Category Archives: Minnesota

Isle’s comeback continues; What’s in a Mystic?

Posted on December 1, 2010 by David McKee

Congratulations to Isle of Capri Casinos, winner of Missouri‘s 13th and final casino license. This morning, the Missouri Gaming Commission voted in favor of Isle’s $125 million Cape Girardeau project. Although all rival projects were budgeted higher, favorite-son Isle’s standing … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Boulder Strip, CityCenter, Current, Dubai, Economy, Isle of Capri, MGM Mirage, Minnesota, Missouri, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment | 3 Comments

Winners, we have winners!

Posted on November 24, 2010 by David McKee

No, I didn’t forget about our 10 Largest Tribal Casinos guessing game. The Top 10 are, in descending order: 1. Potowatomi Bingo Casino; Milwaukee, Wis.: 780,000 sq. ft. (pictured) 2. San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino; Highland, Calif.: 480,000 sq. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tribal | 1 Comment

Gaming’s big election night; Coming attractions

Posted on November 9, 2010 by David McKee

This just in: Fuming over a 5,000-vote-plus margin of defeat, opponents of a casino in western Maine are demanding a recount. Casino developer Black Bear Entertainment calls this “a needlessly divisive exercise.” Do I sense the subtle touch of Penn … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Downtown, Economy, Election, Environment, history, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Penn National, Racinos, Sahara | 3 Comments

Off to the races

Posted on September 10, 2010 by David McKee

Several gubernatorial jousts have serious implications for casino expansion in this great U.S. of A. In Ohio, Gov. Ted Strickland (D and once tipped as a possible vice-president) is trailing former Rep. John Kasich (R), based on poll results aggregated … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Atlantic City, Economy, Election, Harrah's, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Penn National, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Texas, Tribal | 1 Comment

Suicidal in New Jersey

Posted on August 18, 2010 by David McKee

Atlantic City can just plain go to hell. That’s the message from several prominent — or simply loud — Democratic lawmakers who say Gov. Chris Christie‘s rescue plan for the city is spinach and to heck with it. Noisiest of … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Colony Capital, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, Genting, Harrah's, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Marketing, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Racinos, Singapore, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Rising Sun; At Harry’s mercy

Posted on August 9, 2010 by David McKee

It’s not news that Japan has been mulling casino gambling for the umpteenth time. What is news is that the Diet — or rather, the General Assembly of International Sightseeing Industry Development Diet Member Association — has gotten very serious … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Election, Harrah's, Harry Reid, International, Internet gambling, MGM Mirage, Minnesota, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tribal | 3 Comments

“Lies, damned lies and statistics”

Posted on July 1, 2010 by David McKee

Former Nevada journalist Mark Twain popularized this quote, believed to have originated with Charles Wentworth Dilke. (I know: “Who?!?!?“) One rarely sees an object demonstration of what Dilke — and Twain — meant, but this gem literally fell into my … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Minnesota | 1 Comment

Best Strip bargain yet? Plus: Loveman’s verbal gymnastics, pool fees, etc.

Posted on March 5, 2010 by David McKee

Luke Jermay is a charming English mentalist who does a low-budget but worthwhile show at O’Shea’s. His presentation may not be as polished as that of rival Gerry McCambridge, but what Jermay lacks in razzmatazz, he makes up in personality. … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, George Maloof, Harrah's, James Packer, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, Minnesota, Planet Hollywood, The Strip | 6 Comments

Pawlenty, in real time

Posted on February 4, 2010 by David McKee

As you may have already read, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) is coming to Venelazzo to dole out some markers to the local GOP that he could call in for a 2012 presidential run (native son John Ensign having obligingly … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Economy, Election, Internet gambling, Labor, Minnesota, Sheldon Adelson, Taxes, Tribal | 1 Comment

2.5 Cheers for Harrah’s

Posted on January 8, 2010 by David McKee

As erratically as it has been run since the departure of Phil Satre, they still get some things right at Harrah’s Entertainment … and not in the sense that a stopped watch is correct twice a day. For instance, Harrah’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, Minnesota, Planet Hollywood, Station Casinos, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal | 5 Comments

Senate prediction: feeling good

Posted on November 3, 2008 by David McKee

I've been checking Intrade's election "futures" markets and, if you "buy" Sen. John McCain at 9.9 you could collect on the longshot of a lifetime. (I'm of the pessimistic "I'll believe an Obama win when I see it and not … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Election, Minnesota | Comments Off on Senate prediction: feeling good