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.

SugarHouse and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh collaborated with the direction of Rush Street Interactive to start a season long NFL Promotion that will have weekly prizes and a grand prize of $125,000 dollars. The is a fee of $150 per person to enter  with a limit of 25 entries per registrant. This contest is easy and should attract many sports bettors. You have to pick the games straight up and the person with the most wins is in the running for the money. For the weekly prizes, the tie breaker is the total points on the Monday Night Football Game. The second tie breaker is who submitted their entry first. For more details click here.

Parx Casino opened it's Sports Book as part of a 10 million dollar expansion on 8/9. It is a roomy 7400 square feet that includes a 156 foot media wall that can show up to 36 games at one time. There are 18 kiosks,200 seats and 3 VIP areas. 

The initial figures of the online gaming revenue in Pennsylvania are in. Here is the list of how each casino did. The 1st two months show a trend of more bets being placed on line than at the brick and mortar facilities. This replicates how bets are made in New Jersey. I anticipate that the percentage of online bets for Pennsylvania Sports Betting should approach 80% by the end of September. 

In Washington DC ,there will not be any sports betting to start the NFL season. There are still several issues involving logistics and regulations. The interest is high with several bars and small business owners making plans to apply for sports wagering permits that would allow for betting on site. The Monumental Sports and Entertainment appears to be targeting the spring of 2020 to have a venue ready that will include betting on sports and dining.

Iowa is the latest state to introduce sports betting. They will allow mobile gaming anywhere within state borders but to participate you must go to a casino to open an account. You have to register in person. There are several mobile platform providers that include William Hill and Caesars Interactive. Iowa has taken a smart approach by starting to take bets before the onslaught of NFL and College Football.

If you want me in real time you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates! You can also see my post on Bettors Insider  one of the top sites for sports betting and gambling.

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.

Penn National Gaming grabbed the headlines with the announcement of their deal with multiple platform providers for sports betting. They signed agreements with Kambi,DraftKings,PointsBet,The Score and the Stars Group. This is monumental because of the variety that Penn can offer. They can appeal and be competitive with all of the major players with online gaming and sports betting apps.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released numbers for Table Games play for the month of June. There was a significant drop in play from the previous year. If you go to this link, you will see which casinos showed a slight decline. I see the direct correlation with the sports betting product that they have in the brick and mortar property. SugarHouse Casino offered the online experience and did extremely well.

In Washington DC, at least 3 bars are looking at allowing sports betting in their establishments this fall.They include Duffy's Irish Pub, Wet Dog Tavern and The Brig. According to the NBC Washington post by Mark Segraves, each of these venues have submitted applications to the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration to add sports wagering to their liquor licenses. As other businesses express interest, they will be included in this group.

In Denver, N3rd Street Gamers partnered with Kellogg Co. to promote esports. Kellogg's will sponsor an Overwatch video tournament hrough it's Cheez-It Grooves snack product. This event will take place in October. N3rd Street Gamers has a location in Colorado. 

If you want me in real time you can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for updates! You can also see my post on Bettors Insider , the Delaware Valley's top site for sports betting and gambling.

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. 

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released the figures that the Sports Books in Pennsylvania generated during the month of  January. SugarHouse Casino had the largest handle in the state. Parx Casino had the largest hold of all operators. For the entire breakdown go to PGCB.

Rivers Casino had the most signifigant addition to the Sports Betting  landscape on the East Coast with Jimmy Vaccaro. Mr. Vaccaro will be Director of Sports Relations for Rivers. This hire brings expertise and credibility to Rivers.

The Philadelphia Business Journal had the 2019 Book of Lists this week. The casinos were ranked by Sharon Oliver who compared total gross revenue. The top 3 were Parx Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa and SugarHouse Casino. Each of them have plans to expand their sports betting operations from temporary spaces to permanent dedicated area in 2019.  For the entire list contact the Philadelphia Business Journal and obtain the book.

Sports Business and Wagering 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. 

Harrah's Philadelphia Casino open it's sports betting operation this week. This is a permanent facility and has 4,300 square footage of space. It has 45 large screens and 19 lounge seats. Harrah's has partnered with Scientific Games for the technological platform that will eventually include a mobile app offering. This is the 3rd casino in the Philadelphia area to offer sports wagering. The others are Sugarhouse and Parx.

The Super Bowl is approaching and is anticipated as one of the largest wagering events of 2019. More money will be wagered legally on this game than any other Super Bowl. This is not because of the match up but due to more states having sports betting. The handle would have been higher if New England were playing the Saints. The marquee match between Brady and Brees would have generated large prop action.

The states that are strongly considering adding sports betting next are New York and Maryland. Governor Cuomo is all in favor of New York having wagers on site at the casinos. Maryland wants to keep pace with the fast track legislation in Washington DC. How intelligent each of the sports betting operations are managed will determine success and profitability.

Sports and Business Wagering This Week

If you are looking for the latest in Sports and Business Wagering, you are at the right place. We plan to give you all of the trends and breaking developments that occurred. You will stay current on the hot topics that involve the operators and the people that like to bet on sports. Any state that is proposing Sports Betting will be highlighted. 

The NFL announced that it is partnering with Caesars Entertainment. Caesars will become the official casino that will have rights to NFL trademarks in the United States and the United Kingdom.  The trademarks can not be used in a Caesars Sports Book. The partnership is for casino gaming only.

The big bet of the week was made at Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City. Someone put down 300,000 on the Ravens during Wild Card Weekend. That bet was a loser! Four days later ,it was reported that Ocean is looking for a buyer less than a year after a grand opening. Sport Betting alone is not the cure all for a gaming operator. 

In Philly, the opening of the South Philadelphia Turf Club that is owned by Parx Casino, will increase the handle in Pennsylvania. The location is less than a mile from the sports stadium complex that serves as homes for the Phillies. Eagles, Flyers and Sixers. 

Two major players to watch in the casino industry are Kambi and Tangam.  Kambi provides the software and platform for sports betting at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and the aforementioned Parx. Tangam provides data analysis that help make effective decisions for the casino floor. This information is critical and provides revenue generating suggestions in real time.

                                                  Enjoy the NFL games this weekend!

Interview with Jules Vorndran: Vice President of Marketing at SugarHouse Casino

We asked Jules to share his bio with us prior to the interview questions.

My current title is Vice President of Casino Marketing and VIP Service at Sugarhouse Casino in

Philadelphia, PA. My responsibilities at Sugarhouse are overseeing Player Development, Casino Host, VIP Events and Call Center.

I started my career in the gaming industry at the Trump Castle in 1985 as a clerk in the Junket Program.Over 26 years in Atlantic City, I also worked at  Resorts, Ballys Park Place, and Tropicana Hotel and Casino. I have held several positions from Executive Casino Host to Vice President of Casino Marketing.I spent nearly two years working at the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs,

CA overseeing Marketing and Player Development teams. Since leaving California, I returned back to the east coast in marketing roles at the following other casino properties in Pennsylvania.They include Valley Forge and Sands Bethlehem.

.

1).What social media outlet do you use primarily for marketing? " We use all of the normal channels. Facebook,Twitter,Instagram and now Twitch for Poker."

2).Quality or Quanity of player base. What do you emphasize more and why? "Both. We try to attract all levels of gaming customers to the property. We range from guest with small bankrolls to some of the largest gaming customers in the country. I believe it's like going to a restaurant that is empty. You think to yourself that something is wrong. Having all types of customers gives energy to the property."

3).Compare Marketing at a resort in Atlantic City to a metropolis like Philadelphia. Give 1 pro and con of each?  "In Pennsylvania and notably Philadelphia,the pros are convenience and population. The con is the tax structure. In Atlantic City, the pros are the non gaming options and the hotels. The con is the lack of reinvestment."

4).In two decades, the gaming industry has went from boxing and car giveaways to MMA and skill base games. Has that changed your marketing philosophy? "Yes. We always continue to be creative with events,shows and festivals. We constantly look for non gaming amenities game types to satisfy our current customers while attracting new customers of all ages."

Part Two of this interview will post during Jules participation in the #ECGC21 on 5/25 in Atlantic City.

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Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in SugarHouse Casino

SugarHouse Casino is having it's ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 9th.This will mark the completion of the 164 million dollar expansion and renovation reported by the Philadelphia Business Journal. This  is a prelude to the unveiling of a fine dining restaurant located by the riverfront. Hugo Frog's Bar and Chop House is renowned in Chicago and will become part of the Philly restaurant scene this month.

I was able to have a private,pre opening tour and dinner earlier this month.
“We are excited to bring an unmatched level of beef quality to a city that is steeped in steak history, from cheesesteaks to porterhouse,” said Hugo’s General Manager Jeff Cybulski.
“We know the city will be sweet on our new SugarHouse Philly Cut 12-ounce steak, as well as the quality, service and atmosphere that are central to the Hugo’s experience.”

The friendly atmosphere of Hugo Frog was on full display when I met Restaurant Manager Raju Jamil. He made it a point to greet every table and patron.Raju was associated with several fine dining establishments, notably the Palm Restaurant that is located in center city.

My server was Meagan. She admitted to being nervous but I could not tell. She delivered flawless service and paid attention to detail through out. Mind you, this was the 1st day that the staff actually serve food to someone other than each other.

 

My most memorable moment during my meal was the presentation that displayed the meat and the different cuts that you could order. I never witness that! This was a superb idea that had me salivating what to order. I decided not to let my eyes rule my stomach and ordered the scallops with shrimp cocktails as an appetizer. My dinner companion decided on the sea bass with crabmeat avocado as her appetizer.We enjoyed our meal and would recommend either of these selections if you desire.

 

 

 

Several other friends that were seated near me order steak ranging from filet mignon to porterhouse. After their food arrived. there was minimal conversation within an earshot of me as everyone was concentrating on eating. I expect them to come again.

 

 

 

My dessert recommendation would be the chocolate mousse. It has oreo shavings at the bottom.

 

Delectable!

Several points of note. Hugo's gives healthy portions so you should come hungry and leave full.

They also encourage sharing so you will get a chance to experience things together. The combined seating in the bar and dining rooms will accommodate more than 300 guests. Add this to a breath taking view and you'll tell everyone you know about Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House in Philadelphia. The only location is at SugarHouse Casino. Where Philly loves a Winner!

Hugo's Frog is now open.

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This Week in Gaming Review

The 1st week of the year included more gaming news regarding Daily Fantasy Sports. The Attorney General of New York is amending his injunction against DraftKings and FanDuel.  The proceeding will now include restitution of any money losses by the players in New York and a fine of 5,000 for a each transaction. There will be a settlement before any of this transpires.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

 

 

The CES 2016 was held in Las Vegas this week. The NBA on TNT hosted the pregame show from there.Technology, Virtual reality and Skill based games will change the landscape of how the gaming industry evolves over the next 5 years. Embrace the changes!

 

Consumer Electronics Show 2016

 

Rush Street Gaming has partnered with Matt Glantz to give his insight about Poker to the Poker Night in America series. This show is entering it's 3rd season. Glantz will assist in he development, programming and promotion of all poker related operations. This collaboration will be on display during any televised event at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino.

Matt Glantz

 

 

             My best pick this week is Texans plus 9.5 as part of  a teaser. Game starts at 4:30 pm.
                                                  Enjoy +NFL Wildcard Weekend.


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My Top Gaming Interviews of 2015

Just in case you missed it, here are my top gaming interviews for 2015. I won't rank them. I'll let you decide that. But these were my favorites based on number of hits and the content. I considered how they resonate with my audience.

 

My post about Marketing and Online Gaming with views provided by Luisa Woods from Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City. The interview with ESPN top writer on gaming and sports betting.

The imaginations of Greg Carlin and Wendy Hamilton were on displayed in my post about Gaming in 2025.

Jessica Dawley

 

The combination of Poker and Jessica Dawley captivated readers when SugarHouse Casino hosted Poker Night in America. The interview with Scientific Games CEO Gavin Issacs gave insight on how

to connect with millenials.

 

 

#HappyNewYear

 

 

 

 

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Gaming in 2025

My G2E question for 2015 is "What will Gaming look like in 2025?"  In the words of the late Yogi Berra, "The future ain't what it use to be." I asked several top gaming executives and decided to weigh in myself. My vision is at the end of the post. Share your comments if you choose as you share this post with your friends.

                                                                  Ladies first.

“Gaming in 2025 will likely be an enhanced, high-tech hybrid of what we see today.  The bricks-and-mortar casinos will continue evolving to stay on trend with design and architecture, while the games themselves will seamlessly blend on-property experience with on-demand, online options.   The hybrid model will require even more strategic marketing and operational creativity — yet another reason gaming is such a fast-paced and dynamic industry.  That’s why we love it.” 

                                        Wendy Hamilton - General Manager of SugarHouse Casino



 

“Ten years from now, regional casinos will be part of the entertainment infrastructure of every major metropolitan area. There will likely be robust online complements to nearly every casino brand and even more sophisticated technology driving the overall business forward.  That will create steady opportunities to reach new people and continue growing the industry.”

“We can be certain that gaming in 2025 will include online slots and table games as standard fare for all casinos. We also anticipate that sports betting will become a more common and integrated part of the overall gaming picture. Those changes will introduce a younger demographic to the industry overall, whose increasing importance will reshape all operations.”

 

 

Greg Carlin - CEO of Rush Street Gaming

“Ten years from now, regional casinos will be part of the entertainment infrastructure of every major metropolitan area. There will likely be robust online complements to nearly every casino brand and even more sophisticated technology driving the overall business forward.  That will create steady opportunities to reach new people and continue growing the industry.”

                          Craig Clark - General Manager of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh

 

"That’s an exciting opportunity! Ten years from now I think you’ll continue to see casinos and integrated casino resorts providing great entertainment to players. Casinos are not going away, and they are going to offer more entertainment than ever. The games and experiences will continue to evolve, bringing in interactivity, skill, social and new gesture technology. We have an advanced development team working on a lot of exciting concepts right now. I think you’ll see regulators working in closer partnership with operators and suppliers to bring new technology to market more quickly."

 "If I had a crystal ball, I would say that you’ll see online gaming integrated more closely with bricks-and-mortar casinos; mobile payments will be commonplace; multi-platform content and interstate casino progressives will be prevalent; and the effects of player and technology convergence will be quite evident. The year 2025 will be here before you know, and we have innovation teams across the globe already working on inventions for the next decade and beyond."

                       "And Greg Carlin is hailed as the new Steve Wynn!!!"

 

                                                  Gavin Issacs - CEO of Scientific Games

 

I think Gaming in 2025 is going to be a lot different then what I see now. The patrons will be much younger.They will come in groups and have night for socialization that will include dining, shows and gambling. In that order. Our floor will be reconfigured with more stadium style play.

Mobile device will be the method of choice for all players under 30. Our player then is between 15 and 20 now. They will be a section where you can play on your phone. In this area, players can also play games against each other.The casino floor will consist of the sophisticated and affluent player in secluded areas. That should constitute about 30% of our business. The rest will be the young millennial that wants nightlife in a safe environment. More emphasis on security and responsible gaming.

Gaming will have more transactions that are cashless. The amount of  Table games will increase along with skill base games.Games will have more interactive components than ever. They will be sports and fantasy betting kiosks. Television will have in game wagering for all players that have rooms reserved with a credit card. And when the players come in for nightlife, they'll dress like they are vying for the cover of GQ and Vogue on New Years Eve.        

                                                        Here's a glimpse!



Robert Mims aka The Gaming Guy

 

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