Most Clicked AGA SmartBrief a G2E production Stories


1. Ill. House OK's gambling expansion bill

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 24, 2012

The Illinois House passed a gambling expansion bill Wednesday that would allow casinos in five cities and slot machines at horse tracks, among other provisions. State Rep. Lou Lang, a sponsor of the bill, said Illinois could generate up to $1 billion from the expansion. The state senate is expected to vote on the measure next week. Chicago Tribune (05/24)


2. Amaitis aims to turn Cantor into a sports gambling powerhouse

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 29, 2012

Cantor Gaming CEO Lee Amaitis said he plans to change the face of the sports gambling industry. Cantor is banking on its speedy technology that runs the company's seven sports books in Las Vegas, including those at the Venetian and Palazzo. Amaitis said Cantor lifted sports wagering in Nevada, which saw a $311 million increase in wagers from 2009 to 2011, according to the state's gaming board. "I can tell you Cantor will dominate sports in Nevada," Amaitis said. Washington Post, The (05/27)


3. Revel holds grand opening over weekend

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 29, 2012

Atlantic City's $2.4 billion Revel began its grand opening over the Memorial Day weekend with all of its 1,200 hotel rooms booked, four Beyonce concerts sold out and restaurants crowded. Officials at the casino resort expect to see 100,000 visitors from Friday to Monday. "It's absolutely breathtaking. This is more of an experience, like a spa or resort," said guest Allison McAlpin. Press of Atlantic City (N.J.), The (05/29)


4. N.J. governor pushes ahead with plan to legalize sports betting

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 25, 2012

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Thursday the state will proceed with plans to allow sports betting at its casinos and racetracks. "I signed this bill into law because it's another way to boost our casino and horse-racing industries and encourage tourists to come here to Atlantic City," Christie said. He said wagering regulations would be issued next week. Record (Hackensack, N.J.), The (05/25)


5. Poker player hits $1M jackpot at Flamingo

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 24, 2012

A retired autoworker won this year's second six-card bonus of Three Card Poker at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Dennis Hart, who has been visiting Vegas yearly since 1967, hit the $1 million bonus jackpot after betting $5 on each card. "After 40-some years of coming to Vegas, I finally came home with some money," Hart said. Las Vegas Sun (05/23)


6. World Series of Poker reveals expensive prize for main event

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 29, 2012

The World Series of Poker revealed Thursday the main event's championship bracelet, which is regarded as the most expensive sports prize ever. The jewelry was designed with 170 grams of 14 karat gold and 35 carats of diamonds. "This bracelet is worth more than all the other 60 first-place bracelets combined," said Ty Stewart, executive director of the World Series of Poker. Las Vegas Sun (05/26)


7. Las Vegas Sands scraps Massachusetts casino plans

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 23, 2012

Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands will not push through with plans to build a casino in Massachusetts, saying that the state's plan to license three casinos may thin out the market. "With multiple facilities being proposed, it didn't synch with our business model," said Ron Reese, a spokesman for the company. Sands' announcement came after Wynn Resorts suspended its plans to build a casino in Foxborough two weeks ago. Boston Globe, The (tiered subscription model) (05/22)


8. Riviera will remain focused on gambling business, CEO says

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 29, 2012

Riviera Holdings CEO Andy Choy said the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas will remain in the gambling business. "We've got to remain viable, and I believe we can remain viable while we wait for the north end to kind of redevelop," Choy said. The casino hotel, which includes a 6,000-square-foot space for bingo, announced last week that it has launched an online link for its bingo room. Las Vegas Sun (05/27)


9. Nev. casinos trying to stop collection of back taxes on comped meals

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 29, 2012

Casinos in Nevada are pushing the state's Department of Taxation to end the collection of back sales taxes on complimentary meals provided to gamblers and employees until legalities have been sorted out. The department had said that it would begin enforcing the tax on comped meals as of Feb. 15. Josh Hicks, an attorney who represents casinos, pushed for a delay with the department until the Nevada Supreme Court has decided the matter. Las Vegas Sun (05/27)


10. Hollywood Casino Toledo highlights nongambling amenities

AGA SmartBrief a G2E production | May 24, 2012

Ohio's Hollywood Casino Toledo, which is set to open on Tuesday, will be ready to cater not only to casino patrons but also to nongamblers. "Whether you're a gambler or not, we've got something for you with seven nights a week of entertainment. We'll have four different restaurants [and] we anticipate a lot of people coming in just to dine at one of our great restaurants or just to have a drink and cocktail at Scene [sports bar]," said John McNamara, the casino's marketing manager. Blade (Toledo, Ohio), The (05/24)




Sign up for AGA SmartBrief a G2E production



Designed specifically for gaming industry executives, AGA SmartBrief is a FREE daily e-mail newsletter produced in partnership with the American Gaming Association and the Global Gaming Expo. It delivers must-read casino-entertainment industry news directly to you each weekday. Learn more