Friday

06-13-2025 Vol 1990

Casino Collectibles Show Opens Amid Industry Developments

The Casino Collectibles Association is hosting the world’s largest casino collectibles show starting Thursday at South Point’s Exhibit Hall D, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

This three-day event marks its 32nd iteration, featuring a wide array of casino memorabilia that has become a magnet for collectors over the years.

Admission prices vary across the show’s opening days, set at $10 on Thursday, $5 from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, and free thereafter for the rest of Friday and all day Saturday.

Attendees can explore an impressive collection of gaming chips, tokens, dice, cards, and various casino-related items displayed by over 40 dealers expected to participate.

Brad Smith, a representative of the Casino Collectibles Association and its Museum of Gaming History, shared insights about the significance of the event, praising it as the greatest gathering of casino memorabilia.

In addition to the exhibits, the event lineup includes presentations from notable guest speakers.

Michael Clifford, director of casino operations at Caesars Entertainment, is scheduled to speak on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Later that day, author David Schwartz will present his insights on “Something for Your Money,” a history of Las Vegas casinos at 1 p.m.

On Friday, Matt Savage, of the World Poker Tour, will engage attendees at 9 a.m., followed by Pam Ashlund, recognized for her expertise on swizzle sticks, at 11 a.m.

The show will culminate on Saturday with demonstrations by blackjack cheater Dustin Marks, scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

In a separate development within the gambling sector, conversations around indoor smoking bans in Las Vegas casinos are stirring interest and advocacy from multiple organizations.

Non-smoking advocates are urging publicly traded casino companies to examine the financial ramifications of instituting an indoor smoking ban.

As part of this initiative, Caesars Entertainment is poised to hold its annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday, where a proposal regarding the economic impact of smoking bans will be put to a vote.

Both the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) and Trinity Health have backed resolutions calling for studies on the financial benefits of smoke-free environments in casinos.

These proposals are under scrutiny from shareholders of various companies, including Boyd Gaming and Wynn Resorts, who have already dismissed the resolutions.

Meanwhile, shareholders of Penn Entertainment have their vote scheduled for June 17.

Paula Larson-Shusster, a dealer at Caesars, expressed her concerns about the health risks related to smoking in casinos, stating, “This is causing long-term health care issues with chronic COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other breathing issues.”

Another significant development is taking shape in Thailand where the government is proposing a multibillion-dollar entertainment complex that includes casinos.

The ambitious project aims to incorporate indoor stadiums, exhibition centers, amusement parks, and cultural venues to combat seasonal tourism downturns.

Inspired by successful integrated resort models in Singapore and Japan, this initiative is anticipated to enhance Thailand’s GDP by as much as 0.8 percent annually, while also aiming to triple average tourist spending.

Investors will be encouraged to contribute at least $3.1 billion to join the venture, showcasing a large-scale commitment to the region’s entertainment industry.

Prominent companies such as Las Vegas Sands Corp. and MGM Resorts International have already expressed interest in exploring the gaming opportunities that Thailand offers.

In recent financial news from Macao, the region has reported its highest gross gaming revenue for the year, reaching $2.62 billion in May.

This figure marks a 5 percent increase compared to May 2024 and brings the five-month total revenue to $12.1 billion, surpassing last year’s performance.

Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts, which operate properties in Macao, continue to keep a keen eye on the evolving market landscape.

Overall, the developments within both local and international gaming sectors highlight ongoing adaptations and innovations as stakeholders navigate health trends, tourist demands, and economic shifts.

image source from:https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/inside-gaming-worlds-largest-casino-collectibles-show-this-week-more-news-3383211/

Charlotte Hayes