Howard Stutz
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howardstutz.thenvindy.com
Howard Stutz
@howardstutz.thenvindy.com
Senior reporter for The Nevada Independent covering the casino gaming industry, tourism, sports business and cannabis in Nevada. howard@thenvindy.com
Indy Gaming: ‘Phantom income’ from new gaming tax tackled through bipartisan bill
The legislation proposed by Democrat Horsford and a GOP rep would restore a 100 percent deduction on gaming losses. Plus, another Black Book nomination.
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‘Phantom income’ from new gaming tax tackled through bipartisan bill - The Nevada Independent
The legislation proposed by Democrat Horsford and a GOP rep would restore a 100 percent deduction on gaming losses. Plus, another Black Book nomination.
thenevadaindependent.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Judicial elections set; voters to decide 31% of the state’s District Court makeup
The majority of the jurists are re-elected after opposition doesn’t materialize. Eight seats, seven in Clark County, will have new judges after retirements.
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Judicial elections set; voters to decide 31 percent of the state’s District Court makeup - The Nevada Independent
The majority of the jurists are re-elected after opposition doesn’t materialize. Eight seats – seven in Clark County – will have new judges after retirements.
thenevadaindependent.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Indy Gaming: Gaming industry innovator worries casino operators aren’t taking risks
In a speech, John Acres says players need to feel like a winner even when they're losing.
Also, Nevada’s No. 2 slot route operator eyes Chicago opportunity.
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Gaming industry innovator worries casino operators aren’t taking risks - The Nevada Independent
In a speech, John Acres says players need to feel like a winner even when they're losing. Also, Nevada’s No. 2 slot route operator eyes Chicago opportunity.
thenevadaindependent.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:10 PM
INDY GAMING: Gaming trade group adds Chris Christie to team fighting prediction markets
The former New Jersey governor led the effort to legalize sports betting. He says sports contracts should be regulated. Also, Strip visitation slumps again.
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Gaming trade group adds Chris Christie to team fighting prediction markets - The Nevada Independent
The former New Jersey governor, who led the effort to legalize sports betting, says sports contracts should be regulated. Also, Strip visitation slumps again.
thenevadaindependent.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
OPINION: Who could have predicted (or gambled on) what lowlights would finish 2025?
The second half of 2025 was much like the first — bloody, weird and full of courtroom drama.
via @davidcolborne.bsky.social Colborne @thenvindy.com
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OPINION: Who could have predicted (or gambled on) what lowlights would finish 2025? - The Nevada Independent
OPINION: Who could have predicted (or gambled on) what lowlights would finish 2025? Read more at The Nevada Independent.
thenevadaindependent.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Nevada gaming revenue increased 2.4% in November, despite a less-than-1% decline on the Strip. Other markets led the state:
Downtown up 10.3%
Boulder ip 20%
Laughlin up 11.6%
Mesquite up 10.7%
Reno up 7.1%
Strip gaming revenue of $788.7M was down less $4.4M
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December 31, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Best of The Indy: Our favorite stories from 2025
The Nevada Independent staff members share some of their favorite projects from the past 12 months.
Via @thenvindy.com staff
thenevadaindependent.com/article/best...
Best of The Indy: Our favorite stories from 2025 - The Nevada Independent
The Nevada Independent staff members share some of their favorite projects from the past 12 months.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
New Nevada gaming board chairman knows the importance of getting technology OK’d quickly

A former casino equipment executive, Mike Dreitzer has a “uniquely qualified vision for the technology division,” his predecessor said.
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New Nevada gaming board chairman knows the importance of getting technology OK’d quickly - The Nevada Independent
A former casino equipment executive, Mike Dreitzer has a “uniquely qualified vision for the technology division,” his predecessor said.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
It needs to be done now:’ Nevada casinos, lawmakers eager to reverse gambling deduction change

Congress can’t change policy that taxes gamblers on money they didn’t win before it takes effect. Lawmakers eye early 2026 fix.
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‘It needs to be done now:’ Nevada casinos, lawmakers eager to reverse gambling deduction change - The Nevada Independent
Congress can’t change a policy that will tax gamblers on money they didn’t win before it goes into effect, but lawmakers are eyeing an early 2026 fix.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 28, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Indy Gaming: ‘Several balls in the air’: Analysts question Bally’s commitment to resort by A’s stadium
Company still plans to build a Strip project next to the A’s stadium after touting $1.1B financing plan for NY casino.
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‘Several balls in the air’: Analysts question Bally’s commitment to resort by A’s stadium - The Nevada Independent
Company still plans to build a Strip project next to the A’s stadium after touting $1.1B financing plan for NY casino. Also, a new betting battle front.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Indy Gaming: Two years before the first pitch in Vegas, A’s offer look inside their next stadium
At a newly opened preview center, the team hopes to attract suite owners and interest fans in ticket sales. Also, Penn’s CEO eyes Vegas.
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Two years before the first pitch in Vegas, A’s offer look inside their next stadium - The Nevada Independent
At a newly opened preview center, the team hopes to attract suite owners and interest fans in ticket sales. Also, Penn’s CEO eyes Vegas.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Did F1 and baccarat lift Strip gaming revenue? We’ll see.

A 69 percent increase in baccarat revenue boosted the Strip in October. If casinos had the same luck during F1, November could be profitable for resorts.
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Did F1 and baccarat lift Strip gaming revenue? We’ll see. - The Nevada Independent
A 69 percent increase in baccarat revenue boosted the Strip in October. If casinos had the same luck during F1, November could be profitable for resorts.
thenevadaindependent.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The internet questioned whether Vegas is a value. Tourism leaders say they’re listening
At IndyFest, MGM’s incoming COO and the LVCVA head said an assessment of the Strip’s price points continues. Also, two sports betting companies leave AGA.
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The internet questioned whether Vegas is a value. Tourism leaders say they’re listening - The Nevada Independent
The internet questioned whether Vegas is a value. Tourism leaders say they’re listening. Read more from The Nevada Independent.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Federal judge rules that Kalshi must stop offering prediction contracts in Nevada
The ruling comes seven months after the judge granted a preliminary injunction against gaming regulators who ordered the company to cease operations.
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Federal judge rules that Kalshi must stop offering prediction contracts in Nevada - The Nevada Independent
The ruling comes seven months after the judge granted a preliminary injunction against gaming regulators who ordered the company to cease operations.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Caesars CEO: Company ‘embarrassed’ by connection with illegal bookie, accepts $7.8M fine

Gaming Commission member calls Mathew Bowyer, who is now in prison, a “wrecking ball” on casino compliance departments.
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Caesars CEO: Company ‘embarrassed’ by connection with illegal bookie, accepts $7.8M fine - The Nevada Independent
Gaming Commission member calls Mathew Bowyer, who is now in prison, a “wrecking ball” on casino compliance departments.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Can F1 and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway co-exist in a suddenly crowded Las Vegas sports market?
The racetrack is home to two NASCAR races and remains Southern Nevada’s largest sports complex, even as F1 soaks up the attention.
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Can F1 and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway co-exist in a suddenly crowded Las Vegas sports market? - The Nevada Independent
The racetrack is home to two NASCAR races and remains Southern Nevada’s largest sports complex, even as F1 soaks up the attention.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:38 PM
DraftKings, FanDuel agree to abandon Nevada in favor of prediction markets
It’s part of an agreement with state gaming regulators, who disapprove of prediction markets.
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DraftKings, FanDuel agree to abandon Nevada in favor of prediction markets - The Nevada Independent
The two largest sports betting operators in the U.S. won't seek licensing in Nevada in order to focus efforts on launching prediction markets.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Crowded portfolio: Seven casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin and Pahrump bought by VICI
A $1.16 billion buyout and merger leaves Golden Entertainment founder Sartini in charge of the operations. Also, M Resort’s hotel expansion opens Dec. 1.
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Crowded portfolio: Seven casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin and Pahrump bought by VICI - The Nevada Independent
A $1.16 billion buyout and merger leaves Golden Entertainment founder Sartini in charge of the operations. Also, M Resort’s hotel expansion opens Dec. 1.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:07 PM
As cashless gaming spreads, how are Nevada regulators making sure it’s safe?
Questions arose after a new system that allows slot machine players to fund gaming through a QR code was unveiled at G2E.
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As cashless gaming spreads, how are Nevada regulators making sure it’s safe? - The Nevada Independent
Questions arose after a new system that allows slot machine players to fund gaming through a QR code was unveiled at G2E.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Airlines cancel 35 Friday flights at Vegas airport after shutdown-related FAA order
Reid Airport is among 40 markets facing a volume reduction as air traffic controllers go unpaid. It could bring disruptions ahead of F1 and Thanksgiving.
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Airlines cancel 35 Friday flights at Vegas airport after shutdown-related FAA order - The Nevada Independent
Reid Airport is among 40 markets facing a volume reduction as air traffic controllers go unpaid. It could bring disruptions ahead of the F1 race and Thanksgiving.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Indy Gaming: Ralenkotter boosted Vegas tourism, but a former Strip CEO's company helped push him out
Visitation grew fivefold over four decades, but the late Sheldon Adelson wanted the LVCVA abolished. Also, Bally’s project needs a money source
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Ralenkotter boosted Vegas tourism, but a former Strip CEO's company helped push him out - The Nevada Independent
Visitation grew fivefold over four decades, but the late Sheldon Adelson wanted the LVCVA abolished. Also, Bally’s project needs a money source.
thenevadaindependent.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Vegas Strip gaming revenue falls in September as tourism, airline traffic keeps tumbling

Resort operators acknowledged some prices were “over their skis” and said they’ve responded to customer complaints, but defend Vegas as a great value.
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Vegas Strip gaming revenue falls in September as tourism, airline traffic keeps tumbling - The Nevada Independent
Resort operators acknowledged some prices were “over their skis” and said they’ve responded to customer complaints, but defend Vegas as a great value.
thenevadaindependent.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Indy Gaming: As one prediction market leaves Nevada, others double down

DraftKings buys a prediction market company, while another said it will end its business in the Silver State (for now). Also, Air France is coming to Vegas.
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As one prediction market leaves Nevada, others double down - The Nevada Independent
DraftKings buys a prediction market company, while another said it will end its business in the Silver State (for now). Also, Air France is coming to Vegas.
thenevadaindependent.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Shuttered Eastside Cannery casino to be demolished, Boyd Gaming announces
The Boulder Strip casino has been closed for more than five years. The company plans to sell the real estate for residential use.
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Shuttered Eastside Cannery casino to be demolished, Boyd Gaming announces - The Nevada Independent
The Boulder Strip casino has been closed for more than five years. The company plans to sell the real estate for residential use.
thenevadaindependent.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Big Apple casino prospects sour for Nevada gaming companies

The surprise departure of MGM Resorts from the New York City casino process baffles analysts and local leaders.
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Big Apple casino prospects sour for Nevada gaming companies - The Nevada Independent
The surprise departure of MGM Resorts from the New York City casino process baffles analysts and local leaders.
thenevadaindependent.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM