Carnival Cruise Line and Bally’s Corporation will allow Bally’s Rewards members to claim exclusive cruise benefits when they board Carnival ships that will only be available to them.

Bally’s Rewards on Casino Cruises

The partnership launched on Thursday, and it covers three tiers of the Bally’s Rewards program specifically Legend, SuperStar, and Star, as it seeks to create a unique onboard experience that ties back into the casino partner, and thus builds strong synergies and opportunities for both businesses.

The new perks will include complimentary cruises, various discounts, and special events that will be hosted exclusively for Bally’s Rewards members for the time being, although how big these events would be remains to be seen.

Commenting on this opportunity, Carnival Corporation’s SVP of global casino operations, Marty Goldman, said that the company was fully committed to its proprietary Carnival Players Club, which together with Bally’s partnership, would reach new heights.

“We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership,” Goldman added.

The partnership was naturally hailed by Bally’s SVP of gaming Mike Donovan who said that the collaboration essentially ties together two industry leaders, allowing them to offer customers Bally’s gaming experience and the unmatched hospitality and entertainment treatment they will find at Carnival Cruise Line.

This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, combining the excitement of Bally’s gaming experience with the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line. Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for our guests, both on land and at sea.

Bally’s SVP of gaming Mike Donovan

In the meantime, players looking to accumulate points and inch up the loyalty pecking order may do so across 17 nationwide casino resorts that will help you stack up your points at any of the properties so long as you are a member.

Casino Gaming on the High Seas

More cruise companies are also toying with the idea of adding gaming floors as part of their offers, with cruise casinos making a return and attracting casual travelers as well as dedicated gamblers who have stepped onboard to spend their time on the high seas specifically playing games of chance.

Princess Cruises announced in December that the company is rolling out its largest casino to date onboard one of its vessels. More news about casino floors setting up shop on cruise ships is forthcoming.

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Bally’s is trying to increase the gambling credit limit at its two properties in Rhode Island from $50,000 to $100,000 in order to stay competitive and attract high-stakes players. Not surprisingly, this move has sparked concerns despite the fact that Bally’s has secured the support of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

Bally’s Representative Tackles Concerns Over Rhode Island Casino Credit Proposal

Bally’s representative, Elizabeth Suever, addressed concerns during a Senate Committee on Special Legislation meeting. Suever noted that the proposal’s goal is to cater only to gamblers capable of repayment, reported The Providence Journal. 

Notably, casinos in Connecticut and Massachusetts are operating without such credit limits so the proposal is trying to level casino offerings in Rhode Island with the neighboring competition. The state of Rhode Island is quite dependent on gambling tax revenue, which amounts to $428.8 million annually.

However, opponents have expressed their confusion about the proposal being introduced at the end of the legislative session and the urgency surrounding it.  A spokesperson for Ruggerio confirmed that the legislation was crafted upon Bally’s request to counter competition from Massachusetts casinos.

Nonetheless, there is one stipulation in the proposal that has raised lawmakers’ eyebrows. The bill is going to affect the state’s Department of Business Regulation‘s authority to change Bally’s operating agreement without legislative approval. 

Rhode Island Proposal Aims to Attract High-Rollers

The proposal proponents argue that the bill will affect only a small group of high-rollers. It is going to reduce the need for large cash transactions for such players and, thus, make Bally’s casinos more attractive to them. 

Answering concerns about financial oversight and potentially higher gambling debt, the bill’s supporters note that players are going to be subject to rigorous scrutiny such as credit checks, identification verification, and tracking of their gaming history across local casinos. 

However, there is no detailed information available regarding the current number of players with $50,000 credit limits.

Additionally, the proposed legislation is going to change various aspects of Rhode Island’s lottery and casino operations. For example, Bally’s debt ratio shall have to be revised and the method for calculating promotional points shall also be changed.

This, in turn, will impact the state’s revenue share. The main challenge ahead of legislators will be to strike a balance between responsible gaming and keeping the competitive edge of Rhode Island casinos against neighboring states. The fate of the proposal will have implications for economic revenue and consumer behavior in the gambling sector.

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As the demolition of the Tropicana casino hotel in Las Vegas draws near, Bally’s Corporation is trying to secure the necessary permits for imploding the property. Because of the procedure’s intricacies, the casino operator would need to secure dust control and asbestos abatement permits, among other permits. Traffic would also need to be taken into mind.

According to the latest reports, the Tropicana will be imploded by Controlled Demolition, the same company that previously imploded the Riviera and the Landmark.

According to Tropicana’s chairman, Soo Kim, the matter is still subject to permitting but Bally’s intends to bring the casino down by the end of the year. This would mark an end to a legendary property that has remained in business for over half a century.

Tropicana originally opened on April 4, 1957, and closed on April 2, 2024, just two days before its anniversary.

Bally’s, which acquired the Tropicana site three years ago, is planning to instead develop a $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the Oakland Athletics and an adjacent hotel.

Some Are Concerned about Bally’s Financial Position

The decision to close Tropicana came after a long period of suboptimal business activity.  Despite its iconic status, the last years saw the property lose much of its luster amid a lack of investment.

Yet, some locals fear that the demolition of Tropicana might be a risky gambit, especially considering Bally’s Corporation’s recent financial hurdles. For reference, the casino company is still struggling to find financing for its downtown Chicago project.

To make matters worse, the company’s credit rating was recently lowered by several credit ratings firms, including Fitch and Moody’s.

Despite that, the company recently told The Progress-Index that it remains bullish on participating in the bidding process for a casino in Petersburg, saying that the lowered rating is unlikely to affect its bid.  

In other news, K&F Growth Capital, an asset management firm and minority shareholder in Bally’s, recently expressed its concerns about Standard General’s recent proposal to acquire all outstanding shares in the casino company.

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Bally’s Corporation continues its expansion across the US, and the newest casino is in Rhode Island.

Bally’s monopoly in the market

The state legalized iGaming eight months ago, and now it’s time for operators to expand their businesses to this new market. Bally’s is introducing its impressive portfolio of slot and table games to Rhode Island players, so gamers can enjoy the impressive portfolio of 170 captivating slot releases. To play, they must be at least 21 and create an account on Bally’s platform.

Before the official launch, the company conducted a technical trial that lasted for four days to make sure everything was working properly. On top of that, Stakelogic incorporated its live dealer and table games software studio technology in its portfolio.

Back in 2021, Rhode Island legislators approved Bally’s and its IGT supplier a 20-year contract for land-based casinos Bally’s Twin Rivers Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel, so the company has a monopoly in this market. Now, this monopoly will also be transferred to the iGaming industry. Gamesys, Bally’s online arm, might be the only operator who is able to offer its services in Rhode Island.

According to the state’s law, Bally’s and IGT will be obligated to pay 50% of online slot revenue to the state. Tax revenue imposed on table games is 18%.

The industry giant is prepared for launch, so the company has built a Live Dealer Table Studio placed across 4,000 square feet at Twin Rivers.

The state established a body to regulate all iGaming operations, the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery. Now, the body oversees two of Bally’s casinos in the state.

Sports betting revenue decrease

The law ensured that geolocation technology could be used to confirm that players were located inside the state’s borders. If the state has a reciprocal agreement with another state regulator, it might lead to allowing the players to play outside Rhode Island. Sports betting used to be very popular in the state, but according to the revenue reports, its popularity started to decrease. In January, the sports betting handle was $44.8 million. In December 2023, it was $47.9 million, and not only is this figure lower than December’s, but it’s also the lowest handle since September 2023. So far, the handle in the 2024 financial year decreased to $267.2 million, since in 2023 it was $332.8 million. Bally’s interactive iGaming business might help in increasing the revenue in the state since iGaming increased the revenue in the whole country. Apart from Rhode Island, six states legalized iGaming operations: New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut.

Source: iGB Editorial Team. “Rhode Island becomes seventh US state to launch iGaming”, igamingbusiness.com, March 5, 2024.

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Bally’s Chicago will soon expand to a 24/7 operation, allowing it to capitalize on the growing demand for gambling in the USA. The property successfully received the approval needed to expand its operation by 4 more hours and will service clients all day long starting December 27.

Bally’s Chicago was previously limited to only operating for 20 hours a day. The Illinois Gaming Board greenlit the schedule expansion on December 6, effectively allowing Bally’s to tap into the growing visitation it experiences.

Bally’s will reflect its new nonstop work hours by also transitioning Wabash Café’s dining service to a 24/7 operation schedule.

Mark Wong, Bally’s Chicago’s vice president and general manager, commented on the matter, highlighting the importance of keeping the property’s doors open 24/7. He explained that this will allow the company to achieve its targets and reflect the success of other Bally’s properties across the US.

This is a progression toward attaining the goals we set out to achieve and gives us similar hours to other local casino properties.

Mark Wong, VP & GM, Bally’s Chicago

In addition to expanding its work hours, the property will now also offer discounted parking and shuttle discounts to its clients.

Bally’s Is Constructing a Huge Casino in the City

The 24/7 operation expansion sets Bally’s casino in Chicago up for further success. The move is in line with the company’s overall strategy and reflects other casino companies’ business philosophies.

Bally’s is currently operating a temporary property in Chicago as it awaits the construction of its permanent Rhode Island venue. The company was granted one of the state’s six new casino licenses last year, allowing it to develop a $1.74 billion property.

The permanent Bally’s Chicago is set to be located at the Freedom Center printing plant site. Bally’s hopes to get the casino running by the end of 2026.

However, Bally’s was recently investigated over its Chicago license as unsuccessful bidders triggered a federal inquiry. The development followed earlier controversies involving the company and concerns about the implications of Bally’s Chicago property and its potential effect on public health.

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In a significant boost for the proposed casino development at Lake of the Ozarks, the Miller County Commission has unanimously endorsed the initiative led by Osage River Gaming and Convention (ORGC) in collaboration with Bally’s Corporation. This latest show of support comes as the local gaming group strives to bypass the General Assembly by garnering signatures for an initiative petition slated for the statewide November 2024 ballot.

Commission Unanimously Backs Lake Casino, Surprised by Tom Wright’s Endorsement

The commission’s decision follows a brief public comment session, where even former longtime Presiding Commissioner Tom Wright, known for his reservations about the casino, conceded that the county would benefit from the development, albeit not to the extent touted by proponents, reported KRMS Radio. Wright’s opinion underscores the ongoing debate about the economic impact of the proposed casino on the Lake area.

ORGC aims to establish the casino in the vicinity of the quarry near the Osage River Bridge, utilizing a portion of the 90-acre Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 property. This collaboration with Bally’s Corporation, as outlined in a recent letter to the City of Lake Ozark, reflects the gaming group’s commitment to the project’s success.

The casino project, if ultimately approved, will not be a traditional riverboat casino, as ORGC is not obligated to adhere to this specific format under Missouri law. The state’s regulations allow for casinos to be built on the shore, provided they meet certain requirements. Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 falls within the 1,000 feet limit of the Osage River floodplain, complying with the legal framework.

ORGC’s Innovative Vision Redefines Lake of the Ozarks Entertainment

The proposed development goes beyond just the casino, with ORGC envisioning the utilization of approximately 20 acres for the gaming facility and the remaining space dedicated to a hotel, convention center, restaurants, and shops. This comprehensive approach aligns with the evolving landscape of casino establishments, moving away from the traditional riverboat model.

Importantly, the local endorsement received by ORGC is distinct from the efforts of Osage Nation Gaming group, which is still pursuing approval for a separate casino in Lake Ozark, despite facing resistance from the city. The city’s main concern revolves around the potential lack of state regulation and taxation for this alternative casino proposal.

As both gaming groups navigate the complex landscape of approvals, the local community remains engaged in discussions, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of these contrasting casino projects for the picturesque Lake of the Ozarks region. The coming months are poised to be crucial as stakeholders await further developments in this unfolding saga.

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A few months after the devastating cyberattacks on MGM and Caesars, Bally’s property in Evansville, Indiana, has become the victim of a phishing scam. As a result, the casino hotel has lost more than $212,000.

As reported by the Evansville Police Department, the Bally’s venue was commissioning a construction firm for work on its property. At one point, however, a caller contacted the casino hotel’s management, claiming that the firm had had to change emails. In addition, the person provided Bally’s with a bank account and routing number for payment for the construction work.

Not suspecting the scam, Bally’s officials did as they were told and ended up paying $212,671 to the scammer. The casino operator immediately contacted the police, prompting an investigation.

While the phishing scam is not exactly a cyberattack, it is part of a larger trend that has seen fraudsters target major commercial casino companies. As mentioned, some of the biggest casino operators in the United States suffered serious security breaches earlier this year, jeopardizing their businesses and inducing millions in losses.

Not the First Time Bally’s Evansville Has Dealt with Crime and Fraudsters

Bally’s Evansville is a property with 45,000 square feet of gaming space. Boasting some 950 slots and 30 electronic and live dealer gaming tables, the venue offers a variety of games to its patrons. In addition to that, sports fans can place wagers at the property’s William Hill-branded sportsbook.

Unfortunately, the phishing attempt is not the first time Bally’s Evansville has had to deal with cases of fraud and crime. A month ago, a suspect in auto theft case was arrested at the property.

Again in November, the police arrested another Bally’s Evansville patron for leaving their child unattended while going to gamble. This reflects an unfortunate trend across the US that has seen irresponsible parents ignore their children while visiting casinos. In November alone, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, for example banned four casino patrons because of such violations.

In March, Bally’s Evansville had to fire a former pit supervisor who was charged with running an illegal poker room called Ed’s Poker Club. The man had been organizing illegal poker games for years, greatly intensifying his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Bally’s, the Rhode Island-based gambling company, finds itself in the crosshairs of federal and local authorities over the acquisition of the highly sought-after Chicago casino license. The processes leading to Bally’s securing the license have triggered simultaneous investigations by both the US attorney’s office and Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg.

Unsuccessful Bidders Trigger Federal Inquiry into Chicago Casino License

The federal inquiry, reportedly prompted by complaints from unsuccessful bidders in the casino licensing process, has thrust the matter into the spotlight, reported real estate news outlet The Real Deal. 

Alderman Brian Hopkins, known for his consistent criticism of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot‘s management of the casino proceedings, confirmed the existence of the federal investigation. The US attorney’s office, however, has remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Concurrently, Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg is conducting a parallel investigation, adhering to her office’s policy of not commenting on ongoing inquiries. 

Bally’s maintains that it is unaware of any investigation, and the city’s Law Department has clarified that neither they nor the mayor’s office have been subpoenaed or requested to provide information.

The investigations, according to sources, were initiated months ago, suggesting a prolonged and comprehensive examination of the casino licensing process. 

This development follows earlier controversies surrounding Bally’s, including alterations to financial deals with minority investors and discrepancies in fees charged to different bidders. Reports also highlighted potential conflicts of interest with city consultants evaluating financial prospects.

City Council Greenlighted Bally’s Casino Amidst Controversies and High Hopes

Despite these controversies, Bally’s secured City Council approval with a decisive 39-5 vote. The $1.7 billion project is anticipated to alleviate the city’s unfunded public employee pension liabilities. Bally’s opened a temporary casino in September at the former Medinah Temple, with construction on the permanent site expected to commence soon, aiming for an opening in late 2026.

The casino project, viewed by some city leaders as a potential financial savior, has been on Chicago’s agenda for decades, gaining serious traction only in 2020. 

Representing the area designated for the casino, 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett praised the accomplishment, expressing that it was significant. He remarked that it had been a pursuit spanning three administrations and emphasized that the current mayor had successfully achieved it.

At the same time, the opening of Bally’s casino in Chicago stirred concerns among addiction treatment experts who anticipate a rise in individuals seeking help for gambling disorders. Although there hasn’t been an immediate surge in cases, experts warn that the expansion of gaming facilities historically correlates with an increase in people seeking treatment for gambling problems. 

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Osage River Gaming and Convention (ORGC) has joined forces with Bally’s Corporation for a new casino project at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri’s premier lake resort destination. The former company is currently working hard on getting its Osage River casino project approved.

The involvement of Bally’s in the project was revealed in a letter from ORGC to the City of Lake Ozark a few days ago. The letter also outlines the gaming group’s planned location for the casino, noting that it would take roughly 20 acres of the 90-acre Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 property. ORGC’s letter also noted that the rest of the area would be redeveloped as a hotel with a convention center, restaurants and shops.

For reference, Eagles’ Landing is a Gary Prewitt-operated development zone on both sides of Highway 54, on the edge of Lake Ozark. Currently, one side of the Eagles’ Landing property sports a variety of shops. The other side, where the Phase 4 parcel is situated, is a quarrying operation.

ORGC Is Not Obliged to Do an Actual Riverboat Casino

In any case, ORGC is not obliged to go for a traditional riverboat casino. While Missouri law is centered on riverboat casinos, it also allows them to be built on the shore, as long as they fulfill a number of requirements. For reference, Missouri defines legal casinos as “excursion gambling boats.” However, the state interprets this term rather broadly and, in 2021, amended the definition to include “nonfloating facilities.”

Despite that, casino operators should still have a few rules in mind. As mentioned, excursion gambling boats can be on the shore, as long as they are within 1,000 feet of the Missouri or Mississippi River (the Eagles’ Landing Phase 4 is within 1,000 of the edge of the Osage River floodplain).

In addition, casino facilities must be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission. The state currently has only 13 licenses, all of which are handed out to various companies. Finally, gambling properties must have at least 2,000 gallons of water inside or underneath the facility in rigid or semi-rigid containers, tanks or structures.

However, ORGC would still have to secure an amendment that would allow it to build a property on the Osage River.

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Financial crimes, burglaries, robberies and other criminal activities are much easier to uncover nowadays thanks to technological innovations, proactive monitoring and CCTV. Casino operators across the globe continue to invest heavily in technology to protect their online and retail operations, battling against a wide range of criminal activities, including money laundering, fraud and robberies, among others.

Earlier this week, one casino patron who visited Bally’s Evansville in Indiana, and was suspected of auto theft, was arrested, a report released by 44 News reveals. On Wednesday morning, casino security contacted law enforcement to notify them about the presence of an individual who was suspected to be involved in an auto theft.

Police units were dispatched to the Evansville casino where they identified the suspect as a 46-year-old with the initials K.S.N. The same person was suspected of a theft dating back to earlier this week, the new report reveals. It is unclear whether he was identified by CCTV footage or witnesses who were able to recognize him.

Police Officers Find Drugs, Book the Suspect in Jail

The 46-year-old suspected of the car theft agreed to a search. He was detained and police uncovered drugs in his possession. K.S.N. reportedly had a glass pipe, as well as fentanyl and meth. The person was subsequently arrested and booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail. He is reportedly facing charges related to the car theft along with drug-related charges. It is yet to be confirmed what penalty he may face if he is found guilty.

In other crime-related news, a 35-year-old man who drove his car through the fence of a solar facility that provided power to MGM Resorts recently pleaded guilty. The person caused damage to the Mega Solar Array facility located 25 miles outside Las Vegas by ramming through the fence. He then allegedly set his car on fire and fled the crime scene.

The person allegedly responsible for the damage to the solar facility entered into a guilty plea under the stipulation that he is mentally ill, KLAS reported. As a result, he accepted guilt for second-degree arson and malicious destruction of property.

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