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The story combines the natural with the supernatural to create what the official release called the “imaginative tale of two strangers and the unbelievable journey that connects them”

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Colin Farrell, a professional Irish actor, is set to star in The Ballad of a Small Player, a new Netflix movie that will follow the story of a con artist who becomes a gambler in Macau. Farrell, who is famous for a number of high-profile roles, will now breathe life into the main character of Lawrence Osborne’s book.

Some of Farrell’s previous roles include Bullseye in Daredevil (2003), Alexander the Great in Alexander (2004) and Penguin in Batman (2022). The Irish star is set to once again become Penguin in Max’s original series The Penguin shortly after starring in the Oscar-nominated movie “The Banshees of Inisherin.”

The Ballad of a Small Player will be based on a book that was published in 2014. The original piece became an immediate hit. Rights were secured quickly, setting The Ballad of a Small Player up for a movie adaptation. However, production was stuck in limbo for years.

The new movie will be directed by Edward Berger who also directed Netflix’s Oscar-winning movie All Quiet on the Western Front (2022). In the meantime, Rowan Joffe will be responsible for adapting the original book into a screenplay. The Ballad of a Small Player will be produced by Good Chaos and Nine Hours.

What’s The Ballad of a Small Player About?

In The Ballad of a Small Player, Farrell will become Gerard Woodward, the son of a vacuum cleaner salesman from London who hides in Macau after defrauding a rich old woman.

Presenting himself as “Lord Doyle” in spite of his humble origins, Woodward proceeds to live a life of opulence, sleeping in a hotel and visiting the casino every night. He eventually meets Dao-Ming, a young call girl who helps him out when he needs it the most.

The story combines the natural with the supernatural to create what the official release called the “imaginative tale of two strangers and the unbelievable journey that connects them.”

-Mk Ssports

Romania’s parliament has enacted fresh gambling restrictions aimed at cities with a population of less than 15,000, including slot machine bans and gambling hall shutdowns

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Romania’s parliament has voted in favor of a series of strict gambling restrictions on the sector, marking an important shift in the regulatory landscape.

The list of regulations includes a ban on slot machines as well as the shutdown of gambling halls in smaller settlements with a population under 15,000 people.

The new decisions that have already been enacted have sparked a lot of controversy while also attracting praise from anti-gambling supporters.

Uncommon Display of Unity

The enactment of the new measures follows months of dormancy for the country’s proposed gambling law, which all of a sudden found itself thrown into the spotlight, quickly passing through all parliamentary committees and receiving the unanimous seal of approval from all political parties.

This was quite an uncommon display of unity shown by Romania’s political area.

The measures received 243 votes in favor, two against, and four abstained.

Despite the bill’s unanimous support, the opposition has already raised concerns over the possible collusion between representatives of the gambling sector and government officials.

More accountability and transparency are required as a result of accusations regarding undue influence and backroom deals, which have cast a shadow over the entire legislative process.

Commercial Premises Require Town Hall Certificates

According to the fresh legislation, to be allowed to operate slot machine games, commercial venues need to be located in administrative-territorial units that count a population that does not go over 15,000 inhabitants, as per a certificate released by their town halls.

The law also states that it is prohibited to provide, directly or indirectly, gambling-related services to unauthorized entities and specific technical measures to prevent illegal access to online gambling.

The same regulation requires the National Gaming Office (ONJN) to create and maintain an online public register containing a list of all licensed operators in the country.

The register must receive updates daily. The new measures that require a technical implementation will be detailed in an order of the ONJN president, which will be issued within 90 days of the time the ordinance will come into effect. 

The same measure also forbids operators from providing direct and indirect associated gambling services to unauthorized entities as well as a series of technical measures that would prevent illegal access to online gambling.

Last week, the country’s government sparked debate with the freshest appointment of celebrity hairdresser Cristian-Gabriel Pascu as the vice president of the National Gambling Office.

Last October, Romania announced its plans for higher fees and stricter demands for operators.

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The venue’s management has not communicated a potential reopening date, sparking concerns among employees and visitors

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Swinomish Casino & Lodge, nestled in Anacortes on the Washington coast, has been forced to shutter its doors until further notice following a suspected cyberattack. The casino, owned and operated by the tribal community, announced this news on its website on Wednesday, leaving patrons and employees in limbo. Casino management has not shared details regarding the incident, raising fears of a potential data breach.

The Venue Released Little Relevant Information

The sudden closure has left employees and patrons perplexed, with little communication from management regarding the situation. While the lodge remains open, the venue only honors existing reservations, leaving potential guests in the dark. The casino released an official statement regarding the ongoing issues, but the update contained little relevant information.

According to the official announcement, guests with existing reservations affected by the incident would receive refunds as they can only access the lodge and RV park. The casino admitted that the disruption was due to a cyberattack incident necessitating the closure of the casino and all restaurants on the property.

Swinomish Casino & Lodge added they were cooperating with authorities and cybersecurity experts to resolve this issue, adding they would contact affected customers in case of a data breach. The venue reassured patrons it would post an update on its Facebook page as soon as its systems returned online but did not disclose any concrete timeframe.

Cyberattacks Represent an Industry-Wide Concern

This disruption is not the first time Swinomish Casino & Lodge has faced closure, with the last prolonged shutdown occurring in March 2020 due to COVID-19 safety measures. However, the ongoing closure has cast uncertainty over when operations will resume, leaving troubled employees and patrons awaiting updates. Many visitors wishing to visit for the weekend had to return, expressing their disappointment in the sudden shutdown.

Local news outlet KIRO 7 investigated the matter, contacting former employee Greg Sullivan, who revealed that the incident was highly unusual. He noted that closures on a Friday or a Saturday night were something the casino tried to avoid at all costs, highlighting the severity of the issue. He expressed concern regarding the staff who depended on tips to make ends meet.

This impact is substantial on the workers, particularly the ones that are not salaried employees. The public absolutely deserves the truth.

Greg Sullivan, former employee

Despite limited information, this case resembles 2023’s cyberattacks against gambling giants like Caesars and MGM. These incidents caused significant customer data leaks, causing substantial damage to the affected operators. Although the increasing frequency of such cyberattacks should serve as a warning for the broader industry, this newest case indicates that many casinos may still be vulnerable.

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The plan from the Colville Tribe includes building a huge casino, a hotel with 200 rooms, an event center, and restaurants

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The Tri-Cities region is on the brink of a significant development as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation move forward with plans for the area’s inaugural tribal casino. With the project now entering a pivotal phase of federal approval, new insights into its scope and potential impacts are emerging.

BIA to Host Virtual Meeting on Environmental Impact of the Project

Scheduled for April 24, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is set to host a virtual public meeting to gather feedback on what should be encompassed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed casino, reported local media outlet the Tri-City Herald. The EIS, as mandated by federal law for certain projects, aims to assess the environmental repercussions of the endeavor.

The ambitious plan outlined by the Colville Tribe encompasses the construction of a sprawling 184,200-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel, an event center, dining establishments, and ancillary facilities. Situated on 165 acres of Colville-owned land off Highway 395 and Kartchner Street, north of the King City Truck Stop, the project aims to invigorate the area’s economic landscape.

Central to the endeavor is the “Fee-to-Trust” process, which facilitates the development of enterprises like casinos, hotels, and restaurants on non-reservation sites under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The BIA is overseeing the intricate process of placing the designated land into federal trust, paving the way for the casino’s realization.

Yakama Nation Opposes Colville Tribe’s Casino Plan in Tri-Cities

While the prospect of economic revitalization is promising, the project has not been without its detractors. Among them, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation have voiced objections, citing territorial disputes rooted in an 1855 treaty. The Yakama assert that the Colville’s plans encroach upon their ceded territory, particularly in the Tri-Cities area.

In response, the Colville Tribe contends that Pasco holds historical significance for several of its constituent tribes, such as the Palus, and asserts that any territorial concerns will be addressed through the rigorous federal review process.

The proposed casino site, flanking North Capitol Avenue near the Kartchner exit and north of the AutoZone warehouse, symbolizes the Colville Tribe’s aspirations for economic growth and community development.

Despite the absence of tribal operations in close proximity, private casinos dot the landscape of the Tri-Cities. Notable among them is the Wildhorse Casino and Resort near Pendleton, Ore., operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, and Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish, operated by the Yakama.

As the Tri-Cities eagerly anticipates the potential economic and cultural implications of the proposed tribal casino, stakeholders and community members alike are encouraged to participate in the forthcoming public engagement opportunities to shape the trajectory of this transformative endeavor.

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In a recent communication to investors, analyst Chad Beynon of Macquarie revised Century Casinos\’ rating from \”neutral\” to \”outperform\”

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Century Casinos found itself in the red on April 10 following the release of higher-than-expected US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, signaling concerns about persistent inflation. However, despite the market’s reaction, one analyst remains optimistic about the company’s prospects.

Macquarie Analyst Predicts 53% Upside for Century Casinos

Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon, in a recent report to clients, upgraded Century Casinos from “neutral” to “outperform,” setting a price target of $5 per share. This represents a potential upside of nearly 53% from the current closing price of $3.27. Beynon believes that the recent selloff in Century’s stock, which has seen a 32% decline since the end of last year, is unwarranted.

While the broader market has seen modest gains, Century Casinos’ stock has experienced a significant decline, making it the cheapest operating company in Macquarie’s coverage universe. Beynon attributes this undervaluation to market misconceptions, particularly regarding Century Casinos’ real estate ownership structure.

Century Casinos, operating primarily in regional markets, has faced headwinds but also possesses significant growth potential. Beynon forecasts the company to achieve $168 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) on revenue of $700 million next year.

Notably, Century Casinos could generate 85 cents per share in free cash flow, an impressive feat given its current market capitalization of $101 million.

The analyst identifies several catalysts that could drive Century Casinos’ rebound, including the opening of The Riverview, Poland’s re-licensing, and the completion of Caruthersville. Additionally, recent acquisitions such as Rocky Gap and Nugget are expected to contribute to medium-term growth.

Strategic Moves Propel Century Casinos Amid Leverage Challenges

Despite concerns about rising leverage due to expansion plans, Beynon remains confident in Century Casinos’ ability to deleverage, marking it as the largest one-year deleveraging opportunity in Macquarie’s coverage.

The company’s renovation projects and strategic acquisitions are anticipated to yield attractive returns, positioning Century Casinos as a unique value and growth opportunity in the market.

Notably, Century Casinos reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2023 results, with a notable increase in adjusted EBITDAR and net operating revenues.

Despite a slight dip in earnings from operations for the year, the company’s expansion efforts in the US and successful acquisition strategies position it for a bright future, according to co-CEOs Erwin Haitzmann and Peter Hoetzinger.However, investors may need to exercise patience, as Century Casinos’ resurgence is projected to be a 2025 story. However, with a strong earnings outlook and potential catalysts on the horizon, the company’s long-term prospects appear promising.

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The auction of the two luxury cars commenced back in mid-March, together with two Crystal Dragons belonging to the Saipan casino operator

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Two luxury Rolls Royce vehicles, part of the assets of Imperial Pacific International (IPI) LLC, the troubled Saipan casino operator, were up for sale via an auction that closed on April 11. The luxury cars were able to find new owners, after the company in charge of auctioning the assets, Clear Management Ltd, confirmed the sale of the two vehicles, as announced by IAG.

While one of the cars was sold for $163,000, the live online auction saw the second car sell for $170,000. This means that the sales of the cars brought approximately $333,000.

The two Rolls Royce vehicles are only a couple of the total outstanding assets belonging to IPI that are likely going to be sold. Counting the two recently sold cars, so far, there are 11 vehicles belonging to IPI that have been sold.

However, the operator’s assets include many more cars that may go for auction this summer. In total, more than 100 vehicles that are a part of the operator’s assets are likely to go for sale through auctions.

Previously, Danny Ewing, Clear Management’s operations director and former IPI employee, revealed that the company anticipates significant interest from different jurisdictions. “We expected strong interest in these from CNMI and Guam, but what has surprised us is the interest from the Philippines and mainland USA,” he said.

While the two luxury vehicles found new owners, they have to be aware that the transportation of the cars would require additional expenses. Still, considering that a 2021 Rolls Royce can cost approximately $300,000 or even more, the buyers definitely were in for a good deal. How much extra they would pay for the transport also depends on the destination.

Auction for IPI’s Two Crystal Dragons Continues

IPI’s two luxury vehicles were sold but the auction for the operator’s famed Crystal Dragons is still ongoing. The two unique art pieces were put up for auction back in mid-March and their sale came after high-end liquor belonging to the operator was sold.

The two Crystal Dragons are more than 60 meters long and consist of crystal gems. The unique sculptures were made with 2.5 million Swarovski crystals.

A state-of-the-art lighting system allows the Crystal Dragons to change color, underlining further their uniqueness. IPI’s Crystal Dragons were put up for auction with an initial bidding price of $100,000. While those are unique pieces of art, their size and restricted utility make them difficult to sell. Yet, according to Ewing, a number of potential buyers, primarily from the Middle East, have shown interest in the sculptures. The auction for the Crystal Dragons will close on August 22, 2024.

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The Finance Ministry in Thailand will lead a House of Representatives study on the potential legalization of casino gambling in the country

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Marking a groundbreaking move toward Thailand’s trials to address the highly-debated topic of gambling legalization, the Finance Ministry will take the lead on an important study exploring the potential legalization of casino gaming.

16 Additional Agencies to Consider the Study

As ordered by way of an “urgent letter” sent by the Secretariat of the Cabinet at the start of the week, the Finance Ministry will thoroughly examine the House of Representatives study alongside 16 other agencies, which it will also lead.

The list will include the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Office of the Council of State, the Royal Thai Police, and the National Office of Buddhism.

Several ministries will also be consulted, including Social Development and Human Security, Tourism and Sports, Justice, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, Transport, Culture, Labour, Public Health, Industry, and Education.

According to English-language outlet The Nation, the Secretariat of the Cabinet gave the Ministry 30 days to send its recommendations.

IAG reports say that the casino study received approval from the cabinet a week ago after the House passed it at the end of March. 

Recommended 17% Tax on GGR

The casino study advises a 17% tax should be placed on gross gaming revenue. This would turn it into one of the lowest tax regimes in the area.

Licenses would be valid for 20 years at first, with the possibility to renew them every five years.

Locals would need to pay an entry levy of an amount that has yet to be determined.

Larger casino complexes would require minimum investments of $2.7 billion.

Last week, when the cabinet endorsed the study, it also recommended a series of joint investments between private operators and the Thai government, similar to Macau’s concession model.

The cabinet also suggested that integrated resorts should be located near international airports for the comfort of international visitors.

According to a note from Maybank, the country might see its first integrated resort open in 2029.

This would translate to Thailand legalizing casino gaming before Japan where MGM Resorts International’s $10 billion integrated resort development in Osaka is expected to be completed in 2023.

At the start of April, Thailand announced it blocked over 25,000 online gambling platforms since October 2023, in an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed online gambling.

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Various challenges have arisen in the pursuit of legalizing online casinos in Maryland, with apprehensions revolving around potential repercussions on problem gambling and the traditional brick-and-mortar casino establishments

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Maryland Sen. Ron Watson announced his decision not to introduce a bill for online casino legalization in 2025. Despite Maryland’s proximity to passing such legislation in 2024, Watson emphasized the necessity of allowing more time for deliberation before revisiting the issue.

Sen. Watson Advocates for Patient Approach to Maryland Online Casino Legalization

Sen. Watson explained to PlayUSA that he could potentially introduce the bill the following year, but he pointed out that it would not progress until 2026. He also noted that even if they managed to pass the bill, its implementation would not occur. He underlined the importance of thorough consideration to ensure the successful integration of online casino gaming into Maryland’s economic landscape.

The recent legislative session in Maryland concluded without decisive action on online casinos, with the Senate opting not to pursue the matter further. The House, however, signaled its support by including internet gaming in its budget proposal, indicative of differing perspectives within the state legislature.

Watson’s decision not to file a bill in 2025 stems from a desire to avoid prolonging the debate unnecessarily. He remarked that they had conducted their due diligence and comprehended the revenues and challenges involved. He added that they will allow it to mature, aiming to present a more robust bill when it is reintroduced in the future.

Maryland Legislators Contemplate Pause on Online Casino Legislation Until 2026

Despite Watson’s stance, there remains the possibility of other lawmakers, such as Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, introducing online casino legislation in the upcoming session. Nevertheless, Maryland appears poised to take a hiatus from the contentious issue, with a view to resuming discussions in 2026.

The proposal for online casino legalization in Maryland has encountered various obstacles, including concerns over potential impacts on problem gambling and existing brick-and-mortar casinos. Watson remains optimistic, however, asserting that with time and data, these concerns may diminish.

Watson emphasized the importance of not lagging behind in iGaming. He stressed that Maryland must be proactive if it intends to maintain and enhance current industry revenues. He highlighted the necessity for Maryland to adjust to changing trends in the gaming sector to stay competitive.

In the interim, Watson plans to collaborate with colleagues to address lingering apprehensions and refine the proposed legislation. With an eye toward the future, he remains confident in the eventual legalization of online casinos in Maryland.

As the debate unfolds, the trajectory of online casino legislation in Maryland reflects the complex interplay between economic opportunity, regulatory oversight, and public welfare. While the issue remains tabled for now, its resurgence in 2026 may herald a new chapter in Maryland’s gaming landscape.

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The Bristol Casino\’s accomplishments are credited to strong performance in both slot machines and table games

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The Bristol Casino in Virginia, US, set to become the Hard Rock Casino, has marked a historic milestone by surpassing its previous revenue records in March, with an astonishing $16.3 million in adjusted gross income. This figure, released in a report by the Virginia Lottery, represents a remarkable 9% increase over its previous best month and a staggering 18% surge compared to March 2023.

Bristol Casino Breaks Records in Slot and Table Game Revenue

The Bristol Casino’s success is attributed to robust performances in both major categories of gaming. Slot machine revenue soared to unprecedented heights, crossing the $13 million mark for the first time ever, standing at $13,009,482, surpassing the previous record set in December 2023.

Meanwhile, table games also witnessed a significant surge, generating over $3 million in revenue for the first time, reaching $3,260,614, outperforming the previous high recorded in September 2022.

Comparing the March 2024 figures to those of the same period in 2023, the adjusted gross income experienced an impressive 18% hike. Moreover, it exceeded the average monthly revenue over the 20 months the casino has operated at its temporary location by a remarkable 19%.

Hard Rock officials had previously announced plans to unveil the newly constructed Bristol casino, alongside a 300-room hotel scheduled to open on-site by year-end. However, the opening timeline for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol was adjusted in February, with construction costs soaring to over $550 million, significantly higher than the initial projections of $300 million in 2019 and $400 million in 2022.

Despite the budget increase, construction remains on track for a summer opening, aiming for July.

Bristol Casino’s Revenue Surge Fuels Over $976,000 Payout to RIC

The significant revenue surge for The Bristol Casino translated into a substantial payout of $976,206 to the Regional Improvement Commission (RIC), representing over a dozen local governments in Southwest Virginia. The casino, taxed at 18%, allocates one-third of this amount to the RIC. Legislation mandates that these funds be utilized by local governments within the RIC to enhance transportation, education, and public safety infrastructure.

The RIC encompasses counties such as Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan, Russell, Washington, Smyth, Tazewell, Grayson, Bland, and Wythe, along with the cities of Bristol and Norton. Notably, the funds are distributed evenly among the 14 local governments, rather than being allocated on a population-adjusted basis.

The cumulative funds received by these localities now exceed an impressive $16.7 million, reflecting the significant economic impact generated by the Bristol Casino.With its groundbreaking revenue performance and ongoing expansion plans, the Bristol Casino continues to solidify its position as a key player in Virginia’s gaming landscape, promising further growth and prosperity for the region.

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The massive project is expected to bring world-class gaming, entertainment and accommodation to the City of Petersburg, Virginia

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The Cordish Companies together with Bruce Smith Enterprise unveiled details regarding Live! Gaming & Entertainment District, a new project with a $1.4 billion price tag located in the City of Petersburg, Virginia. Teaming up, the two companies confirmed their intention to codevelop the luxury gaming, hospitality and entertainment resort that will be positioned near Interstate I-95.

Bruce Smith and The Cordish uncovered details regarding a project that is expected to bring economic benefits to the region after submitting a request for proposal with the City. The new luxury casino and entertainment resort is expected to create thousands of new jobs, including construction and permanent jobs.

Once completed, the world-class Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia resort destination is expected to offer more than 400,000 square feet of gaming, dining and hotel spaces. The gaming amenities would include 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, a poker room with 15 tables as well as 46 live-action table games. Moreover, Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is planned to offer a sportsbook and high-limit table and slot areas, catering to high rollers.

Further amenities the new resort destination in the City of Petersburg is expected to offer include 35,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, as well as an entertainment venue with 3,000 seats that could be used for social gatherings, conventions and meetings.

The premium resort destination would offer free surface parking, as well as a wide range of dining and entertainment options, including three spaces that would be dedicated to local businesses such as restaurants.

The billion-dollar project is estimated to create more than 7,500 construction and permanent jobs and bring $2.8 billion in economic stimulus to the area. According to The Cordish, the annual economic benefits each year after opening would be $201 million.

Two Leading Developers Join Forces

Bruce Smith is a company that has been growing since it was founded two decades ago in 2004. Throughout the years, the company has signed development agreements with recognizable organizations, helping it expand its presence across the country.

Similarly, The Cordish is not a stranger when it comes to the development of large-scale entertainment and casino resorts in the United States. The company is renowned for its dedication to the establishment of world-class destinations that offer not only casino and hotel accommodation but entertainment venues, dining and shopping outlets and more amenities.

“We are incredibly proud to join Bruce Smith and his team to present our vision for a transformational, world-class destination in Petersburg.“

Zed Smith, chief operating officer for The Cordish Companies

In the words of Zed Smith, the chief operating officer for The Cordish, the company is excited to forge this new alliance with Bruce Smith for the development of a new world-class gaming and entertainment destination in the City of Petersburg. He revealed that the company has extensive experience in the development of large-scale mixed-use developments, including casino resorts, across the United States. Finally, Smith said The Cordish remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its guests.

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