Indy Gaming: G2E roundup finds optimistic CEOs, where the next Hard Rock LV isn’t going and a push for non-smoking casinos
$6,000 Welcome Bonus
The word that was ubiquitous throughout the three-day Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas was optimism. The gaming industry's top executives are focused on finishing 2021 on a high note and moving toward more normalized operations in 2022. Wynn Resorts' Matt Maddox is excited about the future of Las Nevada. MGM Resort's Bill Hornbuckle is also optimistic. The American Gaming Association released a “CEO Outlook” survey. 70 percent of the CEOs from casino companies and gaming equipment suppliers expect a better business situation in the next six months.
Seminole Gaming is interested in landing a casino on the Strip. The tribe owns Hard Rock Entertainment, including intellectual property rights for affiliated restaurant and entertainment trademarks and website domain names. Hardrock has lent its name and brand to an off-Strip property that went through several management changes over the course of more than two decades. It has since been rebranded as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Caesars wants to sell at least one of its casinos.
Titus co-chairs the Congressional Gaming Caucus. She is often asked for advice about gaming matters in her district. The caucus has successfully navigated several key issues that benefitted the industry. The Caucus got the CARES Act passed thanks to the efforts of Rep. Mark Amodei. Titus continues to push for the elimination of the 0.25 percent federal excise tax placed on all sports wagers. It was put into place in the 1950s to combat illegal gambling activities. However, it only penalizes legal sports betting operators. Also, the IRS doesn't track the funds.
Advisory firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming made predictions for 2022. It predicts a new state will be launched next year. The sports betting market will continue to grow. Online casino gaming will operate in 14 states by 2026. New York will add online sports gambling. Florida will legalize sportsbetting at tribal casinos. California and Texas will remain on the sidelines. iReport.com: G2E roundup finds optimistic CEOs. They discuss the future of gaming industry. There is a push for non-smoking casinos and a discussion on gambling in bars and restaurants.
Americans for Nonsmokers' rights is promoting a smoking ban in casinos. The group brought its efforts to the Global Expo Gaming. It enlisted several employees from the MGM Resorts-owned Borgata in Atlantic City to help. They want their peers in Las Vegas to join the effort. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has said he would sign a permanent casino smoking bans. The governor is up for re-election in 2018. MGM has already introduced a state-mandated smoke-free casinos in Massachusetts and Maryland. Cynthia Hallett, CEO of Americans for nonshokers rights, hopes that the company will follow suit in Nevada.
There were more than 2,000 flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines last weekend. Las Vegas hosted the heavyweight championship fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder on Saturday and an NFL game between the Las Vegans and Chicago Bears on Sunday. Station Casinos got approval to move forward on a new hotel-casino in southwestern Las. Golden Entertainment and Flite Golf will bring Atomic Range to The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod. The project is expected to begin construction in the second quarter of 2022 and be completed by the end of 2023.
