Page 13 - Southern California Gaming Guide • January 2021

with inflation over the past several decades, the $1,200 threshold that triggers the issuance of tax forms has remained static since it was established in 1977. A $1,200 jackpot in 1977 would be equivalent to more than $5,000 today if adjusted for inflation.
Because the threshold hasn’t tracked with inflation, there has been a significant increase in the number of reportable jackpots, causing more operational inefficiencies and adding to the sea of w-2g forms currently flooding an under-budgeted and understaffed IRS each year. The increased threshold would not only enable the IRS to focus its limited enforcement resources on those taxpayers who are most likely to have net slot winnings at the end of the taxable year, but would also significantly reduce close interactions required between gaming employees and patrons to issue tax forms.
“This policy change, supported by bipartisan members of Congress, was already long overdue prior
to the pandemic, and now
has additional importance as the gaming industry emerges from this crisis,” the AGA concluded.
Open Casino Spaces and Nature
The 2020 trend, due to the
pandemic, of reconfiguring
indoor casino spaces, including
moving smoking sections and games
outdoors, will continue. Plus, according to Dr. Kate Spilde, a professor at San Diego State University and endowed chair for the Sycuan Institute on Tribal Gaming, “The pent-up demand for access to open spaces is encouraging tribes to embrace geo-tourism and recreation activities that include the outdoors. Indian Country has abundant natural beauty, and tribal communities are generous hosts even beyond gaming. In 2021, tribal communities will extend access to their natural spaces for visitors who in the past may have visited the tribal casino or event center but are now seeking longer visits that may include the entire family or even remote work stays. Tribal campgrounds, RV parks, canyons and lakes will be made available in ways that integrate tribal gaming with cultural tourism and recreation.“
Several casino resorts, including Barona Resort & Casino with its extensive walking grounds and celebrated rose garden, Pala Casino Spa Resort with its RV Resort Park, plus Agua Caliente Casinos with the world-renowned Indian Canyons and
Tahquitz Canyon hiking trails, are examples of current outdoor spaces.
Big Cash and Car Giveaways
Cash and car giveaways remain popular monthly casino attractions, and Southern California casinos have some of the best. Open to all players club members, you’ll want to take advantage of this year’s sensational giveaways by always playing with your players club card. Winner of the Southern California Gaming Guide 2020 Best Casino Promotions, Valley View Casino & Resort continues its player favorite 4 On The Floor
Cash & Car Giveaway. This Murray Canyon Creek, on the Murray Canyon Trail in Indian Canyons month it’s on January 29th
when you could be in the winning for your choice of a new BMW X2,
a new Ford F-150 truck, a new Infiniti QX50, $25,000 cash,
or spin for $100,000. Players Club members earn entries all month long when they play any slots and table games. Plus,
$30,000 in cash and prizes is awarded to 70 lucky winners all
night long.
And you could head to Chumash
Casino Resort to win a new Audi Q5! One SUV will be given away Sundays in January. Plus, be sure to get into the $25,000 Slot Free
Play Drawing at 6 p.m. each Audi Q5 giveaway night when one lucky player will win $25,000 Slot Free Play. Play with your card from THE CLUB to qualify. See pages 20 and 21 of this issue, January Players Club Promotions, for more January cash and car giveaways. And make sure you check every month for new giveaways at featured casinos throughout the year.
Sports Betting in California?
California voters could decide on sports
betting legislation this year after tribal leaders recently submitted a ballot initiative to government officials with more than 1.4 million signatures.
According to gaming analyst Howard Stutz, that would allow tribal government casinos and licensed racetracks to operate retail sportsbooks. A coalition
of nearly 20 California tribes from throughout the state announced plans for the ballot initiative at the end of 2019, but the pandemic stalled the signature- gathering process. A state judge extended the time deadline by 90 days over the summer. The measure will regulate sports wagering and generate new revenues for public safety, mental health programs, and more. Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Carlo Santarelli estimated California could initially see more than $1.4 billion in sport betting wagers in its first year with both mobile and retail operations. He estimated the figure could nearly double by 2027.
The ballot question does not allow for the state’s 72 cardroom casinos to participate, mobile sports betting is not included; and wagering
would be prohibited on games involving California’s colleges and universities. Currently, 19 states and Washington D.C. offer legal and regulated sports betting. Six additional states: Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, South Dakota, Louisiana, and Maryland have
legalized sports betting but still need to create a regulatory structure. California would join
New Mexico, Michigan, Mississippi, and New York where sports betting is
offered at tribal casinos.
2021 is sure to bring some welcome changes as we all await the time when the majority of Californians are vaccinated, and safe again. Meanwhile adhere to all casino safety protocols and get vaccinated.
JANUARY 2021
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
PAGE 13