Author: Casino Connection Staff

Sweden Issue First iGaming Licenses

Posted on December 11, 2018 by -

Sweden’s gambling regulator the Lotteriinspektionen has issued the country’s first online gaming licenses as the country prepares to launch new gaming regulations in January.

 The regulator approved 12 licenses to offer either online casino, online sports betting or both. Svenska Spel, the state-owned operator has also secured a separate license that effectively restates its position as the monopoly holder for lottery games and land-based slot machines.

The country’s former horse racing monopoly operator AB Trav och Galopp has also been issued online betting and gaming licenses.

Other new licensees include bet365 and GVC for its bwin, PartyPoker and PartyCasino brands. Nordic brands such as Casumo, LeoVegas, Kindred Group and Betsson—which has been awarded separate licenses for its Betsson, NordicBet and SverigeAutomaten brands—have also been approved.

Operators including Interwetten, Tombola, SuprPlay and white label casino operator SkillOnNet have also been cleared to enter the market from January.

The Lotteriinspektionen said that it has received 95 license applications, of which 70 are for online betting or gaming, since the application process began in August.

“Since one of the purposes of gambling reform was to achieve a high channeling it is encouraging that many bookmakers already aimed at the Swedish market will be part of the new license market by year-end,” Lotteriinspektionen director general Camilla Rosenberg said in a press release. “This is a historic day for gambling in Sweden. I am very proud that the Lotteriinspektionen staff, working in a short space of time and working with completely new legislation, has been able to process the first license applications.”

The regulator is expected to announce more licenses in the coming weeks.

Philly Live! Granted Extension; Will Open in 2020

Posted on December 3, 2018 by -

Construction to resume soon

A week after the announcement that Baltimore-based Cordish Companies will buy out its partner, Greenwood Gaming, to take 100 percent ownership of the Philly Live! Hotel & Casino project in South Philadelphia, regulators have granted Stadium Casino, the operating company for the casino, a two-year extension on the opening date, which will now be set in the first quarter of 2020.

Stadium Casino had requested a three-year extension to its original required opening date, which was the first quarter of 2018. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board last week granted the two-year extension, saying in its ruling that two years should be sufficient time to get slots and tables up and running in the new casino.

Just before voting, gaming board member Kathy Manderino sought assurances from Stadium that it will resume construction and complete the project. The former partnership paid $37 million for a Holiday Inn property on the site and partially demolished the 240-room hotel tower before halting construction last month.

“Maybe you’re far enough along to assure me that this is a foolish thought but, (being) a former Philadelphian, I’ve seen this project and other ones, even kind of at late, late stages, maybe this is later, kind of fall apart,” Manderino said.

But a representative of the developer told the board testified that he has no concerns, ant he is “cautiously optimistic” that the city’s second casino will be built.

The board’s ruling does state that one additional year of extension may be granted in the event of “unforeseen circumstances.”

Unforeseen circumstances have plagued the second stand-alone casino license for Philadelphia from the start. The original licensee, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe of Connecticut, faced fierce local opposition to the casino as first planned, and was forced to move the project from its original waterfront location before financing for the project fell victim to the Great Recession.

After Steve Wynn proposed Wynn Philadelphia and then pulled out of the project, the Stadium Casino partnership won out over four other bidders to secure the license. However, the project languished after the award was challenged by SugarHouse, the other Philadelphia casino, on the basis of the restriction in Pennsylvania’s gaming law on multiple casino ownership, citing Greenwood principal Watche “Bob” Manoukian’s ownership interest in the Parx casino in Bensalem.

Pennsylvania’s 2017 gaming expansion law eliminated the ownership restriction and the project was on, at least until the hotel demolition stopped earlier this year.

The Philly Live! complex will entail a casino with 2,000 slot machines and 125 table games, a 200-room hotel, five restaurants, nightclubs and a parking garage, all in the center of Philadelphia’s sports complex—the location of the city’s four professional sports teams.

Earlier this year, the Stadium partnership was granted a license to open a Category 4 mini-casino at the former site of the Bon-Ton anchor store at Westmoreland Mall in Western Pennsylvania. Stadium Casino has already spent more than $40 million on that project, including license fees to operate up to 750 slot machines and 35 table games.

At last week’s meeting, the gaming board also approved sports book licenses for SugarHouse and Parx casinos. The board’s executive director told PlayPennsylvania.com those sports books will have testing days soon.

Atlantic City Casino Profits Down

Posted on December 3, 2018 by -

The addition of the Hard Rock casino and Ocean Resort casino in Atlantic City—both of which opened in late June—seems to have contributed to a 15.3 percent dip in profits for the city’s now nine casinos in the quarter covering July, August and September.

Of the seven casinos operating before the new casinos opened, five saw profit declines. Only the Golden Nugget casino and Bally’s Atlantic City saw increases according to figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Still, all nine casinos did report profits.

In their first quarter of operation, Hard Rock made an $8.2 million profit while Ocean Resort had $1.4 million in profits according to an analysis by the Associated Press. The Golden Nugget saw its gross operating profit increase by 6.6 percent to $13.6 million while Bally’s rose only half of one percent to $18.3 million.

“Industry profits were down in light of the new competition that entered the market,” said James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in a press release. “On a positive note, compared to last year, over 6,300 more people were working in the industry and there were nearly 5,400 more full-time jobs.”

The report does indicate that consumers increased spending at the city’s casinos and net revenue increased nearly 18 percent over the same quarter last year. But with two new casinos in the market and increased spending by all properties, profits still declined.

According to the AP, the Tropicana saw the biggest drop in profit at $31.8 million, down more than 31 percent from the same period last year. The Borgata was down nearly 22 percent to $63.1 million, and Resorts was down 14.7 percent to $9.1 million. Harrah’s was down 5.6 percent to $35.9 million and Caesars was down 2.5 percent to $28.6 million.

Among internet-only entitles, Resorts Digital was down 83.3 percent to $2 million, and Caesars Interactive NJ was down 69.4 percent to $1.1 million.

Gross operating profit reflects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and other charges, and is a widely-accepted measure of profitability in the Atlantic City casino industry.

U.S. Sports Betting Moves Forward

Posted on December 2, 2018 by -

AGA calls formation of group an “important milestone”

The two largest U.S. casino resort companies, who also are the leading sport book operators in the United States, became the inaugural members of the first-in-the-nation Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association (SWIMA), a nonprofit organization designed as a collaborative entity to partner with state and tribal gaming regulators; federal, state and tribal law enforcement; and other various stakeholders to detect and discourage fraud and other illegal or unethical activity related to betting on sporting events.

George Rover, former assistant attorney general and deputy director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, was appointed as the chief integrity officer for SWIMA, and will be responsible for the organization’s day-to-day functions.

“We are excited to roll out the first integrity monitoring association in the United States, ensuring a safe and secure betting environment for consumers across the country,” Rover said. “We look forward to partnering with gaming regulators and law enforcement in all states that legalize sports betting to undermine fraud and manipulation and protect the integrity of sports betting.”

The initial members of SWIMA, who will each be represented on its Board of Delegates, include most of the major sports betting operators with the expectation that all operators in the United States will join as sports betting is rolled out to all jurisdictions.

Stephen Martino, senior vice president and chief compliance officer for MGM Resorts International and formerly the chief gaming regulator in Maryland and Kansas, and Jan Jones, executive vice president of public policy and corporate responsibility for Caesars Entertainment and former mayor of Las Vegas, will serve as SWIMA’s initial Board of Trustees.

“With sports betting being legalized in more and more states, SWIMA’s principal goal is to protect consumers, operators and other stakeholders from potential fraud caused by the unfair manipulation of events on which betting is offered,” the organization said in a press release. “Reaching this goal requires a multi-jurisdictional approach with operators in different states and tribal jurisdictions sharing information related to unusual or suspicious activity in their sports betting operations within and between different markets and, when appropriate, with gaming regulators and law enforcement.”

Members will promote SWIMA’s core objectives, which include:

• Providing a safe and secure betting environment for consumers in the legal markets in the United States; and,

• Protecting the integrity of sports betting and related activity by detecting bad actors and discouraging activities that profit from unfair betting markets.

SWIMA will be fully funded by sports betting operators in all markets in the United States, and will not require funding from any state or the federal government, taxpayers or the sports leagues. SWIMA will work with risk management professionals and gaming regulators in identifying suspicious activity and will provide alerts to all members that could result in investigation and follow-up action as necessary.

“We are thankful for the support and guidance from ESSA (Sports Betting Integrity), a European integrity monitoring association that has years of experience in monitoring betting markets across Europe,” Rover added. ESSA assisted SWIMA to facilitate a quick operational rollout. It is expected that SWIMA will continue to work closely with ESSA and other integrity monitoring groups to combat sports betting-related corruption on a global basis.

The American Gaming Association lauded the forming of the association.

“The formation of the Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association serves as another important milestone toward realizing the benefits of a legal, regulated sports betting market in the United States, which provides robust consumer protection, increased transparency and additional tax revenues for state and local governments,” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs for the American Gaming Association.

“Today’s announcement comes at a critical time as dozens of states and sovereign tribal nations are poised to pursue legal sports betting in 2019. Moving forward, SWIMA will provide an important hub for all stakeholders to work together, further demonstrating the industry’s commitment to upholding integrity across all facets of a legal, regulated sports betting market.”

Also last week, MGM Resorts International has added Major League Baseball to a glittering string of partnerships with major U.S. pro sports organizations.

The data-sharing and marketing agreement, similar to deals the company has concluded with the NBA and the NHL, will see the Las Vegas-based casino giant designated “Official Gaming Partner of MLB,” the league’s first ever, and “Official Entertainment Partner of MLB”.

The agreement covers promotions across the league’s media platforms and brings the MLB brand into MGM’s newly created playMGM sports betting platform, a joint venture with UK-based GVC Holding, with an official statistics feed. The platform also will have exclusive access to an enhanced statistics package developed by Major League Baseball.

“Ultimately, that will be a differentiator versus our competitors, particularly because in-game betting is going to be so popular,” said MGM Chairman and CEO James Murren. “The latency of data is going to be the critical component.”

The agreement extends also to development of an interactive fan experience in Japan, where baseball is hugely popular and where MGM is hoping to land one of three licenses for a casino megaresort.

In all, Murren professed himself “thrilled” with the deal, which follows close on the heels of the historic partnerships with the NBA in June and the NHL in October.

“We know that given a choice of two similar products, nearly three-quarters of fans will gravitate toward a product that is affiliated with their favorite sport,” said Nehme Abouzeid, who operates LaunchVegas, a branding consultancy focused on tourist markets. “This deal helps MGM with ongoing branding to baseball fans, but it could also drive sportsbook revenue through direct response campaigns since it will likely have daily exposure to the MLB fan throughout the 162-game season and playoffs.”

The agreement was announced last Tuesday at the ICE Sports Betting USA Conference in New York where Murren, seated alongside MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Jr., said, “We look at sports betting as a portal to a total interactive experience. Sports betting will be part of a portfolio of activities that customers engage in, whether it’s social gaming, poker, casino gaming, other forms of internet gaming. If you look at it that way, the universe is much broader.”

The agreement also appears to quash any efforts by Major League Baseball to seek royalties for the use of official league data by bookmakers in states where sports betting is legalized, the stated purpose of the fees being to protect the integrity of the information.

“We’re actually offended by that concept,” Murren said. “Our whole business model is based on integrity. We don’t feel we need to pay a fee to do what we do every single day. But we are willing to pay

R.I. To Get Sports Betting Soon

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Both of Rhode Island’s casinos, the Twin River in Lincoln and the Tiverton Casino Hotel could have sports betting by December, although Twin River will definitely be the first to offer betting in sports teams.

There had been some talk about Twin River offering sports book by Thanksgiving, but apparently that didn’t happen.

After the Supreme Court struck down the 1992 federal ban on sports betting, Rhode Island was one of the first states to move on it, hoping to have its operations in place to be the first in New England.

So far Massachusetts and other northeastern states are cooperating by still just talking about legalizing sports betting.

The hoped for October 1 roll out date came and went, and as of last week state officials were hoping for a sports book that could take advantage of the holiday NFL games. The budget for the state whose third largest revenue source is its casinos, included $23 million from the sports betting that officials were hoping to collect from the 51 percent taxes on sports book. So far, not a penny has been collected.

Tiverton Casino Hotel is in the process of installing walls to create a sports betting room, complete with screens displaying games and races and a window to place bets.

Lincoln’s casino is building two rooms: a sports lounge with 100 screens and another for bigger games. The existing horse race simulcast room on the grandstand of Twin River’s former racetrack is being converted for this use. The facility will serve beer and burgers while watching to see how their bets are turning out.

Mike Barlow, Twin River chief of operations, commented last week: “I see folks from Connecticut, from Massachusetts all coming. New Hampshire. Why not? We’re the only game in town.”

Betting will be confined to the casino and no wagers on mobile platforms will be allowed—at least in the beginning. That will be introduced next year, something that is seen as necessary to be competitive, since New Jersey and Nevada allow this. Delaware and Mississippi still limit their programs to on-premises betting.

The Rhode Island casinos will also not allow “prop bets” which are wagers or certain actions happening while a game is in progress. That is seen as a hindrance to attracting players from the underground, who often use their Smartphones in what is seen as a very active black market. Although difficult to measure, some experts estimate the black sports betting market to be more than $100 billion.

Churchill Downs Wins Bidding for New Kentucky Racetrack

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Churchill Downs and Keeneland have won the right to build and operate Kentucky’s first new harness racetrack in 25 years.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission selected the joint venture over rival bidders Kentucky Downs in Franklin and Caesars-Bluegrass Downs, favoring their plan for a $150 million facility in the city of Oak Grove located off Interstate 24 near the Tennessee state line and targeting the greater Nashville market.

The racing portion of the complex will feature a 1,200-seat-grandstand with space for indoor events and a modern equestrian center. Other highlights include a 3,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, a 125-room hotel with meetings and events space and a number of food and beverage venues.

The key to the project, though, are a planned 1,500 machine games. These will operate as a parimutuel system, as required by Kentucky law, paying out winnings based on the results of past horse races.

An estimated 800 people will be employed during the construction phase, followed by 400 full- and part-time jobs once the property is open.

Ground is expected to be broken early in 2019.

Sports Betting in N.Y.: Is 2019 the Year?

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

The November 6 elections that delivered the machinery of New York state government into the hands of the Democratic Party is seen by some as a good sign that the Empire State is finally on the way to legal sports betting.

But, of course, it being New York, nothing is ever that easy. Take a recent state court ruling invalidating daily fantasy sports wagering, which has been legal since 2016, as unconstitutional. If not overturned by a higher court, it could put not only DFS on hold, but sports betting as well, quite possibly until a referendum on both issues is submitted to the state’s voters.

Still, longtime Democratic Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, sports betting’s leading champion in the lower house, is optimistic, saying regulation has “better than a 50 percent chance” of becoming reality in 2019.

Pretlow, who chairs the Assembly’s Committee on Racing and Wagering, told industry news site Sports Handle he believes the state Supreme Court ruling on DFS will not be upheld on appeal, and that in the two or more years that might take, some form of legislative work-around will be accomplished that will see sports betting “entrenched” in New York.

As for his abortive 2018 regulatory bill, which permits both land-based and remote wagering, he believes its chances are measurably better in 2019 with Democrats now in control of the Senate, too, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo re-elected to another four-year term, although Cuomo has yet to come out publicly in favor of Pretlow’s bill.

“I expect Governor Cuomo is most likely going to include sports betting as a revenue enhancer as part of the state budget process and things will proceed from there,” he said.

But Karl J. Sleight, a New York-based partner with the law firm Harris Beach, whose practice includes a specialty in gaming and racing issues, sounds a more cautious note. He told Sports Handle that legalization “is fraught with an abundance of ‘moving parts’ and still might require a constitutional amendment.”

One of those “moving parts” is the 2013 constitutional amendment that brought commercial casino gaming to the state. It allows for up to seven casinos. It also allows them to operate sports betting, provided the longstanding federal ban that was in force at the time was removed, which of course happened in May when the U.S. Supreme Court voided the ban as an unconstitutional infringement on states’ rights.

The question now is, does the 2013 amendment restrict sports books to the casinos, four of which—Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County, Tioga Downs Casino Resort near Binghamton on the Pennsylvania border, del Lago Resort & Casino in the central Finger Lakes region and Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady—are up and running?

There is a lot riding on the answer. Experts believe a regulated New York market could become the largest in the U.S., potentially surpassing the entire United Kingdom by 2023. Gaming consultancy Eilers & Krejcik projects it will be the biggest in the country, with annual revenue of $1 billion within five years of legalization.

Not surprisingly, the four casinos have all concluded partnerships with established bookmakers: Tioga Downs with FanDuel Sportsbook, del Lago with DraftKings Sportsbook, Rivers with Kambi, and Resorts World with Bet365.

Then there is the Supreme Court ruling on DFS, which Sleight contends will not be as easy to circumvent as Pretlow suggests. He notes that the judge’s opinion in the case is “very thorough” and clearly says the part of the legislation dealing with DFS “did not pass constitutional muster,” adding, “As most people know, you can’t pass a law that overrides the state constitution.”

For now, though, with the state having filed a notice of appeal on the ruling, DFS remains in business in New York.

“Simply because the government is the losing party in case, it means, by filing the proper paperwork, an automatic stay is granted,” Sleight explained. “If you are a DFS player, this means that this decision and the impact of it is temporarily sidelined.”

Virginia Lawmakers Drafting Sports Book Legislation

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Several Virginia lawmakers are drafting legislation to introduce in the New Year that would legalize sports betting in the state.

One of the first to announce a bill was Senator Chap Petersen, who said his proposal would legalize betting on professional sports and create an agency to regulate it, with taxation of the activity to benefit tuition reduction at community colleges.

Petersen told the Richmond Times-Dispatch: “It recognizes the reality that sports gambling is pretty much a reality. We’ve already done daily fantasy and that’s widespread. This is just sort of taking it to the next level where a number of states are already going.” His bill would forbid betting on college sports.

Rep. Mark Sickles said that his proposal would bring the state $41 million in taxes annually. He would use the money for research at the state’s universities. His bill would also not allow betting on college sports.

Governor Ralph Northam says he is open to casino gaming in the state, although such an expansion would face a hard slog in a legislature where conservatives still hold majorities in both houses.

Petersen acknowledges the challenge but predicts that sports betting will be legal in all 50 states within five years. His bill wouldn’t need a casino for sports betting but would allow it at existing racetracks and off track betting sites. The Virginia Lottery might be another potential operator, and some legislators have said they favor that approach.

Sickles, who supports taxing the activity at 15 percent, told the Times-Dispatch: “This legislation provides a framework for an open, transparent and responsible market for legal sports betting.”

Ohio ‘Rocksino’ to Get a New Brand Name: MGM

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

The Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, the largest casino in the Buckeye state in terms of slots revenue, is transitioning to a new owner and a new branding: MGM.

The $1 billion purchase was announced in July, but MGM did not announce at that time whether it would be changing the name, even though MGM Resorts International would be operating it. However, the name change was announced at last week’s meeting of the Ohio Lottery Commission, which licenses racino operations in Ohio.

Since the “Rocksino” brand is literally imbedded in the carpets and signs throughout, the changeover will require extensive work. Replying to an email query of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, MGM spokesman Brian Ahern stated: “When MGM Resorts transitions to its role as operator, the name of the property will change. We will share more information about the brand as the transition approaches.”

Even though the Rocksino is a racetrack with slot machines, with no table games, it is still more profitable than the state’s four casinos in the state’s largest cities. It realized $213.8 million in slots revenue the first ten months of 2018. The Rocksino, which opened in 2013, is strategically located between Cleveland and Akron.

The state’s second most profitable racino, Eldorado Gaming Scioto, took in $146 million in revenues during the same ten months. The top grossing casino, which has table games, is Hollywood Columbus, with make $188.2 million during the same period.

Ohio’s seven slots-only racinos are under the Ohio Lottery Commission while its four casinos are overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

New Mexico Represents Test for Native Sports Betting

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

One of the hot topics at last week’s U.S. Sports Betting Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. was the ability of Native American tribes with casinos to operate sports betting. More specifically, the general counsel for the National Indian Gaming Commission addressed the case of the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe in New Mexico.

The tribe has already opened a sports book at its Santa Ana Star Casino & Hotel—despite the fact that New Mexico has not passed a bill to legalize sports betting. Santa Ana is the first tribe to so test the legality of sports betting in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s removal of the federal ban on sports wagering in the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

At the summit, NIGC General Counsel Michael Hoenig noted that Santa Ana has satisfied two conditions he feels must be present for tribes to offer sports betting where the state has not authorized it—there is no outright state prohibition of sports betting, and it is not on the list of prohibited Class III games in the tribal-state compact.

“New Mexico doesn’t have any law that I’m aware of… that explicitly prohibits sports betting, and they have a compact that says that the tribe can offer any Class III game,” Hoenig said. “So there’s no prohibition against sports betting and sports betting is a Class III game, so they’re taking the position, I believe, that under their compact they can offer sports betting.”

The tribe’s compact, he continued, has no specific prohibition of sports betting. Their compact, for example, just specifies that the tribe can operate all class-III games; that’s it,” Hoenig said.

That may not be “it” going forward, he cautioned. “I think under IGRA the way it’s written now, if a state is allowing its commercial operations to offer sports betting there’s no question that the tribe should be able to offer sports betting as well. And they may need to possibly renegotiate their compact. The gray area is where there’s no prohibition and there’s no outright allowance, which I think is what we’re seeing in sports betting because some states couldn’t authorize it in the past. But they didn’t want to make it illegal either, so there’s just this kind of gray area.”

Penn National, VICI Purchase Detroit’s Greektown

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Penn National Gaming and real estate investment trust VICI Properties have reached an agreement with JACK Entertainment to buy Greektown Casino in Detroit for $1 billion. Under the terms of the deal, VICI will acquire the land and real estate assets of the property for $700 million, and Penn National will acquire the operating assets for $300 million. Upon closing in 2019, Penn National will enter into a triple net lease agreement with VICI for the facility, with an initial annual rent of approximately $55.6 million under an initial term of 15 years and four 5-year renewal options.

JACK Entertainment Founder and Chairman of Rock Ventures Dan Gilbert said only Greektown Casino will be sold–not his other gaming properties, including three casinos in Ohio and a stake in the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, although he has said he wants to exit the casino business. Gilbert also owns the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Greektown has $400 million in debt, but Gilbert said the sale “frees up significant capital to invest in our large developments that we’ve started and some are about to start soon.”

He added, “Our purchase of Greektown Casino-Hotel five and a half years ago, soon after its bankruptcy, allowed us to work with the great team at the property to create a winning culture and a vibrant business. The sale to Penn National and VICI Properties will allow that strong trajectory to continue and provide additional capital to continue our strategic investments in our Detroit real estate and business initiatives.”

Gilbert said the sale will close in 2019 after various regulatory reviews. “These deals have significant regulatory hurdles. We don’t foresee or expect significant issues, if any, but you never know in this world.”

Gilbert said Greektown’s 1,800 team members will transition with compensation and benefit packages at least comparable to their current levels. All unions representing Greektown team members will be recognized and all collective bargaining agreements will be assumed by Penn National at closing, he noted.

Opened in 2000, Greektown features 100,000 square feet of casino space, 2,700 slots and 60 table games, a poker room, three restaurants, seven fast casual food outlets, four bars and a coffee shop. The smallest of Detroit’s three commercial casinos, behind MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino, Greektown posted $330 million in 2017 revenue, compared with $592 million at MGM Grand Detroit and $478 million at MotorCity Casino, owned by Marian Ilitch.

Penn National Chief Executive Officer Timothy Wilmott said, “Greektown Casino Hotel further strategically diversifies our revenue, operating and customer base and presents well-defined paths to the realization of significant synergies. The facility is extremely well-positioned in one of the nation’s largest regional gaming markets. At the same time, Greektown and its customers will benefit from becoming part of a larger gaming operator, with access to properties in Las Vegas and across the country. We are pleased to partner again with VICI Properties to structure this transaction in a manner that is immediately accretive to Penn National’s operating results upon closing.”

VICI Properties President and Chief Operating Officer John Payne noted, “We are proud to expand our partnership with Penn National, and add Greektown to our growing portfolio of market-leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment destinations. As the only casino located in Detroit’s historic central business district, Greektown, and its 30-story hotel tower, are ideally situated. Downtown Detroit is benefiting tremendously from billions of dollars of investment across the residential, commercial, entertainment and cultural infrastructure. The eight-acre property benefits from being in close proximity to the world-class sporting and entertainment venues, which are home to Detroit’s four major sports teams, as well as iconic locations such as GM’s Renaissance Center and the Cobo Center. The transaction represents another great example of VICI’s ability to source and execute accretive deals that bring value to our shareholders, while furthering our strategic goal to diversify our roster of best-in-class gaming operators.”

Analysts are giving the transaction positive review. Jefferies Analyst David Katz said, “The Detroit market is a positive addition to the portfolio and with regard to the expected accretion to cash flow.” Stifel Gaming Analyst Steven Wieczynski said, “We really like this deal for Penn both from the perspective of entering a new market coupled with the accretion to their free cash flow profile.” Deutsche Bank Gaming Analyst Carlo Santarelli said, “Given the reasonable purchase price, the addition of a new/untapped market for Penn and healthy commercial casino gross gaming revenue in Michigan, we believe the deal is likely to be well received.”

The transaction is the second deal with between Penn National and VICI, which was spun off from the bankruptcy reorganization of Caesars Entertainment. Penn National VICI announced in June they will jointly purchase Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana, for $376 million. That deal is expected to close by the end of the year.

With the close of the Greektown transaction, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania-based Penn National will operate 41 gaming properties in 19 jurisdictions and New York City-based VICI will operate more than 20 properties in partnership with Caesars Entertainment.

Atlantic City Headliners December 2018

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Boardwalk Hall Atlantic City

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Boardwalk Hall, 2301 Boardwalk, Atlantic City NJ
Saturday December 1, 2018 ● 7:00 p.m.
The Last of the Street Survivors Farewell Tour marks a big moment for generations of fans, as Lynyrd Skynyrd has been touring consistently since the 90s. The band, that USA Today called the “whiskey-soaked genre’s most popular and influential crew,” is ready to rock one last time. The farewell tour will see original members Gary Rossington joined by Ronnie Van Zant, Rickey Medlocke, Mark “Sparky” Matejka, Michael Cartellone, Keith Christopher, Peter Keys, Dale Krantz Rossington, Carol Chase and special guest Jim Horn
Tickets: $29.00-$350.00
Visit: www.boardwalkhall.com/events


Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa

Erika Jayne
The Music Box, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 1, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
There’s no denying that Erika Girardi, best known by her alter-ego Erika Jayne, is one of the most popular women in the Real Housewives universe. Girardi’s pop-star persona consistently allures fans with her glamorous costumes and impressive dance moves. With a New York Times bestseller and a recent TED Talk now added to her résumé, Erika Jayne’s upcoming Pretty Mess tour is just the latest must-see event to come from the reality star.
Tickets: $69.00 – $79.00
Visit: www.theborgata.com/shows/event-details/erika-jayne-atlantic-city

Donny & Marie Holiday Tour 2018

The Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ

Saturday, December 1, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.

In the holiday tradition of the “Osmond Family Christmas” television specials, the legendary Donny and Marie invite you and your family to celebrate the spirit of the season with them in true Osmond fashion at Borgata. This is a song and dance spectacular you won’t want to miss!

Tickets: $69.00 – $99.00

Visit: www.theborgata.com/shows/events/concerts

Craig Ferguson: Hobo Fabulous Tour
The Music Box, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
Friday December 7, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
Best known as the host of the Late Late Show with Craign Ferguson, this Scottish-American comedian, author and actor has won two Daytime Emmy Awards. His stage show is a smart and funny display of Freguson’s many talents.
Tickets: $45.00 – $49.00
Visit: https://www.theborgata.com/shows/events/all-events

Tony Orlando & Dawn: Holiday Show
The Music Box, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 8, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
Becoming popular in the 1970s, Tony Orlando and Dawn’s hits include “Candida”, “Knock Three Times”, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”, “Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose”, and “He Don’t Love You.” Tony Orlando and Dawn was also the first multi-racial group to ever have a prime time television show, which ran on CBS from 1974-1976. Tony Orlando & Dawn will bring warmth, exhilarating energy, and a wide range of holiday classics to the Borgata stage.
Tickets: $59.00
Visit: https://www.theborgata.com/shows/events/all-events

Cage Fury Fighting Championships: CFFC

The Event Center, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ

Friday December 14, 2018 ● 7:00 p.m.

Borgata’s Event Center is home to the Atlantic City Cage Fury Fighting Championship.  Featuring weigh-ins the night before at Gypsy Bar, and a high energy crowd the night of the fights – you do not want to miss this!

Tickets: $55.00 – $175.00

Visit: www.theborgata.com/shows/event-details/cffc-atlantic-city

98 Degrees Christmas Show
The Music Box, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 15, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
The iconic boyband, 98 Degrees is making its way to Borgata this winter for a Christmas special! Featuring Dancing with The Stars brothers, Drew and Nick Lachey, 98 Degrees will perform some of your holiday favorites as well as their hits.
Tickets: $69.00 – $79.00
Visit: www.theborgata.com/shows/events/all-events

Hard Rock Atlantic City

Aziz Ansari
Etess Arena, Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 1, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
Aziz Ansari is the first Indian American to win a Golden Globe for acting in television. As an actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian, Ansari is known for his role as Tom Haverford on the NBC series Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), and as creator and star of the Netflix series Master of None (2015–) for which he won several acting and writing awards, including two Emmys and a Best Actor Golden Globe. Ansari is a comic at heart, and he shines on stage with new material. 
Tickets: $49.00 – $129.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/hard-rock-live-etess-arena 


Jimmie JJ Walker
Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club, Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Sunday December 4-6, 2018 ● 8 p.m.
Comedy legend Jimmie Walker will do a three-night stand at Hard Rock’s comedy club. Walker was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Supporting Actor In A Television Series in 1975 and 1976 for his role as JJ in Good Times. With his signature catch-phrase “Dy-no-mite!” Walker has won over audiences for years. He will be joined by Asian comedian Ed Hill.
Tickets: $68.00 – $188.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar

O.A.R.
Sound Waves, Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 8, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
O.A.R. is an American rock band founded in 1996 in Rockville, Maryland. The band consists of lead vocalist/guitarist Marc Roberge, drummer Chris Culos, guitarist Richard On, bassist Benj Gershman and saxophonist/guitarist Jerry DePizzo.
Tickets: $75.50 – $289.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar/hard-rock-live-etess-arena
 
Kevin Hart: Irresponsible Tour
Etess Arena, Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Friday December 28, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
Comedian, actor and television host, Kevin Hart brings his stand-up to the Etess Arena. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Hart began his career by winning several amateur comedy competitions at clubs throughout New England, culminating in his first real break in 2001 when he was cast by Judd Apatow for a recurring role on the TV series Undeclared. One of the hardest working men in show business, Hart has brought his manic energy and comedic talent to many TV and movie roles, including last year’s smash hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
Tickets:  $100.00 – $350.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar
 
Breaking Benjamin
Etess Arena – Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Sunday December 30, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
Multi-platinum band Breaking Benjamin has amassed a sizeable and diehard fan base, both through their chart-topping music, as well as their electrifying live performances. Their latest release, Dark Before Dawn certified GOLD and debuted #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart and spun off two #1 rock tracks, “Failure” and “Angels Fall.” 
Tickets: $39.00 – $59.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar

The O’Jays with The Commodores
Etess Arena – Hard Rock, Atlantic City, NJ
Monday December 31, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
Spend an evening enjoying classic R&B and soul hits of the ’70s and early ‘80s at this special area appearance by The O’Jays plus the Commodores.
Tickets: $55.00 – $95.00
Visit: www.hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event-calendar
 

Golden Nugget Hotel Casino

The Midtown Men “Holiday Hits” 

The Grand, Golden Nugget Hotel Casino, Atlantic City
Saturday December 1, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
The Midtown Men, reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit JERSEY
BOYS, will ring in the Christmas season this year with their “Holiday Hits” 
show. This evening of songs and stories will feature iconic Yuletide
 classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow,” and “Have Yourself
a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as their signature renditions of the
 greatest rock and roll hits of the 1960s.
Tickets: $35.00 – $55.00

Visit: www.goldennugget.com/atlantic-city/entertainment

My Big Gay Italian Christmas
The Grand, Golden Nugget Hotel Casino, Atlantic City
Saturday December 8 ● 9:00 p.m. & Sunday December 9, 2018 ● 7 p.m.
Hold on to your cannoli’s and get ready for a snowy ride with the Pinnunziato family this holiday season. Fan favorite characters Anthony Pinnunziato and Aunt Toniann are just a few of the ingredients of this Big Gay Italian Christmas lasagna.
Tickets: $79.50 – $99.00

Visit: www.goldennugget.com/atlantic-city/entertainment



Resorts Casino Hotel
Broadway Holiday Show
Superstar Theater Resorts, Atlantic City, NJ
Sunday December 2 – Saturday December 29, 2018 ● Dates & Times Vary
Broadway Holiday Show presents a magical journey through Broadway and the holiday season featuring the best music from your favorite Broadway shows and many seasonal classics. Featuring Ron Sharpe, Barbra Sharpe, Samantha Sharpe, family and friends.
Tickets: $25.00
Visit: https://resortsac.com/entertainment

Frankie Z Rocking Holiday Spectacular
Superstar Theater Resorts, Atlantic City, NJ
Sunday December 15, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
Frankie Zulferino is a male pop artist from New York. In his earlier years, Frankie was a part of the boyband “WOW” and has opened up for musical artists such as Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Jason Derulo and Sean Kingston. He has also toured Europe with multi-platinum group, Westlife, where he performed at the London O2 Arena as well as Croke Park. Frankie was also one of the top four contestants in the New York episode of CW’s “The Next” where he was mentored by pop sensation, Joe Jonas.
Tickets: $25.00
Visit: https://resortsac.com/entertainment


Caesars Hotel Casino

Gavin Degraw

Circus Maximus Theater, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 1, 2018 ● 9:00 p.m.
Multi-platinum selling singer, performer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw broke through with his 2003 debut album, “Chariot,” which sold over 1 million copies, earned platinum certification, and yielded three hit singles: “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Follow Through,” and the title-track, “Chariot.” Gavin’s self-titled second album debuted at No. 1 on the digital sales chart and at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart in 2008, earning Gavin his first Top 10 album.
*The Gavin DeGraw date scheduled for July 20, 2018 has been rescheduled for December 1, 2018. All tickets for July 20 will be honored for December 1. If you are unable to attend the new date, refunds are available at point of purchase.
Tickets: $40.00 – $65.00
Visit: https://www.caesars.com/caesars-ac/shows

Atlantic City Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”
Circus Maximus Theater, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 15, ● 7:00 p.m. & Sunday December 16, 2018 ● 4:00 p.m.
The Nutcracker, one of ballet’s treasured classics, tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the many magical moments of this beloved holiday ballet. There’s no better way to spend the holidays with family and friends than by sharing Atlantic City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.
Tickets: $20.00 – $45.00
Visit: http://www.acballet.org/attend

Harrah’s Hotel Casino

A Magical Cirque Christmas
The Concert Venue, Harrah’s Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 15, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
A holiday entertainment blockbuster set to dazzle audiences of all ages, A Magical Cirque Christmas is coming to The Concert Venue on Saturday, December 15! With breathtaking magic, astonishing circus acts and cheerful Christmas carols, A Magical Cirque Christmas boasts the most spectacular holiday performance around!
Tickets: $28.00 – $48.00
Visit: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-ac

Ocean Resort

Dino’s Christmas Cool Party
Ovation Hall, Ocean Resort Atlantic City
Thursday December 6 – Sunday December 9, 2018 ● 8:00 p.m.
Dino’s Cool Christmas Party is a musical tribute that is unlike any other. Dean Martin and friends are throwing a Christmas Party at Ovation Hall, and you’re invited! This show is packed with your favorite Holiday and Christmas classic songs, performed to perfection by the world’s best tribute artists accompanied by a live band and dancers, this show will have the audience reminiscing, laughing and celebrating the joy of the holiday season.
Tickets: $22.00 – $26.00
Visit: www.theoceanac.com/entertainment

Jim Brickman: A Joyful Christmas
Ovation Hall, Ocean Resort Atlantic City
Sunday December 16, 2018 ● 7:00 p.m.
Be part of the holiday concert tradition of the season with Grammy nominated songwriter and piano sensation Jim Brickman as he celebrates A Joyful Christmas at Ovation Hall on December 16. Jim Brickman delivers the sound and spirit of the season with carols, classics and original songs on his 22nd annual holiday tour. Bring your family, friends or that special someone and make Jim Brickman your new holiday tradition.
Tickets: $40.00 – $50.00
Visit: www.theoceanac.com/entertainment

Tropicana Hotel Casino

Jingle A Magical Holiday Spectacular
Tropicana Showroom, Tropicana Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday December 1 – Friday December 21, 2018 ● Days and Times Vary
The Tropicana’s showroom is transformed into a magical winter wonderland from through December 21 (select dates). This spectacular show features glamorous dancers in dazzling costumes, angelic singers, music box ballerinas, dancing soldiers, Atlantic City favorites Kevin and Caruso and the aerial artistry of Lady Hellevi.
Tickets: $30.00 Adults $10.00 Children
Visit: https://tropicana.net/events

War
Tropicana Showroom, Tropicana Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
Monday December 31, 2018 ● 9:30 p.m.
One of the most popular funk groups of the ’70s, War were also one of the most eclectic, freely melding soul, Latin, jazz, blues, reggae, and rock influences into an effortlessly funky whole. Come hear their classics and get your groove on for New Year’s Eve!
Tickets: $60.00 – $70.00
Visit: https://tropicana.net/events

DFS: Illegal in N.Y.—and Very Much in Business

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

New York’s murky sports betting situation has gotten murkier following an announcement from the state’s Gaming Commission that daily fantasy sports in the state is now officially unregulated.

The commission issued the decision after a state court judge ruled last month that a 2016 law permitting DFS is unconstitutional.

Which means DFS is now also officially illegal and will require an amendment to the state Constitution authorized by the state’s voters to become otherwise, a process that could take years.

But there’s a twist: the DFS sites—and there are more than a dozen of them currently taking action in New York, led by the giants of the sector, DraftKings and FanDuel—can continue to operate while the state appeals the judge’s ruling. That’s because the judge let stand a 2016 law that dropped any criminal penalties against them.

The state has until December 2 to file an appeal.

Operators, in the meantime, are claiming victory.

“The decision makes clear that the New York legislature’s decision to exclude fantasy contests from the definition of illegal gambling cannot be challenged in court. Accordingly, we will continue to offer fantasy sports to New Yorkers,” FanDuel said.

The company added, “We also believe in the benefits of regulation and will cooperate with efforts to permanently restore regulatory oversight.”

Meanwhile, the anti-gambling forces that ostensibly won their case are wondering where to go from here.

“We’re in that proverbial no-man’s land for the time being,” said Cornelius Murray, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “I think the dust will settle, but it’s kind of a vague, difficult-to-describe period right now.”

The confusion comes just as state lawmakers and the administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo are considering how to move ahead with permitting broader sports betting. Industry insiders believe Cuomo is looking at including some sort of regulatory framework in his 2019 state budget, which he will unveil sometime in January.

In this regard, the momentum appears to be moving toward an initial launch at the state’s four commercial casinos and then extending it to Native American-owned casinos and possibly racetracks and OTB venues.

What’s less clear is how to deal with remote betting, which could be interpreted as a violation of exclusivity agreements between the tribal casinos and the state and may also require a change in the state Constitution.

Pennsylvania iGaming Licensees Mull Blackjack Rules

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

As Pennsylvania casinos and their platform partners prepare to launch online gaming in the state, some are questioning whether or not the same rules will apply for online table games as apply to live blackjack in the state.

Pennsylvania’s gaming regulations for live blackjack are player-friendly, paying 3:2 for blackjack and allowing late surrender. That puts the theoretical house edge around 1 percent with optimal strategy. Many casinos in the U.S., particularly on the Las Vegas Strip, have moved to 6:5 blackjack.

According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, online gaming software needs to comply with those blackjack rules, unless a special request is made to review software that tightens the rules. In response to a question from the Play Pennsylvania news site, gaming board spokesman Doug Harbach said:

“The rules running within the software will be fine when they match our existing table-games rules for the casinos. Anything different from those rules would need to be reviewed individually, and the software changes approved by the gaming lab.”

Brazil Legislature OKs Sports Betting

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Momentum is growing for expanded gaming in Brazil. Last week, just one day after the Chamber of Deputies green-lit a sports-betting bill, the Senate also approved it. PM 846/18 now goes on to the office of outgoing President Michel Temer, who is expected to sign it.

Provisional Measure 846/2018, which primarily deals with the disbursement of lottery proceeds, also authorizes the Ministry of Finance to regulate and license both land-based and online fixed-odds sports betting in a “competitive environment.”

The swiftness of the bill’s passage is unusual given Brazil’s longstanding indecisiveness about gaming. Proponents of casino gaming have been struggling for years to push that agenda, saying integrated resorts in the country could give a big boost to local and national economies. Felipe Santa Cruz, president of Brazilian Bar Association, wrote earlier this year in O Globo that gambling already exists, but provides no benefit to the government because it’s undercover. “The only effective way to combat illegal gambling, organized crime and prevent its use for money laundering is good regulation. Brazil cannot wait any longer,” he wrote. The delay in regulating only matters to illegal gambling.”

In May, current Tourism Minister Vinicius Lummertz said he could double the country’s 6 million annual international visitors with a broad-based program that includes gaming. “Approve casinos and resorts, facilitate the development of national and theme parks, and encourage the construction and structuring of marinas and tourist ports,” Lummertz said.

The latest measure was supported by both the current Minister of Public Security and the incoming Minister of Justice, both swayed by the plan’s potential to fund public security programs with lottery and betting proceeds.

Online gaming in Brazil is currently limited to digital monopoly offered by Loterias Caixa, which has been warmly received since its launch in August.

Games Magazine Brasil reports that in 2017, lotteries generated almost R$14 billion (US$3.7 billion), of which R$3 billion (US$795 million) went to education, culture, sports and public safety. The new bill wants to increase what is destined for security from about R$400 million (US$106 million) last year to more than R$1billion (US$265 million) next year.

Observers noted that Brazilians may want to think twice before bestowing more law enforcement powers on Jair Bolsonaro, the far-right retired military officer recently elected president of Brazil.

According to Games, if Bolsonaro had his druthers, he “would maintain the current prohibition of casinos, online bets, bingos, jogo do bicho, etc. However, being a non-traditional politician, is a man who knows how to listen and does not close in his thoughts but evaluates what is best for the country.”

Global operators will be watching to see what comes next. Brazil has been of great interest of U.S. operators, including the Las Vegas Sands Corp. In May 2017, Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson met with Temer and other high-ranking Brazilian government officials in what was seen as a prelude to a business relationship around gaming; Rio De Janeiro Mayor Marcelo Crivella then said Adelson was prepared to invest up to $8 billion in a Brazilian integrated resort. However, as a fierce opponent of online games, Adelson could safely be counted out of the next big windfall.

For other operators and investors, Brazil is a natural target. It’s the largest country in South America, with a population of more than 208 million. Revenue forecasts for land-based market have ranged as high as $20 billion per year, which could mean as much as $6 billion in taxes for the government. Casino News Daily has called Brazil “global gambling’s sleeping giant,” with an estimated market value of more than R$18 billion (US$5.4 billion).

Pro-gaming lawmakers may try to resuscitate a gaming liberalization package that proposes casinos in multiple states, online gambling, sports betting, bingo and new lotteries.

Legalization of the industry is important, said Manoel Linhares, president of the Brazilian Association of Hotel Industry. “The hotel industry supports it, as it will generate taxes, jobs and attract more tourists.”

Central Bank Curaçao Targets Carmanco Trust

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten announced it is “taking the necessary measures” against the Carmanco NV trust office which has been identified as a director of a company that offers illegal online gambling.

Carmanco is a subsidiary of Curaçao Trust Management NV that has a license from the bank to offer trust services.

According to local reports, Curaçao-based Cyberrock NV, a customer of Carmanco, recently received a fine of 350,000 euros from the Dutch Gaming Authority. Carmanco was also convicted in another case earlier this year for “improper management” and “seriously blameworthy and therefore unlawful action.”

The bank indicted that Carmanco has not properly reported those incidents.

“Under the CBCS Policy Rule on Integral Operations in Incidents and Integrity-Sensitive Functions, a supervised institution must inform the Bank of its own accord and without delay about the incidents that have occurred. The Bank has taken note of the information regarding Carmanco N.V., an entity that provides management services under the responsibility of a license holder and will take the necessary measures,” a bank spokesman said in a press release.

PartyPoker Awarded Czech Online Gambling License

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

PartyPoker has received a Czech online gambling license and will re-open in the Czech Republic under partypoker.cz.

The license was issued earlier this month, but the portal still redirects players to another partypoker.com site. It’s not clear when the Czech portal will go live.

Following regulation changes in the country, PartyPoker left the Czech Republic in 2017.

According to calvinAyre.com, King’s Casino has previously hosted the PartyPoker Live and Millions tournament series.

The Czech Republic applies a 19 percent corporate tax, a 23 percent online sports betting revenue tax and a 35 percent online casino revenue tax.

Online Gambling to Become Legal in Switzerland

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Switzerland is unveiling new regulations for the legalization of online gambling that will outlaw unlicensed operators from outside the country.

The rules, part of a new Gaming Act, are due to take effect January 1 with a grace period of six months for foreign sites to obtain licensing. After that, blocking measures will be implemented.

The act aims to stamp out unlawful betting, which generates around CHF250 million (US$248 million) in yearly spend by Swiss residents, and protect vulnerable members of the population with pre-set restrictions on wagering.

Licensed operators will be able to offer a variety of casino-style games, but poker tournaments, small lotteries and raffles will be subject to strict betting limits.

“The Nutcracker” At Stockton Performing Art Center

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

Celebrate a long cherished tradition of wondrous holiday performances from the Atlantic City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” For the 36th year, the Atlantic City Ballet presents its production of The Nutcracker. This beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the magic of this marvelous Christmas tale that will create a lifetime of memories.

Where:  Stockton University, Galloway

Showtimes: Friday Dec 7, 2018 ●7:00 p.m.
                   Saturday Dec 8, 2018 ● 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:  $33.00 Adults $12.00 Children
Visit: http://www.stocktonpac.org/event/      

Luminary Light Festival at AC Lighthouse

Posted on November 30, 2018 by -

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City presents “Luminary Light Festival” on December 8, 2018 from 5-7PM at 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City.

This popular southern holiday tradition illuminates neighborhoods by placing candles in white bags and placing them along streets and sidewalks for all to enjoy. They invite guests to decorate and personalize a luminary bag in honor of a family member, friend, beloved pet, or just for fun. Guests will fill their luminaries with beach sand and a candle, and position their bag around Atlantic City’s own beacon of light and cottage.

Tickets are $20 per person and luminaries and supplies will be provided. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer & cheese nibble, the company of family & friends and toast the season as we gather together to climb New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and see the spectacular night view of Atlantic City.  

Admission is $20 per person and luminaries and supplies will be provided.
For more information and to make a reservation call 609-449-1360.
Visit: www.abseconlighthouse.org