Category Archives: Current

Fizz-le

Posted on December 9, 2013 by David McKee

Caesars Palace has no shortage of excellent dining and drinking venues. A recent walk-through drove that point home. So I suppose it’s entitled to have a turkey amidst the cornucopia and Fizz is it. We visited last week and will … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Entertainment, Harrah's, The Strip | Comments Off

Big coup for Lumiere; Where next, Vegas?

Posted on December 6, 2013 by David McKee

And Caesars Entertainment‘s March stop on the World Series of Poker is … Lumiere Place?!?!? Yes, a marquee Caesars attraction is being held on Tropicana Entertainment property. The reason is twofold. One, Horseshoe Cleveland isn’t big enough to handle the … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Detroit, Harrah's, Marketing, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Station Casinos, Technology, Tropicana Entertainment, World Series of Poker | Comments Off

Rising sun; Falling Poster; Crosby gets funky

Posted on December 5, 2013 by David McKee

Japan‘s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has been stymied in introducing pro-casino legislation in the Diet, thanks to grumbling, naysaying Buddhist coalition partners. But other parties have been building a casino coalition. According to The Straits Times, a “cross-party group of Japanese … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Internet gambling, Japan, Massachusetts, Politics, Regulation, Slot routes | Comments Off

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 5, 2013 by David McKee

“How can I enjoy my Christmas when I know that somewhere a little Jewish boy isn’t being forced to sing ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’?” — Jon Stewart, on the so-called ‘war on Christmas.‘

Posted in Current, TV | Comments Off

Dancing at the Downs; Sheldon Adelson, Luddite

Posted on December 3, 2013 by David McKee

Suffolk Downs isn’t going to have to perform the limbo to bring its casino project into zoning conformity but some fancy footwork will be required. Instead of one structure, there will have to be two. Non-gaming amenities will be clustered … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally Technologies, Current, Harrah's, IGT, Internet gambling, Massachusetts, Mohegan Sun, Regulation, Sam Nazarian, Sheldon Adelson, Technology | Comments Off

Discord over Macao, harmony at MGM

Posted on November 21, 2013 by David McKee

If there’s anything murkier than the gambling subculture of Macao, it’s the report on same issued by U.S.-China Economic Security Review Commission. Its conclusion that money laundering “might be out there” won’t come to a shock to anyone. U.S. casino companies … Continue reading →

Posted in Culinary Union, Current, Macau, MGM Mirage, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street | Comments Off

Case Bets: Scientific, Japan, Pennsylvania, Arizona

Posted on November 19, 2013 by David McKee

Happy trails to Scientific Games CEO Lorne Weil, who got the axe this morning. He was immediately replaced by former Revlon CEO David L. Kennedy. Revlon ower Ronald Perelman takes over as CEO. Kennedy isn’t a newcomer to Scientific: He … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Cannery Casino Resorts, Current, Greenwood Racing, Harrah's, Isle of Capri, Japan, Neil Bluhm, Pennsylvania, Scientific Games, Sheldon Adelson, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off

Racing the clock at Foxwoods, in Philly

Posted on November 15, 2013 by David McKee

It’s entirely possible that Milford voters could pink-slip Crossroads Massachusetts next Tuesday. But even if they don’t, Foxwoods Casino Resort CEO Scott “Woody” Butera is watching the project crumble before his very eyes. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission looked at the … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Cordish Co., Current, Dining, Election, Foxwoods, Horseracing, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Steve Wynn, Tomato King Procacci, Wall Street | Comments Off

X Train dead? Is so! Is not!

Posted on November 15, 2013 by David McKee

“I’ll believe when I see it” has always been a good policy to follow when dealing with the X Train. This, you may recall, was the rail service that was to be underwritten with onboard gambling and was to double … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Dining, Downtown, North Las Vegas, Tamares Group, Tourism, Transportation | Comments Off

N.Y. claims first casualty: Steve Wynn; Walker’s waiting game

Posted on November 11, 2013 by David McKee

For the second time, Steve Wynn is pulling out of contention for the one remaining Philadelphia casino license. In a prepared statement, Wynn Resorts said its board had recently met, conducted a feasibility study and “decided that the best course … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Charity, Current, Isle of Capri, Massachusetts, New York, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Steve Wynn, Tomato King Procacci, Tribal, Wisconsin | 2 Comments

A New York State of mind; What price corruption?

Posted on November 8, 2013 by David McKee

New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) came out of hiding to crow about the big casino victory last Tuesday. He and his allies are being credited with keeping the Proposal One campaign focused on education aid and job creation, … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Current, Election, Foxwoods, Harrah's, International, M Resort, Mohegan Sun, New York, Penn National, Racinos | 2 Comments

Indiana up and down; Garber agonistes

Posted on November 8, 2013 by David McKee

Casinos in Indiana grossed 3% less last month but still far outperformed ($193 million) neighboring Illinois and Ohio. Patron traffic was 9% down but visitor spend rose 7%. Penn National Gaming‘s Hollywood Lawrenceburg got absolutely hammered by new competition from … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Charity, Cordish Co., Current, Economy, Harrah's, Indiana, Internet gambling, Japan, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Regulation, Station Casinos, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off

Penn overboard!; Macao’s zenith

Posted on November 7, 2013 by David McKee

First the good news about Ohio: Gambling revenue was up 47% last month. Now, the bad news. One a same-store basis it was down 2% year/year. Who knew the Buckeye State would get saturated so quickly? The statewide gross was … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Current, Dan Gilbert, Delaware, Economy, Harrah's, Illinois, Internet gambling, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Missouri, MTR Gaming, Neil Bluhm, Ohio, Penn National, Racinos, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, Station Casinos, Tourism, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Caesars to Empire State; Colony to Chapter 11

Posted on November 7, 2013 by David McKee

When Caesars Entertainment made a discreet donation to the pro-casino campaign in New York State, we should have known that something was up. Sure enough, state Sen. John Bonacic (R) says Caesars is interested in a Sullivan County casino. Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Colony Capital, Current, Dan Lee, Donald Trump, Foxwoods, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, New York, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Sheldon Adelson, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Election Special: No surprise in New York, big surprise in Massachusetts

Posted on November 6, 2013 by David McKee

Massachusetts may not be ready for casino gambling (unless Steve Wynn is building it). Voters said no and again no yesterday, in a series of referendums. Mohegan Sun is — quite understandably — asking for a recount. Its casino proposal … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Current, Election, Foxwoods, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, New York, Politics, Regulation, Steve Wynn, World Series of Poker | 2 Comments

CityCenter 1.5; Casinos vs. Atlantic City, Round Two

Posted on November 5, 2013 by David McKee

MGM Resorts International and Anschutz Entertainment Group have unfurled the big- and small-picture details of their 12-acre, 20,000-seat arena. For an in-depth description, I direct you to Alan Snel‘s excellent account. The announcement refuels speculation that AEG (operator of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, CityCenter, Colony Capital, Current, Economy, Hard Rock International, International, Japan, Macau, MGM Mirage, Politics, Sports, Taxes, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street, Wisconsin | Comments Off

Election Day!; Mad Max; Deadpan humor in Wisconsin

Posted on November 5, 2013 by David McKee

Today’s a big day for casino-related votes in New York State and Massachusetts. In the former, New York City holds the key to the outcome. The Five Boroughs are expected to represent for 42% of statewide voting. Mind you, NYC wouldn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Current, Economy, Election, Foxwoods, Harrah's, history, Horseracing, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Racinos, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Wisconsin | Comments Off

Suffolk Downs postscript

Posted on November 4, 2013 by David McKee

Caesars Entertainment being out of the Suffolk Downs equation, the would-be racino has been dubbed “a headless horseman” by opponents and faces an uncertain fate at the ballot box. One might well question Suffolk owner Richard Fields on why his … Continue reading →

Posted in Colorado, Current, Harrah's, Massachusetts, Problem gambling, Regulation, Wall Street | Comments Off

Falling upward in Nevada; MGM: The Lion meows

Posted on October 31, 2013 by David McKee

Helped by a wee bit of late-August slot revenue, Nevada posted a 7% revenue gain this month, for a $959 haul. The Strip performed spectacularly, up 13%, and Downtown edged 2% higher. Lake Tahoe vaulted 23% but Reno fell off … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, CityCenter, Current, Downtown, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Macau, Mesquite, MGM Mirage, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Wall Street | Comments Off

Breaking Boyd

Posted on October 31, 2013 by David McKee

Boyd Gaming missed Wall Street expectations last quarter, posting negative earnings of eight cents a share, compared to the $0.01/share profit the Street was anticipating. Deutsche Bank‘s Carlo Santarelli blamed “softer-than-expected net revenues … below the low-end of management’s guidance.” Las … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Current, Downtown, Environment, Greenwood Racing, history, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Ohio, Penn National, Wall Street | Comments Off