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Furthermore, Identity Points players earn through video poker, slots, and other gaming platforms at the Cosmopolitan will be known as Slot Dollars once they transition to MGM Rewards.

Plenty of chances and opportunities to earn with MGM Rewards

While the modifications to casino loyalty rewards programs often face a lot of scrutiny, the integration of Identity into MGM Rewards presents clear advantages. Frequent guests of the Cosmopolitan, for example, will gain additional avenues to earn tier credits and points.

Furthermore, MGM Rewards members can accumulate points and credits at over 20 casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and across regional locations in the US, as well as through the BetMGM app. Moreover, members can earn points that they can easily redeem on various non-gaming activities, including dining, hotel stays, spa services, entertainment, and retail purchases.

To advance through the MGM Rewards tiers, members need to accrue 25,000 tier credits to reach Pearl status. From there, 75,000 credits are required for Gold, and Platinum status demands 200,000 tier credits.

As the integration date approaches, Cosmopolitan guests and Identity members can look forward to the enhanced benefits and expanded opportunities that come with being part of the larger MGM Rewards ecosystem.

The infusion of funds enhances the MGCB's standing as a premier iGaming regulator in the United States and strengthens its oversight of Michigan's online casinos. Henry Williams, the executive director of the MGCB, expressed his profound gratitude to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with the Michigan Legislature, for their commitment to improving the agency's regulatory efforts and their operations. Williams further acknowledged the governor and the legislature's dedication to enhancing the MGCB’s capabilities in an official press release.

This additional funding will be available at the start of the state's Fiscal Year 2025 budget on the first of October, 2024, pending Governor Whitmer's signature on the budget's bipartisan agreement.

New positions to support Michigan's rapid growth in iGaming

The acquisition of 14 full-time staff is crucial, as it supports the Michigan Gaming Control Board's regulatory duties related to sports betting and internet gaming. It can be said that Michigan's iGaming market is among the fastest-growing in North America, with 15 licensed providers and operators, including prominent names like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars Palace Online Casino, and BetMGM. These operators collectively offer more than 10,000 slot games and noteworthy no-deposit bonus deals. The expansion of the Control Board's workforce is further meant to enhance protections against illegal activities and ensure a more secure gambling environment in the Great Lakes state.

The extra $3 million allotted for the budget will be directed for the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund and its related programs. These funds will also bolster the 24/7 Gambling Disorder Helpline and offer additional educational resources to inform younger generations about the risks of online gambling. In addition, the financial boost will support existing treatment methods for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and associated issues.

Henry Williams emphasized that doubling up the Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund demonstrates the commitment of the agency to responsible gaming. He stated that the MGCB is collaborating with various institutions in the state to uphold the integrity of the iGaming industry and protect MI residents.

Expansion of the 'Don't Regret the Bet' campaign

Along with all of this, in a comprehensive responsible gaming approach, the MGCB will allocate $3 million to its acclaimed "Don't Regret the Bet" campaign. Launched in March 2023 in collaboration with King Media, a marketing firm based in Michigan, the campaign features engaging advertisements aimed at players prone to gambling addiction. The ads are broadcast via social media, billboards, television, and radio channels all across Michigan, with podcasts playing a crucial role in raising awareness as well.

The "Don't Regret the Bet" campaign has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Platinum dotCOMM Award, the Platinum Viddy Award, and the Platinum MarCom Award in 2023. Its success is not hampered in 2024, having recently been honored with the equally-prestigious PRNEWS Digital Award.

By investing in these initiatives, the Control Board aims to provide comprehensive support for responsible gambling, ensuring that Michigan's gaming industry grows in a safe and regulated manner. The agency's proactive measures reflect a deep commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Michigan residents while maintaining the integrity of the MI iGaming sector.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board's announcement of increased funding for responsible gambling and the expansion of its workforce marks a significant milestone in enhancing the state's regulatory framework. With its new resources and an expanded team, the MGCB is well-positioned to address the challenges of a rapidly growing online gambling market. The additional funds will not only support regulatory efforts but also provide essential resources for education, prevention, and treatment related to gambling addiction. This comprehensive approach underscores Michigan's commitment to responsible gaming - and sets a precedent for other jurisdictions to follow.

Shareholders of Bally's Corp and Caesars, who, as most of us know, own four out of the nine casinos in Atlantic City and several online casinos in New Jersey, oppose conducting research on the effects of prohibiting smoking in casino floors and play areas. A nonprofit healthcare organization and shareholder in several gaming companies, Trinity Health, proposed to commission said research. Trinity Health and the Americans for Nonsmoker's Rights Foundation argue that allowing indoor smoking in casinos could lead to higher maintenance costs and worker health insurance premiums, as well as a potential decline in customers who want to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.

But despite these concerns, the proposal from Trinity Health was rejected. Caesars Entertainment stated that conducting the research would not be a wise use of its resources. The board of directors of Caesars further added that it takes the health and safety of all its customers as seriously as possible, and when it allows smoking in certain designated areas of its many properties, it also naturally ensures that it helps protect its nonsmoking clients' and customers' health.

In fact, in June, more than 81% of votes gathered at Caesars Entertainment’s annual meeting opposed the research proposal, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Caesars Entertainment runs and operates a total of three casinos in New Jersey’s Atlantic City: Harrah's, Tropicana, and, of course, Caesars, while Bally's owns the Bally's casino.

Proponents of the smoking ban in casinos remain as hopeful as ever

In spite of the strong opposition, however, the CEO of the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation, Cynthia Hallett, continues to be hopeful. She pointed to the other portion of those supporting research on a smoking ban, which, at this point, consists of Boyd Gaming, with a 22% shareholder support. It’s worth noting, though, that Boyd Gaming does not own or manage any Atlantic City casinos. "We've established an incredibly strong foundation from which to build," Hallett states. She continues that most proposals don't even make it to the voting stage, nor do they reach "double-digit-level support." She further adds that as the issue of smoking in casinos has now reached the boardroom, companies cannot ignore this truly crucial matter that is affecting the health and wellness of both the guests and employees.

This development comes only about a month after a Superior Court judge listened to arguments for a smoking ban following a lawsuit filed by Atlantic City employees in casinos. The employees claim that numerous casino floors in Atlantic City are "toxic" because of the smoking. But the state contended that a ban on smoking would result in revenue and job losses in the thousands. UNITE Here Local 54, a union that represents over 10,000 casino workers, along with the New Jersey attorney general, are pushing for the lawsuit’s dismissal.

In the meantime, Judge Patrick Bartels with the Superior Court, who oversaw the arguments in May, stated his intention to issue a relevant ruling as early as possible. For now, both stakeholders and employees are at a standstill and are eagerly awaiting the verdict.

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July 4, 2024 – High 5 Casino, one of the leading social casino operators has gained critical acclaim for its innovation and performance in 2023, and this year, they take the Social Gaming Operator of the Year award the second time around. An independent panel of judges presented executives including High 5 Casino’s Tony Singer the award at the EGR North America Awards 2024.

The awarding ceremony took place at Midtown Loft & Terrace in New York City on the 27th of June where the winners were revealed. Due to its innovative approaches to product diversification, marketing, and technology, as well as its revenue growth and high quality of products, High 5 Casino was awarded the Social Gaming Operator of the Year award.

The award highlighted the social gaming company’s commercial success and effort in building community in a tight niche of an industry that is social gaming. “This prestigious award reaffirms High 5 Casino's exceptional performance and innovation in the social gaming sector," the operator shared.

"We're honored that High 5 Casino has once again received the Social Gaming Operator award," said Tony Singer, CEO of High 5 Games. "Beyond our growth in users, it's the happiness our players find in the H5C community that motivates us to continually improve. Our commitment is to provide players with top-notch casino content, and we're determined to solidify H5C as the leading social casino brand worldwide,” the Singer added.

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The Jockey Club reports that Monmouth Park awarded prizes of $28.4 million for 541 races in the previous year. In 2010, 50 racing days with payouts of an average of $1 million were offered at Monmouth Park in collaboration with the state government.

Racing purses reached a 20-year high in the middle of the 2000s when $67.8 million was given out in 2007. New Jersey held around 1,200 thoroughbred races in 2003; however, in the last few years, that number has been slashed in half.

“We want to run more, but having more races means we could not be as competitive with purses,” Drazin adds.”

Future Additional Revenue

In order to compete with the upcoming casinos slated to open around New York City, Drazin wants to provide more gaming to New Jersey.

Finding a means to maintain that business in New Jersey is the goal, he continued. He recommended a casino or playing slots at Monmouth Park or the Meadowlands. Retail sportsbooks are currently available on-site at both racetracks.

The inaugural message on the Exosphere one year ago was a simple yet symbolic "Hello World." Following this modest beginning, however, the Sphere captivated viewers with a continuous stream of images, including baseballs heralding MLB relocations, giant eyeballs, and the famous yellow emoji. This playful emoji, which appears to mock incoming plane passengers and even golfers enjoying a day in the sun, even displayed a sunburn in the summer - in tune with the intense Vegas heat.

The Sphere: a novel and new attraction on the Vegas skyline

Costing a staggering $2.3 billion, it's no wonder the Sphere has swiftly become the hottest destination in Las Vegas in the last year alone. The Exosphere, which spans an area equivalent to four football fields, has become a sight so mesmerizing that airline passengers are choosing their seats based on the best angle and view of the Sphere! This phenomenon has even led to a notorious ordinance that now bans stops along foot bridges on the Las Vegas Strip, as tourists often linger for extended periods to capture the perfect Sphere graphic.

Inside the Sphere, the views are even more magnificent: the magic continues for those who can afford the steep ticket prices, with seats starting at $250 and even parking fees at $100. Audiences have also been treated to exclusive performances by U2, Dead & Company, and Phish, all enhanced by 160,000 sq. feet of singular psychedelic videos. For example, one of the most memorable interior graphics was during a Dead & Company performance, where the venue transformed into a spaceship launching from an iconic San Francisco street.

Last week, the Sphere hosted its first NHL Draft, with Celine Dion announcing the first draft pick on the Montreal Canadiens, her hometown team. However, not all events at the Sphere have gone as part of a plan. In February, Maison Des Champs, the infamous "Pro-life Spiderman," a 23-year-old activist, free-climbed the Exosphere to make a statement that largely went unnoticed. Instead, Des Champs just wandered around and live streamed the event on Instagram before being arrested.

The Sphere and financial challenges and setbacks

Financially, the Sphere has faced challenges, perhaps due to its staggering cost. In its first quarter, the venue amassed a $193.9 million loss on a revenue of $167.8 million. As mentioned, this financial strain is largely due to its $2.3 billion construction cost, making it the costliest entertainment venue ever designed and built in Vegas. Additionally, U2’s residency at the Sphere was costly, with reports indicating that James Dolan (the owner of the Sphere) promised the band an unprecedented 90% of the proceedings from the gate plus an astonishing $10 million more for their visuals.

But in spite of these initial financial losses, the Sphere's revenue has been rising for each new quarter. A significant contributor to this growth is the success of Darren Aronofsky's movie, "Postcard from the Edge," which has produced $44.5 million by November in ticket sales alone.

While the Sphere is not yet what one would call a profitable venture, its future as part of the Las Vegas skyline seems secure. Its innovative approach and overwhelming popularity have cemented its place as an iconic landmark in the heart of Vegas, promising more captivating displays and unforgettable performances far into the future of Sin City.