Author: Casino Connection Staff

First Michigan Tribal Casino Sportsbook Opens

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

The first sportsbook in a Michigan tribal casino cut the ribbon on June 22. Dacy’s Sportsbook opened inside the FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan. The casino re-opened on June 1.

“It seems like everything in the world is happening in stages and sports betting is really no different,” said Jim Wise, vice president of marketing said. “The first stage is on-premise sports betting inside the casino.”

Wise said guests can wager in person or at the self-serving kiosks.

“Right now we have four kiosks, but should have more like 14 come Labor Day,” he said. Either way, expect to social distance and wear face masks, according to Newschannel 3.

“We are going to start with things like NASCAR, golf, MMA, and boxing, until the NBA and MLB return,” Wise said. “Just like our guests, we want the athletes to be safe, but we are excited to bring that to FireKeepers.”

Ohio Lawmakers Close to Sports Betting Deal

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Could a sports betting deal finally be pending between the Ohio House and Senate?

The primary difference between the branches concerns regulation of sports betting. The House favors the Ohio Lottery Commission; the Senate, the Casino Control Commission.

There are other differences, too. The House bill would legalize sports betting at the state’s four casinos, at seven horse racing tracks, and online via mobile apps and kiosks at fraternal and veterans’ organizations with full liquor licenses. The bill directs 10 percent of gross betting receipts to education, with a small portion funding gambling treatment and prevention.

The Senate version allows for sports betting at casinos, tracks, mobile apps and online and does not specify where 6.25 percent would go.

Rep. Dave Greenspan, a House sponsor, said estimates show sports betting would raise about $15 million in taxes the first year and around $50 million annually after that.

Governor Mike DeWine seems to favor the Senate version, according to the Associated Press.

Greenspan said the nonpartisan Ohio Legislative Service Commission indicated the only way the bill gets past constitutional issues is through the Lottery Commission.

“Absolutely, we’ll be able to come to a resolution on this,” Greenspan said. “We just haven’t had an opportunity to have a robust discussion with the Senate yet. We’ve got to get this done and up and operating.”

The Senate sponsor, John Eklund, remains hopeful a deal can be hammered out this year.

Georgia Committee OKs Expanded Gambling

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

The Georgia House Regulated Industries Committee recently voted 13-3 to approve Senate Resolution 841, a constitutional amendment that would allow parimutuel betting, casino gambling and sports betting. If voters approve the amendment, a referendum would be held in each county to determine if voters want gambling there. The same committee passed a similar bill in March but it never made it to the floor for a vote.

Under the proposed legislation, sports betting would be managed by the Georgia Lottery and casinos, with revenue going to the Hope Scholarship program. Revenue from nonlottery-run sports betting, casinos and horseracing would go to a new emergency fund, the state’s general fund and a needs-based educational fund.

The bill’s sponsor, House Economic Development and Tourism Chairman Ron Stephens, said the legislation would help support the state’s economy, which has taken a hit from Covid-19. Stephens compared the need for expanded gambling now to the legislature’s expansion of the film tax credit in 2008 when the state faced an economic catastrophe. “We’re in no different situation today. We need investment in the state of Georgia,” Stephens said.

Now two-thirds of both the House and the Senate—120 state representatives and 37 senators—must vote to approve the measure. Then a majority of voters in host counties must approve it.

Polls indicate a majority of Georgians want expanded gambling. In January, a poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found 64 percent of Georgians surveyed supported casino gambling–up from 56 percent of people surveyed in 2017 when the newspaper last questioned voters about casinos. The poll also showed 57 percent of respondents said they support legalized betting on professional sporting events.

Also last week, the Georgia Senate Special Judiciary Committee voted June 19 to amend House Bill 903 to allow online sports betting platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel to be offered under the umbrella of the state lottery. But the future of the bill remains in doubt as the committee includes just Democrats, while the Republicans control the full Senate, according to the Associated Press.

State Senator Burt Jones told committee members that legal sports betting could result in an additional $60 million a year for the state.

Lottery money goes to the Hope Scholarship program that helps pay for some students to go to college, and also subsidizes preschool classes across the state. Where it doesn’t go is to help the state’s $2.6 billion budget shortfall for the coming year.

Jones said the growing costs for preschool and college scholarship programs could outstrip slowing lottery revenue growth over the long term.

“The only way to keep that program viable for years to come is to do one of two things: cut costs or find ways to generate more revenue dollars,” Jones said.

Another issue that cropped up: is a constitutional amendment required?

Jones argued that because Georgia voters had already changed the state constitution to allow a lottery, no amendment was needed if sports betting falls under the lottery auspices.

But an attorney for the General Assembly questioned the wisdom of risking a long court battle over whether to put the issue to the voters. A referendum would first require a two-thirds vote of both houses.

Atlanta’s major pro teams support the measure, which allows people to bet from their phones anywhere in the state.

Unnamed Sportsbooks Express Interest in Tennessee

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Tennessee has targeted September 1 as the unofficial debut of online and mobile sports betting.

To get there requires sportsbooks. A trio of companies has submitted paperwork for a license. The Sports Wagering Advisory Council, a nine-member body created under the 2019 Sports Gaming Act to help the Tennessee Education Lottery, did not reveal the companies’ names.

The applications remain incomplete, but each of the companies formally declared their plan to submit one, which must be accompanied by a $50,000 nonrefundable fee. That fee will be applied to the licensing fee of $750,000. The lottery has 90 days to award a license.

In addition, 12 firms submitted completed applications for vendor licenses to provide various services directly to the sportsbooks.

Nashville attorney Tom Lee, one of the members of the Advisory Council, told TN Bets that while he thought the process should have moved at a quicker pace, the ultimate result should prove successful for bettors and the state.

“I think it’s important to get it right and make sure that our licensees are who we hope them to be and the quality of companies that we can trust to do well on behalf of the state,” Lee said.

An additional $750,000 annual licensing fee, combined with a 20 percent tax on adjusted gross income from sports wagering, are high barriers to entry, which may explain why so few expressed interest. Also a concern, however, is the preferred “profit” margin in Tennessee, which is requiring that the sports betting operation clear 10 percent, when a 5 percent profit in most operations is considered good. A 10 percent margin would mean that straight bets would have to have a -115 to -125 disadvantage to the player, which would encourage illegal sports betting to thrive.

Lottery Chair Susan Lanigan said the agency has begun the vetting process. The lottery hired a Secret Service veteran to help conduct background checks on interested firms.

Broncos, FanDuel Ink Partnership in Colorado

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

The Denver Broncos became the first NFL team to partner with a sportsbook when it signed a deal last week with FanDuel. In order to welcome bettors in Colorado, FanDuel is offering new users an array of betting promotions involving the Broncos.

Teams can only do deals if sports gambling is legal in their state so other NFL teams expected to sign deals with sportsbooks include the Raiders, Jets, Giants and Eagles, all in close proximity to sportsbooks, according to the Action Network.

If all goes according to plans, August and September will flood bettors with opportunities closed off since mid-March by the coronavirus pandemic. That’s when the NFL, NBA, NHL and college football all start or resume play—and if they get their act together, MLB too.

“I can see this August being one of the biggest Augusts we’ve ever seen,” said Jay Kornegay, the executive vice president of SuperBook USA, which has partnered with the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk.

Colorado launched sports betting in May and drew $25.5 million in handle, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue. That figure came from seven online operators, a fraction of what could be licensed. And with few sports to bet on.

“With FanDuel’s successful launch into Colorado earlier in May, we believe Broncos fans will enjoy FanDuel’s trusted mobile sports betting and daily fantasy platforms,” Broncos COO Mac Freeman said in a press release.

The resumption of play comes with a number of unknowns. How will empty arenas influence officiating? Will the extended layoff finally come to an end with some superstars out of shape?

“I personally believe different teams are going to take on different personalities,” Kornegay says. “Some teams will be all in and ready to go. And there will be some that might not be into it.”

Oklahoma Compacts Open Door to Sports Betting

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Once a long shot, tribal Oklahoma sports betting received a major boost from the federal government this week.

The U.S. Department of Interior did not reject tribal gaming compacts between the state and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Comanche Nation, according to Governor Kevin Stitt. The governor announced the signing of the compacts April 21.

While the actions could open the door for sports betting in Oklahoma, Attorney General Mike Hunter still says the compacts violate state law, according to LegalSportsReport.com.

The governor’s argument centers on Oklahoma law permitting betting on horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering. And denying tribes the opportunity goes against the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and undermines the objectives for which gaming relations have become a central pillar of tribal-state relations.

“I am extremely pleased to learn that these new compacts have been deemed approved by the federal government,” Stitt said in a statement.

Still, legal challenges and questions abound. Until settled, the tribes have to wait to begin sportsbooks.

Hunter issued a statement opposing the DOI decision.

“The agreements signed between the governor, the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Comanche Nation are not authorized by the state Tribal Gaming Act,” he said.

While the governor has the authority to negotiate compacts, only gaming activities permitted by the act may be part of the compact, he said.

Sports betting is not permitted. Legislative leaders in both houses sided with Hunter.

“The inclusion of sports betting is one of a number of flaws found in our preliminary review of the documents,” a joint statement said.

DOJ Lawyer: Online Gaming Won’t be Criminalized Under Wire Act

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Attorneys for the U.S. Department of Justice backed off the position that online gaming is a criminal act in oral arguments last week for an appeal of DOJ’s 2018 opinion regarding the Wire Act.

In 2018, the DOJ issued an opinion that reversed the Obama administration’s prior opinion that the 1961 federal Wire Act only applies to sport betting. That 2011 decision opened the floodgates for online gaming, both on real-money sites and through state lotteries. In the revised opinion, the DOJ indicated it would not prosecute activities without giving 90 days’ notice.

The New Hampshire Lottery sued to overturn the decision, and won in U.S. District Court. In last week’s appeal hearing in the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, DOJ lawyers appeared to back off their former position.

“There’s not only no credible threat of prosecution (for online gaming), there’s no threat at all,” Justice Department attorney Jeffrey Eric Sandberg told the court.

Attorneys for the New Hampshire Lottery Commission countered that the 2018 opinion in itself threatens the millions in online sales state lotteries have generated for their governments. Judges agreed.

“State lotteries bring in hundreds of millions of dollars that are incorporated into budget planning,” said U.S. Circuit Judge William Kayatta, one of three judges presiding over the appeal. “Any state could wake up tomorrow morning and discover that if it doesn’t substantially change its practices in 90 days, its officials could go to jail.”

U.S. Circuit Judge Sandra Lynch chided the DOJ attorneys for the reversal. “Only after plaintiffs filed suit did your office say, ‘Gee, we didn’t mean what we said,’” Lynch said.

“It seems to me there were considerable reliance interests not only in the states but in the ancillary businesses that caused them to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in reliance on the 2011 memo. You may say it’s vague, but they certainly felt they were threatened.”

Internet Gaming Doubles in Pennsylvania

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

If there’s any positive to be derived from the Covid-19 pandemic as it relates to the casino industry, it’s the boost online casinos have seen as brick-and-mortar facilities were shut down.

This was true in Pennsylvania, where online casino revenue was $55.8 million in May, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board—more than double the amount of online casino revenue reported in March, when casinos were shut down for the second half of the month.

The May figure represents a 30 percent rise over April in online casino revenue for Pennsylvania.

Of course, as expected, the iGaming earnings could never offset the absence of brick-and-mortar casino earnings. Even with iGaming included, Pennsylvania casino revenue dropped 79 percent compared to the same month in 2019. The pandemic even crippled the state’s emerging sports betting business, since there were no major U.S. sports on which to wager for most of the past two months.

“May was another challenging month for Pennsylvania’s gaming industry, but it appears that it will be the last month of online casinos and poker rooms being the only bearer of good news,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com. “The casinos that have recently reopened appear to be experiencing relatively strong traffic, and sports bettors are finding increasingly more to bet on. Recovery for the entire industry will be a long road, but there are reasons for optimism.”

Online sportsbooks generated $77.5 million in wagers in May, up 68.4 percent from April’s $46 million, but far below an estimated $350 million in handle expected in a normal May.

Michigan Senator Offers Early Online Gaming Bill

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

In an effort to recoup revenue lost due to Covid-19 casino closures, Michigan state Senator Adam Hollier introduced Senate Bill 969, which would allow tribal and commercial casinos to launch online gaming months before statewide regulations may be finalized. Hollier said, “This is fundamentally about revenue. Casino gaming is a significant revenue source for a variety of governments across the state, and is used for essential needs.”

Hollier’s bill would allow internet-based gaming–separate from onsite and online sports betting– until social distancing measures are no longer necessary in Michigan and before the state issues online gaming licenses. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Regulatory Reform.

Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill package last December establishing a framework for internet gaming and onsite and online sports betting. Some tribes already have entered into partnerships with vendors to offer online gaming. The Senate Fiscal Agency earlier indicated sports betting and iGaming could produce $15 million to $40 million annually for the School Aid Fund.

MGCB spokesperson Mary Kay Bean said administrative rules for online gaming are being developed; this step must be completed before internet gaming can be offered. The state could launch online gaming by early 2021 “but it could happen by late this year if all goes well during the rulemaking process,” Bean said. Hollier pointed out, “That’s five months of lost revenue we could be talking about. In my opinion, it’s a no brainer: It brings revenue here and allows people to be home and safe.”

The bill would grant provisional internet gaming supplier licenses to commercial and tribal casinos. It also would allow license holders to contract with a person or tribe outside the state to provide internet gaming software.

The Gun Lake Tribe, owners of the Gun Lake Casino, has not yet stated its position on Hollier’s legislation. Spokesman James Nye said, “The tribe is excited to offer online gaming and sports betting in the near future. As always, we look forward to working closely with the state on any gaming regulations that impact our operations.”

The Michigan Gaming Control Board recently announced minimum reopening guidelines for the three Detroit casinos; however, they’ll remain closed until Governor Gretchen Whitmer gives her go-ahead. Most of the state’s tribal casinos opened in mid-June with new health and safety precautions.

Spin Games Granted PA iGaming License

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Reno-based Spin Games LLC, a leader in remote gaming server technology and interactive content, announced that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has approved the company’s Interactive Gaming Manufacturer License, enabling Spin to deploy iGaming content built upon its ROC remote gaming server (RGS) platform across licensed operator sites within the state.

Offering online gaming since July 15, 2019, the state’s nine iGaming operators generated gross revenue of $43 million in April 2020, a 73 percent increase over the prior month.

After receiving the gaming board’s approval on June 10, Spin successfully launched its ROC platform and numerous iGaming titles on Parx Casino’s real-money online platform pa.parxcasin.com on Friday, June 12. The company is currently working with its other Pennsylvania customers on additional product installations and launches.

“We are delighted to receive our Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Manufacturer License,” commented Kent Young, Spin Games’ chief executive officer and chairman. “This important regulatory approval expands our North America iGaming footprint by enabling us to deploy our award-winning content throughout the state’s online sites, and we are proud to have successfully launched our products on parxcasino.com. We look forward to working with Parx and our other customers throughout Pennsylvania to identify new game titles that will appeal to their players and help them grow their respective online businesses.”

South Africa’s Tsogo Sun Pivots to iGaming

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

South African gaming and entertainment business Tsogo Sun Gaming has reported estimated losses of ZAR400m (US$23.9 million) in revenue in the fiscal year that ended March 31, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to iGamingBusiness.com, the crisis has prompted the business to look beyond land-based gaming to new channels, with CEO Chris du Toit disclosing that the firm is at an “advanced stage” of moving into online sports betting.

Online gaming is a “natural progression” for the business, du Toit added.

For the recent fiscal year, revenue grew slightly 1 percent year-on-year to ZAR11.69 billion, with a 5 percent increase in the first half of the year offset by a 3 percent decline in the second half.

Gaming revenues were up 0.3 percent to ZAR9.85 billion, of which casino contributed ZAR7.3 billion, down 3 percent year-on-year. Slots accounted for ZAR5.5 billion and ZAR1.8 billion came from table games.

Tsogo Sun’s Galaxy Bingo hall chain saw revenue grow 10 percent to ZAR856 million, while revenue from limited payout machines hosted in its VSlots network was up 7 percent to ZAR1.7 billion.

Before mid-March, when the viral outbreak incapacitated gaming operations throughout the world, Tsogo Sun trading had been strong.

Tsogo Sun said Covid-19 has causes “devastation” and the loss of an estimated ZAR2 billion in revenue, with debt increasing to ZAR12 billion. This, du Toit said, meant the business needed to resume operations “as a matter of urgency” to avoid further losses. “The business is ready, with a robust strategy of enhanced hygiene and safety measures to enable a seamless reopening to our loyal customers,” he said.

The operator disclosed plans to return to profitability by reducing cost structure, with a more efficient casino business a particular focus; du Toit said it would step up efforts to leverage smartphone penetration to allow for better interactions with customers, as well as through offering its products via these devices.

“We are also in an advanced stage of entering the online betting industry which is a separate segment of the market,” he explained. “If done responsibly on licensee level, [this] can protect the substantial investment and jobs created by casinos.”

Authentic Gaming Partners with 888

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

Authentic Gaming, a leading provider of live roulette products, has entered a milestone agreement with 888, one of the world’s leading online gaming and entertainment solutions providers, making its entire suite of games available to players in regulated markets such as the U.K., Sweden, Denmark and Italy.

Under the partnership, players will gain access to live roulette titles streamed from Authentic Gaming’s state-of-the-art Arena Studio, including 24/7 Roulette, Grand Roulette and the provider’s unique Blaze Roulette.

Blaze is a classic roulette format delivered in a game show environment with a host instead of a traditional dealer. It has become Authentic Gaming’s flagship product since it first went live in 2019 and is hugely popular with players in markets all over the world.

The partnership also introduces Authentic Roulette to 888 players, which streams live from real tables located on the floors of real casinos around the world as well as Authentic Gaming’s Premium Tables package, which includes streams from Foxwoods Casino Resort in the U.S. and Royal Casino in Denmark.

In addition, players can access tables located at Casino International in Georgia, Bad Homburg Casino in Germany, and Aspers Stratford Casino in the U.K.

Jonas Delin, CEO of Authentic Gaming, said, “This partnership with 888 is a breakthrough moment for Authentic Gaming and marks our arrival as a leading live roulette provider. 888 one of the world’s leading online gaming and entertainment solutions providers, and we are thrilled to offer our games to its players.

“Live roulette is enjoying a surge in popularity as players seek out a more authentic online casino experience, and our games have been designed and developed to provide the most engaging and thrilling experience which complements 888’s existing games for its players.”

Guy Cohen, senior vice president, B2C at 888Holdings, said, “At 888, we are focused on offering our players a wide portfolio of games. We are pleased to add the live roulette provider, Authentic Gaming, to our platform and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

U.K. Report Recommends Crackdown on iGaming Abuse

Posted on June 29, 2020 by -

The Gambling Related Harm All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has published its final report on iGaming problems and recommended a range of strict new controls, among them prohibiting gambling advertisements and banning in-play betting.

The report’s release comes after a year-long investigation into Great Britain’s online gaming market, with evidence from operators, lawmakers, the Gambling Commission, as well as those that have suffered from gambling related issues, according to iGamingBusiness.com.

The report also suggests controls similar to those expected to be implemented in Spain, where gambling advertising is restricted but not banned outright.

The APPG welcomed industry efforts to better manage VIP schemes.

“The award of VIP status has been cited as a factor in seven out of ten regulatory penalties issued to companies by the Gambling Commission for failures to prevent problem gambling,” the report said.

The information tackled in-play betting, slots and online roulette. The APPG called for an independent review of how online products are regulated, tested and classified for addictiveness.

It recommended the speed of random number generated digital slots and roulette be reduced with no free spins, turbo spins or reel stop play, cash back on losing wagers, or gifts such as football tickets. Consumers should also be given more accurate information on their chances of winning, and the element of skill involved.

The group concluded that online gambling should be subject to the same controls and limits as land-based gambling.

“We recommend an urgent review of the Gambling Commission and its capacity to effectively regulate the burgeoning online gambling industry,” the APPG said.

The group’s chairwoman and MP for Swansea East Carolyn Harris had harsh words for the industry.

“They resist change at every turn and claim to be reforming themselves but put forward limited changes. Their primary motive is profit,” she said.

The proposals could result in a complete overhaul of the 2005 Gambling Act introduced under Tony Blair’s Labour government, according to the U.K. Guardian.

“They gambling firms have shown time and again that they will not effectively self-regulate. Urgent change is needed to stop this industry riding roughshod over people’s lives,” Harris said.

Betting advertising has boomed since it was permitted by the 2005 Gambling Act, although the industry signed up to a voluntary restriction during daytime sports broadcasts last year.

The MPs also called for affordability checks to ensure that people do not gamble more than they can afford.

“They have algorithms where if you are spending significant sums, so, there is no reason why this data cannot be used to prevent gambling harm,” the report said.

A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry lobby group, said: “We are committed to making more changes and driving up safer gambling standards further and we look forward to working with the government on their forthcoming review.

The Advertising Association said no dice to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm’s insistence on a blanket ban on gambling advertising, according to SBCNews.

“We believe a total ban is not necessary. Such action has wide implications, particularly for the support of sports across media channels, something enjoyed by millions of people right across the U.K.,” association Chief Executive Stephen Woodford said in a statement.

Atlantic City Casinos to Open July 2

Posted on June 27, 2020 by -

Atlantic City will celebrate July 4th weekend with a bang, though not with fireworks.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has given the city’s nine casinos permission to reopen starting this week. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Golden Nugget, Ocean Casino Resort and Resorts Casino Hotel will reopen July 2. Caesars Entertainment properties—Caesars, Bally’s and Harrah’s—will resume operation July 3. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which planned to open to the public July 6 after a soft opening, will remain closed until further notice.

The gaming halls will operate at 25 percent capacity to start, and face masks will be required of everyone. Indoor dining will not resume however, and the sale of alcohol will be prohibited at bars inside the casinos, along with a smoking ban. Murphy imposed the restriction Monday, reversing his initial opening guidelines. The governor said he acted because of a lack of compliance over the use of face masks and social distancing as the coronavirus outbreak continues to rage in many parts of the country.

Casinos will also increase hand sanitizers on hand and enforce safe social distancing.

Hard Rock President Joe Lupo said he’s confident that Hard Rock’s safety standards will meet—and probably exceed—standards imposed by the state. “Our air filtration is better than most hospitals,” he said.

The casino’s player database will be able to assist health authorities with any contact tracing that may become necessary.

“With 85 percent of our customers being rated, we can provide details on when they played, for how long, which beverage servers were in the vicinity, which room they stayed in, where they ate,” Lupo said.

The Borgata had its reopening protocols in place—including masks, screenings for Covid-19 symptoms for workers and guests,  hand sanitizer stations and enforced social distancing—but with restrictions now placed on food, beverage and smoking, the casino has decided to postpone its reopening.

MGM Resorts International, Borgata’s parent company, released a statement saying that they “respect the Governor’s decision to postpone the reopening of indoor dining in New Jersey to protect the public,” but that the casino will not join the party. “Our guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed until such time that the Governor lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage,” the statement read.

Resorts Casino Hotel expects to rely on air ionization and ultraviolet light as part of its sterilization protocols, and every other slot machine will be disabled to keep guests separated.

The reopening comes at a critical time for the resort.

“In the past two years, Atlantic City’s casinos made 30 percent of their total net revenue for the year in the third quarter, so the next three months are crucial for them to regain some financial stability,” said Jane Bokunewicz, coordinator of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute for Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. said the reopening is “the first step to getting our economy back open. Hopefully, we’ll see droves and droves of people here, in a safe way, on the Fourth of July weekend.”

Occupancy limits apply to the gaming floor, entertainment venues and hotel towers. Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans said officials are compiling data to determine the capacity limitations for each property.

“We’re very comfortable and confident we’ll be able to open up safely and securely,” Lupo said.

In related news, Unite Here, the union representing employees in the hotel, gaming and transportation industries in the city, covered health insurance payments for furloughed employees through June 30. Now it wants casino companies to step up.

“I hope that the company realizes that we are front of the line employees, we do our job with a lot of love and dedication to provide our customers with great service, to make them feel safe, and we want to feel safe as well,” said Mineli Polanco, who works at the Borgata.

Union leaders and casino owners are discussing an agreement, according to NJ.com.

“We are working with the leaders of Unite Here to reach an agreement regarding health coverage,” said an MGM Resorts spokesperson.

If an agreement is not reached, workers will lose coverage.

The New Jersey State Senate approved a series of tax breaks that would help the shuttered casinos recover their losses. Union representatives are calling for the tax and fee cuts to be applied toward healthcare coverage if the bill passes the Assembly.

To drive home their point, casino employees put together a caravan of more than 600 cars as a form of protest and drove to the casinos where they used to work before the pandemic, according to Fox 29.

“We need them to have coverage for July to the end of the year because we know not everyone is going to go back to work immediately and those who do they may work reduced hours,” said Donna DeCaprio, secretary and treasurer for Unite Here Local 54.

NJ’s Monmouth Park Plans to Race—with Fans

Posted on June 27, 2020 by -

The resumption of sports of all sorts has usually included a no-fans-in-the-stands provision.

Dennis Drazin, who heads the operations team at Monmouth Park, said that’s not a hard and fast rule when it comes to live racing. New Jersey tracks can reopen for in-person betting with 25 percent capacity, which means as many as 15,000 people in grandstands that held 60,000 when American Pharaoh raced in the GI Haskell Invitational in 2015.

“I think this is huge,” Drazin said. “This is a great development for us now. People aren’t ready to venture out yet. I think we’ll be OK with 15,000.”

Governor Phil Murphy said face masks will be mandatory at Atlantic City casinos; it’s likely the same protocol will be in place at the state’s racetracks. Drazin said it’s imperative that patrons, horsemen and frontside employees strictly follow Murphy’s rules.

“We plan to screen people before they can enter the track,” Drazin said. “Whatever the governor says we have to do, that’s what we will do. I do not think that the governor will let us stay open if we don’t make sure that there is social distancing. If we don’t do our job, frankly, he should tell us we have a problem.”

New Jersey Sportsbooks Open with Casinos

Posted on June 27, 2020 by -

Along with casinos, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in New Jersey will reopen July 2 after being closed for more than 100 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the return of slots and tables games—even at the mandated 25 percent capacity—should benefit the bottom line, the return of a sportsbook onsite aren’t likely to push the numbers all that much.

There are good reasons for that. Online sports betting has continued unabated during the pandemic and accounted for almost all sports betting revenue even before the casinos shuttered in mid-March. Plus, there are still few traditional sports to bet on, outside of NASCAR, the PGA Tour and the Premier League soccer, if you want to count them as traditional major competitions.

But the sportsbook is still an important sign that life as we know it is inching towards the routine in a casino environment.

“The sportsbook is now part of the facility just like the Spa or a restaurant,” said President Joe Lupo, of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “Obviously, having the NBA, NHL and MLB coming back, I would hope for a much busier summer than usual.”

William Hill U.S., which operates sportsbooks in the Tropicana, Ocean Resorts and Monmouth Park, will re-open with limited hours and staffing until the major U.S. sports resume, said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill U.S.

The sportsbook at Hard Rock boasts 3,800 square feet and some 60 TVs. But while waiting for MLB and the other major sports to return, don’t expect TV space to include coverage of table tennis or darts. NASCAR sure. Golf, absolutely.

Lupo has 20 years’ experience working in sportsbooks and in places such as Las Vegas, those obscure events don’t make it on the screens. “We always had ESPN on, other sports shows…Fox Sports, CBS Sports, sports talk shows, old highlights of games, etc.”

But Asher said William Hill sportsbooks will aim for as much content as possible.

Truth is, during a weekday, few people congregate in a sportsbook or even a sports bar in a city, Lupo said. “People work, there are no live sports. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what is being broadcast.”

Sportsbooks inside casinos bring in crowds on the weekends or those weeknights when the NFL plays or during the NCAA basketball tournaments. Other times, people place a bet and leave, Lupo said.

“If staying overnight, there is more chance they stay longer in the sportsbook. Or someone might stop by at Noon on their way out to the beach, then come back later in the evening. But the only reason to hang out in the sportsbook is to watch sports. For a sports fan, they can watch multiple games,” he said.

Yet most nights, sportsbooks don’t draw hordes of fans watching games even if the NBA, NHL and MLB are playing.

“Baseball, basketball and hockey are very similar in that the sports fan is much more regional or team oriented,” Lupo said. “Maybe because there are so many baseball games. But football is a different story; it is king by a long shot. The football fan will bet on the Monday Night game, no matter who is playing. The NFL does a better job marketing their players.”

When all is said and done, sportsbooks represent a bit of normalcy in a world that is anything but normal.

“We’ve got to figure out how to get on with life and manage it responsibly while the virus exists for the foreseeable future,” Asher said. “The virus is not going away for a year or even longer by many estimates, so we’ve got to deal with it as best we can, including from a safety perspective, until we have a vaccine or the threat otherwise goes away.”

New Jersey Lottery Makes Changes

Posted on June 27, 2020 by -

At last, a gambling change unrelated to Covid-19. The New Jersey Lottery is adding a new draw time, a new way to view drawings and a bigger jackpot for Jersey Cash 5.

New Jersey Lottery evening drawings will move from 7:57 to 10:57 p.m. daily. New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey said the later time allows players more opportunity to get their tickets. The later time also coincides more closely with the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings, according to the Lottery Post.

Live drawings will be live-streamed on the Lottery’s Facebook page as opposed to broadcast television. But Mega Millions and Powerball drawings will still be aired on WABC-TV and WTXF stations.

The Jersey Cash 5 game has become a little harder to win, but the starting jackpot goes from an estimated $75,000 to a guaranteed $100,000. To support the larger jackpots, players will select five numbers from 1 to 45 instead of 1 to 43.

“The new matrix allows the New Jersey Lottery to offer bigger, guaranteed jackpots to our loyal Jersey Cash 5 players,” Carey said. “In 2019, we awarded jackpot prizes to more than 150 winners. With this change, we will still be able to award plenty of jackpots to players while ensuring the jackpots start bigger and climb faster.”

Caesars, MGM: Mask Up or Leave

Posted on June 27, 2020 by -

On June 24, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International became the first major gaming operators to require that masks be worn at all times inside their casinos nationwide, except when eating or drinking.

“Anyone who refuses to wear a mask, after being asked, will be directed to leave the property,” Caesars said in a statement.

MGM echoed that policy, stating, “If a guest is in need of a mask, we will provide one. We hope that our guests will do their part to help the collective efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. Guests who do not wish to comply will be asked to leave the property.”

The companies issued the new rules in the wake of widespread reports that large numbers of visitors at casinos on the Las Vegas Strip were crowding into casinos with no regard for basic safety protocols.

In implementing its new requirement, Caesars CEO Tony Rodio said, “Scientific evidence strongly suggests that wearing masks and practicing social distancing may be the most important deterrents to spreading Covid-19 from person to person.”

He added that the casino giant would “continue to evaluate the latest recommendations, directives and medical science regarding the Covid-19 public health emergency and modify our enhanced health and safety protocols accordingly.”

MGM said, “It is clear that the coronavirus still presents a significant public health threat, and masks have proven to be one of the best ways to curtail the spread. We want guests and employees to feel comfortable that we are putting their health and safety first.”

In AC, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is an MGM Resorts destination. Caesars Entertainment has several properties in the city: Harrah’s, Caesars and Bally’s.

Ocean’s 2nd Anniversary Social Sweeps

Posted on June 17, 2020 by -

Due to COVID-19, there have been many special occasions missed, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, including Ocean Casino Resort’s second anniversary.

The Atlantic City resort will celebrate its second anniversary by giving away 100 rooms to those who shared their stories about missing their celebration. 100 winners will receive an overnight stay and one grand prize winner will receive the “Ultimate Celebration Package” that includes a two-night stay, round trip transportation, meals, and more!

Participants can send their stories to celebrate@theoceanac.com by June 20. Winners to be announced on Ocean’s social media channels on June 28.

For more information about Ocean Casino Resort visit the new and improved website at TheOceanAC.com, follow Ocean on Twitter and Instagram @TheOceanAC, or Facebook at Ocean Casino Resort.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall Pouring 1st Legal Beer in New Jersey, June 15th

Posted on June 14, 2020 by -

Guess who’s back? The 6th Best Beer Bar in the country—Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall! After a three-month pause, the Beer Yard is reopening for outside dining 6 a.m. Monday, June 15, and will pour the first legal icy cold beer in New Jersey since the restrictions have been lifted. The celebration goes into the night, but get there before 11:30 a.m. for outrageous $5 specials that include all drafts, cans and bottles, mimosas and even our famous Bloody Mary! Wash your drink back with one of these delicious $5 breakfast sandwiches:

• Porkroll, Egg and Cheese
• Bacon, Egg and Cheese
• Kielbasa, Egg and Cheese
• Veggie Breakfast Burrito

Safety measures are being taken very seriously, and we expect our guests to return the favor.
Here’s some of the things that we’re doing and asking, per state guidelines:

• Employees will wear masks and gloves.
• Employees will have their temperature taken before each shift.
• Extra sanitation measures will be taken to maintain cleanliness.
• Dining tables will be 6 feet apart.
• Smoking will not be permitted.
• All seating will be assigned, including at the bar. If you sit at the bar, your party will be
distanced 6 feet from the next party.
• When your party arrives, send one member to talk to the host about seating. If there is a wait
for a table, please go for a stroll on the boardwalk or wait in your car and we will call you.
• Guests who are COVID-19 symptomatic will not be allowed to enter.
• Guests must sanitize their hands before entering. Sanitizer will be provided.
• Guests must wear a mask at all times except when seated at table or bar.
• Guests must wear a mask when using the restroom, which is inside.
• No more than eight guests may sit together.
• Guests must remain in their group and not socialize or congregate with other guests.
• Guests are asked to go to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com for all of our menus, including beer,
wine, cocktail and food. Disposable paper menus are available on request, but we urge you to
visit the website.
• We are also asking guests to be as courteous as possible to servers, who must wear masks.
Please try to order as much as you can at once, including all condiments and anything you may
need to try to cut down their interaction with each table as much as possible.

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall is also rolling out our Summer Food & Cocktail menus on our
opening day. New must-try items from the kitchen include:

• Shrimp Banh Minis (grilled shrimp, cucumber, pickled carrot, jalapeño and sriracha
mayo)
• BBQ Ribs (bourbon barrel BBQ, fries, slaw)
• Crab Cake Bowl (lump crab cakes, quinoa, roasted seasoned veggies, cajun remoulade)

New cocktails include the Tennessee Blues made with Little Water Distillery’s Liberty Rum, and
the No Laws, where we kick up and spice up a Black Cherry White Claw.

What goes well with cold beer and an award-winning gastropub menu? Live music! Here’s our
schedule for the next 2 weeks.

Friday, June 19 • 9PM | Shaun LaBoy (Contemporary Acoustic Soul)
Saturday, June 20 • 9PM | DiRTY ROBOTS (Pop and Rock Top 40)
Friday, June 26 • 9PM | Glenn Roberts (Country and Classic Rock)
Saturday, June 27 • 9PM | Weir-Wolves (Grateful Dead and Jam Covers)

The word is out about our amazing beer lineup, award-winning gastropub menu and awesome
ambiance as the Beer Hall was named 6th Best Beer Bar in the country by USA today this past
March. It’s quite an honor to receive such recognition after only have been open for a little more
than a year. Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall has a continuous rotation of 40 beers on tap – many
which are rare and hard-to-find craft beers. We also stock about 100 craft beers in bottles and
cans. Our award-winning gastropub menu boasts some of the best wings, burgers and seafood
you will find at the Jersey Shore.

Our hours beginning Monday, June 15, will be:
11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday
11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Keep up to date on all TABH events by going to TennesseeAvenueBeerHall.com.