Here’s a look at the headlines for this week in the gaming business world.
Casino Reps Defend Finances To Ohio Regulators
Dan Gilbert, majority owner of both the Cleveland Cavaliers and a joint venture between his company Rock Ohio and Caesars, spent some time last week being questioned by gaming regulators about the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, which is scheduled to open next month. The regulators had questions about Gilbert’s business practices as well as the financial stability of Caesars Entertainment, which is $26 billion in debt.
Prince George Casino In Jeopardy
A $1 billion casino project in Prince George County is in jeopardy as the Maryland House and Senate struggle to reach on consensus on both the state’s budget and a gambling measure which would approve table games. If approved, the high end destination casino would reside at National Harbor, along the Potomac River.
State Says Casinos Must Pay Tax For Comped Meals
The Nevada Taxation Department will regroup to work on a forthcoming sales tax regulation on complimentary meals given to players by casinos. The tax law took effect on Feb. 14, but has been challenged in court by not only the casinos, but by the Nevada Resort Association and the bartenders and culinary union. Should the legislation hold, Nevada is expected to bring in millions in additional tax revenue.
Justices Debating Tribal Casino Lawsuit
Casino opponent David Patchak has sued to stop the opening of a casino in Wayland Township, a city 20 miles south of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Patchak failed to be granted an emergency stay when the casino opened in February and the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overruled the decision to throw out the lawsuit. Now the matter rests with the Supreme Court, whose justices suggest that it’s too little, too late for Patchak, who waited three years until the casino was built before voicing his concerns over community safety.
Former Casino Manager To Repay Debt and Serve Probation
Marilyn Creapeau, a former casino manager of the Mohican North Star Casino, will spend five years on probation and repay the $49,546 she embezzled from the property. Creapeau would smuggle cash from the casino in a bulky sweater and then later alter casino records to account for the missing payouts.
Illinois Governor Says Gambling Not A Priority Right Now
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has amped up pressure on lawmakers to address pension and Medicaid reform, not gambling expansion, which he says has become a distraction at the General Assembly. Lawmakers approved a plan for gambling expansion last summer that would have allowed for five new casinos as well as slot machines at racinos and airports, but Quinn vetoed the bill, urging lawmakers to come up with a different way of increasing state revenue.
