Top of the Deck

• Manhattan won't be home to a casino, N.Y. governor says
  The New York legislature is paving the way for seven nontribal casinos across the Empire State; however, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ruled out Manhattan as a casino location. "I think we can use them as regional revitalization tools. I don't think we need one in Manhattan to do that," Cuomo said. State politicians, casino companies and consultants are preparing to debate the pros and cons of the potential seven casino locations. Daily News (New York) (3/16), Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) (3/18)     

Industry Update

• Garden City Casino owner to debut $50M Casino M8trix in Calif.
  California's Garden City Casino card room is set to close, but that's good news for owner Eric Swallow, who is preparing to open the new $50 million Casino M8trix. "My objective is to create a destination, a nice, elegant place where you can feel comfortable," said Swallow. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration) (3/18)     

• Maryland Live! Casino hosted job fair for 900 jobs
  Hundreds of job hunters turned out Saturday for a shot at one of the jobs at the new Maryland Live! Casino in Arundel Mills. Casino operators said they expected to fill most of the 900 positions from those who attended the job fair. The Sun (Baltimore) (3/17)     

Issues, Trends & Technology

• Mass. gaming chairman: Casino deadlines are too tight
  Stephen Crosby, chairman of the newly formed Massachusetts Gaming Commission, is concerned that the regulatory group won't have adequate time to fulfill its duties because of tight deadlines. But state officials say that they can tinker with the process before mistakes are made. "The most important thing is that the commission get this right, and we'll work with them in any way they need to make sure they are able to do that," said Brendan Ryan, a spokesman for Gov. Deval Patrick. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (3/19)     

• Nebraska lawmakers fail to move ahead with gambling measures
  Legislators in Nebraska failed to pass a series of new gambling measures, including one that would have allowed an increase in the number of daily keno games and a fee that would have affected the location of casinos. The neighboring states of Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas and Missouri offer casino gaming. ABC News/The Associated Press (3/18)     

• Eddie Money, Styx among performers who draw guests to Fla. casinos
  Although their heydays may have been 30 years ago, a number of classic rockers and performers continue to delight crowds at Florida casinos. David Cassidy, Styx and Eddie Money are among the entertainers that can pack a casino venue and attract baby boomers with disposable income. The Miami Herald (free registration) (3/18)     

iGaming

• Lottomatica seeks interactive gaming license in Nev.
  Italy's Lottomatica Group is seeking an Interactive Gaming Service Provider license from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. "Applying for these licenses in Nevada is an important step in our iGaming strategy for the U.S.," said Walter Bugno, president and CEO of Lottomatica subsidiary Spielo International. InterGameOnline.com (3/15)     

Tribal Gaming Spotlight

• Report: Shinnecock considering 100-acre parcel for N.Y. casino
  The Shinnecock Indian Nation is reportedly considering a 100-acre parcel of land in Yaphank, N.Y., for a new tribal casino. A source for this feature says the plan could include a two-phase opening that would involve a temporary casino at a vacant warehouse nearby. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (subscription required) (3/18)     

International Focus

• Macau retains title for priciest hotel rooms in Asia
  While the average price for a hotel room in Hong Kong soared last year, it still couldn't catch up to the going rate for a room in the casino capital of the world. This feature notes that in 2011 Macau retained its top spot for priciest Asian hotel room with a 9% jump to $207 a night. Macau Daily Times (Macau) (3/19)     

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by AGA SmartBrief a G2E production readers in the past week.

• 22 of the top producing 100 U.S. nightclubs are in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Sun)

• N.Y. lawmakers vote to amend state constitution, allow 7 casinos (Reuters)

• New owner brings hip new attitude to downtown Las Vegas casino (USA TODAY)

• N.Y. Times Magazine examines Foxwoods, casino gambling in America (The New York Times (tiered subscription model))

• Ameristar Casinos buys out developer of La. hotel-casino (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

AGA & G2E News

• Stay connected to the NCRG on Facebook and Twitter
  Keep up-to-date on the latest research, trainings and resources about gambling disorders and responsible gaming by watching the National Center for Responsible Gaming's Twitter feed, Facebook page and Gambling Disorders 360˚, the NCRG's blog. Posts range from the NCRG's many public education activities and the findings from NCRG-funded research to a larger discussion of gambling disorders and responsible gaming. Connect with the NCRG today!     

• CasinoCareers and G2E team up to help job seekers and employers seeking
  The CasinoCareers job board widget is now available on the G2E homepage. Job seekers searching and employers seeking qualified professionals in gaming can search departments including compliance, iGaming, security and more. Post your resume or find ideal candidates today. For more information, visit the G2E homepage.     

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