Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Settlement reached in 2016 may provide roadmap in Steve Wynn case

A settlement reached in a 2016 case involving sportsbook operator CG Technology could provide a roadmap for regulators as they work their way through investigating allegations that Wynn resorts chairman and CEO Steve Wynn demanded sexual favors from and assaulted female hotel employees over the last three decades.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
University of Iowa to remove Wynn name from institute
The University of Iowa has announced plans to remove casino mogul Steve Wynn's name from the school's Institute for Vision Research in light of sexual misconduct allegations against Wynn. The university in Iowa City announced ...
Casino Listings
Bede Gaming in Partnership with Playson

Game software designer Bede Gaming announced that they've signed a deal with Playson and will bring the group's games to its PLAY platform as a result.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Super Bowl betting report: 10 observations from the sports books
South Point hasn’t finished populating its Super Bowl 52 prop board yet and has enforced a strict $1,000 limit so far. The property is still approaching a half-million dollars in handle on the props alone, and that’s with five days that traditionally account for ...
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Thousands of lost Atlantic City casino jobs are coming back
Thousands of Atlantic City casino jobs lost during a brutal three-year stretch when five casinos shut down are coming back. Since 2014, casino closings eliminated 11,000 jobs and devastated the economy of the Atlantic City region. But for many ...

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Casino Listings
QTech Launches New Game Engine

Gaming group QTech has announced that they've launched a new game engine that uses technology that will make it feel like Netflix or Spotify in terms of recommending games.

World Casino News
Aspire Global’s Karamba goes live with SBTech sportsbook

In a move that will see the expansion of its range of igaming products, online casino and white label solutions provider Aspire Global recently penned a deal with SBTech that will see the 2017 SBC Awards winner of the "Sportsbook Supplier of the Year" initially go live with its flagship Karamba brand. The Malta-based group is now live with its UK-facing online casino Karamba, and as complement to its existing offering of live casino, slots, table games, scratch and instant games, will now offer SBTech’s acclaimed sportsbook. Chief Executive Officer for Aspire Global Tsachi Maimon, commented: “We are thrilled to add this new and engaging vertical to our solution, and are confident that the collaboration with SBTech will be a successful venture for both parties. The decision to choose SBTech as our sportsbook provider was based on its ability to adjust its product offering to our unique solution and the needs of our operators. This partnership will enhance the diversity of our offering to our partners and will continue the positive trend of growth experienced over the past few years,” according to the press release. Also commenting on the collaboration, Chief Executive Officer for SBTech Richard Carter, added: “This launch confirms SBTech’s position as the leading supplier of sports betting solutions for the sector’s top operators. We’re anticipating significant growth for all of Aspire Global’s partners, thanks to our expertise in deploying flexible trading and content solutions, with unique focus on cross-selling from casino to sports.” Up to now, Aspire Global’s focus has been on offering a full online casino solution to white label clients and operators. The addition of the market-leading sportsbook from SBTech will allow it to increase revenues for its operators and widen its product offering. Just recently, SBTech entered into a strategic partnership with GameAccount Network in anticipation of a positive outcome to the Christie v NCAA case currently being considered by the United States Supreme Court.
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Macau casino regulators look into allegations against Wynn
The China arm of Steve Wynn's casino empire said Tuesday it will comply with Macau regulators as they seek more information about sexual misconduct allegations against the Las Vegas billionaire ...
World Casino News
GameAccount Network to power Ocean Resort Casino online offerings

After last week inking a strategic partnership for the United States with sportsbetting solutions innovator SBTech, British online gaming software supplier GameAccount Network has now revealed the signing of a multi-year deal with the new owner of the coming Ocean Resort Casino. Previously known as TEN Atlantic City until it was sold for $200 million earlier this month to an entity known as AC Ocean Walk LLC and renamed, the 1,399-room Ocean Resort Casino expects to re-open for business in the summer complete with a casino featuring some 2,000 slots as well as approximately 100 gaming tables. To complement this casino, the Atlantic City property additionally intends to offer real-money online gaming and sportsbetting utilizing the New Jersey-licensed platform from GameAccount Network while moreover integrating these propositions with its on-site rewards program via the London-based firm’s Patent3 innovation. “This new Internet gaming destination is currently expected to launch in [the first half of] 2018 and will contribute materially to GameAccount Network’s revenues and earnings in [the second half of] 2018,” read a Tuesday statement from GameAccount Network. “Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is the substantial casino property formerly known as TEN Atlantic City/Revel Casino Hotel Atlantic City.” GameAccount Network also stated that it intends to release its financial results for the twelve months to the end of December on March 29 and expects these to have benefitted from the signing of four more clients for its United States-facing Simulated Gaming offering. It declared that this innovation is now utilized by twelve casinos across the country and accounts for over $8 billion in annual land-based gaming revenues. “GameAccount Network’s United States-facing Simulated Gaming business continued to benefit from the launch of several new United States casino operator clients in 2017 including Ocean Resort Casino, Chickasaw Nation’s WinStar World Casino, MGM’s The Borgata, Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone and Station Casinos,” read the statement from GameAccount Network.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
William Hill reports $1 million Super Bowl bet on Eagles
On Monday afternoon a bettor placed $1 million on the Eagles to win Super Bowl 52 on the William Hill mobile betting app ...
Casino Listings
Steve Wynn Wrapped Up in Sexual Misconduct Scandal

American casino mogul Steve Wynn has become embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal, which have seen his company's value plummet and him being forced to resign his position as finance chair for the Republican National Committee.

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Fallout continues over Steve Wynn sexual misconduct allegations

Fallout over sexual misconduct allegations and the resignation of Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn as Republican National Committee fundraiser mounted Sunday as calls increased for lawmakers and groups to return contributions and disavow support.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Fallout continues over Wynn sexual misconduct allegations

Fallout over sexual misconduct allegations and the resignation of Wynn Resorts Chairman and CEO Steve Wynn as Republican National Committee fundraiser mounted Sunday as calls increased for lawmakers and groups to return contributions and disavow support.

World Casino News
Partypoker Powerfest in full swing

Since January 21st, online poker players have been logging on at partypoker to take part in the 7th edition of Powerfest. The poker festival is one of the most popular on offer by partypoker, this time around offering 147 tournament events with $15 million in guaranteed prize money up for grabs. The action continues through February 4th, providing players with plenty of events to enjoy. Powerfest fits players of every bankroll as there are Low, Medium and High tier tournaments provided. The events in the Medium category will have buy-ins 10x the amount of the Low events. The events in the High category will have buy-ins 10x the Medium events. Players can choose to compete for the lesser buy-in, go for mid-range or on the high end, even a mix of them all! Players will find something on the schedule each day in each category. February 4th marks the final day of Powerfest with three events set to offer a $1 million in guaranteed prize money. Players can take part in the Main Event, scheduled for the 4th, offering a buy-in of just $215. This is the Medium option. Players can opt to compete in the Low Main Event for $22 or the High Main Event for $2,100. During Powerfest, party has been providing leaderboard competitions. As players compete in Powerfest events, they earn points based on finishes. The better the tournament finish, the more points earned. Leaderboards are on offer for the Low, Medium and High events. Partypoker will be providing $170,000 in prizes to the top 150 players on each leaderboard. Today, players will find a host of events on the schedule, in Low, Medium and High categories. Take part in Event # 24, a $25K guaranteed No-Limit Hold’em event with a $22 buy-in or go for the higher event, the $200k guaranteed event with a $215 buy-in. Additional tournament types on offer today include the Title Fight Special Edition, PKO and Turbo Pot Limit Omaha events, and more. Powerfest continues through February 4th, so there is still plenty of time for players to get in on the online poker action!
World Casino News
Senior management reshuffle at Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited

In Macau, casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited has reportedly announced a number of planned changes to its senior leadership team including the imminent departure of industry veteran Gabriel Hunterton as President for its City of Dreams Macau property. According to a report from GGRAsia, industry veteran Hunterton was appointed to oversee the Cotai Strip venue a year ago with this role now set to be filled by David Sisk, who currently serves as President for Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited’s nearby Studio City Macau enterprise. In addition, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited reportedly explained that Geoffry Philip Andres, President for its City of Dreams Manila venue, will take over from Sisk at Studio City Macau while Kevin Benning is to be promoted to the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President in the Philippines. “The redeployment of our senior operating management across our integrated resorts is aimed at optimizing our operating excellence,” reportedly read a statement from Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited. “We are leveraging on key individuals who all have demonstrated their expertise in managing and delivering strong growth.” GGRAsia moreover reported that November saw Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited record net third-quarter revenues of around $1.38 billion, which represented a year-on-year rise of almost 19.5%, with the firm declaring that this swell had been ‘primarily attributable to higher rolling chip revenues at City of Dreams [Macau] and the commencement of rolling chip operations at Studio City [Macau] in November of 2016’.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Steve Wynn resigns as RNC finance chairman amid allegations

Steve Wynn stepped down Saturday as Republican National Committee finance chairman amid allegations of sexual misconduct. “The work we are doing to make America a better place is too important to be impaired by this distraction,” Wynn said in a statement.

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas business leaders predict trends in tourism, real estate and employment

Las Vegas’ business elite gave the bad and the good of expectations for 2018 and beyond.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Standout World Series gambler now looking to cash in on Super Bowl
The same bettor who took this city's sports books for millions of dollars on the World Series is setting his sights on the Super Bowl. The bettor placed a $500,000 wager ...

Friday, January 26, 2018

World Casino News
Arsenal F.C. agrees cryptocurrency sponsorship deal

One of the English Premier League’s biggest teams, Arsenal F.C., has reportedly inked a partnership deal with US-based CashBet, a cryptocurrency designed for sports betting, online casino and eSports. Via the deal, which was announced on January 24, the same day as CashBet Coin was due to be launched, the professional football club based in Highbury, London reportedly becomes world football’s first team to partner with a cryptocurrency. The iGaming cryptocurrency, which can be used on apps powered by CashBet and iGaming sites, hopes to benefit from Arsenal’s extensive reach as a football club which receives global support. Per the agreement, the California-based CashBet Coin will be advertised during Premier League home games inside the Emirates Stadium. The value of the deal was reportedly undisclosed. Commenting on the new partnership, CCO for Arsenal, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “We are pleased to welcome Cashbet Coin as our partner. We are looking forward to working with CashBet Coin as they launch their new cryptocurrency,” according to the Evening Standard. Also commenting on the deal, Founder and CEO for CashBet, Dr. Mike Reaves, said: “With our ICO for CashBet Coin, we are actively targeting a global, multi-billion dollar marketplace of iGaming content providers, operators and players. “We are delighted to do so in partnership with one of world football’s true giants in Arsenal, enabling us to build our brand and engage this audience in a meaningful way.” The deal comes as a growing number of business leaders and regulators express concern regarding the potential dangers to consumers who risk their savings in unregulated virtual currencies. According to British daily newspaper The Guardian, the Financial Conduct Authority, a financial regulatory body in the United Kingdom, warned consumers in 2017 that if they invested in Bitcoin, they should be prepared to lose their money. The Guardian reports that the FCA waved comment on the decision by Arsenal to promote a cryptocurrency, but that it was pointed out by a spokesman that the regulator was planning to “conduct a deeper examination of the fast-paced developments” of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and if necessary, would take “further regulatory action.” For its part, CashBet reportedly said that it was pleased to have secured a deal with Arsenal as the company is “actively targeting a global, multibillion-dollar marketplace of i-gaming content providers, operators and players,” as reported by The Guardian.
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Full list of Super Bowl 52 prop bets from Westgate Superbook, William Hill
The Super Bowl props are here. ...
Casino Listings
GVC Holdings Gets €186.77 Million Tax Bill in Greece
World Casino News
London Affiliate Conference networking schedule announced

The London Affiliate Conference (LAC) is fast approaching and iGB Affiliate has released a networking schedule for the event that will be held over the course of four days at the ExCeL London beginning February 7, 2018. While the guide is very handy, networking never really stops at LAC. But the schedule points out the main events inside and out of the main conference room where delegates have a chance to meet and mingle with 5,000 others and get to know some of the brightest minds in the industry. Whether you attend the dedicated parties, mingle on the floor, or wind it all up with a drink in the hotel bar, you can always meet someone new or reestablish loose connections with peers on the east side of London. The official opening party will be held at Trade Union. Payment processor for the industry, UPAYCARD will host a networking party at Tropicana Beach Club. The Draft House will be the location to meet up and wind down. Shona ODonnell, head of operations at iGaming Business said: "This is traditionally the busiest time of the year for our industry, but we can’t wait for the London Affiliate Conference to get underway next month. "We have laid on a series of events that will allow delegates to network and unwind at some of London’s most exciting venues," according to press released by iGB Affiliate this week. She added, "It’s an ideal opportunity to spend a week in London with the industry’s most influential individuals." Following is the full networking schedule for LAC 2018. Kick things off with welcoming drinks from 16:00 – 18:00 on Wednesday the 7th. Meet up at Tower Hotel on St. Katharine's Way to exercise your elbow shaking hands and lifting merrymakers. Hugs are allowed. Then from 21:00 until the last call, join in the official LAC opening party at Trade Union, 3 Thomas More Street, St Katharine's & Wapping. On Thursday night from 21:00 until late UPayCard will be holding another official networking party at Tropicana Beach Club. For those unfamiliar with the trendy outpost, take your choice between two themed bars and enjoy the palm trees along with exotics flora. Admission is free to the iGB Affiliate Awards which begin at 21:00 on Friday night, the 9th. Head over to The Brewery at 52 Chiswell Street to accept your award or cheer on your colleagues as delegates celebrate an eventful year in the iGaming business together. Once again, Intertops is sponsoring the Unwind Session from 13:00 – 16:00 on Saturday 10th February 2018. The Draft House will be your venue to finish off the week. Say your goodbyes and exchange any contact info you may have missed or misplaced earlier before catching a plane, train, or driving your auto home. For more information about LAC, please visit: http://www.igbaffiliate.com/events/london-affiliate-conference#networking
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Wynn’s Paradise Park to be powered by solar energy
Paradise Park, casino mogul Steve Wynn’s planned multiuse development behind his Strip hotels, will be powered exclusively by renewable energy, Wynn Resorts announced today. The park will be ...

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas shooting contributes to 26-year low in number of local weddings

The number of people tying the knot in Clark County fell to a 26-year low after the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history tainted the city’s image and spooked lovers.

Casino Listings
Bodog Signs On to Sponsor Copa do Brasil

Internet betting brand Bodog has announced that they've signed on to sponsor the Copa do Brasil knockout soccer tournament, the company's first foray into the Brazilian sponsorship market.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
NBA outlines plan for nationwide sports betting
In what could end up being a seminal moment for sports gambling in America, the NBA on Wednesday formally requested a set of laws that could be the basis for ...
Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas hotel maids to ask for panic buttons in guest rooms

The Culinary union will ask Las Vegas casinos and hotels to supply guest room attendants with so-called panic buttons amid growing national attention to the issue of workplace sexual harassment.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

World Casino News
Another delay hits the opening of Macau’s luxury The 13 hotel

In Macau, local hotel developer The 13 Holdings Limited has reportedly announced that it has again postponed the opening of its The 13 property and does not now expect to begin welcoming guests to the luxury venue until the end of April. Costing approximately $1.6 billion to build, The 13 had originally been due to commence operations on a 65,000 sq ft plot of land near the border between the Cotai and Coloane districts of Macau last July but this deadline was later missed after the developer ran out of usable cash. The 13 Holdings Limited, which was previously known as Louis XIII Holdings Limited until a 2016 name-change, subsequently floated a March 31 opening date as it undertook steps to raise additional funds. According to reports from Asia Gaming Brief and GGRAsia, one of these actions reportedly saw the developer initiate a capital reorganization program that it explained would allow it to save approximately $223.5 million by consolidating shares and reducing exposure. Hong Kong-listed The 13 Holdings Limited has now reportedly declared that it hopes to open The 13 ‘on or before’ April 30 while additionally stating that it already holds all of the necessary non-gaming licenses from the Macau Government Tourism Office. “Additional time was required by both the company and the valuer for the preparation and the due diligence works in respect of the valuation assessment on The 13 hotel project, which resulted in delays in the expected timetable for the rights issue,” reportedly read a statement from The 13 Holdings Limited. “The hotel opening, as at the latest practicable date, is expected to be on or before April 30, 2018.” Regarding rumors that The 13 may one day feature a casino, The 13 Holdings Limited reportedly proclaimed that the authorization to operate any such venue remains ‘subject to the approval of the Macau government’ and, therefore, the likelihood that such an enterprise will open ‘remains an uncertainty’.
Casino Listings
Ladbrokes Extends SPFL Sponsorship

UK betting firm Ladbrokes has announced that they've opted to renew their sponsorship deal with the Scottish Professional Football League through the 2020 season.

No Deposit Kings
Slots Garden Casino Review

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World Casino News
Genii games for Bede Gaming Limited

Online casino games developer Genii has announced the signing of a deal that will see its full portfolio of 140 high-definition titles made available to remote operators via the platform from fellow British innovator Bede Gaming Limited. London-headquartered Genii stated that the agreement will enable clients of Bede Gaming Limited to enjoy an innovative online games portfolio that ‘incorporates a broad range of genres to cater to players of all types and from any market’ such as its patented Spin16 range. Nick Barr, Sales Director for Genii, which also has offices in Malta and Vietnam, declared that the deal will enable his firm to utilize the online gaming platform from Bede Gaming Limited to ‘deliver innovative and patented content with player engagement and interaction firmly embedded in each game to operators in the gaming market swiftly and easily’. For its part, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne-based Bede Gaming Limited explained that the agreement will assist its ‘industry-leading mobile performance’ as the games from Genii are available to enjoy on ‘all mobile platforms’ including those running the Apple, Android and Windows operating systems as well as via desktop. “This is a great addition to our ever strengthening product,” read a statement from Michael Brady, Chief Executive Officer for Bede Gaming Limited. “Genii will add a new dimension to our offering with its innovative and engaging content while its broad genres ensure there are games to accommodate all player types.”

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Casino Listings
Endorphina and SoftGamings in Content Deal

Internet casino group SoftGaming has announced that they've signed a content deal with Endorphina and will integrate the developer's games into their platform as a result.

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Slot jackpots hit on consecutive days at Las Vegas Valley casinos

Two Station Casinos properties reported slot jackpots on consecutive days in January, according to a statement from Station Casinos.

World Casino News
ICE Totally Gaming 2018 set to be bigger than ever

This year’s edition of the annual ICE Totally Gaming exhibition is due to be held from February 6 to 8 at London’s ExCeL Centre and organizer Clarion Gaming has revealed that it expects the extravaganza to attract well in excess of 30,000 visitors. The three-day ICE Totally Gaming 2018 is to see hundreds of firms from the casino, betting, bingo, lottery, mobile, online, social, sportsbetting and street gaming sectors showing off their latest and most popular wares. Attendees will moreover be able to attend a range seminars to gain insights from experts such as prominent British economist Sir Alan Budd, who is to provide the keynote address for the event’s Annual Regulators Luncheon. ICE Totally Gaming recently announced that next month’s show will cover some 468,230 sq ft, which is an increase of 5% year-on-year, while exhibitors are due to come from over 60 jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Australia, Japan, Israel, Italy, Macau, South Africa, Taiwan, France, India, Malta and the Netherlands. The first two days of ICE Totally Gaming are to run from 10am to 6pm while the third day is to be open from 10am to 4pm to give attendees ample opportunity to visit the stands of leading casino equipment innovators including Aristocrat Technologies, Scientific Games Corporation, Novomatic, Konami Gaming Incorporated, DRGT Europe, International Game Technology, Cammegh Limited, Alberici, Gamesman Limited and TCSJohnHuxley. The online gaming sector is to also be well represented courtesy of exhibitors such as RealTime Gaming, Microgaming, Bede Gaming, Playtech Limited, Authentic Gaming, Intralot SA, Habanero Systems BV, Evolution Gaming Limited, BetSoft Gaming Limited and Pragmatic Play while bingo innovators are to encompass the likes of Gluck Games, Zitro, Quixant UK Limited, Eagle Game Tech and Suzo Happ. Kate Chambers, Managing Director for Clarion Gaming, described ICE Totally Gaming 2018 as a ‘flagship event that showcases the world’s leading innovators from every gaming vertical.’ Chambers anticipates that the extravaganza is likely to attract visitors from over 150 jurisdictions and territories. “Our strategy, wherever we operate in the world, is to work with the industry to create events and opportunities that help meet its business objectives,” read a statement from Chambers. “The expansion of ICE Totally Gaming has been driven by demand and reflects the dynamics of the international market that views London as the once-in-the-year opportunity to engage with a really significant and influential community of buyers and influencers.”
World Casino News
Gaming Realms inks two-year deal with Golden Nugget

UK-based gaming company Gaming Realms plc (LON:GMR) announced on Monday that it has penned a two-year license and revenue sharing agreement with Golden Nugget that has seen its Slingo Originals range launched on GoldenNuggetCasino.com. The developer, publisher and licensor of mobile real-money and social games reportedly said that, per the terms of the two-year agreement, the AIM-traded firm has launched on the Golden Nugget website seven ‘Slingo Originals’ titles, including the well-received Slingo Extreme, Slingo games and Slingo Riches. According to Shares Magazine, additional new games titles will also be launched over the coming months. In 2017, a 30 percent share of the New Jersey online gaming market was reportedly held by Golden Nugget, making it the Garden State’s largest operator. The prior year, the Golden Nugget experienced a 36.4 percent year-over-year increase in online gaming revenues, which resulted in its market share in 2016 going up to 21.5 percent compared with 20.8 percent the year prior. In December 2017, the casino reportedly brought in upwards of $6 million in revenue for the fifth time and for the third consecutive month for the first time ever, according to the Online Poker Report. Patrick Southon, CEO for Gaming Realms, said, “Working with New Jersey's largest online gaming operator is a fantastic opportunity for Gaming Realms,” according to the UK news agency. “Given the size of Golden Nugget's player base and success of Slingo to date, we are excited by the commercial prospects of our partnership,” added Southon. Also commenting on the deal, Golden Nugget vice-president of online gaming, Thomas Winter, said his company “prides itself” for offering the largest selection of online games in New Jersey. Winter went on to say, “We are very excited to start this partnership with Gaming Realms, which will see Golden Nugget Casino add the innovative, New Jersey-designed Slingo games.”

Monday, January 22, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Wynn praises Trump tax reform, vows raises or bonuses for workers

Billionaire casino operator Steve Wynn on Monday heaped praise on friend President Donald Trump for cutting taxes and regulation.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Atlantic City longs for sports betting, action on Eagles
Atlantic City and southern New Jersey have always been Philadelphia Eagles country. And with the local team in the Super Bowl, the seaside gambling resort can only dream of ...

Sunday, January 21, 2018

World Casino News
NetEnt to launch Jumanji video slot in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment

Swedish online casino games developer, NetEnt, (NETB:Stockholm) has reportedly agreed to a deal with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to launch a new video slot machines game that will be based on the original 1995 American fantasy adventure film Jumanji. To be released later this year, the new Jumanji game follows the December 20, 2017, launch of the second installment in the Jumanji franchise, ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. The blockbuster film is based on the 1981 Chris Van Allsburg-written children’s book of the same name and serves as a stand-alone sequel to the original Jumanji. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has won for the third consecutive weekend at the box office delivering more than $700 million worldwide. This weekend, the film ranked fifth for the Fri-Sun time frame, having taken in around $20 million. That is the seventh-biggest fifth weekend gross of all time, according to Forbes. Commenting on the deal, Chief Product Officer for NetEnt, Henrik Fagerlund, said: “Being able to secure a deal for another high-profile title showcases the moves we’re making in diversifying our roster of games,” according to the press release (pdf). Jumanji is in good company within NetEnt’s renowned branded games portfolio that includes such hits as Motörhead Video Slot™, Guns N’ Roses™, and Planet of the Apes™. Faerlund continued, “The original Jumanji movie, which debuted in 1995, remains a moviegoer favorite and continues to demonstrate its cross-generational appeal more than 20 years later! Also, with the recent release of the new film, the Jumanji brand is more popular than ever. We’re excited for the game launch in 2018.” ICE attendees can get a sneak peek of the game at NetEnt’s stand (N3-242). Look for NetEnt to continue the tradition by unveiling another branded title at ICE on Tuesday, February 6 and 15:00.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Savvy businesspeople missed the mark with Lucky Dragon

It’s hard to imagine that someone as smart as William Weidner, former president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands and one of the backers of the Lucky Dragon, could have been so wrong about positioning the off-Strip casino that closed its doors Jan. 4 and faces a foreclosure auction on Feb. 6.

World Casino News
Ojibwa Casino construction and completion dates further delayed in Upper Michigan

In August 2016, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula approved both Ojibwa Casino renovations in a referendum authorizing a total of $40 million for the projects with $6.5 million slated for Baraga and $33.5 million for their Ojibwa Casino in Chocolay Township. This reversed funding approved in 2015 would have seen the bulk of the money go to the Baraga project. The state’s rejection of KBIC plans to build an off-reservation casino prompted the re-apportionment decision approved by community members. In early December 2016, KBIC held groundbreaking ceremonies on the casino expansion and improvement projects. Since that time the casinos, namely the Ojibwa Casino in Marquette County, have encountered some costly issues resulting in the completion date being pushed back to 2019. In Marquette County, construction costs for the septic system have swelled by about $2 million, according to TV6 & FOX UP. Additionally, the electricity quota has reportedly increased from $375,000 to $600,000. The significant increases in Marquette have not only put work on hold but have made alterations to the infrastructure plans for the Baraga Casino necessary. Ojibwa Casino General Manager, Don Wren, reportedly told TV6, "There’s a whole process that goes into that, not only just paying for that but also the design work." Wren said it was “things like that” that pushed them back but that, "It’s still going to be really great, a great place to come." "It’s just not quite as grand as we would have hoped for because of the Marquette property," Wren explained. According to the latest report, the plan by officials is for renovations at the Baraga Casino to be completed this spring, however, completion of the planned new 76-room hotel, Marquette Casino Convention Center and entertainment arena has reportedly been extended to late summer of 2019. In May last year, Wren told TV6 that “The Marquette property is moving right along. We're running a little behind where we want to be, but with every construction project we do, or what everybody does, it's always the site issues that hold you up." At that time, the expected completion date for the Marquette Ojibwa Casino property was September 2018 and a March 2018 date was given for completion of the Baraga casino. In this latest interview, Wren told TV6, "This is a whole different animal here, and a whole great big change to this area not only to this casino, but to community as well so this will take longer.” While construction has been delayed and the completion date of the Marquette property pushed back by about a year, the marketing committee reportedly said they are on track with the rebranding of both casinos. "We are close to having our brand logo ready to roll and from there we will have new advertising on TV, radio, and print," said Marketing Manager Jim Orr. "We also will have new outdoor billboards and direct mail, online and social media all with our marketing plan." Mr. Orr did not respond to WCD’s requests for comment prior to this publication. According to the Oct. 2017 TV6 report, construction was set to begin on the Baraga casino mid-November 2017. On the evening of January 19, 2018, staff at the Baraga casino told WCD in a phone conversation that construction has begun on the parking lot but not the casino itself. The October 2017 article also states that officials had hoped that before winter began they would move three houses located where the entertainment arena at the Marquette property will be built. In speaking with staff at the Marquette Casino on Jan. 19, 2018, WCD was told that they had just recently begun removing trees in preparation to move the houses.
World Casino News
Play’n Go receives Spanish and Colombian certifications

Swedish online casino games developer Play'n Go has announced that it can now offer its ever-growing portfolio of titles to iGaming operators in Colombia and Spain after being certified by regulators in the two nations. Vaxjo-based Play’n Go stated that it already held similar certifications from gaming authorities in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Alderney, Italy, Belgium, Malta, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia and is additionally in the process of attempting to secure comparable approvals from regulators in other jurisdictions. Sissel Weitzhandler, Group Compliance Manager for Play’n Go, depicted that the most recent certification processes as ‘rigorous’ before explaining that such procedures ‘differ from country to country’. “So it’s testament to our compliance team that we’ve acquired these without any issues, particularly with Spain and Colombia’s regulatory environments being so different,” read a Tuesday statement from Weitzhandler. Play’n Go, which is due to showcase its latest innovations at next month’s ICE Totally Gaming exhibition in London, described the Spanish iGaming market as ‘one of Europe’s largest markets of late’ in advance of predicting that Colombia’s sector ‘looks to continue its impressive growth of the last year’. “Play’n Go has a strong history of providing quality, certified gaming content to European and Latin American operators and it’s these licenses that make us attractive to local operators,” read the statement from Weitzhandler. “Each certification program or software license we acquire secures our position as the leading games provider to regulated markets and the experience gained throughout the numerous processes will benefit us as we continue to grow into new territories.” In related news, this week saw Play’n Go reveal that it had expanded its portfolio following the purchase of fellow Swedish online games developer Proactive Gaming Scandinavia AB. Play’n Go declared that it now intends to leverage the expertise of Norrkoping-based Proactive Gaming Scandinavia AB in the integrated miniature games, keno and scratchcard sectors to offer operators a more ‘varied gaming solution’ with the purchase additionally enabling it to begin providing poker titles. Johan Tornqvist, Chief Executive Officer for Play’n Go, proclaimed that his firm is ‘always looking to push the boundaries of what a supplier can achieve’ before stating that the purchase of Proactive Gaming Scandinavia AB will enable the company to ‘enter new verticals and build on our existing customer base’. “Proactive Gaming Scandinavia AB shares our omni-channel outlook and development expertise, which we believe will ensure a smooth transition into our pioneering brand as we enter 2018,” read a Thursday statement from Tornqvist.
Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas being sold, sources say

Owners of the Hard Rock Hotel are in talks to sell the Las Vegas resort, and plans call for billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Hotels to operate it, two people familiar with the matter said Friday.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Casino Listings
Catena to Purchase Dreamworx Online

Gambling marketing group Catena has announced that they've entered a purchase agreement with Dreamworx Online, which operates in the same vertical sector.

World Casino News
Deco Diamonds live in January

Recently released, Deco Diamonds is a five reel, nine payline classic online slot developed by Just For The Win (JFTW) and available exclusively to Isle of Man based software development company Microgaming. This high variance video slot has an RTP of 96.3% and features Wild, Bonus Game, Respins, Substitution Symbols and Bonus wheel. The re-spin mode is triggered by two, three or four Deco Diamond wild symbols, at which time the wilds are locked into place and re-spins are awarded until Deco Diamond symbols no longer appear or until the bonus wheel is launched. When a player scores at least three Deco Diamond symbols, a three-tiered bonus wheel will be triggered that comes with a 1,000x bet maximum win. The silver level is awarded by a trio of Deco Diamond symbols, while the gold level is awarded by four symbols, with five symbols awarding the diamond level. When the wheel stops, the player is awarded the prize on the indicated tile. Players move on to the next level, when the wheel stops on the level tile up. Just For The Win Chief Product Officer, Tiger Holmgren, said, “Just For The Win is excited to offer the quintessential “wheels and reels” video slot wrapped in an Art Deco package. The Deco Diamond experience is designed to target a variety of players who enjoy high volatility gaming. Designing the game this way provides a distinct type of gameplay, different from other JFTW games on offer. We always aim to provide operators and players with a range of experiences,” according to the press release. Also commenting on the new video slot, Games Publisher at Microgaming, David Reynolds, said, “Following the success of Lucky Links and Goldwyn’s Fairies, we’re excited to be releasing another exclusive game from Just For The Win. Bringing a classic casino feel with exciting features, we believe it will be a great addition to an operators’ portfolio and players will enjoy the thrill that the high volatility action provides.”
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Bandits walk away with money, chips from Las Vegas casinos
Bandits have gotten away with cash and chips from four Las Vegas casinos since last week, leaving police on the hunt for multiple suspects ...
World Casino News
Optimistic prediction sends Macau share prices soaring

Share prices for some of the biggest casino operators in Macau have reportedly climbed considerably this week following the publication of a report from brokerage firm Sanford C Bernstein Limited that claimed the city could post up to a 24% increase year-on-year in aggregated gross gaming revenues for January. According to a report from Investor’s Business Daily, the value of shares in Wynn Resorts Limited, which is responsible via its Wynn Macau Limited subsidiary for the Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace Cotai properties, have risen by 1.9% this week to reach their highest price since 2014. Similarly, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which runs the former Portuguese enclave’s Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Sands Cotai Central venues via its Sands China Limited subordinate, has reportedly seen its share price swell by an even more impressive 2.3% since last week. Equally exciting, the operator behind the City of Dreams Macau, Altira Macau and Studio City Macau properties, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited, reportedly recorded a 3.3% boost this week. The price of shares in MGM Resorts International, which runs the MGM Macau venue and is hoping to open its new $3.46 billion MGM Cotai development next month, gained 2.85% to hit an all-time high. Sanford C Bernstein Limited reportedly explained on Tuesday that it expects the city of around 700,000 people to record between a 22% and 24% year-on-year boost in aggregated gross gaming revenues for January, which could see the total figure for the 31-day month reach as high as $2.96 billion. Investor’s Business Daily additionally detailed that the 40 casinos in Macau ended 2017 by recording a 19.1% increase year-on-year in annual aggregated gross gaming revenues to just over $33 billion before explaining that Sanford C Bernstein Limited’s predicted rise would be the city’s largest since the 29.2% gain seen in July when total takings hit $2.85 billion.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Big-league sports boosts interest in Las Vegas Valley real estate

Southern Nevada real estate professionals already have seen indications of an anticipated climb in local land values as a result of Las Vegas’ leap into big-league status.

Casino Listings
Delaware Gaming Revenues Fall in 2017

The state of Delaware has revealed their 2017 online gambling financial numbers, showing that numbers suffered a double digit decline for the period.

Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
NFL Playoffs by the odds: Vegas picks and preview of championship week
Those cursing the Minnesota Vikings for not kicking the extra point to cover as 5.5-point favorites in their miraculous 29-24 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday should direct their criticism inwards. ...
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
Florida man hits $1 million jackpot at the Cosmopolitan
A Florida man hit a $1 million jackpot Tuesday night while playing a Simpsons slot machine with his girlfriend at the Cosmopolitan. The 26-year-old vacationer from ...

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Casino Listings
BetFred to Extend Rugby Sponsorships

UK betting group BetFred has announced that they've opted to extend their sponsorship of rugby in England, having become the title sponsor of the Championship and League 1 groups through 2019.

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Caesars trust rejects offer from MGM Growth Properties

MGM Growth Properties’ offer to buy a Caesars Entertainment real estate investment trust spinoff that serves as a landlord to 20 properties, including Caesars Palace, has been unanimously rebuffed by the board of Vici Properties.

World Casino News
Codeta presents new look after major redesign; the revolution continues

EveryMatrix-powered live table games online casino Codeta has reportedly launched stage two of its online casino revolution as a recent complete redesign of its website looks to give its players even more power. The introduction of several new features, including a powerful search tool and tournaments, are also part of the upgrade. Players are able to, via the search tool; identify games based on sub-categories such as live, table, supplier, slots and more. The look of the website has also been freshened up and now sports different colors including red, green and white, as well as a change of font. Codeta’s mantra and ethos, however, remain the same; “to champion live table games and shake up the status quo.” Basically, the changes have made it easier for players to locate their favorite games and to navigate and access the tools and features that are available to them. It also allows Codeta a louder voice. Having launched in 2015, Codeta’s goal was to become the go-to destination for live casino players. Rather than employee gimmicks, Codeta focuses on providing players with the broadest range of quality live dealer games. Codeta COO, Daniel Nilsson, said: “Codeta is all about delivering the best live casino experience, and to do that we believe in giving even more power back to our players, which we have achieved through our redesign. “Codeta is all about the games; we do away with online casino clichés and instead swim against the tide and do things a little bit differently. The redesign allows us to better serve our players, while still standing out from the crowd. “ While Codeta has established itself as a pioneer and a leader in live table games, the brand also offers a selection of other table games from industry leaders such as NetEnt, Aristocrat, Play’N’Go, Microgaming, NextGen, Novomatic and more. Premium suppliers such as NetEnt, Evolution Gaming and Authentic Gaming provide Codeta’s live dealer products. In addition to desktop, Codeta.com has also been optimized for play on tablet and mobile devices, both iOS and Android. The site lives up to its name’s take on the French phrase “coup d’état,” with Codeta.com kick-starting a revolution against the online casino industry’s current status quo.
Las Vegas Sun Stories: Gaming
MGM real estate spinoff wants to buy Caesars real estate company
MGM Growth Properties, the company that acts as landlord for many MGM properties, wants to combine with VICI Properties, the company that owns ...

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Casinos & Gaming – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Golden Entertainment selling up to $206M of stock

Owners of Golden Entertainment are selling as much as $206 million of stock after the shares nearly tripled in 2017.

World Casino News
Nevada Gaming Abstract released; state sets gambling revenue record 2017

During 2017, casinos in Nevada generated $26.2 billion in total gambling revenue, breaking a 2007 record set in the Silver State prior to the recession that began in December that year. Last was the second consecutive fiscal year the state’s largest casinos reported a profit, according to a report released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Friday. From the $26.2 billion in total revenue, $1.6 billion was reported by the state’s largest casinos, while income reported from 272 casinos was 59% higher compared with the fiscal year prior, and revenue was up 3.7%. Nevada Gaming Control Board senior research analyst, Michael Lawton, said, "So, 10 years later, we've finally surpassed that FY07 revenue amount, and the key driver of that is your non-gaming revenue," as reported by the Associated Press. "Gaming revenue has grown, but it's still well below the peak," said Lawton. Known as the Gaming Abstract, the comprehensive report is published annually and the 2017 report includes data regarding Nevada casinos that have grossed upwards of $1 million in gambling revenue during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2017. Addressed in the report are room occupancy rates, number of employees, and gambling revenue per square foot of casino space. The Gaming Abstract reportedly found that 62 casinos owned by companies that are publically traded were responsible for 72.5% of total gambling revenue. Additionally, the report found that 42.4% of total revenue was attributed to gambling, a slight decrease from the year prior’s 42.6%. "What that means is that rooms, food, beverage and other, that accounted for 57.6 percent of total revenue, which is the highest combined share ever recorded in the abstract," Lawton explained. He said that the last time gaming accounted for more than 50% of the statewide total, was fiscal year 2004. By far the most populous county in Nevada, Clark County’s largest 161 casinos, which includes Las Vegas, reportedly earned $1.4 billion and generated $23.5 billion in total revenue. On revenue of $1.6 billion, 31 casinos in Washoe County, including Reno, combined for an increase of 126.5 million. Meanwhile, on revenue of $17.8 billion, casinos on the Las Vegas Strip won $814 million, from which the profit represented a significant 191.4% increase compared with the 3.9% increase of fiscal year 2016. According to Lawton, it represented the second back-to-back fiscal year that the Strip realized income gains after having seen seven consecutive net losses. Only 34% of the Strip’s total revenue was attributed to gambling revenue, making last year the 19th consecutive year that gambling revenue made up less than 50% of the overall figure. Lawton explained that that “represents the lowest percentage ever recorded,” according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, state Sen. Becky Harris R-Las Vegas has been chosen by Gov. Brian Sandoval to replace former Chairman A.G. Burnett, who stepped down in December, as the first woman to chair the Nevada Gaming Control Board.