This week’s casino news starts us off in Indiana where the Hoosier State is finally set to allow online sports betting. Here are the details on when it will start and who’ll be running the show:
Legal Online Sports Betting Will Launch In Indiana On October 3rd
Just over a month after sports betting in Indiana officially became legal, residents in the state will be able to bet online. Gaming officials in the state made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that mobile and online sports betting will be available on October 3rd. The state’s gaming commission revealed that Rush Street Gaming is going to partner with the French Lick Casino to operate the first online betting operation in Indiana. Rush Street, which is based in Chicago and already has partnerships with Rivers Casino in New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois, has a viable model to deliver everything that patrons will need.
With other states making some major revenues off online gaming, it’s only a matter of time before others join Indiana in offering the service to their citizens.
Adam Sandler’s Latest Movie Project Will Be A Sports Betting Movie
Adam Sandler is still one of the biggest names in entertainment. So when the news broke that his latest project will be a sports betting movie, it was bound to turn some heads.
Known more for his comedy than his serious roles, Sandler will play a jeweler based in New York City that makes a series of high-stakes sports bets in Uncut Gems. Considering his movie resume, this is a sizable departure from the comedy and wacky adventures.
This movie will be a serious role for Sandler as his character, a gambler who sees things go south, meets all kinds of different personalities from the mob. The movie will also feature NBA legend Kevin Garnett and sports radio personality Mike Francesca. Uncut Gems is scheduled to be released on December 13th.
Deal In The Works For Circus Circus Las Vegas To Be Sold
There are rumblings out of Las Vegas that MGM Resorts International could be close to selling the legendary Circus Circus Las Vegas property. Of course, Circus Circus is long past its prime but it is still an iconic spot on The Strip.
According to the reports, the American casino operator could be sold to an entity controlled by the same man that is behind the nearby Treasure Island Las Vegas venue. The Las Vegas Review-Journal revealed that there was a handshake agreement regarding the sale to billionaire businessman Phil Ruffin earlier this month. The 84-year-old Ruffin, who spent more than $775 million when he purchased the Treasure Island Las Vegas property from the same company back in 2008, is known for the hard push he has made to acquire significant properties in the Las Vegas area. This property in particular is considered a family-friendly destination with a ridiculous 3,767 rooms filling out the building. However, it needs an entire makeover and nobody has done anything to it in years.
MGM Resorts International established a special independent committee in January that was focused on evaluating ways for its first to extract further value from its real estate portfolio. In addition to this potential deal, that group is reportedly considering a $7 billion lease back deal for its MGM Grand and Bellagio Las Vegas properties. The Circus Circus development in particular is considered one of the most profitable venues in Southern Nevada.
Circus Circus Las Vegas reportedly posted net second-quarter revenues of around $65.9 million, which is surprising considering many new visitors view it as a decrepit spot on The Strip. That’s part of what has made it appealing to prospective buyers.