An Australian man has taken his own life after accumulating debts in a cruise ship’s casino, Daily Mail reported. Safer gambling experts believe that Dixon’s suicide could have been prevented if the ship provider had provided adequate duty of care.

Shane Dixon, 50, jumped to his death as the ship approached Sydney. A father of three children, the man racked up a debt of AUD 4,000 in the shipboard casino. His family believes that the stress caused by the debt has led him to take his own life.

In an interview with Daily Mail Australia, Scott Dixon, Shane’s brother, said that the deceased man must have panicked.

His brain was probably going 100 miles an hour. He probably thought, “s***, I’ve done it again, I can’t afford it and I can’t ask mum for more money.“

Scott Dixon

Scott and the two men’s mother were aboard the Pacific Adventure together. The ship is owned and operated by P&O Australia, which was hosting an Elvis-themed cruise. Everything had been going well before Shane entered the shipboard casino.

Scott explained that his brother had been struggling financially for a while. The man had also been dealing with a broken marriage and the passing of their father and third brother. Scott believes that the casino might have incentivized Shane to play, taking advantage of his vulnerabilities.

The Casino Failed to Protect the Player

Australia’s Alliance for Gambling Reform weighed in on the matter. Carol Bennett, CEO of the organization, believes that Pacific Adventure has failed to provide Shane with sufficient duty of care. Bennett said that the fact that Pacific Adventure allowed something like that to happen is “really concerning.”

The rules that might apply on land no longer seem to apply and yet you would expect this cruise line would have some kind of duty of care to ensure that people are not plied with inducements, promotions and advertisements that are pushing them to gamble to extremely harmful levels.

Carol Bennett, CEO, Alliance for Gambling Reform

Since cruise ships operate casinos in international waters, they can bypass regional regulations and requirements. To make matters worse, some such ships’ gambling can be charged to their room bill, making it easier to overspend.

Bennett said that cruise ships should adopt at least some basic harm prevention measures, such as loss limits. If they don’t then governments would really need to address the matter, Bennett added.

The Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO added that problem gambling is a huge issue in Australia and is affecting millions of families.  

VIP Member Says P&O Cruises’ Casinos Are Predatory

An anonymous high-roller who is a member of P&O Cruises’ VIP casino program, tipped Daily Mail off that the cruise company uses “predatory” strategies to promote its gambling products. While the player said that he always plans his spending carefully, he added that many players, especially vulnerable ones, will not.

They are essentially offshore casinos that come and pick people up from shore and take them out to international waters to gamble. If you don’t have the means to pay and you have an issue, there is no one to stop you so you can rack up a large amount of debt.

P&O high-roller

A P&O spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the company prefers to refrain from commenting on this tragic event while a coroner’s investigation is carried out. The representative, however, reassured the news outlet that her company’s casinos have Responsible Conduct of Gaming Policies in place across all ships and take them very seriously. The spokesperson concluded that her team would cooperate with the investigation.

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An advertisement post for Buzz Bingo that contained cartoon Halloween imagery caught the attention of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the regulator in charge of advertising in the UK. The post appeared back in October on Buzz Bingo’s Facebook page, promoting a campaign that promised £50,000 ($63,000) on Mondays throughout the month.

The animated footage included a full moon on top of a scene with pumpkin heads grinning. Moreover, the ad featured a church, flying bats, a spider and a tombstone with a cross in a graveyard. The advertisement’s text read “MONSTER MONDAYS – £50,000 MUST BE WON EVERY MONDAY IN OCTOBER” and it was written with a font that resembled slime. Along with the text, the advertisement included the logo of Buzz Bingo and “18+ – BeGambleAware.org” details.

Scrutinizing Buzz Bingo’s ad, the ASA sought whether or not the cartoon imagery using a Halloween theme was likely to appeal to children. Currently, the advertising rules in the UK prohibit any gambling content to appeal to children. In other words, gambling operators cannot use imagery, characters or personas that are likely to appeal to underage individuals.

According to the ASA, Buzz Bingo “acknowledged the concern that the Halloween imagery could appeal to children.” However, the operator stated that the advertisement was promoted via its social media page on Facebook which was restricted to users under 18. Additionally, Buzz Bingo explained that the advertisement in question targeted only audiences who were 25 or older and had shown interest in bingo games. “They therefore believed they had acted and had taken precautions to prevent children and young people being exposed to the ad,” explained the advertising watchdog.

The ASA Upholds Its Decision against the Operator

Despite the actions taken by the operator, the ASA upheld its decision. According to the watchdog, the ad in question breached the CAP Code rules related to gambling, 16.1 and 16.3.12. Moreover, the ASA reiterated the section of the code which states that gambling marketing materials “must not be likely to be of strong appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture.” It said that under the rules animated graphics or other similar content may “contribute to the impression that material was designed to appeal to under-18s.”

Upholding its decision, the ASA said that Buzz Bingo’s ad must not appear again in the form that was observed previously. Additionally, the advertising watchdog urged the operator not to use imagery or themes that are likely to appeal to underage individuals. Upon receiving the query of the ASA, Buzz Bingo voluntarily removed the aforementioned advertisement.

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The Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) has once again published its Top 100 Residential Water Users list. Unsurprisingly, the top spots are occupied by many affluent people, some of whom happen to be related to the state’s flourishing casino industry.

The list seeks to provide insights into the amounts of water used by homeowners in one of the United States’ driest states. Much of the water goes to support the aforementioned homeowners’ lawns and pools.

The list is topped by Spanish Gate Holdings’ Spanish Gate Drive property. Currently on sale for $25 million, the luxurious home sprawls 16 acres and boasts some three pools. The second entry on the list is Miriam Adelson, the widow of the late Las Vegas Sands CEO and chairman, Sheldon Adelson.

Lorenzo J. Fertitta occupies the not-so-prestigious third spot. The former UFC CEO is not the only fighting sports-related name on the list either, as the famous boxing star Floyd Mayweather took the number 37 spot and Dana White, the current CEO of the UFC, took the 6th spot.

Fertitta is not the only name with ties to the gambling industry either. The billionaire is currently serving as the director of Red Rock Resorts, with his family operating the Station Casinos brand. Lorenzo is also not the only member of the Fertitta family to appear on the list as Victoria Fertitta, daughter of Frank Fertitta, took the 57th spot on LVVWD’s list.

Another gambling industry notable to pop up on the Top 100 Residential Water Users list is Phil Ruffin, owner of Circus Circus and Treasure Island. He occupies the 59th spot on the list.

Charities Believe Rich People Don’t Care

According to Kyle Roerink, exec director of Great Basin Water Network, many people in Nevada seem to not realize that they live in the Mojave Desert. In an interview with 8 News Now, the director of the water conservation charity slammed affluent people for not caring about the state’s dwindling water supplies.

In any case, Las Vegas continues to recycle as much water as possible. However, millions of gallons continue to be lost maintaining the greenery of affluent persons’ mansions.

The publishing of the Top 100 Residential Water Users list comes just as Nevada, Arizona and California negotiated a plan to reduce water usage and save the Colorado River.

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Leading developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts, Las Vegas Sands, acknowledged the importance of responsible water use and vowed to further reduce its use by 2025. The announcement came Wednesday and coincided with World Water Day, an initiative designated by the United Nations (UN) to reaffirm the importance of access to fresh water.

World Water Day, which happens annually on March 22, encourages businesses, communities and families to help preserve fresh water by managing their consumption better. The initiative is also a part of the UN Sustainable Development plan.

“Water stewardship is one of Sands’ core environmental focus areas under the Planet pillar of its global corporate responsibility platform, and the company has set a 2025 target to reduce potable water use per square foot by 3% from a 2019 baseline,“

reads a statement released by Las Vegas Sands

Now, in light of World Water Day, Las Vegas Sands confirmed its plans to reduce potable water use per square foot by 3%. The target year set for this ambitious initiative is set for 2025 based on the 2019 baseline, explained the company.

Sands added that it expects this target to be achieved by preserving water use and improving its water operations within different segments of the business. At the same time, the company vowed to continue to offer supreme services for the guests of its properties.

The Company Remains Focused On Preserving Water

Sands, just like other globally recognized gaming operators, has an extensive sustainability program that also focuses on responsible growth and reducing environmental impact. This year, for World Water Day, the company shared “its water stewardship efforts,” which include multiple actions that seek to increase water reuse, protect water ecosystems and encourage water efficiency.

Previously, Sands has invested in low-flow water fixtures within different operating segments such as fountains, spas and hotel rooms, among other places where water is needed. Moreover, the company has implemented efficiency upgrades that contribute toward saving water and confirmed that this process will continue in the future as well.

“Water is one of the resources most critical to our business.“

Katarina Tesarova, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Las Vegas Sands

Katarina Tesarova, Las Vegas Sands’ senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, explained that water represents one of the critical resources for the company’s business. She outlined that water is used within all aspects of the business including restaurants, offices, hotel rooms and more. “Water also is fundamental to our building operations, from cooling systems to landscaping” added Tesarova.

She pointed out that the initiative seeks to make a positive impact and help preserve fresh water and natural ecosystems. Finally, Tesarova noted that Sands is continuously improving its water stewardship strategies in an effort to implement best practices.

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This is part of the renovation plan that MGM Resorts International has put forward, announcing a $55-million revamping of the property. The company is doubling down on its brand name by renaming the hotel to MGM Tower and focusing the limelight on the MGM image and likeness.

Borgata Rebrands Water Club Hotel to MGM Tower

All of this is happening on an expedited schedule, too, as the first rooms should be available to guests in April and coincide with Memorial Day weekend. MGM COO Corey Sanders welcomed the opportunity and said that it was a great opportunity to see the raise of the status of the property and continue to deliver on the sterling experience that the industry-leading team of employees has made possible. Sanders added:

Introducing the MGM Tower connects Borgata with the unparalleled entertainment and resort experiences MGM Resorts is recognized for worldwide.

MGM COO Corey Sanders

The renovation will lead to the overhaul of 700 rooms and will add luxury suites at the towers. This investment coincides with Borgata’s 20^th anniversary. The Water Club was originally launched in 2008 and it cost $400 million to build next door to the Borgata casino and hotel.

The property is a 43-story hospitality venue that offers additional accommodation for guests of Atlantic City and the casino. The property was launched to help Borgata’s dedicated hotel cope with interest in its facilities.  Sanders is confident that the investment in the property would not just be tied to the company’s own good fortunes but also help drive visitation rates to Atlantic City in general.

Renovation Fever in Atlantic City

The same sentiment is shared by a number of other properties in Atlantic City. Other companies have also made their plans to renovate properties clear over the past months. Caesars, Tropicana Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort are all investing heavily, with the total value of their renovation funds estimated at $400 million.

Bally’s Atlantic City in the meantime has completed its own renovation worth $100 million. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino began renovation in 2021, and there are other properties which have been mulling, raising capital, or just finalizing their own freshening-up. In Atlantic City, maintaining a good front is important not just for your own business, but tourism in general.

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The remodel will be all-encompassing for the guest experience, bringing new nautical design elements and celebrating the beauty of Atlantic City’s Marina District. Guests will be able to enjoy the new experience right from the start with their arrival through settling into their accommodations.

New Design to Invoke Coastal Feelings

The design and craftsmanship of Borgata’s reimagined hotel will be the fruit of a collaboration between the MGM Resorts International Design Group and RVD Associates. The latter is an award-winning interior design firm, with a name that carries weight internationally. The project’s estimation is $55 million and is scheduled for completion by Memorial Day weekend.

All 700+ guestrooms will feature warm and bright décor, with deep wood finishes and a coastal feel. A collection of the luxurious Vista Suites, located at the tower’s corners, will offer wraparound views of Atlantic City’s beauty. Additionally, a 9,000-foot versatile event space will replace the former Immersion Spa on the 32nd floor, offering breathtaking views and event-tailored capabilities.

“Introducing the MGM Tower connects Borgata with the unparalleled entertainment and resort experiences MGM Resorts is recognized for worldwide,” said the chief operating officer of MGM Resorts International Corey Sanders.

The resort’s president and chief operation officer Travis Lunn echoed the same sentiment as Sanders.

As we approach the resort’s 20th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to remaining a leader in hospitality and entertainment by continuing to evolve the Borgata experience.

Travis Lunn, COO, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Hence, the redesign and renaming of The Water Club are not only aimed at providing a fresher and more contemporary feel but to drive visitation rates well into the future as well.

MGM Resorts’ Global Activity Increasing

Another recently redesigned MGM Resorts International operation was Borgata Casino’s high-limit slots Miralto lounge. Miralto reopened in December 2022, after its multi-million redesign, offering a luxurious and exquisite experience. Plans for further renovation were shared back then, signaling that more changes were slated for the future.

Outside of Vegas and Nevada as a whole, MGM’s properties are still keeping the media busy with positive coverage. The MGM National Harbor is in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and its 2022 gross gaming revenue (GGR) won it the accolade of most profitable casino outside of Nevada, according to information by the American Gaming Association.

MGM has also been keeping busy outside the US overall, with its Macau establishment winning a new gaming concession last year. The company announced it will be investing $2 billion in MGM China – its Chinese subsidiary. The investment will be spread over the next decade, and tourism and non-gaming facilities will be a heavy focus.

The latter is driven by Macau’s new requirements for concessionaires, as increasing non-gaming activities was a vital part of the requirements updates. The special administrative region (SAR) recently lifted its mask mandates, exiting the COVID-19 pandemic. This, along with other factors, brought about optimism that the SAR can reach its $16 billion GGR target.

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With 20th-anniversary celebrations at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa fast approaching, the MGM property has announced plans to spend $55m to completely redesign and rebrand the hotel. The new MGM Tower will have over 700 guestrooms and luxury suites that will be completely reimagined. The suites will wrap around the tower’s corners with amazing vista views according to reports.

Chief Operating Officer for MGM Resorts International, Corey Sanders, said: “Introducing the MGM Tower connects Borgata with the unparalleled entertainment and resort experiences MGM Resorts is recognized for worldwide. We are incredibly proud of Borgata and its industry-leading team of employees, and we believe this significant reinvestment will drive visitation to Atlantic City well into the future.”

Stunning New Experience

According to a press release from the operator in Yahoo News, visitors will find a whole new experience from the moment they arrive with a playful and contemporary personality featuring nautical design elements from the Marina District. Deep wood finishes in the “light and airy” guestrooms will accent a “bright yet warm” decor with neutral and blue tones, capturing the feeling of being surrounded by water.

The new Vista Suites wrapped around the corners of the tower will join the existing opulent suites.

A high-limit slot lounge already opened adjacent to the hotel lobby just before Christmas. The 8,300 sq ft newly rebranded Miralto underwent an extensive two-month, multi-million dollar renovation. New rooms will begin to open in April with the balance expected before Memorial Day Weekend. On the 32nd floor, in the location of the former Immersion Spa, a 9,000 sq ft event space will open as well with one-of-a-kind views for visitors.

“As we approach the resort’s 20th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to remaining a leader in hospitality and entertainment by continuing to evolve the Borgata experience,” said Travis Lunn, the resort’s President & COO. “We look forward to sharing our new vision with Borgata’s incredible guests in the coming months.”

Rodrigo Vargas Design Contributing

Award-winning international interior design firm RVD Associates worked in partnership with MGM Resorts International Design Group on designing and crafting the improvements.

East-facing rooms will have white curtains while west-facing rooms will have deep-blue curtains to accent a view of the evening marshlands in the distance.

Form, function, elegance, and leisure will all be incorporated with soft lighting hidden under the bed bases with soft light also coming from the headboard space of the beds. Ooulant space will feature “center-stage” with a table for daytime work or evening entertainment.

Source: Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City announces $55m tower remodel, Yahoo News, March 14, 2023

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