Gambling in the USA
Circa Resort & Casino to Debut in Downtown Las Vegas, December 2020
Developers and brothers Derek and Greg Stevens have officially unveiled plans for Circa Resort & Casino, a brand-new integrated gaming resort in Downtown Las Vegas, slated to open in December 2020. A welcome addition to the iconic Fremont Street Experience, Circa will bring a new energy to Downtown as the first ground-up resort development in the area since 1980. The innovative property will celebrate the timeless spirit of the city while leading the charge for a bold new era with game-changing guest offerings.
“There is a lot of unmet demand for fun in Las Vegas,” said Derek Stevens. “At Circa, our goal is to create a destination resort in a historic part of the city, while showing guests the time of their lives. We plan to double down on the world-class service Las Vegas has always been known for while bringing personalized experiences to a new level.”
Over the past decade, Derek has worked alongside Greg to develop several ventures, including the D Las Vegas, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. The duo’s investments have played a role in reshaping Downtown Las Vegas, attracting new waves of visitors and locals while leading the turnaround success story of “vintage Vegas.” Often found taking the time to greet and interact with visitors at his properties’ centerpiece bars, Derek’s genuine and approachable style of guest appreciation has challenged the status quo of resort ownership and earned the endearment of customers.
What’s in a name?
In the spirit of staying true to the city, Circa will deliver a new experience built on the original principles of old-school Vegas hospitality. It will mix the glamour of vintage Vegas with modern luxuries and cutting-edge technology, honoring the golden age of the city. Guests can expect top-notch entertainment while enjoying honest, attentive and friendly service.
Paying homage to the city’s vibrant history, Circa will nod to the Las Vegas legends of decades past, ranging from the visionaries behind the first gambling halls on Fremont Street to the preeminent destination resorts on the Strip. To learn more about the history of the Downtown Las Vegas neighborhood and its influence on Circa, please visit Circalasvegas.com.
Spectacular Amenities
Designed for those seeking the ultimate Las Vegas vacation, Circa will boast 777 rooms and suites, and a collection of thoughtful amenities, including a range of eclectic restaurants, the longest outdoor bar on Fremont Street Experience,a rejuvenating spa and a two-level casino with state-of-the-art slot and table gaming options. Circa has collaborated with Steelman Partners to oversee architecture and design, Tré Builders as construction manager, and McCarthy Building Companies Inc. as contractor.
Circa will be home to a state-of-the art parking structure playfully dubbed “Garage Mahal,” specifically designed with ride-sharing in mind. Catering to the growing use of Uber and Lyft, and housing 1,201 parking spaces, the centrally located nine-story garage will be the first of its kind in Downtown Las Vegas, allowing guests to conveniently and efficiently travel to and from the property.
Another signature element will be a multi-level, stadium-style sportsbook, equipped with the biggest screen in sportsbook history. The Stevens brothers recently announced a partnership with sports gaming media organization Vegas Stats and Information Network (VSiN) to bring an in-house broadcast studio to Circa. This will allow bettors to have in-depth analysis from a roster of experts including broadcasters, industry professionals and athletes.
Construction is currently underway on the 1.25-million-square-foot property, which will punctuate the Las Vegas skyline as the tallest tower north of the Strip. The resort will be defined by a bold design, accented by a backlit roofline and an expansive multi-tiered pool amphitheater. Featuring several pools and a massive screen with the latest high-resolution technology, the amphitheater will offer a unique watch-party atmosphere for sunseekers and sports fans. The venue will be complemented by a delicious food and beverage menu, private cabanas and music from DJs and special guests.
Circa’s interior will welcome the return of a Las Vegas icon: Vegas Vickie, the kicking cowgirl who was once perched high above the Fremont Street Experience, will become a key design feature and must-see photo opportunity within the hotel’s lobby.
A Grand Reveal
After months of speculation, Circa’s name, design and neon sign were revealed last night during an evening of festivities. After an appearance at the annual 2019 State of the City address, Derek invited attendees to enjoy an afterparty at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where he promised to unveil all-new details about the upcoming project.
Derek was joined onstage at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman during the public celebration. Among eager onlookers were a number of notable city and state officials, property executives, community partners and members of founding Las Vegas families including Freddie Sarno, son of casino developer Jay Sarno; Nevada Stupak, son of casino owner Bob Stupak; Michael and Brendan Gaughan, son and grandson of hotel and casino magnate Jackie Gaughan; and legendary bookmaker Jimmy Vaccaro. The grand reveal took place after a thrilling introduction video, concluding with the unveiling of a huge neon sign emblazoned with the property name that will eventually be a part of Circa’s exterior. Known in Las Vegas for his eclectic collection of custom blazers, Derek did not disappoint as he donned a custom tuxedo complete with a jacket displaying Circa’s logo.
Additional details about Circa’s amenities and opening will be announced in the coming months. To learn more information about the new Downtown Las Vegas property, visit circalasvegas.com.
About Circa Resort & Casino
Circa Resort & Casino will deliver an all-new integrated resort concept to the heart of Downtown Las Vegas at the historic 18 Fremont Street site. Inspired by the city’s irresistible energy and timeless allure, Circa is building a new legacy that turns up the good times to eleven and burns bright with the original spirit of Vegas. Combining the best of Las Vegas service in a modern, state-of-the-art setting, Circa is designed for guests to live large in the now, make the most of life’s fleeting moments and create new memories through an exhilarating, multi-sensory experience. The 1.25-million-square-foot, 777-room resort, casino and spa will feature a variety of immersive culinary, entertainment and gaming experiences and unparalleled personalized offerings inspired by old-school Las Vegas hospitality. Visit circalasvegas.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @circalasvegas to stay up to date with more developments.
SOURCE Circa Resort & Casino
Gambling in the USA
GAMING INDUSTRY’S TOP CEOs BILL HORNBUCKLE, PETER JACKSON & JASON ROBINS TO KEYNOTE G2E 2025
Main Stage Also Features Tribal Innovation Discussion Oct. 6; Global Gaming Women to Present Mental Health Dialogue Oct. 8
The Global Gaming Expo, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX, announces its highly anticipated main stage programming for G2E 2025. Over three days, G2E will feature conversations with some of the most influential voices in gaming and offer diverse perspectives on the future of the industry. G2E 2025 takes place Oct. 6-9 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas and marks the event’s 25th year.
“We are honored to welcome a distinguished lineup of key industry leaders to the G2E main stage,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “As we mark 25 years of G2E, we’re proud to continue to be a catalyst for gaming’s growth, and our programming reflects the ideas and leadership shaping the industry’s future.”
Progress or Pressure: How Tribes Can Harness Innovation on Their Terms
Monday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. will open the main stage by underscoring the central contributions of tribal operators to the U.S. gaming landscape and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Bringing together leading tribal voices, the program will explore how tribes embrace innovation on their own terms—balancing growth with sovereignty and long-term success. Panelists will address how emerging technologies, evolving business models, and the rise of illegal, unregulated markets are reshaping the competitive environment. The dialogue will highlight both the opportunities to harness new tools for sustainable growth and the pressures of protecting the industry’s integrity in a rapidly changing landscape.
Moderated by IGA’s Executive Director Jason Giles, the conversation will feature:
- Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association
Additional participants may be announced in the coming days.
Inside the C-Suite: Gaming’s Future in Focus on Stage
Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8:45 a.m. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller will open G2E 2025’s keynote session, welcoming global gaming professionals and underscoring the strength and momentum of legal gaming upon the opening of the industry’s biggest gathering of the year.
Following Miller’s remarks, Hope King, founder of Macro Talk, on-air contributor to Yahoo Finance, and events host and moderator for Axios, will lead an impactful series of one-on-one conversations with top global gaming CEOs. Discussions will address key trends and challenges shaping the industry—including investor expectations, domestic and international expansion, and intensifying competition in regulated and unregulated markets. Featuring:
- Bill Hornbuckle – CEO & President, MGM Resorts International
- Peter Jackson – CEO, Flutter Entertainment
- Jason Robins – CEO, DraftKings
The session will conclude at 10 a.m., immediately followed by the opening of the expo floor.
Breaking the Stigma: An Honest Dialogue on Mental Health
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. Doors open at 8:45 a.m.
Multi-sport athlete and mental health advocate Kendall Toole will share her personal journey in a conversation moderated by Global Gaming Women (GGW) Sip & Social Chair Meghan Speranzo. Presented by GGW, the session will foster an open dialogue on mental health, designed to reframe how attendees think about wellness and inspire stronger voices across the gaming industry and beyond. This conversation will be open to all badge holders. Ahead of the discussion, GGW will host their Sip & Social event from 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. in the same room. For more information on this separate networking event, visit globalgamingwomen.org/event-6325670.
Presented by the AGA and organized by RX, G2E’s full education lineup features more than 100 sessions. G2E 2025 runs from October 6-9 (Education: October 6-9 | Expo Hall: October 7-9) at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
Since 2001, G2E has served as the premier global event for the legal, regulated gaming industry, fostering innovation and driving growth across casinos, hospitality, technology, iGaming, sports betting, and more. The event will welcome over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries, regions, and territories, and nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest global gaming technologies.
For more information, visit globalgamingexpo.com.
Gambling in the USA
Scientific Games Introduces GlowMark, All-New Fluorescent Marking System for Lottery Extended Play Scratch Games
Vibrant Neon Marking System Enhances the Play Experience for Popular Crossword and Bingo Games
Scientific Games has created an all-new fluorescent marking system for lottery extended play scratch games such as crossword and bingo, adding a vibrant neon glow to the play experience. Recognizing the expanding popularity of extended play games, which have seen significant growth in recent years, the company’s metro Atlanta-based scratch game designers, game programmers, chemists and production experts developed GlowMark to give players a bright fluorescent surprise when they scratch the game. The innovation is available to U.S. and international lotteries.
Scientific Games, the world’s largest creator, producer and manager of lottery games, offers more than 100 strategic product enhancements for its world-leading lottery instant products. The new GlowMark marking system reveals a contrasting neon fluorescent color when the player scratches the play area, a vibrant departure from the typical white reveal area found in most games.
SG Analytics indicate extended play lottery games have grown by 32% in the past five years (2019-2024). Today, they represent 18.3% of U.S. lottery retail sales. What was once a niche product is now offered by 44 U.S. lotteries, with retail sales topping $11.5 billion last year.
Scratch games featuring fluorescent inks also grew in popularity, representing more than 12% of games in the market by fiscal year 2025. Additionally, $10 scratch games with fluorescent inks outperformed other $10 games by nearly 9% in fiscal year 2025.
“Our Innovation and Discovery teams developed this innovation by using fluorescents to enhance the scratch game experience and are now thrilled to debut GlowMark, our newest advancement in extended play marking systems,” said Danielle Hodges, Senior Director, Global Product Innovation & Development for Scientific Games. “GlowMark gives games a strong, visually appealing contrast between the marked and unmarked areas of the game, adding excitement with glowing neon colors.”
Extended play scratch games produced at Scientific Games’ metro Atlanta global headquarters, as well as production facilities in Canada and the UK, can feature GlowMark. The company’s products represent 70% of lottery instant game global retail sales.
Innovating products and solutions that move the global lottery industry forward since 1973, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide.
GlowMark™ is a trademark of Scientific Games, LLC. © 2025 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Gambling in the USA
Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints Respected Industry Leaders Lou Dorn as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary; Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel
Resorts World Las Vegas announces the appointments of Lou Dorn as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, and Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel. Together, they bring proven leadership across the gaming and hospitality industries and will oversee legal, regulatory, governance, and risk-related functions for the resort, helping to drive operational excellence and support long-term growth.
“Lou brings an exceptional depth of experience in gaming law and regulatory compliance that will be instrumental as we continue to grow and evolve,” said Jim Murren, Chairman of Resorts World Las Vegas. “His leadership will help ensure our operations remain forward-thinking, responsible and built on a strong legal foundation.”
Dorn’s distinguished career spans both public service and private-sector leadership. He comes to Resorts World from Bally’s Corporation, where he served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel – North America and oversaw legal operations for 19 casino and resort properties across the U.S., including online gaming and sports wagering platforms. Prior to that, he held executive legal roles at Monarch Casino & Resort, SLS Las Vegas, Aliante Casino and Hotel and the Las Vegas Hilton, where he led legal strategy, compliance programs and regulatory affairs.
Earlier in his career, Dorn served as Chief of the Corporate Securities Division for the Nevada Gaming Control Board and as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Nevada. In these roles, he helped shape and enforce gaming regulations and compliance for the state, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both Nevada gaming law and federal securities law.
“Joining Resorts World Las Vegas at such a dynamic time in its growth is an exciting opportunity,” said Dorn. “Having spent my career navigating the complexities of gaming law and regulatory compliance, I look forward to supporting the resort’s continued success by ensuring we operate with the highest standards of legal integrity and strategic governance.”
Resorts World Las Vegas also welcomes Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel. A seasoned legal counsel with more than 20 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, Tranchina began her legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in the Gaming Division for the Louisiana Department of Justice. She most recently served as General Counsel for Investar Bank, headquartered in Louisiana, overseeing the legal operations for more than 20 branch locations across Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. Prior to that, she was General Counsel at Rio Hotel & Casino where she managed the legal, regulatory compliance and risk functions for the property. Tranchina has held senior leadership roles at publicly traded gaming, sports betting, and iGaming companies, overseeing legal and compliance matters across multiple jurisdictions.
“Elizabeth brings a steady, solutions-oriented mindset to complex legal challenges. Her experience across gaming and financial services adds valuable perspective to our leadership team, and her contributions will be instrumental as we continue to grow,” said Carlos Castro, President and Chief Financial Officer for Resorts World Las Vegas.
For more information about Resorts World Las Vegas, please visit rwlasvegas.com.
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