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Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Events Space

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh turns 15 years old in August. In anticipation of celebrating its quindecennial, the resort owned and operated by Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming recently finished a $6.6 million refreshment of the property.  

Rivers Casino Pittsburgh events rewards
The newly opened Bridges Ballroom at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh overlooks the Ohio River. Rivers Casino recently spent $6.6 million to update and expand its events spaces and offer VIPs a dedicated players’ lounge. (Image: Rivers Casino Pittsburgh)

The investment focused on events, with the $6.6 million budget primarily allocated towards updating and expanding the casino’s ballrooms.

The project included a new events room called the Bridges Ballroom, a 7,044-square-foot second-floor venue overlooking the Ohio River. The indoor-outdoor space features a balcony and panoramic views of the river. Bridges can be broken down into three smaller rentable spaces ranging from the 1,151-square-foot Fort Duquesne Room to the 4,036-square-foot Fort Pitt Room.

Rivers added four private meeting rooms, too. The breakout spaces offer executives and boards an array of configurations.

With the [city’s professional sports] stadiums and other nearby attractions on the North Shore — not to mention our own full-service gaming floor, BetRivers Sportsbook, and The Landing Hotel — our events calendar fills up quickly,” Bud Green, general manager of Rivers Pittsburgh, said in a statement. “We’re happy to provide new spaces and more dates for hosting conferences, weddings, and special events.”

The casino’s largest space — the 25,000-square-foot Event Center — also underwent a refurbishment. The concert hall has sold out numerous shows from such acts as Boyz II Men, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, and an appearance from “Long Island Medium” star Theresa Caputo.

Player Amenities

Along with the event capabilities being expanded and upgraded, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh added amenities for gamblers. In addition to a full-service Starbucks Coffee located just inside the casino’s front entrance, Rivers opened a dedicated lounge for its VIPs.

The Black Card Room is billed as the casino’s “ultra-exclusive” casino retreat for Rush Rewards Players Club members who have achieved the loyalty program’s highest tier. The Black Card Room opened at the end of 2023.

To become a Black Card member in the Rush Rewards program, a patron must acquire a minimum of 25,000 tier points in six months. Rewards players receive a single tier point for every $5 played on slots and for every $10 bet on sports. Table games excluding poker award points based on average wager and length of play. Video poker provides a half point for every $5 played.

100 points equals $1 in free food and beverage. 200 points can be redeemed for $1 in free slot play.

Black Card members receive complimentary stays at Atlantis in the Bahamas, free priority valet, free check cashing, slot holds upon request, and four annual complimentary nights at Rio Las Vegas.

Rivers Market Share

Pennsylvania’s 17 brick-and-mortar commercial casinos last year generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $3.435 billion on their slots and table games.

Rivers Pittsburgh won $267.3 million on its slots to rank third in the state. The casino’s felt kept $87.2 million of players’ bets to place fifth.

With a combined GGR of approximately $354.5 million, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh maintained a more than 10% market share of the Pennsylvania casino industry in 2023.

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Atlantic City Kicks off Summer Season Strong, May Casino Revenue Climbs Five Percent

Atlantic City casinos experienced a robust start to its summer season, loosely defined as Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Atlantic City casino revenue New Jersey
Temperatures are rising in Atlantic City and the gaming action is heating up, too. May 2024 retail gross gaming revenue down the shore in New Jersey totaled $239.1 million. (Image: Shutterstock)

Gross gaming revenue (GGR) at the nine brick-and-mortar casinos in May 2024 totaled $239.1 million, a 5.2% year-over-year improvement. Revenue from retail slot machines increased 4.8% to $181.2 million while table game hold jumped 6.4% to $57.9 million.  

The casinos’ partnered iGaming platforms continued to grow their businesses. Online slots and tables, plus rake from poker games, totaled $192 million, 19% better than May 2023. Oddsmakers were the lone vertical in the red, as sports betting win fell 4.2% to $78.7 million.

In total, New Jersey’s gaming industry generated GGR of nearly $510 million last month, an 8.3% betterment.

Atlantic City’s total gaming revenue in May showed continuing stability with positive results in all three components — casino win, internet gaming win, and sports wagering revenue,” said James Plousis, chair of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. “Casino win recorded its best May result in eleven years, aided by the best slot machine win since 2012.”

The $192 million won by online casinos represented iGaming’s second-best month ever in the Garden State.

Market Momentum

Plousis told Casino.org that statewide GGR from January through May totaled $2.567 billion, 13.1% richer than the same five-month period in 2023. He said this year was the industry’s fastest ascent in eclipsing $2.2 billion in GGR in more than a decade.

May also provides optimism for the beach town as schools let out and families begin the summer vacation season.

“May provided a promising start for the summer season and positive momentum has been building,” Plousis said. “Consumer interest has been strong, driven by must-see unique investments recently made in the casino hotels.”

Plousis concluded by saying the diversified casinos “are providing abundant reasons for summer tourists to visit and stay.”

Though revenue is increasing, gaming analysts say Atlantic City’s casinos remain under difficult operating conditions.

While revenues increased, so have expenses, and while revenues for the month and year-to-date compare favorably to prior periods, they may not translate into similar increases in gross operating profit down the line,” Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism (LIGHT) at Stockton University, told the Associated Press.

“Inflation impacts both operators, in the form of costs of goods and wages, and consumers, in the form of prices. So, it is especially interesting that, even in times of inflationary pressure, consumers still seem willing to spend their discretionary money with New Jersey’s casino operators,” Bokunewicz explained.

Borgata Dominating Market

MGM Resorts’ Borgata in the city’s Marina District has long been the top-performing casino in Atlantic City.

Borgata extended its stronghold in May with $61.4 million in revenue on its physical floor, $43.9 million from its iGaming partners, and $5.6 million from its sportsbooks for a combined haul of approximately $110.9 million.

Resorts was second at combined GGR of $84.9 million, with the bulk of the casino’s win — $71.4 million — coming from its online gaming and sports betting operations.

As for brick-and-mortar GGR, Borgata’s $61.4 million lead was followed by Hard Rock with $49.9 million. Ocean was third at $32 million, Tropicana was fourth at $20.1 million, Harrah’s was fifth at $18.2 million, Caesars was sixth at $18 million, Resorts was seventh at $13.6 million, Golden Nugget was eighth at $13.5 million, and Bally’s was the bottom feeder at $12.4 million.  

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Crown Resorts Receives Approval to Operate Sydney Casino

crown-resorts-receives-approval-to-operate-sydney-casinoIn a decision that echoes through the Australian business landscape, Crown Resorts has finally secured approval to operate its Sydney casino. This long-awaited green light, granted on April 23rd, 2024, by the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC), signifies a turning point for the company.

However, the path to this point has been controversial, forcing Crown to undergo intense scrutiny and implement significant reforms. The approval will have significant implications, not only for the company but also for the broader Australian gambling industry and the local economy.

A Look Back at Crown’s Tumultuous Journey

Crown’s Sydney aspirations were initially met with enthusiasm. In 2013, the development of a $1.5 billion luxury resort with an integrated casino at Barangaroo, a prime location in Sydney Harbour, was approved.

However, the path to opening wasn’t smooth. In 2021, a devastating inquiry led by former judge Patricia Bergin, SC, exposed a series of concerning practices within Crown Resorts. The issue unearthed evidence of money laundering, irresponsible gambling practices, and connections to organized crime syndicates through the company’s dealings with high-roller junket operators.

These revelations sent shockwaves through the Australian public and regulatory bodies. Crown’s license for the Sydney casino was suspended, and its suitability to operate in New South Wales was called into question.

Regaining Trust

Faced with the potential loss of its Sydney venture, Crown embarked on a comprehensive reform program. The company underwent a leadership overhaul, with a complete restructuring of its board and senior management.

Furthermore, the organization focused on cultural change. It puts a high priority on responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and strong governance. Crown also implemented stricter compliance protocols and risk management strategies.

This commitment to reform was further strengthened by a change in ownership. In June 2022, US private equity giant Blackstone acquired Crown Resorts for $8.9 billion. Blackstone, known for its focus on responsible investment, pledged to uphold the highest standards of governance and compliance. This commitment resonated well with regulators, demonstrating Crown’s dedication to reform.

What’s more, this shift brought in new leadership and significant investment. It includes $200 million specifically allocated to support responsible gambling initiatives and anti-financial crime initiatives.

Notably, Crown Sydney adopted cashless gaming for all electronic table games, a first for casinos in New South Wales. This demonstrated its commitment to addressing money laundering concerns.

A New Dawn for Crown

The NICC’s decision to grant Crown Sydney its license reflects confidence in the company’s reform efforts. However, the approval comes with a set of stringent conditions. The NICC will maintain close oversight, and Crown will be obligated to demonstrate ongoing adherence to new regulations and compliance protocols.

This period of conditional operation serves as a probationary phase. During this time, Crown must consistently prove its suitability as a responsible casino operator.

For the Australian gambling industry, Crown’s Sydney approval signifies a potential turning point. The industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with calls for stricter regulations to curb problem gambling and enhance anti-money laundering measures.

Crown’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the severe consequences of non-compliance and the importance of responsible practices. The industry will likely see a ripple effect with other gambling operators, including the online casino in Australia. They will re-evaluate their own internal controls and compliance measures to avoid a similar situation.

The economic impact of Crown Sydney’s opening is expected to be substantial. The casino complex is projected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the New South Wales government. It should also contribute to the revival of Sydney’s tourism industry.

However, concerns remain regarding potential social costs associated with increased gambling activity. Measures to mitigate problem gambling addiction and ensure responsible practices will be crucial in the long run.

The Public’s Verdict: A Jury Still Out

While the green light for Crown Sydney signifies a step towards regulatory reconciliation, the court of public opinion remains in session. The controversies that engulfed Crown have left a deep scar on the company’s image. Regaining the public’s trust won’t be a quick fix; it will be a long and arduous process demanding sustained commitment from Crown.

Regaining trust requires more than just regulatory compliance. Crown needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to responsible gambling practices. As part of this effort, it is important to implement effective player identification and monitoring systems as well as provide support services for problem gamblers. It should also encourage a culture that prioritizes player well-being over maximizing profits.

Transparency will be a key factor in this process. Open communication with the public about Crown’s reform efforts, including detailed information on implemented changes and their effectiveness, is crucial.

Crown should be proactive in engaging with stakeholders. This includes community groups, problem gambling organizations, and the media. Regularly publishing independent audits and reports on its compliance efforts would also demonstrate a commitment to transparency.

A Second Chance, a Continued Watch

The story of Crown Sydney goes beyond the fate of a single casino. It represents a critical moment for the Australian gambling industry. As Crown Sydney prepares to open its doors, the industry as a whole face a period of heightened scrutiny and potential reform.

Whether Crown can capitalize on this second chance and the industry can navigate a more responsible path remains to be seen. Only time will tell if the lessons learned from Crown’s tumultuous journey will lead to a more sustainable and responsible future for Australian gambling.

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Iconic Mirage Casino to Close for Hard Rock Las Vegas Transformation

the_mirage_casino_which_ushered_era_of_las_vegas_strip_megaresorts_is_closingThe iconic Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip will shut its doors this summer, marking the end of an era for a property that played a pivotal role in transforming Sin City into a premier luxury resort destination.

The closure on July 17 will pave the way for extensive renovations and new construction on the 80-acre (32-hectare) property. In 2027, the site will reopen as the Hard Rock Las Vegas featuring a hotel tower shaped like a guitar, rising nearly 700 feet (about 210 meters) above the Strip.

“We’d like to thank the Las Vegas community and team members for warmly welcoming Hard Rock after enjoying 34 years at The Mirage,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said in a statement on Wednesday.

This will be the second casino on the Strip to close this year. The Tropicana Las Vegas ceased operations in April after 67 years to make way for a $1.5 billion baseball stadium, planned as the future home of the Oakland A’s, who are relocating.

From Polynesian Themes to Mega Resorts

The Mirage, developed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn, opened its doors in 1989 with a Polynesian theme, becoming the Strip’s first megaresort. This milestone spurred a building boom on the famous boulevard throughout the 1990s. The Mirage’s volcano fountain was among the first of the Las Vegas Strip’s sidewalk attractions, setting a trend that would later include the Venetian’s canals and the Bellagio’s dancing fountains.

For years, tourists flocked to the Mirage to witness Siegfried and Roy taming white tigers or to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil performance set to Beatles music. The final performance of the Beatles-themed show, which brought Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances during its 18-year run, will also be in July.

Employee Transition and Future Plans

Hard Rock International announced that more than 3,000 employees will be laid off, with an expected $80 million in severance payouts. The Culinary Workers Union, representing about 1,700 Mirage employees since its opening, stated that last year’s contract ensures laid-off workers will receive $2,000 for each year of service. Additionally, the contract offers these workers the option to be called back to work and retain their seniority when the hotel reopens.

“Culinary Union will continue to ensure workers are protected and centered in the property’s future,” the union stated.

The Mirage made history in 2022 as the first Strip property to be run by a Native American tribe. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased the Mirage from MGM Resorts in a cash deal worth nearly $1.1 billion. At the time, Hard Rock assured that the property would remain operational under the Mirage brand while renovation plans were finalized.

The Mirage is currently accepting no bookings beyond July 14, with all reservations past that date to be canceled and refunded.

Source: “Mirage, a landmark Strip resort, prepares to vanish”. May 15, 2024.

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Off-Strip Casino Sues F1 Over Las Vegas Grand Prix

The owners of Ellis Island Casino are suing F1 for monetary damages it claims to have suffered at the hands of last year’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The grandstands Ellis Island erected in front of its property for Las Vegas Grand Prix viewing. (Image: Nevada Independent)

The suit — filed last month but first reported on Friday by the Las Vegas Review-Journal — seeks more than $50,000 in compensation and also names Clark County and the State of Nevada as defendants.

Ellis Island claims that the race, and the six months of setup and teardown on either side of it, impeded both employees and customers from accessing its property, which is located on Koval Lane right next door to F1’s now-permanent, $500 million paddock building.

The night before the first practice round, according to the lawsuit, “plaintiffs’ graveyard shift team was informed by F1 or its agents that no one [was] allowed to come or go” for three hours.

The lawsuit also faults the county for categorizing the race as a special event without requiring F1 to file for a special use permit, and faults F1 for promoting this year’s race before the county held a debriefing on the first one.

Ellis Island was a Grand Prix sponsor that erected a 1,000-seat grandstand in its parking lot for viewing the race — reportedly paying a handsome but undisclosed sum for the right to do so and charging $1,500 per three-day pass.

“We saw the value of Formula One and having the facility right next door, we knew we wanted to find a way to get involved,” Ellis Island VP of Development Christina Ellis told the Nevada Independent last September. “We got into conversations pretty early on how we could be good neighbors.”

Not the First

This is the second lawsuit against F1 over the race. Last November, a group of 35,000 fans filed a class action suit last November for being cleared out of a grandstand because of a delayed practice round they paid hundreds of dollars each to view.

The outcome of that lawsuit was never reported.

In February, more than a dozen businesses near the circuit threatened to sue F1 for the $30 million they claim to have lost when race preparations cut them off from their normal customer base.

No lawsuit has yet been filed on their behalf. However, six of the businesses filed a Change.org petition calling on the Clark County Commission to deny a special use permit to close the streets for this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place Nov. 21-23.

 

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