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Media Man Tourism Blog: Their chips are down as crisis-hit casinos go all in to draw tourists instead of hardcore gamblers
Media Man Tourism Blog
Their chips are down as crisis-hit casinos go all in to draw tourists instead of hardcore gamblers
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Media Man Tourism Blog: Casino News Flashback
Media Man Tourism Blog
Crown Limited Does Deal With Barangaroo In Sydney...
In big news today, James Packer’s Crown Limited (ASX: CWN) has struck a deal to build a $1 billion hotel development at Barangaroo, on Sydney’s foreshore. Crown signed an agreement with the developer, Lend Lease Limited (ASX: LLC) earlier today, but said it will only go ahead if Crown gains approval to including VIP gambling facilities (in other words – a casino). Just yesterday, Crown announced that it was spending up to $568m to build a six star hotel at its Burswood casino in Perth.
Work on Fijis first ever Casino to begin...
Work on Fiji’s first casino will begin this month as investors will meet to give contracts to local companies in Denarau this week.
One Hundred Sands – the company behind the project has managed to raise $400million for construction.
However the initial projections for phase one of the project which will see the construction of a convention center, casino and resort is $290m.
Managing Director Larry Claunch says overseas investors are often given misconceptions about Fiji’s investment potential by local private sectors.
“There has been a lot of criticism if we could raise the money in a timely fashion – we have, criticism and comments if we can finish on time – we will – its going to be probably a fastest development anybody has ever seen and it going to be fun to watch.”
Claunch says the current government played a vital role for this investment.
“I didn’t come to Fiji with a though of developing a casino or anything for that matter – I really just came here to eat fresh fish – but after seeing the vision of this government I knew everything was possible and I was all in.”
Five hundred locals will be employed during the construction and around 600 to 850 will be employed at the casino.
The new casino is expected to begin operation from September next year.
Aspers Casino looks forward to end of Games...
Though it’s happening right on the doorstep of his company’s flagship casino, Richard Noble is looking forward to when the 2012 London Olympic Games finish.
The chief operating officer of Aspers Group – a joint venture between the Australian Securities Exchange-listed Crown and the Aspinall family, which operates Aspers Casino at Westfield Stratford City next to Olympic Park – says weekly takings and average visitor numbers are down about 20 per cent in the first week of the Games.
When Aspers at Westfield Stratford City, the country’s largest casino, opened on December 1 last year, Noble told The Australian Financial Review it was immediately popular. “In our first three days we had 30,000 visitors which was about 100 per cent above our business case. After that we were averaging 25,000-30,000 visitors per week. But in the last few months we’ve seen the three carparks here at the Westfield get cut down to one and now it is none, so we have been adversely affected.”
There have been restrictions placed on visitor numbers to Westfield Stratford by the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOCOG). These include only Games ticket holders being allowed access to Westfield between 8.30am and 5pm on Friday and Saturday.
Noble says this cut down on the ability of regular Aspers patrons to visit the casino. He said it also affecting the numbers of people in the local area attracted to Westfield during the Games, who could have potentially visited the casino for the first time. LOCOG is also likely to institute another similar “lock-out” later this year due to fears about congestion at the mall, which is between Olympic Park and public transport links.
With the Olympics not providing the boost in business once hoped, Noble says Aspers will now concentrate its marketing efforts on the post-Games period. “On the 18th of September, after the Olympics and then the Paralympics are over, we will be having a huge relaunch.”
Noble says the casino concentrates on a high volume of customers who spend relatively little. It has a catchment area of 4.1 million people.
“And that is just in the east and the area around, north to Luton and east to Southend,” he said.
“But what’s been surprising and also delightful is that we’ve managed to get a lot of visitors from the west of London as well.”
A change to British gaming laws in 2007 allowed for the casino to be built without previous restrictions that meant patrons had to become members. Aspers also owns casinos in Newcastle, Swansea and Northampton and is planning to open a new venue in Milton Keynes in 2003.
Overall, he says Aspers is pleased about how the Stratford business has performed given it has already expanded since its December 2011 opening. It now has 57 gaming tables, the highest number in Britain, up from 38 when it opened. It has room to accommodate 80 tables. There are also now 138 electronic gaming terminals, up from 92. The site will soon feature a bespoke poker room to go with the sports bar, VIP bar and terrace, which has been hired out to corporate clients for the Games.
But Noble, who is otherwise enjoying the Games, can’t wait until September. “Some of our patrons are not able to get here at the moment but that will change once all this is over.” (The Australian Financial Review)
Police detain 150 in Macau casino raids amid fears of new gang war...
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Police detained more than 150 people in weekend raids on casinos and hotels in Macau after a recent spate of killings raised fears of a new gang war in the world's largest gambling destination.
The former Portuguese territory was gripped by gang wars in the late 1990s and the recent murder of three people in two weeks, thought linked to the gambling industry, comes just months ahead of the release from jail of triad boss "Broken Tooth" Wan Kuok-koi, who wreaked havoc at that time.
About 1,300 people were rounded up on Friday and Saturday in Macau and 150 of those were taken in for questioning in the operation codenamed "Thunderbolt".
"This operation is an annual exercise to maintain public security. It is a joint exercise undertaken by police in Guangdong province, Macau and Hong Kong to crack down and prevent crime in this region," a Macau police spokeswoman said.
In Hong Kong, police raided 21 locations on August 2 as part of the joint operation and arrested 130 people on suspicion of various crimes including money laundering involving HK$300 million (24.77 million pounds), illegal gambling and prostitution.
Police also seized cash, watches and cars worth more than HK$11 million.
The Macau raids came just weeks after a Chinese woman was found murdered in a residential area minutes away from the cavernous gambling halls of gaming magnate Sheldon Adelson's Venetian casino.
That followed the murders of two Chinese nationals at the five-star Grand Lapa hotel in Macau, a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong, and an attack at the end of June on a senior figure in Macau's junket industry, which extends credit to rich gamblers.
By contrast, only five homicide cases were recorded between June 2011 and May 2012, according to Macau police statistics.
Macau, which like Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China, has boomed since the 1999 handover from Portugal, with Las Vegas moguls including Adelson and Steve Wynn setting up glitzy casino hotels.
That growth, however, has slowed significantly in the past three months, forcing junket operators into more aggressive debt-collecting tactics.
Many of the smaller junket companies, which collect gambling debts in exchange for a commission from casino operators, are struggling to stay in business.
IGT partners with California casino...
American computerised gaming equipment designer and manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT) has signed a deal that will see the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center in California host an online casino application from its Double Down Interactive subsidiary.
Las Vegas-based IGT purchased the casual games developer in January and revealed that the Golden Acorn Casino is set to utilise its technology in order to offer casino players free-play gaming experiences.
“Golden Acorn recognises the opportunity to provide gaming entertainment to its players across various channels,” said Eric Tom, Global Sales Executive Vice-President for IGT.
“This solution is allowing it to grasp an opportunity to evolve as the landscape of gaming also changes permitting it to drive engaging gameplay directly to its casino guests and fans of the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center brand.”
IGT stated that the revenue sharing partnership will see Golden Acorn use its own website in order provide players with a ‘truly convergent gaming experience’ that is to include access to a ‘full-casino-style offering of games in one convenient place’.
“Offering the same game titles on the web that we offer inside our casino gives us the unique opportunity to deliver fun and engaging casino-style experiences to our players,” said David Baggerly, Marketing Director for Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center, which is located 47 miles from downtown San Diego near the Mexican border.
“This is an incredible chance to drive interactive slot culture to our players while allowing them to stay connected to our brand.”
Guests at the Golden Acorn will be able to enjoy online social versions of Texas hold‘em poker in addition to some of IGT's top-performing slot titles including Da Vinci Diamonds and Cleopatra. New games are to be added automatically while first-time users will receive one million dollars in virtual chips.
Development agreement for Bally and High 5 Games...
Bally Technologies has entered into a multi-year agreement with games developer High 5 Games to publish a substantial number of new H5G games under the Bally brand for the worldwide land-based, mobile and online business-to-business casino gaming markets.
“We’re excited to partner with a game creator that has such a world-class track record of developing high-performing and engaging game content,” said Jean Venneman, Vice President of Product Management and Licensing at Bally Technologies. “We look forward to leveraging H5G’s newest game content to help casino operators across the world drive revenues and delight players.”
Ramesh Srinivasan, Bally's President and Chief Operating Officer, added, “The partnership with H5G reflects our commitment to delivering best-of-breed, cross-platform game content to our customers. This promise is reflected in the more than 25 game studios we have established across the globe, augmented by relationships with proven game developers like H5G that enable us to deliver a diverse array of creative, interactive, and exciting game content.”
“We are delighted to partner with Bally Technologies, a long-time leader in the casino gaming industry,” said Anthony Singer, Chief Executive Officer of H5G. “With Bally’s sophisticated new ALPHA 2 game platform, and a new Bally Interactive division committed to mobile, online, and social business-to-business game content, we believe that the sky is the limit for this next generation of H5G games.”
Monday, January 08, 2024
Media Man Tourism Blog: Casinos, Hotels and Resorts
Media Man Tourism Blog
Casino News
Classic Las Vegas Strip casino adds exciting adult entertainment
Las Vegas Strip hotel and casino operators are constantly seeking innovative attractions to lure visitors through their doors and onto the casino floor.
Guests have many options for daytime and nighttime entertainment on the Strip and its surrounding areas. Circus Circus hotel and casino is both a daytime and nighttime destination for families offering its Carnival Midway with arcade games and prizes which opens daily at 11 a.m. The Midway also surrounds a circus stage featuring free circus acts starting at 1:30 p.m. Of course, guests under 21 are not allowed on the Circus Circus casino floor.
For more relaxing daytime leisure, guests can lounge by the swimming pool or take in a game of golf. When the lights go down, plenty of evening entertainment is available as well.
Plenty of entertainment to choose from
Visitors might choose to see a magic act, such as magician and illusionist David Copperfield at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino or maybe Penn & Teller's magic, illusion and comedy act at the off-Strip Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. Or maybe guests would prefer to take in one the five Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas – The Beatles Love, Michael Jackson One, Mystère, O or Kà.
For those looking for big-name music acts, superstar singer Adele continues her "Weekends With Adele" residency at Caesars Entertainment's (CZR) - Get Free Report Colosseum at Caesars Palace for 32 more weekend shows from Jan. 19 through June 15, 2024.
Classic 1970s teen idol Donny Osmond has extended his residency beginning Jan. 23 and ending May 11, 2024, at Harrah's Showroom, and An Intimate Evening with Santana hits the stage at House of Blues Las Vegas Jan. 24-31 and Feb. 2-4.
Luxor opens adult playground on the Strip
A new attraction hits the Strip as Play Social Inc. on Jan. 18 opens its highly anticipated Play Playground, a 15,000 square-foot immersive play area featuring an array of interactive large-scale games emphasizing tactile skill, memory, puzzles and teamwork, at MGM Resorts International's (MGM) - Get Free Report Luxor Hotel and Casino. The first-of-its-kind Playground features over 20 games, two bars, VIP mezzanines and private event spaces.
The venue is different from a Dave & Buster's or Chuck E. Cheese, as it does not feature any arcade, virtual reality or augmented reality games. Players earn credits for winning at the immersive games that can be exchanged for prizes in the Prize Center, which is one aspect similar to the arcade-style restaurants. Play Playground is open for all ages by day and adults only by night. The play area's operator Play Social markets it as ideal for both families visiting with children or companies looking to host a unique outing, the company said in a statement.
The venue is open from noon to 12 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday. Guests who are under 21 years old must exit Play Playground at 5 p.m. daily, but the 21 and over crowd can continue having fun at the venue until closing. Admission for guests under 21 is $34.50 and $39.50 for 21 and over, which includes a $2.50 service charge, according to the Playground's website.
Play Playground also offers a VIP Experience for $97.50, which includes all-day play, VIP lanyard and card, skip the line privilege, 24-hour re-entry, one commemorative cocktail, a commemorative hat or beanie and 15% off retail purchases. The service charge is included.
SkyCity Casino Brings Bingo into Its Safer Gambling Ecosystem
SkyCity Casino is betting on a new range of bingo games. With bingo caught up in digitization of gambling since the early noughties, the game has enjoyed a resurgence. Gone are the days when bingo was played exclusively by those in retirement age. Countless studies and surveys show that the average age of bingo players has decreased significantly.
We know that remote gaming revenue in the UK between April 2020 and March 2021 was £6.9 billion. Bingo is listed among the games tracked within the metric. With further statistics showing that the average age of online gamblers is between 35 and 54, we can say with confidence that bingo is not only popular with the masses but with a younger audience than before.
Moving in Step with Industry Trends
SkyCity Online Casino and bingo is a testament to this. The online gambling operator has long taken popular products and converted them into digital offerings. Casino games, including slots, blackjack, and roulette, got the ball rolling. From there, virtual sports betting games were added to the mix. Now, after reviewing the latest trends, bingo games, ranging from classic 90-ball to modern speed variants, will be available to desktop and mobile players. Perhaps the biggest benefit of making bingo available to online players is the ease with which safety controls can be implemented. The current trend permeating all areas of the online gambling industry in 2023 is safer gambling.
Changes to the UK’s Gambling Act have prompted a new wave of responsible gambling measures and financial checks. US states implementing their own online gambling laws are also harnessing the latest innovations to ensure players are not only within permitted locations but playing responsibly. SkyCity Casino has a long-standing commitment to customer care. As per its responsible gaming policies, customers in New Zealand must be 20 or older to use the site, and all new accounts must be verified. Once customers are verified, there are tools for tracking financial transactions and, if necessary, set deposit limits.
Land Based Casinos
What are Land Based Casinos?
Land based casinos are physical casino premises that are commonly known as brick and mortar casinos. The term is used to differentiate between casino venues and their online counterparts.Some casino brands operate a mix of land based and online casinos, while other brands have either one or the other. Land based casinos might just include the casino itself, or they might be combined with other services such as bars, restaurants and hotel rooms.
Land Based Casinos Explained
A land based casino is any gaming premises located in the real world, as opposed to online. Examples of famous land based casinos include Caesar's Palace in Vegas and the UK's Grosvenor Casino brand. There was a time when the 'land based casino' was just the 'casino', but the dawn of online gambling has brought a need to differentiate between the two things. Land based casinos are therefore any physical buildings in which gambling games are played.Casinos usually offer a range of different games, although some specialise in one type of game, such as slot games or roulette. Most land based casinos have additional services for players, including entertainment acts, bars and restaurants, and sometimes hotel rooms and suites. Players who spend a lot of time playing at land based casinos are likely to be rewarded with complimentary use of these casino services.While land based casinos are different from online casinos, there are physical casinos which only offer electronic games. These video poker and slot arcades are common in smaller casinos and might be an offshoot of a larger brand.Land based casinos can be found in towns and cities all over the world, although there are some cities, such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, which specialise in hosting these venues and have large numbers of land based casinos in one place.
Real Estate - Casino Connection News
Managing Director of the Alea Consulting Group, Nicholas G. Colon delves deeper into this relatively new way of ensuring the long-term financial viability of land-based casinos
The casino gaming industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of business to work in. Gaming executives are engaged in a never-ending quest to find the magic formula that boosts their corporate earnings to the next level. Sometimes the speculations are glorious successes, while other times they’re horrific failures. And still other times, massive investments have to be made before the true extent of how bad an idea is can be revealed.
The newest approach that gaming companies are trying is using the real estate market to increase their revenues. Here I will give a brief overview on how the real estate revenue generation by casino gaming companies works and, the benefits and drawbacks associated with this method. Modern casinos are built as massive resorts often times covering scores of acreage of land. The property usage is divided into three major components, which are gaming, hotel and commercial uses.
The hotel part houses the guests, while gaming is reserved to games of chance; and then there is the commercial use of properties. While hotel and gaming uses are niche, the commercial uses of casino properties have almost limitless possibilities. Space for entertainment shows such as the Cirque Du Soleil are fixtures at all the MGM properties in Las Vegas. Many casinos also have five-star restaurants, with world-renowned chefs tailoring the menus, on the premises.
This also falls under the umbrella of commercial use.
The commercial use for a property that is the most prevalent in some of the newest casinos in Las Vegas and around the world is shopping malls. This trend was pioneered by Caesars Palace Forum Shops in Las Vegas that opened on New Year's Day 1992. In 1998 when the Bellagio opened, there was a section of the property allocated for a few high-end shopping boutiques.
In the early 2000s the Planet Hollywood property in Las Vegas opened and it included a large shopping mall that mirrored the Forum Shops at prices more affordable to the masses. When the City Center Complex opened in LasVegas in December of 2009, The Shops at Chrystals opened up as a part of the complex. It was owned by MGM and was the home of several high-end retail shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada. The trend of associating commercial space with casinos was in full swing by this time.
Caesers, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood and the ARIA resorts all retained ownership of the commercial space at their respected resorts. They would sign leases with various retail companies for periods of time as a means to generate additional revenue for the company. Every so often the leases would have to be renewed and, depending on the sales of the store, lease rates could be negotiated.
Sales made by a particular store were tied directly to the traffic rate of the property. A 30% occupancy rating at Caesars would reduce the traffic flow of patrons frequenting the Forum Shops thereby reducing the purchase conversion rate. In the financial downturn of 2008, the shop owners had tremendous leverage and were able to negotiate very favourable rates for extended periods of time. This leads us to a huge blunder made in this area by the LasVegas Sands Corporation.
CASTLES MADE OF SAND
During the worldwide financial crisis, the shops at the Venetian were having a lot of trouble getting any type of retailers to occupy their spaces on strictly leasing terms. This led the board to sell the various retail spaces outright, at favourable terms for the buyer. This had the effect of reassuring the purchaser because they were not tied to any long-term payments and they were able to instantly begin building equity from their purchase, which at the very least was acquired at a discounted rate.
With hindsight, it’s my opinion that the Venetian was not looking at the long term when it made this decision. The global financial crash of 2008 scared everybody, and as a quick, knee-jerk reaction the Sands wanted to get the red ink out of their books as quickly as possible.
As we moved beyond the financial crisis the recovery slowly started to take over, patrons began returning to Las Vegas as a vacation destination and companies were no longer sending minimal personnel to the various conventions held there. The stores that occupied the retail space started increasing their sales and the equity in the retail space started increasing dramatically. And because the Sands no longer owned the space they were unable to increase their revenue from lease rates.
The total revenue of the Venetian was not as high as similar properties because they were not making as much from their commercial leases. This forced the Venetian to squeeze the customer from other areas. The casino games that were being offered were set up so the casino’s hold percentage was higher than before.
Most of the slot machines were set to their highest hold percentages, many of the blackjack games on the main became 6:5 payouts, for a natural and, a triple zero roulette wheel was introduced on the main floor under the name Sands Roulette, this game gives the house nearly an 8% edge over the player. Prices of food went up dramatically and comps offered by casinos went down dramatically.
MOVING FORWARD
These types of decisions are much easier to make for casinos in this scenario because there are no other revenue streams to consider. When players are not burned out at the tables they often take that extra cash and purchase goods and services at the resort property. These include products from stores, meals from restaurants and tickets for shows.
For one player this is not a factor but for the millions of players that walk through a casino a year this is significant. Even if only a tiny fraction of the players spend money at the shops, restaurants and shows, it translates into millions of dollars in sales over the course of a year and causes the value of the leased property to go up. Another negative impact is that the casino can’t negotiate better rates for items that can be purchased with players comp points, because there is no financial incentive to do so.
In recent years almost all of the main resorts on the Las Vegas Blvd and downtown Las Vegas have started charging for parking, even to casino guests and players. They do not collect money from their patrons they merely lease out the parking structure for a term of several years to an operating company. The operating company then installs parking ticket machines, gates and payment machines. They merely collect the money over the years of the lease. Again here, gaming companies are thinking short-term and not realising the negative perception they are creating with their customers. Creating more and more cost barriers for a customer to get to your product has an overall negative impact on revenue.
As we can see from the cited examples, the casinos have been in the real estate business for decades. But because it was viewed as a 360-degree revenue stream the gaming company was utilising to feed the main profit centres of the resort, it wasn’t viewed that way.
We are seeing today gaming organisations partition a division of their company to strictly deal with revenue generating through real estate applications. In effect, they are selling off pieces of their company that feed other parts of their total revenue equation. The assertion here is that the money in hand that is used for reinvestment will exceed the revenue that would be attained from keeping the asset. But what it is doing is showing little faith in the management team and foreshadowing a market reduction. The resorts, at least in Las Vegas, have convinced themselves that they are convention-centred destinations and the companies attending the conventions are the ones footing the cost and not vacationers. This type of thinking turns gaming companies into a B2B operation rather than an entertainment industry. Will it work? Maybe. Operators have just recently come back to profitability, stopping nearly a decade trend of losses. And even so the profits were just marginal. So now it’s a waiting game to see how the markets will react.
Australia’s Crown Resorts issues warning over unauthorized use of brand in illegal gambling ads
Australia’s Crown Resorts has raised a public alert about fraudulent activities involving imposter social media accounts and misleading advertisements. The casino operator revealed that unauthorised entities are exploiting Crown’s name, logo, images, and other distinctive details to promote illegal online gambling platforms.
The company, in an official statement, requested the public to exercise caution when encountering such advertisements and advised them to rely solely on Crown’s official websites and social media channels for authentic news and promotions.
As reported in Inside Asian Gaming Crown Resorts emphasised that operating an online casino or offering casino-style games online is prohibited in Australia. The statement clarified that Crown does not engage in online casino operations or any form of online gambling. The company stated it would take legal action against individuals or groups organising illegal activities using the Crown brand or its subsidiaries.
Currently undergoing a comprehensive reform initiative, Crown Resorts is focused on revamping its resorts in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. This overhaul is part of its strategy to regain casino licenses following unfavourable inquiries conducted in all three states.
One of the recent reforms introduced by Crown involves implementing mandatory time and loss limits for patrons using electronic gaming machines at Crown Melbourne. This move aligns with recommendations from the Finkelstein Royal Commission, which found Crown unsuitable to retain its Victorian casino license. The license is under a two-year review overseen by a Special Manager, with a decision on Crown’s reform efforts expected in 2024. The company is navigating a critical phase as it seeks to address regulatory concerns and regain public trust.
US – Formula 1 helps drive Nevada to its second most profitable month in November - Januaary 2024
Nevada’s casinos enjoyed their second-highest win ever, fuelled by the excitement surrounding the return of Formula One racing, which boosted the Strip’s performance by 22.6 per cent.
Only July earlier in the year was more lucrative for casinos in Nevada meaning that the state smashed its personal best twice in 2023.
Across the state, casinos generated $1.37bn, an increase of 12.5 per cent rise from November 2022 with Formula One clearly playing its part in an increase in tourism with 3,292,800 visitors in November.
Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst, said: “The four-day period beginning on November 16th was extremely profitable for both gaming and non-gaming activity on the Las Vegas Strip with some properties estimating those days established all-time record levels of revenue. The event’s success was more evident at luxury properties where the Las Vegas Strip’s baccarat increase accounted for 78.6 per cent of the state’s growth this month. Additionally, the 25 licensees that are included in the $72m or over revenue range for annual gross gaming win on the Las Vegas Strip increased by $160m or 25.8 per cent compared to last November and accounted for over 100 per cent of the state’s entire increase for the month.”
The Strip’s games win came in at $410.1m, marking the third highest total in Nevada’s history, and up 61.9 per cent from last year. This increase was led by baccarat which generated $178.3m, up 208.7 per cent from last year.
The influx of tourist spend wasn’t felt everywhere across the state though with Downtown Las Vegas down two per cent with revenues of $81.1m.
The Boulder Strip was down 2.1 per cent to $83.3m whilst North Las Vegas secured a 0.61 per cent increase to $23m. North Lake Tahoe experienced an eight per cent fall as did South Lake Tahoe.
For the year so far, Nevada GGR are on track to set a new record with revenues up 4.1 per cent over the first 11 months of the record-breaking 2022. November also saw the 33rd consecutive month that the state generated revenues of more than $1bn with November’s revenue coming in higher than November 2019’s total by 46.6 per cent.
US – Billion dollar plus months are the new norm for Nevada but could the Strip soon hit the milestone too? - March 2023
The Las Vegas Strip’s best ever February helped push the state of Nevada to yet another billion dollar plus month, marking two years of consecutive $1bn plus months and begging the question; is this now the norm for Nevada?
The Strip, with 28 casinos, generated $712.4m in revenue, increasing from $599.1m in February 2022 with the State’s 441 casinos bringing in $1.24bn in February, marking an 11.2 per cent increase from February 2022.
Clark County casinos alone surpassed $1bn for the 10th straight month, with analsysts now asking if the Strip could generate the milestone on its own.
Michael Lawton, Senior Economic Analyst for the Control Board, believes that following 24 months of $1bn plus months for Nevada, the figure has become the norm.
He said: “I think after 24 consecutive months you could safely say it is [the norm]. Obviously there is a lot of economic uncertainty, however that uncertainty has not spilled over into the record gaming win amounts we have witnessed over the last two years. Clark County has recorded over $1 billion in 10 consecutive months and in 17 out of the last 24 months. The Strip in December of 2022 recorded a win amount of $814.2 million which was the all-time record for the market. I think there is interest if the Strip on its own could hit the billion-dollar amount.”
In February, Clark County’s gaming revenue accounted for 87.4 per cent of Nevada’s total win with the Strip having 57.6 per cent of the state’s total.
For the state as a whole, slot win increased by 7.6 per cent to $822.8m whilst tables increased 18.6 per cent to $102.5m. Nevada sportsbooks won $41.2m, increasing 33.5 per cent from last year’s February, although the amiount staked was down 15.6 per cent to $659.4m.
Brendan Bussmann, Analyst at B Global, believes thee is still space for more revenue growth.
“We still do not have some of the foreign guests back, and the business customer is still returning, which will likely drive additional opportunity for gaming revenue,” he explained. “There are still a number of headwinds with economic and geopolitical forces that could impact the current trends in revenue. With a recession pending, a potential banking crisis, and other factors, Nevada continues to prevail through these challenges but these and other factors could have an overall impact on Clark County and the rest of the state.”
Saturday, January 06, 2024
Monday, October 16, 2023
Media Man Tourism Blog: News
Media Man Tourism Blog
Casino and Sports News
USA Gaming and Gambling News
G2E: Financing available for forthcoming casino projects, though at a premium
Wall Street investors continue to be interested in investing in quality casino-resort projects despite tight capital markets, but operators will pay a premium in markets like New York City, where there will be a lot of competition for customers. New York has authorized three casino licenses for the downstate region centered on New York City, for which 11 applicants are vying, including Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Las Vegas Sands. “A U.S. Treasury is a risk-free investment at 5% and if I’m thinking about investing in a brand-new New York greenfield project that costs $5 billion, that’s going to require a pretty big premium above 5% for me to get excited,” said Howard Wang, managing director at Ares Management during a panel session at the Global Gaming Expo.
Workers picket Harrah’s Philadelphia for first time since casino opened
Amidst the banging of drums and shaking of bells in front of the Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack parking garage, approximately 150 members of three unions shouted, “No contract, no peace.” “It’s the first time we’ve ever taken public action at this property since it opened,” Ben Albert, secretary/treasurer of Unite Here Local 54, said. “The wages lag way behind the rest of the industry and are not where they should be based on how the company is doing”… Members of Unite Here 54, Laborers Local 413 and Teamsters Local 107 picketed in front of the facility Friday.
The Sphere wasn’t built for sports. The biggest players want in anyway
After just one U2 concert at Las Vegas’ new $2.3 billion Sphere, UFC president Dana White described himself as “obsessed” with the venue and the prospect of getting the mixed-martial arts property there as soon as possible. “The Sphere is a whole other level,” White said. “I don’t run the Sphere, and it’s not my company, but it’s so good that for at least the first year, they should do nothing but incredible experiences. … I will put on the greatest live combat sports event anybody has ever seen at the Sphere. I’m so in on this, it’s not even funny. The first live transmission from there should be us.”
Caesars’ Virginia revenue dips slightly in September, but ahead of Hard Rock in Bristol; Rivers Portsmouth leads state
Gaming revenue for the Danville Casino dipped slightly again last month, but remained well above its counterpart in Bristol. The temporary facility brought in about $19.14 million in September, down from the $19.63 million posted in August. The Virginia Lottery released the figures Friday. The casino in Bristol — another temporary site with more slots and tables — brought in $12.71 million.
Arizona: DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale to open this week
It’s only a matter of days until the DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale has its grand opening. The sportsbook will open its doors on Oct. 20, according to a Monday press release. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 1 p.m. with PGA Tour and DraftKings executives. Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will place the ceremonial first bet. The DraftKings Sportsbook, which sits across the street from the TPC Scottsdale Champions Course clubhouse, was developed under a first-of-its-kind agreement with the PGA Tour.
High roller offers $500K reward, says he was drugged while gambling at MGM Grand
A California real estate executive and sports agent who has high-roller status with MGM Resorts International has sued the company after he says he was drugged with a substance used by veterinarians to sedate animals while playing blackjack in the MGM Grand’s private gambling salon. Dwight Manley, 57, who filed the amended complaint in July, on Thursday offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for drugging him.
NCAA’s attitude toward sports betting takes dramatic shift, more focused on athlete protections than punishments
A few years ago, the NCAA’s stance on sports wagering was clear: Don’t bet. The organization didn’t want players and coaches wagering, and the NCAA also wasn’t thrilled about having any relationship with regulated sports betting. That attitude seems to be shifting, as NCAA officials are aware of the increased fan engagement legalized betting brings. A changing attitude toward sports betting doesn’t just include a growing appreciation for the external benefits of sports wagering, such as increasing fan interest.
Disney goes all in on sports betting with ESPN Bet
In early 2019, an analyst asked Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger if sports betting could coexist with the House of Mouse’s brand. He said he didn’t see the company facilitating gambling in any way. Just four years later, the world’s most beloved name in family entertainment is going all-in on sports betting. In August, the company struck a 10-year deal with sports-betting company Penn Entertainment to bring gambling to Disney’s ESPN sports network. Sports fans will be able to wager on games on their phones through a new app called ESPN Bet that accepts bets through Penn’s sportsbook.
‘Creepy’ feeling around Atlantic City casinos in wake of cyberattacks
The eerie calm that has washed over Atlantic City casinos the last few weeks has nothing to do with Halloween or the changing of the seasons. It is not even because most of the gambling industry is gathered in Las Vegas this week for the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The recent cyberattacks on two of the largest US casino operators have noticeably impacted Atlantic City casinos. Or at least that is the general feeling in town lately. New Jersey gambling regulators will publish September’s revenue results for the AC casino industry on Oct. 16.
After cyberattacks crippled casino companies, how vulnerable is Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has always prided itself on its economy of leisure. In the span of a weekend, visitors can dine at the finest restaurants, witness world-class entertainment and sporting events and shop at top luxury brands without leaving the Strip—sometimes, without leaving their hotel. All that came to a standstill last month as two casino giants fell prey to revenue-crippling cyberattacks that have left us wondering: How vulnerable is Vegas, really? Casino-goers attempting to use mobile check-in, digital keys, credit cards, ATMs, slot machines and other services at some MGM Resorts properties were shocked to find widespread outages on September 11.
Mets owner seeking to construct casino outside Citi Field
New York (New York City) - Chantz Martin, Fox News - Steve Cohen spent a record amount on the New York Mets payroll heading into the 2023 regular season. Now, the billionaire who purchased the franchise ahead of the 2021 season hopes to build attractions around the team's home ballpark in Queens. Cohen suggested that a casino would give fans options before and after games. "The fans want something to do before the game, after the game," Cohen said.
Champagne, private shopping, $1.5M in jewel, luxury retailers prepare for F1
Nevada (Las Vegas) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - The Regis Galerie has long marketed itself as the spot on the Strip for top Italian art, Spanish porcelain and worldly fine jewelry – even legendary pop star Michael Jackson shopped at the boutique in The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes. But Ike Dweck, vice president of the art gallery, is kicking it into overdrive to cash in on the immense activity expected in November… Dweck’s place — and hundreds of other luxury retailers on the Strip — are preparing for an influx of high net-worth shoppers in Las Vegas during the Formula One Grand Prix on Nov. 16 to 18, which is projected to bring 120,000 visitors to the region.
iGaming Ontario releases Q2 market- performance report
Canada (Ontario/igaming) - Mark Keast, CDC Gaming Reports - The regulated Ontario igaming market continues to experience growth, according to a quarter-two fiscal-year 2023-24 (July 1 through September 30). Ontario reached $14.2 billion in total wagers in Q2, not including promotional wagers (bonuses). That’s up from $14 billion in Q1 (April 1 to June 30, 2023). Ontario saw $540 million in total gaming revenue in Q2, down from $545 million in Q1.
Best Bookies ceases Price Pty Ltd service following ACMA warning
Oceania (Australia) - Jessie Sale, SBC News - Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has been issued a formal warning from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (AMCA) for operating an unlicensed online wagering service. The group is described as an ‘internet site allowing punters to securely bet with a range of independent licensed Australian bookmakers using a single betting account’. However, it has been found that the service allowed customers to compare betting odds across licensed wagering operators and placed bets with those operators on their behalf…Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd has now ceased providing this service.
Amy Howe, Jason Robins examine growth of sports betting
Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - A conversation that touched on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, pickleball, Formula 1 racing, and a flurry of field goals in the National Football League seems like it could have taken place in one of the coffee shops, bars, or hallways at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas. Instead, those topics were broached, some in depth, others lightly, during the Wednesday keynote session “The Playmakers” moderated by CNBC’s Contessa Brewer and featuring the CEOs Amy Howe of FanDuel and Jason Robins of DraftKings.
Indigenous women defy odds in Tribal leadership
Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports - Monday was Indigenous People’s Day and Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Steven wanted to make sure it was celebrated correctly. At the Global Gaming Expo education session “Shattering Ceilings: Women Leaders in Tribal Gaming,” Stevens introduced three tribal women who could “tell people who we are, tell people our true history,” he said. Holly Cook Macarro, an expert on political matters focused on tribal legislative and policy and principal at The Angle; Porch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan; and Melanie Benjamin, the Chief Executive/Chairwoman of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, told stories of how they came to become tribal leaders, despite odds often stacked against them.
Female slot players a growing demographic
Nevada (Las Vegas/G2E) - Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming Reports - The number of female slot players continues to grow in the U.S., but game designers shouldn’t try to appeal to them by use of the color pink or flowers. Instead, they should make games that are fun for everyone to play. That was the message from a Global Gaming Expo educational session, “How Female Designers Are Influencing Game Design,” moderated by Carolyn Tomcyzyk, senior director of art design at Konami Gaming. Francine Maric, better known as “Lady Luck HQ” on social media, said that her followers online look for games that are simple and have vitality. “They want to see action. They want to see jackpots,” Maric said.
Las Vegas Grand Prix to begin at 10 p.m.
Nevada (Las Vegas) - Mick Akers, Review-Journal - The Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled to be contested on the third-longest circuit on Formula One’s 2023 schedule, will begin as expected at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, race organizers confirmed. The late start is to allow the race to feature the renowned lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The circuit will be brightly lit via lighting trusses that are already being installed on the Strip and other areas of the track.
Gambler ups the ante with federal lawsuit against Resorts World
Nevada (Las Vegas) - John L. Smith, CDC Gaming Reports - A gambler’s protracted battle with Resorts World Las Vegas reached a new level Monday with a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court that accuses the Strip casino-resort company and its former president of negligence and the infliction of emotional distress for failing to prevent known fraudsters and persons convicted of gambling-related crimes from playing in the casino. The lawsuit filed by attorneys Marshall Cole and David Merrill on behalf of California resident Robert J. Cipriani, who goes by the moniker “Robin Hood 702” on social media, comes following the ouster of Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott Sibella for a violation of company policy amid press reports of an ongoing investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations and U.S. Homeland Security agents of Las Vegas hotels, including Resorts World.
Odesza at Zouk, Disco Kiss Mondays at Cathédrale and more
Nevada (Las Vegas) - The Weekly Staff - Las Vegas nightlife scion and rising star Dustin Drai has been promoted to president of Drai’s Management Group. He will now oversee the marketing and entertainment efforts and initiatives of Drai’s Beachclub, Nightclub and After Hours at the Cromwell, as well as the company’s expansion to Texas with Drai’s Dallas, set to open in late 2024. Electronic music duo Odesza’s first-ever nightclub performance will be part of New Year’s Eve weekend at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World.
MGM sends special offers in wake of September cyberattack
National (cyberattack) - McKenna Ross, Review-Journal - MGM Resorts International has begun sending out loyalty rewards to customers affected by the September cyberattack on the company. A promotion shared by a popular social media blogger shows an offer for a complimentary stay for that MGM Rewards loyalty member.
Rise of mobile betting increases revenue, more problem gambling
New York (igaming) - Connor Smith, Spectrum News - Taxes on mobile sports betting in New York generated $727.4 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year and have continued to grow in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to a new report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The rise of mobile sports betting, though, also led to a 26% rise in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of the Addiction Services and Supports from 2021-2022, according to the New York State Gaming Commission. This, DiNapoli said, should lead to more attention on the impacts of mobile sports betting — particularly on younger people.
Atlantic City Dave & Buster's expected to open in December
New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - The opening of the Dave & Buster's entertainment center at the former site of rapper Jay-Z's 40/40 Club has been pushed back to December, city officials said. "According to our Director of Licensing and Inspection Dale Finch, we are looking at an anticipated opening date of early December," said Alexxus Young, a spokesperson for the city, adding the license that Dave & Buster's is requesting requires City Council approval. The North American chain of combination arcade, sports bar, restaurant and entertainment complexes has 155 locations in the United States, according to the company.
122-year-old Atlantic City property turning into apartments
New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Selena Vazquez, The Press - For the past decade, the former Morris Guards Armory at 10 S. New York Ave. has been vacant, but that is set to change over the next couple of months. John Longacre and his real estate development company, LPMG Companies, expect to put about 32 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units, along with other retail spaces, on the real estate market by the end of the year. The building was constructed in 1901 and was used as an armory for the city's independent volunteer military club, the Morris Guards, until 1983. "We're trying to get people to see Atlantic City in a different way," Longacre said.
Huge Powerball jackpot goes to lucky lottery player in California
National (lottery) - Jim Salter, Associated Press - A player in California won a $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize… Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to July 19 when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.
New Catawba chief rejects deal to break up with casino developer
North Carolina (Indian gaming) - Gavin Off, Charlotte Observer - The Catawba Nation’s new chief rejects the cost of a financial deal that would break most ties with a company that’s been instrumental in launching its Two Kings Casino outside Charlotte. The deal, approved by the tribe’s previous administration, would require the Catawba to pay SkyBoat, LLC a $125 million payout, Chief Brian Harris said…But it’s too much money, said Harris, who was elected chief this summer and must sign the agreement for it to be finalized.
New coalition forms to weigh in on gaming compact negotiations
New York (Indian gaming) - Ryan Whalen, Spectrum News - Existing non-native casinos and racinos in the Finger Lakes and Western New York and unions representing their employees are formally launching a coalition to have a voice in the ongoing negotiations for a new gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. The Fair Compact for All Coalition includes representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, Hamburg Gaming and Batavia Downs. They want to ensure any new Seneca gaming compact t protects the future of their operations and the communities they say have come to depend on their success.
The Shoshone-Bannock Casino announces hunting packages
Idaho (Indian gaming) - Idaho State Journal - The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, in conjunction with the Tribes’ Fish & Game, invites hunting enthusiasts to join in on some of the best waterfowl and pheasant hunting in Idaho on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation now through December. Hunters can choose from one-day and two-day packages, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and wildlife of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation while also enjoying comfortable accommodations in the hotel and delectable dining options.
State Confronts Indian Boarding School Past with New Committee
Washington (Indian Country) - Jenna Kunze, Native News - Washington State’s Attorney General’s office has formed a Truth & Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee to collect oral testimonies and recommend how the state can address present-day harms caused by Indian boarding school policies. Washington, a state home to 29 federally recognized tribes, hosted 17 of the nation’s more than 500 Indian Boarding Schools, according to an up-to-date list from the Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. The institutions operated from the 1800s through 1970 with the aim to forcibly assimilate Native children into white society.
Osage Casinos Celebrate Grand Opening of New Casino Hotel in Pawhuska
Oklahoma (Indian gaming) - Indian Gaming Magazine - Osage Casinos recently celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art casino and hotel in Pawhuska. This long-awaited property has been under construction since 2021 and is now open to the public following a ribbon-cutting celebration…On the day the new casino officially opened, the existing location closed. With a transformation from a 8,335 sq. ft. venue to this expansive new facility, the Pawhuska community is excited for the update. A
Casino News Media
Why Knowledge is Power: Navigating the World of Regulated Online Gambling
Every top casino search will feature an online casino's bonus offerings, payment methods and at least a blurb as to what differentiates their product from the rest of what's out there. We know Slotland, Mansion and Mr. Green are reputable per their longevity in the realm of online gambling. But what about those sites that do not appear on such listings?
Online Casino Complaints
The fact is, the longer a casino has been around, the more likely you'll be able to find a handful of complaints about said casino. Even a site like Mansion there are bound to be dissatisfied customers. There is no avoiding this fact.
But when one stumbles upon multiple complaints about a particular online casino, that becomes a problem.
There are many websites that feature forums where players share their bad experiences. These include long established Casino Meister (older than Gambling911) and, on the poker side, TwoPlusTwo.
Additionally, conduct searches via Google and other search engines. And remember to be careful. Some companies, usually those that are a little on the rogue side, employ services that ensure only positive supposed "real customer" experiences appear at the top of review pages. Scroll down or filter and you'll almost always find the real truth, one single star review listed after the other.
A Word About Regulated Online Casinos
Yes there are a few benefits to playing with a regulated casino or online sportsbook, the top being the ability to reach out to a commission or other licensing body. This doesn't always mean they are safe. Gambling911.com warned that 5Dimes was going to shut down. That site claimed otherwise. We notified their regulatory body. They did nothing. 5Dimes closed weeks later. The regulatory body simply removed their company from its list of licensees and players were screwed out of any futures bets.
Online Casino Pluses
Once you land on a review page, the benefits are clear and easy to compare. Promos will be pushed the most. Here are just some of the great promotional offers we stumbled upon.
Matching deposit bonuses
100 to 200+ free spins
Bitcoin only deposits (see below)
Free bets
Be careful. You don't just deposit money, get free money, then request it all back. Each casino and sportsbook implements its own rollover/play requirement. 10X is one of the best rollovers. This means your initial $20 will need to be played through ten times before you can request the free bonus money. If 10X is a turnoff, casino gambling might not be your thing. Some play through requirements do not permit withdrawal during this period and this may be a legitimate turnoff to some. Why can't you request a withdrawal on winnings while still working on your play requirement. It is important to read the Q&A section of the web casino site. Avoid any online casino that does not feature a Q&A page or Terms and Agreement section.
You'll Need to Fund Your Online Gambling Account
Some online casino payment methods are better than others. By better, we mean faster.
Yes, Bitcoin is among the best but it’s akin to learning how to ride a bicycle. There is a learning curve at first but funding with Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies will become second nature by the 4th or 5th time. Just ALWAYS check that your Bitcoin stamp matches at the start and end of the string and you should not have any problem. Gambling sites often have no problem sending five figure amounts through Bitcoin wallets. This payout, often received in a matter of hours seven days a week, can then be converted to your favorite currency via the Bitcoin exchange.
Remember too that there are fees involved with all payout methods employed. Wires and ePayments may be quick but costly. Each site lists varying fees for the same payment method and not all are competitive. Many online gambling sites offer “Bitcoin Only” bonuses with more lucrative incentives. One loosely guarded secret that the online casinos won’t advertise: They hate credit card transactions. Gamblers are notorious for charging back. Hence the rationale for pushing Bitcoin deposits.
Why Knowledge is Power: Navigating the World of Regulated Online Gambling
Every top casino search will feature an online casino's bonus offerings, payment methods and at least a blurb as to what differentiates their product from the rest of what's out there. We know Slotland, Mansion and Mr. Green are reputable per their longevity in the realm of online gambling. But what about those sites that do not appear on such listings?
Online Casino Complaints
The fact is, the longer a casino has been around, the more likely you'll be able to find a handful of complaints about said casino. Even a site like Mansion there are bound to be dissatisfied customers. There is no avoiding this fact.
But when one stumbles upon multiple complaints about a particular online casino, that becomes a problem.
There are many websites that feature forums where players share their bad experiences. These include long established Casino Meister (older than Gambling911) and, on the poker side, TwoPlusTwo.
Additionally, conduct searches via Google and other search engines. And remember to be careful. Some companies, usually those that are a little on the rogue side, employ services that ensure only positive supposed "real customer" experiences appear at the top of review pages. Scroll down or filter and you'll almost always find the real truth, one single star review listed after the other.
A Word About Regulated Online Casinos
Yes there are a few benefits to playing with a regulated casino or online sportsbook, the top being the ability to reach out to a commission or other licensing body. This doesn't always mean they are safe. Gambling911.com warned that 5Dimes was going to shut down. That site claimed otherwise. We notified their regulatory body. They did nothing. 5Dimes closed weeks later. The regulatory body simply removed their company from its list of licensees and players were screwed out of any futures bets.
Online Casino Pluses
Once you land on a review page, the benefits are clear and easy to compare. Promos will be pushed the most. Here are just some of the great promotional offers we stumbled upon.
Matching deposit bonuses
100 to 200+ free spins
Bitcoin only deposits (see below)
Free bets
Be careful. You don't just deposit money, get free money, then request it all back. Each casino and sportsbook implements its own rollover/play requirement. 10X is one of the best rollovers. This means your initial $20 will need to be played through ten times before you can request the free bonus money. If 10X is a turnoff, casino gambling might not be your thing. Some play through requirements do not permit withdrawal during this period and this may be a legitimate turnoff to some. Why can't you request a withdrawal on winnings while still working on your play requirement. It is important to read the Q&A section of the web casino site. Avoid any online casino that does not feature a Q&A page or Terms and Agreement section.
You'll Need to Fund Your Online Gambling Account
Some online casino payment methods are better than others. By better, we mean faster.
Yes, Bitcoin is among the best but it’s akin to learning how to ride a bicycle. There is a learning curve at first but funding with Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies will become second nature by the 4th or 5th time. Just ALWAYS check that your Bitcoin stamp matches at the start and end of the string and you should not have any problem. Gambling sites often have no problem sending five figure amounts through Bitcoin wallets. This payout, often received in a matter of hours seven days a week, can then be converted to your favorite currency via the Bitcoin exchange.
Remember too that there are fees involved with all payout methods employed. Wires and ePayments may be quick but costly. Each site lists varying fees for the same payment method and not all are competitive. Many online gambling sites offer “Bitcoin Only” bonuses with more lucrative incentives. One loosely guarded secret that the online casinos won’t advertise: They hate credit card transactions. Gamblers are notorious for charging back. Hence the rationale for pushing Bitcoin deposits.