Malloy: Stay the course; Wynncore automates

Although the courts may have the final say in the matter, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy has scotched the idea of an open-bidding process for a third Nutmeg State casino. He would prefer to keep the bird in the hand that is Connecticut’s current revenue stream for Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun than risk it for whatever’s in the bush. “I will not sign a transaction or bill that puts into real danger our existing arrangement with the tribal nations, nor would anyone in this building who thought about it,” he said.

Malloy was cagier on the matter of a satellite casino itself. “I’m not pushing it, or pushing against” an East Windsor tribal casino. “But I always believe you should have a realistic discussion about realistic outcomes, and it’s not realistic to put $260 million or more at risk.” MGM Resorts International lost no time in protesting the governor’s Solomonic wisdom, with counsel Uri Clinton calling for a “New York-facing casino with a 35% tax rate would generate more than $260 million in tax revenue and fees.” Does Clinton really think one casino can replace the amount of taxes generated by Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun combined? Especially with Gotham casinos only a few years out? With due respect, we think MGM is drinking its own bathwater on this issue.

The casino industry is at the forefront of the guest-service revolution. Wynncore is in the process of installing Echo units in all 4,748 guest rooms. Aria has already embraced Control14 tablets, which allow mechanization of all guest-room functions. But, seriously, isn’t it easier to close the drapes manually than figure out how to do it on a remote? Then again, I should hardly gripe: My knees are so shot that every time I have to get up a cost/benefit analysis has to be performed. On second thought, I definitely see the appeal of the new gizmos.

* Foxwoods CEO Felix Rappaport promised to try and drive more Millennials to his casino and he’s making good on his promise. He’s installed six skill-based slots made by GameCo. Obviously, it remains to be seen how they perform but GameCo. CEO Blaine Graboyes is emerging as the prime mover in the SBS field. Gamblit had better get on with it before Graboyes eats its lunch.

* If you’re a Borgata player — or a “Question of the Day” reader — and were wondering when, if ever, Mlife was going to kick in, your prayers have been answered. Or rather, they will be answered on June 7, when Borgata is finally hooked to the Mlife network. “All current card level access will remain intact,” says MGM, which I take to mean that it’s a point-for-point conversion from Borgata Rewards. Said Borgata COO Tom Ballance, “The timing couldn’t be more ideal, as MGM Resorts expands their presence into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States with the recent opening of the $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor in Maryland and the upcoming 2018 opening of MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.” Yes, and there’s that little, Pennsylvania casino you’re buying for a billion bucks, but we won’t get into that now. Say, how much is Sands Bethlehem worth in Mlife points?