Authorities are hinting about an indictment coming down in the Mandalay Bay massacre but are being coy as to whom it will target. Information released thus far by those investigating the crimes suggests that — despite having been out of the country at the time of the attack — it will be Stephen Paddock companion Marilou Danley. Her fingerprints were found 
on Paddock’s ammunition and her players’-club card was in his room. In the meantime, victims who may want to sue MGM Resorts International and/or Las Vegas Metro are chafing for more information. Said attorney Marwan Porter, “It’s very important after situations like this — these types of tragedies — it’s very difficult for the victims to have any type of closure without knowing what happened. Why it happened? What could be done in the future to prevent this type of tragedy from happening? Our clients are extremely frustrated. They need answers.” (So do we.) As for the elusive motive, it looks like an avalanche of gambling debts dating back to 2015 may have had more bearing than anything else on Paddock’s state of mind, although nothing he did prior to his deadly rampage is indicative of a rational man.
* Our president’s recent, racist tantrum about “sh!thole nations” is coming back to bite 
him where it really hurts: his wallet. Trump-branded hotels are being bombarded with satiric one-star reviews on Yelp! Yes, even Trump International. Wrote one particularly inspired satirist: “Typical Trump hotel- like an older woman that is trying desperately to look younger – over the top with sparkle and bling. Nothing classy about this hotel. The location… it feels like it was dropped off on a vacant lot near the strip. [How true — Ed.] Too many other awesome options in Vegas, don’t waste your time and money here.” Another one: “Back to my room. Was a little warm so wanted to put the A/C on. No problem, right? Except the controls are all labeled in cyrillic.” Touché, sir.
* In a remarkable feat, Las Vegas Strip casinos posted a 191% increase in profit during the last fiscal year, even though resort revenues were only 4% higher. Leaving amenities aside, Nevada casino revenue broke down as follows: slots — 63.5%, tables — 32.5%, sports books — 2%, poker — less than 1%. The average daily room night in Clark County was $155. Speaking of ethnic stereotypes, Caesars Entertainment CEO Mark Frissora‘s canard about “attributing what’s considered a longer period of appropriate mourning in countries like China for the [recent] decline” lives on as received wisdom.
* Despite being burned — no, incinerated — by Fontainebleau, Jeffrey Soffer wants back into the gaming industry. He’s buying the Mardi Gras Casino, in Hallandale, Florida. “I 
just like the real estate. I like the business. I think it’s a good opportunity,” Soffer explained, denying that the move was preliminary to moving the gambling license to Miami Beach‘s Fontainebleau. It’s a moot point anyway, as casino licenses aren’t portable under Sunshine State law. (Genting Group tried and failed at this) Owner Hartman & Tyner is also selling a West Virginia dog track, so there’s a racino opportunity for someone with money to burn. Soffer won’t be able to turn on the Mardi Gras slots right away: The casino is still be repaired from Hurricane Irma damage.
* Skill-based slots have penetrated Indiana, starting at Hoosier Park racino. The Centaur Gaming property is rolling out International Game Technology‘s Texas Tea Pinball, a hybrid of slot play and pinball. Centaur field-tested the pinball bonus round at Lucas Oil Stadium, where Indianapolis Colts fans could play it for casino freebies. (Well, they had to salvage something from the Colts’ season.) Centaur exec Tony Renz calls the game “a big hit with our guests.” Since then-Gov. Mike Pence (R) blocked Centaur from getting table games — despite receiving ‘george’ campaign contributions from Centaur — this is the next best thing.
