The Casablanca Hotel-Casino in Mesquite, Nevada, will need to pay over $2,000 in slots jackpots to Rhon Wilson, a player who was previously kicked out of the venue, but decided to violate the trespass statute, re-enter the casino, and keep gambling.

He Did Now Pay for His Drink

Originally, Wilson was escorted out of the casino because he failed to pay for a drink. However, over the course of the following months, Wilson came back to the casino several times and won slot jackpots on three different occasions.

According to the split 2-to-1 vote from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Casablanca casino will have to pay the $2,045.18 jackpot that the gambler won while trespassing the property he had been banned from. The regulator argued that most casino operators would not take the time to track down all of their trespassed patrons who had lost money and pay them back. 

NGBC’s chair and executive director, Kirk Henrick, mentioned the board’s rich history of asking operators to pau patrons who had won a jackpot while also emphasizing that there were no written policies on this topic as part of the regulations. Henrick further explained that, provided a casino’s staff would pose a ban on a patron, it is partially the operator’s responsibility to make sure that the respective patron does not enter the premises without their consent. 

Not Wanting to Award Bad Behavior

However, according to fellow panel member George Assad, the fact that a certain policy has existed for several years should not mean that it should be applied in the present. 

According to the retired Las Vegas Municipal Court’s judge, casinos should focus on discouraging “that type of illegal activity” by not paying trespassers, even if they lose money. Assad reiterated that he does not want to reward “bad behavior.”

Mesquite Gaming LLC’s vice president of security and government affairs, Dick Tomasso, explained to the three-panel members that Wilson preferred to pay a misdemeanor fine and go back to the venue to gamble. 

Tomasso further argued that the patron knew the current gaming enforcement policy would let him hold on to his winnings, based on three past occurrences when he was caught in a similar position of violating a trespass statute. 

The VP of security and government affairs emphasized that the player had broken the law to enter their casino and gamble, thus committing a crime to place a wager, emphasizing the “profound effect” of the board’s ruling on all Nevada licensees. 

This did not convince chairman Hendrick and board member Brittnie Watkins, who considered it more important for licensees to pay jackpots to winning patrons, in spite of being convicted of a misdemeanor. The board’s decision is a final one that does not have to be considered by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The matter will be further addressed at a forthcoming regulatory workshop that will take place on October 18.

At the end of August, Nevada’s gambling regulator reported the total gaming win in July had reached the $1.4 billion mark, showcasing an excellent growth year-over-year.  In July, the same body issued a warning regarding an increase in the number of scams targeting casinos via social engineering tactics.

The post NGCB Rules in Favor of Trespassing Winning Player at the Casablanca Mesquite appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a recent decision, a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) panelist has found that VGW Holdings Limited, an Australian online gambling company, attempted reverse domain name hijacking by filing a complaint against the owner of vgw.com who is a Republic of Korea resident. 

VGW Holdings Limited has been operating its website, vgw.co, since 2010, offering online casino-style gaming services through its various brands such as Chumba Casino, Global Poker and Luckyland Slots. The company holds several trademark registrations for the VGW mark in various countries, demonstrating its commitment to protecting its brand identity.

However, the WIPO panelist, Kathryn Lee, ruled in favor of the domain owner, Hyundoo Shin, a Republic of Korea resident, who registered vgw.com in 2002, long before VGW Holdings Limited even came into existence. This critical timeline difference played a pivotal role in the panelist’s decision.

Lee emphasized that since the disputed domain name predates VGW Holdings’s trademark rights and formation, it would have been impossible for Shin to have registered the domain name with the intention of targeting VGW Holdings Limited and its mark. 

Panelist Lee Condemns Attempted Reverse Domain Hijacking in Landmark Decision

Panelist Lee wrote in the Administrative panel decision document: “The Complainant should surely have known that the Complaint could not succeed based on these facts, and proceeding with this Complaint can only be viewed as an attempt to deprive a registered domain-name holder of a domain name.”

This fact led the panelist to conclude that the complaint was brought in bad faith, with an attempt at reverse domain name hijacking, constituting an abuse of the administrative proceeding.

The case highlights the importance of considering the registration date of a domain name in intellectual property disputes. In this instance, VGW Holdings Limited failed to demonstrate that the respondent, Hyundoo Shin, registered the domain name in bad faith due to the significant time gap between registration and the company’s establishment.

Furthermore, the panelist’s decision underscores the potential consequences for complainants who attempt reverse domain name hijacking. Reverse domain name hijacking occurs when a complainant files a dispute knowing that they cannot prove bad faith registration or use of the domain name by the owner. Such attempts can result in a finding of reverse domain name hijacking, as seen in this case.

The post Panel Rules in Favor of VGW.com Owner in Reverse Hijacking Case appeared first on Keno Wizard.

With affected workers already discussing the terms of their first contract with the union, their decision may have widespread consequences for the region’s hospitality industry. Rising discontent among casino workers in North America prompts more employees to consider unionization, ensuring their concerns receive proper attention.

Parking Ambassadors Presented a United Front

Parking ambassadors at Maryland’s MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino unanimously voted to join Teamsters Local 639. The union represents worker rights across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, advocating for fair compensation and improved working conditions. Teamsters Local 639 has operated since 1934, giving them significant experience dealing with some of the region’s leading businesses.

MGM National Harbor parking ambassador representatives noted they provided a valuable service for visitors. Unionization represents a significant milestone for these workers, allowing them to hold management accountable and receive improved working conditions and better wages. Washington, D.C. Local 639 president Steve Williams agreed, congratulating the MGM staff on their bold decision.

Congratulations to the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino workers on their successful organizing victory. We look forward to helping them secure their first Teamster contract.

Steve Williams, Washington, D.C. Local 639 president

Joining the Teamsters provides employees with substantial benefits like access to experienced negotiators and legal representation during collective bargaining. The union’s expertise in labor relations can help workers secure favorable terms in their employment contracts, ensuring their rights are protected. Additionally, the Teamsters can provide training and skill development resources, fostering members’ career growth and advancement opportunities.

Hospitality Sector Unionization Is on the Rise

The decision by MGM National Harbor staff to unionize carries broader implications for the labor movement in the hospitality sector. Should the parking ambassadors’ decision pay off, it may inspire other casino workers to follow and pursue similar initiatives to secure fair treatment and improve their working conditions. MGM’s status as a world-leading operator means such aspirations can spread to many of its other venues.

Such employee initiatives are part of a broader push towards better treatment for workers in the hospitality industry. Quebec recently saw casino staff begin an indefinite general strike, protesting over inadequate compensation. Unionized employees at Encore Boston Harbor casino also proved the value of forming a united front, protecting the rights of over 1,400 workers during tense negotiations with Wynn Resorts.

MGM National Harbor staff joining the Teamsters highlights their determination to have a collective voice and negotiate for their rights. The success of this unionization effort and other similar initiatives carry broader implications for the labor movement in the hospitality sector, hopefully setting an example for others in the industry. The MGM parking ambassadors may inspire others to consider similar initiatives, driving positive change and promoting fair worker treatment.

The post MGM National Harbor Employees Vote in Favor of Unionization appeared first on Keno Wizard.

PointsBet announced that an overwhelming majority of its shareholders supported the sale of its US-facing business to the well-known sports merchandise company, Fanatics. Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the company’s sports retail division, filed a proposal for the takeover of PointsBet’s US assets in a deal for some $225.0 million, a significant increase from its initial proposal.

In light of the fresh proposal, some 98% of PointsBet’s shareholders showed approval for the sale of the company’s US business arm. The announcement comes at a time when PointsBet faced difficulties while trying to expand in the competitive US sports betting market.

It was back in 2021 when PointsBet started its US expansion. Brett Paton, PointsBet’s chairman, who was recently cited by The Sydney Morning Herald, spoke about the frustration of the shareholders over the share price of the company since the start of its US-facing expansion and the costs associated with that venture. “Let me say on behalf of your board that we understand your disappointment about the share price performance of our company,” he said, explaining that he and PointsBet’s chief, Sam Swanell, understand their frustration and concern.

“Continuing to operate the US business would require significant capital and further capital raises.“

Brett Paton, chairman at PointsBet

On the other hand, Paton spoke about the ongoing high costs required to continue the US business operation. Speaking about the sale of US assets to Fanatics he pointed out that the “transaction addresses that uncertainty.”

While the aforementioned transaction will offload PointsBet’s US business, the company will remain in control of its Australian and Canadian businesses. Additionally, it will continue to leverage its leading iGaming and sports betting technology that is used within regulated gambling markets in Australia, as well as North America, providing further growth opportunities.

Fanatics Wins a Tough Fight for PointsBet’s US Business

It was last month when Fanatics and PointsBet agreed on a $150 million deal for the latter’s US business. At the time, Fanatics agreed to pay $100 million upon closing of the agreement as well as $50 million in February next year.

But what was thought to be a done deal had an unexpected turn, after the US gaming and betting giant, DraftKings, tabled a new proposal of $195 million for PointsBet’s US-facing business, surpassing the initial $150 million offer by Fanatics.

However, Fanatics wasn’t going to let this happen and responded with an increased bid of $225 million, which was ultimately the successful one. In light of the new bid, DraftKings confirmed earlier this week that it will no longer pursue options for obtaining the US-facing business of PointsBet.

The post PointsBet’s Shareholders Vote in Favor of US Assets Sale appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a decisive move, casino workers in Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, Charlevoix, and Gatineau have voted in favor of an unlimited general strike, set to commence on June 23. 

Casino Workers Demand Fair Wages as Negotiations Stall

Riccardo Scopelleti, president of the Casino de Montréal-CSN security workers’ unit, announced that the negotiations with the employer had reached an impasse, as reported by the Montreal Gazette. The workers are demanding wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living, along with an additional CAD1 ($0.76) per hour. They argue that Loto-Québec, along with the Société des casinos, is generating significant profits, and therefore, the employees deserve their fair share.

The union has expressed its frustration with Loto-Québec management, particularly regarding the distribution of bonuses. According to the union, management has allocated $650,000 in bonuses this year, which they find to be insulting while denying workers the raises they deserve to keep pace with inflation.

However, Loto-Québec has expressed confusion over the union’s decision to initiate an indefinite strike. The company claims that all the necessary elements for reaching an agreement are already in place. They maintain that they offer favorable working conditions, with casino wages exceeding those of the reference market by approximately 20% for most job categories. Loto-Québec also highlights that the union’s current demands far exceed what other employees in the organization have received in the past year.

Strike Impacts 1,700 Casino Employees in Quebec as Loto-Québec Announces Limited Services

The strike will impact around 1,700 employees, leading to modified schedules and limited services at the Montreal, Charlevoix, and Mont-Tremblant casinos. The Casino du Lac-Leamy, Trois-Rivières gaming hall, and Quebec City gaming hall, however, will remain open as usual, as stated by Loto-Québec in a recent announcement. The strike will not affect the croupiers at the Montreal, Charlevoix, and Lac-Leamy casinos, and the lotoquebec.com website will remain accessible. However, the call center will not be operational during the strike.

Stéphanie Gratton, interim president of the Fédération des employées et employés du secteur public-CSN, dismissed Loto-Québec’s claims about good working conditions and competitive wages. She said she believes that the union’s demands are justified and necessary for the well-being of the workers.

Loto-Québec hopes to resume discussions with the union and the conciliator in order to reach a fair settlement that respects the responsible management of public funds. 

Just last year Loto-Québec was in trouble with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing casino dealers at Casino de Montréal. Following three months of strike action, CUPE reached a satisfactory labor agreement in principle with Loto-Québec, addressing concerns over working conditions and wages.

At the same time, Loto-Québec reported its best financial performance since the implementation of the Tobacco Control Act, with revenue of CAD2.225 billion ($1.61 billion) and net income of CAD1.204 billion ($872 million) for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022-2023, marking a significant increase and allowing for higher dividends to the government and benefits for Quebec residents.

The post Quebec Casino Workers Vote in Favor of Indefinite General Strike appeared first on Keno Wizard.