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IH Group Set to Open Casino on Rota Island in 2025, Major Investment in Northern Marianas South Korea-based IH Group is making significant strides in expanding its presence in the Pacific with plans to launch a major casino resort on the island of Rota, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The group’s ambitious project will include a casino, a 276-room hotel, and a waterpark, all scheduled to open in early 2025 at the Rota Resort & Country Club, according to G3 Newswire. This development represents a major investment in the region, aiming to boost tourism and transform the island into a key entertainment destination. IH Group was granted a casino license in July 2024, which will allow them to operate both land-based and online gaming facilities on the island. The license, which comes with an annual fee of $200,000, requires the group to meet a minimum investment threshold to ensure the project’s scale and significance. The casino will feature various gaming options, including five baccarat tables, one blackjack table, and 30 slot machines—adding to the company’s already established presence on the island. Plans for the Future: Additional Casinos and Online Gaming The IH Group’s current efforts are only the beginning of their broader strategy for Rota. Chair of IH Group, Kyunam Kim, cited by Marianas Variety, has confirmed that beyond the first casino at Rota Resort & Country Club, the company has long-term plans for the development of two additional casinos, as well as an online gaming operation. This would position Rota as a burgeoning hub for both physical and digital gaming experiences in the Pacific region. Kim also shared that construction equipment and a team from South Korea are already prepared to begin work on the site. The company is just waiting for the Department of Public Lands to issue a request for proposals for the land lease of the Rota Resort, after which renovations and further development will commence. “Our ultimate goal is to create a ‘city project’ that was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kim. “But now, we are fully prepared to move forward with our plans.” Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward IH Group’s journey in the CNMI has not been without its challenges. Two years ago, the company entered into a $150 million investment contract with troubled casino operator Imperial Pacific International (IPI) to continue the construction and operation of IPI’s hotel casino in Saipan. However, the deal ran into complications when IH Group discovered that IPI was heavily in debt, and the individual they had negotiated with, board adviser Hongtao Su, did not have the legal authority to act on IPI’s behalf. Reflecting on the situation, Kim expressed his disappointment but emphasized his focus on the future. “At this point, I just want to put that behind me. I spent a lot of money, but I didn’t pursue IPI for the losses. My focus now is solely on the Rota project,” Kim said. Despite the setbacks with IPI, IH Group is determined to proceed with their plans for Rota, investing heavily in the island’s future. So far, the company has invested nearly $6 million in construction equipment and preparations alone, showing their commitment to the project. Local Impact: Boosting Rota’s Economy and Tourism The development of the casino and resort is expected to have a significant positive impact on Rota’s economy. With the introduction of the casino, hotel, and waterpark, the island is set to attract tourists from around the region and beyond, bolstering its tourism sector. This project will also create numerous job opportunities for local residents and contribute to infrastructure improvements across the island. Additionally, the investment in the casino and resort will enhance Rota’s profile as a destination for entertainment and leisure. By offering a comprehensive resort experience, the project will help diversify the island’s tourism offerings, drawing visitors for both gaming and family-friendly activities.

AGA’s Bill Miller: Gaming Industry Attracts Younger Audience, Sports Integration Drives Growth The gaming industry is experiencing a significant shift, with a younger customer base rapidly emerging, largely driven by the integration of sports and online platforms. This transformation, discussed by Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), during his keynote address at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, marks a new era for casinos as they embrace these changes to capture the interest of younger generations. Gaming’s new demographic shift: One of the most striking developments highlighted by Miller is the dramatic reduction in the average age of casino visitors. Back in 2019, the typical casino patron was 50 years old. Today, that figure has dropped to 42, a shift that Miller considers vital for the industry’s future success. “This is a huge shift for the industry, and it’s one that we need to keep driving to stay on the growth trajectory,” he remarked. The younger audience, made up primarily of Millennials and Gen Zers, has become an essential demographic for casinos, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Miller noted that the pandemic served as a catalyst, with many young adults seeking out entertainment options they missed during the lockdowns. Casinos, with their in-person experiences, filled that void, leading operators to focus on capturing and retaining this younger clientele. To further engage with younger audiences, the industry has turned to an omnichannel approach, integrating both physical casinos and digital platforms. Online gaming and mobile apps have gained immense popularity, with the average age of online players now as low as 34. This shift is not just about offering traditional casino experiences digitally, but also about tailoring those experiences to meet the expectations of younger players. “For years now the retail industry has pursued an omni-channel approach that combines physical stores with digital platforms to provide a seamless customer experience,” Miller explained. The gaming sector is now following suit, with many operators launching iGaming products that allow players to earn rewards online, which can be used in physical casinos. Sports and gaming: a growing partnership: Another major trend reshaping the gaming industry is the convergence of sports and gaming, particularly in Las Vegas. The city has seen the relocation of major sports teams, such as the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights, turning it into a hub for sports fans. This, in turn, has enhanced fan engagement and opened up new opportunities for casinos. “Vegas’s transformation echoes a broader integration of sports and gaming. The result? Fan engagement is rising. Broadcast rights and fees are growing, benefiting athletes and teams alike. An entire universe of this new content has been created and it’s been tailored to sports betting fans”, Miller said. MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle echoed Miller’s sentiments, highlighting how sports have contributed to the decreasing average age of visitors in Las Vegas. “One of the things bringing down the age demographic here in Las Vegas is sports,” he stated during a fireside chat at G2E. Responsible gaming: a key priority: As the gaming industry grows, it is also strengthening its commitment to responsible gaming. Miller underscored that the AGA has made responsible gaming a top priority, especially as the industry expands and attracts more public scrutiny. “The bigger and more successful we get as an industry, the more scrutiny we attract,” Miller said. In contrast, illegal gambling operations continue to pose a challenge. These unregulated operators do not adhere to the same standards as legitimate casinos, leading to potential harm to consumers. “The illegal alternatives, they’re still a problem. They’re still out there. They don’t subscribe to any of those values,” Miller remarked, as Inside Asian Gaming reports. To address these challenges, the industry is investing heavily in responsible gaming measures, including technology that helps identify at-risk behaviors, improve age verification, and enhance geolocation protocols.

Bally’s Backs Lake of the Ozarks Casino Proposal as Missouri Debates Sports Betting Bally’s Corporation has stepped up its support for the campaign to bring a new casino to the Lake of the Ozarks, adding $1 million to the effort with just weeks left before Missouri’s Nov. 5 election. The funding boost aims to bolster the push for Amendment 5, which seeks to amend the state constitution to allow the construction of a new casino on the Osage River near the iconic Bagnell Dam. In addition to Bally’s significant contribution, two other major backers—Eldon-based Osage Landing Development Co. and RIS Inc.—each donated $500,000, bringing the total fundraising haul for the campaign to over $2 million in just one weekend. This influx of cash is expected to fuel the final stages of the campaign as proponents make their case to Missouri voters. Constitutional amendment for a new casino: For the proposed casino to become a reality, Missouri’s constitution needs to be amended. Currently, the state allows only 13 casinos, all of which are located along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. If Amendment 5 passes, it would open the door for a new casino site along the Osage River, adding another attraction to the Lake of the Ozarks, a renowned recreation and boating destination in central Missouri. The proposed casino project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, including the creation of 500 construction jobs and more than 700 permanent positions once the casino is operational. Additionally, tax revenue generated from gambling at the casino would be allocated to support early childhood literacy programs in Missouri’s public schools. However, if approved, the new casino could face competition from another project already in the works. The Osage Nation is currently awaiting state and federal approval to build a tribal casino in the same area, which has long been a popular vacation spot for residents across the Midwest. The debate over sports betting in Missouri: While the push for a new casino is underway, another major gambling issue is unfolding in Missouri. The campaign for Amendment 2, which aims to legalize sports betting in the state, received a massive $5 million injection of funds from Betfair Interactive, the parent company of FanDuel. This marks the fourth such donation of $5 million to the pro-Amendment 2 campaign, Winning for Missouri Education, since mid-September. As St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports, FanDuel and DraftKings have been two of the leading financial backers of the pro-sports betting initiative, collectively contributing more than $25 million to the cause in recent months. Their support is aimed at legalizing sports betting in Missouri, which advocates argue could generate much-needed revenue for the state. Despite this momentum, opposition remains strong. Caesars Entertainment, which operates three casinos in Missouri—Isle of Capri Boonville, Harrah’s Kansas City, and Horseshoe St. Louis—has contributed over $14 million to the Missourians Against the Deceptive Online Gambling Amendment campaign. Caesars has been vocal in its criticism of the proposed sports betting legislation, labeling it a “flawed approach to expanding sports betting” and arguing that it offers no clear guarantee of additional revenue for the state. According to Caesars, Amendment 2 “masquerades as an education funding solution while making no guarantee that the state will see a single penny in revenue.” The company has raised concerns about a provision in the amendment that would allow sports betting operators to deduct up to 25% of promotional subsidies from their taxable income, potentially reducing the amount of tax revenue the state would collect. Proponents of Amendment 2 argue that legalizing sports betting would bring in significant revenue, especially since Missouri is currently losing potential tax dollars to neighboring states that have already legalized the activity. While initial projections estimate that sports betting could generate anywhere from $0 to $28.9 million per year in tax revenue, the campaign believes that bringing those dollars back to Missouri will benefit the state’s education system.

Wynn Resorts Details $5.1 Billion UAE Casino Resort, Plans 2027 Opening Wynn Resorts has officially announced the estimated budget for its highly anticipated integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The project is expected to cost a total of $5.1 billion, with Wynn contributing $1.1 billion in equity, according to an investor presentation held in conjunction with the G2E event in Las Vegas this week. The development, located on Al Marjan Island, will be one of the region’s most ambitious hospitality ventures and is set to open in the first quarter of 2027. $5.1 billion investment in UAE expansion: Wynn’s integrated resort project in Ras Al Khaimah will primarily be funded by $2.4 billion in debt, which has already seen strong interest from both local and international investors. Wynn’s current financial input sits at $200 million, with the remaining $900 million to be contributed over time. According to Wynn, the overall development costs include land acquisition, fees, and capitalized interest, with direct construction costs accounting for $4.55 billion of the total budget. The project has drawn considerable attention, not only because of its scale but also because it marks Wynn’s entry into the Middle Eastern market. The resort will cater to a luxury-seeking clientele, particularly targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals from surrounding regions like Dubai. Wynn’s presentation emphasized the potential of its high-end services to appeal to this demographic, who have “extraordinary propensity to spend on high-end F&B and hotels.” Wynn Resorts is optimistic about the financial prospects of its UAE project, estimating annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) between $1.33 billion and $1.67 billion once the resort is fully operational, as reported by Inside Asian Gaming. The  resort’s total operating revenues are expected to range from $1.38 billion to $1.88 billion per year, with EBITDA margins projected to reach as high as 43%. These estimates are based on the competitive landscape, which includes two other integrated resorts expected to be licensed in the UAE. Despite these competitors, Wynn is confident that its resort will stand out. The company highlighted the significant demand for high-end hospitality in Dubai, describing the market as “large, wealthy, and underserved.” Wynn anticipates drawing both international VIPs and domestic expats living in the UAE, of which there are approximately 9 million, many of whom could be untapped potential gaming customers. Infrastructure and timeline for completion: Construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island is well underway, with the resort tower expected to be completed by late 2025. According to GGRAsia, once finished, the resort will feature 1,542 hotel rooms, including 297 suites, six townhouses, and 22 luxury villas. The complex will also boast 16 restaurants, six bars and lounges, 130,000 square feet of retail space, and 145,000 square feet dedicated to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities. Wynn’s local partners in the development include RAK Hospitality Holding LLC and Al Marjan Island LLC, who collectively own 60% of the project’s equity. Wynn itself holds the remaining 40% and will also earn management and license fees from the resort’s operations. The company aims to attract a broad range of guests, from international VIPs to local residents, by offering a unique blend of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and high-end gaming. One of the most notable aspects of Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah venture is its exclusive 15-year gaming license, which will allow the company to operate the only casino in the emirate for the foreseeable future. With the resort’s opening date set for 2027, Wynn Resorts is poised to make a significant impact on the hospitality and gaming landscape in the UAE. The success of the Al Marjan Island resort could pave the way for further expansions into the region as Wynn continues to explore new markets outside its traditional strongholds.

UN Report Warns of Rising Cyber Fraud and Illicit Gambling in Southeast Asia A recent report from the United Nations (U.N.) has raised alarm over the escalating involvement of transnational criminal organizations in Southeast Asia. These groups are capitalizing on underregulated casinos, illegal online gambling, and the adoption of cryptocurrency, heightening the region’s vulnerability to cyber-enabled fraud and other criminal activities. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued the policy report, titled Transnational Organized Crime and the Convergence of Cyber-Enabled Fraud, Underground Banking, and Technological Innovation: A Shifting Threat Landscape. This comprehensive document underlines how the landscape of organized crime in Southeast Asia is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advances and sophisticated criminal syndicates. Evolving threats in Southeast Asia: The report highlights that Southeast Asia is witnessing a surge in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, as well as an increase in cyber-enabled fraud. “The transnational organised crime threat landscape in Southeast Asia is evolving faster than in any previous point in history,” the UNODC notes. The agency emphasized that the rise in fraud is largely orchestrated by highly organized criminal networks, which also facilitate money laundering, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. Despite efforts by law enforcement, cyber fraud continues to grow. In 2023 alone, financial losses from scams targeting victims in East and Southeast Asia are estimated to be between $18 billion and $37 billion, according to the U.N. report. The region’s booming illicit economy has resulted in more professionalized and innovative methods of money laundering, with criminal groups emerging as global leaders in these activities. A key factor in the rise of illicit activities is the use of cryptocurrency and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). These platforms, particularly those operating without sufficient oversight, have allowed transnational criminal groups to funnel large amounts of illegal proceeds into the financial system with little accountability. The report notes that these platforms are increasingly being used by major criminal syndicates to conduct their operations. In an official statement, Masood Karimipour, UNODC Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said that organized crime groups are “converging and exploiting vulnerabilities” in the region. “Leveraging technological advances, criminal groups are producing larger scale and harder to detect fraud, money laundering, underground banking, and online scams,” he explained in the UNODC’s press release. Karimipour also noted that Southeast Asia has become a testing ground for criminal networks to expand their reach and develop new criminal enterprises. Rising use of AI in crime: In addition to the proliferation of cryptocurrency-related crimes, the UNODC report also highlights the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations by criminal organizations. These groups are integrating AI-driven tools like malware, deepfakes, and other advanced technologies into their schemes, which has significantly increased the scale and complexity of cyber fraud. To address the growing threat posed by transnational criminal groups, the UNODC report calls for a more concerted effort from governments in Southeast Asia and around the world. The agency emphasizes the importance of recognizing the severity and global reach of this threat and taking steps to strengthen legislation, enforcement, and regulatory frameworks. Karimipour stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is more critical than ever for governments to recognize the severity, scale, and reach of this truly global threat, and to prioritize solutions that address the rapidly evolving criminal ecosystem in the region.”

Hard Rock Casino Rockford Shines in First Month at New Permanent Facility, Surging to Second in Illinois Casino Rankings The newly opened Hard Rock Casino in Rockford has had an impressive debut at its permanent location, catapulting itself to the second-highest spot in Illinois for both revenue and visitors during its first full month of operations. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 175,000 square feet, generated $13.7 million in adjusted gross receipts for September and drew more than 157,000 visitors, trailing only Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which has long held the top position in the state. Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the team had anticipated a strong performance. “We had no expectations of jumping over Rivers — that’s a pretty tall order,” Iafrate admitted, according to Chicago Tribune. “But to be honest, we fully expected to move into second place. Our first full month of operations was very successful.” A Major Upgrade for Rockford Hard Rock’s permanent facility officially opened its doors on August 29, following nearly three years of operating out of a temporary location. The $300 million entertainment complex, located on the former site of the Clock Tower Resort near I-90, offers guests a vastly expanded experience with nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games, a dedicated sportsbook, and a 1,600-seat concert venue. The facility also doubled the number of gaming positions available, and the addition of new restaurants and entertainment options has significantly boosted visitor numbers, drawing guests not only from Rockford but also from the wider Chicago area and neighboring Wisconsin. In comparison to its temporary operations, Hard Rock’s new location nearly tripled its revenue and visitor count. In August, before the grand opening of the permanent facility, the casino generated $5.7 million in adjusted gross receipts and welcomed 57,000 visitors, placing it in the middle of the pack among Illinois’ 15 casinos. The dramatic leap in September showcases the strong appeal of the new venue. Additionally, Iafrate emphasized the practical improvements that the permanent location offers, including the expansion of parking capacity from 300 spaces at the temporary location to 2,100 spaces. “Parking is a big deal,” Iafrate noted, highlighting how such logistical upgrades have contributed to the surge in visitor numbers. A Record-Setting September Hard Rock Rockford’s September performance not only positioned it as a major player in the Illinois casino market but also set a new monthly revenue record for the casino. Slot machines alone brought in $12.7 million, while table games generated an additional $1 million in revenue. The casino’s success also resulted in substantial tax contributions, with $843,040 in taxes generated for local governments. Rockford officials have expressed optimism about the economic impact of the casino, with plans to invest the increased revenue — estimated to reach $7 million annually — in key community initiatives, including expanded scholarships through the Rockford Promise program, upgrades to public safety infrastructure, and economic development projects. Hard Rock vs. Bally’s: A Growing Rivalry The Hard Rock Casino’s meteoric rise in Illinois puts it just ahead of another major competitor, Bally’s temporary casino in Chicago. Bally’s, which opened in September 2023 at the Medinah Temple, earned $10.3 million in adjusted gross receipts with nearly 121,000 visitors during the same month. The top spot remains in possession of Rivers Casino, which generated $41.5 million in adjusted gross receipts and attracted more than 247,000 visitors in September. Although Bally’s remains in third place, its permanent $1.7 billion casino complex, currently under construction in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is expected to significantly boost its standing once completed in 2026. The new Bally’s facility will include 4,000 gaming positions, a 500-room hotel, a 3,000-seat theater, and multiple dining options, positioning it as the largest casino in Illinois.

Macau’s Golden Week Revenues Surge Past MOP$1 Billion Daily Macau’s casinos experienced a significant rebound during the National Day Golden Week, recording daily gross gaming revenues (GGR) surpassing MOP$1 billion. This performance was close to the figures of 2019 and marked a 30% increase from 2023. The total GGR from October 1 to 6 reached MOP$6.5 billion, averaging MOP$1.08 billion per day, which exceeded market expectations and represented the highest revenue rate in five years. Stellar performance in gaming revenues: JP Morgan analysts DS Kim, Mufan Shi, and Selina Li highlighted that the GGR for the early days of October not only surpassed the anticipated MOP$850 million to MOP$900 million per day but also showed a significant recovery to almost pre-pandemic levels. Mass market GGR was particularly strong, reaching up to 140% of pre-COVID figures, with VIP sectors achieving up to 35%. The overall spending per capita saw an approximate 25% increase compared to pre-COVID levels, indicating a robust return to form for Macau’s casinos. Seaport Research Partners’ analyst Vitaly Umansky described the period as a crucial test for Macau’s resilience, which the city appeared to pass with flying colors, reflecting much better than expected revenue outcomes. However, Umansky has maintained a conservative GGR forecast for October at MOP$21.5 billion, anticipating a normal seasonal trend for the remaining months of the year. During the eight-day holiday period, Macau welcomed over 932,000 visitors, achieving an average daily visitation of 116,545, which closely aligns with pre-pandemic attendance figures. This surge in tourists contributed significantly to the local economy, with the hotel sector enjoying an occupancy rate of 87.9%, peaking at 94.3% on October 1. The Macao Government Tourism Office noted that this level of visitor traffic represented a recovery to 84% of the visitor numbers seen before the pandemic. Tourism sector enjoys robust recovery: The influx of visitors not only boosted the gaming revenues but also positively impacted the broader hospitality and retail sectors. Local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), although not all reaching pre-pandemic transaction volumes, benefited from the increased foot traffic. According to The Macau News, the chairman of the Federal General Commercial Association of Macau SMEs, Andy Wu, advised local businesses to adapt to changing consumer patterns, particularly focusing on younger demographics with higher spending power. He said: “It’s important for SMEs to figure out how to cater to young customers [who have greater spending power].”  Despite the optimistic figures during Golden Week, analysts like Umansky warn of a potential decline in daily GGR post-Golden Week, predicting a drop of about 35% or more. This is in contrast to the robust visitation and favorable weather conditions that significantly boosted early October’s revenue figures. Macau’s Golden Week has set a positive tone for the city’s economic recovery in the gaming and tourism sectors. The substantial increase in visitor numbers and gaming revenues highlights Macau’s enduring appeal as a premier leisure destination in Asia.

Las Vegas Expands Order-Out Corridor Despite ACLU Opposition The Las Vegas City Council has approved the expansion of its order-out corridor, which allows judges to ban individuals convicted of misdemeanors from specific tourist areas. The decision, which adds an additional 29 acres to the restricted zone, now includes the Plaza Hotel and Main Street Station parking garage. This move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime in high-traffic tourist corridors like Fremont Street. Proponents argue the measure is essential for maintaining safety in these areas, but it has sparked criticism from civil rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nevada voiced strong opposition, claiming the expansion may be unconstitutional and could lead to further legal complications. The ACLU’s concerns come as a similar Clark County ordinance is currently being challenged in court. The Expansion and Legal Controversy The order-out corridor allows courts to ban individuals convicted of certain offenses, such as trespassing and battery, from designated tourist zones. By extending the boundaries, Las Vegas aims to curb criminal activity without resorting to lengthy jail sentences. City Attorney Jeff Dorocak, cited by Las Vegas Sun, explained that the ordinance is intended for repeat offenders, who often cycle through the criminal justice system for minor offenses. The ordinance, first introduced in 2023, has already shown measurable results. Data presented to the city council in July highlighted a 10% reduction in crime victims in the Fremont Street corridor. Metro Police Captain Adam Seely pointed to a significant decrease in incidents near the Strat, attributing the improvement to the order-out policy. “We’re talking about fewer victims of crime,” Seely noted. “I do believe it is a result of the partnership and the policing that we’ve been doing in both areas.” However, the ACLU remains critical of the program’s expansion. The organization argues that broadening the scope of the order-out corridor before the legal challenges against Clark County’s similar ordinance are resolved is premature. Tia Smith, an attorney with the ACLU of Nevada, cautioned the city council against moving forward without judicial clarity. “Expanding the order-out corridor boundaries before the constitutionality of the ordinance is decided would be premature and could lead to further legal complications,” Smith said during the meeting. Concerns Over Constitutional Rights and Profiling The ACLU has raised concerns about the potential for the order-out policy to infringe on First Amendment rights. The civil liberties group points to the case of Ackeem Ramsay, a man on supervised probation who was banned from the resort corridor in Clark County, as an example of how such policies could violate constitutional protections. Ramsay’s case, which the ACLU is supporting, argues that barring individuals from public spaces due to misdemeanor offenses limits their freedom of movement and expression. The ACLU also criticized the ordinance’s “dangerously vague” language, particularly its case-by-case approach to granting exemptions. Exemptions are theoretically available for those who live or work in restricted areas, as well as for individuals seeking medical or legal services, accessing social programs, or attending religious services. However, the ACLU argues that the lack of clear guidelines could lead to inconsistent enforcement and potential profiling of marginalized groups, such as the homeless, street performers, and protestors. Results and Future Implications Despite these concerns, the city council has remained supportive of the expanded order-out corridor. From November 2023 to June 2024, the city issued 246 order-out directives, with trespassing, battery, and disturbing the peace among the most common offenses. Of those offenders, 81 were jailed for violating the order, with more than half identified as experiencing homelessness. The expansion is intended to build on the success of the initial corridor, which led to a decrease in criminal activity in key areas like Fremont Street. However, the debate over its legality continues, as civil rights advocates argue that the policy disproportionately targets vulnerable populations and could face further legal scrutiny.