Weekly Gambling News Roundup

Atlantic City: State senate approves 200-room casino bill

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- A bill that allows two casinos with 200 rooms has been approved by the Senate, The Press of Atlantic City reported.
  Current legislation allows only 500 rooms, but one of the proposed 200 room casinos will expand to 500 rooms within 5 years, the report explained. The bill is a response to current economic conditions, where projects struggle to find investment and develop, The Press of Atlantic City said. Hard Rock International said if the bill is approved it will move to begin immediate work on its proposed casino-hotel, the report noted.

Sparks may get marina located casino

SPARKS, Nevada -- Sparks may greenlight a casino in the Sparks Marina area, My4 News reported. The city is due to vote on Thursday on whether they'll approve a special permit for Olympia Gaming, My4 News said. The casino will be called Legends Bay Resort Casino, if approval and permits are granted, the report said.

Twin River new owners present optimism

RHODE ISLAND -- Twin River is set to emerge from bankruptcy, The Day reported. Under new owners Twin River applied to the Dept of Business Regulation for a permit to operate the facility yesterday, The Day said.  Twin River applied for bankruptcy protection in June 2009, the new owners inherit $300 million in debt, an amount the owners describe as "manageable", The Day report noted.

Class action lawsuit rules against Harrah's

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey -- Harrah's has lost a class action lawsuit over misleading advertising, My Fox Philly reported. Total Rewards members took the lawsuit in response to misleading advertising, the report said. The promo was "birthday cash" but the ads did not state that the $15 vouchers could not be used until 8am. 80,000 customers should receive $100 damages according to the ruling, however Harrah's will appeal the ruling, the report note

Eldorado offers guests free iPhone app

RENO, Nevada -- The Eldorado Hotel Casino is introducing an iphone/mobile application to improve customer experience, The Reno-Gazette reported. The Eldorado app will be especially useful to consumers planning their trip and reserving, the report explained. Secondly, the app is intended to provide specific information based on the guest's location within the hotel, so a guest stood outside a restaurant will see menus and relevant info on their phone, The Reno-Gazette report explained.

Palau: Referendum on gaming commission on cards

PALAU -- Palau politicians propose an amendment that, amongst other things, will create a Casino Gaming Commission, Radio New Zealand reported. The floor amendment includes a referendum in which the public will vote on a casino in Palau, the report said. Palau's President vetoed a casino bill and is opposed to it.

Carl Icahn thinks Mississippi market is good

BILOXI, Mississippi -- Carl Icahn, the billionaire investor, who purchased 8 bankrupt Tropicana casinos is flying the flag for Mississippi, according to the Sun-Herald.
Icahn is optimistic and determined on Mississippi's casinos, the report explained.  The Mississippi Gaming Commission were equally buoyed describing Mr Icahn's confidence in the Mississippi gaming market as "wonderful."