Jottings for the weekend

Aside from the launch of sports betting in Kansas—spearheaded by Hollywood Casino and Kansas Star—it’s been a slow news week. Casino gambling is headed the wrong way in Alabama, where employee-owned GreeneTrack Class II casino was forced to shut down, thanks to the state Supreme Court. The latter levied a $106 million tax bill on GreenTrack, an impost that exceeded revenues. With similar levies facing other private-sector, electronic-bingo casinos in the state (except for tribal ones), other closings may well follow … Florida-based No Casinos will be the next party to wade into the lawsuit involving the Seminole Tribe‘s dubiously constitutional sports-betting compact (above). Group spokesman John Sowinski argues that the Seminoles are trying to have their cake and eat it too by expanding gambling across the state—in violation of Amendment 3—and yet claiming it is exempt by being tribal. “It’s an intellectually dishonest argument. It is an argument that is an affront to the people of Florida who have the right in their constitution to control what forms of gambling exist outside of tribal lands,” said Sowinski …

The last original employee of Caesars Palace has retired. Blackjack dealer Benny Figgins put in 55 years at the tables and we’re sure he will be missed … Former Macao junket boss Alvin Chau has been arraigned on 200-plus counts including money laundering and fraud. Chau is accused of concealing Suncity‘s revenue and the amounts actually being wagered by its VIP patrons … Crown Resorts could get zinged with a $68 million fine for providing high rollers with chips in exchange for blank checks. “These restrictions are vital because they protect patrons from gambling beyond their means and guard the Melbourne Casino against criminal influence and exploitation,” said regulator Fran Thorn … Las Vegas Sands is launching a scholarship program in Singapore. It will disburse $1 million to incentivize college students to pursue hospitality or tourism careers. Enlightened self interest, yes, but we praise it to the skies … Congratulations to Mohegan Sun on being named the best in-state employer in Connecticut by Forbes. Meanwhile the megaresort’s revenue for the third quarter of its fiscal year leapt 27% … No casino? No problem! Not if you’re DraftKings in Detroit, where it is teaming with Cordish Cos. to open a sports book adjacent to the Somerset Collection shopping mall. Amenities will include a 32-foot video wall … Finally, racino gambling comes to Nebraska on Sept. 19 with the opening of the temporary WarHorse Casino in Lincoln. It will offer 400-plus slots and ’round the clock access.

Quote of the Day: “Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.”—William A. Ward