Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly roundup
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news!
All news are in one way or other influenced by COVID-19 lockdown. Many of the news have positive hues. Several gambling companies are in preparation for their reopening. Some have announced the dates for their “phased” reopening.
The re-opening would mean some unprecedented safety measures in casinos. Some of the gambling equipment manufacturers have come up with innovative Corona-specific products as well.
Then there are the financial results. As you would expect, most the the first quarter financial results were hit by the lock down and social distancing measures.
The following is a brief summary of top news happened in the North American gambling industry. Read on and get updated.
Casino Reopening
As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and North Carolina begin to lay out a framework for easing restrictions relating to COVID-19, the casinos are looking forward to a return to operation. Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos is going to reopen its Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in North Carolina on May 18.
In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson has permitted the casinos to reopen from May 18 with limited capacity. The casinos are in preparation for resuming the operations.
Safety Measures
Gaming companies are implementing health and safety measures in their properties in this pandemic situation. MGM Resorts released health and safety guidelines for its reopening.
The guidelines titled “Seven-Point Safety Plan” offers a multi-layered set of protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to deter the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The guidelines touch on virtually every aspect of casino operation and ensure healthy social distancing.
Many casinos have even redesigned their structures to offer greater distancing and provide more separation between players. Palace Casino Resort in Mississippi is an example for this.
The resort has redesigned its casino floor layout for social distancing. The spa and fitness centre will remain closed to avoid direct contact. Valet parking, room service and other hotel services will not be available when the property reopens.
Smith Rosen Gaming Partitions has launched a set of scratch-resistant slot machine partitions, which can clean themselves. The new innovation based on UVC-powered technology will help casinos to tame the spread of the corona virus as well as to satisfy the recent regulations and recommendations for social distancing. The specifically engineered slot machine partitions are proven to stop the proliferation of virus and bacteria in a casino environment.
Financial Reports
Some companies have announced their financial results this week. Eldorado Resorts announced their first quarter 2020 results. Eldorado reported a 25% decline in revenue during Q1 due to the Coronavirus crisis. Net revenue for Q1 was US$473.1 million. Eldorado also announced an operating loss of US$123.2million. The operating income in Q1 2019 was US$123.6million.
Twin River Worldwide Holdings also announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2020. The results are expectedly modest, as the casinos remained closed from mid-March.
Compliance
In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA) amended its bylaws and suspended the membership of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Comanche Nation. The board and membership of OIGA voted to amend its bylaws and remove two tribal members from the organisation.
The amendment to the bylaws states: A member tribe found by a vote of the Board of conduct not in the best interest of the Association may be suspended for the remainder of the calendar year. Once the suspension has expired, the tribe may seek reinstatement of membership, which shall be voted on by the board.
But, the chairmen of Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation have defended these gambling compacts and urged the U.S. Department of the Interior to approve them. Both the chairmen outlined their positions in a ten-page legal memo sent to Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt.
The Mechoopda Indian Tribe has announced that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board has made the decision to suspend operations at Mechoopda Casino. The final day of operations will be Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Mechoopda Casino says this decision comes after months of deliberation and efforts to address the various challenges affecting the casino’s operations.
Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, said: “Suspending operations at the Casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community. While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the Casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.”
The Tribe is taking steps to support both its employees and community partners during this transition period:
Employee Support: The Tribe is committed to offering resources and guidance to assist team members through this difficult time.
Remaining Open Until January 31: The Casino will remain open through its final day of operation, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the remaining days of service.
The post Mechoopda Casino to Suspend Operations Effective January 31, 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gambling in the USA
Three Big Game Parties – One Location! Tickets to viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino to watch Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 on sale now
Hotel room package offers discounted rates and $50 food & beverage credit
Tickets are now on sale to attend one of three Big Game viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 9 to watch Super Bowl LIX. With three party options to choose from, there is an event for everyone to enjoy.
Held annually inside the Sierra Ballroom within the expansive convention space on the third floor, the Plaza’s Big Game viewing party includes a complimentary stadium food buffet and free buckets of beer. There will be a cash bar for all other cocktails. The game will be broadcast on giant high-definition (HD) screens located at every angle in the room. Football fans will also have convenient access to make and cash out sports bets with William Hill’s satellite betting stations. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets for the Big Game Viewing Party in the Sierra Ballroom are now on sale for $150 (plus taxes and fees) per person.
Guests can elevate their Big Game experience by attending the Plaza’s VIP Viewing Party held inside its intimate showroom on the casino floor. Guests enjoy an open bar through the end of the game and an upscale food buffet that rotates options every 45 minutes. Tickets for the VIP Showroom Party are $275 per person (plus taxes and fees).
The Sand Dollar Downtown will again hold its own Big Game Viewing Party for $35 per person (plus taxes and fees). Attendees will witness every thrilling moment of the game on the venue’s state-of-the-art HD screens. The Sand Dollar Downtown’s full cocktail, wine and beer menu will be available for purchase along with pizza from Pop Up Pizza.
All parties are open to guests 21 years or older. Tickets and more information about all of the viewing parties for the Big Game at the Plaza Hotel & Casino can be found at plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/the-big-game-viewing-party/.
Guests who book a hotel room at the Plaza by Feb. 2 can save up to 20% on room rates for a two-night minimum stay anytime Feb. 3-12. The Plaza’s Big Game 2025 Room Package also includes a $50 food & beverage credit. Rooms can be booked online.
Fans also can watch the game at the William Hill Sportsbook on the Plaza’s casino floor. With 20 TV screens and a giant seamless HD video wall encompassing more than 80 sq. ft., football fans won’t miss a moment of action as they relax in the sports book’s inviting lounge-like atmosphere steps away from an adjacent bar. William Hill will have more than 1,000 ways to bet on the Big Game via various prop bets. Complete details are available in the William Hill Sportsbook at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The post Three Big Game Parties – One Location! Tickets to viewing parties at the Plaza Hotel & Casino to watch Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9 on sale now appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
International Game Technology PLC announced that it is the first gaming industry supplier to receive the Internet Compliance Assessment Programme (iCAP) Ready accreditation for its iLottery operations from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Based on the original iCAP designed for gaming operators, iCAP Ready is a U.S. accreditation programme designed for gaming suppliers who are committed to upholding responsible gaming standards across their products and services. Supported by the NCPG, iCAP Ready utilises best practices from the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards to ensure suppliers implement and maintain responsible gambling policies, provide effective staff training and offer comprehensive player support tools.
Light & Wonder Inc. has announced Simon Johnson as the new CEO of the Company’s iGaming business. Simon has been with Light & Wonder since 2017 and has been instrumental in driving the international commercial efforts of the Gaming business in his most recent role as Senior Vice President and International Managing Director. As part of his new role, Simon will report directly into Light & Wonder President and CEO Matt Wilson and join the Company’s Executive Leadership Team.
Las Vegas sports betting venture Circa Sports awarded $20,266,000 in prizes to the winners of its professional football contests, Circa Survivor and Circa Million VI. Highlights of the winnings included the largest Circa Survivor pool in contest history of $14.26 million. This was split equally among C3 Picks, DREAM STAKES, MEATBALL BROTHERS, PUMBAPACK9, TY1823, VODKA JOHNNY, WHATEVERYALLWANT and Whiskey Business. The $1 million Circa Million VI prize went to Team BP.
Partnerships
ESPN and PENN Entertainment announced that 10 additional retail sportsbooks at key PENN properties will be rebranded to “ESPN BET Sportsbook” in early 2025 (subject to all regulatory approvals), increasing the total number of ESPN BET branded sportsbooks at PENN properties to 19. The new ESPN BET locations will serve customers across Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana and West Virginia under PENN’s popular Hollywood and Ameristar Casino brands.
The Ottawa Black Bears announced an extensive partnership agreement with PowerPlay Online Sportsbook and Casino that will see the company’s logo featured on the club’s home and away jerseys. In addition to the jersey partnership, PowerPlay will also have branding elements inside the goal crease, behind the bench, on the LED display ring and along the rinkboards for Black Bears home games at Canadian Tire Centre. As part of the deal, PowerPlay also becomes the exclusive sportsbook and online casino partner for the Ottawa Black Bears.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, announced a multi-year partnership naming Cloudbet as the official and exclusive Sports Betting and Online Casino Partner of the PFL. This new collaboration will bring crypto-powered betting to PFL events, starting with the highly anticipated Road to Dubai Champions Series on January 25. Cloudbet has been a trusted name in the cryptocurrency world for over a decade. With this partnership, they will bring a whole new way to engage with MMA fans by combining their expertise in crypto sports betting with PFL’s innovative approach to fighting.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – January 13-19 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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