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International Casino Conference to provide exclusive insight on history-making acquisition of Palms Las Vegas in keynote presentation

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The International Casino Conference, which takes place on Monday 6th February and serves as a curtain-raiser to ICE London (7th-9th February) will feature a total of 150 industry thought leaders delivering invaluable insight and informed opinion covering gaming politics, emerging markets, regulation, entertainment spend, the experience economy as well as exclusive insights on the major casino development projects making the industry headlines.

Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas and Laurens Vosloo, CEO San Manuel Casino will be among the global thought leaders sharing their experience in relation to the April 2022 opening of the Palms Casino Resort by the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority, an opening which took place just 132 days after receiving the licence to operate.

Ahead of the keynote presentation taking place at ICC Laurens Vosloo, Management Committee Member, San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority and Chief Executive Officer of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians said: “Owning a casino resort in the entertainment and gaming mecca of Las Vegas was a long-term vision realised as part of the Tribe’s investment and diversification strategy. At the International Casino Conference, we will be sharing the story of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and how they made history by becoming the first Native American tribe to wholly own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas.”

He added: “The San Manuel Tribe is known for their generosity and contributions to building-up communities as a way of showing their gratitude for the kindness that others showed them throughout their journey to self-reliance and sovereignty.

“The journey of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians through time to become one of Southern California’s leading employers and their history-making acquisition of Palms involved many discoveries along the way. Providing for the community is at the heart of the Tribe’s values, including creating jobs for 1,200 team members, 50% of whom were returning Palms team members.”

Reflecting on the huge logistical challenges of preparing such an iconic hospitality venue, Cynthia Kiser Murphey, General Manager, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas, commented: “Our team opened Palms in less than four months —a period which included sourcing, hiring, and training 1,200 exceptional team members; overcoming strategic sourcing and supply chain issues and dealing with unknowns that we encountered as the first Tribal entity to own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas.

“We are grateful that so many original Palms team members re-joined our team at opening. Team members expressed their desire to return because of the magic they feel when working here together. Their energy and enthusiasm are the reasons Palms continues to thrive.”

Since opening, Palms has established a reputation for delivering exceptional service to guests. Cynthia Kiser Murphey confirmed: “The property was fully renovated in 2019 so our guests will find stunning guestrooms and suites, including ten iconic themed suites; the one and only Ghostbar ultra lounge with breath taking views of the Las Vegas Strip; delicious dining options including the award-winning Scotch 80 Prime steakhouse; Vetri by renowned chef Marc Vetri; Mabel’s BBQ from famed Chef Michael Symon and so much more. Hospitality is a hallmark of the Tribe and put into practice at Palms where team members strive to go above and beyond to ensure guests have fun and enjoy their visit to its fullest.”

She concluded: “We are also thankful for the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority’s vision and the opportunity to create positive change in the Las Vegas community. Their contributions in the community are making it stronger and more resilient. They truly are an amazing organization to work for.”

For more information on the International Casino Conference taking place at ICC Capital Suite, ExCeL London: www.icelondon.uk.com/ice-vox/international-casino-conference

ICE London, 7th – 9th February, ExCeL London, is the biggest b2b gambling industry event in the world and features games creators, distributors, operators, retailers, innovators, trade associations, strategic bodies and regulators – representing every gaming vertical. To join the global gaming community and gather ideas, connect with like-minded industry peers and identify new opportunities visit: www.icelondon.uk.com

DUPR Ratings

USA Pickleball “Golden Ticket” Returns to Las Vegas: February 2026 at the Plaza

Published

1 hour ago

January 7, 2026

Wladimir P.

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USA Pickleball is heading back to the “Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World” for the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket – Las Vegas, presented by Tommy Bahama.

Taking place from February 18–22, 2026, the event moves to a new iconic home at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas. As a premier qualifying event for the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships, this tournament offers amateur players their fastest “Path to Nationals.”

The “Golden Ticket” Advantage

In the competitive world of pickleball, a “Golden Ticket” is the ultimate prize for amateur athletes.

Priority Registration: Gold medalists in each age and skill bracket receive a Golden Ticket, granting them guaranteed priority registration for the National Championships in November.
Tiered Point System (TPS): Participants who do not win gold still earn maximum ranking points toward Nationals eligibility, as Golden Ticket events sit at the highest tier of the sanctioned points system.
Official Rankings: As a sanctioned event, results are reported to DUPR, providing athletes with verified skill ratings.

Venue Spotlight: The Plaza Hotel & Casino

The Plaza has established itself as the premier pickleball destination in Las Vegas, boasting more courts than any other hotel-casino resort in the city.

16 Tournament-Level Courts: The venue features 12 permanent rooftop courts and a dedicated championship court area that can expand to accommodate large-scale tournament play.
Rooftop Experience: Players compete on the Plaza’s fifth-floor pool deck, offering panoramic views of the Las Vegas valley and the historic Fremont Street District.
Capacity: The event expects to host over 500 athletes across five days of high-stakes competition.

“This venue allows us to deliver an extraordinary athlete experience, from professional operations to the energy that makes Las Vegas such a special host city,” said Jose Moreno, Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball.

Tournament Registration & Logistics

Registration for the Las Vegas Golden Ticket is currently open, with several key deadlines and costs for participants:

Registration Deadline: February 8, 2026.
Cost: $95 Registration Fee + $45 Event Fee (Amateurs).
Skill Levels: Open to players in skill brackets 3.0 to 5.0, with age divisions ranging from 19 to 80+.
Exclusive Rates: A special hotel rate is available at the Plaza using group code SUSAPGT for bookings made by February 2nd.

For more information on Golden Ticket tournaments and the Path to Nationals, visit https://usapickleball.org/goldenticket/.

The post USA Pickleball “Golden Ticket” Returns to Las Vegas: February 2026 at the Plaza appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

DUPR Ratings

USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Heads to the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas next month

Published

1 hour ago

January 7, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

usa-pickleball-golden-ticket-heads-to-the-plaza-hotel-and-casino-in-downtown-las-vegas-next-month

USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Las Vegas presented by Tommy Bahama set for Feb. 18-22

USA Pickleball is returning to Las Vegas next month with the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket – Las Vegas presented by Tommy Bahama, bringing one of the organization’s premier qualifying events back to the city after a highly successful 2024 tournament. The event will take place Feb. 18–22, at the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas, offering athletes a new venue and an elevated tournament experience.

Golden Ticket Tournaments are official qualifying events for the USA Pickleball National Championships, the sport’s most prestigious competition. Winners earn a coveted Golden Ticket, securing priority registration to Nationals, while all participants earn points as part of USA Pickleball’s Tiered Point System.

Golden Ticket Tournaments attract top players from across the country, offering a professionally run environment with certified referees, official rules, and first-class venues designed for fair and competitive play. As sanctioned USA Pickleball events, participants earn official DUPR ratings and ranking points, helping athletes track progress and advance competitively.

“We’re excited to bring the Golden Ticket back to Las Vegas and to do it at the Plaza Hotel and Casino, with an expected 500+ athletes,” said Jose Moreno, Chief Marketing Officer of USA Pickleball. “This venue allows us to deliver an extraordinary athlete experience, from professional operations to the energy that makes Las Vegas such a special host city. Golden Ticket tournaments are a vital part of The Path to Nationals, and Las Vegas is the perfect place for players to test themselves, earn their way forward, and compete among the best in the country.”

“With the most pickleball courts of any resort, the Plaza has become the premier destination for pickleball in Las Vegas,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “We are excited to host this prestigious tournament and welcome the top USA Pickleball players from across the country to the Plaza. This event will be one not to miss with exciting, competitive matches played on our courts that offer unforgettable views of the Las Vegas valley.”

A special hotel rate at the Plaza is available for tournament participants. Rooms must be reserved online by Feb. 2, with group code SUSAPGT at https://book.passkey.com/go/SUSAPGT. Guests can also make reservations by phone, 1-800-634-6575, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information on Golden Ticket tournaments and the Path to Nationals, visit https://usapickleball.org/goldenticket/.

The post USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Heads to the Plaza Hotel and Casino in downtown Las Vegas next month appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

BetMGM

BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

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BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, has officially partnered with FashionTV Gaming Group to launch a curated portfolio of luxury-branded games. This strategic collaboration marks the entry of FashionTV’s iconic aesthetic into the North American iGaming market, exclusively through BetMGM’s platforms.

The partnership merges FashionTV’s global prestige in the worlds of fashion and high-society entertainment with BetMGM’s award-winning digital casino infrastructure.

Immersive Luxury Table Games

The initial rollout features two high-gloss table games designed to provide players with an “immersive, lifestyle-driven” experience that mirrors the sophistication of the FashionTV brand.

FashionTV Blackjack: A premium take on the casino classic, featuring refined visual assets and high-end production values.
FashionTV Roulette: A sleek, stylized version of the iconic wheel, bringing a “fashion-forward” energy to every spin.

The titles are currently live in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a wider rollout planned for all jurisdictions where BetMGM Casino is active.

Strategic Vision and 2026 Roadmap

For BetMGM, the partnership is part of a broader “branded content” strategy that includes previous successes with major TV and movie franchises.

“At BetMGM, we have redefined what it means to deliver entertainment in iGaming,” said Oliver Bartlett, VP of Gaming at BetMGM. “By partnering with FashionTV Gaming Group, we’re creating experiences that go beyond gameplay and connect players to the brands they love.”

Moshe Cohen, Founder & President of FashionTV Gaming Group, added: “BetMGM’s leadership and scale make them the perfect partner to transform our vision into a North American success story.”

Looking ahead, BetMGM has confirmed that additional FashionTV-branded titles—including slots and potentially live dealer variants—will be released throughout 2026 as part of an expanding content pipeline.

The post BetMGM and FashionTV Gaming Group Bring Luxury Lifestyle to North American iGaming appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.