The long-delayed casino near the sports stadium complex in South Philadelphia received another extension from the often-acquiescent Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This casino has gone through changes in names, locations, and owners since the license was awarded in 2006 to… [continue reading]

The house always wins. They know that in Las Vegas. But in Massachusetts, well, not so much. And right now the Massachusetts Gaming Commission — which faces a $2.6 billion decision on the Wynn Resorts Casino rising in Everett —… [continue reading]

Thanksgiving has become the busiest travel and shopping holiday of the year.  It is a great time for retail sales and travel destinations, but it is not without its potential liabilities.  In the long-term, those who benefit today may suffer… [continue reading]

Earlier this year, I published Tales from the Slot Floor, a collection of edited interviews with casino slot managers, part of a larger project that captured how the discipline of casino management has changed and continues to evolve in the… [continue reading]

Whether they are exploring the strip in Vegas or touring the virtual world on a smartphone, when it comes to the games people play, they generally have two questions fairly close to the front of their mind. What are the… [continue reading]

Florida’s gubernatorial and Senate races are not the only ballot items from Election Day that are undergoing re-examination. It turns out that the ballot question on the future of casino gambling in the Sunshine State is likewise the subject of… [continue reading]

The sales of three properties, Greektown in Detroit, Atlantic Club Casino in Atlantic City and Kentucky Downs in Kentucky, were announced in the same week.  Terms were not disclosed on the Atlantic Club or Kentucky Downs, but Greektown was reportedly… [continue reading]

There are certain years that, at the end of which, the world moves closer to the future than the past, years that mark major shifts in how we see the world, or a small part of it. It’s possible that… [continue reading]

When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law earlier this year banning sports gaming in most states, justices made it clear that states should decide the issue, not the federal government. “The legalization of sports gambling requires an… [continue reading]

Whew, the mid-term elections are in the rear view mirror.  It brings an end to incessant political advertisements and speeches, to a daily stream of emails soliciting support and the harassing robocalls.  The campaigning was intense, the rhetoric inflamed and… [continue reading]

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — On a Saturday afternoon in October, the race and sportsbook at the Borgata Hotel Casino is packed with horse racing enthusiasts cheering on the ponies. No one is paying attention to what’s hanging on the wall,… [continue reading]

The action is coming fast and heavy. A bettor in New Jersey used his mobile app to win $325,000 on a $500,000 wager on Boston to win the World Series. Another DraftKings bettor hit a longshot money line parlay on… [continue reading]

Biloxi, MS – Capitalizing on opportunities, it’s how games are won in sports. A multi-billion dollar opportunity in sports gaming is presenting itself nationwide. So far only one southern state is capitalizing. “It’s been so well received here and it’s… [continue reading]

SHREVEPORT, La. – On Election Day, Arkansas voters will cast ballots for or against Issue 4. It would amend the Arkansas Constitution to authorize four casinos to operate in the state. Susanne Brunner went to Shreveport Louisiana to learn more… [continue reading]

On October 23rd an article in the Becker Hospital Review reported on a casino-themed, charity fund raiser called the Founder’s Ball held in Brooklyn, New York.  The event was attended by 850 people and raised $1.5 million for the hospital. … [continue reading]

One of the most contentious and expensive items on Idaho’s November ballot centers around a piece of electronics the size of a fridge. This machine — a “historical horse racing” terminal — could either boost Idaho’s horse racing industry and… [continue reading]

After years of lobbying and legal maneuvering, the Supreme Court in May rescinded the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which had kept most forms of sports betting confined to Nevada. States from Mississippi to New Jersey have… [continue reading]

There are 38 casinos located in seven states between Boston and Washington, D. C.  The long line of casinos might easily be called a strip, not unlike the Strip.  On the Atlantic Strip, the casinos are being built as close… [continue reading]

Politicians count on voters having short memories: forgetting, and by proxy, forgiving the bad policy they championed, the bad votes they cast. I seldom forget the battles, and definitely not the big ones, like the Florida Legislature’s recent attempts to… [continue reading]

There are rumors floating around Las Vegas that the Rio is for sale.  One rumor says there are several suitors and the property is already scaling back some operations in preparation for new bosses.  Another speculates the property is to… [continue reading]

“I liken sports betting more to Wall Street . . . I don’t believe it’ll be considered a game of chance. I think it will be a game of skill, just like you can be a day trader — you can be… [continue reading]

I read with interest the Sept.18 commentary by community columnist Carson Benn, “Expanding Ky. sports wagering not a wise bet,” As the debate over expanded gambling continues, some facts need to be emphasized. As Benn alludes to, Kentucky is a… [continue reading]

In May, the United States Supreme Court ruled against a federal law banning sports betting.  With that ruling New Jersey, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia rushed to pass enabling legislation.  In June, sports betting began in New Jersey… [continue reading]

What is it that makes our legislators think that — despite our bourbon, despite our horse racing, despite our lottery, despite our smoking and all the vices that we Kentuckians embrace on a daily basis — their refusal to approve… [continue reading]

At the end of its last term, the Supreme Court voted to strengthen the Constitution in a 6-3 vote that was a long overdue decision to end a law that said “some states are more equal than others.” The question… [continue reading]

Lawmakers in Harrisburg have been on break since June and only have a handful of session days scheduled in the fall. But once the largest “full-time” legislature in the country gets around to considering new bills, one priority is crafting… [continue reading]

Doug Ford, the Ontario premier, remains tight-lipped about his plans for reviving the downtown Toronto waterfront. As recently as five years ago, then-city councillor Ford championed a casino near the waterfront. And Rod Phillips, then-CEO of Ontario Lottery and Gaming… [continue reading]

Elliot Harrison works for a multibillion-dollar limited-liability company, where he studies research reports, crunches numbers, and prepares weekly forecasts about how well his organization’s 32 units will perform. Odds are you’re thinking Mr. Harrison’s employer is a blue-chip firm and… [continue reading]

They’ve yet to play a meaningful game, but already the New Jersey Devils and Las Vegas Golden Knights are the big winners of the 2018-19 NHL season. The Devils and Knights both announced this week they have gone where no… [continue reading]

There have been rumors of political corruption in Everett, MA for years. The mayor, Carlo DeMaria has, for the moment, overcome claims of sexual harassment, ties to associates of organized crime and a federal investigation concerning strong-arm tactics used in… [continue reading]

As a boss, “Dirty Carl” was nearly the ideal kind of guy to run a bar in DC. Well dressed and older than the staff, he commanded a level of respect because of his age and he knew the business…. [continue reading]

If I were a betting man looking for a sure thing, I’d probably wager that our men’s lacrosse team wins the Ivy League again. If I wanted a bit of an underdog, I’d take a good hard look at our… [continue reading]

Estimates of the illegal sports betting market in the U.S. range anywhere from $60 to $400 billion a year, creating massive potential for states interested in generating tax revenue from a new, legalized betting market. And that’s precisely why states… [continue reading]

If a casino moves into the York Galleria, it’s expected to have a positive impact on tourism in the township, according to a local impact report. It also will require some traffic improvements and water and sewer upgrades. Penn National… [continue reading]

It’s one of those insider Vegas tricks that’s actually right in front of your face in big letters: If you’re talking about the hotel casino that Evel Knievel made famous and The Hangover reminded us of, you never use an… [continue reading]

Interested in a sure bet? Forget the lottery. Put your house on the Pennsylvania Legislature. How so. Simple. Every time the Keystone State finds itself in a financial pinch – and when was the last time the state did not… [continue reading]

Atlantic City Casinos See Revenue Soar in July: That was the headline from the Press of Atlantic City on August 15th. It screamed out a phoenix-like rise of Atlantic City from the depths of decline that began a decade ago. … [continue reading]

In covering politics, it often takes a lot of work to connect the dots. I might suspect one guy is running a stealth campaign attacking another guy. But if the schemer is using shell corporations, LLCs and shady political committees… [continue reading]

Wall Street can be a ruthless taskmaster.  Public companies hold earnings calls each quarter to discuss and explain the company’s revenues, profits and the extenuating circumstance-effected results.  Analysts and reporters are on the call to ask questions and probe into… [continue reading]

In 2026, when North America hosts the World Cup, experts predict more than half of all U.S. states will be in the bookmaking business. And by that time, bookies, bettors and the regulators who monitor them will be playing an… [continue reading]

(THE CONVERSATION) To call gambling a “game of chance” evokes fun, random luck and a sense of collective engagement. These playful connotations may be part of why almost 80 percent of American adults gamble at some point in their lifetime…. [continue reading]

Buffalo Wild Wings is looking at getting into sports gambling. The local B-Dubs has always been an attractive choice for sports TV excitement, but someday you may be able to add the possibility of losing money on the Chicago Bears?… [continue reading]

Riverboat casino owners will need to shell out for a few extras — a hotel or conference center, say — to get permission from the state Gaming Control Board to move operations onshore. Board chairman Ronnie Jones this week explained why: “The… [continue reading]

Phil Satre has a new job; he is the chairman designate of Wynn Resorts.  Satre has a long and storied career in gaming.  After law school, Satre joined the law firm of Vargas and Dixon; Mead Dixon was an attorney… [continue reading]

LAS VEGAS (AP) – As revenue goes it barely registers on the books. The NBA probably gets more from the contract with its frozen daiquiri vendor than it does the new deal it inked with casino giant MGM Resorts International…. [continue reading]

In Australia slot machines are called Pokies.  The name is derived from poker machines, although the name predates gaming machines that actually offered poker.  In 1953, Len Ainsworth started to use his dad’s company and machinery to manufacturer slot machines…. [continue reading]

There, beyond Costco and the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, it looms: The golden tower, rechristened “Encore Boston Harbor,” to erase the name of Steve Wynn from the $2.5 billion casino project the now disgraced mogul personally championed for Everett. A recent… [continue reading]

Following the Supreme Court decision to overturn The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in Murphy v. NCAA, in June Delaware became the first state to take advantage of the new ruling. Delaware governor John Carney placed the state’s… [continue reading]

Every NFL season has its signature image, the way that year will be remembered forever. 1985 has the Super Bowl Shuffle Chicago Bears. 2001 has U2 singing at the Super Bowl right before Bill Belichick and Tom Brady shocked the… [continue reading]

European investors are getting excited about sports betting in the U.S. They should place their wagers carefully. When Mr. Burns draws up plans for a casino in “The Simpsons,” he thinks he’s found the perfect business: “People swarm in, empty… [continue reading]

In a move that could pump more life into the south Strip, Israeli hoteliers this month bought the 1960s-era Motel 8 and plan to tear it down to build a casino. They can only hope the project turns out better… [continue reading]

On Monday, July 23, 2018 officers of the Robeson County Sheriff’s office, Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security, North Carolina and Virginia National Guard raided three casino locations in North Carolina.  They arrested 26… [continue reading]

When companies hold ceremonial groundbreakings to announce facility openings or expansions, oftentimes surrounded by community leaders and public officials, many believe it is a mark of better things to come for local residents. For the gaming industry, we take the… [continue reading]

Virginia’s canter toward new forms of gambling has become a full gallop as the state considers historical horse racing The Virginia Racing Commission bucked the reins of restraint this past week, announcing it may allow as many as 3,000 historical… [continue reading]

What happened to Mike Hamrick in Las Vegas didn’t stay in Vegas. It stayed with him. One particular memory from his six years as UNLV’s athletic director — at the nexus of sports and gambling in the United States, with… [continue reading]

New York came to the casino dance a bit late. In a saturated casino market, projected revenues were unrealistic. But are the casinos a failure? I can only speak to the one casino in my district — Rivers. Rivers pays… [continue reading]

Japan’s upper legislative house has passed gaming addiction legislation and begun debate on the Integrated Resort Implementation Bill, the final step for casino legalization in the world’s third largest economy. If the bill passes, the real fun starts, as localities and companies… [continue reading]

Vdara Hotel & Spa is a 1,495 all-suite hotel within the $8.5 billion CityCenter complex in Las Vegas. It opened in 2009, intent on being very modern and luxurious. Everything is top of the line and as contemporary as an… [continue reading]