Gambling in the USA
CDI Announces Retirement of Austin Miller, Names Maureen Adams as SVP of Gaming Operations and Ryan Jordan as SVP of Real Estate Development
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has announced that Austin Miller will retire effective March 1, 2022, after eight years as Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations with the Company.
Miller’s 15-year tenure with CDI started as President of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he led the design, construction, and opening of the Company’s first casino gaming operation. In 2010, Miller was named President of Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida, before transitioning to CDI’s corporate headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2013.
“Austin has been central to the growth and evolution of CDI over the years. His bold and creative vision for the Company’s gaming properties will have an enduring impact. I am grateful for his leadership during a transformative time and wish him nothing but the best in his retirement,” Bill Mudd, President and Chief Operating Officer of CDI, said.
CDI has promoted Maureen Adams to fill Miller’s role as Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations. Since 2019, Adams has served the Company as Vice President of Gaming Operations where she oversaw the day-to-day operation of eight gaming properties as well as the centralized marketing and analysis department. Adams’ career with CDI spans eight years and includes time as President and General Manager of Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“Maureen brings over 25 years of gaming experience in finance, marketing, operations and leadership in 10 different states and 2 countries to this important role. Not only does she bring a proven track record of success, Maureen has a keen aptitude for inspiring and developing her team to achieve both their personal and professional goals,” Mudd said.
Maureen’s professional career includes 15 years with Caesars Entertainment where she held a variety of senior positions in Finance, Marketing/Sales, and Operations. Maureen holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Richard Stockton University, an MBA from Rutgers University, and has a certificate in International General Management from Harvard Business School.
CDI also announced the promotion of Ryan Jordan to Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development where his responsibilities will include strategic planning at existing properties as well as the leadership of design and construction for new properties across the Company. Jordan joined CDI in 2009 as Vice President of Operations for Churchill Downs Entertainment Group and was later named General Manager of Churchill Downs Racetrack.
“Ryan is the ideal candidate to lead the development of new properties across our portfolio. Throughout his 12-year career with the Company he has successfully and consistently executed complex large-scale projects with a focus on operations, hospitality and entertainment,” Mudd said.
Prior to joining CDI, Jordan worked for the PGA of America as the Championship Director of the PGA Championship. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in business management from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Louisville.
These internal promotions are effective immediately.
Apache Lonestar Casino, a premier gaming destination in Devol, Oklahoma, announced an expansion of its facilities, set to enhance the gaming and dining experience for its guests. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, will add more than 2000 square feet of gaming space and introduce additional seating, family dining and new menu options at the popular Lonestar Bar & Grill.
Expanded Gaming Space
The additional 2000+ square feet of gaming space will allow Apache Lonestar Casino to accommodate more gaming options, further solidifying its position as a top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Wichita Falls area. With the current offering of 611 slot machines, 6 blackjack tables, the expansion will introduce new games including Texas Hold ’em ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.
“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to continually improving our offerings and providing more variety and excitement for our guests,” said Kristopher Killsfirst Sr., Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino LLC.
Enhanced Dining at Lonestar Bar & Grill
In addition to the gaming floor expansion, Apache Lonestar Casino is enhancing the dining experience at Lonestar Bar & Grill. The popular restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, will see an increase in seating capacity and family friendly seating. The menu will be expanded to include a wider variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
“The Lonestar Bar & Grill has quickly become a favorite among our guests, and we’re excited to offer even more with this expansion. The additional seating and menu options will ensure that our guests can enjoy a great meal as part of their visit to Apache Lonestar Casino,” said Michael Spell, General Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino.
The three Detroit casinos reported $112.5 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of August 2024, of which $110.8 million was generated from table games and slots, and $1.7 million from retail sports betting.
The August market shares were:
• MGM, 48%
• MotorCity, 28%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 24%
Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes
The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of August 2024 increased 5.9% when compared to the same month last year. August’s monthly revenue was 4.2% higher when compared to the previous month, July 2024. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue increased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year.
The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results all increased compared to August 2023:
• MGM, up 8.9% to $53.86 million
• MotorCity, up 0.1% to $30.76 million
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 7.4% to $26.18 million
In August 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.97 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $8.47 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $17.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in August.
Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes
The three Detroit casinos reported $9.61 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts were $1.7 million for the month of August. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were up by $1.4 million in August when compared to August 2023, and up by $2.1 million when compared to July 2024.
August QAGR by casino was:
• MGM: $521,529
• MotorCity: $930,952
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $241,045
During August, the casinos paid $64,015 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $78,241 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.
Gambling in the USA
State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling
The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.
The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.
When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.
“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.
This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.
The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.
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