Kim Harris Jones is joining the company’s Board of Directors effective from April 29, but still subject to customary regulatory requirements, and she is touted for her in-depth understanding of leadership and steering businesses towards long-term goals.

Influential Leader Joins as 10^th Caesars Board Member

She brings a deep understanding of finance as well as a robust reputation which will help the company strengthen its leadership team and address challenges while also exploring new opportunities. Caesars Entertainment Executive Chairman of the Board Gary Carano has welcomed her appointment praising her outstanding track record.

Harris Jones has worked with various companies across numerous industries, ensuring that they emerge stronger and more capable after she has been part of their leadership team.

She is also on the list of the “100 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” a ranking by BoardProspects Magazine as well as “25 Women to Watch” by CFO Magazine. She also made the list of “The 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” by Savoy and ended on a similar rank list by Black Enterprise Magazine called “75 Most Powerful Women in Business.”

Harris Jones’ career path has taken her to various roles. She worked for Chrysler for 17 years and was appointed to various leadership positions, including SVP and Corporate Controller. She also served at General Motors for six years. Her most recent stints include Mondelez International where she worked as SVP and Corporate Controller in 2015 and she was also part of Kraft Foods as SVP and Corporate Controller as well.

Strategic Oversight and Overall Direction

“With her extensive experience in finance and a reputation as a thoughtful and engaged leader inside some of the largest consumer-packaged goods and automotive companies, Kim’s addition will give us another lens through which to see stronger, more dynamic future possibilities for Caesars Entertainment,” Carano explained.

Harris Jones is also a graduate of the University of Michigan and she currently serves on several other boards, including True Blue, Fossil Group, and United Rentals, as well as the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association’s board.

By joining Caesars Entertainment’s board, Harris Jones is effectively becoming the tenth person on the board. She will look to provide the company with strategic direction as well as bring stronger oversight over its current operations.

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Ukraine is on the offensive once again with the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s General Office launching a new investigation into online gambling platforms that have been operating illegally and are tied to Russia.

At the onset of the 2022 war, which Russia declared on its neighbor, Ukraine sought to stem the tide of cash outflow that could be fueling the aggressor’s warm machine.

Gambling sites with ties to the Russian Federation were an immediate target of Ukrainian efforts to root out illegal gambling in the country, and the latest identified but unnamed websites are among those.

Gambling Is Important for Ukraine’s National Security

Parimatch, a prominent platform, was mistakenly caught in the crossfire. Luckily, Parimatch was removed from the Presidential list of banned gambling companies later on. The new allegations levelled against Russian-based individuals and illegal platforms though will stay.

Ukraine has not shied away from levelling accusations against individual operators, and most recently in February, the country went after Cosmolot, accusing the platform of tax evasion.

The Office also outlined some of the steps that have already been taken to combat illegal gambling in the country with more than 2,500 illegal gambling sites blocked since last year, as reported previously. Right now, 450 criminal offenses are related to illegal gambling as well.

Gambling Encroaching on Military Capabilities

The country is also going after individuals whom it suspects of wrongdoing related to illegal gambling. Meanwhile, the military has had its fair share of problems with gambling and gambling-related harm.

Apart from undermining the country’s war-waging capabilities, gambling within the army has also taken a toll on the mental health of soldiers.

The Verkhovna Rada has now issued a ban on gambling in the army, with lawmakers worried about the problem as well and how it might reflect on the battlefield. Efforts to curb the spreading of illegal and irresponsible gambling have been well underway.

In the meantime, the country has also benefited from the regulated gambling sector, with online gambling outpacing expectations and generating a steady stream of tax revenue for the state coffers.

All of this is happening at a time of intensified interest in the gambling market in Ukraine. So much so that the country approved 150 new licenses in early April. Yet, there have been some headwinds as well, including the proposed dissolution of the state regulator, KRAIL, which has been deemed unfit to carry out its duties.

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A recent spate of attacks against women based on gender violence has prompted spontaneous protests in Australia, with citizens looking for answers from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and asking the leader to do more and ensure that women are protected from the spike in violent behavior they are subjected to.

13-Year-Old-Boys Won’t Change Culture of Sexual Violence

One possible solution, argues criminologist Michael Salter, is a concentrated effort by the government, which should seek and mount a national campaign to ensure that it has a robust strategy in addressing the festering issue which has spilt over to open public discontent.

One of the specific problems Salter outlines is that the onus is often put on boys and men, with the most common strategy being simply telling the demographic to “change.” Yet, this is a poor strategy as it elicits feeble responses. Instead, the root cause has to be addressed. Boys and men are exposed to alcohol, pornography, and gambling, which have been tied to increased rates of violence.

“Why is it the responsibility of a 13-year-old-boy to change the culture around sexual violence,” Salter asked rhetorically, arguing that the burden should rest with the state and the government instead.

Gambling Is “In the Mix”

His opinion is somewhat shared by Women’s Community Shelter chief executive Annabelle Daniel, who also serves as chair of Domestic Violence NSW, who spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Natassia Chrysanthos who did the original reporting on the piece.

Daniel spoke about the prompts that lead to increased violence on the part of men, arguing that alcohol, financial stress, drinking, and gambling all have a toll on a man’s psyche and could prompt men to violence against their spouses, usually women.

These warnings should be heeded by the Albanese government which has found its hands full with addressing both gambling and now the increase in violence against women.

The fact that both are somewhat related presents a fresh challenge and opportunity for the government, which has been working hard on enacting several significant regulatory safeguards at least insofar as gambling is concerned.

Australia has moved forward with a ban on credit cards and local regulators are also now holding gambling companies to higher standards. Yet, the prevalence of gambling remains a major issue in Australia as 2 in 5 adults in the Down Under gamble weekly, making it one of the world’s biggest gambling nations.

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United Auto Workers (UAW), a union which also represents casino workers, has previously filed a lawsuit that wants to compel the state to remove Atlantic City’s nine casinos from the list of excluded properties where indoor smoking is allowed. The UAW’s lawsuit argues that the health of casino staff is put in danger because of the continuation of indoor smoking on gaming floors.

We Are All on the Same Side – Almost

Yet not everyone agrees. A pushback from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office is to be expected, but the camp against banning smoking for the time being also includes Local 54 of the Unite Here union, the state’s largest, which represents 10,000 casino workers and has filed an appeal with the Superior Court of New Jersey to dismiss the lawsuit brought around by UAW.

The filing says that workers stand to lose their jobs should a smoking ban be enacted, and further notes that only 25% of gaming floors are currently covered by the indoor smoking exemption. However, the lack of proper filtration between the smoking and non-smoking areas means that secondhand smoke does reach other parts of the gaming floor as well.

UAW is fighting on behalf of dealers at several major properties, including Tropicana, Bally’s and Caesars, with dealers usually the most impacted by smokers at their tables. Trinity Health, a not-for-profit health system, has also appealed to the state to heed the calls of the UAW and move forward with a complete ban on indoor smoking on the gaming floor.

New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin has already defended the state’s decision, and Gov. Phil Murphy, arguing that exempting certain areas of the gaming floors from the indoor smoking ban did not infringe on “any purported constitutional right to safety,” and has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the lawsuit.

UAW lawyer Nancy Erika Smith, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the union, has said that she was baffled by Local 54’s reaction, and the union’s decision to fight back against a measure that could ultimately only benefit its workers. However, Local 54 has greater concerns on their minds.

The union’s workers fear that banning smoking would lead to a downturn in casino footfall, which will in turn mean job cuts, with as many as a third of all workers running the possibility of losing their jobs.

To Light Up or Not to Light Up – This Is the Question

Donna DeCaprio, Local 54 president, has mostly sided with what has been said by casinos themselves. A complete ban on indoor smoking at casinos would be “catastrophic” and have serious economic ramifications for casinos and their staff. Yet, Atlantic City and New Jersey have other states to compare against.

Pennsylvanian properties that have banned smoking have not registered a downturn in revenue. Similar efforts to limit smoking are also undergoing in Rhode Island, Kansas, and Virginia. Yet, Local 54 believes that the worst possible scenario is the only one. A complete ban on smoking would significantly reduce the sector’s competitiveness resulting in job cuts.

It has already been tried once before, the union reminded, referring to a 2008 ban on smoking, which saw casino revenues drop by 19.8%. However, there is also evidence to support the claim that casino floors may be reinvigorated as more non-smokers come to Atlantic City to play in a smoke-free area. Besides, a lot has changed in the United States when it comes to smoking habits.

A quick historical comparison shows that in 2008, around 20.5% of the population smoked. The rate has declined to less than 11.5% by 2021, with the latest figures likely to show even further decline. The saga is ongoing, with no end in sight just yet.

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A harrowing tale of violence and tragedy unfolded earlier this month, culminating in a fatal wrong-way crash that claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman following a kidnapping from a casino. 

Authorities Arrest 37-Year-Old Suspect Linked to Disturbing Casino Kidnapping

The suspect, a 37-year-old individual, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, has been discharged from the hospital and is now in custody at the Snohomish County jail, reported KOMO News.

The charges against the suspect include first-degree aggravated murder, kidnapping, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among others, according to a probable cause statement released April 24.

Reports suggest a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the tragic crash. Allegedly, the suspect assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend from Tulalip Casino, making chilling threats against her life. 

Describing a moment of explosive rage, the victim recounted how the suspect threw a metal canister at her, causing severe injury to her arm. Subsequent text messages sent from her phone, seemingly under duress, conveyed ominous threats of violence, including intentions to “skin her alive.”

Following these distressing messages, law enforcement initiated a search for both the suspect and the victim. Their pursuit led them to the suspect’s residence in Everett, where a tense encounter ensued. The victim, in fear for her life, provided crucial information to the authorities before the suspect managed to evade capture.

Tulalip Casino Abduction Culminates in Fatal Crash

The next day, a horrifying turn of events unfolded at the Tulalip Casino, where the suspect forcibly abducted the victim, accompanied by physical violence. Task force officers swiftly responded to a distress call from the casino, sparking a high-speed chase through the streets of Everett and Lynnwood.

The pursuit, fueled by the gravity of the suspect’s threats, reached a devastating climax on State Route 525. Driving recklessly against oncoming traffic, the suspect’s vehicle collided head-on with a GMC Yukon, resulting in the tragic death of Trudy Slanger, the driver of the Yukon. Both the suspect and the abducted woman sustained injuries in the collision and were transported to Harborview Medical Center.

This appalling incident underscores the urgent need for effective intervention in cases of domestic violence and abduction. As the suspect awaits formal charges, the community mourns the loss of Trudy Slanger and rallies behind efforts to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.

Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into this case, seeking justice for the victims and their families amidst the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.

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Real estate development company LVXP has revealed its visionary proposal for a transformative mixed-use project on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, signaling a new era of innovation and excitement for the city. Anchored by a cutting-edge entertainment and sports arena, the development aims to redefine the landscape of entertainment, hospitality, and urban living.

LVXP’s Transformative Development Set to Change the Game with State-of-the-Art Venue

Spanning a prime 27-acre site at 2601 South Las Vegas Boulevard, LVXP’s project promises to be a game-changer for the region, strategically positioned near renowned landmarks such as Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Resorts World Las Vegas. 

The centerpiece of the development will be a state-of-the-art venue designed to host a diverse range of entertainment and sporting events, offering an immersive experience like no other.

James R. Frasure Jr., CEO of LVXP remarked: “We are honored to be stewards of this significant milestone in the city’s legacy. Our commitment is to create a destination that captures the essence of Las Vegas and provides lasting benefits for the community. For me, this endeavor is more than a project – it’s a promise to uphold the spirit of innovation and enthusiasm that defines our local culture.”

In addition to the entertainment complex, LVXP’s ambitious vision encompasses a vibrant mix of retail spaces, convention facilities, luxury accommodations, and a world-class casino, promising visitors an unparalleled fusion of excitement and luxury. Notably, the site is also being considered as a potential home for a new NBA franchise, signaling a significant milestone in the city’s sporting landscape.

Chairman Segerblom Applauds LVXP’s Visionary Project

Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom expressed his admiration for the project, highlighting it as a pivotal development with extensive benefits for the community. He stated that the visionary project could potentially transform the Las Vegas Strip into a vibrant center of activity, providing long-term value and opportunities for both residents and visitors.

With a focus on sustainability and forward-thinking design, LVXP aims to create a landmark destination that sets new standards for urban development. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, bolstering the local economy and reinforcing Las Vegas’ position as a global leader in entertainment and hospitality.

Leading the charge in bringing this ambitious vision to life is a team of seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds, including real estate, construction, and entertainment. 

Nick Tomasino, chief construction officer at LVXP, expressed his excitement about the project, emphasizing his commitment to delivering a world-class destination that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

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Facing regulatory action in the Down Under, Star Entertainment has confirmed that another high-ranking executive in the face of chairman David Foster has stepped down after less than a year on the job.

Another One Bids Adieu to Star Entertainment in Time of Need

He adds to the droves of executives who have exited Star Entertainment amid intensifying scrutiny from the country’s gambling regulator, with chief finance officer Christina Katsibouba and chief executive officer Robbie Cooke both turning their resignations in March.

Foster, though, is not immediately exiting the company and will continue to carry out his duties in a temporary capacity. He wants to make the transition towards a new chief executive officer smoother, as Star Entertainment is still on the lookout for its own top person.

However, Foster will only help with the executive responsibilities he took on when he became a chair, and he will be replaced in the chair position by Anne Ward, an independent non-executive director, whose appointment into the new position comes with immediate effect.

Star Entertainment has come under heavy fire from regulators and has been found unfit to hold a license in Sydney in October 2022, as the regulator found the company to have not met all necessary prerequisites to continue operating the property. A second inquiry is now underway, with the heat on Star Entertainment unlikely to let up any time soon.

Star has been waddling through more problems still, especially in light of new previously unseen text messages that showed insiders at the company pushing for the removal of Star Sydney’s special manager, Nicholas Weeks, and the NSW regulator.

The Clouds Gather for Star Entertainment and Executives

That was the event which prompted Cooke’s decision to step down in a formal acceptance of mea culpa. Cooke though has already said that the rapport that Star and the regulator had was a fraught one, and it often felt like a “one-way street.”

“But it was a difficult position for the company because we were taking a contrary position to the manager and some of his views of the company,” Cooke said. The former executive further noted that the messages had come out of context, and they only represented a single exchange between Star insiders, and not the company’s official position. Yet doubt has settled on the regulator’s mind.

The ongoing saga with the second trial is adding insult to injury, and the exodus of C-level executives is undermining the company’s ability to save face at a particularly challenging period of its operations.

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High-profile Bulgarian media companies have raised their voices in opposition to a proposed ban on gambling advertising, expressing concerns over its potential impact on media revenue streams and journalistic freedom. They criticized the government for lacking foresight, alleging that some parties would use the situation to influence the media space before the upcoming elections.

The Changes Could Do More Harm than Good

The new bill calls for a prohibition on gambling advertisements across various media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and online sites. While outdoor advertising in specific locations would still be permitted, the proposed ban has drawn criticism from media industry stakeholders who believe the bill does not aim to protect consumers but to suppress freedom of speech.

Former prime minister Nikolai Denkov highlighted the threat the ban poses to media outlets, emphasizing the significant revenue loss and increased dependency on other funding sources it could entail. He also drew attention to rising concerns about the potential suppression of media freedom, with industry experts warning against the adverse effects of legislative interference.

Let’s hope that (the proposal) is an oversight. The worse option is if somebody in a position of power – in this case, legislative power – is trying to strike a targeted blow against media freedom.

Nikolai Denkov, former PM

Leading journalists noted that social media platforms, banners, and targeted advertisements would remain unaffected, expressing concerns over the rising prevalence of underage gambling. They highlighted that vulnerable groups like children did not engage with traditional media, and the bill would only increase the prevalence of gambling ads in the digital space, exacerbating existing issues.

Leading media conglomerate Nova Broadcasting Group expressed apprehension over the ban’s impact on sports broadcasts, particularly those related to high-profile events like the European football championship. Similarly, Net Info group, which operates numerous popular websites in Bulgaria, underscored the potential hardships it would face without gambling-related revenues.

The Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters (ABRO) shared this opinion, cautioning against the ban’s implications for media sustainability, citing the importance of advertising revenue in supporting quality journalism. Meanwhile, the Technology Industry Alliance raised concerns about the ban’s feasibility in enforcing restrictions on internet platforms, citing potential conflicts with EU law.

As demonstrated in other European markets, advertising restrictions lead to an increase in unlicensed operators, consequently impairing the state’s ability to collect taxes from gambling activities and to provide adequate consumer protections.

Stilian Shishkov, Sportal Media Group CEO

As the debate over the proposed ban continues, affected parties are urging policymakers to consider the bill’s broader implications and either consider a substantial overhaul or cancel it. The outcome of the upcoming vote on the ban will likely shape the future landscape of gambling advertising regulation in Bulgaria, necessitating a careful and comprehensive approach.

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South Korea has been taking a harder look at illegal gambling operations, holding players and operators accountable for either participating or hosting such activities. In its latest bust, South Korea’s National Office of Investigation (NOI) reported that it had been able to arrest 2,925 people connected with illegal gambling.

Droves of South Korean Teenagers Are Gambling Illegally

All of these arrests had been effectuated over a six-month period prior to NOI’s report, and the country is now launching a second six-month campaign in May, that will seek to arrest more people connected with facilitating illegal gambling.

In the latest bust, some 1,035 teenagers were arrested, indicating that there is a strong proliferation of illegal gambling services among youngsters who tend to be the most vulnerable when it comes to games of chance. Despite the risks, youths have been partial to gambling in South Korea, and have mostly been nonplussed by its illegal status in the country.

NOI said that 566 teenagers had been sent for counseling, as young people need to be set on a recovery path right away. However, leniency has not been shown to all. A total of 12 teenagers were actually apprehended on suspicion of having operated online gambling platforms themselves, and at least six teenagers are said to have promoted these websites, whether through affiliates or in some other way.

A total of $44.9 million had been seized from illegal gambling businesses and players during the course of the six-month operation. NOI also said that peer influence played a huge role in helping illegal gambling websites proliferate, as teenagers saw and embraced gambling from their peers or at school, although social media does have a part to play.

The majority of teenagers arrested were actually interested in baccarat rather than online casinos. For example, 41.9% prefer this specific card game against just 17.1% for those favoring online casinos. At least 19.8% of those gambling gambled on sports, and another 14.7% enjoyed online slots.

Young People Affected by Gambling – But by How Much?

The data revealed by NOI is worrying as it points to a very high incidence of gambling participation among young people in the country, but it’s also a solid basis to address and further direct resources to help protect youths.

Studies from all over the world have shown that regulating gambling has generally made it easier to track the rate of gambling participation among young people. Bringing more gambling options may have prompted some youths to gamble more, but it has also made it much simpler to track their participation and inform public debate and political action.

 South Korea does not allow any form of online gambling, which has made players seek alternatives such as offshore or illegal gambling sites. Those, however, may be contributing to a gambling problem that is festering. According to a study conducted in 2022, the level of gambling addiction in the country was 5.5% but the actual numbers could be much higher.

Last year, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family began offering 12-day rehabilitation programs to help young addicts recover.

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PXD Slots, a licensed Remote Gaming Server platform that helps suppliers launch their products onto the regulated iGaming market in North America, has signed a new distribution partnership with TinyRex Games, an up-and-coming supplier with an equally ambitious game plan for the region.

Gearing Up for Further Expansion in Real Money Gambling

PDX Slots is banking on its original strategy which is dubbed “quality of quantity” by its chief executive officer. TinyRex CEO and co-founder Kenny Huang has welcomed the opportunity to team up with PDX Slots and become a part of the company’s distribution model.

So far as the real money sector goes, Huang noted, PDX Slots was a company that was determined to prioritize hard-hitting titles that stand out by virtue of their overall quality, and which are bound to appeal to players this way. TinyRex is bringing titles such as 21 Cats, The Wizard of Oz: idle Merge, Plinko, Catsino Solitaire, and Dice Drop among others.

PDX Slots CEO Christopher Housel was similarly happy to welcome this fresh opportunity between the two companies. According to Housel, the two companies coming together was an “alignment of vision and strategy.”

TinyRex’s expertise in delivering top-tier gaming experiences complements our approach perfectly, ensuring our games not only resonate with players, but also drive sustained engagement and revenue growth.

PDX Slots CEO Christopher Housel

TinyRex Games Happy to Align Ethos and Vision with PDX Slots

Both companies stand to benefit. On the one hand, TinyRex is looking to secure an entry into the real money casino landscape, as it pushes into new markets. PDX Slots is similarly keen to help with distribution deals for various operators and become a major player in this particular sector.

TinyRex Games co-founder and tech director Ernest Chan added that PDX will significantly allow his company to expand and innovative, bringing cutting-edge experiences and products to players. PXD Slots is currently only licensed in Michigan by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Homegrown slot developers in the United States and Canada have been looking to make sure that their products are visible to local audiences. One particularly successful company has been White Hat Studios which has been able to steal the thunder from international rivals and establish its slot games as Slot of the Month in Eilers & Krejick’s monthly rank list covering the North American iGaming market.

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