AGA SmartBrief

Lin Yutang,Chinese writer, translator, linguist and inventor

William Hill has completed a deal to acquire Playtech's 29% stock in William Hill Online, the bookmaker's online joint venture business, for $649 million. "William Hill Online has consistently delivered strong net revenue growth since it was formed in December 2008. We are pleased to be assuming full ownership of this attractive, high growth, high performing business," said William Hill CEO Ralph Topping. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/16)

Nearly 100 representatives from different sectors testified on Thursday and Friday at a hearing called by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board prior to the examination of six proposals for Philadelphia's second casino license. Seven political appointees will take a closer look at each proposal, which included a plan pitched by Wynn Resorts, Penn National Gaming and other developers. The Philadelphia Inquirer (4/15)

Data from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board showed that Sands casino in Bethlehem posted a revenue of $15.3 million in March from table games alone, a 27% increase from last year's results and the highest among the state's casinos for the period. Gaming board spokesman Richard McGarvey said that the month of March is always their peak season. "We're not entirely sure why, but I've heard theories that it's the month people get their [IRS refund] checks, or that it's the first month after the winter," he said. The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) (4/16)

The Margaritaville-themed expansion project at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., is holding a job fair at the Atlantic City Convention Center through Thursday to fill positions in restaurant, beverage and retail services. The project will be ready to open next month. Margaritaville General Manager Miles Lederer said the dining and entertainment venue plans to hire 600 workers in the long run. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/16)

Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners said it is in discussions with Richard Koch and other investors to make a joint bid for online gambling company Betfair. Betfair has been shifting its focus to certain regulated markets to bring back life to its business. "We remain fully committed to delivering on the new strategy and providing improved returns for our shareholders," Betfair Chairman Gerald Corbett said. Reuters (4/15)

The Gun Lake tribe has filed an application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain a permit to fill in about 4 acres of wetlands near the group's casino in Wayland Township, Mich., as part of a plan to expand the gaming facility. "Since its opening, the casino has been an amazing success and, as a result, we are now exploring a first phase of expansion," said John Shagonaby, Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority CEO. MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (4/15)

A leader of the Seneca Nation said the tribe is not worried about New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to propose a non-Indian casino in Niagara Falls. "I don't think we're taking it as a threat. Period. To us, it's competition. You look at Atlantic City, Las Vegas. That's what makes people better: competition. So that's kind of the stance we're taking on it," said Seneca Tribal Councillor Bryan Gonzales. The Buffalo News (N.Y.) (4/16)

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford on Monday promised pro-casino union workers, who support the creation of a casino in the city, that he will make it an election issue if the members of his executive committee block the proposed gambling facility. "We know which way we're going, our team does. Now, the other councillors, it's either no or yes. And if it's a yes, thank you very much. Appreciate the support for creating 10,000 good-paying jobs. And if it's a no, then I guess that becomes an election issue," Ford said. National Post (Canada) (4/15)

The Indiana House on Monday voted 56-36 in favor of a bill that would allow casinos to use part of the cost of free gambling promotions as tax deductions. The legislation approved by the House does not permit live table games at horse track casinos in Shelbyville and Anderson, nor does it allow the installment of inland facilities by 10 riverboat casinos along Lake Michigan or the Ohio River. State Rep. Sean Eberhart said he would keep working to include the provision on live table games in the House and Senate's compromise version of the bill. Connecticut Post (Fairfield County-Bridgeport) (4/16)

Looking to enhance your skills and grow your knowledge of the gaming industry? Global Gaming Women has partnered with the University of Las Vegas' (UNLV) International Gaming Institute (IGI) to provide Continuing Education Scholarships to talented women in the gaming industry. Awards cover the cost of tuition for attending online or in-person gaming classes offered by UNLV or IGI and are open to women throughout the international gaming community. Don't miss this opportunity -- apply by June 8! The deadline for applications is June 8. Learn more and apply today!

Edward Estlin Cummings,American poet, painter, essayist, author and playwright

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is likely to remove a requirement that forces communities to wait for the panel to finish background checks on casino developers before being allowed to vote on casino proposals. The five-member commission is scheduled to vote on the change on Thursday. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (4/12)

The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel saw a 33% increase in revenue in March 2013 over last year's figures, attributable to higher patronage driven in part by the casino's promotional gambling credits, according to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The Atlantic Club is marketing itself to locals and those seeking value. "I still believe there are a lot of Atlantic City visitors that are looking for gaming and entertainment that are affordable," said Michael Frawley, chief operating officer. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/15)

Some of the smaller casinos in downtown Deadwood, S.D., have gone out of business and their buildings put up for sale as they lost out to larger and modern gaming facilities in the city. According to Tom Blair, Deadwood's mayor when gambling became legal in the town in 1989, casino resorts offer more amenities and they also draw conventions to the town. "I just think the nature of the business, the cost of the business, land taxes, those things have [given] larger facilities a better ability to compete," Blair said. The Rapid City Journal (S.D.) (4/14)

Jeffrey Hartmann, interim CEO of Revel, said the casino resort in Atlantic City, N.J., is considering adding a smoking area to its casino floor as part of the gaming facility's restructuring changes. "As we evaluate our business model and look for ways to improve the long-term viability of Revel, we are carefully weighing the benefits of and how best to introduce a designated smoking area within the casino. We aim to provide a wide array of amenities in order to cater to our guests' varying preferences, and a designated smoking area could further add to this offering," Hartmann said. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/14)

Jack Pratt, Texas Gaming Association chairman, says Texas is ready to host casino resorts. Pratt, who is also founder and retired chairman and CEO of Hollywood Casino Corp., supports legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Carona that would authorize a voter referendum on allowing casinos in the state. "I'm amazed as a businessman that there's still an apprehension to let people have the vote," Pratt said. American City Business Journals (4/12)

This week Eric Tom, the executive vice president global sales for International Game Technology, sits down with GGB Editor Frank Legato to talk about the international markets for his company and how they will develop in the future.

The Cherokee Indians in North Carlina are moving ahead with a plan to build a second casino near Murphy, N.C. According to Michell Hicks, the tribe's principal chief, the Tribal Council has approved the $110 million casino, which would include a 300-room hotel, up to 1,200 slot machines and about 50 table games. Hicks said work on the new gaming facility could start this summer. The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) (4/12)

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria's Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, Calif., was expected to begin interviewing potential employees today. The casino, which is expected to open later this year, intends to fill 2,000 positions. "It will be the biggest thing we've had in years in terms of employment impact," said Ben Stone, the Sonoma County Economic Development Board's executive director. The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, Calif.) (4/14)