Category Archives: Affinity Gaming

Torrid summer in Ohio; Kiddies for sports betting

Posted on July 8, 2021 by David McKee

We’ve been a busy bee of late. You can read our interview with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment‘s Pacific viceroy, Bobby Soper, see our preview of Resorts World Las Vegas or look back on 2020, the year that wasn’t in gaming. … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Atlantic City, Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cosmopolitan, DraftKings, FanDuel, Florida, Foxwoods, Hard Rock International, Illinois, Jack Entertainment, Law enforcement, Lotteries, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Politics, Resorts World LV, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Tribe, South Korea, Sports betting, Technology, Wall Street, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Icahn saves Trump Dump; Disaster in Pennsylvania

Posted on January 20, 2021 by David McKee

Carl Icahn‘s abusive-codependent attachment to Trump Plaza knows no ends. In his latest gambit, the magnate has kiboshed the implosion of the ramshackle ex-casino that had been slated for sometime in February, by dint of obtaining a cease-and-desist order. Instead, … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Atlantic City, Barstool Sports, Boyd Gaming, Carl Icahn, Charity, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Dan Gilbert, Donald Trump, Economy, FanDuel, Greenwood Racing, Internet gambling, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Wall Street, Wendover, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

Shopping the Trop; Nobu no-no

Posted on July 26, 2020 by David McKee

An unnamed hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip is being quietly advertised on private-equity forums. It’s listed as a “brand name” property that’s been in operation for over 30 years. The age would seem to suggest The Mirage (born 1989) … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, California, CityCenter, Connecticut, Cosmopolitan, Current, Dining, Downtown, Election, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Health, Hooters, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maverick Gaming, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Planet Hollywood, Politics, Real Estate, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Station Casinos, The Rio, The Strip, Transportation, Tribal, Twin River, Virgin Hotels, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Shopping the Trop; Nobu no-no

DFS dealt major setback; Mills is grist

Posted on February 10, 2020 by David McKee

Daily fantasy sports was dealt a major setback when a New York State court ruled it unlawful. It was deemed that the Lege had exceeded its remit by classifying DFS as a game of skill, not of chance. New York … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Churchill Downs, Connecticut, Crown Resorts, Detroit, DFS, Diversity, DraftKings, FanDuel, Foxwoods, International, Las Vegas Sands, Lotteries, Maine, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Penn National, Politics, Problem gambling, Regulation, Sports betting, Technology | Comments Off on DFS dealt major setback; Mills is grist

Macao saves Wynn; Soaked in Missouri

Posted on May 10, 2019 by David McKee

If it were just a question of Las Vegas Strip performance, Wynn Resorts would have very little good news to report. Gross gaming revenue ($166 million) was down 19% in 1Q19, its impact softened by an 11% increase in slot … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Connecticut, Eldorado Resorts, Foxwoods, Macau, Massachusetts, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Mohegan Sun, Penn National, Politics, Sports betting, The Strip, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Macao saves Wynn; Soaked in Missouri

Not his first Rodio; Less Intrigue at Wynn

Posted on April 15, 2019 by David McKee

Just as the clock was running out for Caesars Entertainment to name a new CEO, Carl Icahn‘s preferred candidate, Anthony Rodio, came across the transom, fresh from Affinity Gaming. Or so the Wall Street Journal says and the WSJ is … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Entertainment, Environment, Marijuana, Nevada, Sports, Taxes, The Strip, Tropicana Entertainment, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Not his first Rodio; Less Intrigue at Wynn

Around the horn

Posted on April 11, 2019 by David McKee

Gambling revenue hit a record amount in Maryland last month, up 9% to $164 million. The good news for MGM National Harbor was that winnings were up 4% to $64 million. The bad news is that this was driven by … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Dan Gilbert, Eldorado Resorts, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Illinois, Indiana, Isle of Capri, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Racinos, Rush Street Gaming, Taxes, Tribal, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on Around the horn

Midwest report; Icahn caps his bet; Churchill Downs grows

Posted on March 13, 2019 by David McKee

Missouri was down 4% last month, no explanation given, with a statewide gross of $134 million. The decline was driven by lower slot play, as table-game revenues ($20 million) were up 7%. Penn National Gaming had a good result at … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Churchill Downs, Eldorado Resorts, Internet gambling, Iowa, Isle of Capri, Kansas, Law enforcement, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Sports, Sports betting | Comments Off on Midwest report; Icahn caps his bet; Churchill Downs grows

Caesars: Icahn’s web of influence

Posted on March 5, 2019 by David McKee

We continue to learn more about Caesars Entertainment‘s capitulation to Carl Icahn. In addition to having the prerogative of naming his own CEO, if that fails, Icahn can add a fourth member to the Caesars board of directors. One of … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Eldorado Resorts, G2E, Macau, Technology, Wall Street | Comments Off on Caesars: Icahn’s web of influence

More Tamares tomfoolery; MGM evicts Hard Rock brand

Posted on March 4, 2019 by David McKee

Tamares Group has been up to its usual shenanigans, using the Plaza Hotel as a stalking horse. The latter slapped a quickie eviction notice on the Beauty Bar, citing multiple incidents involving repeated calls to Las Vegas Metro as the … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Architecture, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Election, Entertainment, Hard Rock International, International, Internet gambling, Law enforcement, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Palms, Sports betting, Station Casinos | 1 Comment

A change of heart on loco weed; Miller briefs Congress

Posted on February 11, 2019 by David McKee

In a development certain to make Nevada resort owners grind their teeth in envy, cannabis is predicted to be this year’s wellness trend. As you know, Nevada gaming regulators have hung a “Do Not Enter” sign on the recreational-marijuana industry … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, AGA, Architecture, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Geoff Freeman, history, Japan, Marijuana, Penn National, Politics, Regulation, Taxes | 2 Comments

18 Fremont’s cover blown; Resorts World LV delayed yet again

Posted on December 10, 2018 by David McKee

Last week, Ryan Hess stole Derek Stevens‘ thunder, posting a stunning rendering for 18 Fremont on Twitter and linking to an EB-5 visa Web page that included more sexy pictures — six swimming pools — of the Stevens brothers’ upcoming … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Architecture, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Dan Gilbert, Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, Eldorado Resorts, Full House Resorts, Genting, Indiana, International, Isle of Capri, Lucky Dragon, LVCVA, Majestic Star, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Steven Witkoff, The Strip, Tribal, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Stasis in Missouri; Steve Wynn’s got a secret

Posted on November 13, 2018 by David McKee

Missouri casinos grossed $138 million last month, essentially flat with 2017. The big winner was Eldorado Resorts, up 19% at Lumiere Place (shown, $13 million) but 9% lower at Isle of Capri Kansas City ($5 million). Boyd Gaming had an inauspicious … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, International, Iowa, Isle of Capri, Las Vegas Sands, Macau, Massachusetts, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Penn National, Regulation, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, Steve Wynn, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Case Bets

Posted on November 2, 2018 by David McKee

Anthony Rodio was hardly settled in the CEO’s chair at Affinity Gaming before he was greeted with a rap on the knuckles from the Missouri Gaming Commission. The latter fined Affinity’s Mark Twain Casino $50,000 for repeated incidences of cheating while … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, International, Macau, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Regulation, Security | Comments Off on Case Bets

Z covets Full House; Caesars: Fertitta out, MGM in?

Posted on October 29, 2018 by David McKee

Having recently subsumed Affinity Gaming, the eyes of Z Capital Partners have turned toward Full House Resorts. However, Z’s opening bid is so low that it looks like a typo: $1.79/share. That’s $132.5 million for five casinos. CEO Dan Lee … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Current, Dan Lee, Full House Resorts, G2E, International, Law enforcement, Marketing, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Philippines, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Tilman Fertitta, Wall Street | Comments Off on Z covets Full House; Caesars: Fertitta out, MGM in?

Rodio rebounds; Philly casino kaput

Posted on October 25, 2018 by David McKee

That was quick. Affinity Gaming made room in the CEO’s office in order to give the job to Tony Rodio. Newly unemployed, Tropicana Entertainment having been dissolved into Eldorado Resorts, Rodio wasn’t on the bread line for long. Rodio had … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Atlantic City, Cordish Co., Greenwood Racing, International, MGM Resorts International, Pennsylvania, Problem gambling, Tropicana Entertainment | 3 Comments

Maryland & other case bets

Posted on October 8, 2018 by David McKee

Growth in Maryland continued last month, if not at the spectacular rates we’ve seen previously. Gaming revenue rose 7% to $144 million. The leader, of course, was MGM National Harbor, jumping 10% to $54.5 million, which translates to $1.8 million/day. … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, California, Charity, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Florida, Golden Gaming, Macau, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, New York, Penn National, Rush Street Gaming, Sports, Technology, Tribal, West Virginia | Comments Off on Maryland & other case bets

Hot in August

Posted on September 12, 2018 by David McKee

Regional casinos were the big story last month, with four crucial jurisdictions all posting gains. (So, too, did Iowa but we rarely cover it in S&G because so few of the innumerable casinos make major amounts of revenue.) Maryland hopped … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Caesars Entertainment, Cordish Co., Dan Gilbert, Eldorado Resorts, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Indiana, Iowa, Majestic Star, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Rush Street Gaming, Taxes, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment | 1 Comment

A tale of four states

Posted on July 10, 2018 by David McKee

Illinois‘ casino industry has never recovered from the Great Recession. We’ll never know if it would have done so but the inception of slot routes has basically nipped any recovery in the bud. As such, the Land of Lincoln will … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Centaur Gaming, Dan Gilbert, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Illinois, Indiana, Majestic Star, MGM Mirage, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Rush Street Gaming, Slot routes, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street | Comments Off on A tale of four states

How much for a used Dragon?; Indiana good, Missouri ‘meh’

Posted on May 10, 2018 by David McKee

Believe it or not, there is “a lot of interest in the property at this time” according to Lucky Dragon Casino owner Andrew Fonfa, a contention independently verified by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. That being said, a Lucky Dragon sale is … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Architecture, Boyd Gaming, Centaur Gaming, Eldorado Resorts, Environment, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Harrah's, Horseracing, IGT, Indiana, Isle of Capri, Lucky Dragon, Majestic Star, Missouri, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Taxes, The Strip, Tribal, Wall Street, Wisconsin | Comments Off on How much for a used Dragon?; Indiana good, Missouri ‘meh’