Category Archives: Hard Rock International

Racinos lap casinos in Ohio; “Golden Knights” kiboshed

Posted on December 9, 2016 by David McKee

Ohio‘s four main casinos performed weakly last month, with Dan Gilbert‘s Jack Cleveland ($16 million, -4%) and Jack Cincinnati ($15 million, -7%) still not validating their new brand. Ironically, the once-superfluous Thistledown Racino is saving Jack’s bacon, up 13% to … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Cordish Co., Dan Gilbert, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Florida, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Japan, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Penn National, Politics, Racinos, Seminole Tribe, Sports, Taxes | Comments Off

Japan: The impossible happens

Posted on December 5, 2016 by David McKee

Just when even Wall Street analysts were giving up hope — and ahead of schedule — Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe got a casino-legalization bill through the Diet. This isn’t the end of the process, although casinos are now legal, … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Boyd Gaming, Cannery Casino Resorts, Donald Trump, Economy, Geoff Freeman, Hard Rock International, Japan, Kazuo Okada, MGM Mirage, North Las Vegas, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Technology, Tourism, Transportation | Comments Off

Florida: Scott loses, big time; Coup d’etat in Atlantic City

Posted on November 11, 2016 by David McKee

Fourteen more years. That’s how long the Seminole Tribe can have exclusive rights to blackjack in Florida, thanks to a ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle. It’s a huge win for the Seminoles and not entirely unforeseen, given how … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Economy, Election, Florida, Geoff Freeman, Georgia, Glenn Straub, Hard Rock International, Japan, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Pennsylvania, Racinos, Rhode Island, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Taxes, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off

Straub makes some odd choices; Tiverton still up for grabs

Posted on November 10, 2016 by David McKee

Glenn Straub won one round, lost another in his quest to revive Revel as Ten. On Oct. 18, he received a certificate of occupancy, paving the way for him to reopen the property. (Last spring’s effort was a Chinese fire … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Ameristar, Atlantic City, Election, Glenn Straub, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Isle of Capri, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Regulation, Revel, Rhode Island, Tropicana Entertainment, Trump Entertainment Resorts | Comments Off

Jacked around in Ohio; Wrong about Trump

Posted on November 8, 2016 by David McKee

At this point, we don’t know jack about Dan Gilbert‘s new “Jack” casino brand. In September, it appeared to be gaining traction with players. Then the bottom fell out. Jack Cleveland‘s $15 million take was a 14% fall while Jack … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Gilbert, Donald Trump, Eldorado Resorts, Election, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Internet gambling, Marketing, Ohio, Palms, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Reno, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off

Five-point solution for Atlantic City; The Crown 18

Posted on October 27, 2016 by David McKee

Will Atlantic City be the master of its domain or will Gov. Chris Christie (R) insist upon a state takeover? That’s the question after Mayor Don Guardian (R) steered a five-point rescue plan through a heavily divided city council. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Environment, Hard Rock International, James Packer, Law enforcement, Macau, Politics, Regulation, Taxes, Technology | Comments Off

What is “good faith”?; Landslide shaping up in New Jersey

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

Who broke the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe? That question is at the nub of a bench trial over the Seminoles’ disputed blackjack games. A win for Gov. Rick Scott (R) could be Pyrrhic, costing … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Delaware, Election, Florida, Galaxy Entertainment, Genting, Hard Rock International, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, Nevada, Racinos, Regulation, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, The Mob, Tribal | Comments Off

Crisis mode in Pennsylvania; Hard Rock unifies the brand

Posted on October 3, 2016 by David McKee

Although Pennsylvania lawmakers theoretically have three months to amend an “incredibly complex” state law that directs casino revenue to host cities and counties, the grim reality is that the Lege has only eight session days in which to get it … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Charity, Eldorado Resorts, Florida, G2E, Greenwood Racing, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock International, International, Macau, Pennsylvania, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Technology, TV, Wall Street | Comments Off

Stadium debate heats up; Seminole Tribe ousts boss

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

While it looked for a moment like the wheels were greased for an NFL stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, financed primarily by hotel-room taxes, there’s a bit less certainty today. For one thing, Sheldon Adelson either assumed or … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Economy, Florida, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Macau, MGM Mirage, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Taxes, The Strip | 2 Comments

Freeman’s crusade; Gilbert struggles in Ohio

Posted on September 7, 2016 by David McKee

To describe the new-look American Gaming Association as “activist” would be an understatement of some magnitude. President Geoff Freeman has put the pedal to the metal in his quest for legalized sports betting. Today, Freeman mounted his bully pulpit in … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Gilbert, Eldorado Resorts, Geoff Freeman, Hard Rock International, Internet gambling, Iowa, New York, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Regulation, Sports, Taxes | 2 Comments

Indiana gamblers visit less, play more; Rude surprise at Seminole Hard Rock

Posted on August 9, 2016 by David McKee

Indiana casino customers visited less last month but more than made up for it with increased spending, keeping Hoosier State gaming revenues stable. That even-keel figure conceals some big swings and roundabouts at individual property. Horseshoe Hammond had an unaccountably … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Cirque du Soleil, Dining, Florida, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Illinois, Indiana, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Seminole Tribe, Slot routes, Transportation, Tropicana Entertainment | 1 Comment

What’s the verdict, Jack, er, Dan?; AGA & NIGA join forces

Posted on July 7, 2016 by David McKee

Cleveland Cavaliers playoff games were good for Dan Gilbert‘s casino businesses. His Jack Cleveland casino was up 13%, to $16 million last month. It’s far too soon for a verdict on the “Jack” (as in “up yours, asshole”) brand, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Gilbert, Eldorado Resorts, G2E, Geoff Freeman, Hard Rock International, Internet gambling, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes | Comments Off

Trump’s tribal treachery

Posted on July 5, 2016 by David McKee

As the press continues to dig into Donald Trump‘s past, it’s uncovering activity that is vile even by Trump’s debased standards. Such is the case in his race-baiting campaign against the casino application of the St. Regis Mohawks. Not man … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, California, Donald Trump, Genting, Hard Rock International, International, Internet gambling, Law enforcement, Lawrence Ho, Minnesota, New York, PokerStars, Regulation, The Mob, The Strip, Tribal | 1 Comment

DFS stalls in Illinois; Mississippi casinos rebound

Posted on May 24, 2016 by David McKee

Things were looking up for the daily fantasy sports industry in Illinois, where enabling legislation passed the state Senate 32-22. However, a hold has been put on the bill, which may not make it to the House. Why? Although the legislation … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Delaware, G2E, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Illinois, Internet gambling, Macau, Marketing, Mississippi, Nevada, PokerStars, Politics, Steve Wynn, Tribal | Comments Off

Balmy spring for Ohio, Missouri; Pinnacle beats estimates

Posted on May 10, 2016 by David McKee

Ohio had a particularly good April, with gaming revenue up 9%. Coin-in rose 8% at the slots while table game revenue was up 5% despite 3% less wagering. Penn National Gaming, Caesars Entertainment and Pinnacle Entertainment all posted revenue-positive months, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Dan Gilbert, Eldorado Resorts, Golden Gaming, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Isle of Capri, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street | Comments Off

Penn trumps Caesars in Ohio

Posted on April 7, 2016 by David McKee

Hard Rock Rocksino regained its top spot in Ohio last month, grossing just over $20 million (+9%). Just imagine what it could do if it had table games. The Caesars Entertainment/Dan Gilbert trifecta continued to underperform, with a flat month … Continue reading →

Posted in Dan Gilbert, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, New York, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Taxes, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off

Vietnam War logic in New Jersey; Tribal corruption in Florida

Posted on March 8, 2016 by David McKee

New Jersey will no longer have the distinction of possessing the second-lowest casino tax rate if Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D, left) gets his way. He’s talking about imposing at least a 40% levy on proposed north New Jersey casinos, perhaps … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Florida, Hard Rock International, Horseracing, International, Mississippi, New York, Politics, Regulation, Taxes, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off

Big month for Penn in Ohio

Posted on March 7, 2016 by David McKee

With one glaring exception, February was an outstanding month for Ohio casinos and racinos. The underachiever was Horseshoe Cleveland, which fell 9% on revenues of $18 million. Even struggling Thistledown Racino managed a 3% uptick, grossing $9 million. Horseshoe Cincinnati … Continue reading →

Posted in Eldorado Resorts, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Wall Street | 1 Comment

A Revel by any other name; Hard Rock thinks globally; Hard times for Boyd

Posted on March 2, 2016 by David McKee

What’s in a name? That’s the question confronting Glenn Straub, for whom the days are counting down until he can reopen the hotel portion of his casino with a new name. We don’t agree that Revel is a meaningless word, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Glenn Straub, Hard Rock International, Illinois, International, Iowa, Japan, Politics, Revel, Slot routes, Tourism, Vietnam, Warner Gaming | Comments Off

DFS: Trouble in paradise; It’s not good to be Dan Gilbert

Posted on February 8, 2016 by David McKee

Besieged on all sides, daily fantasy sports operators find themselves in retreat. DraftKings said it “will voluntarily pause” its operations in Hawaii in response to a ruling by state Attorney General Doug Chin that DFS is gambling and therefore illegal … Continue reading →

Posted in Eldorado Resorts, Florida, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Hawaii, Indiana, Internet gambling, Mississippi, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Racinos, Regulation | Comments Off