Full House Resorts’ American Place Casino in Waukegan, Illinois, remains blocked by an ongoing legal challenge. A rival operator continues its lawsuit against the city, claiming that the bidding process had been rigged.

Development of Full House’s American Place Casino has been mired by challenges as the Forest County Potawatomi of Wisconsin continues to block the venue’s construction. The tribe was one of the candidates for a license in 2019 but sued the city after losing the race.

The Potawatomi claim that the process had been rigged and that the tribe didn’t receive a fair shot at the tender. While the lawsuit was originally dismissed, the complaint was revived in 2023, allowing the tribe to have its say.

According to the Potawatomi, the city council underestimated the tribe’s contribution, basing its decision on an outdated and inaccurate third-party report. Additionally, the suit suggests that mayor Sam Cunningham told Waukegan City Council members which bids to approve.

Construction of the permanent American Place property has been on hold ever since, although Full House Resorts did open a temporary venue in February last year.

The Future of American Place in Waukegan Is Still Uncertain

Unfortunately for Full House, the future of its property remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Alex Stolyar, SVP and chief development officer at Full House Resorts, told The Chicago Tribune that the litigation continues to delay the company’s plans. For now, he was unable to say anything for certain but thanked the city and state for their effort to quickly solve this issue.

As long as the litigation is ongoing, there is too much uncertainty around the development. Unfortunately, this litigation has delayed our plans, but we appreciate the effort of the city and state working as quickly as they can to get this restarted.

Alex Stolyar, SVP and chief development officer at Full House Resorts

Since the Illinois Supreme Court is in recess until September, a decision is unlikely to be reached before the end of the year. Should Full House Resorts emerge victorious, the gambling company would likely need at least two or three years to get its permanent casino running.

In any case, proving that the process had been rigged would be an uphill battle for the Potawatomi, considering that the city says the allegations are “factually suspect.”

In the meantime, Illinois continues its efforts to legalize online gambling. State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. hopes to see iGaming reach Illinois in 2025, saying that there is a lot of momentum for an iGaming measure.

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A few years after an unsuccessful attempt of the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe to secure land and build a casino in Ridgecrest, California, the Tribe is now moving forward with another casino project. The project in question proposes the development of a casino in Inyokern, on Highway 178 and near Highway 395.

Judging by a notice by the Indian Affairs Bureau, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe received a green light from the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs for the acquisition of land that would be used for “gaming and other purposes.” The land is described as a County Land Parcel in Kern County that is approximately 20 acres.

The recent notice reads: “The Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire in trust 20.03 acres, more or less, of land known as the County Land Parcel in Kern County, California, for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe for gaming and other purposes.”

The decision marks a major milestone for the future of the Tribe’s casino project in Inyokern. Ultimately, the casino is expected to propel the growth of the Tribe. At the same time, the casino project is anticipated to deliver economic benefits to the region by creating new jobs and boosting local businesses.

The New Casino Would Benefit the Tribe, Deliver Economic Stimulus

George Gholson, the Tribal Chairman, who was recently quoted by CocoaDocs, highlighted the importance of the project. He explained that the new casino in Inyokern is expected to play a key role for the Tribe’s growth.

At the same time, Gholson predicted that the casino would deliver economic stimulus to the region. Moreover, he explained: “This casino will provide a much-needed boost to our economy, and will help us preserve and honor our cultural heritage.”

As noted, the casino project in Inyokern comes after an unsuccessful attempt by the Inyokern for the development of a casino in the city of Ridgecrest. The efforts toward that project date back to 2018 and 2019.

At the time, the Tribe faced strong opposition. Combined with the shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the progress of the casino project in Ridgecrest faced significant delays. In the end, the Tribe wasn’t able to purchase land for the project within a specific deadline which ultimately resulted in the project falling through early in 2022.

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Responding to the controversy surrounding Coquille’s proposed casino project in Medford, Oregon, Brenda Meade, the chair of the Coquille Indian Tribe, has spoken out against the criticism and misinformation spread by opposing tribes. The project has faced significant backlash from several tribes in California and Oregon, who claim that the Coquille was “reservation shopping” and attempting to add land unjustifiably.

The Casino Project Should Bolster Local Communities

Speaking for OregonLive, Meade described how the casino project came into existence. In 2012, the Coquille Tribe applied to take land into trust in Medford, part of their designated service area, for a new on-reservation casino. She noted that the proposed casino, though small, would enable the tribe to expand services and address the needs of their citizens, families, and the broader community.

According to Meade, Medford had the second-highest concentration of Coquille citizens at the time of the tribe’s restoration, justifying the casino project. She emphasized that the Coquille Tribe’s struggle for recognition and rights has been fraught with challenges stemming from historical injustices, including termination and dispossession, expressing dismay that ignorance and misinformation continued to undermine their rights and sovereignty.

Although some things have improved for us, ignorance still leads to ongoing attacks on our rights and sovereignty.

Brenda Meade, Coquille Indian Tribe chair

Meade criticized the opposing tribes’ claims of “off-reservation” gaming and “reservation shopping,” describing these accusations as baseless and rooted in a misunderstanding of tribal land rights. She drew attention to the Coquille Restoration Act, which established a five-county service area for reservation building, influenced by federal policies that dispersed the tribe across the landscape.

Ongoing Lobbying Could Damage Tribal Sovereignty

According to Meade, misleading claims by other tribes had gained traction due to their excessive lobbying as they were afraid of losing their undisputed gaming monopoly along Oregon’s I-5 corridor. She referred to these accusations as baseless, referring to the Coquille Restoration Act as definitive proof that the tribe was within its rights to proceed with the casino project.

Meade appealed to fellow tribal leaders and supporters of tribal rights, urging them to prioritize tribal sovereignty over competitive interests. She recounted how the Coquille Tribe had once faced competition concerns from a neighboring tribe but chose to support tribal rights over maintaining exclusivity. The resulting agreement benefited both parties, highlighting how cooperation could build lasting prosperity.

I would be happy to speak with any tribal leader on how to balance concerns about competition in a way that lifts us all while protecting Oregon’s economy and environment.

Brenda Meade, Coquille Indian Tribe chair

Meade argued that the current backlash could set an unfortunate precedent, subjecting any tribal restoration to years of legal action as millions get wasted on lobbying. Her call for unity and respect for sovereignty was a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting tribal communities in their ongoing fight for recognition and self-determination.

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The Crimean Parliament’s head, Vladimir Konstantinov, just announced that the plans to construct a gambling zone in Crimea are still in place. In an interview with RIA Novosti, Konstantinov also noted that the main investors have been identified.

Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014, sparking a conflict with Ukraine. The war, which would escalate with Russia’s invasion in 2022, has been raging on ever since. Yet, the plans to create a gambling zone that would spark tourism in Crimea seem to be in place, according to the local parliament’s head.

For context, the plans outline the construction of a gambling zone on the southern coast of the peninsula, in the village of Katsiveli near Yalta. Originally planned to begin in 2021, construction of the project was postponed amid the complex geopolitical situation.

The so-called Golden Coast gambling zone is set to occupy the site of an unfinished sanatorium. Previously owned by the Yalta Municipality, the site was eventually handed to the government. The Infrastructure Project Management Company, a local investment firm, was planning to take on the project.

The Project Will Continue Once the Situation Allows It

Konstantinov was firm that the project is still well and alive. He said that “nothing bad” had happened to it and that the main participants had been identified.

The head described the interested parties as well-known organizations in the Russian Federation. He said that the investors in question have the necessary experience but added that the project is still facing certain setbacks because of the ongoing war and the lack of air traffic.

Konstantinov added that Crimea is ready to begin work on the project once the situation calms down and air traffic resumes. In his interview with RIA Novosti, the Crimean Parliament’s head added that the gambling operation would be profitable and would attract foreign tourists, enhancing the local economy.

Speaking of Russia and Ukraine, the latter country recently dismissed claims of Zelensky’s alleged casino purchase in Cyprus. Labeling the claims as Russian misinformation and efforts to tarnish Ukraine’s reputation, the Embassy of Ukraine in Cyprus promised that the transaction was a lie.

In the meantime, MND, which owns Moravia Gas Storage, decided to purchase its remaining stake from Russian energy giant Gazprom. This means that KKGC, MND and Allwyn’s parent company, no longer has ties with Russia.

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GambleAware chief executive Zoë Osmond has robustly defended the charity’s work following a recent complaint from the Good Law Project. This complaint, filed in March, questions how effectively GambleAware disseminates information and accuses its trustees of failing to provide adequate gambling harm education.

The Good Law Project argues that GambleAware’s underperformance stems from its industry ties and its “reliance on industry funding.” In response, Osmond reaffirmed the charity’s independent stance, stating to iGB that GambleAware operates independently from the gambling industry.

Osmond has once again reiterated GambleAware’s independence and expressed confidence that the complaint will not be upheld. The Charity Commission is still assessing whether it needs to take action regarding the complaint.

“Our robust governance and commissioning practices ensure that the industry has no influence over our operations. GambleAware’s independence has been widely recognised by a range of stakeholders including the government, as evidenced in the gambling white paper,” Osmond stated.

She further criticized the Good Law Project’s complaint, labeling it as based on “misleading and outdated information.” While confident that the complaint will be dismissed, Osmond voiced concerns over the potential negative impact of such claims on GambleAware’s services and their beneficiaries.

Concerns Over Impact on Vulnerable Players

GambleAware is not just dismissing the complaint as baseless but also highlighting its potential adverse effects on at-risk gamblers who rely on the charity’s support services. The charity fears that such claims may discourage individuals from seeking help.

Osmond elaborated, “The deeply stigmatized nature of gambling harms often makes it difficult for individuals to reach out for help. Maintaining the credibility and reputation of essential support services is crucial to reaching people before their gambling issues become catastrophic.”

She emphasized that undermining these services risks harming not just those directly seeking help but also the families and friends affected by their loved ones’ gambling problems.

Defending Treatment Effectiveness

To bolster its defense, GambleAware pointed to statistics from the National Gambling Support Network. These statistics reveal that nine out of ten vulnerable players who complete their treatment see an improvement in their condition. For those whose conditions did not improve, 69% did not complete their treatment.

GambleAware also highlighted the significant reach of its resources, including its website, which attracts 6.5 million visits annually. Furthermore, the charity’s national stigma public health campaign has reached over 95% of the population, showcasing its extensive efforts to address gambling harms.

GambleAware remains steadfast in its commitment to providing independent and effective support to those affected by gambling harms. The charity continues to defend its practices and reputation against the allegations made by the Good Law Project, underscoring its vital role in the fight against gambling-related issues.

Source: “GambleAware defends its position after ‘misleading and outdated claims’”. iGamingBusiness. May 20, 2024.

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The leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Europe and across Asia, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, announced it engaged in a strategic partnership with the largest conglomerate on the Colombo Stock Exchange and company with a rich history, John Keells Holdings PLC. Per the latest agreement, announced earlier this week, Melco was designated as the casino operator for John Keells’ integrated resort Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort.

Melco confirmed that under the terms of the collaboration, the Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort will be rebranded to City of Dreams Sri Lanka. In exchange for the rights to operate the casino, the company agreed to pay John Keells approximately $125 million. The announcement also comes after Melco recently secured a 20-year casino license from the Government of Sri Lanka. Ultimately, through the new deal, Melco secured access to the regulated gambling sector in the country, paving the way for its future growth.

Lawrence Ho, Melco’s chairman and CEO, revealed that the deal with John Keells marks a milestone achievement for the company’s development in the country. “We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties,” he added.

“We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties.“

Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO at Melco

The Company Expects the Project to Boost Tourism in the Area

Additionally, Ho spoke about the exceptional potential of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, predicting that it will help propel tourism and lead to economic growth. He said that the company is expected to leverage its extensive experience in operating integrated resorts across the globe. Finally, Ho said: “We will continue to work closely with our esteemed partners and the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the success of this venture, and we expect to make a significant and positive impact on the local community and economy.”

The collaboration will see Melco operate not only the gaming area at City of Dreams Sri Lanka but also manage the top 5 floors of the venue’s hotel. The company will use its luxury Nuwa brand for 113 of the 800 hotel rooms at the integrated resort. Melco’s Nuwa brand is recognized for its luxury rooms, promising supreme hospitality experiences.

The part of the hotel which will be managed by John Keells is expected to be completed and start operating around the third quarter of this year. On the other hand, Melco confirmed that it expects to start operating the casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka around mid-2025.

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The Catalan parliament continues to discuss the Hard Rock casino plans over ten years after the project was announced. Parties are yet to reach a consensus on the matter, the Catalan News reported.

The Hard Rock casino project envisions the construction of a casino-hotel complex in Vila-seca and Salou, Tarragona, in the vicinity of the PortAventura amusement park. However, the property has been a point of contention for over a decade, causing delays in its development.

The initial mega project would have had six theme parks, covering 445 hectares in total. Originally called Barcelona World, the project was eventually picked by Hard Rock, which scaled it down. Its current iteration would feature a casino, two hotels, a large swimming pool, a shopping area and a big conference center.

However, Hard Rock’s project now still waiting for the approval of a new Urban Development Plan because the Catalan High Court annulled the first one in 2020.

Political Parties Are in Disagreement

Hard Rock’s project continues to be intensely discussed by political parties in the Catalan parliament. The casino plans have the support of the Socialists, the pro-independence Junts, the far-right Vox and the liberal Ciudadanos. In the meantime, the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana, far-left CUP, and left-wing Comuns Sumar are firmly opposed to the resort.

Comuns Sumar, for example, rejected the 2024 budget because its members believed that it would have advanced the Hard Rock project, despite the government claiming otherwise. As a result, Catalan president Pere Aragonès had to call for a snap election on May 12.

Raquel Sans, the main candidate for Esquerra Republicana, accused her political opponents of using Hard Rock as an excuse to push their agenda and end the legislature. According to her, these people chose their own benefits over those of the public.

Far-right Vox’s Sergio Macián added that separatism continues to prevent the economic development of Catalonia.

However, opponents of the project claim that it must be stopped because it is not entirely legal. According to them, proceeding with the project would be an injustice. Others have pointed out that the Hard Rock casino-hotel would not be environmentally sustainable.

Because of that, opposed parties believe that changes would be needed before Hard Rock receives planning permission.

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Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies secured major approval for their proposed $1.4 billion dollar project, Live! Gaming & Entertainment District. The massive mixed-entertainment project is planned to be located in the City of Petersburg, Virginia, using land near the intersection of Wagner Road and Interstate I-95. The strategic location is expected to help with the visitation to the Live! Gaming & Entertainment District, considering that it provides easy access to one of the most important north-south interstates for the East Coast.

On Thursday, the Cordish Companies and Brice Smith Enterprise received approval for their massive project from the Petersburg City Council. The unanimous approval marks an important achievement for the duo, taking them a step closer to the realization of the ambitious project. Still, prior to commencing the project, the matter must be put up with the voters in the state. It is expected that Virginia voters will have a chance to vote for or against the project in a referendum this year in November.

The massive $1.4 billion project is expected to create more than 7,500 new construction and permanent jobs. At the same time, the Live! Gaming & Entertainment District, Anchored by Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is expected to generate some $504 million in tax revenue for the first ten years. From that total, some $240 million in taxes are expected to benefit the city directly. Overall, the project is expected to bring $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the region, turning Petersburg into a go-to gaming, entertainment, hospitality and shopping destination.

The Project Is Expected to Deliver World-Class Entertainment, Hospitality

Provided that the project receives a green light, The Cordish Companies and Bruce Smith Enterprise plan to quickly enter into its first phase, developing and opening a new casino that will immediately create new jobs for the city. Once the initial phase is completed, the Live! Gaming & Entertainment District is expected to offer more than 1,000 slots, a dedicated poker room, a casino bar and 23 live action table games.

“We extend our thanks to the entire Petersburg City Council for its thoughtful decision to select Bruce Smith Enterprise and The Cordish Companies as development partners for this transformative, world-class destination in Petersburg.“

Zed Smith, chief operating officer for The Cordish Companies

Zed Smith, The Cordish Companies’ chief operating officer, thanked the Petersburg City Council for its latest decision to support the companies’ ambitious project. He spoke about the Cordish Companies’ experience in developing large-scale mixed-use casino resorts and developments across the country.

Moreover, Smith added that the collaboration with Bruce Smith Enterprise marks the perfect fit for the company. Last but not least, the executive explained that the two companies are looking forward to collaborating with the City and Commonwealth to deliver exceptional gaming experiences and exciting opportunities.

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The Cordish Companies together with Bruce Smith Enterprise unveiled details regarding Live! Gaming & Entertainment District, a new project with a $1.4 billion price tag located in the City of Petersburg, Virginia. Teaming up, the two companies confirmed their intention to codevelop the luxury gaming, hospitality and entertainment resort that will be positioned near Interstate I-95.

Bruce Smith and The Cordish uncovered details regarding a project that is expected to bring economic benefits to the region after submitting a request for proposal with the City. The new luxury casino and entertainment resort is expected to create thousands of new jobs, including construction and permanent jobs.

Once completed, the world-class Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia resort destination is expected to offer more than 400,000 square feet of gaming, dining and hotel spaces. The gaming amenities would include 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, a poker room with 15 tables as well as 46 live-action table games. Moreover, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is planned to offer a sportsbook and high-limit table and slot areas, catering to high rollers.

Further amenities the new resort destination in the City of Petersburg is expected to offer include 35,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, as well as an entertainment venue with 3,000 seats that could be used for social gatherings, conventions and meetings.

The premium resort destination would offer free surface parking, as well as a wide range of dining and entertainment options, including three spaces that would be dedicated to local businesses such as restaurants.

The billion-dollar project is estimated to create more than 7,500 construction and permanent jobs and bring $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the area. According to The Cordish, the annual economic benefits each year after opening would be $201 million.

Two Leading Developers Join Forces

Bruce Smith is a company that has been growing since it was founded two decades ago in 2004. Throughout the years, the company has signed development agreements with recognizable organizations, helping it expand its presence across the country.

Similarly, The Cordish is not a stranger when it comes to the development of large-scale entertainment and casino resorts in the United States. The company is renowned for its dedication to the establishment of world-class destinations that offer not only casino and hotel accommodation but entertainment venues, dining and shopping outlets and more amenities.

“We are incredibly proud to join Bruce Smith and his team to present our vision for a transformational, world-class destination in Petersburg.“

Zed Smith, chief operating officer for The Cordish Companies

In the words of Zed Smith, the chief operating officer for The Cordish, the company is excited to forge this new alliance with Bruce Smith for the development of a new world-class gaming and entertainment destination in the City of Petersburg. He revealed that the company has extensive experience in the development of large-scale mixed-use developments, including casino resorts, across the United States. Finally, Smith said The Cordish remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its guests.

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In a bid to enhance its gaming offerings and entertainment experience, Ellis Island Hotel & Casino, situated off the bustling Las Vegas Strip, has commenced a significant expansion project. The family-owned establishment is set to undergo a transformation, knocking down walls to create more space for its patrons.

Planning Documents Reveal Ellis Island Casino’s 6,415 Square Feet Expansion

According to planning documents submitted to Clark County, the expansion plan outlines the addition of 6,415 square feet to the property, reported The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Among the features of the remodel are a larger casino floor, an audio/visual equipment area, a dedicated sportsbook back-of-house area, and a south service entrance vestibule.

Christina Ellis, vice president of development at Ellis Island Hotel & Casino, conveyed her excitement for the project, emphasizing that the renovation presents a chance to elevate the gaming and entertainment experience while also paying tribute to the establishment’s history and heritage.

As part of the expansion, the existing 2,800-square-foot microbrewery on the premises has been demolished to make room for the new structure. Once completed, the revamped establishment will boast closer proximity to the sidewalk and include rooftop access, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the Las Vegas skyline.

Ellis Island Hotel & Casino Eyes Winter 2025 for Completion

Officials at Ellis Island Hotel & Casino anticipate that the project will be finalized within eight to ten months, with an expected completion date in winter 2025. Anamarie Ellis, the vice president of operations, highlighted the significance of the endeavor, especially as the hotel-casino approaches its 56th anniversary. 

The site, nestled on Koval Lane near Flamingo Road, has been operated by the Ellis family since 1967, gradually expanding its operations over the years. Notable milestones include the acquisition of the adjacent hotel and the establishment of the Front Yard, a popular beer garden with on-site brewing facilities, which opened its doors in 2019.

The expansion project marks a strategic move by Ellis Island Hotel & Casino to stay competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of Las Vegas entertainment and hospitality. 

While some Las Vegas casinos are expanding, others are being demolished. Bally’s Corporation prepares to implode the Tropicana Casino Hotel in Las Vegas by the end of the year, pending necessary permits for implosion, including dust control and asbestos abatement. The iconic property, which opened in 1957 and closed in 2024, faces concerns over Bally’s financial position amidst plans for redevelopment.

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