Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. (PNK) has received the demolition permits needed to begin the demolition of River Downs racetrack in Ohio.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Board reports the state’s 11 casinos brought in nearly $2.5 billion in gross slots revenue during 2012, an increase of about 2.7 percent over the previous year.

Iowa Lottery officials say they have no immediate intention of offering Internet gaming and have taken a position opposing federal approval of Internet gambling.

The Gold Dust Casino in Deadwood, South Dakota, has closed temporarily, idling its 52 employees. A re-opening date has not been announced.

Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards is making the jump from jailbird to TV star. He and his new bride reportedly will star on a new cable television show to be called, “The Governor’s Wife.”

Under a new gaming pact recently signed with North Dakota state officials, the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe has been authorized to conduct riverboat gambling.

Churchill Downs Inc. (CHDN) has already claimed the Louisville, Kentucky, gaming area for its own should the state approve casino gambling. However, Gov. Steve Beshear has already expressed serious doubt such legislation could pass this year.

Operators of so-called Sweepstakes Cafés in Ohio have formed a lobbying unit called the Internet Café Coalition of Ohio to pressure lawmakers to pass a law approving such gaming activities.

Ray Poirier is the longtime executive editor at GamingToday.

Contact Ray at RayPoirier@GamingToday.com.

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