AGA SmartBrief

A project recently announced by MGM Resorts International, which will bring an outdoor plaza and entertainment district to the area around New York-New York and Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, shows a new business model of encouraging customers to explore spaces outside casinos, according to one expert. "Clearly, this shows the recognition of and move toward open spaces and navigability. Openness wins," said Bo Bernhard, director of the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (4/19)

This week, the GGB Podcast features an interview with Don Brinkerhoff, the chairman and founder of Lifescapes International, the gaming industry's leading creator of environmental ornamentation, iconic landscaping and unforgettable gardens, including the volcano at the Mirage.

New Jersey Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff recently said that a Wells Fargo report backs up his forecast that Internet gambling could reach $1.2 billion in revenues in its first year in Atlantic City. In a letter to David Rosen, the budget and finance officer for the Office of Legislative Services, Sidamon-Eristoff said that the Wells Fargo analyst's five-year, $1.5 billion revenue projection "would yield $225 million in revenue to the state" at a 15% tax rate. The state treasurer's letter is in response to scrutiny by legislators and budget experts on the potential benefits of online gaming to New Jersey. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/20)

Singapore's Casino Regulatory Authority on Friday cleared the relicensing of Las Vegas Sands after the resort-casino passed all assessments and additional requirements. The Las Vegas Sands was granted three more years to operate at the Marina Bay Sands. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/19)

The most up-to-date iGaming information is available at your desktop with the G2E Online Webinar series for only $499. Gain exclusive access to eight webinars that will keep you ahead of the curve on the hottest topic in our industry: iGaming. Plus, you can access archives of conference recordings from G2E 2009 through 2012, including the iGaming Congress and iGaming Conference Track. Plus, you will have live access to the G2E 2013 iGaming Virtual Ticket (a $249 value) streaming live from G2E 2013. Subscribe to G2E Online today!

Maria Robinson,American writer

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Thursday approved a plan to allow commercial casinos to seek casino licenses in the southeastern part of the state. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe currently holds exclusivity to operate in the region and has plans to build a $500 million resort casino in Taunton, but it faces legal and regulatory hurdles. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell said the panel's decision could result in the establishment of four instead of only three regional resort casinos provided for by the state. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (4/18)

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on Thursday selected the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino over three other bidders to develop a gaming complex at the site of the old Battery Building in Sioux City. Hard Rock's $118.5 million project would include a 60-room hotel as well as 32 table games and around 800 slot machines in 30,000 square feet of gaming space. Sioux City Journal (Iowa) (4/19)

Data released by Louisiana gaming officials showed that revenue for March among state-licensed casinos increased to $232.2 million compared with total winnings from the previous month and revenue from March 2012. Riverboat casinos raked in $161.3 million, while slot-machine casinos at four race tracks reported $39.2 million in revenue. San Francisco Chronicle (free content) (4/18)

Atlantic City's Revel has obtained final approval for a $250 million financing plan intended to allow the casino's operation to continue while the property is in bankruptcy. "I approve the financing. I see no reason not to move forward," U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Judith Wizmur said. Wizmur is expected to give final ruling to Revel's restructuring plan next month. The Philadelphia Inquirer (4/19)

A group led by architecture firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill on Thursday proposed a casino and entertainment complex as one of three possible projects for the redevelopment of the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Chicago. The city commissioned the research on possible uses for the site, including a convention hotel and a Barack Obama presidential library. Chicago Tribune (tiered subscription model) (4/18)

Gamblers at the Thistledown racetrack in North Randall, Ohio, will be able to gamble while watching live racing starting today when the racino opens its outdoor bar and gambling area. The racino's video lottery terminals are expected to greatly affect its racing product as it will enhance the purses. "The impact it's going to have on our racing product is absolutely immense," new track announcer Craig Braddick said. WEWS-TV (Cleveland) (4/19)

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted Thursday to let communities set dates for voter referenda on proposed casino resorts and finalize development deals before background checks on the projects are completed. The new regulation, however, requires a community to seek approval from its governing body before advancing a ballot question in the middle of a background investigation. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (4/18)

The Nevada Gambling Commission has decided to allow Station Casinos' proposed Internet poker system on strict conditions that the operations would be protected against money laundering and underage betting. Station Casinos co-founder Thomas Breitling said the company devoted "millions of dollars" to developing its own system, while subsidiary Ultimate Gaming has a "state-of-the-art" technology to detect suspicious activity. Las Vegas Sun (4/18)

Probability, a U.K.-based producer of gambling games for mobile phones, is in negotiations with prospective U.S. partners with the hope of penetrating the American online gaming market. "Within a couple of years, half the population of the United States will live either in a state or very close to somewhere they can gamble for real money through their mobile phone or desktop," Probability CEO Charles Cohen said. The move comes as more states ease rules on Internet gambling. Reuters (4/18)

Already exhibiting or interested in exhibiting at G2E Asia 2013 (May 21-23 at the Venetian Macao)? Be sure to check out the all-NEW G2E Asia mobile app. It gives your company targeted exposure to G2E Asia attendees right on their handheld mobile devices. Attendees will use the new G2E Asia mobile app to navigate and plan their days at the show. Plus, exhibitors will be able to promote their company name and logo, display their booth number with location on the show floor, give full company contact information and product information, link to social media feeds and request appointments via e-mail. Please contact Todd Sheahan to make sure your company is taking full advantage of this new opportunity.

Cynthia Heimel,American writer

U.S. Travel Association executive Geoff Freeman has been selected by the American Gaming Association as its new president and chief executive officer. Freeman will take the reins from retiring president Frank Fahrenkopf on July 1. "[A]ll industries want the same thing, such as policies that are consistent with growth. As gaming grows around the globe, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with other aspects of the travel community," Freeman said in an interview following his selection. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/18)

Construction has already begun on a project just announced by MGM Resorts International that will bring a sports arena and entertainment district to the area around New York-New York and Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. "Our vision is to dramatically change the sidewalk along the Las Vegas Strip, creating an area that will greatly enhance the area and create an energy that you find in the world’s great cities," said MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/18)

The Mandalay Bay casino resort in Las Vegas is undergoing a massive property renewal as it looks to increase its entertainment and nightlife attractions. Refurbishments include the recent upgrade on 424 rooms of the boutique Four Seasons Hotel; ongoing renovations on the all-suite TheHotel property, which is expected to finish in 2014; and construction of the 50,000-square-foot Daylight Beach Club, which is scheduled to launch on Memorial Day weekend. Travel Weekly (4/17)