Category Archives: Japan

Big casino bust in Biloxi

Posted on October 8, 2019 by David McKee

In a Mississippi bribery scandal, the crime in question took place—how fittingly—in a lavatory. Four men fessed up to bribing Department of Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps with casino chips in return for such concessions as inmate phone services, unwittingly highlighting … Continue reading →

Posted in Galaxy Entertainment, Genting, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi | 4 Comments

Dog ate Parx’s homework; Atlantic City Hilton sold … again

Posted on October 2, 2019 by David McKee

Parx Casino is out $1 million after overpaying its taxes and missing the deadline to file for a refund. So says a Pennsylvania judge. Parx had three years to rectify the overpayment and missed the deadline by a whopping six months. … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Colony Capital, G2E, Genting, Greenwood Racing, history, Japan, Mandalay Bay Massacre, MGM Resorts International, Politics, Resort fees, Rush Street Gaming, Security, Singapore, Sports, Sports betting, Taxes, Technology, Wall Street | 3 Comments

Too much, too soon in the East?; The DFS doctor is in

Posted on September 26, 2019 by David McKee

At last, someone is expressing skepticism over the pie-in-the-sky attitude U.S. gaming companies exude toward the Pacific Rim. The inescapable Sheldon Adelson said “ten Las Vegases” would not sate demand, But Union Gaming analysts Grant Govertsen and John DeCree think that … Continue reading →

Posted in China, CityCenter, DFS, Economy, International, Japan, Lawrence Ho, MGM Resorts International, Sports, Sports betting, Wall Street | Comments Off on Too much, too soon in the East?; The DFS doctor is in

MGM selling crown jewels

Posted on September 17, 2019 by David McKee

It’s almost a done deal. MGM Resorts International will monetize its two most iconic properties by selling MGM Grand and Bellagio to Blackstone Group. The latter would lease the two megaresorts back to MGM, which would probably roll the sale … Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, Internet gambling, Japan, MGM Resorts International, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Rush Street Gaming, Taxes, Technology, The Strip, Wall Street | Comments Off on MGM selling crown jewels

Wall Street: The Strip is all right; Rivals pile into Waukegan

Posted on September 16, 2019 by David McKee

JP Morgan analyst Joseph Greff has just returned from a two-day field trip to Las Vegas. His overall reaction was “incrementally positive.” He said he sensed “a fairly steady trend line in terms of overall spend and net revenue performance.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Conventions, Dan Gilbert, Dan Lee, Detroit, Dining, Entertainment, Full House Resorts, Illinois, Japan, Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Sands, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Ohio, Palms, Penn National, Resort fees, Rush Street Gaming, Sahara, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, Wall Street, Warner Gaming, Wisconsin | Comments Off on Wall Street: The Strip is all right; Rivals pile into Waukegan

Terrorism at Trump; Police blotter

Posted on September 5, 2019 by David McKee

Trump International finally made it back into the news, although not in a good way. WSOP player Kenneth Strauss was arrested there on July 27 after allegedly tweeting terroristic threats, among other malfeasances. Strauss’ reign of error began at Red … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball, Donald Trump, Florida, Genting, Internet gambling, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, MGM Resorts International, New York, Ohio, Philippines, Sports betting, Station Casinos, The Strip, Vietnam, Wall Street, World Series of Poker | 1 Comment

This just in …

Posted on September 4, 2019 by David McKee

Osaka and Tokyo are the world’s fourth- and seventh-most livable cities according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. (Tops is Vienna.) This is great news for casino companies like Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts International that want to set up … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Economy, International, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, New York, Singapore | Comments Off on This just in …

No Japan for Caesars; Colorado to get bigger Ass

Posted on August 29, 2019 by David McKee

Gary Loveman‘s decision to pass on Macao will be remembered as the worst decision of his tenure at Caesars Entertainment. Will CEO Anthony Rodio‘s withdrawal from contention in Japan be similarly second-guessed? The decision saves Caesars at least $10 billion … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Colorado, Eldorado Resorts, Full House Resorts, history, Japan, Macau, Sports betting, Wall Street | Comments Off on No Japan for Caesars; Colorado to get bigger Ass

Case Bets

Posted on August 23, 2019 by David McKee

Despite the tepid attitude of Tokyo leadership, Las Vegas Sands has settled on it and Yokohama as its destinations of preference in Japan. Which leaves Osaka out in the cold (although it is not lacking for suitors). Sands lost no time … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Diversity, Galaxy Entertainment, Hooters, International, Internet gambling, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Philippines, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos, The Strip, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Rock the casbah; The risks of Japan

Posted on August 9, 2019 by David McKee

Although Israel continues to outlaw casinos, undoubtedly to Sheldon Adelson‘s deep regret, the Middle East is pustulent with gaming houses. Yes, the Koran forbids it but that’s hardly stopping anyone. Egypt stands out with roughly 15 casinos, supposedly off-limits to … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Genting, GLPI, Illinois, Indiana, International, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Movies, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Scientific Games, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Sports betting, Taxes, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Sands: Waiting for Japan; I-gaming raids hit Singapore, Vietnam

Posted on August 1, 2019 by David McKee

It’s difficult to imagine investors being impatient with Las Vegas Sands but The Motley Fool‘s Travis Hoium suggests that they are. “Unless a new market like Japan hits, that cash flow machine is all Las Vegas Sands has to offer,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Horseracing, Internet gambling, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Macau, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pets, Singapore, Sports betting, Vietnam, Wall Street | Comments Off on Sands: Waiting for Japan; I-gaming raids hit Singapore, Vietnam

Eldorado’s clearance sale

Posted on July 15, 2019 by David McKee

Eldorado Resorts continues to slim down as it prepares for a takeover of Caesars Entertainment. Assuming the deal as a fait accompli, it is ditching Isle of Capri Kansas City in favor of Harrah’s North Kansas City. It is also … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Eldorado Resorts, International, Japan, Mississippi, Missouri, Sports betting, Technology, Tribal, Twin River, William Hill | Comments Off on Eldorado’s clearance sale

Casino aspirants elbow for advantage; T-Rex derby in Washington

Posted on July 12, 2019 by David McKee

Full House Resorts and Spectacle Entertainment are jostling for position in Terre Haute—provided that Vigo County voters approve a casino for the city. But will it beat nearby Danville to the punch? “Pending a positive outcome on the referendum, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Connecticut, Election, Entertainment, Full House Resorts, Illinois, Indiana, International, Internet gambling, Japan, Mohegan Sun, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Slot routes, Spectacle Entertainment, Taxes, Virginia, Warner Gaming | Comments Off on Casino aspirants elbow for advantage; T-Rex derby in Washington

Case Bets

Posted on July 11, 2019 by David McKee

Although we’ve learned to take Moulin Rouge revival projects with a shakerful of salt, the latest round of interest is drawing some serious players, such as the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. Its piquant plan would mix affordable housing, dining and—yes—a … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Eldorado Resorts, Japan, Moulin Rouge, Ocean Resort, Oklahoma, Sports betting, Tribal, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Eldorado backpedals; Casinos for Nebraska in 2020?

Posted on July 3, 2019 by David McKee

While the consummation of the Eldorado Resorts/Caesars Entertainment marriage has yet to occur, already Eldorado CEO Tom Reeg is walking back some of his prenuptial promises. “I think that there’s more Strip exposure than we would need to accomplish our goals … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Dining, Eldorado Resorts, Election, Florida, Hard Rock International, Iowa, Japan, Macau, Missouri, Nebraska, Ocean Resort, Planet Hollywood, Seminole Tribe, The Strip, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Genting’s been working on the railroad; California solons pitch sports betting

Posted on July 3, 2019 by David McKee

Genting Group evidently hasn’t given up on its casino aspirations in south Florida. The company is teaming with BYD Motors of China to propose a monorail between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Genting owns waterfront real estate in Miami it has … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, California, Florida, Genting, Japan, Macau, Pokergeddon, Politics, Problem gambling, Security, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, Sports betting, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Tribal, TV, World Series of Poker, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Genting’s been working on the railroad; California solons pitch sports betting

Connecticut casino push stalls; Chicago casino fast-tracked

Posted on June 11, 2019 by David McKee

Connecticut casino legislation was yet another exercise in futility this session, with the Lege gaveling the end of business without any gaming bills being passed. However, a special session is anticipated, mainly to address an unrelated litigation settlement. Perhaps then … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecticut, Foxwoods, Illinois, Japan, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Sports betting, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Connecticut casino push stalls; Chicago casino fast-tracked

Plaza gets a refresh; MGM covets Vegas locals

Posted on June 6, 2019 by David McKee

Congratulations to Plaza Hotel CEO Jonathan Jossel. He’s persuaded tight-fisted Tamares Group to invest in a 112-room renovation of the Downtown dowager. The casino is reportedly coming off its best April ever and this has evidently helped Tamares to see its … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Arizona, Boyd Gaming, CityCenter, Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, Dubai, e-sports, Entertainment, Japan, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Tamares Group, Transportation, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Plaza gets a refresh; MGM covets Vegas locals

More Ho, less Packer at Crown; Wynn pays the piper

Posted on June 3, 2019 by David McKee

More Lawrence Ho at Crown Resorts means less James Packer, as the publishing heir sold down his stake to 25%, spinning the decision thusly: “I am still vitally interested in Crown’s success as a world-class resort and gaming business. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cosmopolitan, Crown Resorts, Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, James Packer, Japan, Lawrence Ho, Massachusetts, Nevada, Politics, Regulation, Sports betting, The Strip, Wall Street, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on More Ho, less Packer at Crown; Wynn pays the piper

Melco nabs Crown; Scientific promotes diversity

Posted on May 30, 2019 by David McKee

Stick a fork in that Wynn Resorts takeover of Crown Resorts, which was already on life support. Melco Resorts & Entertainment just bought a 20% stake in Crown, giving Lawrence Ho a sizable footfall in Australia. The transaction will cost … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Caesars Entertainment, Crown Resorts, Entertainment, James Packer, Japan, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Problem gambling, Scientific Games, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Melco nabs Crown; Scientific promotes diversity