Casino Rants & Ramblings - Hey New England Casinos, C'mon Man!

Ok, it's time to release some of my concerns about New England's Casinos - some generic to all casino gambling, others specific to New England.  Why wait, here I go....

So, Palmer doesn't think Mohegan Sun didn't do a good enough job to sell it?  The New London Day reports today that Mohegan Sun spent $485,000 on its failed attempt to persuade Palmer, Mass., voters to endorse a $1 billion casino project prior to a Nov. 5 referendum, campaign finance reports show. The sum is about 29 times what an anti-casino group spent and equals the price of buying 24 new slot machines (at approximately $20,000 each).  Hmmmm.....maybe they could have spent more since 24 machines is equal to only (approximately) .4% of their floor inventory.

Over the same period Mohegan Sun spent $485,000, the pro-casino Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer, spent $13,145, nearly all of it supplied by Northeast Realty Associates, owner of the 152-acre site where the casino would have been built. Not much support, if you ask me......

The use of social media by the casinos is out of control.  If I see one more Tweet of Facebook entry from casinos about one more jackpot winner from CT, or see anymore pictures of jackpot winners from Oxford Casino in Maine, I'm going to need to sue for "sight pollution!"  We know - Jackpots happen to a few.  Stop already!  Besides - the "selfies" are bad enough from the patrons.  Who cares which bathroom you went to after eating at the buffet?

New Hampshire - why bother?  You know if you have another chance for a casino, anti-casino groups will get together an d it will be strike two!  If it gets further than that, Massachusetts will send more troops up there to stop it anyway.  Ah, yes - Massachusetts - the state of the anti-casino mercenary force.

Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods - your buffets are not worth the money it takes to pay for it, let alone play to earn one.  The quality has dropped, but the prices continue to rise.  The Mohegan's overhaul is a step back, even though they tried to copy the M Resort's Studio "B" Buffet in Las Vegas.
Ever try to earn one on your points? Here's the breakdown:

• Foxwoods Festival Buffet (dinner) - $19.99 (without any specials added).  To earn that on your rewards, it would take $1800 through slots and $30,600 through video poker to earn 20 points. (Stats to get figures taken from vpFree2.com)
• Mohegan is much more mysterious with it's information, but you can imagine it's similar.  And remember, the Sun has lots of full-pay video poker - THAT YOU CAN'T EARN POINTS FOR!

Finally, what's up with the lack of headliner entertainment in January?  Don't the casino entertainment managers know we need a place to go and people to see in the doldrums of the winter?  You know, something besides Reality Fighting.....we get to see that every night on the news and "reality" TV.

That's NOT all.......but it'll do for today.  I feel better already.

Binbin

Hey, Rhode Island Casinos, This is Your Chance - Mass Continues to Spin it's Wheels!

What's that old saying - "you snooze, you lose."

WAKE UP RHODY CASINOS!  This is your time - yes, I'm talking to you, Twin River & Newport Grand - it's time to expand, extend, and examine your options!

According to the Providence Journal, Rhode Island officials say the state's two casinos are expected to boost revenue instead of dip due to Massachusetts's casino expansion indecisiveness. The long-expected fall in revenue at the Twin River Casino and Newport Grand expected in the budget year beginning July 1, 2014, is now expected the following year. It could actually be further away, since that little Plymoth Rock has as much of a chance to open a casino as anywhere else in Massachusetts at this point. Even MGM in Springfield still isn't a sure thing.

After celebrating the 2-year anniversary of the expanded gambling law’s, Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby says it may be three more years before a Bay State casino opens and called online wagering a "major unknown question" on the gambling horizon.

Ladies & Gentlemen, when I say Mass. still isn't sure it will even HAVE casino gaming, I mean that three things just might halt the whole thing - 1) anti-casino advocates strength continues to grow, 2) more & more signatures are added to a petition to repeal the law, and 3) the Pandora's Box of internet gambling that New Jersey just started could be the start of internet gaming throughout the country. (It is already legal in Nevada.)

I'm just wondering - how long would it take the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to set up controls for internet gaming? Hmmm.......

While Crosby called it "highly unlikely" and "totally speculative," that the law would change, he acknowledged the possibility of relaunching the application process if gaming regulators do not believe they have a quality bidder. "I see no reason why we wouldn’t open it up and just do this over again," he said.

Meanwhile, I'll say it again - Hey Twin River, build that hotel on site before Massachusetts gets its act together! You may not only see continued revenue success, but you may get a foothold in New England to rival any casino in the northeast! (Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods - are you listening?)

That's all for now

Binbin

Massachusetts Gaming Briefs - Will There Still Be Casinos in Mass After all is Done?

Things seem to be imploding in Massachusetts.  Let's look at the facts:

• The opposition continues to gain ground, after ousting Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.
• The Mass Gaming continues to over-scrutinize each licensees.
• One powerful Casino Industry representative after another is turned away.

I had a discussion with a friend of mine recently about my blog. He said that all the crazy stuff happening in Massachusetts over casino gambling is so crazy and complicated, he'd just rather hear the news when the smoke has cleared and they are built. I'm starting to agree with him.

So, here's the latest - just like Joe Friday said in Dragnet, "Just the Facts...."

Chris Orchard of the Somerville Patch says investigators are looking into whether a man with a criminal background is a hidden owner of land connected to the Everett casino proposal, according to Boston.com. Criminal connections could jeopardize the proposal, as the state's gaming law seeks to prevent criminal organizations from being involved in casinos.

In a survey by the Western New England University Polling Institute a few weeks ago, three of five adults in Massachusetts said they favor having casinos in the state. However, it seems only if it's not in their backyard.

Do Massachusetts residents like gambling? Check this out.....Massachusetts adults spent more of their personal income on lottery tickets — an average of $860.70 annually in 2010 — than residents in any other state, according to Bloomberg research based on U.S. Census Bureau data, annual state lottery reports and other sources.

Gov. Deval Patrick insists the state’s casino gambling law was “working exactly as it was supposed to,” and that he was not surprised by several recent votes against proposed gambling facilities.

Finally, Howard Stutz from Gaming Guru writes "Caesars Entertainment Corporation Chairman Gary Loveman is still fuming over his company’s rejection by casino regulators in Massachusetts. Loveman, who said he spent 13 years lobbying Massachusetts to legalize gaming, is embittered. He lives near Boston, taught at the Harvard Business School, holds a doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and owns a minority interest in the National Basketball Association’s Boston Celtics. What angers Loveman most is that Caesars, which is licensed for 50 casinos in 13 states, wasn’t given the opportunity to rebut allegations raised in the report."

That's all for now, but the way things are going in Massachsetts, the biggest thrteat to lost revenue for New England casinos could be looming west in the the state of New York.!

Binbin

The Dual Personalities of Palmer, Mass Concerning Mohegan Sun

As I was reading the article in the morning paper about Mohegan Sun's new vision to partner up with Suffolk Downs in Revere, the comments coming out of Palmer Mass reminded me of childlike interactions on the playground at recess time. You remember, don't you? One kid says to their project partner their mommy told them not to work with him anymore, so he finds another partner. Then the previous partner talks trash about their ex-partner to the teacher as if any problem was all his fault.

It reminded me of the soap opera in Palmer after the past week's happenings.
First, let's take a look back and check a little timeline:

• On August 2, 2007, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority purchased 150 acres of land in the town of Palmer, Massachusetts, with plans to build a retail center - it was unknown at the time if a casino or any type of gaming would be allowed to occur.
• In November 2011, Governor Patrick signed a bill allowing three full-scale casinos and one slot machine parlor in the state. (four years of on again / off again legislation for casino gambling had occurred)
• Last week, Palmer citizens voted down the Mohegan Massachusetts project by only 93 votes, making it apparent that the squeaky wheel of opposition got the grease, but just under half supported the project.

Sure Sounds Like Sour Grapes to Me!
Mohegan Sun had worked tirelessly over five years to bring a world class facility to Palmer by investing millions of dollars into this project with a transparent process of explaining the project to the community, only to be told "Sorry, the city of Palmer won't play with you anymore. Bye-bye!"

Palmer Mass is a New England mill town with great tradition in it's workforce that has been hit hard by the economic recession. According to City-Data.com, their housing market continues to weaken, with housing costing half of the Massachusetts mean and this is accompanied by unemployment doubling between 2000 and 2013 close to 9.5%! Is this a community that can say no?

In August, 2013, Charlie Blanchard, town manager of Palmer, Mass, said "It's a very good deal for the town (and)...It's a fair deal for Mohegan (Sun)" Mohegan's proposal would drop a larger casino in a smaller city as compared to other plans in the region, and developers say their proposal represents the highest value per capita and per household than the other proposals.

So why was it good then and not in November - the proposal didn't change!?!

So why do they wish to smear the Sun's new prospects at Suffolk Downs? The Palmer proposal was deemed suitable by the The Massachusetts Gaming Commission on October 3, 2013 - and we all know how their scrutiny sent Hard Rock, Penn Gaming and Caesars' Entertainment home earlier in the process. But it wasn't good enough for Palmer, eh?

You want to hear about dual personalities speaking? Check this out....

1. James L. St. Amand, community liaison for Northeast Realty, which owns the property where Mohegan wanted to build the casino on Route 32, congratulated the anti-casino group for its "passion and commitment" in defeating the casino proposal. Then said that "The town needs all the help it can get." I guess not just help from Mohegan Sun.
2. Jennifer L. Baruffaldi, a longtime casino supporter and head of Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer, a pro-casino group, said "Could Mohegan have done a better job? Yeah, I think so....Shame on them for not really stepping up to the plate and hitting it out of the park." Really? any stepping up against the casino-naysayers would only have polarized the situation more. Too bad the pro-casino groups didn't notice the surge in anti-casino groups across the state and step it up themselves.
3. Now, we hear the bitter accusations by Palmer bussiness groups of Mohegan Sun's abandonment and betrayal. Equally interesting is their accusation that Mohegan Sun is holding the land (you know the land they bought in 2007!) hostage so no other casino can use it. LOL Palmer doesn't want a casino, but they want to keep that land they don't own for another casino or business. I hope you can figure it out, because it boggles my mind.
4. And finally, Palmer town counselor and anti-casino leader, sent a letter to the Gaming Commission a letter complaining about Mohegan Sun's business practices, calling Mohegan Sun "...a conflicted casino company more focused on ensuring their financial viability....than they were securing a (casino license." First of all, it's "business, not personal" (thank Godfather). And, The Massachusetts Gaming Commission already said it was a suitable proposal - the same commission that even had the powerful Steve Wynn angered by the incredible scrutiny brought upon the casinos? Does Mr. Burns think he knows more than the Massachusetts Gaming Commission?

Remember that school playground at recess I alluded to in the beginning of this post?

With so many flips and turns in Palmer these days, maybe Mohegan Sun is the real winner.

That's all for now. I will continue tomorrow on more sedate info concerning promos, entertainment and dining in New England casinos. I've had enough soap opera stuff in Massachusetts for a while.

Binbin

Has Connecticut's Casinos Lost Their New England Gaming Dominance?

Foxwoods Casino & Resort lost its bid for a Massachusetts Casino in Milford by a vote of 2 to 1 Tuesday night, leaving only MGM and Wynn left in Spingfield and Everett respectively.  With the exception of the Southeast license and the Wampanoags, only two remain now, for Massachusetts West and East licenses. 

And where does that leave the anticipated expansion of the CT casinos?  Obviously in New England, no where - it's them against possibly  4 more states with casinos totaling up to 10 other Casinos in New England by 2018. 

Has their dominance worn off?  I would say "yes."  Both casinos have their clientele being pulled away in all directions.  Twin River in Rhode Island is having tremendous results with the addition of table games.  New York state, especially NYC's VLT casinos, are pulling from the west, and so far, it seems the glitz of the world's gaming industry giants will take residence in Massachusetts.  Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods wont even be the only tribal casinos if both Wampanoag Tribes get their casino wishes in Taunton and Cape Cod.

So, even though they are the 2 of the largest 4 Casinos in the U.S., they might just become just another casino in New England.  If you need another example, check out Delaware's racinos and their loss of relevance in the Mid-Atlantic area.  And we all know where the stubbornness of Atlantic City and their lack of rebranding and aggressive offers put them.

So, what will CT's casinos do to keep their relavance in the future.  Will they become the likes the Luxor of the Las Vagas Strip - just another casino on the strip, or will they strive to be the leader to keep up with class of gaming - Wynn and MGM?

I hope its the latter.

That's all for now.

Binbin

THIS WEEK'S NEW ENGLAND CASINO HEADLINES Part 2

Here's the rest of last week's headlines, today Maine and Massachusetts.

MAINE
The Maine Gambling Control Board’s latest casino results have confirmed tax revenues collected from the state’s two casinos are significantly higher compared to last year’s tally. Accounting for most of the increase in tax revenue is the Oxford Casino which has thus far generated $20,005,031 for Maine, compared to the Hollywood Casino in Bangor, at $15,402,379.

MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts legislators were thrown a curve ball just after giving final approval to a tribal gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe. The Aquinnah tribe from Martha's Vineyard announced Tuesday it had federal approval to build a casino on the island. The Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, a federally-recognized tribe, issued a statement saying it planned to move ahead with converting an unfinished community center on tribal lands into a temporary Class II gambling facility. Such a facility could offer high-stakes electronic bingo or poker games and some types of slot machines, but not casino-style table games. The tribe cited a legal opinion, dated Oct. 25, from Eric Shepard, the acting general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission. In the letter, Shepard said the tribe's lands on Martha's Vineyard qualify for limited gambling under the federal law that governs tribal gaming and that the Aquinnah have sufficient legal jurisdiction over the lands.

A Massachusetts school that trains people for casino jobs has been fined $1,500 for alleged violations that include inflating potential earnings for its graduates in advertising material. The Division of Professional Licensure announced that the fine against North Attleborough-based New England Casino Dealer Academy also resolves allegations that the school failed to maintain adequate student records, and failed to request approval to change ownership. The school agreed to cease the advertising practices in question, to ensure that all student records were complete and available for inspection, and to notify the agency of all ownership changes.

That's all for now.

binbin

Is the Problem in Massachussetts the Gaming Commission, or the Players?

Steve Wynn recently called the Massachusetts guidelines the most challenging and complex he'd ever faced in the gaming business world-wide - his experience in Las Vegas and Macau speaks volumes on how difficult attaining and keeping a gaming licnse can be.   He lashed out at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission over what he called a "crummy assumption" by state regulators that if you're in the gambling industry, you must be unsavory.

But the commission stands by its strict rules.  It's understandable because it appears most of the state's communities don't want it in their backyard, anyway.  Maybe they can build in somebody else's community (far away) so they can rake in the additional revenue and benefit from keeping those Mass gamblers from traveling to Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine.  But, no, no, no - not in my backyard.

In pro & anti casino camps, you hear from liars, hypocrites, and those who rationalize the financial rebuilding and community benefit against those who exaggerate the sinfulness of casino gambling.  "We will help save the state financially" says one side.  "You will tear apart the good in our communities and bring sin and crime," says the other.

Comical that they don't see there is a middle ground where compromise could bring economic relief and still ward away the down side of casino gambling - or at least restrict it, leading the country in "how to do it right."  And that is exactly what the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is trying to do.  Let's hope that there is some gambling entity left to do it with.

Ballot box setbacks concerning community agreements with would-be developers, most recently in East Boston and Palmer, and rigorous background investigations by state police attached to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission have diminished the possibilities for three regional Class I Resorts from eight to two (or three is you still count the Mashpee Wanpanogs) - and the possibility still exists that no current bidder would qualify in either region, a prospect that would put off any casino openings for months if not years.

Here are stunning results leading to this interesting scenario from latest back in time:

1) Tuesday, when East Boston voters rejected by a 56-44 percent margin a casino at the Suffolk Downs thoroughbred race track, a proposal that enjoyed powerful support from DeLeo and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, among others.

2) Mohegan Sun, which for years had courted residents of Palmer, saw its $1 billion casino proposal defeated Tuesday by fewer than 100 votes.

3) In West Springfield, voters rejected Hard Rock's proposal for a casino at the Eastern States Exhibition in September.

4) In July, Springfield voters backed a resort casino proposed by MGM Resorts International and Revere on Tuesday supported the Suffolk Downs proposal even while East Boston did not.

5) Voters in Leominster, Plainville and Raynham signed off on proposed slots parlors, (the fourth gambling facilty license) smaller gambling facilities expected to bring fewer visitors and less traffic.

6) Caesars Entertainment, sidelined by a background check when red flags raised by investigators led the MGC to their indirect Russian Mob connections. Suffolk Downs had to sever ties with Caesars Entertainment before their their ill-fated referendum. (A spokesman for Caesars said Massachusetts was setting standards for suitability that were arbitrary and unreasonable.)

The commission still has yet to release background checks on the Wynn group, MGM and Foxwoods, which has proposed a casino in Milford.  So, will there be even less operators after this month?

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

That's all for now.

Binbin

I Hate To Say I Told You So, but My Mass Predictions Stand for Themselves!

In July, I Called It!
Let's review - Massachusetts started with the following licensees:
(The following is quoted from a post on July 15th, 2013)

Region B - Western Mass                   
MGM Springfield                                        
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Springfield)
Hard Rock MA (West Springfield)
Mohegan Sun (Palmer)

Region A - Eastern Mass
Wynn, LLC (Everett)
Sterling Suffolk Racecourse / Caesars (East Boston)
Crossroads Massachusetts, LLC / Foxwoods (Milford)

Region C - Southeastern Mass
Mashpee Indian Tribe (Taunton)

Slots Only
Raynham Park (Raynham)
Mass Gaming & Entertainment, LLC (Worcester)
PPE Casino Resorts / Maryland Alive! (Danvers)
Plainridge Racecourse (Plainville)

My Predictions:
Region A - Wynn
Region B - MGM
Region C - Mashpee Wampanoags (the new changes in tribal recognition will allow the Mashpees to finally get their Casino)
Slots-Only - Raynham, with horse racing and community backing, it'll edge out the rest.  However, don't sell Penn Gaming short with their late entry - Tewskbury will fortify Massachusetts' northeastern boundry, giving New Hampshire another casino (without the revenue).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
AND TODAY, ON NOVEMBER 11th, this is what it looks like:

REGION A - Wynn and Foxwoods left, and Foxwoods still needs community backing in Milford referendum.

REGION B - MGM stands alone.

REGION C - Wampanoags get break from legislature. 

SLOTS-ONLY - Raynham still leads the way, will a higher voter % in its referendum win.  Cordish of MARYLAND LIVE! Casinos is close, and Penn is still trying to get a second chance in Plainville.

So there, I told you so!

I read Palms also - but only the kind in Las Vegas.

That's all for now.

Binbin


 

Two Proposals for Massachusetts Gaming Today

Two Massachusetts Casino Proposals Facing Key Votes Today.

Residents of the East Boston neighborhood and the city of Revere will decide Tuesday whether to allow Suffolk Downs to go forward with its bid for a $1 billion casino at the 78-year-old thoroughbred race track. The project recently received a setback when casino operator Caesars Entertainment withdrew amid concerns raised during a background check by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Suffolk Downs says it will name a new partner by year's end.

If voters say yes, Suffolk Downs could compete with proposals in Milford from Foxwoods and Everett from Steve Wynn for the sole eastern Massachusetts resort casino license. Basically, the city of Revere will be for something without knowing who or what might be running it.

Voters in Palmer will decide Tuesday on a casino proposed by Mohegan Sun. If approved, it would compete with MGM International in Springfield for the western Massachusetts license. Both seem to have their own problems to contend with.

MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the proposed MGM Springfield resort casino, on Thursday reported a third-quarter loss that was smaller than last year. And two days after Suffolk dropped Caesar's, Springfield City Council President James Ferrera III sent a letter to Massachusetts Gaming Commission Stephen Crosby, asking for advice on how the city could replace MGM if MGM fails the state’s background check.

In Palmer, Mohegan Sun Palmer had to respond to concerns voiced by the anti-casino group regarding the use of eminent domain for the project proposed for Route 32 across from the Massachusetts Turnpike interchange. The host community agreement, unveiled in late August, includes a section that states: "To the extent the power of eminent domain may be required, the town agrees to consider the use of such authority in good faith and in furtherance of the infrastructure improvements that will serve or provide a public purpose." "We will not need any body's home or businesses . . . We don't need the cemetery, the church, nothing of that size and scope," Paul I. Brody, Mohegan's development coordinator, said.

By Wednesday, could we see two casinos knocking at the door of Western Massachusetts only license, one, or .........

We'll see.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Are Massachusetts and Anti-Casino Groups Making Casino Progress Impossible?

If a tree falls in the woods, yes it does make a sound. But if there are no casino industry licensees left in Massachusetts after all is said and done, does that state still have casino expansion?

Obviously, there will be someone left, but the industry players are finding it tougher and tougher - at times almost ridiculous to continue. But the prize is too big, (ca-ching!) so they trod onward through murky waters of anti-casino sentiment that is full of concern and just the right amount of  exaggeration to spice things up.  Here's the latest casino insanity to hit Massachusetts - the home of the 2013 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX (just had to get that in!):

Former Connecticut congressman Robert Steele is at it again.
He's calling it a fight between David & Goliath in Milford. He recited increased crime statistics in towns surrounding casinos, including arrests for drunken driving and domestic violence, and a 400 percent increase in arrests for embezzlement and 10 times the national average since casinos opened.  Of course, this also gives him a chance to push his old book "The Curse: Big-Time Gambling's Seduction of a Small New England Town," based on Connecticut's experience with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Voters will decide Nov. 19 whether the application by Crossroads LLC, doing business as Foxwoods Massachusetts, will move forward in its developers' quest to obtain the sole resort casino license the state will award for Eastern Massachusetts. Foxwoods has proposed a $1 billion, 980,000-square-foot resort casino north of Interstate 495 at Route 16.

Anti-Palmer Casino Group Tried a Sneaky One This Week
According to Lori Stabile, bureau chief for The Republican, three pro-casino town councilors are blasting an anonymous flyer sent to residents that calls for a no vote at the polls on Nov. 5 regarding the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts casino question. Yes, that's right, anonymous. But treasurer of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos said it was just an honest mistake - they intended to put their name on it. That's a big mistake when all those flyers go out and they aren't aware until it's pointed out by those outside their group. It seems to me that the mistake was allowed to happen until they had to own up to it, but a "mistake" such as this with billions of dollars riding on the ultimate decision is just wrong.  Councilors Paul E. Burns, Donald Blais Jr. and Mary A. Salzmann said in a joint statement “We are disappointed at those who hide behind a false and anonymous attack flyer, rather than engage in a truthful and transparent debate of the issues. You don’t have to be a supporter of the casino project to think that these kind of tactics have no place in an honest campaign."

And then there is Steve Wynn and the Gaming Commission
Mr Wynn, the casino mogul with extraordinary properties across the globe, as well as other industry executives have said regulators in the New England state are holding license applicants to uninformed standards, particularly after Caesars Entertainment Corp. took its hat out of the ring after regulators raised concerns about the US gambling giant’s suitability. Mr. Wynn told the Gaming Commission "Please try and keep your focus on the size and the rapidity of this expansion and the regulatory challenges it has created…we are here in Massachusetts presenting our credentials and wondering how will this young regulatory agency. How do we all get comfortable with one another so that we can make intelligent discussions on both sides? We’re scared to death, Chairman. We’re scared to death that – not that you won’t pick us, that you will and there goes a billion three or a billion five."

Tense times continue in Massachusetts as the license deadlines get closer.

It continues to sound like "royal" confusion. That's all for now.

Binbin

New Hampshire Still Taking Steps Toward a Casino

Let's re-cap, shall we....

1. First their was interest from the Govenor for Casino Gambling in NH.
2. Then, legislation for "a" casino was proposed due to the impending Massachusetts casino expansion.
3. Then, maybe more should be built?
4. Then - lo and behold, it was voted down.  No casino in New Hampshire
5. But wait......later in the NH legislation (cue "Batman TV Show Them")

Now, interest in the Granite state continues to grow once again - but this time, New Hampshire wants a tighter control on the situation.

Kenneth McCabe, who also is a retired FBI regional director, advised a New Hampshire panel charged with recommending rules for future casinos that the best way to regulate them is with a stand-alone, independent authority.His suggestion was for New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority follow similar appointments to Pennsylvania in 2004. McCabe said legislative leaders from both parties appointed four members and the governor appointed three.

Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority met last Sept. 12, and analyzed regulatory structures if a casino proposal ever moves forward. The discussion mostly centered upon whether a new regulatory body should be considered or whether existing structures could handle regulation. It was insisted upon that the proven lottery system over the more gaming since it was already proven, as compared to a new system.

Of late, a new discussion - "Charity Rooms." Casino supporters had promoted a proposed resort casino in New Hampshire should not have a special room for gambling that benefits nonprofit charities in the state which is opposite to the casino bill Gov. Maggie Hassan endorsed and the Senate approved last spring. The charitable gaming room with backing from front-running developer Millennium Gaming as a way to guarantee nonprofits that benefit from hosting “casino nites” each year would not lose money once the casino opened.

Then, Consultant Maureen Williamson of WhiteSands Gaming told the New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority that stronger internal controls need to be enforced on the private operators running the games to ensure the charities and state are getting their correct share of the take, especially from table games.

The New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority plans to start discussing the different aspects of regulating and licensing a casino when it meets Thursday (Halloween - Trick or Treat?) in Concord. WhiteSands Gaming consultant Maureen Williamson is recommending addressing gaps in regulations governing charity gambling, particularly table games, through separate legislation. Williamson recommended strengthening regulations and controls over charity gambling that mirror those that for a casino.

All of this is due to Casino supporters concerned New Hampshire will lose revenue to Massachusetts, which is in the process of licensing three casinos and one video slots parlor. New Hampshire has no personal income or general sales tax and supporters also believe revenue from a casino could help pay for highway improvements and other state programs.

Wow, Massachusetts without gambling might more influential before it's all built!

That's all for now.

Binbin

Foxwoods & MGM Seperate - Massachusetts Interests and Economy the Reasons

The Lion will roar no more in Connecticut - not that it really has. Foxwoods Resort Casino is parting company with Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International, announcing the end of the licensing agreement that enabled Foxwoods to brand its second casino tower MGM Grand at Foxwoods using a six-month transition period to complete the change.

To be honest, the "lion" hasn't really been roaring a lot in the past 6 years. Except for the terrific entertainment in the MGM Grand Theater, a few outstanding restaurants and the club Shrine, (which has seemingly changed hands), the MGM property has been underwhelming. The small casino has very little personality, and the fact that MGM had to go through Foxwoods' Rewards Club also hampered their clientele, since MGM rewards (MLife) couldn't be connected to other MGM properties around the country. Being able to play in Vegas and spend in Foxwoods, or vice versa, would have definitely increased popularity.

It wasn't the best time
The tribe and MGM — then known as MGM Mirage — signed the agreement in 2006, at a time when both were eager to pursue gaming opportunities in the Northeast. MGM Grand, built next to the tribe's Foxwoods Resort Casino complex at a cost of more than $700 million, opened in May 2008 just as the effects of the Great Recession were beginning to be felt. Here in New England, many thought, as yours truly, that this was an ill-timed mistake. But many in the gaming industry thought they were recession proof - proving to be yet another gambling myth. Originally, the "strategic alliance" reached between the parties in 2006 called for them to collaborate on projects off the Mashantucket reservation. Due to the economic downturn, other collaborative projects never materialized.

Scott Butera, Foxwoods president and chief executive officer, said Friday's announcement was related to an ongoing Foxwoods makeover. "We wanted to consolidate our property under the Foxwoods brand," he said.

And then there's Massachusetts
Both parties were "mutually agreeable" to the dissolution of the Foxwoods-MGM licensing agreement, said Clark Dumont, an MGM spokesman. He noted that MGM hopes to develop a resort casino in Springfield, Mass., which is less than 80 miles from Foxwoods. It seems that MGM is quite confident that They will be chosen over the other CT casino's interests in Palmer by the Mohegan Sun.

"With MGM working toward a significant presence on the East Coast, it was the opportune time to review our relationship (with Foxwoods) and dissolve the licensing agreement." Recent attention to expansion into Maryland, Massachusetts, and even Great Britain presents a global expansion out of Nevada - including it's successful casino in Macau, China.

Foxwoods, on the other hand, is also involved in a Massachusetts casino proposal. It heads a partnership seeking a license to build a $1 billion project in the Greater Boston town of Milford. However, Foxwoods has had lots speed bumps - namely community opposition and making deadlines due to changes in planning. Against Steve Wynn for the same area license, Foxwoods is definitely the underdog.

Foxwoods has made great changes and renovations, due to Butera's national gaming experience. Let's hope it continues. Imagine the likes of Wynn, MGM, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in a radius of 90 miles. Competition can only be good for the consumer!

That's all for now.

Binbin

Now It's Wynn vs the 'Woods - Caesars Forced to Drop out of Massachusetts

So, was I surprised by the withdrawal of Caesars Entertainment, formerly Harrah's, was out of the Massachusetts Casino Sweepstakes? Not really.

When Caesars bought up 1/3 of the Las Vegas Strip, they became even more in debt than there were. Wall Street analysts have suggested that the U.S.’ largest casino operator's debt could be headed down a path of debt worse than the entire city of Detroit. Caesars carries a gaming industry high of $23.5 billion in long-term debt on its books!

The world's top casino market is now Macau, China. Guess who can't afford to compete with Sands Corp., Wynn, and MGM? Yup - Caesars! Not competing in this lucrative market is absolutely keeping them in debt - besides poor choices in privatizing it's business and a reputation for not being able to keep up the properties it already owns.

To make revenue matters worse, the company is securing new debt with some of its newer Strip projects, including the 668-room Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace and the under-construction $550 million Linq development, which includes 300,000 square feet of outdoor retail, dining and entertainment attractions, and is anchored by a 550-foot High Roller observation wheel, embraces a belief that adding non-gaming elements offers a vehicle to grow company revenue outside of the casino.

And now, Suffolk Downs shook up the Massachusetts casino race announcing that, as a result of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission background investigation into its partner, Caesars Entertainment, it was dropping the gaming giant from its bid to win the single casino license the state will issue for the Boston area. But why? Indications were that there were a variety of issues, but the biggie seemed to be unsavory ties to a mystery unsavory character involved in a recent deal Caesars made with the Gansevoort Hotel Group, a boutique hotel outfit out of New York, to open a new hotel in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Suffolk Downs intends to maintain its current vision and design for the project, which it has presented at numerous neighborhood meetings. Rumor has it that Hard Rock already has some background with Suffolk Downs officials dating back to connection in Tampa at the Hard Rock Seminole Casino.

So, Wynn's biggest competition is gone, with only Foxwoods and maybe Suffolk Downs finding a partner left for the one Boston area casino license.

It seems to be a royal mess for the old Harrah's Corp. In my opinion, Massachusetts is better off without them. I'm still staying with my original prediction - MGM in the west and Wynn in the central.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Twin River Shows Strong Support For Table Games

While some are calling for the eventual demise of Rhode Island's Casino industry, this blogger is beginning to wonder if Twin River is on to something!

Table game players are traveling or staying home in droves - so much that adding more tables is needed - especially on the weekend. Twin River Casino will add 14 additional table games and hire 90 new employees by the end of this year!
John E. Taylor, Jr., chairman of the Twin River Board of Directors, said “When we began table games on June 19th of this year we had some confidence of their success but clearly, they have exceeded our expectations, particularly during certain times of the day such as early afternoons and week nights. We think the time is right to expand our table game offering as evidenced by our success in just two short months, and by the number of guests waiting to play at certain tables, particularly during weekend hours.”

A steady flow of customers have been coming to Twin River’s available tables of blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and modified three-card poker games since the tables opened in June. The demand for the games, which generated $1.8 million in total revenue during their first month of operation, has grown with the total revenue climbing to $5.7 million for the month of August as reported by the R.I. Lottery Commission. Twin River collected $4.7 million of the month’s revenue and the state $1 million.

The new tables will be added at several locations near the current gaming tables, including one partially enclosed space for approximately four “VIP high-limit” table games, according to Craig Sculous, vice president and general manager of Twin River. The VIP area is expected to add energy and an enhanced gaming atmosphere to the live game area, and also boost sales in the nearby Blackstone martini and cigar nightclub area. The Blackstone has themed entertainment for Friday and Saturday nights, such as a late 70s disco mix of songs, and that sense of fun often spills over into the gaming area. More additions such as non-gaming attractions like the Blackstone will continue to build Twin River as a destination, not just a casino.

Kudos to Twin River for giving Massachusetts something to think about. This healthy competition will only be good for the consumer in the future.

That's all for now.

Binbin

And The There Was Gambling In Massachusetts - What's the Latest?

After three weeks, things continue to move at quick pace for Massachusetts Casino growth. With every passing day, there is more acceptance AND more opposition. Let's see what has transpired in the last few weeks.

September 24th - There are three casino companies that continue to battle for that sole casino license in the Boston Area: Suffolk Downs and Caesars, Wynn Resorts in Everett and a Foxwoods operation in suburban Milford.

September 28th - Casino opposition schedules a public meeting in Palmer to get more support against the Mohegan Sun Palmer Casino proposal. Meanwhile....
Caesars CEO Gary Loveman, in response to opposition in the Boston area, lamented what he called anti-casino "hysteria" and predicted a Boston casino could be wildly popular with international visitors.

September 30th - Only one developer has filed an application for the Southeastern Massachusetts casino license ahead of Monday’s deadline, leaving state gambling regulators unsure if the region will attract enough bidders for a healthy competition.
At the same time, the Mashpee already have what many developers desire: a community that wants them. Taunton residents voted in a non-binding referendum to support a tribal casino project.
What the Mashpee lack is sovereign tribal land on which to build. The tribe can only run a gambling business on land held in trust on their behalf by the federal government.

October 1st - Putting to bed what had been a bit of a hotly contested issue in the city of Boston including rather heated comments from both mayors – the Boston’s City Council determined that just the neighborhood of East Boston should have a say.

October 3rd - Massachusetts gambling regulators said Mohegan Sun had cleared a required background check and could continue its pursuit of a resort casino in the town of Palmer. Also, the commission announced that Penn National Gaming had cleared a background check and could move forward in a bid to open a slots parlor at the Plainridge harness race track in Plainville.

October 4th - Opponents of the Massachusetts Casino Deal are step up their efforts to include a repeal question on the November 2014 ballot.

Also on October 4th - Three companies formally applied to operate a slots parlor, the first type of expanded gambling facility expected to open in Massachusetts - Cordish Cos., a Baltimore-based group which has proposed a slots parlor in Leominster; Penn National Gaming, which hopes to add slot machines at the Plainridge harness race track in Plainville; and Raynham Park, which hosted dog racing until it was outlawed in Massachusetts in 2009.

October 11th - The revised gaming compact reached between Gov. Deval Patrick and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe clears a legislative hurdle, as the House approved an agreement that would steer up to 21 percent of the proposed Taunton casino’s profits to state coffers. Cape and Islands legislators unanimously joined in the 116-38 vote to ratify the compact, which would take effect only if the tribe wins federal approval to take land in a Bristol County office park into trust and construct a $500 million casino off Route 140.


Now we're quickly caught up.  That's all for now.

Binbin

I'm Back With the Headlines - I Hope You Like the New Look!

Sorry for the forced long hiatus.  Let's just say it was beyond my control.  But now I'm back with some changes to the design.

Today, as agent Joe Friday from Dragnet would say "Just the Facts."  So, while I was away.....

In Rhode Island

• Rhode Island gaming officials have approved the addition of 14 table games at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln.
• Bristol Community College is combining its successful culinary arts program with its not so successful casino management and tourism and hospitality services programs to prepare BCC students to enter those activities and to find employment in the upcoming casinos in Massachusetts. 

In New Hampshire

• NH is considering gambling again - I know, deja vu.
• N.H. casino panel gets advice from Pennsylvania with rules for future casinos suggesting that the best way to regulate them is with a stand-alone, independent authority.
• The casino study group in New Hampshire seems on tract to finish writing new regulations to expand gambling in that state by the Dec. 15 deadline.

In Connecticut

• Conn. lawmakers push expansion of gambling to raise money for the state with video slot-machines at New Haven Teletheater, known as Sports Haven, the Bradley Teletrack in Windsor Locks and the Shoreline Star in Bridgeport
• Foxwoods, NC outlet center set to break ground on $115 million site at Connecticut casino

In Maine

• Maine study group recommends gambling expansion
• Maine sees big revenue increase at casinos

And what about Massachusetts?  Just to much to cover here!

That's all for now.  Let me know what if you like the new look!


Binbin

Massachusetts Casino News - Casinos Opposition Gaining Support

Anti-casino Group Pushing to Vote on Initiative in Nov. 2014 Election
Casino construction plans around Massachusetts are in various stages of progress, but they may be reversed as an anti-casino group received a court injunction on Saturday. This development may put a question on the 2014 ballot to repeal the law that allows casinos to exist in the state.
“Repeal the Casino Deal,” the anti-casino group, filed a petition on Aug. 7 to repeal the state law enacted in 2011 that allows for three casinos and one slot parlor to be licensed in the Commonwealth. The group had to file for an injunction after Mass. Attorney Gen. Martha Coakley did not certify the initiative for the 2014 ballot on Sept. 4 due to conflicts with existing laws.

Ballot Question to Repeal Casino Law Gaining Support And Gets Second Look
A statewide anti-casino coalition has filed a court challenge of the attorney general's decision to bar a planned ballot question to repeal the 2011 law to allow casinos in Massachusetts.
Attorney General Martha Coakley will agree to the challenge, called an injunction, effectively allowing the coalition to collect signatures for the proposed ballot question while the challenge is pending before the state's highest court.
John F. Ribeiro of Winthrop, chairman of the Committee to Repeal the Casino Deal, said "People are even more energized to go out and collect signatures. This is about democracy. This is beyond the casino question. This is about people having the right to vote on a critical issue that could change the state forever." Ribeiro said the coalition is emboldened by Tuesday's vote in West Springfield to defeat the planned Hard Rock casino resort and other casino defeats around the state.

UMass Professor In Favor of Western Mass Casino for Graduating Students' Jobs
Hospitality & Tourism Management Department Head Haemoon Oh says that they have also added an online course, which is gaining popularity. Enrollment in some of these casino management courses has doubled in the last year.
Professor Oh added that 70% of the department's graduates stay in the state, and a western Massachusetts casino will only mean more jobs for graduating students.
“We, as a four year college, are targeting middle and upper-level managerial positions; in the long run, the high level senior management positions. We are looking at other job opportunities casinos can bring, like hotel resorts and restaurants,” he said.  Oh says that UMass could provide a casino operator with a skilled solid workforce and potential for a co-op relationship. The UMass Hospitality Department offers five courses dedicated to teaching students about casino and event management.


State Rep Hopes House Blocks Tribe's Gaming Compact
With a committee vote clearing the path for legislative debate on a second gaming compact between the state and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, some in the southeastern region of Massachusetts are calling for lawmakers to reject the accord needed for the tribe’s Taunton casino bid. The new compact includes a sliding scale to determine how much the Mashpee tribe pays the state, granting 21 percent if no other casinos open in Massachusetts, 17 percent if a casino opens in one of the other regions, an additional 2 percent reduction if a slots parlor opens in the southeast, and zero if another casino opens in the region, a possibility since gaming regulators have opened the region to applicants.
Meanwhile, the town of Plainville, which is located in the eastern Massachusetts region, approved a ballot referendum to bring a slots parlor operated by Penn National Gaming to the Plainridge Racetrack.


That's all for now.

Binbin

New Hampshire Casinos Revisited

Here is the latest gaming stories from New Hampshire. I think they may be serious this time!

KENO, and ONLINE BETTING and CASINOS, oh my!
A central part of Gov. Maggie Hassan’s 2012 campaign was expanding gambling in New Hampshire. The Legislature, for its part, let Hassan’s plan die, spurring Hassan to criticize the (bipartisan) Legislature and create a special commission to work out the regulatory hurdles.
In a reversal of a 50-year precedent, the Department of Justice ruled that the Wire Act of 1961 did not prevent state lotteries from selling tickets online. In fact, the Justice Department said, states could go beyond selling lottery tickets online and open internet-based “casinos” including virtual table games – blackjack, roulette, etc. – and slots, all under the umbrella of the state lottery. This “state lottery” exemption also gives Hassan a new path to bring casino-style gambling to New Hampshire and repair the holes left in her budget by the Legislature’s refusal to approve a brick-and-mortar casino.

THEN...
New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has been the leading lawmaker in the state in efforts to get a casino bill passed. In fact, the bill he introduced and was passed by the Senate in the most recent session was strongly supported by new Gov. Maggie Hassan.
After the House rejected the bill, Gov. Hassan formed a commission to recommend regulations for any future casino. However, D’Allesandro reportedly is considering drafting a bill that would legalize video slots and plans to discuss his plans with the gambling commission.

AN INTERESTING (CHEAP) IDEA...
The Gambling Regulatory Oversight Authority, which is exploring what a casino regulatory structure ought to look like, heard that sentiment repeatedly last week. “We are trying to use an existing framework,” added Democratic Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, of Manchester, the legislature’s biggest casino proponent. The primary arguments for using the Lottery Commission to regulate casinos, then, seem to be twofold: That it already exists, and it already promotes and regulates games of chance. In other words, rather than create a separate entity dedicated to casino regulation, the state can do it on the cheap if it uses the Lottery Commission.

SQUARE ONE...
New Hampshire’s Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority will meet today, Aug. 15, in Concord in order to begin work on producing draft legislation and regulations for a casino plan by the middle of December.
The state legislature reconvenes in January. In an effort to keep pace with neighboring Massachusetts, that bill would have allowed 5,000 slot machines and 150 table games at an already existing gambling facility. Are we back to the pressure of Mass Gaming and a NH quick fix again?

MAYBE WE SHOULD GO TO THE PEOPLE?
Didn't we hear this already? This time, the commission charged with recommending regulations for future casinos in New Hampshire is seeking the public’s input on the issue. The commission is held a public hearing at the Statehouse in Concord on an issue that divided the House and Senate this year.

IS ROCKINGHAM READY ALREADY?
The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority held last Thursday in Concord. President & general manager Ed Callahan predicted, “We are going to be there,” Rockingham Park. Rockingham Park officials have said they are prepared to bid for a casino license. Las Vegas-based Millenium Gaming Inc., which has an option to buy the track, has plans for a $600 million-plus casino development, including a hotel, that would create an estimated 3,000 construction and gaming jobs. The key is still finding regulations that work somewhere and adapt them to New Hampshire’s revised statutes.

LEAVING YOU HANGING...
What did the NH Legislators hear from their public relation?
Is Rockingham still interested? 
Could the Losers Bracket in Massachusetts set their sights on NH?
Will the NH Lottery be the gaming commission umbrella for all gaming in the Granite State?
Will NH be the first New England State to have legalized online gambling?
Will the Red Sox win the World Series?

More news after the weather forecast.....
"light today with darkness at night"

that's all for now.

Binbin

Springfield Says No to Hard Rock - And Then There Were Two!

Voters on Tuesday rejected Hard Rock International's proposal to build an $800 million resort casino with a live-music venue, retail and hotel on the campus of The Big E.

"We communicated our message and I think we were clear. But the message the voters heard wasn't enough to convince them that we were trying to bring them more than a casino," Tim Maland, president of the company's New England division said. "But they voted with their heart and conscience and it was close. I can respect that." said.

In the end, 7,578 residents or 45.68 percent turned out to vote, with the proposition losing by just 752 votes.

Many who live in the poorest parts of West Springfield felt this was their chance to change the impoverished conditions surrounding them with the promise of jobs and more community financial stability. But in the end, those from No Casino West Springfield group influenced more to believe that a casino was more evil than good.

Now, there are two - MGM Resorts International's Springfield casino proposal and Mohegan Sun's Palmer project to battle for the state's sole Western Massachusetts casino license. Supporters of many "No Casino" groups in the state are ready to mobilize troupes to Palmer before their November Vote.

I feel it's a draw, and The Gaming Commission should take a good hard look at what each -MGM & Mohegan Sun - will provide for the state, as well as the surrounding communities. Without major changes to the traffic infrastructure in the already night-marish drive through Springfield, I see Mohegan Sun as a better bet - especially for the economic recovery of an old mill town like Palmer.

If The "No Casino" groups want a Goliath to fight, then fight MGM. The huge gaming conglomerate who owns almost half of the strip properties in Las Vegas has no clue to the needs of New England. Give MGM credit - they got community support before the "NOs" had a chance to organize. But that just brings up more questions to me. Would they have a community agreement in this environment today? Are there reasons, insincerity, lies that would be seen now if there was more scrutiny?

That's all for now.

Binbin

Massachusetts Casino Updates

PENN GAMING STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME IN MASS
Spurned by Tewksbury voters, a Pennsylvania-based gambling company may reemerge in the state’s slots parlor sweepstakes at Plainridge Racecourse, a one-time favorite to win a slot machine license whose ownership team was recently ruled unsuitable to run a casino. Recently, the state Gaming Commission allowed Penn National Gaming to get back in the fold by relocating its proposal to Plainville. The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

BOSTON MAYOR & CAESARS REACH DEAL
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino reached a proposed deal with developers on Tuesday to build a $1-billion (U.S.) Caesars casino in the city’s East Boston section that he said would generate at least $32-million in annual revenue for the city and create thousands of jobs. “I have said from the start of this process that I wanted three things: a first-class, resort destination casino, an agreement that would benefit the people of East Boston, and a proposal that will be selected by the State Gaming Commission,” said Mr. Menino, who is in the last year of a 20-year tenure as mayor. “We are well on our way to that and more.” The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

FOXWOODS RAISES ANTE UNDER PRESSURE FROM OTHER PROPOSALS
Foxwoods Massachusetts has told Milford officials it will increase the size of the Milford casino development, in part to remain competitive with the Suffolk Downs proposal in East Boston.
The redesign is expected to incorporate some 200 more hotel rooms and an expanded gaming floor, and will result in taller buildings on the nearly 200-acre site, according to Selectmen Brian Murray and Bill Buckley, who said in phone interviews Thursday they were told about the changes. Foxwoods also is planning to increase its mitigation payments to Milford, as part of the plan, said selectmen. That's in response to pressure put on the developer to contribute more to the community, more along the lines of what is being promised to Everett, and now Boston, said selectmen.

MOHEGANS & PALMER INK DEAL
Mohegan Sun announced Thursday an agreement with the town of Palmer under which the town would receive more than $16 million in annual payments to mitigate the impact of hosting a proposed resort casino. Additional road, sewer and water infrastructure improvements totaling $23 million are part of the agreement. The $16 million includes fixed payments of $15.2 million and a percentage of gaming revenue equal to 0.25 percent of the first $400 million in revenue, with Mohegan officials saying the guaranteed payment alone exceeds the entire local tax revenue for the town in fiscal 2014. The town would also receive an additional 2 percent from every dollar of gross gaming revenue from the facility above $400 million a year.

Next Week I will include an updated list of proposals with the towns and players. Some of the faces have changed, but the game is still the same.

That's all for now.

Binbin