ReportWire

Tag: Casino

  • Mohegan INSPIRE Receives Five-Star Hotel Rating

    Mohegan INSPIRE Receives Five-Star Hotel Rating

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    Mohegan’s South Korean venture, the Mohegan INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, has been given a prestigious five-star hotel rating. The rating follows a comprehensive assessment of the property by the Korea Tourism Association’s Korean Hotel Rating System.

    The five-star rating reflects the excellence of the hotel and its facilities and attests to Mohegan’s commitment to best-in-class hospitality experiences.

    The hotel is built on the beautiful Yeongjong Island in Incheon and is designed to mirror its surroundings’ beauty. The complex boasts three distinctively themed towers, namely the Forest Tower, Sun Tower and Ocean Tower. The resort has some 1,275 rooms, ranging from deluxe accommodations to extravagant villa suites. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of guest lounges, spa services, a fitness center and an indoor pool.

    In addition to allowing its customers to truly relax, Mohegan Inspire also offers a variety of restaurants and bars, such as Minagi, Hong Pan, Brasserie 1783, Garden Farm Café, Chef’s Kitchen, Aurora Bar and Horizon Lounge, as well as the first Eurasian Michael Jordan Steak House and MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill.

    Mohegan Wants to Provide Guests with Unparalleled Experiences

    Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s chief executive officer, commented on the five-star rating, calling it a testament to his team’s “relentless pursuit of excellence.”

    This milestone reflects our team’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in the industry, and it reinforces our position as a leader in global entertainment and hospitality.

    Ray Pineault, CEO, Mohegan

    Mohegan INSPIRE’s president, Chen Si, also commented on the matter, saying that he is delighted that the property’s hotel facility has achieved this prestigious rating. He thanked his team for making this possible and working hard across all areas, including facility, hospitality and operations management.

    What incredible momentum going into this first quarter celebrating the casino’s grand opening – that’s how Mohegan continually sets the standard for integrated resorts that create unforgettable experiences.

    Chen Si, president, Mohegan INSPIRE

    Mohegan INSPIRE is set to launch its comprehensive Phase 1A facilities by the middle of the year. The INSPIRE Mall will open in early 2024, providing visitors with a dynamic cultural hub. In the spring, INSPIRE is also set to introduce an outdoor experiential space.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Fanatics Betting and Gaming Hits the Pennsylvanian Market

    Fanatics Betting and Gaming Hits the Pennsylvanian Market

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    Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced that its Fanatics Sportsbook and Casino brand is finally live in Pennsylvania. Former PointsBet customers will be automatically migrated to the new platform.

    As per the local rules, the operator will first undergo a two-day soft launch period under the supervision of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. However, Fanatics explained that this period will include no restrictions regarding customer registrations or playtime.

    Players in Pennsylvania can now download the Fanatics Sportsbook on their mobile devices. The app combines sports betting and casino, allowing all kinds of players to enjoy the operator’s products.

    Pennsylvania is notably the eleventh state in which the Fanatics Sportsbook is available. It is also the second state for Fanatics Casino.

    Fanatics acquired PointsBet’s business last year, facilitating its launch in The Keystone State. PointsBet customers in Pennsylvania will have their accounts automatically migrated to the new Fanatics Sportsbook platform, allowing them to retain their usernames, passwords, account balance, rewards points and responsible gaming settings.

    Sports Betting Fans Should Brace for a Plethora of Content

    Fanatics will provide players in Pennsylvania with a variety of engaging features. Sports betting fans, for example, can benefit from Fanatics Sportsbook’s FanCash feature that gives customers up to 5% of their bet back in FanCash they can spend on bonus bets or at fanatics.com. In addition, players can earn 5% FanCash on same-game parlay bets, 3% FanCash on parlay bets and 1% FanCash on straight bets and odds boosts.

    In addition, the Fanatics Sportsbook Discover page features marquee games, trending bets, promos and personalized rewards. In the future, Fanatics plans to further personalize the Discover page to customers’ favorite teams, sports and markets. The Fanatics Sportsbook also offers a robust search engine that players can use to find exactly what they want.

    Finally, sports betting fans can watch BetVision, an unparalleled sports betting product launched in partnership with Genius Sports. Players can use BetVision to place bets while watching certain football games directly in the Fanatics app.

    A Variety of Games Awaits iGaming Enthusiasts

    In the meantime, online casino fans will be able to enjoy a variety of online slots and table games which will be further enhanced by a variety of features. These include a world-leading selection of live casino games and a variety of top-performing slot games from best-in-class providers.

    In addition, fans can earn FanCash back on bets, spins and hands and redeem loyalty points to purchase merchandise or get bonus bets. Fans can earn 0.2% FanCash on slots and 0.05% FanCash on table games.

    Players in Pennsylvania will also be able to experience the new Fanatics Blackjack game developed in partnership with Boom Entertainment, as well as a variety of other games scheduled for later this year.

    Last but not least, players will also be able to leverage a variety of responsible gaming features to keep on playing safely.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • New Jersey’s Gambling Revenues Increased Across the Board in December

    New Jersey’s Gambling Revenues Increased Across the Board in December

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    The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has published the December 2023 total gaming revenue results. According to the regulator, the state’s gambling operators reported year-to-date revenue of almost $5.8 billion.

    Segment by segment, New Jersey’s nine casino hotel properties earned $232.4 million for December 2023. This, according to the authority, reflects a year-on-year increase of 7.8%. In the meantime, year-to-date casino win for New Jersey’s nine casinos stood at $2.85 billion, reflecting growth of 2.2% compared to $2.79 billion for the prior year-to-date period.

    Revenue from the online casino segment also increased. In December, The Garden State’s casinos and their online partners reported an internet gaming win of $180.3 million. This figure represents a 19.1% year-on-year growth, exceeding December 2022’s results by almost $30 million. For the year-to-date period, internet gaming win stood at $1.92 billion. This reflects a stellar year-on-year increase of 15.7%. For reference, New Jersey’s operators reported an internet gaming win of $1.66 billion for the prior year-to-date period.

    The most significant revenue increase, however, was recorded by the sports betting segment. The vertical recorded revenue of $109.4 million for December 2023, reflecting a 24.8% increase compared to the $87.7 million posted in December 2022. In the meantime, the year-to-date period demonstrates an increase of 31.9% year-on-year to $1.01 billion. For comparison, the state’s sportsbooks recorded revenue of $763 million in the prior year-to-date period.

    All Verticals Experienced Some Growth

    New Jersey’s casinos, racetracks and their partners reported $522.2 million in total gaming revenue for December 2023. This figure translates to an increase of 14.8% from the $454.8 million reported in December 2022.

    As mentioned, the year-to-date total gaming revenue in the state stood at $5.78 billion. This figure, representing the results of The Garden State’s casinos, racetracks and their partners, reflects an increase of 10.9% from the $5.21 billion reported in the prior year-to-date period.

    New Jersey Casino Workers Continue to Fight for a Healthier Workplace

    In the meantime, New Jersey’s casino workers continue their fight for a smoke-free work environment. As the state heads into 2024, proponents of a smoking ban hope to finally make a breakthrough and fix the loophole that exempts casinos from the Smoke-Free Air Act.

    To that end, Senator Joe Vitale, a firm supporter of such a measure, introduced Senate Bill 1493. The bill is backed by 18 out of 40 senators.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Congressional Leaders Aim to Combat Gambling Addiction with GRIT Act

    Congressional Leaders Aim to Combat Gambling Addiction with GRIT Act

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    In a landmark move to address the growing concern of gambling addiction in the United States, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Rep. Andrea Salinas of Oregon introduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act on January 11. 

    Rising Gambling Addiction Rates Prompt NCPG Endorsement of GRIT Act

    With an estimated 7 million American adults grappling with gambling addiction, the social and economic repercussions are staggering, amounting to a yearly cost of $7 billion. This includes expenses related to criminal justice, healthcare, job losses, and bankruptcies. 

    Startlingly, research from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicates a 30% increase in the risk of gambling addiction between 2018 and 2021.

    Recognizing the urgent need for federal intervention, Susan Sheridan Tucker, President of the NCPG Board of Directors, applauded the introduction of the GRIT Act. 

    Tucker stated: “The GRIT Act reflects a pivotal step towards long-overdue support for those grappling with gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling stands in full support of this legislation, recognizing its potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families across the nation.”

    Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG, also conveyed appreciation for the leadership shown by Sen. Blumenthal and Rep. Salinas. He mentioned that the introduction of the GRIT Act serves as evidence of their shared commitment to reducing the harm associated with gambling and confronting the challenges posed by gambling addiction.

    The GRIT Act Utilizes Existing Revenue to Tackle Gambling Addiction

    The key provisions of the GRIT Act include the allocation of 50% of the current federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment and research administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. 

    This revenue distribution involves directing 75% to states for prevention and treatment through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program, while the remaining 25% goes to the National Institute of Drug Abuse for research grants into gambling addiction.

    The legislation authorizes spending for a decade, with a mandated report to Congress on the program’s effectiveness within three years of passage. 

    Remarkably, the GRIT Act is set to achieve its objectives without raising taxes or creating additional bureaucracy. Instead, it leverages existing federal excise tax revenue and operates within the established framework of the Health and Human Services.

    The GRIT Act is poised to provide crucial support to state health agencies and nonprofits tackling gambling problems while fostering best practices and comprehensive research at the national level. Despite the prevalence of gambling addiction in the US, no federal agency currently addresses it, and there are no designated federal funds for its treatment or research.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • Crown Resorts Warns against Fraudulent Social Media Ads

    Crown Resorts Warns against Fraudulent Social Media Ads

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    Crown Resorts urged the community to exercise caution regarding counterfeit social media accounts and advertisements falsely using Crown’s identity. The operator was adamant that online gambling in Australia was strictly prohibited, reaffirming it did not offer any form of iGaming. Such developments further threaten Crown’s public image as the company struggles with reforms.

    The Operator Urged People to Report Any Offending Websites

    Crown’s official warning highlighted the rising prevalence of fraudulent social media accounts, advertisements, or apps that utilize Crown’s name, logo, images, and other identifying information. The operator was adamant it did not operate an online casino or provide any form of online gambling, as its activities are only limited to its physical venues.

    Crown Resorts advised the public to refrain from engaging with such suspicious accounts, avoid disclosing personal information or credit card details, and promptly report fraudulent content or suspicious activity. Despite the Australian government’s efforts to curb illegal online operators, the country struggles to enforce its regulations, leaving many people vulnerable to gambling harm.

    Crown continuously works with social media and technology companies to seek removal of fraudulent content as a priority.

    Crown Resorts official statement

    The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has been the country’s leading authority in identifying and dealing with illegal online operators. It regularly requests internet service providers to block offending websites and has been steadily intensifying its efforts. However, such measures usually have limited success as offending operators can change their IP address and circumvent restrictions.

    Crown Still Struggles to Regain Compliance

    The cautionary message comes amid Crown Resorts’ comprehensive reform initiatives across its Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth integrated resorts. The company is actively working to regain its casino licenses following inquiries in these three states, which delivered unfavorable assessments. Regulators have generally observed steady progress, raising hopes for the beleaguered operator.

    Notably, Crown Melbourne recently implemented mandatory time and loss limits for all patrons using electronic gaming machines in compliance with recommendations from the Finkelstein Royal Commission. The company’s rigorous reform agenda is paying off in other jurisdictions, thanks to company-wide safer gambling initiatives and a determination to return to suitability.

    Despite Crown’s progress, some recent developments have raised new integrity concerns. The company’s CEO is under investigation over allegations that he allowed removed patrons back into the company’s properties. If confirmed, these suspicions could substantially hinder Crown’s progress toward compliance, and seeing the company’s logo on illegal websites does little to improve its image.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Alleged Wife Murderer Arrested at Las Vegas’ Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino

    Alleged Wife Murderer Arrested at Las Vegas’ Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino

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    A homicide suspect has been apprehended at the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The man in question is Arthur Guty Jr, 55, who is suspected of having killed his own wife, Nicole Zambrano, in Pennsylvania.

    The 26-year-old Venezuelan woman worked as a housekeeper at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort but didn’t turn up to work for three days last week. Her colleagues were unable to contact her and became concerned. Because of that, they called the police, which, in turn, contacted Guty.

    Guty, authorities say, provided inaccurate and conflicting information. However, the police eventually found the young woman’s body at the couple’s residence in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on Monday. This prompted an immediate investigation and a search for Guty.

    Using Guty’s mobile device pings, the police managed to track the man to Las Vegas. The local authorities were contacted and were able to apprehend the man after looking for him for 12 hours. He was eventually discovered eating breakfast at the casino. At the time of his arrest, the man had $100,000 in cash in his possession.

    Pennsylvania authorities want Guty to be extradited from Nevada so that he can be questioned in the state where the homicide happened. A warrant from the former state’s authorities charges Guty with criminal homicide and aggravated assault. The counts are yet to be officialized.

    Guty Tried to Escape, Authorities Believe

    Considering Guty’s situation and the money he carried with him, authorities believe that the man was trying to escape from the police. This theory is further supported by the fact that Guty provided the authorities with faulty information when asked about his wife’s whereabouts.

    According to the local authorities, Guty first said that his wife was in Richmond to see a friend. He also said that she was in Florida with Guty to see his father and a dentist, as well as in Richmond to meet with Guty. At one point he also said that his wife was at the Grand Canyon.

    Bob Luick, a neighbor of the couple, was interviewed by local news outlets and said that Guty suspected Zambrano was cheating on him. According to Luick, back then Guty warned that he would “kill her” if this turned out to be correct.

    A Cycle of Violence

    According to reports, Guty himself was the target of a murder plot previously. While this case bears no direct connection to the recent killing of Zambrano, the authorities learned that Guty’s ex-wife, Roxanne Guty, had attempted to hire a hitman and take half of Arthur Guty’s life insurance.

    Roxanne Guty eventually pled guilty to lesser charges.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Antigua and Barbuda Turns to US to Settle Gambling Dispute

    Antigua and Barbuda Turns to US to Settle Gambling Dispute

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    For over 20 years now, the country’s gambling regulation has found itself at loggerheads with the United States’ gambling laws, which Antigua and Barbuda has insisted are discriminatory. The country even won a case with the World Trade Organization, as it was shut out of the United States gambling market and sought a $21 million annual compensation.

    Time to Put Bad Blood Away

    However, the money has not been coming, and the country now wants the US government to act as Antigua and Barbuda’s economic losses continue to mount. The country has reiterated an early stance that it is willing to seek and settle the dispute with mutual accord and on amicable terms, but it would need the US to engage in discussions and find a settlement.

    The United States has responded that it is willing to work with Antigua and Barbuda but argued that such efforts must also come as part of a genuine effort to find a resolution. This has been ongoing for a while now, as the laws that are arguably hurting the Caribbean country’s economy were passed back in 2003.

    The issue has festered ever since with no resolution in sight. The dispute centres on Antigua and Barbuda’s decision to build an internet licensing regime for gambling companies to offset declining tourism revenue, but eventually and perhaps rightly finding itself shut out of the United States because of laws about cross-border gambling and transference of data which is respected to this very day on the mainland.

    Decision Long Overdue and Economy Hurting

    Now, though, the Caribbean country is hoping to benefit from the elusive $21 million annual payments from the United States, partially leaning in on the World Trade Organization as a mediator. The international body has granted the country the right to use trade sanctions to recoup its losses, but this would not put the Caribbean nation in any better situation, as engaging in a quasi-trade war with the United States holds no benefits to its economy.

    This is why the country has instead urged its much bigger neighbor to agree to the $21 million settlement. However, there seems to be a dissonance between what the United States can and is willing to offer and what the Caribbean country believes it should rightfully receive.

    The latest appeals come at a time when the country’s economy continues to struggle feeling the pinch of the denied access from the United States.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Two Arrested in Connection with MGM National Harbor Casino Robbery

    Two Arrested in Connection with MGM National Harbor Casino Robbery

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    This is precisely what is happening in the case of two robbers who were arrested in Oxon Hill earlier this week in connection with the robbery at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. Officials at Prince George’s County Police Department have confirmed the arrest and that the two individuals were in custody.

    Chips Stolen, Culprits Found

    The “heist” itself really isn’t as glamorous or derring-do as it might suggest. In fact, the culprits pocketed an undisclosed amount of casino chips from a table, but it was not a small operation either. Seven people had assisted in the robbery, with two now in custody and the identity of the rest a matter of time to crack, the police assured.

    The robbery did see an altercation between the culprits and security staff, the latter of whom got minor injuries in the ensuing fight which allowed the suspects to escape the venue. The recent arrests may tie into other similar cases involving casino chip thefts, although the police did not provide information on whether those cases are related.

    Inside Job and Casino Crime

    The case of the chip thieves is not the only one of note to take a look at this week. A Rivers casino manager in Pittsburgh is said to have stolen $20,000 from the cashiers’ cage, Penn Live and several other media outlets reported.

    The person, Yancy Yeater, 41, of Canonsburg works as a player services manager at the casino and is said to have been caught in the act on surveillance footage earlier this month. The cage is where all the money is handled by the public, and players come to buy chips or cash in their winnings. The theft was first established by the casino’s security staff before being referred to the police.

    Bodies Found at Golden Acorn Casino

    Two people who disappeared were found dead at the Golden Acorn Casino in a car. The news was confirmed by San Diego police which found the bodies of Melissa and Johnny Soto with both their disappearances and death remain a mystery although a murder-suicide version is being worked on.

    The vehicle was found by the US Customs and Border Patrol. Investigation found out that the people had disappeared under mysterious circumstances and those are still being thrashed out by the authorities. The couple was, however, living separately and there was supposedly a domestic violence incident before their disappearance.

    It’s said that the man died from a self-inflicted gun wound whereas the woman’s cause of death is being established.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Nagasaki’s Bid for Integrated Resort Rejected by Central Government

    Nagasaki’s Bid for Integrated Resort Rejected by Central Government

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    However, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism is having none of it, as the government has qualms about the feasibility of the project as submitted by Nagasaki.

    Nagasaki Misses the Mark with Government

    Kyushu Resorts Japan and Nagasaki prefecture will have to go back to the drawing board or fold their bid altogether. Government officials have expressed open worry over the nature of financing of the proposed projects.

    There seems to be an unsatisfactory level of commitment outlined in the letters that are supposed to show support and outline the terms of funding. They are customary and usually enough to convince government officials to indeed agree and proceed with the further stages of a project.

    As such, the panel that weighed in on the decision said that they still doubted whether the proceedings could move on due to this lingering fear of lack of funds. It’s not just the funding, though, as the panel is similarly dubious of the chosen companies that will supposedly operate the project.

    Casinos Austria International was the only participant who had a hands-on approach in such matters, and it was unlikely that CAI alone would make up for all the participants in the Kyushu Resorts Japan consortium. More worryingly, CAI’s investment is smaller than that of keener but less experienced parties.

    Lack of Expeirence and Other Concerns

    There was also outlined fear about how the proceeds from an operational casino resort would be divvied up, as too many investors – as is the case with Nagasaki’s bid – would mean that there will be many parties that are eager to recoup their investment overlook other important aspects, such as eliminating the harmful influence of casinos.

    Nagasaki still has plenty of time to consider a revised bid, although securing more investors – or the right investors as it were – and eliciting stronger commitment would prove the most difficult part.

    Still, overblow fears of recession and a flagging economy may embolden overseas companies with plenty of experience and cash on hand to move more strongly on Japan, and use the near-miss Nagasaki just had with the government to rally and potentially host one of the casino resorts – a total of three to arrive in the year over the next decades or so.

    Osaka in the meantime has been gaining steadily with its construction and is likely to arrive on time.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Full House Resorts, Inc. Cuts the Ribbon on Chamonix Casino Hotel

    Full House Resorts, Inc. Cuts the Ribbon on Chamonix Casino Hotel

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    Full House Resorts, Inc. has been happy to confirm the arrival of its latest gaming destination that will bring together the well-established company tradition for innovative experiences and its advanced understanding of excellent accommodation practices.

    More Full House Resorts in Cripple Creek

    The new property opened doors in Cripple Creek, 45 miles from Colorado Springs, and 80 miles from Denver, making it well-positioned to draw crowds and excite the attention of travelers from far and wide.

    The new property is adjacent to Bronco Billy’s Casino, which is owned by Full House Resorts, pointing to early-day synergies between the two properties, which is precisely what the Chamonix property is looking to achieve.

    Yet, the Chamonix venue also hosts an elegant casino floor that features tons of slot machines, and a high-limit slot saloon for those players who wish to pursue something more exciting. The venue was also built to offer excellent views to guests which adds to the charm and the desirability of the destination.

    Full House Resorts has made sure that the property features all the bells and whistles customary to a good expeirence, including garage and surface parking, a convenient valet, individual guestrooms and more. Chamonix is confident that the occupancy rates will be strong from the very start, although it will take some time to gather traction with visitors.

    Bringing Visitors from Far and Wide

    Meanwhile, there are more worthwhile aspects of the casino and property that will do much to seduce hesitant tourists, owing to the Chamonix Spa and rooftop pool all adding to the comfort and exclusivity of the property.

    Commenting on the introduction of the property, Chamonix Casino Hotel general manager Baxter Lee said:

    “Chamonix is a special place, unlike any other casino hotel in the state. It offers a high-end, Las Vegas experience in our beautiful Colorado mountain setting. We are overjoyed to open Chamonix’s doors on 27 December and to welcome our friends from Colorado and beyond.”

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • GAN Reshuffles Board of Directors Preparing for 2024

    GAN Reshuffles Board of Directors Preparing for 2024

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    Notably, Seamus McGill has confirmed that he will be stepping down as chairman of the board and he will be succeeded by David Goldberg in the important position as the holiday season is now set in.

    GAN Executes Quick Staff Change at the Top During Holiday Season

    McGill’s decision to step down comes after GAN, a B2B technology provider for the iGaming industry, has confirmed that it has entered a definitive agreement to merge with Sega Sammy Creation, owned by Sega Sammy Holdings. McGill will continue to serve as an interim CEO following the departure of Dermot Smurfit.

    Besides McGill, the company has also confirmed that Michael Smurfit will step down from the Board of Directors with effect from December 31, 2023. Michael Smurfit added, commenting on his withdrawal as well as the pending merger with Sega Sammy Creation:

    With the strategic review concluded, I feel that now is the appropriate time for me to step down from the board of directors. I am fully supportive of the transaction with Sega Sammy Creation and look forward to a timely closing.

    Michael Smurfit

    Furthermore, GAN has also appointed David D. Ross to the Board of Directors, replacing its ranks. He will be chairman of GAN’s audit committee, and his appointment has been welcomed by Goldenberg, who said that Ross brought more than 35 years of experience in various positions and he has served as both executive and director across the gaming and hospitality sector, giving him a very good background to now be part of GAN.

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    Stoyan Todorov

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  • Royal's Blue Chip Club Extension Could Point to Loyalty Merger

    Royal's Blue Chip Club Extension Could Point to Loyalty Merger

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    The Royal Caribbean Group, which is the parent company of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises companies, has been tinkering with the idea of merging its operations under the same loyalty program.

    Blue Chip Club Earning Period Extended, But Why?

    As things stand, Royal Caribbean Cruises allows customers to participate in its signature Club Royale rewards program but hop over to Celebrity Cruises and you will be rolled into Blue Chip Club.

    This means opportunity lost for consumers who have been otherwise very happy with the experience they receive on both cruises, including onboard casinos featuring slot and table games, as well as smoke-free areas.

    The extension of the Blue Chip Club program could signal an early decision by the parent group to heed the call of its customers and indeed advance with a decision to merge the two loyalty programs, or at least connect them so consumers can benefit freely jumping from one cruise to the next.

    Royal Caribbean has already announced that it will be extending and developing its casinos, seeing them as an important part of the overall experience, and a good hook to attract new customers, reactivate dormant ones, and generally continue to be a good entertainment option.

    Some of the major updates have been an expansion of the existing square footage of gaming floors, but also the addition of progressive jackpots which have become a hit with players who seem to be tempted by the prospect of escaping on a cruise where they can try their hand at a progressive jackpot.

    The Time for a Loyalty Program Merge May Finally Be Here

    It’s not just that though as rewards programs have become very important in light of this heightened interest in the group’s cruises, and merging the two would be a smart business decision, even if on the face of it, the two brands want to maintain their relevant autonomy and independence.

    Their internal competition is not likely to hurt either party, though, as consumers would just be able to use their loyalty points freely, nurturing even stronger brand loyalty, and driving attention to the growing segment of on-site casino gaming.

    Although speculation at the present moment, expanding the Blue Chip Club earning period could be a way to carry over the points into a merged program moving forward, which would boost brand loyalty

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Nevada Blacklists Mississippi Illusionist from Casinos

    Nevada Blacklists Mississippi Illusionist from Casinos

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    Different states across the US where casino gambling is legal have established exclusion lists. Such lists often include the names of individuals who were found guilty of gambling-related crimes or were involved in other illegal activities. With their name added to the infamous “black books,” those patrons are banned from visiting casinos in a particular state and may face legal action if they breach this prohibition.

    It’s no surprise that Nevada, the home of Las Vegas, also has a black book that includes the names of patrons excluded from casino gambling. Following a Thursday meeting, the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC), unanimously voted to expand its list by adding another person, increasing the number of excluded individuals to a total of 36 people.

    The person who was excluded is Shaun Joseph Benward, a 36-year-old resident from Mississippi who media reports described as an illusionist. His name was added to the state’s black book over allegations of scamming casinos in different states, including Nevada. The unanimous vote for Benward’s exclusion comes after earlier this year, the Commission nominated him for the list. Although the 36-year-old was notified about the Commission’s planned voting for Thursday, he did not appear.

    Reportedly, Benward has a long list of convictions or arrests over cheating not only in Nevada but in Iowa, Ohio and New Jersey, among other states. He is also added to the exclusion lists for Missouri, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Delaware, prohibiting him from visiting casinos in those states.

    An Unsophisticated Scheme

    Michael Somps, senior deputy attorney general at Nevada Attorney General’s Office, explained the scheme which was allegedly used by Benward to scam casinos across the country out of thousands of dollars. The illusionist allegedly distracted roulette dealers by engaging in discussions with them. After that, Benward allegedly would place a wager late in the game and once the roulette ball lands would try to convince the dealer that his chips were placed on a wrong number. To ensure the trustworthiness of his story and pressure the dealer, the illusionist would work in a team with a second person that would confirm his false claim.

    It is yet to be confirmed whether Benward is currently in Nevada or another US state. Still, a person that has identical names, the same age, who is also listed as an Ocean Springs, Mississippi resident, is currently on the most wanted list for Lyon County in Iowa. This individual is charged with failure to appear for ongoing criminal conduct, including six counts of gambling cheating, five counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, the same person is wanted for similar charges in Mississippi, Rhode Island, as well as Pennsylvania.

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    Jerome García

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  • Alabama Senator Fears Gambling to Win Democrats Election

    Alabama Senator Fears Gambling to Win Democrats Election

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    Efforts for the repeal of Alabama’s prohibition on gambling date back more than two decades. Back in 1999, voters in the state rejected a proposal that called for the establishment of a lottery and similar efforts since have not gained much traction. While lawmakers identify the potential benefits of legal gambling, no bill has made it far enough to change Alabama’s state constitution and introduce some form of the activity.

    Considering that gambling is prohibited as a part of the state’s constitution, lawmakers need to pass a constitutional amendment to pave the way for gambling. There is a chance for Alabama residents to vote for or against a gambling constitutional amendment during the upcoming 2024 presidential election ballot. Despite the benefits legal gambling may bring, not everyone agrees that the legalization of the activity is the right thing to do.

    State Sen. Chris Elliott, who was recently interviewed by Jeff Poor, the host of “The Jeff Poor Show,” on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5, spoke about the potential dangers of putting a gambling constitutional amendment on the upcoming ballot. “The folks who are elected officials are all very keen on those politics. So, I think it is pretty reasonable to say it would be a mistake to put gaming on the presidential election (ballot), that it would drive up Democrats’ turnout,” he explained as quoted by 1819 News.

    Gaming Discussion Has a Long Way to Go

    According to Elliott, neither of the chambers would be interested in such a result. The Senator admitted he will continue monitoring the topic and pay close attention to any changes. Yet, Elliott confirmed that the legalization of gambling is a topic that requires a lot of discussion and time before becoming a reality. “It is something I certainly will be sitting back and watching to see how it goes in the House and what happens. But I’m not getting down into the details of it until something actually matriculates. It is very much a work in progress,” he explained.

    “But I’ll be honest with you: I think the whole gaming conversation has got miles and miles to go before we get to any kind of solution.“

    State Sen. Chris Elliott

    State Reps. Andy Whitt and Chris Blackshear are among the lawmakers who are reportedly supporting the legalization of gambling in Alabama. Amid the growing concerns about the impact of illegal gambling, Whitt hinted at plans for a new bill that seeks to combat the illegal offering through “blanket penalties.” The lawmaker explained that illegal gambling results in an increase in other crimes such as drug use or violent crimes, which underlines the need for effective legislation that combats the activity.

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    Jerome García

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  • Malta's FIAU Imposes Fine on Trannel International for Compliance Failures

    Malta's FIAU Imposes Fine on Trannel International for Compliance Failures

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    Malta’s Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has slapped a hefty fine of €222,736 ($244,085) on Trannel International Limited, a subsidiary of the Kindred Group, for significant lapses in compliance with regulatory standards. 

    FIAU Exposes Trannel’s Risk Analysis Shortcomings with Critical Compliance Deficiencies

    The FIAU’s investigation revealed that Trannel had failed to conduct proper risk analyses for a substantial number of clients whose deposits exceeded €2,000, as mandated by law. Critical deficiencies in Trannel’s CRA methodology were identified, with a lack of a system to connect multiple customer accounts, reported Television Malta’s TVM News. Each account was assessed independently, disregarding the broader context of a customer’s overall activity.

    In a proactive response to the compliance examination, Trannel rectified the deficiency by implementing an automated risk assessment model tied to account registration. Despite these corrective actions, the FIAU emphasized the gravity of the lapses in Trannel’s compliance measures.

    The regulatory body highlighted instances where Trannel’s risk assessment heavily favored transaction risk over other crucial pillars such as customer and geographical risk. Inappropriately rated profiles accounted for 40% of the reviewed player profiles, neglecting factors like deposit amounts, transaction speed, and payment methods.

    High-Value Player Profiles Unveil Trannel’s Inadequate Scrutiny of Financial Red Flags

    Two specific player profiles drew attention due to Trannel’s failure to scrutinize transactions adequately. In one case, a player deposited €3.5 million ($3.8 million) within 18 months, engaging in non-closed loop transactions with discrepancies in declared income. 

    The second case involved deposits exceeding €350,000 ($383,548) in three months, questionable income sources, and third-party e-wallet transactions. Trannel neglected to gather essential information to substantiate these players’ financial activities.

    Furthermore, Trannel fell short in fulfilling record-keeping obligations, with 70% of player profiles lacking necessary documentation from open-source intelligence obtained from the internet. 

    Malta is not the only jurisdiction where Trannel has been experiencing challenges. In June, Norwegian gambling authorities received legal affirmation as the Borgarting Court of Appeal rejected Trannel International Limited’s appeal against a compulsory fine of NOK 1.2 million ($108,600) per day. 

    The legal dispute began in 2019 when Norway’s gambling regulator, Lotteritilsynet, urged Trannel to cease operations in the country, leading to rejected appeals, a suspension, and subsequent fines, with the recent court decision signaling the end of Trannel’s legal battles in Norway. 

    Culture and Equality Minister Anette Trettebergstuen noted that the court’s ruling aligns with the Norwegian exclusive rights model, while Atle Hamar, director of Lotteritilsynet, anticipates Trannel’s complete withdrawal from the Norwegian market.

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    Silvia Pavlof

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  • Bally’s Evansville Loses $212,000 to Phishing

    Bally’s Evansville Loses $212,000 to Phishing

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    A few months after the devastating cyberattacks on MGM and Caesars, Bally’s property in Evansville, Indiana, has become the victim of a phishing scam. As a result, the casino hotel has lost more than $212,000.

    As reported by the Evansville Police Department, the Bally’s venue was commissioning a construction firm for work on its property. At one point, however, a caller contacted the casino hotel’s management, claiming that the firm had had to change emails. In addition, the person provided Bally’s with a bank account and routing number for payment for the construction work.

    Not suspecting the scam, Bally’s officials did as they were told and ended up paying $212,671 to the scammer. The casino operator immediately contacted the police, prompting an investigation.

    While the phishing scam is not exactly a cyberattack, it is part of a larger trend that has seen fraudsters target major commercial casino companies. As mentioned, some of the biggest casino operators in the United States suffered serious security breaches earlier this year, jeopardizing their businesses and inducing millions in losses.

    Not the First Time Bally’s Evansville Has Dealt with Crime and Fraudsters

    Bally’s Evansville is a property with 45,000 square feet of gaming space. Boasting some 950 slots and 30 electronic and live dealer gaming tables, the venue offers a variety of games to its patrons. In addition to that, sports fans can place wagers at the property’s William Hill-branded sportsbook.

    Unfortunately, the phishing attempt is not the first time Bally’s Evansville has had to deal with cases of fraud and crime. A month ago, a suspect in auto theft case was arrested at the property.

    Again in November, the police arrested another Bally’s Evansville patron for leaving their child unattended while going to gamble. This reflects an unfortunate trend across the US that has seen irresponsible parents ignore their children while visiting casinos. In November alone, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, for example banned four casino patrons because of such violations.

    In March, Bally’s Evansville had to fire a former pit supervisor who was charged with running an illegal poker room called Ed’s Poker Club. The man had been organizing illegal poker games for years, greatly intensifying his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Prosecutors Drop Charges against Hartford Casino Employee

    Prosecutors Drop Charges against Hartford Casino Employee

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    Prosecutors at the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office have dropped the embezzlement charge brought against Danika Young, a cash cage supervisor at Four Winds Hartford Casino.

    The 38-year-old long-time employee allegedly stole $700,000 from the casino vault on July 30 and exited the gambling facility after she received an ominous phone call from a person who told her to take the money to someone in Gary, Indiana. 

    Young Could Have Faced 20 Years in Prison 

    Provided Van Buren prosecutors would not have decided to drop the embezzlement charge, Young could have been incarcerated for up to 20 years for the serious felony.

    While the reasons behind their decision have not been disclosed as of yet, the employee’s criminal defense attorney, Caleb Grimes, said his client felt thrilled and at the same time “extremely vindicated” since she had claimed her innocence from the beginning of the investigation. 

    Young, who had been a loyal employee of the casino for more than a decade and a half, was a mother, and also had deep roots in the area through her network of relatives in the local community, claimed her compliance was precipitated by what she thought was a directive from the venue’s higher management.

    Possible Foul Play via AI

    One potential theory that could explain the incident is the use of artificial intelligence as part of a scheme to manipulate and manufacture the voice of someone part of the casino’s executive team who allegedly made the call from inside the casino, according to records from Michigan TV station WOOD.

    These types of complex plots are usually met in high-stakes casino dramas, making them extremely difficult to prevent and spot even by the most loyal and trusted employees.

    Four Winds Hartford Casino is located in Hartford, Michigan, approximately 80 miles away from Grand Rapids. The property is one of the four venues considered regional entertainment pillars that are owned and operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. 

    The Nude Visitor at Oklahoma’s First Council Casino

    Earlier in the week, Norman Rhodes, the man who entered Oklahoma’s First Council Casino wearing no pants and undergarments and jumped on top of a security desk at the casino hotel pleaded guilty to the charge of outraging public decency, according to data from Oklahoma TV station KOKH.

    At the time when the police arrived, he was wearing a towel on his head and a ripped shirt and had on a towel, explaining his lack of proper clothing as a consequence of being hot.

    Rhodes will undergo a mental health checkup, pay court costs, and do 60 hours of community service. Provided he will complete the probation, he will not spend any time in jail. 

    The Extortion Attempt at Harvey’s Resort Hotel and Casino

    Another shocking incident took place in 1980 at the border between Nevada and California, at Harvey’s Resort Hotel and Casino. This massive complex was targeted by former WWII veteran John Birges who lost $750,000 there and decided to seek revenge. 

    Birges managed to leave a bomb in the building and send a letter to casino management asking for $3 million in exchange for the bomb not to be blown up.

    The FBI’s anti-bomb squad that arrived at the premises soon discovered it was almost impossible to safely defuse the bomb as the criminal had explained they would not receive instruction on how to flip some of the switches until the money reached him.

    The casino refused to pay the $3 million and the FBI proceeded to try to defuse the bomb, which in turn caused a massive explosion that caused enormous damage on all floors. Birges was arrested and sent to prison for life. 

    The Student Who Tried to Steal $30,000 From a Casino

    In October, a 22-year-old student from Greenwich, London who tried to steal $30,000 from Grosvenor Casino admitted to fraud by false representation. 

    Samuel Bob-Emmanuel was asked to undergo 25 days of rehabilitation and was sentenced to a 12-month community order by the Birmingham Crown Court, while also facing 150 hours of unpaid work. 

    The crime took place on March 1, when Bob-Emmanuel used a PIN code belonging to a supervisor at Grosvenor Casino to attempt to transfer the casino’s money to his account. 

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    Melanie Porter

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  • Kansas: Illegal Gambling Machines Seized from Gas Station

    Kansas: Illegal Gambling Machines Seized from Gas Station

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    Illegal gambling is a growing concern across the United States. While this applies to the online counterpart of the activity, illegal or unlicensed slots, bookmakers and poker rooms continue to rake money without paying taxes or complying with gambling regulations, if such even exist where they operate. Now, a gas station in Park City, Kansas, may be in hot water after a search uncovered illegal gambling machines.

    As announced by KAKE, on Wednesday this week, the Park City Police Department along with representatives of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, the gambling regulator in the state, executed a search warrant at a gas station in Park City near I-135. Police officers and Commission representatives entered the premises, uncovering 13 illegal gaming devices. The illegal machines were consequently seized.

    The latest raid marks another one for law enforcement and the regulator as they continue to battle illegal gambling establishments across Kansas. Customers who use the services of illegal gambling operators put their money at risk. This is because illegal operators are not obligated to comply with the established regulations. In other words, such illegal machines can altered to ensure that users lose far more when compared to playing at licensed casinos.

    Illegal Gambling Increases Other Criminal Activities

    Despite the efforts of the gambling regulator in Kansas and law enforcement, illegal establishments continue to offer their services. According to Kristopher Gupilan, an officer with the Wichita Police Department, the newly seized illegal machines further increase the number of confiscated devices. He revealed that for a decade, law enforcement seized more than 1,500 such machines and that number continues to grow.

    What’s more worrying, Gupilan said, is that illegal gambling serves as a breeding ground for further crimes. “Violent crimes, thefts, all sorts of other crimes can stem from illegal gambling machines,” he warned. Gupilan encouraged anyone who suspects illegal casinos across Kansas to immediately report it by contacting Crime Stoppers. He said that such reports are anonymous.

    Besides fueling other criminal activities, illegal gambling machines pose a risk for the players, according to the gambling regulator. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission confirmed that such devices may be rigged, allowing vendors to select any odds they would like. Unlike illegal gambling devices, licensed casino operators are required to set minimum odds for their slot machines. The Commission reminded that currently, tribal casino operators’ slots pay at 80%, while commercial gambling slots’ RTP is 87%.

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    Jerome García

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  • Police On the Lookout for Men Who Tried to Break Into Casino

    Police On the Lookout for Men Who Tried to Break Into Casino

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    The Humberside Police have issued an appeal to locals who might have doorbell footage or witness information to share in regard to a report concerning an attempted burglary on Endike Lane in Hull. 

    Attempted Burglary During the Night

    The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, November 14. At around 4:30 am, the police were called to investigate a claim from a local resident that three men were trying to gain entry into Merkur Slots casino using power tools. 

    It was the sound of the said power tools that woke up the Good Samaritan who most likely saved the casino from what could have brought them some serious damage.

    Officers were deployed to the casino located on Endike Lane. Upon their arrival, the trio managed to flee the scene in a white BMW. He is believed to have traveled in the direction of 21st Avenue towards Cranbrook Avenue. The other two potential burglars are believed to have run toward Greenwood Avenue.

    The authorities have made an appeal to anyone who possesses any kind of information in relation to the case, including dash cam or CCTV footage in the area nearby to assist them with their inquiries by contacting them on their non-emergency number 101 quoting log 35 of 14 November.

    Anyone who has information on the three suspects and wishes to remain anonymous can alternatively get in touch with Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    $1 Million in Casino Chips Stolen from Genting Highlands

    At the start of the month, we reported on a $1 million casino theft at Genting Highlands that resulted in 10 people being detained. 

    Genting Highlands is a top-tier gaming and entertainment property operated by leading gaming company Genting Malaysia. The thieves broke into the room where the casino chips worth around $1 million were stored on October 28, which led to the police being notified of the break-in. 

    The investigation is still ongoing, and the authorities refrained from disclosing any extra information on the case details. The version of an inside job was not, however, ruled out. 

    Ex-Police Officer Sentenced for Casino Heists

    Last month, an ex-police officer in Las Vegas was sentenced for a series of casino heists at three major casinos in Sin City that resulted in the theft of over $160,000 between November 2021 and February 2022. 

    Caleb M. Rogers received a 12-year federal prison sentence by US District Judge Andrew P. Gordon, at the end of a shocking trial that revealed the casino robberies. 

    Apparently, Rogers wore dark clothes, black latex gloves, and a face mask while executing the robberies with amazing precision.

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    Melanie Porter

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  • Indiana: Suspect of Auto Theft Arrested at Bally’s Evansville

    Indiana: Suspect of Auto Theft Arrested at Bally’s Evansville

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    Financial crimes, burglaries, robberies and other criminal activities are much easier to uncover nowadays thanks to technological innovations, proactive monitoring and CCTV. Casino operators across the globe continue to invest heavily in technology to protect their online and retail operations, battling against a wide range of criminal activities, including money laundering, fraud and robberies, among others.

    Earlier this week, one casino patron who visited Bally’s Evansville in Indiana, and was suspected of auto theft, was arrested, a report released by 44 News reveals. On Wednesday morning, casino security contacted law enforcement to notify them about the presence of an individual who was suspected to be involved in an auto theft.

    Police units were dispatched to the Evansville casino where they identified the suspect as a 46-year-old with the initials K.S.N. The same person was suspected of a theft dating back to earlier this week, the new report reveals. It is unclear whether he was identified by CCTV footage or witnesses who were able to recognize him.

    Police Officers Find Drugs, Book the Suspect in Jail

    The 46-year-old suspected of the car theft agreed to a search. He was detained and police uncovered drugs in his possession. K.S.N. reportedly had a glass pipe, as well as fentanyl and meth. The person was subsequently arrested and booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail. He is reportedly facing charges related to the car theft along with drug-related charges. It is yet to be confirmed what penalty he may face if he is found guilty.

    In other crime-related news, a 35-year-old man who drove his car through the fence of a solar facility that provided power to MGM Resorts recently pleaded guilty. The person caused damage to the Mega Solar Array facility located 25 miles outside Las Vegas by ramming through the fence. He then allegedly set his car on fire and fled the crime scene.

    The person allegedly responsible for the damage to the solar facility entered into a guilty plea under the stipulation that he is mentally ill, KLAS reported. As a result, he accepted guilt for second-degree arson and malicious destruction of property.

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    Jerome García

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