Transparency in gaming sustained a couple of blows this week. A proposed ‘black book’ to keep felons out of Illinois slot routes was blocked by legislative forces this week. The excuse given was that the Illinois Gaming Board was acting too quickly. The not-so-fine hand of state Rep. Lou Lang (D) helped smother this baby in its crib.
For transparency and depth of reportage, nobody’s monthly casino reports match those of New Jersey. However, in what looks suspiciously like an economy measure, the reports are being gutted. This will be a great setback to scholars and journalist alike. “The breakdowns also allowed the public to spot trends, such as an unusually high loss at a specific game, which could indicate either fraud or a high-roller who had taken the property for millions,” reports The Press of Atlantic City. Oversight and transparency have taken it on the chin during the Chris Christie (R) administration and this is just the latest blow.
The longer Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) waits to decide on a Menominee Tribe casino, the higher the pressure gets. Perhaps that’s his endgame: To plead that he was forced into approving it by outside forces.
Only a small handful of rank-and-file workers from the Atlantic Club Hotel are going to find employment with Cordish Cos.’ Maryland Live casino. However, Tropicana Entertainment is wasting no time scarfing up veteran player-development executives. Another one has been hired at the Golden Nugget. It’s clear why Tropicana bought the player lists and casino inventory. Why Caesars Entertainment felt a need to have the builder remains cryptic, although frivolous expenditures are characteristic of current management.
