News

GMA quoted in CDC Gaming Reports

Nevada takes step toward remote registration for cashless gaming, sports betting, and igaming

by Buck Wargo

Casino patrons will be able to sign up remotely for cashless gaming and payment accounts in Nevada if regulators have their way.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board Thursday recommended casinos be allowed to remotely sign up customers, rather than have them wait in line at resorts.  It potentially sets the stage for a push to change regulations and allow remote sportsbook sign-ups in the future.  Those Strip gaming companies wanting Nevada to allow igaming haven’t given up that fight either, but both of those regulatory changes would be contentious with properties catering to Las Vegas residents.

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GMA quoted in Legal Gambling and the Law

Mirage Las Vegas Is Bought for $1.075bn by Hard Rock International

by Ella McDonald

Florida-based Hard Rock International (HRI) which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida struck a deal worth $1.075 billion as it purchased the operations of the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The announcement of the deal by MGM Resorts International and Hard Rock confirmed speculations that the latter was planning to expand into the Las Vegas market.

Previously, MGM had announced that the operations for Mirage were on sale.

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GMA quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Payoff from Las Vegas Super Bowl estimated at $500m

by Mick Akers

Bringing the Super Bowl to Las Vegas won’t come cheap, but tourism officials believe the cost will be worth it.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill estimates the cost for the Las Vegas host committee will run between $55 million and $60 million.

But Hill said the payoff to the city will be worth it.  He said holding the Super Bowl in Las Vegas will make the city an extra $500 million over what it would typically make during a usually sold-out Super Bowl weekend in the city.  In 2019, the Super Bowl brought 310,000 visitors to Las Vegas, resulting in an economic impact of $425 million, according to research firm Applied Analysis.

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GMA quoted in the Sun Sentinel

How Hard Rock behemoth is expanding to Las Vegas with another guitar hotel, and what it means for sports betting in Florida

by David Lyons

Hard Rock International, which is owned by Florida’s Seminole Tribe, flexed its financial, branding and technology muscle this week as the company announced it will scoop up its latest acquisition: the operations of the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for nearly $1 billion.

As the deal was unveiled on Monday, Mirage executives called the plan “transformational” for their company.  But at the end of the day, it was Hard Rock driving the transformation, displaying its ability to create thousands of jobs, spark millions in economic activity and change the face of gambling landscapes in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S.

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GMA quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal

Record revenue reported from nation’s casinos for 2021

by Richard N. Velotta

Nevada has produced its share of gaming revenue records this year, so it stands to reason that the American Gaming Association is indicating commercial gaming revenue nationwide will reach its highest level ever this year.

And that’s without all of the numbers from November numbers in and nothing yet from December.

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GMA interviewed on Nevada Week: Vegas PBS

Omicron Variant and Las Vegas Tourism

The Omicron variant is the newest version of the coronavirus to put the world on edge. What impact will it have on efforts to bring back international tourism? Plus, Las Vegas casinos deck their halls for the holidays.

You can watch the interview here

GMA quoted in The Nevada Independent

Hard Rock to buy The Mirage for more than $1 billion, will add a guitar-shaped tower

by Howard Stutz

One of the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic properties will soon change ownership after Hard Rock International announced Monday plans to pay $1.075 billion to acquire the operations of The Mirage from MGM Resorts International.

The company, which is owned by Florida’s Seminole Indian Tribe, said it would build a guitar-shaped hotel tower at the front of the 77-acre site along the Las Vegas Strip, while the entire property will be renamed Hard Rock Las Vegas.

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GMA quoted on CDC Gaming Reports

Hard Rock, buying Mirage operations, to be first tribal operator on Las Vegas Strip

by Buck Wargo

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has reached an agreement to purchase the operations of The Mirage Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip for $1.075 billion in cash. Plans include construction on a Hard Rock signature: a guitar-shaped hotel.

The deal announced late Monday by MGM Resorts International and Hard Rock International confirms the speculation that Hard Rock was looking to operate in Las Vegas. MGM had previously said the operations were for sale.

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GMA quoted in CDC Gaming Reports

UPDATE: Las Vegas to host 2024 Super Bowl; record visitation and betting expected

by Buck Wargo

In what will be a monumental day and weekend, possibly leading to record betting and visitation, the Super Bowl in February 2024 will be hosted by Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Review Journal reported Monday afternoon that the official announcement will be made Wednesday at the league-owner’s meeting in Dallas.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released a statement late Monday without confirming the Super Bowl, the NFL’s championship game.

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GMA quoted in the Chicago Tribune

Homewood/East Hazel Crest site picked for south suburban casino

by Mike Nolan

State gaming regulators on Wednesday selected a casino proposal from Homewood and East Hazel Crest as the winning bid for a south suburban license. The gaming board’s decision, eliminating Matteson from contention, doesn’t award a license but sets the state for further evaluation of the proposal selected, said Marcus Fruchter, gaming board administrator.

Homewood and East Hazel Crest are partnering with Wind Creek Hospitality for a 64,000-square-foot casino on a 24-acre site southwest of the interchange of Interstate 80 and Halsted Street.

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