Category Archives: Politics

Japan: Another failure; Reading the Trump tea leaves

Posted on November 15, 2016 by David McKee

According to Morgan Stanley analysts, the chances of pro-casino legislation passing in Japan this year are “quite low.” Yes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has booted the ball yet again. His big push [sic] to bring casinos to the Land of … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, California, Delaware, Donald Trump, Florida, Genting, Internet gambling, James Packer, Japan, Law enforcement, Macau, MGM Mirage, Nevada, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, South Korea, Station Casinos, Tourism, Tribal | Comments Off on Japan: Another failure; Reading the Trump tea leaves

Trump, Adelson make a deal; Brazil moves toward casinos

Posted on November 14, 2016 by David McKee

Donald Trump may have sold his soul to the Las Vegas Review-Journal and cheaply at that. Pro-Trump Global Gaming Business is reporting that the mogul promised not to oppose Sheldon Adelson‘s anti-Internet gaming legislation if only the R-J would endorse … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Donald Trump, Election, Entertainment, International, Internet gambling, Macau, Mohegan Sun, Pennsylvania, Politics, Stanley Ho, Taxes, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Trump, Adelson make a deal; Brazil moves toward casinos

The day after

Posted on November 9, 2016 by David McKee

This morning’s biggest winners are not politicians or pundits (certainly not the pollsters) but the punters who laid their money on a Donald Trump victory when sites like Betfair had him as a one-in-five underdog or worse. Their wallets are … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Election, Florida, Harry Reid, Horseracing, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn | 1 Comment

Election Special; Station Reno project approved

Posted on November 7, 2016 by David McKee

Preoccupied with stumping for legalized sports betting, the American Gaming Association fell down on the job and failed to deliver a promised (yes, they literally promised us) election roundup. By this shortcoming, the AGA flunked one of its mandates, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Atlantic City, Election, Entertainment, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Politics, Regulation, Reno, Scientific Games, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Technology, Wall Street | Comments Off on Election Special; Station Reno project approved

MGM hearts Japan; Atlantic City aims for total victory

Posted on November 1, 2016 by David McKee

According to Reuters, if casinos are legalized in Japan, then MGM Resorts International would be willing to build the world’s second $9.5 billion megaresort. (Las Vegas Sands has already brandished $10 billion.) That’s leading with your chin. However, MGM believes … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Election, Genting, Japan, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, South Korea, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Tribal, Unite-Here | 1 Comment

Turnaround in Macao; Trop claims another victim

Posted on November 1, 2016 by David McKee

There’s finally solid ground for optimism with regard to Macao, admittedly a good market to be in even at the worst of times. October gaming revenues surged 9%. Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli took the numbers with a couple of … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Entertainment, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Stanley Ho, Steve Wynn, Taxes, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Pennsylvania lawmakers screw the pooch; Adelson’s way or the highway

Posted on October 28, 2016 by David McKee

Pennsylvania communities are scrambling to reach voluntary revenue-sharing accords with the casinos they host after the Legislature left the issue in limbo. Rather than address the host-community fee on its own, the House of Representatives tacked on approval of Internet … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Environment, GLPI, Golden Gaming, Greenwood Racing, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Maryland, Massachusetts, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Technology | Comments Off on Pennsylvania lawmakers screw the pooch; Adelson’s way or the highway

Five-point solution for Atlantic City; The Crown 18

Posted on October 27, 2016 by David McKee

Will Atlantic City be the master of its domain or will Gov. Chris Christie (R) insist upon a state takeover? That’s the question after Mayor Don Guardian (R) steered a five-point rescue plan through a heavily divided city council. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Environment, Hard Rock International, James Packer, Law enforcement, Macau, Politics, Regulation, Taxes, Technology | Comments Off on Five-point solution for Atlantic City; The Crown 18

New player in Moulin Rouge saga; Jersey casino backers try to save face

Posted on October 14, 2016 by David McKee

There’s another entrant in the perpetual sweepstakes to redevelop the Moulin Rouge site. This time it’s British firm Psi Key Entertainment. It is proposing a 1,288-room hotel for the acreage. However, Psi Key’s redevelopment plans have to be taken with … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Dining, Downtown, Eldorado Resorts, Election, Hooters, Iowa, Isle of Capri, Marketing, Missouri, Moulin Rouge, Palms, Politics, Station Casinos, The Strip, Westgate LV | 1 Comment

Hollywood Jamul opens; Hutchinson opposes Arkansas casinos

Posted on October 13, 2016 by David McKee

While the eyes of the industry were focused on the closing of Trump Taj Mahal, there was another long-awaited event on Monday: the opening of Hollywood Casino Jamul, near San Diego. Combine in-progress road construction with a new casino and … Continue reading →

Posted in Arkansas, Atlantic City, California, Cannery Casino Resorts, Dining, Election, GLPI, Harrah's, Horseracing, Isle of Capri, New York, Oklahoma, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Racinos, Taxes, Technology, The Strip, Transportation, Tribal | 1 Comment

Taj Mahal: Soon with 100% less Trump?; Sands jams up players

Posted on October 13, 2016 by David McKee

While the last vestiges of Donald Trump‘s ownership of Trump Taj Mahal were liquidated when Carl Icahn took over, it retained the name and continued to buy Trump Water. (The taste of douchebaggery?) What concerns politicians in Trenton is the prospect … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Architecture, Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Charity, Cirque du Soleil, Donald Trump, Downtown, Entertainment, Harrah's, International, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off on Taj Mahal: Soon with 100% less Trump?; Sands jams up players

National Harbor opening looms; Murren’s march through Georgia

Posted on October 5, 2016 by David McKee

Lucky Dragon Casino had better enjoy its 15 minutes of fame while they last because all eyes will turn to the East Coast on Dec. 8, when MGM Resorts International opens MGM National Harbor. CEO Jim Murren is already predicting … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Dining, Economy, Florida, Georgia, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Maryland, MGM Mirage, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Taxes, Technology, Tribal | 1 Comment

Crisis mode in Pennsylvania; Hard Rock unifies the brand

Posted on October 3, 2016 by David McKee

Although Pennsylvania lawmakers theoretically have three months to amend an “incredibly complex” state law that directs casino revenue to host cities and counties, the grim reality is that the Lege has only eight session days in which to get it … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Charity, Eldorado Resorts, Florida, G2E, Greenwood Racing, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock International, International, Macau, Pennsylvania, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Technology, TV, Wall Street | Comments Off on Crisis mode in Pennsylvania; Hard Rock unifies the brand

Stadium debate heats up; Seminole Tribe ousts boss

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

  While it looked for a moment like the wheels were greased for an NFL stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, financed primarily by hotel-room taxes, there’s a bit less certainty today. For one thing, Sheldon Adelson either assumed or … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Economy, Florida, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Macau, MGM Mirage, Politics, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Taxes, The Strip | 2 Comments

Industry braces for post-Reid void

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

Why has Geoff Freeman become such an outspoken voice in favor of the gaming industry? In part to fill the vacuum soon to be left by retiring Sen. Harry Reid (D). One of the two candidates running to replace him, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election, Geoff Freeman, Harrah's, Harry Reid, MGM Mirage, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos | Comments Off on Industry braces for post-Reid void

Pennsylvania casinos trounce state; MGM looks to Brazil

Posted on September 30, 2016 by David McKee

Pennsylvania cities and counties could find themselves short of money soon — and legislators have to locate even more cash on short notice, as though the current budget impasse wasn’t trouble enough. The commonwealth has been given three months, tops, by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Greenwood Racing, IGT, International, Internet gambling, Japan, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Pennsylvania, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Taxes, The Strip | Comments Off on Pennsylvania casinos trounce state; MGM looks to Brazil

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 29, 2016 by David McKee

Our jobs are every bit as patriotic as auto-worker jobs.” — MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren, on the emergence of the casino industry as a power player in national politics.

Posted in Economy, Election, MGM Mirage, Politics | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

GameCo hearts the Boardwalk; Internet gambling fails in Pennsylvania

Posted on September 29, 2016 by David McKee

GameCo CEO Blaine Graboyes promised that his company’s first skill-based slots would be rolled out in Atlantic City … and he was as good as his word. While the eyes of the industry were on Las Vegas for Global Gaming … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Downtown, Foxwoods, G2E, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Technology | Comments Off on GameCo hearts the Boardwalk; Internet gambling fails in Pennsylvania

Sheldon’s new errand boy; Caesars: Let’s make a deal

Posted on September 26, 2016 by David McKee

Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson is known to be the Lady Bountiful of the 2016 election, showering promising senatorial candidates with cash. One such hopeful is Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton (R), who has thrown a legislative Hail Mary, attempting … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Election, G2E, Genting, GLPI, Harrah's, IGT, Illinois, Internet gambling, New York, Penn National, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes, Technology, Unite-Here, Warner Gaming | Comments Off on Sheldon’s new errand boy; Caesars: Let’s make a deal

Atlantic City saved

Posted on September 23, 2016 by David McKee

It’s all over. The fat lady hath sung. And Atlantic City lives to gamble another day. Discouraged by poll numbers that showed insurmountable support for the status quo in New Jersey, expansion PAC Our Turn NJ is closing up shop. That … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Cordish Co., Election, Entertainment, Harrah's, Illinois, International, Maryland, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, New York, Penn National, Politics, Rhode Island, Slot routes, South Korea, Transportation | 1 Comment