Here’s a look at the headlines for this week in the gaming business world.
Las Vegas Strip Casino Gambling Revenue Rises 5.1 Percent In 2011
For the second year in a row, gambling revenue in Las Vegas strip casinos rose, aiding in the recovery of one of the most economically depressed major cities in the country. Revenue grew by 4.1 percent in 2010 and 5.1 percent in 2011.
State Struggles For More Control Over Private, Charity Poker Rooms
In Michigan, charity driven poker rooms are booming. Revenue spiked to $166 million from $13 million in just three years and the number of card rooms jumped to 192, but the state has since cracked down on regulations, further defining what constitutes a charity, reducing the number of rooms to 76.
Man Wins $50,000 On Tom Brady’s Safety In Super Bowl Bet
Jona Rechnitz put the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in an immediate $50,000 hole after his $1,000 bet connected in the first quarter of last Sunday’s Super Bowl game. Rechnitz gambled on what would be the first score of the game and was paid at 50-1 after the New York Giants scored a safety.
Pennsylvania Newspaper Admits It Was Wrong About State Gambling
In 2003, the Patriot-News was adamant that expanding gambling beyond the state’s existing horse racing would only lead to more social economic problems. Now, the newspaper is admitting it was wrong after the state’s 10 casinos generated a gross revenue of over $3 billion in 2011.
Atlantic City’s New Revel Casino To Open In April
Atlantic City is gearing up to preview Revel Casino, a $2.4 billion smoke-free facility, on April 2. The eight-week preview will allow customers to gamble, see shows and dine at restaurants. The property will employ 5,500 people and will feature 1,900 hotel rooms.
Ohio House Panel OKs Bill On Casino Regulations
An Ohio House committee approved a bill by a 20-2 vote this week that will allow for major changes to the state’s existing gambling laws. The new measure allows the state to pave the way for new casinos and video lottery terminals at existing horse racetracks.
Two Arrested For Cheating At Poker In Bethlehem’s Sands Casino Resort
Pennsylvania State Police have apprehended two men at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem after other players and cameras caught them cheating during a poker game. The two men sat side by side and swapped cards with each other to improve their hole cards.
Atlantic City Casino Changes Name Yet Again
Just one year after changing its name to the ACH Casino Resort, the former Atlantic City Hilton Casino is now renaming itself the Atlantic Club. Michael Frawley, the casino’s COO, is hoping to position the property as “the local’s casino.”
Four Men Shot At Houston Home Poker Game
Four men were shot, one fatally, after a fight broke out at a Houston home poker game. The suspect retrieved a handgun from his car and fired at the three men before one of the shot and killed him, police said.
Broad Coalition Presses For Casino Gambling In Kentucky
A coalition is pressing state lawmakers to approve a constitutional amendment that would legalize casinos in Kentucky. Currently, only horse race wagering is legal, but the group believes that state residents will be more encouraged to gamble locally if casinos were legalized, preventing them from spending in neighboring states.
