Bally Explores Tropicana Casino Rebrand

The iconic Tropicana resort in Las Vegas may be undergoing a big change under the leadership of Bally, who is set to complete her acquisition this year. Casino operator Soohyun Kim, whose investment firm last week made an offer to buy the remaining shares of Bally’s, said the company is open to exploring a range of options, including demolishing the establishment, according to KSNV.

Bally& Corporation #8217;s first closed a $308 million real estate deal last April, the deal is expected to close sometime this year. Whatever happened to the building, Bally’s chairman said the building would likely be reimagined and renamed “Bally’s”.

Kim told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the company would “almost certainly” rename the property and also likely try to re-plan it. The chairman acknowledged that management has not yet decided what it will do, but will consider “everything”, from repairs to “tear it down and start over.”

“We are open to everything,” said Kim, according to the source cited, stating that tearing down the casino hotel and building something from scratch could be one way to “maximize value.” “We have big plans that we are working on,” he added.

The possible name change to Tropicana follows Caesars Entertainment's decision to rename its Bally’s resort on the Strip to the Horseshoe brand, announced last week as part of a major venue transformation. According to Kim, the rebrand will free up the Bally’s brand in Las Vegas, meaning Bally’s Corp. be able to use it.

Bally’s Corporation, formerly known as Twin River Worldwide Holdings until the casino operator acquired the Bally’s trademark from Caesars, first announced the acquisition of the iconic Tropicana establishment for approximately $308 million last April. He purchased it from Leisure Properties, Inc., a publicly traded gaming-focused real estate investment fund.

The completion of the purchase and new plans for the venue will also be part of Bally's national ambitions.

It's hard to be a national gaming company without a presence in Las Vegas,” Kim said, according to the Review-Journal.

The Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is located on the Strip, on a 35-acre property at the corner of Tropicana Boulevard and Las Vegas Boulevard. It has 1,470 rooms, a 50,000-square-foot casino with 1,000 gaming seats, a 1,200-seat theater and 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

New plans unveiled by Bally’s and Caesars regarding their respective properties, mark a period of change, including rebranding and transformation, at some of the most iconic casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.

The two giants are joined by Hard Rock International, which has acquired The Mirage Hotel & Casino in a $1.1 billion cash deal with MGM Resorts International. The famous fire-spewing volcano will be replaced when the Seminole tribe of Florida take over, who intend to build a massive guitar-shaped hotel.

Last week, Bally’s Corp. jumped more than 20% after hedge fund Standard General LP, the business's largest shareholder, submitted an offer to buy the remaining shares it doesn't already own at $38 a share. The deal values ​​the company at about $2.07 billion.

Bally Chairman Soo Kim, founder and managing partner of Standard General, said his buyout offer had nothing to do with Bally's desire to close the Tropicana acquisition. The private equity firm intends to finance the deal “through a sale and leaseback” and other long-term financing arrangements.

Source: YogoNet official website

Caesars To Celebrate WSOP Move By Rebranding Strip Property Bally's To Horseshoe Las Vegas

Bally’s Las Vegas Strip Casino is poised for a multi-million dollar transformation that will see it rebranded as Horseshoe Las Vegas, a tribute to the famous Horseshoe brand that made its name downtown over 70 years ago.

Beginning in the northern spring, the makeover, which will include a redesigned exterior, new entertainment and food and beverage options, a reimagined casino lounge and upgraded public areas, comes as the hotel prepares for this year's World Series of poker (WSOP) for the first time.

The WSOP, which moved from Rio, where he lived for the last 17 years, was first held at Binion’s Horseshoe in 1970, when its owner Benny Binion invited the top seven poker players compete in a series of cash games. vote.

Since then, the WSOP has grown into the largest and most prestigious poker series on the planet, with the 2021 WSOP attracting 127,245 participants in 88 tournaments and paying out a total of $238 million in prize money.

According to owner Caesars Entertainment the day before, the new Horseshoe Las Vegas will pay homage to the history of the original Horseshoe with “classic sophistication” and the design team will create a handcrafted feel with treated leather, bold colors and the brand's signature. golden horseshoe iconography.

“Since 1951, Horseshoe Casino has been offering the best odds, highest limits and biggest jackpots, so it’s only fitting that we bring Horseshoe back to Las Vegas straight to Las Vegas The Strip,” said Jason Gregorets, senior vice president and general manager of real estate.

In keeping with the Horseshoe tradition of excellence, our guests will see the hotel evolve over time, ensuring we don't break excitement during the transition.”

Ty Stewart, Senior Vice President and CEO of the WSOP, said:

“A horseshoe is what everyone started for the WSOP. It has always been a brand for players and card players. As we are bringing the WSOP to the Las Vegas Strip for the first time, the fact that it will take place at the Horseshoe makes it incredibly special.

The 53rd annual WSOP will run from May 31st to May 19th. July 2022.

Source: Inside Asian Gaming

Ontario Casinos (Canada) Announce Reopening

The Government of Ontario has announced plans to lift restrictions related to Covid-19. Casinos will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity on January 31, while sports venues can increase their capacity to 50 percent from February 21. The government is aiming to lift all capacity limits by March 14.

Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of the Ontario Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (OLG), said:

“OLG is pleased that the province's popular gaming establishments will reopen to provide world-class entertainment, dining and other amenities for adult Ontarians in a safe environment. and a safe environment.

In partnership with our service providers, OLG is proud to be able to contribute to economic recovery by making health and safety a top priority.”

Proof Covid vaccinations and masks will be mandatory at the entrance to casinos and sports venues in the province. An end date for these measures has not been announced.

Rideau Carleton Casino announced on its website that its slot machines will be available 24/7 starting at 9:00 AM on January 31st as part of the first round of a phased reopening , which will also include the Mr Lucky restaurant, which will be open from 8:00 to 2:00.

Vaccinations must be completed 14 days before the date of entry added by the casino and a QR code must be presented.< /p>

Casinos in Ontario closed on January 5 due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Source: Focus Gaming News

Parx Receives Pennsylvania License for New Shippensburg Mini Casino

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has voted unanimously to issue a new license to Parx Casino's parent company, which may open the new gaming hall by November of this year.

The license was granted by GW Cumberland Op . Co., (Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment , Inc, operator of Parx Casino) to build a Category 4 casino in Shippensburg, Cumberland.

The process that the licensing commission began on February 22, 2018 was completed when Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment was awarded the right to list the casino with a winning bid of $8 million in the fourth category 4 auction held by the Board of Directors. Later that year, they submitted an application to the Council to locate a newly built facility near exit 27 of Highway 81, but later amended the application to locate the casino in the former Lowe’s Home Supply store in downtown Shippen in the same municipality.

The 73,000-square-foot casino, which will occupy about half of a former large store, will be a smaller version of Parx Casino in Bensalem, the state's largest casino by revenue. It will contain 500 slot machines and electronic table games such as blackjack, baccarat and roulette, but only with remote dealers. Parx said it plans to apply for a sports betting license in the future.

The $65 million redevelopment is due to begin next month and the facility is scheduled to open in November, according to Greenwood's COO John Dixon during the Harrisburg hearing, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Shippensburg Parx is the fourth of five mini-casinos licensed under the 2017 Pennsylvania Gaming Expansion, which expanded the availability of casino gambling and betting across the state by legalizing online gaming, video terminals in truck stops, and Category 4 casinos (usually known as mini-casinos).

Parks estimates that the Shippensburg property will generate $1.8 million in local gaming tax revenue and provide full-time employment to 125 people.

Parks previously applied to build a casino in a community adjacent to Interstate 81, but was abandoned two years ago after geological stability problems were discovered at the construction site.

During the required public hearing on the matter last year, many locals expressed concern that the site would attract problem players and harm the most vulnerable in the area. Some local officials, however, said the casino has provided an opportunity to fill a dilapidated space and generate significant revenue for local services.

Mini casinos are unique to Pennsylvania. There are currently three: Cordish Cos., which operates Live! The Philadelphia Casino and Hotel in the stadium area in 2020 opened the state's first category 4 casino in a former mall department store in Westmoreland County in 2020 called Live! Pittsburgh Casino.

Penn National Gaming, which operates a Hollywood-branded casino, opened the second mini-casino in the state in August in York, also in a former mall department store.

Third, Hollywood Casino Morgantown, opened in December in Berks County.

Philadelphia investor Ira M. Lubert won a 2020 auction for a fifth home near State College, Pennsylvania, and entered into a partnership with Bally’s Corp. to manage it. Penns However, this auction process was challenged by Cordish Cos. in a Commonwealth court. It is not clear how much the lawsuit will delay the decision.

Source: Yogonet

New US Casino Opened – Hollywood Casino Morgantown

Penn National Gaming has opened the doors of the 44th location & # 8211; Hollywood Casino Morgantown.

The Hollywood Morgantown Hotel is conveniently located just off the motorway. There are loads of slot machines and table games, the innovative Barstool Sportsbook, many quirky and unique restaurants and more!

“Our new and exciting modern casino is now open and offers a mix of the latest in slot machines and tabletop games. games, as well as your old favorites in 50,000 square feet of play space! The casino also features an all-new Barstool Sportsbook concept, offering a full-service restaurant and bar with an immersive interactive experience, delicious dining at Red Lotus and Tony Luke's, and a fun and invigorating atmosphere, “& # 8211; commented Marc Guastella, VP and CEO.

In addition, Hollywood Casino Morgantown offers mychoice®, the best casino loyalty program in the country, rewarding all your online gaming at HollywoodCasino.com. Barstool Sportsbook and icasino, and land-based gaming at Morgantown and our other mychoice properties, including the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse and Hollywood York Casino.

Source: Hollywood Casino Morgantown Official Site

Tampere Casino Opens Dec 2021

The new Veikkaus Casino, Casino Tampere, will open at the arena in December 2021.

Since its opening, Casino Tampere will set a trendsetter in the European casino world as the builder of a responsible gaming environment and a new type of casino arenas. All casino games (slot machines and table games) will be fully authenticated. The same system and the same tools for self-control in games will be implemented at Casino Helsinki in the spring of 2021.

& # 8211; Veikkaus casinos will be pioneers in responsible gaming. “Authentication provides our customers with game control tools that they can use to control their games, for example, by setting limits on their games or choosing to completely ban games,” & # 8211; says Sami Aiho, CEO of Casino Tampere.

Even currently, all customers entering Casino Helsinki must already register. Following the reform, casino customers should also always display their casino cards while playing slots or table games. The authentication system differs from other arcades and Veikkaus points of sale, where you must be a regular customer to be authenticated.

& # 8211; You can only become a regular customer if you reside in Finland permanently. “We have a lot of foreign guests at the casino, so mandatory authentication associated with your Veikkaus card is not an option,” & # 8211; says Tiina Siltanen, CEO of Casino Helsinki.

From January next year, we will need authentication on Veikkaus decentralized slot machines (eg shops, kiosks, gas stations and restaurants). Veikkaus's goal is to provide full authentication even on Pelaamo and Feel Vegas arcades by the end of June 2021. Achieving this will require amendments to either the law or the regulations.

Tampere Casino will be a new type of casino arena with a modern and vibrant design and a green space for adult arena guests.

& # 8211; Tampere Casino will be designed in collaboration with experts from various fields. Finnish interior designers in the front row as well as AV and media specialists will work on the project. The interior design of the casino will be a combination of finnish & # 8211; wood and forest & # 8211; with digital personalized surfaces. Dedicated lounges and social gaming areas will keep pace with the UROS LIVE Arena, offering new types of products and ways to play responsibly. In the arena of experience, you can also take part in real-time mobile games if you are a registered regular customer of Veikkaus, & # 8211; Mr. Aiho describes the new casino.

According to preliminary plans, Casino Tampere will operate approx. 80 people. We will start recruiting staff for the casino in stages after the beginning of the year.

& # 8211; Most of the staff will work in the customer service department at the various customer service points of the casino. Tampere Casino will receive its traditional table games and slot machines, and we also plan to introduce new types of entertainment and social games. The staff will be trained with a particular focus on a work environment that is unique even internationally, where responsibility, individual customer service and an unforgettable experience will be the top priorities, & # 8211; says Mr. Aiho.

Source: Veikkaus official website

Nevada Regulatory Authorities Authorize San Manuel Tribe To Purchase Palms

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, the gambling and hospitality arm of California's San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, has received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission as a licensee to the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, the Tribe announced Thursday last week.

The Tribal Nation characterized the Gaming Commission's decision as “historic”, allowing San Manuel to take over the Palms. The Palms purchase is now due to close on Friday, and the Tribe has announced plans to “resume trading next spring” by March.

The tribe has been unanimously approved by the gaming committee. The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority intends to acquire the location from Red Rock Resorts for $ 650 million. It will be the first American Indian-owned business to own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to share our long tradition of Vegas hospitality and realize our vision for this iconic resort, starting with the return of former and current Palms employees,” & # 8211; said SMGHA Chairperson Latisha Casas. “Together we will make history.”

Tribal officials said a small major overhaul improvement is required before reopening, as the previous owner spent about $ 1 billion on property renovations outside the strip. Palms' new CEO Cynthia Keeser Murphy says just a few minor upgrades are enough to “ignite a building” that hasn't been in for several years.

Following this announcement, more than 1,000 positions are currently being recruited including jobs in casinos, hospitality management, food and beverage, and executive positions. Interested parties will be allowed to submit an application after the transaction is closed on the casino website.

While Murphy said the company intended to recruit many of the 1,200 former Palms employees who have been laid off since March 2020, she admitted to the Gambling Commission that she is not sure how many of them could be re-hired, according to The Nevada Independent. “Given the current labor market conditions in Las Vegas.” However, she estimates that between 500 and 600 people could return.

In addition to the casino, Palms includes over 700 hotel rooms and suites, several casual and upscale restaurants, conference rooms, a 2,500-seat theater, pool and spa and Palms Place condos.

Guests will be able to make reservations at Palms Place “within days of closing the deal” on the establishment's web page. However, reservations at the Palms Casino Resort will be available “early 2022”.

“I am honored to have reached this milestone today. As we move forward, it is important that we bring strong Tribe values ​​and culture to everything we do at the hotel. ”& # 8211; said Keeser Murphy. “From team culture to impeccable guest service & # 8211; our goal & # 8211; to create a lively and fun atmosphere not only for our clients, but also for our dedicated employees. ”

The Tribe owns and operates the Yaamava Resort and Casino in San Manuela in Highland, California. This rebrand, formerly known as the San Manuel Casino, began operations 35 years ago as a bingo hall. It has now become one of the top gaming and hospitality spots in Southern California.

Source: Yogonet

Manila Suncity Casino Project Opening Delayed Until 2024

Suncity Group's subsidiary in the Philippines, Suntrust Home Developers Inc, has announced changes to agreements it has signed with Megawide Construction Corporation that suggest completion of the group's Manila integrated resort could be delayed until early 2024.

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According to information provided by the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, Suntrust and Megawide have agreed to amend the LOA issued in November 2020 and the Supplemental Agreement signed in December 2020, which will give Megawide more time to completion of its work.

LOA is providing Megawide with two packages for the construction of the Suntrust Westside City Resort and casino project, with Package 1 including a direct contract for pile roof, earthworks and ELS valued at 2.27 billion pesos. Package 2 is the main contract for the construction site and includes the basement foundation, superstructure and ABWF (Building Construction and Finishing Works) worth 4.02 billion pesos.

The project was originally scheduled for completion in late 2023, but on Thursday Suntrust said it agreed to extend the deadline for completion of Package 2 until “no later than March 31, 2024 to give the parties some flexibility.”

Under the revised agreement, Suntrust will advance Megawide 700 million pesos, “this is a preliminary amount for additional architectural, structural and construction work for Package 2.

Upon completion, the hotel and casino will include a 450-room hotel with a casino with 400 gaming tables and 1200 slot machines.

< p> Source: Inside Asian Gaming

Dakota Magic Casino Prepares to Open a New Bookmaker Office

Sports bettors will soon be able to bet at the Dakota Magic Casino in Hankinson, as the casino, which is operated by the tribal Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise, plans to open the Dakota Nation Sportsbook. The opening date is expected to be & # 8211; December 1, and the latest possible opening & # 8211; January, pending regulatory approvals.

Marketing Director Rogelio Rubio said that since the Supreme Court gave the green light to sports betting, Dakota Magic has been weighing the possibilities of adding a sportsbook to the casino.

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“In North Dakota, sports betting has been pre-agreed and approved in a state games agreement between the tribal nation and the state. Only after the decision of the Supreme Court was Dakota Magic able to take advantage of the opportunity to bet on sports ”, & # 8211; said Rubio, as reported by Inforum.

The Dakota Nation Sportsbook will include a Vegas-style lounge with large TVs, leather seats with cell phone charging stations, limited menus, drinks and an off-wall video screen up to the wall. The wager is due to open shortly onsite through a clerk or kiosks, but the hall is not expected to open earlier than early next year, in time for the Super Bowl.

Rubio also noted that other betting options “will be discussed later “, Adding that any outside bets will require state and tribal government approval.

In addition to the Hankinson Casino, Dakota Nation will be available at Dakota Connection in Sisseton and Dakota Sioux in Watertown. The South Dakota Gaming Commission has authorized sports betting, starting at the Deadwood casino in May.

Players will be able to place bets on both college and professional sports. According to Rubio, the odds will be set by International Game Technology PlaySports.

Source: YogoNet

Penn National Gaming Opens Hollywood Casino in Pennsylvania

Penn National Gaming announced the opening of the Hollywood Casino Morgantown on December 22, pending final regulatory approvals. The 80,000 square foot site will feature 750 slot machines and 30 board games, a Barstool Sportsbook and three restaurants.

Sportsbooks and sports and racing kiosks will be located throughout the bookmaker. Visitors will also find interactive games, an outdoor bonfire site and a Barstool Sportsbook point of sale.

Mark Guastella, VP and General Manager of Hollywood Casino Morgantown, said:

< p> “The countdown to our grand opening begins today. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors soon to this beautiful new hotel where they can enjoy first-class gaming, dining and entertainment.”

Hollywood Casino Morgantown has a $ 111 million investment in licensing fees. Career opportunities remain available, with approximately 375 new jobs created.

Tier 4 Morgantown Casino is the fourth Penn National in Pennsylvania, alongside Hollywood Casino at the Penn National Race Course in Grantville. Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington; and Hollywood Casino York, which opened in August.

Source: Focus Gaming News