Happy birthday, Frank Sinatra

Posted on December 12, 2015 by David McKee

Here’s to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Francis Albert Sinatra, the man arguably more synonymous with Las Vegas than any other.

Posted in Entertainment, history, The Strip | 1 Comment

Adelson’s Capitol Hill puppet show

Posted on December 11, 2015 by David McKee

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R) held another kangaroo court on Internet gambling and was in his best Sheldon Adelson-like Luddite form, scoffing at geofencing software. “It’s naive at best to think you can put a wall on the Internet,” said the willfully ignorant Chaffetz. At least the playing field was a bit more level than in Chaffetz’ previous media circus, held before the House Judiciary Committee. (When you can’t ram it through one committee, try another.) This time, New Jersey state Sen. James Whelan (D) got to have an at-bat in favor of Atlantic City‘s ‘Net-betting setup.

He got a pushback from South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, “Regulation of online gambling has proven difficult at the state level [Says who?] and I anticipate that it will Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Cretins, Delaware, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Iowa, Law enforcement, Macau, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, South Carolina, Technology | Comments Off on Adelson’s Capitol Hill puppet show

Big card room bust in California

Posted on December 11, 2015 by David McKee

Earlier this week, American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman unveiled a stern new set of anti-money laundering guidelines, lest any casinos out there hadn’t gotten the memo that Uncle Sam means business when it comes to enforcing AML rules. As though to reinforce Freeman’s point, California and federal authorities raided two card rooms, Seven Mile Casino in Chula Vista and Palomar Card Club in San Diego. The raids and the unveiling of a multi-count indictment against 25 individuals were the consummation of what was described as a year-long probe. The charges raided from the mundane (illegal blackjack) to the exotic (transportation for prostitution), in addition to money laundering.

Agents carted off $600,000 — a down payment on the $10 million the Continue reading →

Posted in California, Geoff Freeman, International, Internet gambling, Law enforcement, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Regulation, Steve Wynn, Tribal | Comments Off on Big card room bust in California

Louisiana: Robbing Peter to play Paul; New disclosures from Genting

Posted on December 11, 2015 by David McKee

Were it not for the Golden Nugget Lake Charles, gaming revenues would have stumbled 7.5% downward last month. Add Tilman Fertitta‘s new GoldenNugget Lake Charlesshowplace, which grossed $20 million, and you have a 15% increase in the Lake Charles market. But, as good as that was, something was very wrong at Pinnacle Entertainment‘s L’Auberge Lake Charles ($24 million), where revenues plummeted 26%. Golden Nugget also took a big bite out of Isle Grand Palais ($10 million), where revenue fell 16%. Still, at $68 million, Lake Charles was comfortably the premier market in the Pelican State.

Pinnacle’s Lake Charles problem didn’t replicate itself in Baton Rouge, where L’Auberge Baton Rouge was up 20%, grossing Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Eldorado Resorts, Genting, GLPI, Harrah's, Isle of Capri, Louisiana, Pinnacle Entertainment, Rhode Island, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Tropicana Entertainment | 1 Comment

No misery in Missouri; Packer’s Vegas venture in question

Posted on December 10, 2015 by David McKee

November was a tranquil month for Missouri casinos, exemplified by Penn National Gaming‘s Argosy Riverside, in Kansas City, dead even with last year. Statewide, foot traffic was down 5% and spending up 6%, Argosy KCparticularly at table games, where winnings rose 7%. The nearest thing to high drama was a 10% duve in revenues at Harrah’s North Kansas City, as bankruptcy malaise continues to spread through the Caesars Entertainment chain. Maybe some of those customers were picked up by Ameristar Kansas City, whose revenues rose 5%. Isle of Capri Kansas City was down a percentage point but a variety of small gains and losses in the quartet of Isle of Capri Casinos properties in Missouri translated into a flat month.

In the St. Louis market, Tropicana Entertainment finally had some news to report, as Lumiere Place — long besieged by access problems — had a Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Florida, GLPI, Harrah's, Internet gambling, Isle of Capri, James Packer, Missouri, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Seminole Tribe, The Strip, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 9, 2015 by David McKee

Caesars Sinatra.jpg“He seemed now to be also the embodiment of the fully emancipated male, perhaps the only one in America, the man who can do anything he wants, anything, can do it because he has money, the energy, and no apparent guilt.” — Gay Talese on Frank Sinatra, in the 1965 profile, “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold.” Sinatra’s centenary is December 12.

Posted in Environment, history | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

DFS attempts end run; Mississippi’s new showplace

Posted on December 9, 2015 by David McKee

Daily fantasy sports firms DraftKings and FanDuel took their case to New York State lawmakers yesterday, appearing at a hearing convened by a consortium of Assembly committees. The DFS providers said they’d accept regulation but stopped well short of outlining just what would constitute fair oversight in their mind. Fantasy Sports Trade Association Chairman Peter Schoenke‘s call for “boundaries so these games are fair to everyone.” seems to be as specific as things got.

PretlowThe one clear, bright line that was drawn was Assembly Racing & Wagering Committee Chairman Gary Pretlow‘s statement that the legality of DFS was the province of the judiciary and that lawmakers were there to find out how the industry works. Indeed, they seemed as much in the dark on that matter as the DFS proponents were vague about regulation. The one exception was Assemblyman Dean Murray (R), who plays DFS in his spare time and called it “nothing more than day trading for sports fans.”

Strangely, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman declined an invitation to speak at the hearing, leaving the “con” argument to be made mainly by anti-gambling groups … Continue reading →

Posted in Donald Trump, Entertainment, Internet gambling, Mississippi, New York, Politics, Regulation | Comments Off on DFS attempts end run; Mississippi’s new showplace

Racinos under siege in Texas; Seminole compact no sure bet

Posted on December 9, 2015 by David McKee

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) wanted the Texas Racing Commission to repeal its approval of ‘historical racing’ at Lone Star State tracks. Rather than put it on the agenda, commission Chairman Robert Schmidt handed in his gavel, exchanging the chairmanship for an ordinary seat on the TRC. Abbott gave the chairmanship to Rolando Pablos, who was quick to accommodate the governor’s wishes. Schmidt downplayed the clash as “an honest difference of opinion,” although that doesn’t fully explain why he chose to step down rather than simply hold a vote. He and Abbott were also at odds with how soon the vote was to be held, with Schmidt maintaining that he was willing to revisit the issue in February.

The Texas Lege has repeatedly threatened to defund the TRC unless it pulled the offending devices, shown above. At issue is whether Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Hard Rock International, Horseracing, Massachusetts, Penn National, Politics, Racinos, Seminole Tribe, Taxes, Technology, Texas, Tribal | Comments Off on Racinos under siege in Texas; Seminole compact no sure bet

Wynn’s big buy; DFS in retreat

Posted on December 9, 2015 by David McKee

Steve Wynn is $63,800,000 lighter in the wallet this morning, after purchasing one million shares of Wynn Resorts on the open market over Steve-Wynn-201198-1-402the last three days. This brings his total stake in the company to slightly more than 11 million shares. “Given this is the first meaningful insider purchase and the first sizeable open market purchase by Mr. Wynn in some time, and given current short interest levels … it should come as little surprise that shares are indicated up ~9% in aftermarket trading,” wrote Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli. “Furthermore, in our view, anytime a CEO buys a meaningful stake it sends a favorable message.

“While Mr. Wynn’s purchase will likely be a much needed spark for shares, at least in the short term, we believe it is prudent ‎to Continue reading →

Posted in Internet gambling, Law enforcement, Macau, Pennsylvania, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Steve Wynn, Warner Gaming | Comments Off on Wynn’s big buy; DFS in retreat

Las Vegas’ latest efforts to combat the online casino revolution

Posted on December 9, 2015 by David McKee

By Walter Allen

Although Las Vegas has long enjoyed a reputation as being the world’s premier casino destination, in the 21st century it has faced unprecedented paris-las-vegascompetition. Not only are alternative gambling hotspots such as Macau in their ascendancy, but increasingly the rise of online casino sites has threatened to lure many away from the self-proclaimed party capital of the world.

There are currently 75 casinos in the main Las Vegas area with 43 of these concentrated on the Strip that provides the main attraction to the 40 million tourists who visit Las Vegas each year. However, beyond these main casinos there are many other gambling locations dotted around the city that can range from Continue reading →

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MGM’s sudden Connecticut ardor; Labor peace in Detroit

Posted on December 8, 2015 by David McKee

Connecticut‘s government is trying to have an MGM Resorts International lawsuit dismissed, but MGM isn’t going away quietly. It’s targeted the no-bid process whereby a Mohegan Sun–Foxwoods Resort Updated MGM SpringfieldCasino joint venture was juiced into a third, off-reservation casino, location still to be determined. (Were MGM to actually pursue a casino in Connecticut, its agreement with Springfield would forbid it from getting much closer to the Hartford market than New Haven.) Technically, casino expansion isn’t limited to the tribes, they’re merely authorized by law to form the JV. But the advent of non-tribal gaming in Connecticut would mean the end of Native American revenue sharing with the state, so the fix might as well be in.

“The exclusive, no-bid process violates the Equal Protection and Commerce Clauses of the United States Constitution,” counters MGM Continue reading →

Posted in Culinary Union, Detroit, Donald Trump, Economy, Election, Foxwoods, Genting, International, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, Phil Ruffin, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Tourism, Tribal, Wall Street | Comments Off on MGM’s sudden Connecticut ardor; Labor peace in Detroit

Scott, Seminoles make a deal; Reid does Caesars’ bidding

Posted on December 8, 2015 by David McKee

Just things were threatening to get ugly between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida, Gov. Rick Scott (R) has emerged from the cone of rick-scottsilence to disclose a new, $3 billion revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminoles. The pact, which must still garner the approval of the Florida Lege, would run for seven years, preserve Seminole blackjack and permit the addition of craps and roulette. The Seminoles appear to have gotten everything they wanted but they made a few concessions, too, including capping slots and tables at 3,000 and 150 respectively per casino.

The Associated Press reports, “The deal also allows for the addition of slot machines at the Palm Beach Kennel Club and also leaves an opening for another casino in Miami-Dade as well as create a path for existing tracks in that county and Broward to eventually add blackjack tables as well.” Could that additional Miami-Dade casino be Continue reading →

Posted in Genting, Harrah's, Harry Reid, Internet gambling, Politics, Regulation, Seminole Tribe, Taxes, Tribal | Comments Off on Scott, Seminoles make a deal; Reid does Caesars’ bidding

Indiana: Visiting less, spending more

Posted on December 8, 2015 by David McKee

That’s the verdict of Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli, who reports that foot traffic at Indiana casinos was 11% down last month, implying a 7% spending increase. If free play is counted, casino revenues fell 5%, with the Hollywood Lawrenceburgsouthern tier of properties having the worst of it (-8.5%). Only Full House Resorts‘ Rising Sun ($4 million) stood off Ohio competition, growing revenues 12% ($13 million). At the opposite end of the spectrum was Penn National Gaming‘s Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg ($13 million), down 16%. Belterra ($8 million) slipped 5%, while Horseshoe Southern Indiana ($20 million) took an 8.5% dive. Slot routes in Illinois may be cutting into business at reliable old Casino Tropicana ($10 million), in Evansville, which had a rare, 5% decrease.

Further upstate, French Lick Casino ($6 million) had a good month, up 10%, while Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Full House Resorts, Harrah's, Illinois, Indiana, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Slot routes, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 8, 2015 by David McKee

“A government that can shut down mosques simply because they are mosques can shut down Bible studies because they are Bible studies. A trump_gold_ap_328government that can close the borders to all Muslims simply on the basis of their religious belief can do the same thing for evangelical Christians. A government that issues ID badges for Muslims simply because they are Muslims can, in the fullness of time, demand the same for Christians because we are Christians.” — Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell D. Moore on Donald Trump‘s latest brainstorm.

Posted in Donald Trump | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Crisis point in Atlantic City; Alabama casino bill abandoned

Posted on December 7, 2015 by David McKee

Atlantic City‘s immediate future is teetering over whether it can persuade Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts International to parcel a $161 million tax refund over an extended period of time. If not, warns Mayor Don Guardian (R), the city will go bankrupt by the end of March. Nobody’s saying Borgata isn’t rightly owed the money … but do Boyd and MGM want to be known as the companies that tipped the Boardwalk into insolvency?

* Phhhht. That’s the sound of pro-casino legislation fizzling in Alabama, where Senate Majority Leader Del Marsh (R) has aborted his own bill to create a gaming commission and legalize Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Dining, Harrah's, Internet gambling, MGM Mirage, Politics, Regulation, Steve Wynn, The Strip | Comments Off on Crisis point in Atlantic City; Alabama casino bill abandoned

Ohio: Caesars effects a turnaround; Heightened scrutiny for MGM Springfield

Posted on December 7, 2015 by David McKee

Although it’s got one foot out the door in Ohio, the management half of Rock Gaming Caesars, i.e.,  Caesars Entertainment, is starting to shore up the recent decline of its casinos in the Buckeye State. Horseshoe Cincinnati and horseshoeHorseshoe Cleveland both inched past Hard Rock Rocksino by the tiniest of margins. ThistleDown Racetrack, however, seems a lost cause — pending Dan Gilbert‘s upcoming $70 million capex infusion — grossing only $8 million. Hollywood Columbus, however, put everyone in the shade with a $17 million gross (+3%), even when averaging only $173/slot/day. Despite doing an industry-average $196/slot/month, Hollywood Toledo grossed just $14 million.

Horseshoe Cincinnati grossed $16.5 million (+4.5%), with Horseshoe Cleveland (+1.5%) just behind and Hard Rock Rocksino a decimal point behind the Cleveland ‘Shoe, despite a Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Dan Gilbert, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Hard Rock International, Harrah's, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mohegan Sun, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Regulation, Rhode Island | Comments Off on Ohio: Caesars effects a turnaround; Heightened scrutiny for MGM Springfield

Continued erosion in Illinois

Posted on December 7, 2015 by David McKee

Illinois gamblers visited measurably less (-8%) and spent slightly more (+3%), as casino business in the Land of Lincoln took a 5% dip in November. HarrahsJolietThe calendar had one less weekend day than last year, which surely didn’t help. Even the top grossing ($33 million) Rivers Casino wasn’t immune, with a 3% slippage. The novelty factor has definitely worn off Harrah’s Metropolis, down 18% ($6.5 million). Boyd Gaming didn’t do so hot either, falling 13% at Par-A-Dice ($6.5 million). By contrast, MGM Resorts International was off only 2% at Grand Victoria ($13 million), in Elgin.

Penn National Gaming had the one gainer in the state, Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Economy, GLPI, Harrah's, Illinois, MGM Mirage, Movies, Neil Bluhm, Penn National | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 4, 2015 by David McKee

“The responsibility for everything that takes place upon a property [is on] the owners of that property — regardless of whether it’s regulated by a specific code or not. It is perhaps prudent that they consider what transpired.” — Clark County Department of Building & Fire Prevention Director Ron Lynn on the fake plants at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which flunked indoor fire-resistance tests (the plants, not the Cosmo). Although there are no Clark County regulations governing such materials, the Cosmo is removing all fake foliage and expects to be finished in early 2016.

Posted in Cosmopolitan, Regulation, The Strip | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Straub’s plans evolve; Martin Walsh, loser

Posted on December 4, 2015 by David McKee

Remember, you read it here first. Glenn Straub intends to sublicense the casino portion of Revel to an outside operator. It will have to be a company with a high tolerance for risk, as Straub is Revel_1340insisting on a 30-year lease. The tycoon feels that, with the energy-plant issues finally resolved, it will be easier to find a casino operator. “It’s not going to be the old Revel. But now we can talk to casino operators and tell them we’re interested in a 30-year lease,” Straub said. Any takers?

In the meantime, Straub is trying to evict Revel’s remaining tenants, a seemingly perverse fixation which seems Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Economy, Glenn Straub, Macau, Marketing, Massachusetts, Melco Crown Entertainment, Politics, Regulation, Revel, Steve Wynn | Comments Off on Straub’s plans evolve; Martin Walsh, loser

Message from the AGA

Posted on December 3, 2015 by David McKee

Posted in Animals, Geoff Freeman, Law enforcement | Comments Off on Message from the AGA