STATESIDE
tens of millions in mid-January. Every casino in its path confronted closures or reduced activity.
Or, political leaders may cause business uncertainty that will reach across state borders. Three major elections last November may impact not only their states/metro areas, but could also reverberate in the economic markets.
I predicted in this column last fall that New York City would elect self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist Zohran Momdani. They did and he took offi ce on January 1. As promised, he seeks free or subsidized “stuff” that has already created an exodus of businesses and high-end real estate owners. More to come on that, but it’s too late for the three casinos who received their licenses on December 15, 2025. They’re already in for billions in investments and will probably operate to a somewhat smaller audience. Virginia’s Democratic Governor Abigail
Spanberger’s immediate executive orders included tax increases on income, deliveries and several other categories. She also wants a wide range of free healthcare for many undocumented immigrants living in Virginia. It’s a safe “bet” taxpayers will a cost-of- living rise. The Commonwealth of Virginia has four permanent Class III casinos-with a fi fth under construction. Nine only operate gaming machines. How that affects local gaming remains to be seen.
Finally, there’s New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill. She was sworn in just a week before this writing so I can’t give you realistic interpretations and predictions about her tenure. Sherrill has an impressive educational and career resume. She served in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Congress and worked as a lawyer. Sherrill considers herself a moderate. I hope so because New Jersey has plenty of problems to solve. With exorbitant property and gas taxes, highway toll increases and her unknown philosophies on gaming issues, I am unsure how this will play out for Atlantic City’s casinos and the racinos up north.
mother Cindy happy. He and my niece live in Las Vegas. Cindy likes to visit from Toronto and gamble multiple times a year. Now, because her money will stretch further, maybe she’ll “invest” more in those slot machines and tables.
Sharon Harris
I read that Sherrill roomed with Abigail Spanberger when they both served in Congress. After what I’ve mentioned above, will Sherrill copy Spanberger’s executive orders? As a New Jersey resident, I hope not. On an unrelated subject, I love a new downtown Las Vegas promotion. Canadian customer visits declined in 2025, thanks to negative exchange rates. So, how have downtown locations Circa, The D and Golden Gate countered that?
The answer is “At Par.” Through August 31, including the hot summer months, this promotion will equalize the playing field by accepting Canadian and U.S. dollars equally for specific gaming, hotel and beverage items.
This should make my nephew Sean’s
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
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