AGA SmartBrief a G2E production

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/dCAPCfbwocevpMpVuiad

April 26, 2012

Gaming News By the Industry, For the Industry

Top of the Deck

Q1 profit, revenue at Las Vegas Sands top analyst predictions
Las Vegas Sands' performance for the first quarter of 2012, driven in part by stronger gaming volumes across its Macau properties, beat analysts' expectations. The company posted net income of $498.9, compared with $228.2 million in the same period last year, and revenue of $2.76 billion. Fox Business (4/25)

Industry Update

Mississippi casinos report higher March revenue
Mississippi casinos reported an overall boost in March revenues, driven by a 3.9% increase in winnings. The 11 Gulf Coast casinos' revenues rose 4.8% to $101.6 million, while casinos along the Mississippi River saw revenue increase 3.1% to $118.8 million. The report excludes the state's tribal gaming operations. Bloomberg Businessweek/The Associated Press (4/24)

Horseshoe Cleveland's restaurant will offer 7 food stations
Visitors to Horseshoe Casino Cleveland will have seven food stations with distinct themes to choose from at its buffet-style restaurant when the casino opens on May 14. "We're aiming for a new, exciting and fresh concept," says Steven Varga, the restaurant's executive chef. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (4/26)

Issues, Trends & Technology

Cantor will include location authentication for mobile wagering
Cantor Gaming has partnered with Locaid, a company that specializes on location-based services, to include location authentication for its mobile wagering application. "To comply with state law, it was critical to ensure a mobile user's location for mobile gaming and safeguard against today's sophisticated spoofing technologies; Locaid enabled us to meet this challenge," said Paul Williams, Cantor's chief technology officer. VentureBeat/GamesBeat (4/25)

Golden Nugget gets initial approval to expand Biloxi, Miss., resort
The development review committee of Biloxi, Miss., gave Golden Nugget an initial approval Wednesday to expand and upgrade the Isle Casino Hotel, which the company has recently acquired. Golden Nugget plans to rebrand the property after the $150 million renovation project. WDAM-TV (Hattiesburg, Miss.) (4/25)

iGaming

State lotteries seek online expansion despite resistance
State lotteries and suppliers hope to move forward with their plans to offer ticket sales on the Internet despite protests from retailers in just one facet of the efforts to shape online gaming. "The world is going to be in cyberspace. You need to get out there," said Vernon Kirk, director of Delaware's lottery. Illinois, the first state to offer online lottery ticket sales, launched the service last month. The Wall Street Journal (4/25)

Online gambling bill may stir conflict between states, Congress
Legislation drafted by Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., which sources say would allow online poker but prohibit other forms of online gambling, may encounter resistance from states hoping to legalize it. The article notes that, following the recent decision by the Department of Justice effectively reversing its position on online gambling, the landscape for legalization continues to evolve at both the state and federal levels. The Wall Street Journal (4/25)

Tribal Gaming Spotlight

Tribe releases some details on proposed casino in Taunton, Mass.
Ahead of a planned meeting with city officials, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe released some details about a proposed gambling center for Taunton, Mass. Plans for the $500 million project include a 150,000-square-foot casino, three hotels, a water park, shops and restaurants. "We're currently working on the intergovernmental agreement. That's the vital piece of the whole thing ... We're working diligently to make sure the project is in our best interest," said Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye Jr. Taunton Daily Gazette (Mass.) (4/26), Taunton Daily Gazette (Mass.) (4/25)

International Focus

Galaxy announces $2B expansion for Cotai casino
Galaxy Entertainment confirmed today that it plans to invest around $2 billion for the second phase expansion of its casino in Cotai, Macau. The company plans to add 500 tables and more than 1,000 slots to Galaxy Macau. Two luxury hotels are planned as well. Reuters (4/26)

AGA & G2E News

Building stronger relationships for women in gaming
Global Gaming Women (GGW) was launched by the AGA to nurture emerging female leaders in the international gaming industry by fostering stronger relationships between top female executives and promising managers. GGW creates opportunities for women in the industry to learn from each other, share ideas, discuss best practices and take advantage of mentorship opportunities. For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, visit the GGW page on the AGA website.

Stay connected with G2E and the industry on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook
Stay up-to-date with what's new this year and with what's going on in the gaming industry by connecting with G2E on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Save the date now for G2E 2012: Oct. 1-4, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to showcase their newest products.