Only Diamonds

What is Only Diamonds?

Two blockbuster developments in the casino space earlier this year seemed to indicate an increasingly bullish bet on the sector, including Fertitta Entertainment’s acquisition of Caesars Entertainment in May. The other is a subsequent takeover offer of MGM Resorts from its largest shareholder, Barry Diller’s People Inc. But a negative shift in market conditions could affect both deals.

In July, Fertitta’s General Counsel Steven Scheinthal told the Nevada Gaming Control Board that the company had a letter of intent from banks to finance the transaction but was waiting for better borrowing conditions. Fertitta is assuming nearly $12 billion in Caesars’ debt and is committed to a $6.6 billion financing package.

“Our hope is that in the next few months there will be a window of opportunity where the market will be hotter and [it’s] a more interest rate friendly environment where we can go raise the money and then just put it in an escrow account,” Scheinthal said at the time.

About Only Diamonds

According to Nally, approximately 70% of online gambling in Alberta occurred through unregulated operators prior to the July 13 launch, with the remaining 30% flowing through Play Alberta, the province’s sole legal platform at the time.

As of Sept. 17, 31 licensed iGaming operators are officially live and accepting wagers across the province.

Oxibet is not among the licensed entities. Furthermore, Alberta’s regulatory standards strictly prohibit active commercial athletes like Davies from appearing in gambling advertisements, with narrow exceptions reserved exclusively for responsible gambling public service announcements.

What is Only Diamonds?

According to David, the step forms part of Entain’s broader initiative to streamline operations, increase efficiency and improve customer experience, with the company aiming to create centres of excellence across locations.

“The proposed changes are being made to ensure our business remains competitive, financially resilient and well positioned for the future as our sector faces an increasingly challenging operating environment,” David said.

“This decision has not been made lightly and our immediate priority is to support those of our colleagues who may be impacted through this transition.”