AGA SmartBrief

Suffolk Downs racetrack's proposed casino would be a study in sustainability, according to its developers. Plans for the East Boston facility include restoring some of the site to its natural state. "Caesars Resort at Suffolk Downs aspires to create a new level of excellence in sustainable design for gaming development projects in the U.S. As we strive for LEED Gold certification, the project will be energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and healthy for our employees and our guests," said Chip Tuttle, Suffolk Downs' chief operating officer. East Boston Times-Free Press (Mass.) (3/6)

Construction work is now in progress for Slotzilla, an $11 million zip line in downtown Las Vegas featuring a gigantic slot machine. Tom Bruny, Fremont Street Experience's director of marketing, said workers are currently building pylons for a 12-story tower that will be used to launch riders along the zip line. Slotzilla is expected to open in June. Las Vegas Sun (3/6)

The Treasure Island resort in Las Vegas and 888 Holdings have received recommendations from the Nevada Gaming Control Board for licenses to operate online poker websites in the state. 888 plans to offer its technology and expertise in the European market to Treasure Island, WMS Gaming and Caesars Entertainment, pending 888's approval from the state. The board also recommended that Player Verify LLC and XYVerify receive online gaming licenses as technology providers. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (3/6)

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is contemplating a plan to build a $110 million tribal casino near Murphy, N.C. The Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise is scheduled to meet today with the Tribal Council to obtain permission to move ahead with planning for the tribe's second casino, which would include a 300-room hotel. The Smoky Mountain News (Waynesville, N.C.) (3/6)

MGM Resorts officials have presented details for a casino resort the company is proposing to build in Toronto. The firm wants to use Exhibition Place, a mixed-used district in Toronto that hosts a wide number of activities, as the site for the $3 billion to $4 billion casino, which includes a venue for Cirque du Soleil, retail space and a 1,200-room hotel. Toronto Sun (3/7)

Rank Group has agreed on a revised deal to buy Gala Coral Group's 19 casinos for $271 million, making it Britain's largest casino operator. The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter. Reuters (3/6)

An Illinois Senate committee approved a bill Wednesday that would allow five casinos in the state and slot machines at Chicago airports. The Senate Executive Committee passed the measure just days after Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed a gambling expansion bill. State Sen. Terry Link, the measure's sponsor, says the proposal could generate up to $1 billion in state revenues, which would go to the state's Education Assistance Fund. San Francisco Chronicle (3/6)

If you missed the interview with G2E Conference Board Member Al Zajic at G2E 2012, then take a few minutes to watch the video on the G2E Blog. Al focused on the future of security and surveillance within the gaming industry as he brought his more than 35 years of industry experience as well as certifications from ASIS and the International Association of Certified Surveillance Professionals to G2E.

Anne Louise Germaine de Staël,Swiss author

Maryland's three casinos all reported revenue increases in February for a total of $47.8 million, which is up 8% from $44.3 million in January. Maryland Live generated $38.3 million last month, while the Hollywood Casino Perryville pulled in $6 million and the Casino at Ocean Downs made $3.5 million. American City Business Journals (3/5)

Many tourism and gaming experts expect Genting's decision to invest up to $7 billion to build a Resorts World complex at the site of an unfinished Las Vegas project to help boost the Strip. "I think we've turned conventional wisdom on its head today when you see the type of investment we have here with this Genting group. I think people will see that this is a part of the evolution of Las Vegas. It's a great opportunity, and it's on a part of the Strip that needs some help," Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (3/5)

Linn County, Iowa, voters approved a casino proposal by a group of investors in a referendum Tuesday. More than 60% of voters in the county voted in favor of the proposed gaming facility, which may cost up to $100 million. "This is not necessarily as much as a vote for the casino as it is a vote forward for Cedar Rapids and Linn County. There's an incredible amount of momentum. We've got a lot of great things going on in the community and this is another good step," said Steve Gray, a casino investor. KWWL-TV (Waterloo, Iowa) (3/5)

Casino Aztar in Evansville, Ind., has received approval from the Evansville Redevelopment Commission for its new signage, which will include the gaming facility's new brand. The casino will change its name to Tropicana Evansville in June to reflect the name of Tropicana Entertainment, its owner. Evansville Courier & Press (Ind.) (free registration) (3/5)

The Southern Gaming Summit, which will be held May 8-9 in Biloxi, Miss., will honor American Gaming Association President and CEO Frank Fahrenkopf with a lifetime achievement award. Fahrenkopf, who will step down in June, has served as the chief executive of AGA since July 1995. The Sun Herald (Biloxi-Gulfport, Miss.) (3/4)

Problem gamblers will soon be able to sign up for a self-exclusion program at racetracks in New Jersey, according to officials. The announcement is part of the state's Problem Gambling Awareness Month. "The process is still being developed ... but we are moving quickly with the cooperation of the Racing Commission to initiate the sign-up process at a location other than Atlantic City or Trenton," said David Rebuck, director of New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (3/5)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has been ordered by a federal judge to halt the construction of its $245 million casino in Lansing, Mich. "Today's ruling is simply the first step in the legal process. At the end of the day, we expect to prevail because our 1997 federal Land Claim Settlement Act clearly gives us the right, and because of the substantial economic benefits the project will generate for the people of Greater Lansing and the members of our Sault Tribe," Sault Ste. Marie Tribe Chairman Aaron Payment said of the judge's decision. MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (3/5)

Wynn Resorts has written a letter to Toronto's city manager stating the company's interest in developing a destination casino in the city. "I am writing to you to make it clear that we would offer another option. That is to create a luxury resort and spa experience that will confirm Toronto as a major global tourist and convention destination, one that will integrate seamlessly into the urban fabric of the city while standing out as an architectural asset," said Gamal Aziz, Wynn Resorts Development president and chief operating officer. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model) (3/5)

A Senate committee in New Hampshire has endorsed a casino bill supported by Gov. Maggie Hassan. The Ways and Means Committee voted to recommend the legislation, which would authorize up to 150 table games and 5,000 video slot machines. The full state Senate is set to vote on the bill next week. SeacoastOnline (Portsmouth, N.H.) (tiered subscription model) (3/5)

Do you have questions about gambling disorders and the best resources to refer to employees? The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) developed a science-based guidebook designed just for human resource managers and employee assistance professionals titled "Gambling and Health in the Workplace." Visit the NCRG's website for a free download of this publication and one-page resource for employees.

The conference program for G2E Asia (May 21-23 at the Venetian Macao) is now live on our website at www.G2EAsia.com. The program will begin on May 21 with our popular Global Market Forum covering the latest updates on each market in the Asia Pacific Region. The program continues May 22-23 with a variety of subjects, including a CFO Roundtable with a number of Macau casinos represented. Register now for Asian gaming's No. 1 event.