Spillemyndigheden, the regulator of the gambling market in Denmark, has announced that in the month of February 2024 the industry recorded an 18.3 percent increase in gambling spend compared to the same month last year.

Moreover, all sectors of the industry registered such increases: sports betting, online casinos, gaming machines and land-based casinos. The total gambling spend registered in February 2024 amounted to 587 million Danish Krone or around 83.6 million U.S. dollars.

The most impressive revenue increases were registered by sports betting and online casinos. According to Spillemyndigheden, the revenue increases for these two segments were most likely due to lower return to player (RTP) rates in February 2024 compared to the same month of last year.

The figures included in the report are based on the data submitted by sports betting and casino operators to the Danish Tax Agency. The report also used data related to responsible gambling, taken from the Register of Self-Excluded Gamblers and StopSpillet, the problem gambling helpline that is available to residents of Denmark.

Online Casinos Dominate the Market

Most of the overall gross gaming revenue for the industry came from online casino operators, which accounted for 47.3 percent of the total. Sports betting managed to cover 30.2 percent of the market in terms of gross gaming revenue, while gaming machines accounted for 16.9 percent. The lowest market share in terms of gross gaming revenue was that of land-based casinos, which only managed to take up 5.4 percent of the market.

In terms of increases of gross gaming revenue in February 2024, sports betting registered the largest percentage: 32.5 percent compared to the same month of last year for a total of 134 million Danish Krone. Within the sports betting vertical, mobile betting was the most popular channel, attracting 65.6 percent of all bets in February 2024.

Online casino operators also registered a major increase of 18.53 percent when it comes to gross gaming revenue, with a total amount of 278 million Danish Krone generated in February 2024. Mobile gambling is also preferred by customers in this vertical, with 61.1 percent of bets being placed through this channel.

Gaming machines recorded a less significant increase in gross gaming revenue, just 1.85 percent year-on-year for a total of 100 million Danish Krone. Land-based casinos also registered a modest gross gaming revenue increase of 7 percent over the same month of last year for a total of 32 million Danish Krone.

Source: “Danes’ gambling spend increased in February 2024“. Spillemyndigheden. April 16, 2024.

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Maryland Lottery and Gaming published information about the financial performance of the state’s six casinos in February 2024. According to the regulator, revenue remained more or less stable.

The authority said that the six casinos have reported a total gaming revenue of $159.22 million for February. This figure represents a modest 1.4% year-on-year increase from February 2023, when the casinos declared revenue of $157 million.

However, fiscal year to date revenue, representing the period from July through February experienced a slight decline. Whereas Maryland’s casinos reported revenue of $1.37 billion for the previous year to date period, they now reported revenue of $1.28 billion.

In February 2024, The Free State’s casino contributed $67.79 million to the state, representing an increase of 1.3% year-on-year. Contributions to the Education Trust Fund stood at $48.9 million, an increase of 0.5% from February 2023. The casinos also contributed money to the local horse racing industry, as well as to small, minority- and women-owned businesses. 

The Casinos’ Performances Varied

Maryland Lottery and Gaming also published data about the performance of its six commercial casinos.

MGM National Harbor, a Prince George’s County-based property, reported revenue of $66.83 million in February. This represents an increase of $1,234,645 (1.9%) from February 2023. The casino sports 2,276 slots and 207 gaming tables.

Live! Casino & Hotel, meanwhile, posted revenue of $59.34 million, representing an increase of 6.5% from February 2023. The venue is located in Anne Arundel County and has some 3,860 slot machines and 179 table games.

The Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore City, on the other hand, reported February revenue of $14.95 million, highlighting a year-on-year decline of 8.2%. The casino has 1,371 slots and 115 table games.

Hollywood Casino Perryville, a property boasting 689 slot machines and 23 table games, reported revenue of $7.4 million for February, marking a year-on-year increase of 1.4%.

The Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County disclosed revenue of $6.35 million, a decrease of 7% year-on-year. For reference, the casino has 859 slots and 19 gaming tables.

Finally, the Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany Country reported revenue of $4.34 million in February. This translates into a decline of 18.6%. The casino has 620 slot machines and 16 table games.

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Last year, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, one of the federally recognized tribes in Florida, announced the start of the development of its newest venue, the Little Trail Casino located in Ochopee. After half a year of development, the Miccosukee Tribe confirmed that its new premium gaming location is expected to open its doors to visitors later this month.

The Little Trail Casino will hold its grand opening ceremony next week on February 14, 2024. The new casino is located on I-75, exit 49 and Snake Road and promises exceptional experiences for its visitors. Little Trail Casino is next to the Miccosukee Service Plaza and will offer some 8,500 square feet of entertainment space.

Talbert Cypress, the Tribe’s chairman, who was recently cited by Indian Gaming, revealed that the Miccosukee Tribe is thrilled to confirm the opening of the Little Trail Casino, an achievement that was completed in collaboration with gambling industry stakeholders and tribal members. “This marks an exhilarating start to our next phase, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to this unique experience,” he added.

“We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone alongside our tribal members and numerous key stakeholders who have played a crucial role in our journey.“

Talbert Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe

Little Trail Casino Visitors Can Expect Unrivaled Entertainment

Visitors at the Little Trail Casino can expect action-packed entertainment, fun and lucrative jackpots. The new premier casino location will offer 150 of the newest slot machines.

The non-smoking venue stands out with its elegant design, completed in collaboration with the leading architecture and engineering design firm, CPH. On the other hand, for the construction of the Little Trail Casino, the Tribe joined forces with 2 Brothers Contracting LLC, a Florida-based construction company.

Ochopee’s new casino will be open seven days a week. The working hours for the Little Trail Casino are between 8 AM and 12 AM. Besides a gaming floor, the casino will feature additional amenities such as a bar that will offer a wide range of wines and beers.

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Mohegan, the leading gaming and entertainment operator, announced that its Inspire Casino at Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea, will open its doors for visitors on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 8:08 AM. The massive casino resort is located adjacent to the Incheon International Airport and is expected to be one of the biggest resorts in Northeast Asia once it rolls out all of its amenities.

Previously, the entertainment resort commenced its operations on November 30, 2023, and started accepting hotel guests. Additionally, Inspire Entertainment Resort opened a number of restaurants along with Inspire Arena, a premium entertainment venue that offers unique experiences. As a part of a planned phased approach, now, the resort will open its casino floor as well.

A statement released by Inspire Entertainment Resort reveals that the visitors of Inspire Casino will be able to enjoy some 390 slot machines, as well as more than 150 gaming tables. The casino floor, promising unique experiences thanks to the latest and most popular games, is spread across two levels. Inspire Casino will also offer electronic table games with some 160 seats.

The Resort Looks Forward to Welcoming New and Return Guests

Chen Xi, the president of Mohegan Inspire, revealed that the company is excited to open the doors for its foreigner-only casino. He explained that this process follows approval from the gambling regulator in the country. Moreover, Xi spoke about the extensive efforts of the entertainment resort over the last seven years.

“Since the soft opening, we have seen many domestic and international visitors enjoying the thrill of an unforgettable performance at Inspire Arena, a fantastic digital show in the Northern Lights, and the tranquil relaxation of a five-star hotel.“

Chen Xi, president of Mohegan Inspire

Mohegan Inspire’s president spoke about the growing number of guests who have already experienced the thrill at Inspire Arena. He added that the resort remains dedicated to offering unique experiences to its visitors thanks to casino amenities, as well as exciting events.

The strategic location of Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort allows an influx of visitors from across Asia. Since the resort is next to Incheon International Airport, it provides a convenient option for guests from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Osaka, among other locations that are a short four-hour flight away.

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Svenska Spel, a Swedish state-owned gambling operator, has named Anna Johnson as the successor of its current chief executive officer, Patrik Hofbauer. The latter announced his exit earlier this year, opting to explore other opportunities instead.

Johnson will serve as Svenska Spel’s new president and CEO and is set to step into the office by June 2024, the former Swedish monopoly announced.

According to Svenska Spel, its new CEO boasts a master’s degree in economics from Mitthögskolan in Östersund. She is also an authorized accountant with an impressive track record behind her back.

Aged 50, Johnson currently serves as a partner and CEO of Grant Thornton, a global accounting and consulting firm. She boasts decades of experience in accounting and has held a number of leading corporate positions at Grant Thornton. She was appointed as the agency’s CEO seven years ago and has leveraged her experience to bolster the firm.

Hofbauer, meanwhile, is set to leave Svenska Spel very soon. Starting on February 1, 2024, the incumbent CEO will join the Swedish telecommunications juggernaut Telia Company. Following the departure of Hofbauer, Erik Strand, Svenska Spel’s board chair, will serve as interim CEO until Johnson takes office.

Johnson Is Honored to Have Svenska Spel’s Trust

Strand commented on the new appointment, praising Johnson’s track record of successful leadership positions. He lauded her ability to build strong teams, create more customer value and deliver profitable growth. According to the chairman, Johnson’s drive and curiosity made her a perfect fit for Svenska Spel.

The board and I are very much looking forward to working together with Anna and her management team.

Erik Strand, chairman, Svenska Spel

Strand added that Sweden’s former gambling monopoly has implemented many changes in recent years. He believes that the company is now poised to offer engaging and safe gaming experiences to its customers in the country.

Johnson also commented on his new position, saying that it represents a “fantastic opportunity.” The new CEO added that she is honored to have the trust of one of Sweden’s strongest gambling brands. She also praised the company’s commitment to sustainable entertainment, saying that this philosophy provides benefits both to the Swedish people and Swedish sports.

I am really looking forward to leading Svenska Spel’s journey of change together with the employees and continuing to create results.

Anna Johnson, CEO appointee, Svenska Spel

Speaking of Sweden, BOS’ general secretary, Gustaf Hoffstedt, just weighed on the country’s newly-proposed gambling tax, saying that it would be a “gift to the black market.”

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MGM Resorts International has now confirmed that the date of launch of the MGM Rewards loyalty program at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has been set for February 1, 2024. This gives the property a fair time to prepare for the upcoming implementation.

MGM Rewards Finally to Become Part of Cosmopolitan

MGM Rewards is set to be implemented in the wake of MGM’s acquisition of the property back in May 2022. At the time, MGM Resorts International ponied up $1.6 billion for the venue and has been working ever since to introduce its loyalty experience that brings even better synergies between the company’s portfolio of properties.

However, MGM had to iron out a few last details that were shared during a Nevada Gaming Control Board meeting before the implementation of the new technology could be done.  

Pat Madamba, SVP and legal counsel, said that the Cosmopolitan operation system and MGM Rewards had taken a bit to bring together, but that now was all in order and the final integration can be completed in the first quarter of next year, with February 1 confirmed as the date.

This is good news for Cosmopolitan customers who will be able to earn and redeem points across 20 US properties in the United States alone, creating unique synergies between visits to individual venues and the Las Vegas destination.

MGM Resorts CCO Steve Zanella is confident that the Cosmopolitan is “adding a new set of ways for gaming and non-gaming customers to enjoy,” which will further strengthen the loyalty experience at the property. In the meantime, MGM has confirmed that it will be migrating the Identity membership to MGM Rewards, retaining the customers’ benefits and tiers.

MGM Resorts Assures of Smooth Transition

Identity points will carry over to MGM Rewards, and all Identity benefits will be available through January 31, 2024, a day before changing to the new system. Once that happens, customers will start accumulating points for the MGM Rewards system.

MGM Resorts is also working on a licensing agreement with Marriott International which will lead to the creation of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy which is due to get underway in October.

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