2008 – 2009 was a very active period for US gaming expansion, with many states adding new sectors or expanding existing gaming industries. This wave of expansion was unprecedented in recent times. But it seems 2012/13 might be similar, with gaming proposals being put forward even in some of the most unexpected states.
Florida is one state that has started talks about launching commercial casinos. There were several versions of the casino bill proposed in recent months, with most recent change to Fresen-Bogdanoff bill made in January 2012. Many operators have expressed interest in the state. Genting has already purchased land in Florida, LVS is in the process of acquiring land. Caesars and Wynn have also expressed interest, as have local investors. Of course, they will all have to overcome the opposition of the powerful Seminole tribe to make casinos a reality.
In late 2011 Massachusetts finally passed a casino bill, after a few years of negotiations. The law now allows three casinos and one racino. All major casino companies have shown interest in running gaming in the state.
New York has opened its first, highly successful, racino in the New York City. Probably prompted by Genting’s racino success, the new Governor Cuomo and the legislature have reached a preliminary agreement to pursue expanded gaming in the form of traditional casinos. The measure could take two years to pass.
New York has opened its first, highly successful, racino in the New York City. Probably prompted by Genting’s racino success, the new Governor Cuomo and the legislature have reached a preliminary agreement to pursue expanded gaming in the form of traditional casinos. The measure could take two years to pass.
The first casino in Ohio, the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, is on track for its 2012 opening. In mid-2011 the state also allowed VLTs at the racetrack, which could be also become operational during 2012.
Maryland is finally expected to award the licence for the downtown Baltimore racino during 2012. The first phase of the largest Maryland slot venue, the controversial Maryland Live! Casino development adjacent to a shopping mall in Anne Arundel County is planned to open in mid-2012.
Maryland is finally expected to award the licence for the downtown Baltimore racino during 2012. The first phase of the largest Maryland slot venue, the controversial Maryland Live! Casino development adjacent to a shopping mall in Anne Arundel County is planned to open in mid-2012.
In 2011 Kentucky added instant racing to the tracks and is now looking into adding casinos. The bill is expected soon.
A Texas businessman is interested in bringing casinos to Arkansas. He needs to collect 77,133 signatures to put the issue on the November 2012 ballot. After many delays, Illinois VLTs are expected to be operational in H2 2012.
A Texas businessman is interested in bringing casinos to Arkansas. He needs to collect 77,133 signatures to put the issue on the November 2012 ballot. After many delays, Illinois VLTs are expected to be operational in H2 2012.
Kansas got its second casino in late 2011 and should get one more casino during Q1 2012. The fourth licence is still not issued. Lawmakers are now preparing a set of measures to attract bidders for the fourth licence as well as to add slot machines to the now-closed racetracks, as originally envisaged by the 2007 expanded gambling law.
New Jersey has allowed smaller, so called “boutique casinos”, with Hard Rock filing an application for one of the two possible licences. New Jersey voters have also allowed sports betting if the federal ban is overturned (it still has to be approved by the Governor), which gives the state legal standing to challenge Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.
But it is not just the land based industry that is expanding, but also the Internet gambling industry.
After 23 December 2011, when the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) published a September memorandum opinion which basically states that the Wire Act applies only to sports betting, it seems state-by-state legislation is closer than ever. GBGC still maintain that the federal government is highly unlikely to allow Internet gambling in the election year.
But it is not just the land based industry that is expanding, but also the Internet gambling industry.
After 23 December 2011, when the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) published a September memorandum opinion which basically states that the Wire Act applies only to sports betting, it seems state-by-state legislation is closer than ever. GBGC still maintain that the federal government is highly unlikely to allow Internet gambling in the election year.
Nevada seems to be closer to implementation than other states as it has already passed the law that legalises Internet poker for the licensed companies (once it becomes legal – which is closer than ever due to a different reading of the Wire Act and UIGEA’s inapplicability to in-state Internet gambling). The state has also already drafted sub-legal acts governing Internet poker and is receiving applications – so far around 10 companies have applied for either operating or software licences – including heavyweights such as Caesars and smaller casinos like South Point.
DC has legalised Internet poker operated by the DC Lottery in early 2011, but they seem to have got ahead of themselves as there has been very little progress in the field since the law was passed.
Other states are also considering legalising intrastate Internet gaming: New Jersey’s Internet bill passed both chambers of the legislature in 2011, only to be vetoed by the Governor. However, it will be reintroduced in the 2012 legislative session.
DC has legalised Internet poker operated by the DC Lottery in early 2011, but they seem to have got ahead of themselves as there has been very little progress in the field since the law was passed.
Other states are also considering legalising intrastate Internet gaming: New Jersey’s Internet bill passed both chambers of the legislature in 2011, only to be vetoed by the Governor. However, it will be reintroduced in the 2012 legislative session.
Following the DOJ opinion, Illinois lottery has stated it could start offering lottery tickets over the Internet already in spring 2012.
In late 2011 Iowa allowed remote wagering on horse races, which is expected to kick off in April 2012. More states are expected to unveil Internet gambling bills during 2012 legislative session.
Of course, not all of the proposals will come to fruition. But with the squeeze continuing to press upon state budgets and finances it will be an eventful 18 months for the US gaming industry as Governors look to gaming expansion as new source of voluntary taxation from their citizens.
In late 2011 Iowa allowed remote wagering on horse races, which is expected to kick off in April 2012. More states are expected to unveil Internet gambling bills during 2012 legislative session.
Of course, not all of the proposals will come to fruition. But with the squeeze continuing to press upon state budgets and finances it will be an eventful 18 months for the US gaming industry as Governors look to gaming expansion as new source of voluntary taxation from their citizens.