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The individual, aged 37, whose identity remains undisclosed pending official charges, has been released from medical care and is currently held in Snohomish County jail

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A harrowing tale of violence and tragedy unfolded earlier this month, culminating in a fatal wrong-way crash that claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman following a kidnapping from a casino.

Authorities Arrest 37-Year-Old Suspect Linked to Disturbing Casino Kidnapping

The suspect, a 37-year-old individual, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, has been discharged from the hospital and is now in custody at the Snohomish County jail, reported KOMO News.

The charges against the suspect include first-degree aggravated murder, kidnapping, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among others, according to a probable cause statement released April 24.

Reports suggest a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the tragic crash. Allegedly, the suspect assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend from Tulalip Casino, making chilling threats against her life.

Describing a moment of explosive rage, the victim recounted how the suspect threw a metal canister at her, causing severe injury to her arm. Subsequent text messages sent from her phone, seemingly under duress, conveyed ominous threats of violence, including intentions to “skin her alive.”

Following these distressing messages, law enforcement initiated a search for both the suspect and the victim. Their pursuit led them to the suspect’s residence in Everett, where a tense encounter ensued. The victim, in fear for her life, provided crucial information to the authorities before the suspect managed to evade capture.

Tulalip Casino Abduction Culminates in Fatal Crash

The next day, a horrifying turn of events unfolded at the Tulalip Casino, where the suspect forcibly abducted the victim, accompanied by physical violence. Task force officers swiftly responded to a distress call from the casino, sparking a high-speed chase through the streets of Everett and Lynnwood.

The pursuit, fueled by the gravity of the suspect’s threats, reached a devastating climax on State Route 525. Driving recklessly against oncoming traffic, the suspect’s vehicle collided head-on with a GMC Yukon, resulting in the tragic death of Trudy Slanger, the driver of the Yukon. Both the suspect and the abducted woman sustained injuries in the collision and were transported to Harborview Medical Center.

This appalling incident underscores the urgent need for effective intervention in cases of domestic violence and abduction. As the suspect awaits formal charges, the community mourns the loss of Trudy Slanger and rallies behind efforts to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.

Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into this case, seeking justice for the victims and their families amidst the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.

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Resentment over indoor smoking has reached another legal crescendo with two unions and the attorney general\’s office now clashing over the issue

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United Auto Workers (UAW), a union which also represents casino workers, has previously filed a lawsuit that wants to compel the state to remove Atlantic City’s nine casinos from the list of excluded properties where indoor smoking is allowed. The UAW’s lawsuit argues that the health of casino staff is put in danger because of the continuation of indoor smoking on gaming floors.

We Are All on the Same Side – Almost

Yet not everyone agrees. A pushback from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office is to be expected, but the camp against banning smoking for the time being also includes Local 54 of the Unite Here union, the state’s largest, which represents 10,000 casino workers and has filed an appeal with the Superior Court of New Jersey to dismiss the lawsuit brought around by UAW.

The filing says that workers stand to lose their jobs should a smoking ban be enacted, and further notes that only 25% of gaming floors are currently covered by the indoor smoking exemption. However, the lack of proper filtration between the smoking and non-smoking areas means that secondhand smoke does reach other parts of the gaming floor as well.

UAW is fighting on behalf of dealers at several major properties, including Tropicana, Bally’s and Caesars, with dealers usually the most impacted by smokers at their tables. Trinity Health, a not-for-profit health system, has also appealed to the state to heed the calls of the UAW and move forward with a complete ban on indoor smoking on the gaming floor.

New Jersey AG Matthew Platkin has already defended the state’s decision, and Gov. Phil Murphy, arguing that exempting certain areas of the gaming floors from the indoor smoking ban did not infringe on “any purported constitutional right to safety,” and has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the lawsuit.

UAW lawyer Nancy Erika Smith, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the union, has said that she was baffled by Local 54’s reaction, and the union’s decision to fight back against a measure that could ultimately only benefit its workers. However, Local 54 has greater concerns on their minds.

The union’s workers fear that banning smoking would lead to a downturn in casino footfall, which will in turn mean job cuts, with as many as a third of all workers running the possibility of losing their jobs.

To Light Up or Not to Light Up – This Is the Question

Donna DeCaprio, Local 54 president, has mostly sided with what has been said by casinos themselves. A complete ban on indoor smoking at casinos would be “catastrophic” and have serious economic ramifications for casinos and their staff. Yet, Atlantic City and New Jersey have other states to compare against.

Pennsylvanian properties that have banned smoking have not registered a downturn in revenue. Similar efforts to limit smoking are also undergoing in Rhode Island, Kansas, and Virginia. Yet, Local 54 believes that the worst possible scenario is the only one. A complete ban on smoking would significantly reduce the sector’s competitiveness resulting in job cuts.

It has already been tried once before, the union reminded, referring to a 2008 ban on smoking, which saw casino revenues drop by 19.8%. However, there is also evidence to support the claim that casino floors may be reinvigorated as more non-smokers come to Atlantic City to play in a smoke-free area. Besides, a lot has changed in the United States when it comes to smoking habits.

A quick historical comparison shows that in 2008, around 20.5% of the population smoked. The rate has declined to less than 11.5% by 2021, with the latest figures likely to show even further decline. The saga is ongoing, with no end in sight just yet.

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A new bill aiming to ban gambling advertising on radio and TV has caused substantial controversy as industry stakeholders warn of its potential adverse effects

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High-profile Bulgarian media companies have raised their voices in opposition to a proposed ban on gambling advertising, expressing concerns over its potential impact on media revenue streams and journalistic freedom. They criticized the government for lacking foresight, alleging that some parties would use the situation to influence the media space before the upcoming elections.

The Changes Could Do More Harm than Good

The new bill calls for a prohibition on gambling advertisements across various media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and online sites. While outdoor advertising in specific locations would still be permitted, the proposed ban has drawn criticism from media industry stakeholders who believe the bill does not aim to protect consumers but to suppress freedom of speech.

Former prime minister Nikolai Denkov highlighted the threat the ban poses to media outlets, emphasizing the significant revenue loss and increased dependency on other funding sources it could entail. He also drew attention to rising concerns about the potential suppression of media freedom, with industry experts warning against the adverse effects of legislative interference.

Let’s hope that (the proposal) is an oversight. The worse option is if somebody in a position of power – in this case, legislative power – is trying to strike a targeted blow against media freedom.

Nikolai Denkov, former PM

Leading journalists noted that social media platforms, banners, and targeted advertisements would remain unaffected, expressing concerns over the rising prevalence of underage gambling. They highlighted that vulnerable groups like children did not engage with traditional media, and the bill would only increase the prevalence of gambling ads in the digital space, exacerbating existing issues.

A Hit to Media Funding Could Hurt Journalistic Freedom

Leading media conglomerate Nova Broadcasting Group expressed apprehension over the ban’s impact on sports broadcasts, particularly those related to high-profile events like the European football championship. Similarly, Net Info group, which operates numerous popular websites in Bulgaria, underscored the potential hardships it would face without gambling-related revenues.

The Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters (ABRO) shared this opinion, cautioning against the ban’s implications for media sustainability, citing the importance of advertising revenue in supporting quality journalism. Meanwhile, the Technology Industry Alliance raised concerns about the ban’s feasibility in enforcing restrictions on internet platforms, citing potential conflicts with EU law.

As demonstrated in other European markets, advertising restrictions lead to an increase in unlicensed operators, consequently impairing the state’s ability to collect taxes from gambling activities and to provide adequate consumer protections.

Stilian Shishkov, Sportal Media Group CEO

As the debate over the proposed ban continues, affected parties are urging policymakers to consider the bill’s broader implications and either consider a substantial overhaul or cancel it. The outcome of the upcoming vote on the ban will likely shape the future landscape of gambling advertising regulation in Bulgaria, necessitating a careful and comprehensive approach.

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The company is facing an ongoing investigation into its operations in Australia and has recently seen a guffaw of its high-ranking executives leave

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Facing regulatory action in the Down Under, Star Entertainment has confirmed that another high-ranking executive in the face of chairman David Foster has stepped down after less than a year on the job.

Another One Bids Adieu to Star Entertainment in Time of Need

He adds to the droves of executives who have exited Star Entertainment amid intensifying scrutiny from the country’s gambling regulator, with chief finance officer Christina Katsibouba and chief executive officer Robbie Cooke both turning their resignations in March.

Foster, though, is not immediately exiting the company and will continue to carry out his duties in a temporary capacity. He wants to make the transition towards a new chief executive officer smoother, as Star Entertainment is still on the lookout for its own top person.

However, Foster will only help with the executive responsibilities he took on when he became a chair, and he will be replaced in the chair position by Anne Ward, an independent non-executive director, whose appointment into the new position comes with immediate effect.

Star Entertainment has come under heavy fire from regulators and has been found unfit to hold a license in Sydney in October 2022, as the regulator found the company to have not met all necessary prerequisites to continue operating the property. A second inquiry is now underway, with the heat on Star Entertainment unlikely to let up any time soon.

Star has been waddling through more problems still, especially in light of new previously unseen text messages that showed insiders at the company pushing for the removal of Star Sydney’s special manager, Nicholas Weeks, and the NSW regulator.

The Clouds Gather for Star Entertainment and Executives

That was the event which prompted Cooke’s decision to step down in a formal acceptance of mea culpa. Cooke though has already said that the rapport that Star and the regulator had was a fraught one, and it often felt like a “one-way street.”

“But it was a difficult position for the company because we were taking a contrary position to the manager and some of his views of the company,” Cooke said. The former executive further noted that the messages had come out of context, and they only represented a single exchange between Star insiders, and not the company’s official position. Yet doubt has settled on the regulator’s mind.

The ongoing saga with the second trial is adding insult to injury, and the exodus of C-level executives is undermining the company’s ability to save face at a particularly challenging period of its operations.

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The entertainment and gaming company has appointed a leader with strategic corporate expertise to serve as a seasoned board member

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Kim Harris Jones is joining the company’s Board of Directors effective from April 29, but still subject to customary regulatory requirements, and she is touted for her in-depth understanding of leadership and steering businesses towards long-term goals.

Influential Leader Joins as 10th Caesars Board Member

She brings a deep understanding of finance as well as a robust reputation which will help the company strengthen its leadership team and address challenges while also exploring new opportunities. Caesars Entertainment Executive Chairman of the Board Gary Carano has welcomed her appointment praising her outstanding track record.

Harris Jones has worked with various companies across numerous industries, ensuring that they emerge stronger and more capable after she has been part of their leadership team.

She is also on the list of the “100 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” a ranking by BoardProspects Magazine as well as “25 Women to Watch” by CFO Magazine. She also made the list of “The 2021 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” by Savoy and ended on a similar rank list by Black Enterprise Magazine called “75 Most Powerful Women in Business.”

Harris Jones’ career path has taken her to various roles. She worked for Chrysler for 17 years and was appointed to various leadership positions, including SVP and Corporate Controller. She also served at General Motors for six years. Her most recent stints include Mondelez International where she worked as SVP and Corporate Controller in 2015 and she was also part of Kraft Foods as SVP and Corporate Controller as well.

Strategic Oversight and Overall Direction

“With her extensive experience in finance and a reputation as a thoughtful and engaged leader inside some of the largest consumer-packaged goods and automotive companies, Kim’s addition will give us another lens through which to see stronger, more dynamic future possibilities for Caesars Entertainment,” Carano explained.

Harris Jones is also a graduate of the University of Michigan and she currently serves on several other boards, including True Blue, Fossil Group, and United Rentals, as well as the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association’s board.

By joining Caesars Entertainment’s board, Harris Jones is effectively becoming the tenth person on the board. She will look to provide the company with strategic direction as well as bring stronger oversight over its current operations.

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The embattled country has taken a closer look at its gambling industry, fighting Russian influence, illegal activities, and low troop morale at the same time

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Ukraine is on the offensive once again with the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s General Office launching a new investigation into online gambling platforms that have been operating illegally and are tied to Russia.

At the onset of the 2022 war, which Russia declared on its neighbor, Ukraine sought to stem the tide of cash outflow that could be fueling the aggressor’s warm machine.

Gambling sites with ties to the Russian Federation were an immediate target of Ukrainian efforts to root out illegal gambling in the country, and the latest identified but unnamed websites are among those.

Gambling Is Important for Ukraine’s National Security

Parimatch, a prominent platform, was mistakenly caught in the crossfire. Luckily, Parimatch was removed from the Presidential list of banned gambling companies later on. The new allegations levelled against Russian-based individuals and illegal platforms though will stay.

Ukraine has not shied away from levelling accusations against individual operators, and most recently in February, the country went after Cosmolot, accusing the platform of tax evasion.

The Office also outlined some of the steps that have already been taken to combat illegal gambling in the country with more than 2,500 illegal gambling sites blocked since last year, as reported previously. Right now, 450 criminal offenses are related to illegal gambling as well.

Gambling Encroaching on Military Capabilities

The country is also going after individuals whom it suspects of wrongdoing related to illegal gambling. Meanwhile, the military has had its fair share of problems with gambling and gambling-related harm.

Apart from undermining the country’s war-waging capabilities, gambling within the army has also taken a toll on the mental health of soldiers.

The Verkhovna Rada has now issued a ban on gambling in the army, with lawmakers worried about the problem as well and how it might reflect on the battlefield. Efforts to curb the spreading of illegal and irresponsible gambling have been well underway.

In the meantime, the country has also benefited from the regulated gambling sector, with online gambling outpacing expectations and generating a steady stream of tax revenue for the state coffers.

All of this is happening at a time of intensified interest in the gambling market in Ukraine. So much so that the country approved 150 new licenses in early April. Yet, there have been some headwinds as well, including the proposed dissolution of the state regulator, KRAIL, which has been deemed unfit to carry out its duties.

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As a component of VICI\’s Partner Property Growth Fund strategy, this capital injection seeks to finance a range of projects, including hotel room renovations, gaming floor optimization, and improvements to entertainment and convention amenities

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VICI Properties Inc., a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT), has unveiled plans to inject up to $700 million into The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for extensive refurbishment projects, marking a significant step in enhancing the renowned integrated resort’s offerings and guest experience.

VICI Properties Teams Up with The Venetian for Major Upgrades

This capital infusion, part of VICI’s Partner Property Growth Fund strategy, aims to fund various initiatives such as renovations to hotel rooms, optimization of the gaming floor, and enhancements to entertainment and convention facilities. The endeavor seeks not only to elevate the property’s overall appeal but also to augment its intrinsic value in the market.

According to John Payne, president and chief operating officer of VICI Properties, the collaboration with The Venetian Resort underscores a commitment to innovation and progress within the hospitality sector. He expressed enthusiasm about supporting impactful expansion endeavors at the Las Vegas landmark, citing the impressive performance achieved since VICI’s acquisition alongside funds managed by Apollo Global Management, Inc. in 2022.

David Kieske, chief financial officer of VICI Properties, emphasized the strategic alignment of the Partner Property Growth Fund strategy with the company’s overarching objectives. He highlighted the dynamic nature of VICI’s real estate assets and the potential for creative capital deployment to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.

VICI Properties’ $700M Capital Injection and Poker Room Expansion

The funding agreement entails an initial investment of $400 million to be disbursed in 2024, with an additional $300 million available for drawdown until November 1, 2026. Rent payments under the existing lease agreement will be subject to incremental increases, beginning on the first day of the quarter following each capital infusion, reflecting a 7.25% yield.

Furthermore, the agreement stipulates that incremental rent hikes will commence annually at a rate of 2.0% from March 1, 2029, with subsequent escalations tied to either a fixed percentage or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 3.0%.

The Venetian Capital Investment is expected to be financed through a combination of cash reserves and the partial settlement of forward equity sale agreements, underscoring VICI’s prudent approach to capital allocation and investment management.

Additionally, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas is relocating and expanding its poker room to a larger space on Level 2 of the Grand Canal Shoppes, set to open in the summer of 2024.

In a broader context, this initiative exemplifies a growing trend among REITs, including VICI, to provide financing for tenant-driven enhancement projects in the gaming and hospitality sectors. Such arrangements not only diversify revenue streams for landlords but also contribute to the overall enhancement of property values, thereby benefiting all stakeholders involved.

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A new wave of protests against violence against women in Australia now wants the government to do more to protect victims

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A recent spate of attacks against women based on gender violence has prompted spontaneous protests in Australia, with citizens looking for answers from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and asking the leader to do more and ensure that women are protected from the spike in violent behavior they are subjected to.

13-Year-Old-Boys Won’t Change Culture of Sexual Violence

One possible solution, argues criminologist Michael Salter, is a concentrated effort by the government, which should seek and mount a national campaign to ensure that it has a robust strategy in addressing the festering issue which has spilt over to open public discontent.

One of the specific problems Salter outlines is that the onus is often put on boys and men, with the most common strategy being simply telling the demographic to “change.” Yet, this is a poor strategy as it elicits feeble responses. Instead, the root cause has to be addressed. Boys and men are exposed to alcohol, pornography, and gambling, which have been tied to increased rates of violence.

“Why is it the responsibility of a 13-year-old-boy to change the culture around sexual violence,” Salter asked rhetorically, arguing that the burden should rest with the state and the government instead.

Gambling Is “In the Mix”

His opinion is somewhat shared by Women’s Community Shelter chief executive Annabelle Daniel, who also serves as chair of Domestic Violence NSW, who spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Natassia Chrysanthos who did the original reporting on the piece.

Daniel spoke about the prompts that lead to increased violence on the part of men, arguing that alcohol, financial stress, drinking, and gambling all have a toll on a man’s psyche and could prompt men to violence against their spouses, usually women.

These warnings should be heeded by the Albanese government which has found its hands full with addressing both gambling and now the increase in violence against women.

The fact that both are somewhat related presents a fresh challenge and opportunity for the government, which has been working hard on enacting several significant regulatory safeguards at least insofar as gambling is concerned.

Australia has moved forward with a ban on credit cards and local regulators are also now holding gambling companies to higher standards. Yet, the prevalence of gambling remains a major issue in Australia as 2 in 5 adults in the Down Under gamble weekly, making it one of the world’s biggest gambling nations.

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Disagreements over the project forced president Pere Aragonès had to call for a snap election on May 12

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The Catalan parliament continues to discuss the Hard Rock casino plans over ten years after the project was announced. Parties are yet to reach a consensus on the matter, the Catalan News reported.

The Hard Rock casino project envisions the construction of a casino-hotel complex in Vila-seca and Salou, Tarragona, in the vicinity of the PortAventura amusement park. However, the property has been a point of contention for over a decade, causing delays in its development.

The initial mega project would have had six theme parks, covering 445 hectares in total. Originally called Barcelona World, the project was eventually picked by Hard Rock, which scaled it down. Its current iteration would feature a casino, two hotels, a large swimming pool, a shopping area and a big conference center.

However, Hard Rock’s project now still waiting for the approval of a new Urban Development Plan because the Catalan High Court annulled the first one in 2020.

Political Parties Are in Disagreement

Hard Rock’s project continues to be intensely discussed by political parties in the Catalan parliament. The casino plans have the support of the Socialists, the pro-independence Junts, the far-right Vox and the liberal Ciudadanos. In the meantime, the pro-independence Esquerra Republicana, far-left CUP, and left-wing Comuns Sumar are firmly opposed to the resort.

Comuns Sumar, for example, rejected the 2024 budget because its members believed that it would have advanced the Hard Rock project, despite the government claiming otherwise. As a result, Catalan president Pere Aragonès had to call for a snap election on May 12.

Raquel Sans, the main candidate for Esquerra Republicana, accused her political opponents of using Hard Rock as an excuse to push their agenda and end the legislature. According to her, these people chose their own benefits over those of the public.

Far-right Vox’s Sergio Macián added that separatism continues to prevent the economic development of Catalonia.

However, opponents of the project claim that it must be stopped because it is not entirely legal. According to them, proceeding with the project would be an injustice. Others have pointed out that the Hard Rock casino-hotel would not be environmentally sustainable.

Because of that, opposed parties believe that changes would be needed before Hard Rock receives planning permission.

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The prominent aggregator and developer of proprietary games for the online casino sector has teamed up with a new Italian iGaming infrastructure company

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Relax Gaming, known both for its third-party aggregation solutions and its own in-house games, has launched a new foray into the Italian online casino market, teaming up with Octavian Lab.

Octavian Lab develops comprehensive 360-degree solutions for the iGaming industry and creates products, protocols and integrated solutions for the Italian market, and other jurisdictions. Through this tie-up, Relax Gaming will have direct access to Eurobet, one of the leading sportsbooks and casinos in the country.

In turn, Eurobet’s players will be able to explore the full variety of Relax Gaming titles, including Money Train, Wild Chapo 2, and Marching Legions, among others.

Resonating with Players All Across Italy

Commenting on this new opportunity, Octavian Lab CEO Emanuele Nocentelli said that his company was proud to bring one of the industry’s highest-quality games to the library of Eurobet.

Nocentelli further said that Octavian Lab’s Gaming and Aggregation platforms made it certain that Relax’s games would reach players across the entire market and resonate with local audiences all across Italy.

Relax Gaming Director of Italy Gianluca Crimaldi was similarly pleased with this opportunity, arguing that Italy remains a key market for the company which has been expanding rapidly across Europe and beyond.

“We are delighted to partner with the talented team at Octavian Lab who are helping ensure our games reach Italian players via the country’s top operators,” Crimaldi said. Relax Gaming has recently appointed a new CEO in the face of Martin Stålros who took over the position in April.

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