Author Archives: David McKee

About David McKee

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Tumult at Golden Gate; Icahn to sell Trump Taj

Posted on February 8, 2017 by David McKee

It’s been a busy week or so for Derek Stevens. Last week, he started turning earth on the La Bayou site, preface to construction of a two-story slot parlor that Stevens expects to have finished by August. (He wastes no … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, Glenn Straub, Nevada, Politics, Revel, Unite-Here | Comments Off on Tumult at Golden Gate; Icahn to sell Trump Taj

Quote of the Day

Posted on February 7, 2017 by David McKee

“A comment by U.S. Attorney General-designate Jeff Sessions that he would ‘revisit’ the Department of Justice‘s opinion on the legality of online gaming also has been ‘overblown,’ [Chris Grove and Adam Krejcik] write. Sessions declined to be a co-sponsor in recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Internet gambling, Politics | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

MGM National Harbor a hit with players; Fertitta talks a good game

Posted on February 7, 2017 by David McKee

Given its high profile, MGM National Harbor had to hit a home run for MGM Resorts International and, judging by the numbers, it’s done just that. Last month it grossed $49 million, which — when the numbers are adjusted to … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Cordish Co., Downtown, GLPI, Golden Gaming, Goldman Sachs, Harrah's, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Mississippi, Neil Bluhm, Nevada, New York, Penn National, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes, Sports, Station Casinos, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on MGM National Harbor a hit with players; Fertitta talks a good game

Next stop, Terre Haute

Posted on February 3, 2017 by David McKee

Now that ex-Gov. Mike Pence (R) has moved on to bigger and better things, casino expansion is back on the table in Indiana. The question seems to be more one of “where” than “if.” Lawmakers are warming to Dan Lee‘s … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Lee, Economy, Full House Resorts, Illinois, Indiana, International, Isle of Capri, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Politics, Racinos, Slot routes, Taxes, Tribal | Comments Off on Next stop, Terre Haute

Quote of the Day

Posted on February 3, 2017 by David McKee

“This country was built on the backs of slaves, on land stolen from Indigenous peoples, and most of its inhabitants are descendants of immigrants. We will not be silent as our government discriminates based on religion and national origin – … Continue reading →

Posted in Culinary Union, history | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Wynn-Adelson feud renewed; Caesars readies wrecking ball

Posted on February 3, 2017 by David McKee

Until recently, Sheldon Adelson was the face of Republican Party fundraising. But the GOP’s new fair-haired boy is a certain Steve Wynn and Adelson doesn’t appear to be taking it lying down. His Las Vegas Review-Journal, showed uncharacteristic investigative moxie … Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Donald Trump, Downtown, Economy, Election, Harrah's, Macau, Marketing, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn | 2 Comments

Penn National backpedals; Feral bunnies terrorize Vegas

Posted on February 2, 2017 by David McKee

Penn National Gaming released fourth-quarter numbers and, according to Deutsche Bank‘s Carlo Santarelli acknowledged a “difficult start” at Hollywood Jamul (this despite having an extra-long runway to get the new property aloft). Santarelli called the tribal casino a “drag” on … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Atlantic City, California, Dining, Donald Trump, Election, Glenn Straub, GLPI, Hard Rock International, history, Illinois, Iowa, Japan, Macau, Marketing, Penn National, Regulation, Revel, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Tribal, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on Penn National backpedals; Feral bunnies terrorize Vegas

Quote of the Day

Posted on February 2, 2017 by David McKee

“Nevada gambling revenue has stayed relatively flat since 2009. It hasn’t rebounded to pre-recession levels of a decade ago.” — The Associated Press, still not getting the memo that the go-go days of 2007 are gone — and they’re not … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, history, Nevada | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

AGA sacks NFL; Ten opening on tenterhooks

Posted on February 1, 2017 by David McKee

Yes, we’re coming up on “The Big Game” and the American Gaming Association is as pass-happy as the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons offenses. It’s lobbing bombs anywhere from Eau Claire to Huntsville, from Fox Business Network to CBS Boston, … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Entertainment, Geoff Freeman, Glenn Straub, International, Internet gambling, New York, Regulation, Revel, South Dakota, Sports, TV | Comments Off on AGA sacks NFL; Ten opening on tenterhooks

Adelson out of stadium deal; Tepid December on Strip

Posted on January 31, 2017 by David McKee

It didn’t take long for Sandoval’s Folly, the mooted [your city here] Raiders stadium to blow up in the governor’s face. With characteristic irascibility, Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson withdrew from the project, taking his $650 million with him. … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Cordish Co., Cretins, Downtown, Economy, Foxwoods, GLPI, Harrah's, Horseracing, Japan, Laughlin, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Politics, Regulation, Reno, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, The Strip, Tribal, Virginia, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on Adelson out of stadium deal; Tepid December on Strip

Florida to Seminoles: F@&k you!

Posted on January 30, 2017 by David McKee

Although we’ve yet to hear from the Seminole Tribe, it’s a pretty strong bet that they’re not going to like Florida state Senate President Bill Galvano‘s proposed gaming-expansion legislation one darn bit. In a unanimous vote, Galvano’s Senate Regulated Industries … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Politics, Racinos, Seminole Tribe | 2 Comments

New Deal; Same old same-old at Wynncore

Posted on January 30, 2017 by David McKee

In a dramatic semi-reversal, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) has said he is open “to keep the discussion going” on casinos in the state. The governor’s sudden open mindedness comes with several caveats, including the assurance that casino gambling won’t detract … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Delaware, Donald Trump, Election, Georgia, Japan, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, South Carolina, Sports, Steve Wynn, Taxes, The Strip | Comments Off on New Deal; Same old same-old at Wynncore

Crescendo of criticism in Connecticut; Adelson has solid 3Q17

Posted on January 27, 2017 by David McKee

“These legislators have it right, and they are proposing what Connecticut should have done from day one: put in place a process that is fair, open, transparent, reliable, and competitive,” said MGM Resorts International spokesman Alan Feldman, as opposition to … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Donald Trump, Election, Foxwoods, Macau, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, Neil Bluhm, New York, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Crescendo of criticism in Connecticut; Adelson has solid 3Q17

Wynn Palace a work in progress; Hawaii ponders i-gaming

Posted on January 27, 2017 by David McKee

Wall Street analysts were pleasantly surprised by the latest results from Wynn Palace, which exceeded expectations. As JP Morgan analyst Joseph Greff wrote, the Palace “has reconfigured the main casino floor (mass market), adding new slot/poker sections and opening up … Continue reading →

Posted in Delaware, Economy, Hawaii, Internet gambling, Macau, Massachusetts, Neil Bluhm, Nevada, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Wall Street | Comments Off on Wynn Palace a work in progress; Hawaii ponders i-gaming

Maryland: Playing the blame game; Island casinos confront Trump

Posted on January 25, 2017 by David McKee

As might be expected, MGM National Harbor‘s opening strapped a jet pack on Maryland casino revenues for December, which came in at $133.5 million, easily surpassing last May’s then-record $104 million. Wagering — as opposed to win — per slot … Continue reading →

Posted in Cordish Co., Donald Trump, Economy, Harrah's, Horseracing, Illinois, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Maine, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Racinos, Regulation, Slot routes, Taxes, Tribal | Comments Off on Maryland: Playing the blame game; Island casinos confront Trump

Ideas plentiful, funding scarce

Posted on January 23, 2017 by David McKee

Maybe the third try will be the charm. Australian entrepreneur Josh Kearney has announced an $800 million, extreme-sports-themed resort, to arise just northeast of Town Square Mall (built on the grave of the troubled Vacation Village Casino). The Edge, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Economy, history, International, James Packer, Law enforcement, Lucky Dragon, Macau, Steve Wynn, The Crown 18, The Strip, Tribal, Wall Street, Wisconsin | Comments Off on Ideas plentiful, funding scarce

Quote of the Day

Posted on January 23, 2017 by David McKee

“I believe the right answer is it can be done, if it is done correctly. That being said, there are some disturbing decisions out there regarding how [the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act] would work with gaming off Indian lands. I think it … Continue reading →

Posted in Internet gambling, Regulation, Tribal | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Plainridge Park defies the odds; Gaming advocate’s conflict unearthed

Posted on January 23, 2017 by David McKee

States with lotteries are loath to let casinos in their borders. It’s an idea that’s D.O.A. in Nevada and Kansas protected its flank by making the casinos the property of the state lottery. However, a study by the Massachusetts Gaming … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Florida, Geoff Freeman, Hard Rock International, Internet gambling, Kansas, Massachusetts, Neil Bluhm, Nevada, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Seminole Tribe | Comments Off on Plainridge Park defies the odds; Gaming advocate’s conflict unearthed

Lukewarm Christmas in Louisiana; New casino for Indiana?

Posted on January 20, 2017 by David McKee

Despite an extra weekend in December, Louisiana gaming revenues were only modestly up, +4%, although gambling fever sure gripped Baton Rouge, where casinos won 14% more than last year. New Orleans has fallen to a distant third ($47 million) as … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, California, Churchill Downs, Dan Lee, Florida, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Harrah's, Indiana, Isle of Capri, Louisiana, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Seminole Tribe, Taxes, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on Lukewarm Christmas in Louisiana; New casino for Indiana?

Caesars liberated from bankruptcy; Wynn pitches tantrum

Posted on January 19, 2017 by David McKee

It’s not the end, nor the beginning of the end but the end of the beginning for the Caesars Entertainment bankruptcy, to paraphrase Winston Churchill.  So protracted has the bankruptcy been that its quiet resolution comes as an anticlimax.”I’ve never … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Donald Trump, Georgia, Harrah's, International, Japan, Macau, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Politics, South Korea, Steve Wynn, Wall Street | 1 Comment