The Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) has approved changes that are poised to significantly impact the Nevada gaming industry. These changes aim to streamline and modernize the regulatory process, enhancing regulatory efficiency. For example, the NGC has empowered the Chair of the to grant administrative approval to the spouse, next of kin, personal representative, guardian, or heir of a licensee. This is expected to save estates both time and money, leaving more resources available to creditors and heirs. In addition, the NGC has introduced new cybersecurity regulations.

These require gaming operators to secure their information systems against cyberattacks. Operators are required to perform an initial risk assessment of their systems by the end of 2023 and take any necessary and ongoing steps to prevent attacks. In the event of a successful breach compromising player or employee data, credit card information, and/or other records, properties will be required to report it to gaming regulators within 72 hours. The definition of a “gaming employee” has also been revised to include more general categories. This allows for more flexibility as titles and job duties evolve, providing more clarity and adaptability in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. Furthermore, amendments to NGC Regulation 8 have consolidated the transfer of interest process. This allows for administrative approval of certain transfers and recognizes digital certificates for transactions, simplifying and expediting the transfer of interest process.

These changes are part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that the regulation of land-based gambling is fit for the modern age and is proportionate to the risk associated with the gambling products on offer. However, while these changes aim to revitalize the sector, they also underscore the importance of having safeguards in place to protect consumers. (NGC) convened on May 16, 2024, at their Las Vegas office, with Chair Hon. Jennifer Togliatti (photo above), and members Rosa Solis-Rainey, Hon. Brian Krolicki, George M. Markantonis, and Justice Abbi Silver in attendance. The meeting’s disposition is pending approval, subject to potential revisions at the next NGC meeting. Meeting Highlights: Public Comments: The session began with public comments, including discussions on Regulation 5 changes and input from the Culinary and Bartenders Unions regarding Station Casinos. Approval of Previous Disposition: The Commission approved the disposition from April 2024. Nonrestricted Items: A series of nonrestricted agenda items were reviewed, with actions taken as outlined in the meeting materials. Restricted Items: Similarly, restricted agenda items were considered, with corresponding actions taken. Employee Registration Appeal: An appeal by Alicia Conrad (Case No. 2010-7643L) was addressed, resulting in a sustained objection.

The NGC adopted several regulations, including amendments to NGC Regulation 10.041, hosting centre provisions, and gross revenue computations for slot machines. Transfer of Interest Process: Amendments to NGC Regulation 8 consolidated the transfer of interest process, allowing for administrative approval of certain transfers and recognizing digital certificates for transactions. The meeting also included administrative reports and updates from Board Chair Hendrick, who welcomed Commissioner Silver and provided a workshop update. The NGC continues to adapt and refine its regulatory framework to ensure the integrity and growth of Nevada’s gaming industry.

The Star Entertainment Group, Australia’s second-largest casino operator, has been the subject of recent takeover speculation. Despite rumours of a bid from US-based Hard Rock, has been received from them. However, the company has acknowledged interest from several other parties, including a consortium of investors that counts Hard Rock Hotels & Resorts (Pacific) among its members.

In a statement released on Monday, The Star confirmed that while there has been inbound interest regarding potential transactions, none of these approaches have led to any substantial discussions. The company described the interest as confidential, unsolicited, preliminary, and non-binding.

Currently, The Star is navigating through remediation activities in both New South Wales and Queensland. This includes its involvement in the Bell Two Inquiry, which is assessing its suitability to retain a Sydney casino license. Amidst this, the company announced on 17 May that its gaming licenses for The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane casinos have been extended from 31 May 31st to December 20th. This extension allows the Queensland Government to evaluate the outcomes of the Second Bell Inquiry into The Star in New South Wales and assess The Star’s remediation progress before making further decisions.

This extension surpasses the term of the Special Manager, appointed to supervise the Queensland properties, which concludes on 8 December. The final report for the Bell Two Inquiry is anticipated on 31 July.

There has been widespread speculation about to retain its licences in both states, particularly in New South Wales due to the Second Bell Inquiry. This has led to questions about whether rival Crown Resorts would be interested in a possible takeover of the group’s gaming license, if permitted by authorities.

In a previous conversation with AGB, Crown Resorts CEO Ciarán Carruthers did not confirm whether Crown now holds a competitive edge over The Star in New South Wales, as suggested by some analysts. Carruthers highlighted that the group’s successful remediation efforts, demonstrated by its suitability to maintain its casino license in both Melbourne and Sydney, have helped rebuild trust within the local community and have strengthened its authority in community engagement.

The possibility of a takeover of The Star has caused the company’s shares to surge by approximately 20 percent in today’s trading.

Sands Macao, the first post-liberalization casino in Macau, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a grand ceremony last week. Since its opening on May 18, 2004, Sands Macao has been a cornerstone of the region's casino industry, setting the stage for Sands China's extensive growth and development. 

According to the group’s press release, 's portfolio, which includes five properties—Sands Macao on the Macau peninsula, and The Venetian, The Plaza, The Londoner, and The Parisian Macao integrated resorts in Cotai—has collectively welcomed over 950 million visitors since the opening of Sands Macao. 

Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., reflected on the significant impact of Sands Macao’s opening. "The grand inauguration of Sands Macao in 2004 served as the pivotal moment in Macao’s illustrious era of tourism. Drawing inspiration from the triumphant integrated resort model of Las Vegas, we subsequently embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped the Cotai skyline," he stated. 

Sands China's properties feature over 12,000 hotel rooms and suites, 150 dining options, extensive meetings and conventions destinations, more than 720 duty-free shops, convention and exhibition venues, two arenas, and four theatres. This diverse range of amenities has solidified Sands China’s role as a major player in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.  

The 20th-anniversary celebration included performances by local singer German Ku and London’s West End artist Kayleigh Stephenson. Attendees enjoyed song and dance sequences, a pyrotechnic display, and a gala dinner featuring Moulin Rouge-inspired performances and British vocal harmony group The Overtones. 

's 20-year journey underscored its significant contributions to Macau’s tourism and entertainment landscape, with its properties continuing to attract millions of visitors and setting new standards in luxury and hospitality. 

The UK land-based gambling sector has faced significant challenges in recent years due to business inactivity during periods of COVID-19 restrictions and rising operating costs. As a result, many venues have closed, impacting local communities through the loss of jobs and decreased economic activity. The government hopes that these will help to revitalize the sector while ensuring adequate protections are in place for consumers.

In May 2023, the government initiated a regulatory reform program known as the ‘smarter regulation programme’. The aim of this programme is to enhance regulation and guidance for businesses, ensuring clarity, proportionality, and the removal of unnecessary burdens that could stifle innovation and growth.

As part of this initiative, the t (DCMS) released a white paper in April 2023. This document outlined the government’s plans to modernize the regulation of the gambling sector, with a particular focus on land-based gambling. The white paper proposed several key measures to update the outdated currently applied to the sector.

Between 26 July and 4 October 2023, the DCMS conducted a public consultation on these measures. After analyzing the evidence submitted, the government has decided to implement several measures:

• Relaxation of casino rules: This includes allowing 1968 Act casinos to increase their number of gaming machines to 80 if they meet the size requirements of a Small 2005 Act casino. Smaller 1968 Act casinos will be allowed more than 20 machines, on a pro-rata basis commensurate to their size, and betting will be permitted in all casinos.
• Machines in arcades and bingo halls: A 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines will be allowed in arcades and bingo halls, implemented on a device type basis.
• Cashless payments on gaming machines: The prohibition on the direct use of debit cards on gaming machines will be removed, subject to the introduction of appropriate player protection measures.
• Introduction of a legal age limit of 18 for certain gaming machines: To protect children and young people, anyone under the age of 18 will be banned from playing low stake Category D slot-style machines that pay out cash.
• Licensing authority fees: The maximum chargeable premises licensing fees will be increased by 15 percent.

The consultation received 87 responses from a wide variety of stakeholders, including researchers, adult gaming centre operators, bingo operators, campaign organizations, casino operators, individuals, local authorities, pub representatives, and responses from the wider gambling industry.

The government’s response provides non-remote gambling operators with clear notice of the intention to introduce the measures set out within this government response. Following the publication of this response, six regulations will be laid before Parliament.

The government is committed to ensuring that the regulation of land-based gambling is fit for the modern age and is proportionate to the risk associated with the gambling products on offer. However, it recognizes that a minority of customers do experience gambling-related harm and that it is necessary to have safeguards in place to protect customers.