News

Brendan Bussmann quoted in CDC Gaming Reports

The casino industry once again has its eyes on gaming expansion in Texas

by Howard Stutz

To the casino industry, Texas is Captain Ahab’s white whale, Sir Galahad’s Holy Grail, and James Hilton’s Shangri-La.  It’s the state about which casino operators have long dreamed.

“Texas remains the largest untapped market for gaming in the United States.  COVID-19 has seemingly made the state reachable,” said Global Market Advisors Director of Government Affairs Brendan Bussmann.  “The Lone Star State has the opportunity to be one of the largest gaming markets in the U.S.”

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Article by Brendan Bussmann published in Amusement & Gaming Japan

The U.S. Gaming Market: A Tale of Two Recoveries

by Brendan Bussmann

Every aspect of the gaming industry around the globe has been impacted by SARS-CoV-2. In the United States, this has been felt very directly as every casino at one point was closed during the Great Shutdown of 2020.  Some properties began to reemerge in May and openings have continued up until today, but a percentage have still remained shuttered as demand in some parts of the United States have not met the levels needed to reopen.  Some amenities at these properties have also struggled to reopen with occupancy limited placed on food & beverage outlets and hotel rooms and entertainment and MICE amenities remaining largely closed.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Locals casinos endure pandemic better than Strip

by Richard N. Velotta

As the pandemic continues to wear on the state’s gaming industry, there’s more evidence that casino companies catering to locals are better positioned to endure the financial turmoil than their Strip counterparts.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in Gaming Today

Casinos avoid closing

by Buck Wargo

The Las Vegas casino industry can breathe a sigh of relief for now that it’s not facing another coronavirus shutdown.

It’s going to be tougher to get a table at your favorite casino restaurant.  And you can forget about watching a show for now.  If you were planning on attending a convention with up to 250 people, that’s been cancelled.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted on SportsHandle.com

Does Nebraska’s Gaming Expansion Include Sports Betting?

by Jill R. Dorson

Did Nebraska voters lay the groundwork earlier this month for legal sports betting? Turns out that’s a good question – and one that doesn’t have a clear answer.  Voters on Nov. 3 approved a trio of referendums that legalize “any game of chance,” but sports betting is not explicitly including in the definition of a game of chance, and daily fantasy operators (many of whom are also sports betting titans) have long argued their game is one of skill.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Room rates tumble ahead of holiday weekend

by Bailey Schulz

Las Vegas room rates for Thanksgiving weekend have dropped in the days leading up to the holiday.

Experts say travel advisories from states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention probably factored into the price reductions.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Elaine Wynn officially out of Wynn Resorts

by Richard N. Velotta

It’s the end of an era for Wynn Resorts Ltd.

Company co-founder Elaine Wynn was required to withdraw a request for a gaming license as a company board director.  She’s no longer eligible to serve on the board of directors because of company age policies.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Nevada casinos face 25% occupancy limit under new COVID rules

by Bailey Schulz, Richard N. Velotta and Mike Shoro

The state’s economy will benefit from avoiding another shutdown, though new capacity restrictions will put further strain on the state’s economic engine, the gaming industry, and its bars and restaurants, experts say.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas economy still reeling from 1st shutdown.  Is another coming?

by Bailey Schulz

Las Vegas’ businesses, employees and economy are still reeling from the state’s first shutdown.  Is the city ready for another?

On Wednesday, Gov. Steve Sisolak said he would announce new measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus “very soon.” It’s unclear just how strict those restrictions will be for when they will go into effect, but experts say a second shutdown would have adverse effects on a number of industries within the state, and could push the state into deeper economic trouble.

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Brendan Bussmann quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Station Casinos moving closer to new casino on long-dormant land

by Bailey Schulz

Four of Red Rock Resorts’ Las Vegas properties remain in the dark, but the locals-focused casino operator is already turning its attention toward future projects in the Las Vegas Valley.

According to a note from J.P. Morgan based on discussions with executives, the casino company is working on the design and development of a property on South Durango Drive, which it views as “the most underserved” area in the Las Vegas locals market.

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