Experience World-Class Entertainment at Las Vegas Resorts: Tom Jones, Bruno Mars & Katy Perry Headline Upcoming Shows

Las Vegas continues to be the entertainment capital of the world, where the thrill of the gaming floor meets world-class spectacle. Many visitors find that the most unforgettable way to experience the city is by staying at premier Las Vegas resorts, which serve as the ultimate hubs for both high-stakes excitement and massive musical productions. The upcoming months are packed with performances from some of the biggest names in music, ranging from legendary artists making a comeback to pop icons embarking on world tours. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Tom Jones, Bruno Mars, and Katy Perry’s upcoming appearances.

Tom Jones Returns to the Vegas Stage

It’s quite remarkable that Tom Jones, a Las Vegas headliner since 1968 at the Flamingo, is set to return to the city. Instead of a traditional off-strip package tour, he’s opted for a mini residency at the Wynn Las Vegas, calling it “Defy Expectation.” This limited run will take place on May 14th, 16th, and 17th.

Tickets go on sale January 31st at 9 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. Jones expressed his love for performing and sharing the stage with his fans in a recent X post, promising an unforgettable experience. Fans can anticipate hearing all his classic hits.

Bruno Mars Extends His Residency

Bruno Mars is solidifying his place as a Vegas superstar by adding seven more dates to his already impressive Park MGM residency. This brings his total to an astounding 99 solo performances! This incredible feat doesn’t even include the 34 shows he shared with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic, further demonstrating his dominance in the music scene.

The newly announced concerts are scheduled for May 21st, 24th, 25th, 28th, 30th, 31st, and June 2nd. Expect a setlist spanning his entire career, including potential performances of his latest collaborations with Rosé (

Strengthening New York’s Gaming Oversight: New Appointments to Regulate Casino Licenses and Facility Locations

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has announced the appointment of two new members to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board, a strategic move that could significantly accelerate the distribution of highly anticipated casino licenses for downstate locations. By adding new expertise to the board, the commission aims to streamline the complex evaluation process, paving the way for the formal awarding of these prestigious casino licenses to the most suitable gaming venues.

The newly appointed members are Marlon Phillips, III and Greg Reimers. Their additions bring the board’s total membership to five, joining Chair Vicki Been, Carlos Naudon, and Stuart Rabinowitz. This strengthened board will play a crucial role in recommending sites for the new casinos to the NYSGC.

About the New Board Members

Marlon Phillips, III

Marlon Phillips, III brings a wealth of experience in community development and DEI to the board. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Community Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at U.S. News & World Report. His previous roles at Empire State Development included significant involvement in major development projects like Queens West, Atlantic Yards, and the New York Empowerment Zone Corporation. This background is invaluable in assessing the community impact of potential casino sites.

Greg Reimers

Greg Reimers joins the board with extensive real estate expertise. He retired from JPMorgan Chase, where he held a senior position as a real estate banker. Prior to that, he served as an executive vice president at the Bank of New York, managing large teams providing commercial banking and real estate credit services. His deep understanding of real estate finance will be critical in evaluating the financial viability of proposed casino hotel locations.

The Role of the Gaming Facility Location Board

The New York Gaming Facility Location Board is tasked with a vital role in the casino siting process. While the New York State Gaming Commission ultimately makes the final decision on which groups will be awarded the licenses, the board provides crucial recommendations based on a variety of factors. These include:

• Crime considerations: Assessing the potential impact of a casino on local crime rates and public safety.
• Environmental impact: Evaluating the environmental consequences of developing a casino site.
• Traffic implications: Analyzing the potential increase in traffic congestion and infrastructure needs.
• Community feedback: Considering the concerns and opinions of local residents and businesses.

The process of awarding the three downstate casino permits has faced considerable challenges, including bureaucratic delays and scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. Governor Kathy Hochul recently vetoed legislation aimed at accelerating the bidding timeline, suggesting that the winning bidders will likely be announced later this year.

There is widespread speculation that MGM Resorts International’s Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York in Queens are strong contenders for two of the licenses. This means that the remaining permit is likely to be contested by a smaller number of applicants. The board’s recommendations will significantly influence the final outcome.

Why These Appointments Matter

The NYSGC’s decision to appoint experienced professionals like Phillips and Reimers reflects the importance of a thorough and well-informed site selection process. Their expertise in community development and real estate, respectively, will help ensure that the chosen casino locations are not only economically viable but also beneficial to the communities they are situated in. Choosing the right location is paramount for the success of any casino venture.

Here’s a quick fact: The economic impact of a new casino can be substantial, bringing jobs and tax revenue to a region. However, careful planning and community engagement are essential to maximize these benefits and mitigate potential negative consequences.

Conclusion

The appointment of Marlon Phillips, III and Greg Reimers to the New York Gaming Facility Location Board is a significant step forward in the process of awarding the state’s first downstate casino licenses. Their diverse expertise will be invaluable as the board makes recommendations to the NYSGC, ultimately shaping the future of the gaming industry in New York. The focus on community impact and practical considerations highlights the commission’s commitment to responsible development. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.

Explore more about casino regulations and the future of gaming in New York at 10BET.

How DeSantis’ Plan to Limit Ballot Initiatives Could Jeopardize Future Casino Licenses in Miami

The burgeoning hope for a new casino resort in the vibrant Miami area faces a significant hurdle, as the legal landscape for obtaining essential casino licenses becomes increasingly uncertain. This uncertainty stems from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent push to restrict citizen-led ballot initiatives, a move that could fundamentally alter how Floridians propose constitutional amendments. Such regulatory shifts could create complex roadblocks for developers seeking the necessary casino licenses, potentially impacting the future growth and expansion of the gaming industry in South Florida.

A Swift Push for Change

Governor DeSantis has initiated a special legislative session, urging lawmakers to swiftly approve his proposal. The draft legislation, as reported by CNN, aims to change the way petition drives translate into ballot referendums. Currently, Florida law allows for a ballot question if 900,000 signatures are collected in support of an initiative. However, DeSantis’s plan would mandate that each Floridian individually request a form from their local elections office to express support, effectively making it harder to gather the necessary signatures.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

This change is particularly relevant to the gaming industry, as exemplified by the 2018 Amendment 3 drive. This initiative successfully removed the power to award new casino licenses from state lawmakers, a significant victory for the industry’s expansion in Florida. The potential restriction of ballot initiatives could stifle future efforts to bring casinos to the state.

Potential Fallout with President Trump

DeSantis’s actions may also create friction with President Donald Trump, a resident of Florida. The Trump Organization owns Trump National Doral, a golf resort in Miami, and had previously attempted to secure a gaming license in 2021. This endeavor was spearheaded by the president’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric.

The desire to bring a casino to the Miami area is not exclusive to the Trump Organization. Fontainebleau Miami Beach owner Jeffrey Soffer has long expressed his interest in developing a casino at the iconic venue. Soffer has a history of supporting the Republican Party of Florida and various GOP officials within the state.

The push for casinos in Miami has faced opposition from local residents and prominent Republican donors like Ken Griffin, founder of Citadel. In a recent op-ed published in the Miami Herald, Griffin argued that Florida’s thriving economy, significantly boosted by the Miami region, could be negatively impacted by the addition of casinos.

DeSantis’s Rationale: Restoring Petition Integrity

Governor DeSantis maintains that his proposal is aimed at restoring integrity to the petition drive process. He has frequently stated that many signature collectors are paid staff for special interest groups, arguing that the Florida constitution should not be susceptible to the highest bidder.

Interestingly, the Seminole Tribe, which operates Hard Rock International – the dominant casino operator in Florida – may also welcome limitations on gaming-related ballot initiatives. In recent years, Florida lawmakers have introduced bills concerning the proximity of new gaming venues to existing Hard Rock casinos. This is a key factor driving interest in Miami as a potential location for a new casino, as it poses no geographic threat to the tribe’s established properties.

Key Facts About Casino Gambling in Florida

• Florida currently has 18 casinos in operation, generating over $2 billion in tax revenue annually.
• The Seminole Tribe operates the largest casino in Florida, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
• Amendment 3 (2018) significantly altered the process for awarding casino licenses, shifting power away from lawmakers.
• The debate over casino expansion in Miami often involves concerns about economic impact and competition with existing gaming operations.

Conclusion

Governor DeSantis’s plan to limit ballot initiatives presents a potential setback for the casino industry’s ambitions in Florida, particularly in the Miami area. While DeSantis argues his proposal is to ensure petition integrity, it could have significant repercussions for future gaming expansion and potentially strain relationships with key political figures. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between citizen-led initiatives and government control over constitutional amendments, with far-reaching implications for the state’s political and economic landscape.

US Military Members Misuse Travel Cards for Casino Gambling, Spending Over $500K

Image: MGM National Harbor. While many visit the Maryland establishment for entertainment, the facility became a frequent destination for service members using improper expenses to fund their sessions of casino gambling. (Image: MGM)

A recent report highlights a concerning trend of US military members misusing government-issued travel cards for unauthorized spending, particularly at casinos and nightclubs. During the 2023 fiscal year, service members spent over $500,000 on improper expenses using these cards, as revealed in a report by Task & Purpose, citing a Defense Department audit.

The Defense Department Audit: Uncovering Unauthorized Spending

The audit, titled “Audit of the DoD Government Travel Charge Card Program: The Visa IntelliLink Compliance Management System,” focused on potential fraud and unauthorized spending associated with the program. The findings paint a picture of service members leveraging their government travel charge cards (GTCCs) for personal entertainment and gambling, rather than strictly for official travel expenses.

MGM National Harbor: A Hub for Improper Charges

The report specifically detailed instances of improper charges at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Maryland. One service member, for example, engaged in five months of gambling, utilizing the card for cash withdrawals. This individual conducted 21 withdrawals, totaling $10,633 (including ATM fees), at both MGM National Harbor and another gaming property in Maryland. Despite some attempts to prevent these withdrawals, a significant number successfully went through.

These improper charges weren’t confined to specific times; many occurred on federal holidays like Super Bowl weekend, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco De Mayo, indicating a pattern of abuse during periods of increased leisure.

Online Spending: $150K on Google Play

The audit also revealed that a substantial portion of improper charges stemmed from online spending. Between 2020 and 2024, service members spent approximately $150,000 on Google Play apps using their government travel charge cards. This highlights a broader issue of misuse extending beyond physical locations.

Historical Precedents: Past Instances of Misconduct

The current audit isn’t an isolated incident. A 2015 audit by the Defense Department’s Inspector General’s office uncovered nearly $1 million in gambling charges and around $100,000 spent at strip clubs by service members. These past findings underscore a persistent vulnerability within the GTCC program.

Understanding the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program

The GTCC program is designed to provide military personnel with a convenient and secure way to pay for official travel expenses, such as hotels, meals, and car rentals. Officially, it’s intended to eliminate the need for travelers to use personal funds for mission-related travel. The program also offers insurance coverage for rental cars, lost luggage, and personal injury, alongside streamlined reimbursement processes through the DoD’s travel system.

The GTCC allows cardholders to withdraw cash, but it’s strictly meant for official business expenses. However, the audit reveals that these cards are being exploited for personal gain.

The Scale of Misuse: Billions in Transactions

The military issues approximately 2.3 million travel cards, with cardholders conducting about 24 million transactions in the 2023 fiscal year, totaling roughly $6.4 billion. While the vast majority of these transactions are legitimate and authorized, the improper spending highlighted by the recent audit represents a significant financial risk and a violation of military regulations.

The misuse of GTCCs not only impacts the Department of Defense financially but also raises concerns about fiscal responsibility and the potential for compromised judgment among service members.

Conclusion

The recent report detailing over $500,000 in improper gambling expenses incurred by US military members using government travel charge cards is a serious matter. This incident, along with past findings of significant misuse, underscores the need for stricter oversight and enforcement within the GTCC program. The program’s intended benefits – providing convenient payment for official travel expenses – are being undermined by unauthorized spending on entertainment and gambling. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhanced monitoring, clearer guidelines, and potentially disciplinary measures to ensure that these valuable resources are used appropriately and in accordance with regulations.

Keywords: military gambling, government travel cards, GTCC misuse, Defense Department audit, improper expenses, casino spending, online gambling, 10BET

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New Hampshire Gears Up for Online Casino Gambling: A Deep Dive into SB 168

New Hampshire is making waves in the iGaming landscape, with a new bill, Senate Bill 168 (SB 168), under consideration that could legalize online casino gambling within the state. This development marks a significant step towards expanding gaming options for residents and generating new revenue streams for the state. This article explores the details of SB 168, its potential impact on the state’s gaming industry, and the implications for major players like DraftKings.

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Understanding Senate Bill 168

Introduced by State Sen. Tim Lang (R-Belknap) and co-sponsored by Senators Daniel Innis (R-Grafton), Howard Pearl (R-Merrimack), and Keith Murphy (R-Hillsborough), SB 168 proposes to legalize online casino slot machines and interactive table games for individuals aged 18 and older residing within New Hampshire. The bill mandates that the New Hampshire Lottery solicit bids for at least three online gaming platform licenses, with a total cap of six licenses available.

Key Provisions of SB 168

• Brick-and-Mortar Partnerships: A crucial aspect of SB 168 is the requirement for online iGaming operators to partner with licensed brick-and-mortar charitable casinos. These partner casinos must operate slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and/or live dealer table games. This ensures a connection to existing gaming infrastructure and supports local charities.
• Tax Revenue Allocation: Online casino revenue will be subject to a 45% state tax. Of this, 50% will be allocated to the state’s general fund, providing a significant boost to state coffers. The remaining 50% will be divided between funds supporting the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf, and another dedicated to special education initiatives.
• Age Restriction: The bill maintains the existing legal gambling age of 18 for online casino participation. This is in contrast to the seven other US states with operational iGaming markets – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia – which have an age restriction of 21.

The Path to Legalization: A Legislative Landscape

SB 168 has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for further review. New Hampshire joins a growing number of states actively considering iGaming legislation in 2025, including Maryland, Indiana, Wyoming, New York, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. However, not all states are moving forward; lawmakers in Virginia recently abandoned their iGaming bill for the year.

DraftKings in New Hampshire: A Monopoly and Potential Expansion

DraftKings currently holds a monopoly on online sports wagering in New Hampshire, a result of a 2019 sports betting bill where DraftKings agreed to share revenue with the state in exchange for exclusive rights. The company also operates retail sportsbooks at four charitable gaming facilities across the state: The Brook in Seabrook, Revo Casino Manchester, Revo Casino Dover, and Gate City Casino in Nashua.

While DraftKings has not publicly commented on SB 168, it’s plausible they might be interested in expanding their presence to include iGaming operations in New Hampshire. However, the bill’s stipulation requiring partnerships with brick-and-mortar casinos could present challenges for a company seeking to maintain a dominant market position. The potential end of its sports betting monopoly is a key consideration.

Financial Connections: In 2023, DraftKings contributed $1K to Vote Tim Lang, Lang’s political action committee. More recently, Lang received contributions from Churchill Downs ($1K) and NH Gaming Holdings, LLC, a joint venture between Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and Manchester real estate developer Dick Anagnost. Last October, NH Gaming gave $3K to Lang, $1K to Pearl, and $750 to Innis.

Impact on the State’s Gaming Industry

The legalization of online casino gambling in New Hampshire has the potential to significantly reshape the state’s gaming industry. It would create new opportunities for existing brick-and-mortar casinos, particularly those operating charitable gaming facilities, and generate substantial tax revenue that can be directed towards important public services. It also positions New Hampshire as a leader in the evolving iGaming market.

A Counter Proposal: Raising the Gambling Age

While SB 168 aims to expand access to online casino gambling, another piece of legislation is being considered that could restrict participation. New Hampshire Rep. Sally Fellows (D-Grafton) has introduced House Bill 83, which seeks to raise the legal gambling age from 18 to 21. This bill is currently under review in the House Ways and Means Committee, creating a potential debate over the appropriate age for engaging in gambling activities.

Conclusion

SB 168 represents a pivotal moment for New Hampshire’s gaming landscape. If enacted, it promises to generate significant tax revenue while fostering partnerships between online and brick-and-mortar casinos. However, the debate surrounding the legal gambling age adds another layer of complexity to this evolving legislative process. The outcome of these discussions will have lasting consequences for the state’s economy and its approach to responsible gambling.

Conclusion

SB 168 is poised to transform New Hampshire’s gaming industry, offering new revenue streams through a 45% tax on online casino revenue. This revenue will be allocated to the state’s general fund, as well as dedicated funds for the elderly, disabled, blind, and deaf, and special education. The bill’s requirement for partnerships with existing brick-and-mortar casinos ensures a structured rollout while supporting charitable gaming initiatives. While concerns remain regarding the potential impact on the gambling age, SB 168 represents a significant step towards modernizing New Hampshire’s approach to online gaming.

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