1/08/2024

Global Gaming Directory Blog: Casinos, Hotels and Resorts

Global Gaming Directory Blog


Casino News




Classic Las Vegas Strip casino adds exciting adult entertainment






Las Vegas Strip hotel and casino operators are constantly seeking innovative attractions to lure visitors through their doors and onto the casino floor.


Guests have many options for daytime and nighttime entertainment on the Strip and its surrounding areas. Circus Circus hotel and casino is both a daytime and nighttime destination for families offering its Carnival Midway with arcade games and prizes which opens daily at 11 a.m. The Midway also surrounds a circus stage featuring free circus acts starting at 1:30 p.m. Of course, guests under 21 are not allowed on the Circus Circus casino floor.


For more relaxing daytime leisure, guests can lounge by the swimming pool or take in a game of golf. When the lights go down, plenty of evening entertainment is available as well.





Plenty of entertainment to choose from 


Visitors might choose to see a magic act, such as magician and illusionist David Copperfield at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino or maybe Penn & Teller's magic, illusion and comedy act at the off-Strip Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. Or maybe guests would prefer to take in one the five Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas – The Beatles Love, Michael Jackson One, Mystère, O or Kà.


For those looking for big-name music acts, superstar singer Adele continues her "Weekends With Adele" residency at Caesars Entertainment's  (CZR) - Get Free Report Colosseum at Caesars Palace for 32 more weekend shows from Jan. 19 through June 15, 2024.


Classic 1970s teen idol Donny Osmond has extended his residency beginning Jan. 23 and ending May 11, 2024, at Harrah's Showroom, and An Intimate Evening with Santana hits the stage at House of Blues Las Vegas Jan. 24-31 and Feb. 2-4.




Luxor opens adult playground on the Strip


A new attraction hits the Strip as Play Social Inc. on Jan. 18 opens its highly anticipated Play Playground, a 15,000 square-foot immersive play area featuring an array of interactive large-scale games emphasizing tactile skill, memory, puzzles and teamwork, at MGM Resorts International's  (MGM) - Get Free Report Luxor Hotel and Casino. The first-of-its-kind Playground features over 20 games, two bars, VIP mezzanines and private event spaces.


The venue is different from a Dave & Buster's or Chuck E. Cheese, as it does not feature any arcade, virtual reality or augmented reality games. Players earn credits for winning at the immersive games that can be exchanged for prizes in the Prize Center, which is one aspect similar to the arcade-style restaurants. Play Playground is open for all ages by day and adults only by night. The play area's operator Play Social markets it as ideal for both families visiting with children or companies looking to host a unique outing, the company said in a statement.


The venue is open from noon to 12 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Guests who are under 21 years old must exit Play Playground at 5 p.m. daily, but the 21 and over crowd can continue having fun at the venue until closing. Admission for guests under 21 is $34.50 and $39.50 for 21 and over, which includes a $2.50 service charge, according to the Playground's website.


Play Playground also offers a VIP Experience for $97.50, which includes all-day play, VIP lanyard and card, skip the line privilege, 24-hour re-entry, one commemorative cocktail, a commemorative hat or beanie and 15% off retail purchases. The service charge is included. 



SkyCity Casino Brings Bingo into Its Safer Gambling Ecosystem




SkyCity Casino is betting on a new range of bingo games. With bingo caught up in digitization of gambling since the early noughties, the game has enjoyed a resurgence. Gone are the days when bingo was played exclusively by those in retirement age. Countless studies and surveys show that the average age of bingo players has decreased significantly.


We know that remote gaming revenue in the UK between April 2020 and March 2021 was £6.9 billion. Bingo is listed among the games tracked within the metric. With further statistics showing that the average age of online gamblers is between 35 and 54, we can say with confidence that bingo is not only popular with the masses but with a younger audience than before.


Moving in Step with Industry Trends




SkyCity Online Casino and bingo is a testament to this. The online gambling operator has long taken popular products and converted them into digital offerings. Casino games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette, got the ball rolling. From there, virtual sports betting games were added to the mix. Now, after reviewing the latest trends, bingo games, ranging from classic 90-ball to modern speed variants, will be available to desktop and mobile players. Perhaps the biggest benefit of making bingo available to online players is the ease with which safety controls can be implemented. The current trend permeating all areas of the online gambling industry in 2023 is safer gambling.


Changes to the UK’s Gambling Act have prompted a new wave of responsible gambling measures and financial checks. US states implementing their own online gambling laws are also harnessing the latest innovations to ensure players are not only within permitted locations but playing responsibly. SkyCity Casino has a long-standing commitment to customer care. As per its responsible gaming policies, customers in New Zealand must be 20 or older to use the site, and all new accounts must be verified. Once customers are verified, there are tools for tracking financial transactions and, if necessary, set deposit limits.




Land Based Casinos


What are Land Based Casinos?


Land based casinos are physical casino premises that are commonly known as brick and mortar casinos. The term is used to differentiate between casino venues and their online counterparts.Some casino brands operate a mix of land based and online casinos, while other brands have either one or the other. Land based casinos might just include the casino itself, or they might be combined with other services such as bars, restaurants and hotel rooms.


Land Based Casinos Explained


A land based casino is any gaming premises located in the real world, as opposed to online. Examples of famous land based casinos include Caesar's Palace in Vegas and the UK's Grosvenor Casino brand. There was a time when the 'land based casino' was just the 'casino', but the dawn of online gambling has brought a need to differentiate between the two things. Land based casinos are therefore any physical buildings in which gambling games are played.Casinos usually offer a range of different games, although some specialise in one type of game, such as slot games or roulette. Most land based casinos have additional services for players, including entertainment acts, bars and restaurants, and sometimes hotel rooms and suites. Players who spend a lot of time playing at land based casinos are likely to be rewarded with complimentary use of these casino services.While land based casinos are different from online casinos, there are physical casinos which only offer electronic games. These video poker and slot arcades are common in smaller casinos and might be an offshoot of a larger brand.Land based casinos can be found in towns and cities all over the world, although there are some cities, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, which specialise in hosting these venues and have large numbers of land based casinos in one place.



Real Estate - Casino Connection News





Managing Director of the Alea Consulting Group, Nicholas G. Colon delves deeper into this relatively new way of ensuring the long-term financial viability of land-based casinos


The casino gaming industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of business to work in. Gaming executives are engaged in a never-ending quest to find the magic formula that boosts their corporate earnings to the next level. Sometimes the speculations are glorious successes, while other times they’re horrific failures. And still other times, massive investments have to be made before the true extent of how bad an idea is can be revealed.


The newest approach that gaming companies are trying is using the real estate market to increase their revenues. Here I will give a brief overview on how the real estate revenue generation by casino gaming companies works and, the benefits and drawbacks associated with this method. Modern casinos are built as massive resorts often times covering scores of acreage of land. The property usage is divided into three major components, which are gaming, hotel and commercial uses.


The hotel part houses the guests, while gaming is reserved to games of chance; and then there is the commercial use of properties. While hotel and gaming uses are niche, the commercial uses of casino properties have almost limitless possibilities. Space for entertainment shows such as the Cirque Du Soleil are fixtures at all the MGM properties in Las Vegas. Many casinos also have five-star restaurants, with world-renowned chefs tailoring the menus, on the premises.


This also falls under the umbrella of commercial use.


The commercial use for a property that is the most prevalent in some of the newest casinos in Las Vegas and around the world is shopping malls. This trend was pioneered by Caesars Palace Forum Shops in Las Vegas that opened on New Year's Day 1992. In 1998 when the Bellagio opened, there was a section of the property allocated for a few high-end shopping boutiques.


In the early 2000s the Planet Hollywood property in Las Vegas opened and it included a large shopping mall that mirrored the Forum Shops at prices more affordable to the masses. When the City Center Complex opened in LasVegas in December of 2009, The Shops at Chrystals opened up as a part of the complex. It was owned by MGM and was the home of several high-end retail shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada. The trend of associating commercial space with casinos was in full swing by this time.


Caesers, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood and the ARIA resorts all retained ownership of the commercial space at their respected resorts. They would sign leases with various retail companies for periods of time as a means to generate additional revenue for the company. Every so often the leases would have to be renewed and, depending on the sales of the store, lease rates could be negotiated.


Sales made by a particular store were tied directly to the traffic rate of the property. A 30% occupancy rating at Caesars would reduce the traffic flow of patrons frequenting the Forum Shops thereby reducing the purchase conversion rate. In the financial downturn of 2008, the shop owners had tremendous leverage and were able to negotiate very favourable rates for extended periods of time. This leads us to a huge blunder made in this area by the LasVegas Sands Corporation.


CASTLES MADE OF SAND


During the worldwide financial crisis, the shops at the Venetian were having a lot of trouble getting any type of retailers to occupy their spaces on strictly leasing terms. This led the board to sell the various retail spaces outright, at favourable terms for the buyer. This had the effect of reassuring the purchaser because they were not tied to any long-term payments and they were able to instantly begin building equity from their purchase, which at the very least was acquired at a discounted rate.


With hindsight, it’s my opinion that the Venetian was not looking at the long term when it made this decision. The global financial crash of 2008 scared everybody, and as a quick, knee-jerk reaction the Sands wanted to get the red ink out of their books as quickly as possible.


As we moved beyond the financial crisis the recovery slowly started to take over, patrons began returning to Las Vegas as a vacation destination and companies were no longer sending minimal personnel to the various conventions held there. The stores that occupied the retail space started increasing their sales and the equity in the retail space started increasing dramatically. And because the Sands no longer owned the space they were unable to increase their revenue from lease rates.


The total revenue of the Venetian was not as high as similar properties because they were not making as much from their commercial leases. This forced the Venetian to squeeze the customer from other areas. The casino games that were being offered were set up so the casino’s hold percentage was higher than before.


Most of the slot machines were set to their highest hold percentages, many of the blackjack games on the main became 6:5 payouts, for a natural and, a triple zero roulette wheel was introduced on the main floor under the name Sands Roulette, this game gives the house nearly an 8% edge over the player. Prices of food went up dramatically and comps offered by casinos went down dramatically.


MOVING FORWARD


These types of decisions are much easier to make for casinos in this scenario because there are no other revenue streams to consider. When players are not burned out at the tables they often take that extra cash and purchase goods and services at the resort property. These include products from stores, meals from restaurants and tickets for shows.


For one player this is not a factor but for the millions of players that walk through a casino a year this is significant. Even if only a tiny fraction of the players spend money at the shops, restaurants and shows, it translates into millions of dollars in sales over the course of a year and causes the value of the leased property to go up. Another negative impact is that the casino can’t negotiate better rates for items that can be purchased with players comp points, because there is no financial incentive to do so.


In recent years almost all of the main resorts on the Las Vegas Blvd and downtown Las Vegas have started charging for parking, even to casino guests and players. They do not collect money from their patrons they merely lease out the parking structure for a term of several years to an operating company. The operating company then installs parking ticket machines, gates and payment machines. They merely collect the money over the years of the lease. Again here, gaming companies are thinking short-term and not realising the negative perception they are creating with their customers. Creating more and more cost barriers for a customer to get to your product has an overall negative impact on revenue.


As we can see from the cited examples, the casinos have been in the real estate business for decades. But because it was viewed as a 360-degree revenue stream the gaming company was utilising to feed the main profit centres of the resort, it wasn’t viewed that way.


We are seeing today gaming organisations partition a division of their company to strictly deal with revenue generating through real estate applications. In effect, they are selling off pieces of their company that feed other parts of their total revenue equation. The assertion here is that the money in hand that is used for reinvestment will exceed the revenue that would be attained from keeping the asset. But what it is doing is showing little faith in the management team and foreshadowing a market reduction. The resorts, at least in Las Vegas, have convinced themselves that they are convention-centred destinations and the companies attending the conventions are the ones footing the cost and not vacationers. This type of thinking turns gaming companies into a B2B operation rather than an entertainment industry. Will it work? Maybe. Operators have just recently come back to profitability, stopping nearly a decade trend of losses. And even so the profits were just marginal. So now it’s a waiting game to see how the markets will react.


Australia’s Crown Resorts issues warning over unauthorized use of brand in illegal gambling ads




Australia’s Crown Resorts has raised a public alert about fraudulent activities involving imposter social media accounts and misleading advertisements. The casino operator revealed that unauthorised entities are exploiting Crown’s name, logo, images, and other distinctive details to promote illegal online gambling platforms.


The company, in an official statement, requested the public to exercise caution when encountering such advertisements and advised them to rely solely on Crown’s official websites and social media channels for authentic news and promotions.


As reported in Inside Asian Gaming Crown Resorts emphasised that operating an online casino or offering casino-style games online is prohibited in Australia. The statement clarified that Crown does not engage in online casino operations or any form of online gambling. The company stated it would take legal action against individuals or groups organising illegal activities using the Crown brand or its subsidiaries.


Currently undergoing a comprehensive reform initiative, Crown Resorts is focused on revamping its resorts in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. This overhaul is part of its strategy to regain casino licenses following unfavourable inquiries conducted in all three states.


One of the recent reforms introduced by Crown involves implementing mandatory time and loss limits for patrons using electronic gaming machines at Crown Melbourne. This move aligns with recommendations from the Finkelstein Royal Commission, which found Crown unsuitable to retain its Victorian casino license. The license is under a two-year review overseen by a Special Manager, with a decision on Crown’s reform efforts expected in 2024. The company is navigating a critical phase as it seeks to address regulatory concerns and regain public trust.


US – Formula 1 helps drive Nevada to its second most profitable month in November - Januaary 2024




Nevada’s casinos enjoyed their second-highest win ever, fuelled by the excitement surrounding the return of Formula One racing, which boosted the Strip’s performance by 22.6 per cent.


Only July earlier in the year was more lucrative for casinos in Nevada meaning that the state smashed its personal best twice in 2023.


Across the state, casinos generated $1.37bn, an increase of 12.5 per cent rise from November 2022 with Formula One clearly playing its part in an increase in tourism with 3,292,800 visitors in November.


Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst, said: “The four-day period beginning on November 16th was extremely profitable for both gaming and non-gaming activity on the Las Vegas Strip with some properties estimating those days established all-time record levels of revenue. The event’s success was more evident at luxury properties where the Las Vegas Strip’s baccarat increase accounted for 78.6 per cent of the state’s growth this month. Additionally, the 25 licensees that are included in the $72m or over revenue range for annual gross gaming win on the Las Vegas Strip increased by $160m or 25.8 per cent compared to last November and accounted for over 100 per cent of the state’s entire increase for the month.”


The Strip’s games win came in at $410.1m, marking the third highest total in Nevada’s history, and up 61.9 per cent from last year. This increase was led by baccarat which generated $178.3m, up 208.7 per cent from last year.


The influx of tourist spend wasn’t felt everywhere across the state though with Downtown Las Vegas down two per cent with revenues of $81.1m.


The Boulder Strip was down 2.1 per cent to $83.3m whilst North Las Vegas secured a 0.61 per cent increase to $23m. North Lake Tahoe experienced an eight per cent fall as did South Lake Tahoe.


For the year so far, Nevada GGR are on track to set a new record with revenues up 4.1 per cent over the first 11 months of the record-breaking 2022. November also saw the 33rd consecutive month that the state generated revenues of more than $1bn with November’s revenue coming in higher than November 2019’s total by 46.6 per cent.



US – Billion dollar plus months are the new norm for Nevada but could the Strip soon hit the milestone too? - March 2023




The Las Vegas Strip’s best ever February helped push the state of Nevada to yet another billion dollar plus month, marking two years of consecutive $1bn plus months and begging the question; is this now the norm for Nevada?


The Strip, with 28 casinos, generated $712.4m in revenue, increasing from $599.1m in February 2022 with the State’s 441 casinos bringing in $1.24bn in February, marking an 11.2 per cent increase from February 2022.


Clark County casinos alone surpassed $1bn for the 10th straight month, with analsysts now asking if the Strip could generate the milestone on its own.


Michael Lawton, Senior Economic Analyst for the Control Board, believes that following 24 months of $1bn plus months for Nevada, the figure has become the norm.


He said: “I think after 24 consecutive months you could safely say it is [the norm]. Obviously there is a lot of economic uncertainty, however that uncertainty has not spilled over into the record gaming win amounts we have witnessed over the last two years. Clark County has recorded over $1 billion in 10 consecutive months and in 17 out of the last 24 months. The Strip in December of 2022 recorded a win amount of $814.2 million which was the all-time record for the market. I think there is interest if the Strip on its own could hit the billion-dollar amount.”


In February, Clark County’s gaming revenue accounted for 87.4 per cent of Nevada’s total win with the Strip having 57.6 per cent of the state’s total.


For the state as a whole, slot win increased by 7.6 per cent to $822.8m whilst tables increased 18.6 per cent to $102.5m. Nevada sportsbooks won $41.2m, increasing 33.5 per cent from last year’s February, although the amiount staked was down 15.6 per cent to $659.4m.


Brendan Bussmann, Analyst at B Global, believes thee is still space for more revenue growth.


“We still do not have some of the foreign guests back, and the business customer is still returning, which will likely drive additional opportunity for gaming revenue,” he explained. “There are still a number of headwinds with economic and geopolitical forces that could impact the current trends in revenue. With a recession pending, a potential banking crisis, and other factors, Nevada continues to prevail through these challenges but these and other factors could have an overall impact on Clark County and the rest of the state.”

11/01/2023

Global Gaming Directory Blog: U.S Gambling Regulations in 2023

Global Gaming Directory Blog 


U.S. Gambling Regulations in 2023







Gambling in the U.S. is worth millions of dollars every year, but things aren't always so cut and dry. Each state has autonomy over its own gambling regulations and can decide which in-person and online betting markets are permitted.


With regular changes to bills taking place, it can be challenging to know which states permit what gambling activities (sports betting, poker, online casinos).  Even those states that only allow sports wagering, the rules vary.  Illinois, Virginia, New York do not allow betting on in-state schools, Oregon does not allow any mobile gambling on college sports.  States like Iowa and Massachusetts prohibit use of a credit card for opening a betting account.  And then there's Nevada.  The Silver State requires individuals to register in-person (not remotely).


The legality of online gambling markets in the U.S. is determined by individual states, most of which must amend their current state laws.  There are some exceptions such as New Mexico.  The Land of Enchantment allowed a few retail sportsbooks to operate on tribal lands without any type of legislative considerations.


The federal government has not immersed itself in gambling regulations in America since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May of 2018. Instead, the sausage making all occurs at the state level (just not New Mexico) where lawmakers must find a way to get a final version of a bill through both the state house and senate.  Once legislation passes through both chambers, it's up to the governor to sign off or veto.  In 2020, Maine Gov. Janet Mills opted to veto a sports gambling bill that landed on her desk.  The Maine senate would go on to override Mills veto.  Only now is that state in the process of approving operators, three years later.  It's not always a pretty process.


All states apply tax rates on betting activities with taxes typically varying between 10% and 20%, but much higher in some states.  Case in point, Pennsylvania is over 30%.  New York flirts with the 50% mark. License applications and renewals are another way that states benefit financially from gambling operations.


Online gambling has enjoyed a surge in popularity due to the popularity of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This provides users with a convenient way to place bets from the comfort of their own home or on the move.


Online gambling is typically split into a variety of markets that include online casinos, sports betting, horse racing, fantasy sports betting, lottery, and poker.


At present, online sports betting is legal in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia.  It is estimated that over $180 billion has been wagered legally on sports betting in the U.S. and many states are interested in the possibility of tapping into this revenue stream.


This week, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ multi billion agreement with the Seminoles to offer online sports betting in Florida.  And while it may appear the sky is the limit for the Seminoles to launch their Hard Rock sportsbook, various court challenges remain.  Clarity is not anticipated before the next Super Bowl.  Florida makes up the top three most populous U.S. states, none of which currently offer sports wagering.  Texas and California are the other two.  on October 27 it was announced that the most populated state, California, will once again feature two ballot initiatives asking voters to determine the fate of sports betting in 2024.  The last effort failed miserably.


Even in states that have yet to regulate sports gambling, there are ways for consumers to legally place wagers. Offshore betting is not covered by regulations, meaning citizens can sign up and play with operators from based outside the U.S.  Some offshore sportsbooks have opted not to accept new customers from New Jersey and Nevada.


Because offshore books are not regulated by any state, players are not afforded the same protection as those granted a license.  Offshore sportsbooks do tend to be far more established however.  That's resulted in a stellar reputation built over time.  Some of the best options for 2023 provide players with great incentives, state-of-the-art software, and high-security levels, and are licensed by reputable authorities overseas, like the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.


When it comes to state regulated sports betting, the tribes do have significant influence over gaming in several states including Connecticut, California, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota and New Mexico.  This is both a blessing and a curse.   


Native American tribes are permitted to operate casinos on tribal land. These permissions are based on the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which created a framework based on set conditions.


Conditions include gaming compacts with the state and a license being granted by the NIGC (National Indian Gaming Commission).  But conflicts are common.  We're seeing this in Florida where the Seminoles are influential but not the only game in town, so to speak.   Connecticut's Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, on the other hand, were met with little resistance in their quest to oversee the mobile and retail sports betting market.  California can't get over the finish line as a result of in-fighting among tribes.  For the better part of a decade efforts to legalize online poker fell apart courtesy of differing tribal agendas.


During 2023, there were bills either newly proposed or rehashed across the country looking to regulate sports wagering.  Lawmakers in Kentucky and North Carolina were ultimately able to take a victory lap.  Georgia?  Better luck next time.


Until now, there's been little effort to push for online gaming and/or poker legislation.  That seems to be changing.


Indiana launched an attempt to legalize iGaming under HB1536 with a proposed 20% tax rate that would see money going directly to services to support gamblers. This attempt failed in February and will have to wait until 2024 for another attempt.


Iowa's HSB227 to legalize online casinos isn't being considered while Illinois' HB2239, SB1656, and HB2320 to create an internet gaming act saw proposals of 12% and 15% tax rates, but there has been little movement. Illinois is relatively unique in offering biennial legislative sessions, which means the proposal will stay active until 2024.


There were high hopes for New York's attempts to legalize online casinos in 2023 under bills A1380 and A3634. The state has the potential to be one of the highest-grossing gambling states because of its population (4th largest in the nation), but support appears to have slowed down after the legalization of sports betting on the NFL, NBA and others bringing in massive revenues since 2022. New York is also considering retail casino applications at present.  With this in mind, iGaming will have to take a back seat for now.  There is a real possibility in 2025 following the election year.


Rhode Island surprised a lot of people by agreeing to SB948, which will legalize online casino gaming. Regulatory framework and licensing are still to be decided, but this is just a formality. 


Maryland missed the 2023 deadline to pass iGaming legislation to compliment the already approved sports betting market. Bill number SB267 will face a referendum so campaigners will be pushing for support if it gets the nod for 2024.


Maine's LD1777 proposal to legalize online casinos based on the current tribal agreement over online sports betting hasn't moved quickly (we mentioned the three year lag period for sports betting above).


Betting laws in the U.S. will continue to change to accommodate different betting markets. States are seeing significant revenue streams from allowing legalized betting, and many others are eager to explore these options.


Assurances that a percentage of gaming revenues will go towards programs to help problem gamblers along with other social programs will appease some detractors for sure.


States that have zero forms of gambling like Utah and Hawaii may never see mobile sports betting or iGaming in our lifetimes.  Georgia, South Carolina and Texas are not the most gambling-friendly states in the nation but, nevertheless, there are those at least trying to make an effort.  Anything is possible.  Just look at Tennessee.  This is a state that has no casinos yet embraced mobile sports betting with open arms not too long after the 2018 SCOTUS decision.


(Gambling911)


Casino News


Man faces Perth court charged with woman’s murder at Crown hotel



A man has faced court charged with murdering a woman in a hotel room at Crown Towers Perth.


A man charged with murdering a family law barrister at a Perth hotel has faced court wearing a white forensic jumpsuit.


The body of 34-year-old Alice Rose McShera was found at Crown Towers Perth in Burswood on Monday morning.


Cameron John Pearson, 42, was also found at the scene with allegedly self-inflicted wounds and was treated in hospital.


Homicide squad detectives charged the Bibra Lake man with murder overnight.


Pearson, represented by solicitor Reid Hogan, briefly faced Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning wearing a forensic jumpsuit and was unshaven.


Magistrate Stephen Butcher remanded Pearson in custody to face Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on November 22.


Ms McShera was based at the Murray Chambers in Perth.


Her profile said she was “an experienced advocate who appears and advises as counsel in all family law and restraining orders matters”.


Before commencing practice as an independent barrister, Ms McShera practised as a senior associate in a boutique family law firm and, prior to that, was a legal associate to a WA Family Court judge for four years.


She obtained her Master of Laws from the Australian National University in 2015 and was a member of the Family Law Practitioners Association of Western Australia and the Law Society of Western Australia.


Outside court, supporters of the victim, who are believed to be family members, declined to comment to the waiting media.


Emergency services were called to the hotel about 11.10am on Monday after reports a woman was found dead inside a room.


St John Ambulance paramedics treated Ms McShera at the scene but she could not be saved.


Police said Pearson had sustained “serious self-inflicted injuries”.


A spokesperson for Crown Resorts issued a brief statement following the woman’s death.


“We can confirm police responded to an incident at Crown Towers Perth earlier today,” the statement read.


“Our team are assisting WA Police with their investigation, and we are supporting our team members.


“Any further inquiries should be directed to WA Police.”


The $650m Crown Towers in Perth, which includes 500 guest rooms and villas, was opened in 2016.


Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.


Anti-domestic violence organisation White Ribbon Australia said Ms McShera was the 43rd woman to die this year due to alleged violence.


“We’re faced with a shocking reality that should make all of us feel equal parts outrage and sadness — on average, one woman is allegedly murdered every nine days in Australia,” chief executive Melissa Perry said in a statement.


“As a society we cannot be so numbed and desensitised that we view family and domestic violence and the resulting deaths as just another statistic.“


Ms Perry said the time for silence and indifference had passed.


“As a nation, we need to be doing more to change this unacceptable set of statistics,“ she said.


“We also need to recognise that this won’t happen without greater investment across all areas of the family domestic violence and abuse sector.


“This includes primary prevention strategies and education campaigns to stop violence before it starts, behaviour change programs for men who have chosen to use violence, and victim-survivor support services.”






007 News

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli admits she hasn’t started working on next instalment


The producer admitted in an interview with The Guardian that there is "a big road ahead", before the iconic British spy is "reinvented for the next chapter" following the end of Daniel Craig's run in 2021's No Time to Die. Broccoli explained her team "haven't even begun" the process of modernising the franchise, which they believe is necessary whenever a new actor takes over the role. When Craig signed up for Bond with 2006's Casino Royale, the producers "wanted to focus on what a 21st-century hero would look like"



James Bond 007 News


California man prepares to sell nearly 60-year James Bond memorabilia collection for $1 million


Collection includes over 30,000 items — posters, books, magazines and much more


A retired California schoolteacher is ready to cash in his collection of all things James Bond-related. 


Steve Oxenrider has a collection of over 30,000 items related to the Bond phenomenon, with some items dating back to the early 1960s when the series was first released. 


The San Francisco resident has shipped half his items so far to Ewbank’s Auction House in Woking, Surrey, England, ahead of the auction.


Due to the large number of collectibles, Ewbank’s will auction off Oxenrider's collection in two parts — with the first half of the miscellany going live in November.


Some of the items included in the auction include original posters for "Dr. No," valued at over $15,000, and a signed "Thunderball" gala charity premiere brochure from 1965, which is expected to sell for over $1,000.  


Although Oxenrider has over 30,000 items of memorabilia, he told Ewbank's that he still wishes he had call sheets from the earlier films in his possession. 


"They provide an intriguing insight into the production of a film," he said.


Oxenrider said the first items he acquired were James Bond trading cards in 1965.


These then led to books, lobby cards, magazines, comics, merchandise such as toys and games, music, posters, press material, scripts, still, movies and more.


The two-day auction for the first half of the collection will begin on Nov. 16.


It will be highlighted by posters from the earlier films — with the second auction scheduled for spring 2024. 


Ewbank’s partner and head of entertainment memorabilia Alastair McCrea said the collection is "breathtaking."


"We have been holding dedicated James Bond auctions for years now, but this collection is on an entirely new level," he said. 


Oxenrider said the first items he acquired were James Bond trading cards in 1965.


These then led to books, lobby cards, magazines, comics, merchandise such as toys and games, music, posters, press material, scripts, still, movies and more.


The two-day auction for the first half of the collection will begin on Nov. 16.


It will be highlighted by posters from the earlier films — with the second auction scheduled for spring 2024. 


Ewbank’s partner and head of entertainment memorabilia Alastair McCrea said the collection is "breathtaking."


"We have been holding dedicated James Bond auctions for years now, but this collection is on an entirely new level," he said. 


The sheer breadth and depth of the collection is breathtaking and a tribute to the dedication and perspicacity of Steve Oxenrider — the ultimate collector of 007 material."


For those looking to grow their own memorabilia collection, Oxenrider said that doing your own research is key. 


"Do research on auction websites to see what’s available and price estimates," he said.


"Limit what you’re looking for and how much you want to invest."


The collector recommended getting in touch with trusted establishments that might be interested in selling or trading material.  


James Bond, also referred to as "Agent 007," was a fictional character introduced in "Casino Royale" in 1953 as a British Secret Intelligence Service agent, according to Britannica. 


Bond was the product of British novelist Ian Fleming — who featured the character in 12 novels after "Casino Royale" and film adaptations, as Britannica also noted.


Some actors known for playing the role of Bond include Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. 


For more information on how to bid for the Bond memorabilia, visit Ewbank’s Auctions.


Fox News Digital reached out to Ewbank's for further comment.


(FOX)


Content News Media







SEO News


Search News Media News

Content News Media


Ways to find unique content ideas from real-life insights


Find out how to create content that sets you apart from the competition using untapped sources. Here are four areas to explore.


Marketers often work at a distance from frontline operations.


We may not directly build the product, deal with angry customer phone calls, or be out in the field selling.


We might even be at an agency, an additional level removed from the shop floor or direct interactions with the target customer. 


How, then, can you:


Know what to write about?

Insert meaningful insights into your landing pages or ad creative?

Effectively persuade your target audience that you are the clear choice over your competitors? 

Digging new wells to find new content

One of the best writing tips I’ve ever received is to “dig new wells.” That is, to get content no one else is writing, you need to establish different sources. 


Too often, content writing for the web starts with the search results. While it makes sense to look at what’s ranking for your target keywords, it should not be your only source of information. 


The rise of 10x content and the Skyscraper Technique led some content writers to rely on rewording and combining top pages into a long, SEO-focused page. But it’s not getting outside sources of information. 


For me, the best type of content for the web comes from outside the web. Pulling content ideas, inspiration, and even language from real-life sources can help your content stand out, resonate with your target audience, and even alleviate any concerns they have. 


Plus, combining outside-sourced content with an SEO’s skills in finding keywords, structuring content, and generating links can form a powerful piece of content that performs nicely. 


Here are a few ways to dig new wells to find new content. 


1. Source content from employees

The single greatest source of content is from front-line employees. Depending on your business, you might have: 


Salespeople

Salespeople earn their living by earning trust, highlighting benefits, and alleviating fears of potential customers or clients.

Any successful salesperson has already worked out a script based on common pain points and exactly what message can help convince people to buy.

Customer service representatives (CSRs)

As frontline workers who come in contact the most with existing customers, they know the most common questions and objections people have.

If a CSR gets asked the same question regularly (say once per week or greater), the answer to that question should become content on your site. 

Those doing the work

Another great source of content is from those doing the actual work. Visit the factory floor, buy coffee for the production team, or go for a ride along with the installation team.

By spending time with those who actually make your products or carry out your services, you will get a newfound understanding and appreciation for what they do.

Plus, they should be able to provide great insights into how you are different than your competitors – whether it is better materials, unique processes, or attention to detail. 

Example of sourcing content from employees

I had a client in the agriculture industry who wanted to grow by getting their brand in front of more farmers. My main contact was a salesperson working in the field six days a week, traveling from farm to farm.


In some ways, he functioned more as a consultant, helping generate ideas and sharing best practices from others to help each farmer expand their operation. 


He would be the first to tell you he was not a great choice for writing new content for their website. Here’s what worked for us: I would get him on the phone while driving between farms, and he would rant.


For half an hour, he would brain-dump his thoughts on a certain product or service his company was offering. I was simply there to transcribe and ask follow-up questions. 


When it was time to write the website content, I found that the salesperson’s rants would form 80% of the page. I was merely there to edit and shape it into a logical flow and ensure it was optimized for search and conversions. 



2. Source content from current customers

Another well of great content ideas is from your current customers or clients. They are your best source for entering the buyer’s mind and decision-making process. 


If possible, make it a habit to regularly interview some of your current customers. Ask them questions about: 


Their pain points. 


How they researched options.

What mattered and didn’t matter to them as they made a decision.

You can sometimes use these stories as the basis for case studies or featured project pages for your site. At the very least, you will uncover phrases, words and concepts that can become integral parts of your website content and marketing efforts. 


Example of sourcing content from current customers

A few years back, I was working on a branding campaign for a furniture company. Their core business was selling through furniture stores; they saw an opportunity to increase sales by working with high-end interior designers. 


As we worked on drafting content for their website and marketing material, our team booked calls with a handful of interior designers with whom they currently worked. 


These phone calls were a wealth of information and insights into these interior designers’ pain points, goals and dreams. 


Some insights they provided were completely unknown to the furniture company. What we learned from these calls proved invaluable in shaping the website content. 



3. Source content from past customers


Past customer reviews are among the easiest yet impactful wells to pull content ideas and language.


Whether past customers have left reviews on your Google Business Profile, Amazon, a third-party review site, or your own internal system, these are great sources of info about how the market views your product or service. 


Customer reviews are great because they provide a glimpse into your customer's thinking at scale – no need to interview them. Online reviews also collect the right language, pain points, and angles you may not have noticed. 


Whenever I take on a new local SEO client, I make it a point to read every review on their Google Business Profile. I like looking for trends and themes across the reviews and see anecdotally what really matters to customers. 


Google does pull out themes by seeing the top 10 topics or phrases mentioned in reviews.


You can take your reviews and put them in a sentiment analysis tool to see topics, trends, and talk points that you can share with your CSR or use in your marketing, advertising and website efforts. 


Example of sourcing content from past customers

One time, I was reading reviews for a new client in the home service industry.


A few reviews told a similar story: each mentioned the same salesperson by name and how professional and informational the salesperson was – especially compared to other companies. And each said a surprising detail: the salesperson gave a gift of local jam. 


One specific salesperson was doing this to make connections with his prospects, but it was leaving such an impact on customers that they mentioned it in their reviews.


When our client found out about this, they made it a standard across all sales staff, and we mentioned it as part of the online appointment scheduler. 


4. Source content from competitors 

A surprising source of content ideas can come from your competitors.


As we saw above, if online reviews for your own products or services can provide helpful insights for your marketing efforts,  what can you learn from reading the reviews of your competitors? A lot!


Find a few of your competitors and read every review of theirs that is three stars or lower. Bad or mixed reviews can provide a gold mine of information about what people don't like about your competitors.


These points can be used in your marketing efforts, as they are pain points your target audience has, and your competitors are not meeting. 


Example of sourcing content from competitors

While conducting competitive research for an outdoor structure company, I noticed their main competitors had a fair amount of indifferent reviews. As I read these reviews, I noticed themes. Most reviews mentioned:


A lack of communication. 

Misunderstandings about the delivery and installation process. 

I took this to the client, and we discussed how we could make their service better. The client worked on strengthening their already solid customer communication system. 


On the website, we invested in content to fully explain how they deliver and install their structures, answering every single question their CSR is regularly asked. 


Finally, we created a comprehensive guide on the entire sales process, from initial order through installation. We used this as a target for a remarketing campaign to help reengage with potential customers. 


Dig deeper: Competitor content analysis: Here’s what you can learn


Start creating new content today

To create content that no one is creating, you need to get different sources no one else can get.


Interview your employees and current customers. Summarize feedback from past customers and those disappointed with your competitors.


Gain valuable insights to tell your unique story and stand out.

10/16/2023

Global Gaming Directory Blog: News

Global Gaming Directory Blog




Casino and Sports News






USA Gaming and Gambling News


G2E: Financing available for forthcoming casino projects, though at a premium


Wall Street investors continue to be interested in investing in quality casino-resort projects despite tight capital markets, but operators will pay a premium in markets like New York City, where there will be a lot of competition for customers. New York has authorized three casino licenses for the downstate region centered on New York City, for which 11 applicants are vying, including Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands. “A U.S. Treasury is a risk-free investment at 5% and if I’m thinking about investing in a brand-new New York greenfield project that costs $5 billion, that’s going to require a pretty big premium above 5% for me to get excited,” said Howard Wang, managing director at Ares Management during a panel session at the Global Gaming Expo.





Workers picket Harrah’s Philadelphia for first time since casino opened


Amidst the banging of drums and shaking of bells in front of the Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack parking garage, approximately 150 members of three unions shouted, “No contract, no peace.” “It’s the first time we’ve ever taken public action at this property since it opened,” Ben Albert, secretary/treasurer of Unite Here Local 54, said. “The wages lag way behind the rest of the industry and are not where they should be based on how the company is doing”… Members of Unite Here 54, Laborers Local 413 and Teamsters Local 107 picketed in front of the facility Friday.


The Sphere wasn’t built for sports. The biggest players want in anyway


After just one U2 concert at Las Vegas’ new $2.3 billion Sphere, UFC president Dana White described himself as “obsessed” with the venue and the prospect of getting the mixed-martial arts property there as soon as possible. “The Sphere is a whole other level,” White said. “I don’t run the Sphere, and it’s not my company, but it’s so good that for at least the first year, they should do nothing but incredible experiences. … I will put on the greatest live combat sports event anybody has ever seen at the Sphere. I’m so in on this, it’s not even funny. The first live transmission from there should be us.”


Caesars’ Virginia revenue dips slightly in September, but ahead of Hard Rock in Bristol; Rivers Portsmouth leads state


Gaming revenue for the Danville Casino dipped slightly again last month, but remained well above its counterpart in Bristol. The temporary facility brought in about $19.14 million in September, down from the $19.63 million posted in August. The Virginia Lottery released the figures Friday. The casino in Bristol — another temporary site with more slots and tables — brought in $12.71 million.


Arizona: DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale to open this week


It’s only a matter of days until the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale has its grand opening. The sportsbook will open its doors on Oct. 20, according to a Monday press release. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 1 p.m. with PGA Tour and DraftKings executives. Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will place the ceremonial first bet. The DraftKings Sportsbook, which sits across the street from the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course clubhouse, was developed under a first-of-its-kind agreement with the PGA Tour.


High roller offers $500K reward, says he was drugged while gambling at MGM Grand

A California real estate executive and sports agent who has high-roller status with MGM Resorts International has sued the company after he says he was drugged with a substance used by veterinarians to sedate animals while playing blackjack in the MGM Grand’s private gambling salon. Dwight Manley, 57, who filed the amended complaint in July, on Thursday offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for drugging him.


NCAA’s attitude toward sports betting takes dramatic shift, more focused on athlete protections than punishments

A few years ago, the NCAA’s stance on sports wagering was clear: Don’t bet. The organization didn’t want players and coaches wagering, and the NCAA also wasn’t thrilled about having any relationship with regulated sports betting. That attitude seems to be shifting, as NCAA officials are aware of the increased fan engagement legalized betting brings. A changing attitude toward sports betting doesn’t just include a growing appreciation for the external benefits of sports wagering, such as increasing fan interest.


Disney goes all in on sports betting with ESPN Bet

In early 2019, an analyst asked Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger if sports betting could coexist with the House of Mouse’s brand. He said he didn’t see the company facilitating gambling in any way. Just four years later, the world’s most beloved name in family entertainment is going all-in on sports betting. In August, the company struck a 10-year deal with sports-betting company Penn Entertainment to bring gambling to Disney’s ESPN sports network. Sports fans will be able to wager on games on their phones through a new app called ESPN Bet that accepts bets through Penn’s sportsbook.


‘Creepy’ feeling around Atlantic City casinos in wake of cyberattacks

The eerie calm that has washed over Atlantic City casinos the last few weeks has nothing to do with Halloween or the changing of the seasons. It is not even because most of the gambling industry is gathered in Las Vegas this week for the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The recent cyberattacks on two of the largest US casino operators have noticeably impacted Atlantic City casinos. Or at least that is the general feeling in town lately. New Jersey gambling regulators will publish September’s revenue results for the AC casino industry on Oct. 16.


After cyberattacks crippled casino companies, how vulnerable is Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has always prided itself on its economy of leisure. In the span of a weekend, visitors can dine at the finest restaurants, witness world-class entertainment and sporting events and shop at top luxury brands without leaving the Strip—sometimes, without leaving their hotel. All that came to a standstill last month as two casino giants fell prey to revenue-crippling cyberattacks that have left us wondering: How vulnerable is Vegas, really? Casino-goers attempting to use mobile check-in, digital keys, credit cards, ATMs, slot machines and other services at some MGM Resorts properties were shocked to find widespread outages on September 11.


Mets owner seeking to construct casino outside Citi Field

New York (New York City) - Chantz Martin, Fox News - Steve Cohen spent a record amount on the New York Mets payroll heading into the 2023 regular season. Now, the billionaire who purchased the franchise ahead of the 2021 season hopes to build attractions around the team's home ballpark in Queens. Cohen suggested that a casino would give fans options before and after games. "The fans want something to do before the game, after the game," Cohen said.


Champagne, private shopping, $1.5M in jewel, luxury retailers prepare for F1

Nevada (Las Vegas) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - The Regis Galerie has long marketed itself as the spot on the Strip for top Italian art, Spanish porcelain and worldly fine jewelry – even legendary pop star Michael Jackson shopped at the boutique in The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. But Ike Dweck, vice president of the art gallery, is kicking it into overdrive to cash in on the immense activity expected in November… Dweck’s place — and hundreds of other luxury retailers on the Strip — are preparing for an influx of high net-worth shoppers in Las Vegas during the Formula One Grand Prix on Nov. 16 to 18, which is projected to bring 120,000 visitors to the region.


iGaming Ontario releases Q2 market- performance report

Canada (Ontario/igaming) - Mark Keast, CDC Gaming Reports - The regulated Ontario igaming market continues to experience growth, according to a quarter-two fiscal-year 2023-24 (July 1 through September 30). Ontario reached $14.2 billion in total wagers in Q2, not including promotional wagers (bonuses). That’s up from $14 billion in Q1 (April 1 to June 30, 2023). Ontario saw $540 million in total gaming revenue in Q2, down from $545 million in Q1.


Best Bookies ceases Price Pty Ltd service following ACMA warning

Oceania (Australia) - Jessie Sale, SBC News - Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has been issued a formal warning from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA) for operating an unlicensed online wagering service. The group is described as an ‘internet site allowing punters to securely bet with a range of independent licensed Australian bookmakers using a single betting account’. However, it has been found that the service allowed customers to compare betting odds across licensed wagering operators and placed bets with those operators on their behalf…Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has now ceased providing this service.


Amy Howe, Jason Robins examine growth of sports betting

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - A conversation that touched on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, pickleball, Formula 1 racing, and a flurry of field goals in the National Football League seems like it could have taken place in one of the coffee shops, bars, or hallways at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. Instead, those topics were broached, some in depth, others lightly, during the Wednesday keynote session “The Playmakers” moderated by CNBC’s Contessa Brewer and featuring the CEOs Amy Howe of FanDuel and Jason Robins of DraftKings.


Indigenous women defy odds in Tribal leadership

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - Monday was Indigenous People’s Day and Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Steven wanted to make sure it was celebrated correctly. At the Global Gaming Expo education session “Shattering Ceilings: Women Leaders in Tribal Gaming,” Stevens introduced three tribal women who could “tell people who we are, tell people our true history,” he said. Holly Cook Macarro, an expert on political matters focused on tribal legislative and policy and principal at The Angle; Porch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan; and Melanie Benjamin, the Chief Executive/Chairwoman of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, told stories of how they came to become tribal leaders, despite odds often stacked against them.


Female slot players a growing demographic

Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming Reports - The number of female slot players continues to grow in the U.S., but game designers shouldn’t try to appeal to them by use of the color pink or flowers. Instead, they should make games that are fun for everyone to play. That was the message from a Global Gaming Expo educational session, “How Female Designers Are Influencing Game Design,” moderated by Carolyn Tomcyzyk, senior director of art design at Konami Gaming. Francine Maric, better known as “Lady Luck HQ” on social media, said that her followers online look for games that are simple and have vitality. “They want to see action. They want to see jackpots,” Maric said.


Las Vegas Grand Prix to begin at 10 p.m.

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Mick Akers, Review-Journal - The Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled to be contested on the third-longest circuit on Formula One’s 2023 schedule, will begin as expected at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, race organizers confirmed. The late start is to allow the race to feature the renowned lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The circuit will be brightly lit via lighting trusses that are already being installed on the Strip and other areas of the track.


Gambler ups the ante with federal lawsuit against Resorts World

Nevada (Las Vegas) - John L. Smith, CDC Gaming Reports - A gambler’s protracted battle with Resorts World Las Vegas reached a new level Monday with a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court that accuses the Strip casino-resort company and its former president of negligence and the infliction of emotional distress for failing to prevent known fraudsters and persons convicted of gambling-related crimes from playing in the casino. The lawsuit filed by attorneys Marshall Cole and David Merrill on behalf of California resident Robert J. Cipriani, who goes by the moniker “Robin Hood 702” on social media, comes following the ouster of Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella for a violation of company policy amid press reports of an ongoing investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations and U.S. Homeland Security agents of Las Vegas hotels, including Resorts World.


Odesza at Zouk, Disco Kiss Mondays at Cathédrale and more

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The Weekly Staff - Las Vegas nightlife scion and rising star Dustin Drai has been promoted to president of Drai’s Management Group. He will now oversee the marketing and entertainment efforts and initiatives of Drai’s Beachclub, Nightclub and After Hours at the Cromwell, as well as the company’s expansion to Texas with Drai’s Dallas, set to open in late 2024. Electronic music duo Odesza’s first-ever nightclub performance will be part of New Year’s Eve weekend at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.


MGM sends special offers in wake of September cyberattack

National (cyberattack) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - MGM Resorts International has begun sending out loyalty rewards to customers affected by the September cyberattack on the company. A promotion shared by a popular social media blogger shows an offer for a complimentary stay for that MGM Rewards loyalty member.


Rise of mobile betting increases revenue, more problem gambling

New York (igaming) - Connor Smith, Spectrum News - Taxes on mobile sports betting in New York generated $727.4 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year and have continued to grow in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The rise of mobile sports betting, though, also led to a 26% rise in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of the Addiction Services and Supports from 2021-2022, according to the New York State Gaming Commission. This, DiNapoli said, should lead to more attention on the impacts of mobile sports betting — particularly on younger people.


Atlantic City Dave & Buster's expected to open in December

New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - The opening of the Dave & Buster's entertainment center at the former site of rapper Jay-Z's 40/40 Club has been pushed back to December, city officials said. "According to our Director of Licensing and Inspection Dale Finch, we are looking at an anticipated opening date of early December," said Alexxus Young, a spokesperson for the city, adding the license that Dave & Buster's is requesting requires City Council approval. The North American chain of combination arcade, sports bar, restaurant and entertainment complexes has 155 locations in the United States, according to the company.


122-year-old Atlantic City property turning into apartments

New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - For the past decade, the former Morris Guards Armory at 10 S. New York Ave. has been vacant, but that is set to change over the next couple of months. John Longacre and his real estate development company, LPMG Companies, expect to put about 32 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units, along with other retail spaces, on the real estate market by the end of the year. The building was constructed in 1901 and was used as an armory for the city's independent volunteer military club, the Morris Guards, until 1983. "We're trying to get people to see Atlantic City in a different way," Longacre said.


Huge Powerball jackpot goes to lucky lottery player in California

National (lottery) - Jim Salter, Associated Press - A player in California won a $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize… Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to July 19 when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.


New Catawba chief rejects deal to break up with casino developer

North Carolina (Indian gaming) - Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer - The Catawba Nation’s new chief rejects the cost of a financial deal that would break most ties with a company that’s been instrumental in launching its Two Kings Casino outside Charlotte. The deal, approved by the tribe’s previous administration, would require the Catawba to pay SkyBoat, LLC a $125 million payout, Chief Brian Harris said…But it’s too much money, said Harris, who was elected chief this summer and must sign the agreement for it to be finalized.



New coalition forms to weigh in on gaming compact negotiations


New York (Indian gaming) - Ryan Whalen, Spectrum News - Existing non-native casinos and racinos in the Finger Lakes and Western New York and unions representing their employees are formally launching a coalition to have a voice in the ongoing negotiations for a new gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. The Fair Compact for All Coalition includes representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, Hamburg Gaming and Batavia Downs. They want to ensure any new Seneca gaming compact t protects the future of their operations and the communities they say have come to depend on their success.


The Shoshone-Bannock Casino announces hunting packages

Idaho (Indian gaming) - Idaho State Journal - The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, in conjunction with the Tribes’ Fish & Game, invites hunting enthusiasts to join in on some of the best waterfowl and pheasant hunting in Idaho on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation now through December. Hunters can choose from one-day and two-day packages, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and wildlife of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation while also enjoying comfortable accommodations in the hotel and delectable dining options.


State Confronts Indian Boarding School Past with New Committee

Washington (Indian Country) - Jenna Kunze, Native News - Washington State’s Attorney General’s office has formed a Truth & Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee to collect oral testimonies and recommend how the state can address present-day harms caused by Indian boarding school policies. Washington, a state home to 29 federally recognized tribes, hosted 17 of the nation’s more than 500 Indian Boarding Schools, according to an up-to-date list from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. The institutions operated from the 1800s through 1970 with the aim to forcibly assimilate Native children into white society.


Osage Casinos Celebrate Grand Opening of New Casino Hotel in Pawhuska

Oklahoma (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - Osage Casinos recently celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art casino and hotel in Pawhuska. This long-awaited property has been under construction since 2021 and is now open to the public following a ribbon-cutting celebration…On the day the new casino officially opened, the existing location closed. With a transformation from a 8,335 sq. ft. venue to this expansive new facility, the Pawhuska community is excited for the update. A





Casino News Media


Why Knowledge is Power: Navigating the World of Regulated Online Gambling


Every top casino search will feature an online casino's bonus offerings, payment methods and at least a blurb as to what differentiates their product from the rest of what's out there.  We know Slotland, Mansion and Mr. Green are reputable per their longevity in the realm of online gambling. But what about those sites that do not appear on such listings?


Online Casino Complaints


The fact is, the longer a casino has been around, the more likely you'll be able to find a handful of complaints about said casino.  Even a site like Mansion there are bound to be dissatisfied customers.  There is no avoiding this fact.


But when one stumbles upon multiple complaints about a particular online casino, that becomes a problem.


There are many websites that feature forums where players share their bad experiences.  These include long established Casino Meister (older than Gambling911) and, on the poker side, TwoPlusTwo.


Additionally, conduct searches via Google and other search engines.  And remember to be careful.  Some companies, usually those that are a little on the rogue side, employ services that ensure only positive supposed "real customer" experiences appear at the top of review pages.  Scroll down or filter and you'll almost always find the real truth, one single star review listed after the other.


A Word About Regulated Online Casinos


Yes there are a few benefits to playing with a regulated casino or online sportsbook, the top being the ability to reach out to a commission or other licensing body.  This doesn't always mean they are safe.  Gambling911.com warned that 5Dimes was going to shut down.  That site claimed otherwise.  We notified their regulatory body.  They did nothing.  5Dimes closed weeks later.  The regulatory body simply removed their company from its list of licensees and players were screwed out of any futures bets.


Online Casino Pluses


Once you land on a review page, the benefits are clear and easy to compare.  Promos will be pushed the most.  Here are just some of the great promotional offers we stumbled upon.


Matching deposit bonuses

100 to 200+ free spins

Bitcoin only deposits (see below)


Free bets


Be careful.  You don't just deposit money, get free money, then request it all back.  Each casino and sportsbook implements its own rollover/play requirement.  10X is one of the best rollovers.  This means your initial $20 will need to be played through ten times before you can request the free bonus money.  If 10X is a turnoff, casino gambling might not be your thing.  Some play through requirements do not permit withdrawal during this period and this may be a legitimate turnoff to some.  Why can't you request a withdrawal on winnings while still working on your play requirement. It is important to read the Q&A section of the web casino site.  Avoid any online casino that does not feature a Q&A page or Terms and Agreement section.


You'll Need to Fund Your Online Gambling Account


Some online casino payment methods are better than others.  By better, we mean faster.


Yes, Bitcoin is among the best but it’s akin to learning how to ride a bicycle.  There is a learning curve at first but funding with Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies will become second nature by the 4th or 5th time.  Just ALWAYS check that your Bitcoin stamp matches at the start and end of the string and you should not have any problem.   Gambling sites often have no problem sending five figure amounts through Bitcoin wallets.  This payout, often received in a matter of hours seven days a week, can then be converted to your favorite currency via the Bitcoin exchange.  


Remember too that there are fees involved with all payout methods employed.  Wires and ePayments may be quick but costly.  Each site lists varying fees for the same payment method and not all are competitive.  Many online gambling sites offer “Bitcoin Only” bonuses with more lucrative incentives.  One loosely guarded secret that the online casinos won’t advertise: They hate credit card transactions.  Gamblers are notorious for charging back.   Hence the rationale for pushing Bitcoin deposits.





Why Knowledge is Power: Navigating the World of Regulated Online Gambling


Every top casino search will feature an online casino's bonus offerings, payment methods and at least a blurb as to what differentiates their product from the rest of what's out there.  We know Slotland, Mansion and Mr. Green are reputable per their longevity in the realm of online gambling. But what about those sites that do not appear on such listings?


Online Casino Complaints


The fact is, the longer a casino has been around, the more likely you'll be able to find a handful of complaints about said casino.  Even a site like Mansion there are bound to be dissatisfied customers.  There is no avoiding this fact.


But when one stumbles upon multiple complaints about a particular online casino, that becomes a problem.


There are many websites that feature forums where players share their bad experiences.  These include long established Casino Meister (older than Gambling911) and, on the poker side, TwoPlusTwo.


Additionally, conduct searches via Google and other search engines.  And remember to be careful.  Some companies, usually those that are a little on the rogue side, employ services that ensure only positive supposed "real customer" experiences appear at the top of review pages.  Scroll down or filter and you'll almost always find the real truth, one single star review listed after the other.


A Word About Regulated Online Casinos


Yes there are a few benefits to playing with a regulated casino or online sportsbook, the top being the ability to reach out to a commission or other licensing body.  This doesn't always mean they are safe.  Gambling911.com warned that 5Dimes was going to shut down.  That site claimed otherwise.  We notified their regulatory body.  They did nothing.  5Dimes closed weeks later.  The regulatory body simply removed their company from its list of licensees and players were screwed out of any futures bets.


Online Casino Pluses


Once you land on a review page, the benefits are clear and easy to compare.  Promos will be pushed the most.  Here are just some of the great promotional offers we stumbled upon.


Matching deposit bonuses

100 to 200+ free spins

Bitcoin only deposits (see below)


Free bets

Be careful.  You don't just deposit money, get free money, then request it all back.  Each casino and sportsbook implements its own rollover/play requirement.  10X is one of the best rollovers.  This means your initial $20 will need to be played through ten times before you can request the free bonus money.  If 10X is a turnoff, casino gambling might not be your thing.  Some play through requirements do not permit withdrawal during this period and this may be a legitimate turnoff to some.  Why can't you request a withdrawal on winnings while still working on your play requirement. It is important to read the Q&A section of the web casino site.  Avoid any online casino that does not feature a Q&A page or Terms and Agreement section.


You'll Need to Fund Your Online Gambling Account


Some online casino payment methods are better than others.  By better, we mean faster.


Yes, Bitcoin is among the best but it’s akin to learning how to ride a bicycle.  There is a learning curve at first but funding with Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies will become second nature by the 4th or 5th time.  Just ALWAYS check that your Bitcoin stamp matches at the start and end of the string and you should not have any problem.   Gambling sites often have no problem sending five figure amounts through Bitcoin wallets.  This payout, often received in a matter of hours seven days a week, can then be converted to your favorite currency via the Bitcoin exchange.  


Remember too that there are fees involved with all payout methods employed.  Wires and ePayments may be quick but costly.  Each site lists varying fees for the same payment method and not all are competitive.  Many online gambling sites offer “Bitcoin Only” bonuses with more lucrative incentives.  One loosely guarded secret that the online casinos won’t advertise: They hate credit card transactions.  Gamblers are notorious for charging back.   Hence the rationale for pushing Bitcoin deposits.