Talks about a proposed casino in Fairfax County, Virginia, continue. Supporters and opponents of the proposed Tysons casino project have clashed since 2023. Not unexpectedly, donations and lobbying efforts play a key role in such processes and the casino project is no exception.

Now, a new report suggests that close to $1 million was spent on lobbying and donations by opponents of the proposed casino project.

Tysons Casino Opponents Complete Donations, Support Lobbyists

As announced by Patch earlier this week, lobbying and donations have cost opponents of Tysons casino, more than $755,000 since 2023. MGM Resorts International, the owner of the popular MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino located in Maryland and a recognizable entertainment and gaming company, is on the list of opponents of the Tysons casino project.

Per the recent report, during the 2024 legislative session, MGM Resorts spent some $222,367 in order to reimburse and retain a total of six lobbyists. This is evident based on data from the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Council. Money dedicated to lobbying is usually reported to the Council by June 30.

While the data for the 2024 legislative session is already released, it is yet to be seen how much the lobbyists have received for the 2025 legislative session. That information is expected to be released on July 1, 2025.

In addition, the recognizable betting and gaming company donated nearly $41,000, supporting campaign committees or political action committees consisting of Virginia General Assembly lawmakers between 2023 and 2024. This data is confirmed by filings with the state board of elections.

Another half a million was also spent in opposition to the proposed casino project. That is the case for a PR company called PLUS Communications. Reportedly, the firm spent some $492,780 to back the opposition of Tysons casino by two corporations.

Supporters and Opponents of the Casino Project Clash

The future of Tysons casino is yet to be decided. This is because there are two bills that propose to greenlight the project with one proposal expected soon while the other one carried to the 2025 legislative session from the last session.

In contrast to the $755,000 spent in opposition to the project, supporters of the proposed Tysons casino have spent approximately $2 million. The sum seeks to raise awareness of the importance of the project and help a casino referendum bill go up for a vote.

On the other hand, opponents of the project recently raised concerns, warning that it may have an impact on national security. More than 100 experts recognized that Tysons casino may pose a threat to national security, considering that it is within close proximity of strategic defense structures and contractors, as well as intelligence agencies.

Those concerns were detailed in a letter sent to all members of the two houses of the Virginia General Assembly, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, as well as members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The strategic national security establishments provide employment to more than 20,000 federal workers. Per the recent letter, the proposed casino project may create challenges such as security risks or the threat of blackmail, among other potential issues tied to national security.

Sen. Mamie Locke pre-filed Senate Bill 827 in December, hoping to make sure that when the session gets underway on January 8, 2025, their bill will be one of the first to gather momentum.

Senator Set to Argue the Case for Virginian Online Casinos

The bill has already been referred to the Committee on General Laws and Technology and it could see the Old Dominion join several other states that currently offer iGaming platforms that offer games of chance such as slots, table games, and live dealer games.

Historic opposition against online casinos has been strong in the United States, rooted mostly in the fears of both commercial and tribal gaming operators that once online casinos are up and running, they will cannibalize revenue and ultimately sap the brick-and-mortar market, costing operational results, market share, and ultimately – jobs.

Senate Bill 827 wants to see the state’s four casinos also offer an online casino license. These include Caesars Virginia, Golden Eagle Corp, Hard Rock Bristol, and Rivers Casino Portsmouth. The draft law goes to outline more details about the proposed legalization.

For starters, the onus will be on the Virginia Lottery Board to oversee the sector. Casinos may face application fees of $1 million, and further – a 15% tax on their results, with 2.5% of the money generated this way going to programs designed to combat problem gambling whereas the bulk will be awarded to the state’s general fund.

Virginia already has experience with online gambling, as sports betting was legalized in 2020, and major brands have been operating their mobile sportsbooks for a while now, bringing in a solid tax windfall for the state. Nevertheless, online casinos are historically a bigger driver of state revenue, making them more appealing for legislators.

Virginian Lawmakers Need to Overcome Popular Fears to Push Forward

However, it will ultimately come down to whether Virginian lawmakers and local casino operators will continue to show qualms about the potential negative impact online casinos can have on their brick-and-mortar peers.

Most studies argue that the addition of online gambling actually augments operational results for companies, as the existing land-based operators are usually the recipients of the boost generated by digital counterparts.

At the same time, jobs remain robust in the sector, and there is little to suggest that online casinos have led to a decline in land-based casino jobs.

Louisiana and Maryland are similarly pushing forward with legislative efforts to introduce online casino gambling in 2025.

Michigan has seen the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians spend more than 14 years and $30 million attempting to bring a new casino property across a 60-acre site in Fruitport Township near the intersection of I-96 and US 31.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Casino on Shaky Ground

However, these plans may now be coming to a hilt, as Ogema Larry Romanelli has confirmed that the tribe’s pockets and store of patience are thinning.

The proposed $180-million casino resort in Muskegon County would have been the second property by the tribe in Michigan, but multiple setbacks have made it a near-impossibility, and impractical enough it seems for the tribe to consider cutting its losses.

The first casino property has already seemed to have hit its mark, allowing the tribe to take care of its members, offer employment, and fund a variety of community-based programs for the community.

Although the tribe has been able to secure approval from the US Department of the Interior, the project hit a roadblock with local authorities. Notably, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which regulates tribal gaming requires tribes to also secure local approval, specifically from the governor – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has not so far condoned the move.

Yet, Whitmer may not be biased against the tribe specifically but rather tries to balance a difficult situation. Whitmer’s office is said to be also aware of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, who are also looking to bring a casino project, that could potentially overlap with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ own.

In a statement in 2022, she said: “Despite the strength of its proposal, however, I am unable to concur in the Little River Band’s two-part determination because of the remaining uncertainty created by the Grand River Bands’ pending acknowledgement petition.”

Two Tribes, But Only One Is Federally Recognized

Matters get further complicated as the Grand River Bands is not a federally recognized tribe, but it is still a recognized tribe in Michigan, which makes the matter more of a turf battle. However, the federal government has tried to take a side in the case.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs said that it does not recognize the Grand River Bands on a federal level, making it harder for the tribe to argue its case.

Workers at a popular Native American casino in Niagara Falls, New York, are once again trying to unionize.

Teamsters Local 449 in Talks with Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino Workers

That is the case for Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino employees, who are reportedly in collaboration with Teamsters Local 449 and trying to unionize. The last time the employees of the popular Niagara Falls hotel and casino tried to join forces with a union was two decades ago.

The initial effort dates back to 2004 and 2005 when Seneca Niagara Resort employees tried to team up with local unions, including the Hotel Employee and Restaurant Employees Union, Teamsters Local 375, and other unions. However, the initiative fell through the cracks at the time amid concerns about whether or not the National Labor Relations Act covers employees of Native American casinos and resorts.

In the last decade, a number of cases have reached courts across the country with similar concerns. Unsurprisingly, the courts have ruled that employees of Tribal casinos and resorts fall under the National Labor Relations Act, which means that they can join forces to be represented by unions.

Now, as announced by the Niagara Gazette, workers at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino are in talks with Teamsters Local 449. Discussions with the union date back to December. One former employee and organizer of the initiative, Vernon Lohan, said on the matter: “You’re not given a fair handshake over there.” The former employee also alleged that workers at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino may be terminated in cases that may only require a warning.

Lohan spoke about the importance of unionizing for workers at the popular casino resort, saying that such effort may result in better working conditions, including additional protection and pay rate increases. “If we fail, at least we tried. It doesn’t hurt to try,” Lohan added.

Thousands of Workers Can Enjoy Different Benefits If Unionization Efforts Succeed

Under the existing labor laws, if a minimum of 30% of the employees at a specific business agree to be represented by union or sign a petition, the National Labor Relations Board needs to hold an election to determine if the effort would receive a majority vote. On the other hand, employers can also lead unionization efforts in case their employees are interested in being represented.

Unions across the US help workers in different industries benefit from better working conditions, extra pay and other benefits. Back in December, the newest hotel and casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, announced it reached a tentative agreement with the Culinary Union.

Additional details regarding the unionization effort at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino are yet to be released. It is unclear when workers will vote on the matter. Still, if those efforts succeed, approximately 3,000 employees of the venue may benefit from better protection and pay raises.

The Biden administration has found itself at the center of a political firestorm following its approval of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Coquille Tribe’s long-contested plan to establish an off-reservation casino in Medford, Oregon. Several Native American tribes, along with local politicians and community leaders, have staunchly opposed the proposal, citing threats to tribal relations, local economies, and environmental integrity.

Other Tribes Are Pursuing Legal Action

The Coquille Tribe, based in Coos Bay, has spent over a decade trying to turn a former Highway 99 bowling alley into a Class II gaming facility. The venue, located approximately 165 miles from the tribe’s reservation, will focus on drawing in customers with slot machines, placing it in direct competition with other nearby tribal offerings.

A 16 December lawsuit by the Cow Creek Tribe, along with the Karuk Tribe and the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the project. The plaintiffs argue the Biden administration failed to consult affected tribes, violating its NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) responsibilities.

This legal action is our option of last resort after being denied repeated requests for consultation. The administration has failed to consult with our tribes about a project that puts the interests of one tribe over many others.

Carla Keene, Cow Creek Umpqua tribal chairman 

While the Coquille Tribe hopes this new gaming expansion will pave a pathway to economic self-sufficiency, the project has become increasingly contentious among neighboring tribes. The Cow Creek Tribe fears this project would cannibalize revenue from its Seven Feathers Casino Resort in nearby Canyonville and threaten essential community-focused programs.

Conflicting Interests Mix with Rising Concerns

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and California Governor Gavin Newsom have also opposed the project, emphasizing the potential for long-term consequences. Community leaders echoed these concerns, with Phoenix City manager Eric Swanson arguing that the environmental analysis provided in the FEIS does not adequately capture the actual impacts the casino will have on the region.

The Coquille Tribe has persevered despite the backlash, justifying the project by noting that Medford had the second-highest concentration of Coquille citizens at the time of the tribe’s restoration. Commenting for Daily Mail, executive director Judy Farm of the tribe’s construction firm, Tribal One, argued that Coos Confederated Tribes had opened a second casino near the Coquille territory ten years ago with no such opposition.

At the heart of opposition to this project is competition. Tribes have been set up to compete for resources in Oregon, and Cow Creek is simply trying to protect market share.

Judy Farm, Tribal One executive director

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) should publish a Record of Decision in the coming weeks, determining the casino’s fate. Until then, the Cow Creek Tribe and its allies continue to push for an extended comment period and greater transparency in the decision-making process. The final decision could have significant long-term implications, reflecting the tenuous balance of tribal sovereignty, economic development, and inter-tribal relations.

A man in Mississippi has passed away after driving his car off a pier next to a casino in Biloxi. While first responders rushed to the scene, they, unfortunately, didn’t arrive quickly enough to prevent him from drowning. 

The Man Fell Into the Water after Dropping His Family Off at the Casino

The incident happened on Sunday. Shortly before 9 pm, first responders were called to the scene where a man had driven a vehicle off the Biloxi Fishing Pier near the Palace Casino Resort area.

The car was submerged in eight feet of water and had to be taken out by a tow truck equipped with a crane. Costello was the only person in the car at the time of the incident.

The pier in question is the longest one around and has two narrow lanes with a single place to turn around before its end. Extending some 5,000 feet into the Biloxi Bay, the pier might have been mistaken for a bridge, investigators suggested. The victim likely considered passing what he thought was a bridge in order to turn around on the other side. Unfortunately, this caused the 67-year-old Paul Costello, of Milton, Florida, to drive off it and plunge into the water.

A mistake is believed to be the most likely cause of the incident, considering that Costello had just dropped off his family at the casino and was searching for a parking spot. His family later confirmed that he had no known medical issues and did not seem to be struggling with a condition that would have driven him to suicide. Additionally, Costello seemed in good spirits just before the accident.

The coroner’s office is set to compile a toxicology report to determine whether liquor or opiates have played a part in the incident.

The Incident Might Have Been Prevented by Warning Signs

The theory that Costello might have mistaken the pier for a bridge is further supported by the apparent lack of warning signs. While the Biloxi Bay is a great place for leisure, the pier’s lack of precautionary measures could have confused the man, who might have been otherwise dissuaded from driving forward.

The only visible sign before the accident occurred was a speed limit sign that set the maximum speed at 10 miles per hour.

Cordish Gaming Group, The Cordish Companies’ gaming arm, has designated Greg Hinton as the vice president of finance of its new property in Louisiana. In this position, the appointee will be responsible for managing the new property’s financial operations as the operator penetrates the Shreveport-Bossier market.

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana Targets Q1 2025 Launch

The new $270+ million Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana held its top-off ceremony earlier this year and is preparing for launch in February 2025. Set to be the first-ever landside casino in the Shreveport-Bossier City area, the property would bring a variety of lodging and entertainment options.

Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the state, including a projected $35 million in gaming tax revenue for Bossier City and over $168 million for the state within its first five years of operation.

As vice president of finance of the new property, Greg Hinton will play a key role in ensuring the financial well-being of the property, allowing it to meet its revenue goals and, by extension, the aforementioned tax targets.

Hinton Boasts Significant Experience in Gaming & Finance

As VP of finance, Hinton will be tasked with overseeing financial operations across key departments, such as accounting, analytics, cage operations, finance, income and revenue auditing, among others.

He will also be responsible for developing the company’s financial strategy and managing its operations. As VP of finance, Hinton will deliver various insights that allow Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana to boost its performance and cement itself as a leading player in the local market.

To that end, Hinton will leverage his years of experience in gaming and finance. His track record, for context, includes finance-related executive positions at the likes of gaming and hospitality giant Landry’s, Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack, Coushatta Casino Resort, and Margaritaville Resort Casino. He has also served the likes of Caesars and Penn Entertainment, further highlighting his profound understanding of the industry.

John J. Chaszar, the executive vice president and general manager of Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, hailed Hinton’s appointment, saying that his input would be invaluable to the new property.  

His [Hinton’s] leadership will be instrumental in shaping a world-class gaming and entertainment experience that will redefine the industry in Northwest Louisiana and the Ark-La-Tex region.

John. J. Chaszar, EVP & GM, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana

In addition to the current appointment, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana will create some 750 jobs, bringing an important economic stimulus to Bossier City.