STATESIDE
Arnold Rothstein
Ironically, Rose’s 2004 autobiography, My Prison Without Bars, admits he bet on baseball and other sports, but never against the team. I don’t think these two MLB cases will cause any long-term damage, but the look is not good. The gaming industry, the sports world and all interested parties must not let their guard down as they continue to work towards a system with integrity that confi rms the public’s trust. Speaking of crime, I’ve been writing about the slipping tourism numbers in Las Vegas since the summer. The 3,000,000-visitor total in September refl ected an 8.8 percent decrease from 2024. The national 43-day government shutdown impacted airline travel, which always affects Las Vegas. No one needed that headache.
disappeared, the judge had to dismiss the case. However, the MLB permanently banned all eight accused White Sox players.
Unfortunately, Rothstein’s luck didn’t last. He was murdered in 1928 after refusing to pay a debt from a fi xed poker game.
In modern times, legendary baseball player Pete Rose, nicknamed Charlie Hustle, fi rst with the Cincinnati Reds and then my hometown Philadelphia Phillies, earned numerous awards during his 1963-1986 career.
Rose’s downfall came in early 1989. He admitted betting on football, basketball and horseracing, but not baseball. A 1989 investigation accused Rose of wagering $2,000 and $10,000 a day on 52 Reds games while manager.
By August 1989, Rose accepted his ineligibility to enter Baseball’s Hall of Fame if the MLB dropped the charges. After many later failed attempts, his daughter Fawn succeeded in getting him reinstated on the eligibility list by late 2024. President Donald Trump posthumously pardoned Rose in February 2025, leading to a May 2025 league change removing permanent bans after an individual’s death.
To address growing concerns, Las Vegas created The Resort Corridor Court specialized court in 2022. The court handled petty theft, assault, drug violations and loitering. Offenders faced a 12-month ban from the Strip. The court lasted less than two years once judges questioned its legality. Supporters-mainly casino and resort owners-now advocate for Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s new crime package amendment.
The “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act,” would increase penalties for repeat offenders and other crimes, including smash-and-grab robberies, possession of child pornography, assault and battery against hospitality employees, and fatal DUIs, stalking and cyberstalking. Tourism offi cials assert it’s time to revive the plan to ensure guest and employee safety. If tourists feel threatened, they patronize different areas and cost workers business.
I say go for it. Nothing will attract customers faster than feeling like they are not only safe, but that law enforcement has their back when dealing with punishments. The nickname “Sin City” for Las Vegas is no longer a joke if visitors have to look over their shoulders.
Have a very happy holiday season, safe travels wherever they take you and a wonderful new year. Here’s to only good things in 2026.
Sharon Harris
Sharon has worked in the casino and coin- operated amusement industries since the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Sharon transferred her public relations and journalism skills to the gaming industry. She wrote her fi rst feature for Casino International predecessor EUROSLOT magazine in 1994.
As Associate Editor, North America for Casino International, Sharon has chronicled the explosive growth of U.S. gaming and reported on its most signifi cant changes. She has traveled across America to participate in dozens of industry events and has interviewed
hundreds of gaming operators,
executives and suppliers.
BMM qp strip CI
Nov25.indd 1
5/11/25 17:30
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104
