28. It’s a victory for the Bluegrass State’s Lege and Gov. Andy Beshear (D), who both fast-tracked the largely popular augmentation of the state’s gaming industry. Global Gaming Business has the complex details … Caesars Entertainment is out of Raynham Park, which was counting on the casino titan to run its wannabe sports betting operation. Meanwhile, ESPN Bet is up for review and we predict Massachusetts regulators will be far more hospitable to it than to predecessor Barstool Sports.