Las Vegas Sands has celebrated a major milestone, which brought it closer to the fulfillment of its NY casino plans. The company, which hopes to create an integrated resort at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, just secured a key approval from the Nassau Country Legislature Rules Committee.

The approval greenlights a 42-year lease on the building, bringing the casino and hospitality company’s plans closer to reality. The approval by the committee means that the lease will now go to the legislature for further voting.

The 42-year lease agreement was signed off by the Nassau County Planning Commission last week. This development followed a major setback that saw LVS’s earlier lease agreement invalidated on the grounds that it violated the state’s open meeting laws.

If LVS is to launch casino gaming, however, it would still need to secure one of the three yet-to-be-awarded downstate New York casino licenses. The licenses in question are expected to be awarded in 2025.

Should the company secure one of the coveted licenses, it would build a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project at the landmark Nassau Coliseum site. The resort is expected to offer supreme gaming experiences, as well as a 5-star hotel, multiple restaurants and a variety of entertainment and leisure options.

Las Vegas Sands has a history of benefitting the communities it serves and is among the frontrunners in the casino license race.

Not Everyone Is Happy with LVS’s Progress

Las Vegas Sands’ New York casino has secured support from a variety of organizations, such as the Nassau Community College, Long Island University and Hempstead Chambers of Commerce. These applauded the casino plans as an opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and enhance economic opportunities in the region.

However, not everyone is on board with the casino plans.

Nassau Country residents and community leaders recently gathered in protest against LVS’s new casino. The property, which is set to become the second-largest casino in the United States, doesn’t sit well with many locals, who argue that the casino would overwhelm local infrastructure and alter the community’s character.

Say No to the Casino Civic Association is one of the main organizations fighting against LVS’s casino at the Nassau Coliseum.

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Over 320,000 Missourian voters have signed a petition seeking to greenlight a casino at Lake of the Ozarks. After four consecutive failures to get the casino question on the ballot, the matter may finally be put to voters.

For context, the Missouri constitution only allows casinos to be constructed near the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This means that the people of the state must vote in favor of a constitutional amendment in order to expand the list of waterways that allow gaming.  

The signatures will now be verified by the state. For reference, the number of certified signatures needed to get the matter to the ballot is approximately 173,000.

If the Lake of the Ozarks casino secures the Missourian voters’ approval, the state will get a new resort featuring a hotel, casino, spa, restaurants, shops and a convention center, among other facilities. This is a significant departure from the traditional riverboat model other casinos in the model still use.

While Missouri legally defines casinos as “excursion gambling boats,” it interprets this term rather broadly and, in 2021, amended the definition to include “nonfloating facilities.” Casinos can also be on the shore, as long as they are within 1,000 feet of the Missouri or Mississippi River and have at least 2,000 gallons of water inside or underneath the facility in rigid or semi-rigid containers, tanks or structures.

The Project Will Provide Benefits to the Local Economy  

The Lake of the Ozarks casino question is being promoted by the Osage River Gaming & Conventions (ORGC) investor group. The group, which turned to polling after failing to get the casino matter to appear on the ballot previously, is optimistic about its momentum.

The organization pointed out that the project will generate significant benefits for the local economy. For example, tax revenue from the project will provide local schools with a significant boost. Local revenue, on the other hand, will fuel a variety of public services, including infrastructural upgrades.

Additionally, proponents expect the Lake of the Ozarks casino to bolster tourism. The 20-acre property’s facilities will provide a variety of entertainment options to gaming and non-gaming visitors alike.

The new property will be run by Bally’s Corporation and will create between 700 and 800 permanent jobs.

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Thailand is inching closer to the launch of legal casino gaming as the recent casino legislation continues to make strides. The measure, which would allow for the construction of resorts featuring casinos, was passed by a landslide by Thailand’s House of Representatives last week.

Overall, 253 representatives out of 257 House members voted in favor of the legislation, demonstrating the overwhelming support for casino gaming. As a result, the measure will now be able to reach the national cabinet.

Under the measure, up to eight licenses could be issued to casino developers. If approved, this legislation could create many opportunities in the region.

Additionally, experts believe that Thailand’s potential casino framework will feature lower tax rates, making it more appealing to international casino companies. The proposed GGR tax is low at 17% while the framework itself is expected to be similar to Singapore’s model. Furthermore, Thai casino licenses are expected to have 20-year terms and possible renewals every five years.

Experts expect Thailand to require casino companies to invest no more than $2.5-$3.5 billion in the region.

Thailand Could Beat Japan to It

Some believe that Thailand’s quick legislative strides could help it launch its first casino before Japan does. For reference, MGM Resorts is currently working on an integrated resort in Osaka, which is expected to open in 2030.

While Japan is technically still ahead when it comes to casinos, Thailand’s legislative efficiency could potentially lead to quick legalization and the rapid creation of a regulatory framework. As a result, Thailand’s first casino resort could potentially open before MGM’s property in Osaka.

Analysts’ rosiest predictions say that the first Thai gambling property could open its doors in 2029, giving the country a head start.

In terms of economic benefits, the casino resorts are expected to attract many foreign tourists, turning Thailand into an alternative to Macau and Singapore. Experts say that casinos could lead to a 52% uptick in tourism spending.

In terms of potential bidders, Thailand is expected to attract many of the most influential casino companies in the world. MGM Resorts is certainly following the latest developments closely, as disclosed by CEO Bill Hornbuckle.

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The ongoing battle over the future of smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos continues with a major victory for the proponents of the controversial smoking ban. However, the war is yet to be won.

The latest development saw an anti-casino smoking measure move forward after three years of intense discussions between pro-smoking and anti-smoking activists. The bill was now approved by the New Jersey Senate health committee, sparking hopes among the latter camp.

Following the advancement of the anti-casino smoking bill, a confrontation between the two camps erupted. People screamed at one another as anti-smoking activists rejoiced.

For reference, Atlantic City’s nine casinos can currently turn up to 25% of their gaming area into a smoking area. However, this means that employees responsible for that area must breathe cigarette smoke all shift long, exposing them to a variety of health problems.

Casino operators fear introducing a smoking ban as it may impact their business. Some believe that patrons who go outside to have a smoke may decide to call it a day. Others fear that fervent smokers will simply go to play in Philadelphia.

Because of that, operators have long been seeking a compromise, such as smoking rooms. However, this would still require employees to man said rooms.

In any case, the bill will now go to the Senate for a vote. In order for the measure to pass, an identical bill must also be approved by an Assembly committee and voted upon by the full chamber. Finally, it would be up to Governor Phil Murphy to sign the measure into law.

The Industry Says the Ban Would Be an “Economic Catastrophe”

Casino industry supporters conceded that smoking is harmful but warned that a smoking ban may, at the very least, lead to layoffs. Donna DeCaprio, president of the Local 54 of the Unite Here union, a group representing hospitality staff, warned that as many as 3,000 of the 50,000 casino jobs in the city could disappear.

DeCaprio also predicts the potential closure of three of Atlantic City’s casinos, saying that a total ban on smoking is going to result in an “economic catastrophe.”

However, Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, pointed out that, according to polls, more people would be inclined to visit the city’s casinos. In addition, previous surveys have found no proof that a ban on smoking would hurt casino operators’ business.

Senator Shirley Turner, on the other hand, was firm that Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between their job or their health.

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The grand prize from Powerball, one of America’s most popular lottery games, continues to grow. The jackpot of the game was able to survive nearly one month without anyone guessing correctly all winning numbers. This allowed the grand prize to grow, getting close to $200 million for the upcoming drawing.

The latest Powerball drawing was on Saturday, January 27. While two lucky lottery players won a second-tier prize from the draw, no one guessed correctly all winning numbers which were 7, 38, 65, 66, 68 and red Powerball 21. As a result, the grand prize from the lottery game grew to an estimated $174 million for the upcoming drawing on Monday, January 29, 2024.

The cash value for the aforementioned prize is $83.9 million, which is undoubtedly a life-changing sum. Still, it’s important to note that the mentioned prizes are before taxes.

Saturday’s Powerball drawing saw nearly 390,000 lottery players win a $4 prize each, the lowest tier prize from the game. On the other hand, nearly 135,000 lottery players secured a $8 Power Play prize each for guessing only the red Powerball or one white ball along with the red Powerball.

Only two lottery players were lucky enough to hit a seven-digit prize from the latest Powerball drawing. Two lucky players were able to guess correctly all white balls from the recent drawing, securing a $1,000,000 prize each. On the other hand, two players who guessed correctly four white balls along with the red Powerball secured a $100,000 Power Play prize each.

Guessing correctly four white balls along with the red Powerball granted 13 players a $50,000 prize each. Some 247 Powerball players who guessed correctly four white balls secured a $100 prize each, while 84 took home a $200 Power Play prize.

Mega Millions Jackpot Grows Too

Besides the grand prize from Powerball, the jackpot from Mega Millions is also on the rise. Surviving the drawing on Friday, the grand prize from Mega Millions is estimated at $311 million or $147.0 million cash option. The next drawing for the popular lottery game is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

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In a move towards a healthier environment in Pennsylvania’s casinos, Allegheny County Democratic Rep. Dan Frankel is making strides to ban indoor smoking within the state’s gambling establishments. Frankel, also the majority chair of the health committee, is leading the charge with House Bill 1657, known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act. 

Pennsylvania’s Smoking Ban Bill Advances to Crucial Health Committee Meeting

Scheduled for a vote on November 15, the bill aims to eliminate smoking inside casinos, creating a cleaner and safer atmosphere for both employees and patrons. The proposed legislation has already completed the initial stages, with Frankel actively garnering support from colleagues to co-sponsor the bill and successfully navigating it through committee discussions.

The health committee meeting, slated for next week, will mark the crucial fourth step in the process. At the meeting, 25 committee members, comprising 14 Democrats and 11 Republicans, will have the opportunity to offer amendments to the bill, which will be voted on individually. 

Frankel expressed confidence that the bill would receive an affirmative vote and bipartisan support, emphasizing that he does not bring a bill forward without certainty of its success, reported PlayPennsylvania.

While the timeline for the bill’s progress remains uncertain, Frankel is optimistic about its prospects. He hopes to see the bill on Gov. Josh Shapiro‘s desk for approval by March or April, a move that would mark the final step in the process. Frankel expressed confidence in Shapiro’s support for the legislation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing public health and safety in Pennsylvania’s thriving casino industry.

Parx Casino Paves the Way for Healthier Workplaces in Pennsylvania

One of the key arguments in favor of the smoke-free initiative is the positive impact it could have on the casino industry’s workforce. Parx, a leading casino operator, demonstrated that eliminating smoking does not hinder success. Both of Parx’s venues, in Bensalem and Shippensburg, have remained smoke-free since the pandemic. Notably, this decision has led to improved employee morale and reduced healthcare costs, as confirmed by Parx’s Chief Marketing Officer, Marc Oppenheimer.

Frankel emphasized that a smoke-free environment not only benefits employees but also enhances the experience for non-smoking patrons. He pointed out that those who wish to smoke still have the option to enjoy casino games online from the comfort of their homes.

Frankel’s initiative comes after previous attempts to implement similar legislation faced opposition, citing potential revenue drops. Advocates, including Pennsylvania’s Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) chapter, believe the ban could save lives and protect workers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Currently, only a few casinos in the state have voluntarily banned smoking, while others continue to exploit the existing loopholes.

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A massive casino resort project in Las Vegas that has been waiting to come true for nearly two decades is at the final stretch. Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the latest addition to the iconic Sin City anticipates welcoming its first visitors this December. The resort anticipates opening on December 13, 2023, and has been actively following its plan to meet this deadline.

Now, Fontainebleau Las Vegas made major progress after a meeting Wednesday with the gambling regulator in Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), as announced by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. During the latest meeting, members of the Board questioned Jeffrey Soffer and Brett Mufson, two executives recommended to operate the luxury resort.

Overall, the debate went on for nearly an hour resulting in the unanimous recommendation for approval of the two executives by the NGCB. This step marked a milestone moment for the project, considering that there is one legal challenge left. After Wednesday’s vote of the Board, the executives would seek approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission on November 16, 2023. This would mark the final step prior to the planned opening of the casino resort in December.

Kirk Hendrick, NGCB’s chairman, said that the Board is excited to see a project that has taken some 20 years to finally come true. Moreover, he said that Fontainebleau Las Vegas would bring shine and glamour to a part of the strip that hasn’t been busy for a long time.

“We are certainly happy to see that this 20-plus-year project is coming to fruition as I’m sure you are as well. I’m also happy to see this is fixing and rejuvenating that portion of the Las Vegas Strip that has been dormant for so long, so thank you for that.“

Kirk Hendrick, chairman of the NGCB

Project at Final Stretch after Two Decades

It has taken the project some two decades to come this far. Initially, Fontainebleau was the idea of Soffer as the project started back in 2007. Several years later, due to the Great Recession, the project halted, falling into bankruptcy. After that, Fontainebleau’s ownership changed a few times before Soffer took it back in February 2021.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas represents a multi-billion-dollar investment and promises to bring supreme entertainment. The casino resort would offer more than 3,600 rooms and a massive 173,000 square-foot casino floor. This places Fontainebleau among the venues with some of the biggest gaming floors in Sin City. The massive resort is expected to employ just over 7,000 workers, offering some 5,000 full-time positions. During the latest meeting, Mufson explained that 1,850 employees have already been hired.

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The timeline of Oakland Athletics (A’s) planned move to Las Vegas will determine the exact date of the demolition, but the venue’s end now seems set in stone. The timing coincides with the expiration of the A’s lease on their current ballpark in Oakland. Construction on the new stadium needs to commence by April 2025 at the latest to have it ready for the 2028 season.

A New High-Profile Stadium May Be Just What the Region Needs

Earlier this year, Bally’s and the A’s announced a binding agreement that paved the way for the Tropicana’s transformation into an MLB stadium. The deal put the casino resort’s remaining life at 18 to 24 months. Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), the owner of Tropicana’s real estate, expressed an intention to work with Bally’s and potentially revamp the resort once the ballpark finishes construction. 

GLPI committed $175 million in financing for the stadium project. This number may increase in the future, but the company stated it was too early to make a firm commitment. The stadium’s development will cost around $400 million, primarily funded by the A’s. The team is looking for financing for the remaining $1.1 billion required to bring the project to life.

The A’s had a prior deal with Red Rock Resorts to build a stadium at another location, but the agreement fell through due to the significant public financing needed for the project. The Tropicana site offers a considerably cheaper alternative, significantly alleviating the financial burden for the A’s. Once completed, the stadium should be a long-term investment, complementing Vegas’ entertainment landscape.

The Tropicana Was Not Doing So Well

A shutdown and eventual refresh may be just what the Tropicana needs. The venue’s history is interwoven with the lore of old Las Vegas, featuring everything from dealings with mob figures to being a target of skimming operations. However, recent years have seen the property lose much of its luster, and it is widely regarded as one of the worst hotels in Vegas.

Unfortunately, a lack of investments has left the Tropicana outdated and needing substantial renovation. Many rooms are dirty and in poor condition, while a recent outbreak of bed bugs further damaged the venue’s fraying reputation. GLPI noted it could reinvest in an updated casino resort but was hesitant to commit to any long-term plans.

“We will work with Bally’s and the A’s to determine what the casino resort might look like. When the time comes for us to decide whether or not to invest, we’ll do that based on the project and what we see in front of us at that time.”

Brandon Moore, GLPI COO

The expected demolition of Tropicana in its current form signifies the end of a chapter in Las Vegas history. However, the new A’s stadium should significantly enhance the region’s entertainment landscape. If the sports venue proves successful, it could lead to the Tropicana’s reopening, breathing new life into the iconic casino resort.

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REEVO, a fast-growing B2B content and aggregation platform, has further diversified its library thanks to an agreement with Hacksaw Gaming, a leading provider of iGaming products. As per the deal between the two, the latter company’s library of slot games, scratch cards and instant games will be integrated into REEVO.

Hacksaw Gaming was founded in 2018 and is a disruptive provider of cutting-edge content. At first, the company was primarily focused on digital scratch products but eventually expanded its expertise and now produces many hit slot products and instant win games.

Under the agreement, Hacksaw’s existing and future content will become available to REEVO’s partnering operators, allowing them to greatly improve their offerings. Thanks to the partnership, REEVO’s clients will be able to engage their fans with games such as Le Bandit, Wanted Dead or a Wild, R.I.P. City, Dork Unit and Bloodthirst, among many others.

Hacksaw Gaming’s best-in-class games also recently made their way into N1 Casino in Greece, expanding the company’s international presence.

REEVO Continues to Grow at a Rapid Pace

REEVO’s head of sales, Petra Maria Poola, commented on the new integration, praising Hacksaw Gaming as a developer of outstanding and highly playable content. She lauded the company’s unique touch and said that its games will be a great addition to REEVO.

They [Hacksaw Gaming’s titles] are an excellent addition to our platform that is attracting the biggest and most innovative studios and providing our operator partners with the best possible choice of content.

Petra Maria Poola, head of sales, REEVO

REEVO continues to grow at a rapid pace as the company adds more and more content from third parties. In addition to its proprietary content, the company offers games from over 70 top companies.

Some of REEVO’s latest partners include notable industry names such as Orbital Gaming, Vibra Gaming and Barbara Bang Games. Earlier this summer, the company also penned agreements with AvatarUX, RubyPlay and Endorphina.

Prior agreements also saw REEVO integrate titles from 3 Oaks Gaming, OnlyPlay and Turbo Games into its platform.

Currently, REEVO’s platform sports some 8,000+ games, including slots, table, crash games and live gaming titles. REEVO’s ambition for 2023 is to have added content from at least 60 more providers by the end of the year.

In other news, REEVO just released Rays of Ra, a proprietary Egypt-themed game.

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