[db:作者]

The proposed legislation, introduced by congressmen David Valadao and Troy Carter, aims to establish a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security\’s Blue Campaign

Image Source: YouTube

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has expressed its support for a new law designed to stop human trafficking.

New Law Aims to Certify Businesses in Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act, introduced by Congressmen David Valadao of California and Troy Carter of Louisiana, seeks to create a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. This will certify employers who teach their staff how to spot and fight against human trafficking.

Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, said: “Businesses across hospitality, entertainment and transportation have a responsibility to bolster the front lines in the fight against human trafficking and the gaming industry is wholly committed to this imperative. The AGA thanks Reps. Valadao and Carter for their commitment to combating this detestable crime and for recognizing businesses that share this commitment.”

Congressman Valadao pointed out that California has the highest number of reported cases related to human trafficking in America. He emphasized the importance of training workers employed in key industries with skills necessary for detection and intervention concerning this crime.

Valado further stated that often employees working within hospitality, entertainment or transportation are among the first people who come across situations involving trafficking and their attentiveness can save lives. Thus, the congressman called on all government levels to unite efforts towards raising awareness about and combating the growing threat posed by this type of offense.

Congressman Calls for Action Against Human Trafficking in Major Tourist Destinations

Congressman Carter noted New Orleans’ status as one of the major tourist destinations in the US which unfortunately also serves as a hotbed for human slavery rings.

Carter further added: “This initiative honors the commitment of businesses actively working to combat these crimes and encourages more companies to join the cause. We must do everything in our power to prevent the sale and transportation of human lives.”

The proposed law directs the DHS to establish a Blue Campaign Certification Program which will grant yearly recognition to employers that adequately educate their workers on human trafficking awareness. Those businesses that join will get a completion certificate showing their fight against the vice.

Also, within two years of the implementation of this act, DHS must submit an assessment report about its impact and progress.In this regard, AGA has always been ahead of others. It launched an online training program in January 2024 together with RG24seven Virtual Training.

This initiative, rolled out during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, offers free training for gaming industry employees. It contains educative videos and quizzes followed by a recognized certificate once one completes them successfully.

-Mk Ssports

The renovation works have already started, and completion is expected at some point in October

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

The leading Maryland-based gaming and entertainment company with a solid presence across the country, Cordish Companies, opened its Live Casino Pittsburgh at Westmoreland Mall in Hempfield, Pennsylvania, nearly four years ago.

The premium gaming and entertainment location’s poker room will now undergo a renovation that has a price tag of $3 million. The works will see Live Casino Pittsburgh move its poker room from the second to the first floor of the casino.

Moreover, the space used by the poker room previously will be completely revamped into a Sports & Social restaurant and bar. In addition to a bar and restaurant, sports fans and bettors alike will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of a new lounge that will be used for a range of events.

Besides the relocation of its poker room, Live Casino Pittsburgh also plans to increase its high-limit gambling area. Three new gaming tables and slot machines will be added to the new 850-square-foot space. What’s more, a bar is also going to be added.

The poker room on the second floor marked its debut at the casino back in 2021. However, according to Sean Sullivan, Live Casino Pittsburgh’s general manager, who was recently interviewed by Trib Live, the relocation becomes a reality after the operator received customer feedback.

The exec said that the casino listened to its guests who admitted that the poker room may be left unnoticed on the second floor of the venue. Sullivan said that this vital feedback ultimately pushed the casino into the $3 million investment that will redevelop the existing poker room area and move it to a location near the entrance of the casino.

The New Poker Room Will Be More Visible, Easily Accessible

The new poker room location will make it more visible and is expected to even boost visitation. According to Sullivan, the move was necessary, considering that some people didn’t even notice the poker room at its current location.

The work required for the transfer of the poker room started about two weeks ago. Live Casino Pittsburgh anticipates that the redevelopment will be completed this October.

The new poker room will use a slightly smaller area in size. Overall, the space will be 1,050 square feet and will offer six table games with games such as Omaha and Texas Hold’em.

The announcement comes after recently, Bryan Prettyman was appointed by Cordish Companies to the role of SVP of property operations at its new Live! Casino and Hotel in Louisiana.

The property in Bossier City represents a $270 million investment and is expected to open its doors to visitors in the first quarter of 2025.

-Mk Ssports

The landmark decision of the Department of Interior puts an end to a process that was ongoing for nearly 20 years, permitting the Redding Rancheria to relocate their venue near Interstate 5

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Recognized as a leading gaming and entertainment destination, Win-River Resort and Casino, offers a wide range of table games and slot machines. Bingo, poker, as well as amenities such as restaurants are also available for visitors of the hotel casino resort near Redding in California.

For years, the federally recognized tribe, the Redding Rancheria, has been trying to relocate the Win-River Casino to a new area. Earlier this week, those efforts marked a major step forward as Redding Rancheria secured an approval for the transfer of its property to a new location.

As announced by KRCR, the federally recognized tribe was granted approval by the Department of the Interior (DOI) for the relocation of the casino property to an area along Interstate 5.

The formal approval allows the Redding Rancheria to relocate the Win-River Casino to tribe-owned land with federal trust status. The historic approval allows the land to be used for gaming purposes. More importantly, the DOI’s decision puts an end to efforts that have been ongoing for nearly two decades.

Despite the green light from the DOI, the Redding Rancheria is yet to confirm when a groundbreaking may begin. This is because the project has previously faced opposition. It is unclear whether local organizations opposing the project may try to challenge the recent decision.

The historic approval from the DOI comes after an extensive review of the tribe’s proposed casino relocation plans. Experts with the agency conducted an analysis of the social, environmental, as well as economic impact of the casino that is expected to transfer to a location along Interstate 5.

The Tribe, Excited to Finally Secure Approval for the Casino Relocation

The Redding Rancheria thanked the DOI for its dedication and hard work that resulted in the approval of the relocation of the Win-River Casino. Moreover, the tribe wrote: “We also thank key congressional representatives, the State of California – especially the Governor’s Office and Assembly Member Ramos, Shasta County, the City of Shasta Lake, and the many tribal nations that have supported us along the way.”

Last but not least, the Redding Rancheria thanked all of its employees, members and communities that supported it throughout the extensive casino relocation process.

“We extend special gratitude to the DOI, its leadership and staff for its hard work, thorough analysis and ultimate approval of our casino relocation project,“

reads a statement released by the Redding Rancheria

Unless the tribe’s plan faces other pushbacks, it is expected to develop a 70,000-square-foot casino along with a hotel offering nearly 300 rooms. Additional amenities are expected to include restaurants, a conference and convention center, as well as shopping outlets.

-Mk Ssports

HotSeat Jackpot was designed to address the common issue of hot seat promotions being too infrequent or limited to specific times of day

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Harrah’s Northern California entered uncharted territory with the HotSeat Jackpot, making it the first US casino to offer a player-funded drawing game. The feature lets guests play their favorite table games in addition to competing in an hourly jackpot drawing, with bets ranging from $1 to $100.

Harrah’s Brings Interactive Gaming to Northern California

Some regions call it HotSeat Lotto, others know it as HotSeat Jackpot. Whatever the name, the concept takes traditional hot-seat games and enhances them through digital technology and a community-based approach. Each table on the gaming floor is equipped with a tablet that connects to all other tables within the casino. Once every hour, a four-minute betting window opens when the tablet signals for wagers to be placed. Each dollar bet represents an entry into the drawing, which means that as more people play, the pot grows.

Harrah’s Northern California senior vice president and general manager Jeff Cutri said: “We are excited to be the first to offer HotSeat Jackpot, which provides our guests with a convenient digital hot seat drawing experience every hour. At Harrah’s, we are always focused on elevating our guests’ experience by providing unique and fun gaming opportunities they can’t find anywhere else.”

During the four-minute betting windows, participants can see how much money has been bet across all players’ accounts in real-time and watch the amount climb higher and higher toward what will eventually become someone’s life-altering payday before their eyes.

After those four minutes are up, there will be no more bets taken. Instead, one lucky winner will be chosen at random by computer software designed specifically for this purpose — ensuring fairness for each round — then displayed prominently throughout all screens positioned above every table scattered throughout Harrah’s Northern California floor space so that everyone playing within its walls knows exactly when somebody scores the big bucks.

HotSeat Jackpot Brings its Winning Formula to the US After Success in Mexico

HotSeat Jackpot CEO Lance Lietzau spoke highly about partnering with Harrah’s Northern California for the US debut of this new product. Lietzau commented: “We’ve realized international success with a dozen properties in Mexico currently offering our revolutionary HotSeat game. The experience gained in rolling out both our single casino, as well as wide area progressive system, which allows multiple casinos under the same brand to link players across multiple properties, has ensured a seamless launch for guests at Harrah’s.”

HotSeat Jackpot was created in response to common player complaints about hot seat promotions being too few and far between or only happening during certain hours of the day when most people cannot participate because they are at work or school.

By turning what used to be an intermittent event into something that takes place hourly and is available at all tables simultaneously throughout Harrah’s Northern California gaming floor space, HotSeat Jackpot revolutionizes this type of promotion while also maximizing player engagement levels.

-Mk Ssports

The curtain will officially come down on the Mirage\’s 34-year run at 11 a.m. on July 17, marking the end of an era and the final chapter for the original megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

To commemorate the end of an iconic era in Las Vegas history, The Mirage Hotel & Casino will host a ceremonial event on July 17 before it closes for good.

The Mirage to Close Ahead of Schedule to Make Way for Hard Rock’s Ambitious Plans

Starting at 9 a.m., speeches will be given by gaming industry luminaries Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Joe Lupo, president of The Mirage, and Alan Feldman with UNLV International Gaming Institute.

The closure will come at 11 a.m. the same day and signals the end of the first megaresort on the Las Vegas Strip. It is in stark contrast to April’s unheralded closing of the Tropicana Las Vegas.

Hard Rock International, which bought The Mirage from MGM Resorts International for $1 billion in December 2022, has vowed to honor its history-making.

Josh Swissman, founding partner at GMA Consulting, said The Mirage changed everything about Las Vegas, as reported by CDC Gaming. He listed the volcano and atrium shows, Siegfried & Roy shows and the aquarium as revolutionary attractions that redefined the Strip together. Swissman said this is a new era led by a tribally owned and operated gaming enterprise.

Oliver Lovat, CEO of Denstone Group, said The Mirage was “the big one” that paved the way for more 3,000-room resorts like Bellagio and MGM Grand.

But even with its success still buoyed by customers who have been loyal to it for nearly three decades, The Mirage is closing ahead of schedule to accommodate Hard Rock’s ambitious plans for its redevelopment.

The Mirage’s Demise Marks the Beginning of a New Era on the Strip

The Hard Rock redevelopment project will include a 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel tower along with another theater, additional retail and convention space, and a significant expansion of the casino floor space. It is expected to double employment from what exists at The Mirage today during construction alone while keeping thousands more workers long-term after completion.

In the final days leading up to its closure, The Mirage has been a hive of activity with a six-day, $1.6 million cash giveaway, attracting thousands of visitors. Guests have been enjoying their last moments at the property, and gaming activities will officially cease around midnight on July 17.

After closure, memorabilia from the resort will be auctioned off in mid-August for employees to bid on, while some of the resort’s iconic signage may be preserved by the Neon Museum.

Hard Rock Las Vegas expects to open its doors in spring 2027 with the new Guitar Hotel, which promises an energetic new chapter for The Mirage site. This transformation aims to improve Las Vegas tourism and bring another wave of freshness to the Strip’s offerings.

-Mk Ssports

Affected workers can select different options for compensation while also benefiting from job fairs

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

There’s less than a week until the iconic gaming and hospitality resort, The Mirage Hotel & Casino, is expected to close its doors to visitors. The closure is related to a complete overhaul of the property that will transform it into Hard Rock Las Vegas.

July 17 will mark the closing date of the Mirage, putting an end to an era in the history of Sin City. The Mirage confirmed that it will host a farewell ceremony before closing its doors. The ceremony will start at 9 AM on July 17 and will include speeches from recognizable faces within the gambling sector, including Hard Rock’s chairman and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Jim Allen, as well as the Mirage’s president, Joe Lupo, among others.

Currently, some 1,700 workers at the casino resort are represented by the Culinary and Bartenders unions. The unions played a key role in helping workers affected by the closure to find new jobs with efforts including job fairs, information and training campaigns.

Ted Pappageorge, the Culinary Union’s secretary-treasurer, who was recently interviewed by the Las Vegas Sun revealed that closures such as the one at the Mirage are difficult. Still, he acknowledged the efforts of Hard Rock to make the property better which is an objective that is strongly supported by the Union.

“The beautiful thing is that this company (Hard Rock International) — it’s going to remodel and reopen, and it’s going to be bigger and better than before, and we 100% support that.“

Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer at the Culinary UnionEmployees Affected by the Closure Can Select Different Compensation Options

Pappageorge explained that the closure marks a difficult period for the workers at the Mirage. He said that some of the workers have been employed at the world-famous casino resort for their entire careers, which is why it is difficult to see the property close its doors.

Speaking about the economy, Pappageorge said it “is back, and it’s strong,” adding that business is growing not only in Las Vegas but across the country as well. He said that while more visitors come to Sin City, there are different opportunities for the workers there.

In light of the upcoming closure, workers at the Mirage will have two different options. One of the options involves a compensation of $2,000 for every year the employee was with the hotel casino, as well as six months of medical insurance and pension. In case a worker selects this option, they won’t be automatically rehired by the property once it reopens in about three years after the redevelopment.

On the other hand, employees at the Mirage can also choose another option that provides less attractive compensation. What’s different is that the employees would be able to return to the property once its redevelopment is completed. While with the first option, workers can apply, with the second, their employment would be guaranteed.

-Mk Ssports

The new hotel and casino resort for the Shreveport-Bossier City area will hold a top off ceremony on Wednesday

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Earlier this week, the Cordish Gaming Group announced an important appointment by naming Bryan Prettyman senior vice president of property operations at its Live! Casino and Hotel in Louisiana. The important hire strengthened the executive-level team at the casino resort which is expected to open for visitors in Q1 2025.

Construction of the gaming and entertainment location in Bossier City that promises to deliver exceptional experiences started in December last year. Ahead of the planned opening next year, the project recently reached a major construction milestone.

As announced by The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana will organize a top off next week. Such ceremonies are usually organized in cases when construction reaches a stage that requires a final beam to be placed on top of the structure.

This doesn’t mean that the whole construction of the hotel casino is completed but still marks an important landmark in the construction process. According to the recently released report, the topping off is expected to take place on Wednesday, July 17.

The ceremony is expected to attract a range of Louisiana officials, including representatives of the gambling regulator, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Moreover, Rob Norton, Cordish Gaming Group and Live! Casinos’ president is also expected to attend the celebratory event.

Interviewed by the publication, John Chaszar, Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana’s general manager and vice president, spoke about the excitement the project brings. “Every day is different, that’s the best thing about this business,” he revealed.

The Project Is Expected to Deliver Significant Economic Stimulus

Upon announcing the start of the project in Louisiana, the Cordish Companies estimated that it would generate an excess of $200 million in taxes for the first five years. That total breaks down to nearly $170 million to the state of Louisiana and some $35 million to Bossier City.

Besides the enormous economic stimulus, Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana is expected to boost tourism and help local businesses grow. Further benefits of the project include the creation of more than 750 permanent jobs.

The Cordish Companies’ newest casino is going to be the first land-based venue for the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Once completed, the casino will offer nearly 50,000 square feet of gaming space that will be the home of a sportsbook, table games, as well as electronic table games and slots.

Besides casino gambling, Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana will offer a hotel with more than 500 rooms, as well as a range of restaurants and bars, among other amenities.

-Mk Ssports

While the casino claimed Harvey Mayor cancelled the event, a spokesperson disputed those claims saying that Wind Creek decided to call off the fair

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Ahead of the opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, a massive job fair was planned in Harvey on Thursday. The event, taking place at the Harvey Park District’s Gloria Taylor Center, was expected to help the casino hire a wide range of employees, filling some of the 1,000 open roles.

However, while hundreds of job applicants were ready in the early morning, the job fair didn’t take place. This left disappointed nearly 300 people who sought new employment at Wind Creek Chicago Southland.

As announced by the Chicago Tribune, citing information from Wind Creek Casino officials, Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark contacted Brent Pinkston, the chief operating officer for Wind Creek Hospitality, less than 20 minutes before the job fair’s planned start at 10 AM and asked him to cancel the event. The reason for the cancellation of the job fair was reportedly concerns related to mass crowd forming.

The future gaming, hospitality and entertainment destination is anticipated to start hiring employees at some point in August. This is why the job fair was a major milestone in that process. Yet, despite people signing up, the event was called off, leaving both the casino and job applicants disappointed.

Kisha McCaskill, Harvey Park District’s executive director, revealed that at 10 AM on Thursday, there were more than 100 people who arrived for the job fair. “These are people that took time off of their jobs, people that took time away from their children, these are people that are struggling,” she said.

McCaskill added that the canceled job fair was a major “disappointment for the people.” Last but not least, she explained: “As of the time that it was shut down, we already had 286 people signed in.”

Harvey Spokesperson Says Wind Creek Decided to Cancel the Event

Glenn Harston, a Harvey spokesperson, claimed that it wasn’t the Mayor’s decision to call off the job fair. In an email, the spokesperson said that Mayor Clark contacted a representative of Wind Creek as he was concerned about the size of the crowd that was expected to gather at the event.

Moreover, per Harston’s words, the Mayor was concerned whether the event center would be able to accommodate the many people who may turn out. Clark’s worries also revolved around the insufficient presence of law enforcement and the fire department as a means to guarantee the safety of the event.

According to Harston, after Clark presented those claims to the representative of Wind Creek, they decided to call off the job fair. “The decision to cancel the job fair was made by Wind Creek, not by the Mayor or the City,” the spokesperson wrote.

At this point, it remains unclear when another job fair may be organized. Still, the opening for Wind Creek Chicago Southland is planned for later this summer.

-Mk Ssports

The Chicago master lease agreement will have an initial term of 15 years and various options for renewal

Image Source: Bally\’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation has secured funding for its permanent casino in Chicago from Gaming and Leisure Properties thanks to a new lease arrangement. This will allow the former company’s property in the city to progress after a period of financial uncertainty.

According to the announcement, an affiliate of Gaming and Leisure Properties agreed to acquire the real estate underlying the project and amend the existing land lease via a new master lease agreement (Chigaco MLA) with Bally’s Chicago as tenant.

Rent will stand at $20 million a year, subject to escalation. In addition, the Chicago MLA can provide up to an additional $940 million of construction financing for the project’s hard costs via monthly draws.

The Chicago MLA will have an initial term of 15 years and various options for renewal.

As per the deal, GLPI will also be able to acquire and lease back additional real property interests underlying Bally’s Kansas City and Bally’s Shreveport for $395 million. Bally’s also plans to amend its Contribution Agreement with GLPI and sell and lease back its Twin River Lincoln for $735 million.

Under the Chicago MLA, Bally’s Chicago will receive $2.07 billion in financing from GLPI, reinforcing the two companies’ strategic alliance. As a company with an impressive track record in successful development and construction of casino resort projects, GLPI is an ideal partner to Bally’s, which is looking forward to benefiting from its expertise.

The New Property Will Complement the Chicago Skyline

Soo Kim, chairman of Bally’s, expressed excitement about the sale-leaseback deal with GLPI, saying that it fulfills Bally’s Chicago’s financing requirements.

We are delighted to continue our strong partnership with GLPI and to leverage its skilled resources and 30 years of experience developing and constructing successful gaming facilities. This is an amazing partnership that continues to pay strong dividends for both parties.

Soo Kim, chair, Bally’s Corporation

Peter Carlino, GLPI’s chief executive officer and chairman, also commented on the matter, expressing excitement about the new tie-up with Bally’s. He praised the latter company’s project in Chicago, calling it an “iconic addition” to the city’s skyline. Carlino also thanked Bally’s for its continued trust in GLPI.

Strategically, this is a means to grow our asset portfolio within the gaming sector that we know well and allows us to create value for our shareholders. We have strong confidence in Bally’s team and will be working hand-in-hand with Bally’s to bring this project to fruition on time and on budget.

Peter Carlino, CEO & chair, GLPI

For context, Bally’s just unveiled new renderings of its permanent Chicago casino hotel project. The property is set to be located at 777 W. Chicago Avenue and will include a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat theater, a 2-acre public park and multiple food and beverage options.

The casino itself will include 3,300 slots, 173 table games and VIP gaming areas.

-Mk Ssports

A man was killed in a shooting near the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on July 15, while a homeless individual was arrested in Fresno for attacking a security guard at Club One Casino

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Two casinos in Fresno and Tacoma have been the sites of violent altercations. One incident involved a security guard being injured, while the other resulted in a fatal shooting.

Fresno Casino Security Guard Attacked by Homeless Man, Suspect Arrested

In Fresno, a security guard at Club One Casino was hurt Saturday morning in an encounter with an unhoused man, reported The Fresno Bee. The incident happened around 9:50 a.m. when the man tried to enter the casino located at 3950 N. Cedar Avenue, according to Lt. Tim Tietjen with Fresno Police Department. When the individual was denied entry he attempted to force his way in which caused the guard to step in.

The suspect allegedly hit the security officer with a metal object causing head injuries. Despite this attack, said staff member managed to call the police who arrived quickly and detained the attacker.

The assaulter is currently facing charges for attacking with a weapon that is capable of causing death. According to Lt. Tietjen, the security officer is expected to get better, and all of what happened was recorded by surveillance cameras.

Man Fatally Shot in Argument Gone Wrong Near Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma

In Tacoma, a man was killed on July 15 in a shooting near Emerald Queen Casino, according to the police. The incident happened around 8 p.m. near the employee parking lot of the casino located at 2024 E. 28th Street, said Sgt. William Muse with Tacoma Police Department, as reported by Komo News.

Muse explained that what they currently know is that it started out as an argument between two acquaintances who then followed each other in cars until they ended up near the casino area where things escalated further.

Gunfire erupted following an argument, upon them arriving at the spot. Officers found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by police and firefighters to perform CPR, the victim succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

Sgt. Muse said that there is a suspect in this case who came forward and is currently cooperating with the assigned detectives, although he remains out of custody for the time being. The suspect, represented by an attorney, gave his side of what happened leading up to the disagreement.

Muse noted that police do not believe this incident to be a case of road rage and are considering the possibility of self-defense. It remains unclear if the victim was armed.

Another recent incident saw authorities in Pueblo, Colorado, conducting a raid on several illegal gambling establishments, seizing $20,000 in cash and 62 gambling machines. This operation, supported by Mayor Heather Graham, aligns with her efforts to combat crime in the city and enforce a new ordinance targeting unlicensed gambling activities.

-Mk Ssports