Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Hotel News Media: Star Entertainment Group names Robert Cooke as new Managing Director and CEO

Star Entertainment Group names Robert Cooke as new Managing Director and CEO


Australia’s Star Entertainment Group Limited has named former Tatts Group boss Robert Cooke as the company’s new Managing Director and CEO.

Cooke replaces Matt Bekier in the role, his predecessor having stepped down amid the recent regular review into Star’s operations which uncovered a series of failings around anti-money laundering controls at The Star Sydney. Chairman John O’Neill also departed last month.

“A comprehensive search conducted by global executive recruitment firm Spencer Stuart identified a number of quality candidates,” said Interim Chairman Ben Heap.

“Following a thorough process, the Board concluded that Robbie was the standout candidate with the ideal combination of experience, capabilities and attributes to lead The Star.

“Robbie is a trusted, respected and highly experienced chief executive. He has been the CEO of major ASX 200 listed companies and brings extensive commercial experience in operating and driving transformation programs within highly regulated environments, overseeing large workforces and building executive teams in multi-jurisdictional locations.

“As CEO of the lotteries, wagering and gaming operation at Tatts Group, he led a comprehensive transformation program and secured valuable licence agreements with various State governments. In his role at Wotif.com, Robbie helped build a market leading business across the hotel sector during a period of significant industry disruption. Most recently at the Australian bank and payment fintech, Tyro Payments, he led the company through the post Financial Services Industry Royal Commission environment with a focus on risk culture, cultural alignment and employee engagement whilst driving strong transaction growth from ~$13 billion [AUD] to in excess of $30 billion [AUD] over 4 years.

“Given The Star’s significant investments to develop world-class tourism and entertainment destinations in South East Queensland and Sydney, the Company will benefit significantly from both his understanding of the industry’s regulatory environment and extensive insights and experience across the hotel and broader hospitality sector.

“Robbie is well placed to lead The Star and restore confidence in the organisation. He is an outstanding choice to guide the Company through its critical ongoing renewal program, a body of work already underway that will deliver a number of near and medium-term initiatives focused on governance, culture, training, systems and technology.”

Cooke, whose appointment and commencement date will be confirmed upon gaining regulatory approval, said he was committed to helping Star rebuild its reputation.

“There are challenges for The Star that have been well documented,” he said. “They will be my priority and focus. Ensuring continuity of the business through a comprehensive renewal program is of paramount importance.”

Hotel News Media: Blackstone gets green light to operate Crown Sydney Casino

Blackstone gets green light to operate Crown Sydney Casino


The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has approved funds manager Blackstone’s suitability to hold a casino licence in NSW, paving the way for the company to become the operator of Crown Sydney casino.

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority has approved funds manager Blackstone’s suitability to hold a casino licence in NSW, paving the way for the company to become the operator of Crown Sydney casino. 

Authority Chairperson Philip Crawford said Blackstone had been subject to an extensive probity assessment that examined its capacity to address the risks and issues of concern identified in the Bergin Report.

“The probity assessment has also resulted in certain persons being approved to become “close associates” of Crown Sydney,” Mr Crawford said.

“These approvals are a key step in the Authority’s ongoing work to ensure Crown Sydney is able to fully meet its undertakings for major operational, governance and structural reforms.

“As the prospective owner of Crown Resorts, Blackstone has been required to demonstrate the highest standards of probity as well as a commitment to deliver the full suite of operational changes recommended by the Bergin Inquiry.

“This commitment is vital to ensure Crown Sydney is free from criminal influence and properly manages the risks of harm associated with casino activities.” 

The Authority’s regulatory approvals follow a meeting of Crown shareholders on 20 May that voted overwhelmingly to accept Blackstone’s takeover offer. 

Mr Crawford said Blackstone has also been required to meet certain conditions under a private equity model of ownership.

“These approvals and conditions are dependent on Blackstone gaining Federal Court approval for its takeover of Crown, as well as the necessary regulatory approvals from Victorian and Western Australia regulators, Mr Crawford said.  

“Separately, the Authority has worked closely with Crown on plans for a conditional opening of gaming at Crown Sydney  

 “This would allow the Authority to monitor the implementation by Crown of  its obligations under revised internal control measures.”

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Hotel News Media: Star 'not suitable' for casino licence

Star 'not suitable' for casino licence


A period of "deep reflection" is needed at Star Entertainment before the gaming giant is fit to hold a casino licence, an inquiry into its Sydney casino has been told. 

The NSW gaming regulator inquiry has examined claims the ASX-listed company enabled suspected money laundering, organised crime, fraud and foreign interference at The Star Sydney as part of assessing its fitness to hold a casino licence.

The 36 day inquiry was told notorious junket Suncity operated an illegal cage at the casino, that the venue flouted rules on China Union Pay debit cards on which $900 million was transacted, and that Star staff lied to banks and did not do enough in dealings with regulators.

There was evidence that Star worked covertly to stop the public hearings taking place.

"We submit that the evidence in the public hearing establishes that The Star is not suitable to hold the casino licence and that its close associate Star Entertainment is not suitable either," counsel assisting Naomi Sharp SC said in closing submissions on Tuesday.

Ms Sharp said Star and its Sydney casino were only at the start of their journey "about what has gone wrong within these organisations".

"There has not yet been the period of deep reflection which of course will be necessary in order to develop a concrete plan about what ... can bring these corporations into a position of suitability," she said.

She urged Adam Bell SC, who is helming the inquiry, to adopt the approach set out in the Finkelstein review of rival Crown Resorts that if "most norms" are infringed then a company's "journey is at its end".  

Ms Sharp said there was a lack of supervision in Star's international VIP team, headed by John Chong and then Marcus Lim, with "certain shortcomings" existing on high-value patrons, and failures to notify Star's board.

The inquiry has previously been told a Chinese-born high roller about whom The Star Sydney harboured potential money-laundering concerns turned over more than $2 billion at the venue. There was also testimony of Star staff providing fake source of funds documents to the Bank of China in Macau.

Star's legal team also came in for criticism, with Ms Sharp pointing to "abuse" of legal professional privilege and describing some Star legal practices as unethical.

She attacked evidence of Star lawyers, especially that of ex-chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin, labelling her testimony pedantic, technical, and non-responsive, and arguing she failed to take personal responsibility.

Ms Sharp also critiqued evidence of Star's former general manager of financial crime and investigations, Kevin Houlihan, over his statement she said was "like entering a labyrinth" and "not a forthcoming account".

There was "very considerable concern" about the evidence of former chief financial officer Harry Theodore, while the testimony of former chief executive Matt Bekier, who stepped down earlier this year, was praised as "frank and candid".

On risk management, Ms Sharp described Star's framework as containing "very serious" failings in the international VIP team and within The Star Sydney, and the venue's possible underpayment of gaming duty.

Responsibility for risk shortcomings lay with internal casino divisions, senior management and the board, she said.

Ms Sharp SC outlined 26 areas she would address in closing, including looking at whether Star failed to pay sufficient NSW gaming duties and if it breached continuous disclosure obligations in selective briefings to investors.

There has been a clean-out of Star top brass since the inquiry began, including Mr Bekier, Mr Theodore, chief casino officer Greg Hawkins, Ms Martin and board chairman John O'Neill.

The inquiry continues on Tuesday.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Hotel News Media Blog: US Casinos Had Best Month Ever in March, Winning $5.3B

US Casinos Had Best Month Ever in March, Winning $5.3B


ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Inflation may be soaring, supply chains remain snarled and the coronavirus just won’t go away, but America’s casinos are humming right along, recording the best month in their history in March.

The American Gaming Association, the gambling industry’s national trade group, said Wednesday that U.S. commercial casinos won more than $5.3 billion from gamblers in March, the best single-month total ever. The previous record month was July 2021 at $4.92 billion.

The casinos collectively also had their best first quarter ever, falling just short of the $14.35 billion they won from gamblers in the fourth quarter of last year, which was the highest three-month period in history.

Three states set quarterly revenue records to start this year: Arkansas ($147.4 million); Florida ($182 million), and New York ($996.6 million).

The numbers do not include tribal casinos, which report their income separately and are expected to report similarly positive results.

But while the national casino economy is doing well, there are pockets of sluggishness such as Atlantic City, where in-person casino revenue has not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

“Consumers continue to seek out gaming’s entertainment options in record numbers,” said Bill Miller, the association’s president and CEO. He said the strong performance to start 2022 came ”despite continued headwinds from supply chain constraints, labor shortages and the impact of soaring inflation.”

The trade group also released its annual State of the States report on Wednesday, examining gambling’s performance across the country.

As previously reported, nationwide casino revenue set an all-time high in 2021 at $53.03 billion, up 21% from the previous best year, 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

But the report includes new details, including that commercial casinos paid a record $11.69 billion in direct gambling tax revenue to state and local governments in 2021. That’s an increase of 75% from 2020 and 15 percent from 2019. This does not include the billions more paid in income, sales and other taxes, the association said.

It also ranked the largest casino markets in the U.S. in terms of revenue for 2021:

The Las Vegas Strip is first at $7.05 billion, followed by: Atlantic City ($2.57 billion); the Chicago area ($2.01 billion); Baltimore-Washington D.C. ($2 billion); the Gulf Coast ($1.61 billion); New York City ($1.46 billion); Philadelphia ($1.40 billion); Detroit ($1.29 billion); St. Louis ($1.03 billion); and the Boulder Strip in Nevada ($967 million).

The association divides most of Pennsylvania’s casinos into three separate markets: Philadelphia, the Poconos and Pittsburgh. Their combined revenue of nearly $2.88 billion would make them the second largest market in the country if judged as a single entity. It also counts downtown Las Vegas, and its $731 million in revenue, as a separate market.

Seven additional states legalized sports betting and two more added internet gambling in 2021.

The group reported many states saw gamblers spending more in casinos while visiting them in lower numbers compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

The average age of a casino patron last year was 43 1/2, compared to 49 1/2 in 2019.

Americans bet $57.7 billion on sports last year, more than twice the amount from 2020. That generated $4.33 billion in revenue, an increase of nearly 180% over 2020.

Internet gambling revenue reached $3.71 billion last year, and three states — New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan — each won more than $1 billion online. West Virginia’s internet gambling market reached $60.9 million in revenue in its first full year of operation, while Connecticut’s two internet casinos reported combined revenue of $47.6 million after launching in October.

Monday, May 02, 2022

Hotel News Media: Bally's River West Resort - Casino in Chicago, USA?

Bally's River West Resort - Casino in Chicago, USA?


Rhode Island-based Bally's appears to be the last casino up for consideration in the Windy City of Chicago.

Alderman Pat Dowell announced on Monday she "cannot support” Hard Rock International’s plan to open a casino as part of the proposed mega-development in her ward, citing neighbors’ fears over crime and the potential for overcrowding.

Bally's is the only proposal left on the table.  That company is looking to develop a casino resort in the River West section of the city.  The alderman there has not come out against a gambling site in the ward.

City leaders are looking to tap revenue from the eventual casino to fund Chicago's pension obligations.

“I believe a casino will support the growth and prosperity of the City by adding a sought-after destination amenity to Chicago’s already world-class tourism and hospitality offerings,” Dowell wrote in her statement. “I know first-hand how vital a casino is to the City’s bottom line. The revenues from a Chicago casino will go a long way towards ensuring we meet our obligations to the Police and Fire pension funds.”

But she added that city leaders must balance the “positive aspects of each casino proposal” against “the needs and wishes of the existing community.”

“The Hard Rock Casino at ONE Central would be dropped into an existing, well-established family community in the Prairie District of Chicago’s South Loop,” Dowell wrote. “Because of that, I have concerns about the density of the Hard Rock Casino proposal.”

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Monday, April 25, 2022

Hotel News Media: OpenSea Delists Sands Vegas Casino Club NFTs after Cease & Desist Orders

OpenSea Delists Sands Vegas Casino Club NFTs after Cease & Desist Orders

OpenSea Delists Sands Vegas Casino Club Gambler NFTs.

This month two U.S states issued cease-and-desist orders to Sands Vegas Casino Club for NFT sales.

Sands Vegas Casino Club reportedly sold NFTs to fund a Metaverse casino, classifying them as securities.

It has been a mixed year for leading NFT marketplace OpenSea. In January, OpenSea saw trading volumes hit a record high before a sharp decline through February and March.

NFT market conditions have improved in April, with OpenSea Ethereum (ETH) based NFT trading volumes already sitting above March levels.

According to Dune Analytics, Ethereum-based NFT trading volume for April sits at $2.68bn with a week to go. For March, trading volumes stood at $2.49bn.

With NFT market conditions improving, OpenSea appears to be taking a more cautious approach to avoid regulatory fallout.

OpenSea Delists Sands Vegas Casino Club NFT Sales

This week, OpenSea suspended the sale of Sands Vegas Casino Club Gambler Ape NFTs. This time last week, OpenSea continued to allow the trading of the Gambler NFTs despite regulatory action against the virtual casino.

According to the Sand Vegas roadmap, Sand Vegas Casino acquired 27 plots in Sandbox in January 2022. The virtual casino aimed to meet all regulatory/legal requirements between March and August 2022.

The OpenSea Help Center states that it delists NFTs if it determines the NFT to:

The delisting will cut a funding source for the virtual casino.

Owners of the Gambler NFTs purportedly share in half the casino profits generated.

The OpenSea delisting follows the cease & desist orders from the states of Texas and Alabama.

While the casino website is still up and running and states that the SVCC NFTs are sold out, the Twitter account @sandsvegascasino no longer exists.

Alabama and Texas Issue Sands Vegas Cease-and-Desist Orders

This month FX Empire reported on Alabama and Texas issuing Sands Vegas Casino Club with cease-and-desist orders.

The two states said that the online casino sold NFTs to fund operations. According to the state laws of Alabama and Texas, the NFTs constituted an illegal securities offering.

The Texas State Securities Board press release stated that the virtual casino offered,

“11,111 Gambler NFTs in connection with their development metaverse casinos in popular metaverses such as the Sandbox (SAND), Decentraland (MANA), Infinity Void, and NFT Worlds.”

The press release went on to say,

“Gamblers, acting through avatars, can enter the metaverse casino and play poker and other games using cryptocurrencies. Purchasers of the Gambler NFTs profit from these operations. Not only do they become owners of the metaverse casinos, but they also purportedly share in half the profits generated.”

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Vegas' Circa Resort & Casino to Debut 35,000 Square Feet of Meeting and Convention Space

Vegas' Circa Resort & Casino to Debut 35,000 Square Feet of Meeting and Convention Space


LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2022) – Circa Resort & Casino, downtown Las Vegas’ first new resort in four decades, will debut 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space this September. When the property opened in late 2020, it changed the downtown landscape with unmatched amenities and architecture. The opening of its new event space marks the next phase in Circa’s evolution and delivers a completely new option for planners seeking an upscale and lively Las Vegas experience off the Strip.

“As meetings and conventions make their grand return to Las Vegas, we’re excited to introduce our stunning new event spaces to meet this moment,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa. “Since our opening, we have been working tirelessly to meet this next phase of growth and provide a remarkable experience for meeting planners and attendees. At our core, we love to throw a great event, and we’ve thought through every detail to help you do that on any scale, with our resort as your backdrop.

Available to book immediately at the downtown Las Vegas casino-resort, the property will offer groups top-tier audio and visual capabilities, customizable spaces for groups of up to 1,000 guests and top-tier customer services. For an overview of Circa’s meeting and event spaces, click here. 

Circa’s meeting and convention offerings will feature a ballroom, breakout rooms and banquet space, adjacent pre-function space and a robust 1,600-square-foot outdoor terrace. Outfitted to complement Circa’s mid-century, art deco and modern design motifs, the spaces were designed by JCJ Architecture with the original design concept from Steelman Partners.  


Advanced Technology

Circa’s spaces will be equipped with the latest technology for easy, on-the-spot functionality. Special environmental measures have been put in place and include LED lighting and adaptive, intelligent controlled HVAC systems that adjust temperatures for changing ecosystems.

The facilities also will be home to state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities and will include 16K LU laser projectors, retractable screens, audio tie lines, patchable ethernet tie lines, strands of patchable single mode fiber in pairs on LC connectors, quad outlets, LED screens and more.

Customizable Meeting Spaces

With adaptability and customization in mind, all spaces have been planned for multiple configurations and combination seating to exceed meeting planners’ needs. In continuation of Circa’s tradition of honoring Las Vegas’s history, each of the five main meeting spaces are named after iconic Las Vegas motels from past eras:

Galaxy: The largest of Circa’s meeting spaces, Galaxy shares its name with the short-lived Galaxy Motel. Four adjoining meeting rooms will boast 14,456 square feet of space and a 1,677-square-foot outdoor terrace overlooking the city. The Galaxy Ballroom was designed to be able to host a multitude of events with a large LED screen, built in audio-visual capabilities, full rigging and a partition wall that opens the ballroom to the pre-function spaces. 

Starlite: Opened in the 1950s and still operating today, Starlite became popular due to its star-themed rooms during the height of the Space Age. This space includes 3,572 square feet of space across three rooms and includes built in audio-visual, full rigging and access to pre-function spaces.

Carousel: Circa sits on the site formerly home to the Carousel, a casino where guests could dine on an assortment of delicacies for 96 cents. The meeting spaces offer 1,651 square feet across three rooms and feature built in audio-visual and access to pre-function spaces.

Ambassador: Beginning as apartments in the 1930s and remaining open as a motel through 2007, the Ambassador vintage sign can still be seen at downtown Las Vegas’ Life is Beautiful festival. Circa’s two Ambassador meeting spaces can be booked together for a total of 1,055 square feet with built in audio-visual and access to pre-function spaces.

La Concha: Described as “The Jetsons meets coffee shop,” La Concha Motel was built on a shoestring budget and remained open for 45 years. Circa’s La Concha room features 920 square feet of space and has built in audio-visual capabilities and access to pre-function spaces.

Bonanza Office: The Bonanza Office is named after the iconic Bonanza Casino, which is now Bally’s on The Strip. The hard-walled office space features 192 square feet of private space.

Sasha Lee, Circa’s Director of Sales, said, “In addition to our new meeting spaces, planners can book events throughout the resort in creative spaces including the world’s largest sportsbook; a year-round pool amphitheater; restaurants from celebrated chefs and much more. We’ve worked to create a unique meetings experience, and our team of experts will help you create an event destination that allows companies to work hard, and later, play hard.”

World-Class Amenities

Meeting options outside the event space include Circa’s hotel suites, 60th floor cocktail lounge, restaurants, and entertainment areas:

Suite Life: Standing at 458 ft. tall and 35 stories high, Circa’s hotel tower is the tallest building north of the Las Vegas Strip, affording breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding mountains. With design elements that pay homage to vintage Vegas, Circa’s rooms range from 439 to 1,830 square feet.

Founder’s Suite: The largest of the rooms, the Founder’s Suite, boasts 1,830 square feet with two bedrooms, living room, dining area, bar, strip view and is a unique meeting option within Circa’s collection.

Hospitality Suite: Whether closing a deal or prepping for meetings, the Hospitality Suites provide 1,612 square feet of space for a multitude of functions and features a large dining table, marble bar, and living rooms with a variety of seating options.

Legacy Club: Sitting sky-high on the 60th floor of Circa’s hotel tower, the indoor/outdoor 9,330-square-foot Legacy Club delivers extraordinary 360-degree views of Las Vegas and is complemented by an upscale lounge, expansive outdoor terrace with fire pits and iconic artwork. The venue can hold 200 seated or 400 standing guests and can host private and semi-private events.

Vegas Vickie Cocktail Lounge: Circa’s elevated lobby cocktail lounge, Vegas Vickie’s, surrounds the iconic neon kicking cowgirl sign herself. The 130-person-capacity space is perfect for cocktail-only receptions.

World’s Largest Sportsbook: Circa is home to the world’s largest sportsbook, boasting a 78-million-pixel screen capable of playing up to 19 games at once. The space has a 1,000-person viewing capacity, 350 stadium seating capacity and ideal for sports betting groups.

Stadium Swim: The country’s largest pool destination for sports fans, Stadium Swim, is open year-round and features a 143-foot diagonal screen that plays the day’s biggest games. The pool amphitheater can be rented for semi-private events or full buyouts for groups of 4,000.  

Restaurants: Circa offers five unique new-to-Vegas dining experiences from renowned chefs and restaurateurs are ideal for dining experiences before, after or during meetings:

Barry’s Downtown Prime, the first downtown venture from Chef Barry S. Dakake features 17,000 square feet of space and can host up to 350 guests. The restaurant also can customize experiences with floral and AV and has a floor plan that can be secluded or cater to a large gathering;

8 East, the first pan-Asian restaurant from Chef Dan Coughlin is home to a private dining area for 16 guests and features a cutting-edge take on Pan-Asian cuisine;

Project BBQ by Chef Rex Bernales, is the first permanent food truck and Carolina barbecue joint on the Fremont Street Experience and features a front yard in the heart of downtown’s entertainment scene that can accommodate 50 people;

Victory Burger & Wings Co. from American Coney Island’s Chris Sotiropoulos and Grace Keros, features a secluded overlook for 15 people with views of the world’s largest sportsbook. Their menu boasts mouthwatering burgers, wings and appetizers; and

Saginaw’s Delicatessen from Detroit restaurateur Paul Saginaw is home to a deli serving up deli favorites, all-day breakfast and world-famous sandwiches so big you’ll need two hands to eat them.  

A full kitchen will be dedicated to Circa’s convention space, serving up delectable food and beverage experiences to elevate any event into an unforgettable occasion. For more information or to book a meeting, visit circalasvegas.com. To view the sales kit, click here.

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Hotel News Media: DPA and its famous worldwide gifting suites are coming to Circa Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas

DPA and its famous worldwide gifting suites are coming to Circa Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas


DPA and its famous worldwide gifting suites are coming to Circa Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas

“The DPA pre–Grammys drive up” at Circa resort and casino will offer 75 gift bags to nominees and presenters

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA, March 10, 2022 - Few years ago, Nathalie Dubois and DPA produced the official Billboard Music awards DPA gift suite, backstage at the Billboard Music awards for Dick Clark Productions, at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. In February 2021, in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis in LA, she created the first “Drive up”, the week of the Golden Globes. Stars nominated for a Globe came to a hotel, open their trunks, and got all their presents. ! The firm (owner of giftingsuite.com) used that lockdown time, to revamp its concept and stayed alive.

DPA decided to come to Las Vegas, the week of the Grammys, and teamed up with Circa Resort and Casino and Barry’s Downtown Prime. “When I planned my event, I knew I had to find the best of Vegas to team up with. I am so excited about that location and bringing my event to Downtown Las Vegas. The Drive-in idea came as a natural, as I wanted everybody to stay safe, but still to have fun the week of the Grammys, as we did a year ago for the Globes. We will only be 8 on the premises, it is a huge space outside at the Circa Resort and Casino, just steps down of famous steakhouse, Barry’s Downtown Prime and Celebrities will drive to the pick-up location and will get their bags”

Nathalie added “Our gift bags should give all our nominees some good vibes, and good spirits in this crazy time.”

The brands represented in the gift bags are : Sunday Scaries, Brandon Clinton sport horses legends and kings, Dr J’s, Milena Candles, Oille cosmetics, Beach sandy, Topochico, Tough As A Mother Tribe, Mantra Mask, Luxie Beauty, Fazup, Soori Bali, Social Sparkling wine, Chipz Happen, The Path, Paid to be perfect , Selee, Jus d’amour by Mercedes , Peaches skincare, Barry’s DowntownPrime, Helen Ficalora, Moods by Yemmie, DebCo Dogo, Frankie Dean, Manna Kadar, Richard Garnier, Facial lounge, Hearthstone Collective , CLCKR, HEAVENSAKE, The Candy Pushers, and Skinmedica .

DPA was touched and affected by the crisis in Ukraine and decided to give away one of these coveted gift bags to a charitable organization raising funds to help Ukrainian in needs.

About DPA and Nathalie Dubois: A veteran in the production of star-studded events, Nathalie Dubois, CEO of DPA, has proven herself to be exceptionally innovative and successful in the realm of celebrity gift suites. DPA run normally luxurious and spectacular gifting suites in LA, the weeks of various award shows, but also can be seen in the biggest film festivals such as Cannes, Venice or Toronto.

About

Barry’s Downtown Prime: Vintage glamour and hospitality meet modern innovation and design at Barry’s Downtown Prime, the new steakhouse concept from Chef Barry S. Dakake and Make It Happen Hospitality. Barry’s Downtown Prime will deliver the city’s finest steaks and seafood, fresh tableside preparations, creative cocktails, and a memorable service experience. Evoking a throwback vibe worthy of Downtown’s legacy, Barry’s will bring guests back to the classic cool of the 50s and 60s when great music and sounds of clinking martini glasses filled the air, the chef greeted you at the table, the bartender knew your favorite cocktail, and everyone felt like a VIP.

About

Circa: Opened October 28, 2020, Circa Resort & Casino delivers an all-new integrated resort concept to the heart of Downtown Las Vegas at the historic Fremont Street. The only 21+ resort in the city, Circa combines the best of Las Vegas service in a modern, state-of-the-art setting. The 1.25-million-square-foot resort and casino has the world’s largest sportsbook, innovative entertainment and gaming, and unparalleled personalized offerings inspired by old-school Las Vegas hospitality. Circa presents eclectic dining options including premium steaks and seafood at Barry’s Downtown Prime from Chef Barry S. Dakake, Pan-Asian fare at 8 East from Chef Dan Coughlin, classic delicatessen cuisine at Saginaw’s Delicatessen from restaurateur Paul Saginaw, authentic Carolina barbecue at Project BBQ, and all-star menus at Victory Burger & Wings Co. from the founding family of American Coney Island. The resort also showcases a dynamic year-round pool amphitheater, Stadium Swim, that boast a 14-million-megapixel LED screen as the backdrop.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Hotel News Media Blog: HardRockCasino.com Player Wins More Than $198,000

HardRockCasino.com Player Wins More Than $198,000



Atlantic City, N.J. (Feb. 25, 2022) – HardRockCasino.com player William A. from Northern New Jersey won $198,743.44 on NetEnt’s Divine Fortune slot machine on Wednesday, Feb. 23. A frequent in-person player at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, William A. decided play his favorite casino online at HardRockCasino.com where he noticed the jackpot nearing $200,000, and decided to place a $20 bet.


About Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers 2,250 slots, 120 table games, and dedicated Sportsbook. The highly regarded resort has been recognized as Forbes Best Place to Work in New Jersey, as well as awards from Casino Player Magazine’s 2020 and 2021 Best of Gaming Awards and USA Today’s 10Best Casinos. Boasting more than 16 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, Sandpiper and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa® & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. For more information or to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.


About Hard Rock®:

Hard Rock International (HRI)  is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in 68 countries spanning 253 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2021, Hard Rock was honored as one of Forbes Magazine’s Best Employers for Diversity, a Top Employer for Women and the Top Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. Hard Rock was also designated as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal and named the top performing hotel brand in J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study for the third consecutive year in 2021. The brand is owned by HRI parent entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

Tuesday, February 08, 2022

Hotel News Media: Man Located After Leaving Vegas Not Knowing He Won Jackpot

Man Located After Leaving Vegas Not Knowing He Won Jackpot


LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada gambling regulators say their investigation tracked down an Arizona man who left Las Vegas after a visit last month not knowing he’d won a $229,368 slot machine jackpot.

The machine being played by Robert Taylor malfunctioned due to a “communication error” and neither he nor the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino realized that he’d won a progressive jackpot the evening of Jan. 8, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said Friday in a statement.

The jackpot was confirmed later after a review but Taylor had returned to Arizona by then and the casino was unable to identify him, the board’s statement said.

The board said it then began an investigation and eventually identified Taylor after two weeks of checking surveillance video, conducting witness interviews, studying electronic purchase records and reviewing ride-sharing data.

According to the board, it was important to locate Taylor to ensure he received what was owed to him and to maintain public trust in the casino industry.

Taylor, whose hometown was not released, was notified of his jackpot on Jan. 28 and he planned to collect at the casino this weekend, the board said.

Casino representatives did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking additional information.

Friday, February 04, 2022

Hotel News Media Blog: MGM Resorts, BetMGM and The National Hockey League Announce Partnership Extension

MGM Resorts, BetMGM and The National Hockey League Announce Partnership Extension


LAS VEGAS, Feb. 3, 2022 -- MGM Resorts International, BetMGM, a leading sports betting and digital gaming operator, and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced a multi-year extension of their groundbreaking partnership. The news comes as MGM Resorts, which operates T-Mobile Arena, prepares to host Honda NHL® All-Star Weekend festivities in Las Vegas Feb. 4-5. Several special events will take place at MGM Resorts’ iconic properties along the Las Vegas Strip as well.

As an official sports betting and resort partner of the NHL, BetMGM and MGM Resorts will continue using NHL brands to enhance the experience for both customers and guests. BetMGM and MGM Resorts will continue to be integrated into the NHL’s jewel events, with camera-visible signage and on-site activation opportunities. Additionally, BetMGM and MGM Resorts will maintain the ability to reach hockey fans through communications to subscribers from the NHL’s fan database.

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with MGM Resorts and BetMGM,” said Evin Dobson, NHL Group Vice President, Partnership Marketing. “Our extension enables us to continue to work together on delivering innovative content programming to connect with our passionate fans. We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with MGM Resorts and BetMGM and collaborate on new opportunities for fan engagement.”

Lance Evans, Senior Vice President, Sports & Sponsorships, MGM Resorts, said, “Our partnership with the NHL has been a tremendous success, allowing us to provide guests and hockey fans with unparalleled access to their favorite teams. Alongside BetMGM, we remain committed to helping the League grow its audience, while offering fans new and entertaining experiences.”

BetMGM Chief Executive Officer Adam Greenblatt added, “This collaboration allows BetMGM to deliver the best-in-class hockey product, including a wide-variety of NHL wagering options. We will continue to work with the League to reach new fans, as we expand into new markets.”

BetMGM, MGM Resorts and the NHL share the priority of encouraging responsible gaming activity. All three are official partners of the American Gaming Association’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign to educate new and seasoned bettors on responsible sports wagering.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Announces Winners of 2022 Lucky Hearts Poker Open

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Announces Winners of 2022 Lucky Hearts Poker Open



Hollywood, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood concluded its 2022 Lucky Hearts Poker Open (LHPO) on Wednesday with the second biggest World Poker Tour (WPT) live field in its history. Besting 1,982 entries in the WPT LHPO Championship, Alexander Yen of Indianapolis, Ind. made history by winning $975,240.

“It feels absolutely incredible,” said Yen. “I’ve never won a live tournament before. I don’t even think I’ve won online, so this is a pretty unreal feeling.”

The $3,500 WPT LHPO finale boasted a final prize pool of more than $6.3 million, easily exceeding the $2 million guarantee. The last 248 spots were paid $6,275 for a min-cash.

Championship Final Table Results:

1st: Alexander Yen Indianapolis, Ind. $975,240

2nd: Anton Wigg Stockholm, Sweeden $650,180

3rd: Daniel Lazrus Long Island, N.Y. $482,380

4th: Nicholas Verderamo Baltimore, Md. $361,130

5th: Josh Kay Delray Beach, Fla. $272,830

6th: Omar Lakhdari Paris, France $208,025

The 33-event LHPO kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 13 with the $600 Deep Stack No Limit Hold’em (NLH) opener. With a state record of 4,960 entries, the event more than doubled the $1 million guaranteed, creating a total prize pool of more than $2.5 million. Farid Jattin Miami, Fla. won the opener earning $306,832 after a heads-up deal with second place finisher Dustin Nelson Tallahassee, Fla.

Other signature event winners include:

Jonathan Jaffe Plantation, Fla. winning the $25,500 High Roller NLH (Re-Entry) for $574,085

James Romero Wilsonville, Ore. winning the $2,200 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry) for $167,285

Taylor Von Kriegenbergh Jersey City, N.J. winning the $5,000 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry) for $220,495

Poker Action will return to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood with Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown March 24 – April 12, 2022, headlined by the $400 Deep Stack NLH series opener with a $500,000 guarantee and the $3,500 WPT Poker Showdown Championship boasting a $3 million guarantee.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Hotel News Media: Casinos Of The World

 




World Directory Global Gaming Directory World Casino Directory

Punters, here's 10 of the world's top land based casinos for you to mark down in your travel plans.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Perched above the Mediterranean and bounded by the French
and Italian coastlines on either side, Monaco provides a spectacular and luxurious setting for the wealthy and the wannabees. Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo, this isn't the place for those on a tight budget. The magnificent Casino hosts the annual European Poker Tour and was also the scene of several James Bond Films, including the original "Casino Royale" and "Golden Eye".

Paradise Island, Bahamas: Located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, Paradise
Island is best known for its sprawling 'Vegas-by-the-sea' resort, Atlantis. The resort spans seven acres along a lagoon, where guests can soak up the Caribbean sun and choose from a variety of outdoor gaming areas. When in need of a break from the tables, guests can enjoy the private beach or one of the resorts 20 sunlit pools.

Melbourne, Australia: As Australia's sporting and entertainment capital, Melbourne
offers the perfect option for high rollers looking for a local break. Aussies need look no further than Crown Casino on the southern bank of the Yarra River, which is one of the largest casino complexes in the southern hemisphere. The main gambling floor stretches more than half a kilometre and the casino was the first to introduce the new game Rapid Roulette, which allows players to place bets on a personal electronic touch screen connected to a central roulette wheel.

Macau, China: Known as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient,' and the gambling capital of Asia, Macau now rivals Monaco and Las Vegas as one of the premier gambling destinations in the world. With no less than 33 casinos, in addition to local horse and greyhound racing venues, Macau is perfect for the betting junkie. The Wynn Macau casino is a standout, highlighted by 24-carat gold 'Tree of Prosperity' at the entrance, extravagant water displays and Moon Jellyfish Aquarium at reception.

Baden-Baden, Germany: Situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and on the banks of the Oos River, Baden-Baden is not your typical casino town. However, in addition to its hot springs and picturesque countryside, the town is also known for its 200-year-old 'Spielbank' casino - the oldest of its type in Germany. With French chateau-style salons rooms named after historical figures such as Madame Pompadour and Louis XV's mistress, the quirky casino provides visitors with a very unique gaming experience.

Las Vegas, United States: With over 1700 licensed casinos in operation, Las Vegas offers the ultimate package for travellers who fancy a flutter. A visit to the famous 'Strip' is a must for any player, whether they're looking for a spin on the roulette table or a game of blackjack - this city has it all. The iconic Caesar's Palace hotel and casino offers 129,000 square feet of casino space plus an endless smorgasbord of entertainment, shopping and fine dining options, including Cleopatra's barge, a floating lounge perfect for a relaxing drink after a jam-packed night on the casino floor.

Manila, The Philippines: With a favourable exchange rate, Manila provides great value for Aussies wanting to live the high-life overseas. The city offers a range of shopping and entertainment options, along with a world-class casino at the Hyatt Hotel. Spread across three levels, the sparkling casino offers the newest in gaming facilities for both hotel guests and visitors, and is just a short distance from Manila's tourist hub.

Sun City, South Africa: Known as 'Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure,' this luxury resort and casino complex, just two hours from Johannesburg, boasts two large casinos, two 18-hole golf courses and a wildlife reserve. At the extravagant yet picturesque Palace of the Lost City, guests are treated to stunning valley views from the guestrooms, along with exclusive access to the Grand Pool. The nearby Sun City Casino is the entertainment Mecca of the resort, featuring a myriad of gaming options as well as an indoor jungle of native foliage and water fountains.

Atlantic City, United States: Regarded as the US's 'Las Vegas of the East', Atlantic City in New Jersey is renowned for its gambling, shopping and fine dining. Towering above the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the Trump Taj Mahal casino is an icon of the city, with an on-site shopping district and an abundance of restaurants and bars. The 157,000 square-foot casino is also hard to miss, with 3,500 slot machines and 200 table games. Unveiled in 1990 by a number of celebrities, including the late Michael Jackson, the casino is the second-largest in Atlantic City and well worth a visit.

Genting Highlands, Malaysia: Nestled on the Titiwangsa mountain range, just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur and 6,000 feet above sea level, the Resorts World Genting offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. This spectacular resort has first-class accommodation, dining and entertainment, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of a capital city. The on-site casino, which covers 200,000 square feet, is Malaysia's sole gaming venue and is divided into separate themed areas, such as Hollywood and Monte Carlo, for the ultimate gambling experience.


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Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Hotel News Media Blog: Investments in New Projects on Tap for 2022 in Atlantic City

Investments in New Projects on Tap for 2022 in Atlantic City


Atlantic City’s casinos are forging ahead with ambitious new projects in 2022, even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to make it harder to do business.

And non-casino projects involving family entertainment, education and the offshore wind industry will take flight in the new year.

But challenges lurk, as well.

In-person gambling revenue at seven of the nine casinos is down compared with 2019, before the pandemic hit. Sports betting and internet gambling revenue has filled some of the gap, but that money must be shared with third parties, including technology platforms and sports books, and is not solely for the casinos to keep.

A law passed signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in December gives the casinos some relief from big increases in payments they were due to pay to Atlantic City, Atlantic County and the schools system in lieu of property taxes.

A big unknown is how long and how seriously the COVID19 pandemic, and particularly the fast-spreading omicron variant, will affect customers’ willingness to come out and gamble in person in 2022.

And a big challenge is right around the corner when New York begins allowing people to bet on phones or other mobile devices anywhere in the state, as soon as January but almost certainly in time for the Super Bowl in February.

Gambling industry executives and analysts expect New Jersey to lose at least 20% of its sports betting volume as New York residents who formerly had to cross over into New Jersey to bet will be able to do it at or close to home.

Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts casino, said he is “tremendously optimistic for a great year” in 2022.

Starting in February, Resorts is renovating its rooftop pool, adding a retractable roof to enable it to be used year-round. Resorts also is investing $5 million into new table games and slot machines, remodeling its high-limit slots area, and creating a new VIP Asian-themed room.

The Ocean Casino Resort plans to begin a $75 million project in spring or summer to finish 12 floors of hotel rooms that were never completed when the casino first opened as Revel in 2012.

Caesars casino will start work in 2022 on a new theater and resident show due to open in the first quarter of 2023. The project will incorporate the facade of the former Warner Theatre from 1929, which is currently part of the casino’s exterior facing the Boardwalk.

Also planned for Caesars in 2022 is a new restaurant opened by a hospitality company involving actor Robert De Niro that also will renovate hotel rooms there. Caesars Entertainment is partnering with Nobu Hospitality for a project to be called Nobu Hotel Atlantic City.

Bally’s will unveil 750 renovated hotel rooms, a redone hotel lobby and bar, and an indoor-outdoor entertainment venue in 2022.

A $100 million indoor water park to be built next to the former Showboat casino, which now operates as a nongambling hotel, plans a ground breaking for early 2022.

Atlantic City will host a three-day country music concert on the beach in August headlined by Luke Bryan and Morgan Wallen.

Construction is to begin in 2022 on a new ShopRite supermarket in Atlantic City, designed to end the city’s status as a “food desert” without a major supermarket. The project should open in 2023.

Stockton University hopes to complete a new student residence hall in the city in 2022.

Atlantic City will play a big role in the burgeoning offshore wind energy industry. Atlantic Cape Community College plans to open a wind energy workforce training center on its city campus in the fall, and wind developer Orsted hopes to start work in 2022 on a maintenance and operations center in Atlantic City to support its offshore wind projects in the area.

And a plan that has gotten little attention outside of Atlantic City but which will affect most visitors to the city is due to begin in 2022.

The city plans to reduce Atlantic Avenue, one of its two main north-south thoroughfares, from two lanes in each direction to one lane in each direction, in the name of pedestrian safety.

But many residents and businesses oppose the plan, predicting that traffic that is already difficult to navigate under current conditions will become even worse with only one lane in each direction.

(AP)

Monday, January 10, 2022

Hotel News Media is part of the Media Man Group

Hotel News Media is part of the Media Man Group




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Hottest On TV



Hotel News Media Blog: Newly Affirmed, Tribe Looks at Casino Plans With Fresh Eyes

Newly Affirmed, Tribe Looks at Casino Plans With Fresh Eyes

The new head of a Massachusetts tribe says he intends to take a cautious approach to gambling while turning attention to social challenges and other economic opportunities for tribal members.

As he begins his first full year in office, the new head of a Massachusetts tribe says he intends to take a cautious approach to gambling while turning attention to social challenges and other economic opportunities for its members.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Brian Weeden, who is 29 and is the youngest ever to old the post, said last month's decision by President Joe Biden's administration to affirm the tribe’s reservation and reverse a controversial Trump-era order gives the tribe legal footing to continue pursuing its long standing casino dreams.

But he said tribal leaders also want members to look at the idea with fresh eyes, given how much the landscape for gambling has changed.

Massachusetts currently has three major casinos — MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor and the slot parlor Plainridge Park. The separate Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe has also broken ground on a more modest gambling hall on Martha’s Vineyard, though that’s been mired in legal uncertainty. And state lawmakers are weighing legislation to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts.

“We’re back to the drawing board, basically,” said Weeden, who took office in May, in a wide-ranging interview Thursday. “There’s still an appetite for gaming. It just needs to be a smart approach. It has to be different from the past. We need to learn from our mistakes and proceed with caution.”

Meanwhile, anti-casino residents in Taunton, the city where the Mashpee Wampanoag project is proposed, have asked a Boston federal judge to reopen their legal challenge.

They argue, as they have before, that the tribe wasn't eligible for a reservation because it wasn't an officially recognized tribe in 1934, the year the federal Indian Reorganization Act, which laid the foundation for modern federal Indian policy, became law.

The opponents have also argued the tribe's lands in Taunton shouldn't have been included in its reservation because they're some 50 miles from the tribe's home base on Cape Cod and weren't part of the tribe's historical domain. The tribe’s reservation encompasses about 170 acres in the town of Mashpee and another 150 acres acres in Taunton.

Weeden said the latest legal challenge won’t deter the tribe, which traces its ancestry to the Native Americans whom the Pilgrims encountered centuries ago but which was federally recognized only in 2007.

Just prior to last month’s decision, the tribe extended its deal with its Malaysian casino developer partners, Genting Berhad, for another year, according to Weeden.

But he said the tribe, which has roughly 3,000 members, is looking to reach new financial terms to rein in its debt to the gambling giant, which is about $600 million and growing, but which comes due only if a gambling hall actually opens. Company spokespersons didn’t respond to emails seeking comment.

Weeden said tribal members should also consider whether to scale back their casino ambitions.

Before litigation and the Trump administration order derailed it, the tribe broke ground in 2016 on a $1 billion resort casino in a former industrial park. Dubbed First Light, the resort was to include a hotel and shopping, dining and entertainment options, including a water park.

Opting to build a more modest slot parlor or bingo hall, Weeden said, would exempt it from a 17% state tax on gaming revenues, even if it meant not being able to offer popular table games like blackjack and poker.

Weeden said the tribe also shouldn’t rule out abandoning the casino plan altogether and finding other ways to bring financial stability to the tribe. He’d like to see it look into opening tax-free smoke shops, tax-free gas stations, recreational marijuana shops, and other economic development initiatives on its lands.

“We need to exercise our sovereignty,” Weeden said. “Casinos are just low-hanging fruit.”

The new chair says he also intends to focus more on homelessness, substance use and other social ills facing the tribe.

Next month, tribal leaders hope to present to members a plan to spend down the tribe’s roughly $15 million allocation from Biden's coronavirus stimulus bill. Weeden says they will also pursue federal funds through the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill Biden recently signed into law, which includes some $11 billion for tribes.

Among the projects being considered is the construction of tiny homes or cabins where homeless members can live temporarily, Weeden said. The tribe also hopes to bolster staffing and programming for substance use, mental health and other critical health services.

And with the national reckoning on racism reviving calls for reparations for Black slavery, Weeden said the tribe also intends to step up its own calls for restitution.

He says the state should return seized lands or provide financial compensation as the tribe’s current landholdings represent less than 1% of its ancestral territory.

“Everything going on in this country around social injustice and racial injustice, that’s all fine and good," Weeden said. "But the original inhabitants of this country are still fighting for what little land we have. Native Americans still don’t have their fair share.”

(A.P)


Wednesday, January 05, 2022

Hotel News Media Blog: November Best Month Ever for Nevada Sports Betting

November Best Month Ever for Nevada Sports Betting


November 2021 was the most lucrative month ever for the Silver State.  An impressive milestone considering how long Nevada has offered the activity compared to other states, which only began offering sports gambling following a US Supreme Court decision in 2018.

Nevada sportsbooks won a net $71.9 million in November, shattering the previous record win for a month by more than $11 million (November 2020).

Underdogs covered the spread in 60.4% of November games, helping to contribute to the sportsbooks bottom line. The books finished up $53.1 million on football bets for both professional and collegiate during the month.  Approximately $1.1 billion was bet during this time.

It is the second-straight month that the state has eclipsed $1 billion in wagers.

Unlike most US states, Nevada requires all mobile users to register in-person as opposed to remotely from their homes or businesses.

(Gambling911)

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Hotel News Media: Property News Media is part of the Media Man Group and includes Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Property News Media is part of the Media Man Group and includes Media Man Int and Media Man Australia





Hotel News Media Blog: Fertitta Ends $8.6 Billion Deal to Take Casino Empire Public

Fertitta Ends $8.6 Billion Deal to Take Casino Empire Public


Billionaire Tilman Fertitta reached a settlement to pull out of an $8.6 billion deal with a blank-check company that would have taken his restaurant and casino empire public.

Fertitta Entertainment Inc., the parent company of the Golden Nugget casinos and the Landry’s restaurant group, agreed to pay as much as $33 million to end a planned merger with Fast Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company formed last year.

“At the end of the day we ultimately determined that the right decision for my company was to remain private at this time,” Fertitta said in a statement on Friday. “I look forward to continuing to grow our business.”

The settlement brings to a quick resolution a dispute between Fertitta and Fast Acquisition that flared up earlier this month. Fertitta’s general counsel sent a letter Dec. 1 notifying the SPAC of its intention to call off the merger due to delays, drawing a threat of legal action in response.

Fast Acquisition shares advanced 1.2% to $10.18 as of 10:35 a.m. Friday in New York after gaining as much as 2.9%. Bonds issued by Golden Nugget were unchanged, according to Trace data.

Fertitta, who also owns the Houston Rockets basketball team, announced in February that he planned to take his casino and restaurant operations public through the SPAC. In June, he expanded the deal to add additional businesses.

Fast Acquisition, whose backers include Ruby Tuesday founder Sandy Beall, said it will continue to look for a combination with a new operating company and that the settlement will ensure the blank-check firm will remain sufficiently capitalized as it seeks a new target.

Tuesday, October 05, 2021

Thursday, September 02, 2021

Festive 2021-2022 at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

Warm greetings from Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences! 

Amilla is renowned for its spectacular events and its newly-released Festive Season schedule suggests it will live up to its reputation this year too. From the build-up to Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, right through to Orthodox Christmas, the Baa Atoll private island resort will be sizzling with live entertainment. 


Amilla will be welcoming back the Area 51 Performers, a troupe of highly-skilled entertainers, who will surprise and delight guests of all ages with performances and workshops from December 22nd right through to January 7th. 


It all kicks off with ‘What the Dickens! An Island Christmas Carol Cabaret’ on Christmas Eve. Amilla’s youngest guests will participate in a show based upon the theme of ‘the Past, Present and Future of Sustainable Fashion’. This will be followed by a delicious Christmas Eve Gala Dinner with traditional fare. The Maldivian group, Limestone Band, will set the soundtrack to the festivities with their signature upbeat rock and dance music. 

Christmas day will see a long lazy Christmas brunch followed by Santa arriving Island style to distribute gifts. 


The entertainment will continue as Amilla gears up for New Year’s Eve. A talent show on December 30th will give kids the chance to show off their skills, with help from the Area 51 Performers. 


This period would not be the same for Amilla’s Russian guests without a visit from Ded Moroz (‘Grandfather Frost’) who will arrive on New Year’s Eve with his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, to distribute gifts to the children. It will be a wonderful opportunity for children of all nationalities to learn about another culture. 


The New Year's Eve celebrations will be an island-wide extravaganza. Amilla is thrilled to announce it will be welcoming back DJ Scotts Mills, from BBC Radio One. He will be supported by Limestone Band on the main stage. The ‘Out of the Blue’ themed party will whisk guests away to a Venetian underwater world with mythical creatures, opera, violins and much more. 


Then Orthodox Christmas Eve will see a fresh twist on a traditional tale, ‘The Song of Babushka’. Amilla’s Kids’ Club team will lead children through an active retelling of the fable, leading up to a Gala Dinner fit for a Tsar, with performances representing gold, frankincense and myrrh.  


Another headline act, Dima Bilan, of Eurovision fame, will be joining the party on Orthodox Christmas Eve (January 6th). After a performance from Limestone band, he will rock the main stage with his hit songs right into the night, accompanied by Amilla’s in-house performers. Dima will perform a follow-up show on January 13th as well.

 

With so much action, Amilla will be the centre of festive fun this year and into 2022 and the resort’s Villas and Residences are filling up fast for this period.


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Hotels Of The World

Hotels Of The World