Connect with us

Compliance Updates

PGCB Approves License for Nittany Mall Casino

Published

on

 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) on Wednesday unanimously approved a license for the proposed mini-casino at the Nittany Mall, but a potential appeal and a parallel lawsuit by a competing company mean the facility is unlikely to move forward any time soon.

SC Gaming OpCo, owned by investor and former Penn State trustee Ira Lubert, was awarded the state’s fifth category 4 casino license about two and half years after Lubert won an auction to apply with a $10 million bid.

The $127 million casino project is planned for the 94,000-square-foot former Macy’s property at the College Township mall.

While the board approved the license, it cannot be issued until any appeals are resolved, and a competing casino company is likely to contest the decision.

Stadium Casino, which was the losing bidder at the 2020 auction, has argued that Lubert subsequently partnered with other entities and individuals who may have ownership interests and who were not eligible to bid because they had no pre-existing interests in Pennsylvania casinos. State law for Category 4 casinos requires bidders to have ownership in existing casinos in Pennsylvania, and Lubert was eligible because of his ownership interest in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

SC Gaming has partnered with Bally’s, which does not have any Pennsylvania casinos, to develop the project. The board on Wednesday also approved a casino management license for Bally’s.

Baltimore-based Stadium, which operates the Live! casinos in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, contended that the PGCB did not even have the statutory authority to consider the license application because of the ownership questions.

Stadium was granted 15 minutes to speak at Wednesday’s hearing but was denied discovery and not permitted to question witnesses. Attorney Mark Aronchick called the limitations “an abuse of discretion” by the board and said that because Stadium was the only party involved questioning the authority to consider the application, an adversarial hearing should have been conducted.

“You have tied our hands. You are not permitting us to do it in the proper way and that is not right,” Aronchick said.

PGCB’s chief enforcement counsel, Cyrus Pitre, said the board’s statutory authority is clear.

“The authority is in the [Pennsylvania gaming] act. The act is replete with the authority of this board, so as far as I’m concerned that argument goes out the window. Everything submitted by Mr. Lubert as an applicant is similar to just about every other application that we’ve received for a category 1, 2, 3, 4 license. His application is no different from Stadium’s application or any other applicant that came before us in general. There is nothing unsuitable about the application. There is nothing unsuitable about the integrity of the source of the funds, the source of the bid. All of that has been investigated and is of a suitable nature,” Cyrus Pitre said.

Lubert’s attorneys stated that he is the sole owner of SC Gaming OpCo, that any transfer of ownership would require PGCB approval and that state law does not prohibit having other financial backers.

Office of Enforcement Counsel attorney Ashley Gabrielle said PGCB’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement and its Financial Investigations Unit conducted “exhaustive and detailed” background investigations and found no issues.

“…OEC is of the opinion that SC Gaming OpCo is eligible and suitable for the issuance of a category 4 slot machine license at this time. As such, OEC is of the opinion that the board has the authority and duty to consider this application as it does any other application that is ripe for consideration,” Gabrielle said.

An appeal of the board’s decision would go to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Stadium also has a lawsuit against Lubert and the PGCB pending in Commonwealth Court, with no clear timeline.

Compliance Updates

Minnesota Senate Committee Advances Sports Betting Bill

Published

on

 

The Senate Tax Committee advanced legislation authored by Senator Matt Klein (DFL – Mendota Heights) to legalize Sports Betting in Minnesota. This was the second time the bill has been heard in Taxes, after making a stop last year. The hearing focused on changes to tax rates and revenue disbursements.

Senator Aric Putnam (DFL – St. Cloud) offered an amendment that made several major tax and revenue related changes, which were adopted by voice vote. The tax rate was changed to 20% on net revenues from sports betting. Revenues as a result of that change would then be dispersed to:

(1) 20% for tax relief for charitable gaming organizations,

(2) 10% for treatment and awareness programs for problem wagering,

(3) 15% for Explore Minnesota Tourism for large sporting events,

(4) 5% to the Minnesota Racing Commission for racetracks,

(5) 5% for the Minnesota State High School League for youth sports and activities,

(6) and the remainder to the general fund.

Senator Klein said: “The changes made in Senate Taxes Committee today have made this a better bill for Minnesotans. I am thankful for the committee’s thoughtful consideration of this legislation and willingness to work toward the best balance of needs and interests.

“As a result of this work, we are now able to support our allied charities who engage in gaming so they can continue the good work they do for our state. We are also able invest in the state high school league’s ability to foster participation in a wider array of activities, attract more large sporting events to Minnesota, and continue to focus efforts on problem wagering awareness.”

SF1949 passed the Senate Taxes Committee as amended and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Continue Reading

Arizona

Arizona Department of Gaming Announces Allocation for Event Wagering License

Published

on

The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today that it has allocated an event wagering operator license to Fanatics Betting and Gaming as the designee for Tonto Apache Sports Betting, an organization of the Tonto Apache Tribe, pursuant to A.R.S. § 5-1304 and A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106.

On January 16, 2024, ADG announced that it would begin accepting applications for available event wagering licenses, which included one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Tribes and no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Sports Franchises, as defined in A.R.S. § 5-1301(7).

The application window for event wagering licenses opened on February 16, 2024, and closed on March 4, 2024. Applicants were required to submit their completed applications within this timeframe in order to have been considered for an event wagering license.

Continue Reading

California

California Gambling Control Commission: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Decisions on Cardroom Licensing

Published

on

California Gambling Control Commission: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Decisions on Cardroom Licensing

 

The California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) is set to hold a pivotal meeting on March 21, 2024, where key decisions regarding the future of several cardrooms within the state are on the agenda. This meeting underscores the Commission’s role in overseeing the state’s gambling establishments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a fair and transparent gaming environment. Here’s what stakeholders can expect:

Capitol Casino’s Licensing Future
Capitol Casino, a renowned name in the gambling sector, is up for the renewal of its cardroom owner type license. The Commission is presented with two options: to approve the renewal applications through March 31, 2026, or grant a 90-day extension through June 30, 2024. Commission staff recommend the latter, suggesting a cautious approach towards the renewal process.

Spotlight on Lucky Chances Casino
Lucky Chances Casino faces a critical juncture with its license renewal application. The Commission contemplates referring the applications to an evidentiary hearing, proposing an interim renewal license through September 30, 2025. This decision comes with stringent conditions aimed at preventing Rene Medina, a figure associated with the casino, from patronizing certain areas of the property, among other regulatory stipulations.

Oceana Cardroom’s Path Forward
LEB Holdings’ Oceana Cardroom is recommended for license renewal through March 31, 2026, with specific conditions regarding operational compliance. Before opening for business, the cardroom is required to undergo an inspection by the Bureau of Gambling Control and fulfill various regulatory requirements, ensuring a safe and compliant gaming environment.

Decisions on Parkwest Bicycle Casino
Parkwest Bicycle Casino’s licensing outcome hangs in balance, with two options under consideration. The crux of the decision revolves around the permissibility of contractual relationships with Fortiss, LLC, and TPPPS providers. The staff recommendation leans towards option two, which includes applying for and maintaining a cardroom business license for Fortiss, LLC, should the administrative hearing find the current arrangements non-compliant.

Renewal Application for Rogelio’s
Rogelio’s Inc. seeks renewal through March 31, 2026, with conditions focusing on regulatory compliance before operations commence. This includes submitting a fully completed business entity supplemental information form and adhering to relocation, safety, security, and emergency plan requirements.

Seven Mile Casino and Westlane Card Room
Seven Mile Casino and Westlane Card Room face critical evaluations with recommended options leading towards evidentiary hearings or temporary licensing extensions. These decisions reflect the Commission’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards while ensuring fair consideration of each establishment’s circumstances.

This meeting is a testament to the dynamic nature of California’s gambling landscape, highlighting the Commission’s dedication to transparency, regulatory compliance, and the well-being of the gambling community. Stakeholders and the public await the outcomes, anticipating the impacts on the state’s gambling establishments and the broader gaming environment.

Continue Reading

Trending

GamingAmericas.com (part of HIPTHER) is your one-stop portal for the latest news, insights, and analyses in the gaming industry across the Americas. From legislative updates and market trends to interviews with industry leaders, we provide a comprehensive look at the dynamic landscape of both online and land-based gaming. Whether you're a stakeholder looking to stay ahead of the curve or a gaming enthusiast eager for reliable updates, GamingAmericas.com has got you covered. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for real-time updates and exclusive content. Make informed decisions and stay ahead in the game with GamingAmericas.com.

Disclaimer: All the information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Always check your local laws before participating in any gaming activities.

Copyright © 2018 – 2024, HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved.