Inside Asian Gaming

November 2011 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 47 Briefs signs of recovery, reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal . As part of the company’s third quarter earnings announcement in early November, MGM Resorts said revenue per available room (RevPar) grew 13% in the quarter at the company’s 10 Strip resorts, including Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas and the CityCenter complex. Casino revenue at the company’s Strip resorts grew 6%. At CityCenter Aria Resort & Casino, net revenues from resort operations increased 2.8% to US$255 million, compared with US$248 million a year ago. At Aria, CityCenter’s 4,004-room hotel-casino, RevPar grew 22%. MGM Resorts Chairman Jim Murren said the company has embarked on an effort to upgrade the company’s Strip hotel rooms. A US$70 million renovation at Bellagio was completed in the third quarter and a US$160 million redevelopment of 4,300 rooms at the MGM Grand is expected to begin this quarter. Bally’s custom mobile app wins Florida tourism award Bally Technologies, Inc says the mobile application it created for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, earned an award fromVISIT FLORIDA and the Florida Commission on Tourism. The 2011 Flagler Awards recognise individuals and products that make a significant impact on the development of Florida as a travel destination. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood mobile app won for “Best Mobile Marketing”. The app is available on the Apple iTunes store and the Android Market. “The mobile app puts the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino right at patrons’ fingertips,” said Jeanine Repa, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing of Seminole Gaming. The app enables casino guests to: check Hard Rock Live music listings and buy concert tickets; preview guest rooms and book a stay using special offers; review casino game rules and register for poker tournaments; browse restaurant menus and make reservations; use detailed maps to navigate around the resort or access overhead custom GPS maps of the casino, hotel, and the surrounding area; and contact reservations, room service, and other property personnel instantly. “We’re excited to be working with the Seminoles on their mobile apps, and it’s wonderful to see them receive this prestigious recognition,” said Bally Technologies’ Vice President of Mobile Aron Ezra. “The thousands of people using these apps will continue to see more exciting new features launch over the next several months.” Australian Opposition ponder ban on broadcasting live sport betting odds Australian television stations could be banned from showing live betting odds during cricket, football and other sports broadcasts, reports the Herald Sun. The proposal is included under a gambling policy being considered by the country’s Liberal Party leader Tony Abbott. The Liberals—currently in opposition—are also looking at prohibiting betting agencies from offering credit to gamblers. Mr Abbott is floating the idea of banning live betting odds on TV in response to growing community concern about the impact on children watching sport at home and the temptation it creates for problem gamblers. The party’s discussion paper on gambling reform also suggests national training for workers in the gambling industry to identify problem gamblers, as well as more and better-targeted counselling and support services. Aristocrat launches casino-linked play for fun online gaming Aristocrat has announced the first customers for its new online gaming solution that allows land-based casinos in the US to offer their players a play-for-fun online casino experience. The first casinos to launch the innovative new platformwill be the soon to be opened Maryland Live! Casino in Arundel Mills, Maryland, and Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan. Aristocrat’s nLive online gaming platform powers a fully-branded virtual casino on behalf of the land-based casino operator. Players can visit the virtual casino and access a full suite of online games for fun, including poker, table games and slots, including some of Aristocrat’s most iconic titles. CityCenter—net revenue up year-on-year in third quarter Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott