Hartford’s XL Center is a prime candidate for major sports betting venue, providing possible boost for long-debated renovation (Courant)

[huskymedic]

Worth the read...




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-> The Connecticut Lottery Corp. is zeroing in on downtown Hartford’s XL Center as the spot for a major sports betting venue that has the potential for boosting the long-debated renovation of the aging arena.

But the lottery, which will control the location of 15 sports betting venues in Connecticut under the new sports and online gambling law, said it expects to first look to smaller locations in the Hartford area to offer sports gambling sooner to the betting public. Legislative leaders say the first betting could begin as early as the start of the NFL season on Sept. 9.

Rob Simmelkjaer, chairman of the lottery’s board and former executive at ESPN and NBCSports, said sports betting at the XL Center would be part of a larger venue. Gambling would be combined with dining, bars, and other entertainment options, possibly including esports, video-based gaming in which participants compete against one another, Simmelkjaer said. <-

-> Simmelkjaer said the focus on placing one of the state’s two larger sports betting sites at the XL Center came from the governor. “The governor has made it clear that he is looking to do something big there and wants to find a way to have sports betting help the development of that location, a part of a development progress plan for the XL Center,” Simmelkjaer said. <-

 

[Ts5034]

Wasn’t an idea like this thrown out there a couple years back as a possibility? I think It’s a good idea, and like the article pointed out, It seems like the atrium would be the perfect spot to set it up. A lot of wasted space in there.

I thought I read in one of the many CT sports betting articles this week that you cannot bet an UConn athletics within the state of Connecticut? Is that true? If so, that obviously means 0 of the 16,000 people who show up for a UConn game at the XL can place a bet on the live action. But, worst case scenario, you have 16,000 people who can place bets on other events/games taking place that night. The only downside to this would be that fact that nobody is going to just go to the XL Center just to place a sports bet on a day when there isnt anything going on there. I can’t see somebody who wants to place a bet choosing the XL over Foxwoods or Mohegan, or any of the other locations outside of being there for an event.

 

[huskymedic]

I thought I read in one of the many CT sports betting articles this week that you cannot bet an UConn athletics within the state of Connecticut? Is that true?

-> Under the bill, betting on in-state college sports would be banned, except if a person bet on the entire NCAA basketball tournament, for example. Bets on individual games played by the UConn football or basketball teams would not be permitted, lawmakers said. <-

 

[Blue Devils]

Anything is better than what happened to the New Haven Coliseum.

 

[freescooter]

Wasn’t an idea like this thrown out there a couple years back as a possibility? I think It’s a good idea, and like the article pointed out, It seems like the atrium would be the perfect spot to set it up. A lot of wasted space in there.

I thought I read in one of the many CT sports betting articles this week that you cannot bet an UConn athletics within the state of Connecticut? Is that true? If so, that obviously means 0 of the 16,000 people who show up for a UConn game at the XL can place a bet on the live action. But, worst case scenario, you have 16,000 people who can place bets on other events/games taking place that night. The only downside to this would be that fact that nobody is going to just go to the XL Center just to place a sports bet on a day when there isnt anything going on there. I can’t see somebody who wants to place a bet choosing the XL over Foxwoods or Mohegan, or any of the other locations outside of being there for an event.

There was an idea for a casino there 20 years or so ago, but the Insurance companies opposed it. Didn’t like the optics of insurance and gambling. Now they are just branch offices with much less influence.

 

[imno1]

There was an idea for a casino there 20 years or so ago, but the Insurance companies opposed it. Didn’t like the optics of insurance and gambling. Now they are just branch offices with much less influence.

Why because you have a better chance getting a payoff from gambling than collecting on a claim?

 

[XLCenterFan]

Bring it on! With a poker room and dining/drinking options, please.

 

[CL82]

Anything is better than what happened to the New Haven Coliseum.

[shrugs] Sometimes it’s best to just rip the Band-Aid. The CDRA is hemorrhaging cash, showing a multi million dollar loss annually. It’s worse than it appears too, because charging Connecticut above market rates in forcing them to play games at the XL hides the amount of the loss.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Didn’t they already start doing the $100m in renovations last year? I’m confused. Shouldn’t they have incorporated this idea into the renovation plan? What am I missing?

 

[Purple Stein]

One minute you have to use a sketchy VPN, the next minute they're taking your bets at the Civic Center.

What a world.

 

[Deepster]

There was an idea for a casino there 20 years or so ago, but the Insurance companies opposed it. Didn’t like the optics of insurance and gambling. Now they are just branch offices with much less influence.

I don’t remember the insurance angle. I thought it was general concern about the “unsavory element” casinos would attract.

 

[CL82]

Casinos did absolutely nothing for the character and quality of life of Atlantic City. Connecticut’s model of remote sites is better.

 

[upstater]

Casinos did absolutely nothing for the character and quality of life of Atlantic City. Connecticut’s model of remote sites is better.

Nationally, the areas around casinos generally turn into wastelands. And it's not hard to figure out why. Casinos suck dry the clientele from nearby restaurants and bars, and they require substantial police presence, over which cities and the casinos engage in long running battles.

So many studies have been done on this.

You can make a strong case for building casinos in top tourist destinations or on borders with other countries. The case is weak though for 2nd tier cities.

That being said, I envision this becoming like that Teletrack place on the water in New Haven. They turned it into a gambling arena. rows upon rows of people sitting at TV sets and doing their thing.

 

[Waquoit]

Casinos did absolutely nothing for the character and quality of life of Atlantic City. Connecticut’s model of remote sites is better.

Forget AC, how is Springfield doing? That's apple to apples.

 

[Waquoit]

They turned it into a gambling arena. rows upon rows of people sitting at TV sets and doing their thing.

Last time I was there it was rows and rows of TV sets with no one looking at them. That place was more poorly designed than Gampel.

 

[CL82]

Forget AC, how is Springfield doing? That's apple to apples.

No idea, do you?

 

[Waquoit]

No idea, do you?

No, I’m asking. I’ve heard below projections but I don’t what that means dollar-wise.

 

[JohnFSilver]

Nationally, the areas around casinos generally turn into wastelands. And it's not hard to figure out why. Casinos suck dry the clientele from nearby restaurants and bars, and they require substantial police presence, over which cities and the casinos engage in long running battles.

So many studies have been done on this.

You can make a strong case for building casinos in top tourist destinations or on borders with other countries. The case is weak though for 2nd tier cities.

That being said, I envision this becoming like that Teletrack place on the water in New Haven. They turned it into a gambling arena. rows upon rows of people sitting at TV sets and doing their thing.

Casinos and gaming are like a regressive tax. there is no value in games of chance and nothing is built.

If you spend $1000 dining, great, you created economic movement. If you spent $1000 gambling, there is very little economic movement with that spend. You are waging deferred economic activity vs. a greater future economic activity. If you lose, you canceled future economic activity.

It works the same was as taxes. the money is collected and the individual can't make any economic impact with the money once collected. If too many locals go to a casino, it destroys the local economy.

That is why in areas of urban casinos they kind of suck the life out of the area. The beauty of the rural casinos is they weren't having money spent that much money anyway. So people, generally, aren't spending local money there (though some do of course). That is why casions in middle of nowhere are great.

Also, Foxwood and Mohegan, I go there a lot and don't gamble at all. They have nightlife. Those places are terrific and hard to replicate.

 

[JohnFSilver]

Also, hate you can't bet on UConn, but you have to have that law in place to protect the athletes and the program. If you need UConn action that bad, and need it to be legal, go to Mass or RI, or East Haven.

 

[Adios]

No, I’m asking. I’ve heard below projections but I don’t what that means dollar-wise.

Unfortunately, the Bridgeport casino will probably blow them out of the water. The Pequots are getting revenge.

 

[Pudge]

Ridiculous Planning Bonanza. Too many cities try so hard for Casinos ... and watching my in-laws I know the market has been expanded by about 4 in 20 years ... and it is simply not the big economic haymaker people think. And if it not done well, it becomes an albatross. OK ... I won't spend 40 lines on Atlantic City

 

[CL82]

Casinos and gaming are like a regressive tax. there is no value in games of chance and nothing is built.

If you spend $1000 dining, great, you created economic movement. If you spent $1000 gambling, there is very little economic movement with that spend. You are waging deferred economic activity vs. a greater future economic activity. If you lose, you canceled future economic activity.

It works the same was as taxes. the money is collected and the individual can't make any economic impact with the money once collected. If too many locals go to a casino, it destroys the local economy.

That is why in areas of urban casinos they kind of suck the life out of the area. The beauty of the rural casinos is they weren't having money spent that much money anyway. So people, generally, aren't spending local money there (though some do of course). That is why casions in middle of nowhere are great.

Also, Foxwood and Mohegan, I go there a lot and don't gamble at all. They have nightlife. Those places are terrific and hard to replicate.

Yeah, love you John but that mostly word salad.

 

[Ts5034]

Casinos and gaming are like a regressive tax. there is no value in games of chance and nothing is built.

If you spend $1000 dining, great, you created economic movement. If you spent $1000 gambling, there is very little economic movement with that spend. You are waging deferred economic activity vs. a greater future economic activity. If you lose, you canceled future economic activity.

It works the same was as taxes. the money is collected and the individual can't make any economic impact with the money once collected. If too many locals go to a casino, it destroys the local economy.

That is why in areas of urban casinos they kind of suck the life out of the area. The beauty of the rural casinos is they weren't having money spent that much money anyway. So people, generally, aren't spending local money there (though some do of course). That is why casions in middle of nowhere are great.

Also, Foxwood and Mohegan, I go there a lot and don't gamble at all. They have nightlife. Those places are terrific and hard to replicate.

Since I turned 21 in 2009, It's amazing to see how much Foxwoods has changed. Since then, Foxwoods has added the outlet mall, the bowling alley, and more casual restaurants. They have definitely tried to become more family friendly and attract people outside of just gambling. Mohegan has changed as well, but I think Mohegan was always more casual and always had events targeted toward families, especially by having the arena.

I actually really like Atlantic City. I never understood the hate or dislike people have for it. I understand the city itself outside of the boardwalk is not in great shape, but to go down there for a few nights in the summer, I can have a lot of fun. The hotel and casinos are really nice. There are a ton of great dining options like Carmine's at the Tropicana, or the buffet's at Harrah's and Borgata just to name a few.

 

[CL82]

Since I turned 21 in 2009, It's amazing to see how much Foxwoods has changed. Since then, Foxwoods has added the outlet mall, the bowling alley, and more casual restaurants. They have definitely tried to become more family friendly and attract people outside of just gambling. Mohegan has changed as well, but I think Mohegan was always more casual and always had events targeted toward families, especially by having the arena.

I actually really like Atlantic City. I never understood the hate or dislike people have for it. I understand the city itself outside of the boardwalk is not in great shape, but to go down there for a few nights in the summer, I can have a lot of fun. The hotel and casinos are really nice. There are a ton of great dining options like Carmine's at the Tropicana, or the buffet's at Harrah's and Borgata just to name a few.

Casino's are nice enough, I suppose, particularly Borgata, but AC proper is an armpit. Casinos do have regional benefits in that they create jobs.

 

[Waquoit]

I actually really like Atlantic City. I never understood the hate or dislike people have for it. I understand the city itself outside of the boardwalk is not in great shape, but to go down there for a few nights in the summer, I can have a lot of fun. The hotel and casinos are really nice. There are a ton of great dining options like Carmine's at the Tropicana, or the buffet's at Harrah's and Borgata just to name a few.

Can you actually go to the beach there?

 

[Pudge]

Casino's are nice enough, I suppose, particularly Borgata, but AC proper is an armpit. Casinos do have regional benefits in that they create jobs.

Having lived in Philadelphia, I can give you a long narrative as to what is good about the Atlantic City immediate area (leaving out the rough neighborhoods). I would get political in about a nano ... it was the bankruptcies that turned blocks dark. And like a mall that loses an anchor, the good restaurants and the draws beyond the casino get smudged. The immediate beach to the south Ventnor City to Stone Point to Avalon - there are a lot of gorgeous homes and a smattering of good food. Beaches? Funny thing is that entire neighborhoods from upper middle class Philly move to the saame Jersey town in the summer. You will find friends who are hanging with the same guys they knew in HS. The train from Philadelphia City Center to AC was ridiculously cheap - like $8 I remember.

When Revel opened, I thought it was beautiful. Then got to that second floor ... and nobody was there.

The number of new casino locations since 2012 is incredible.

 

[Ts5034]

Can you actually go to the beach there?

I should have included this in my original post, but when I go to Atlantic City, I go to the beach in Brigantine, which is just right over that bridge near Harrah's. I go for a walk out on the beach in AC later on in the afternoon or early evening when its less crowded, but as far as spending the day at the beach, I do that on Brigantine.

 

[Ts5034]

Having lived in Philadelphia, I can give you a long narrative as to what is good about the Atlantic City immediate area (leaving out the rough neighborhoods). I would get political in about a nano ... it was the bankruptcies that turned blocks dark. And like a mall that loses an anchor, the good restaurants and the draws beyond the casino get smudged. The immediate beach to the south Ventnor City to Stone Point to Avalon - there are a lot of gorgeous homes and a smattering of good food. Beaches? Funny thing is that entire neighborhoods from upper middle class Philly move to the saame Jersey town in the summer. You will find friends who are hanging with the same guys they knew in HS. The train from Philadelphia City Center to AC was ridiculously cheap - like $8 I remember.

When Revel opened, I thought it was beautiful. Then got to that second floor ... and nobody was there.

The number of new casino locations since 2012 is incredible.

The revel really is a beautiful property. For whatever the reason, they could not get people in the building to spend money. I read a story shortly after it closed that one of their down falls was they tried to cater more toward the "high roller" crowd, and it simply didn't work out. Ive been back there to Ocean since the new management took over, and from what I see and hear, they are doing a lot better. The whole thing really was a shame, you had a big brand new 3 year old hotel and casino property literally sitting there vacant. It's good that somebody was able to come in and open it back up while being successful.

 

[freescooter]

Forget AC, how is Springfield doing? That's apple to apples.

It sort of is but Covid messed up any real analysis. Springfield was essentially shut down for a few months then opened to limited capacity all after a year or 2 into opening.

Ridiculous Planning Bonanza. Too many cities try so hard for Casinos ... and watching my in-laws I know the market has been expanded by about 4 in 20 years ... and it is simply not the big economic haymaker people think. And if it not done well, it becomes an albatross. OK ... I won't spend 40 lines on Atlantic City

Atlantic City was a slum with a beautiful beach. Then it became a Slum with casinos and a beautiful beach...

 

[freescooter]

I don’t remember the insurance angle. I thought it was general concern about the “unsavory element” casinos would attract.

Yeah, that was part but the insurers were death on it. I sat in many meetings on that. They thought it gave the impression 5hat what they did = gambling too. In a way it probably does. But I particularly remember the Travelers guy