Hollywood Casino Morgantown and Lady Luck Nemacolin have received approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to modify their gaming floors and reduce the number of slot machines. Hollywood Casino Morgantown is set to remove 30 slot machines from its gaming porch, leaving 117. Lady Luck Nemacolin has received permission to install 81 new slot machines and remove 100, owned by Churchill Downs.

During the latest PGCB monthly meeting, representatives from Hollywood Casino Morgantown and Lady Luck Nemacolin asked the gambling watchdog for permission to modify their gaming floors. General manager Marc Guastella and legal representative Michael Fabius of Ballard Spahr told PGCB that Hollywood Casino Morgantown wants to remove 30 slot machines from its gaming porch because they had an occupancy rate of less than a third of other slot machines on the gaming floor and generated almost 75% fewer wins per unit per day than other games.

Hollywood Casino Morgantown has already removed 17 slots in January 2022 and another 15 in December, which led to a tax revenue increase of approximately $400,000 and $1 million in March 2023, respectively. The casino’s tax revenue is expected to continue growing, and the new reduction would bring the casino’s total number of machines to 697. Gaustella told PGCB that the reduction is unlikely to have a negative effect on the casino, which continues to grow every year. The gambling venue is to add non-gaming options to fill the space. Gaustella explained that there will be no layoffs.

Unregulated Skill Games to Be Blamed for Casinos Wishing to Reduce Their Number of Slots

Fabius and Lady Luck Nemacolin’s general manager, John Gibboni, also spoke at the meeting regarding the proposed changes to the gaming floor. Gibboni explained that Lady Luck Nemacolin wants to refresh its offerings by removing 100 slot machines, which are owned by Churchill Downs, and adding 81 new slots to its gaming porch. This means that the gambling venue will reduce the number of slot machines by 19.

Gibboni told the PGCB that more slots could be added following the redesign of the gaming floor. Lady Luck Nemacolin has been operating seven days a week since renewing its license in June and has several property renovations in the works. Lady Luck Nemacolin is expected to add a coffee bar and an entertainment area to its property. However, the staffing will not be affected.

In 2021, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course and the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows also announced that they would reduce their total number of slot machines due to the proliferation of unregulated “skill games” across the Keystone State, which have negatively affected the industry. Casino officials also explained that the growing popularity of online gambling reduced the need for slot machines.

This April, the Department of Justice (DOJ) received a request from the gaming regulators of seven states to increase their efforts in investigating and prosecuting illegal offshore gaming websites that target domestic players. The Justice Department has responded by reaffirming its commitment to combat these illicit online gaming activities and has stated that it will continue to do so.

Online gambling is legal in six states only, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Michigan have regulated iGaming with interactive slot machines and table games. Presently, online sports betting is legal in nearly 30 states, including Washington, DC.

Although legal online sports betting has significantly expanded over the years, many sportsbooks licensed in foreign jurisdictions target U.S. punters. Moreover, with the current limitations of legal iGaming, many unregulated Internet casino platforms that operate from foreign jurisdictions prey on gamblers based in the U.S. This poses a significant risk for U.S. players, as there is little protection in place for them.

According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), approximately $500 billion is gambled away through illegal offshore gambling sites each year. This results in states losing approximately $13 billion in tax revenue. Under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, gambling businesses offering their services without a license from the state where they operate commit a federal crime.

The U.S. Wire Act of 1961 also makes it illegal to pass gambling information across state lines through the use of electronic wires. This legislation serves as an additional measure to combat illegal online gambling activities and protect U.S. players from unregulated foreign websites.

Illegal Offshore Operators Break State and Federal Laws

In April, gambling watchdogs from Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, Louisiana, and Mississippi wrote a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging the nation’s chief law enforcement officer to up the ante in the fight against offshore casinos. The letter highlights the dangers associated with illegal gambling, including lack of investment in responsible gambling initiatives, loss of tax revenue, no protections for vulnerable individuals and minors, no controls to prevent money laundering, no guarantee that players will get their payouts, and others.

The letter asserts that the various states have taken measures to safeguard their citizens and regulate the iGaming industry effectively. Operators who offer their services to U.S. residents without having a proper license violate state and federal laws.

In response, Megan Bennett, an intergovernmental liaison at the DOJ, wrote a letter addressed to the seven states’ gambling regulators, welcoming the state’s input and emphasizing that illegal gambling is the Justice Department’s primary concern.

Bennett noted that the department continues to investigate and prosecute illegal gambling platforms. Her response coincided with the arrest of the 73-year-old Richard Sullivan. In 2010, the man was accused of running a multimillion-dollar sports betting ring from Antigua, which is why he was wanted by the DOJ.

Nashua planners are to consider a proposed casino at Pheasant Lane Mall, which represents a potential transformation for the area. ECL Entertainment, in collaboration with Toronto-based private equity firm Clairvest, aims to transform a former Sears store into a 130,000-square-foot charitable gaming facility. The charitable gaming facility, slated to open by late 2024, will use the licenses that ECL obtained from its acquisition of The Lucky Moose Casino & Tavern and The River Casino & Sports Bar, also located in Nashua.

ECL is known for operating several historical horse racing (HHR) facilities in Kentucky, such as the Mint Casino at Kentucky Downs. More information about the upcoming charitable gaming facility will be revealed during ECL’s presentation at Nashua City Hall on Sept. 7.

The growth of the casino industry in New Hampshire is based on a unique charitable gaming model enacted in 2006, under which operators fund charities. Charitable organizations registered as 501(c)(3) entities can host limited casino events and earn a share of gaming revenue. Additionally, 10% of this revenue supports public education through the New Hampshire Lottery.

In 2021, the gambling industry experienced another boost after the Legislature passed a law authorizing historical horse racing (HHR) machines. New Hampshire is the first Northeastern state and the sixth nationwide to regulate HHR machines, after Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia, and Wyoming.

The way charitable organizations receive their share of the gaming revenue differs between HHR machines and traditional table games. When it comes to HHR, operators retain 75% of the revenue, while 8.75% is allocated to charity, and 16.25% to public education.

HHR machines look like slot machines but use different technology. Instead of utilizing a random number generator, HHR machines draw race outcomes from a vast database of previous races. According to some industry experts, these machines are designed to bypass the legal definition of slot machines.

The Casino Project Evokes Mixed Feelings among Locals

Preliminary plans for the new casino reveal that the venue will include two levels of poker and casino rooms, golf simulators, a two-story sports entertainment hub, and a bar. The sketches indicate that the company will leave some space for the addition of 300 more slot machines in the future. Marc Falcone, ELC Entertainment’s managing partner, revealed that the company is investing nearly $250 million into the city of Nashua. The ambitious project includes the transformation of the former Sears location, as well as substantial infrastructure improvements.

The proposed casino is to create around 700 new jobs and pump approximately $22 million annually into the state’s economy. Falcone revealed that there will be a lot of managerial opportunities. If the casino secures approval, it will become New England’s first gambling venue based in a shopping mall.

The casino initiative also coincides with the revitalization of shopping malls, prompted by evolving consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. Beyond traditional retail, malls aim to diversify their offerings by incorporating housing, entertainment, and recreational offerings to reinvigorate foot traffic.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential social impacts of gambling. Opponents of the project emphasize that the slot-like machines could lead to gambling disorders and financial struggles. Organizations like the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling highlight the importance of resources for those struggling with gambling-related problems.

On the other hand, charitable gambling venues support good causes. According to the New Hampshire Lottery, the 14 charitable casinos in New Hampshire donated over $17 million in 2022 alone. Figures show that charitable organizations raised $23.3 million to date. The mall-based casino is projected to generate nearly $24 million each year for charitable purposes by 2025. Now, the decision is in the hands of Nashua planners, who have to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with the proposed mall-based casino.

India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken a significant step to address the proliferation of online gambling and betting in the wake of the upcoming Asia Cup and Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup. In a bid to protect the public from excessive exposure to gambling ads and safeguard the integrity of major sporting events, the Ministry has introduced new guidelines to prevent media agencies, online advertising intermediaries, and social media platforms from promoting online gambling.

The Ministry’s advisory pointed out the surge in gambling and sports betting promotions during major sporting events, with cricket events being a notable example. The government has voiced concern over the potential negative impacts of these commercials, citing examples of money laundering networks that have been linked to such activities.

Recent actions by the government targeted individuals involved in collecting funds from gambling applications and transferring funds outside the country’s borders. As a result, the country blocked numerous gambling applications. These actions have highlighted the risks associated with such practices. The Ministry asserted that these actions pose serious financial and socio-economic threats, particularly to young people, who are more susceptible to gambling problems.

The Indian government issued several advisories in the past, including one in June and October, as well as one before the Indian Premier League (IPL) in April. Now, the government reaffirms the illegality of online gambling and betting activities and their promotion through different media platforms. Such advertisements violate various statutes, including the Consumer Protection Act and the Press Council Act. The government also cited the Information Technology Rules, warning against content promoting online games that are illegal.

Indian Government Asks Media Industry Stakeholders for Assistance

Officials supported the Ministry’s directive, noting that non-compliance could result in legal actions taken against offenders under the relevant statutes. The advisory aims to clamp down on gambling promotions from exploiting the popularity of cricket and other major sporting events and protect the nation’s best interests and security.

The government encourages all stakeholders in the media industry to comply with the established guidelines. Stakeholders are also asked to prevent the spread of content that promotes illegal gambling and sports betting platforms. The new advisory aims to clamp down on the promotion of illegal online gambling, which is expected to escalate during the Asia Cup and the ICC ODI World Cup.

This January, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology published a draft bill seeking to regulate India’s growing online gaming industry. The legislation was introduced as part of the Indian Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code. The bill suggested the establishment of “self-regulatory bodies” instead of the creation of a sole regulatory agency. The legislation also aims to protect children and gambling-related financial crimes.

During the past 12 months, Potawatomi Casino’s revenue increased by just 1.7% in the face of emerging competition on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Based on fees paid by the tribe to the city and county of Milwaukee, media agency Journal Sentinel calculated that the Potawatomi casino at 1721 Canal St. generated no less than $415 million in profits during the past year. Records show that the tribe generated a net win of around $395 million in the previous 12 months.

Jeff Crawford, the tribe’s attorney general, said the marginal revenue growth is the result of the increased competition, higher costs, supply chain delays, and labor shortages. Each member of the tribe has received about $70,000 in dividends a year thanks to the casino revenue. Gene Johnson, executive vice president at Victor Strategies, an Illinois gaming consulting company, said that tribal gambling is still in the process of development and shared expectations that Potawatomi will continue to grow.

The tribe is required to pay the city and the county of Milwaukee 1.5% of its net win, and that is why its casino revenue could be calculated. The net win includes the amount of money gamblers lose and does not include profits from restaurants, concerts, and hotels. For the fiscal year that ended on June 30, the tribe paid more than $5.9 million to each government. In 2021, the tribe paid the city and the county $4.4 million.

Despite the modest uptick in Potawatomi’s revenue, it lags behind the growth seen in other tribal and Las Vegas casinos. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission, the nation’s 519 Indian casinos generated a total of $40.9 billion in their last fiscal year, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year’s total of $39 billion. Nevada casinos’ gaming revenue rose from $13.4 billion in 2021 to $14.8 billion in 2023, representing an increase of 10.5%.

The Tribe Faces More Challenges as New Competitors Will Come Soon

The situation for the tribe will become even tougher because several new competitors are set to open gambling venues in Chicago’s downtown area, Waukegan (Illinois), and Beloit in the coming months. The tribe’s attorney general announced that the tribe did not expect such a massive casino expansion. Grant Eve, an industry insider working for the accounting and consulting firm Wipfli, believes that the Chicago casino, expected to open next month, will have a substantial impact on the Wisconsin market.

To stay competitive in the market, the Potawatomi tribe unveiled a $100-million renovation plan last year, which includes the addition of 1,800 slot machines, a new bar with slot seats, and an exclusive restaurant. The project also provides for the addition of a room for high rollers, which will feature a craft bar and a gourmet kitchen.

This year, the casino added a sportsbook to its catalog of offerings. Eve explained that the house does not make a lot of money from sports betting, while it still has to pay high revenue on the generated profit. But he explained that the new offering will attract the attention of many young men, who may also try their luck on the slot machines or table games. Earlier this month, a rock music-themed restaurant, managed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the KISS brand, opened in the casino.

Even though most casinos in Illinois are smaller than the Potawatomi casino, the number of video gambling machines has dramatically surged. The Illinois Gaming Board has announced that there are over 8,300 licensed video gaming locations that host more than 46,000 slot and video gambling machines.

Next to that, several of the tribe’s competitors are run by huge companies like Bally’s. Besides, the Menominee tribe continues to push to establish a casino in Kenosha. The tribe has joined forces with Hard Rock Casino International in their latest attempt to develop a gambling venue in Kenosha. Crawford explained that the big companies threaten Potawatomi’s gaming revenue, making the tribe’s casino look like a “mom-and-pop operation”.

Last week, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported four incidents of children being left unattended in vehicles outside casinos. Compared to previous data, it seems that the gambling watchdog is making progress in tackling the issue. However, board members announced that leaving children unattended outside casinos continues to be a major concern.

The PGCB recently placed four adults on the Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving children alone in vehicles outside casinos. The four adults are prohibited from entering all land-based casinos within Pennsylvania’s borders. The PGCB reported that a man and a woman were placed on the blacklist after leaving a nine-year-old unattended in their vehicle at Wind Creek Bethlehem’s parking garage. Surveillance footage revealed that the couple gambled for over 90 minutes while the kid was alone in the car.

Another woman was excluded after leaving a 13-year-old child unattended in a vehicle at the Hollywood Casino York’s outdoor parking lot. The female patron gambled for approximately 40 minutes. A male patron who gambled at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh for an hour and 44 minutes was added to the state’s Involuntary Exclusion List after leaving a six-year-old in the casino’s parking garage.

Pennsylvania’s Gambling Watchdog Takes Measures to Prevent Adults from Leaving Children Unattended While Gambling

Last November, the PGCB launched a campaign called “Don’t Gamble With Kids” in an effort to minimize the number of unattended children incidents. As part of the campaign, the gambling watchdog regularly issues announcements, reminding people of the potential dangers of leaving children alone. The PGCB encourages other gamblers to keep their eyes peeled about unattended children in parking lots.

Under Pennsylvania’s law, endangering the well-being of children is a criminal offense that can lead to hefty fines and penalties. Doug Harbach, spokesperson for the PGCB, explained that the people placed on the Involuntary Exclusion List can appeal the gambling watchdog’s decision with a PGCB administration judge. But entering or attempting to enter a gambling venue while on the blacklist can result in a criminal trespassing charge.

The time between the incident happening and the state announcing a ban can range from six months to over a year. This means the incidents reported last week might have taken place even before the “Don’t Gamble With Kids” campaign was launched.

But it seems that the PGCB’s efforts to clamp down on unattended children incidents yield positive results. From January through July this year, there have been only 126 incidents of adults leaving kids alone in order to gamble, representing a decrease of 36%. The gambling regulator urges gamblers and casino employees to be vigilant and report everything that might violate the state’s law. The gambling watchdog has produced multiple social media posts and on-site materials for casinos in a bid to raise awareness regarding the problem.

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has defended Bill 55, which has become a point of contention because many EU commissioners believe it violates European law. According to the MGA, Bill 55, also known as Article 56A of Malta’s Gaming Act, does not violate European law. The amendment has been designed to protect MGA-licensed gambling operators from foreign liability. The regulation also stipulates that Maltese courts should reject the recognition or enforcement of any sentence or decision made by a foreign court.

This move comes in response to recent statements made by the German gambling regulator asserting that the Maltese law goes against the Brussels Recast Regulation, which governs the resolution of enforcement of judgments between European Union member states. In response, the MGA drew attention to a section of the Recast Regulation, under which a member state is allowed to reject the recognition of a legal judgment if it goes against the principles of its legal system.

The regulator also noted that the intention behind the controversial regulation was not to introduce exceptions to the law but to create a law that reflects the country’s long-standing public policy regarding the gambling industry. The MGA also stated that the scope of the bill is “highly restrictive”, and it does not aim to block every legal action against a Malta-licensed gambling company. Instead, its goal is to set specific conditions, under which legal actions could be taken against MGA-licensees.

The Passage of Bill 55 Has Raised Concerns within the European Union

The Maltese gambling regulator explained that the new law protects only gambling firms that comply with the country’s Gaming Act. It added that the legislation becomes effective when a lawsuit contradicts or undermines the legality of the Malta gaming framework. The MGA also asserted that its gambling laws are in line with the European free movement of services.

But the bill has stirred up controversy among EU officials, who claim that it violates European law. Last month, the European Commission stated that it would examine the legislation to determine whether it is compatible with EU laws. Meanwhile, EU commissioners asked Maltese authorities to provide more information about the proposed gambling legislation. Depending on the Commission’s decision, Malta can escalate the case to the European Court of Justice – the ultimate decision-maker in disputes between European and domestic legislation.

This June, Bill 55 passed the Maltese Parliament. Industry experts believe that by protecting its licensees from international prosecution, the country aims to establish itself as a favorable place for gambling companies to set up their operations. As BonusInsider reported previously, Malta was placed on the International Financial Action Task Force’s grey list in 2021, which resulted in the number of new license registrations dropping by 50% in comparison to the previous year.

Several lawsuits have been filed against restaurants and casinos across Southern Nevada. The legal cases reveal alarming workplace issues, which require immediate action. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced that Nevada Restaurant Services Inc., Bouchon, Mariscos El Puerto, and La Catrina are among the businesses that face legal challenges.

Nevada Restaurant Services, Inc. manages several hospitality facilities, with Laughlin River Lodge Hotel & Casino being one of them. A lawsuit filed against the company alleges that employees had to endure harassment, including unwanted touching and stalking, in the workplace. Besides, supervisors often offered staff workers money for sex.

According to the lawsuit, the company was aware of the misconduct, which even occurred in the presence of supervisors. Even though employees filed complaints, Nevada Restaurant Services “failed to address and correct the harassment”. As a result of the company’s indifferent approach to the problem, some employees decided to resign.

A lawsuit filed against Mariscos El Puerto and La Catrina claims that male managers and supervisors required female employees to engage in sexual activities with them if they wanted to keep their jobs. Those who said no to the “offer” were fired. The lawsuit also asserts that women were sexually abused, inappropriately touched, and exposed to explicit comments.

A second lawsuit was filed against Mariscos El Puerto and La Catrina, accusing the two companies of sexual orientation discrimination. According to the lawsuit, gay and lesbian employees were forced to quit due to the intolerable working environment. The legal documents also claim that these employees had to endure physical assault and insults from their supervisors.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Takes Measures to Prevent Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District, which includes Las Vegas in its jurisdiction, said that harassment in the workplace remains a persistent problem. She added that many companies do not pay attention to complaints filed by the most powerless members of the workforce.

The EEOC explained that the alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits a hostile work environment arising from gender-based issues and protects individuals reporting sexual harassment from retaliation.

Michael Mendoza, director of the EEOC’s Las Vegas Local Office stated that the EEOC has taken proactive measures to fight against harassment of workers by colleagues, supervisors, and even customers. Mr. Mendoza also noted that the EEOC will hold everyone who violates federal law accountable for their deeds. He also explained that employees and companies should realize the seriousness of the situation and take into account any report of harassment.

EEOC officials asserted that they are considering punitive damages for those workers as well as injunctive relief to prevent restaurants and casinos from engaging in discrimination or harassment. Workers who had to endure harassment at any of the said restaurants can contact the Los Angeles District for support.

This Monday, Councilor Tracye Whitfield, chairperson of the City Council’s finance subcommittee, announced that councilors approved funding an investigation into the relationship between drunk driving and casinos. Money for the investigation will come from the Community Mitigation Fund, managed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

The investigation is to provide important insights into the matter and help police take adequate steps to mitigate the problem. Massachusetts’ gambling watchdog is to provide $191,200 to support the study, which will help further understanding of impaired driving and gaming impact.

Helen Caulton-Harris, the city’s Health and Human Services commissioner, explained that the scope of the study extends beyond Springfield. She elaborated that individuals who gamble at MGM Springfield come from nearby towns and states. Last January, Christopher Bruce, a crime analyst at the state’s gaming commission, carried out a study, examining operating under the influence (OUI) charges around the state’s three casinos. Bruce identified an increase in OUI-related crimes near gambling facilities.

Casinos and police have invested a lot of effort in preventing drunk driving among the thousands of daily casino patrons, but an increase in arrests and collisions was mathematically inevitable. According to Bruce, police can use the study’s findings to create adequate measures to clamp down on drunk driving.

How the Money for the Project Will Be Distributed?

The initial funding will facilitate the city’s Safe Ride Home Project. The initiative includes hiring a health worker committed to addressing problem gambling with a $62,400 salary. As much as $17,500 will fund study resources, while $50,000 will be used to cover consulting fees with the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will retain $61,300 of the grant, which will be distributed following the completion of the city research.

This year, the Massachusetts gambling watchdog awarded $10.2 million in grants to various municipalities across the state, funding community needs, environmental problems, public safety, and emergency services.

In a statement, Cathy Judd-Stein, chair of the Gaming Commission, said that the gambling authority takes pride in supporting local communities through the Community Mitigation Fund program, addressing problems like road safety, public safety, training, job readiness, and tourism marketing. The Department of Health and Human Services will collaborate with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and two students responsible for aiding the research will be hired.

The Department of Health and Human Services Sets Up Partnerships for the Project’s Implementation

Ms. Caulton-Harris noted that they will collaborate with the New Citizens Council. She added that her department partners with MGM Springfield, meaning that the students will have the opportunity to work internally and externally. The commissioner added that the department will develop mitigation, intervention, and educational strategies once data is published. She said that the city sought funding from the commission to create an ad campaign and provide education to casino workers.

Caulton-Harris explained that a document would be developed along with the research information, which would be published on the city’s website. The department is expected to complete the study by June 30, 2024, but the findings will be available in September or October next year.

Next to the $191,200 grant, the department received an additional grant amounting to $19,600 for the Springfield Young Adult Gambling Project. Ms. Caulton-Harris outlined that gambling problems can develop early and usually start with innocent activities like playing a video game or scratching a ticket.

The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services will work together with the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the New North Citizens Council on the project, which will develop a research plan by engaging young adults between 18 and 24 on a community advisory board responsible for identifying gambling-related issues.

A Richmond Circuit Court judge has rejected a recent legal challenge seeking to prevent a second casino referendum from being held this November. Last month, the non-profit organization Lodge No.1 of the Good Lions filed a legal challenge, raising concerns about the potential negative impact of the casino on their fundraising efforts.

The non-profit organizes bingo games biweekly, and funds are used to support good causes. As reported by BonusInsider earlier this month, the organization asserted that the casino would either wipe out or severely affect its ability to raise funds for charitable purposes. Besides, Lodge No.1 of the Good Lions claimed that Richmond officials did not abide by state laws by selecting a developer for the casino project without a fair bidding process. Attorneys for the city, however, asserted that Richmond officials followed the process as required by state law.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney commended the judge’s decision and explained that the proposed casino resort would create 1,300 well-paid jobs and pump approximately $30 million into the city’s economy. Mr. Stoney added that if approved, the casino project would significantly improve the economic situation of the city’s Southside.

Ninth District Councilmember and Council President Mike Jones said that the casino project, if approved, would be a historic economic development for the city. He also spoke to the people who voted against the casino proposal last time, explaining that the information on the casino project was insufficient back then. Mr. Mike added that people are now aware of the economic benefits of having a casino in the city and expressed hopes that the second casino referendum will be successful.

The Casino Referendum Clears Another Hurdle, But There Are Still Some Obstacles

The judge has sided with the city for two reasons. Firstly, the judge decided that legal intervention was inappropriate for this particular judicial process, which aimed at authorizing a casino referendum. Secondly, even if the court were to consider legal intervention, the non-profit organization lacked legal standing to challenge the casino referendum. The judge explained that Lodge No.1 of the Good Lions failed to establish a direct link between their potential loss of revenue and the proposed casino project. Therefore, it was the state law allowing casinos that have more responsibility regarding any potential negative effects.

Chap Petersen, an attorney for the Lions, expressed his disappointment with the fact that the court rejected to hear the case. Mr. Peterson argued that the non-profit organization he represents has the legal standing to bring a legal challenge against the casino. He explained that the non-profit could appeal the judge’s decision to the Virginia Court of Appeals, but the organization has not made a decision yet.

Apart from this, the only remaining obstacle preventing the casino matter from being added to the November vote would be a stipulation included in the state budget that blocks the casino referendum from taking place. On Wednesday morning, lawmakers announced that they would reach an agreement on the budget by the end of the week but did not provide any details regarding the deal. In response to the possible remaining obstacles, Jones expressed hopes that the General Assembly and the Governor would follow suit and allow Richmonders to at least vote on the proposed casino project.