Country star Aaron Lewis to perform at Tropicana Atlantic City in February

On Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, multi-platinum singer, songwriter and guitarist Aaron Lewis will take his concert tour to Tropicana Atlantic City Casino & Resort for a 9 p.m. performance in the Tropicana Showroom. Doors open at 8 p.m.

After making an indelible mark on the world of hard rock, Aaron Lewis thrilled traditional country music fans in 2001 with his debut solo EP Town Line. Highlighted by the success of gold-selling single “Country Boy,” the seven-song EP reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release.

“Life is circular. Country just came back to me. This is full circle because this was the first music I was ever exposed to as a child,” Lewis said.

Lewis is one of only a handful of contemporary artists in today’s era of mainstream country whose music is rooted in the classic country of Merle Haggard, George Jones or other artists of the 1960s and 1970s.

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Las Vegas gaming revenue increases 1.5% in September

Good news for Las Vegas. The Gaming Control Board said Thursday casinos in Nevada collected $916.3 million from gamblers during the month, an increase of 1.5% from a year ago. On the Strip, casino revenue grew 2% to $504.8 million in September.

Baccarat play on the Strip returned to more normal levels in September, with revenue from the game increasing 23.2% to $100.5 million while volume grew 16.5% to $751.9 million. The monthly increases in both areas were just third time this year that the game has seen a one-month uptick.

Gaming Control Board Senior Research Analyst Michael Lawton said September offered an "apples to apples comparison" for baccarat, which has been affected by the Chinese government's crackdown on corruption that has ensnared high-end Macau junket operators.

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Mohegan Sun wins Casino of the Year at IEBA Awards

Mohegan Sun is proud to announce they have won “2015 Casino Of the Year” at the International Entertainment Buyers Association Honors and Awards Ceremony, that took place Tuesday evening in downtown Nashville’s Omni Hotel and Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The awards are voted on by top entertainment executives in the nation including the biggest agencies, artist management groups and other arenas, theatres and clubs throughout the U.S. Mohegan Sun beat out the competition from some of the biggest and most well-known venues in the industry.

“All of our hard work is noticed from all levels around the country. It is a tribute and credit to our entertainment program and I am especially proud of my direct team here at Mohegan Sun,” said Senior VP of Sports & Entertainment for Mohegan Sun properties, Tom Cantone.

“This makes a total of nine industry awards in the last seven years of national recognition for our entertainment brand,” Cantone concluded.

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Martin Lawrence adds second show to Caesars Atlantic City stop

Caesars Atlantic City announced today that a second show has been added to the Martin Lawrence event in the Circus Maximus Theater on Friday, October 23 at 9 p.m. Tickets, which are priced from $68 to $128, go on sale Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m., via Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000.

A Def Comedy Jam alum, Lawrence’s career runs the gamut, having appeared in movies alongside actors such as John Travolta, Tim Allen, Jamie Foxx and many more. But Lawrence’s most notable acting stints were as Martin Payne on the FOX Network sitcom Martin, Detective Martin Burnett in Bad Boys and Bad Boys 2, and who could forget Lawrence as the hilarious FBI agent Malcom Turner in the Big Mommas House silver-screen series.

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US companies sign up for Macao Gaming Show

The U.S. gaming industry has always kept a close tab on the Macao and Asian markets, but this year the interest is intensifying with a number of new American exhibitors signing up to MGS 2015. Crossing sectors within the gaming genre, the U.S. contingent adds to the international dimension of the Macao Gaming Show with an estimated 20+ countries likely to be exhibiting on The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel floor.

The Macao Gaming Show (MGS) has strengthened its fast expanding exhibitor list with a host of leading gaming companies from the United States signing up for this year’s expo at the Venetian Macao (17-19 November).

Leading U.S. companies from across the gaming, leisure and technology sectors have all decided to step up to the ‘Gateway to Asia’ - each using MGS as their starting point to reach the all-important Macau and Asian marketplace.

The U.S. contingent will be traveling to this year’s Macao Gaming Show from a number of different states in America including Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky and, of course, Nevada - covering all aspects of gaming from machine manufacturers to testing labs, from casino fixtures to payment solution companies.

“Our ‘Gateway to Asia’ motto is being recognised more and more across the globe and the United States in particular has picked upon the new opportunities being offered in Macau and the emerging markets in neighbouring territories”, Marina Wong, Event Director and Show Organizer, said. “Their presence reinforces the show’s reputation and strengthens the point that MGS is an excellent place to reach the Asian market, both as a buyer and as an exporter.”

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'The music of ABBA' returns to Pala Casino on Feb 13

Arrival From Sweden “The Music of ABBA” will return to the Infinity Showroom at Pala Casino Spa and Resort at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. The group’s two previous appearances at Pala were sellouts.

Arrival From Sweden “The Music of ABBA” is recognized as the world’s best ABBA tribute show and includes members of ABBA’s original touring band. Arrival From Sweden was founded in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden, by Vicky Zettenburg. The group has toured in 35 countries and enjoys sold out shows worldwide. To learn more, visit www.themusicofabba.com.

ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN
“THE MUSIC OF ABBA”
SATURDAY, FEB. 13, 2016
7 P.M.
INFINITY SHOWROOM AT PALA

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Macao government confirms support for Macao Gaming Show 2015

The Macao Gaming Show 2015 and its pioneering tourism and culture summit have received the backing of three of the key departments of the Macau SAR Government. Recognising the achievements of the world’s fastest-growing exhibition on the gaming and entertainment stage, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and sponsor, the Macao Foundation, have all confirmed their support for the expanding international event. Two of the government departments (DICJ and IPIM) have agreed to become supporting organisations, whilst the third, the Macao Foundation, will be Sponsor of the exhibition and summit at this year’s 2015 edition at The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel, 17-19 November 2015.

The highly prized government endorsement is regarded as a crucial marker of the show and summit’s credentials. Welcoming the news, the show's owner and organizer, the influential trade body MGEMA, expressed its ‘delight’ at the official support and responded with a pledge to press on with its vision of growth, diversity and technological innovation for the international exhibition.

Jay Chun, chairman of the MGEMA, said: “Macao Gaming Show has worked extremely hard to establish itself in an extremely fierce market, and our ‘By Asia for the world’ message has gained traction not only here in Macau and the Asia Pacific continent, but also around the globe. The support of government departments is fundamental to our vision going forward and a major signal of trust and credibility. The MGS proposition is simple: If people are serious about doing business in Asia, then our show is the perfect starting point. With support from the government departments, DICJ, IPIM and the Macao Foundation, and the backing of the biggest 100 businesses in Macau and Asia, our message is one that will resonate with the worldwide market.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 edition of MGS and the Macao Tourism and Culture Summit, the Director at Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau Macao SAR, Manuel Joaquim das Neves, paid special tribute to the exhibition emphasizing its “strengths,” “international acclaim” and its status as a “strong local force.”

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Research and Markets releases 'Casino Gaming Market in Macau 2015-2019'

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Casino Gaming Market in Macau 2015-2019" report to their offering.

According to the report, the revenue of the casino gaming market in Macau is expected to decline at a CAGR of (3.47)% over the period 2014-2019.

Currently, Macau has 33 casinos, with the Venetian Macau being the largest. In the coming years, more casinos will be added to this, increasing not only the number of tables, slot machines and other gambling paraphernalia, but also the number of accommodation facilities for tourists coming into the region. This will also cater to the middle class population that comprises a major portion of the gambling population in Macau.

Key players in the casino gaming market in Macau include: Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Holdings, Sands China, SJM Holdings and Wynn Macau.

Further, the report states that failure to collect amounts extended to credit players, the chance of losing more money than they earn and the possibility of fraud all restrict the entry of new players in this market.

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Jeb jabbed Trump over casinos

FLORIDA -- Donald Trump donated $50,000 to Florida's Republican Party in 1998 but Jeb Bush did not come through on casinos, according to CNN.

Bush opposed gambling in Florida and failed to soften this stance in office, the report explained.

Trump had plans to build a multi-million dollar casino in partnership with the Seminole Tribe, which he ultimately abandoned, CNN said.

Now both men meet again to battle it out over the Republican Party Presidential Nomination, the report noted.

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Macao Gaming Show fills three quarters of exhibition space with three months to go

MACAO -- The Macao Gaming Show (MGS) has confirmed that 75% of its exhibitor booth and stand space for the 2015 edition has been sold. With three months still to go before the doors open to the Asian gaming industry’s primary exhibition, the three-quarters full mark was passed weeks earlier than the corresponding landmark last year.

MGS is now in its third edition and the latest additions to the exhibition list reinforce the expo’s hard-earned reputation as the fastest growing expo on the international gaming calendar. Show organisers, the influential trade body MGEMA, will convene this week to discuss an extension to the exhibition floorspace.

Event Director and Show Organizer Marina Wong said, “The signs are encouraging. This year our objective was to consolidate our position following such incredible levels of growth in the first two shows. So the increasing interest is a real boost to the credentials of the show.”

She added, “We also recognise that Macau remains the most significant market in the world and MGS has shown that it offers a forum where business can be done, and more importantly, where even more business can be done especially in other territories. We serve as a ‘Gateway to Asia’ and this message is gaining traction.”

In addition to a large international contingent of exhibitors, the Asian industry’s most influential gaming firms, who organise the show through the trade body MGEMA, will all be represented on the showfloor. However, a significant growth area has come from the leisure, entertainment and technology sectors. In addition, strong interest is also coming from Europe where negotiations are currently underway with a number of business groups looking to explore the opportunities emerging from the recently unveiled One Belt One Road initiative by the Chinese Government.

MGS will cover its six traditional gaming industry segments; Gaming Equipment and Accessories, Gaming Promoters (Junkets) and VIP Clubs, Casino Fixtures and Fittings, Promotional Services and Memorabilia, Food and Beverage and Entertainment and Performance. In addition, special pavilions and zones will be allocated to new sectors from the broader service and complementary industries. Taking place at the Venetian Macao, MGS 2015 will have a floor area of over 10,000 m2 with an estimated 100+ exhibitors and circa 10,000+ buyers coming from across the world.

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PokerStars makes 6 more millionaires

Six more millionaire winners have been created in the past week by playing online at PokerStars.com, an Amaya Inc. brand, and in PokerStars-sponsored live events.

On Sunday, two players, including a small-stakes player from Bulgaria, earned $1 million each on PokerStars after besting competitors in free-to-enter online tournaments. They won their way to the ‘Millionaire Finals’ for free through Challenges and All-in Shootout tournaments that were set up to celebrate the ‘PokerStars Makes Millionaires’ campaign.

The ‘Millionaires’ campaign promised to award at least $1 million to a minimum of five players during the two-month promotion. Already eight players have taken in $1 million, with four coming in online tournaments and four in live tournaments. The promotion concludes at the end of the Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), which is a festival of online tournaments, including one in which a $1 million top prize is guaranteed.

The ‘Millionaires’ campaign is reminiscent of the feat accomplished by Chris Moneymaker, an American accountant and casual poker player, who rose to fame in 2003 when he won $2.5 million at the World Series of Poker after qualifying via a low-stakes satellite tournament on PokerStars.

Yesterday’s $1 million winners were ‘JUANYI828’ from Taiwan and ‘citoject’ from Bulgaria, who hit the seven-figure wins after two hard-fought six-handed Millionaire Final tournaments that took place at 13.30 ET on PokerStars and were watched by thousands. A further $150,000 and 2 million FPPs were shared out among the other five players in each tournament. The two tournaments can be viewed as a replay in the client by going to the Main Lobby > Tournaments and then searching for 'Replay' or 'Millionaire'.

Other players who found out they had won a ticket to the $1m finals included ‘tickitmaster’ from Hungary, who said his “legs started to tremble”, and 25-year-old Russian web programmer, ‘Galonder’, who came second and won $50,000.

For 51-year-old Canadian player Dwayne ‘Dewmister’ Mattice, the dream was simple: “One thing I will do should I win is go to Las Vegas and play in the 2015 WSOP Main Event.” Well, he didn’t quite win, but the $20k he pocketed is easily enough for that holiday of a lifetime and entry into the WSOP Main Event. And who knows, he may well just go on to do a ‘Moneymaker’ himself and win it.

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PokerStars launches casino games in Italy

Players can now enjoy all the thrill of roulette and blackjack on PokerStars.it, an Amaya brand. Players will be able to enjoy both play money and real money casino games at PokerStars in Italy with the same level of support, integrity, trust and innovation they receive at the poker tables.

In true PokerStars fashion, multi-player social experiences will be at the forefront of the games on offer, with players able to play, chat and interact with other players. This will be particularly relevant in Blackjack, where one player's decisions can affect results for the whole table.

Players are able to choose their favourite casino games in the PokerStars software: a 'Casino' tab is now available to players, and the casino games all share the same wallet as poker games, with no need to transfer funds. The 'Casino Games' tab offers a number of different blackjack and roulette versions. This includes blackjack variants, including classic blackjack, Atlantic City blackjack, European blackjack and double deck blackjack.

"The launch of casino games on PokerStars allows players to enjoy the convenience of playing poker and casino in one place," said Sam Hobcraft, director of casino for PokerStars and Full Tilt. "Our games are fun, safe and we are using our global experience to offer fun games for Italian players."

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Two millionaires made in six days at Pechanga

For the second time in less than one week, a slot player at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. has hit a mega jackpot. At 12:45p.m. on Monday, Sergio Alvarez from Perris, Calif. became the newest millionaire in Riverside County, scoring $1,050,009.21 on a $1.00 Golden Pagodas Gold Series slot machine by Rocket Gaming. After only 20 minutes and $100 played on the machine, Alvarez watched as three illuminated “Golden Pagoda” symbols lined up across the center of the screen.

“I knew I won,” said the retired iron worker. “There’s this line across the bottom of the screen that shows how much you win. It said the amount, but it took me a minute to believe it.”

Sergio Alvarez said he visits Pechanga Resort & Casino about once a month, and enjoys going to the resort’s buffet. One of his two sons cheered him on as a crowd gathered around Sergio and the slot machine as he posed for a few photos.

“This second million dollar jackpot in one week at Pechanga Resort & Casino is tremendous,” said Buddy Frank, Vice President of Slot Operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino. “We are so thrilled for our winners and they are living proof that winners are made every day here.”

Last Tuesday, February 24, Rocio H. from Chino Hills, Calif. watched as zombie symbols lined up on the Walking Dead slot machine she was playing. She hit the progressive jackpot for $1,053,775.64 just before 2:00p.m. that day.

The last million-dollar jackpot before The Walking Dead windfall at Pechanga Resort & Casino was on Thanksgiving Day in November 2014. The Monday jackpot marks the 11th more-than-one million dollar jackpot won at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Four of those jackpots have been won on Gold Series slots by Rocket Gaming, the most wins on this game in the country according to slot officials.

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Borgata to develop two entertainment venues to debut in 2015

ATLANTIC CITY -- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa today announced plans to build an outdoor entertainment venue to host concerts and festivals along with plans to construct a new nightclub later this year.

Borgata received preliminary determination of eligibility today from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to utilize approximately $14 million of its current and future funds on deposit with the CRDA generated from its Investment Alternative Tax payments. This investment will partially fund the development and construction of the two new venues that will further bolster Atlantic City's market leading entertainment and resort destination.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to enhance and grow our already tremendous entertainment offerings through funding by the CRDA and a wonderful partnership with Live Nation," said Tom Ballance, President and Chief Operating Officer for Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. "Upon our entry into the market in 2003, Borgata set the bar for entertainment and nightlife in Atlantic City, so it is only appropriate that we raise it yet again with the addition of these two substantial projects."

Located at Borgata's Northeast entrance, Borgata Festival Park, an outdoor concert venue and festival grounds, will feature artists synonymous with Borgata's reputation for bringing world-class musical acts to the Jersey Shore. The inaugural concert will tentatively take place on Saturday, June 13th with multiple bands joining forces for an all-day outdoor celebration. Throughout the summer and early fall, a variety of well-known performers will grace the newly forged stage with announcements for the lineup coming later in March. The venue will feature some of the biggest DJs in the world with a series of day-life Electric Dance Music parties. Festival Park will also play a prominent role in the Savor Borgata Culinary Series, highlighting the city's leading culinary destination by hosting food and beverage festivals throughout the year.

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Macau visitor numbers up 7.5% in 2014

MACAO -- Macau may have had a revenue decline, but the visitors are still coming, the South China Morning Post reported. Visitor numbers are up new figures show with a 7.5 percent increase last year. Gambling revenue in contrast fell 2.6 percent, attributed in large part to China's corruption clampdown, the South China Morning Post said.

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Millionaire minted with $1.2 millions jackpot at The Plaza Las Vegas

Global gaming entertainment leader, IGT (IGT) and Wheel of Fortune propelled their millionaire-minting momentum when a lucky player won a whopping $1,200,557 playing the famed game at the recently renovated, iconic Plaza Hotel & Casino on Nov. 15, 2014. The winner wished to remain anonymous.

IGT launched Wheel of Fortune in 1996 and solidified the Company's leadership in Wide Area Progressive technology. Known as the most successful slot title of all time, the fan-favorite theme has minted nearly 1,000 millionaires and delivered a copious $3 billion in jackpots throughout its illustrious history.

IGT has created more than 200 variations of the game and can be found on casino floors in more than 20 countries worldwide.

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MGM Resorts raises $1.15 billion of new debt

MGM Resorts International said Tuesday it completed transactions that raised $1.15 billion of new debt. The casino operator said the funds will be used primarily for development costs surrounding the company’s casino projects in Massachusetts and Maryland. MGM Resorts already carries $11.7 billion in long-term debt.

The company said the new debt would come due in 2023. A portion of the proceeds from the sale would be used to pay down debt due in 2015. In a statement, the company said the debt would have an interest rate of 6 percent. MGM Resorts Chief Financial Officer Dan D’Arrigo said said the debt was issued at “historically” low levels.

“We remain committed to maximizing our free cash flow by making strategic investments in our resort portfolio and opportunistically accessing the capital markets at attractive rates,” D’Arrigo said.

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Macau, casino revenue dips record 23.2% in october

Bad news for Macau. City’s casino market experienced a 23.2 percent decline in gaming revenue during October, the largest single-month drop since American-owned casinos began operating in the Chinese market in 2004.

Total casino revenue was $3.5 billion in October — Macau’s fifth straight monthly decline, the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau said Tuesday.

Analysts now expect Macau’s downward trend to continue into 2015 as high rollers skirt the market because of a government crackdown on corruption.

Through October, Macau gaming revenue is still up 2.3 percent over 2013. But analysts predict double-digit declines in November and December.

“We currently see no reason that trends should materially improve in the first quarter of 2015, relative to current levels,” said Macau-based Union Gaming Group principal Grant Govertsen.

Macau produced a record $45.2 billion in gaming revenue in 2013.

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OLG will launch online gaming soon

ONTARIO -- Ontario will introduce online gaming in the coming weeks, CTV news is reporting.

The province is following other Canadian provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba and Atlantic Canada with this move to include online gaming in their lottery portfolios, the report said.

Initial offerings will include single-player poker, roulette and blackjack, CTV said.

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Philippines government wants higher investment

THE PHILIPPINES -- The Philippine government is seeking more investment from new casino firms who have expressed interest in creating a gaming destination, Reuters reported.

Casino investors will be required to invest $1.5 billion, the report said.

This is half a billion in excess of previous investment levels required, Reuters said.

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