AGA SmartBrief

Norman Mailer,American writer

Physician and businessman Walter Lomax Jr. said he and his family would invest in PHL Local Gaming, which is among the companies that have submitted applications for the license to build Philadelphia's second casino. "We are very excited to have the Lomax family with us as we move forward to the next level of what's expected to be a very competitive bidding process," PHL Local Gaming CEO Joseph Procacci said. PhillyBurbs.com (1/30)

Saratoga Harness Racing, a raceway and slots company based in New York, has finalized a deal to acquire the Fitzgeralds Casino Black Hawk casino in Black Hawk, Colo. The gaming facility, which includes about 600 slot machines and 11 table games, will be renamed the Saratoga Casino-Blackhawk. The Denver Post (1/29)

Endeka Entertainment, developer of the proposed racetrack and casino in Lawrence County, Pa., has obtained a 45-day extension from the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission to file a casino license application with the state Gaming Control Board and complete its plans for the racino. The company now has until March 14 to file its application and meet the commission's conditions. New Castle News (Pa.) (1/29)

The Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati, which will open on March 4, will include a 3,500-square-foot burger restaurant. Bobby's Burger Palace will be next to the $400 million gaming facility's gaming space. "I am very excited to welcome Chef Bobby Flay to Horseshoe Cincinnati. Bobby's BBP concept is a great complement to the distinctive venues that will make this a world-class destination in downtown Cincinnati," General Manager Kevin Kline said. Cincinnati.com (1/30)

The Atlantic Club Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., has filed a layoff notice with the state Department of Labor as part of a legal requirement tied to its pending sale to Rational Group, says Atlantic Club Chief Operating Officer Michael Frawley. "While there is no anticipation of layoffs or cessation of operations, as our company moves through this transaction process, the issuance of notices under WARN and N.J. WARN is a necessary legal requirement," Frawley said. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (1/29)

Delaware's lottery has activated keno terminals at 81 non-casino sites in the state as part of the state's effort to collect more revenues from its gambling industry. The new lottery game is expected to generate $1 million by the end of the second quarter. "We want to see how this gets a foothold. Traditionally, Keno is a growth product; it takes a while to develop, then you get nice slow, steady growth," State Lottery Director Vernon Kirk said. The Daily Times (Salisbury, Md.) (tiered subscription model) (1/28)

Lawmakers in New Hampshire are considering allowing wagering on horse races that have taken place in the past. With the new form of betting, races would be selected from a betting terminal's database that will include thousands of old races. "It will preserve 55 jobs, but will also allow Lakes Region to add 25 jobs if these machines come in," state Sen. Andrew Hosmer said. The Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.) (1/28)

The Navajo Nation will hold a job fair starting Friday to fill 800 positions at its casino in Flagstaff, Ariz. The new $150 million Twin Arrows casino, which is slated to open in May, will include a hotel, spa and conference center. KNXV-TV (Phoenix) (1/29)

The Casino Niagara, on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, will temporarily close Wednesday and resume operation the following day for the installation of a new electrical system in the building. "We have been preparing for this upgrade for several months and are now in a position to install the new system, which represents an important and substantial investment in our property," Niagara Casinos spokesman Greg Medulun said. The Niagara Falls Review (Ontario) (1/28)

In the most recent Global Gaming Women column in Global Gaming Business magazine, Katie Lever, executive vice president and general counsel for SHFL entertainment Inc. outlines how mentors can get just as much out of the mentor/mentee relationship as those they are guiding. Read her entire column here.

Malachy McCourt,Irish-American actor, writer and politician

The New Jersey Assembly voted in favor of a bill that would allow Atlantic City's Revel and other planned casinos to build beach bars in the Atlantic City Tourism District. "Beach bars have become a important draw for casinos to attract people who want to unwind and enjoy the surf and sand," bill sponsor Assemblyman Chris A. Brown said. The state Senate had already approved the measure, which now awaits Gov. Chris Christie's signature. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (1/28)

Hard Rock International revealed Monday that its gambling and entertainment facility at the Northfield Park racetrack in northeast Ohio will carry the company's new gaming brand. "We want to bring something special to a region so rich in music history and are proud this location will launch the 'Rocksino' brand," said Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen. WEWS-TV (Cleveland) (1/28)

Eugene J. Cassidy, the chief executive officer of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass., said Hard Rock International's proposed casino is part of an effort to help "sustain" the exposition's future. "There is plenty of room here for both projects to live in harmony. ... It is a lot of wasted space. It is ready for development," Cassidy said. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (1/28)

Fla. House Speaker Will Weatherford said a Select Committee on Gaming has been formed to examine all gambling issues in the state. "The House Select Committee on Gaming will be charged with looking Florida's gaming activity holistically to determine ways to improve the state's oversight of the industry," Weatherford said. The state Senate recently created a similar committee. The Miami Herald (free registration) (1/28)

A Senate panel in Virginia has turned down legislation that would allow casinos in Hampton Roads. State Sen. Louise Lucas, who sponsored the bill, said she plans to introduce new legislation next week that would allow riverboat-style casinos. Lucas is seeking alternative funding for transportation projects. "I will introduce a casino bill every year because I do not want my grandson to be my age paying tolls. We ought to be able to generate a long-term, sustainable source of funding without tolling our taxpayers to death," Lucas said. Daily Press (Newport News/Hampton, Va.) (subscription required) (1/28)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill into law Monday allowing mobile sports betting at racetracks. "It's technology allowing the racing industry to reshape itself by drawing younger customers," state Assemblyman John Burzichelli said. The new law will permit mobile betting activities only within the premises of the state's four horse tracks. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (1/28)

The island nation of Antigua received approval Monday from the World Trade Organization to launch a website to sell products that directly infringe on U.S. copyright laws. The threatened move by the island nation is in retaliation for U.S. laws restricting American access to online gambling sites based there. "The United States will not tolerate theft of intellectual property and will take whatever steps are most efficient and effective to prevent this from happening," said Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Nkenge Harmon. The Hill (1/28)

The Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians was expected to share its plan Tuesday to break ground next month on a new casino in Twentynine Palms, Calif. The Tortoise Rock Casino, which will house five table games, 500 slot machines and two poker tables, will include dining and entertainment venues. "We have taken great care to design a beautiful casino property that will only add to the community as a whole," tribal Chairman Darrell Mike said. The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.) (tiered subscription model) (1/27)