Author Archives: David McKee

About David McKee

Bio

Strike two for Foxwoods, shadow play at Suffolk

Posted on October 4, 2013 by David McKee

In a development that caught the eye of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, former Mashantucket Pequot tribal treasurer Steven Thomas has pleaded out on theft charges one day after resigning from the tribal council. His brother, Michael Thomas, has already been … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Foxwoods, Harrah's, Macau, Massachusetts, Regulation | Comments Off on Strike two for Foxwoods, shadow play at Suffolk

Comeback for Lee; Penn, Mohegans get thumbs-up

Posted on October 3, 2013 by David McKee

Palms Casino Resort, which could use some casino-savvy brainpower at its helm, believes it has found it in new CEO Dan Lee. Out the door, unceremoniously, goes the much-bounced-around Joseph Magliarditi, who ricocheted to the Palms by way of M … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Dan Lee, Dining, Downtown, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mohegan Sun, Palms, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Regulation, Wall Street | 1 Comment

N.Y. casino expansion in danger; Macao: Full to bursting

Posted on October 3, 2013 by David McKee

A poll on Proposition One, conducted by Parkside Group, shows casino expansion in New York State enjoying a bare majority of 51%. If that doesn’t galvanize Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and other supporters into action, it ought to — especially … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Election, Macau, New York, Politics, Station Casinos, Tourism, Transportation, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off on N.Y. casino expansion in danger; Macao: Full to bursting

Quote of the Day

Posted on October 3, 2013 by David McKee

“However, with baccarat volumes showing signs of stagnation …  and slots (flat over the LTM period) stable but uninspiring, we continue to struggle with the cadence and sustainability of this Strip recovery in the near to medium term.” — Deutsche … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, The Strip, Wall Street | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

D-Day for Mohegans, Penn; MGM restructures

Posted on October 2, 2013 by David McKee

In Massachusetts, initial approval will be granted or denied to Mohegan Sun and to Penn National Gaming as prospective operators. In both cases, it seems unlikely that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission with unearth any dead bodies. The focus will be … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Current, Dubai, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, Penn National, Politics, Regulation, The Strip, Wall Street | Comments Off on D-Day for Mohegans, Penn; MGM restructures

Florida: State of frustration

Posted on October 2, 2013 by David McKee

Given its mix of climate, tourism and geographic isolation from other U.S. casinos, Florida has always seemed a natural for casino expansion. Yet it remains — unless you’re the Seminole Tribe — a stubbornly disappointing market. That perception is unlikely … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Florida, Genting, Ohio, Tourism, Tribal | 1 Comment

Atlantic City: Exit Pinnacle, turnover at Revel; Invading Japan

Posted on October 1, 2013 by David McKee

It took three years and a frightful loss ($239 million), but Pinnacle Entertainment is finally shot of Lee’s Folly, the Sands Casino Hotel site that ex-CEO Dan Lee bought for $270 million during the boom years … and which promptly … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, International, Japan, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, Pinnacle Entertainment, Revel, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Station Casinos | 1 Comment

New York: Lies, damned lies and ballot language

Posted on October 1, 2013 by David McKee

Seemingly bereft of urgency, the scrum over gambling expansion in New York State has yet to become a real fight. The Empire State’s Catholic bishops, while deeming gambling “a morally neutral act,” urged parishioners to “very carefully consider” the consequences … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Election, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Problem gambling | Comments Off on New York: Lies, damned lies and ballot language

Massachusetts: The deadline that wasn’t

Posted on October 1, 2013 by David McKee

Yesterday was the day ultimate for filing casino applications in the state’s southeastern region. Kinda. Sorta. Maybe. Only KG Urban Enterprises actually bothered to file. Of course, the region is meant as a set-aside for the Mashpee Wampanoags … but … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Cordish Co., Harrah's, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Tribal | Comments Off on Massachusetts: The deadline that wasn’t

“Mob” exits Trop; Goretorium exiting Vegas?; Adelson keeps losing

Posted on October 1, 2013 by David McKee

Having served its purpose in getting the (rather soporific) Mob Attraction off the ground — including forgiving some lease payments — the Tropicana Las Vegas finds itself kicked to the curb. The Attraction will move to a new site (reputedly … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Current, Entertainment, Harrah's, Macau, Phil Ruffin, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip | Comments Off on “Mob” exits Trop; Goretorium exiting Vegas?; Adelson keeps losing

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 30, 2013 by David McKee

“When some casinos say that they are in the gaming industry and not really in the business of providing financial services, I get the impression that they are saying that they should not have as much responsibility in the [anti-money … Continue reading →

Posted in G2E | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

August: Hot on the Strip

Posted on September 30, 2013 by David McKee

Boy, did the house win big last August. Las Vegas Strip gambling revenues were up 20%, driven by exceptionally lucky baccarat play (win up 55.5%), in a month when 1.5% less was wagered on the game. (A modest increase in … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Current, Downtown, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, North Las Vegas, Reno, The Strip | Comments Off on August: Hot on the Strip

Opening tonight!

Posted on September 27, 2013 by David McKee

When I’m not pecking out S&G, I’ve usually got some theatrical endeavor going. My latest one debuts tonight: Edward Albee‘s A Delicate Balance, staged in “total theater” fashion at Las Vegas Little Theatre Studio. The action will take place on … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Entertainment | Comments Off on Opening tonight!

Busted!; Crystals off the block; Rumble in Macao

Posted on September 27, 2013 by David McKee

Archie Karas (real name Anargyros Karabourniotis), high roller and reputed casino cheat is cooling his butt in a Las Vegas jail cell right now. The advantage player is facing extradition on charges that he bilked Barona Casino out of eight grand … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Current, Economy, Foxwoods, Macau, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Busted!; Crystals off the block; Rumble in Macao

Great idea, little hope; Another Palms flop

Posted on September 27, 2013 by David McKee

“I grew up playing Atari and Nintendo, and I want to believe my skill in these games has some effect on the outcome.” So says American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman, lending his support to a new line of skill-based … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally Technologies, Dining, Foxwoods, G2E, Horseracing, IGT, Mohegan Sun, Palms, Technology | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 27, 2013 by David McKee

“When a television show goes off the air, it only has the longevity or staying power that is commensurate with the charm, intelligence, humour and great acting ability and the principal character.” — Adam West, wryly promoting Aristocrat Technologies new … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristocrat, G2E, Technology, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

A good day for Caesars

Posted on September 26, 2013 by David McKee

In a preliminary victory for Caesars Entertainment, the vote on its Suffolk Downs racino proposal will be restricted to the East Boston ward. Sentiment is expected to run more heavily pro-Caesars there than in Boston at large. (The company plans … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Entertainment, Harrah's, Maryland, Massachusetts, Racinos, The Strip | Comments Off on A good day for Caesars

Murren woos Maryland; Downtown Grand shows promise

Posted on September 26, 2013 by David McKee

After hinting at a low-key design for his National Harbor casino proposal, MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren rolled out something fairly spectacular. The terraced, canopied design looks not a little futuristic and the Las Vegas Review-Journal was right to … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Dining, Downtown, Hard Rock International, International, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip | 1 Comment

Caesars spooks Wall Street; Florida fumbles

Posted on September 26, 2013 by David McKee

Not surprisingly, Caesars Entertainment stock took a dip this morning. Why the lack of surprise? The company is further diluting its value by preparing to issue 10 million additional shares of common stock. “While we would view the announcement as … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Florida, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Phil Ruffin, Politics, Racinos, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Somebody sent us this

Posted on September 26, 2013 by David McKee

Aria is sending the message loud and clear that it’s all about The Pretty. You and I need not apply. Let’s face it, there are new target demographics and middle-aged Americans aren’t it. My spy at G2E has been checking … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Current, G2E, Marketing, Technology | Comments Off on Somebody sent us this