The efforts of the leading gaming and hospitality company, Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE), toward securing a casino gaming license for Pope County from the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) continue. Earlier this week, the company confirmed it resubmitted its application with the gambling regulator. Ultimately, CNE is after securing a casino gaming license that would permit the development of a massive project called Legends Resort and Casino Arkansas.

CNE’s project has a price tag of more than $300 million. The ambitious project, planned for development in Pope County, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. At the same time, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to generate $5 billion in economic stimulus to Arkansas for the first decade of operating.

The proposed project is expected to offer a hotel with 200 luxury rooms, as well as additional amenities, including a spa, a pool and spaces that can be used for special events, concerts or meetings. Not unexpectedly, Legends Resort and Casino is expected to offer supreme gaming entertainment with its 50,000-square-foot casino floor. The venue would become a home to a sportsbook, a poker room, as well as nearly three dozen table games and 1,200 of the most popular slot games.

“Legends Resort & Casino Arkansas, operated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, represents an over $300 million investment that will provide a welcomed economic anchor for Pope County, the River Valley and the state of Arkansas,“

reads a statement released by Cherokee Nation Entertainment

The Company Is Ready to Commence Construction

Mark Fulton, CNE’s president, spoke about the importance of collecting community feedback. He explained that the company’s project is ahead of the competition considering that its team “listened to the community” and also engaged in voluntary work. “Once the casino license is awarded, we expect to commence the 18-month construction process after 60 to 90 days of permitting and pre-construction work,” added Fulton.

Finally, CNE’s president confirmed that the company is ready to meet its obligations under the development agreement with Pope County once the license is awarded.

“For the past five years, we have been laying the groundwork for this one-of-a-kind, shovel-ready commercial casino resort and becoming engrained in the local community.“

Chuck Garrett, CEO at CNE

Chuck Garrett, CNE’s CEO, added that the company is ready to commence the construction of Legends Resort and Casino. He spoke about CNE’s efforts in securing a Large-Scale Development permit from the City of Russellville.

Additionally, Garrett acknowledged the importance of purchasing 325 acres of land and the support for the company from Pope County leaders. Finally, the CEO said that CNE is looking forward to securing the casino license from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

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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.

The post Disarray in Star Entertainment Ranks Continues with Chairman’s Departure appeared first on Keno Wizard.

For more than a decade, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (SSM Tribe) has been making efforts to expand its land-based presence with the development of two new casinos. While the Tribe currently operates five Kewadin Casinos around Michigan’s upper peninsula, it has been pursuing expansion to Lansing and New Boston.

The efforts of the SSM Tribe included purchasing land at the two aforementioned locations back in 2012. At the time, the Tribe purchased 2.3 acres of land in Lansing, as well as 71 acres in New Boston. Ultimately, the land was expected to be used by the Tribe for its new casinos which are expected to bring economic stimulus.

According to the SSM Tribe, the land for the two sites was purchased via its Self-Sufficiency Fund. While the Tribe asked the US Department of Interior (DOI), to take the land into trust, which is required for the building of casinos, the agency refused to do so. Citing the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act (MILCSA), the DOI rejected the request of the Tribe to take the land into trust in 2017. At the time, the agency explained that per MILCSA, the tribe cannot use the Self-Sufficiency Fund for gambling activities.

The Legal Fight Continues

Disagreeing with the DOI, the SSM Tribe launched a lawsuit in 2018. It said that the agency’s decision was in breach of the MILCSA and may stifle its further growth and welfare. However, the DOI’s decision was later reaffirmed by US District Judge Trevor N. McFadden.

However, as announced by PlayMichigan, the SSM Tribe hasn’t given up on the legal fight. The latest episode of the legal saga saw the Tribe raise the matter with the DC Circuit Court. In its legal claim, the SSM Tribe asked the Circuit Court to overturn McFadden’s ruling that reaffirmed the DOI was correct to reject taking the lands into trust under MILCSA.

If the DC Circuit Court overturns the ruling, the Tribe may finally achieve an important milestone in the planned expansion of its land-based portfolio. In case this happens, the land must be taken into trust, paving the way for the development of the Tribe’s two new venues planned in Lansing and New Detroit.

Elsewhere in Michigan, last month, Fanatics Betting and Gaming rolled out its iGaming and sports betting application. The launch made Michigan the thirteenth state where Fanatics has established its sports betting operations and the third state where Fanatics Casino is available.

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Last week, the Irish police, also known as Gardaí, confirmed it renewed its appeal for information related to the mysterious and unexpected disappearance of a 41-year-old poker player dating back to 2019. The recent request reignited the efforts in resolving the missing person’s case that involved Jon Jonsson, a poker player from Iceland who disappeared on February 9, 2019. The poker player was last seen around 11 AM on that day in Whitehall.

The latest request for the Gardaí comes after anonymous correspondence was received regarding the case. The Irish police urged the authors of the correspondence to disclose more details. “The Garda investigation team are appealing to the author(s) of those correspondences to make direct contact with them,” reads a statement released by garda disclosed by the Irish Independent. The police authorities added: “Any contact will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

In February 2019, Jonsson, who was 41 at the time, checked into the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. The Icelandic poker player arrived on February 9, ahead of a poker tournament he was expecting to participate in. Jonsson had planned a 10-day vacation for himself and his fiancée. Yet, on the same day he arrived at Bonnington Hotel, he walked out and was never seen again.

According to a report released by The Irish Mirror, Gardaí are now considering that the 41-year-old poker player may have been killed somewhere in Dublin Park. Citing sources, the publication suggests that Jonsson may have been murdered after losing a significant amount of money while playing poker in Dublin. Reportedly, the poker player arranged a meeting in the park that turned into a violent encounter and ultimately resulted in his death. Still, it’s important to mention that garda is yet to officially confirm if this version is correct.

Gardaí Searches Areas in Santry Park

After receiving the anonymous communication last week, this week, the Irish police initiated a search in a section of Santry Park. The aforementioned area was secured by law enforcement while K9 and underwater units investigating the surroundings were dispatched.

The location where garda is currently searching is approximately 2 miles from the Bonnington Hotel where Jonsson was last seen alive on February 9, 2019. The result of the latest search is yet to be confirmed.

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Kambi-owned esports data and odds provider Abios has published its 2023 Leaderboard report, outlining the top esports disciplines and teams. The data shows that Counter-Strike continued to dominate the esports betting sector.

The report shows that the old classic, which recently received its new iteration, Counter-Strike 2, attracted 56% of all bets made with Kambi. Next up was Riot Games’ League of Legends, which contributed 24% of the total bets. LoL’s main competitor, Dota 2, came in third with 14% of all wagers. Rounding up the top 5 were VALORANT and Call of Duty, which were responsible for 3% and 2% of all esports bets, respectively.

The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) was the most bet-on event, attracting a whopping 10% of all bets in 2023. Next was another Counter-Strike event, namely the ESL Pro League. Coming up third was BLAST Premier.

Abios celebrated a year dominated by CS betting by also publishing information about the teams that attracted the most bets. As one can imagine, this included some of the most popular teams in esports. The list of bettors’ favorite teams was topped by G2 Esports, followed by Team Vitality and FaZe Clan. The fourth place was occupied by Team Liquid, while the fifth was claimed by Cloud9.

These results are more or less in line with Abios’ 2022 Leaderboard report. For reference, 2022 was also dominated by the same state of play and top five esports games, although back then some League of Legends tournaments and teams had managed to claim spots in the top rankings.

Industry Leaders Must Better Understand the Fans

Abios also shared some predictions for the future. Niclas Sundell, Abios’ sales director, shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that co-streaming will likely continue to be a major part of esports in 2024. The popularity of co-streaming and watch parties skyrocketed in 2023 and is expected to continue to increase.

Sundell highlighted the importance of understanding the fans:

As esports continues to mature and become an integrated part of any modern online sports betting offering, it is essential for sportsbooks and other industry leaders to understand what products and services esports fans are looking for.

Niclas Sundell, sales director, Abios

Speaking of Abios, last year, the esports specialist launched esoccer to fill the gaps between sporting events.

The post Abios: Counter-Strike Continues to Dominate Esports Betting appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Prairie Flower Casino is a popular gaming and entertainment destination located on tribal land in Carter Lake, Iowa. The venue is owned and operated by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and it first opened its doors in 2018. Since then, the Tribe has been continuously reinvesting in the property, introducing new amenities and improving its existing offering. Back in October 2022, the Ponca Tribe confirmed the groundbreaking for a 60,000-square-foot expansion of the casino.

The expansion is expected to bring some 600 slot machines, as well as video poker devices and electronic table games. Moreover, the Prairie Flower Casino expansion will bring a sportsbook with a pub, additional dining and retail outlets. The additional area will help the venue grow its gaming floor and the expansion is located on the east side of the current structure.

Initially, the work at the venue was expected to be completed this summer. However, slight delays may push that deadline through the end of the year or early in 2025, as suggested by a report released by the Star Herald. James Centers, a spokesperson for the Ponca Tribe, commented on the topic explaining that the slight delay was the result of issues with the supply chains. Yet, he said that the current delay is marginal adding that “if winter weather holds like it is right now, we could make up some ground.”

“What we’ve seen with supply-chain issues since the pandemic, generally speaking, it’s not terrible to be a few months behind.“

James Centers, spokesperson for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

Expansion of the Casino to Gain Further Speed in the Spring

Centers revealed that the steel frame needed for the expansion is already built. Moreover, he added: “They’re using this time before winter really sets in to get that structure in place … with the hopes that when we emerge in spring we can go full steam ahead in terms of completing the expansion.”

Given that the construction works keep up with the current expectations, it is likely Prairie Flower Casino to welcome its first guests of the expanded venue by the end of the year. Centers did not mention if further delays can be expected.

The timeframes gambling operators set when building new venues or completing redesigns are significantly important. This is because delays may result in significant losses or in some cases even impact the future of certain projects. However, this is clearly not the case for Prairie Flower Casino, considering that its expansion is ongoing at the time of writing.

The post Prairie Flower Casino Expansion Continues Despite Minor Delays appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The war over the future of smoking at New Jersey’s casinos continues as proponents of a smoking ban announce plans for the formation of a new political action committee. The initiative is led by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a group of Atlantic City casino employees that is determined to end indoor smoking in all NJ casinos.

The organization’s decision to form a PAC comes in the wake of Senator Vince Polistina’s alleged “political games with thousands of his constituents’ lives.” According to Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of CEASE and a table games dealer, Polistina has “revealed himself to be untrustworthy.”

After coming to our first rally in August 2021, recruiting co-sponsors to S264 and A2151, speaking out on our behalf at every turn, he’s now copying and pasting casino executive talking points and attempting to present them as a credible solution. It’s shameful and disgusting.

Pete Naccarelli, co-founder, CEASE

Naccarelli accused Polistina of choosing to be a “front for the casinos” instead of a “backstop for his constituents.”

Naccarelli added that CEASE is now stronger than ever and is supported by thousands of AC casino workers. While he admitted that most of CEASE’s members are new to politics, he said that they have all learned that pressure and accountability are critical. Because of that, the organization will now form a new PAC to support its supporters.

We are fighting for our lives and will battle on all fronts to pass this legislation to end indoor smoking at our workplaces.

Pete Naccarelli, co-founder, CEASE

Dealers Have to Bear with the Smoke for Hours Every Day

New Jersey lawmakers continue to receive pressure to pass a measure that would end casinos’ exemption from the state’s indoor smoking ban. United Auto Workers (UAW) president Shawn Fain added to the pressure, urging politicians to not make a compromise with casino workers’ health.

Fain emphasized that casino patrons blow tobacco smoke directly into employees’ faces for eight hours, thus exposing them to a variety of health problems. Because of the nature of their work, dealers cannot take their eyes away from the table and have to “bear through the thick smoke that surrounds their workplace,” Fain argued.

In spite of the arguments provided by proponents of a ban on smoking, casino representatives believe that such a measure may undermine their profits. While other casinos across the US have already banned smoking without losing revenue, AC’s casinos are still reluctant to accept such a change.

The post CAESE Continues Its Fight against Smoking in NJ’s Casinos, Plans PAC Formation appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has called on the state Supreme Court to dismiss a case challenging the legality of digital sports betting, arguing that it does not fall under the state constitution’s definition of casino gambling. The case, initiated by West Flagler and Associates (WFA), challenges the 2021 compact between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Seminoles, extending the tribe’s monopoly to encompass sports betting and casinos.

Key Grounds for Dismissal in West Flagler’s Sports Betting Case

Moody’s 65-page response, filed just minutes before the deadline, outlines several reasons for dismissal. Notably, it asserts that WFA’s delayed filing, more than two years after the compact approval, is grounds for denial. The response also argues that WFA’s relief-seeking through a “quo warranto” filing is inappropriate, emphasizing that sports betting does not fit the definition of a casino game.

WFA’s contention revolves around the alleged overreach of powers by Gov. DeSantis and the state legislature in approving the compact, claiming a violation of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

The lawsuit further asserts that the monopoly granted to the Seminoles and the hub-and-spoke model for online sports betting infringe on federal regulations. Additionally, WFA argues that any gaming expansion should be subjected to a public vote.

The gambling agreement of 2021, in addition to granting the Seminoles authority over sports betting, permitted the tribe to introduce craps and roulette at its casino establishments. Furthermore, the agreement envisages the potential addition of three casinos on tribal land in Broward County for the Seminoles.

WFA’s SCOTUS Appeal Clashes with Seminole Tribe’s App Relaunch

In October, WFA petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in an attempt to challenge the exclusive rights granted to the Seminole Tribe by Gov. Ron DeSantis, following its failure in the federal court. 

Meanwhile, the Seminole Tribe has quietly relaunched its Hard Rock Bets mobile app, allowing sports betting for existing registrants and Unity loyalty program members in Florida, despite the ongoing legal challenges. 

While the tribe plans to introduce in-person betting at three South Florida casinos on December 7, opponents, including West Flagler Associates, continue to contest the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive sports betting rights. 

Despite the legal complexities, both WFA and the Seminoles share the common goal of expanding legal sports betting options for Floridians. WFA’s strategy has shifted to pursuing relief through federal courts, with plans to file a case with the US Supreme Court. The court granted an extension until February for WFA to submit its case.

The post Florida’s Legal Showdown Continues Over Seminole Tribe’s Sports Betting Deal appeared first on Keno Wizard.

At the start of November, iGaming industry leader that invented the Megaways mechanic, Big Time Gaming (BTG), launched Turkey Megaways, a new exciting slot with free spins and progressive win multipliers.

In July, BTG introduced Big Bad Bison to the Ontario market, before it harnessed its One Stop Shop aggregation deal agreement with Evolution for the launch of Golden Catch Megaways, one of its most successful slots, in several US markets. 

The same prolific BTG-Evolution relation helped iconic slots Max Megaways and Vegas Megaways to reach a number of important operators in Ontario during the same month. 

Now, BTG has announced the release of Sanctuary, yet another groundbreaking game that has gone live on Evolution Network starting November 22. The new game marks the fourth title in the highly-praised Cult series with a soundtrack based on British rock band The Cult.

Sanctuary Metrics Overview

• Rows: 4
• Reels: 6
• Paylines: 4,096 
• Volatility: High
• Max win: 44,070x
• RTP: 96.38%
• Min/Max Bet: 0.10-20
• Release date: November 22, 2023

Embark on a Cosmic Journey and Enter New Dimensions 

At first glance, you might think the new slot is another classic Ancient Egypt-themed game. However, after a closer look at the slot pyramids in the background, you will quickly notice that they represent spaceships that are meant to travel into outer space and reach new portals and galaxy dimensions. 

The soundtrack is set to the iconic She Sells Sanctuary song considered by many to be The Cult’s ultimate masterpiece.  

While engaged in the Free Spins Round, players can expect to see the Free Spins Gamble Wheel come to life and allow them to play the awarded Free Spins on up to four video slots simultaneously. For each of the games, players are given 4,096 ways to win.

Once an Ankh symbol pops on the 6×4 grid, the Sticky Wild will show up on the same spot in every Free Spins-based video slot. 

Players who are lucky enough to see four Sticky Wilds on a single reel will notice it change into an expansive x4 Wild. This will automatically boost the winnings while allocating three extra Free Spins.

The slot, which also has a Bonus Buy feature available for a 90x stake, also includes the Win Exchange feature that lets players swap their wins for the opportunity to get seven Free Spins.

Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown 

As explained by BGT’s chief executive officer, Nik Robinson, Sanctuary is a “very, very cool” slot featuring towering pyramids and eye-catching hieroglyphs carrying players into brand-new dimensions. 

However, it is the Free Spins Mode that can fire up four video slots at the same time that makes the game truly stand out. 

Evolution’s chief business development officer for Europe, Nicholas Peters, praised BTG’s choice of a multi-dimensional approach, excellent features, and select soundtrack, considering the new game “one of the most exciting releases of the year.”

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Rivers Casino Philadelphia, owned and operated by Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, has a proud tradition of donating $1 million each year to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community initiatives in the area. The venue allocates funds from its gaming operations, hoping to help offset gambling’s negative societal impact.

Regular Contributions Have Made a Lasting Impact

The Penn Treaty SSD, established in 2006, is instrumental in empowering local community organizations through grants and sponsorships. The district encompasses several neighborhoods, including Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond, and South Kensington. Donations have proven instrumental in supporting 737 grants to 182 non-profit organizations, creating a lasting positive impact.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s most recent $1 million donation marks a cumulative contribution of $11.4 million to the Penn Treaty SSD. This substantial sum has aided many vital community projects, from organizing neighborhood festivals to enhancing parks, playgrounds, and gardens. The funding has also facilitated art, sports, and educational programs, along with infrastructure improvements, improving residents’ quality of life.

This organization has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our neighboring communities, and we’re privileged to support its mission.

Eric Althaus, Rivers Casino general manager

The Penn Treaty SSD is currently accepting grant and sponsorship requests, encouraging local organizations to take advantage of the funding opportunities provided by Rivers Casino Philadelphia. This collaboration between the casino and the non-profit organization is essential for driving community growth, highlighting the venue’s dedication to making a positive societal impact.

The Casino’s Efforts Can Lead to Long-Term Benefits

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s community-focused mindset also extends to its staff and customers. It is one of the few venues that have completely forbidden smoking on the premises, with many other casinos seeming intent to hold on to the advantage given by a legal loophole. Such efforts have cemented Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s leadership position and are vital for sustained growth.

Investing in local communities can significantly benefit the casino’s bottom line, bolstering player confidence. Rivers Casino Philadelphia remains among the top five gambling venues in the state, enjoying enduring success. Penn Treaty SSD chairman Rick Angeli was grateful for the casino’s steadfast support to communities, noting the extra funding was instrumental in improving local quality of life.

Without Rivers’ annual contribution to the SSD, none of the work we do for our communities would be possible.

Rick Angeli, Penn Treaty SSD chairman

Despite a few minor regulatory breaches, Rivers Casino Philadelphia maintains an impressive track record, helping counteract the potential dangers of gambling harm on vulnerable individuals. As the venue continues its mission to give back, its commitment to the Penn Treaty SSD remains an inspiring example of how the gaming industry can positively impact.

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