AGA SmartBrief

Rita Mae Brown,American writer

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Tuesday chose MGM Resorts International over Penn National Gaming to develop a casino resort in Springfield, Mass. MGM agreed to create more than 3,000 jobs and make at least $25 million in annual payments to the city, including property and community taxes. "[MGM] best delivers the game-changing economic, financial benefits, urban planning design benefits and positive ancillary spin-off benefits," said Sarno. The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (4/30)

An acquisition deal between PokerStars and Colony Capital LLC for the Atlantic Club in Atlantic City, N.J., fell apart Friday after PokerStars was unable to obtain an interim casino license. PokerStars wanted to use the Atlantic Club as a springboard for developing an online poker site in the state and expanding to other states as they legalize online gambling. The Wall Street Journal (4/30)

Chad Millman, the editor in chief of ESPN The Magazine, has argued that betting on sports should be legalized in the U.S. "I don't believe that the integrity of any game is more in question in sports if betting is legal" Millman said. "And that's largely the argument against it, by the leagues. ... It's just not something I buy." Forbes (5/1)

An analyst says legalization of online wagering in Nevada could help Zynga and other social game providers with their gaming operations and developments. Zynga has applied for a gambling license in Nevada. "It's a significant opportunity for Zynga," said Lewis Ward, an analyst with IDC. Zynga's popular online poker game doesn't allow real money gambling yet but, according to AppData, the game has 30.2 million monthly active users. USA Today (4/30)

A bill that would have increased penalties for operators of gambling machines in Alabama did not have enough support to proceed in the current legislative session. Alabama has shut down most non-Indian casinos in the state, which has driven up business at the state's three tribal casinos. Montgomery Advertiser (Ala.) (5/1)

Macau's Louis XIII boutique casino and hotel, which is scheduled to open in late 2014 or early 2015, will include 66 table games, more than 230 rooms and exclusive, appointment-only retailers. Stephen Hung of the Louis XIII development company said guests would be treated to an "unprecedented, über-luxury experience." Business Insider (4/30)

Several adult arcades in Florida have filed a petition in Broward County Circuit Court to nullify a state law that prohibits the operation of casino-like games in malls and arcades in Florida. Gale Fontaine, president of the Florida Arcade Association, said that arcades should be exempted from the bill because arcade payments come in the form of gift cards, unlike Internet cafes, which pay in cash. The News-Press (Fort Myers, Fla.) (tiered subscription model) (4/30)

Exact Office Automation Limited was established in January 1994 in Hong Kong. Its key goals are to sell and provide maintenance for Hi-Tech Office Equipment to major retail banks, listed companies, casinos in Macau, government facilities and other commercial customers. Within the casino business, the company is currently providing automation products to increase efficiency, security and reliability such as loyal card printing machines, coin counters, banknote sorting machines and CMS-Cash Management Systems Network. Exact Office Automation will exhibit at G2E Asia 2013 May 21-23 at The Venetian Macao. Check out Exact Office Automation Limited's listing at G2E Asia 2013 for more information.

Joseph Addison,British essayist, poet, playwright and politician

Las Vegas-based social gaming operator Ultimate Gaming today launched its online wagering poker website exclusively for players in Nevada. The site is the first in the U.S. to offer legal real-money poker games online. "The technology was acquired and initially developed by a U.S.-based company with a completely clean regulatory profile. Being the first to launch is an honor, but it also comes with a big responsibility. Everyone will be watching us," CEO Tobin Prior said. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/30)

The Isle of Capri plans to open the Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Pennsylvania this summer. "We're building a casino we can be proud of and the Hardys can be proud of," said Jill Alexander, a spokeswoman for the Isle of Capri. Businessman Joseph Hardy, founder of 84 Lumber, built Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 26 years ago, and the resort is now owned by his daughter, who collaborated with Isle of Capri on the project. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (4/30)

The City Council of Sioux City, Iowa, has cleared Sioux City Entertainment's proposed $118.5 million Hard Rock Casino for a final vote on June 3. The development agreement calls for the city to provide 22 million in tax increment financing to the developers to help build the casino. Sioux City Journal (Iowa) (4/29)

Gaming executive Mario DiGuiseppe has been selected by Trump Entertainment Resort as general manager of Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. DiGuiseppe is replacing Eddie Llambias, who is now vice president of the Bally's Casino in Tunica, Miss. While the New Jersey Casino Control Commission acknowledged the appointment, Trump Entertainment has not clarified whether DiGuiseppe will serve on an interim or permanent basis. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/30)

The Pokagon Band of Potowatomi Indians is debuting its Four Winds Casino in Dowagiac, Mich., today. The 27,000-square-foot tribal casino features four gaming tables, 300 slot machines and a restaurant. The casino led to the creation of roughly 100 jobs. WSBT-TV (South Bend, Ind.) (4/29)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has closed on a $750 million loan secured by its gaming properties. The new loan, in the form of a bond, will be used to repay a maturing term loan that matures next year. American City Business Journals (4/30)

Sands China Ltd. has signed a deal to license DreamWorks characters for casinos in Macau. Yoshi Maruyama, global leader of location-based entertainment for Dreamworks, said the move would appeal to families visiting Macau. The DreamWorks production "Kung Fu Panda 2" is the highest-grossing animated film ever released in China. The Washington Post (4/30)

China's transfer of Li Gang from the liaison office in Hong Kong to the liaison office in Macau is expected to increase scrutiny on Chinese officials gambling in the region. The move is part of a government attempt to crack down on mainland officials potentially using public money or pledging state assets to gamble, leading to corruption and money laundering. Li Gang said the government of China would not hinder growth in Macau's gaming industry despite the crackdown. Reuters (4/29)

The Clark County Building Department in Nevada approved a four-month extension of an April 26 demolition order for the Key Largo Casino to allow its owner, Flamingo 2005, time to determine the best method for destruction. "It's a pretty complex project because there's asbestos involved. They have to abate the asbestos and then tear down the building," said Clark County spokeswoman Stacey Welling. "Given the condition of the building, it's hard to get in there, so it's going to take some time." The casino, which closed in 2005, was damaged by a fire last month in a suspected case of arson. Las Vegas Sun (4/29)

Created in conjunction with G2E, the NCRG Webinar Series provides free year-round educational opportunities to help individuals better understand critical issues related to gambling disorders and responsible gaming -- without having to leave their own home or office. You can learn more about these free training sessions by visiting the NCRG's upcoming webinar page.