Featured Articles Archive - Page 251

Nevada casinos post fifth straight fiscal year net loss

LAS VEGAS -- Nevada casinos suffered their fifth consecutive fiscal year net loss in 2013 despite a slight overall increase in revenue.Strip casinos experienced a similar fate. Overall Strip revenue increased 1.7 percent during the fiscal year...read more

Gaming lobby unifies message

LAS VEGAS -- The collegiality developed within the gaming industry as casino companies weathered the economic downturn has evaporated.Opposing opinions are healthy to any debate, especially when the topics include casino expansion into new markets and the potential state-by-state rollout of Internet gaming.But simmering feuds and positions perceived as harmful to gaming can be detrimental to an industry that has numerous detractors looking to exploit any misstep.American Gaming Association (AGA) President Geoff Freeman said last week that the casino industry is often its “own worst enemy,” giving anti-gambling opponents ammunition.“We have too many critics as an industry to show a divided front,” Freeman said.Which is why his recent revamping of the 19-year-old trade association’s direction and corporate staff sends a clear message.With a little more than seven months under his belt as the second president in the association’s history, Freeman let it be known the trade group will advocate on behalf of the industry as a whole and not adhere to the wishes of one member, no matter the size of his wallet nor how loud that he speaks.Not surprisingly, Las Vegas Sands Corp...read more

Deal Me In: The subtle art of tipping

Dear Mark: Sometimes at a table game I will tip at the end of the session versus nickel-and-diming the dealer through the course of play. At some joints after I color up, if I flip the dealer a black chip, the dealer will convert to four green and place them behind the paddle...read more

Job fair slated for 550 positions at Linq development

LAS VEGAS -- Caesars Entertainment Corporation will host a job fair next week to staff more than 550 positions at the company’s $550 million Linq development on the Strip.The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the Sunset Ballroom at the Flamingo Las Vegas...read more

AGEM makes responsible-gaming appointment

LAS VEGAS -- The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers appointed longtime responsible gaming advocate Connie Jones to head the trade organization’s initiative on the issue.Jones, who previously served as director of responsible gaming for slot machine maker IGT - International Game Technology, will assume a similar role with the association...read more

Rampart Casino marking 15th anniversary with emphasis on pure gambling

LAS VEGAS -- In some ways, the Rampart Casino Resort at Summerlin is a throwback to old Vegas.The 50,000-square-foot casino, which is attached to the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort at the edge of Summerlin, doesn’t have movie theaters, a bowling center or other nongaming amenities typically used to attract local customers.The Rampart is pure gambling.When longtime customers were questioned on what they wanted to see added at the Rampart, the answer was bingo.“That was the No...read more

Gaming lobbying organization revamps management team

The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced a shake-up Monday in its management team, hiring five senior staff members to oversee the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization’s marketing communication and policy functions.In a statement, the group that represents the gaming industry’s interests in Congress said it hired individuals with experience in the gaming industry and have backgrounds in the private sector and with trade associations.American Gaming Association CEO Geoff Freeman said the changes in staff are part of a reorganization that places an emphasis on proactive, campaign-style trade association advocacy.“Through groundbreaking research, aggressive outreach and on-the-ground activities, this group of experts will position the AGA to champion gaming’s value as a driver of innovation and economic growth,” Freeman said in the statement.The five include Sara Rayme, senior vice president of public affairs, who worked with MGM Resorts International in the company’s Maryland expansion efforts; Chaka Burgess, vice president of government relations, who has nearly 20 years of experience in coalition building, lobbying and ally development, and formerly worked as director in the global government affairs division of Amgen Inc.; Allie Barth, senior director of communications, who previously worked with the U.S...read more

Top-10 prop bets for new parents

Last week, my wife and I hosted some friends for a New Year's Day brunch. It was a great way to kick off 2014, as we caught up with people we hadn't seen in awhile, including one friend who had a baby in the fall.We have three kids. Our youngest (twins) are nearing their third birthday and are in full "run around the house while yelling at the top of their lungs" mode...read more

MGM Resorts hosting job fair to staff for summer pool season

LAS VEGAS -- MGM Resorts International is hosting a seasonal job fair next week to staff-up for the busy Las Vegas summer pool season.The company will fill some 700 poolside positions — full time and part time — at all of the casino operator’s 12 Strip properties.The job fair will take place from 10 a.m...read more

Inside Gaming: Sunny days may be ahead for MGM Resort

LAS VEGAS -- In a recent research note, J.P. Morgan gaming analyst Joe Greff said MGM Resorts International offers “fresh ideas” for stock investors exploring their options in the new year.And that was before the casino company cleared several giant hurdles in December for building two potentially lucrative gaming complexes in the Northeast.With almost $3 billion in developments looming in Macau and Las Vegas — coupled with a potential return to Atlantic City — MGM Resorts is already the most-watched casino company on Wall Street just five days into 2014.The likely prospects of MGM Resorts adding to its portfolio an $800 million hotel-casino in Springfield, Mass., and a $925 million resort just outside Washington, D.C., at National Harbor, Md., only enrich the story.Greff said MGM Resorts offers “the top gaming investment idea” because the company’s stock price, which closed at $23.45 Friday, should be getting more respect from the market...read more