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The number of non-resident workers employed by the six casino concessionaires in Macau has decreased by 32.6% since 2019 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The information was provided by the Deputy Director of the Macau Bureau of Labor Affairs (DSAL) by Jeon Woo Chan earlier this month and released this week in response to a written question from fellow legislator Lei Chan Woo.

According to DSAL, as of December 31, 2021, in concessionaires and other hotels The casino employed 23,676 non-resident workers, also known as blue card holders, up from 35,110 in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 11,434 out-of-town workers have left during this time.

Priority of local employees is mentioned in the Macau gambling law with recent amendments to the law, the Legislative Assembly now puts additional emphasis on encouraging the advancement of locals over foreigners .

DSAL said it will strive to “ensure priority and continued employment of local employees” and “review labor market conditions in a timely manner to manage the number of non-local employees.”

Regarding future employment opportunities in the Macau IR sector, DSAL stated:

“If there are suitable or sufficient local staff for the relevant positions, the application of non-local employees with the relevant professions will not be approved, or the company will be required to arrange for the relevant foreign employees to leave field. The number of non-local employees will be [reduced] and local workers will be given priority in employment.”

Source: Inside Asian Gaming

On Tuesday, Bally’s Atlantic City announced the renovation of 222 hotel rooms as part of a 750 tower renovation project. Under new ownership, the hotel has unveiled new rooms, marking the start of a $100 million project that will include hotel rooms and suites, a hotel lobby, lobby bar, and indoor/outdoor entertainment area, all expected to debut over Memorial Day weekend.< /p>

The rooms are contemporary in style, with new carpeted floors, tiled bathrooms with contemporary vanities and illuminated mirrors, and brand new showers.

While Bally& #8217;s transforms the tower, architectural elements allow the brand to offer a variety of room types. 112 King ” Corner Rooms ” Bally Tower operates as junior suites with extra space and views from the living room and bathroom, as well as a separate seating area with a sofa, armchair and coffee table. In the bathrooms, guests will find a spa space with a separate walk-in shower and a free-standing deep soaking tub.

In addition to a complete refurbishment of the suites on floors 45-48, Bally’s will combine a selected number of rooms to create 16 new suites in penthouse style, which will include dining areas, pool tables, sink bars, specialty rain showers and more.

Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City announced the process of renovating its hotel rooms in September 2021 before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in public hearing.

Shortly thereafter, the hotel announced the opening of the Red Bowl 88 Asian Restaurant and the construction of the High Limits Room for elite guests with MiniBaccarat, BlackJack, Roulette and Craps.

Source: Yogonet

Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan have been named as the first stops for a new global poker brand to be launched on the World Poker Tour (WPT) in 2022.

WPT Prime, which replaces WPTDeepStacks,

“combines the best of the WPT Main Tour stop poker tournaments with affordable buy-ins available to more players around the world,” the WPT Tour announces.

The very first stop of WPT Prime will be the Crown Poker Club in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 19-30, 2022. The tour will then visit NagaWorld in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from August 11 to 23 before moving on to Chinese Texas Hold'em. Taipei Poker Association, Taiwan, November 11-21.

Amsterdam, Sydney, and California's Thunder Valley will host the final WPDeepStacks tournaments by then.

“Our regulars Efforts to improve the WPT live tournament experience will benefit more players than ever during Season XX,” said Cathy Zhao, WPT Senior Director of Global Tour Management.

“WPT Prime is the epitome of Our goal is to provide players around the world with the best possible poker tournament experience, and our close relationship with our global partners will enhance the WPT experience worldwide.”

The company said the WPT Side Events Prime will be added to the WPT Season XX schedule in the coming weeks and months.

Source: Inside Asian Gaming

The artist's work is presented in three dimensions, with sound.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be the final venue for Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience when the touring exhibition opens on the boardwalk in July.

Beyond Van Gogh features over 300 of the greatest works of post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, including such instantly recognizable classics as Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace by Night.

Immersive Experience was created by French-Canadian creative director Mathieu Saint-Arnaud and his team at Normal Studio in Monreale.

According to Saint-Arnaud, the exhibition “liberates” art from its two-dimensional restrictions into a three-dimensional experience. Guests are transported into the world of Van Gogh through an exclusively designed space made up of three areas that flow seamlessly into each other: an education room leading to a waterfall room that transitions to an immersive experience room.

“Freed from Framed impressive Van Gogh paintings appear on the walls with projections, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the incredible details of his work and immerse themselves in his ever-changing, swirling and colorful flowers, cafes and stunning landscapes.

St. Arnaud said in a statement, adding that the artist's own dreams, thoughts and words are included in the symphonic score.

More than 2.5 million Beyond Van Gogh tickets have been sold worldwide, which officials say , makes the exhibition one of today's most popular traveling exhibitions.

The exhibition will be organized by Paquin Entertainment Group and presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City when it opens for limited visits at the resort on July 8th. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, February 25.

“A magical and immersive adventure, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience takes on the challenge of breathing new life into a vast array of Van Gogh's works. . Through the use of 3D projection technology and music that reveals all his genius, guests can experience the artist with all their senses,” said Saint-Arnaud.

Justin Paquin, co-producer of Paquin Entertainment, added:< /p>

“This original and unique multimedia art adventure deeply resonates with viewers. Including a refreshing new twist that art lovers haven't seen before, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience gives a new appreciation to this jaded artist's stunning work. It's no surprise that millions of people around the world believe that Van Gogh strengthened their relationship with art. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will only strengthen that bond.”

Source: Gaming America

This is the first time that the world famous poker tournament has taken place on the Las Vegas Strip.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) today announced the schedule of daily events ahead of the 2022 tournament. Taking place at the Bally’s on the Las Vegas Strip after 17 years at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, the 2022 tournament will begin on May 31 and end on July 20.

The WSOP Main Event in this year will be held on Independence Day. The 2021 Main Event attracted over 6,000 players despite many Covid-19 restrictions.

“This year has been particularly historic for the WSOP as it moves to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and made his debut in the best rooms we've ever had,” said Ty Stewart, WSOP Executive Director, resident during his 17th WSOP.

“We are ready to welcome players from all over the world to our housewarming at Bally's, soon “Horseshoe” and in Paris. The schedule is jam-packed with top-notch events and we expect this to be the biggest and most anticipated WSOP yet.”

Another event coming up this year, – this is a $5 million guaranteed tournament with a $500 buy-in, scheduled to take place on the opening weekend of the competition. This event will be called “Housewarming”.

Other highlights include; The return of record holders, which will take place from June 11 to July 16, the Tournament of Champions with 88 previous winners on July 18 and No Limit High Roller Hold'em. Throughout the event, from June 1 to July 16, there will be a series of mid-stakes events where you can win up to $5,000.

As Covid-19 fades from the spotlight, the WSOP organizers have decided refuse vaccine passports. However, the company has made it clear that the event will be held in accordance with all state and CDC guidelines.

Source: Gaming America

Wynn Resorts has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell all Encore Boston Harbor land and real estate to Real Estate Income (NYSE:O) for $1.70 billion in cash, equating to a capitalization rate of 5.9% (the “transaction”). Wynn Resorts will continue to operate the property to the five star standard the Company is known for.

Concurrently with the closing of the transaction, we enter into a three-time lease on Encore Boston Harbor with Real Estate Income. The lease will have an initial total annual rent of $100.0 million and an initial term of 30 years, with the option of a one thirty year lease extension. Leases will increase by 1.75% during the first ten years of the lease and 1.75% more, and the CPI will increase during the previous year (maximum 2.50%) for the remainder of the lease.

Wynn will retain its 13-acre parcel of land on the east side of Broadway in Everett, Massachusetts, on part of which the Company plans to build an extension that is expected to include additional covered parking as well as other non-gaming amenities. The Company received an option to sell the land and real estate associated with such expansion, Real Estate Income of up to $20 million in additional rent at a cap rate for up to six years after closing.

The transaction is subject to customary terms and conditions closure, including the necessary regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022.

“Encore Boston Harbor is the premier gaming resort on the East Coast and the rating we received from this sale reflects the quality of the property,” said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts.

Last but not least, the individual structure and terms of the lease allow us to maintain greater operational flexibility depending on economic cycles. The proceeds from the transaction also provide us with liquidity for several of our future development projects and the potential to repay other debts.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP and “Latham & Watkins” acted as legal advisors to Wynn Resorts in connection with the transaction.

Source: Wynn Resorts official website

The historic Belgian land-based casino is the 12th operator to receive a Dutch online gambling license.

The Netherlands. One of the world's oldest land-based casinos has become the 12th operator to be licensed to launch a new regulated online gambling market in the Netherlands.

Casino de Spa, which opened in the Belgian city of Spa in 1763, has been licensed by the Dutch regulatory authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

A five-year license gives Casino de Spa the right to offer online gambling in the Netherlands from 2 February. It will operate its online brand Casino777.be in the country.

The recently regulated online gambling market in the Netherlands went live on October 2, initially with ten licensees. In November, JOI Gaming, a division of the Dutch land-based casino operator JVH Gaming & Entertainment Group, became the 11th operator to receive a license.

Other big players hope to get Dutch online casino licenses in the next couple of months. René Jansen, Chairman of the KSA, said the final form of the Dutch online gambling market will not be seen until April.

Source: Focus Gaming News

Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are restoring smoking in their casinos starting this week. The two lines were among several that implemented a casino smoking ban last month amid tightening Covid-19 protocols in response to the omicron option.

New Carnival casino rules taking effect for cruises departing to On Monday, February 14, they say that it is forbidden to smoke in the casino if the guest is not sitting and playing, according to Cruise Citric. Seats at gaming tables and slot machines are reserved for players only.

However, casino guests must still wear a face mask, unless they are “actively smoking or drinking beverages”, according to the updated policy. Although the casino bar is supposed to remain open, it is considered a non-smoking area like the rest of the ship.

While smoking is allowed in the casino while playing, it is not allowed when the casino is closed, and is also not allowed “anywhere on board” while refueling for safety reasons.

“We appreciate the support of our guests these protocols, implemented in the interests of all,” said Carnaval.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has updated its smoking policy to once again allow guests to smoke in designated areas on the ship. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes and pipes is allowed in designated outdoor areas and will be allowed in certain areas of the casino.

The permit is valid for cruises departing on or after February 15, 2022, the company clarifies, except ships departing from China, UK and Australia. For cruises departing on or before February 14, 2022, the casino is non-smoking and masks are still required. Unlike Carnival, the mask mandate has now been removed after the policy update.

Smoking bans have been introduced by several cruise lines in an attempt to combat Covid, to mixed reception: while smokers have protested the measures, non-smokers have generally welcomed the policy. Similarly, most cruise lines have introduced mandatory masks on their ships, which some, including Royal Caribbean, Regent and Oceania, are now seeking to eliminate.

However, not all cruise lines agree with the return of smoking. The bans are still in place on Holland America and Princess cruises until March 31st, according to the previously cited news source.

The policy put in place to ban smoking in cruise casinos during the pandemic is no different from the policy set for land-based casinos. For example, Atlantic City in New Jersey implemented a smoking ban in its casinos as a measure to prevent transmission of Covid-19 in 2020, although the ban expired in April 2021. Since then, casino staff have been trying to restore it.

Source: Yogonet

According to local news outlet myRepublica, the Yak & The Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu and the Dreamland Hotel in Nepalganj were closed after repeated government demands for fees were ignored.

Yak & Yeti, which has operated a casino since 1992, was also stripped of its five-star classification as the ministry sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Office, the Council of Ministers and the Home Office asking for help to implement its decision.

The Minister of Culture , Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale said:

“According to the records… the company has not yet paid the debt until the 2020/21 financial year, renewal fees for the 2021/22 financial year and royalties for 420 million rupees (US$3.5 million). The casino license and the hotel classification certificate were revoked in accordance with the law.”

Dreamland Hotel’s license was revoked due to non-payment of royalties totaling Rs 3.8 million ($31,500). United States) after ignoring repeated written requests.

Nepal's casinos only reopened in October after being closed for 18 months due to COVID-19.

At that time The government has waived the annual license fee for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 for all casinos that regularly paid the annual fee up until the start of the pandemic. However, it states that only eight or nine casinos are eligible for such a waiver.

Nepal's casino industry is said to employ about 15,000 people.

Source: Inside Asian Gaming< /p>

Gov. Steve Sisolak has announced an immediate end to the indoor mask mandate in Nevada.

USA. Things are starting to get back to normal at the Nevada casino. Gov. Steve Sisolak announced yesterday that the state will no longer require face coverings in arcades or other indoor public places. The change is effective immediately.

Shortly after Sisolak's press conference, Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Bryn Gibson sent a notice to Las Vegas casinos.

“In accordance with Governor Sisolak's Emergency Directive 052 effective immediately, people are no longer required to wear a mask in public areas at licensed gambling establishments, unless the local jurisdiction still imposes such a requirement,” Gibson said. “If a licensee is subject to local jurisdictional mask requirements, the Board expects the licensee to comply fully.”

Sisolak warned:

“I want to be clear the emergency is not over yet.”

And added:

“The pandemic is not over. We still have too many cases, too many hospitalizations, and too many deaths.

I hope and I'm sure, based on the data we have, that we're able to drop this and give people back some freedom. Everyone wants to go back to normal… I mean, it's been two years. I think the time has come,” the governor said.

The end of the mask mandate is good news for Las Vegas casinos. Despite record gaming revenues, casino executives said during fourth-quarter earnings calls that a mask-wearing mandate prevented some patrons from returning to Las Vegas.

Source: Focus Gaming News