Back to Sporting Events and Casino Entertainment

Last week,I went to my first sporting event in over a year. I attended the Sixers and Phoenix Suns game at the Well Fargo Center.   I was not sure what to expect but I was prepare to execise all precautions that the venue has in place. Since there was a capacity on attendance the traffic going to the game was non existent. What would normally take about 20 -24 minutes took about 15. 

Parking was easily accessible with only certain lots being utilize. Entering the facilty was similar to any other time attending a game. Everyone was wearing a mask. There is a mandatory tempature check.There were no programs that highlight the team and the opponent's game information. Seating was set up to conform with social distancing. There was no one on the row with us.  

If you plan to purchase something from the concession stands or gift shops, prepare to wait in line. There is no social distancing regarding the line. You must have a credit or debit card because all transactions are cashless. I did not see any vendors bring food or drinks to the patrons at their seats. I imagine if you were in a suite that amenity would be available. Time to avoid the restroom is during halftime and a break between quarters. 

I was told that the Phillies have a unique way of enforcing the mask on policy. They have an usher on patrol that will hold up a sign requesting that you keep your mask up if you forget or neglect to do so. While the capacity at the baseball games are larger, the precautions are still in place for you to have an enjoyable and safe expierience.

If you are planning to attend a casino for the first time since the pandemic shut hotels and gaming operations down over a year ago, expect a reduction in gaming spots. Table games that would have accomodated 6 people are now set for 4 patrons.  Casino shows are about to return soon with Dave Chappelle at Foxwood Resort in Connecticutt on June 25th. Usher will begin his residency in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace on July 16.  I would look into booking a flight now to save money. As the summer approaches, airlines will raise prices to meet the demand of more people flying domestically.

I''m looking forward to this fall when the G2E will return Oct 4th thru the 7th. I plan to arrive early and take in a show while I am in town. I will let you know who is headlining as the conference approaches. As more people are vaccinated the level of normalcy will return and the interactions will resume. Keep adhering to the CDC guildlines and we will prevail against COVID- 19.

Follow me on Twitter where I discuss #sportsbetting and #gaming entertainment.  Check out my articles in Bettors Insider and in the January edition of Igaming player. 

Christmas Gifts that a Gambler or Gaming Executive would love

With Christmas just a little more than a week away ,the scramble is on to pick out the perfect gift for the gambler or gaming executive in your life. There is a commonality in those two people. Not only do they share the same environment such as a casino, racetrack or sports book  but they are knowledgeable about the world of risk. They like the excitement and the fanfare of participating or watching games. So any of these gifts that I mention now are stocking stuffers.

The 1st is a scratch off or lottery ticket. The chance of a $1.00 ticket turning into a 6 or 7 figure payout is extremely low. But the recipient will feel like a million dollars until the drawing takes place or the result is revealed.

The 2nd is a smart watch from Apple. This serves no many functions other  than telling time. It can track the gaming executive's steps per day and the gambler withdrawals from the ATM. Either of those individuals will call and thank you on that same watch. The cost is approximately 199.00.

The 3rd is a trip to Las Vegas in 2021. No gambler or gaming executive would want to go right now, but if you plan a trip for the beginning of the 3rd quarter, they would take you up on it. A vaccine should be readily available by then. If the tickets and accommodations are booked no, you could get a good rate especially if the trip is planned mid week. Usher begins his Caesars Palace residency on July 16 2021. Tickets start at 150.00. 

Before I share the last two options here is my gift to you.

The 4th is buying a gift card from Draft Kings. This is an sports betting industry first. The recipient would love it if they live in a state that has sports betting. They could use the card to add funds to an already existing account. The account must be with Draft Kings. I am sure other operators will emulate this. The card will be available in $25 and $50 denominations  in convenience stores like Sheetz, 7 Eleven, Dollar General and Speedway. 

The 5th and final gift option is purchasing a stock from a publicly trading casino or gaming company. You may want to look at a sports betting company for the recipient. If you want to start the process you can open an E Trade account or confer with your broker if you already invest on Wall Street. Why not give a gift that gives your friend or family member more? There are several options that I see as definite buy situations. I will expand on that in a future article.

Follow me on Twitter for NBA and NFL conversation. You can see my videos and photos on Instagram. Reach out professional thru Linkedin. My website is smartresponsiblegaming.com I also write articles for Bettors Insider, where you will receive the most comprehensive gaming, casino and sports betting coverage from an outstanding staff of former writers for the Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News.

Gaming Forecast for the remainder of 2020

I decided to assess what I see for 3 gaming regions. The regions are Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Everything that I hypothesis is based on COVID 19 levels. The CDC has projected a rise in cases this fall. The cold and flu season is approaching and will impact the public willingness to convene in crowded venues.

I will focus on the major cities in each of the regions. Las Vegas will still be slow to move toward recovery. Airline flights are still under capacity with extremely limited international passengers. All major convention business has been scrapped for this year.  There is talk of some concerts being scheduled in show rooms. Usher is planning a residency performance in 2021 at Caesars Palace. There are tremendous deals on room rates during the week that may tempt you to fly out for a three day - two-night getaway.

Atlantic City is still one of the top ten trip destinations in the United States according to Trip Adviser.  The casinos just received a boost with the return of dine in restaurant service. Casino restaurants, like every other restaurant, must observe the many restrictions put into place including 25% percent capacity, tables spaced 6 feet apart, patrons required to wear masks while not eating or drinking. This will entice visitors to come to the shore during the months of September thru November. The price of gas is relatively low and will motivate patrons to take a drive to America’s greatest playground. I would strongly suggest having a reservation if you are dining. Atlantic City is allowing the resumption of smoking on the casino floor. This is not in the best interest of the employees and patrons at the casinos. It allows the shore to offer something that will bring in additional revenue. The risk does not appear to be worth it. 

 

 

Philly has also extended the amenities to include food. This is consistent with the casinos that are operating outside of Philadelphia County. 24-hour gaming is going to return on September 18.  The casinos have beefed up their efforts to keep the facilities clean and have maintain temperature check policy that protects the guests and the employees. An increase of deep cleaning and disinfecting the front and back of house areas is already underway. When the capacity levels are increased to accommodate more guests, the challenge the casinos will face will be staffing. If the capacity level were increased to 40-50% by October 31, that would be a treat. Lastly, Poker should be revisited and opened with a limitation on the amount of people allowed at a table. Other modifications should include no smoking, changing cards frequently and online reservations during peak times of play.

My view is this week's Monday Motivation of optimism. The gaming industry will return to profitable levels in convenience and urban markets quicker than the resort areas. All operators must find ways to create the environment that places safety first while providing an exceptional entertainment experience. The opinions expressed are my own. The creativity I shared is to inform you of what can be accomplished during difficult circumstances.

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Sports Wagering and Business This Week

This will keep you current with the industry. These post will include trends about the sports betting market and information about what state is planning to offer it next. This will be a winning situation for a sophisticated operator and his constituents. 

CG Technology is coming to New Jersey. They have a partnership with the Meadowland Racing to develop a sports betting app. This is the 3rd skin that is associated with the Meadowlands. The other two are  FanDuel Sportsbook and PointsBet.  CG Technology have a great product and have associations with the Venetian and the Palms in Las Vegas.

Nevada came out on top with the bets on the Super Bowl. They held more than 10,000,000 thru out the state. New Jersey losses 4.5 million on the big game. Nevada had the advantage of having future bets that were tied to the contest. Prop bets and the Las Vegas experience prevails.

Most of the wagers that are coming into New Jersey Sports Books are on mobile devices. Meadowlands take 4 times as many bets online as they do on site. They have enhance the retail experience by  having a broadcast from the sports book that is hosted by Lisa Kierney, former ESPN and Sportscenter anchor. The show provides stats and information for the betting  public.  FanDuel is going with a similar concept in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace this fall.

G2E 2017 Instagram Photos

                                 Here are 6 people to follow as you reflect on the G2E 2017.

Shekinah Hoffman- UNLV

Jan Jones Blackhurst- Caesars Palace

David Purdum - ESPN

Donna Vecere - Cooper Levenson

Jay Jabczynski - Rush Street Gaming

Bo Bernhard-UNLV

Over the next three weeks, we will cover the different facets of the Pennsylvania gaming expansion in detail.This would be a good time to follow me on Twitter or download my Smart Responsible Gaming app.

                                                                 Stay informed!

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The Best Photos from #ECGC21 via Instagram

Here is recap of some of the best pictures from #ECGC21.  Hope you enjoyed the conference and look forward to seeing you next year at #ECGC22.

Greg Carlin, David Cordish and Jim Allen

Geoff Freeman from American Gaming Association

Donna Vecere from Cooper Levenson

Gaming Guy M & Henry Pisano from Seminole Gaming

Lloyd Levenson & Wendy Hamilton from Rush Street Gaming

Mayor Don Guardian & Laura Cox from Rush Street Gaming

Melissa Price from Caesars Entertainment

Top Model at ECGC21

Esports Panel with Seth Schorr (center) & Adam Steinberg (far right)

                                                 
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Top 3 things to do at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas

We came up with our personal top 3 things to when you visit Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

Check out the Forum Shops. The top designers are in there. After a winning night on the gaming floor, indulge yourself with a gift that you can take home as a momento of your visit.

Have a cocktail in the Alto Bar. During this period until 2/25, you can enjoy virtual reality along with one of the signature drinks. Technology with a buzz.

Finally,enjoy the wagering in the Caesars Palace Sports Book. Bet Fantasy Sports with US Fantasy.
If your stay extends into March, you may want to book a spot during March Madness. A price of $199 includes a premium buffet and beer specials. This is available 3/16 and 3/17.

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                          Check out our app, Smart Responsible Gaming at thegamingguym.com

Top Three Things about Bally's Las Vegas

The top three things we noticed about Bally's Las Vegas include the Race and Sports Book.  They have great beverage service and give out drink tickets if you have a Total Rewards Card. You must wager a certain amount to get the tickets. They did not have the most to date future proposition bets on the NBA available. They did have #DFS wagering with USFantasy.

Bally's Las Vegas

View from Bally's at Night

The location of Bally's is great. The Monorail has a stop that enable you to go to the other property on the strip without having to hail a cab. You are in walking distance of Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood and Paris.

The cost to stay at Bally's is extremely affordable. Keep in mind it is an older hotel and the rooms are not as glitzy as some of the newer places in town. This means more money to dine and gamble.

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Atlantic City Entertainment: New Edition

If you are looking for something to do in AC this weekend, your best place is Caesars Palace. New Edition is performing on Friday at 8PM. This R&B group that started as boy crooners has been together for three decades. Their latest song is a collaboration with group member Johnny Gill titled "This One for Me and You".  Here is the video. They perform the following night at the Barclays Center in New York. They conclude their area tour at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center sponsored by Sands Casino on July 14 at 7PM.

New Edition

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