Players International News

The offshore market remains buoyant, with exploration and production driving new fleet investment, design innovation in vessel efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Operations in more challenging offshore environments are also demanding enhanced vessel maneuverability, station-keeping and overall safety, in line with tightening regulations. The sector’s opportunities and its cutting edge technology will be on show at Europort 2013, the maritime exhibition taking place at Ahoy Rotterdam November 5-8, 2013, said Raymond Silliakus, Europort Exhibition Manager.

Players International, Inc. will have to pay the state of Louisiana $10.2 million and sell its two Lake Charles riverboats for failing to report its dealings with pizza restauranteur Richard Shetler, who has admitted to funneling a total of $550,000 in cash and goods from Players to Edwin Edwards and his son Stephen as part of a four-year conspiracy to extort money from the riverboat company. The settlement with the Louisiana Gaming Board follows an investigation into allegations Players paid money under the table to help it secure a riverboat gaming license during the administration of former Governor Edwards. In a report released in August, 1999, Special Assistant Attorney General Raymond Lamonica concluded Players should be fined and stripped of its Louisiana gaming licenses.

The operators of many of the riverboat casinos along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are likely to enjoy smooth sailing as growing demand, limited new supply, and relaxed regulations support stronger operating results and possibly rating upgrades, Moody's Investors Service reports. The rating agency also cautions, however, looser gaming restrictions in one jurisdiction or the strengthening of one casino's position through the addition of new amenities could put pressure on neighboring operations. "Overall, our rating outlook is positive and we expect more upgrades than downgrades of companies in this industry over the next 6-18 months," says Moody's VP/senior analyst Todd Gray.

The operators of many of the riverboat casinos along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are likely to enjoy smooth sailing as growing demand, limited new supply, and relaxed regulations support stronger operating results and possibly rating upgrades, Moody's Investors Service reports. The rating agency also cautions, however, looser gaming restrictions in one jurisdiction or the strengthening of one casino's position through the addition of new amenities could put pressure on neighboring operations. "Overall, our rating outlook is positive and we expect more upgrades than downgrades of companies in this industry over the next 6-18 months," says Moody's VP/Senior Analyst Todd Gray.