Does Anyone Enjoy an Empty Casino as Much as Me?

We are going to have a snow storm in New England this weekend.  No biggie, it's part of the season.  It's also the reason my relatives moved to Florida after living here most of their life!

But snowstorms have always meant a different excitement to me me. During 34 tears of teaching full time it came to have a special meaning - you know what I'm talking about -
SNOW DAY - NO SCHOOL! 
A trip to the local casino on a Snow Day was fun, winning or losing.  It was about space, selection, and being one with the casino.  (Pause a moment to reflect)

Ok, I'm back.  Even though it's a weekend, I still always get the wonderful feeling and memories I enjoy when I think about being in an empty casino. 

Admit it - I'm know I'm not the only one.

So, to paraphrase Julie Andews,  "...here are a few of my favorite things..." (in a casino on a Snow Day)

Hardly any human beings to deal with:

• Nobody bumping into you gawking at the scenery, or looking for their spouse.  Nobody having to yell the length of a football field to get someone's attention.
• Less smoke - especially if it's 6:00 am.  The crispness of the air inside is almost matched by the air outside - well, it's better than usual.
• Less "mosiers" -  you know those people who walk at a snail's pace.  But even if there are a few, you can easily power walk around them. 

Casino Atmosphere:

• Space - lots and lots of space.
• Machines and tables galore.  You could try to play anything you wanted, even table games you're not that good at for practice.  Just think, playing every single slot you never tried before.  Or putting in one coin in every Video Poker JOB at the $1 denom.  Why would you do that?  Because you CAN.
• Limited beverage service that caters to you - because you're the only one there!
• Space to walk - yes, it's great to get a power walk in at times to clear your head, especially if it's large like Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods or Twin River.

Breakfast:

• A quiet breakfast in a nice restaurant.  Or, if you are one of those (like me) who are just on the under the level to use the high roller lounges, sometimes you get in because there is no one there!

Now, there are a few things to be aware of.  Less cashiers, less beverage service, some parts of the casino might be closed down if employees can't get in. And be aware - there's always that one person on a scooter that thinks it's Talladega because of all the available space. 

(cue music)  "It's the Most Wonderful Time.....in the casino"

But beware - the busses start to come in before noon time.  Plan your getaway accordingly or you just might be there for the day!  6:00am to 11:00am on a snow storm day - casino bliss to a few of us.
 
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

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

New Slots Coming to a New England Casino Near You

There are lots of fun new slots out there to enjoy.  Be on the lookout and try the following:

WMS has come continued with it's flat top  5 reel slots with IRON MAN.  It's look is very different from the traditional game and its bonuses are very different as well.

IGT introduced two versions of AVATAR.  Players can actually customize the games, by changing the sounds and reel backgrounds and earn experience points to unlock bonus points, similar to the Star Trek theme slots.

IGT also introduced BACK TO THE FUTURE.

Bally Technologies continues variations on its U SPIN with TITANIC.

Aristocrat is introducing BATMAN, based on the 60's TV sitcom, using  its wonder wheels series.  Imagine running into old enemies like the TV Cat Woman, The Penguin, and the Joker.
Bam!
Crash!
Zap!

That's all for now. 

Binbin

Gaming Guru John Grochowski Gives a Little insight into New Slots

Have you ever noticed how some of the big flashy themed machines are their one visit and gone the next? I really liked the first Michael Jackson Slot - now, it gone and replaced with another that, frankly I don't like so much.

And yet some of my favorites are always there to welcome me - Aristocrat's Cashman "Betting Zoo," WMS's Monopoly games, especially the older ones, Ruby Ring and IGT's Cleopatra II.

New slots are appearing every time a visit a casino. Multiple bonuses, stacked wilds, re-triggers, and crazy configurations from the traditional 3-reel and 5 reel. How do you make sense out of all of this?

You visit the Gaming Guru. John Grochowski is someone I love to read. You can find many of his gaming answers, suggestions, stories and insights on Facebook, Twitter, Casino City, Casino Player, and on and on..... Check out YouTube for his many videos as well.

In one of his latest posts, this time discussing the latest the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, he had some very interesting points. John says, "In the slot machine business, there’s a distinction between revenue-sharing games and core games, or for-sale games. Most of the biggest, brightest, sexiest games with licensed themes are revenue-sharing games. But the core games are workhorses. Most casino slot directors prefer that the bulk of their floors be filled with games the casino owns. To keep players coming back, the themes, graphics and, perhaps most important of all, the math models have to be right."

So, all those fancy-schmancy new games that are here today and gone tomorrow are revenue shared, as if they were leased. Which is why their shelf life is short. Any of the games you see in a casino for more than a short time, the casino probably owns, and then moves them around as they see fit concerning casino traffic, grouping, and payout percentage.

Here is a quick analysis of new slots he witnessed that will be out soon in a casino near you:

1) WMS Gaming - Cool Jewels, a cascading reels game where wilds next to each other lock and move down the screen together. In an exploding jewels event, the value of the explosions increases as the round continues.

2) Centipede, International Game Technology: The latest in IGT’s Reel Edge series with skill-based bonus events, Centipede has an old-school video game feel.

3) King of Bling: Iced Out, Incredible Technologies: The second King of Bling game is a blast with a couple of new features, One is Iced Out, triggered by diamond symbols on the first two reels. The diamonds are held, and everything else goes into respin mode. The diamonds dance, bounce, sway and spin in time to the music, and the tempo picks up as the wins mount. The respins continue as long as they bring more diamonds, which lock into place. The goal is to ice out the screen, covering it in diamonds.

John has a wealth of information at his finger tips and an excellent source for the slots, video poker, poker and table game player. He also takes questions on his website, if you are interested in getting his reply on all that is gambling.

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

Resouces for Gambling Part 3 - Pai Gow Poker

Today's post will try to explain Pai Gow Poker, which I have dabbled with on and off. First, a little background.

Pai Gow poker (also called Double-hand poker) is an Americanized version of Pai Gow (in that it is played with playing cards bearing poker hand values, instead of Pai Gow's Chinese dominoes). The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a single joker. It is played on a table set for six players, plus the dealer. Each player attempts to defeat the banker (who may be the casino dealer, or one of the other players at the table). The object of Pai Gow poker is for a player to create two poker hands out of the seven-card hand he/she is dealt by the dealer: a five-card hand, and a two-card poker hand. According to the rules, the five-card hand's rank must exceed the two-card hand's.

Sounds complicated? Kinda - until you start playing. (By the way, many dealers will help you with your hand if you have questions.) That's where this post comes in. I have found it to be a fun game, and I have played at low limits. But I'm only a novice. The following resources will help:

BEST WEBSITE
WIZARD of ODDS - Michael Shackleford.
If you haven't visited this website for anything and all concerning gambling, strategies, rules, odds, and the best mathematical edge, then YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK IT OUT!
Not only will it give the the how to play, why to play, and the nuances of rules and play, but Michael Shackleford provides a free play simulator to practice. The Wizard of Odds is the one-stop store for all recreational and advantage gamblers alike.

BEST APP (iPad or iPhone) 
PAI GOW POKER FEVER by Arthur Min ($1.99)- while many of the apps for this game tend to be skewed toward the dealer, this seems to be the highest rated, after its latest revision to fix a few bugs.

BEST BOOK
PAI GOW POKER: UNDERSTANDING PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES by Bill Zender ($22.95 ) - Written for people who are interested in knowing the correct procedures, existing strategies, rules for proper play. 83 Pages, paperbound. I first heard Bill Zender on Bob Dancer's weekly podcast. Bill Zender is a published casino gaming consultant who specializes in table game protection, management training, table game performance evaluations, and court expert witness testimony. So why would he have one of the top books for Pai Gow Poker? - Bill entered the gaming industry in 1976 as a blackjack dealer at the now defunct Royal Inn Casino. He continued on through the gaming industry to hold a number of executive positions including, including Asian Games Manager at the also defunct Desert Inn Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. He knows his stuff from playing, dealing, managing, and these days specializing in casino security.

That's all for now.  Tomorrow is Mohegan "Sun"day.  On Monday we have part four of our gaming resources, taking a look at 3-card poker one of my favorites.

Binbin

New Hampshire in the Casino Business Again? Really?

The quest for a casino in New Hampshire’s died in May, or so it seemed.

But officials are already brainstorming for a new way to bring the proposal back up for consideration in the near future. Some look at it as the badly needed revenue, while others are dreading it deja vu all over again.

According to the Concord Monitor, the state’s Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority met in Concord in order to produce draft legislation and regulations by the middle of December. The state legislature reconvenes in January.

However, a commission that will recommend regulations for any future casinos in New Hampshire did start its work last week with some disagreement over what it is supposed to be doing.

The commission is required to submit draft legislation to lawmakers by Dec. 15. At its first meeting, chairman and state Rep. Richard Ames outlined what he believes the legislation should cover, including the number of slot machines and table games allowed and the price for each gambling license.

Some see this as the similar knee jerk reaction to Massachusetts casino progress, with lots of interest over the Everett (Wynn) and Boston (Caesars) progress, as well as Foxwoods's off/on again relations in Milford. Others worry that this could be different and more serious by not limiting the casinos to just one.


That's all for now

Binbin

Maine Casino News - Passamaquady Tribe, Responsible Gaming, and Horse-racing

Passamaquoddy's Hopeful This Time Around
Maine's Passamaquoddy tribe is making another attempt to bring a combined racetrack and casino to eastern Maine as the state continues to study how best to expand gambling. At the same time, horse-racing revenues are declining (see article below). The tribe has been trying to bring gambling to their land for more than 20 years, but has failed to get enough statewide support for its approval. But under a bill the tribe plans to push in January, only Washington County voters would have to approve the plans for the racetrack casino, which the Passamaquoddies say would provide a much-needed economic boost. The tribe's effort comes as the state has put a hold on all other attempts to expand gambling in Maine so it can come up with guidelines designed to control an explosion of resident-initiated casino proposals.

Responsible Gaming Education Week in Aug Continues Studies
A moustachioed, beret-wearing lobster named “Clawd” is toured Bangor in August alongside his bilingual handler dressed like a chef to promote responsible gambling. Meanwhile, the state doesn’t know how big a problem irresponsible gambling is, according to the person responsible for overseeing the state’s addiction prevention efforts. Hollywood Casino’s weeklong lobster promotion was part of Responsible Gaming Education Week, an annual event created by the American Gaming Association to increase awareness in the industry and among patrons about gambling addiction.

Subsidies for Maine Horsemen Shrink
This summer, slot machines have helped Maine's harness-racing industry by funneling millions of dollars to horsemen, breeders and tracks. But declining slot machine revenue at Bangor's Hollywood Casino and other factors, including fewer spectators, have led to a double-digit drop in purses this year. Industry officials say the opening of Oxford Casino siphoned away customers and revenue from Hollywood Casino. But there are other factors at play. Different contribution formulas for the two casinos, fewer spectators placing bets at tracks, unregulated online gambling and a weak economy are taking a toll.


 Tomorrow, notable September promotions in New England's Casinos.

That's all for now.

Binbin

"Sun" Sunday & Mass Update Part 2

"Sun" Sunday

Wine Wednesdays - Experience a Taste of the Sun Food, wine, tapas, bubbly, Jazz...

Tastings & Tapas at Todd English's Tuscany
First Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm
$20 per person
*Tickets are available to purchase in advance or night of at Tuscany

Wine Pairing Dinners
Every Wednesday, 5:00pm - Bar Americain
$75 per person, Reservations not required
Four-course dinner of American regional cuisine paired with California wines.

Every Wednesday, 5:00pm - Todd English's Tuscany
$95 per person, Reservations not required
Four-course Tuscan dinner paired with flavorful wines.

Champagne & Jazz in Vista Lounge
Every Wednesday, 8:00pm-11:00pm
Sip some bubbly while listening to the sweet sounds of live Jazz.
No cover, All bubble cocktails are upgraded to Veuve Clicquot.

Mass Casino Update #2

• April 2nd - Boston residents narrowly support Suffolk Downs’s plan to develop a casino at the track, though the intensity of the opposition could make for a tough campaign if the gambling proposal were to face a citywide vote, according to a Boston Globe poll

• April 2nd - A hearing in a federal lawsuit that seeks to open Southeastern Massachusetts to commercial casino bids has been delayed until 11 a.m. April 11.The Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act gives the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe first preference for a Region C casino, which prompted KG Urban Enterprises to file suit arguing that the tribal preference is a "race-based set aside" that violates the U.S. Constitution.

• At the same time in East Springfield - residents met with an anti-casino group Monday night to talk about possible negative effects of having a casino in their backyard. Members of Citizens Against Casino Gaming said problems with robberies, car thefts and aggravated assaults will increase if a casino comes to Springfield.

I will try to include up-to-the-day news concerning the on-going process of Casino Expansion in Massachusetts. So, watch for daily Mass headlines as a part of each post.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Trip Report Part 2 - Oxford Casino, Oxford Maine

A summer trip to Maine is a great vacation idea, whether it includes the inner most camping, hiking, and lakes, or the long coastline. I hope you read Part 1 yesterday when I reviewed the Hollywood Casino, Hotel, and Raceway. If not, go back and read it......we'll wait......

(cue "Jeopardy Theme" music.........)

Now it's time to visit Maine's newest casino - OXFORD CASINO



We stopped at Oxford on our way home. It is about 2 hours southwest of Bangor near Lewiston. There is no parking garage, but tons of outside parking. The front entrance is obviously very new and quite attractive.

CASINO - It is smaller than Hollywood, but they have packed lots of slots in - almost to the point of no space. And while Hollywood is open 8am to 3am, Oxford is open 24/7. Oxford is a non-smoking casino, with areas outside designated for smoking. One terrific idea was the self-service beverage area with coffee, soda and water. If you are thirsty, you can just get up and get something. Free drinks in both Maine casinos are non-alcoholic - alcoholic beverages must be bought and cannot be comped by law.

Table games include Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Mississippi Stud Poker, Let-It-Ride and recently added Pai Gow Poker. Minimums were about $5 - $10 and up on BJ, everything else $5.

They have just over 800 slots, packed together. In using the minimal space there is, this casino floor feels like a sardine can - and it was a Monday afternoon with no big promotions, it was filled with people! The previous year's earnings and visitation proves its popularity, and has produced revenue beyond the expected numbers. To their credit, their slot inventory is very new, and very diverse. New slots such as "Family Guy," "NASCAR," and the latest Aristocrat, IGT and Williams machines highlight the slot inventory.

The video poker is not good. The only barely playable game is 8/5 DDB. Quarter players are stuck with 7/5 JOB and 6/5 Bonus with the same pay tables for $1 players. What is with Maine and their poor Video Poker? At least you can play VP at one of the bars, but you still have pay for your alcoholic beverages. NO comps for you!

THE REWARDS CLUB -  redemption for play is $1 in equals 1 point; 500 points equals $1 of rewards. A great innovation as part of their rewards club called "The Loyalty Club" is the Club Partners, which include discounts for over 20 local businesses. More casinos should take this idea and develop it to connect with local businesses.  (Mohegan Sun has spun it's own variation of this idea in its Mass Casino license application in Palmer.)

DINING - 2 options. the Oxford Grill, open weekdays at 11:00, but on the weekend at 7:30 for breakfast; and the Oxford Express, open 24/7 featuring sandwiches, soups and pastries. We ate at the Oxford grill, which is away from the sounds of slots, and is a beautiful place for lunch and dinner - simple, modern decor with a relaxing feel. We both tried salads. My wife's Summer salad came with Grilled Chicken, Strawberries, Grapes, Oranges, Red Onion, Candied Pecans, Feta Cheese which was not only beautiful to look at but delicious. My Asian Chicken Salad came with Grilled Chicken Breast, Fried Wontons, Sliced Almonds, Ginger Sesame Dressing which ended in a completely clean plate.( I guess I liked it) The serving size was good and the chicken in both was perfectly cooked with a little "char" taste. The Oxford Grill is a great place for a good meal, drinks, and a get away from the business in the casino.

CASINO SERVICE - Everyone was very friendly, but due to the amount of people and crammed rows of slots, the servers certainly have their work cut out for them. Again, Kudos for that beverage station idea!

It was a great trip, finally seeing what all the hub-bub was about in Maine's newest casino. With all that parking space, my suggestion to Churchill Downs, the new owners of Oxford Casino, is:

• Build a parking garage to the far side of the casino
• Expand the casino on the side of the casino
• Continue building upon the success of the first year.

In previous posts I have outlined the phases of expansion already presented. Please check those out.

That's all for now.

Binbin

Trip Review - Maine's Hollywood Casino, Hotel and Raceway

A summer trip to Maine is a great vacation idea, whether it includes the inner most camping, hiking, and lakes, or the long coastline.  But my agenda was different - (cue "Star Trek" music please) - to boldly go where I hadn't gone before.  Yes it was time to visit Maine's two casinos.

First, may I preface this by saying I had just returned two weeks before from Las Vegas - staying at three beautiful and large hotel resorts - The Cosmopolitan, Red Rock Resort, and M Resort, which is owned by the same company that owns the Hollywood Casino, Hotel and Raceway in Bangor, namely Penn National. And living near Foxwoods & Mohegan Sun, and visiting Borgata in AC - well, let's just say I visit large casinos.

Now it's time to change perspective, from size to quality.  First stop - HOLLYWOOD.

HOTEL - My first impression during check-in for our hotel room.  The staff was knowledgeable and absolutely interested in giving you their attention.  Friendly, warm and welcoming. The kind of start to a vacation everyone looks for. Parking is free - there is no valet service.  Hotel amenities include WiFi that works well throughout the facility, exercise room, safes and complimentary newspapers. The addition of coffee/tea makers in the room is great - something that is not necessarily a given in many casino hotels. Rooms are bright, quiet, very clean and comfortable. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

(The picture to the right is from our hotel room.  Beautiful day!)

CASINO -  Ok, it's small. I walked the perimeter in 5 minutes. (Consider it the size of Main St
Station or Golden Gate in Las Vegas, or one floor at Newport Grand in RI.) It has table games, but very few. Video Poker, Craps, Roulette, Blackjack (3 tables), Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold 'Em Bonus. Minimums were about $10 and up on BJ, everything else $5.
They have just under 1000 slots, including many of the new favorites - Michael Jackson, More Hearts, etc. In using the minimal space there is, the casino floor is spaced out enough that I never felt claustrophobic. Definitely a good ambiance to the gambling space.
However, their video poker is pitiful.  Quarter players are stuck with 7/5 JOB and 6/5 Bonus, and 7/5 DDB.  And the pay tables don't improve for $1 players.  If there is legislation that requires these poor pay tables, I'd love to know about it.  Otherwise, there is no excuse!  And the High Limit Area has no VP at all.
Rewards club told to me that on average (with slots), $600 in = 1 point, 1 point = $1.

DINING - 2 options. the Buffet and the Take 2 Snack Bar.  While the snack bar seemed to have a good menu, especially for breakfast, we decided to try the Buffet.  Unfortunately for them, I have eaten at many of the best at many casinos from Vegas, Biloxi, Atlantic City, New England, etc....   So, here goes
BUFFET - the Good: 1) the price.  Brunch was around $12.  2) Staff service, friendliness, and a pleasant space.  3) Food - make-your-own-hamberger bar was a nice touch, shrimp were perfectly prepared for pickin' and eatin', and the carrot cake and brownie pudding were the highlights of the dessert bar, although the cheesecake and pie (yes I love my desserts) were equally as good.
BUFFET - the Disappointing: 1)  The entrees were rather "blah."  The salad bar looked tired and unkempt, and the Asian selections were not he quality you'd expect - except the pot stickers, which were tasty.  2) It wasn't a large spread.  Maybe  including breakfast items limited the dinner options.  If that's the case, the dinner options should be a better quality.

ENTERTAINMENT - A good size stage overlooks the casino.  Live entertainment takes center stage every Friday & Saturday night at The Sound Stage Lounge, featuring the best in local and regional music in a uniquely-intimate venue. On Sunday nights, Karaoke is King!  While I was playing in the casino, I was impressed with some terrific local talent.  Very entertaining.

CASINO SERVICE - It was also interesting to me how much of a locals casino it was.  As well as catering to mugs like me visiting from afar, and also entertaining Canadian tourists a few hours away, Hollywood Casino really seems to take care of it's regular patrons, with many slot attendants were on a first name basis with the clientele.  I heard one slot attendant tell one gentleman that his wife was on the other side of the casino, like longtime buddies.

BANGOR - The City of Bangor seemed alive with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band playing in the park next to the casino. It seemed alive, and full of specials with Maine lobster and beer.  We ate and drank at the Sea Dog Brewing Co. and had a great time.  But the best part of this place is the beer!  We like our beer here in Bin household - quality, not quantity!  Their seasonal ale had hints of subtle grape and was very refreshing with my grilled Crab & Havarti sandwich.  In the picture above from our hotel window, it was a stone's throw away before the bridge - highly recommended!

All and all a pleasant casino with a great hotel.  I would visit again next summer, and I suggest you do the same!


That's all for now.


Binbin

Massachusetts Casino Commission Proving to be Hardest Approval and Lincensing in Country

Normally, it would be hard for any company to get a gambling license. But in Massachusetts, it's been made to be like climbing a mountain - a very high mountain.

State gambling investigators have traveled to China to inspect casino operations there, studied more than 21,000 pages of background information on casino applicants, and spent $5 million in an attempt to weed out casino applicants who lack the personal integrity or financial strength to hold a gambling license in Massachusetts.

Some of the things being checked includes the background of company officers, key employees, and investors could result in one or more applicants being bounced from contention for casino development rights, even if they hold gambling licenses in other jurisdictions. Or, more likely, the gambling commission could insist that unsuitable people within the corporation be removed from the project. An example of that happened yesterday when The Massachusetts Gaming Commission disqualified the owners of the Plainridge Racecourse from pursuing the state's sole slots parlor license because Plainridge's owners failed to present "clear and convincing evidence as to business practices that will likely lead to a successful gaming operation."

And who is paying for all of these background checks? The Casino companies! You see, The Mass Gaming Commission was very smart with asking each company $400,000 so that none of the state's taxpayers would have to foot any of the bill - including money covering the communities involved and there preparation needs.

Meanwhile, the state gambling commission has billed the 11 original casino applicants more than $4.9 million for its investigations. The investigations are being performed by State Police, working with teams from two consulting firms, Spectrum Gaming and Michael & Carroll. The consulting teams include former FBI agents and public prosecutors, as well as forensic accountants. Everything is being considered important information, from family and friends, to even the tattoos of those involved.

As the deadlines continue to get closer, the commission continues to believe that the first casino chosen and built will be the slot parlor, by early 2015. They are running a tight ship in Massachusetts.

That's all for now!

Binbin

Foxwoods Assures Milford Amidst Doubters

Foxwoods and Milford Need to See Eye to Eye

Representatives of Foxwoods Massachusetts, which hopes to develop a resort casino on Route 16 at Interstate 495, told selectmen in Milford that the board's demands for information were extensive, but the grilling would produce a better project. With updates and more expansive plans from other license hopefuls, Foxwoods needs to call the raised antes to stay in the game. I hope the people of Milford understand how much Foxwoods needs this additional new England location,

The developers attempted at the meeting to answer questions raised at public meetings on traffic, water and sewer impacts and to update the board on its application timeline. At the same time, the board reiterated requests for more clarity on traffic, town services and property values, in particular.

In response to concerns raised by the grass-roots group Casino-Free Milford about property values being hurt near the proposed casino, Sean Reardon, Foxwoods' consultant from Tetra Tech, said the estimated 3,000 jobs at the casino would draw people to the area who would drive up demand for nearby housing.

Selectman Dino D. DeBartolomeis said exactly what I posted in previous posts: "The one I lose sleep over is the traffic. The trip generation, the signalization, I still can't get my arms around it. I think that's probably the most important determining factor."

Mr. Butera said, "A 24-hour facility is a different animal," attempting to explain how the additional vehicle trips generated by the casino would be less than what an office park or other use of the proposed resort site might be. He said casino traffic is spread out over the day and night. However, I don't think Mr. Butera is telling the complete truth. Events traffic certainly coincides with rush traffic times, especially weekend nights as people leave after the event.

Foxwoods has talked with state and federal highway officials to plan an expansion of Interstate 495 between current exits at Route 85 and 109 to funnel traffic to a roundabout at the casino and onto Route 16. Despite developers' assurances that the casino would buy more than $50 million in goods and services from local businesses, many Milford business owners are opposed to the proposal.

Bottom line is that traffic plans could essentially either allow patrons to visit local businesses or by-pass them - something that is a huge concern. "We need to support these business owners, who are in many instances are Milford residents," Mr. Scandone said. "They are not carpetbaggers."

Mr. Butera said those concerns were grounded in fear but that he expected the businesses would find they would thrive with a casino - not necessarily the type of vague and shallow reply expected by the Milford community.

But, Butera did assure them that Foxwoods Massachusetts would be locally managed and senior managers in the company are usually required to live in the area.

That's all for now.

Binbin

More News about Future Gaming from Massachusetts

Springfield Voters Have Spoken
Springfield voters said yes to MGM's casino proposal. Springfield voters approved MGM's casino project 58% to 42%. The $800 million proposal by MGM Resorts International will now go to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its review and vote. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England would like to build an $800 million destination resort casino project on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. The payment is the first disbursement of money to the city under the host community agreement officials signed July 11.


Meanwhile, those who voted against it say they're not giving up yet.
The Chairman of Citizens Against Casino Gaming was heard saying they're taking their message to the gaming commission, with their next sights on Hard Rock and Mohegan Sun Palmer.

Hard Rock Pushes Forward
Speaking of the Hard Rock, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England delivered a $400,000 non-refundable check to the city Tuesday during a press conference in the mayor’s office in the Municipal Office Building.

Location, Location, Location
Springfield could be considered a good location not just for western Massachusetts, but for larger cities like Hartford and Albany. Did you know MGM Springfield would be 15 minutes closer to Hartford than Mohegan Sun Connecticut and 20 minutes closer to Albany than its closest casino, Turning Stone.



Slots-Only News
Concerning the slots-only license, Mass Gaming & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, on Monday presented plans to the town's planning board for a 110,000- to 115,000-square-feet complex with the state-maximum 1,250 slot machines, at least one full-service restaurant and other food venues, a live music area and day spa. The slots parlor would be just north of The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley


That's all for now.

Binbin

New England Casino News Mish-Mash

In Case You were too busy the last two weeks, here are the headlines you might have missed!

Rhode Island Casinos
Newport Asks for Relief
Due to declining revenues and a market that will only become more competitive, Newport Grand CEO and co-owner Diane Hurley asked state lawmakers to give her facility a “two-year window of relief.” The relief, would come in the form of an increased share of the net revenue from the facility’s slot machines., now 27.8 percent, would rise to 31 percent, within a two year window, providing an additional $1.5 million each year.

Table Games are in full swing at Twin River.  Enough Said.

Rhode Island is Serious About Cheaters
The General Assembly passed the anti-cheating bill late Tuesday afternoon and the governor signed it a short time later, just hours before table games were set to officially open at Twin River.
Under the bill, anyone caught cheating at casino games could be punished with up to 10 years in prison and as much as $100,000 in fines. The law applies to both casino patrons and employees.

Connecticut
Are New shopping Options the Answer?
Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are raising the anti to keep and entice visitors back to their casinos with retail expansion. Combined, the projects will add 130 new stores within 10 miles. Good news - jobs and players.

Revenue Levels off - Hope in the Future?
For the first time in a long time, revenue declines leveled off in CT. Possibly two reasons for this upturn - a more intense marketing strategy, and the possible devastating influence that the hurricane and blizzard last year had on their take. With a recent slight decline in Pennsylvania's revenue (due to increased casino openings in Maryland, New York and Ohio) this could be the first sign of a rise in CT casino relevance. Include expansions, interest by both in the Catskills and Massachusetts, and more intense summer marketing, and the worst could be behind them.

Jai Alai Revival?
That crazy two walled sport that took the CT and Florida by storm throughout the '70s and '80s is back in the news. If you recall, it quickly fell into relative obscurity following a player strike, an influx of scandal, and newly opened casinos that attracted gamblers' money. It's called "the fastest sport in the world," and it was in CT - here today and gone tomorrow. Cromwell resident Matt DiDomizio breathed life into the game just over three years ago when he opened Connecticut Amateur Jai Alai in Berlin and now wants to bring it back at the CT casinos. "I sent 22 letters to Mohegan and 15 to Foxwoods labeled to every elder or tribal member I could find." Dear Mr. DiDomizio, good luck with that.

Maine
Maine Officials Continue to Block Penobscot Bingo Upgrade
they have blocked a bill which would allow the Penobscot Indian Nation to upgrade its old-fashioned bingo operation, asserting that the Nation’s proposed Class II bingo machines are really Class III slot machines—a claim that’s refuted by two of the most reputable companies in the country that manufacture, test and certify gaming machines. This is the fifth year in a row that the Penobscot Indian Nation has tried to pass a bill to enhance its existing gaming operation. Representitives from both Maine Casinos asked to hold back the bill - gee, what a shock.

The UFC...
is looking to bring it's violent sport to the Hollywood Casino, Hotel and Raceway after Bangor opens its new 8,000-seat Cross Insurance Center, which is scheduled to open on Sept. 10, 2013.

Oxford is a Hit!
According to the Maine Gambling Control Board, the Oxford Casino made over $65 million during the first year of operation, surpassing original projections and out-earning Maine’s first and only other casino, which opened in 2005.

Massachusetts
Wynn-Win Situation?
Voters in Everett gave their blessing to Steve Wynn in his bid to bring the first casino to Massachusetts with his $1.2 billion proposal. Now that approval in principal has been granted Wynn’s legal team can now go through the procedures of applying for a casino operators from the state’s recently established Gaming Commission

Sun Bid Improved
Mohegan Sun Issues New and Improved proposal for Palmer Mohegan Sun unveiled a more elaborate plan for its $1 billion proposal in Palmer, Massachusetts, which apparently now includes a slew of entertainment options, including an indoor and outdoor water park that will be connected to its own 250-room hotel to go with an enormous retail space, and an expansive cinema complex that is likewise linked to the complex’s casino on one side and another hotel on the other.

They you go. A "Royal" update. That's all for now.

Binbin

Russell Moore, GoLocalProv Article Informative, But Has He Ever Been To Vegas Lately? - Part 1

Is Rhode Island " 'Sin'-cerely" Yours?

It is said (don't ask me by who) that a journalist is good when they get you thinking - whether you agree with them or not.

My hat's off to Russell Moore. Today I was wondering what to post - and Russell stoked the fire in me. A Great article just posted by on GoLocalProv lists some great eye-opening facts for those of you living in Rhode Island, whether you are anti-gambling or pro-gambling in the Ocean State. His post deals with "sin" taxes, their revenue, and it's implications to Rhode Island.

According to the The Bloomberg News study on state revenue concerning "sin" taxes, they are defined as "...any revenue derived from “tobacco, alcohol and pari-mutuels or betting, provided by the State Government Tax Collections survey of the U.S. Census Bureau.”

He points out the following:

• An analysis by Bloomberg News this week found that Rhode Island currently ranks second in the nation with respect to reliance on “sin” taxes
• Roughly 5.1 percent of the (RI) state’s budget is provided by those sources.
• The Bloomberg News study survey did not take into consideration revenue derived from other gaming such as slot machines or table games! (Mr. Moore assumes Rhody would be #1 if this was added to pot.)

Yeah, Go Rhody!
Because of these findings, Mr. Moore suggests "...If we’re going to compete with Massachusett’s and Connecticut's casinos, we [need] to do everything they do—and better."

This is exactly what I alluded to in my post on 6/19, "What Does Twin River Hope to Accomplish?"

If you go read the post, you will find the following - "With Table games, TR will surely add a new pool of gamblers. And now that the locals don't have a need to travel to CT (although, it's not really that far), Twin River will add to their own group of regulars. But, to truly compete for the big players that keep casinos afloat these days, they will have to expand further. Amenities - shopping, onsite hotel(s), spa, clubs, restaurants - must be added to compete, or it's just a "locals" casino, not a destination."  However, Mr. Moore takes his thoughts far beyond, where no Rhode Islander has gone before!


Please take some time to read Russell Moore's post.  After my usual Wednesday post - New England's Weekend Entertainment Guide - my thoughts will appear in Part 2 concerning Mr. Moore's article Thursday.

No, there won't be a quiz later.


That's all for now.


Binbin

Rhode Island Prepares for Table Games

Twin River Operates Successful Soft Opening
Twin River stripped it's reputation as "the Lincoln slots parlor" this week as it expanded into the realm of live Las Vegas-style games including blackjack, roulette and craps.

Friday’s soft opening was for invited guests only was a test run before the grand opening set for next Friday. According to Patti Doyle, a spokeswoman for Twin River it was a successful start. ‘‘We worked so long for this day so to have it arrive is really gratifying,’’ Doyle said.

Another soft opening is set for Monday, when members of the public will be allowed to participate. A formal ribbon-cutting is planned for Wednesday.  Low limits should still be expected.

Last Thursday, newly hired casino regulators toured the floor containing the 66 new table games. Twin River spent the winter and spring hiring hundreds of workers, renovating space for the new games.

"We are excited to open," said Twin River Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Craig Sculos. "After six months of renovation and construction, we're getting very close to showtime. Staff is in place, the facility is looking good. We're ready to come out of the gate and open up the new era of Twin River." Sculos added that "...the addition of table games and Twin River's focus on customer service will help the casino differentiate itself from the existing Connecticut casinos, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, and help get a leg up on the three casinos planned for and currently undergoing discussions in neighboring Massachusetts."

Anti-Cheating Bill Passed
In reaction to the tables games opening at Twin River, the RI Senate unanimously approved an “anti-cheating” bill described by the Chafee administration as critical to the launch of live, state-operated casino gambling at the privately owned Twin River Casino.

Basically, the bill that Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin introduced for the Chafee administration defines a “casino crime” and the penalties for it. It also creates a gaming enforcement unit within the state police, and gives the unit the authority to enter and inspect the casino at any time, inspect its operations and records, eject anyone violating laws, and enforce the new laws relating to table games.

Any cheating by a patron — or employee — would be subject to a potential 10 years in jail and $100,000 fine. That could include everything from “intentionally taking advantage of a malfunctioning machine” or placing “plastic, tape, string or dental floss” inside a coin receptacle to “infiltrating a computer system.”

“The stiff penalties included in the bill will serve as a deterrent to criminal activity and protect the integrity of games at Twin River’s facility. Since the state will take 18 percent of revenue from those games, it has a significant interest in deterring cheating,” Goodwin said.

Let the games begin!  Before you go, know your "table manners" - check out my post on Table Game Etiquette before you go.

That's all for now

Binbin

Massachusetts Update

Here's the June Update in the Quest for Massachusetts Gaming
Newton College Prepares for First Mass Casino Courses
This fall, Lasell College in Newton will offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in resort and casino management — the first of its kind in the state. According to a Lasell press release, the college will introduce a major in Resort and Casino Management this fall, making it the first in the Commonwealth to offer such a program.
"The Resort and Casino Management major will allow present and future students to study a field that is about to dramatically increase in Massachusetts," said Jim Ostrow, vice president for academic affairs at Lasell, in a press release. "We believe that this additional major will attract student from within and beyond the region, as there are very few Bachelor's degree programs in casino management in the U.S., and none currently in Massachusetts."

Hard Rock Looks to help Local Restaurants
Restaurants on West Springfield's busy Memorial Avenue have entered into a marketing deal with casino applicant Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England and the Eastern States Exposition, which hopes to host the proposed Hard Rock in its sprawling fairgrounds.
"I think if Hard Rock is going to come here, it is best to work with them," said Donald Calvanese, an owner of the Storrowton Tavern, which is also located on the Big E grounds. "Even without a casino, I think all the restaurants in West Springfield should work together. if I can't accommodate someone who wants to eat, it's better to send them to Lattitude or Memo's. Someone local. That way the word gets out that there are a lot of great restaurants here in West Springfield."
Calvanese said he was not pressured by the Big E, his landlord, to participate in the program. Restaurants Monte Carlo, Lattitude, Hofbrauhaus, Memo's and the White Hut have joined with Storrowton. Hard Rock promises coordinated marketing and group sales, a dine-around card offering discounts to Hard Rock employees and a buy-local program where Hard Rock buys gift cards from local businesses for guests and employees. The casino is also promising to train its staff to refer visitors to outside restaurants.
Calvanese said he's been talking with his customers, asking if they go to casinos and if so, do they always eat there or do they grab something to eat at a non-casino eatery nearby? "They keep telling me that sometimes they eat there, but often they eat nearby," Calvanese said. "We are different. We are an old-style colonial New England restaurant. That should help us."

Mass Gaming Commission Revises Deadlines
The Gaming Commission decided Thursday to give potential commercial casino developers in the southeastern region until the end of September to piece together their initial bids, opting against pushing the date up by one month out of concern that it could stifle competition.
Under the revised timetable outlined by commissioners, the awarding of a casino license in the southeast region would trail the other two gaming regions in the east and west by about seven months with a license awarded the last week in October 2014. The commission is already concerned that the competition in the region could be minimal.


Worcestor Slot Parlor Fizzles
Chicago casino and real estate tycoon Neil Bluhm is abandoning plans for a slot parlor in Worcester, after being unable to reach an agreement with local officials for the city to host the gambling business, Bluhm and the city announced Monday evening in a joint statement. The billionaire has not ruled out trying again to win a Massachusetts casino license in another community, Greg Carlin, chief executive of Bluhm’s company, Rush Street Gaming, said in an e-mail. Bluhm, who has opened three urban casinos in recent years in Pennsylvania and Illinois, could move his slot parlor proposal to another city or town, or pursue a resort casino license in Southeastern Massachusetts, a region that only recently opened to applications from commercial casino developers.

That's all for now.

Binbin

The State of the Union's Casinos Addressed and Statistics about US Gaming

As revenues decrease in CT, and MA looks to build 3 full service casino resorts, I was wondering about the state of Gambling in the country as a whole.
Brian Pempus, from Bloomberg reported Sunday that U.S. commercial casino revenue last year was $37 billion in 2012, a figure still below 2007 peak of $37.5 billion  The figure was based on the organization’s findings as well as data from the American Gaming Association, the casino industry’s top lobbying group on Capitol Hill.  The most recent tally, as of December 2011, has 445 commercial casinos in the country. However, some states, particularly in the eastern half of the country, have beefed up their gambling industry with new properties. It’s unclear exactly how many casinos exist in the United States at the present time. A handful have recently popped up in Ohio, once one of the few states without any gambling facilities. Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are three states which are on the verge of more casino construction after their respective officials authorized more gaming. Despite more casinos contributing to the figure, the $37 billion is definitely a sign that the industry is recovering from the effects of the Great Recession.

The 2013 AGA  (American Gaming Association) “State of the States” report is due out in soon and in it should contain more details on how the industry rebounded to $37 billion in 2012. The total includes land-based, riverboat, and racetrack casinos in 23 states; Native American casinos are not considered. Nevada had the highest win figure at $10.86 billion, followed by Pennsylvania ($3.16 billion), New Jersey ($3.05 billion), Indiana ($2.61 billion), and Louisiana ($2.40 billion).

So, here are more interesting US gambling facts:




A nationwide survey by the U.S. Travel Industry Association found that 38% of all U.S. residents have been to Las Vegas in their lifetime. The average length of visitors' stay in Las Vegas was almost 4 days (3.7).

68% of the people who gamble play the slot machines most often.

Today, 42 states operate lotteries, 37 have commercial, Indian or racetrack casinos and only 2 - Utah and Hawaii - don't allow any form of gambling.

Two decades ago, 2 states had legal gambling and 48 states outlawed it. Today, 48 states have some form of legal gambling. Only Hawaii and Utah do not.

Over 60% of American adults gambled last year or over the past twelve months on some activity. Over 80% say that gambling is legitimate and casinos are okay.

Gambling generates more revenue than movies, spectator sports, theme parks, cruise ships and recorded music combined.

Gambling has become a $40 billion dollar a year industry in the United States.

From 1974 to 1994--20 years--the amount of money Americans legally wagered has risen 2,800 percent, from $17 billion to $482 billion.

Each day in the United States, slot machines take in an average of more than $1 billion in wagers. Collectively, slot machines gross more annually than McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King and Starbucks combined.

The California State Employee's Retirement fund, U.S. Steel's pension fund, and Harvard University's endowment have all owned stock in gambling companies.


So , that's all for now.

Binbin