An iconic 13,200‑square‑foot Elvis Presley Villa at Westgate Las Vegas has been opened. Officially known as the Imperial Sky Villa, the room is tribute to Elvis, and where he lived during his residency which began in 1969. It was formerly called the Tuscany Sky Villa, and it occupies the resort’s top level. The property once housed Presley’s private Las Vegas suite, later altered and renamed but retaining its historical significance. The newly unveiled villa echoes his legacy, featuring multiple bedrooms, living and dining areas, spa-style bathrooms, a private courtyard and pool, and panoramic views of the Strip. A private elevator…

The race for downstate New York casino licenses has reached a critical stage as eight bidders submitted their final applications by the June 27 deadline. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to issue up to three licenses later this year, with developers competing for a share of what analysts estimate could be a $4.4 billion annual market. Among the high-profile bids is Freedom Plaza, a project by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan. Their proposal includes an $11 billion mixed-use development in Midtown Manhattan with a casino built beneath a five-acre public park, over 1,300 housing units—nearly…

A bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House aims to regulate casino skill games by establishing a licensing system without adding new taxes. Representative Kerry Benninghoff’s proposal seeks to formalize the operation of these machines while maintaining the current tax framework. The legislation would grandfather existing skill-game terminals and require licensing fees for distributors, operators, and venues. Initial fees would be set at $50,000 for distributors, $5,000 for operators, and $250 for venues. Renewal fees would decrease over time. The state Department of Revenue would oversee and regulate casino skill games, including setting limits on the number and types of machines…

Las Vegas fireworks displays will light up Sin City this Fourth of July, as Caesars Palace and the Plaza Casino host some of the best pyrotechnics in the Valley. The celebrations will begin at 9 p.m., with the Strip expected to sparkle from multiple vantage points. The Plaza’s fireworks presentation marks a tradition in the city’s urban core. The public can gather on Main Street and nearby sidewalks to view the display at no cost. Guests also have the option to purchase rooftop pool deck access for an enhanced view of the pyrotechnics. Caesars Palace will handle the Las Vegas…

Lawmakers have approved legislation that will eliminate the Rhode Island casino smoking exemption which has allowed indoor smoking on gaming floors. The new measure amends the state’s Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to include casinos, requiring them to become smoke-free by July 1, 2027. The bill, sponsored by Representative V. Susan Sosnowski, allows casinos to construct enclosed, separately ventilated smoking rooms where no gaming will take place. The move comes after years of debate, with casino workers and health advocates pushing for equal workplace protections. The Rhode Island casino smoking legislation includes a phased timeline to give casino operators…

Lake Mead water levels are approaching record-lows due to prolonged drought and reduced snowpack in the Rocky Mountains. As of May 2025, the reservoir’s elevation is approximately 1,057 feet above sea level, marking its third-lowest level in the past decade. Federal forecasts indicate that the lake could drop even further by 2027, potentially reaching around 1,041 feet. This would be the lowest point since record keeping began. This raises concerns about long-term water availability for the Southwest, as the lake provides water to nearly 20 million people across Nevada, Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. A major factor in the…