Author Archives: David McKee

About David McKee

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Special Edition: Rumblings from around Big Gaming

Posted on December 4, 2021 by David McKee

Update: The Seminole Tribe has finally, grudgingly stopped taking sports bets, effective yesterday. At the risk of using the Seminole Tribe as a punching bag, we have to observe that it clearly doesn’t understanding the meaning of the word “no,” … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Bally, Baseball, Caesars Entertainment, Conventions, Cordish Co., Cosmopolitan, DraftKings, Health, IGT, Law enforcement, Macau, Marketing, MGM Mirage, MGM Resorts International, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Real Estate, Regulation, Scientific Games, Seminole Tribe, Sports betting, The Strip | 2 Comments

Off-topic: Medical update

Posted on December 3, 2021 by David McKee

Forgive me if I get personal for a moment. Yesterday, in a fit of depression brought on by an impending medical procedure, I mentioned “life-threatening surgery.” Well, the surgical procedures for which I was scheduled (which involved removal of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Mega-Jottings

Posted on December 2, 2021 by David McKee

Hollywood Morgantown will open Dec. 22, just in time to capture a share of end-of-year business. The $111 million Penn National Gaming facility will feature 750 slots, 30 table games and cashless betting … The Seminole Tribe continues to offer … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Florida, Hard Rock International, International, Law enforcement, Macau, Money laundering, North Dakota, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Reno, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Tribe, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Tribal, Virginia, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

Strip sizzles, locals thriftier; Penn’s pride and joy

Posted on November 30, 2021 by David McKee

While tourists were more open-handed than ever, cash flow among Las Vegas locals may be drying up, as win/day fell 11% from September. By contrast, the same metric from the Las Vegas Strip was +6%. Further tipping the scales against … Continue reading →

Posted in Barstool Sports, Boulder Strip, California, Cretins, Downtown, Economy, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Nevada, New York, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Reno, Sports betting, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Wendover | 1 Comment

Seminoles to feds: “F*** off”; Strip casinos drive down employment

Posted on November 24, 2021 by David McKee

In a big “up yours” to the federal judiciary, the Seminole Tribe—after momentarily pausing—has resumed taking sports bets and is effectively daring the courts to do something about it. If that weren’t nervy enough, the Seminoles have asked Judge Dabney … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Economy, Florida, history, Seminole Tribe, Sexual misconduct, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Seminole compact nixed: Biden, DeSantis, Seminoles all lose

Posted on November 23, 2021 by David McKee

Floridians, we hope you enjoyed sports betting for all of the three weeks in which it was legal in the Sunshine State. Why? Because last night a federal judge struck down the Seminole Tribe‘s new compact with Gov. Ron DeSantis … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Australia, Chicago, Connecticut, Crown Resorts, DraftKings, Election, FanDuel, Florida, Hard Rock International, Law enforcement, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Penn National, Politics, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Tribe, Sports, Station Casinos, Taxes, Transportation, Tribal | 1 Comment

Chicago reveals all; Rumblings from Macao; Riot in Vegas

Posted on November 22, 2021 by David McKee

The City of Chicago unveiled the applications for its casino license late Friday, effectively burying it at the end of a news cycle, in another triumph for Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) and her administration. The five submissions “are in line … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Bally, Barstool Sports, Chicago, China, Cretins, Entertainment, Genting, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Health, IGT, Illinois, Las Vegas Raiders, Macau, Maryland, Mattress Mack, Neil Bluhm, New Jersey, New York, Problem gambling, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming, Sports, Sports betting, Tourism, Transportation | 5 Comments

Big month for MGM in Michigan; Las Vegas, city of stiffs

Posted on November 19, 2021 by David McKee

Cumulative Internet gambling and sports betting revenues racked up $134 million last month, the vast majority going to i-gaming, some $110 million. Sports books essentially gave away the store, with 81% of revenues going right back out the door in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, CQ Holdings, DraftKings, Economy, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Greenwood Racing, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Big month for MGM in Michigan; Las Vegas, city of stiffs

Atlantic City still booming; Churchill Downs wins in Terre Haute

Posted on November 18, 2021 by David McKee

It was another bonanza month for the Boardwalk, as casinos grossed $237.5 million in October, 17% above 2019. Slot win was up 22% on 19% more coin-in and tables won 6% on 9% higher wagering and despite lower hold. Borgata … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., DraftKings, FanDuel, FoxBet, Full House Resorts, Golden Nugget, Greenwood Racing, Hard Rock International, Indiana, International, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Money laundering, Ocean Resort, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, Tribal, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Atlantic City: Does it pay to improve?; Bicycle Casino’s flat tire

Posted on November 16, 2021 by David McKee

New Jersey giveth, New Jersey taketh away. The priority of the Lege’s lame-duck session will not be ending smoking in Atlantic City casinos but something much nearer and dearer to casino executives’ hearts: Revising the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Bally, Caesars Entertainment, California, Card rooms, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock International, Law enforcement, MGM Resorts International, Money laundering, Morris Bailey, New Jersey, Ocean Resort, Taxes | 2 Comments

Encore owns Massachusetts; Online slot players hosed

Posted on November 15, 2021 by David McKee

Massachusetts gaming revenue accelerated to $96 million last month, 23% higher than 2019. Encore Boston Harbor vaulted 37% to $63 million—yes, two-thirds of the statewide gross and well above Deutsche Bank‘s forecast of $55 million. Despite Wynn Resorts‘ dominance, Plainridge … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cretins, Detroit, Economy, FanDuel, Hard Rock International, Illinois, Iowa, Law enforcement, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Nebraska, Neil Bluhm, New Jersey, North Carolina, Peninsula Pacific, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Racinos, Regulation, Sports, Sports betting, Tribal, TV, Virginia, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Wynn spits out SPAC; Penn slammed; Indiana impresses

Posted on November 12, 2021 by David McKee

Headlines are still being made by Wynn Resorts this week. Shockwaves continue to reverberate from CEO Matt Maddox‘s surprise retirement, nearly one year ahead of schedule. His departure comes at a delicate point in negotiations with Macao (or should we … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Cordish Co., DraftKings, Drugs, Entertainment, FanDuel, Fontainebleau, Full House Resorts, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Indiana, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Marketing, New York, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Tribal, TV, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Wynn drops bombshells; Portnoy’s complaint

Posted on November 10, 2021 by David McKee

Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox is leaving the building, effective Jan. 31. This shockeroo, which inspired a banner headline in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was trundled out just minutes before the 3Q21 earnings call. Maddox will be succeeded by veteran … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Arizona, Atlantic City, Bally, Barstool Sports, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, China, Diversity, Economy, GLPI, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock International, Health, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Movies, New York, Ocean Resort, Oklahoma, Penn National, Politics, Sexual misconduct, Sheldon Adelson, Sports betting, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Tribal, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

New York picks winners, losers; Ohio, even Illinois flex muscles

Posted on November 9, 2021 by David McKee

In hopes of having online sports betting operational in time for the Super Bowl, Empire State gaming regulators announced their picks for the state’s nine OSB license applications late yesterday. Winners were BetMGM (just as Bill Hornbuckle predicted), DraftKings, FanDuel, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Delaware, DFS, DraftKings, Economy, Environment, Failsinos, FanDuel, FoxBet, Foxwoods, Full House Resorts, Genting, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Illinois, International, Jack Entertainment, Lake Tahoe, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi, Missouri, Mohegan Sun, New York, Ohio, Penn National, PointsBet, Racinos, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, Taxes, Technology, West Virginia, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

DraftKings talks big, persuades few; Rancor in Richmond

Posted on November 8, 2021 by David McKee

DraftKings divided analysts with its 3Q21 earnings report. Credit Suisse pundit Ben Chaiken said the company was “moving the ball down the field.” That’s despite revenues of $212 million that well undershot Wall Street‘s expected $238 million, rather like a … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Arizona, Baseball, Canada, Delaware, Donald Trump, DraftKings, Election, Golden Nugget, Health, history, Internet gambling, James Packer, Louisiana, Marketing, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Sports betting, Texas, Tribal, TV, Virginia, Wall Street | Comments Off on DraftKings talks big, persuades few; Rancor in Richmond

MGM to sell Mirage; Caesars disappoints Wall Street

Posted on November 4, 2021 by David McKee

At a time when the north Las Vegas Strip is finally heating up, MGM Resorts International has chosen this moment to put The Mirage on the market. Although it’s 32 years old (224 in dog years), The Mirage should fetch … Continue reading →

Posted in BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Conventions, Cosmopolitan, Economy, Election, Hard Rock International, Health, Internet gambling, Jim Murren, Lake Tahoe, Louisiana, Macau, Marketing, MGM Resorts International, New Jersey, New York, Palms, Penn National, Phil Ruffin, Planet Hollywood, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Sports betting, The Strip, Vici Properties, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Urban One loses; Station thinks big; NFL gets into the slot biz

Posted on November 3, 2021 by David McKee

Richmond voters narrowly chose to cut off their nose to spite their face, voting 51.5% against the Urban One casino proposal. Since casinos were approved by at least 65% in four other Virginia cities in 2020, the resounding question is … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristocrat, Caesars Entertainment, California, Dining, DraftKings, Election, Florida, Hard Rock International, Health, International, Iowa, Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, MGM Resorts International, Michael Gaughan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Palms, Politics, Real Estate, Resorts World LV, Seminole Tribe, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Taxes, Technology, Transportation, Tribal, Virginia, Wall Street, Washington State | 6 Comments

Chicago: Then there were five (?); LV Sands huddles with NY Mets

Posted on November 1, 2021 by David McKee

Or is it three? In the end, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) drew one heavyweight contender for the Windy City casino and a pair of middleweights. Two of the applicants made parlay bids, so the city could crow that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally, Barstool Sports, Baseball, BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cretins, DraftKings, Election, FanDuel, Florida, Genting, Hard Rock International, Illinois, Indiana, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, MGM Resorts International, Neil Bluhm, New Hampshire, New York, Peninsula Pacific, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Sheldon Adelson, Sports betting, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Rockin’ hard; Miller gives anti-smokers hope; Packer’s wrist slapped

Posted on October 29, 2021 by David McKee

Hard Rock International CEO Jim Allen (left) is bullish on the New York City market, if not downright aggressive. In maybe the highlight to come out of the East Coast Gaming Congress, Allen asserted his company’s interest in a New … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Animals, Atlantic City, Australia, Caesars Entertainment, China, Crown Resorts, Election, Genting, Golden Gaming, Greenwood Racing, Hard Rock International, Health, Illinois, Indiana, James Packer, Kentucky, Laughlin, Law enforcement, Lotteries, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Money laundering, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pahrump, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Scientific Games, Slot routes, Sports betting, Taxes, The Crown 18, Tribal, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Baccarat cools Las Vegas a bit; Boyd sets records; Reno bans whips

Posted on October 27, 2021 by David McKee

Stimulus cash may be petering out somewhat and international tourism has yet to open the floodgates, so September found Nevada on something of a cusp between the supercharged recovery of the summer and the hoped-for travel rebound in 4Q21. Still, … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, California, Conventions, Culinary Union, Downtown, FanDuel, Hawaii, Health, Internet gambling, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Law enforcement, Louisiana, Marketing, Nevada, New Jersey, North Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Politics, Reno, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, TV, Wall Street | Comments Off on Baccarat cools Las Vegas a bit; Boyd sets records; Reno bans whips