Inside Asian Gaming

January 2011 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 47 Briefs a final bill has been passed and signed into law,” said Boyd Gaming spokesman David Strow. Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming operates two resorts in New Jersey. Penn National Gaming Inc operates Freehold Raceway in New Jersey and recently purchased the debt backed by the M Resort in Henderson for US$250 million. Joe Jaffoni, a spokesman with Penn National, said it was a little too early in the process to comment, but added that if it were legalised, “we would consider it.” New Jersey lawmakers also approved a resolution that will ask voters next year to decide whether sports betting ought to be legalised in New Jersey. “Sports gaming is a bit of a harder sell. Poker is probably a good place to start,” Mr Schwartz said. He cited the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act passed by Congress in 1992 as an obstacle to legalising sports betting in New Jersey. The bill basically outlawed sports betting nationwide, except for sports lotteries in Oregon, Delaware and Montana, as well as licensed sports books in Nevada. LVS promotes Rob Goldstein to president of global gaming operations Las Vegas Sands Corp announced ob Goldstein has been promoted to President of Global Gaming Operations and will have overall responsibility for the company’s gaming operations in the US, Macau and Singapore. Mr Goldstein joined the company in 1995 and is currently its executive vice president and president of The Venetian and Palazzo resorts in Las Vegas. “Rob is one of the gaming industry’s most knowledgeable executives and we have been privileged to have himwith us for so many years. This new role will allow him to focus solely on this important segment of our business and, in turn, make our industry-leading gaming operations even more formidable,” said Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson. “With our significant presence in Asia and as Las Vegas continues to rebound, this company has opportunities in front of it that are unprecedented in the industry. The company’s geographic advantages, especially our positioning in Asia, combined with the quality of our assets gives Las Vegas Sands the chance to do something very special over the next couple of years,” said Mr Goldstein. “As we are doing in other key areas of the company, Rob will be in a position to retain and attract other talented individuals and build an organization which will further enhance our current operations and ensure future growth,” said Michael Leven, the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr Goldstein’s new position is effective January 1, 2011 and he will report to Mr Leven. Company executives currently in charge of operations at The Venetian and Palazzo will report to Mr Leven while the company seeks Mr Goldstein’s successor. Rob Goldstein college and professional football. And, the wagering offerings, including the various in-game betting options offered by different sports books, seemed to be picking up interest. New Jersey sees progress on Internet gambling Efforts to approve online gaming in New Jersey are moving forward, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal . The state Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee has passed a dozen different bills related to the state’s gambling and horse racing industries, including a bill that would legalise online gambling for residents of the state. The online gambling bill, authored by Democratic state Senator Raymond Lesniak, was expected to be voted on shortly. On 22nd November, the state Senate passed Sen. Lesniak’s Internet gambling bill by an overwhelming 29-5 margin. The New Jersey online gambling bill would not change the legality of online gaming for most of the United States. The bill would set a tax rate of 15% on Internet gambling revenue in New Jersey. Sen. Lesniak said if legalised, online gambling would generate US$210 million to $250 million in annual gross revenues for the state. He said the measure would also create 547 well-paying jobs, along with an additional 1,039 jobs in positions that supply products and services to online gaming companies. Gaming industry analysts and company executives believe New Jersey’s efforts could have an impact on the national debate over online gambling. “If this passes it could be a tipping point for online gambling,” said David G. Schwartz, director for gaming research with the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The bill continues to make its way through the Legislature despite opposition from Caesars Entertainment Corp, formerly Harrah’s Entertainment Inc., which has four casinos in New Jersey. Caesars has come out in support of a federal measure, which is stalled in Congress. “We are monitoring the progress of the legislation closely. However, it is premature for us to comment on potential plans before