AGA SmartBrief

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Pierre Beaumarchais, French playwright, inventor, diplomat and revolutionary

The merger between Pinnacle Entertainment and Ameristar Casinos hit a speed bump last month when the Federal Trade Commission raised concerns about the deal. However, the merger could still proceed if Pinnacle decides to sell one of its casinos in St. Louis. Last month, Pinnacle CEO Anthony Sanfilippo said the deal was still on, but he did not offer details on how it would proceed. Las Vegas Review-Journal (6/9)

Although Penn National Gaming is not interested in building a casino in the former Cabotville Mills in Chicopee, Mass., city officials said other developers may be interested. "Two others (casino developers) have inquired about the site and both had already paid the preliminary filing fee," said Chicopee Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette. "It is a very competitive industry and often difficult to determine the actual level of interest." The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (6/9)

Daytona State College in Florida is offering an "Introduction to Casino Operations" course as part of the school's hospitality program. According to the American Gaming Association, Florida employed more than 3,000 people in the gaming industry in 2012. The Daytona Beach News-Journal (Fla.) (6/9)

Cincinnati.com (6/7)

Experts at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States conference held in New Jersey recommended that lawmakers remain flexible in a changing industry. "If you have casino gaming already, you today need to be prepared to adapt and adjust. Your models may be solid now, but in the future, you will fail if you don't change and adapt," said David Rebuck, director of New Jersey's Department of Gaming Enforcement. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (6/9)

The Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, N.J., has introduced NASCAR-themed slot machines developed by Bally Technologies. The interactive slot machines offer "virtual racing" for players. "It allows us to create more excitement on the casino floor while you’re here. And, hopefully, it gives us the ability to extend the amount of time you play," said Tom Pohlman, general manager at Golden Nugget. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (6/7)

This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Frank Fahrenkopf, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association on his retirement from the association he founded 18 years ago.

Officials in Middleboro, Mass., claim an agreement for a tribal casino dating back to 2007 is still valid. The Mashpee Wampanoag had proposed building a casino in the town before changing course for a proposal in Taunton, Mass. "We feel our agreement is still valid. The terms under which they would build a casino we feel were never settled," said Charlie Cristello, Middleboro's town manager. The Enterprise (Brockton, Mass.) (6/9)

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and his brother, Councillor Doug Ford, said they plan to revisit a proposal to build a casino at a Toronto racetrack. Last month, the City Council rejected a plan for a casino in downtown Toronto, as well as voting against expanded gambling at the Woodbine Racetrack. "We've got to bring it back to council. Some of the folks understand they made a mistake. This is about jobs," Doug Ford said. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model) (6/9)

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has instituted a change in gambling taxes. The state will now automatically withhold 5% of any winning wager that pays out $600 or more. "The tax has caused considerable consternation among our customers," said Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs racetrack. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (6/9)

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William James,American psychologist and philosopher

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission agreed to accept an application from Steve Gray, who wants to build a $100 million casino in Cedar Rapids. "[H]aving that decision made today, and agreeing to move ahead with the studies, is encouraging," said Gray. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids-Marion, Iowa) (6/6)

Everett United, a group of volunteers, has embarked on a door-to-door campaign in support of a referendum on a Wynn Resorts casino plan in Everett, Mass. "They are a dedicated group, and we are grateful for their enthusiasm and support," said Wynn spokesman Michael Weaver. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (6/7)

A losing poker hand of four kings triggered the Mega Beat Progressive Poker Jackpot at Planet Hollywood on Tuesday. The jackpot of $914,474 was split by 107 players in participating poker rooms run by Caesars Entertainment. Las Vegas Sun (6/6)

The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (6/6)

Gaming manufacturer Aristocrat has signed a licensing agreement with AMC for a slot machine based on "The Walking Dead." The cable television show about zombies unearthed 12.4 million viewers for its season three finale. The slot machine will incorporate video clips and images from the show. Las Vegas Sun (6/6)

The Saratoga Casino & Raceway in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., could apply for a full casino license under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan for expanding gambling in the state. "We are one of the greatest, national and international, resort destinations in Saratoga Springs and locating a casino site here is great for the state and the community," said Rita Cox, vice president of marketing. American City Business Journals (6/6)