The Norfolk City Council is set to vote on Boyd Gaming’s proposed acquisition of Golden Eagle Consulting on September 10. This acquisition involves the development company behind the Pamunkey Tribe’s casino proposal for Norfolk, in collaboration with billionaire John Yarbrough. However, with Boyd’s acquisition and the tribe taking a 20 percent stake, Yarbrough’s involvement in the venture remains unclear. The project has been in the works since 2017 when the tribe first proposed the casino but has faced delays in securing city approval for its site at Harbor Park. Boyd’s involvement is seen as a positive step towards moving the project forward.
In Maine, all nine casino inspectors penned a letter of no confidence against Milton Champion, the executive director of the Maine Gambling Control Unit (MGCU). They accuse Champion of various shortcomings, including delays in implementing retail sports betting and pay-related discrepancies. Champion had previously faced backlash for insensitive posts and his decision to remove inspectors on certain days. State Senator Joe Baldacci expressed concerns about Champion’s behavior, highlighting a pattern of disregarding public input.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman issued an advisory declaring new “risk-free” skill games illegal in the state. These games were introduced as a way to bypass the state’s ban on gray market skill games. Coleman emphasized that the element of chance in these games makes them illegal gambling devices. Despite the machines being live across the state, Coleman’s advisory asserts that they are still illegal. Most of these machines come from Prominent Technologies.
Speculation is growing that Full House Resorts’ Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana, may relocate to New Haven following a disappointing performance in FY24. The Indiana Gaming Commission’s report showed a significant drop in revenue for the casino, prompting discussions about a potential move. Initial conversations between Full House and New Haven officials have been positive, but any relocation would require approval from the state legislature and the governor.
Greg Small, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, is stepping down this month, as announced by Governor Eric Holcomb. Dennis Mullen will oversee the commission on an interim basis. Small had been in his role since 2021 and previously served as general counsel. His departure comes as Holcomb’s term is set to end in January, a common occurrence with changing administrations.
Full House Resorts announced the sale of its Stockman’s Casino in Nevada to Clarity Game LLC for $9.2 million. The sale includes the casino’s real estate and other operating assets. Until the sale is approved by state regulators, Full House will pay monthly rent to Clarity. The decision to sell Stockman’s Casino aligns with Full House’s focus on larger properties in its portfolio, such as Chamonix and American Place casinos.
A California couple filed a lawsuit against the Venetian in Nevada District Court, claiming that a scorpion bite sustained during their stay at the resort led to emotional and physical distress, including erectile dysfunction. The couple is seeking damages and alleges that the casino was aware of scorpion infestations but failed to address them properly. Bally’s Corp. and the Palms Casino Resort announced a new partnership on September 3, allowing Bally Reward members to earn loyalty points at the Palms. The collaboration aims to enhance the gaming experience for rewards members and provide unparalleled rewards and experiences.