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Hotel, Casino And Gaming News: U.S, Global

October 9, 2024

Hard Rock Casino Rockford has 2nd largest GGR

Illinois

Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought in the 2nd highest casino gambling revenue of any casino operating in Illinois. In September 2024, Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought in $13,717,722 in revenue. That makes Rockford’s casino the second largest in revenue in the state, behind the Rivers Casino Des Planes, which brought in $41.5 million in September. The total GGR for Illinois in September was $138.9 million with 1,140,023 admissions; the 2023 GGR was $132.1 million with 1,038,436 admissions.

News

Tropicana implosion paves way for A's stadium

Nevada

The Tropicana Casino and Resort, one of the last true mob buildings on the Las Vegas Strip, was reduced to rubble Wednesday morning. The implosion cleared land for the proposed $1.5 billion baseball stadium for the relocating Athletics, which is part of the city's latest rebrand into a sports hub.

News

Shift to attract millennials to casinos

Nevada

Innovations in gaming space and expanding technology in the postpandemic era continue to attract a new, younger generation to Las Vegas and its casinos, MGM Resorts International President Bill Hornbuckle said Tuesday at the Global Gaming Expo.

News

Allegiant Stadium to host Gold Cup soccer matches

Nevada

International soccer will once again kick off at Allegiant Stadium next summer. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority approved an event production agreement during its Tuesday board meeting, including matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in June 2025.

News

Ten Vegas restaurants together grossed almost $200M in 2023

Nevada

Never underestimate the power of a seat on the Las Vegas Strip. Alexxa’s in Paris Las Vegas, which offers some of the best street-side dining on the boulevard, was the highest-grossing independent restaurant in the city in 2023, according to Restaurant Business. Alexxa’s brought in $28.8 million in food and drink sales, and about 600,000 meals served. The restaurant ranked No. 9 on the list…The 10 Vegas restaurants (all but one on the Strip) in the top 100 together racked up nearly $200 million in sales for 2023.

News

Revenue Surges 48% Year-Over-Year in September 2024

West Virginia

West Virginia’s sports betting revenue surged in September 2024, seeing a 48% increase compared to the same month last year…the state generated $7.1 million in revenue from a $46.4 million handle, marking the second-highest monthly revenue ever recorded for the state’s sportsbooks…the total handle—$46.4 million wagered—was down 7% compared to September 2023.


Casino And Gaming News

Macau

October 2024

Macau's gaming revenue jumps 15 percent

Macau's gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September, exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels travel to the gambling hub.

Gross gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The result is compared to the median analyst estimate of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78 percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

The reporting was still lower than in the previous month, as September - when children go back to school and it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a weak season for Macau.

Expectations for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday, are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong, with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.

Affluent players remain able and willing to spend, and the trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing a survey of gaming table performances.

Still, retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness. Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for the first time since China's reopening from Covid early last year, according to Choi. It is expected that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable income, he added.

News

Global Gaming

Eklutna tribe clears land for anticipated casino

Alaska

A tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the possibility that it will soon win federal approval to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal gaming operation. The casino would be the first of its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the gaming hall on 8 acres of land…The parcel is in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage.

News

Julapun pushes for talks on casino complex plan

Thailand

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded by the middle of the month. He said the discussion will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.

News

Nevada

Sports Betting Revenue Grows in August

Nevada sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue, total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost from the $431.6 million bet during the same month last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared $25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate…The 5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest this year, though on par with the market’s average win rate of less than 6%.

News

Florida

Slot revenue rises to $54.9 million in August

Florida Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the state’s non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million in wagers. That’s a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase from the $54.1 million generated in August 2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrah’s Pompano Beach Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.

News

Pete Rose dies at age 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great, Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.

News

Australia

Star Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey consultants; Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino has emerged as a laggard in the troubled company’s property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation as low as $8m!

News

Atlantic City

Atlantic City hotels defeat latest class action over casino room rates

Major casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class action accusing them and a revenue management platform of overcharging for room rentals.

U.S. District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey, ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers had failed to present enough evidence to let their price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.

Williams dismissed the consumers’ lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue management platforms that rely on rivals' data can be deemed price-fixing.

The judge’s ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have appealed a Nevada federal judge’s order dismissing their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.

In both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed sensitive internal information — such as real-time price and occupancy data — to a shared software platform that offered pricing recommendations.

The hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.

Representatives from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in the New Jersey case at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador; Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately respond to a similar request.

The consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used Cendyn’s “Rainmaker” software “as their shared pricing brain” that “does all the hard work for them.”

They said “while the AI-driven technology at issue may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.” (Wires)

Casinos/Profile via Grok

Here's an overview of the latest updates and trends regarding casinos as of October 2024, based on the information available:

Global Expansion and New Developments:

Jamaica is re-opening the application period for an integrated casino-resort license, indicating interest in expanding its tourism and entertainment offerings through casino gaming.

Norfolk, Virginia has given final approval for a new casino project, which will likely contribute to local tourism and economy, reflecting a trend where cities are increasingly seeing casinos as economic development tools.

Japan and UAE are among the regions moving towards establishing casino facilities, aiming to attract tourists. However, these might be restricted to non-locals, a common practice to control potential social impacts of gambling within the local population.

New York continues to explore online gambling legislation, which could significantly expand the casino industry's reach in the state by legalizing online casinos.

Economic Performance:

Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, reported a slight decline in casino winnings for August 2024 compared to the previous year, suggesting possible market saturation or shifts in gambling preferences towards other forms like online betting.

Innovation and Entertainment:

Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, has proposed an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next to Citi Field, illustrating how casinos are increasingly integrated with sports and entertainment complexes to offer multifaceted experiences.

Technological and Gaming Trends:

There's a noted trend towards tightening up on various casino offerings like comps, free play, and even slot machine payouts, possibly in response to increased competition from online gambling platforms and a need to adjust profit margins.

Online Gambling continues to grow, with platforms like Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and DuckyLuck Casino highlighted for their offerings in the U.S. This reflects a broader shift towards digital platforms, where convenience, a variety of games, and bonuses are key attractions.

Security and Social Responsibility:

Casinos globally are enhancing their surveillance and security measures, often referred to as "the eye in the sky," to combat cheating and fraud, ensuring a safer environment for all patrons.

There's an ongoing emphasis on responsible gambling, with various regions implementing measures and support systems for gamblers, recognizing the potential social and economic impacts of casino gambling.

Market Sentiment:

From posts on X (formerly Twitter), there's a mix of excitement about new casino developments and concerns over the tightening of casino offerings, suggesting a complex relationship between gamblers and the industry.

In summary, the casino industry in 2024 is witnessing expansion into new markets, integration with broader entertainment complexes, technological adaptation towards online platforms, and a strategic focus on security and responsible gambling. This reflects an industry evolving to meet new consumer behaviors, technological capabilities, and regulatory environments. (Grok)


Casino News/Profile via Grok

The term "casino" refers to a facility where gambling activities take place, which often integrates with other entertainment options like hotels, restaurants, and live shows, making it a central hub for leisure and gambling. Here's an overview based on current insights and historical context:

Evolution of Casinos: Originating from the Venetian Ridotto in 1638, casinos have evolved from exclusive gambling houses to multifaceted entertainment centers. Today, they are known for merging traditional gambling with modern technology, offering everything from classic table games to digital slots and live dealer sessions.

Modern Online Casinos: The digital age has ushered in online casinos, providing an accessible platform for gambling from anywhere. These platforms, like those highlighted in recent promotions on X, offer various incentives such as bonuses for new sign-ups, free spins, and the integration of cryptocurrencies for transactions, enhancing user engagement with promises like "deposit now and receive FREE BTC!" This reflects a trend towards digital currencies in gambling for increased security, anonymity, and efficiency.

Cultural Impact and Controversy: Casinos, both physical and online, are not without controversy. They're often discussed in terms of their societal impact, including issues like gambling addiction. A perspective shared on X questions the legality and morality of state-run casinos like Holland Casino in the Netherlands, pointing out the potential for addiction due to high stakes gambling, contrasting it with smaller community events like bingo nights.

Entertainment Beyond Gambling: Besides gambling, casinos are pivotal in the entertainment industry, hosting concerts, stand-up comedy, and even sports events. This diversification aims at attracting a broader audience, not just gamblers, enhancing their appeal as comprehensive entertainment hubs.

Global Presence: Casinos like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and those along the Las Vegas Strip are not just gambling venues but architectural marvels and economic powerhouses, contributing significantly to local economies through tourism.

Technological and Thematic Innovation: Modern casinos incorporate advanced technology for surveillance and game fairness, alongside themes that range from historical to futuristic, creating immersive environments for visitors.

Community and Legal Perspectives: There's an ongoing debate about the accessibility of casinos to locals, especially in regions where gambling might be viewed as culturally or legally sensitive. This reflects in discussions on platforms like X, where the impact of allowing locals into casinos like in Vietnam is pondered, weighing tourism benefits against social costs.

In summary, "casino" in today's context represents more than just gambling; it's a convergence of technology, entertainment, and sometimes, societal debate. The integration of online platforms and cryptocurrencies is pushing the boundaries of traditional gambling, making it more inclusive yet sparking discussions on regulation, addiction, and societal impact. (Grok)

 

 

 

Casino And Gaming News

 

Macau

October 2024

Macau's gaming revenue jumps 15 percent

Macau's gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September, exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels travel to the gambling hub.

Gross gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73 billion) for the month, according to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The result is compared to the median analyst estimate of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78 percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.

The reporting was still lower than in the previous month, as September - when children go back to school and it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a weak season for Macau.

Expectations for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday, are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong, with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.

Affluent players remain able and willing to spend, and the trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing a survey of gaming table performances.

Still, retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness. Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for the first time since China's reopening from Covid early last year, according to Choi. It is expected that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable income, he added.

News

Global Gaming

Eklutna tribe clears land for anticipated casino

Alaska

A tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the possibility that it will soon win federal approval to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal gaming operation. The casino would be the first of its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the gaming hall on 8 acres of land…The parcel is in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Anchorage.

News

Julapun pushes for talks on casino complex plan

Thailand

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded by the middle of the month. He said the discussion will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.

News

Nevada

Sports Betting Revenue Grows in August

Nevada sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue, total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost from the $431.6 million bet during the same month last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared $25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate…The 5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest this year, though on par with the market’s average win rate of less than 6%.

News

Florida

Slot revenue rises to $54.9 million in August

Florida Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the state’s non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million in wagers. That’s a 1.5 percent year-on-year increase from the $54.1 million generated in August 2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrah’s Pompano Beach Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.

News

Pete Rose dies at age 83

Pete Rose, baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great, Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.

News

Australia

Star Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey consultants; Star Entertainment’s Sydney casino has emerged as a laggard in the troubled company’s property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation as low as $8m!

News

Atlantic City

Atlantic City hotels defeat latest class action over casino room rates

Major casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class action accusing them and a revenue management platform of overcharging for room rentals.

U.S. District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey, ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers had failed to present enough evidence to let their price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.

Williams dismissed the consumers’ lawsuit with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue management platforms that rely on rivals' data can be deemed price-fixing.

The judge’s ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have appealed a Nevada federal judge’s order dismissing their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.

In both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed sensitive internal information — such as real-time price and occupancy data — to a shared software platform that offered pricing recommendations.

The hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.

Representatives from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys in the New Jersey case at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador; Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately respond to a similar request.

The consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used Cendyn’s “Rainmaker” software “as their shared pricing brain” that “does all the hard work for them.”

They said “while the AI-driven technology at issue may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.” (Wires)

 

 

 

Gaming, Hotel And Casino News: U.S

September 2024

 

New Jersey Internet gambling sets new record at $198M in revenue, but land casinos lag

Internet gambling in New Jersey had its best month ever in August, bringing in over $198 million in revenue even as most of Atlantic City’s land-based casinos continued to win less than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures released Monday by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement show that internet gambling brought in $198.4 million, the highest monthly total ever recorded in the state and an increase of nearly 28% from a year earlier. That was the good news for Atlantic City’s gambling industry.

News

BetMGM impresses in NFL Week One, Jefferies analyst says

BetMGM handily outperformed the field in New York state in the first week of NFL wagering, according to data published September 15 in a Jefferies Equity Research investor note penned by analyst James Wheatcroft. According to Wheatcroft’s analysis, BetMGM grew its handle 54 percent from last year, revenue 24 percent, and winning margins 8.2 percent. For the market overall, the handle grew by 14 percent, but revenue dropped 43 percent and margin was down 6.8 percent. FanDuel recorded a seven percent decrease in handle and 54 percent lower revenue.

News

llinois: Casino revenue shoots up 3.1% in August after a slow summer

Illinois casinos posted positive monthly revenue for the first time since the spring. The state’s 15 casinos combined for a win of $140 million in August, up 3.1% from July’s total of $135.8 million. Revenue totals do not include online casinos because iGaming is illegal in the Prairie State. Illinois is a leading earner for land-based revenue and sports betting handle (total amount bet). But, is nowhere to be found in the world of online casinos. The state’s legislators made two attempts to legalize IL online gaming this year, but both fell short.

News

F1 not moving the Vegas needle, Truist analyst says

“F1 stuck in neutral for now,” wrote Truist Securities analyst Barry Jonas, leading off a September 16 investor note on the subject of Las Vegas room rates. He deemed them “fairly stable but soft” into the fourth quarter. A Truist survey of Las Vegas hotel-room prices had shown growth in August followed by slowness throughout the fall. Jonas said these findings were congruent with MGM Resorts International’s forward-looking commentary during its second-quarter earnings call. Wrote Jonas, “While our survey is just one facet of the market and can change, we note continuing investor concerns around slowing growth amidst tough comparisons.”

News

August casino revenue $63 million

Virginia (results) - Lottery Commission - The Virginia Lottery released its report on casino gaming activity for the month of August 2024. There are three operating casinos in Virginia: HR Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia. During August, gaming revenues from Virginia casinos totaled $63.1 million. Hard Rock Bristol $15.9 million, Rivers Casino Portsmouth $26.6 million, and Caesars Virginia $20.4 million. Virginia law assesses a graduated tax on a casino’s AGR, or wagers minus winnings, and $11.8 million in taxes were paid to the Gaming Proceeds Fund.

News

MGM getting more solar energy with rural Nevada solar farm

Nevada (Las Vegas) - A solar farm in the remote Nevada desert will double MGM International’s capacity to use solar energy. It entered a power purchase agreement with a utility-scale solar company to use its forthcoming facility in Lincoln County. The company is expected to begin using that boost in green energy in 2026. MGM uses 90 percent renewable energy for 11 of its Las Vegas resorts’ daytime needs, the company said, but the new solar farm and battery storage facility will power 100 percent of daytime needs and some of what’s needed for nighttime.

News

Three Strip casinos get new top exec

Nevada (Las Vegas) - Three casino properties on the Las Vegas Strip will soon have a new boss following the company departure of the trio’s former top executive. Ken Ostempowski will be assuming the role of senior vice president and general manager of Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe. Ostempowski currently holds similar roles overseeing The ROW Reno, a three-casino resort destination in Northern Nevada operated by Caesars. According to Ostempowski’s LinkedIn profile, he has held executive-level positions in multiple gaming markets, including Las Vegas, the Gulf Coast, the Midwest and Colorado.

News

Strip resort reveals rare tier-match offer

Nevada (Las Vegas) - For the first time since introducing a new player rewards program, a Las Vegas Strip casino is offering to upgrade gamblers’ loyalty cards to a comparable level from other casinos. The Venetian casino-hotel is launching a tier-match promotion that will allow customers to receive a Venetian Rewards card status that is on par with or better than what they currently have with another casino operator. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas’ tier-match event begins Oct. 1, according to a recent email, and will run through Jan. 1.

News

Boyd bets big on large sportsbooks even as mobile betting flourishes

Nevada (Las Vegas) - The largest sportsbook operated by Boyd Gaming Corp. may not be the place “where everybody knows your name.” But that sentiment is the reason the company (with its nine Las Vegas casinos) and other gaming operators continue to invest millions of dollars into expanding or modernizing large sportsbooks with massive viewing screens, comfortable seating areas and food and beverage options. Those expenditures happen even as more than 65 percent of Nevada’s $8 billion sports gaming industry come through mobile wagering accounts — bets made anywhere outside the casino. “A sportsbook is more than just a place to make wagers,” said Boyd Gaming Vice President of Race & Sports Bob Scucci. “At our properties, the sportsbook is the place where people come four or five times a week. It’s where they go to meet their friends and congregate.”

News

Opening sportsbook with Jay-Z at Ocean Casino, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin explains Atlantic City’s appeal

Michael Rubin’s love for Atlantic City goes back to when he was about 12 years old. “The gambling age was 18 when I was a kid,” the once-small kid from Philadelphia recalled. “I remember when I was 12 years old, I went to an Atlantic City casino, to Caesars. It was 40 years ago. I won $2,500. I called my mom from a pay phone and said, ‘Mom, I got great news! I just won $2,500!’ She asked how, and I said, ‘I’m in a casino in Atlantic City,’ and she goes, ‘You’re grounded, get home.’ That’s my favorite story.”

News

A jobs boon from a casino at Manhattan’s Hudson Yards? Experts aren’t betting on it.

When casino giant Wynn showed off plans for its Hudson Yards West casino proposal last month, it enlisted progressive heavyweights to make the case that the venture would be a jobs bonanza for poor and working-class New Yorkers. The endorsements were full-throated and infused with hope and promise. Leaders from the NAACP, National Urban League and Win, New York City’s largest provider of family shelter and permanent supportive housing, were among the groups that said the proposal would bring significant career opportunities.

News

Maine’s first in-person sports betting bar opens in Portland

Maine’s first, in-person sports-betting bar is officially open. “Oddfellahs” opened on Market Street on Friday… The bar has partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, one of two sportsbooks authorized under Maine’s new law to run sports betting, the other being DraftKings. The founder of “Oddfellahs” says there’s more to the bar than just sports betting.

News

IIlinois Gaming Board renews Rivers Casino’s license

The Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday renewed Rivers Casino’s gaming license as well as Hawthorne Race Course’s master sports wagering license. Both renewals by the state agency came via unanimous 4-0 votes and are good for four years, with Rivers now licensed through August 2028 and Hawthorne through September of that year.

News

Bellagio removing trees as F1 prep begins on the Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is around the corner and the Bellagio casino-hotel is days away from starting race preparations. On Monday, work crews will begin removing the trees in front of the Fountains of Bellagio along Las Vegas Boulevard to make room for the construction of the Bellagio Fountain Club (an F1 spectator area for VIPs). (Wires, A.I News)

 

 

News

Human Statue Bodyart supplies bodypainted models and roving performers for The Star: Marquee and Cherry Bar - 25th July 2013

Human Statue Bodyart supplies bodypainted models and statue performers for The Star; Marquee Sydney; Johnnie Walker promotion and Block Party

Human Statue Bodyart provides bodypainted entertainment for drinks industry night at The Event Centre, The Star; Sydney, Australia - 4th September 2013

The Star: New Years Eve reports from Sydney, Australia

 

 

News

Media/Entertainment: Australia

TV Week Logie Awards 2024

August 18, 2024

The Star, Sydney, Australia

Winners

Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television - Larry Emdur

Best Drama Program - RFDS, Seven Network

Best News or Public Affairs Presenter - Ally Langon, A Current Affair, Nine Network

Best Comedy Entertainment Program - Have You Been Paying Attention?, Network Ten

Best Lead Actor in a Drama - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Beat Scripted Comedy Program - Utopia, ABC

Best Current Affairs Program - Australian Story, ABC

Best Lead Actress in a Drama - Deborah Mailman, Total Control, ABC

Best Sports Coverage - FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Seven Network

Best Competition Reality Program - MasterChef Australia, Network 10

Best Factual or Documentary Program - John Farnham: Finding The Voice, Seven Network

Best Miniseries or Telemovie - Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report - Ben Roberts-Smith: The Truth, 60 Minutes, Nine Network

Best Structured Program - Gogglebox Australia, Foxtel and Network 10

Best Lifestyle Program - Travel Guides, Nine Network

Bert Newtown Award for Most Popular Presenter - Larry Emdur, The Chase Australia and The Morning Show, Seven Network

Best Supporting Actor - Bryan Brown, Boy Swallows Universe

Best Lead Actor in a Comedy - Rob Sitch, Utopia, ABC

Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent - Felix Cameron, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Supporting Actress - Sophie Wilde, Boy Swallows Universe, Netflix

Best Children's Program - Bluey, ABC

Best Entertainment Program - The Voice Australia, Seven Network

Best Lead Actress in a Comedy - Kitty Flanagan, Utopia, ABC

 

Entertainment for The Star, Sydney. Creative: Human Statue Bodyart

 

 

Media Man

 

 

American, European and Australian Sports News via Grok; Elon Musk Grok Takes The Sports Fan And Sports News Publisher Around The Globe In Seconds Ala Virtual News Time Travel Machine: Media Man

News

Joshua vs Dubois at Wembley

August 31, 2024

The upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley Edition, features a highly anticipated heavyweight match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, set for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This fight is highlighted by Joshua's undefeated record against British fighters, which he aims to maintain. The event has been described as potentially historic, with expectations to break attendance records. Additional tickets have been released due to high demand, indicating significant public interest in what is being promoted as an unmissable event in the boxing calendar. (Grok)

News

Joshua vs. Dubois Tickets Released

Additional tickets are now available for the highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium. This event, part of the Riyadh Season Card: Wembley Edition, is expected to set an attendance record with the stadium's capacity increased to 96,000. The fight is being promoted as a historic occasion, with significant interest from boxing fans and includes a special performance by Liam Gallagher. Promotional efforts by various boxing organizations and figures have urged fans to secure tickets for what is described as a potential heavyweight classic. (Grok)

News

Hamilton Leads FP2 at Italian GP

During the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes set the fastest lap in the second free practice session (FP2), followed closely by Lando Norris of McLaren and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari. Ferrari demonstrated strong performance with both cars in the top five. George Russell, also from Mercedes, faced delays due to an earlier crash by Andrea Kimi Antonelli but managed to place sixth. McLaren also showed promising pace with Norris in second and Piastri in fourth. Red Bull Racing encountered issues, with Max Verstappen experiencing a lock-up and the team addressing concerns about top speed. The session highlighted intense competition among Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari, setting up an anticipated close qualifying session. Despite his crash, Antonelli provided valuable data to his team. (Grok)

News

Antonelli Crash Halts FP1 at Italian GP

During the first practice session (FP1) at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, rookie driver Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes experienced a significant crash at the Parabolica corner, leading to a red flag. Despite initially setting the fastest lap, Antonelli's session ended prematurely with his car heavily damaged, though he was reported to be unharmed. Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing set the fastest time of the session, demonstrating strong performance. The incident also impacted Antonelli's teammate George Russell, who had to wait for repairs before participating in FP2. Other teams like McLaren and Ferrari also reported on their performances, with McLaren's drivers in the top five and Ferrari's drivers finishing second and fourth. (Grok)

News

COTA Hosts First Hypercar and LMGT3 Practice

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently hosting the 6 Hours of COTA, also known as Lone Star Le Mans, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This event marks the first time Hypercars and LMGT3 cars are racing together at this track. Notable participants include teams from Porsche, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ferrari, Jota Sport, and Aston Martin. During the first practice session (FP1), Porsche Penske Motorsport's #5 car, driven by Matt Campbell, set the fastest lap time of 1:53.574. The event also introduced specially equipped safety cars, including a Porsche 911 Turbo S with lightweight wheels. This race is significant for its competitive field and its strategic importance in the championship standings. (Grok)

News

WEC's Historic Hypercar Race at COTA

The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is currently hosting the 6 Hours of COTA race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, marking a significant event as it features both Hypercars and LMGT3 cars racing together for the first time at this venue. Prominent teams like Toyota GAZOO Racing, Porsche Motorsport, Ferrari Hypercar, and Peugeot Sport are participating, showcasing new models such as the Peugeot 9X8. The event highlights include experienced drivers like Andre Lotterer, who is aiming for another podium finish with an impressive track record at COTA, and the debut of new car models. Activities during the practice sessions involved teams adjusting setups, changing drivers, and adapting to track conditions, drawing considerable attention to the competitive spirit of endurance racing. (Grok)

News

Rhea Ripley Showcases Ink in WWE Tattooed Series

Rhea Ripley, a prominent WWE wrestler, was featured in a special segment titled 'WWE Tattooed,' where she showcased her extensive tattoo collection. This episode included a photoshoot and discussions about her tattoos, engaging fans with insights into her personal style and past rivalries, notably with Charlotte Flair. Ripley also shared stories about her fans' enthusiasm for her tattoos, particularly highlighting their reaction to a recent addition to her scorpion tattoo. The segment received positive feedback, enhancing Ripley's popularity within the WWE community. Additionally, Ripley discussed a time she got a matching tattoo with fellow wrestler Toni Storm, further personalizing her connection with fans and colleagues. (Grok)

News

WWE vs. AEW: Talent Pay Debate

The professional wrestling industry is currently embroiled in a debate over wrestler compensation, sparked by AEW's high-paying contracts to Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia. WWE has criticized these contracts, suggesting they exceed market value and could inflate salary expectations industry-wide, potentially harming the sport. Conversely, many fans and industry figures support AEW's approach, arguing that wrestlers deserve higher compensation due to the physical demands of their job. This perspective sees AEW's strategy as fostering a competitive market that might lead to better overall compensation in wrestling. Critics of WWE's stance argue that their reluctance to match AEW's offers undervalues talent and could impact WWE's ability to retain or attract top wrestlers. The discussion reflects broader issues about wrestler worth, the economics of wrestling promotions, and the effects of competition on talent contracts. (Grok)

News

WWE Criticizes AEW Contracts as Overspending

Professional wrestlers Swerve Strickland and Daniel Garcia have signed lucrative contracts with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), which WWE views as detrimental to the wrestling industry, claiming the salaries exceed market value. This perspective has ignited a debate about compensation in wrestling. Supporters of higher pay argue that wrestlers, who endure significant physical tolls, deserve substantial compensation, akin to athletes in other major sports. Critics of WWE's stance believe the company's opposition stems from a reluctance to increase their own payroll, potentially driven by profit considerations rather than the welfare of the performers. The situation underscores broader issues of pay equity and the impact of competition on industry standards, with some seeing AEW's strategy as beneficial for raising overall compensation levels in wrestling. (Grok)

News

Swerve Strickland's Lucrative AEW Deal

Swerve Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW, placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal has stirred debate within the wrestling community, particularly from WWE, which considers the contract to exceed the perceived market value significantly. Critics from WWE argue that such high compensation could inflate industry salary expectations, potentially forcing WWE to increase its own wrestlers' pay. However, supporters of the deal highlight the physical demands and lack of off-season in wrestling, suggesting that wrestlers deserve substantial compensation. This situation underscores broader issues regarding talent compensation, market value assessments, and the competitive dynamics between AEW and WWE in the professional wrestling landscape. (Grok)

News

Swerve's AEW Deal: Highest in Pro Wrestling

Swerve Strickland has recently signed a lucrative contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), reportedly placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers in the industry, comparable to stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal, extending through September 2029, has drawn criticism from WWE officials, who argue that the financial terms are excessively high and could set an unsustainable precedent for wrestler salaries. Despite WWE's contention that Strickland's market value does not justify such compensation, many fans and industry observers believe his performances and popularity warrant his high salary. Additionally, WWE's critique coincides with their unsuccessful attempts to reacquire Strickland and recruit other talents like Daniel Garcia, who chose to remain with AEW. This situation highlights a competitive landscape where wrestler contracts are becoming more financially rewarding. (Grok)

News

Strickland's AEW Deal Stirs Market Controversy

Swerve Strickland has signed a lucrative contract with AEW, placing him among the highest-paid wrestlers alongside stars like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Moné. This deal has sparked controversy within the wrestling industry, particularly from WWE, who argue that such high compensation sets an unsustainable market value for wrestlers. Critics suggest WWE's stance might stem from their own financial interests, particularly after releasing Strickland only to see him succeed elsewhere. Supporters of high-value contracts highlight the physical toll on wrestlers and argue they deserve substantial pay. This situation underscores ongoing debates about wrestler compensation, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape between WWE and AEW. (Grok)

News

Jon Jones Defiant on Aspinall Fight

Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, has publicly expressed confidence in defeating Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, but has chosen to fight Stipe Miocic instead. This decision has sparked debates about Jones's legacy and his avoidance of Aspinall, with critics arguing that Jones should defend his title against the interim champion who has actively defended his belt. Jones, however, insists that his legacy is secure regardless of the fight outcome, highlighting his long-term dominance in the sport. Discussions also touch on Jones's past, including his performances and controversies like failed drug tests, questioning whether his refusal to fight Aspinall might affect his reputation or if his established record justifies his choices. (Grok)

News

McAfee Donates $1M to WVU NIL Collective

Pat McAfee, a former NFL player and West Virginia University alumnus, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown, West Virginia, creating significant local excitement. The event was so anticipated that local schools closed due to expected traffic congestion, and a large crowd gathered. During the show, McAfee announced a $1 million donation to West Virginia's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support student-athletes. The event featured appearances by notable figures including Nick Saban and highlighted the enthusiasm of WVU fans, particularly for quarterback Garrett Greene. This live show not only boosted local spirit but also emphasized McAfee's ongoing influence and connection to his alma mater. (Grok)

News

McAfee Hosts Massive WVU Live Show

Pat McAfee, a former NFL kicker and West Virginia University alum, hosted a live broadcast of his show in Morgantown, creating significant local excitement. The event was so anticipated that local schools closed due to expected traffic congestion. McAfee's show attracted a crowd reportedly larger than those seen at major college football events like College GameDay. During the broadcast, McAfee announced a $1 million donation to West Virginia's NIL collective, the Country Roads Trust, to support student-athletes. The event featured appearances by notable figures including Nick Saban, who discussed the challenges West Virginia faces in their upcoming game against Penn State. The atmosphere in Morgantown was described as electric, reflecting high expectations for the football season opener. (Grok)

News

College Football Season Kickoff

The 2024 College Football Season is kicking off with significant attention on several fronts:

New Kickoff Rule: College football is studying the new NFL kickoff rule during the 2024 season, aiming to make the play safer while maintaining its excitement. This rule, inspired by the XFL, adjusts where players line up and when they can move, promoting more returns but with reduced high-speed collisions.

Marquee Matchups: The season starts with several high-profile games. Notably, LSU faces USC in the Vegas Kickoff Classic on September 1, a game that's drawing considerable betting interest. Other early games include Georgia vs. Clemson and Florida vs. Miami, setting the stage for what's expected to be a competitive season.

Team Preparations and Expectations:

Penn State is entering the season with new coordinators and high hopes for making the College Football Playoff, focusing on the progression in their quarterback room.

Michigan State under new leadership with head coach Jonathan Smith, looks to redefine its play.

Colorado, led by Deion Sanders, has already begun its season against North Dakota State, unveiling new uniforms and showcasing key players like Travis Hunter.

Player Spotlight:

Players like Oregon's Dillon Gabriel are on the watch for breaking records, with expectations high for quarterbacks returning from injuries like Cam Rising of Utah and Riley Leonard, now at Notre Dame.

Game Day Insights: From X posts, there's a buzz about the start of the season with live updates, game previews, and fan reactions, indicating high excitement and engagement from the community.

Cultural Impact and Media: The season's kickoff is not just about the games but also the cultural phenomenon, with extensive media coverage, fan events in places like Las Vegas, and discussions around team strategies, player health, and the future of college football formats.

This season promises to be intriguing with new rules, team dynamics, and the ever-present quest for the College Football Playoff, capturing the attention of fans and bettors alike as teams and players aim to make their mark. (Grok)

News

Sea Eagles Triumph Over Bulldogs

The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles achieved a significant victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with a final score of 34-22 at Accor Stadium. This win marked Manly's 10th victory in their last 11 encounters against the Bulldogs. The match was notable for Manly's strong performance, highlighted by plays from Haumole Olakau'atu and a late try by Mahoney, despite a concerning injury to Tom Trbojevic who left the field with a bleeding right arm. Bulldogs fans and players, while disappointed, remain optimistic, pointing to their team's overall successful season and their standing in the finals. Discussions following the game focused on player performances, the impact of the result on team standings, and strategies moving forward in the NRL season. (Grok)

News

Bulldogs Slip, Sea Eagles Soar

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs suffered a significant loss against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL, with the final score at 34-22 favoring Manly. This match was pivotal as it highlighted various aspects of both teams' performances and strategies. Manly's victory was marked by strong individual performances, notably by Haumole Olakau'atu, and strategic plays that capitalized on controversial referee decisions, including a non-enforced sin bin for Manly's Tom Trbojevic. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, faced challenges including fatigue from extensive travel and a reshuffled backline, which might have contributed to their subpar performance. Despite the loss, Bulldogs' fans and commentators remained optimistic, viewing the game as a learning opportunity and a chance for the team to regroup. Manly's win has significant implications for their pursuit of a home final, while the Bulldogs' chances of securing a top-four position were impacted.(Grok)

News

All-Australian Team 2024 Selection Controversy

The 2024 AFL All-Australian team selection has ignited significant debate among fans and analysts, focusing on the criteria and composition of the team. Traditionally comprising 22 players, this year's selection faced scrutiny for its inclusion of players from underperforming teams like the West Coast Eagles, and the exclusion of others who had standout seasons. Critics argued over the balance between positional requirements and individual merit, suggesting a shift towards selecting purely the best 22 players regardless of their position. Notable controversies included the omission of players like Charlie Curnow and Tom Papley, while players like Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli were celebrated for their performances, with Daicos being named the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player. The selection process was criticized for potential biases, prompting discussions on how the All-Australian team could better reflect the season's top performers. Despite the controversies, the team's announcement highlighted achievements like Ollie Dempsey winning the Rising Star award and Marcus Bontempelli receiving the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the Most Valuable Player. (Grok)

 

 

 

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Hotel, Casino and Resort News: UAE

June - July 2024

Wynn positioning itself as ‘best-in-class’ in free cash flow margin as it funds UAE project, analyst says

Wynn Resorts is well positioned to fund its integrated resort project in the United Arab Emirates and position itself as the “best-in-class” in free cash flow margin in global gaming, according to note to investors from CBRE Credit Research Director Colin Mansfield. CBRE estimates Wynn Al Marjan Island will be de-leveraging to Wynn on a pro forma basis relative to its 2026 estimates, declining to about 4.2x gross lease-adjusted leverage at project maturity.

 

News Feature

The First Casino Near Dubai Sparks a New Gold Rush

Four artificial islands in the Persian Gulf sat mostly empty for the past decade. Now, every lot is sold and cranes are everywhere.

Barely a year after Las Vegas casino operator Wynn Resorts Ltd. announced plans for a $4 billion resort in the United Arab Emirates, the area is crawling with construction workers erecting five-star resorts, shops and $7 million villas in what developers expect will become a major tourist hotspot.

Before that deal, the artificial Marjan islands off the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, or RAK, had spent most of the past decade as a lost opportunity, a 2.7 square-kilometer (1 square mile) white elephant largely unused after a $1 billion football-themed resort and related Real Madrid academy was scrapped for the site.

These days, every lot is sold and cranes are rising faster than the morning desert heat. Hoardings around construction sites are plastered with signs advertising the coming homes. At least 20 developers have projects in various stages of design and construction on the islands, said Abdulla Al Abdouli, chief executive officer of the state entity that developed them. He expects most projects to be completed within just six years.

The new construction will cost billions of dollars, he says. But even he’s not sure exactly how many.

Anticipating the rush of new visitors, the emirate’s small international airport is planning to build a new terminal to boost capacity to 2 million passengers a year by 2027, almost triple the some 700,000 travellers anticipated this year. About one-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight.

Ras Al Khaimah, which means the head of the tent in Arabic, has a 40 mile coastline on the Persian Gulf and until now has largely catered to Russian tourists looking for a cheaper alternative to Dubai. The Marjan islands, roughly half the size of Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah, were completed in 2013.

On the island where Wynn is building its planned casino and resort, activity is going full speed. A dozen cranes hover over what’s to be among the company’s largest developments, at 1,500 rooms. Access to the island is restricted only to workers until the site opens to the public in 2027.

“The Wynn casino and resort has been a game changer for Marjan,” said Khalid Bin Kalban, the CEO of Dubai Investments PJSC, which is building a hotel and a residential community there. “Everyone is there in anticipation that RAK’s tourism will grow rapidly with the casino. It’s about the gaming, the shows, the hotels. You’re essentially bringing a mini-Vegas to Ras Al Khaimah.”

The introduction of casinos would be a step change for the UAE, where gambling is prohibited under Islam and is illegal in the country: Offenders can be fined or sentenced to two years in prison — or both. No casinos exist in the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries, although they can be found in Lebanon and Egypt. The UAE has created an authority to provide a framework for legalized gaming, although no laws legalizing it have been passed so far.

It took decades to make Las Vegas what it is today, but officials here are thinking more ambitiously.

Marjan, the owner of the islands, is looking to build about 9,000 hotel rooms and a similar number of homes to add to the existing properties. The islands currently host six hotels with a total of 3,052 rooms along with around 3,000 apartments, many of which are serviced, including JW Marriott and Rixos. Las Vegas has almost 155,000 hotel rooms; some 10% of that total will exist here within a generation.

But for the emirate, which welcomed 1.2 million visitors last year, the existing supply sharply lags demand, said Al Abdouli, the CEO of Marjan. With about 8,000 rooms, the opportunity for developers is there to grow the market and attract new visitors, he added.

“Marjan Island is different from the daily hustle and bustle of being in downtown Dubai or Abu Dhabi,” said Al Abdouli. “It’s a getaway. Many of the visitors come from other parts of the UAE for staycations. There are mountainous areas for hiking, biking, triathlons and beaches. But the Wynn resort will be a catalyst like no other in the UAE.”

Prices have exploded, and for the lucky few who bought early the returns have been spectacular. Bin Kalban said prices per square foot not long ago were 300 dirhams ($82), but now you can’t find anything below 800 dirhams.

At the moment Ras Al Khaimah has 12 hotels in the planning stage along with seven in construction, according to CoStar, a London-based provider of real estate data and analytics.

The broader emirate of Ras Al Khaimah today has an old Arabia vibe, mainly a vast expanse of red sand dunes with sparse vegetation. It’s a far cry from Dubai’s skyscrapers and traffic jams some 70 miles down the road.

In the race to develop tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah has an advantage over Saudi Arabia. Alcohol is legal, and scores of Russian and Chinese tourists already visit the emirate, despite the limited number of hotels. The casino will help attract the gamblers but will also lure families looking for a slice of Vegas in the desert — without the trans-Atlantic flight.

Still, for Ras Al Khaimah to become a sustainable destination, more investment is needed in the area’s infrastructure, along with restaurants and retail, to support a steady stream of visitors.

“There’s a plethora of different things that are required,” said Philip Barnes, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi-based Rotana Hotels & Resorts. “That’s why I think when people are looking at tourism or hotels, you’ve got to look at big picture. Where do you want to be and where do you have the infrastructure? It’s great to get into a destination that is developing because it allows you to get a foothold. But you’ve got to be cognizant of the development” of facilities and supporting infrastructure, he added.

There are no public transport options, for example, to visit the Marjan islands from Dubai.

“Las Vegas, contrary to what most people think, is not about gambling, it’s about conventions,” he said. “The Sphere, this new concert arena that they’ve opened, drives traffic into that city because they bring big names in with big impact on the economy. It’s not just about the people coming in for the concert, it’s the hotels, it’s the restaurants, it’s the retail. When you’re looking at tourism as a whole you have to understand the whole picture.”

Even without that, developers are racing to complete property as soon as they can. A typical four-bed villa on the island costs 6 million dirhams ($1.6 million), while top-end luxury houses here can reach 40 million.

Emaar Properties PJSC, developer of the world’s tallest tower in Dubai, is building luxury apartments and townhouses, with its marketing touting its site near the upcoming casino. The Address Residences, starting at 1.8 million dirhams, will include apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms and the community will include gyms, pools and restaurants on the island’s sandy white beaches.

Abu Dhabi’s largest developer tied up with international luxury beach club, Nikki Beach, to develop three branded residential buildings, and the first batch of 570 homes was sold within hours amid strong demand from overseas and expatriate residents. Another development, Rosso Bay Residences, has also been sold in an emirate that’s trying to lure the wealthy with various plans.

Abu Dhabi National Hotels last year started building a 1,000-room luxury resort on 1 million square feet of land that’s set to be completed next year. A US-based private developer, WOW Properties, has broken ground on 474 homes to be serviced by JW Marriott, along with a 264-room hotel at a total cost of 4.8 billion dirhams. And Britain’s Aston Martin has partnered with Saudi Arabian developer Dar Global to design the interiors of luxury homes that are part of a $250 million beachfront residential community to be completed by 2028.

The momentum of so many developers building at once is going to “create more and more synergies,” Bhupender Patel, co-CEO of WOW Resorts, said in an interview. “The whole market’s about to take off like you’ve never seen a market take off in this part of the world.” (Wires, AI News)

 

 

U.S Casino, Gaming And Sports Business News

April 2024 casino, igaming, sports and VLT revenue

Arkansas GGR rose 10.7% to $61.6 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Colorado casino revenue rose 9.5% to $144.0 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Connecticut gaming rose 24.6% to $133.5 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Delaware gaming revenue rose 11.9% to $43.1 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Illinois gaming revenue rose 10.3% to $402.0 million. Gaming Board, 6-24

Indiana gaming revenue rose 10.3% to $254.0 million. Gaming/Racing Commission, 6-24

Iowa casino revenue rose 3.4% to $165.6 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Kansas GGR rose 13.4% to $53.1 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Kentucky HHR win rose 19.5% to $66.6 million. Racing Commission, 6-24

Louisiana gaming revenue rose 1.7% to $303.0 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Maine gaming revenue rose 22.2% to $16.5 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Maryland gaming revenue ros e 5.6% to $224.1 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Massachusetts gaming revenue fell 2.8% to $155.0 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Michigan gaming revenue rose 21.0% to $352.5 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Mississippi gaming revenue fell 0.7% to $211.6 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Missouri gaming revenue rose 1.2% to $162.9 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Nebraska casino revenue rose 50.0% to $9.5 million. Racing/Gaming Commission, 6-24

Nevada gaming revenue rose 2.4% to $1.320 billion. Gaming Commission, 6-24

New Jersey gaming revenue rose 8.3% to $510.0 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

New York gaming revenue rose 15.1% to $473.0 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Ohio gaming revenue rose 7.1% to $271.5 million. Gaming/Lottery Commission, 6-24

Pennsylvania gaming revenue rose 8.6% to $520.9 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

Rhode Island gaming revenue rose 3.3% to $61.3 million. Gaming Commission, 6-24

South Dakota gaming revenue rose 4.2% to $41.8 million. Gaming/Lottery Commission, 6-24

Virginia gaming revenue rose 33.9% to $161.7 million. Lottery Commission, 6-24

Total national gaming revenue rose 8.7% to $6.118 billion. CDC Gaming Reports, 6-24

Year-to-date gaming revenue rose 7.6% to $30.064 billion. CDC Gaming Reports, 6-24

The other categories:

Macau gaming revenue rose 29.7% to $2.5 billion. Reuters, 6-1-24

Igaming revenue rose 20.2% to $634.5 million. CDC Gaming Reports, 6-24

Sports betting revenue rose 24.8% to $971.4 million. CDC Gaming Reports, 6-24

Horse racing handle rose 0.5% to $1.4 billion. Racing Biz, 6-24

Dow Jones Industrials rose 2.3% to 38,686.32. Yahoo Finance, 5-31-24

Adams Index rose 3.2% to 942.22. CDC Gaming Report, 4-30-24

News

The results by jurisdiction

Arkansas had a total of $61.6 million in GGR in May 2024, up from $55.6 million in 2023. From the three reporting casinos, casino revenue was $58.1 million as compared to $53.4 million in 2023. Sports GGR was $3.5 million in 2024 and $2.2 million in 2023. Sports handle for the month was $39.8 million, up from $22.7 million a year ago.

Colorado casino and sports revenue in May was $144.0 million compared to $124.1 million in 2023. Casino win for May 2024 was $99.1 million and $92.7 million in 2023; slot GGR was $84.9 million versus $79.4 million in 2023. Black Hawk reported $75.8 million, Cripple Creek $16.1 million, and Central City $7.1 million. Sports GGR was $44.9 million versus $31.4 million. Handle was $447.5 million compared to $360.3 million.

Connecticut total gaming revenue for May was $133.5 million, up from $107.1 million in 2023. Slot revenue in May was $70.1 million compared to $65.6 million in 2023; igaming revenue was $46.3 million compared to $26.4 million in 2023, while sports betting generated $17.1 million on a handle of $163.6 million compared to GGR of $15.1 million and handle of $109.4 million in May 2023.

Illinois combined casino and VLT revenue in May was $402.0 million as compared to $364.2 million in 2023. The state’s 15 casinos reported $143.8 million in win compared to 13 casinos reporting $122.0 million in 2023. Slot revenue in 2024 was $107.2 million, up from $92.3 million; table games generated $36.5 million as compared to $29.6 million. In 2024, 1,058,189 people were admitted to the casinos as compared to 872,629 in 2023. The May VLT win was $258.2 million compared to $242.2 million in 2023. There were 47,985 units in 2024 and 45,890 in May 2023.

Indiana sports and casino combined revenue was $254.0 million in May as compared to $230.1 million in 2023. The state’s 12 casinos generated $215.1 million in casino win as compared to $196.4 million in 2023. The 14,804 slot machines generated $176.9 million as compared 14,208 slot machines generated $162.1 million in 2023. Table-game win from 610 games was $38.2 million as compared to 610 games and $34.2 million in 2023. Sports win was $38.9 million on a handle of $361.5 million. In 2023, the sports win was $33.7 million on a handle of $283.4 million.

Iowa combined casino and sports revenue in May was $165.6 million as compared to $160.1 million in 2023. Casino win was $148.7 million, down from $143.6 million; slot coin-in was $1.350 billion and GGR was $135.1 million. Table-game GGR was $13.6 million. There were 1,451,817 admissions in May as compared to 1,399,662 in 2023. Sports win was $16.6 million on a handle of $182.4 million as compared to a GGR was $16.5 million on a handle of $147.7 million in 2023.

Louisiana combined sports, casino, and VLT revenue in May was $303.0 million as compared to $297.5 million in 2023. Riverboat revenue was $154.7 million as compared to $153.4 million in 2023. Land-based Harrah’s New Orleans reported a win of $19.9 million, slot machine win at the racetracks was $29.0 million, and VLT win from the state’s 11,959 machines was $64.8 million as compared to $65.1 million from 12,080 slots in 2023. Admissions to the riverboats, racinos, and Harrah’s New Orleans were 1,676,538 compared to 1,700,132 in 2023. The Shreveport/Bossier market reported $45.3 million in win, down from $46.3 million in 2023; Lake Charles had $64.1 million compared to $64.7 million. The New Orleans region had $21.6 million in win versus $20.3 million and Baton Rouge had $23.5 million as compared to $21.9 million in 2023. The GGR from sports betting was $34.6 million on a handle of $256.6 million as compared GGR of $29.6 million on a handle of $193.5 million in May 2023.

Maryland combined casino and sports revenue was $212.1 million in May as compared to $212.1 million in May 2023. Slot revenue was $121.1 million, table games generated $51.9 million, and sports GGR was $51.0 million on a handle of $431.5 million as compared to $111.9 million from slots, $57.45 million from tables, and $42.7 million from sports on a handle of $328.4 million in 2023.

For May 2024, MGM National Harbor generated $71.7 million, $44.2 million from slots and $27.9 million from table games; in 2023, MGM generated $72.2 million in total GGR. Live! Casino GGR was $65.0 million, $47.6 million from slots and $17.3 million from tables; in 2023, the total win was $58.9 million. The Horseshoe Baltimore had $14.7 million in win, a slot win of $10.2 million and tables $4.4 million; in 2023, the total win was $17.5 million. Hollywood had $7.8 million, $6.5 million from slots. Ocean Downs generated $8.3 million, $6.8 million from slots, and Rocky Gap had a win of $4.9 million.

Massachusetts gaming revenue in May was $155.0 million as compared to $159.6 million in 2023. Casino revenue was $97.9 million as compared to $98.7 million in 2023. Sports generated $57.0 million with $587.4 million in handle versus $60.9 million on a $554.9 million handle in 2023. Encore Boston Harbor generated $61.1 million as compared to $62.5 million in 2023. Encore slot revenue was $35.7 million and table games $25.3 million. MGM had a gaming win of $22.4 million and $23.3 million in 2023. MGM table-game win was $3.8 million, while slots contributed $18.5 million. Slots-only Plainridge Park had revenue of $14.3 million as compared to $12.8 million in May 2023.

Michigan gaming revenue from casinos, sports, and igaming in May 2024 was $352.5 million as compared to $291.3 million in 2023. Casino revenue was $111.3 million as compared to $104.7 million. Igaming revenue was $198.5 million as compared to $150.5 million in 2023. Sports wagering revenue was $42.7 million on a handle of $354.8 million as compared to $36.1 million in GGR on a handle of $305.2 million in 2023. Mobile sports generated $40.8 million in revenue from a handle of $343.6 million.

Missouri casino revenue in May was $162.9 million as compared to $160.9 million in 2023. The slot win was $140.2 million from a coin-in of $1.460 billion; table games won $22.7 million. Admissions were 2,384,136, and 2,376,622 in 2023. By market, the win in May 2024 in the Kansas City region was $57.8 million, up 3.3% from 2023 and St. Louis $80.1 million, down 1.3 percent. The Out of State market reported $24.7 million in win as compared to $24.2 million in 2023.

Mississippi casino and sports betting revenue in May was $211.6 million as compared to $213.1 million in 2023. Casino revenue was $209.6 million as compared to $210.2 million in 2023. Sports win was $2.0 million on a handle of $27.0 million as compared to GGR of $3.1 million and $26.7 million in handle. Slot coin-in was $2.239 billion, with a win of $175.7 million, a 7.8 percent win, as compared to coin-in of $2.203 billion and a win of $171.9 million, 7.8 percent. Table-game drop was $161.0 million with a win of $29.0 million and a hold of 19.5 percent, as compared to a table drop of $161.5 million and a win of $31.5 million, 19.5 percent in May 2023. By region, the coastal casino win was $136.4 million, the northern casinos reported $45.5 million, and the central casinos won $27.5 million.

New Jersey casinos and racetracks reported a combined GGR of $510.0 million in May from casinos, igaming, and sports betting. The GGR was up 8.3 percent from $470.9 million in 2023. Casino revenue for the month was $239.1 million, up 5.2 percent. Slots won $181.2 million, up 4.8 percent, and table game win was $57.8 million, up 6.4 percent. The igaming win was $192.1 million as compared to $161.4 million in 2023. Sports win was $78.8 million as compared to $82.2 million. The 2024 sports handle was $838.9 million, as compared to $788.8 million in May 2023.

Borgata had a total win of $110.9 million, a casino win of $61.3 million, internet $43.9 million, and sports $5.5 million as compared to $111.2 million in total win last year; casino GGR was $60.5 million, igaming $44.0 million, and sports $6.7 million. Resorts and Resorts Digital had a combined win of $84.8 million with casino revenue of $13.5 million and digital revenue $71.3 million ($49.2 million from igaming and $22.0 million from sports). Golden Nugget had a win of $68.1 million; casino win was $13.5 million and internet $54.5 million. Hard Rock won $63.8 million; online and sports revenue was $16.1 million and casino revenue $49.8 million. Caesars and Caesars Interactive combined for $17.8 million. Tropicana posted $39.3 million and Harrah’s $19.8 million. Bally’s generated $23.0 million in GGR as compared to $20.1 million in May 2023.

New York gaming revenue from sports, VLT, and casinos was $473.0 million in May as compared to $410.6 million in 2023. The sports win was $203.7 million; the handle was $1.978 billion. The mobile books won $203.3 million from a handle of $1.972 billion. In May 2023, the sports GGR was $152.6 million with $1.363 billion in handle. The VLT revenue was $212.2 million, as compared to $202.2 million in 2023. Resorts World reported $62.2 million in gaming revenue, Nassau OTB $22.3 million, Empire City at Yonkers $53.6 million, Saratoga Casino $12.6 million, Finger Lakes Gaming $10.7 million, Hamburg Gaming $6.9 million, Vernon Downs $3.1 million, Batavia Downs $6.9 million, Jake’s 58 $25.5 million, and Resorts World Hudson Valley $7.4 million. The four casinos reported a win of $57.1 million as compared to $55.3 million in 2023. Resorts World had a win of $17.0 million, Tioga Downs $9.3 million, del Lago Resort $12.9 million, and Rivers Casino $17.6 million.

Nevada casinos reported $1.320 billion in May 2024 as compared to $1.288 billion in 2023, an increase of 2.4 percent. The Las Vegas Strip reported $742.8 million in gaming revenue as compared to $715.9 million in 2023. Las Vegas welcomed an estimated 3.6 million visitors in May as compared to 3.5 million in 2023. Harry Reid International Airport reported 5.2 million passengers in May as compared to 4.9 million in 2023. There were 461,900 conventioneers as compared to 453,900 in 2023. Hotel occupancy was 86.1 percent as compared to 84.4 percent in 2023. The average daily room rate was $200.01 as compared to $183.40 in 2023. Las Vegas had 4,109,400 occupied room nights as compared to 3,971,400. Highway daily vehicle count averaged 137,000.

For May 2024, downtown Vegas had casino revenue of $74.8 million, the Boulder Strip $84.9 million, North Las Vegas $24.7 million, and Laughlin $36.9 million. Reno reported $65.2 million in GGR as compared to $65.9 million in 2023. Sparks casinos won $15.3 million versus $15.0 million in 2023. The North Lake Tahoe win was $2.0 million and South Lake Tahoe $17.6 million as compared to $19.4 million in 2023. The Elko County win was $33.6 million, Carson Valley area reported $11.9 million, and the “other” reported $18.5 million versus $18.9 million in 2023.

By game type, the April win in Nevada was: twenty-one $116.7 million, baccarat $126.3 million, craps $37.7 million, and roulette $44.1 million. Slot machine win was $886.0 million as compared to $877.8 million in 2023. In May 2024, Nevada’s sports books won $36.0 million on a handle of $515.2 million; in 2023, the sports win was $30.0 million on a handle of $527.2 million

Ohio casinos, racinos, and sports generated $271.5 million in GGR in May 2024 as compared to $253.65 million in 2023. In May, the sports GGR was $67.3 million on a handle of $606.5 million as compared to GGR of $57.9 million on a handle of $447.4 million in 2023. Casino revenue in May was $84.5 million compared with $80.5 million in 2023. The slot win was $62.4 million and table games $22.1 million. By property, the results for the four casinos were: Jack Cleveland $21.2 million, Hollywood Columbus $23.6 million, Hard Rock Cincinnati $20.4 million, and Hollywood Toledo $19.1 million.

Ohio racino revenue was $119.7 million, up from $115.2 million in 2023. Belterra Park reported a win of $7.6 million, Eldorado Scioto Downs $19.9 million, MGM Northfield $26.8 million, Hollywood Dayton $13.3 million, Hollywood Mahoning Valley $15.0 million, Jack Thistledown $15.4 million, and Miami Valley $21.5 million.

Pennsylvania reported total gaming revenue of $520.9 million in May 2024 as compared to $479.3 million in 2023. By category, the win from retail slots was $214.1 million, retail table games $83.1 million, online slots $126.8 million, online tables $44.9 million, and sports $44.2 million in taxable revenue; total sports GGR was $61.85 million, the handle $591.9 million. Online poker GGR was $2.2 million, retail VLT $3.6 million, and fantasy sports $1.1 million.

By property, including retail and online gaming, the total revenue was Hollywood at Penn $81.6 million; Parx $56.6 million; Valley Forge $79.5 million; Wind Creek $46.2 million; Rivers Philadelphia $50.9 million; Rivers Pittsburgh $32.4 million; Hollywood at the Meadows $22.3 million; Mount Airy $20.7 million; Mohegan Sun $19.0 million; Live! Philadelphia $27.2 million; Harrah’s $22.6 million; Presque Isle $9.6 million; Live! Pittsburgh $9.8 million; Hollywood York $8.8 million; Hollywood Morgantown $8.3 million; Casino at Nemacolin $2.3 million, Golden Nugget $4.0 million, Bally’s $4.2 million, and Parx Shippenburg $3.2 million.

South Dakota casino, VLT, and sports revenues were $41.8 million in May as compared to $40.1 million in 2023. Casino revenue was $13.1 million as compared to $13.0 million in 2023. VLT won $28.4 million and $27.1 million in 2023 million. In May, South Dakota sports betting recorded $51,486 in win and $495,491 in handle.

Virginia reported $161.7 million in GGR in May as compared to $124.5 million in 2023. Casino GGR was $62.7 million versus $45.4 million in 2023. Hard Rock Bristol generated $15.4 million, Rivers Portsmouth $26.9 million, and Caesars Virginia in Danville $20.2 million. The sports-betting handle for May was $505.5 handle with a win of $59.9 million. The handle for May 2023 was $403.7 million with a win of $48.1 million. Historic racing machines reported $39.1 million in GGR from 2,791 units compared to $31.0 million in GGR from 2,608 units in 2023.

Igaming revenue from seven states in May was $634.5 million as compared to $528.0 million for six states in 2023. New Jersey reported $192.1 million versus $161.4 million in 2023, Michigan $198.6 million versus $150.5 million, Pennsylvania $174.1 million versus $170.4 million, Connecticut $46.3 million versus $26.4, West Virginia $17.9 million versus $18.0 million, Delaware $3.9 million versus $1.2 million, and Rhode Island $1.6 million.

Thirty-one states reported sports betting handle and revenue for May 2024. The handle was $9.28 billion with a win of $771.4 million (10.4%) as compared to 27 states reporting a handle of $6.478 billion with a win of $742.3 million (11.4%). Ranked by handle, the top five states were New York $1.978 billion, New Jersey $838.9 million, Ohio $606.5 million, Pennsylvania $591.9 million, and Massachusetts $587.4 million. By win, the top five were New York $203.7 million, New Jersey $78.7 million, Ohio $67.3 million, North Carolina $63.0 million, and Pennsylvania $61.8 million. With Illinois included, the adjusted handle for April was $11.884 billion and GGR was $1.238 billion. In April, Illinois reported $1.103 billion in handle and $169.3 million in GGR. Arizona reported a handle of $656.3 million and GGR of $64.4 million.

This May, the gaming industry benefited from a full quota of extra weekend days and the growth of sports and igaming. Four new states, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Vermont, boosted sports betting handle and win to $9.2 billion and GGR of $771 million. In 2021, 17 states produced a handle of $3.677 billion and a win of $268.3 million.

Igaming had one additional state, Rhode Island. But the real igaming story is the strength of the organic growth in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Those three generated $568 million in GGR, an 86 percent increase from 2021. The $568 million is more than any single state except Nevada.

Year to date, the total GGR is $30.0 billion versus $27.9 billion in 2023; igaming GGR is $3.2 billion, up 29 percent, and sports $5.7 billion, up 28.7 percent. The year-over-year growth rate for the total GGR has slowed from 20 percent last year to 7.6 percent in 2024. It is still exceptional, better than nearly any other industry. There are headwinds for the industry in 2024, but if sports and igaming continue to grow, gaming is on solid ground. (Credit: CDC, Adams, AI News)

 

 

 

 

Gaming, Hotel, Casino and Sports News: USA

July 2024

American Gaming Association announces 2024 Gaming Hall of Fame inductees

The American Gaming Association Wednesday announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three individuals for their contributions to the industry. The new members are: Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman, Seminole Gaming CEO, and former chairman of the AGA. Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming Institute Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, and a former executive with MGM Resorts International. Debi Nutton, Everi Holdings Board Member, executive coach-consultant, and former casino operations executive. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

News

Las Vegas: Downtown Grand hotel-casino seeks buyer

A downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino is looking for a buyer. Downtown Grand, the 1,124-room property one block north of the Fremont Street pedestrian mall, is on the market, multiple industry sources confirmed. The property is owned by real estate investment firm CIM Group and operated by Fifth Street Gaming, a Las Vegas-based operator whose portfolio includes the Silver Nugget and Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and Casino in North Las Vegas and the Golden Tiki restaurant in Chinatown. Fifth Street Gaming and the property’s agent...did not respond to multiple requests for comment Tuesday.

News

New Jersey fines DraftKings $100K for reporting inaccurate sports betting data to the state

In one of the most sternly worded rebukes they have ever issued, New Jersey gambling regulators have fined DraftKings $100,000 for reporting inaccurate sports betting data to the state, which it called “unacceptable conduct” that demonstrated weaknesses in the company’s business abilities. The errors resulted in regulators having to post corrected financial data for several months, something that had not happened in 13 years. The mistakes involved overstating the amount of money wagered on multi-tiered bets, or parlays, and understating other categories of wagers.

News

Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe hotel renovations set to begin

The Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino is moving ahead with major renovations under its new owner, billionaire Tilman Fertitta. Last August, Feritta’s Golden Landry’s LLC and GN NV Holdings acquired the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe from Paragon Gaming with cash, then rebranded it. Fertitta’s attorney Sonia Vermeys with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck told the Nevada Gaming Control Board Wednesday that the her client had always intended to finance the transaction. In December, the owner of the land entered into a term-loan agreement with Deutsche Bank.

News

Bermuda regulator’s reports show efforts to resolve casino industry roadblock

Failed efforts by the Bermuda Gaming Commission to solve the banking issues that have held up the launch of a casino industry are described in newly released annual reports. David Burt, the Premier, finally tabled the publicly funded regulator’s reports for 2020 to 2023 in the House of Assembly last Friday, after falling behind in sharing them with taxpayers. They shed some light on how the commission has tried to get banks to handle casino transactions — a necessity for the sector to get up and running — but even the most recent report, for 2022-23, is out of date.

News

Bally’s Chicago secures casino financing, unveils new hotel design

One week after taking possession of the Freedom Center printing plant, Bally’s has secured the needed financing to supplant it with a $1.7 billion Chicago casino complex on the 30-acre site in River West. Bally’s announced a deal Friday with Gaming and Leisure Properties, a Pennsylvania-based real estate investment trust, to provide $940 million to fund the construction of the permanent casino. In addition, Bally’s has also finalized redesign of its planned 500-room hotel tower, which has been shifted from north of the casino to the south to avoid damaging city water pipes along the Chicago River, pending approval from the city’s planning department.

News

Walmart is preparing major push into lottery sector

At its annual summit in early April, retail giant Walmart convened various lottery industry vendors and suppliers and revealed, more or less: Walmart is preparing a push from lottery bystander to active participant and competitor, with plans to launch an app that it may eventually equip with iLottery capabilities. The message was conveyed in meetings with the likes of IGT, Scientific Games, NeoPollard, and others currently working with the retail behemoth. Walmart representatives unveiled a slogan aimed at the lottery industry, “Be in it to Win it,” according to presentation materials from the Bentonville, Arkansas summit that were reviewed by Lottery Geeks.

News

Colorado: RCI Hospitality pulls casino license applications in Colorado

Entertainment company RCI Hospitality Holdings has withdrawn its applications to operate casinos from the Colorado Division of Gaming. The company, known for operating strip clubs and nightclubs like Rick’s Cabaret and restaurants like Bombshells Restaurant and Bar, also disclosed its intention to develop its share buyback program. The decision follows the NASDAQ-listed company’s acquisition of three properties in Central City for potential casino developments, which will not proceed as planned. The company also intends to sell other properties that are no longer required, including a 20,000-square-foot building and another site initially intended for a 30,000- to 40,000-square-foot development.

News

Las Vegas: Tropicana operators take the next step toward implosion

The Tropicana is one step closer to coming down, after property operators submitted a commercial implosion permit application with Clark County officials on Thursday. A permit application shows Bally’s Corp., operators of the former Rat Pack-era resort, want to implode a 22-story concrete tower and a 22-story steel tower in a “single explosive event.” A spokesperson for Bally’s said the company is still expecting an October implosion. No other details were available. The company tasked with the implosion will be Controlled Demolition Inc., according to the application. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

News

Gaming, Casino and Property News

Nevada sets May gaming revenue record

In Case You Missed It

June 27, 2024

Nevada set a May record with $1.32 billion in gaming revenue. It was also the eighth highest total in history as the Strip continues to benefit from a strong events calendar that boosted hotel occupancy and room rates.

The $1.32 billion rose 2.5% or $31.6 million versus May 2023. For the year, total win is up 3.2% or $202 million, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Of that, the combined total for the Las Vegas Strip and the balance of Clark County are up $207.2 million or 4.9% for the year. The Strip alone is up 3.5% for the year.

The Strip’s gaming win of $742.5 million increased 3.7% or $26.6 million and accounted for 84.1% of the statewide increase in May. Statewide win excluding the Strip increased $5 million or 0.9%, according Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst for the Gaming Control Board.

Lawton said the Strip benefited from a very robust event calendar in May. Harry Reid International Airport recorded its second highest month in passenger count in history in May.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported 3.65 million visitors in May, a 4.6% increase over May 2023’s 3.49 million. The LVCVA cited the Electric Daisy Carnival, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, and convention attendance of 461,900, up 1.8%.

Lawton said special events or other items of note included Canelo Alvarez fighting Jaime Munguia at the T-Mobile Arena on May 4 for the undisputed Super Middleweight world title. Justin Timberlake performed at the T-Mobile Arena for his “Forget Tomorrow” world tour on May 10. The Rolling Stones played Allegiant Stadium on May 11. The MGM Grand Garden Arena featured Pearl Jam for two nights on May 17-18. Maroon 5 returned to Dolby Live at Park MGM May 17-31. Garth Brooks and Adele were both in town for their residencies at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for multiple dates during the month of May. Carrie Underwood returned to the Resorts World Theatre from May 22-31.

The strong event schedule helped fill hotel rooms; overall occupancy was 86.1%, up from 84.4% a year ago. Weekend occupancy was 93.4%, up from 93.2%. Strip occupancy hit 88.5%, up from 87%. The average daily room rate on the Strip was $212, up 9% from $194 a year ago, according to the LVCVA.

The Strip’s slot win totaled $402.9 million and increased 2.6% or $10.1 million with a 6.5% or $306.3 million increase in coin-in. Slot hold was 7.99% versus 8.29% last year, Lawton said.

The Strip’s games win totaled $339.5 million and increased 5.1% or $16.4 million and drop increased 4.9% or $100 million. Games hold percentage was 15.8% versus 15.7% last year.

Strip baccarat win totaled $122.1 million, but was down $8.7 million or 6.6%. Volume totaled $758.1 million, down 2.4% or $18.2 million. Hold was 16.1% versus 16.9%. Total win excluding baccarat increased by 6% or $35.2 million.

Strip twenty-one win of $93.2 million increased 17.6% or $13.9 million. Volumes totaled $615.3 million and increased 10.43% or $58.1 million. Hold percentage was 15.15% versus 14.23% last year.

Strip roulette win of $37.4 million increased 55.5% or $13.3 million. Volumes totaled $185.9 million and increased 28.7% or $41.5 million. Hold percentage was 20.09% versus 16.63% last year.

Locals casinos generate $277.7 million in revenue in May, up 5.1% year over year. Revenue is up 10.3% for the second quarter compared to a year ago.

Downtown casinos had $74.8 million, up 1.6% over $73.6 million in May 2023. North Las Vegas had $24.7 million, up 2.1% over last year. Downtown’s occupancy reached 76.1% in May, up from 71.4% a year ago. Room rates were up 15.4% to $124.92

Elsewhere, Laughlin had $36.9 million, down 21.4% from $46.9 million a year ago. Mesquite had $16.3 million, up 8.5%. Reno had $65.2 million, down 1.1%. Sparks had $15.3 million, up 2%. South Lake Tahoe had $17.6 million, down 9.4%.

Lawton said Laughlin was impacted by slot-revenue timing in May 2023, as April 2023 ended on a Sunday and revenue was subsequently reported in May 2023. Laughlin casinos also experienced some softness in slot volume, down 5.7% even with an additional weekend day. Total win of $36.9 million was down 21.4% or $10.1 million. For the year, Laughlin is down 6.2%. Slot win was down 23.4% or $10.2 million. Slot coin-in was down 5.7% ($27.9 million), while the hold was 7.2% versus 8.9%.

Statewide, Nevada sportsbooks won $36 million, up 19.8% or $6 million compared to May 2023 on a hold percentage of 7% versus 5.7% last year. Sportsbook wagers totaled $515.1 million, down 2.3% or $12 million compared to last May, when $527 million was wagered statewide. Mobile wagers totaled $351.2 million, down 1.9% or $6.7 million and accounted for 68.2% of total wagers, Lawton said.

Statewide slot win of $886.1 million increased 1% or $8.5 million and coin-in of $12.3 billion was up $501.2 million or 4.2%. Slot hold percentage was 7.19% versus 7.43% last year.

Statewide table, counter, and card games win of $434.3 million increased 5.6% or $23.1 million and games drop of $2.9 billion, increased 4.8% or $132.6 million from May 2023. Games hold percentage was 15.13% versus 15.01% last year.

Statewide baccarat win of $126.4 million decreased 5.5% or $7.4 million and baccarat drop of $780.3 million decreased 1.8% or $14 million. Baccarat’s hold percentage was 16.20% versus 16.84% last year. Statewide total win excluding baccarat increased 3.4% or $39 million. This is the first decrease in monthly baccarat win since June 2023, ending a streak of 10 consecutive increases.

Statewide twenty-one win of $116.8 million increased 11.4% or $12 million. Volumes totaled $788.1 million and increased 12.9% or $90.2 million. Hold percentage was 14.82% versus 15.02% last year.

Statewide roulette win of $44.1 million increased 45.9% or $13.9 million. Volumes totaled $217.6 million and increased 24.9% or $43.3 million. Hold percentage was 20.29% versus 17.37% last year. (CDC, AI News, Wires)

 

 

 

Finance / World Business News

Euro, Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro

A strong current account surplus may not help euro

The eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average, had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the previous month. The current level was seen in the eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the second half of 2021.

The normalisation of the surplus is good news for the single currency, as it means more net capital inflows into the region. But this growth has been fuelled by falling imports, which can be the result of lower commodity and energy prices (which is a very good thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in domestic demand. This threatens to translate into economic contraction in the coming months.

The euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008, all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.

Gold

Gold rises but within a downward channel

Gold rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach $2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand, as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back any losses.

At the same time, however, we note that since the beginning of the year, gold has been characterised by solid selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend. In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045, which is the upper boundary of the bearish range, looks quite acceptable.

The area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident buying from this level would be the first important signal that the recent correction is over and that gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.

Much more important, however, will be the behaviour of gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal of the decline in late January took place.

Consolidation at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the subsequent renewal of historic highs.

However, as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration of the downtrend.

Among the fundamental factors, the potential for growth could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed officials show a softening of their position, bringing the start of interest rate cuts closer.

On the bearish side, equities could come under pressure following the optimistic rally in the tech giants and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity. We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent support measures for the Chinese stock market and property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven for investors from that part of the world.

 

Cryptocurrency

Crypto market growth halted amid capital inflows

Market picture

The crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and Solana -2.5%.

Bitcoin is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with opening and closing levels close to each other. Such sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on smoother rallies.

Ethereum hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve a spot Ethereum ETF next month.

According to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week.
Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana lost $1.6 million.

Since the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December 2021.

News background

Bitcoin will see institutional support in the next three to six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within the next six months. Five factors could contribute to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary easing, the US election, and companies accumulating BTC as part of their treasuries.

Former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant achievement of the financial system in the entire existence of money and means of exchange.

Amberdata admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies. The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September 2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins, have been removed from circulation.

 

Via Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media

Copper, gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant denial of justice' if he is tried in US

Latest updates on Key Economic Indicators

21 February 2024

Roy Morgan Summary

Australian Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)

Gold Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)

Bitcoin: $52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)

New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas

 

Market Research Update

20 February 2024

Roy Morgan Summary

Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family".

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at 3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)

 

Roy Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic tourism statistics for Austrade

21 February 2024

Roy Morgan Summary

From 2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's best practice survey methodology, big data integration and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence with a new platform that will drive the future of Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan, the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard for surveying the population, enhanced with big data and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan will be delivering a future-proofed system that will be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding of how many people are travelling, where they go, what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism dollars.

 

Anti-mining PM pushes BHP's cash offshore

Roy Morgan Summary

It is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry, given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an expansion, but the previously touted investment of between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely to redirect much of this capital investment to its criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.

 

More than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million

21 February 2024

Roy Morgan has released its readership results for New Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines, whether in print or online either via the web or an app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023 - almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue readership of 379,000 during the year to December (an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).

These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged 14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.

New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas

Market Research Update

20 February 2024

Roy Morgan Summary

Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.

(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)

 

Roy Morgan Summary

Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians.

One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.

(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)

 

Media Man

Warrner Bros

Profile

In 2010, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group broke the all-time industry worldwide box office record with receipts of $4.814 billion, which surpassed the prior record of $4.010 billion (set by the Studio in 2009). Warner Bros. also established a new industry benchmark for the international box office with a total of $2.93 billion (marking a record third time of crossing the $2 billion threshold) and retained its leading domestic box office ranking with receipts of $1.884 billion. 2010 also marked the 10th consecutive year Warner Bros. Pictures passed the billion dollar mark at both the domestic and international box offices. Warner Home Video was, once again, the industry’s leader, with an overall 20.6 percent marketshare in total DVD and Blu-ray sales. The companies comprising the Warner Bros. Television Group and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group remain category leaders, working across all platforms and outlets, and are trendsetters in the digital realm with video-on-demand (transaction and ad-supported), branded channels, original content, anti-piracy technology and broadband and wireless destinations.

The Warner Bros. Pictures Group brings together the Studio’s motion picture production, marketing and distribution operations into a single entity. The Group, which includes Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures International, was formed to streamline the Studio’s film production process and bring those businesses’ organizational structures in line with Warner Bros.’ television and home entertainment operations.

Warner Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances or co-finances the films it produces and maintains worldwide distribution rights. It also monetizes its distribution and marketing operations by distributing films that are totally financed and produced by third-parties. The Studio’s 2011 slate includes “Sucker Punch,” “The Hangover Part II,” “Green Lantern,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” “Happy Feet 2” and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

Warner Bros. Pictures International is a global leader in the marketing and distribution of feature films, operating offices in more than 30 countries and releasing films in over 120 international territories, either directly to theaters or in conjunction with partner companies and co-ventures.

New Line Cinema, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment since 2008, coordinates its development, production, marketing, distribution and business affairs activities with Warner Bros. Pictures to maximize film performance and operating efficiencies. Highlights of New Line’s 2011 release slate, distributed by Warner Bros., include “Horrible Bosses,” “Final Destination 5,” “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” and “New Year’s Eve.”

The Warner Bros. Television Group oversees and grows the entire portfolio of Warner Bros.’ television businesses, including worldwide production, traditional and digital distribution, and broadcasting. In the traditional television arena, WBTVG produces primetime and cable (Warner Bros. Television and Warner Horizon Television), first-run syndication (Telepictures Productions) and animated (Warner Bros. Animation) programming, which is distributed worldwide by two category-leading distribution arms/operations (Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution).

Among the primetime series produced by divisions of the Warner Bros. Television Group are “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Mentalist,” “Mike & Molly,” “Fringe,” “Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Nikita,” “The Middle,” “Southland,” “The Closer,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” “Supernatural,” “The Bachelor,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” and many more. Also produced by the company are first-run syndicated programs such as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “TMZ” and “Extra,” among others, as well as animated shows “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.”

WBTVG is an innovative leader in developing new business models for the evolving television landscape, including ad-supported video-on-demand, broadband and wireless, and has digital distribution agreements in place with all of the broadcast networks. Internationally, the Studio is one of the world’s largest distributors of feature films, television programs and animation to the worldwide television marketplace, licensing some 50,000 hours of television programming, including more than 6,000 feature films and 50 current series, dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries.

WBTVG provides original shortform programming for the broadband and wireless marketplace through its Studio 2.0 digital venture, and its digital media sales unit is devoted specifically to multiplatform domestic advertiser sales for both broadband and wireless. WBTVG continues its strategic expansion into digital production and distribution with the launch of several advertiser-supported entertainment destinations, including TheWB.com, a premium, video-on-demand interactive and personalized network and KidsWB.com, a premium destination built around youth-oriented immersive entertainment.

The final component of WBTVG is broadcasting: The CW Television Network, launched (in partnership with CBS) in September 2006 with quality, diverse programming, is targeted to the 18–34 audience.

Warner Bros. Animation’s combined classic and contemporary library currently boasts 14,000 animated episodes and shorts which air on domestic broadcast networks, as well as cable networks and in direct-to-video releases around the world. The classic library includes such brands as Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Hanna-Barbera and Ruby-Spears as well as such beloved characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, Taz, Tom and Jerry, Popeye, Batman, Superman, the Flintstones, the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video (Warner Home Video), digital distribution (Warner Bros. Digital Distribution), interactive entertainment/videogames (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), direct-to-consumer production (Warner Premiere), technical operations (Warner Bros. Technical Operations) and anti-piracy (Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations) businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and transactional VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels. It is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

In 2010, Warner Home Video dominated the U.S. market as the number one company in total sell-through video (DVD and Blu-ray combined) with 20.6% marketshare, theatrical catalog, TV on DVD, non-theatrical family and animation, Blu-ray and VOD. WHV has been the number one studio in overall DVD sales 14 consecutive years, and is also the leading studio in the international home video space.

With more than 3,700 active licensees worldwide, Warner Bros. Consumer Products licenses the rights to names, likenesses and logos for all of the intellectual properties in Warner Bros. Entertainment’s vast film and television library. With a global network of offices and agents in key regions throughout the world, including North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe, WBCP maintains an ongoing commitment to expand and build the power of its core brands’ recognition in the international marketplace through strong and creative merchandising, promotional marketing and retail programs.

DC Entertainment’s DC Comics has been in continuous publication for more than 60 years, and is the leading comic book publisher in the industry and the creator of some of the world’s most recognized icons. DC’s characters continue to headline blockbuster feature films, live-action and animated television series, direct-to-video releases, collectors’ books, online entertainment, digital publishing, countless licensing and marketing arrangements and, most recently, graphic novels. DC continues to attract new readers and fans all over the world with its signature characters Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Justice League leading the way.

Warner Bros. International Cinemas provides a true state-of-the-art movie experience to audiences in Japan with more than 60 multiplex cinemas and more than 600 screens internationally. One of the pioneers in multiplex development for the international marketplace, WBIC is continually exploring new markets for expansion. (Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment)

 

Press Release

09 August 2010


MICROGAMING SET TO LAUNCH THE LORD OF THE RINGS™: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING ONLINE VIDEO SLOT GAME


First Title to Utilize Proprietary Cinematic Spins™ Technology Allowing Players to Experience the Film with Every Spin


ISLE OF MAN – Microgaming today announced the imminent launch of a new flagship game, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Online Video Slot Game. This slot game is the first to utilise Microgaming’s new Cinematic Spins™ technology, allowing gamers to see clips from the films with every spin.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a new online slot game that is part of a multi-year licensing agreement Microgaming signed with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution in 2009. The company is developing a series of cutting-edge, graphic rich video slots based on this popular movie trilogy and will use animation material, themes, and characters, from the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings™ motion pictures that include The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. These online slot games will be available to adults only in countries where online gaming is permitted.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the first online video slot to use Microgaming’s Cinematic Spins™ state-of-the-art gaming technology. This allows movie clips to act as moving backgrounds behind the reels during spins providing players an unprecedented level of excitement and immersion.

Win sequences and expanding wilds also use cinematic clips, instead of traditional animated graphics. The slots feature famous scenes from the film including Ringwraiths during the attack at Weathertop, Balrog in the Mines of Moria, and Uruk-hai in the woods of Middle-earth. Players will also enjoy seeing characters from the films that include Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman and the deadly Black Riders.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments: “Microgaming has always been ahead of the curve with innovative offerings, but this game really does push the boundaries of what an online slot can do. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring looks and feels like an extension of the big screen film experience and we’re confident that our operators will see a great deal of demand from their players, when the game is released. This is an important deal for Microgaming and highlights our commitment to partner with the right brands, at the right time. The Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful and well loved brands on the planet and we are excited about combining this widespread appeal with Microgaming’s groundbreaking software.”

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy generated $3 billion in worldwide box office receipts and was nominated for a total of 30 Academy Awards®; of which they won 17, including Best Picture.

- Ends -
Notes to editors:
*Cinematic Spins is a trademark held by Microgaming

© 2010 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.

For further information please contact:
Duncan Skehens / Laura Moss/ Lyndsay Haywood
Lansons Communications
020 7490 8828
DuncanS@lansons.com / LauraM@lansons.com / LyndsayH@lansons.com
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution

Peter Binazeski
818-977-5701
peter.binazeski@warnerbros.com
About Microgaming (www.microgaming.com)
Since the company developed the first true online Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages 60 games per year and a unique ‘partnership’ approach to working with operators; Microgaming software powers over 160 market-leading online gaming sites.
The company’s front and back-end software supports multi-player, multi-language games - over 500 of them, all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world’s largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out over €265million. In May 2009 it created the biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment win of €6.37m.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been awarded eCOGRA’s Certified Software Seal following a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development, implementation and maintenance of the software is representative of industry best practice standards Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal.

About Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) manages Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's (WBHEG) electronic distribution over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees the WBHEG's worldwide digital strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients and business activities in the digital space.

 

News

2009

With Time Warner sitting on $7 billion in cash, the Marvel deal has ignited rumours of a second wave of consolidation in the media industry. Dream Works Animation, home of Shrek, is seen as a potential takeover candidate, as is MGM with its huge library of classic films. The games firms Electronic Arts and Take Two Interactive, with its Grand Theft Auto franchise, are also being touted as potential buys.


Profile

Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. (also known as Warner Bros. Pictures, or simply Warner Bros.) is one of the world's largest producers of film and television entertainment.

It is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank, California and New York City. Warner Bros. has several subsidiary companies, including Warner Bros. Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Home Video, TheWB.com and DC Comics. Warner owns half of The CW Television Network.


Founded in 1918 by Jewish immigrants from Poland, Warner Bros. is the third-oldest American movie studio in continuous operation, after Paramount Pictures, founded in 1912 as Famous Players, and Universal Studios, also founded in 1912.