This Week in Gambling

Gambling expansion continues across America with a Maryland sports betting bill that was signed into law by the Governor just this week. The state is now free to issue up to 60 licenses. In addition to land based betting on sports,  the state will also issue mobile sports betting license. Operators will be required to pay a 15% tax on revenue. Maryland sports betting was previously approved by voters who backed the measure in a referendum. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, state senators approved sports betting legislation which they included in their $47.6 billion budget. The situation is still a bit confusing,…

Caesars Entertainment has confirmed that they are still planning to sell one of their properties on the Las Vegas Strip… they’re just not is a rush to do it. Especially while the pandemic is still hurting the economy. With Coronavirus still lurking in the shadows, a Caesars executive said that they will wait to sell any resort until the market rebounds after the pandemic. There had been rumors of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians could be a suitor. However, they just completed a purchase of the Las Vegas Palms for $650 million. Caesars CEO Tom Reeg said that…

What a week for gambling news! So many casinos in Las Vegas reopening at full capacity! And the same is happening for Atlantic City casinos, too!! And what will become of the social distancing and face mask requirements? Howdy, neighbors! And welcome to another edition of This Week in Gambling! Vaccination numbers are up! We’re close to Las Vegas reopening fully! And all across America things are returning to normal… and that is this week’s big story! On our last show I listed three casinos for you, all on the Las Vegas strip, which had been allowed to open at…

For the first time since March of last year, Atlantic City casinos have been cleared to open at full capacity starting tomorrow, May 19th. The change comes just two months after they opened at 50% occupancy. However, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has chosen to keep the mask requirement in place indoors, and the six-foot social distancing rule will also remain in effect. “Now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” he said. The Governor’s decision to open up the casinos comes as the summer tourism…

It’s been a tough year for the folks at Cirque du Solei. But now, as Las Vegas and the country bounce back from the pandemic, things are starting to look a bit brighter. Performers for Cirque are standing be and eager to get back on stage as casinos are lifting capacity restrictions. Expectations are that “The Beatles Love” will return in July, “Michael Jackson One” in late August, and “KA” sometime in late September. Additionally, “Mystere” plans to reopen in late June, with “O” to follow on or about July 1st. Sadly, not all of the shows survived the pandemic…

As Las Vegas casinos reach their vaccination goals and begin to fully reopen, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has decided that the casinos can each set their individual face mask policies. The move comes as the Centers for Disease Control announcement that people who have been vaccinated don’t need to wear face coverings, even if they are indoors. However, that does not necessarily mean that inoculated people can go anywhere without a mask. Casinos are also free to continue the face mask requirements for their guests if they choose to do so. A spokesperson for the Gaming Control Board said…