Riverside Casino petitions to halt Cedar Rapids casino
BURLINGTON, Iowa — Thursday morning Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is petitioning the Iowa Gaming Commission to stop Linn County from building a new casino in Cedar Rapids. Riverside and the Washington County Riverboat Association claim the voting process for the gaming referendum in Linn County was worded wrong in 2021. Riverside is also concerned about loss of revenue, as it is the closest gaming center to the proposed Cedar Rapids casino. Thursday the commission will decide a 30-day action item and will decide if the Linn County casino application will be upheld. You can watch the hearing live below: Source link
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Crystal Launches First Casino de Monte-Carlo at Sea
Crystal has introduced the Casino de Monte-Carlo onboard Crystal Symphony, marking the first casino of its kind at sea. The new gaming venue resulted from a collaboration with Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM). The casino debuted on Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen’s Cruise in Venice, Italy, and is scheduled to launch on Crystal Serenity on December 18. The gaming offerings will be available on all upcoming oceangoing Crystal vessels, with the exception of expedition ships. The casinos will be located in each ship’s former Bridge Lounge. Onboard Crystal Symphony, the casino spans over 1,000 square feet and features 29 slot machines and three live tables. Crystal Serenity’s casino will have 32 slot machines and three live tables. Gaming options include slot machines, Blackjack, American Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. “We could not be prouder to unveil the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, executive chairman of parent company A&K Travel Group. Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added that the casino was created in response to guest feedback about missing onboard gaming options, with the goal of maintaining the previous casino experience while introducing new elements. The casino’s design, led by SBM, aims to replicate the aesthetic of the original Le Casino de Monte Carlo. Guests will also have access to premium beverage offerings, encompassing specialty cocktails and international wines served at Avenue Saloon. Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Crystal. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor. Source link
Player Picks – November 2024
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OPAP Q3 revenue up amid lottery, betting and online casino growth
Greek gambling group OPAP posted a 17.6% year-on-year increase in revenue for Q3, helped by double-digit growth across its lottery, sports betting and online casino segments. Gross gaming revenue for the three months to 30 September hit €565.8 million (£471.6 million/$596.6 million). This comfortably surpasses the €481million reported by OPAP in Q3 last year. Figures from the operator published last night (20 November) show growth in four of its five core divisions. Lottery generated the most revenue at €200 million, but arguably the star of the show was online casino where revenue jumped 48.3%. This continued a trend seen throughout H1, with growth in the online casino business far outpacing other areas. Online casino again the highlight at OPAP Breaking down segmental performance in Q3, online casino saw the most growth, with total revenue up to €92.7 million. This follows double-digit increases in Q1 and Q2, with OPAP highlighting the impact of higher player engagement levels. The lottery business drew the most revenue, with this rising 20.5% to €200 million. OPAP put this down to strong retail performance as well as Tzoker’s Mega jackpot, which was the second highest in the game’ history. Video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue also edged up 0.7% to €83.5 million during Q3. OPAP said this slow growth was due to inflationary pressures the associated cautious consumer behaviour. The only OPAP segment not to see growth was instant and passives, with revenue falling by 11.9% to €22.5 million. This was put down to weak performances across scratchcards and Laiko games. Revenue also jumped 16.1% in the sports betting segment to €167.1 million. This, OPAP said, was helped by a busy sporting calendar including the latter part of football’s Euro 2024 early in Q3. It also noted that Q3 last year was negatively impacted by customer-friendly results. Revenue growth pushes net profit to €120.5 million Net gaming revenue after agents’ commission and other direct costs increased by 17.8% to €386.8 million. As for operating costs, these were reduced by 12.2% to €100.6 million, dispite higher spend across marketing and payroll. Gross profit from gaming operations increased 25% to €241.9 million. EBITDA for Q3 also climbed by 46.6% to €213.2 million, with an improved margin of 37.7%. In terms of bottom line, net profit was 44.7% higher to €120.5 million, with a margin of 21.3%, while earnings per share improved 47.7%. Year-to-date revenue tops €1.65 billion As to how Q3 impacted year-to-date performance, revenue for the nine months to the end of September was 9.4% higher at €1.65 billion. Performance patterns were similar across each segment, with online casino seeing the most growth (32.8%) and lottery the highest revenue total (€573.1 million). Net gaming revenue climbed 8.7% to €1.13 billion, while operating expenses were up 5.2% to €314.6 million. Operating profit improved 13.4% to €478.3 million. Pre-tax profit increased 17.8% to €486.2 million, with net profit after tax up 14.1% to €360.3 million. On top of this, nine-month EBITDA increased by 12.9% to €586.9 million. “Following the solid performance in the first half of 2024, OPAP has delivered a strong set of results in Q3,” said OPAP CEO Jan Karas, who was also recently appointed as chairman of the group. “Positive trends continued for sports betting in both channels, driven by a full sports events calendar. Moreover, the online casino vertical sustained its momentum, playing a key role in the substantial growth of our online business.” Looking ahead, Karas said he is confident that full-year results will be at the higher end of expectations. Preliminary guidance for 2024 set out revenue prospects of €2.15 billion to €2.20 billion and EBITDA €750 million to €770 million. “Overall, we remain confident that we are well-positioned to meet OPAP’s financial and business objectives for the full year, as well as to deliver on the upper end of our 2024 outlook,” Karas said. Source link
Revealing the Best Promos for Free Sweeps Coins This November
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Before we get into it, let’s summarize exactly what Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) are. You will use these coins to play for fun and entertainment only. You can release these coins for free through promotions and giveaways, in addition to purchasing them in bundles. GC cannot be transferred, exchanged, or redeemed for SC or prizes. Also known as Sweeps Cash, this type of coin is used to play games and to redeem prizes such as cash, gift cards, and merchandise. You cannot buy them in bundles, but you can unlock them through bonuses and competitions. You will also usually be given a free bonus amount of SC with every bundle of GC you purchase. 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The best social casinos you can access on Android
The world of mobile gaming is full of options, but if you’re someone who enjoys gambling without the pressure of real money, social casinos on Android might be exactly what you’re looking for. Some of these platforms combine the gameplay of online casinos with a low-stakes environment, making them perfect for a quick escape and more casual gaming. There are also real-money online casinos which incorporate social aspects where you play with friends. Online you can access a social casino, and we’ve researched some of the best options around. What is a social casino? Before we explore the best social casinos, let’s check what a social casino is. Social casinos are apps and websites where you can play a variety of casino games, including slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette, often without the need for real money deposits. In these free to play games, the emphasis is on entertainment rather than profit, with players often earning virtual coins or points instead of cash. These platforms are ideal for honing your skills, competing with friends, and relaxed gaming. Social casinos (both real money and virtual) often let you connect with other players, send and receive gifts, and play in tournaments. Top Social Casinos on Android Pub Casino As the name implies, Pub Casino is intended for social gaming. Their software and game collection are rated particularly highly, and their bonuses, offers, and withdrawal speed are all considered top tier too. Pub Casino offers slots, live games, table games, sportsbooks, and more. As well as Android, the casino is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac / PC, and tablet. Aimed at UK players, their live casino games are mostly powered by Evolution, and their overall game collection stretches to over 1,600 games. The most popular of these include Fire Joker Freeze, The Dog House: Dog or Alive, and 7 Gold Fruits. MagicRed Casino MagicRed has been ranked as another of the best Android apps for social casinos. Their security measures have been praised and it’s considered a particularly good option for mobile gaming. For players looking for video poker and table games, other sites are better choices, but for slots and live dealer games, MagicRed is recommended. They offer a welcome bonus of 100 extra spins on a first deposit, with no wagering requirements. Hundreds of slots are available and MagicRed also offers more scratch cards than most other online casinos. Jackpot City Casino This casino offers a 100% match up to £100 welcome bonus and hosts over 600 slots and table games. Their bonuses and offers are among the best and their security and software have also been ranked highly. Jackpot City’s customer support has been praised too, and their team offers email, live chat, and phone support. The casino was established back in 1998 and uses software including Micrograming, NetEnt, and Playtech. Their payout percentage stands at 97.84%. All British Casino Debuting in 2013 and aimed at UK players, All British Casino houses over 1,200 online casino and slots games. They offer a 100% match when you deposit £20-£100 as a new customer. The site hosts games from 24 studios including many of the big names in the casino world like IGT, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt. Their live casino lobby is mostly taken care of by Evolution Gaming, and the site is a good option for players who prioritise live casino games. Live blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker are all available. Fun Casino Fun Casino is a slightly newer casino, established in 2017, and uses much of the commonly used software such as Evolution and IGT, as well as Amatic Industries and Play’n Go. Their payout percentage is 96.76% and their welcome bonus has been noted as particularly impressive, as they offer 100% up to £123. Their desktop and mobile platforms are both well-designed. One problem that has been noted is that there are no details offered about their RNG software (used on casino sites to ensure every spin or turn of cards is random), whereas other sites have links to show that their RNG has been tested and proven honest. Fun Casinos do, though, have licences from two regulation authorities (Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission). Key features to watch for When choosing the best social casino for an Android phone, you might consider a few key features. First, variety may be important. A good social casino should offer a broad range of games. Look for apps that provide the games you’re interested in playing, whether these be slots, poker, blackjack, or other classic casino games. Second, pay attention to the social features. Since these platforms are partly about fun and community, make sure the app you choose allows you to connect with friends, share gifts, and compete in tournaments if these aspects are important to you. A strong social aspect can enhance the overall experience and keep the games engaging. Also consider the app’s design and user interface. The best social casinos are not only fun to play but also easy to navigate. The best apps have clean, intuitive interfaces, and high-quality graphics that make your gaming experience more enjoyable with less hassle. Let’s sum up With a variety of options available, you can easily find a platform that suits your gaming preferences. Whether you’re a slot enthusiast or a poker pro, there’s a social casino out there ready and waiting. All the best-rated sites are compatible with Android—choose a well-reviewed casino and you can quickly start playing on mobile. Featured image source Source link
Feds Signal Key Approval for the Coquille Tribe’s Proposed Medford Casino
In a decision that could have far-reaching implications for Oregon’s delicately balanced gambling market, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs notified Oregon officials Nov. 20 that it will issue a final environmental impact statement (EIS) supporting an off-reservation casino the Coquille Indian Tribe wants to build in Medford. After publishing their decision in the Federal Register, the Bureau will open a 30-day public comment period. After that, the agency will produce a final document, called a record of decision (ROD), which typically—but not always—affirms the EIS. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley told WW on Wednesday evening his office had received notification from the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the agency’s decision to issue the EIS. Merkley, Sen. Ron Wyden and Gov. Tina Kotek have all embraced the same position that Oregon leaders have taken for years—they’d prefer the status quo. “I am disappointed by the Biden administration’s decision to move the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Medford casino application forward,” Merkley tells WW. “Sen. Wyden and I have opposed the application for years out of deep concern for the new and likely damaging gaming precedent it would set in the state. I also remain concerned about the opposition voiced about this application by several of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes. During the coming 30-day comment period, I encourage everyone to share their views.” The context for the BIA decision is a complicated and contentious gambling market in Oregon. Eight of the state’s nine federally-recognized tribes offer casino gambling. Although two tribes operate two casinos, Kotek and her predecessors have tried to observe a one-tribe, one-casino policy, with the casinos located on reservations. Some tribes, including the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians, which hopes to open a second casino in Salem, do not agree with that policy, noting that it is not a law and they never agreed to it. Conflict arises because some tribes’ reservations are located closer to population centers than others, which provides more traffic and more gambling revenue. That has generated pressure to develop off-reservation casinos closer to population centers, such as the Medford proposal. The federally-recognized tribes are sovereign nations and exist in a sometimes uneasy relationship with the state of Oregon, which itself is highly dependent on the Oregon Lottery. That puts the state in both a quasi-regulatory position—it has authority in some cases (but not in the case of the proposed Medford project) to reject new casinos—while it is also a competitor with the tribes for gambling dollars. Related: After Biden’s Team OKs a Minnesota Tribal Casino Application, Oregon Prepares for Upheaval Since 2012, the Coquille Tribe has pursued the development of a second casino on property the tribe purchased in Medford, which is about 170 miles from its reservation in North Bend. The Coquille have an on-reservation casino, called The Mill, but have sought to generate more revenue with the Medford project. On Wednesday evening, Ray Doering, a Coquille spokeman, said he could not confirm the BIA decision. “So far, the tribe has received no official notification from the BIA regarding any approval,” Doering says. “Needless to say, we would be quite happy if your information is correct.” The loudest opponent of the Medford project, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, however, said they had been informed of the BIA decision. That tribe operates a casino in Canyonville, about 70 miles north of the Coquille site in Medford. The Cow Creek have adamantly fought the Medford proposal and expressed frustration at Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to hold that position, for moving it forward. “The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and more than 30 other tribes have been fighting for months to be heard by the Biden Administration and Secretary Haaland about the devastating impacts mass off-reservation casino approvals will have on Indian Country, only to be dismissed and ignored,” said Cow Creek Chairwoman Carla Keene. “We have requested—even pleaded—to be seen, heard and consulted with on the decisions being made by bureaucrats in D.C. that will devastate our tribal communities.” The tribe will continue its opposition. Doering, the Coquille spokesman, told WW previously that the Cow Creek are over-estimating the impact the Medford casino would have, and also ignoring the benefits to the Coquille Tribe. “Our project will provide financial resources for tribal programs and career opportunities for tribal citizens,” Doering says. “The project also should improve our ability to expand our entertainment and hospitality offerings in South Medford. This would result in increased revenue, new career opportunities and a variety of entertainment options for the Medford community.” Source link
Wheeling Island Casino reveals revamped buffet with gourmet stations and private seating
WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday for its enhanced buffet and menu. The buffet will now have an elevated take on classic buffet dining with a variety of new seating options for guests and a private seating area for parties. Guests can enjoy new food stations like a ‘create your own pasta bar,’ fresh seafood, hand-carved meats and a wide variety of dessert options. The buffet will be open daily, starting at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays it will open at noon and Sundays at 11 a.m. “It is completely renovated, redesigned, and very food-focused, so we have enhanced all aspects of our dining experience, the food preparation, the guest service, and we are just so excited to be joined by so many people today to celebrate this opening,” General manager Kim Florence said. “This is really about getting an experience you’re not going to find anywhere else in the tri-state area.” Source link
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission visits proposed site of Cedar Rapids casino
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Efforts continue forward to bring a gaming license to Linn County and build a casino in Cedar Rapids. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) stopped by the proposed site for the Cedar Crossing project on Wednesday morning to collect feedback from city leaders and locals. The proposed site sits at the former Cooper’s Mill along the Cedar River. Allan Pierson , owner of Pierson’s Floral Shop and President of the Northwest Neighborhood Association, was one of the speakers at Wednesday’s meeting. He said the area has come a long way since the 2008 Flood, but there’s still plenty of room to grow. “We started over basically 16 years ago, we’re doing well, you’d never know it,” Pierson said. “Our neighborhood needs investment and development. The casino is much more than a casino, it’s our turn to redevelop our historic neighborhood.” The commission also heard from city leaders about how a new entertainment venue could benefit the city of five seasons. Cedar Rapids Public Works Director Brenna Fall said part of the plan includes flood mitigation with the casino’s location in mind. “As we stand here, just not more than a block from the Cedar River, flood control system is top of mind,” Fall said. Casino developers said 8% of the gaming revenue will go toward local nonprofits, 5% more than what’s required by the state. That’s an estimated five to seven million dollars each year. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said a casino is what Linn County residents want after voters gave gaming referendums the green light twice — most recently in 2021. “We want this, and all we’re asking for from you is an opportunity and a fair shake, because what’s happening on the outside, it’s not us,” O’Donnell said. IRCG will take a look over a petition on Thursday from Riverside Casino trying to stop the Cedar Rapids project from going forward. Casino leaders there argue the Linn County gaming vote was worded wrong in 2021, and it’ll take business away from other casinos in eastern Iowa. Iowa’s News Now will be at their meeting on Thursday morning in Burlington. This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. Source link
