Category Archives: Kentucky

Big Trouble in Little China; The thieving nun

Posted on June 10, 2021 by David McKee

Carrying a 20-year-long grudge, businessman Marshall Hao is suing Las Vegas Sands for $12 billion, claiming it wronged him when it jilted his Asian American Entertainment Corp. in favor of a (short-lived) partnership with Galaxy Entertainment to get into Macao. … Continue reading →

Posted in Barstool Sports, Boyd Gaming, California, Churchill Downs, Cretins, Culinary Union, DraftKings, FanDuel, Illinois, Kentucky, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, Macau, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Penn National, PointsBet, Problem gambling, Racinos, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, Sports betting, William Hill, Wyoming | 2 Comments

Station: No more buffets, less free play; Covid? What Covid?

Posted on May 14, 2021 by David McKee

Said JP Morgan analyst Joseph Greff “not to worry, money losing buffets are not coming back” to Station Casinos. We can take this as gospel, since he got it from CEO Frank Fertitta III, Vice Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta and CFO … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Australia, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, California, Colorado, Crown Resorts, Dining, DraftKings, Drugs, Economy, Entertainment, FanDuel, Health, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Lotteries, Marketing, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Palms, Penn National, Real Estate, Regulation, Reno, Silverton, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Taxes, Tribal | 3 Comments

Nevada recovery skips Strip; Boyd buoyant

Posted on April 28, 2021 by David McKee

Silver State casinos grossed $1 billion last month, with the Las Vegas Strip down 9% from 2019 to $501.5 million but locals-derived win vaulting 23%, leading to a 4% statewide increase on pre-Coronavirus numbers. The silver lining for the Strip … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Aristocrat, Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Canada, Churchill Downs, CityCenter, Cordish Co., Downtown, Hawaii, Health, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Real Estate, Reno, Resorts World LV, Riviera, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Vietnam, Virginia, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Nevada recovery skips Strip; Boyd buoyant

Vegas locals strong, Strip stinks; Economic boom foreseen

Posted on February 25, 2021 by David McKee

Even with $600 extra in their pockets, gamblers could not be lured back to the Las Vegas Strip last month. Strip revenues of $321.5 million represented a 44% implosion from 2020. Statewide, the falloff was 26.5% to $762 million. Once … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, Economy, Election, Health, history, Horseracing, Illinois, International, Kentucky, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Maryland, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Reno, Security, Sports, Sports betting, Tennessee, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Wall Street, Wendover | 3 Comments

Covid cramps casino revenues; Trop LV in play … again

Posted on January 13, 2021 by David McKee

Now that the smartest man in the room has left the building permanently, we continue to wait for Wall Street‘s reaction to Sheldon Adelson‘s demise. Hearing none, we move on to varying degrees of decline in regional gaming, once thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Atlantic City, Bally, Barstool Sports, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, California, Carl Icahn, Century Casinos, Conventions, DraftKings, Economy, FanDuel, Full House Resorts, GLPI, Health, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Missouri, Penn National, Politics, Rush Street Gaming, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Spectacle Entertainment, Sports betting, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Tribal, William Hill | 1 Comment

Sports betting boffo in Illinois; Structural shift at Churchill Downs

Posted on November 17, 2020 by David McKee

Illinois gamblers can’t seem to find their way to a casino nowadays—but they love themselves some sports betting. The state has reached $300 million in handle faster than any in U.S. history—$305 million and change during September. “Illinois’ launch in … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Churchill Downs, DraftKings, FanDuel, Health, Horseracing, Illinois, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, New Jersey, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Sports betting boffo in Illinois; Structural shift at Churchill Downs

MGM “unsurprising”; Penn outperforms

Posted on October 30, 2020 by David McKee

Analysts at JP Morgan were blasé about MGM Resorts International‘s 3Q20 report, setting their price target at $22/share. Wrote Joseph Greff, “We remain Neutral rated as we continue to see a slow recovery on the LV Strip, a market that … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Charity, Churchill Downs, Colorado, Conventions, Detroit, Dining, Economy, Illinois, Indiana, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Macau, MGM Resorts International, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Slot routes, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, Virgin Hotels, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Derek Stevens, man of the year?; ‘Historical racing’ kneecapped

Posted on September 25, 2020 by David McKee

While we wait for own interview with Circa owner Derek Stevens to appear in Casino Life magazine (soon, we promise), we’ll shamelessly piggyback off David Ross‘ excellent Stevens profile in Global Gaming Business. Ross digs up some interesting architectural details … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Canada, Charity, Churchill Downs, CityCenter, Colony Capital, Conventions, Cosmopolitan, Derek Stevens, Diversity, Downtown, Election, Environment, Health, IGT, Kentucky, Scientific Games, Sports betting, Technology, Tourism, Wall Street | Comments Off on Derek Stevens, man of the year?; ‘Historical racing’ kneecapped

Derby Day a dud; Bank cools on Resorts World LV

Posted on September 8, 2020 by David McKee

Seems that Churchill Downs was blowing smoke up Wall Street‘s keister about how well a delayed, spectator-less Kentucky Derby would perform. Last weekend’s Run for the Roses saw betting handle of $79.5 million, down 49% from last year. All races … Continue reading →

Posted in Churchill Downs, Dining, Donald Trump, DraftKings, Economy, Election, FanDuel, G2E, Genting, Hard Rock International, Health, Horseracing, Kentucky, Las Vegas Raiders, LVCVA, Macau, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, New York, Penn National, Rush Street Gaming, Security, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Sports, Sports betting, The Rio, The Strip, Tourism, TV, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Mega-Jottings for a Monday

Posted on August 24, 2020 by David McKee

Churchill Downs got its second-worst-case scenario for the Kentucky Derby: The September 5 race will have to be held without spectators, a major economic blow to the Louisville area. At least the race will be run and undoubtedly garner much … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Atlantic City, Churchill Downs, Derek Stevens, Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, Environment, GLPI, Health, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Louisiana, Macau, MGM Resorts International, New Mexico, Penn National, Reno, Sigma Derby, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, Virgin Hotels | 1 Comment

Cuomo stiff-arms casinos; MGM’s blame game

Posted on August 4, 2020 by David McKee

Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural was able to get some face time with Global Gaming Business … which is more than he’s been able to do with New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), much to Gural’s chagrin. He’s chafing … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Economy, Full House Resorts, Genting, Health, Illinois, Indiana, International, Kentucky, Las Vegas Sands, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, New York, Politics, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Cuomo stiff-arms casinos; MGM’s blame game

Churchill Downs, Boyd impress analysts

Posted on July 30, 2020 by David McKee

Churchill Downs‘ second quarter was “solid” (Daniel Politzer) to say the least. Revenue shot past Wall Street‘s consensus expectation of $132 million to ring the bell at $185 million. Credit goes to a 27% increase in Internet-gaming revenue, including $100 … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Churchill Downs, Downtown, Economy, FanDuel, Horseracing, Illinois, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Slot routes, Sports betting | Comments Off on Churchill Downs, Boyd impress analysts

Election special

Posted on July 29, 2020 by David McKee

Good news! The word “casino” is no longer toxic in politics. Why do we say that? Because Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D), a U.S. Senate aspirant, merely describes Sheldon & Miriam Adelson as “this billionaire couple” in a fundraising e-mail … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Donald Trump, Election, Georgia, Health, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, South Carolina, Sports, Sports betting | 1 Comment

Casino scandal in D.C.

Posted on June 25, 2020 by David McKee

Massachusetts‘ Mashpee Wampanoag tribe continues to fight on against a Trump administration decertification of their status, in a case that’s sticking to the White House like a tar baby. Whose market share would be most impinged by a Mashpee casino? … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball, Derek Stevens, Dining, Donald Trump, Downtown, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Election, Florida, Hard Rock International, Health, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Palms, Politics, Sports betting, Tamares Group, The Strip, Tribal, Twin River | 2 Comments

Upbeat at Churchill Downs

Posted on June 18, 2020 by David McKee

JP Morgan analysts met virtually with Churchill Downs brass, including CEO Bill Carstanjen. The news was good to great. First things first, the Kentucky Derby is expected to be run with spectators (CHDN execs are keeping an eye on what … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Churchill Downs, Dan Lee, Delaware, Dining, e-sports, Full House Resorts, Horseracing, Illinois, Kentucky, Macau, Maine, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Rhode Island, Sports, Sports betting, Steven Witkoff, Taxes, The Strip, Twin River, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Fauci on sports; Churchill Downs “on track”

Posted on April 30, 2020 by David McKee

Bad news, sports bettors. Given the absence of widespread testing for Coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci is backpedaling on his projections that professional sports could resume this year. (As Fauci has said elsewhere, a model is just a model; when you … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Baseball, Churchill Downs, Crown Resorts, Economy, GameCO, Health, International, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Lawrence Ho, Lotteries, Marijuana, Massachusetts, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Scientific Games, Sports, Technology, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Boyd opens its wallet, stringency at Scientific, improvidence at MGM

Posted on March 31, 2020 by David McKee

Boyd Gaming, which had previously been reported to be giving two weeks pay (misreported as one week by the Las Vegas Review-Journal) to employees idled in Las Vegas by the one-month casino shutdown, has gotten “george” and extended the hardship pay … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, China, Churchill Downs, Economy, Health, Illinois, Japan, Jim Murren, Kentucky, Las Vegas Sands, Macau, MGM Resorts International, Neil Bluhm, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Scientific Games, Sheldon Adelson, Tribal, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Tough times return to Atlantic City; KY Derby delayed

Posted on March 18, 2020 by David McKee

As we saw earlier today, Las Vegas and Reno are pretty badly screwed for at least the next month. What about perennial problem child/comeback kid Atlantic City? Just when it’s back on its feet and roaring again, along comes Coronavirus … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Atlantic City, California, Dining, Economy, Election, Health, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Kentucky, Macau, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, New York, North Carolina, Regulation, South Carolina, Sports betting, Taxes, Tilman Fertitta, Tourism, Tribal, TV, Wall Street, Washington State | Comments Off on Tough times return to Atlantic City; KY Derby delayed

Butler rips Lamont; Tribe supplicates Trump

Posted on March 9, 2020 by David McKee

Sports betting could die in Connecticut, thanks to a stalemate between Gov. Ned Lamont (D, pictured) and the state’s gaming tribes. Speaking for the latter, Mashantucket Pequot Chairman Rodney Butler accused the governor of a “take-it-or-leave-it” negotiating stance. Butler and … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Connecticut, Donald Trump, DraftKings, FanDuel, Foxwoods, Genting, IGT, Illinois, International, Kentucky, Konami, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Lotteries, Louisiana, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, New York, Politics, Rhode Island, Sports betting, Technology, Tribal, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Bank rides to Churchill Downs’ rescue; Las Vegas healthy

Posted on March 2, 2020 by David McKee

Last week Churchill Downs posted perfectly good 4Q19 numbers but Wall Street wasn’t buying it. CHDN shares slumped 14%. That prompted some weekend damage control from JP Morgan, which bumped its rating up from “neutral” to “overweight,” and sent analyst … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, China, Conventions, Donald Trump, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Health, history, Horseracing, Illinois, Indiana, International, Kentucky, Marketing, Problem gambling, Regulation, Rhode Island, Slot routes, Sports, Sports betting, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Tribal, Wall Street, Washington State, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Bank rides to Churchill Downs’ rescue; Las Vegas healthy