Category Archives: Penn National

"Raking" it in at Trump

Posted on June 27, 2008 by David McKee

Once I'd read that Trump Plaza had gone to automated no-dealer poker, my first thought was, "What becomes of the 'rake'?" Not to worry: The machines have taken care of it. Or, as Casino Manager Anthony Spagno was kind enough … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Columbia Sussex, Donald Trump, Louisiana, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Sahara, The Strip | Comments Off on "Raking" it in at Trump

Harrah's: Digging to China

Posted on May 23, 2008 by David McKee

Given the recent freeze-out on new casino operators in Macao, executives at Harrah’s Entertainment might as well be sporting T-shirts that read, “I spent $577.7 million in Macao and all I got was this lousy golf course.” And, in light … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Atlantic City, Harrah's, Macau, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pennsylvania, The Strip, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off on Harrah's: Digging to China

The Alystra is toast

Posted on May 14, 2008 by David McKee

OK, so it was a derelict that's been closed for 10 years and unlikely ever to reopen. But the Alystra is now officially "a total loss." Too bad. It was an attractive building that happened to sit in a sort … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Boulder Strip, Election, Harrah's, Penn National, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson | 1 Comment

Not smoking stunts your (revenue) growth

Posted on May 7, 2008 by David McKee

Let's get one thing clear: Smoking is a noxious habit that's likely to kill you and certain to alienate other people, in my opinion. (I had two grandparents who smoked until the air turned blue, then smoked some more, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Harrah's, Illinois, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson | Comments Off on Not smoking stunts your (revenue) growth

This week in Columbia Sussex

Posted on March 11, 2008 by David McKee

"Things are a little murky." That's how the Cincinnati Enquirer describes the Did-he-or-didn't-he issue of whether Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear met with million-dollar booster and Columbia Sussex CEO William Yung III, whose desire for a Cincinnati-area casino is the worst-kept … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Columbia Sussex, Kentucky, Louisiana, Penn National | Comments Off on This week in Columbia Sussex

Desperation in Florida

Posted on March 5, 2008 by David McKee

Is Isle of Capri‘s racino a disappointment (especially for horsemen)? Is Boyd Gaming taking Florida expansion off the table? Is Magna Entertainment threatening to close overextended Gulfstream Park? What’s a Florida lawmaker to do? Why, legalize every form of gambling … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Florida, Horseracing, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Tribal | Comments Off on Desperation in Florida

Isle: Goldstein out, Perry in; Trump pummeled

Posted on March 5, 2008 by David McKee

Isle of Capri Casinos announced widening Y/Y losses today, along with the retirement of CEO Bernard Goldstein after 16 years at the helm. He gives way to board member James Perry, former CEO of Argosy Gaming and (briefly) Trump Entertainment. … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Columbia Sussex, Donald Trump, Iowa, Isle of Capri, Louisiana, Marketing, Mississippi, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Singapore, Wall Street | 1 Comment

'Terrible' timing

Posted on March 3, 2008 by David McKee

By golly, it seems like a mere nine days ago that a local newspaper story was reporting disproportionately strong lottery sales at a California-border store owned by Herbst Gaming. "Since taking over the store, the location's total lottery ticket sales have … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Columbia Sussex, Herbst Gaming, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment | Comments Off on 'Terrible' timing