The threat of massive casino job losses from the Coronavirus pandemic is a very real danger. Actually, the fear of crowds and a lack of expendable money could shut down the entire tourism industry across America for years. In Nevada, where casino companies reign, an estimated one in three workers is directly or indirectly employed by the leisure and hospitality industry, according to analysts. States like Nevada, Hawaii and Florida could be devastated. However, under the new Coronavirus stimulus package signed by President Trump, some casino workers may actually earn more money from unemployment benefits than what they earned before…

With no casinos open and no sports being played, it appears that political betting in West Virginia is on the radar. If approved, they would becoming the first state to allow betting on politics. The state lottery recently stated that officials initially approved plans to allow FanDuel and other sports book operators offer bets on politics, but said they needed more time to “fully work through the implications and research it further.” If the plan goes forward, it raises a number of questions, including whether other states will follow, and what the federal government may say about it. The Commodity…

SiGMA Group has announced that, due to the COVID-19 global crisis, both the SiGMA Manila and AIBC Manila expos, planned for 8-9 June 2020, will now be rescheduled to 27-28 May 2021. In line with SiGMA Group’s commitment to facilitating new business opportunities for key players in the global iGaming and emerging tech sectors, and together with Clarion Gaming’s ICE Asia, SiGMA Manila will also carry out an online conference in 2020. ICE-SiGMA Asia DIGITAL will take place on 8-10 June. You can register here. The three day conference will cater for both gaming and tech audiences, with free-of-charge content…

While we wait for the world to get back to normal, the gambling shut down has had a huge impact on Vegas casino workers. Everyone from dealers and pit bosses to bartenders, waitresses, cleaning staff, bellhops and more… all waiting to see what happened. CDC Gaming Reports says that the Sands Corporation, who run the Venetian and Palazzo, continue to pay their 10,000 employees during closure. Last week they announced that they will also pay the 1,200 employees working in the resorts’ 14 restaurants run by third-parties. Hourly and part-time workers will receive a weekly stipend. Meanwhile, Caesars has been…

Betfred USA has opened their first of four new sports books at the Grand Falls Casino in Iowa. The 3,500-square-foot facility is located in a renovated stage area adjacent to the main gaming floor. They also plan to launch an online app to accompany the physical sports book. Iowa is the first entry into the US market for the British bookmaker, with plans to open in east three more states this year, including Pennsylvania and Colorado. Betfred has operated in Great Britain since 1967. To read more about Betfred USA and their new Iowa location visit the Sioux City Journal.

In what probably comes as no surprise to most Americans, President Trump recently announced continued social distancing through April, which means the US casino closures will almost certainly continue. Details about this extension and the most recent Coronavirus updates may come as early as tonight. Those recommendations include refraining from social gatherings of more than 10 people, working from home if possible, and eschewing any discretionary travel. It also includes maintaining a minimum of six feet of distance between people known or suspected to have the Coronavirus. Obviously, this will profoundly affect US Casinos. The projected peak death rate is…