Philadelphia should attempt to bid for its own casino according to a United States Representative that calls the city home. US Rep. Bob Brady has laid out plans for a casino owned by Philadelphia to be built at the foot of Walt Waltman Bridge in the South of the city. The project, which would need $500million in voter-approved borrowing, is a “no brainer” according to Brady and he stated there’s “absolutely no downside” to the resort. The obstacle for Brady is that the Gaming Control Board set yesterday as the deadline for applications for a licence. Brady reportedly wont be ready to pitch the idea to the state for another six months after a referendum is conducted to canvas the opinions of voters. Then there’s the Nutter – or to give him his full title Mayor Nutter – who is one of the staunchest opponents and if he’s anything like his name suggests then Brady and friends could be fighting a losing battle. If Brady is successful then he will bring in an “experienced operator” to handle the day-to-day running of the casino that could net the city $40m to $50m per year.
The Semiahmoo First Nation is opposing a planned $100million resort casino in British Columbia. The British Columbia Lottery Commission and Gateway Casino and Entertainment are proposing to build the resort in South Surrey on land the tribe claims is unceded aboriginal land. It’s also claimed that it could include sacred burial grounds and artefacts.
One casino magnate raised $41.5million after selling a Pablo Picasso at auction that once hung in the lobby of one of his properties. Steve Wynn put the “Still Life with Tulips” painting up for sale with Sotheby’s with three bidders eventually battling it out for the picture that was expected to fetch anything from $35m to $50m. Philip Hook, a senior specialist that handles European clients with Sotheby’s, fielded the winning bid and the buyer will remain anonymous. The painting once hung in the lobby of Wynn Las Vegas and what will replace it only Wynn knows.
