Category Archives: Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Dead

Posted on April 2, 2022 by David McKee

Cordish Gaming, we have a problem. Not only does it turn out to have been a bad idea to site a casino in Philadelphia‘s stadium district, it was an even worse mistake by state regulators to saturate the greater City … Continue reading →

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Cordish Co., Marketing, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming | 1 Comment

Penn’s Portnoy problem; Unexpected winners, losers in Pennsylvania; Mega-Jottings

Posted on March 18, 2022 by David McKee

That ongoing bromance between Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy and Penn National Gaming CEO Jay Snowden is prompting regulatory scrutiny in Indiana and even Nevada, especially as Penn girds its loins for a full Barstool buyout. That would bring the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Barstool Sports, Baseball, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Detroit, DraftKings, FanDuel, Greenwood Racing, Horseracing, Indiana, International, Internet gambling, Las Vegas Sands, Marketing, Massachusetts, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, New York, Ocean Resort, Oklahoma, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming, Sexual misconduct, Sports betting, Taxes, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street, WInd Creek | 2 Comments

Atlantic City, Massachusetts make big gains; Hotel misery

Posted on March 17, 2022 by David McKee

Casino executives in Atlantic City continue to plead poverty (to a dwindling amen corner) when it comes to poisoning their employees with secondhand smoke. In the meantime, they’re pocketing business hand over fist. Last month saw a 43% catapult over … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Bally, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, Environment, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock International, Health, Internet gambling, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, Mohegan Sun, New York, Ocean Resort, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Sports betting, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Unite-Here, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

DraftKings flexes its biceps; New names, same players

Posted on March 4, 2022 by David McKee

Probably in reaction to a precipitous plunge in DKNG shares, DraftKings hosted an investor day in which it told Wall Street analysts that everything is coming up roses. Its lead point was that its ‘total addressable market’ (translation: potential bettors) … Continue reading →

Posted in Barstool Sports, Canada, Cordish Co., DraftKings, GLPI, Golden Nugget, Internet gambling, Maryland, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Scientific Games, Sports betting, Wall Street | Comments Off on DraftKings flexes its biceps; New names, same players

Twin Spires collapse; The Great Buffet Battle

Posted on February 28, 2022 by David McKee

Online sports betting has claimed its second victim. First it was Wynn Interactive. Now it’s Churchill Downs subsidiary Twin Spires. Too much competition and too little profitability were the reasons cited by CEO Bill Carstanjen. CHDN will also cease its … Continue reading →

Posted in Century Casinos, Churchill Downs, Cretins, Florida, history, Illinois, Indiana, Internet gambling, Movies, New York, Peninsula Pacific, Pennsylvania, Seminole Tribe, Sexual misconduct, Sports betting, Virginia, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Mega-January on the Strip; Much ado about Caesars

Posted on February 25, 2022 by David McKee

January’s Nevada gambling-revenue numbers are out and the Silver State topped $1 billion yet again, a 41.5% boost over last year. However, some jurisdictions manifested slight declines, a sign that casino activity may be “normalizing” after a heated 2021. To … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Arizona, Atlantic City, Bally, Baseball, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Conventions, Dining, Downtown, Genting, Health, Internet gambling, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Louisiana, Marketing, Mesquite, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Las Vegas, Peninsula Pacific, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Politics, Reno, Singapore, Sports, Sports betting, Texas, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street, Wendover, Wisconsin | 2 Comments

By the seaside

Posted on February 24, 2022 by David McKee

We’re just back (and exhausted) from dealing with a harrowing family emergency. Fortunately, our East Coast correspondent has been busy during our absence and files the following photo essay … Ocean Resort: “I asked for a small piece” at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Bally, Cordish Co., Dining, Golden Nugget, Law enforcement, MGM Resorts International, Ocean Resort, Pennsylvania | 3 Comments

Casinos continue to thrive; Crooks, liars and losers

Posted on February 11, 2022 by David McKee

There’s no “supply chain” issue when it comes to dollars flowing into American casinos. Take Missouri, for instance. Casino revenue sprang 15.5% over 2019 last month, for a statewide take of $145.5 million. Actual visitation was down 2o% but per-visitor … Continue reading →

Posted in Apollo Management, Bally, Bally Technologies, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Century Casinos, Churchill Downs, Cretins, DraftKings, FanDuel, Full House Resorts, Hard Rock International, Health, Illinois, Indiana, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, Maryland, Mattress Mack, MGM Mirage, Missouri, Nevada, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Regulation, Reno, Rush Street Gaming, Scientific Games, Slot routes, Sports, Sports betting, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Tribal, WInd Creek, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

Station sets revenue records, Penn less fortunate

Posted on February 4, 2022 by David McKee

Having quietly broken ground on $750 million Durango Station, proud papa Station Casinos announced that despite “some headwinds,” the company had achieved record-level cash flow in 4Q21. “The government’s mask mandate across the state of Nevada remained in place and … Continue reading →

Posted in Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, California, Canada, Conventions, Derek Stevens, Downtown, DraftKings, Economy, FanDuel, Hawaii, Health, history, Internet gambling, Louisiana, Marketing, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Palms, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Technology, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

New boss at F-blue; Station: Five white guys; Atlantic City blitzed

Posted on February 1, 2022 by David McKee

Yes, Tom Brady has retired but there’s actually other news happening today. For starters, Fontainebleau has a new president. And not just any prexy but “a visionary leader for our next-generation luxury resort.” He’s Cliff Atkinson, late of Luxor. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, CityCenter, Colorado, Culinary Union, Dining, Diversity, Fontainebleau, Hard Rock International, Horseracing, Illinois, Las Vegas Sands, Macau, MGM Resorts International, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Real Estate, Singapore, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Taxes, The Strip, Tribal | 2 Comments

Florida: Phhhhht …; Crackdown in Macao; Scandal at Parx

Posted on January 31, 2022 by David McKee

That hissing sound you hear is the air going out of DraftKings‘ and FanDuel‘s electoral balloon. Florida Education Champions, their front group for bringing online sports betting to the Sunshine State, folded its hand, conceding that it can’t get enough … Continue reading →

Posted in China, DraftKings, Election, Entertainment, FanDuel, Florida, Greenwood Racing, Horseracing, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Macau, Marketing, MGM Resorts International, Movies, Pennsylvania, Sports betting | 1 Comment

Adele fiasco at Caesars; Trouble for Sands in Florida

Posted on January 21, 2022 by David McKee

Resorts World Las Vegas, we’ll see your Celine Dion health-scare postponement and raise you an Adele cancellation at Caesars Palace. The British megastar’s team has, like so much of the human race, contracted Covid-19 and is not physically capable of … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Meruelo, Bally, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, Diversity, Election, Entertainment, Florida, Greenwood Racing, Health, history, Las Vegas Sands, Louisiana, Macau, Marketing, New York, Peninsula Pacific, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Regulation, Sahara, Seminole Tribe, Sports, Sports betting | 1 Comment

Meet the new National Harbor boss, same as the old boss

Posted on January 7, 2022 by David McKee

Maryland closed out 2021 hot, up 16% from 2019 with a gross of $173 million in December. As usual, MGM National Harbor was in the lead with $74.5 million. Maryland Live booked $62.5 million for a 20.5% gain and 36% … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Meruelo, Arizona, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, California, Churchill Downs, Dining, DraftKings, Economy, FanDuel, Golden Gaming, Health, Idaho, Indiana, Las Vegas Raiders, Louisiana, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Sahara, Sports, Sports betting, Taxes, Technology, Tennessee, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street, World Series of Poker | Comments Off on Meet the new National Harbor boss, same as the old boss

Why is this man smiling?

Posted on January 3, 2022 by David McKee

Could it be because MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle came justhisclose to being S&G‘s Executive of the Year? Could it be for his vigorous pursuit of diversity within the lion’s house? Might it be for MGM’s very proactive “Convene … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, Diversity, DraftKings, FanDuel, Health, Mattress Mack, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Problem gambling, Real Estate, Regulation, Resort fees, Sports betting, Taxes, Technology, Virginia, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Mixed signals in Pennsylvania; Atlantic City casinos get their wish

Posted on December 21, 2021 by David McKee

Despite fewer weekends than in 2019, Pennsylvania casino revenues nudged up 3% last month, albeit not a same-store comparison, what with three new casinos having opened in the interim (that would make it -9%). Slots won $185.5 million and table … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, California, Canada, Card rooms, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., DraftKings, FanDuel, Health, Las Vegas Raiders, Michigan, Mohegan Sun, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Rush Street Gaming, Sports, Sports betting, Taxes, Tribal, WInd Creek | Comments Off on Mixed signals in Pennsylvania; Atlantic City casinos get their wish

Chicago dog-and-pony show; Raiders get punted by Covid

Posted on December 18, 2021 by David McKee

All three developers jockeying for a Chicago casino trotted out their proposals Thursday “replete with soaring promises of economic jolts, job creation and jackpots for the city’s future casino tax revenue coffers, which are earmarked for its depleted police and … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Atlantic City, Bally, Chicago, Florida, Hard Rock International, Health, Illinois, Indiana, Las Vegas Raiders, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rush Street Gaming, Sports, Sports betting, Taxes | 1 Comment

Atlantic City stutters; Shocker in New Orleans; Palms changes hands today

Posted on December 17, 2021 by David McKee

Casinos in Atlantic City grossed $207 million last month, an 8% declivity from 2019, as players tightened their purse strings. Overall, slot revenues were down 1% on a commensurately lower amount of coin-in. The house played unluckily at the tables, … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Bally, Barstool Sports, BetMGM, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Churchill Downs, CQ Holdings, DraftKings, Election, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock International, Health, Internet gambling, Iowa, Louisiana, Marketing, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, Mohegan Sun, North Carolina, Ocean Resort, Palms, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Philippines, PointsBet, Rush Street Gaming, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Technology, Tribal | 1 Comment

Mirage sold; Big win for Las Vegas; Bluhm, Reinsdorf clash in Chicago

Posted on December 14, 2021 by David McKee

In a billion-dollar coup, MGM Resorts International has sold the operations of The Mirage to Hard Rock International, a huge markup on Steve Wynn‘s 1989 creation—and Hard Rock isn’t even getting the underlying land! All this for 17X EBITDA, an … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Caesars Entertainment, Chicago, Cordish Co., Downtown, DraftKings, Economy, Hard Rock International, Health, Japan, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Politics, Rush Street Gaming, Scott Butera, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, The Strip, TV, Virgin Hotels | 4 Comments

Playing politics with sports betting … and casinos

Posted on December 9, 2021 by David McKee

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) has really put her foot in it this time. Not only are Windy City aldermen balking at five stadium-area sports books in addition to a billion-dollar casino, fearing cannibalization, but Lightfoot threw gasoline on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Barstool Sports, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Chicago, Churchill Downs, Dan Lee, DraftKings, FanDuel, Full House Resorts, Hard Rock International, Health, Illinois, Jack Entertainment, Marketing, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PointsBet, Politics, Regulation, Rush Street Gaming, Sports, Sports betting, Taxes, Tribal, TV, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Meanwhile at Harrah’s Philadelphia …

Posted on December 8, 2021 by David McKee

Busy on other fronts, we’re taking a break from regular programming today. However, kudos to Harrah’s Philadelphia for including this somewhat avant-garde menorah among its holiday observances. Don’t eat there, however, unless you fancy having some 12-day-old salad:

Posted in Caesars Entertainment, Dining, Pennsylvania | Comments Off on Meanwhile at Harrah’s Philadelphia …