AGA SmartBrief

Employee training is a key element of any successful responsible gaming program, and EMERGE, a groundbreaking online training program developed by scientists at Harvard Medical School, is the solution to all your training needs. EMERGE is ideal for all levels of employees, and its web-based design requires no special software or equipment. Learn more about how EMERGE can help your employees succeed.

Ideemaxe Creative Co. can assist in the design and production of 24kt gold-plated or silver-plated additions to any alloy, electroforming crafts for gift-item promotion with the same effect and appearance as traditional electroforming products. Ideemaxe can even help with crystal items. For more information on Ideemaxe, please visit www.ideemaxe.com. Ideemaxe Creative Co. will exhibit at G2E Asia 2013 May 21-23 at The Venetian Macao.

Albert Einstein,German-born theoretical physicist

The New Jersey Casino Control Commission will let MGM Resorts International file a new application to qualify for a casino license in the state. MGM's share in Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will be held in trust until a determination is made. MGM is pleased by the chance to return to the city, said Nicholas Casiello, an attorney for MGM. "Borgata fits nicely into the long-term marketing strategy of MGM," Casiello said. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/13)

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has approved a license for the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati, which is set to open on March 4. The $400 million casino, which was developed by Rock Ohio Caesars, plans to offer shuttle services to downtown hotels for patrons. "We will sell Cincinnati, and we will sell what makes Cincinnati unique and special," said Kevin Kline, the casino's general manager. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (2/13)

Golden Gaming, which operates more than 2,000 slot machines at grocery stores in Nevada, has begun upgrading 10 supermarket casinos in the state by installing more private and modern gaming salons. The company aims to renovate 70 additional locations in the next couple of years. "The local gamers tend to be more sophisticated in their playing. We're trying to reward them by giving them a better experience, a more comfortable place to play and more places to use their points," Golden Gaming Chief Operating Officer Steve Arcana said. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (2/13)

William Grounds, director and president of Infinity World Development Corp., will become a member of MGM Resorts International's board of directors. Grounds worked with MGM Resorts during the development of the company's CityCenter, which opened in 2009. "Bill has tremendous international development experience. He has demonstrated his strong business background serving as the Las Vegas representative of Infinity World," said MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren. Las Vegas Review-Journal (2/13)

Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino in Perryville, Md., expects to add 20 more tables, including eight poker tables, in March, according to spokeswoman Jennifer Miglionico. "It's going to be great for the casino. Now we are going to have a full casino package. Now we will have live action tables," Miglionico said. The Baltimore Sun (2/13)

A woman from Bensalem, Pa., won nearly $1 million Monday after playing a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The $924,231.89 payout was the third recorded jackpot in two months at the casino. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/13)

Nevada lawmaker William Horne has introduced an online gambling bill that would double the license fee and allow the state to make interstate agreements for online gambling. Gov. Brian Sandoval would likely oppose the fee increase, according to spokesman Mac Bybee. "Gov. Sandoval does not support the increased fee and will work to resolve this issue before the legislation is passed into law," Bybee said. Las Vegas Sun (2/13)

Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett presented a bill to a state Senate committee on Tuesday that would allow the state to tax the net profits of online poker tournaments. Burnett said the proposed tax would not cover prizes received by players from online competitions. Las Vegas Review-Journal (2/13)

If you missed the 2012 Ultra Lounge Uniform Fashion Show sponsored by CINTAS, then take a few minutes to watch the video on the G2E Blog. Future fashion trends are highlighted including the materials, fabrics and accessories that will be incorporated to make each outfit unique!

Sophia Loren,Italian actress

Conversion plans for the closed Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas are poised to forge ahead since developer SBE Entertainment has obtained $415 million in financing for the project. The groundbreaking for the boutique hotel casino is set to begin Tuesday. "I know these kinds of projects usually begin with an explosion. We've been on the property since it closed, maintaining the building and the facility. This week, we'll start the interior push," SBE CEO Sam Nazarian said. Las Vegas Review-Journal (2/12)

The developers of the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati are putting in place the last pieces of the gaming facility, including $23 million in infrastructure enhancements. The $400 million casino is nearing its scheduled March 4 opening. "When the cake is complete, you want to put the frosting on. And that's what we're doing now," said Steve Rosenthal, a partner with Rock Ohio Caesars. WCPO-TV (Cincinnati) (2/12)

The former Lady Luck casino hotel in Las Vegas, which will reopen as the Downtown Grand hotel at the end of the year, has offered a sneak preview of its guest rooms. The new casino hotel will include 650 rooms and a rooftop pool that features a bar, restaurant and gaming space. The gambling property is also planning to offer outdoor gambling. "Since this is a private street, we can put gaming right out on the street. And I can tell you, we will do gaming in the street," said Zachary Conine, chief business development officer with Fifth Street Gaming. Las Vegas Sun (2/12)

The members of two unions representing culinary workers and bartenders employed at Las Vegas casinos and resorts held a planning meeting Monday to come up with strategies for impending talks to renew their contracts with major casino companies. "We fear the current benefits status we have now will change. It's important for both the union and the corporations to work together to maintain it," said union member Dunnunique Ahmad. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (2/11)

The Casino M8trix in San Jose, Calif., has filed a lawsuit against the city, its Division of Gaming and Richard Teng, who is administrator of the city police department's division of gaming control, claiming that the delay of its opening is due to conflict of interest. "The unfortunate circumstance of the months of delay in opening the Casino M8trix is that the victim has not just been the casino and its employees -- some of whom had to find jobs elsewhere because of the delay, but also the city of San Jose and the taxpayers," the casino said. KNTV-TV (San Francisco) (2/12)

American Casino & Entertainment Properties has launched acePLAYpoker.com., its free-play online poker website. The company received a license to operate an interactive gaming website from the Nevada Gaming Commission in September. "With the launch of this free-to-play website, we can now bring the excitement of play found at our properties to anyone with Internet access, no matter their location," said Alec Driscoll, director of gaming development at American Casino. Las Vegas Sun (2/12)

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe said work to expand its Saganing Eagles Landing Casino in Standish, Mich., may begin in April or May. The expansion project includes the installation of additional slot machines and table games and the construction of 150 hotel rooms and a diner. "The time has come to make the changes necessary to ensure we have continued growth and development within the Saganing area," said Ron Nelson, Arenac County District 11 Tribal Council member. MLive.com (Michigan) (free registration) (2/11)