Inside Gaming: Top financial executive for Bally’s Corp. resigns

Bally’s Corp. is changing financial leadership as the casino operator works through plans for a major mixed-use development surrounding the Athletics’ under-construction Las Vegas ballpark.

The company named President George Papanier interim chief financial officer effective Sept. 4, replacing Mira Mircheva, who is resigning for personal reasons. Mircheva will remain with Bally’s through Sept. 30 to assist with the transition while the company searches for a permanent CFO. Papanier will continue serving as Bally’s president and a member of its board.

Papanier has more than 40 years of gaming industry experience and has led Bally’s land-based casino operations since 2021. A certified public accountant, he previously served as the company’s president and CEO from 2011 to 2021 and had a previous stint as interim CFO in 2023.

The leadership change comes as Bally’s moves forward with plans for the 26-acre former Tropicana Las Vegas site, where the A’s are building a $2 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark scheduled to open in 2028. Clark County commissioners recently approved land-use entitlements for portions of Bally’s planned development, including a mixed-use podium, parking and a 2,500-seat theater.

The company has divided development of the site into multiple phases. Plans call for a three-level, 953-space parking garage beneath a plaza featuring retail, dining and entertainment uses, along with the theater and temporary surface parking. A hotel-casino is planned for a later phase, with related permits scheduled for consideration by Clark County commissioners Sept. 16.

Against the backdrop of the executive change, questions still remain about Bally’s long-term role in the Las Vegas development. An unnamed group has expressed interest in potentially acquiring the company’s planned $1.1 billion project. Clark County officials have said the development entitlements run with the land, meaning another developer could use them if Bally’s ultimately does not move forward with the project.

MGM, BetMGM commit $300K for RG awareness month

MGM Resorts International and BetMGM are committing more than $300,000 to responsible gaming research and programs in addition to their GameSense messaging at professional sports venues, including two Las Vegas arenas.

The companies announced the initiatives as part of Responsible Gaming Education Month, an annual September campaign organized by the American Gaming Association. The $320,000 commitment includes research funding through the International Center for Responsible Gaming, expanded sponsorships of state problem gambling councils and support for the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. MGM Resorts and BetMGM are also donating to the Evive Foundation, which provides digital resources and peer support for people affected by gambling.

GameSense messaging will appear at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Michelob Ultra Arena, home of the Las Vegas Aces, for the first time in 2026. The program is already promoted at Allegiant Stadium and a number of other NFL stadiums and MLB ballparks around the country. Messaging displayed on LED ribbons and scoreboards is designed to encourage responsible gambling before games.

“Player protection is a priority every day at BetMGM, and (Responsible Gaming Education Month) gives us an opportunity to highlight those efforts,” said Rhea Loney, BetMGM’s chief compliance officer. “Through GameSense messaging in professional sports venues, employee education, and investments in research and support services, we are helping players access the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions.”

MGM Resorts and BetMGM also said they have now certified more than 3,000 employees as GameSense Advisors. The training program, which teaches employees about responsible gaming and how to engage with customers on the issue, has expanded to workers in more than 45 gaming and non-gaming departments.

“What makes reaching 3,000 GameSense Advisors so meaningful is the number of employees who have chosen to take an active role in promoting responsible gaming for our guests. That collective commitment is helping us expand the reach and impact of our program across our company,” Stephen Martino, senior vice president and chief compliance officer for MGM Resorts, said in a statement.

Other efforts planned for September include educational booths at Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties in partnership with the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, responsible gaming messages at retail sportsbooks and on MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas marquees, and targeted emails directing BetMGM customers to responsible gaming tools and resources. The companies also plan to survey guests and customers about responsible gaming.

MGM Resorts is separately partnering with Carleton University on a study involving casino employees, while BetMGM is continuing its partnership with EPIC Global Solutions to offer employees sessions focused on the experiences of people affected by problem gambling.

Golden Nugget hosting job fair this month

A downtown Las Vegas casino is looking to add experienced dealers to its gaming operations this month, with open interviews planned for craps and dual rate positions.

Golden Nugget Las Vegas will hold the hiring event beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 23 at Rush Lounge on the casino floor. The property is seeking craps dealers with at least six months of dealing experience, as well as full-time dual rate dealers with craps experience. Day and swing shifts are available for the dual rate positions.

Candidates are encouraged to apply online before attending the event and should bring a current resume. Applicants who receive an offer will be directed to the property’s human resources department to begin the hiring process and should be prepared to undergo background checks and drug screenings.