AGA SmartBrief

Scott Adams,American cartoonist

MGM Resorts International could profit from the recharged real estate market in Atlantic City, N.J., through two properties in the Marina District that an expert says are ideal for gaming. MGM is the owner of 72 acres between Borgota and Harrah's Resort and a 14-acre plot next to Golden Nugget, both of which are on hold for purchase or construction. "The 72-acre site is probably one of the best opportunities ... . It's an excellent location," said Anthony Graziano, Integra Realty Resources' executive director. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/28)

The first-ever yearly report by the New York Gaming Association found that the state's nine racinos earned $1.8 billion in 2012. In a statement, association president James D. Featherstonhaugh said, "Our nine existing facilities are tremendous economic assets that should be nurtured and developed." The Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) (4/29)

Northeast Realty is petitioning for 3-acre and 12-acre parcels of land in Palmer, Mass., to be rezoned for commercial use. The two properties are adjacent to the site of Mohegan Sun's proposed resort-casino. Northeast also wants the city to raise building height limits to accommodate a hotel. MassLive.com (4/26)

The Santa Ana Star Casino in New Mexico on Friday will debut its two-story bar and restaurant, The Stage, where people can get a vibe of Las Vegas through live performances as well as a wide selection of appetizers and drinks. "I knew it had to be the type of place where people 30 and over could listen to their favorite music, and yet still hold a conversation, to dance, talk, dress up and feel great," said Star Casino general manager John Cirrincione. Rio Rancho Observer (N.M.) (4/28)

Lake George, N.Y., Mayor Robert Blais has planned a public forum to hear the opinions of residents on the possibility of building a casino in Warren County. The forum set for Tuesday comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo's recent release of a three-casino proposal intended to advance economic development and tourism in upstate New York. The Wall Street Journal (4/29)

This week, the Global Gaming Business Podcast features an interview with Marc Oppenheimer, the vice president of marketing for Parx Casino outside of Philadelphia, on a new campaign that has recently been launched to attract more customers from New York and northern New Jersey.

An independent poll by the U.S. Gaming Survey showed that 58% out of 245 respondents from New Jersey would still visit casinos in Atlantic City despite the legalization of online gambling in the state. "From the results of this poll, residents in New Jersey and other U.S. states do not indicate that the impending online gaming will cannibalize land-based casino interests or revenue and will possibly mildly increase it," said Larry Gibbs, vice president for marketing at U.S. Gaming Survey. The Press of Atlantic City (N.J.) (4/27)

The Star-Ledger Editorial Board says that Atlantic City may be under threat of decline, but now is not the time to compromise on casino regulation. The online betting firm PokerStars wants to buy a piece of the action, but it brings with it a history of bank fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling. NJ.com (Hackensack, N.J.) (4/29)

John Moran Jr., lead commissioner for online gambling with the Nevada Gaming Commission, and his fellow commissioners are gearing up for the promotion and regulation of online gaming in Nevada. Moran's duties will include handling interstate compacts. "We've had agreements with other states for water and energy use among the states in the Colorado River basin and even an international compact with Mexico. But this is going to be precedent-setting because it will be the first one for interstate agreements for gaming," Moran said. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (4/26)

Last week, American Gaming Association members across the country hosted dozens of volunteer activities as part of National Volunteer Week and the AGA's annual "All In" campaign. In addition to these efforts, the AGA released a new report and infographic highlighting industry giving and volunteering and recognized Employee Volunteer All Stars from throughout the commercial industry. Thanks to all those who participated and made the week a success!

G2E 2013 takes place one week earlier this year, Sept. 24-26, with the conferences Sept. 23-26 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Online registration is now open. Register today so you can stay on the forefront of the latest trends and insights and take advantage of the expertise and invaluable content that make G2E the must-attend event of the year. Stay tuned for G2E 2013 keynote speakers, sessions and conference tracks.

Diane Ackerman,American author, poet and naturalist

Everett, Mass., Mayor Carlo DeMaria said Thursday that the city has entered into a $1.2 billion agreement with Wynn Resorts to build a 19-story hotel-casino along with retail space and restaurants. Wynn pledged to be involved in solving transportation and environmental issues for the proposed site as well as to prioritize the recruitment of Everett residents for temporary and permanent posts related to the project. A referendum on the agreement will be held June 22. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (4/25)

Ameristar Casinos shareholders on Thursday overwhelmingly approved Pinnacle Entertainment's $2.8 billion purchase offer of eight Ameristar casinos. The purchase, which is subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals, covers Ameristar's properties in Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado and Northern Nevada. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/26)

Wynn Chairman Steve Wynn said at a conference call that ongoing construction of its hotel on Macau's Cotai Strip represents the company's strategy of building urban luxury hotels that go beyond casino-resorts. "Slot machines and blackjack tables have no power at all. What we are not building is a box of slots. We're building a beautiful hotel that just happens to have a gaming room in the back," Wynn said of the Urban Wynn concept. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas) (4/25)

The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Thursday certified Switch Communications Group as a "hosting center" to securely store casino data in Clark County, the first such establishment in the state. The facility, which will have military-trained security, is intended to protect casinos' computer systems and pertinent information from break-ins and natural phenomena such as earthquakes. Las Vegas Sun (4/25)

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton will remove language regarding Internet gaming from legislation that would expand gambling in the state, a spokeswoman for the lawmaker announced. The move is part of the state Senate's efforts to win approval of the bill from Gov. Pat Quinn, who has vetoed other gambling expansion proposals. The State Journal-Register (Springfield, Ill.) (4/25)

The City Council of Chicopee, Mass., is considering establishment a committee to address the possible effects a new casino in a nearby city might have on Chicopee. The creation of the committee was suggested by Councilor Timothy S. McLellan amid the intensifying competition for a casino license in the western part of the state. MassLive.com (4/25)

Las Vegas-based Cantor Gaming on Thursday agreed to provide mobile casino gambling and mobile sports wagering for the Atlantis casino-resort in the Bahamas. The Atlantis will officially open its mobile gaming to guests on Monday, and a new sports book will be launched later this year. Las Vegas Review-Journal (4/25)