Featured Articles Archive - Page 218

Speculation abounds on casino industry mergers, acquisitions

LAS VEGAS -- IGT - International Game Technology is the most prominent gaming company with a “For Sale” sign planted in the front yard.But the slot machine giant is not alone.For the first time since the recession dried up credit markets and brought mergers and acquisition activity to a standstill, the casino industry is awash with speculation about transactions.Over the next few months, several big-name casino operators and equipment manufacturers could change hands.Three transactions completed in 2013 — Bally Technologies, Inc.’s $1.3 billion purchase of SHFL Entertainment, Scientific Games Corporation’s $1.5 billion acquisition of WMS Industries Incorporated and Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.’s $2.8 billion buyout of Ameristar Casinos, Inc...read more

State gaming regulators recommend plan to link online poker websites

LAS VEGAS -- State gaming regulators tentatively approved a planned interactive gaming system that could house online poker websites for multiple casinos, potentially increasing the player pool in Nevada.Regulators said the technology, which is operated by Gibraltar-based 888 Holdings Plc, could be the model for the planned system that would run the shared online gaming network between Nevada and Delaware.Under the plan proposed Wednesday morning to the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, 888 Holdings will develop an inter-operator poker network that will include Caesars Interactive Entertainment’s WSOP.com and the planned online poker room from Treasure Island...read more

Slot operator sanctioned over medical pot

LAS VEGAS -- The Nevada State Gaming Control Board told owners of a Las Vegas restaurant Thursday to find a new slot machine route operator for the business’s games — one whose owner doesn’t have ties to medical marijuana.The decision marks the first time gaming regulators have ruled on a licensing matter concerning a gaming business in light of the state’s fledgling medical pot industry.In May, the Control Board in an industry notice admonished gaming license-holders and prospective license applicants to stay away from the medical marijuana business in light of continued federal enforcement of anti-drug laws.At a hearing in Las Vegas Thursday, owners of the Crab Corner on South Rainbow Boulevard were seeking a restricted gaming license to operate five slot machines...read more

Isle of Capri Casinos shakes up corporate management

LAS VEGAS -- Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. may have answered questions of whether or not the regional casino operator was for sale.On Thursday the St. Louis-based company announced a management shake-up at the corporate level, eliminating the executive chairman role with the board of directors and the chief strategic officer position...read more

General manager for downtown Las Vegas properties emphasizes customer service

LAS VEGAS -- To Michael Pergolini, there isn’t much difference between serving as the executive chef in a stylish Southern California restaurant or operating a venerable downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino.Both jobs revolve center on how you treat customers.“It all starts by being in the people business and the customer service industry,” said Pergolini, 47, general manager of PlayLV Gaming Corp, which manages the Plaza Hotel and Casino and the Las Vegas Club...read more

Martin Jacobson takes Main Event lead after Day 6

LAS VEGAS -- Day 6 of the 2014 World Series of Poker Main Event ended Sunday night with 27 players still vying for the bracelet and $10 million first-place prize.The 27 remaining players will reconvene Monday at noon PT and play down to the final nine...read more

Main Event needs new identity to attract new players

LAS VEGAS -- The World Series of Poker needs to borrow a page from Lebron James's playbook.When James decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers this week, he didn't just go back home. James reset the narrative on both his decision to leave the Cavaliers and the metrics for success in Cleveland.Lebron’s time in Miami wasn't just about winning championships...read more

Top-10 off-the-felt highlights from the 2014 Main Event

LAS VEGAS -- I can't believe I've been here for more than a week.When I first arrived at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino last Saturday, I was overwhelmed by the sheer carnival that is the World Series of Poker Main Event. I wrote a column highlighting my top-10 impressions of the tournament to that point, and most of the list was just me projecting my feelings of being overwhelmed.But now I'm a seasoned Main Event veteran, and I've had a hell of a lot of fun this week...read more

Mark Newhouse poised to make history at WSOP Main Event

LAS VEGAS -- The World Series of Poker Main Event caught its breath Saturday. After a frenetic Friday where 527 players busted out of the tournament, Saturday's Day 5 action saw just 212 eliminations. Only 79 players remain in the tournament -- their dreams of scoring a $10 million payday still alive.When Day 5 play began, Matthew Haugen led the field with 2.808 million in chips...read more

Vancouver home game taking over WSOP Main Event

LAS VEGAS -- Vancouver, B.C. might just host of the toughest home poker games in the world.Matt Jarvis finished eighth in the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event and won a WSOP bracelet the following year. In 2013, Jason Mann won $285,408 for his 25th-place finish in the Main Event...read more