BYTHE NUMBERS ImAGe PRoBlem IN U.K.

With years of attacks on the gaming industry to bolster opinion, it’s no surprise that the majority of British citizens have a negative view of gaming. In a monthly tracker, the YouGovUK website has consistently shown that a vast majority have an unfavorable or very unfavorable view of gaming, while less than 1 percent of respondents have a very favorable view. Contrast this with the U.S.,

How Brits Feel About the Gaming Industry

Nevada employment Improving

The economic bounceback from the pandemic has been hampered by the reluctance of people to return to their previous jobs. That was particularly evident in the hospitality and retail industries, but things are improving. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation’s (DETR) January 2023 economic report, the total number of jobs in Nevada has surpassed 1.5 million. Las Vegas employment increased by 4,000 jobs (0.4 percent) since December and saw an increase of 62,600 jobs (6 percent) since January 2022. Reno employment had an increase of 800 jobs (0.3 percent) since December, and an increase of 11,900 jobs (4.6 percent) since January 2022. Nevada’s jobless rate still exceeds the national number.

where the annual State of the States survey by the American Gaming Association shows that at least 50 percent of Americans have a favorable view of gaming. Gaming observers in the U.K., however, say the opinion isn’t in step with reality since studies have consistently shown the problem gambling rate in the U.K. is only 0.2 percent to 0.3 percent.

Unemployment Rate - U.S. and NV January 2023

Matt Sodl

Founding Partner, President and Managing Director, Innovation Capital

When Matt Sodl formed Innovation Capital, LLC with principals of The Innovation Group, a boutique investment bank focused on gaming was something new. Now, nearly 20 years later, Innovation Capital has advised on over $11 billion in transaction volume within the gaming, leisure, restaurant and retail industries. Most recently, the company acted as financial advisor to Bally’s in its successful bid for the Chicago casino project. Sodl talks about the current economic climate and why it continues to foster opportunities for tribes and corporations alike. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros from his offices in Boca Raton in February.