In The News: International Gaming Institute
In so many ways, the Mirage Hotel & Casino changed the game when Steve Wynn opened it in 1989. The overall design, the free attractions and the attention to detail elevated the standard on the Las Vegas Strip forever.
51ԹϺ’s International Gaming Institute is America’s premier gaming research hub, led by executive director Brett Abarbanel. Since its inception, the IGI has been instrumental in fostering innovation, developing executive talent and advancing regulation across the industry. Having been at the school in various roles for more than a decade, Abarbanel is a leading figure when it comes to gaming research, policy, responsible gaming and other high-level topics. Abarbanel spoke with GGB Managing Editor Jess Marquez via Zoom in May.
A beloved hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip is ceasing operations. The Hard Rock International said that The Mirage Hotel & Casino is scheduled to cease operations on July 17, 2024.
A group of casino workers in Atlantic City, N.J., has asked a judge to ban smoking in casinos. Opponents of a ban warn the change could lead to steep economic declines.
Las Vegas may seem like a magical place to the 41 million people that visit each year, but most of us understand that it’s great people who make that magic happen, every day and night, around the clock, 52 weeks each year.
Alan Feldman remembers the anxiety that reigned on Nov. 22, 1989, the evening when The Mirage first opened its doors. “There was the normal chaos that occurs anytime you open a new property with all the last-minute things that had to be done,” he recalled.
Alan Feldman remembers the anxiety that reigned on Nov. 22, 1989, the evening when The Mirage first opened its doors. “There was the normal chaos that occurs anytime you open a new property with all the last-minute things that had to be done,” he recalled.
Sightline data shows that “payments can help identify markers of harm,” in new 51ԹϺ study of problem gambling behavior.
Dave & Buster’s, a popular entertainment chain known for its vibrant arcade games and family-friendly atmosphere, has recently introduced Betting that’s causing quite a stir. In collaboration with Lucra Sports, the company aims to allow customers to place bets on arcade games through a specialized app. This innovative approach, designed to enhance customer engagement and increase spending, is not being met with universal applause.
Not everyone is pleased with Dave & Buster’s plans to add a real money skill gaming option to its arcade experience. One critic in a position to do something about it is Illinois Rep. Dan Didech, who introduced a bill to prohibit precisely the sort of plan the family entertainment chain announced last week. Dave & Buster’s partnered with skill gaming company Lucra Sports to facilitate customers’ “friendly wagers” on games like Hot Shots and Skee-Ball.
Dave & Buster’s made headlines last week after announcing plans to incorporate peer-to-peer in-app betting for its arcade games. The news resulted in concerns and pushback from state gaming regulators and lawmakers who question whether such wagering violates gambling laws.
Arcade chain Dave and Buster’s plan to allow customer betting isn’t winning over everyone. Software company Lucra Sports announced on Tuesday that it was working with the entertainment chain to allow customers to place wagers on their arcade games through the Dave & Buster’s app. But some lawmakers are calling foul.