The Mystic Gambler

Las Vegas Sands’ plans for a downstate New York casino resort continue to attract animosity from locals amid a variety of concerns. Some have gone as far as accusing the casino and hospitality company of what they called “environmental racism.”

LVS Wants to Develop the Nassau Coliseum Site

LVS, for context, plans to develop the famous Nassau Coliseum into a multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project if the company secures one of the three downstate NY licenses. The resort is expected to offer cutting-edge gaming, a 5-star hotel, premium dining and relaxing entertainment options.

However, not everyone has been on board with the company’s casino project. Some were skeptical of the casino from the start and accused LVS and the local government of making agreements behind the scenes and not maintaining sufficient transparency. The New York State Supreme Court eventually agreed that the county and the operator had committed open meeting laws violations.

Say No To The Casino: Erecting the Property Would Be “Environmental Racism”

Since the beginning, Say No To The Casino, a civic group, has also spared no effort opposing the casino project. The organization is, among other things, concerned about the potentially disastrous effect the Nassau County casino project could have on the environment.

One of the primary concerns is the ongoing drinking water supply shortage, which could be dramatically worsened by the construction of a huge hotel.

In addition to that, Say No To The Casino is also concerned about the property’s location, implying that it could hurt local minority groups. The organization implied that a new casino would have not only environmental but also economic and social consequences that would be shouldered by the vulnerable minority communities.

According to Say No To The Casino, proceeding with the new property would be nothing less than “environmental racism.”

An Environmental Review Would Gauge the Casino’s Impact

The casino project is currently undergoing a review that would determine whether the resort would violate the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The ongoing review will temporarily block LVS from finalizing its acquisition of the Nassau Coliseum.

 This temporary block could potentially jeopardize LVS’s bid for a casino license, adding to the pressure faced by the company.

To top it all off, the results of the review could potentially expose issues that LVS would be forced to address if it hopes to be chosen for one of the licenses.

Luckily for LVS, the awarding of the licenses continues to be delayed, providing the casino company with ample time to address the issues.

Evolution Gaming announced the strategic acquisition of Arcadia Gaming Solutions, a deal expected to enhance its position as a live casino gaming leader. Arcadia, known for its proprietary technology allowing players to engage with real-time physical arcade machines remotely, will join Evolution’s growing portfolio of innovative gaming solutions.

Arcadia Pioneered a Novel and Engaging Product

The acquisition involves an upfront cash payment of EUR 2.5 million ($2.77 million), with an additional earn-out, payable based on the performance of Arcadia’s games in 2027. Completion is expected during the second half of 2024, pending certain regulatory approvals and closing conditions, as is usual for these types of deals.

Arcadia Gaming Solutions has carved a unique niche in the online gaming market. Its offerings close the gap between physical arcade games and the online casino experience. Fortune Pusher, the company’s first title, allows players to remotely control a coin-pushing machine, delivering an engaging and interactive arcade experience via high-definition video streaming.

Arcadia’s innovative proprietary technology enables players to engage real-time with a physical arcade machine, offering a unique and engaging online experience.

Evolution Gaming statement

Arcadia’s innovative approach to B2B video-streaming live game technology perfectly fits Evolution’s focus on expanding its offerings in live gaming experiences. By integrating physical arcade elements into the online casino environment, Evolution can attract a broader range of players, especially those seeking unique gaming experiences.

Evolution Remains at the Forefront of Gaming Innovation

This newest milestone deal closely follows Evolution’s recent $85 million acquisition of Galaxy Gaming, a leading developer of casino games and technology. This move underlines Evolution’s ambitious growth strategy-particularly within the competitive US market, where it aims to dominate through cutting-edge technology and exclusive game offerings.

Evolution’s global presence means Arcadia Gaming’s expertise can apply to many diverse markets, although North America remains the company’s primary focus. The company’s 2023 collaboration with BetMGM and Borgata showcased its innovative mindset as it united casino goers and iGaming enthusiasts with a unique offering that leveraged its cutting-edge technology.

By acquiring Arcadia, Evolution will develop its technological capabilities and cultivate the opportunity to pioneer innovative live gaming formats that merge physical and digital experiences. The deal aligns with the company’s strategy of driving innovation in the online casino industry and offering its global customers the highest quality gaming content.

Nasdaq-listed Knightscope, a pioneering company that builds state-of-the-art robots and Artificial Intelligence technologies with a focus on improving public safety, has recently introduced its latest 5th Generation K5 Autonomous Security Robot (ASR) at a casino in Louisiana and the San Antonio International Airport in Texas. 

The company whose long-term goal is to “make the United States of America the safest country in the world” has this way marked yet another crucial step in its journey to bring security automation into high-traffic venues.

The Casino, the 10th Venue to Get the K5 ASR

The Louisiana casino that received the fully autonomous outdoor robot that can run 24/7 and recharge on its own with zero human intervention counts as the 10th location across the US to receive the technology application. 

This was made possible under the broader master agreement inked last year between the developing company and a leading entertainment company that is responsible for managing a rich portfolio consisting of properties like casinos, sports venues, and entertainment centers. 

The 2023 contract is currently leading the way toward the integration of Knightscope’s top-tier security technology into no less than 43 different properties in the US, further showing the growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence-powered solutions that can increase public safety.

The robot, which is currently servicing malls, hospitals, warehouses, offices, and lobbies, besides casinos and airports at a top speed of 3 mph, has already logged in over 2.5 million hours of commercially operated services, giving users “additional eyes, ears, and a voice” via the fully integrated Knightscope Security Operations Center user interface.

The K5 ASR has the ability to patrol large areas of the casino, detect potential threats, and provide real-time data to the casino’s human security teams, allowing much more effective incident management.

Casinos in Las Vegas, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan also benefit from the same perks offered by the robot. 

”Advanced, Force-Multiplying Physical Deterrent” at the Airport 

The K5 ASR, which works as an ”advanced, force-multiplying physical deterrent,” is already allowing the security staff at the international San Antonio airport in Texas to enhance security.

According to the airport’s director, Jesus Saenz, the robot that weighs 420 lbs. and measures 64.6’’ in height will be stationed in a secure area of the facility, away from the public.  

From there, it will patrol controlled access points, provide an extra layer of security, and help address door alarms, better streamlining airport security operations by enabling human staff to focus more on offering critical solutions like passenger assistance and operational needs.

Both of these new deployments once again prove Knightscope’s continuously growing influence in the public safety area where it provides real-time surveillance and incident response capabilities via autonomous technologies. 

The company’s portfolio also features the K1 Laser, which is a Blue Light Emergency Communication System, as well as an Automated Gunshot Detection Service. 

More Casinos Putting Robots on Security Patrol

In the last year or so, a growing number of casinos across the US have been observed employing security robots. 

This spring, Margaritaville Resort Casino and Boomtown Casino in Bossier City began using security robots with 360-degree view cameras and 24-hour recording as additional security resources.

In June, a casino security robot was filmed confronting a guest in the Silverton parking garage, then proceeded to pursue them as they tried to escape.

In February 2009, M Resorts in Las Vegas also introduced M-Bot, a new robot security guard equipped with sensors and several cameras, and programmed to cruise the premises and allow the human security staff to see the property in real time.

The robot was introduced amid staff shortages in hotels across the city and was praised by Las Vegas Metro Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill, who referred to the use of technology as electronic crime fighters during a time when the institution had around 300 unfilled positions.

In a time when anything from bomb threats to indecent exposure come as no surprise for casinos around the country, the technology wonders seem more necessary than ever.