Author: Casino Connection Staff

AGS Acquires Gameiom Technologies

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

Gaming supplier AGS announced it has acquired Gameiom Technologies Limited, a U.K.- and Gibraltar-licensed online gaming aggregator and content provider for real-money gaming (RMG) and sports-betting partners.

The transaction bolsters AGS’ diverse product portfolio with the ability to offer iGaming operators some of the highest-performing game content in the marketplace through Gameiom’s remote game server. Under the terms of the transaction, AGS has acquired Gameiom for $5 million in cash and will integrate Gameiom to serve as the launchpad for the company’s iGaming division, which will become part of its AGS Interactive business segment.

“In assessing RMG providers, AGS felt it was important to pursue a pure content aggregation and distribution platform as opposed to a direct-to-consumer iGaming operation,” said David Lopez, president and CEO of AGS. “Gameiom fits that bill perfectly—their platform enables AGS to distribute our industry-leading game content into many markets, including the U.S., establishing a real-money gaming solution designed to generate revenue for AGS and our partners.

“Gameiom’s RGS platform is flexible, scalable, robust and open, capable of delivering hundreds of games and sports-betting integration to operators quickly and reliably. More importantly, Gameiom’s values align with our playbook—they are passionate, team-oriented, aspire to win, and a bit obsessed with gaming, just like us.”

Matt Reback, executive vice president of AGS, added, “This acquisition significantly expands the channels for our industry-leading game content to Gameiom’s key partners, which include BetVictor, Ladbrokes Coral and William Hill, to name a few. Gameiom knows operators and game developers want to see their content go live as quickly as possible through a reliable integration on a robust platform, and that focus on speed and quality is why they have experienced rapid success over the past 18 months. Acquiring this team and their RMG technology further diversifies and enhances our interactive product suite.”

With offices and licenses in the U.K. and Gibraltar, Gameiom currently distributes content from more than 15 game suppliers including Ainsworth, Gaming Realms, Reflex Gaming, and 1X2 Network, providing access to more than 100 live games and a library of more than 1,000 additional games. As part of the acquisition, AGS will retain and employ the Gameiom team—including key executives Stuart Carr, Tony Ellis, Gary Hardy and John Carr—ensuring a smooth transition for customers as AGS expands and grows the current product in the marketplace.

IGT, FlowPlay Sign Social Games Deal

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

International Game Technology Plc. announce that it has signed a cross-licensing deal with social game developer FlowPlay, Inc., under which FlowPlay will have access to patented IGT game features in the development of new games for the social market, at an undisclosed licensing fee.

“FlowPlay offers more than 45 different casino-style games already, and this agreement helps to ensure that even more of the authenticity and excitement of land-based casino gaming extends to players in the online social space,” IGT North America CEO Renato Ascoli said. FlowPlay chief executive Derrick Morton noted that the deal will provide a “phenomenal selection of patents” that can be used to “reach new audiences.”

Australia’s new South Wales Imposes Online Gambling Tax

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

New South Wales is the latest Australian state to impose a point of consumption tax on online gambling.

The state announced a 10 percent tax on online wagers placed by its residents regardless of where the gambling p0latform they use is located. The announcement came in its 2019 state budget and the tax will go into effect in January.

Only Australia’s Northern territory and Tasmania have yet to impose some type of taxation on online bets. Several bookmakers, including Sportsbet, CrownBet, and Bet365, are registered in the Northern Territory, while the merging Tabcorp and Tatts Group are based in New South Wales and Victoria.

Last month, Victoria announced an 8 percent tax on online wagers, also scheduled to begin in January. South Australia introduced a 15 percent tax last year, with Western Australia scheduled to implement a 15 percent tax in 2019. Queensland will also begin a 15 percent tax in October.

New South Wales tax includes a tax-free threshold of $1 million per year for all operators and the horse racing industry will receive additional funding of 2 percent of all net wagering revenue in New South Wales—similar to the tax plan adopted by Victoria.

“This decision will resolve the disconnect between the jurisdiction where gambling activity occurs and where it is taxed,” said NSW treasurer Dominic Perrottet in a press release. “We also want to make sure that the racing industry is no worse off under these changes, which is why we have taken steps to ensure that they share in additional revenue and that existing parity arrangements are unchanged.”

The tax is expected to generate $40 million in its first six months to the end of FY19, rising to $100 million in its first full financial year to June 2020, the release said. Revenue to the racing industry for each full financial year is expected to be around $40 million.

In another Australian story, a new report found that the use of mobile phones to make bets is fueling growth in the country’s online gambling market.

The report by Roy Morgan Research found that while the total number of Australians engaged in placing bets on horseracing, harness racing, greyhound racing or other sports events declined year-on-year as of March 2018, the number of gamblers using their mobile devices to place wagers is increasing at a steady pace.

Though options for online bettors have been falling as several large betting firms have left the country’s market in wake of the new taxes and stiff regulatory enforcement, the study found that the total number of Australians looking to place their bets on the internet has been growing exponentially, with 34.1 percent of Australian gamblers placing bets online up from just 15.7 percent six months previously.

Rush Street Interactive Begins Regulated Sports Betting in South America

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

Rush Street Interactive announced it has begun an online sports book operation in Colombia, the first South American country to regulate online gaming.

Rush Street officials said the country is an appealing online gaming market due to its reasonable tax rate and strong regulatory framework.

“RSI is thrilled to be the first U.S.-based operator to enter the regulated Colombian online gaming market where there are over 48 million people, a significant existing land-based casino market, and a player base that likes to gamble,” said Richard Schwartz, president and co-founder of Rush Street Interactive in a press release. “Betting and sports are cultural passions in Colombia so we’re excited to combine those with our mission to provide players with compelling and trusted online gambling experiences.”

The company will bring its online gaming platform to the Colombian market under the “Rush” brand, which includes the PlaySugarHouse.com online casino site in New Jersey.

“We’re going to bring a lot of the functionality, excitement, and innovation, that has worked really well for us in New Jersey, to the Colombian market for the first time,” said Schwartz.

RSI officials believe that the insight gained from operating a regulated sports book in South America will further position the company for the future of online sports betting should it be legalized in other South American markets, the release said.

Also, now that sports betting has been legalized in the U.S., the Colombia operation further expands Rush Street’s overall online portfolio, creating an even stronger foundation and competitive advantage for launching sports betting across all Rush Street gaming platforms, the release said.

Report: Puerto Rico Studying Legalizing Online Gaming

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

According to a report at Games Magazine Brazil, the Puerto Rican Tourism and Social Welfare Commission has begun studying possible legislation to legalize online gaming in the U.S. territory.

The proposed bill would authorize the Tourism Company of Puerto Rico to impose franchise rights, establish the minimum requirements for obtaining franchises and the distribution of gambling revenues through the internet, the report said.

The report quoted Jaime Alex Irizarry, director of the Gaming Division of the CTPR as saying the legislation would help fight illegal online betting already happening in Puerto Rico. Officials also that since online gaming is allowed in U.S. states, it would be allowed in Puerto Rico as well.

No timetable for introduction of the bill was announced.

Swiss Voters Approve Gambling Act

Posted on June 27, 2018 by -

Swiss voters have easily approved a new gambling act for Switzerland which will allow authorities to block foreign gambling sites not licensed in the country.

The act was approved by about 73 percent of voters and is scheduled to go into effect next year. The bill has already been approved by both houses of the Swiss Parliament.

“Voters prefer to continue the current policy, only allowing gambling under restrictions,” Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga told a news conference.

The act is seen as one of the strictest in Europe and only allows Swiss-owned casinos and gaming firms to operate in the country. The bill does allow those casinos to offer online gambling for the first time. However, it also allows regulators to block all foreign gambling sites from accepting bets in Switzerland and does not allow for new licenses to be issued for six years.

Opponents of the bill called the provision censorship of the internet, and the referendum was actually the result of petitions aimed at overturning it. However, proponents of the bill countered that the measure was need to protect problem gamblers and would not be used as a precedent in blocking other types of websites.

Sommaruga said the law would be “indispensable” in fighting gambling addiction while also allowing the government to tax gambling revenue and direct revenues to fund anti-gambling measures, according to a report at the BBC.

Critics of the law, however, said it gives an unfair advantage to Swiss gambling firms by blocking offshore competitors.

Gamblers in the country spend roughly 250 million Swiss francs ($253m; £189m) per year on unregulated foreign betting sites, according to the government, the report said.

The vote came after an extensive campaign where both sides charged the other with excessive lobbying and questioned who was bankrolling both campaigns—with overseas company accused of backing opponents and the Swiss casino industry said to be backing campaigns for the bill.

While the final vote was a significant win for the government, turnout for the vote was only about 34 percent of total voters, according to local reports.

Caesars Benefits from Poker Player Sharing in New Jersey

Posted on June 26, 2018 by -

As would be expected, player sharing of online poker players between Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware has propelled Caesars Interactive into the lead in New Jersey’s online poker market.

Caesars interactive, through its WSOP brand and its partnership with 888 Poker, is the only poker operator with platforms in all three states.

The combination has allowed WSOP.com in New Jersey to displace PokerStars as the state’s leader for the first time since April 2016, when PokerStars first went live in the state, according to the website online poker report.

Prior to player sharing, Caesars was third in the state behind PokerStars and Borgata/Party Poker. Interstate online poker has increased Caesars’ market from 35 percent in April to 44 percent in May, the website reported.

The growth was also fueled by WSOP.com offering New Jersey players the chance to play in online events at the World Series of Poker now underway in Las Vegas.

In another New Jersey story, Evolution Gaming announced it has signed an agreement with Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in install a one-of-a-kind multi-camera Dual Play Roulette table, which will allow on-premise customers to play alongside online players.

The Dual Play installation will be Evolution’s first outside of Europe and the first to feature American (double-zero) Roulette, the company said in a press release.

Resorts’ new Evolution Dual Play table will be a five-camera installation with a customized rig and large screens designed to create a buzz around what will be a unique on-the-gaming-floor attraction. The rig-mounted screens will feature the live-streamed game feed from the table and promotional messaging designed to engage with visiting patrons, the release said.

The Dual Play table is scheduled to go live in the third quarter and will be made available as a B2B service to Evolution’s network of European licensees.

“This is a landmark installation for Evolution, which gives online players across Europe the chance to experience the thrill of playing live at a pioneering Atlantic City casino,” said James Stern, Director of Business Development & Land-based Sales at Evolution in the release.

New Jersey Sports Betting Off to Good Start

Posted on June 26, 2018 by -

Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport New Jersey and the Borgata casino In Atlantic City both reported a strong first week of sports betting in the state.

State regulators have not released any official numbers, but officials for both facilities told the Associated Press they are very pleased with their initial numbers.

The two sportsbooks are the first in the state to offer live sports betting since New Jersey won its battle to strike down a federal ban on sports betting before the U.S. Supreme Court. Sports betting went live in the state June 14.

“We’re really pleased with the early results, especially considering it’s a slow time on the sports betting calendar,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US, which runs the sports book at Monmouth Park.

According to local reports, the track saw large crowds for its first full weekend with sports betting, including attendance of more than 23,000 for Father’s Day, more than 5,000 more than last year. The track also featured a full slate of racing for the weekend.

The track reported that racing numbers were up across the board on Sunday, including $1,211,030 bet on the in-house simulcast, up 8 percent from a year earlier, $973,402 bet on the live racing program, a 17-percent increase, and $4,886,393 bet on the Monmouth Park signal, up 18 percent.

Dennis Drazin, president and CEO of Darby Development, which operates the track told the Asbury Park Press the “numbers have been very strong.’’

“I think this shows you sports betting is not going to cannibalize our product. In fact, it makes it even stronger when we have more people there doing both,’’ Drazin said.

The Borgata—which has opened its sportsbook alongside its already operating race book—also said business is up.

“The revenue was definitely beyond what it would have been,” casino spokeswoman Liza Costandino told the AP.

Costandino also said sports wagering is attracting new demographics to the facility, including younger players and more female players.

“A full bachelorette party came in and they all made sports bets,” Costandino said.

Officials for both facilities said betting has been mostly on individual baseball games and World Cup soccer matches. Customers also are making long-term bets on who will win the World Series or Super Bowl, the AP reported.

Casino and tracks offering sports books will report their revenue to the state Division of Gaming Enforcement. The regulator will begin making regular reports on the revenue in July.

By that time, there could be a third sports book operating in the state as the Ocean Resort—scheduled to open June 28 on the Atlantic City Boardwalk—has said it will include its own sports book on its opening day. Bruce Deifik, principal owner of the casino, recently told state regulators that the casino began building its sports book facility even before the Supreme Court made its ruling.

New Jersey and Delaware have both legalized sports betting after the high court ruling, which culminated a nearly seven-year effort by New Jersey to get the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act overturned. New Jersey spent an estimated $9 million fighting the ban.

Delaware, however, was able to go live with sports betting before New Jersey. Under PASPA, Delaware had a partial exemption to the ban and had regulations for sports betting in place. New Jersey waited nearly a month to begin sports betting as it adopted new sports betting regulations.

Foxwoods CEO Rappaport Dead at 65

Posted on June 26, 2018 by -

A fixture of Las Vegas gaming for four decades, Foxwoods CEO Felix Rappaport died unexpectedly over the weekend in his Connecticut suite at Foxwoods. He was 65.

His body was discovered in the suite at Foxwoods where he lived part of the time. He also had a home in Las Vegas.

No cause of death has been determined, although no foul play is expected in the death of Rappaport, whose career spanned MGM Resorts International, where he was executive at eight properties, culminating in becoming Foxwoods’ chief executive officer in 2014, in charge of one of the world’s largest casino and resort properties.

He began his career in the hospitality industry at the Sands Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in 1980. Before entering the gaming industry in 1991, Rappaport had worked as a hotel manager in Philadelphia of the Radisson Suite Hotel and with Hershey Entertainment and Resort Co. The sheer scale in the change of venue was remarkable: in Philadelphia he ran hotels that had 500 rooms. At the Mirage, at that time the largest hotel-casino on the Strip, he ran a hotel with 3,000 rooms.

In a 2011 interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Rappaport recalled, “I remember vividly thinking to myself, ‘How the heck do we provide a high level of service for 3,000 rooms?’”

Fortunately, he found a way: “It’s through good organization and good preparation. Whatever number we set as a forecast in the hotel division, happily, we usually exceeded it and blew by it.”

In Las Vegas he was employed at Station Casinos and was president and chief executive officer of the Mirage and Treasure Island as well as a top executive at New York-New York, the Luxor, MGM Grand and the Excalibur casinos.

In the 2011 interview he talked about his first experience operating not just a hotel but an entire casino property, the Boulder Station. “I learned about slot and table games management, casino marketing, advertising, compliance, casino-cage management and financial issues. It was a great training ground,” he said.

In 2014 Rappaport had been senior vice president and chief operating officer when he was appointed to succeed Scott Butera, who left to become commissioner of the Arena Football League.

At Foxwoods, Rappaport had employed a strategy of diversification by adding many non-gaming attractions and amenities to the resort to make it more competitive in an era of increasing competitiveness in the industry, a trend that has been felt particularly at the Indian casinos of Connecticut.

A recent example was the development of Foxwoods Extreme Adventures, which includes the HighFlyer zipline. He also brought high profile celebrity chefs, such as Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen + Bar and Sugar Factory to the property.

He also brought the PLAY Arena @ Foxwoods to the property. This innovative technology allows players to enjoy a variety of games from a single station.

Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, issued this statement, “On behalf of the entire tribal council, Foxwoods’ management team and staff, we extend our deepest sympathies to Felix’s family.”

He added, “With his passing, we have suffered a major loss. Felix’s passion for modernizing and growing Foxwoods, as well as his friendship, mentorship and humor, touched everyone who worked with him. We are confident that Felix’s legacy will live on as we continue to push forward on the vision he set.”

The tribal council in a statement said it would “consider how to best resume Rappaport’s strategic plan for growth in the days ahead with a continued focus on the property’s long-term vision.”

“We are saddened by the news of the passing of our former colleague and friend, Felix Rappaport,” said MGM Chairman and CEO Jim Murren said in a statement. “Felix was a member of the MGM Resorts family for more than two decades and is remembered fondly by many. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”

During his five years at New York-New York, Rappaport had brought the Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, Nine Fine Irishmen, Coyote Ugly and ESPN Zone to the casino. New York-New York President Cynthia Kiser Murphy remembered him: “His larger than life personality and sense of humor will be part of his legacy here at New York-New York.”

American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman made this comment on Rappaport’s passing: “Felix made profound contributions to the gaming industry over decades of service to several casino operators. In recent years, Felix led Foxwoods Resort Casino and was a driving force behind their active engagement in the AGA. We could always count on Felix to be publicly supportive, privately constructive and dedicated to the best interests of the gaming industry. We will miss his humor, companionship and unique ability to find the positive.”

Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort Granted New Jersey Casino License

Posted on June 26, 2018 by -

The Ocean Resort in Atlantic City should open as scheduled on June 28 after receiving a casino license from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission just one week before the opening date.

The casino—formerly the Revel casino—was granted a special hearing before the commission last week which ultimately ended with the commission voting to license the facility, but also including 26 conditions recommended by the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. The conditions mostly revolve around financial matters.

One of the conditions is that Ocean Resort maintain at least $36 million of liquidity at all times, a condition to which the casino agreed, according to the Associated Press.

Casino officials said the casino plans to gain about 10.5 percent of the Atlantic City market, increasing to 12 percent by 2021, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

The hearing was highlighted by testimony from Bruce Deifik, the head of the Colorado-based group that bought the property from Florida investor Glenn Straub for $200 million in January.

Deifik told the commission he had first made a refundable $10 million investment in the property without ever having visited Atlantic City. His testimony was described by several news outlets as emotional as he described the long fight to see the former casino—which cost $2.4 billion to build—reopen.

“It’s been much harder,” the Philadelphia Inquirer quoted Deifik as saying when asked how his family was feeling about the venture. “It’s taken a lot to get here.”

Deifik’s group bought the property for $200 million and has invested $35 million in renovations, he said. Deifik has personally put up $70 million of his own equity, he said adding that he has spent the last 13 months living in the city.

During the hearing, Deifik outlined some of the challenges the casino has faced, including the difficulty of dealing with Straub, who dominated headlines in the resort the entire time he owned the property. Even as Deifik’s group was already paying $2 million a month to maintain the property and was about to close, Straub was denying to reporters that he had even met Deifik, he said.

“I finally had to say to him, ‘Glenn, you’re telling everyone there’s no buyer. I’m that guy, and we’re closing tomorrow,” he said.

Straub maintains an interest in the property in the form of a three-year share of parking revenue, Deifik testified. “It’s not a favorite subject of mine,” he said according to the Inquirer.

Deifik said the casino has been redesigned to address complaints from customers of the former Revel including better Boardwalk access, a new open casino layout and the hiring of ambassadors who will show people around.

Other changes include removing a total ban on smoking and also allowing single-night stays, which weren’t allowed at Revel. The casino will also include a sportsbook area with huge screens in the middle of the casino floor. Deifik said the casino invested in the sportsbook even before New Jersey won a Supreme Court challenged that allowed it to begin sports betting this month.

Most importantly, officials said the Ocean Resort will cater to all level of players and not focus solely on high rollers as was often the case when the property was the Revel.

“If you’re someone betting $5 or $10, how often does someone come up to you, shake your hand, ask how your day is coming and ask if there’s anything you need?” asked Frank Leone, Ocean Resort’s CEO who also testified at the hearing. “We are going to ensure that customers who don’t get personal attention at other properties get personal attention here.”

Deifik said he expects the casino to prosper as it does not carry the massive debt that helped sink the Revel and that the property would “surprise the world.” Ocean Resort will also begin online gambling on July 1, officials said.

According to numbers submitted to the state, the group projects the casino will generate $384.6 million in net revenue and a gross operating profit of $81.1 million in 2019. Officials predict the casino will take in $292 million in overall gambling revenue in its first year, and $127 million in nongaming revenue, according to the Press.

The casino has also announced that it will open 14 restaurants on the property. Deifik told the commission he spent the last year negotiating deals to buy out the restaurants and nightclubs that had leases at the former Revel and set up more favorable deals with all but one, he said. Several of those restaurants and clubs had been in a legal battle with Straub to stay at the property under his eventually unrealized plans for re-opening.

Though Revel’s restaurants were seen as much more successful than the casino itself, their profit did not help Revel’s revenue, Deifik said.

June 28 will be a busy day in Atlantic City as the Hard Rock Atlantic City is scheduled to open on the same day as Ocean Resort. However, the Hard Rock—which is separated from Ocean Resort on the city’s Boardwalk by the now non-casino Showboat Hotel—is planning major events and entertainment to mark the re-opening of the former Trump Taj Mahal.

The two casinos have restored about 6,000 of the 11,000 jobs lost in the city since five casinos closed starting in 2014.

The Hard Rock underwent a much more noticeable transformation than Ocean Resort as renovations of the property removed all signs of the property’s former life as the Indian-themed Trump Taj Mahal.

The casino has now announced it will offer live music at the property for 365 straight days starting with its opening. Carrie Underwood is scheduled to perform at the casino’s main stage June 28, but the ambitious schedule includes numerous free concerts at the property’s other venues. That includes a Sunday Jazz Brunch and Monday Night Blues at the property’s Hard Rock Cafe each week.

Atlantic City Casino Revenue Declines in May

Posted on June 22, 2018 by -

Atlantic City casinos had another down month in May as casino revenue declined 5.1 percent compared to May 2017.

Figures released by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement show the seven casinos won $217.6 million in May. Online gambling remained a bright sport bringing in $24.3 million, up 15 percent over May 2017.

“Somebody was lucky in May, but it wasn’t the casinos,” said James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in a press release. “Casino win was down last month largely because casinos were unusually lucky at the tables last year in May, and players kept more of their money this May.”

The decline follows a tough start to the year that saw consistent declines attributed to bad weather, including several severe storms in the winter months and early spring.

For May, three casinos showed revenue increases according to an analysis by the Associated Press. Tropicana was up 4.5 percent to $34.3 million, Golden Nugget was up 15.2 percent to $2 8.3 million and Resorts saw a 1.2 percent increase to $15.5 million.

For the year, the casinos have won just over $1 billion, which is 4.3 percent behind the pace they were at over the same period last year, according to the AP.

For online companies, Caesars Entertainment-NJ was up 12.4 percent to just under $4.1 million. Resorts Digital was down 9.5 percent to $3.6 million. Golden Nugget casino led the online market with more than $8.6 million.

In another story, a report by the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University found key tourism indicators for Atlantic City were up in 2017.

Numbers were up for the year in three key indicators—Atlantic County lodging fee per 100 rooms, Atlantic City casino parking fee per 100 spaces and the Atlantic County non-casino revenue per available room. Still, the three indicators showed decline in the last three months of 2017, the report said.

Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort Races to Make Opening Date

Posted on June 21, 2018 by -

Atlantic City’s Ocean Resort casino is racing to make its announced June 28 opening date and will receive a special licensing hearing before the New Jersey casino Control Commission just eight days before the scheduled opening.

The state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement has filed a report on their findings for the casino and ownership, a spokesman for the commission told the Press of Atlantic City.

“This isn’t just a technicality. Being awarded a casino license is a very major step,” said Daniel Heneghan, spokesman for commission said. “We will hear testimony and they will discuss their plans to attempt to meet the burden of operating a casino, after which the commission will deliberate and make a decision.”

Ocean Resort officials are clearly confident that they will meet the state’s conditions and recently conducted a media tour of the refurbished property.

“We are fully on track with our gaming license to have it by the 28th,” Seth Shorr, a resort advisor told the Press. “We are confident we are opening and we are working very closely and on track to be opened by the 28th.”

Even if a gambling license is granted, Ocean Resort would still have to undergo a building inspection and operations test before its grand opening ceremony.

The $2.4 billion former Revel casino was bought for $200 million by a group led by Colorado developer Bruce Deifik earlier this year. It is scheduled to re-open the same day as the neighboring Hard Rock Atlantic City, which has undergone its own $500 million renovation from its days as the Trump Taj Mahal.

Shorr also told reporters that the casino will feature a sports book, 16 restaurants and the nightclub HQ Squared when it opens.

“All of our restaurants will be operated by our staff to be able to provide service that you just don’t get with a leased restaurant,” Schorr said. “There are a couple areas of the resort that were never built out. So we decided to open even more restaurants than were here. So, we aren’t behind schedule we just decided to open even more restaurants and accelerate phase two.”

The casino has announced an affiliation with Hyatt Hotels and will also feature a 138,000 square foot casino with 2,000 slot machines, a 32,000 square foot spa, six pools, and a TopGolf virtual driving range.

In another story, Scores Gentleman’s Club—which operated at the former Taj Mahal casino—has won a legal case and is scheduled to re-open at the Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Hard Rock had challenged the re-opening partially charging that the club would denigrate its brand, but the suit was apparently settled and dismissed in February, according to local reports.

Scores is scheduled to be ready to open on June 28 with the rest of the property.

Announcing Daer Nightclub at the Hard Rock Atlantic City

Posted on June 18, 2018 by -

An exciting new addition to the Atlantic City nightclub scene arrives June 28 at Hard Rock Atlantic City. Daer Nightclub offers a grand opening weekend of special guests and cutting-edge DJs.

 

Starting Thursday, June 28, the Daer opening party will be hosted by Michael B. Jordan with music by Mel DeBarge and a special guest performance. On Friday, June 29 DJ Tiesto takes center stage and on Sat. Ludacris comes to town with music by Tur.

 

Daer Nightclub is a partnership with E-Rock Entertainment and the Hard Rock, the latest venue to hit Atlantic City.

 

Tickets on sale for Grand Opening Weekend Eventscan be found here: https://www.tixr.com/groups/hardrocknightlifeac

 

For additional information call/text (862)591-659.

 

 

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Leads the Way as New Jersey Enters New Era of Sports Entertainment

Posted on June 18, 2018 by -

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa became the first Atlantic City casino to accept a legal sports wager under new sports betting regulations in New Jersey. The historic wager comes just three days after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill passed unanimously by the State Legislature, creating a regulated environment where licensed casinos may establish legal sports books.

 “This is a proud day for Borgata and a proud day for New Jersey,” said Marcus Glover, President & Chief Operating Officer of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. “Today opens a whole new era in New Jersey sports entertainment. One we anticipate will bring new interest, excitement, and economic benefits to our community. Borgata is proud to list today’s first among the many innovative firsts we’ve accomplished as we celebrate our first 15 years in Atlantic City.”

The honor of placing the first sports bet at an Atlantic City Casino went to Hall-of-Fame basketball legend Julius Erving. The gifted star of the Philadelphia 76ers and a long-time Borgata guest, Dr. J was invited by the resort to place the historic bet.  The Philadelphia NBA legend maintained his allegiance to his team’s home city but crossed-over from basketball to football when making his first bet at Borgata.

“I bet on the Eagles to repeat,” said Mr. Erving, holding up his ticket after placing a $5 bet on the Philadelphia NFL team to win the pro football championship. At the time of the wager the Borgata betting line for the Eagles to repeat as champions was 8 to 1.

Alongside Dr. J at the next betting window, New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, who was instrumental in passing the state’s sports wagering legislation, made a $200 bet on the Green Bay Packers to win the pro football championship.

While both men proudly displayed their first tickets for customers and media gathered for the occasion, Dr. J asked President Sweeney about his bet. Upon learning Sweeney made a competing bet on the Packers, Dr. J remarked, “Then you’re going down.”

As the only Atlantic City casino with an existing race book, Borgata was uniquely prepared to begin operations quickly. The Borgata Race Book has been renamed Borgata Race & Sports Book and will remain in its established location.
 
Plans for significant additions to complement existing Borgata Race & Sports Book facilities are in final stages of design. Details and timeline of those enhancements will be announced in the coming weeks.

As a part of MGM Resorts International, Borgata brings the wealth of that company’s Sports Book experience to its new operation. MGM Resorts International possesses more than 25 years of sports wagering operations experience in Nevada, where the company’s resorts combine to write more than 4 million sports wagers each year with an annual handle in excess of $1 billion.

Sports and sports betting are key entertainment experiences that drive ongoing consumer engagement. “As Borgata celebrates 15 years as both leaders and innovators in the Atlantic City market, we are committed to delivering a best-in-market sports book environment for our customers to enjoy. Having spent decades successfully operating sports books in Nevada and building trust with both customers and regulators, Borgata and MGM Resorts are well-positioned to be a leader in sports wagering,” said Mr. Glover.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa continues to raise the bar in Atlantic City, 15 years after its momentous debut, offering guests the biggest names in entertainment, exclusive culinary experiences, as well as unique casino promotions and special events.
 
Mr. Glover added, “Since entering the market in 2003, Borgata has made it our mission to grow and invest in not only our property and product, but our team members and guests; offering an unrivaled experience to anyone who walks through our doors.”

New York’s Best Comedians

Posted on June 15, 2018 by -

New York’s best comedians are standing up for our military and will perform at the Claridge Hotel Atlantic City on Friday, July 6 through Sunday, July 8 with show times at 10:00pm.

Having been hailed as the Best undiscovered Comedians of Tomorrow, New York’s BEST Comedians come to the grand Celebrity Theater on the Atlantic City Boardwalk for July 4th Weekend ONLY! Starring Military Veteran Headliner Zach Pickert (HBO), & NY’s BEST Comedians Elon Altman (Winner, New York’s Got Talent! Season 3), James Camacho (CBS’s Kevin Can Wait), Jen Kay (Finalist, New York’s Got Talent! Season 4), and Usama Siddique (Stand Up NBC). For everything there is to do in AC on the week of the 4th – This is one night of comedy you do not want to miss!

Portion of ALL ticket proceeds donated to US Military Veterans of Foreign Wars Fund

Shows: Fri July 6th, Sat July 7th, & Sun July 8th @ 10pm 
Where: Celebrity Theater @ The Claridge Hotel 
Tickets:  $25.00 – $60.00

Visit: http://claridge.com/entertainment

Cirque Italia Water Circus

Posted on June 15, 2018 by -

Dive into the magical world of Cirque at the Hamilton Mall near Sears in Atlantic City for three days of action-packed excitement for the entire family, Thursday, July 5 – Sunday, July 8 2018.

This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent – the result is simply out of this world!

The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show. Non-show days: 10am – 6pm, on show days: 10am – 9pm. Tickets are $10.00 -$50.00.

Showtimes:  Thursday, July 5 : 7:30 PM
Friday, July 6 : 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 7 : 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 8 : 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM

Visit:  https://cirqueitalia.com/

 

Demi Lovato on the Beach in Atlantic City

Posted on June 15, 2018 by -

Grammy-nominated, mutli-platinum singer/songwriter Demi Lovato will perform on the Atlantic City Beach on Thursday, July 26th with special guest LAUV as part of the 2018 Atlantic City BeachFest Concert Series.

Lovato is touring in support of her sixth studio album Tell Me. This will be the second of three scheduled Beach Concerts taking place on an outdoor stage located next to Playground Pier in Atlantic City. 

Tickets: TBA

Visit:  http://www.acbeachconcerts.com/

Shenanigans with Magic and Hypnosis

Posted on June 15, 2018 by -

Dante Hall Theater in Atlantic City NJ, presents Shenanigans with Magic and Hypnosis on July 22, 2018 with two shows at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Want to get into some SHENANIGANS? Of course you do! Join Dante Hall on Sunday, July 22 with award-winning magician Joe Holiday and master hypnotist Mike McLaughlin. There will be two shows that will blow you away beginning at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. You may even become part of the excitement…IF YOU DARE! Mysterious and hilarious, this show will have you on the edge of your seat, gasping in awe, and laughing yourself silly! The 7 p.m. show features wine and beer bar by Ducktown Tavern.

Tickets:  $ 15.00 – $ 40.00
Visit: www.dantehallstockton.org

Pro-Am Beach Soccer

Posted on June 15, 2018 by -

The biggest Beach Soccer Tournament to hit the Jersey Shore in years comes to Atlantic City. The Pro-Am Beach Soccer will be held at 1 Atlantic Ocean, North side of the pier in Atlantic City, NJ on July 28–29, 2018.

This is the first of 8 qualifiers for the US Beach Soccer National Championship to take place on August 18th & 19th, 2018. Be one of the first 8 spots, if you win, to accomplish being National Champions for 13u – 19u!  9u-12u will play to be regional champions, but will not travel for nationals. Nationals will host 17 Divisions; girls, boys, women, men, & Coed looking to win!

Entry fees vary, for additional information call 415-308-0603 or visit, http://proambeachsoccer.net/atlanticcity

Delaware Takes First Sports Bets

Posted on June 14, 2018 by -

Delaware saw its three racinos take in $322,135 on the first day of full sports betting as it became the first state to take advantage of the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a federal ban under the former Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.

Delaware was able to get sports books up and running—beating New Jersey, which had made the challenge to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)—due to its previous exemption under the law. PASPA grandfathered four states that had a form of sports betting when the bill went into effect in 1992. Delaware had previously allowed parlay betting in the 1970s.

Delaware has had a re-launched parlay form of betting on the NFL in place through its state lottery since 2009—Delaware actually lost its own challenge to PASPA to offer full sports betting at the time—and its three racinos had previously built sports books in preparation for the federal ban being lifted. With sports betting laws already on the books and an infrastructure in place, the state was able to move quickly in implementing full sports betting.

For now, sports betting is available at Dover Downs, Delaware Park and Harrington Raceway & Casino. Bets were taken on MLB, NBA, NFL and the World Cup. Other sports that eventually will be offered include NHL, golf and college football. Bars and restaurants in Delaware were also permitted to offer the NFL parlay bets, but it’s unclear if they’ll be included in full sports betting.

Gamblers are allowed to bet up to $1,000. Once a bet exceeds that guideline, a bettor has to wait until the amount is approved by the administrating company—in Delaware that is William Hill—according to Vernon Kirk, the director of the Delaware Lottery.

Delaware Governor John Carney made the first wager betting $10 on the Philadelphia Phillies to beat the Chicago Cubs. The Phillies won 6-1.

“For us, it’s really an enhancement of our tourism industry,” Carney told ESPN. “It will attract a lot of visitors to our state, particularly at this time of year, during the summer, coming to our beautiful beaches south of here. They come here and stop at the casinos and do slot machine and table gaming. This will be another opportunity for them.”

While Delaware gets the distinction of being the first state to offer full sports betting—after Nevada, of course, which has had sports books for decades—casino owners in the state cautioned against expecting a major windfall for the state. Officials pointed out that neighboring New Jersey will be close behind in offering sports bets and other surrounding states such as Pennsylvania will begin offering sports betting soon after that.

“We don’t think there’s going to be a windfall for the state of Delaware,” Dover Downs Casino CEO Ed Sutor told WHYY public television. Sutor said. “We’ll take it, because it’s going to be available, but I don’t think anyone should expect a big windfall because other states all around us are going to be having the same thing.”

In 2017, gamblers wagered $3.6 million on NFL games through the parlay system run by the state lottery. The state paid out $1.3 million in winnings to bettors and collected about $2 million in net proceeds, according to figures cited by WHYY.

Sutor pointed out that in 2017, Dover Downs lost about $1 million for the year and he doubted sports wagering can turn the tide.

The state’s three casinos have been pushing for a reduction in taxes on gambling revenue from 29.4 percent on table games. A bill to cut that rate to 15.5 percent is currently in the state legislature. Another bill would reduce taxes on slot revenue 2 percent, according to WHYY.

However, some legislators have already said the start of sports betting may mean the relief is no longer needed. Delaware’s Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf told Delaware Online that he will be discussing with casinos officials and fellow legislators whether to reduce the $20 million package.

“At $20 million, I don’t think we should be doing that,” Schwartzkopf said. “Sports betting is a game changer when it comes to relief for the casinos.”

Still, the real test for any sports book will be when the NFL season begins in September.

“Obviously the key is going to be the football season because the bulk of betting in America is on football,” Delaware Finance Secretary Rick Geisenberger told the Associated Press. “We’ll learn a little bit in June and July, but we’ll learn a lot more in September.”