November 2015 Infinity Gaming Magazine

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GAMING + ARTICLES + BUSINESS+ GLOBAL+ ONLINE + NEWS+

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NOVEMBER 2015

35 PROHIBITION Prohibition Solves no Problem

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12 DAILY FANTASY SPORTS Are they legal?

ALICIA GLEESON Crown Melbourne

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in all external articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Infinity Gaming Magazine Any content provided by our feature writers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

INFINITY GAMING

NOVEMBER 2015

4 EDITOR NOTES Lana welcomes you to the September edition of Infinity Gaming Magazine.

6 OUR WRITERS Meet our feature writers, the superb writers on our rosta.

12 DAILY FANTASY SPORTS Professor I. Nelson Rose

19 NEW CASINO

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Resorts World Birmingham opens

20 MACAU GAMING NEWS Plus news from Australia

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Paul Swaddle

20 ALICIA GLEESON A look round Crown Melbourne

MACAU GAMING NEWS Plus Australia

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26 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Paul Swaddle

35 PROHIBITION Liz Karter

+ ALL THE LATEST NEWS & Opinions

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NOVEMBER 2015

A note from the editor CONTACT US Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK Tel: +44(0)1543 478 889 PRODUCTION Clever Duck Media Centrix@Keys Keys Park Road Staffordshire WS12 2HA UK

Autumn arrives and time to show what you got, make it the best ever

PUBLISHING Infinity Gaming Magazine is operated by © Clever Duck Media Ltd ®

Lana Thompson - Editor

Welcome to the November edition of the Infinity Gaming Magazine Well we are certainly into the event

thanks to both Play’n GO and Net Ent for

season with two down and how many

their support and sponsorship of this in-

more to go!?

novative event.

Never fear thou we have all the articles,

Enjoy the magazine and can you believe

interviews and news you need to keep

it will be December next time I write to

you up to date with all that is happen-

you!

ing in the global gaming industry.

Enjoy the issue As ever we have some great articles this month from Liz Karter, Professor I. Nel-

So, “To Infinity and Beyond!”

son Rose and Paul Swaddle.

Regards, Also we are delighted to announce the formation of the Women in Gam-

Lana

ing Networking Event that will take place on the 1st February for lunch at the stunning Savoy Hotel in London.

Details can be found inside and on the website.

While on that note about the Women in Gaming Networking event I want to say on behalf of all the attendees many

INFINITY GAMING

The Editor

Company Reg. No. 687 1018 (Registered in England) V.A.T reg. no 972 6372 91

Sponsorship Opportunities Colin@cleverduckmedia.com Business Partnerships Svetlana@gaming-awards.com Marketing & Advertising claire@cleverduckmedia.com Editorial Content & PR media@cleverduckmedia.com

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NOVEMBER 2015

Infinity Gaming Magazine

A magazine is only as good as the content inside and with some of the leading specialists within th prducts, technology and current affairs with the sector the Infinity Gaming Magazine is delighted t

Paul Swaddle A self-confessed ‘gadget geek, Paul Swaddle has been working at the leading edge of mobile technology for the past 15 years. He co-founded Pocket App in 2011 to bring the creative and technical development elements of mobile technology together under one roof. This unique approach continues to differentiate Pocket App in today’s increasingly competitive landscape.

Working across a range of communications disciplines such as acquisition, loyalty, retention and customer development, Paul understands the importance of a strategic and coordinated marketing approach, particularly between on and off-line communications. In the past decade he has enabled brands as diverse as Kellogg’s Fruit Winders, Barclays and Loaded magazine to get the best out of mobile.

JJ Woods Director of Operations founded and set up Atlantic Casino Consultants which consults Worldwide, He is also an expert on the Irish Gaming Market and the impending Casino Legislation. He was born in Ireland but left in the Seventies to live in London and for a career in Banking that lasted nearly four years after which he joined the Casino Industry in London where he trained and has over the last 30 years been involved in the setting up, design, management, and opening of Casinos Worldwide.

JJ is also an Author on Gaming and has written for several magazines, spoken at gaming conferences was selected as a Judge for the World Gaming Industry awards and has appeared on TV and Radio discussing Gaming issues. He can be contacted through the website... www. atlanticcasinoconsultants.com

With over ten years experience in the industry, David Newstead has seen online casino trends come and go.

Primarily involving himself in the affiliate industry, he has quickly gained an appreciation for the demands of this fast paced marketplace. Today, he refines his efforts into expressing his opinions for numerous industry journals. Read more

about his adventures down at www. slotschoice.com.”

JJ Woods

David Newstead

general manager and CEO

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NOVEMBER 2015

Contributing Writers

he gaming industry. With specialised articles covering customer service, the gaming law, new to showcase our superb line-up of contributing writers.

Christina Thakor-Rankin Christina is Principal Consultant at 1710 Gaming Ltd, a specialist betting and gaming consultancy, delivering a range of services including licensing and compliance (incl. regulation, money laundering and social responsibility), business start-up, training and strategic re-engineering, project management, research, business analysis and development, to start-ups and established multi-national

operators and providers, gambling regulators, law enforcement and government agencies, media, and specialist interest groups and associations within the sector, in both established and emerging markets across the world. www.1710gaming.com

Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling iz Karter is a specialist in gambling and women and has worked as a therapist in gambling addiction since 2001. Liz is also author of the book “Women and Problem Gambling” published in March 2013.

In January 2010 having worked with all leading UK problem gambling treatment agencies, and having successfully established the first UK groups for women with gambling addiction, Liz launched Level Ground Therapy. A treatment service in the City of London, Level Ground

specialises in meeting the individual needs of women with gambling addiction.

Throughout her career Liz has been regularly consulted by the media regarding her specialisation and has made frequent national TV and radio broadcasts including This Morning, Radio 4 You and Yours and Women’s Hour and given numerous national newspaper and magazine interviews.

Would you like to feature here?

Infinity Gaming Magazine is always looking for new feature writers, if you have something to say and feel the global gaming industry would be interested then drop us a line and we can explain the benefits of working with a global reaching industry publication.

Fore more details on becoming a feature writer contact Paul Jordan our Editor at madia@cleverduckmedia.com

general manager and CEO

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THE IGA9 JUDGES 01

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Andrew Cammegh- Sales Director Cammegh Limited

Alison Digges – Brand Director Gala Coral Interactive

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Desmond Lam Ph.D – Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Macau

Prof. Dietmar Hoscher – Deputy Chariman of the Supervisory Board of Casinos Austria International Holding

Emma Loveday – Head of Marketing for Gaming and Betting at The Sun

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Heikki Rinta-Panttila – International Gaming Consultant

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Janet Viipola – Executive Coordinator Interactive Gaming Council

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Liz Karter – Psychotherapist specializing in women and problem gambling

Marek Milewski- Operations Manager Casinos Poland

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Michael SilberlingCEO Affinity Gaming

Ohad NarkisCEO BGO Entertainment

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Onika Russell – Head of Gambling , Airlines & Travel Strategic Services, PayPal

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THE IGA9 JUDGES 13

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Professor I. Nelson RoseSpeaker & Gaming Law expert

Paul Armitage – Operations Director Grosvenor Casinos

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Peter Hoetzinger – CoCEO & President, Vice Chairman Century Casinos

Richard Noble – Chief Operating Officer of the Aspers Group

Roger Marris – CEO at The Ritz Club

Roger Raatgever – CEO Microgaming

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Stella Dalton – Head of Business Development at GamCare

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Sylvia Dietz –Vice President Global Gaming Marketing IGT

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Stephanie Cheung – Chief Legal Officer at Melco Crown Entertainment

22 Tristan Sjoberg –

Vahe Baloulian – CEO BetConstruct

Executive Chairman at TCS John Huxley

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Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal? #195 © Copyright 2015, I. Nelson Rose, Encino, California. All rights reserved worldwide. Gambling and the Law® is a registered trademark of Professor I. Nelson Rose, www.GamblingAndTheLaw.com.

Professor I. Nelson Rose

Technology is speeding up changes in the world of gaming.

It took almost two centuries for poker to

with beans on hard cardboard cards, to

The introduction of daily games has

evolve from Straight Poker – five paper

printed papers daubed with ink mark-

been as big a boost to the world of fan-

cards dealt face down with no draw – to

ers, to linked machines that are almost

tasy sports betting as the invention of

Internet Hold ‘Em linking players us-

indistinguishable from slot machines.

the under-the-table camera was to T.V.

ing computers in different states and

poker.

even on different continents. Decades

There has always been a latest new

passed before three-reel mechanical

thing in gaming. But those are coming

slot machines were replaced by elec-

faster and faster, usually in completely

tro-mechanical gaming devices; then

unpredictable ways. Internet gambling,

The first thing to know about the law

decades more before those made way

especially online poker is still being

of fantasy is that the federal Unlawful

for 100% computerized video games

fought over in state legislatures. But

Internet Gambling Enforcement Act did

with virtual reels, and online slots with

the real growth area, a couple of years

not make fantasy sports betting legal. I

no physical cabinets at all. Even bingo

ago, was social casino games. Today it

have been on three or four panels in the

took years to evolve from a game played

is daily fantasy sports.

last five or six months discussing daily

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But, is daily fantasy legal?

NOVEMBER 2015

Note how easy it is for operators to comply with these provisions.

….

mance of an individual athlete in any single real-world sporting or other

(ix) participation in any fantasy or simu-

event.

lation sports game or educational game or contest in which (if the game or con-

Note how easy it is for operators to

test involves a team or teams) no fan-

comply with these provisions. Fanta-

tasy or simulation sports team is based

sy sports is played by fans who pay a

on the current membership of an actual

fee to enter and compete against each

Many operators and

team that is a member of an amateur or

other for valuable prizes. Players create

proponents seem to truly believe that

professional sports organization . . . and

and manage their “teams,” made up of

the UIGEA creates a safe harbor carve

that meets the following conditions:

real-world athletes. But the athletes are

fantasy games.

out for all fantasy sports. The industry leader FanDuel declares:

not normally actually competing against (I) All prizes and awards offered to win-

each other in real-world games. Rather,

ning participants are established and

the fantasy sports team consists of ath-

Fantasy sports is considered a game of

made known to the participants in ad-

letes from different real-world teams

skill and received a specific exemption

vance of the game or contest and their

and events. The only thing that is real

from the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gam-

value is not determined by the number

is the statistics generated by the indi-

bling Enforcement Act (UIGEA 2006).

of participants or the amount of any

vidual athletes.

FanDuel uses exactly the same rules as

fees paid by those participants.

the information about real-world per-

any other season-long fantasy sports

Computers combine

formances to determine which fantasy

format, the only difference is that our

(II) All winning outcomes reflect the

games last only one day or one week.

relative knowledge and skill of the par-

team has won.

ticipants and are determined predomi-

Under the UIGEA, a fantasy team cannot

Sites like FanDuel point to the following

nantly by accumulated statistical re-

be composed entirely of the players of

language from the UIGEA:

sults of the performance of individuals

a real-world team. But there is nothing

(athletes in the case of sports events)

preventing all players but one of a fan-

in multiple real-world sporting or other

tasy football team from being from the

events.

same real-world team. There is no limit

§§ 5362. Definitions In this subchapter:

on the cost of entering, the size of the (III) No winning outcome is based--

(1) BET OR WAGER.--The term

‘bet or wager’-

….

prizes or, most significantly, the length of time involved.

(aa) on the score, point-spread, or any performance or performances of any

Until recently, fantasy sports was sea-

single real-world team or any combina-

son-long.

tion of such teams; or

to only the most devoted of sports

(E) does not include--

But this appealed mostly

fans, who follow a sport over weeks or (bb) solely on any single perfor-

months. Technology has shortened our

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NOVEMBER 2015

months. Technology has shortened our

forcement Act.” By its own language,

Fantasy sports has always been prob-

attention spans. And the brilliant idea

the UIGEA made only two changes in

lematic for law enforcement.

that a fantasy league could be started

the law of Internet gaming. It created

betting is one of the few forms of gam-

and finished on the same day, using sta-

a new federal crime of receiving money

ing that clearly is illegal under just about

tistics generated by real-world contests

by an operator of an illegal gambling

every anti-gambling law. Illegal bookies

on that day, led to an explosion of inter-

website. And it ordered federal regula-

have been using telephones since they

est in fantasy sports.

tors to enact regulations to identify and

were first invented to take bets on horse

block money transfers by bettors in the

races and sports events. In fact, the first

So, the UIGEA does permit, under its

United States to those outlaw gambling

prohibitions on remote wagering were

own terms, daily fantasy sports. But, the

sites. The UIGEA is designed to go af-

enacted before the phone was invent-

argument that the UIGEA preempts all

ter online gaming that is already illegal

ed, because criminals were taking bets

other federal and state anti-gambling

under some other federal or state anti-

by telegraph.

laws might be defensible, except for the

gambling law; and, today, no serious legal

Sports

commentator,

regulator or enforcement agent would argue otherwise.

Of course, the UIGEA has had a real-world impact far beyond its actual, limited changes in the law. Within hours of it being passed by Congress, long before it was signed into law

by President George W. Bush, PartyGaming, then the largest publicly traded Internet poker company, announced that it was following from the very opening section

pulling out of the American market. This

of the UIGEA:

was apparently based on a misunderstanding of the bill: the frankly bizarre

RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.--No provision

belief that before the UIGEA only online

of this subchapter shall be construed as

bettors were violating state anti-gam-

altering, limiting, or extending any Fed-

bling laws and now operators could be

eral or State law or Tribal-State compact

prosecuted as well.

prohibiting, permitting, or regulating gambling within the United States.

Whatever the reason, the exist of this giant online gaming operator from the

It is hard to imagine a clearer express

U.S. scared every other publicly traded

statement that this Act was not intend-

Internet gaming company to also stop

ed to change any other anti-gambling

taking money bets from America.

law.

The passage of the UIGEA had many Admittedly, the UIGEA was rammed

other impacts, both large and small.

through without any hearings or even

The one most relevant for the question

proof-reading, so it is sometimes diffi-

of daily sports bets was the acceptance

cult to know what Congress intended.

of UIGEA’s “carve out” listed above by

But the bill itself is labeled an “En-

state and local police and prosecutors.

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Sports betting is one of the few forms of gaming that clearly is illegal under just about every anti-gambling law.

NOVEMBER 2015

But everyone charged with enforcing

and weather, are much more likely to

sports betting, are very much in favor of

the laws against gambling also knows

not only occur, but to determine which

fantasy sports, to the point where they

that contests of skill are almost never

fantasy team wins.

are partnering and investing tens of mil-

illegal. Gambling requires prize, con-

15

lions of dollars in the companies that

sideration and chance. If any one of

There are no court cases yet on whether

run the games. The reason is obvious:

those elements are absent the activity

a daily fantasy game has enough skill

Fantasy players will continue to watch

can still be regulated, but not under the

elements remaining to keep it out of the

a game to the end, even if one team is

anti-gambling laws.

category of sports betting. The ques-

wiping out the other, because they want

tion will be determined entirely by state

to know how their individual fantasy

A game whose outcome is determined

law. Which means it is very possible

team players do. More viewers mean

entirely by the skill of the players is

that courts in different states will come

more advertising revenue.

simply not gambling. The prize of value

to different conclusions as to whether

might still be cash. But the considera-

daily fantasy is legal.

tion is no longer considered a bet. Pay-

There may also be another, more subtle factor.

Sports betting is here to

ing to play a contest of skill is an entry

States are free to decide their own

stay, whatever federal or state laws are

fee, not a wager.

public policies toward gambling. Utah

passed. The professional and collegiate

and Nevada share a common border,

teams and leagues are beginning to rec-

Bowling tournaments, for example, that

yet their state legislatures have come

ognize that wagering on sports events

charge entry fees and offer cash prizes

to completely opposite decisions on

has been and continues to be a signifi-

might still be regulated or even out-

whether gambling should be legal.

cant factor in the popularity of athletic

lawed. But the organizer would not be

contests.

charged with running a lottery, operat-

This is already beginning to happen

ing a casino or being a bookmaker.

with fantasy sports. Although the gen-

Fantasy sports is a way for the individu-

eral test for gambling is chance, prize

als and organizations that have said that

Agents of law enforcement have always

and consideration, states and other ju-

been wary of fantasy sports. The reasons

risdictions are free to create other tests,

they wouldoperators never support sports have tobetbe

are practical as well as legal. A season-

or outlaw or legalize specific activities.

extra-careful about having to be openly hypocritical.

And it

long fantasy sports league would seem

FanDuel every state and decided to pro-

doesn’t require them lobbying to repeal

to require enough skill to take the game

hibit residents of Arizona, Iowa, Louisi-

protecting minorslaws and the very same anti-sports-betting

out of the prohibition against sports

ana, Montana and Washington from par-

that they worked so hard to have passed

betting. More importantly, nobody likes

ticipating in fantasy games for money.

only a few years ago.

to look like a fool, especially if the mass

Maryland, on the other hand, expressly

media may become involved. There are

legalized fantasy sports in 2012. It did

few prosecutors who would care to go

this by enacting a statute that tracked

in front of a jury to prosecute a months-

the language of the UIGEA on fantasy

long fantasy sports contest. Just de-

games and then simply declared those

scribing how the game operates would

games not to be gambling.

be so complicated to the layman that the battle to get that juror to declare the

Although a few state legislatures are

operation predominantly chance would

considering expressly outlawing fantasy

be already half lost.

sports, the trend is definitely in the opposite direction. Besides the question

But a fantasy game that starts and ends

of whether daily or even season-long

in a single day and involves as few as

fantasy competitions have enough skill

two real-world sports events is another

elements to make them non-gambling,

matter. The game is easy to explain and

very powerful political players have

may even look like sports betting. Some

entered the arena. The sports leagues,

of the skill elements of the season-

until recently consistently united in

long fantasy leagues are missing. For

their opposition to sports betting, are

example, the “manager� of a daily fan-

very much in favor of fantasy sports,

tasy team has no opportunity to make

to the point where they are partnering

trades. Fortuitous events, like injuries

and investing tens of millions of dollars

Internet gaming

ting to get many of the benefits without

compulsive gamblers from themselves, preventing hacking, and making sure that no one can make a bet

from a state or nation States are free to dewhere online betting is cide their own public illegal. policies towards gambling...

INFINITY GAMING

join the

industry’s

celebration excellence!

of

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February 1st 2016 - The Savoy, London The International Gaming Awards Are Sponsored By

GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

Egyptian wonder as Pyramid: Quest for ImmortalityTM launches with NetEnt

NetEnt is whipping up a sandstorm with its new diamond format slot Pyramid: Quest for Immortality, packed with wild symbols and re-spins.

The leading digital entertainment company, which provides digital gaming solutions to the world’s most successful casino operators, launches the Ancient Egyptthemed video slot for both mobile and desktop, with exciting features that have the ability to gain sequential multiplier build ups.

With its unique layout, Pyramid: Quest for Immortality is an innovative slot that includes NetEnt’s AvalancheTM

re-spin feature. Re-spins occur if there is any win of three symbols and above in any way.

Wild symbol features also offer exciting chances to win big money prizes.

Simon Hammon, Chief Product Officer of NetEnt, comments: “With Pyramid: Quest for Immortality, NetEnt will immerse players in the exotic world of Ancient Egypt.

With so many exciting ways to win, including NetEnt’s popular Avalanche feature, winners could soon be living like pharaohs.”

More ways to win with Yggdrasil’s Doubles Yggdrasil Gaming has today launched Doubles™, a new video slot that uses low poly 3D computer graphics to produce a fun and colourful game with 243 ways to wins.

The game has single and double symbols, which means that the longest possible win is 10 symbols in a row.

When entering the free spin mode, players have the option to choose a symbol that will always appear as double during all free spins.

This gives players the opportunity to choose their volatility level. They can choose a low symbol to win often, or a high one for bigger potential wins.

A player who is feeling lucky can choose the diamond and aim for the amazing reward of 25,000

coins for 10 diamonds in a row.

The simple yet exciting mechanics, and the opportunity to choose your own style, makes Doubles perfect for both new and experienced players.

Fredrik Elmqvist, CEO at Yggdrasil Gaming Ltd, said: “We’re very excited to launch our first ever 243 ways slot game, providing our customers with a totally new slots experience “We’ve used low poly graphics to make it a vibrant, exciting and fun slot, and one that appeals to different types of players. Some are looking for more frequent small wins, while others go for the greater risk and the opportunity to win big prizes. Doubles™ has something for everyone and we’re expecting big things from this game.”

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NOVEMBER 2015

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GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

19

Resorts World Birmingham opens with caution Resorts World has opened after a two

The resort, which will employ 1,200

Mr Brooks noted that they have 3,000

year build at the NEC Genting will be

staff, can accommodate about 12,000

in Las Vegas and 4,000 in New York. The

hoping that their latest venture in the

people at any one time.

low level of allowed slot machines was

UK is a success and turns Birmingham into a destination for tourists.

the outcome of public concern back But President of Genting UK Peter

in 2005 when Las Vegas style casinos

Brooks is very cautious over the devel-

were supposed to be allowed in the UK,

The £150 million development which is

opment calling it an “experiment” and

that never happened and so not just

shaped like a cruise ship and covers 12

“an act of faith.” Indeed Mr Brooks said

Genting but Caesars bought into the UK

storeys of 18 bars and restaurants, 50

recently that the company would never

market only to see the potential of su-

outlet shops, a cinema, spa, hotel and

had invested in the casino resort had

per casinos removed in the UK.

casino will open in stages from today

they known in advance of the regulato-

with the casino ready to welcome gam-

ry difficulties and planning delays they

How Genting will deliver their Resorts

blers.

were to suffer.

World Birmingham and how successful

An 11-screen Imax cinema opens on Fri-

He also pointed the finger at the UK gov-

it will be, if at all will be down to bril-

day, and the casino and night-time bars

ernment for their lack of vision towards

liant marketing and advertising and not

will open on Monday.

helping the gambling industry and more

because of the UK governments current

accurately the casino sector. In the new

legislation on gambling. However given

Operations manager Barry Clemo said

resort in Birmingham Genting will have

Mr Brooks current mood on the resort

it was aimed at people “too young to

just 150 slot machines which is the

it seems even before opening does not

sit at home watching telly, and too old

maximum for a large style casino which

bode well for the future.

to push through the crowds in the city

Genting has to operate their new ven-

centre”.

ture. In other locations Genting operate

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NOVEMBER 2015

James Packer wants to build Melbourne’s biggest tower

James Packer, has resurrected a plan

Wynne said on Monday the plan was a

“There have been periodic attempts to

to build the tallest skyscraper in Mel-

“vote of confidence” for investment in

get this kind of huge tower approved in

bourne.

Melbourne.

Melbourne — they’ve all failed,” Buxton said.

Packer, who owns the majority stake in

The Victorian government last month

Crown Casino, has resubmitted a plan

introduced interim restrictions on the

“The recent height controls in Mel-

to build an apartment complex said to

height of future skyscrapers as a means

bourne are designed to prevent this

be 317.3 meters tall that would cost in

of reducing aerial density in the city’s

kind of huge construction and they

excess of 1.10 billion U.S. dollars to con-

skyline.

should be adhered to.”

struct.

Developers are now restricted to build-

“The development of high-rise projects

The 90-storey complex includes a

ing structures with less than 24 storeys,

such as this destroys the character of

41-meter-long “sky bridge” linking the

unless they can provide sufficient den-

Melbourne (and) turns it into another

new building with its two six-star hotels,

sity offsets to build higher.

Hong Kong.”

structures without returning to ground

But Packer’s “super-tower” proposal has

Residents have vowed to fight the build-

level.

already met with strong opposition.

ing of the tower, believing it breaches

allowing guests to cross between the

height restrictions imposed by the prePacker said the proposed tower was “a

RMIT planning expert Michael Buxton

beautiful and elegant building that is

told Melbourne radio on Monday that

destined to be an important addition to

Melbourne didn’t need another “tower

the Melbourne skyline”.

of power” detracting from the city’s charm.

Victoria’s Planning Minister Richard

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vious Liberal government.

Courtesy of Xinhuanet

NOVEMBER 2015

Wynn Macau suffers huge Q3 fall...

Wynn Macau suffered a sharp fall in its third quarter results with revenues falling in the world’s largest gambling hub by 37.9% to $585 million with net profits falling to $62.1 million a huge 71.9% drop from the same period in 2014.

The head of Wynn Resorts, Steve Wynn, told reporters on a conference call: “In my 45 years of experience, I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Wynn’s Macau also saw a 51.3% fall in its VIP table games turnover, from $12.2bn for the period compared with $25.1bn a year earlier.

...whilst Galaxy Entertainment post profits rise for Q3 Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group announced its third quarter results showing an increase of 13% on profits from the previous quarter following the opening in May of the companies Phase 2 of Galaxy Macau.

However revenues were down 36% from the same period last year at $271 million as measured by adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. But the firm said the revenues were higher than many analyst predictions.

Galaxy Entertainment, controlled by billionaire Lui Che Woo who was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at the International Gaming Awards back in 2014, opened the phase two expansion of Galaxy Macau and the revamped Broadway Macau in May. The $3.1 billion projects marked the first in Macau in three years.

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NOVEMBER 2015

“To me, success is about people”

Alicia Gleeson

As you walk under the glittering canopy of lights at Crown Towers, you are greeted warmly by a friendly Doorman, in red livery; you continue through the immense hotel lobby and receive a nod and a smile from the Concierge; a Security Guard asks you about your day; and a Dealer wishes you good luck on your table. When it comes to the

INFINITY GAMING

casino business, success really is about the people.

the type of service which reflects the Crown brand.

As Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Australia’s largest integrated resort, Crown Melbourne, I understand the importance of recruiting, training and developing people, so they are in the best possible position to provide

At Crown Melbourne, we are visited by more than 17 million people every year – making us one of Australia’s biggest tourist destinations. Now, usually when we think of Australian tourist attractions, we think of crystal clear beaches, the

NOVEMBER 2015

Infinity Gaming Magazine sits down with the Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Crown Melbourne & recipient of the WIG 2015 Industry Pride of the Year award wide-open spaces and intriguing animals. The truth is, tourists are attracted to Crown because we are a people-focused business.

Getting the right people all begins with our recruitment process. In the last financial year, Crown recruited almost 2,000 new employees. A fantastic example of recruiting for customer service is the trainee Dealer position. A new Dealer is recruited at Crown based primarily on their customer service skills. When they come to Crown, they are being paid to learn an entirely new skill, at Crown’s Table Games School. We recruit people into this role based on their potential to deliver exceptional customer service to one of bigger clientele – our table games patrons.

We are also extremely proud of the diversity of our workforce – which reflects the diversity of our customer base. Our employees come from over 40 different cultures and speak more than 96 different languages. Employees who are multilingual are particularly important in our VIP areas, where we cater to patrons from all over the world.

Diversity and inclusion are a way of life at Crown and one of our key initiatives is Indigenous Employment.

To-date, we have hired more than 500 Indigenous people through our Indigenous Employment Program. A more recent initiative is our Disability Employment Program, CROWNability, which was launched last year. Through the CROWNability program, we assist candidates through the recruitment process and then provide further support as they transition into Crown and develop long-lasting careers with us.

join Crown in an entry-level position, you have the ability to develop a career here. We will provide you with the skills and opportunities to progress through the company and achieve your goals.

Learning & Development is a major focus at Crown. Crown College is our $10 million, state-of-the-art learning facility, which is also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), providing our employees with nationally-recognised qualifications and transferrable skills.

At Crown, one of our key focuses is investing in our people. Even if you

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NOVEMBER 2015

We have a fully-customised training restaurant called Culinarium, where our Apprentice Chefs undertake training for their Certificate III in Cookery. Front of house training is also offered, through our Certificate III in Hospitality and Certificate III in Tourism. Other facilities in Crown College include a specialised security training facility, Table Games School, computer rooms and classrooms.

Employee development is tailored, focusing on service delivery for our two main customer segments

– VIP and Main Gaming Floor. VIP customer service is all about those ‘money-can’t-buy’ experiences, like playing a ‘friendly’ game with Federer at the Australian Open; or a round at one of Melbourne’s best golf courses with our CEO. It is when a customer walks through the door of our VIP salon, Mahogany Room and is greeted by their personal Crown contact, who knows them by name, how many children they have and their birthdate. This type of service requires specific training, which Crown delivers to our employees working in our sa-

lons and VIP areas.

At Crown Melbourne, we have the Mahogany Room, for our VIP patrons and also 15 private gaming salons on levels 1, 29 and 39 of Crown Towers hotel. The top level of private salons, on level 39 were recognised as ‘VIP Room of the Year’ at the 2012 International Gaming Awards. Crown also hosts in-house junkets, including Sun City, the largest junket out of Macau. Employees who work in the VIP areas undergo rigorous training, including commission training for Baccarat, indepth cultural awareness training, “Are you Salon Ready?” training and salon etiquette training.

The other type of service is our Main Gaming Floor experience, which includes everything from the parking services, through to the security, bars, live entertainment, dining and hotels. Due to the professional and polished nature of the Crown brand, patrons expect a certain level of service across the board. Employees cover this expectation, or base-line customer service standard in our “Exceptional Standards,

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NOVEMBER 2015

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Alicia Gleeson tells us what it is like to work for Crown Outstanding Service” training module, which all employees undertake during their first three months with the company.

Another key aspect of our training delivery is our commitment to Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Gaming. Crown Melbourne was the first casino in the world to open a Responsible Gambling Support Centre – a 24-hour Centre, which offers free counselling, advice and the ability for patrons to exclude themselves from the casino. Crown has a Chaplain on-site in the Centre, who provides guidance and assistance to people facing gambling issues. Crown employees are also trained to identify the signs of problem gambling and then report directly to the Responsible Gaming Liaison Officers, who are on-site 24-hours to provide assistance.

Responsible Gaming is just one commitment which makes up Crown’s larger Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. In 2014,

we were excited to announce the launch of the Crown Resorts Foundation Employee Advisory Committee, which is comprised of Crown employees who work together on philanthropic initiatives.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Human Resources team at the local Salvation Army Café for the homeless and disadvantaged.

Crown is a large supporter of the Salvation Army, but having the opportunity to go and volunteer my time, with my team, was a truly fantastic experience and a great team bonding exercise.

Being visible in the community, whether it’s through volunteering, sponsorship initiatives, fundraising, or facilitating employment through our Indigenous or Disabil-

ity Employment Programs, isn’t just beneficial for our customer perception, but also for the engagement of our employees.

There’s no doubt about it – Crown is a fantastic place to work! The evidence is in our countless awards, including winning Australian Employer of the Year, not once, but twice in five years. To achieve this, we focus on our people, through training, diversity, career opportunities and community involvement. Success is a cycle – when our patrons are engaged, our employees are engaged, and when our employees are engaged, they deliver better service.

We know that it is our people who bring the customers back to Crown time and time again and this is why they are certainly our biggest investment and biggest asset.

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NOVEMBER 2015

Digital Transformation A Key Consideration for the Charity Sector

By Paul Swaddle, CEO, Pocket App

D

igital transformation is the

at risk, but also hinders their ability to

ultimate buzz phrase right

deliver new services to their customers

now. Regardless of the verti-

and improve their own productivity.

cal, be it Finance, Utilities, Insurance… everybody is preparing to ‘go digital’

Some charities may be thinking “what

or to implement some kind of digi-

has this got to do with us? Our tradi-

tal change in order to best position

tional methods have worked and are

their company for future endeavours.

continuing to work.” However, the

However, having recently worked with

recent furore in the media over fund-

a number of charitable organisations of

raising methods has brought the sector

differing size and scale and at differ-

under increased scrutiny and will no

ent points along their journey towards

doubt elicit stricter regulations on how

digital maturity, it’s clear to me that

charities can contact possible donors.

the majority of companies within this

That, coupled with the current period

sector are still failing to adopt digital

of austerity which is again increasing

agendas in their organisations. In fact,

demand on charity sector resources,

I recently read an article stating that

make this the ideal time for charities to

75% of charities still have no digital

implement the digital changes that will

transformation strategy in place, which

enable the organisations to operate

not only puts their fundraising abilities

more efficiently and create those allimportant cost savings.

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Some charities may be thinking “what has this got to do with us?

Our traditional methods have worked and are continuing to work.” However, the recent furore in the media over fundraising methods has brought the sector under increased scrutiny .

NOVEMBER 2015

Fundamentally, this is about under-

behind the digital transformation curve.

support of The Sun newspaper’s Poppy

standing that the way in which organi-

You only have to look at the success of

Appeal campaign in 2014. We created

sations do business today has changed.

last year’s ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ phe-

a new mobile app which allowed users

The arrival of SMAC (social, mobile, ana-

nomenon to see how some charities

to make a donation by text message to

lytics and cloud) technologies has set in

are taking advantage of digitally savvy

the Royal British Legion’s campaign to

motion a chain of events that has seen

donors. Likewise, some of the larger

support UK Armed Forces, veterans and

industries, formerly thought immune to

and more forward-thinking charities are

their families. Once they had donated,

digital upheaval, now needing to adapt

embarking on digital programmes that

users received an in-app poppy which

their strategies to incorporate a digital-

include creating a multichannel sup-

they were able to share via social me-

first approach. With the rise in preva-

porter experience, increasing business

dia or download to set as their mobile

lence of mobile devices and the prolif-

efficiencies through automation and

phone wallpaper.

eration of contactless options afforded

personalising communications and sup-

to people, it’s logical to assume that

porters’ online experiences. However,

The primary driver behind this change

fewer people will be carrying cash in

for the vast majority, it pains me to say

was the desire to ensure that future

the future and with 80% of donations

that that they are still very much in their

generations would continue to engage

currently taken offline, it’s essential that

infancy in their acceptance and use of

with the British Legion and the Poppy

charities begin to adopt a digital-first

digital.

Appeal, so this was designed as a way to

approach if they are to sustain their income streams.

make donations available to all, in whatI understand the fear. The words ‘digital’

ever format the general public want to

and ‘transformation’ sound expensive.

use. We had just three weeks to design,

I found it somewhat staggering when I

People hear them and suddenly think

develop and get it into app stores and

read that a recent survey of UK charities

it means they have to change every

within just a week of deployment, the

found one in five (20%) charities still do

aspect of their current organisational

app was downloaded over 30,000 times

not have facilities to accept online do-

structure overnight, but this isn’t the

and raised over £60,000 for the Poppy

nations. Moreover, almost nine tenths

case. Many of the charities that I have

Appeal.

(90%) of those with such facilities use

come into contact with can take huge

third party sites to process donations.

leaps forward just by being really fo-

The most important thing to remember,

With the UK being a world leader in e-

cused on small, fundamental orgnaisa-

whether big or small, is that digital trans-

commerce, it is very surprising that the

tional changes.

formation should always be viewed as a

transformative power of digital seems to have bypassed the charity sector.

This isn’t to say that the entire sector is

journey and not a means in itself. The A prime example of how a relatively low

goal is achieving lasting change that

cost digital change can have a dramat-

makes a difference to your users.

ic impact is a project we undertook in

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Rank Group announce latest results, with London star performer The Rank Group which operates Gros-

the period was up 8.0%, with 12.0%

“The group has had a good start to the

venor Casinos and Mecca bingo along

growth from Grosvenor and a 3.0% rise

financial year. We are seeing a contin-

with also having an online presence

at Mecca.

ued strong performance from our Gros-

have announced their 15 week results

venor Casinos brand, particularly in its

for the year ending 11th October, the

Online revenues rose by 56% for the

digital channel and London casinos, as

gambling firm said that total revenues

period but the main performer was the

well as an improving admissions trend

grew by 7%.

companies London casino division that

in our Mecca venues combined with

saw revenues rise by 19% compared to

good growth in Mecca’s digital busi-

With 12% of the revenue growth com-

that of its regional casinos of 6%. Mec-

ness,” said Henry Birch, Rank’s chief

ing from their casino division Grosvenor

ca venue revenue fell 2.0% in the pe-

executive.

and 1% from Mecca their bingo brand.

riod, while digital revenue was up 10%.

Like-for-like revenue for the group in

Steve Wynn considers Hillary Clinton backing With Sheldon Adelson firmly looking to back a Republican candidate for next years Presidential election, Steve Wynn is not so sure and indicated he could even back Democrat front runner Hillary Clinton.

However Donald Trump may have a supporter in Wynn, although the casino boss does not agree with Trump on immigration policies, he has reportedly given private advice to Trump, such as suggesting that he pledge his loyalty to the Republican Party and avoid an independent run for the Presidency.

Although the casino mogul has been highly critical of the current administration of Barack Obama Wynn suggested recently that ‘there is a chance’ he could support Hillary Clinton for President.

The Vegas big boys are each well known for their Republican politics, but they have also placed bets on both sides of the aisle–backing both sides depending on the politics favouring their casino resorts.

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GAMING NEWS

Japan finally calls time for casinos this year

I

t was already assured but the final nail in casino operators dream of Japan legalising casino resorts this year has now been driven home as the hope of an extraordinary session in the Japanese parliament will not be called to discuss casino gambling before the end of the year.

With that now not taking place any discussions by parliament will happen in 2016 and if by any chance those discussions turn into legislation then 2017 will see the second round of legislation on the rules and regulations controlling casinos in Japan.

Given the time frame now the best guess for any casino resort to be built and operational would be 2022, which would miss the hoped for explosion in gambling by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Estimates had Japan at being worth $40 billion a year in gambling revenues and would be second to Macau in the world of gambling turnover. It is certain that when and if it does happen casino operators will still be very interested but the amounts of investment they previously talked about could be written down given the chance of missing the Olympics date.

NOVEMBER 2015

James Packer not happy with Crown results Crown Resorts posted less than impressive annual results with former chairman James Packer saying he isn’t happy with the returns for investors at present.

Overall the casino firm posted a 17.9% drop in profits to $525.5 million compared to last year with Crown Melbourne performing strongly but Perth dragging down results.

“We have to get better at achieving an acceptable return on the capital expenditure we spend in Australia,” James Packer said at the company’s annual general meeting in Melbourne.

“The capex we’ve spent in Australia hasn’t delivered the returns we budgeted on,” Packer said.

With Macau suffering falling revenues and not being able to prop up results back in Australia Packer said, the Australian operations had previously been sheltered by the good returns from the casino operations in Macau. However, there was nowhere to hide because of what is happening in Macau.

In Macau, Crown’s share profit for the year was down 44.6% to $161.3 million to June 2015.

Overall gross gaming revenue in Macau fell 26.8% in the year.

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GAMING NEWS

Studio City increases table numbers to 250

C

oncerns over the amount of tables new casino resort Studio City were being allocated have lessened after reports saying the new resort will get up to 250 on opening night.

The Melco Crown Entertainment owned venue which is part owned by Lawrence Ho and James Packer had initially feared that the government would only allow 150 tables however because the resort focuses more on leisure than others it is being rewarded with an increase to 210 and another 40 tables before the end of the year, totalling 250.

Studio City which cost $3.2 billion and is set to open on the 27th October has borrowed $1.4 billion from investment firms promising that it would have 400 tables, this had made investors very nervous of the returns the new resort would generate, but with the number now at 250 and possibly rising next year further investors will re-negotiate with Melco on the deal.

Rumours also say that Galaxy Entertainment will also receive an increase of gaming table allocation of some 50 tables as what many see as a reward for their efforts in focussing their resorts towards leisure and tourism.

The new Studio City aims to attract a more family-friendly crowd, with a mix of Warner Brothers-themed rides, a Batman flight simulator and Asia’s highest ferris wheel set between two art deco hotel towers.

NOVEMBER 2015

Tigre de Cristal casino opens doors in Russia The Tigre de Cristal casino located in the far east of Russia has opened its doors heralding what the owners say is the next Macau. The casino in the Far East’s Primorye special gambling zone is the biggest legal casino in Russia said G1 Entertainment who have developed the casino.

It will help create new jobs and will boost the development of tourism and economic growth in the Primorye region, Eric Landheer, director for corporate finance and strategy at G1 Entertainment, said at the opening, according to the statement.

Gambling taxes for the region per year will bring in an estimated $16 million the regional government said along with creating much needed jobs.

The decision to create the Primorye gambling zone near Vladivostok was made by the Russian government in 2009, when it outlawed gambling in Russia with the exception of six special zones.

Tigre de Cristal soft opening last week was attended by more than a thousand guests, the Primorye regional government said in a statement. The full opening of the casino will take place on the 12th November Tigre de Cristal club cards have already been purchased by 9,000 people, and 300 members of staff have been trained to work in the casino, the statement said.

G1 Entertainment is owned by Macau casino operator Melco International Development Limited.

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Prohibition Solves no

By Liz Karter Problem I was contacted by BBC News London, earlier in October, to give expert comment on the seizing of a total of 38 illegal gambling machines from 7 social clubs. Fruit machines, betting terminals and video poker machine were confiscated by Haringay Council’s licence enforcement team. The team, being comprised of the police and members of the Gambling Commission found that none of the 38 clubs concerned had the correct licence required.

The BBC interviewer asked what I thought about the current regulations and whether they went far enough.

With the steady rise in problem gambling, did I think prohibition be a step to consider? What I do think, is that no matter how far regulation goes it will never be possible to completely prevent problem gambling, because addiction is not just about product, but also about a person, their problems and their attempt to escape their thoughts and feelings by gambling.

History teaches us that prohibition does not work. We only have to look to America’s alcohol prohibition laws of 1920. Where there is a will, there is a way and rather than prevent people from drinking people made Moonshine and bathtub gin by the gallon! And arguably this caused more problems than it solved, including in some cases fatalities through poisoning. Alcohol, like gambling, offers escapism and the need to escape a mundane or stressful life is it is a natural human need. If prohibition has any affect, it drives the activity underground where it is more open to misuse, and those using it vulnerable to exploitation by the provider.

Prohibition also of course makes anything much more exciting and enticing; the thrill of the forbidden. I am sure we all will remember that a part of ado-

lescence, crossing the threshold from childhood into adulthood, is breaking taboos. The rebellion of youth is driven by a desire to hammer out our own identity by doing the opposite to that which authority allows. So if gambling were forbidden then young people would be sure still to give it a go.

Prohibition would prevent the delivery of valuable education programmes in schools and colleges about the dangers of addictive gambling and how to prevent falling into the despair of debt and the destructive cycle of loss chasing. One example being that when I have treated young people from cultures where gambling is forbidden for religious reasons they have used gambling- known as ‘the hidden addiction’- as their hidden rebellion, and in part got into problems with gambling through having no understanding of the fundamentals of the product and risks involved. Ignorance does not necessarily create bliss.

We need to be careful of going to extremes. By saying prohibition would not help to halt problem gambling in its tracks, I am not saying that in my professional opinion the availability of gambling products should be a free for all. We do not need prohibition, but we do need regulation which is informed and regularly updated by facts about what truly helps those in trouble with addiction. Regulated venues are more likely to have staff aware of the vital importance of being socially responsible and as a part of that recognising the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction and acting swiftly and sympathetically on requests for self exclusion.

What about those who already have a pathological gambling problem – would prohibition have helped them to stay free of addiction? In my clinical ex-

NOVEMBER 2015

35

perience, the answer is no. Taking away the ability to gamble does not take away the craving. The craving comes from urges to experience feelings gained from gambling – when playing a slot machine, a feeling of ‘zoning out’. The addicted gambler doe not love gambling, they love the feelings they get from gambling, that lift them out of a difficult reality.

“I don’t even like gambling. Actually I always thought it was boring. But I miss what I got from it; because when I gambled I could just stop thinking” (Slot machine player in recovery) Taking away the ability to gamble but not dealing with the underlying issues means someone is likely to move on to another addiction that gives the feelings they crave. The person quoted above had dealt with an alcohol addiction before their gambling addiction, but had never dealt with the underlying anxieties that created the addictive behaviour, and so used one addiction after another. Their anxieties resolved I am delighted to report that they are now in strong recovery.

I think the words of writer and philosopher, Aldous Huxley, nicely summarise what I have been taught by my extensive work as a therapist in the field of gambling addiction would be the value of prohibition:

“The problems raised by alcohol and tobacco cannot, it goes without saying, be solved by prohibition. The universal and ever-present urge to self-transcendence is not to be abolished by slamming the currently popular Doors in the Wall”. (Aldous Huxley) Let us leave the doors open to regulation and education. Those are what really help.

To find out more about Liz Karter and her work visit these links: www.levelgroundtherapy.uk - www.lizkarter.com & Liz Karters Books INFINITY GAMING

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NOVEMBER 2015

AC casinos get hit with fines totalling $33k Deutsche Bank takes a $7 billion hit

T

he New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has announced that over the last month it has issued penalties to four Atlantic City casino operators and also to bwin.party for violating their rules.

In total the fines add up to more than $33,000 for various contraventions of the state regulator rules including, The Trump Taj Mahal which must forfeit more than $16,000 it took from three gamblers who had signed up for a self-exclusion list that is supposed to prevent them from gambling in casinos.

For the Taj one gambler who requested back in 2005 to be barred was found in 2011 to be back gambling with some $6,000 plus in gambling chips inside the casino.

Also a second man who asked to be banned for 5 years from the casinos was found near the end of that term playing

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slots, where he won $9,235, and also had a gambling voucher for an additional $1,095 in his possession.

Along with a third man on the self-exclusion list winning $100 playing poker.

The second operator the Borgata must forfeit more than $3,700 it took from gamblers who could not prove they were 21 years old.

Bwin.party were hit with a $10,000 fine for violating the terms of a divestiture agreement by one of its stockholders. At Resorts they were fined $3,000 for cashier rule violations, in which one cashier swapped a stack of $100 bills totaling $3,000 for an equal amount of cash in $10 and $20 bills, leaving the money on a counter along with a records slip while the main bank cashier was away from his work station temporarily but then signing it without checking the amounts.

The major shareholder in Station Casinos and former owner of the Cosmopolitan Casino in Las Vegas, Deutsche Bank, will announce a third quarter loss of $7 billion for the third quarter of 2015 according to reports in Germany.

Germany’s biggest bank has suffered several problems this year and shareholders will forgo their dividends this year for the first time in 60 years to ensure the bank preserves its capital. The major hit came from a fine from both the US and UK governments for the banks involvement in the fixing of libor rates.

But the majority of the loss will come from the writing down of paper assets which are intangible assets. These are assets such as trademarks and copyrights that are “written down” because they’ve been judged to be overvalued.

The purpo se o f devalui ng such asse ts is ult i m at ely t o m ak e a co rpo rat i o n liab le f o r less t ax, ag ai n allo wi ng i t t o pr eser ve capi t al.

Deut sche Bank ’s new co -chi ef executive Jo hn Cryan has been g o i ng o ver t he b anks t radi ng st at em ent s and sees t he m ove to have t he bank anno unce such a huge loss t hi s year as a m o ve t o lo o k f urt her for war d i n t erm s o f t he years t o co m e wi t hout havi ng t o deal wi t h lo sses t hen.

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GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

Caesars in court over bankruptcy Macau and Nevada revenues show decline...

In what must be a big pay day for lawyers but no-one else Caesars Entertainment have gone to court to determine exactly when they went bankrupt, a decision that can affect a $468 million claim senior lenders have made on the casino company’s cash.

However the judge presiding over the whole mess and indeed the actual $20 billion bankruptcy of Caesars, Judge A. Benjamin Goldgar said that he’s in no hurry to rule on whether the Chapter 11 case officially began on Jan. 12, when creditors filed to force Caesars into bankruptcy, or Jan. 15, when the company filed a voluntary petition.

ing ends, Goldgar said before the first of more than a dozen witnesses began testifying. A fight over the cancellation of an employee pension is more of a priority to him, the judge said.

The whole dispute shows how long winded and drawn out the whole process will be with many claims and counter claims still yet to come before any judgement will be made.

Observers originally forecast that a decision would be made on the bankruptcy in early 2016, that has now changed and it could

Macau gambling revenues for September suffered their 16th consecutive monthly decline with a fall of 33% for the period compared to last year. As customers stayed away from the world’s largest gambling hub casino operators announced that total revenues for September were in line with analysts’ expectations of $2.15 billion.

Many observers and forecasters along with operators expect the current downturn to last well into 2017, but look at turning revenues upward with a focus on leisure and tourism while gaming continues to decline in the current atmosphere in China due to the anti-corruption crack down.

This comes as The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported that August revenues were down 15 compared to the same period last year, with baccarat gambling down due to the economic downturn in China.

According to the figures the state’s casinos kept $908 million of the money gamblers wagered in August, which is down 1.4% from August last year.

South Lake Tahoe revenue tumbled the most with a drop of 34% to $19 million, Las Vegas Strip casinos fell 5% compared to last year to $527 million, with Reno casinos down 4% to $51 million, however downtown Las Vegas was up 15% to $40 million.

In total taxes collected for the state amounted to $52 million which is actually 2% higher than August 2014.

be into the summer of 2016 before a decision is made.

“I don’t think this is a matter I will decide 24 hours after” the hear-

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NOVEMBER 2015

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GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

Protestors welcome G2E attendees

T

he opening of G2E in Las Vegas on Tuesday morning was welcome by activists campaigning for a smoke

free state, the Smoke-Free Gaming of America, along with Transport Workers Union Local 721, were just outside the convention centre as it opened to protest that Nevada still allows gamblers to smoke inside casinos.

Advocate Stephanie Steinberg said she believes 80% of gamblers are non-smokers, and that more people would gamble if smoking was banned in casinos. “The issue we’re having as gamblers is we’re kinda fed up with all the second-hand smoke,” she said. “Every time I go into a casino I’m a smoker. I leave as a smoker.

I smell like a smoker. So the fact of the matter is that gambling and smoking don’t go hand in hand.”

“If the state goes non-smoking, there’s no competition,” said Cynthia Falls, president of the Transport Workers Union Local 721, which represents table-game dealers. “More than that, we deserve better. Why are we the last bastion for smokers?”

That’s what the protestors were asking those going to the G2E on Sands Avenue, outside the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Sadly not many that were headed to the G2E had anything to say to the protestors or indeed recognised the signs in front of them.

Currently in Nevada there is only one City that has a no smoking policy in casinos, that of Fernley and all those protesting said that the rest of Nevada casino operators should follow this example.

Vietnam poor relation to Cambodia in gambling revenues Vietnam casino brought in just over $61 million in revenues for 2014 compared to the $2 billion plus that Cambodia saw in revenues, which is some 3% of the total from its neighbour.

The country which only allows foreign overseas gamblers to play in the casinos and has 8 licensed casinos and 64 lottery companies along with two sports betting firms, saw that 40%

However Lottery sales were at $2.86 billion, the problem for casinos is that all Vietnamese gamblers travel to Cambodia to gamble and so help boost revenues there but not in Vietnam. Also there are many illegal casinos in Vietnam allowing residents to gamble and are not counted in official figures.

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GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

Asia’s leading developer coming to London Clever Duck Media welcomes Galaxy Entertainment Group as a Sponsor for the 9th International Gaming Awards Ceremony, the biggest and the best industry charity event. The ceremony will take place at The London Savoy Hotel on 1 February 2016 and will be judged by 25 global industry experts Colin Thompson organizer of International Gaming Awards commented: “We are thrilled that Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of the most luxurious Resort operators, will sponsor IGA for another year. To be aligned with a brand as well regarded and worldrenowned as Galaxy Entertainment highlights the global influence and reach of The IGA and its charitable causes.”

The 9th International Gaming Awards annual chic event is taking place in London’s historic venue, the Savoy Hotel in London, on the 1 February 2016. It will unite industry professionals from across the world and allow them to network with talented insiders from across the industry. The 9th IGA, once again, promises an exquisite line up of sponsors, judges, guests and industry achievers. Following in the footsteps of its previous successful awards, it will be hosting the biggest and best charity event within the gaming industry.

The 9TH IGA as always will provide first opportunity to showcase your product to the receptive audience of industry connoisseurs.

International Gaming Awards as always welcomes the most successful operators from around the globe, out-

standing leaders and philanthropists.

To book tickets to the 9th IGA please visit www.gaming-awards.com.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (“GEG” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading hospitality and gaming companies. It primarily develops and operates hotels, gaming and integrated resort facilities in Macau.

The Group is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (27.HK) and is a member of the Hang Seng Index.

GEG is one of six gaming concessionaires in Macau with an exceptional track record of delivering innovative, spectacular and industry leading properties, products and services, underpinned by a “World Class, Asian Heart” service philosophy, that has enabled it to consistently outperform the wider market.

on a 2.7 square kilometer land parcel on Hengqin adjacent to Macau. This resort will complement GEG’s offer in Macau, differentiate it from its peers and support Macau in its vision to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Additionally, we continue to explore international development opportunities.

GEG is committed to delivering unique ‘World Class, Asian Heart’ holiday experiences to its guests and building a sustainable future for Macau.

GEG also operates a Construction Materials Division.

GEG operates three flagship venues in Macau: on Cotai, Galaxy Macau™, one of the world’s largest integrated destination resorts, and the adjoining Broadway Macau™, a new hotel, entertainment and retail landmark destination; and on the Peninsula, StarWorld Macau, an award winning high end boutique property.

The Group has the largest development pipeline of any concessionaire in Macau. When Phases 3 & 4 of its Cotai landbank are completed, GEG’s footprint on Cotai will double to more than 2 million square meters. GEG has also entered into a framework agreement to develop a low rise, low density world class destination resort

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GREAT PLACE TO PLAY GREAT PLACE TO WORK If you have a passion for excellence, there could well be a place for you on The Rational Group team. The Rational Group employs industry-leading practices in customer service, product development, payment security, game integrity and player fund protection, and also holds more online poker licenses than any other e-gaming company. We apply the same high standards to looking after our people: The Rational Group is currently ranked the 14th best large company to work at in the UK by the Great Place to Work Institute.

The Rational Group operates gaming and related businesses and brands including PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and the European Poker Tour. These brands collectively form the largest poker business in the world comprising online poker games and tournaments, live poker competitions and poker programming created for television and online audiences.

NO AGENCIES – DIRECT APPLICATIONS ONLY For full details of our vacancies and details on how to apply, please visit www.rationalgroup.com/about-us/careers Rational Services Ltd, Douglas Bay Complex, King Edward Road, Onchan, IM3 1DZ

GAMING NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

William Hill could miss full year expectations

William Hill’s announcement that their full year results would be on the lower side of analyst’s expectations saw their share price slide by 6%, the news came as the UK bookmaker revealed their third quarter results with profits down 39% compared to the same period last year along with revenues falling by 9% also for the companies Q3.

The fall in profits and revenues were down to a bumper third quarter last year, which was bolstered by huge gambling activity during the football

World Cup, said James Henderson William Hills Chief Executive.

Along with the UK government new gambling duty costing William Hill £23 million extra James Henderson said, “Q3 was always going to be a tough quarter given last year’s World Cup and very strong gross win margin, allied to £23 million of additional gambling duties this year.”

“The quarter also featured weakerthan-expected sporting results impacting retail, the US and Australia,

and the drag effect of the non-core market decline in online. The growth in online’s core markets – the UK, Italy and Spain – remains strong for both betting and gaming.

“Whilst good operating cost discipline has partially offset the weaker-thanexpected results and non-core market impacts, the board now expects full-year operating profit to be around the bottom of the analyst consensus range.”

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The Ritz Club 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BS +44 (0)20 7499 1818 www.theritzclub.com @TheRitzClub

GAMING APP NEWS

NOVEMBER 2015

Israel to open a casino in Eilat

Eilat in Israel could be the first to have a land based casino as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has started discussions on opening a casino in the southern resort city.

Netanyahu during his campaign election promised that he would look at the possibility of legalizing casinos to check the effects it would possibly have on the socioeconomic impact to the country and at the same time helping to boost the economy along with creating jobs.

The city of Eilat has for many years been the location

where Israeli’s go to gamble on ships as they go out to neutral waters and offer gambling on board, so for a casino to be located there would make sense. Also with the continued accusations that these ships offer money laundering and rigged games would remove that problem with a legalised casino resort.

A casino did open in Jericho back in 1998 for some six years before closing in 2004, the casino was allowed as it stood on Palestinian Authority-controlled territory, however with the onslaught of the Second Intifada it never really was the success it had been hoped for.

Affinity Gaming announce new chairman Affinity Gaming has announced that current Board Chairman Richard Parisi is to step down with immediate effect and be replaced by David Reganato.

The Las Vegas based Casino Company which has properties in the Midwest, Colorado and Navada said in a statement that Richard Parisi has been replaced by David Reganato with immediate effect.

Both Parisi and Reganato are excellent investment analysts for the Silver Point Capital LP which is the investment advisor and owns 25.1 % of Affinity Gaming stock.

No reason for the departure of Richard Parisi had been given by the company.

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