AGA SmartBrief

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)

Las Vegas Sands President Michael Leven said the company is only interested in building a casino at the site of Toronto's Metro Convention Centre. In a speech to The Economic Club of Canada, Leven said a casino could help improve convention business at the facility. "We think the convention center needs a boost. It needs the activity that will drive more business, more people and more excitement into the downtown community," he said. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (tiered subscription model) (1/28)

The majority of voters in the Bahamas voted Monday to refuse a two-part referendum that would have allowed the creation of a national lottery and the legalization of taxed underground gambling centers. "The prime minister was clear that his government would be guided by the results of the referendum and the will of the people, notwithstanding the low voter turnout," said Bradley Roberts, chairman of the ruling party. The Washington Post (1/28)

In his February column in Global Gaming Business magazine, American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Frank Fahrenkopf examines the importance of the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming on the 10th anniversary of its adoption. He also discusses the AGA's recent release of an updated version of the code that reflects the evolution of the industry and how technology has changed the way gaming companies communicate with their employees and patrons. Read the whole column here.

Florence Nightingale,British social reformer, nurse and statistician