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November 13, 2009

Gaming News By the Industry, For the Industry

Industry Update

Gaming institute executive oversees regulator training
Patricia Becker, executive director of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, has worked for regulators and gambling companies during her three-decade career. Becker now oversees the nonprofit gaming institute, which performs research and also trains regulators from around the world. "It's very intensive," says Becker in this Q-and-A. "We're trying to assist them in understanding how to develop policy as a regulator." Las Vegas Sun (11/13)

Editorial: Florida should pass casino legislation
Florida should pass legislation opening casino gambling to the state's racetracks and other locations, according to The News-Press in Fort Myers, Fla. The apparent collapse of the Seminole Tribe's gaming compact, which attempted to limit table games to tribal casinos, has prompted lawmakers to reconsider expanded gambling. The News-Press (Fort Myers, Fla.) (11/13)

R.I. slot parlor asks to hire John McLaughlin
The Twin River slot parlor in Lincoln, R.I., asked a federal bankruptcy judge for permission to hire John J. McLaughlin. The former president of Centaur Gaming would receive $30,000 per month to advise the casino on how to improve its operations. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur N. Votolato will review the request Tuesday. The Providence Journal (R.I.) (free registration) (11/13)

Majestic Star defaults on $80M in loans
Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press (11/12)

Issues, Trends & Technology

Las Vegas poised for rebound as room occupancy rises
Las Vegas may be on track for a rebound as visitors return and room occupancy rises. "We're seeing clear signs of stability and recovery, but to be certain, we're not out of the woods, and no one is popping champagne," said Alan Feldman, a spokesman for MGM Mirage. Hotels and casinos are still dropping room rates to lure visitors, and many are expanding marketing to small groups rather than large conventions. The Washington Times (11/13)

High-profile gambling addiction raises questions
Former Miami Heat star Antoine Walker's arrest for unpaid gambling debts of $822,500 have some fans scratching their heads. The pro basketball player earned more than $100 million during his career, but experts say gambling addiction does not depend on income. "Gambling, in and by itself, does not 'cause' problems," says gambling therapist Suzanne Graupner Pike. "When betting reaches a high-wager level and a player commits a crime to maintain that level of play, gambling is no longer about the money. It's about how the wagering itself makes the player feel." Daily News (New York) (11/12)

Tribal Gaming Spotlight

Remote casino prospers with slots, no alcohol
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has found a gambling niche outside Port Angeles, Wash. The tribe operates a 7,000-square foot slots casino that has exceeded projections, despite a no-alcohol policy. The remote location has also benefited from "Twilight" tourism, because the vampire books and movies are set in the area. Indian Country Today (11/13)

Tribal casinos give back to communities with donations
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians donated at least $3 million to build an artificial turf arena at San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino, Calif. Indian tribes that run tribal casinos across the state have donated millions to nonprofits, charities and schools. "We recognize that Indian gaming has created opportunities for us," said Mark Macarro, chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.) (free registration) (11/12)

International Focus

Online poker's winning streak may end in U.K.
The U.K. may have ended its winning streak with online poker, according to a new report. After posting 72% growth between 2004 and 2007, the market is forecast to decline by 7% this year. "Lack of time is another factor impacting on play, possibly suggesting work pressures in the current recession are having a toll on players' free time," said Matt King, senior leisure analyst at Mintel. The Independent (London) (11/13)

Paddy Power signs 5-year deal with France's PMU
Irish bookmaker Paddy Power signed a five-year sports-betting deal with French pari mutuel PMU. The Irish company beat out 13 bidders, including British heavyweights William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral. Paddy Power will provide PMU, Europe's largest betting organization, with fixed odds, risk management and event management services. The Times (London) (11/13)

Finance & Policy

Ohio casinos need out-of-state visitors, experts say
Ohio residents should keep Las Vegas in mind as they look toward tax revenue from casinos. Las Vegas has 13% unemployment and a high foreclosure rate. The Buckeye State approved casinos in four major Ohio cities, but casino experts caution that the new attractions must draw out-of-state visitors for maximum profitability. "Half the gamblers have to be from outside the state for it to work" as economic development, said William Thompson, a professor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. The National Ledger (11/12)

States could make a play for sports betting, regulator says
The recession may cause other states besides Nevada to legalize sports books, according to Nevada Gaming Control Board member Randall Sayre. Sports betting accounts for around 1% of the total gaming win in Nevada. Delaware attempted to legalize single-game sports betting earlier this year, and more states may follow suit. Las Vegas Sun (11/13)

AGA & G2E News

G2E opens next week!
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