On September 19, the New Hampshire Bulletin reported that Judge Gregory Albert is considering granting an extension for the forced sale deadline of Concord Casino. Former politician Andy Sanborn, the owner of the casino, was ordered to sell it last year due to accusations of misappropriating over $800,000 in Covid relief funds. The current deadline is set for September 30, and Sanborn is hopeful for an extension. The delay is due to the buyer not being cleared by state regulators yet, which is causing the need for more time. If the deadline passes, the casino’s charitable gaming license could be suspended for two years.
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, supporters of a proposed casino unveiled a new market feasibility study predicting that the casino would draw 1.1 million annual visitors and generate over $80 million in revenue. The study also indicated potential revenue declines for nearby casinos. The proposed $275 million development known as Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center will feature 700 slots, 22 tables, and various other amenities. Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and the Linn County Gaming Association will present to state regulators on October 3, with a final ruling expected on February 6.
Jaime Black, an employee of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the board, alleging discriminatory hiring practices and a hostile work environment. The suit claims that a board member favored minority applicants and retaliated against Black for not complying. Black is seeking damages, a jury trial, and an injunction against discrimination.
Alabama Rep. Matthew Hammett introduced a bill to increase penalties for violating state gambling laws. The proposed law would elevate charges from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C or B felony, aiming to address illegal gambling operations more effectively. Law enforcement officials have struggled to control illegal gambling due to existing light punishments.
Andy Sanborn, embroiled in a scandal regarding the forced sale of Concord Casino, faces a state Supreme Court challenge for another casino project. Despite legal disputes, a 43,000-square-foot project has been approved and is awaiting a final ruling. The Supreme Court is set to proceed with the case after mediation attempts failed.
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights penned a letter urging the Nevada Gaming Commission to ban indoor smoking at casinos, citing health risks and concerns for responsible gaming. The organization highlighted the contradiction of allowing smoking in casinos during Responsible Gaming Education Month. NGC Chair Jennifer Togliatti refrained from commenting due to open meeting laws.
In New Jersey, the latest gaming revenue report raised concerns among Atlantic City casinos regarding cannibalization between online and land-based gambling. Online GGR reached a record high, while land-based revenue showed a mixed performance compared to pre-pandemic levels. Only three out of nine casinos posted better totals than in August 2019.
Caesars Entertainment appointed Ken Ostempowski as the new GM of Paris Las Vegas, the Horseshoe, and Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Ostempowski previously oversaw The ROW in Reno and replaces Jason Gregorec, who moved to Delaware North. Caesars aims for Ostempowski to lead the Las Vegas properties to new heights on the Strip.
A new ordinance combating homelessness was introduced to the Las Vegas City Council, sponsored by Mayor Carolyn Goodman. The proposed law would increase penalties for loitering or camping in public areas to address homelessness. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance on October 2.