Here’s a look at the headlines for this week in the gaming business world.
Atlantic City’s Revel Casino Breaks All The Rules
Atlantic City’s new Revel Casino isn’t the typical casino property. Unlike other casinos, Revel, which opens April 2nd, will be completely smoke free and features high ceilings and views of the ocean from the casino floor. Furthermore, patrons can even get to their hotel rooms without crossing through the gaming space. CEO Kevin DeSanctis wants people to think of Revel as a resort first, before a casino.
Tribe Plans To Vote On Proposed Lansing Casino
The Lansing, Michigan City Council has approved a $245 million casino in the Kewadin development and all that’s left is for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewas to approve the referendum petition. Ballots will be mailed starting April 12th.
Minnesota Senate Committee Kills Racetrack Casino Plan
The State Senate Committee voted down legislation on Monday that would permit casino-style games at Minnesota horse-racing tracks. The 8-5 vote against the proposed racino had bipartisan support, but supporters will have to wait to try again to add about 2,000 slot machines in the Twin Cities-area.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Adds Final Two Members
The five-person Massachusetts Gaming Commission is now set after adding a state appeals court justice and a municipal development official to the final two posts. The panel is now made up of James McHugh, Bruce Stebbins, Gayle Cameron, Enrique Zuniga and chairman Stephen Crobsy. Massachusetts legalized casinos late last year and is set to start issuing licenses for the approved three resort casinos and one slots parlor.
Downtown Golden Gate Casino To Get Facelift
One week after Fitzgeralds announced plans for a name change and upgrades, their downtown Las Vegas neighbor the Golden Gate Casino is doing the same. Las Vegas’ oldest hotel is adding a new five-story tower with 16 deluxe suites and two penthouses and will feature old-school memorabilia related to its 1906 opening.
Ameristar Casinos Acquire Louisiana Project
Las Vegas-based Ameristar Casinos has acquired a hotel and casino project in Lake Charles, Louisiana from Creative Casinos for a price tag of just $32.5 million. The $500 million development will now be increased to include 700 hotel rooms and construction will begin by July 20th.
Nebraska Gambling Measure Fizzles In Legislature
Despite the potential to add jobs and generate millions in revenue, a proposal to loosen gambling restrictions in Nebraska has fizzled in the state legislature. Sen. Paul Schumacher has blamed the failure on Nebraska gambling opponents, who have pushed to end such proposals over the last few years.
