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ARE TAKEOVER'S BY INVESTMENT GROUPS A WAVE OF THE FUTURE ?
January 22, 2007
TOP CASINO TAKEOVER TARGETS | www.lasvegassun.com
It makes an interesting way to have your cake and eat it too. Just take a serious look at the recently semi completed deal with Harrah's Entertainment. It still requires approval. The $17 Billion takeover price was about what I had suggested in prior articles on the subject. If you add on the $10 Billion plus additional acquired debt, it places this purchase right at the top of all the casino property buyouts. It also may not be the end of what what is seen in the near future. There are a couple of companies just turning ripe enough to catch the eye of other investment groups trying to make a break through into this extraordinary business of gaming. It's going to interesting to see how the market will react if this becomes the norm rather than the exception.
THE EMPLOYEE JITTERS ARE NOT UNCOMMON AT THIS STAGE
January 17, 2007
HARRAH'S EMPLOYEES ILL AT EASE | www.lasvegassun.com
It does not seem as though Harrah's employees are giving the potential new owners a chance to get themselves settled. There is a lot to be said as to who stays at their posts and who will get their walking papers. The facts are, at this point in the sale process, it's a bit premature to contemplate decisions that have not even been made yet. The deal still needs to be finalized and the new owners must be licensed. It's at least an 12 to 18 month process - that is if all goes well. The rumors will get a bit more concise and the majority of staff will be there when the bell rings.
THERE ARE SOME TROUBLING THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS ENDEAVOR
January 17, 2007
VOTERS SIGNAL SUPPORT FOR MORE GAMING - CALIFORNIA | newsletter.casinocity.com
The real dilemma in this is having different tribes vie for gaming space in area's that are not Native Soil. This can have a very real effect on the thought that Tribal Land is the only place Las Vegas style gaming can take place in California. There is demand for additional gaming to help support revenues of California, not to mention the support for the communities that gaming will serve. It's a hard nut to crack and allowing Tribes to jump the reservations to add more gaming to their pockets only serves their interests - the serious problem here is about you and I. We have no chance to open casinos unless it's in states that allow gaming to anyone that can be licensed and has the funds to make it happen. So where will it lead...
CAN THIS REALLY PUT A DAMPER ON ATLANTIC CITY GAMING
January 11, 2007
Smoking Ban May Burn Atlantic City Casinos | www.thestreet.com
The true test for Atlantic City casinos is not if smoking will allowed - at this point it will not. What real effect will it have on the gaming industry, not much, I suspect. Taking a hard look will tell you that real players will find a game anywhere. Smoking or not. There will be some who will opt out for a while, but the only game in town will eventually draw them back. I can't see any long term hardship on any of the properties.
LOOKS LIKE A DONE DEAL FOR HARRAH'S ENTERTAINMENT
December 19, 2006
HARRAH'S SAID TO AGREE ON $16.7 BILLION BUYOUT | www.reviewjournal.com
This will be the largest buyout in the gaming business to date. It will have a resounding effect on how other companies look to take over major companies in the future. There has been no confirmed statements from either side as of yet. Look to hear some news as early as this evening or possibly tomorrow. (12/19/2006)
STATIONS CASINOS JUST DOING THEIR THING AGAIN
December 15, 2006
LOOKING IN ON GAMING | www.lasvegassun.com
Looks like Stations are at it again - another new property designed to go midway between their Red Rock Casino and the Aliante Casino which is now being developed. Their proposed new property, Durango Stations, will be on the same Beltway that covers the NW part of Las Vegas and should complete their monopoly of this very lucrative area. Secondly and even more important they have been talking with Colony Capital of Los Angeles in an effort to take the company private. This was announced very recently and did not have many eyebrows raised at the thought.
IS THERE ANYONE THAT DIDN'T SEE THIS COMING ???
December 13, 2006
Harrah's to Get Sweetened Bid From Buyout Group | online.wsj.com
Sweeten the bid - just what the doctor ordered. Harrah's Entertainment will be in meetings today (12/13/2006) to try and make heads or tails out the offers they have received regarding taking their company private. It could certainly happen, however, don't overlook the possibility of them moving toward recapitalization and rejecting the bids. Regardless of what direction they take it will impact the industry to a major degree.
IT'S A GOOD MOVE FOR THE SEMINOLE'S
December 11, 2006
Seminole Tribe Buys Hard Rock Chain | online.wsj.com
This acquisition will make it possible for the Seminole Tribe to do legitimate business off tribal lands. The move may also allow them to take part in Casino activities anywhere gaming is allowed under the guise of their New Brand Ownership. Make no mistake, it will set them apart from other tribes as the HardRock name is a solid commodity and will be a terrific asset for them.
IT'S A GREAT WAY TO RAISE CAPITAL - IS IT BEST WAY FOR THE INDUSTRY TO GO??
December 11, 2006
CASINOS FIND PRIVATE FUNDS A WAY TO GO | www.lasvegassun.com
Raising funds by going private is a way to keep dollars with in the new company structure and have a bit less obligation paying off the debt service. It's a much easier to have the invested dollars be more flexible and innovated then being obligated to report all transactions to the public and stockholders. It's will certainly affect the way large institutions do business in the future.
WHAT COULD THEY BE THINKING / CHANGE ODDS FOR A BETTER PLAYER
December 4, 2006
LOOKING IN ON GAMING | www.lasvegassun.com
The thought of allowing a casino to give a higher end player an advantage on slots by changing the slot hold is ludicrous. Can the damage ever be mended if this stupid move is actually put into play.
To have the Nevada Gaming Commission even consider such a move would destroy the trust that players have in the fairness of the Nevada system.
IS THIS REALLY GOING TO LEAD ANYWHERE ?
December 1, 2006
ANALYSTS QUESTION PENN NATIONAL'S BID FOR HARRAH'S | www.reviewjournal.com
Do we really need to hear any more on the subject of Penn National and their bid for Harrah's? Is it a serious move on their part to buy Harrah's Entertainment - let alone be capable of running an organization of Harrah's stature. The impact of this is mind boggling - is there really an investment firm out there that would actually finance a buy out for PN - I kind of doubt it.
HERE AN OFFER, THERE AN OFFER, EVERYWHERE AN OFFER-OFFER
November 29, 2006
HARRAH'S REPORTED TO BE TARGET OF ANOTHER TAKEOVER OFFER | www.reviewjournal.com
What a terrific position to be in - everyone wants to buy your company, but just can't seem to get the numbers correct. Harrah's must be loving all the attention, not to mention the jump in their stock. No doubt it will level off again very soon. It's hard to determine, at this writing, if there is any real significance to this recent offer. The investment community will no doubt keep a keen eye on what transpires over the next few weeks. It's a great buy if they are able to get the Stock Holders to agree.
November 20, 2006
WYNN RESORTS TO BUILD SECOND HOTEL-CASINO IN MACAU | www.reviewjournal.com
Is there anyone out there that didn't see this coming? It was a certainty as soon as the doors opened for the first days business in Macau that a new one would be on the way soon. I suggested this in some previous articles. It will put Wynn Resorts in a position to do whatever they want in the future - their financial future will brighten by many mega wats.
WHERE HAVE ALL THEY PLAYERS GONE???
November 20, 2006
TIGHT CASINO MACHINES TURNING OFF GAMBLERS | www.reviewjournal.com
Where have all the casino players gone? The answer is they are still there. Can a company decide to increase their hold (% captured) on payouts. Sure they can - Is it a legal maneuver? It certainly is. Can the customers do anything about it? Certainly they can - Stop Playing at that casino. It does not take long for the powers to be to get the message.
A GOOD SIGN FOR LOCAL EMPLOYEE'S
November 20, 2006
COLUMBIA SUSSEX EXECS SHIFT FOCUS OF TROPICANA WORKERS | www.reviewjournal.com
Columbia Sussex is smartly jumping the gun a bit by planning a talk with their new staff at the Tropicana. They need to reassure the people that they are welcome to stay and plan their future with C-S. We are all aware that there will certainly be changes at the top and the main man will wish to bring his own people to help run this valuable property. This will keep them settled until they actually take the reins and should also please the investment crowd.
COMPETITION HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD FOR CASINO'S
November 8, 2006
PALA BAND BUYS LAND AROUND ANOTHER TRIBE'S CASINO | www.indianz.com
The Pauma Tribal council should not go out with tears in their eyes about the prospect of Pala buying property around their casino. The impact of a new casino can only enhance business - not stifle it. The only fear that the Pauma's should have is if they try to rest on their laurels.
SAME OLD, SAME OLD - WHEN WILL THEY WAKE UP AND SMELL THE ROSES
November 7, 2006
RIVIERA SHIFTS TACTICS - AIMS FOR CUSTOMERS | www.reviewjournal.com
How in the world does the Riviera plan to make an impact on a new customer base? They have the same old, outdated property with little or nothing to offer a new guest. So the Stardust closed and they expect to pick up all the loose customers - get a life. The better story for them would be to consider either doing a major face lift or a complete new property - a new hotel would be a better decision. I don't think investors or stock holders are really looking to put a new face on an old body. It makes little sense to invest the type of dollars needed to bring this hotel up to 2006 standards.
TRUMP AND WYNN TOGETHER - HARD TO FIGURE
November 6, 2006
TRUMP, WYNN SILENT ABOUT POSSIBLE CASINO | www.reviewjournal.com
This could be a great way for two of the most respected guys in the gaming business to light up Atlantic City. These are two hard hitters that will have a very hard time working together - they both are in a very favored position with the lending community and investment groups. It would certainly be a significant partnership and have a spectacular effect on AC gaming. Could it be a fact?????
IT WILL ALL COME OUT IN THE WASH
October 30, 2006
HARRAH'S PAID PREMIUM FOR BARBARY COAST LAND | www.reviewjournal.com
Harrah's has completed their land purchase that will give them close to 350 acres that front on the strip from the Venetian to Flamingo Rd. There has been no mention of their plans for this property, however I look for them to play Can You Top This with MGM Mirage (Project City Center) and Boyds Echelon. If I were a betting man, my money would ride on the side of spectacular. Thats what it will have to be to justify land costs.
LAS VEGAS PROVES AGAIN TO BE A STRONG MARKET
October 24, 2006
BIG SIX SWINGING BIG STICKS | www.reviewjournal.com
The numbers are in and again Las Vegas has proven that they are still on top of their game. The majors have taken strides to keep their data bases alive and well. The Strip has always been a great place for the Investment community to place their dollars. It's been proven time and again that Las Vegas hotels know how to operate in a profitable manner in good and bad times.
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