Casino: Newcastle FC Owner Loses £1m in Gambling
Newcastle United football club owner Mike Ashley, in just a couple of hours gambling at a casino, blew up a staggering 1million pounds. Ashley and team manager Alan Pardew went on to lose a huge amount on craps, a game of dice, in a single session. Pardew had initially hit a winning streak and he scooped up 130,000 pounds. They were in the casino for just a couple of hours.
At around 2 a.m., forty seven-year-old Ashley embarked on his disastrous run, apparently losing the first 30,000 pounds in just 'about ten minutes'. At 4 a.m., both finally left and by that time, had lost 970,000 pounds. Ashley had a smile on his face while tipping the dealer 700 pounds and he didn't seem to be bothered at all by the loss.
A source claimed to the Sun that he covered the table with bets. He bet thousands at a time, tens of thousands sometimes. His gesture to tip the dealer 700 pounds was unusual as people usually only give a tip if they've won. He had lost 1 million pounds. With a game of 'spoof', Ashley had once apparently resolved a £200,000 legal bill.
Ashley is not the only celebrity to have been spotted trying their hand at gambling. Katy Perry and Russell Brand were recently seen playing blackjack. They were celebrating the birthday of Perry's grandmother. At the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, couple was at a party put on for 90-year-old Ann Hudson.
Casino: MGM Resorts International To Entice Customers
Casino operator MGM Resorts International, to entice customers is relaunching its gambling loyalty program with an 11-week sweepstakes, with potential rewards.
On Tuesday, the Las Vegas-based company launched M Life as part of a new company effort to better track the spending habits of its customers. On gambling, the program will track and reward spending and will do the same for non-gambling spending at company resorts later this year.
The sweepstakes include prizes including a Detroit Tigers baseball weekend at the MGM Grand in Detroit or a weekend stay at a suite at the Aria Resort & Casino, VIP ringside seats at a prizefight.
On the Las Vegas Strip, the introduction of the loyalty program competes with MGM's rivals, many of whom offer loyalty programs and players clubs, thanks to association with larger brands. Customers are currently allowed to earn loyalty points and redeem rewards at various hotels and retailers by the Venetian and Palazzo (both part of the InterContinental Hotels Group system) and the Cosmopolitan resort (part of Marriott's Autograph Collection). However, by introducing gaming and the casino into the mix, MGM Resorts' program goes beyond traditional hotel loyalty program.
The program will allow "players" to gamble their way to hotel benefits including free rooms and upgrades, pre-sale tickets to concerts and shows and VIP services. The program will have four tiers (Sapphire, Pearl, Gold and Platinum). To instantly redeem rewards, the Express Comps feature will enable guests to use their card anytime.
The company said that the rewards are also more personalized. For example, a guest might receive an offer for an upcoming Lady Gaga show, if he or she attends a Madonna concert. A concertgoer could receive an offer for the Country Music Awards, if he attended a Trace Atkins show
At a shareholders' meeting in June, MGM Resorts first announced its M Life program when the company changed its name from MGM Mirage. On the all-inclusive membership card in Las Vegas, the company is the latest to cash in. For more than a year, Caesars Entertainment’s Total Rewards program has been tracking nongaming spending.
Cordish Cos. of Baltimore Permits Casino Building Construction
The Cordish Cos. of Baltimore, for building permits for phases one and two of the casino, can now apply. The State Highway Administration has raised concerns over the traffic and it wants improvements to key roads and intersections. A year from now, the first phase is expected to be completed, which is a multilevel parking garage adjacent to the casino.
While construction of the permanent casino is under way, this will include a live music venue and several restaurants, expected to be completed by late 2012. The Cordish officials plan to put 2,000 slot machines on the garage's first floor. The temporary casino in the first floor will be of an approximately eight-story parking garage. Joe Weinberg, Cordish's director of development said that they are on track for opening a first phase casino in 2011. The construction team is looking forward to commence construction shortly.
In a letter written by the chief of the SHA's engineering access permits division, Steven D. Foster to Traffic Concepts, the Gambrills firm stated that the SHA acknowledges the developer has stated they suggest concluding roadway improvements that may not be needed based on Anne Arundel County's Adequate Public Facilities ordinance. The Gambrills firm is the one who conducted the original traffic study for Cordish.
Earlier this year, Maryland had their first casino opened and casinos will be a big hit with Maryland residents, judging from the early revenue results. In terms of revenue, the Anne Arundel casino is expected to become the biggest casino in the state. 4,750 slot machines will be the part of the permanent casino.
In recent years, Maryland regulators have been busy handing out licenses for casinos. Gaming license was received by the Casino at Ocean Downs. For Maryland residents, the casino will be open just on time to start the new year. In 2011, the Ocean Downs casino will have just about an entire year of revenue.
In the Northeast, Maryland has moved quickly as have several other states when it comes to casino gambling. New York and Delaware have expanded their gaming industries, although Pennsylvania has made the biggest strides. Late this year, Maine saw their first casino opened. In the new session shortly after the new year, Massachusetts lawmakers are expected to take up the issue of casino resorts.
Michigan Attorney General’s Office Sues Bay Mills Indian Com
In an effort to shut down a northern Michigan casino run by the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Michigan attorney general's office is suing.
A federal suit was filed by the state saying the casino in Vanderbilt is illegal because it is not on Indian land. Bought in the northern Lower Peninsula, it is on property Bay Mills, well south of its reservation in the Upper Peninsula.
Ordering to close the casino with roughly 40 slot machines, the state last week sent a letter to Bay Mills. With the state's analysis, Bay Mills officials disagree and they are keeping the casino open. To close the casino that opened in November, the suit seeks an injunction.
In a statement, Chairman Jeff Parker said that his tribe would not have opened the casino if it were not sure the Vanderbilt operation is legal. He said that to defend that position in court the tribe is prepared. With the casino remaining open despite orders to close, there was no word on the next move from the state.
In nearby Petoskey, the Little Traverse Bay Bands runs the Odawa Casino Resort. The tribe is supposed to share its casino revenues with the state, under a contract with Michigan. However, because of a breach of contract, Harrington says the tribe no longer has to do that. The Vanderbilt casino should have been shut down immediately when it opened last month, but Michigan did not have a process in place for doing so.
Harrington said he met with Bay Mills chairman Parker Friday to notify him of their plans, prior to filing the lawsuit asking for the sanction to close the Vanderbilt casino.
In the former Treetops Resort information center, Bay Mills opened its casino on Nov. 3, which it had purchased this summer on 45.6 acres of land. With a 1,400-square-foot expansion under way, the casino currently has 38 slot machines with plans to add additional slot machines when completed.
Hollywood Casino Perryville Generated $7.6 million
Generating $7.6 million, or $168.64 daily per machine, Hollywood Casino Perryville's revenue moderated in November after a strong start.
Than October's take, the daily revenue last month is lower. During the first full month of operation, it averaged $245 daily per machine, announced the Maryland Lottery. With 1,500 machines, the Cecil County casino, which remains the state's sole slots parlor is generating higher-than-expected revenue.
Fueled by the excitement surrounding the opening, officials with the Perryville casino had cautioned that the higher revenue at the beginning would level off. In the industry, the fourth quarter is generally a slow period.
County Commissioner Rebecca Demmler said that there is some public misconception that the commissioners can use this money to spend any way they like, which is not true. She said that before she leaves office Dec. 13, she wants to set the record straight when three newly elected county commissioners are sworn-in. Demmler said that after hearing suggestions that the county use the slots revenue to lower taxes, came her response.
Director of Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research, Michael Hicks said that before settling down to see typical earnings, casinos often see a “burst of activity”. He said that such a swift drop in revenue could be a big cause of concern. Hicks also said that there might be little the casino and the state lottery agency can do, if the revenues are continually disappointing.
He said that it is sad to say that the things they can do are very much out of their hands. Location makes the biggest effect, with one-armed bandits. There is not much to do to people through the door, if it is in a good location and brand-new. According to him, it has all the marketing in the world going right now, even though he thinks that marketing does help quite a lot.
Slot Machine Proposal: Mayors Continuing to Fight Legislation
Next week, Mayors of casino towns will head back to Springfield, continuing the fight against proposed legislation that would allow five new slots and casino at racetracks in the state.
A new coalition made up of mayors from nine towns, representatives from Cities Against Slots at the Tracks, traveled downstate last week to talk to legislators and inform them how the gaming proposal would slice into their revenue and negatively affect jobs. Des Plaines Mayor Martin Moylan said he plans to be there when lawmakers meet again, although the legislation is still being discussed in the Senate Gaming Committee. About the gaming proposal, Aldermen also have called area legislators.
Moylan said, “We have to be vigilant, but we’re not resting still.”
Midwest Gaming owes the state roughly $300 million over the next 30 years as part of a bid agreement. It is opening a casino in Des Plaines next fall.
With communities like Chicago Heights, Dixmoor, Harvey, Summit, Hodgkins, and five others, some of the revenue from the casino would also be shared.
Moylan added, “If our revenues are down, (those towns) will suffer also. If you have a small budget, this is a shot in the arm.”
To continue discussions, Moylan said that for this week, a conference call has been scheduled by the mayors from the towns. The coalition also has representatives from Peoria, Metropolis, East St. Louis, Elgin, Joliet, Alton, Rock Island and Aurora. On Nov.29, state lawmakers will meet again.
Betting Down by 25% at Pennsylvania horse tracks
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, betting at Pennsylvania horse tracks is down 25 percent from 2006.
In 2009, gambling on slot machines in Pennsylvania provided $236 million in subsidies to the horse racing industry, yet total betting at racetracks continued to fall, according to statistics released by the state.
Sustaining operations at racetracks such as Parx East - formerly Philadelphia Park - in Bensalem, the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association said Wednesday that the statistics prove slot machines are a "lifeline”.
Michael Ballezzi, executive director of the horsemen's association said, "We would not have live racing in Pennsylvania if not for the slot machines. The slot machines have saved our industry."
With the economy, the organization remains hopeful betting will improve. According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, when casinos in the state began operating since 2006, total betting at horse tracks has dropped 25 percent. In 2009, racing fans in Pennsylvania bet $734 million on horses, which is down from $975 million in 2006.
Racetracks have suffered across the nation. From 2006, Wagering at all U.S. tracks is down 16 percent, according to Equibase, official supplier of racing statistics for ESPN. Despite a multi-pronged effort to invigorate the sport, comes the decline in betting in Pennsylvania. To the Pennsylvania Horse Development Fund, goes a portion of all slots revenue.
80 percent must be spent on higher purses and 16 percent must benefit breeder operations, of the $236 million generated for the horse fund last year. For horse owners and trainers, another 4 percent helps pay for health care benefits and pension plans.
Since slots were legalized, prizes paid to winning horses have doubled, according to the state. In 2009, total purses paid to winning horses were $134 million and the winners received $62 million in 2006.
Last year, Pennsylvania tracks hosted 11,539 races, which are up from 7,958 live races in 2006. More than 200 racing days are schedules this year in Parx East.
The Bensalem casino unveiled renovations to its grandstands located off Street Road in September. More people will be drawn to the racetrack, as the company plans for new betting areas, entertainment centers and restaurants.
Ballezzi said, in the races, a 24-table poker room, which opened inside the grandstands on Nov. 3, should also spur more interest.
Ballezzi added, "We agreed to have table games in the grandstands because we believe this will attract possible racing patrons. Unlike the slots, we believe that table games have a similar complexity to racing."
Promotions Featured As A Part Of Foxwoods’ New Slot Machine System
Players could find an unexpected surprise while diligently playing the slots at Foxwoods Resort casino starting next month. Promotions targeted to customers will be a part of 300 machines being tested on a trial basis. The machines will offer players deals and reminders that are specifically targeted to their tracked behavior.
Connecticut-based TransAct Technologies is using what is described as a highly sophisticated printer system to track players’ preferences. The idea is to add a personal touch to the machines. For example, if it's your birthday a coupon for some type of gift could pop out. If you are a poker fan it could provide a reminder of an upcoming tournament.
The system works via devices that are attached to printers the company already has on approximately 3,000 slot machines at Foxwoods. The devices provide a connection to software that will track the buying habits and game preferences of players by way of magnetic strips on club cards the players use.
The 300 modified printers will use this information to print out customized promotions. The machines fitted with the devices linked to the new system will be clearly labeled so players are aware of them.
If the trial run is successful, Foxwoods plans to expand the system to additional machines. Foxwoods is the first casino in the country to use this new system.
Foxwoods operates over 6,600 slots in total and believes this unique system will give them the edge over competitors and offer a unique personalized experience for players.
Alberta Puts Charitable Casino report On Hold: Casinos Update
A report concerning the future of charitable casinos in the Canadian province of Alberta was shelved by Solicitor General Frank Oberle on Tuesday.
Based on travels to nine cities, six recommendations made by three MLAs were offered in the report. Opinions from more than 1400 Alberta residents and 400 written submissions with an estimated cost of $21,000 are also included in the 86 page report.
Oberle stated that he feels the recommendations in the report are not the way to go, and announced plans not to do anything for neither for charitable casinos nor for online casino gambling in the immediate future. Stating that there is no cause for concern, Oberle added that existing policies would be maintained for the remaining budget year.
In response to charities' concerns over unequal distribution of raised money at casinos throughout the province, the committee was formed in 2009.
The Committee, whose recommendations included suggestions that the province redraw casino region boundaries so that money is distributed equitably, was chaired by MLA Dough Griffiths. This would also make wait times similar for all charities involved, it was felt.
Charities in Calgary raise an average of $47,000 annually compared to $7,000 for Camrose, according to the report. Charities in Lethbridge have an average wait time of 34.5 months to hold a casino compared to Fort McMurray at 16 months.
While the committee chair is paid $1500, committee members are paid $1000 a month to sit on the committee. The report raised as many questions as it answered and would research other ways to offer solutions to the problems raised by report submitted six months ago as said by Oberle.
Sam Houston Race Park Supports Austin for Slot Machines
Penn National Gaming Inc., at Sam Houston Race Park, recently acquired 50 percent joint ownership.
CEO of Sam Houston Race Park, Shawn Hurwitz said, the partnership will help make Texas racing competitive again.
Hurwitz said, “Over the past decade, the ability of Texas racing to remain competitive has been severely impacted as horse owners and horsemen have left to race in neighboring states where slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities have generated larger purses”.
Hurwitz added that the provided gaming tracks at racetracks are authorized. To bring quality racing and thousands of jobs back to Texas quickly, Penn’s gaming expertise, financial resources and track record of developing integrated racing and gaming facilities will provide SHRP the opportunity.
CEO of Penn National Gaming Inc. Peter Carlino said, “As the nation’s largest owner, operator and investor in pari-mutuel racing operations, we believe there are opportunities to strengthen existing operations, particularly given the demographics of Houston”.
Andrea Young, President of SHRP said she believes the partnership will create a synergistic relationship between the race park, Penn National and the community.
Young said, “At the tune of 30 percent tax rates on gaming, this is money Texas is losing to neighboring states. Texas is already gaming legally on horse tracks and lottery tickets. Slot machine entertainment on our facilities should be no different.”
To the community occurring beyond the racing and gaming entertainment itself, Young also noted that many people never observe the economic gains.
Young said, “Job creation is a major factor. A competitive racing facility attracts horse farms and breeders, veterinarians, groomers, trainers, jockeys, increased feed and fuel sales, and more employment opportunities at the race park itself.”
Young supports the idea of slot machine entertainment at SHRP and she suggested that residents talk to their legislators to make their opinions known.