Gambling in the USA
East Coast Gaming Congress Announces Revised Schedule for 25th Annual Conference September 21-23 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
The 25th annual East Coast Gaming Congress will feature more than 50 speakers, including top CEOs, the Governor of New Jersey, and scores of industry experts as it convenes September 21-23 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Several hundred gaming industry leaders, legislators, regulators, educators, suppliers, gaming lawyers, media, and other stakeholders will attend the conference’s Silver Jubilee to learn more about the trends, challenges, and critical issues facing all segments of the gaming industries.
The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Hon. Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey, and will also include the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to industry veteran Virginia McDowell.
Bill Miller, President and CEO, American Gaming Association, will provide an update and analysis on national issues.
The revised schedule, announced today, includes:
Wednesday, September 21
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Registration 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Welcome Cocktail Reception, Hard Rock Café, SPONSORED BY: Sightline
Thursday, September 22
7:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:15 am Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr.
James T. Plousis, Chairman, New Jersey Casino Control Commission
Opening Keynote: Bill Miller, CEO, American Gaming Association
8:50 am – 9:40 am Sports Betting: Which Model Is Working Best?
Now legal and active in 31 US jurisdictions, it seems no two states have the same sports betting model. From an online-only model to a model offering dozens of skins to one offering tax rates four to five times higher than others, states have created their own schemes in an effort to maximize results. But which model is working best? And should this be measured by GGR – or by state tax receipts? Do high tax rates matter? Operators and legislators debate.
Moderator: John Atkinson, Director of Business Development, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook/888 Holdings
- Senator Jon Ford, State of Indiana; President, NCLGS
- Gina Smith, Deputy Director of Gaming Compliance, Virginia Lottery
- Elizabeth Suever, Vice President, Government Relations, Bally’s Corporation
- Andrew Winchell, Director of Government Affairs, FanDuel
9:45 am – 11:15 am Industry Leaders Roundtable I
In the first segment of our ECGC signature roundtable events, these top executives from leading gaming companies gather to discuss the status and future of their industry.
Moderator: Lynne Levin Kaufman, Partner and Co-Chair, Gaming & iGaming Group, Cooper Levenson
James F. Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International and CEO, Seminole Gaming
David Cordish, Chairman, The Cordish Companies
Jay Dorris, CEO, PCI Gaming Authority
Jason Guyot, President and CEO, Foxwoods Resort Casino
E. Brian Hansberry, President, Delaware North, Gaming
11:15 am – 11:45 am Networking Break
11:50 am – 12:40 pm Analyze This
Sports betting and igaming operators are spending tons on advertising and promotions. Is this smart? Casinos are facing competition from digital gaming and now even their own state lotteries. What does their future hold? Traditional casino companies have bought digital providers, technology companies and even media companies. How are these acquisitions panning out? Join a panel of distinguished Wall Street analysts and investors for a no-holds-barred discussion of the gaming industry from a financial perspective.
Moderator: David Isaacson, Senior Vice President, Spectrum Gaming Capital
- Gabriel Fineberg, Vice President, Beach Point Capital Management
- Colin Mansfield, Sector Head – US Gaming & Leisure, Fitch Ratings
- Joel Simkins, Managing Director, Houlihan Lokey
- Teddy Swigert, Managing Director, Credit Suisse
12:45 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon – Keynote Speaker: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
– Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Virginia McDowell
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm Is Gaming Growing Responsibly?
Gaming is still growing, thanks to high-growth segments such as sports betting, ilottery, and igaming. But are legislators, regulators and operators ensuring that responsible-gaming programs have the necessary resources to keep pace with the rise in the number of gamblers and their increasing expenditures? What technology is – or should be available – to help both programs and gamblers? Are research projects adequately assessing the behaviors associated with the new generation of gaming?
Moderator: Marlene Warner, Principal, Spectrum Safer Gaming Advisors, and Executive Director, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
- Shawn Fluharty, Minority Whip, West Virginia House of Delegates
- Elizabeth Lanza, Director, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Lia Nower, J.D., Ph.D., Director, Center for Gambling Studies, Rutgers University
- Richard L. Taylor, Jr., Responsible Gaming Program Manager, BetMGM
2:55 pm – 3:45 pm The Northeast Cauldron
Casino operators throughout the intensively competitive Northeast not only have to compete among themselves these days, but also with digital gaming operators (both casino and sportsbook), rapidly evolving state lottery games, and, in some cases, the rapid spread of unregulated gaming devices in retail locations. How do land-based casinos continue to thrive in this environment, and do they view other forms of gaming as an opportunity or a threat? Operators from four states assess the state of play in the region.
Moderator: Joseph Weinert, Executive VP, Spectrum Gaming Group
- Anthony Faranca, President, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
- Eric Hausler, CEO, Greenwood Racing (PARX Casino)
- David Martinelli, Jr., Chief Marketing Officer, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
- Robert Norton, President, Cordish Gaming Group
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm Networking Break
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Industry Leaders Roundtable II
In the second segment of our ECGC signature roundtable events, these top executives from leading gaming companies gather to discuss the status and future of their industry.
Moderator: Juliann Barreto, Chief Operating Officer, Spectrum Gaming Group
- Kevin Jones, Chief Strategy and Legal Officer, Resorts World Casino and Genting Americas
- Jette Nygaard-Andersen, CEO, Entain
- Ray Pineault, President and CEO, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment
- Thomas Reeg, CEO, Caesars Entertainment
- Jay Snowden, CEO, Penn National Gaming
6 pm – 8 pm Silver Anniversary Celebration, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Hotel &
Casino, SPONSORED BY: Meet AC
Friday, September 23
7:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:30 am Keynote Address – Howard S. Mittman, President, 888 US, Inc.
8:50 am – 9:40 am The Best Things in Gaming Right Now Are …
Sports betting is growing rapidly … historical horse racing is expanding where slots cannot … esports is just beginning to tie itself to gaming … the movement to cashless casino gaming is starting to take root. So, what exactly do casino operators and suppliers think are the best things going for the gaming industry at large?
Moderator: Lucas Levenson, Attorney, Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law
- Brooke Fiumara, Chief Executive Officer, OPTX
- Grant Johnson, Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Esports Entertainment Group
- Mandi Hart, Chief Client Solutions Officer, Sightline Payments
- Deron Hunsberger, Chief Commercial Officer, Ainsworth Game Technology
9:45 am – 10:35 am State Regulators: Keeping Their Promise to Keep Pace?
When new technology brings forth new games, new ways to play those games, or new ways to transact money, gaming operators and suppliers want it – now! Ultimately, state gaming regulators determine whether – or how fast – such technology can be offered to the consumer. Are the regulators doing this quickly enough? Do they have the physical and human resources needed to keep pace in the rapidly evolving gaming industry? Regulators discuss this critical issue.
Moderator: Cyrus Pitre, Chief Enforcement Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Stephen Cook, Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Cathy Judd-Stein, Chair, Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- John Martin, Executive Director, Maryland Lottery
- David Rebuck, Director, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- June E. Taylor, Chair, Ohio Casino Control Commission
10:35 am – 10:55 am Networking Break
10:55 am – 11:45 am Whither Igaming?
The limited rollout of igaming nationwide stands in stark contrast to the rollout of sports betting. Whereas 30 jurisdictions launched sports betting within 3½ years of the Supreme Court overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018 – including 21 that offer digital betting – only six states have launched igaming in the 8½ years since it began in 2013. One reason for the states’ caution toward igaming may be their concern for their casinos. Is such concern justified? Why the slow rollout of igaming? Will the rapid adoption of digital sports betting speed up the adoption of igaming?
Moderator: Sherry Amos, Principal, Spectrum Gaming Hospitality Group
- Howard Glaser, Global Head of Government Affairs and Legislative Counsel, Light & Wonder
- Jeffrey Millar, Commercial Director, North America, Evolution
- Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Rush Street Interactive
- Luisa Woods, Vice President, Marketing, Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North
11:55 am – 12:45 pm Creating One Industry: Lotteries, Gaming
Lotteries and casinos have historically been separate industries. The Digital revolution is changing that. As ilottery and lottery courier services emerge, and as lotteries delve into sports betting and other shared verticals, what are the implications for policies and profits? At the same time, lotteries and casinos share a common challenge: unregulated slot machines.
Moderator: James A. Carey, Jr., Executive Director, New Jersey Lottery
- Scott Bowen, Government Affairs Specialist, NeoPollard Interactive; former Commissioner, Michigan Lottery
- Peggy Daniel, US General Manager, The Lotter/New Jersey Lotto LLC
- Drew Svitko, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Lottery
- Richard Weil, President, Richard Weil Group; Principal, Spectrum Gaming Lottery Group
Schedule is subject to change. For additional conference or sponsorship information, visit http://www.ecgc.us or contact Donna Vecere at [email protected].
The full conference schedule and registration is at www.ecgc.us. ECGC is organized and produced by Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law; Spectrum Gaming Group; Esports Entertainment Group; and Sports Illustrated Sportsbook.
Gambling in the USA
Snoqualmie Casino Announces Exciting Rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel Ahead of Major Expansion
Snoqualmie Casino has announced its rebranding to Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel, reflecting an exciting new chapter in the venue’s history as it embarks on a much-anticipated expansion. Set for completion in mid-2025, this project promises to elevate the guest experience, making Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel a premier destination for entertainment, relaxation, and culinary excellence.
The cornerstone of the expansion is the construction of a luxurious hotel, which will offer guests unparalleled comfort and stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si. With a focus on sustainability and modern design, the hotel will feature upscale accommodations, a full-service destination spa, and amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. Plus, there are architectural details inspired by Snoqualmie culture from a modern slant roof hotel design representing the original longhouses of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ancestors to carefully chosen artwork placed throughout for guests to enjoy.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel’s destination spa will offer an immersive escape that blends relaxation with the healing power of nature. Nestled in the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments. Experience the perfect blend of wellness and nature where luxury, tradition and innovation come together for an incredibly transformative experience.
“It is my honor and privilege to announce that Snoqualmie Casino has now become Snoqualmie Casino and Hotel. Over the past three years, the Snoqualmie Tribe and Casino have been diligently working to bring a one-of-a-kind, world-class hotel to the Snoqualmie Valley,” said Interim CEO Mary Lou Patterson.
In addition, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel will expand its gaming floor, introducing an array of new options to enhance the entertainment experience for guests. This expansion will include the latest slots, electronic and traditional table games, as well as a dedicated high-limit gaming area for discerning players seeking a more exclusive gaming experience.
One of the highlights of the expansion is the development of a state-of-the-art 2000-seat entertainment and convention center. This versatile venue will host a variety of events, from concerts to conferences, positioning Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel as a key player in the region’s entertainment landscape. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on guest comfort, the center will attract top-tier talent and events, making it a must-visit destination.
In addition to the award-winning Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood, 12 Moons, and Falls Buffet, a new sports bar and grill will be introduced to provide patrons with the ultimate game day experience. Other new dining options, set to open later, will showcase local ingredients and flavors, ensuring a memorable culinary experience for guests.
Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel recently launched a brand-new valet garage. The dual level indoor and outdoor structure, with 600 additional spaces, doubles the previous capacity for valet parking creating easier access into the casino. This is the first piece of new development at Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel that has opened for immediate use. The entire project anticipates creating numerous job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic growth of the Snoqualmie area.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has announced that it will open to the public on November 11. The state-of-the-art casino represents the first step toward delivering a full-scale integrated resort experience, scheduled for completion in spring 2025.
Spanning an impressive 70,000 square feet, Wind Creek Chicago Southland features over 1400 slot machines, 56 table games, high-limit slot areas, a high-limit table games salon, a poker room, a dynamic sportsbook, and 4 “Hidden Gems” throughout the casino floor–offering visitors a unique and customizable private gaming and event microenvironment. Designed with an emphasis on curated entertainment spaces, this new offering aims to redefine leisure and hospitality for the entire region.
“The opening of Wind Creek Chicago Southland underscores our dedication to making a positive economic impact in the communities we serve. We’re committed to create opportunities that support the region, offer competitive benefits for Team Members, and further strengthen the vibrant Southland community,” said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland is expected to create more than 1000 full-time jobs in fields ranging from hospitality to technology. Roles will include security, gaming attendants, food service, IT technicians, and environmental services, reinforcing Wind Creek’s commitment to strengthening the local economy. Additionally, Homewood and East Hazel Crest will benefit from gambling revenue, along with 42 other south suburban communities—funding essential local services within the immediate and surrounding communities.
“Wind Creek Chicago Southland is more than a casino—it’s a community-driven destination. The Tribe and Wind Creek will continue to prioritize the Villages of Homewood and East Hazel Crest as we are committed to uplifting our neighbors,” said Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO, Poarch Creek Indians.
On Nov. 6th and Nov. 7th, the Illinois Gaming Board visited the casino for two mandatory test days, which also included an extended invitation to family friends and local dignitaries. Wind Creek Hospitality received notice of approval on Nov. 8th to operate on Monday, Nov. 11th at approximately 11:00 a.m.
The Nov. 11th opening marks only the beginning of what will become a flagship destination. High-limit gaming rooms, a hotel, spa, poker room, a sportsbook and more will be available for Guests seeking diverse experiences. Wind Creek’s partnership with Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group will also introduce an exceptional range of signature restaurants and food & beverage offerings to the highly anticipated property.
“Whether you’re looking for elevated dining, quick-service eateries, or something in between—you won’t be disappointed as we’re creating something truly unforgettable,” said Fabio Viviani.
“From the start, our mission has been to create jobs, spur economic growth, and offer the ultimate entertainment escape. We’re thrilled to welcome our Guests on Nov. 11th to experience the excitement firsthand,” said Roger Kuehn, EVP and General Manager of Wind Creek Chicago Southland.
Gambling in the USA
Spin Your Way to Political Fun in Slotland and WinADay’s Race for Office MegaMatrix Slot
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Slotland and WinADay are bringing the excitement of the U.S. presidential election to life this month with the fan-favourite, Race for Office, packed with a wealth of bonuses.
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View a video version of this story
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