Hard Rock International has begun work on its joint project with the Tejon Indian Tribe in California. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon featured a commemorative shovel groundbreaking and was attended by representatives of both Hard Rock and the Tejon Indian Tribe.

Described as an exciting day for the state, the ceremony is also a symbolic development for the tribe, which has been landless for more than 150 years. The new casino is a major victory for the Tejon, which, according to its chairman, Octavio Escobedo, is finally close to the “dream of self-determination through economic development.”

The casino hotel will create 2,000 construction-specific jobs and will be managed by the Penta Building Group. After its completion, the property is expected to create roughly 5,000 jobs, both full-time and part-time.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon will also boast 150,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino is set to have 2,500 slot machines, 48 gaming tables and video poker. The property will also sport a multitude of dining options, a pool, a spa, a theater and 400 hotel rooms.

The casino hotel is expected to be completed within 22 months.

Hard Rock Names a New SVP of Hotel Operations

In the meantime, Hard Rock International expanded its team with the appointment of John Rees as its new senior vice president of hotel operations. The new appointee will be responsible for leading and supporting all facets of hotel operations and will serve directly under Jon Lucas, the company’s chief operating officer.

Rees boasts some 30 years in the hospitality industry and is a passionate innovator. He completed his hospitality studies at Newbury College and has since also secured certifications in restaurant management, leadership training and wine studies from acclaimed universities. Rees completed his hospitality training at the Hotel Bellevue Palace in Bern, Switzerland. He also holds an Honorary Degree in Culinary Arts from the Long Island Culinary Federation.

Rees said that he is thrilled to join the company at what he called a “pivotal point” for the Hard Rock brand.

Our future pipeline of hotel projects is very robust which will allow me to work with my teams to innovate and create more of the special brand touchpoints and guest experiences our fans expect.

John Rees, SVP of hotel operations, Hard Rock International

Rees concluded that he hopes to turn Hard Rock’s hotels into cool places to stay and feel like a VIP.

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In anticipation of its grand opening on December 13, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the dazzling resort nestled on the northern stretch of the iconic Las Vegas Strip, has announced pivotal additions to its leadership team. 

Fontainebleau Las Vegas Welcomes New CFO and CAO

John Helderman, a distinguished professional with 25 years of experience in gaming, finance, and accounting, has been appointed chief financial officer of the resort. Accompanying him in the top ranks is Stacie Michaels, who has been promoted from general counsel to chief administrative officer, expanding her responsibilities to encompass legal, risk management, internal audit, compliance, and workers’ compensation functions within the organization.

Mark Tricano, President of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, expressed his confidence in the newly appointed executives, stating: “As we near our global debut, we are developing a successful culture under the guidance and perspective of seasoned leaders in gaming and beyond.” 

He emphasized the invaluable expertise that Helderman and Michaels bring to the resort. Their deep understanding of the Las Vegas market and their exceptional leadership skills align seamlessly with the vision of Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the highly anticipated 67-story casino resort on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, is to open its doors to the public on Wednesday, December 13. Despite facing delays due to economic challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort, acquired by Fontainebleau Development and Koch Industries in 2021, secured a $2.2 billion loan last year, ensuring the completion of the ambitious project. 

Michaels and Helderman Elevate Resort’s Leadership

Having previously served as chief financial officer for The Brennan Entities, a prominent Las Vegas-based financial services operator, and in a similar capacity for Bluberi Gaming, a leading slot company, John Helderman brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His track record also includes stints as vice president of finance for multiple Las Vegas Strip resorts. Helderman is a graduate of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2022.

Stacie Michaels, a legal luminary, transitioned into her elevated role at Fontainebleau Las Vegas after a decade-long tenure in various capacities within the Las Vegas gaming and hospitality industries. Michaels, a graduate of New York Law School, earned recognition as one of Vegas Inc.’s “40 Under 40” in 2017. Apart from her professional achievements, she actively contributes to the community, serving on the board of trustees for Discovery Children’s Museum and the Meadows School.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas recently strengthened its senior-level team. Mark Tricano, a veteran with extensive experience in hospitality, gaming, and finance, was appointed as the resort’s president. Michelle Reda, another industry expert with over two decades of experience, took on the role of chief casino marketing officer, while Kimberly Virtuoso, who contributed significantly to the resort’s human resources strategy, was promoted to senior vice president of people. 

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The leading consulting firm catering to the entertainment, gaming, sports and hospitality sectors, GMA Consulting, announced Wednesday it strengthened its team with two new associate partner appointments. The company revealed that it hired the services of Pat Eichner, an expert within the gaming sector, who will oversee GMA’s communications and contribute toward strategic initiatives within the vertical.

Additionally, the company confirmed it selected Dan Hartman, a senior gaming executive with experience surpassing three decades, as an associate partner. Joining GMA’s C-suite, Hartman will be in charge of the company’s regulatory and government affairs business. He will also leverage his extensive knowledge and skills, providing strategic guidance for GMA’s internal teams.

Starting immediately, Eichner will assist different GMA clients within the hospitality, entertainment, gaming and sports sectors. On the other hand, Hartman will use his knowledge and insights to provide guidance for commercial and tribal operators, along with federal government agencies, among other organizations.

Eichner Is Thrilled to Join GMA’s C-Suite

Sharing his excitement, Eichner said: “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional executives across all corners of gaming, sports, and entertainment that have generously invested in my growth.” He pointed out that it will be thrilling to deliver his knowledge and experience and play an important role in GMA’s future growth. Finally, Eichner said that he looks forward to the success the new collaboration will bring.

Throughout his professional career, Eichner was able to accumulate a wide range of skills. Before joining GMA, he was a part of the leading betting and gaming company, PointsBet. During that time, Eichner oversaw strategic processes at the company that sought to expand within markets in Canada, as well as the United States. His professional background includes a senior role with the famous PR agency, DKC, as well as several NFL franchises.

Hartman Brings Extensive Experience

On the other hand, Hartman also has a significantly impressive resume. Amid the expansion of sports betting, he led the gambling regulator in Colorado, the Colorado Division of Gaming. Prior to this role, he was also a part of the Colorado Division of Racing Events. Overall, Hartman has more than 31 years of experience within the betting and gaming sector and he is a seasoned expert and a proven leader with a track record.

“As I close the previous chapter of what has been a storied career, I am thrilled to now be in a position where I can leverage my decades of experience as a leader at GMA Consulting, a preeminent force in gaming and hospitality.“

Dan Hartman, associate partner at GMA Consulting

Speaking about his professional experience, Hartman acknowledged that he held important roles within the public and private sectors and was involved in gaming, greyhound racing and the horse racing industry. He spoke about the growing popularity of the aforementioned sectors across North America, which resulted in the need for experts in regulation. Finally, Hartman said that he is delighted to bring his extensive knowledge and experience to help GMA continue growing.

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Adelaide’s casino operator, SkyCity, has taken a decisive step by appointing a forensic investigations firm to conduct a comprehensive review of the company’s adherence to anti-money laundering regulations.

The move comes as part of the casino’s commitment to ensuring strict compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Kroll Australia has been approved as the ‘independent monitor’ for this crucial task by South Australia’s liquor and gambling commissioner. This decision follows a directive issued by the commissioner back in May.

Kroll is a globally recognised provider of governance, risk, and compliance services, operating in more than 30 countries. It is noteworthy that Kroll is also currently overseeing the operations of Crown’s Sydney casino, a responsibility that has gained heightened attention given the increased scrutiny of Australia’s casino industry.

While an independent investigation into SkyCity Adelaide’s operations by the commissioner is currently in limbo due to pending Federal Court proceedings involving financial crime watchdog AUSTRAC and the casino operator, this move underlines SkyCity’s proactive approach towards ensuring regulatory compliance.

Commissioner Dini Soulio expressed confidence in Kroll Australia’s capabilities, both domestically and internationally, in similar matters.

“I approved the appointment of Kroll, after being satisfied that they would be sufficiently independent and have the expertise to effectively monitor SkyCity Adelaide to ensure they are meeting these very important requirements,” he said, further emphasising that Kroll’s team comprises individuals with experience at the national regulator, AUSTRAC, in addition to their expertise in fraud and risk management. This diverse experience positions them well to ensure that casinos fulfil their regulatory obligations.

As the sole casino operator in South Australia, SkyCity Adelaide bears a significant responsibility to uphold anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding measures, as well as policies to mitigate gambling-related harm, in alignment with regulatory mandates. Commissioner Soulio pointed out that SkyCity Adelaide’s role extends to serving the broader South Australian community and ensuring these regulatory requirements are met.

Kroll Australia’s role will involve a meticulous review and monitoring of SkyCity Adelaide’s enhanced anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing programs. Their findings will be reported back to the commissioner, contributing to a transparent evaluation of the casino’s compliance efforts.

SkyCity responded to this development by affirming their commitment to maintaining a proactive and cooperative stance in collaboration with both the commissioner and Kroll Australia.

In terms of financial performance, SkyCity reported a substantial 44.9% surge in full-year revenue to NZ$926.2 million ($854.9 million) recently. This growth was attributed to a resilient rebound and recovery in trading. However, the net profit of NZ$8 million ($7.4 million) was impacted by a NZ$49 million ($45 million) provision earmarked for potential penalties arising from legal proceedings with AUSTRAC, along with a NZ$49.7 million ($45.6 million) impairment of its Adelaide casino license.

Despite these challenges, SkyCity’s normalized EBITDA reached NZ$310.3 million, at the higher end of its previously adjusted guidance range. The adjustment was made in May due to the industry-wide focus on money laundering, resulting in increased legal and compliance costs.

On the stock market, SkyCity shares experienced a 1.4% decline, trading at $2.09 on Friday.

More gambling news

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The North Carolina State Lottery Commission has appointed Sterl Carpenter as its head of the gaming compliance and sports betting division. The man is an experienced and well-seasoned veteran who has more than 30 years of relevant industry experience, and he spent the last eight years with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, one of the country’s toughest gaming watchdogs.

North Carolina Taps Highest Qualified Person for the Job

Commenting on his appointment in a press statement, executive director of the NC Educational Lottery Mark Michalko welcomed Carpenter. He said that the search for a person fit for the position was long but the result was definitely to the regulator’s satisfaction. Michalko added:

Carpenter has experience in all aspects of regulations and licensing as well as compliance. We’re pleased to have someone with Carpenter’s experience and expertise leading this new gaming program in our state.

NC Educational Lottery’s Mark Michalko

Carpenter is stepping into his new position on August 2 and he will immediately be responsible for overseeing the regulation of sports gambling at a time when the state is looking to set up shop in the industry. North Carolina passed a law in June that allows it to run online sports gambling with up to 12 commercial sportsbooks expected to arrive in the market.

In light of the recent legalization, companies such as Internet Vikings and Continent 8 Technologies have already begun setting up their infrastructure in the Tar Heel State, preparing for the official rollout of sports gambling.

Sports Betting Market Launch Expected in 2024

Carpenter’s appointment is important not just because he is able to oversee an entire market and do so successfully. He has also been part of the Bay State’s betting program and its launch, which means that he is uniquely qualified to advise and share the best experiences with his colleagues in North Carolina.

When an exact launch may happen in North Carolina is not exactly clear as of right now. Hopefuls dream for a rollout that will coincide with the Super Bowl, which could be just the case as sportsbooks could in theory launch in time. However, the launch should happen by June 14, 2024, which means that how fast sportsbooks arrive in North Carolina will really boil down to how fast the regulator, and now Carpenter, move.

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Global gaming and entertainment company MGM Resorts International announced a new appointment strengthening its senior-level team. The company confirmed Thursday that it hired Daniel Yang, a seasoned expert with experience in multiple industries, to the role of chief customer and innovation officer. Becoming a part of MGM Resorts’ C-suite, he will help advance the growth and spearhead the efforts of the company’s global consumer success strategy.

In his new role, Yang will also focus on boosting profitability and growth on the “intersection of digital technology and the guest experience,” reveals MGM Resorts. Leveraging extensive knowledge and experience within different commercial sectors, Yang will play an important role in the future expansion of the company.

The new chief customer and innovation officer holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, he has an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Overall, Yang has a strong understanding of executing corporate strategies and long-term planning. Before becoming a part of MGM Resorts’ senior-level team, he held a chief strategy officer role with the leading gaming company, Aristocrat Leisure Limited. During that time, Yang oversaw strategic processes related to planning, corporate development and the execution of corporate strategies.

Additionally, his professional background includes senior-level roles with Viacom (currently Paramount). Yang is the co-founder and CEO of a mobile gaming startup and his extensive experience includes a strategy consultant role with Booz Allen & Hamilton.

Yang, Excited to Join MGM Resorts

Sharing his excitement, Yang said that he is delighted to join MGM Resorts at such an important moment in its growth. He acknowledged the importance of the company’s digital services and products that help deliver elevated experiences within different channels.

The new chief customer and innovation officer added: “The company and its leaders are driven to position MGM Resorts as the world’s premier gaming entertainment company, and the destination of choice for all their customer segments.” Finally, Yang said that he is looking forward to collaborating with his new colleagues at MGM Resorts and helping propel the company’s growth.

“Dan is a progressive, strategic thinker with a wealth of industry experience leveraging technology and digital strategies to enhance the guest experience in a truly meaningful and differentiating way.“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and president of MGM Resorts International

Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, added that Yang brings a wealth of industry experience. Moreover, he said that the new chief customer and innovation officer will play a key role in elevating the guest experience for the company’s customers.

Hornbuckle predicted that Yang’s efforts will power the company’s growth and development of products. Finally, he welcomed the new executive to MGM’s growing leadership team.

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As a result, GLI is bringing in Joseph Bunveith who is going to work as VP of government relations and regulatory affairs. Another important appointment is in the face of Kelly Myers who will be working as director of government affairs.

GLI president & CEO James Maida welcomed the new appointments with both of them having experience in the respective field they are going to represent. Maida said:

At GLI, we are continually planning for the future of this exciting and dynamic industry. These proven leaders in their new positions enable us to serve our clients even better in both technology and regulatory advice, empowering our clients to face the future armed with the best possible information and insights.  

GLI president & CEO James Maida

The firm is confident that it is making the right decision as it will be able to navigate and enhance its understanding of government and regulatory affairs as it goes along. This will bring more ability for partners to interact with agencies from both sectors.

GLI Brings the Right Veterans in the Right Places

Both appointments are smart additions and seasoned industry veterans – although not limited to the gambling industry necessarily. Bunveith for example has worked with a number of prominent companies to achieve product launches across Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Steam, and Facebook App.

He has a strong track record in helping develop fantasy sports online gaming platforms and is joined by Myres who has more than 17 years in tribal gaming regulation. She is uniquely capable to deliver on significant results for her company and has worked as compliance and licensing manager for the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission.

She has similarly collaborated with other tribal nations, including the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Gaming Commission and the Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association.

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Online casino operator and games developer, Spiffbet AB, announced it has signed an agreement with the affiliate marketing agency, TAG Media, hiring the agency to provide affiliate management services for the group’s Supernopea, Metal Casino and TurboVegas gaming brands.

Elevate Presence, Attract New Players

Spiffbet hired TAG Media to provide affiliate marketing services and help the group elevate the presence of its three brands, as well as ensure new user acquisition across markets in Finland, Sweden, the UK and Spain.

“We’re excited about bringing these unique brands to our affiliate partners,” commented TAG Media’s managing director, Client Services, Elaine Gardiner-Ruddock, adamant that the brands “are ideal fit in the markets they target, combining [an] exceptional, innovative localized product with brand positioning that really stands out.”

Convinced that TAG Media, in collaboration with the Spiffbet team, will be able “to build substantial performance growth across the respective affiliate programs,” Gardiner-Ruddock was looking forward to commencing work with its new partner.

Renowned for its distinct heavy metal branding, Metal Casino recently teamed up with the representatives of iconic rock bands Kiss, Dio, Mötley Crüe and Sabaton, Metal Department, for a marketing campaign, advertising and special band theme content.

Spiffbet’s other brand, Supernopea, offers sports betting and online casino gaming and is known as the fastest online casino in Finland. TurboVegas also emphasizes its super-fast speed of gaming while prioritizing the speed of payments as its major attractor for players.

Good Fit for the Business

On behalf of Spiffbet, the group’s chief executive officer, Henrik Svensson, was equally “excited to kick off” the partnership with TAG Media, explaining that the services the affiliate firm provides would make for a good fit for the business.

“We instantly felt that we could see a very good fit between our brands and the affiliate marketing services provided by TAG Media,” Svensson said, highlighting the partnership as “a vital step” in the company’s “forward-leaning approach to growth” in its core markets, as well as TAG Media’s “capability to open up new markets” due to the firm’s “strong international reach.”

The collaboration with TAG Media makes Spiffbet the sixth fully managed client of the affiliate firm. The agency also provides affiliate business development services to 12 other operators.

Earlier in the month, Spiffbet held its annual general meeting (AGM) where some important decisions about the business were made, including the re-election of board members and auditor and their remuneration packages.

Spiffbet shareholders also issued an authorization for the board to decide on the issue of new shares, warrants and/or convertibles, on one or more occasions before the next AGM.

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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa unveiled a new senior-level appointment, strengthening its leadership team by hiring an expert with nearly two decades of experience within the gambling vertical. The venue confirmed Friday it selected Albert Geldres, a seasoned gambling industry veteran, for the role of vice president, slot operations.

In his new role, Geldres is expected to deliver strategic guidance and advice for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Overall, he has more than 17 years of experience in the sector, which undoubtedly makes him the perfect fit for the role of vice president, slot operations at the popular venue.

Raised in the Metro Detroit area, Geldres received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Although Geldres currently lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with his family, he is currently in the process of relocating to Tampa, in light of his recent appointment.

Geldres Brings Extensive Experience

Geldres’ lengthy career began at Caesars Entertainment. His first steps into the gaming vertical were as a P&A analyst for the company’s Horseshoe property in Hammond, Indiana. It didn’t take long before Geldres accumulated experience and started holding senior-level roles. His tenure with Caesars Entertainment includes a director of slot operations role for the aforementioned property. While with the company, Geldres oversaw a significant $485 million expansion of its property back in 2008.

The gaming industry veteran’s professional experience includes a vice president of slots role with Rush Street Gaming. At the time, he was a part of the company’s Rivers Casino located in Des Plaines, Illinois. This strategic role helped Geldres expand further his leadership-level experience and gain significant knowledge about strategic operations related to slots and guest service.

In total, he held the role of vice president of slots at the company’s Des Plaines property for seven years. Then, for a year, he also served as corporate VP of gaming for Rush Street Gaming. Geldres’ professional background includes experience within the tribal gaming vertical at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

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Online casino game developer Peter & Sons has beefed up its powerhouse of talent with two new hires as it flexes new muscle found in a recent significant investment from SkillOnNet.

Coming on as a co-CEO is SkillOnNet’s senior vice president of corporate development, Maor Nutkevitch. The CEO will stay on with his position at SkillOnNet and help Peter & Sons navigate its way through the already charted pathways to expansion and growth in regulated markets that are key to its success as a challenger brand among the standard-bearers of Tier-one operations.

Account management will be headed up by the experience mind and hand of Christina Mirnaia, an experienced business management professional with CV jump-outs including important roles at Bwin Party and Entain, but most recently at the so-far unsung creative dynamo of Barbara Bang where Mirnaia was most recently Head of Partnerships and Business Development.

Adds to Crucial Partnerships

Peter & Sons already has crucial partnerships with more well-known brands such as Bragg Gaming (formerly Oryx), Relax, and Yggdrasil. Mirnaia will deepen those partnerships while bringing new business in through Peter & Sons’ new remote gaming server platform.

The account manager said: “It’s always exciting to join a fast-growing project and to be part of building something special and Peter & Sons has been like a breath of fresh air for the industry.

“The games are already famous for their creativity, art, and math, and that makes my job a whole lot easier. I also can’t wait to start working with the Peter & Sons team, which is amazingly dynamic, professional, and creative, producing games that are already making waves in the industry,” Mirnaia said.

For those as yet unfamiliar with the Peter & Sons portfolio of games, the company “works with world-class artists, mathematicians, and musicians to produce some of the most innovative, creative, and entertaining slots on the market,” according to a press release the company issued announcing the two new hires.

Among its most popular and well-executed games are Legend of Musashi, Dragon Blox, and the recently released title, Book of Books – a bold take on a popular but highly competitive genre in game theme and mechanics.

Peter & Sons Rising

SkillOnNet could have chosen to incubate, invest, and stand behind any number of up-and-coming talent powerhouses out there and this deal bodes well for the as-yet unseen-by most outright low rumble of absolute power intrinsic in the young studio.

“Peter & Sons’ partnership with SkillOnNet allows it to target many new regulated markets, such as the UK, Spain, Germany, Ontario, and more,” Nutkevitch said.

“Having the ability to distribute the games in many regulated markets is a fantastic platform for growth which is not always available for relatively new studios. It’s really exciting to be part of a project at such a key moment in Peter & Sons’ trajectory.”

Peter & Sons founder and commercial director, Yann Bautista added: “I’d officially like to welcome Maor and Christina to the team and say how thrilled we are to have you both on board. This is a major milestone in the short life of our studio as we continue our journey to becoming a major force in the content world.”

Source: Peter & Sons Welcomes New Hires as It Gears for Growth, European Gaming News, March 29, 2023

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