This week’s casino news starts once again with Steve Wynn, who continues to be a key figure in the headlines even though he’s now stepped away from his brand. We’ll start there as we take a closer look at this week’s casino headlines:
Wynn Boston Harbor May Be Forced To Scrub Wynn Name
The Wynn Boston Harbor was scheduled to open in June 2019 but the Steve Wynn saga has put a dark cloud over that introduction. There are some who believe that Wynn Resorts should have its license revoked given Wynn’s alleged behavior – even though he has stepped down from the company. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Governor Charlie Baker feel that the company should have its license taken away or, at the very least, it should have to change the name of the facility. Wynn Resorts said that it’s not going to change the company name given how much business it does all over the world. It would be a branding nightmare as Wynn Resorts is widely recognized as a luxury brand. To restart from scratch would sting significantly, though the sexual harassment allegations against Wynn have been damaging to the brand as well.
It would be a huge loss for Wynn Resorts if it was to lose the license for Wynn Boston Harbor, which is costing the company about $2.4 billion to build. There could also be a snowball effect if the company changes the name in Boston, since it then might have to change the name in Las Vegas and everywhere else around the world too. We’ll see if Wynn Resorts can sort out the matter in Massachusetts but it looks like there’s going to be a protracted battle before opening.
Playtech Partners With Poland’s Lead Lottery Provider
Playtech, a massive online gaming company that develops software for online casinos and sports betting, has been chosen by Totalizator Sportowy to supply it with online casino software and other services. Totalizator Sportowy, which has been in business for more than six decades, is the national lottery provider in Poland. Without question, this is a massive contract for Playtech. It comes at a good time as Playtech didn’t have a great second half to 2017 when it reported declines in revenues and profits.
LeoVegas Acquires IPS, Rebrands It As ‘Rocket X’
LeoVegas, a gaming operator that works out of Stockholm, Sweden, has acquired Intellectual Property and Software Ltd. for $90 million. Intellectual Property and Software is based in the United Kingdom, so this will give LeoVegas a foothold in the British market. IPS has a number of gaming assets in tow, including Slotboss, BetUK, UK Casino and 21.co.uk. As a followup move, LeoVegas announced that it is moving all of the new assets under the “Rocket X” brand.