Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation, announced Tuesday that the Sun Princess will feature 50% more casino floor space and 30% more gaming positions than the line’s Royal Class of ships.

Sun Princess is set to sail in February 2024. The ship is nearing completion in Italy at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone.

Casino lovers, high rollers, or simply those wanting to try a hand during their vacation will be stunned by the new Princess Casino onboard Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Princess has embraced the casino experience and is proud to offer such exciting gaming surrounded by absolutely world-class dining and entertainment.”

The Princess Casino aboard the Sun Princess is located on deck eight adjacent to the Piazza. The Piazza serves as the grand atrium and heart of Princess ships. The company says the Piazza is each ship’s “stunning centerpiece.”

The casino floor will measure nearly 9,000 square feet and offer 227 slot machines and 13 live dealer table games.

Casino Value

Once cruise ships venture into international waters, gaming is permitted. Casinos aboard major cruises like the ones operated by Carnival and its subsidiaries are regulated by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which models its regulations on rules crafted and implemented by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Nearly all Carnival cruises have casinos. The gaming play commences once the ships reach international waters, which the United States Department of Commerce’s Office of Coast Survey defines as being 24 nautical miles off the contiguous U.S.

The Sun Princess Casino will include linked blackjack and poker table game progressives, and slot progressives. The casino will additionally feature a high-limit slot area with “high-end seating.”

Sun Princess’ inaugural voyages include cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Sun Princess is a 175,500-ton, 21-deck vessel with 2,150 guest cabins. The ship spans 1,133 feet in length and features an array of entertainment and attractions, including a ropes course, splash pad, and Sea Breeze Rollglider that allows guests to hang-glide around the ship on the top deck providing panoramic views.

New Casino, New Games

In the Princess Cruises press release, the cruise operator says the Sun Princess gaming floor will be equipped with the latest slots titles. That includes a first-of-its-kind Buffalo Zone at sea, a designated area of the casino floor where numerous Buffalo-branded slots will be placed.

Along with the Buffalo games, Princess Casinos heavily incorporate other titles from Aristocrat Leisure. For the Sun Princess Casino, that additionally includes a new version of the company’s popular Love Boat title, a themed slot based on the rom-com television series that ran from September 1977 until May 1986.

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Out of the $6.2 million investment, $2.5 million has been allocated to construction. The remaining $3.7 million will go toward acquiring 150 new gaming machines. This addition will bring the total number of machines to more than 650. Casino Metro will introduce six more gaming tables, including four blackjack tables and two roulette tables.

Casino Metro also plans to invest additional funds in new amenities such as bathrooms, an entertainment platform, and a redesigned bar and lounge. This second phase of expansion is scheduled for 2024.

About Casino Metro

Casino Metro’s general manager, Ismael Vega, spoke to local media about the changes, stating the renovations will add new gaming options and help increase customer satisfaction.

The expansion initiative, underway for the past two years, began in the former space of the Metropol restaurant. It’s adding 7,000 square feet to the existing 23,000-square-foot area.

The casino’s sports betting division, Metro Bets with Caesars Sportsbook, marks its first anniversary in December. A company statement states that 5,500 clients are registered for the in-person operation. An additional 2,000 registered customers use the online platform, which has been active for the past three months.

Casino Metro is the self-proclaimed largest casino in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

San Juan Casinos Catch a Break

Casinos in San Juan are breathing a collective sigh of relief following clarification of a potentially damaging reform. The city’s new Public Order Code, announced this past August, establishes a curfew and cuts off alcohol sales everywhere during certain hours.

That doesn’t mean the casinos will open the taps and let it rain alcohol. Vega told El Vocero that operators have agreed to take a responsible approach and will control sales independently.

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Operational since 2008, Ponce Plaza Casino has been a consistent player in the Puerto Rican casino scene. With the addition of a sportsbook, it aims to cater to the growing demand for sports betting services.

The partnership with IGT signifies a significant step in expanding the casino’s technological capabilities and providing patrons with an enhanced gaming experience. It also helps IGT further develop its presence in the U.S. territory, having already been the casino’s gaming technology provider for years.

Shaping Puerto Rican Sports Betting

While the financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed in the press release, both parties expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration and the positive impact it is expected to have on the Puerto Rican gaming landscape.

IGT’s PlaySports technology has become a stalwart in the sports betting industry, offering a comprehensive platform for operators. Its technology encompasses a range of features, including seamless user interfaces and real-time data feeds to provide users with an immersive and efficient betting experience.

The company, which already enjoys a global footprint, also expanded earlier this year in Nevada. It connected with Betfred for the use of PlaySports at the Mohegan Sun Sportsbook inside Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Ponce Plaza Gets a Makeover

Ponce Plaza Casino is owned by global hospitality group Travel + Leisure Co.

The casino expansion introduced an array of new services and entertainment options to patrons. Among the notable additions was the revival of the Viva Casino Bar, and now, the introduction of sports betting. In a strategic move to attract a younger demographic, the casino also incorporated a new bar, a dynamic dance floor, and an upgraded stage for live performances.

The ambitious renovation project is anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy. Ponce Plaza previously indicated that it would create 200 new direct job opportunities, marking a substantial increase from the 30-person workforce.

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Ballers is marking a historic milestone as the first truly “domestic” sportsbook in the territory, entirely owned and operated by a Puerto Rican company. Local entrepreneur Daniel de Onta?on, the former CEO of financial services company Insigneo, is at the helm. Assuming the role of director of development is local sports commentator Héctor José Torres Donato.

This venture aims to cater to the diverse interests of sports enthusiasts by offering betting lines on all major sports. However, Ballers distinguishes itself by placing a particular emphasis on local sports teams, with a focus on baseball and basketball.

To cover its technology, Ballers has integrated solutions from Sportradar and Spain’s R. Franco Digital. This strategic move ensures the “greatest integrity, speed and security,” according to the Ballers website.

High Expectations

Ballers anticipates an annual handle ranging between $170 million and $200 million. These figures underscore the company’s ambitious yet calculated expectations as it enters the competitive market. It also signals its confidence in attracting a significant share of the nascent sports betting market in Puerto Rico.

The sportsbook enters a field that already includes Casino del Mar at the La Concha Hotel, which has a retail sportsbook and is also operating an online sportsbook in partnership with BetMGM.

Additionally, Casino Metro has a sportsbook in its casino and has aligned itself with Caesars for its online sportsbook offering. The Stadium, the parent company of WinIn, has partnered with IGT to introduce a sportsbook to the market as well.

Well-Timed Entry

Ballers timed its launch fairly well. It may have missed out on the World Series and part of the NFL season, but it has a great home game to push to bettors on Friday.

Puerto Rico and Panama will face off as part of the Pan American Games. The Pan American Games, a major multisport competition involving athletes from the Americas, provides a platform for nations to compete in various disciplines.

Puerto Rico has won three of the last four contests between the two. It currently sits at the bottom of Group B, while Panama closes out the list for Group A.

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Calimaco recently carried out an investigation into the thriving gaming industry in Jamaica. The findings unveiled an ongoing upward trajectory, indicating substantial progress within the sector.

Based on the findings, Jamaica is poised to enjoy strong economic growth with the help of its gambling industry. The results show a projected compound annual growth rate of 6.31% over the next several years.

Jamaica Gambling Gains Ground

From 2021 to 2022, the second-quarter revenue surged from JMD2.5 billion JMD (US$16 million) to JMD3.5 billion (US$19.9 million). This marks a significant rise of 19.35%.

When analyzing the entire year of 2022 in contrast to the previous year, it is reported that the country’s industry as a whole experienced substantial development. The year-on-year growth for this period surpassed 24%.

Moreover, as the year 2023 draws near its conclusion, Calimaco believes the Jamaican market could hit JMD10 billion (USD$63.9 million). This would unquestionably signal a groundbreaking transformation that resonates powerfully throughout the region and the nation.

Jamaica’s online gambling landscape is undergoing a transformative surge propelled by evolving regulatory frameworks and a growing demand for digital entertainment. In recent years, the Caribbean nation has witnessed a significant uptick in the popularity of online gambling platforms, marking a notable shift in consumer preferences and regulatory dynamics.

iGaming Still Needs Work

Jamaica has around 20 land-based casinos and betting tracks, all of which are open to locals and tourists. The approval of the Betting Commission and Lotteries Act 11 years ago helped introduce a new era of gambling and shape the current market.

The formation of the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission in 1975 continued to advance Jamaica’s attempts at regulated gambling, ultimately leading to the latest version of the Betting Commission and Lotteries Act. There’s still a major sector missing, though, as iGaming is still not part of the equation.

Jamaica is in a state of limbo with its iGaming activity. It’s legal to gamble online in the country, but only if you’re a tourist. Locals are technically prohibited from participating in online gambling.

An exception exists for horse race betting, both live and simulcast. Locals are free to wager on the ponies, but have to steer clear of the online casinos. Despite the prohibition, a Jamaican who frequents an online casino isn’t likely to get into trouble. Rarely will the authorities punish someone for online gambling.

This also means that Jamaica isn’t able to capture the revenue from the segment. Under the current global push for expanded iGaming, this is likely to change soon.

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Carnival’s ships operating under the Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises this week announced a partnership with Galaxy Gaming, Inc.

In the arrangement, the Las Vegas-based gaming manufacturer will bring its progressive table games to the cruise ships’ casino spaces. The Galaxy Operating System, a turnkey game management system, will also be installed on the casino floors.

The Galaxy Operating System, the company says, is a next-generation game management system that will allow the cruise ships to link the progressive tables. The gaming management system also provides for more seamless table gameplay and progressive betting options.

Our vision at Carnival Corporation is to deliver unforgettable happiness by providing extraordinary cruise vacations to millions of guests. To that end, the Galaxy Operating System will help us create a table game experience that is second to none, ramping up the fun, excitement? and rewards more than ever before,” said Marty Goldman, senior vice president of global casino operations for Carnival Corporation.

Carnival Corporation reps said the Galaxy Operating System will be deployed across over 50 cruise ships.

The Carnival Corporation was formed in 2015 when the China Investment Corporation, the sovereign wealth fund of the People’s Republic of China, lent money to its China State Shipbuilding Corporation to acquire the global cruise leader. Along with the aforementioned brands, the corporation owns and operates AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises, and Seabourn.

Carnival Corp. generated more than $12.1 billion in revenue last year.

Casino Games

Most Carnival-operated cruise ships offer casino gaming once the vessels set sail and venture into international waters. There are 27 Carnival-branded cruise ships that currently offer onboard casino gaming with slots, tables, and sports betting.

Carnival casinos offer slots from leading gaming manufacturers, including IGT, Bally, and Aruze. Popular titles include Wheel of Fortune, 88 Fortunes, Sphinx 3D, Bags of Cash, and 999.9 Gold Wheel Legend.

Galaxy bringing its table games aboard will give players access to games like the company’s trademarked “21+3” table. The blackjack progressive includes a three-card side bet.

Galaxy’s also offers progressive table games for poker, baccarat, craps, pai gow, and roulette.

Casinos Demanded

Casinos on cruise ships provide cruise lines with a major source of on-board revenue. The gaming spaces on Carnival Cruise ships offer anywhere from 100 to 500 slot machines and up to a dozen table games, generating added income for the cruises since gambling isn’t included in the all-inclusive packages.

CLIA members include the Carnival Corporation, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin.

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The fire reportedly started just before 11 p.m. Saturday, according to media outlet Stabroek News, when guests by the pool reported smoke coming from one of the hotel rooms on the fourth floor of the six-story building. Staff then called emergency services, and guests were evaluated.

Some guests had to slide down makeshift ropes made from bed sheets. Others couldn’t find an escape route and were trapped on the sixth floor.

The fire started in room 431, according to the preliminary investigation. It then spread to rooms 433 and 435. Photos have emerged showing the extent of the fire damage. Several rooms and other areas have been rendered uninhabitable by the damage.

Guyana, a South American country bordering Brazil, Venezuela, and others, is currently hosting The Hero Caribbean Premier League semifinals and finals playoffs. It is celebrating its second annual Cricket Carnival, and as a result, hotels and accommodations are almost all full because of the influx of tourists.

The hotel reportedly had 293 adults and four children staying there on Saturday.

Quick Response Saves Lives

Guayana’s emergency services arrived within 10 minutes of receiving the call, bringing 28 firefighters, five fire trucks, and several ambulances to the scene. Within an hour, they had extinguished the blaze and rescued the trapped guests with the help of a hydraulic lift belonging to the fire department.

Paramedics took one guest to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Ramada’s History

The hotel houses the Guyana Princess Casino, one of the 28 casino operators Princess International owns in Latin America, Oceania, and Europe. Located in the country’s capital city, Georgetown, it has 15 gaming tables and 276 slots, according to its website.

The casino has been operational for about 13 years. Three people were allegedly robbed at the location in 2017. They reportedly got away with $9 million, but the police caught up with them shortly after the heist.

The three accused of the casino robbery, Wayne Griffith, Andre Blackman, and Junior Stuart, stood trial the following year. Despite video surveillance, the case against Blackman and Stuart was tossed for lack of evidence. Griffith received a 60-month prison sentence.

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Statistics from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII, for its Spanish acronym) show that gambling revenue grew by 6.5% in the first six months of the year compared to the first half of 2022. While not substantial, the increment is still commendable, taking the revenue from DOP2.03 billion (US$35 million) to DOP2.16 billion (US$37 million).

Tax Revenue on the Rise

As a result of the performance, tax revenue has registered an increase of 35.4% between 2015 and 2022, according to the DGII. During those seven years, the DR has gone from receiving DOP2.58 billion (US$43.3 million) from the gambling industry to taking in DOP3.5 billion (US$61.46 million). This significant uptick emphasizes the growing role of the gambling sector in the country’s fiscal revenue generation and overall economic performance.

This represents a growth of 17.9%, but was also influenced by an increase in the sales tax on sports betting banks. This has increased by 24% since 2015, from US$4.1 million to US$5 million.

If the current betting momentum persists into the year’s second half, projections indicate that total revenue in 2023 could reach a significant DOP4.21 billion (US$74 million). This potential growth represents a noteworthy 21% increase over last year’s DOP3.64 billion (US$64 million).

In the last seven years, the three segments demonstrating the most substantial growth were lottery prizes, slot machines, and telephone games, typically involving sweepstakes via text messages. These segments exhibited impressive returns of 93%, 49% and 33.7%, respectively.

Market Setbacks

However, DR’s gaming industry has faced major setbacks in recent years. In 2017, the sector lost 54.1% of its market. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend in 2020, causing revenue to plummet to an all-time low of DOP1.86 billion (US$32 million).

This marked a 38.4% decrease from 2019’s DOP3.03 billion (US$52 million) – a year already adversely impacted by a spate of tourist deaths in the country. Nevertheless, the industry began to show signs of recovery in 2021, with revenues rebounding to DOP2.8 billion (US$50 million).

The adverse impact of the pandemic was further compounded by incidents of tourist deaths in the country, which had already negatively affected the industry in 2019. However, showing remarkable resilience, the industry began to rally in 2021, with revenues making a significant recovery to reach DOP2.8 billion (US$50 million).

Revitalizing DR’s Gaming Market

The upswing in the Dominican Republic’s gaming revenue can be largely attributed to the shift that began among sports betting operators in 2021. Until then, the segment largely operated without stringent controls or oversight.

Recognizing this gap, the DR initiated key changes, announcing a transition period for operators to migrate into a regulated space. The original time line allocated April and May of 2021 for operators to apply for and receive permits.

Despite a few operators running without a license, the overall improvement in segment regulation promises to continue driving the growth of the DR’s gaming revenue.

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Crystal Cruises’ two-vessel portfolio fell into bankruptcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Genting Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Genting Group, which owns integrated resort casinos in Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, the Philippines, and the U.S., failed to pay Crystal Cruises’ bills and docking fees during the global pandemic. That resulted in Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity being seized by law enforcement in Freeport, Bahamas, in February 2022, and being auctioned off that June.

A&K Travel will offer cruises curated by Abercrombie & Kent, which has no relation to the U.S. clothing line. Abercrombie & Kent is a premier luxury travel company headquartered in Illinois that’s owned by Geoffrey Kent.

A&K Travel acquired the Crystal Cruise brand and its two cruise ships for an undisclosed sum. But trade publication Travel Weekly reported that Serenity, built in 2003, was sold for $103 million, and Symphony, built in 1995, was sold for $25 million.

Casino Comeback

A&K Travel, upon taking ownership of the Crystal Cruises, felt the Genting floorplan didn’t maximize the sailor experience. The company also felt the ships’ casino spaces were much too large.

Guests aboard Crystal Serenity and Symphony next month will not have an option to gamble. A&K said a customer survey conducted after the acquisition concluded that only 5% of Crystal Cruise’s previous customers said they would not sail without a casino.

However, the survey did determine that enough guests would patronize a casino space if one were available. That’s sent A&K back to the drawing board. The company plans to incorporate casinos — albeit considerably smaller gaming spaces than the ships previously housed — sometime in 2024.

We listened to our travel partners’ feedback during the Serenity shakedown and are already planning to address the lack of a casino onboard both ships,” Crystal Cruises CEO Cristina Levis recently told Seatrade Cruise News, a media outlet focused on the global cruise industry. “We have engaged a casino concession company to draw up plans for its configuration and costs and will review it when completed.”

Levis said the gaming rooms will not be large and construction of the casinos will likely occur while the ships are at sea.

Vessel Upgrades

Levis, who is also Heritage Group’s chief investment officer, says a key focus of the ship renovations has been improving the guest room cabins.

“Crystal is a great brand, has an exceptionally loyal and attentive crew, and great assets in its two ships,” he said. The billionaire added that he considered building new ships. But the roughly four-year time frame to build a cruiser was unacceptable to get the brand back up and running.

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The new gaming space at Casino del Mar, which the casino is calling the High Limit Pit, is an exclusive area that offers customers the opportunity for higher limits on bets. According to Casino del Mar GM Sigfrido De Jesús, it offers a private entertainment environment that incorporates innovative technology.

The million-dollar upgrade also offers exclusive attractions aimed at the tastes of the high roller crowd, as well as its own bar. Casino del Mar, which inaugurated a BetMGM sportsbook last December, opened High Limit Pit on August 29.

The space includes tables for blackjack, roulette, and more, all ready to accept bets of higher denominations. High Limit Pit also added 10 more personnel to the casino’s workforce.

However, the POC would prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages in many establishments after 1 or 2 in the morning, depending on the day of the week. The regulation could also force those not staying at the Hotel La Concha Resort to leave before dawn. Hospitality and tourism-related businesses are fighting the ordinance.

The addition comes at a time when Puerto Rico’s gaming industry is transforming.?Earlier this month, San Juan said it would introduce a new Public Order Code (POC) to include a nightly curfew for everyone. Should it proceed as planned, more than a few gamblers will be unhappy with the results.

https://youtu.be/kuvuG61oRF0

Puerto Rico Gaming Goes Diamond

The legal Puerto Rican casino market turned 75 earlier this month and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (PRGC) welcomed the anniversary and the industry’s success. It said that the approval of the law allowing the establishment of arcades and slot machines 75 years ago has greatly contributed to the territory’s government by yielding $1.4 billion over the last decade.

Jaime Rivera-Emmanuelli, the interim head of the PRGC, emphasized that by legalizing gambling in 1948, Puerto Rico strategically positioned itself as an enticing hub for gamblers. Consequently, this move has led to substantial growth in tourism activity. Puerto Rico became the second jurisdiction in the U.S. to embrace gambling as a lawful activity, following Nevada’s lead in 1931.

Between 2013 and 2023, $1.4 billion was disbursed by the government. Casinos helped deliver $620 million to the University of Puerto Rico, $213 million to the Treasury, and $537 million to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

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The government of San Juan is implementing a new ordinance that will change the nightlife of the city. It became law this past Tuesday and will come into force in San Juan this November.

The POC implements a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from Monday to Friday after 1:00 a.m., while Saturday and Sunday, and federal holidays that fall on a Monday, get an extra hour. In addition, and more importantly for casinos, it cuts off the possibility of movement of any person, including tourists, at dawn.

A Direct Threat to Businesses

This decision directly threatens the city’s casinos and hotels, since a large part of their activities are carried out during these hours. The gambling venues regularly welcome tourists and visitors who stay in other hotels to come play, and the curfew places restrictions on their freedom of movement.

The Sheraton Hotel, for example, houses Casino Metro, one of the most popular casinos in the area. Casino Metro GM Ismael Vega said in a statement that 90% of the casino’s business comes from gamblers staying at other properties. The curfew trumps the casino’s 24/7 operating license.

The same can be found with Casino del Mar at the La Concha Resort. Its manager, Sigfrido de Jesús, pointed out that 80% of the customers are locals and 20% are tourists.

This disconnect between the two definitions could lead to confusion and frustration among tourists, both domestic and international. At the very least, it will likely make some of the people visiting San Juan unwilling to step out of their hotel rooms.

A Blow to the Economy

The restriction on alcohol sales extends beyond liquor. In the majority of cases, booze and food sales go hand in hand. A drop in alcohol sales means a drop in food sales, which leads to a decline in employment and a slower economy.

Some organizations, such as the Restaurant Association of Puerto Rico (ASORE, for its Spanish acronym) and the United Retailers Center have voiced concerns. They fear the POC will hurt the economy and affect job creation.

Data from the Bureau of Employment Statistics from last year showed that there were some 11,300 establishments in all types of industries in San Juan. This was a 6% increase over the number from 2020.

Last year, the number of workers in drinking establishments, such as bars and lounges, reached 1,336 throughout Puerto Rico, of which about 381 worked in the capital city. Over the past six years, the number of employees in these establishments in San Juan has grown by approximately 150%. But the new rule could push the figure in the opposite direction.

ASORE had proposed allowing the sale of drinks until later and exempting food businesses that operate 24 hours a day from the ban as long as alcohol was served to accompany food. It’s a measure that some locations in Puerto Rico implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it appears San Juan’s leadership now has a different agenda.

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Exactly how much the executives make is difficult to ascertain. Media outlet The Royal Gazette (TRG) has been trying to figure it out, but the BGC won’t cooperate. The head of the commission and its legal team believe it’s privileged information.

The salary information the BGC has provided shows that some executives could be earning as much as $225K per year. The organization is eight years old, which leaves many wondering why, with no casinos, the government spends millions of dollars a year on it.

Uncontrolled Oversight

TRG has given various examples of the salary range the BGC pays some of its high-ranking officials. The man in charge of human resources and finance, Dwight Furbert, is reportedly making between $150K-$200K. His LinkedIn page only lists him as an employee of the Government of Bermuda, although he’s also referenced as the VP of Finance and Operations for the Bermuda College Foundation.

Marvin Hanna, director of legal for the BGC, earns less than that. His salary range is $125K-$150K. CEO Charmaine Smith pulls down somewhere between $175K-$225K.

TRG has tried to get the commission to be more specific with the details, going so far as to make a request under the Public Access to Information (PATI) Act of Bermuda. Similar to the Freedom of Information Act in the US, it gives Bermudans the right to request information from records held by any public authority, such as the BGC.

However, the commission — specifically Hanna and Smith — doesn’t believe it has to be forthright with the information. The two executives determined that providing the ranges was more than sufficient.

That’s apart from the money the BGC gives its board. Previously, it was revealed that this total could be around $85K.

This essentially means that the government is giving BGC-related executives at least $770K per year. A PATI Act request from earlier this year shows that there’s also an executive administrator, a research analyst, a licensing and compliance officer, a compliance inspector, a licensing inspector, and a technology and compliance officer. Their salaries aren’t available.

Still No Progress

Bermuda was on track to onboard two casinos, the first of which was to be a property at the St. Regis Bermuda Resort. It still hasn’t gotten off the ground. The second casino, planned for the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, lost its casino partner when Century Casinos bowed out this past January.

There still doesn’t appear to be any progress on launching casino gambling. If the government is working on something, it’s not sharing it with the rest of the world.

What this all means to the BGC’s bottom line isn’t completely clear. As TRG pointed out, the commission hasn’t divulged its audited finances for the past three years. This despite employing two financial officers, at least from October of last year through this past March, and working with a local accounting firm.

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The gaming? industry in Curacao will operate under more stringent regulations beginning September 1, 2023. It’s a major regulatory overhaul that has been in the works for quite some time for the tiny Caribbean Island nation.?

According to the Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania, online operators in Curacao will be accessed according to more strict, internationally recognized standards.

The legislation calling for the reform is the National Gambling Ordinance, also known as the LOK. The LOK is expected to result in tighter regulations for the industry, including anti-money laundering measures, fraud prevention, and player protection.

We demand transparency regarding the source of funds entering our country,” said Silvania during the the iGaming NEXT Valletta 23 conference. “We insist that operators comply with legislation that aligns with reputable jurisdictions and meets the minimum requirements of international laws and guidelines concerning money laundering.”

The LOK also introduced a new regulatory body called the Curacao Gaming Authority. Establishing the new supervisory authority is intended to not only prevent, but also mitigate any unwelcome and unlawful activities, according to Minister Silvania.

Next Steps

Before the September 1 implementation, the Advisory Council reviews the LOK and then proceeds to the parliament. Curacao is a Constitutional Monarchy and is a constituent country of the Netherlands.

Silvania insisted existing operators can continue their business without interruption, and the Gambling Control Board (GCB) will launch a dedicated portal to streamline the license application process.

Minister Silvania stressed that most operators with a Cura?ao license maintain integrity and follow good practices. Still, he warned that the country should not forget that some have abused Cura?ao’s reputation.

Gaming ‘Red-haired Stepchild’

‘Aligning itself with international standards should allow Curacao to attract even more reputable operators and strive to ensure a fair and secure gambling experience for players.

Minister Silvania says Curacao’s regulations will satisfy the Dutch government’s requirements, and noted that Curacao no longer wishes to be known as “the red-haired stepchild” in the gambling industry.

Curacao’s gambling regulation changes are an attempt to be in step with a broad trend in the industry. The goal is to enhance transparency and responsible gaming by strengthening measures against money laundering.

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With the approval of two new sports betting licenses by the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (PRGC), there are now three gaming operators in the online space. Those three alone, if the government’s figures are accurate, will produce big rewards for Puerto Rico during the next fiscal year.

A few weeks ago, commissioners approved the first online betting operation for Casino del Mar and its business partner, BetMGM, which supplies the electronic betting platform. This past Monday, the commission announced the approval of two more venues, Casino Metro with Caesars and The Stadium (under the WinIn brand), which will use IGT’s gaming platform.

Gambling to Boost Puerto Rico’s Coffers

Of these two new online sportsbooks, WinIn is the first authorized operator outside a casino. It and IGT began their journey in Puerto Rico two years ago when they first teamed up.

The executive director of the PRGC, Jaime Rivera Emmanuelli, bases the forecast on the performance of US sportsbooks. He explained that 80% of the country’s sports betting handle comes through the online segment, which was used to calculate the new figures.

There’s a 7% tax on retail bets and 12% on online wagers. Emmanuelli explained that the data, adjusted for Puerto Rico’s potential market, means around $4 million in tax revenue, and possibly another $300K in licensing products.

The percentage of the tax on sports betting isn’t based on the total bet, but is instead based on what the house earns.

The PRGC boss pointed out that the three licensed companies have complied with the requirements required by local law and regulations. This has allowed them to launch their operations online and make mobile applications available to the public that may be used to place bets from any location and electronic device.

More Sportsbooks to Follow

To date, the PRGC has issued 30 licenses covering five operators and 25 service providers. Of the five licensed operators, two are in the process of evaluating internal operating controls. Neither has been identified.

Emmanuelli has said that the regulator is currently reviewing about 50 applications for licenses. The majority of these are for service providers, which means BetMGM, Caesars and IGT will, for now, control the market.

Emmanuelli is confident that the licensing will promote the development of a responsible industry. He stressed that one of the main advantages of online betting platforms is their high level of security.

This will allow the PRGC to control where platforms operate. It will also be able to compile data on which areas are more popular with bettors. As a result, operators and the commission have information in real time about the transactions.

The geographic limit for online gambling is five nautical miles off the coast of Puerto Rico. This includes the island of Mona and the municipal islands of Vieques and Culebra.

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Casino.org reported in March that the cruise ship operator had replaced the “Jazz on 4” clubs with smoke-free gaming spaces aboard the company’s Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas ships. “Jazz on 4” are dedicated lounges for nightly jazz music. But according to rumors, they are being phased out across Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class consists of six ships, which are among the world’s largest. Along with Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas, the class ships include Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seasons, Allure of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

Wonder of the Seas, which went into operation just last year, is the world’s largest cruise ship, with a gross tonnage of 236,857 across 18 decks. Four bow thrusters with 7,500 horsepower each power the massive ship, which cruises at 22 knots. The ship has 2,867 staterooms and can accommodate more than 7,000 passengers.

Smoke-Free Casinos

Each of Royal Caribbean’s 25 cruise ships features a casino called Casino Royale. The slot machines turn on and table games get cards in the air once the vessels sail at least 12 nautical miles off the US coastline.

The Casino Royale aboard the Wonder of the Seas is a Las Vegas-style casino featuring 456 slots, 27 table games, and a high-stakes poker room. Smoking is allowed in Casino Royale venues, one of the few places aboard a Royal Caribbean vessel where cigarettes are permitted indoors.

Trimline workers transformed the former jazz spaces into smoke-free casinos while the ships were in service. The projects took about two weeks to complete.

Trimline’s team of demolition and removal experts, joiners, electricians, decorators, and laborers worked closely with data, IT, and casino commissioning specialists to ensure that their work was completed efficiently and with minimal disruptions to guests and crew,” the company explained.

“The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the work is delivered to the highest standards, and we are delighted with the results,” added Trimline Project Manager Billy Morton. “We’re confident that these new smokeless casinos will provide an enjoyable experience for the guests on board.”

Royal Caribbean hasn’t commented on a time line as to when the Jazz on 4 clubs aboard Utopia of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas might be swapped out for a smokeless casino.

Casino Details

Royal Caribbean owns and operates the world’s five largest cruise ships: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony, Harmony, Oasis, and Allure. And the casinos aboard the vessels are also some of the largest ship casinos in the world.

Budget gamblers can also find a seat inside a Royal Caribbean casino, as table minimums are as low as $5 per hand.

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Joran van der Sloot was handed to US authorities at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao in Peru, where he was serving a 28-year prison sentence for the murder of another woman, Stephany Flores.

His plane touched down at Shuttlesworth Airport in Birmingham, Al. at around 2:30pm. The Dutch national will be arraigned in a federal court in Birmingham Friday for extorting $25,000 from Holloway’s mother.

Holloway was 18 when she went missing on a senior class trip in Aruba in May 2005. Van der Sloot, the son of a local judge, met her in a bar on the island. She was last seen leaving in a car with him and two other men.

Her disappearance has mystified authorities in Aruba and the US. She was declared dead by a judge in January 2012. ?

Extortion Scam

In 2010, van der Sloot contacted Holloway’s mother, Beth Holloway, and offered to reveal the whereabouts of her daughter’s body in return for an advance of $25K against a total of $250K, federal prosecutors allege.

The advance was paid, but the information he provided proved to be false. Van der Sloot told her the body was buried in the foundations of a house in Aruba, but authorities discovered the property had been built sometime after her daughter’s disappearance.

For over 18 years, Beth Holloway has been hoping, praying, and fighting for this day — a day that is a monumental milestone in her relentless quest for seeking justice for Natalee,” a spokesperson for the Holloway family said. “She is pleased that Joran van der Sloot has been extradited to the United States and will finally answer for his heinous crimes against her beloved daughter.”

Arrested, Not Charged

Van der Sloot was arrested and questioned twice on suspicion of killing Holloway but was never charged due to lack of evidence. Without a body, it was difficult for prosecutors to build a case.

But the 35-year-old Dutchman appeared to admit?to involvement in her disappearance on two separate occasions to different undercover journalists. These “confessions” have been deemed inadmissible as evidence.

Flores Murder

In 2010, van der Sloot met Flores, a student who came from a prominent Peruvian family, while playing poker at the Atlantic City Casino in Lima.

Later that evening, he bludgeoned her to death in her hotel room. It was exactly five years to the day of Holloway’s disappearance.

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The sports betting market in Puerto Rico is still relatively small, as there are currently only land-based sportsbooks available. The good news is that the market is picking up, leading to significant tax revenue for the territory.

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission (PRGC) announced that as of mid-May, the government has collected more than $400K from sports bets, according to local media outlet El Vocero. That figure only applies to the last fiscal year, running from June 2022 to May 2023.

Puerto Rico Adds Level of Autonomy

Through the middle of May, two weeks before the end of the fiscal year, the sports betting handle for the year was $145 million. Of this, the government received $416K in tax revenue.

The handle and the tax revenue are significantly lower than what US states are seeing on a regular basis. It’s common for the states to report six- or seven-figure tax revenue. But they all had to start somewhere.

Several factors will drive the figure higher in the future, allowing Puerto Rico to obtain greater fiscal autonomy. The introduction of online sports betting, which is currently being discussed by lawmakers, will see the segment pay a 12% tax.

Legal sports betting in the US territory is still relatively young. Therefore, standard growth of the market will lead to greater revenue.?

As Eric de la Cruz, director of the Commission’s Sports Betting Bureau, points out bets increased substantially between March and May. This coincides with the start of the MLB season, with spring training having begun at the end of February.

Online Sports Betting Advancing Slowly

Puerto Rico approved land-based and online sports betting in 2019 before finalizing the legislation at the end of 2020. It took another two years for the PGRC to begin issuing any licenses.

There are currently only two retail sportsbooks available, the BetMGM Sportsbook at Casino del Mar and the Caesars Sportsbook at Casino Metro. Last November, the regulator approved another group of licenses, including three sportsbooks and four service providers, before approving another handful in March. Those operations are still in the process of being launched.

A few months ago, the PGRC said that online sports betting would probably arrive before the end of the fiscal year. As May comes to a close, so does that window. PGRC director Rivera Emanuelli now believes online sports betting could launch by June.

There is also an initiative to expand the casino gaming segment. It’s currently bogged down in bureaucracy, but will likely pull itself free soon.

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