AGA SmartBrief

The conference program for G2E Asia is in the works and the team will be unveiling session information soon. Check out the latest G2E Blog post for more information. And save the date for G2E Asia, taking place May 21-23 at the Venetian Macao.

Seneca the Younger,Roman philosopher, statesman and playwright

Major casino companies are proving to be the leaders in conservation and recycling programs, according to a report put together by the American Gaming Association. The "All in for the Environment" report shows how companies save on energy and reduce waste while cutting costs. "Their recycling and conservation efforts have not only had a positive impact on the environment, but they have also streamlined and cut costs for their businesses," AGA President Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. said. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/3)

Some casinos in Atlantic City prepared parties and promotions to boost business during the Super Bowl weekend. "Without a doubt, Super Bowl Sunday is big for us," said Tom Pohlman, general manager of Golden Nugget Atlantic City. However, some casino executives believe that the city would have gained more if Las Vegas-style sports betting were legal in the state. "If New Jersey had sports betting, this weekend would be one of the busiest weekends of the year, other than three-day holidays," said Joe Lupo, senior vice president of operations for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/3)

A $12 million project has begun to expand and improve the Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack in Farmington, N.Y. Upgrades to the gaming facility include 350 additional games, a restaurant and bar. "It's going to allow us to hopefully increase the experience for people here and increase our impact on the community from a job standpoint and from an economic standpoint," said Marketing Director Steve Martin. YNN Rochester (N.Y.) (2/2)

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, says his company is looking to triple its global hotel portfolio in the next three to five years. Allen identified some target markets in the U.S., including Texas, Miami, Kentucky, New York and northern New Jersey. Globally, the company is studying expansion opportunities in South America, Asia and the Caribbean. HotelNewsNow.com (2/1)

This week the Global Gaming Business Podcast hears from Hamish Dodds, the president and CEO of Hard Rock International, on how his company has grown and thrived under the ownership of Florida's Seminole Tribe.

New Jersey Sen. Raymond Lesniak will talk about a proposed online gambling bill in the state during a two-day symposium that will start today in Atlantic City. The symposium will discuss nationwide and statewide trends of Internet gambling. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/2)

An online gambling bill, which would allow casinos in Las Vegas offering online poker to accept wagers from other states, is expected to be considered by Nevada lawmakers after a legislative session begins Monday. "I think this is something that could help our state. Otherwise I don't think you'd see this kind of interest in it. This is something that would go out and allow our operators to be as competitive as they can be," state Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett said. San Francisco Chronicle (2/3)

The Navajo Nation plans to open the $175 million Twin Arrows casino hotel near Flagstaff, Ariz., in May. "In the middle of May we will open our doors. We will have a date in 60 days," said Derrick Watchman, chief financial officer for the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise. The casino held a job fair over the weekend to fill 800 positions. The Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff) (2/3)

Macau's gaming revenue for January grew 7.3% to $3.36 billion, according to the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. Union Gaming Group principal Grant Govertsen said January results could hint healthy figures for February, which would be boosted by the Chinese New Year. Las Vegas Review-Journal (2/1)

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who looks to expand gambling in the state, reportedly plans to propose a non-Indian casino in Niagara Falls, says an administration official. According to the official, Cuomo now plans to increase the number of proposed commercial casinos upstate to four to end the monopoly of the Seneca Nation. The Buffalo News (N.Y.) (2/3)

If you missed "The Hoff" performing at G2E 2012, then take a few minutes to watch the video on the G2E Blog. The former "Baywatch" star stopped by and discussed not only his musical background, but his continued success on touring various international locations before he hit the stage to perform for the crowd at the G2E Welcome Reception.

Laozi,Chinese philosopher

Last year's Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which was held in October in Las Vegas, saw a 7% increase in attendance compared with 2011. In all, 15,708 people attended the event. AGA President Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. said the attendance growth is a promising indicator of the gaming industry's current state. Las Vegas Review-Journal (1/31)

Maryland will start accepting casino bids next week after a state panel approved a request Thursday for proposals for a casino in Prince George's County. MGM Resorts said it plans to submit a casino proposal before the application deadline on May 10. "We plan to earn the privilege of being Maryland's newest license holder," said MGM spokesman Gordon Absher. Meanwhile, Penn National spokeswoman Karen Bailey said the company is considering bidding. The Washington Post (1/31)

Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon in Las Vegas will close for about a year starting Monday to undergo a renovation. Owner Caesars Entertainment plans to transform the property into a casino and boutique hotel and will include a rooftop pool and a nightclub. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (1/31)

Evitts Resorts, the owner of the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort near Cumberland, Md., said on Thursday that it plans to open the casino in late May. Evitts President Timothy Cope said the company also expects to open new meeting space at the gambling facility in fall. The Washington Post (1/31)

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted to approve a research project with the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts at Boston to help communities understand how casinos might affect them. The commission also authorized another week for receiving comments on guidelines for determining what constitutes a "surrounding community" to aid in negotiations. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (1/31)

Bob McDevitt, president of Local 54 of the UNITE-HERE union in Atlantic City, has called on Gov. Chris Christie to approve New Jersey's online gambling bill. "Keeping those casinos open means saving more than 3,000 jobs. This bill will allow Atlantic City to compete more effectively, increase tax revenues and save thousands of jobs. I urge Gov. Christie to sign it as soon as possible," McDevitt said. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (2/1)