Author Archives: David McKee

About David McKee

Bio

Casino moguls get stadium religion; Macao casinos not a Beijing priority

Posted on October 11, 2016 by David McKee

MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren has had a come-to-Jesus moment on Sheldon Adelson‘s proposed NFL stadium. After all, MGM stands the most to benefit from proximity to its all-but-certain Russell Road location. Failing to fund the stadium, Murren told … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Macau, MGM Mirage, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Steve Wynn, Taxes, The Strip | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on October 11, 2016 by David McKee

“It’s the city’s problems in a nutshell: a preference for generic slot boxes in place of resorts that capitalized on Atlantic City’s unique geography and history. A decent bet when it’s the only game in town, but a sure loser … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Economy, history | 2 Comments

Indiana does well, Missouri does better

Posted on October 11, 2016 by David McKee

Foot traffic at Indiana casinos was down last month but players wagered more freely, 4.5% up from last year, leading to an almost 2% increase in casino revenues. Penn National Gaming was right in line with overall state performance and … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Entertainment, Full House Resorts, Golden Gaming, Harrah's, Indiana, Isle of Capri, Majestic Star, Missouri, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, The Strip, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off on Indiana does well, Missouri does better

Local is beautiful; Adelson loses partner

Posted on October 10, 2016 by David McKee

Motley Fool columnist Travis Hoium says investors are missing a good bet if they overlook Las Vegas locals operators to focus on the big Las Vegas Strip players. He cites Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming and Penn National Gaming (presumably for … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Cosmopolitan, Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, history, Law enforcement, M Resort, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Palms, Penn National, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Technology, The Strip, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Trump Taj Mahal: End of an era; Wynn joins Atlanta pursuit

Posted on October 10, 2016 by David McKee

“It’s like saying goodbye to an old friend for the final time. I worked here and lived here, it was my whole life and now it’s closing. It’s all been taken away. My whole body is shaking.” So said longtime Trump … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Cordish Co., Donald Trump, Election, Florida, Geoff Freeman, Georgia, Greenwood Racing, Harrah's, history, International, Internet gambling, Neil Bluhm, Pennsylvania, Seminole Tribe, Steve Wynn, Tropicana Entertainment, Unite-Here | 1 Comment

Ohio: Gilbert to have the last laugh?

Posted on October 7, 2016 by David McKee

It looks like Dan Gilbert is gaining traction with his “Jack” brand (soon to be slathered over Greektown Casino in Gilbert’s native Detroit). Although Jack Cincinnati was flat ($15 million), its counterparts in Cleveland ($17 million) and at ThistleDown Racino … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Gilbert, Detroit, Eldorado Resorts, Marketing, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos | 1 Comment

Pittsburgh pleads with Rivers Casino; Strong numbers from Maryland, Illinois

Posted on October 7, 2016 by David McKee

Pittsburgh is essentially saying “Pretty please” to Rush Street Gaming‘s Rivers Casino, begging the latter to keep voluntarily paying $10 million a year to the city, even though Rush Street is no longer under any legal obligation to do so. Pittsburgh Finance … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Cordish Co., Cosmopolitan, GLPI, Golden Gaming, Harrah's, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Racinos, Taxes, Technology, The Strip | 6 Comments

Florida grilled over blackjack games; Caesars’ lucky streak continues

Posted on October 7, 2016 by David McKee

Things are looking grim for Florida Gov. Rick Scott‘s case against the Seminole Tribe. An attorney for the state was described as getting “shellacked” by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle. The latter zeroed in on the state’s “designated player games” … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Galaxy Entertainment, Harrah's, IGT, International, Internet gambling, Isle of Capri, Massachusetts, Philippines, Problem gambling, Racinos, Regulation, Seminole Tribe, Stanley Ho, Technology, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off on Florida grilled over blackjack games; Caesars’ lucky streak continues

National Harbor opening looms; Murren’s march through Georgia

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

Lucky Dragon Casino had better enjoy its 15 minutes of fame while they last because all eyes will turn to the East Coast on Dec. 8, when MGM Resorts International opens MGM National Harbor. CEO Jim Murren is already predicting … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Dining, Economy, Florida, Georgia, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Maryland, MGM Mirage, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Taxes, Technology, Tribal | 1 Comment

What is “good faith”?; Landslide shaping up in New Jersey

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

Who broke the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe? That question is at the nub of a bench trial over the Seminoles’ disputed blackjack games. A win for Gov. Rick Scott (R) could be Pyrrhic, costing … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Delaware, Election, Florida, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting, Hard Rock International, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, Nevada, Racinos, Regulation, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, The Mob, Tribal | Comments Off on What is “good faith”?; Landslide shaping up in New Jersey

Penn: The wait is over; Scientific strikes again

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

On Oct. 10, the same day that Trump Taj Mahal is scheduled to close, Penn National Gaming will open the long-deferred Hollywood Casino Jamul (federal approvals had been holding it up). In celebration, Penn is announcing that relief of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, California, Downtown, Georgia, Minnesota, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Scientific Games, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off on Penn: The wait is over; Scientific strikes again

Quote of the Day

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

“Frankly, the bar industry was dead. A lot of people were coming out of the good times when small business owners were making money, when business went bad. Three or four of our locations went bankrupt. And when a small … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Illinois, Slot routes | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Crisis mode in Pennsylvania; Hard Rock unifies the brand

Posted on October 3, 2016 by David McKee

Although Pennsylvania lawmakers theoretically have three months to amend an “incredibly complex” state law that directs casino revenue to host cities and counties, the grim reality is that the Lege has only eight session days in which to get it … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Charity, Eldorado Resorts, Florida, G2E, Greenwood Racing, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock International, International, Macau, Pennsylvania, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Technology, TV, Wall Street | Comments Off on Crisis mode in Pennsylvania; Hard Rock unifies the brand

Quote of the Day

Posted on October 3, 2016 by David McKee

“Courage is not the absence of fear but our capacity for action despite fear.” — Sen. John McCain (R)

Posted in Arizona | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Trump: The art of losing (money); Daylight in Macao

Posted on October 3, 2016 by David McKee

Being the most inept casino developer in American history (four bankruptcies speak for themselves) has its advantages. The red ink hemorrhaged by Donald Trump‘s Atlantic City casinos spilled over onto his 1995 income-tax form, enabling the mogul to record a … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Harrah's, Macau, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Tilman Fertitta, Wall Street | 3 Comments

Stadium debate heats up; Seminole Tribe ousts boss

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

  While it looked for a moment like the wheels were greased for an NFL stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, financed primarily by hotel-room taxes, there’s a bit less certainty today. For one thing, Sheldon Adelson either assumed or … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Economy, Florida, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Macau, MGM Mirage, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Taxes, The Strip | 2 Comments

Industry braces for post-Reid void

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

Why has Geoff Freeman become such an outspoken voice in favor of the gaming industry? In part to fill the vacuum soon to be left by retiring Sen. Harry Reid (D). One of the two candidates running to replace him, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Geoff Freeman, Harrah's, Harry Reid, MGM Mirage, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos | Comments Off on Industry braces for post-Reid void

Pennsylvania casinos trounce state; MGM looks to Brazil

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

Pennsylvania cities and counties could find themselves short of money soon — and legislators have to locate even more cash on short notice, as though the current budget impasse wasn’t trouble enough. The commonwealth has been given three months, tops, by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Greenwood Racing, IGT, International, Internet gambling, Japan, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Pennsylvania, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Taxes, The Strip | Comments Off on Pennsylvania casinos trounce state; MGM looks to Brazil

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

“What we have found is that the current slot product simply does not appeal. Just taking ‘Call of Duty’ and sticking on a slot machine will not do anything.” — Downtown Grand Chairman Seth Schorr, advocating e-sports and a new approach … Continue reading →

Posted in Downtown, G2E, Marketing, Technology | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 29, 2016 by David McKee

Our jobs are every bit as patriotic as auto-worker jobs.” — MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren, on the emergence of the casino industry as a power player in national politics.

Posted in Economy, Election, MGM Mirage, Politics | Comments Off on Quote of the Day