Month: June 2022

Under the six-year licence agreement, the NCPG will be able to use 1-800-GAMBLER in all US states outside of New Jersey, as well as all US territories and the District of Columbia. 

The current National Problem Gambling Helpline Network number and 1-800-GAMBLER will continue to operate uninterrupted, while in the coming months, the NCPG will work with the CCGNJ, state affiliates and helpline call centres to help ensure a smooth transition and prevent any gaps in services.

“This agreement is a vital step forward as we work to increase awareness and access to high-quality services for individuals, families, and communities impacted by problem gambling,” NCPG board president Maureen Greeley. 

“With collaboration as one of our core values, we are grateful for this partnership with our NCPG Affiliate, CCGNJ, that will significantly advance our shared priorities of improving health and wellness by offering the most effective programs and services possible.”

CCGNJ executive director Felicia Grondin added: “CCGNJ has always been at the forefront of providing support for people in communities affected by a gambling problem. 1-800-GAMBLER serves as an essential tool for accessing this support.

“We look forward to working with NCPG to ensure that people from across the country can easily access problem gambling support and resources using this simple, memorable number.”

The NCPG said the agreement builds on NCPG’s multi-year National Problem Gambling Helpline Modernisation Project, which launched last year with support from a grant awarded by the National Football League Foundation (NFLF).

The initiative is aimed at improving call centre technology, data collection and reporting, as well as upgrading criteria and offering standardised training and certification for call centres across the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network.

“Since its inception in 1995, the National Problem Gambling Helpline has seen exponential growth in calls, texts and chat messages for help from individuals across the country as gambling has continued to expand,” NCPG executive director Keith Whyte said. 

“The Modernisation Project will allow us to make significant improvements to the operations, technology and infrastructure of the network to keep up with the ever-growing need for problem gambling resources.”

Gold Strike opened in 1994 and was acquired by MGM Resorts in 2005, Gold Strike Tunica has a casino, sportsbook, hotel, shops, several nightclubs and a number of restaurants.

For the twelve months ended 31 December 2021, Gold Strike posted net income of $81m and adjusted property earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rent (EBITDAR) of $115m.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Should the deal go through as expected, MGM Resorts’ master lease agreement with Vici Properties, which currently includes Gold Strike, will be amended to reduce annual rent by $40m. 

MGM added that it expects net cash proceeds after taxes and estimated fees from the sale to be approximately $350m.

“I want to thank all of our Gold Strike employees who have consistently delivered world-class gaming and entertainment experiences to our guests,” MGM Resorts International chief executive and president Bill Hornbuckle said.  

“Gold Strike is a wonderful property with a bright future ahead.  Strategically, though, we decided to narrow our focus in Mississippi to a single resort – Beau Rivage – and dedicate more of our time and resources towards continuing to drive success at that leading, world-class resort and casino.”

Cherokee Nation Businesses chief executive Chuck Garrett added: “We are excited about the opportunity to grow our gaming and hospitality businesses as we execute on our strategic growth plan to expand our presence outside of the Cherokee Nation Reservation.”

Vici also agreed to enter into a new separate lease with Cherokee Nation Businesses related to the operations of Gold Strike. This lease would have an initial annual base rent of $40m, while other economic terms would primarily the same as the MGM Master Lease, including a base term of 25 years with three 10-year tenant renewal options.

“This transaction continues to demonstrate Vici’s ability to build strong relationships with new partners while working collaboratively with existing tenants to support their strategic objectives,” Vici president and chief executive John Payne said.

“We are pleased to welcome Cherokee Nation Businesses as our ninth gaming tenant, and we look forward to a long-term partnership as they pursue additional growth initiatives in the future.”

The initiative will allow the ITIA and ETF to work together to deliver bespoke anti-corruption education and prevention programmes in Egypt.

The co-operation was agreed at a recent tournament in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, which delivered a series of education sessions for players, coaches, parents and officials. Sessions provided information about the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) rules. 

The new programme, whereby the ITIA links up with a national federation and focuses on a country or region, is the first of its kind. It is hoped that the initiative will be developed and expanded to include other sporting and regulatory bodies in Egypt.

“Some time ago, several players from Egyptian tennis were sanctioned within a short time of each other and we saw a spate of international players match fixing at events hosted in Egypt,” ITIA chief executive Jonny Gray said.

“Following positive discussions with the Egyptian Tennis Federation, we have developed this programme. They are as keen as we are to ensure that all players are given clear information about the rules that are in place to protect the sport.”

ETF vice president Hassan El Aroussy added: “It is hugely important for the whole country and the rest of the world to know that Egyptian tennis takes integrity issues seriously. The issues of the past can be used as lessons for the future, and we look forward to working closely with our colleagues from the ITIA.”

In his new role, Trehondart will be tasked with focusing on customer’s interactions with PandaScore’s platform and products, as well as working directly with clients.

Trehondart has an MBA from the London Business School, where he went on to work in finance and tech with experience in senior leadership roles at Uber and Palantir.

“Having people from the world’s leading data companies like Palantir join PandaScore and bring their invaluable experience in solving even the most complex and challenging cases, and overall world-class customer success experience, is immensely important to us,” said Flavien Guillocheau, PandaScore’s chief executive officer.

“While operators are aware of esports and the growing need to offer esports betting to players, many still need support in order to unlock the full potential of both the vertical itself and our platform full of innovative features and tools.

Trehondart added: “I knew that for my next role I wanted to take on a position that would provide excitement and adventure and while esports and esports betting are new to me, I knew PandaScore would be the perfect place to work.”

“As soon as I spoke to Flavien I understood his vision, saw his deep knowledge of the market and the potential the sector has in terms of growth. Of course, PandaScore is at the cutting edge of this, and I could not be more excited to join its incredible team.”

Under the agreement, Caesars Sportsbook and Omaha Productions will launch the Omaha Audio Network, a full-service audio production network that will host a series of podcasts.

Caesars and Omaha will also serve as executive producers for new digital series that will feature across both business’ social media channels.

In addition, Caesars and Omaha will create a live event series for members of the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, allowing users to interact directly with Omaha content creators and the Mannings at activations at Caesars destinations across the US.

“All of us at Omaha are excited to expand the relationship and have Omaha create compelling original content in partnership with our teammates at Caesars,” Manning said. “Caesars has already proven to be a great partner on the projects we have done together.”

Caesars Digital’s chief marketing officer Sharon Otterman added: “This is not a sponsorship; it’s a strategic partnership. We’ll collaborate with Peyton and Omaha to conceptualise, create and produce unique content in a way that only two leaders in the sports and entertainment space can. 

“We look forward to the rollout of the Omaha Audio Network presented by Caesars Sportsbook, putting together unforgettable event experiences and crafting engaging must-see content for our customers.”

The May figure was 9.4% lower than the $1.39bn wagered in April, which was incidentally the previous monthly-low of the state’s opening months of legal mobile betting.

However, gross gaming revenue from mobile sports betting in May reached $109.8m, which was 5.5% higher than $104.1m in April, but lower than both $114.3m in March and $124.1m in January.

Breaking down performance by induvial operators, Flutter Entertainment-owned FanDuel Group remained the frontrunners in New York with $63.9m in revenue from $552.6m in wagers.

DraftKings ranked second with $21.5m in gross gaming revenue off a handle of $313.6m, then Caesars Sportsbook with revenue of $10.8m from $192.7m in total bets.

BetMGM was next, posting revenue of $7.9m and a monthly $123.0m sports betting handle, followed by PointsBet with $2.9m in revenue from a $33.8m handle.

Rush Street Interactive generated $1.8m of revenue from $31.3m in bets, while WynnBet posted $786,588 in revenue off $9.8m in wagers, and Resorts World $236,096 from a $6.7m handle.

The latest monthly figures come after BetMGM chief financial officer Gary Deutsch in May said the business would continue to adopt a “conservative” approach in New York until the state’s “irrational” tax environment changes.

During its latest investor day, BetMGM reiterated its net revenue guidance for 2022 of $1.3bn, up from $850m in 2021. Executives also said BetMGM’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year should be similar to 2021, when the business reported an EBITDA loss of $430m.

However, chief financial officer Gary Deutsch noted that there was a change in the portions of this $1.3bn produced by different states.

“Within this guidance, the revenue mix is different than previously expected,” he said. “We expected lower New York revenue and higher revenue in our other online sports and igaming states.

“The specific problem in NY is that it has a high 51% [tax on] gaming revenue and that it applies that rate to ‘phantom’ revenue from promotional credits. That means that the real tax rate on net gaming revenue is well over 100%.

“We simply can’t apply our capital against an irrational investment thesis. Players cannot continue to play if the house always wins, and the house cannot continue to play if it will always lose.”

Article 34, paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the ANK state that objects used in an administrative offence must be confiscated, along with any proceeds.

However the ANK did not permit the actual confiscation of these items from companies, only from individuals who receive income from the illegal acts.

The Authority provided an example of this loophole in action, explaining that if a company organised an illegal gambling game and received income from it, the loophole would not allow the Authority to confiscate the earnings.

However, the income would be able to be taken from an individual.

The Authority flagged this and submitted an amendment to article 134 of the ANK in 2021. This was approved, and officially adopted into law on 12 May.

In May three operators received fines from the Authority after breaching Lithuania’s advertising rules.

ATG also intends to continue the partnership by a further two years, in addition to this latest extension.

This comes ahead of ATG integrating biathlon into its betting roster next season.

ATG first began its partnership with the Association in 2018.

This extension will see ATG become the Association’s presenting partner, while continuing to be its main sponsor.

“Like trotting, biathlon is a popular sport and it is very fun to take our cooperation one step further,” says Johanna Åberg, marketing manager at ATG.

“We have many fun projects underway, which will benefit both trotting lovers and biathlon fans. We have an exciting time ahead of us.” 

“The extension will also support a collaborative project that aims to bring awareness to biathlon, said Rikard Grip, secretary general of the Biathlon Association. “There is a great curiosity among our supporters to get to know the biathlon stars even better.”

In her new position Enticknap will lead the BHA’s coordination of industry strategy, and work with colleagues across the industry.

Enticknap’s new role will be placed within the BHA’s new strategy and change department, which is currently in development.

The department will oversee cross-industry projects and project delivery, as well as building capacity.

Enticknap has held the role of interim director of communications and corporate affairs at the BHA since 2021, having first joined the company in 2018.

“I see this role as a huge opportunity for racing to work together to address our biggest challenges and to seize important opportunities, ” said Enticknap. “The prize is enormous if we can collaborate as an industry and get this right.”

“I look forward to working across racing, with its wealth of knowledge and expertise, and helping to secure the outcome we all want – a thriving and sustainable sport.”

Before joining the company Enticknap worked in communication and public affairs roles with companies such as T-Mobile, Virgin Atlantic and Powergen.

“The creation of the new strategy and change department will be crucial for our sport’s agreed plans to develop a new industry strategy,” said Joe Saumarez-Smith, who became chair of the BHA after Annamarie Phelps stepped down in March.

“I am delighted that we have appointed Alison to lead this department. Her proven leadership ability and capacity to build relationships and drive change will be integral to the success of this work.”

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) and Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) both signed off on the deal and also approved Blackstone to operate a land-based casino in each of the Australian states.

Blackstone first submitted a bid of AUS$8.02bn (£4.63bn/€5.33bn/US$5.64bn) to acquire Crown in 2021. This initial bid was rejected but an increased bid of $8.87bn was approved by the Crown board.

The offer came at a time when Crown was faced with a number of inquiries. In February 2021, Crown was deemed unsuitable to operate a casino in Barangaroo, Sydney, after an investigation uncovered evidence of money laundering in its facilities.

Later in the year Crown was also ruled as unsuitable to operate a casino in Victoria, with an investigation ruling Crown had engaged in “illegal, dishonest, unethical and exploitative” conduct.

In addition, in February of this year, the Perth Casino Royal Commission found Crown was “unsuitable” to operate its Crown Perth resort in Western Australia but opted not to recommend revoking its licence and instead proposed a series of measures for the operator.

Blackstone still requires clearance from the Perth regulator to complete the acquisition of Crown, but as this approval remains outstanding, it is not yet clear when the purchase will complete.

Last month, the majority of shareholders in Crown Resorts voted in favour of the takeover. Some 92.05% of shareholders present and voting were in favour of the acquisition, and 99.91% of the votes cast by shareholders backed the acquisition.

Speaking about the decision to approve Blackstone’s takeover proposal and to operate the Crown Sydney site, NSW ILGA chairperson Philip Crawford said Blackstone was subject to an extensive probity assessment that examined its capacity to address the risks and issues of concern identified in the Bergin Report.

“The probity assessment has also resulted in certain persons being approved to become ‘close associates’ of Crown Sydney,” Crawford said. “These approvals are a key step in the Authority’s ongoing work to ensure Crown Sydney is able to fully meet its undertakings for major operational, governance and structural reforms.

“As the prospective owner of Crown Resorts, Blackstone has been required to demonstrate the highest standards of probity as well as a commitment to deliver the full suite of operational changes recommended by the Bergin Inquiry.

“This commitment is vital to ensure Crown Sydney is free from criminal influence and properly manages the risks of harm associated with casino activities.”

VGCCC chairperson Fran Thorn also outlined the regulator’s decision to approve, saying that both stone and Crown had to agree to an extensive list of accompanying conditions and protections.

These included strengthening Crown’s governance through the mandatory application of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and recommendations, enhanced reporting of anti-money laundering and responsible gambling activities, and new role requirements for Crown Melbourne’s CEO and key executives and non-interference requirements.

Other conditions included improved information sharing with law enforcement agencies, Blackstone not being able to change corporate structure and funding arrangements without VGCCC approval, and Blackstone being required to invest in and maintain Crown Melbourne as a flagship casino in Australia.

These will be in addition to many of the conditions imposed on Crown Melbourne as a result of the investigation last year, with remaining measures to include requirements to operate under an appointed special manager and to the VGCCC’s suitability assessment in 2024 in order to retain its licence

“In reaching this decision, our specialist team put in many months of work investigating the suitability of the Blackstone Group to become an associate of the Melbourne casino operator,” Thorn said.

“Our approval comes with stringent conditions which balance delivering stronger controls on the casino and ensuring it continues to be the flagship casino in Australia. We will take action should any of these conditions not be met by either Blackstone or Crown.”

The decision came after the VGCCC last week also issued Crown with a fine of AU$80.0m in relation to payments made using China Union Pay (CUP) cards. Between 2012 and 2016, the Crown Melbourne casino allowed patrons to use CUP credit or debit cards to access funds to gamble, which the VGCCC said was illegal and facilitated access to nearly $164m, from which the operator derived an estimated revenue of more than $32m.