The Casino Gaming Act 2010, having been passed by both Houses of Parliament in March, has been sent to King’s House for the Governor General’s signature.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Senator Arthur Williams outlined the next steps to be taken, which include the establishment of the Casino Gaming Commission and appropriate regulatory framework.
“Now that the law has been passed, the ministerial order is imminent,” Williams said.
He said that the major challenge is to ensure that the casinos are run according to regulations.
“In this regard, apart from the main legislation, detailed regulations have to be promulgated,” he said.
He urged Jamaicans not to lose sight of what he said will be the economic benefits that can accrue from this landmark development.
“Casino gaming will expand our tourism product, increase earnings, generate employment and increase tax revenues,” Williams said.
To facilitate the Commission's functions, government is seeking to amend the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1975, under which the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission currently regulates and controls the operations of betting and gaming and the conduct of lotteries in Jamaica.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Nassau betting on casino next to coliseum
Nassau County officials are rolling the dice on a bid to lure a Shinnecock Indian casino to a site next to the Nassau Coliseum, county and tribal officials said yesterday.
County Executive Ed Mangano said a casino and hotel would be in addition to a proposed $3.8 billion complex of offices, stores and entertainment venues that New York Islanders owner Charles Wang wants to build at the 150-acre Hempstead property.
"Serious consideration must be given to this economic development opportunity that would create jobs, expand the tax base, build a new Nassau Coliseum and retain the Islanders," Mangano said.
But sources familiar with the talks say they are at a very preliminary stage, and that the coliseum site is among five or six sites in Suffolk and Nassau counties that the Southampton-based Shinnecock are considering.
"I think Suffolk and Nassau are realizing that if we get bumped out of Long Island, they are going to lose a lot of money," said Lance Gumbs, a tribal trustee.
The Shinnecock have also considered a possible casino location upstate.
The Shinnecock would have to negotiate a revenue-sharing plan with the state. It would also need several federal approvals.
Mangano said that if those approvals were done this year, construction could begin in 2011.
County Executive Ed Mangano said a casino and hotel would be in addition to a proposed $3.8 billion complex of offices, stores and entertainment venues that New York Islanders owner Charles Wang wants to build at the 150-acre Hempstead property.
"Serious consideration must be given to this economic development opportunity that would create jobs, expand the tax base, build a new Nassau Coliseum and retain the Islanders," Mangano said.
But sources familiar with the talks say they are at a very preliminary stage, and that the coliseum site is among five or six sites in Suffolk and Nassau counties that the Southampton-based Shinnecock are considering.
"I think Suffolk and Nassau are realizing that if we get bumped out of Long Island, they are going to lose a lot of money," said Lance Gumbs, a tribal trustee.
The Shinnecock have also considered a possible casino location upstate.
The Shinnecock would have to negotiate a revenue-sharing plan with the state. It would also need several federal approvals.
Mangano said that if those approvals were done this year, construction could begin in 2011.
Blackjack here to stay in Immokalee
Blackjack is here to stay at the Seminole Casinos.
Governor Charlie Crist signed Senate Bill 622 with the Seminole Tribe, legalizing certain types of gambling. The agreement allows Vegas style slots, blackjack and other table games.
The deal means job security for Immokalee Casino employees, plus is also opens up the opportunity for expansion of the casino.
The state also gets a large payout from the Seminoles.
"One billion dollars over the next five years come to Florida and our children, and our schools, and our most vulnerable and education. And that is a wonderful thing," Crist said to a group at the Hollywood Seminole Casino.
The bill still has to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interiors, which is expected in June.
The deal also allows some casinos to have card betting 24 hours a day and higher limits.
Governor Charlie Crist signed Senate Bill 622 with the Seminole Tribe, legalizing certain types of gambling. The agreement allows Vegas style slots, blackjack and other table games.
The deal means job security for Immokalee Casino employees, plus is also opens up the opportunity for expansion of the casino.
The state also gets a large payout from the Seminoles.
"One billion dollars over the next five years come to Florida and our children, and our schools, and our most vulnerable and education. And that is a wonderful thing," Crist said to a group at the Hollywood Seminole Casino.
The bill still has to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interiors, which is expected in June.
The deal also allows some casinos to have card betting 24 hours a day and higher limits.
Delaware investors seek high stakes casino
A group of Delaware investors is banking on the idea of turning an empty building into an exclusive casino.
Delaware Development Associates has its eyes on an old bank in the heart of downtown Wilmington.
They are pitching the notion of turning the vacant structure into "The Bank," a members-only gambling club, which would be the first in the First State, to General Assembly.
The investors say they are ready to give $20-million to see this come to fruition. As for the club itself, an annual membership fee would run between $10,000 and $20,000 and membership would be capped below 5,000.
"It's really just table games, it's really catering to a very different cliental that otherwise wouldn't come to Delaware," Karle Agne of Delaware Development Associates said.
Members would be able to take part in table games and sports betting, but slot machines are not allowed; "The Bank" is described as being a place for high rollers - a setting where the elite meet.
"From New York to the Washington suburbs is the greatest concentration of wealth in this country. Delaware is right in the middle of that. We're right on the Acela line, we're easily accessible from all these locations. It's really bringing these folks together in a place where they can be comfortable," Agne said.
State Representative (D) John Viola of Newark is a backer of the plan. He says it represents a win-win proposition for the city and the state.
"It would generate revenue for the state, a million dollars limited license fee to start with, [and] about $2-million a year in corporate taxes," Representative Viola said.
Viola leads a house faction that opposes other pushes to create new gambling venues in Delaware. One of those prospects calls for full-fledged casinos in both Wilmington and Sussex County.
All the bids are on the table as the legislature heads into a critical decision making period. One sure bet in all of this is, come spring, there will be some big winners and big losers in this high stake game.
Delaware Development Associates has its eyes on an old bank in the heart of downtown Wilmington.
They are pitching the notion of turning the vacant structure into "The Bank," a members-only gambling club, which would be the first in the First State, to General Assembly.
The investors say they are ready to give $20-million to see this come to fruition. As for the club itself, an annual membership fee would run between $10,000 and $20,000 and membership would be capped below 5,000.
"It's really just table games, it's really catering to a very different cliental that otherwise wouldn't come to Delaware," Karle Agne of Delaware Development Associates said.
Members would be able to take part in table games and sports betting, but slot machines are not allowed; "The Bank" is described as being a place for high rollers - a setting where the elite meet.
"From New York to the Washington suburbs is the greatest concentration of wealth in this country. Delaware is right in the middle of that. We're right on the Acela line, we're easily accessible from all these locations. It's really bringing these folks together in a place where they can be comfortable," Agne said.
State Representative (D) John Viola of Newark is a backer of the plan. He says it represents a win-win proposition for the city and the state.
"It would generate revenue for the state, a million dollars limited license fee to start with, [and] about $2-million a year in corporate taxes," Representative Viola said.
Viola leads a house faction that opposes other pushes to create new gambling venues in Delaware. One of those prospects calls for full-fledged casinos in both Wilmington and Sussex County.
All the bids are on the table as the legislature heads into a critical decision making period. One sure bet in all of this is, come spring, there will be some big winners and big losers in this high stake game.
Mother Day Bonus for Online Casino Slot Machines
It’s the one day of the when you can give something back to the one person who loves you more than anyone else and, in a bid to continue the Mothers Day love, online casino bet at sportsbetting.com are giving their players an extra special bonus. Starting on May 3rd the internet’s leading online casino and slot machine provider will be giving all their players a 50% Mothers Day Bonus on all deposits, until May 7th. The offer, which is the latest in a long list of exclusive bonuses, is being run alongside their bouquet giveaway which will award 20 lucky players a handpicked bouquet of flowers that will be delivered to the door of winner’s choosing.
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Sportsbetting.com is one of the leading online casino sites and offers an extensive range of themed slot machines. Their exclusive online slot machines is one of the most lucrative VIP reward schemes on the internet, giving players more exclusive offers, rewards and bonuses than any other site.
To play at one of the best online casinos sportsbetting.com is the right choice for you.
Macau Gambling Revenue Continues To Break Records In April
The Macau casino gambling industry has long passed Las Vegas as the gaming capital of the world. By the looks of the latest revenue figures for the month of April, it does not appear that Macau is going to be giving up that title anytime soon.
For April, revenue at Macau casinos was $1.76 billion. That was a one month record for Macau, with the previous record being set back in January. The increase in revenue for April was 70% higher than the same period a year ago.
Last year in April, Macau casinos were dealing with visa restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. Residents of the mainland were limited in how many times they could visit Macau, and it made a big difference in the overall revenue.
"Macau has undoubtedly become the biggest gaming destination in the world, and it will be interesting to see whether they can keep that up as the government attempts to limit the gaming options," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "The government and the existing casinos seem to agree that more is not always better."
Las Vegas Sands is already working on an expansion project that was in the works before the government decided to step in and stop all future growth. The Macau government is allowing Sands and other developers to complete their projects that have already been approved.
While Macau casinos are thriving, Las Vegas casinos are still trying to recover from the economic recession. In the past, the gaming industry has been somewhat immune to any form of a recession, but this time around, Atlantic City and Las Vegas were ravaged by the economic woes of the US.
For April, revenue at Macau casinos was $1.76 billion. That was a one month record for Macau, with the previous record being set back in January. The increase in revenue for April was 70% higher than the same period a year ago.
Last year in April, Macau casinos were dealing with visa restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. Residents of the mainland were limited in how many times they could visit Macau, and it made a big difference in the overall revenue.
"Macau has undoubtedly become the biggest gaming destination in the world, and it will be interesting to see whether they can keep that up as the government attempts to limit the gaming options," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "The government and the existing casinos seem to agree that more is not always better."
Las Vegas Sands is already working on an expansion project that was in the works before the government decided to step in and stop all future growth. The Macau government is allowing Sands and other developers to complete their projects that have already been approved.
While Macau casinos are thriving, Las Vegas casinos are still trying to recover from the economic recession. In the past, the gaming industry has been somewhat immune to any form of a recession, but this time around, Atlantic City and Las Vegas were ravaged by the economic woes of the US.
Missouri Casino Gaming License Drawing Much Interest
Pinnacle Entertainment will be giving back their casino license for the President Casino in St. Louis, Missouri, and already there has been major interest in obtaining the license. Over a dozen developers or cities have already expressed interest in obtaining the license.
The President Casino has been watching their revenue decrease over the past several years. New casinos have opened in St. Louis, and the competition, combined with an aging riverboat, have caused attendance to drop off drastically recently.
Pinnacle had planned to battle the Missouri Gaming Commission in court for the right to keep the President open, but changed their minds earlier this month. The company agreed to give the license back and close the casino in exchange for the Commission dropping fees associated with fines accumulated from the President Casino.
The city of St. Louis has already expressed that they would like to keep the license in the city. The state will give St. Louis the opportunity to do so, but they also will seek applications from other cities in the state.
Pinnacle has other casino interests in St. Louis, namely the new Lumiere Place that has recently opened. The company has said that they may seek the license that comes open from the President Casino closure, but they have made no definitive plans to do so.
Missouri currently has thirteen gaming licenses that are allowed under state law. Twelve of the thirteen are in use, and the President license will come open after July 1st. The Gaming Commission has asked all interested parties to submit letters stating their interest, and thirteen groups have already replied.
The President Casino has been watching their revenue decrease over the past several years. New casinos have opened in St. Louis, and the competition, combined with an aging riverboat, have caused attendance to drop off drastically recently.
Pinnacle had planned to battle the Missouri Gaming Commission in court for the right to keep the President open, but changed their minds earlier this month. The company agreed to give the license back and close the casino in exchange for the Commission dropping fees associated with fines accumulated from the President Casino.
The city of St. Louis has already expressed that they would like to keep the license in the city. The state will give St. Louis the opportunity to do so, but they also will seek applications from other cities in the state.
Pinnacle has other casino interests in St. Louis, namely the new Lumiere Place that has recently opened. The company has said that they may seek the license that comes open from the President Casino closure, but they have made no definitive plans to do so.
Missouri currently has thirteen gaming licenses that are allowed under state law. Twelve of the thirteen are in use, and the President license will come open after July 1st. The Gaming Commission has asked all interested parties to submit letters stating their interest, and thirteen groups have already replied.
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