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Wind Creek Hospitality to Acquire Birmingham Racecourse and Casino

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2024

Two of Alabama’s leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry — Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and the McGregor family, owners of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and Victoryland Casino — announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Wind Creek will acquire the Birmingham Racecourse. The sale is expected to be finalized by early 2025.

Wind Creek will transform the Birmingham Racecourse into a premier entertainment destination in the Southeast and will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horse racing games currently in operation and the facility.

“For over 30 years, we have worked to provide the best possible experience for our customers and employees, while generating significant tax revenue for the state of Alabama and local charities. We have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to the State of Alabama and to local schools, hospitals, charities and other organizations that need financial support,” said Lewis Benefield, President of the Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand.

Benefield said the McGregor family has consistently sought to enhance the gaming and entertainment options at the Birmingham Racecourse, but legislative hurdles have presented challenges.

“The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama. Unfortunately, differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively. The McGregor family will now focus their efforts on VictoryLand in Macon County and advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama which would capture much-needed revenue for the people of Alabama,” Benefield said.

“We are excited to bring the Birmingham Racecourse into the Wind Creek family. The McGregor family built and has operated the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino for decades. Over those years, it became clear to us that we share many of the same goals — providing great entertainment, attracting tourism and creating economic growth In Alabama. We are really looking forward to welcoming their employees and to moving forward together,” said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality.

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the tribe has already been heavily involved in the Birmingham area, supporting organizations like the Birmingham Promise, Birmingham Zoo, and many others. She said Wind Creek will make this facility a major economic force for the area in creating more jobs, taxes, and support for the local community.

“Birmingham is one of the most vibrant cities in America, and we feel very fortunate that this acquisition will allow us to increase the investment and deepen the relationships that we already have in Birmingham. When it comes to attracting tourism, this is an incredibly important area of the state. We are committed to building on the success of both the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and our Wind Creek brand by ensuring that this property will keep tourist dollars here at home and provide jobs that support Alabama families,” she said.

Bryan added: “As the leader of our Tribe, I am deeply grateful to the expertise and leadership of Arthur Mothershed, a Member of our Tribal Council and Wind Creek’s VP of Business Development, in representing the interests of our Tribe and our gaming business in this important acquisition and new venture.”

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IGT Delivers World Premiere of Powerbucks Blackjack Online Game in Canada

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Niji Narayan

International Game Technology PLC announced that its new Powerbucks Blackjack game is now available to online players in multiple jurisdictions in Canada. The theme links to IGT’s Powerbucks omnichannel wide-area progressive (WAP) jackpot prize pool, Canada’s largest jackpot connecting land-based, online and mobile games.

“IGT is excited to build on its omnichannel jackpot leadership in Canada and the success of our Powerbucks portfolio by delivering a new evolution of one of the most popular casino card games. Designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, IGT’s Powerbucks Blackjack offers players the opportunity to win life-changing jackpots and provides operators with another compelling content option to help drive strong performance results,” said David Flinn, IGT SVP Canada, EMEA, and LATAM Gaming Sales.

Bringing a player-favorite card game to a new level, IGT’s Powerbucks Blackjack offers a state-of-the-art user interface with vibrant animations, language localization, and a sleek design for an engaging experience.

Launched in 2016, IGT Powerbucks slots is the world’s first omnichannel WAP game that links the jackpot prize pool between gaming machines found in land-based casinos with digital-based games in Canada. Since their debut, Powerbucks slots have paid over 50 jackpots of 1 million dollars or more across the country.

Canada

THE CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2024

George Miller

THE CANADIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) announced the appointment of four new members of the Association’s Board of Directors, which took place during the CGA’s Annual General Meeting on December 4, 2024.

Peter Czegledy, Aird & Berlis LLP

Peter Czegledy is a Partner and member of the Corporate/Commercial Group at Aird & Berlis LLP, as well as Chair of the firm’s Gaming Group, and co-Chair of the firm’s Esports & Gaming Group and Sports, Media & Entertainment Group. Peter has substantial expertise in the area of gambling and gaming law, with experience both in the acquisition/establishment phase and as ongoing corporate counsel managing compliance with applicable regulatory regimes and advising on technological applications. He is regularly consulted by governments and their regulators for policy and legal advice. He has acted in both private transactions and public procurements, and has represented a multitude of leading participants in the casino, track, igaming, mobile gambling, skills gaming and social gaming industries.

Lindsay Slader, GeoComply

Lindsay Slader is the SVP of Compliance at GeoComply, a cybersecurity and fraud prevention firm that delivers geolocation and user authentication technologies to the gaming, media & entertainment, online banking, payments, and cryptocurrency industries. Having worked in the internet gaming and digital services industries for seventeen years, Lindsay is a recognized expert in her field. Over the last decade, she has provided expert witness testimony on regulatory compliance, geolocation technologies, and her gaming industry expertise at several legislative hearings. Prior to GeoComply, she spent five years specializing in regulatory compliance and business development at Gaming Laboratories International. Lindsay’s contributions to the iGaming industry have led her to win awards such as the 2019 Emerging Leaders of Gaming 40 Under 40 and the 2021 iGaming Business Most Influential Women. Lindsay also currently serves on the board of directors of MVB Financial Corp.

Derek Ramm, Kinectify

Derek Ramm is the Global Head of Advisory Services at Kinectify, an AML risk management technology and advisory company that focuses on the gaming industry. He has extensive experience in the compliance and financial intelligence fields, and has brought his expertise to both the public and private sectors, providing him with a unique and well-rounded perspective to business challenges. Prior to joining Kinectify, Derek served as the Director of Anti-Money Laundering at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, where he led the agency’s AML regulatory oversight initiatives in the gaming, horse racing, liquor and cannabis industries. Derek was previously the Managing Principal at MT>Play, an advisory venture of McCarthy Tetrault that provided strategic advice to gaming organizations and governments around the world. He has also held senior roles at Canada’s federal financial intelligence unit (FINTRAC), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, and was the chief anti-money laundering officer at one of North America’s largest independent investment management firms. He was also appointed by the Government of Bermuda to serve as a Commissioner on the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission.

Terry McInally, Gateway Casinos

Terry McInally is the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Technology & Interactive Officer for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada. At Gateway he oversees compliance, surveillance, security, AML, RG, internal audit, insurance, risk, interactive and all aspects of technology. He has 20+ years of industry experience in compliance, operations, risk management, audit, stakeholder management, business strategy development, change/project management, regulatory reform, and IT. Prior to joining Gateway, Terry has been a gaming executive in numerous organizations including, an executive with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Managing Director and National Consulting Gaming Practice Leader for PwC Canada and a Risk & Technology Partner and Gaming Practice Leader with Richter LLP. Along with his extensive private and public experience, Terry is also a CPA and holds a CISA and Honors BA from the University of Toronto.

In addition, Neil Erlick and Chuck Keeling were reappointed for a second three-year term.

“We are delighted to welcome Peter, Lindsay, Derek, and Terry to the Board. Their diverse expertise and insights will play a critical role in helping CGA further its mission to support a regulated and responsible industry through education, collaboration, and advocacy,” said Paul Burns, President and CEO of the CGA. “Their perspectives and regional representation will strengthen our efforts and ensure we continue making meaningful progress.”

The Full 2024/2025 CGA Board of Directors

Bruce Caughill, Managing Director, Canada, Rush Street Interactive
Peter Czegledy, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Neil Erlick, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Nuvei
Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Playtech
Dale Hooper, General Manager Canada, FanDuel
Chuck Keeling, EVP, SH Engagement, Community and Social Responsibility, Great Canadian Entertainment
David Lucchese, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Everi
Adrianne McGrath, Vice President, Business Development, Konami Gaming
Terry McInally, Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Information Officer, Gateway Casinos
Niaz Nejad, Managing Director, Americas – Gaming, Light & Wonder
Bob Parente, SVP Chief Revenue Officer, Gaming, Light & Wonder
Derek Ramm, Global Head, Advisory Services, Kinectify
Lindsay Slader, SVP Compliance, GeoComply
Richard Taylor, President, MGE Entertainment – Fallsview
Scott Vanderwel, Chief Executive Officer Canada, PointsBet Canada

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Hard Rock Atlantic City Kicks Off “12 Days of Giving” with Over $50,000 to Local Charitable Organizations

Published

6 hours ago

December 6, 2024

Niji Narayan

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and the Boardwalk 1000 Foundation celebrated National Giving Day by donating $10,000 to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. This donation marks the start of Hard Rock Atlantic City’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign during which funds and services totaling more than $50,000 will be donated to 12 organizations. Hard Rock Atlantic City has donated to more than 500 charities since opening in 2018 supporting the company’s motto to Love all – Serve All.

Additional recipients include Covenant House Atlantic City, Kelly’s Kidz, Live to Serve, Holidays for Heroes’ Shop with a Cop, ARC of Atlantic County, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Atlantic County Toys for Kids, Garden State Equality, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, and Jewish Family Services.

“We are proud to live by our company’s mottos through our 12 Days of Giving holiday campaign to offer support to our community in such an impactful way. I am deeply grateful for our customers who generously donate to the Boardwalk 1000 Foundation which partnered with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in helping to make a difference this holiday season,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Atlantic City.