Here’s a look at the headlines for this week in the gaming business world.
Judge Rebukes ESPN Poker Pundit For Tweeting During Trial
Poker commentator Norman Chad was dismissed from jury duty and then later returned to the court for a contempt hearing after being caught using his Twitter account during the trial. Judge Laura Foland Priver scolded the ESPN personality and let him off with a warning.
Police Recover Half Of Poker Champ Jonathan Duhamel’s Stolen Money
In December, 2010 WSOP main event winner Jonathan Duhamel was tied up, beaten and robbed in his Montreal condo. The police have since arrested four suspects, including his ex-girlfiend and recovered about half of the $160,000 in cash taken from his safe.
Atlantic City, Fallen On Hard Times, To Get Facelift
The once-thriving east coast gambling destination has seen it’s revenue spiral downward in the last decade, but is hoping to turn things around with a $100 million overhaul of the Atlantic City boardwalk.
Sands China Advances To Record On Profit Gain: Hong Kong Mover
Las Vegas Sands saw a 44 percent profit increase in the fourth quarter, rising from $213.3 million in 2010 to $306.7 million a year later. The rise resulted in an annual take of $1.07 billion and a record in Hong Kong trading.
Miami Casino Opponents: Gambling Would Lead To More Crime
The No Casinos advocacy group released a new study titled, “Casinos and Florida: Crime and Prison Costs,” which concluded that allowing a resort casino in Miami-Dade County would lead to a record spike in crime. Casino supporters countered with the possibility of job creation.
Construction Resumes On Cincinnati Horseshoe Casino
After a collapse last Friday that left 13 workers injured, construction has resumed on Cincinnati’s $400 million Horseshoe Casino. The crew will work around the accident site while officials conduct an investigation into the collapse.
Penn National: Casino On Budget, Big Driver Of Growth
Pennsylvania based company Penn National Gaming (PENN) have reassured investors that two Ohio casinos remain on budget and expect to drive significant growth to both Toledo and Columbus when the properties open later this year.
Multistate Online Poker Possibility Studied
Iowa state lawmakers are hoping that that the DOJ’s recent clarification of its stance on online poker will allow the state to pursue online poker in conjunction with other jurisdictions. Iowa does not have the player pool to make interstate online poker possible, but can function with the help of neighboring states.
Zynga Shares Soar After Facebook IPO News
Social network gaming giant Zynga has seen its shares rise 15 percent since the news broke about Facebook’s IPO filing. According to the filing, Zynga represents 12 percent of Facebooks’s total revenue.
Developer Plans For 85-Shop Outlet Mall At Foxwoods Resort Casino
Connecticut developer Sheldon Gordon is trying to secure funding to build an outlet mall at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Foxwoods has yet to comment, but hinted that property development and expansion plans would be announced on Feb. 15, during the casino’s 20th anniversary celebration.
