Maine
- Maine ranked third nationally for revenue growth, only trailing Kansas and Maryland for percentage growth of casino revenues at its commercial casinos in 2012. This is according to an annual survey by the American Gambling Association.
- The 130th season of racing at Bangor Raceway began last weekend on horse racing’s biggest day — the running of the Kentucky Derby. Michael Hopkins, director of raceway operations at Hollywood Casino Bangor, says the track was prepped and ready, and the drivers had been anxious for opening day. Racing continues every Monday, Tuesday and Friday through July 20, with Saturday race cards added July 13 and 20, and special 4th of July racing on Independence Day.
New Hampshire (more chatter)
Opinions and comments continue to erupt about a proposed casino in NH.
Con: The concern that casinos would have negative effects on existing large performance venues such as the Verizon Wireless Arena and the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom has led proponents of expanded gambling to suggest that performance venues within casinos be limited to fewer than 1,500 seats. Given this assertion, it seems time to hear from a group of nonprofit venues that bring top artists to New Hampshire communities via historic theaters with seating capacities of 700-1,300.
Pro: Senate Finance Committee Chair and bill co-sponsor Sen. Chuck Morse, R-Salem, said the state has an opportunity it cannot afford to miss. "Without the revenue from this bill, it will be difficult to fund the (state operating) budget," he said.
Con:, The executive director of the Capitol Center for the Arts says a New Hampshire casino would outbid her nonprofit and others like it for the top entertainment acts it needs to survive.
Nicolette Clarke told a special House gambling subcommittee Thursday she struggles now to win the three-to-four top acts needed each year to subsidize other shows that make Concord's downtown vibrant. Clarke said when the Capitol Center is busy, nearby restaurants are filled.
Massachusetts
City Council President James J. Ferrera III invoked a procedural rule Monday night, to temporarily block any council debate or vote on a proposed agreement with MGM Resorts International to build a casino in Springfield. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno approved the host community agreement last week after many weeks of negotiations, and it now needs approval from the City Council, Springfield voters, and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Rhode Island
- Boxing back in Rhode Island! Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports is bringing professional boxing back to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. on May 17th. “Mr. Providence” Vladine Biosse (14-2-1, 7 KOs) and female bantamweight sensation Shelito Vincent (8-0), also of Providence, will headline in a co-main event; Biosse will face Philadelphia veteran Latif Mundy (10-5, 4 KOs) in an 8-round super middleweight bout and Vincent will fight Christina Ruiz (6-5-2, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Tex., in an 8-round bout for the vacant WIBA International bantamweight title.
- Twin River is preparing to open its new table games at the Twin River Road casino but still needs dealers and other employees. The Woonsocket Call reports that spokeswoman Patti Doyle says the casino is looking to hire a full staff for the 65 tables of baccarat, craps, roulette and black jack expected to be offered. Twin River has a training room for its new gambling employees where they can practice their skills with the help of industry professionals. Staff members must be certified by the R.I. Lottery and R.I. Department of Business.
Connecticut
Chris Sienko, vice president for the Mohegan Sun, which includes a 9,500-seat arena that is home to the WNBA's Connecticut Sun, said the resort is interested in hosting one or both tournaments, the men's and women's basketball tournaments for the new American Athletic Conference. (formerly the Big East) "Due to the powerful fan base in Connecticut and the past success of our championship over the past 10 years in Connecticut, consideration of multiple venues in that state makes sense as we work to consider a group of venues across our footprint and secure our future direction," said Danielle Donehew, the Big East's associate commissioner for women's basketball who will continue with the AAC.
Lots of crazy things happening in this neck of the woods, or country.
That's all for now.
Binbin
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