RSS 2.0 FeedCasino for a Day
Sun, May 13, 2012
The owners of a vacant but historic Vegas property ask permission to hold gambling there for one day to keep the gaming license alive.
Vol. 10 • No. 19 • May 14, 2012 - Print This Issue
WILD CARD Archive
All Is Not Gold
Sun, May 13, 2012
Ex-con Kimberly Lemke has been made to pay over $36,000 in restitution to three victims she stole from in 2007 out of her husband’s jackpot winnings. Gerald Phillips Jr. hit for $5 million at Casino Arizona in April, only to have the state’s Attorney General’s Office put a racketeering-restitution lien on the money. The couple has now settled their debts.
Shreveport Shenanigans
Sun, May 06, 2012
A Texas family visiting a Shreveport casino discovered that, unlike Las Vegas, that what happens in Louisiana doesn’t necessarily stay in Louisiana, and it might affect your application for a college scholarship.
Ban Government Ban?
Sun, May 06, 2012
The GSA scandal following a convention at M Resort (l.) in Las Vegas has prompted legislation that would keep the feds from banning government conventions in Las Vegas and Reno.
Poker Icon Amarillo Slim Dies
Sun, May 06, 2012
One of the most legendary poker players died last week. Amarillo Slim—Thomas Austin Preston Jr.—was 83 years old and will be remembered as one of the best cash players ever.
Under-Controlled Children = Gambling Problems?
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Researchers have found a link between behavioral temperaments in children and compulsive gambling. A new study reveals that 3-year-olds who are impulsive, moody, restless and inattentive have a greater chance of becoming problem gamblers in adulthood.
Dueling Lawsuits
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Steve Wynn and Wynn Las Vegas continue to battle ‘Girls Gone Wild’ creator Joe Francis over an unpaid $2 million marker.
Taking a Stand in Tasmania
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
A social welfare agency believes it has found the answer to problem gambling in Tasmania—forcing players to stand at the machines by removing all the chairs. The proposal has found its way into an official submission to the federal government.
Carlino Will Miss GSA Partiers
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Penn National Chairman Peter Carlino relishes the recent notoriety surrounding the General Services Administration junket, which stayed at his Las Vegas property, M Resort, but is “depressed” the free-spending government guys won’t be back.
Casino + NASCAR = Crowds
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
The Kansas Speedway and Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, were open at the same time for the first time this weekend. Officials made preparations, and plans, to cope with the expected crowds.
Fighting Fire With Fire
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
Why not use the rewards cards that casinos issue customers to help monitor problem gamblers and prevent them from harming themselves? That’s the suggestion of an anti-gaming activist in Southern California.
Well, Duh!
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
The liberalization of gaming in Macau is a success! That pronouncement comes the SAR’s head regulator, Manuel Joaquim das Neves (l.), in a report looking back on the 10 years since it went into effect.
In November, All Bets Off
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission said wagering on the U.S. presidential election is “not in the public interest.”
Zippetty Do Dah
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
Zip lines, a recreational sport which is not for the faint of heart, is awaiting an OK from the county and the FAA. The zip lines would begin almost 340 feet off the ground and zip between the Luxor (foreground) and the Excalibur.
Do Ya Like New Atlantic City Slogan?
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
A new slogan has been unveiled for Atlantic City in an attempt to broaden the city’s appeal and attract new business. “Do AC!” will replace the current “Always Turned On,” as the town’s new catch-phrase, to be supported by a $30 million comprehensive advertising campaign to be rolled out in the next few weeks.
NSW … SMS … OMG!
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
Is New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell (l.) out to “smash” Star Casino? The political leader finds himself embroiled in controversy over damaging text messages allegedly sent by a former staffer.
Wynn Out
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
His down-and-dirty battle with former board member Kazuo Okada has cost Steve Wynn his place on Barron’s Top 30 American CEO list.
Last Call
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
A new provision in Governor Dannel P. Malloy’s liquor law reform bill will allow extra time for Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino to clean up alcohol after 2 a.m.
Food for Thought
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
Kazuo Okada launches new restaurant company with first outlets to be located in Hong Kong. Is the move an effort to get back at Steve Wynn, who closed “Okada” in Wynn Las Vegas (l.) late last year for “renovations”?
True to Your Town
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
The Atlantic City Alliance, the private/public entity in charge of the city’s new $30 million ad campaign, solicited video testimonials from residents on what makes them proud of their hometown. The agency has partnered with New York-based advertising firm Euro RSCG on a marketing strategy that will be reveled this spring.
Culinary Activists A-Twitter
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
Union says Station Casinos tried to “suppress free speech” by calling for the shutdown of a union Twitter account. Culinary won the latest round.
Tax Evasion ‘No Problem’
Sat, Feb 18, 2012
Nick Spano, a former New York senator has pleaded guilty to being a tax cheat, but it shouldn’t hinder his successful career as a casino lobbyist in the Empire State.
Man Shoots Slot
Sat, Feb 18, 2012
Many players get aggravated when they hit a losing streak at a slot machine. They can curse, bang and spit on the machine. But pull a gun?
More Track Troubles
Sat, Feb 04, 2012
To save money, several states are merging racing commissions into new centralized gaming commissions that oversee all types of gambling. And in Iowa, some legislators want to end greyhound racing that’s currently required by law.
Mystery Billboards
Sat, Feb 04, 2012
Billboards have begun appearing around the Atlantic City area that seem to be saying something, but no one knows what.
Betting on Taiwan Election No Fun
Sat, Jan 21, 2012
Betting on the outcome of political elections is a time-honored tradition. However, a Taiwanese website that took bets on the recent presidential election there has run afoul of the police—even though the bets were made with points, not currency.
Super Crowds
Sat, Jan 21, 2012
The only casino in the 20 Super Celebration cities sponsoring special Super Bowl Sunday activities, Indiana Live Casino in Shelbyville is expecting large crowds on February 5. It’s also the closest casino to Indianapolis where the game will be played this year.
Blackmail in Nebraska
Sat, Jan 21, 2012
A Nebraska lawmaker has a novel concept for making money off of gambling without the state actually dirtying its hands by taking part in gambling. State Senator Paul Schumacher proposes telling neighboring states that if they don’t pay his state a portion of their gaming revenues, that Nebraska will build its own casino.
Ads Slam Disney ‘Hypocrisy’
Sun, Jan 15, 2012
Conservative group hits the airwaves, accusing the House of Mouse of protecting its turf while claiming to safeguard the family-friendly image of Florida.
Hos Exchange Places
Sun, Jan 15, 2012
Macau gambling magnate Stanley Ho was dropped from the list of richest people in Hong Kong, but he was replaced with a relative, daughter Pansy Ho (l.).
Ill Winds Blow
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
Several media reports recently casts aspersions on the Macau casino industry, making assumptions about the Chinese economy and talking to anonymous sources.
Legend In His Own Time
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
In 2011, an outdoor plaza was dedicated in tribute to the Sin City pioneer Jackie Gaughan (left, with heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson in 1965). Now 91, he’s still a daily presence at the property he once owned.
Over A Barrel
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
Does the rodeo sport of barrel racing qualify as horse racing? A casino in Florida says yes; Florida lawmakers may decide otherwise.
MGM: Goodbye, Kitty
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
A $160 million renovation of the MGM Grand property includes redevelopment of the big cat habitat. Twenty lions—reportedly descendants of Leo, the MGM mascot—will be relocated.
Game On
Sat, Dec 24, 2011
The first Pro League for video game players kicked off at Caesars Atlantic City recent, an event that combines casino games and video gamers. Thousands of gamers from all over the world attended the event
Georgia On My Mind
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Gambling is not legal in the state of Georgia, but a recently released study indicated that three casinos with 10,000 games could generate nearly $1 billion annually. In the Eurasian nation of Georgia, online poker is proliferating.
A Sordid Tale: Abramoff and the Tiguas
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Former lobbyist Jack Abramoff (l.) recently published book in which he discusses his dealing with the Tigua Indians of El Paso and attempts to reopen the tribe’s Speaking Rock Casino. Abramoff’s remembrance of things past doesn’t necessarily jive with the evidence.
Adelson is Evil
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Last week’s announcement by Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson that he’s opposed to online gaming received some vicious reactions from internet gamblers who see the chances of legalized online poker in the U.S. slipping away.
The Betting Candidate
Sun, Dec 18, 2011
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney offers a bet to fellow candidate Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, and sets off a firestorm of criticism that he is out of touch.
Hard Rock v. Cavern Club
Sat, Dec 03, 2011
The legendary Cavern, where the Beatles got their start, will wage a long and winding court battle to keep dibs on the trademark, also being used by Hard Rock International.
Oscar Auditions ‘Broads’
Sat, Dec 03, 2011
Former Sin City mayor will staff his upcoming “speakeasy” at the Plaza with “ambassador broads” who will “ensure guest satisfaction.”
How History Deprived Los Angeles of Indian Casinos
Sun, Nov 27, 2011
Although it is potentially the most prosperous gaming market in California, Los Angeles County does not include any Indian casinos. The reasons are many and date back to the formation of the state.
Personality Key to Compulsive Gambling
Sat, Nov 19, 2011
A recent study has shown that compulsive gamblers focus on short-term gain rather than long-term reward. The finding could have implications in the steps that are taken to combat the malady.
Proxy Problems
Sun, Nov 13, 2011
Singapore government says it will crack down on employers who sent their employees to the casinos to gamble in what is a form of “proxy” gambling.
Track for a Buck?
Sun, Nov 06, 2011
Frank Stronach wants to change the deal he made on live racing. He made the deal hoping that slots would be permitted at the two tracks owned by the Maryland Jockey Club, but now says he’s going to lose money.
Lawsuits Gone Wild
Sun, Nov 06, 2011
The suit-fest continues as Joe Francis, creator of soft-porn “Girls Gone Wild” videos, has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles alleging Steve Wynn’s lawsuit amounted to malicious prosecution, among other things. Francis’ attorney also will ask the Nevada Supreme Court to reconsider its recent ruling ordering Francis to pay $2 million.
‘Fess Up
Sun, Oct 30, 2011
A ruling has been handed down involving the ownership of the Black Bear Development's Oxford casino.
Look What I Found!
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
If you see Detroiters looking down at the street, chances are they’re searching for wallets dropped by Greektown Casino-Hotel in its latest promotion. Each wallet contains $50 in casino cash and a voucher for a free one-night stay in the hotel.
An Offer It Can’t Refuse
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
The Mob Experience at Tropicana Las Vegas, which filed for bankruptcy in August, and makes a deal to remain open, with proceeds going to creditors. At left, Jay Bloom (at podium) and Louis Ventre, of Eagle Group Holdings, in happier times.
The Over/Under on Sports Wagering in New Jersey
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
A referendum in New Jersey in November will ask voters if they would like to legalize sports betting in the state. While most professional and collegiate sports organizations oppose sports wagering, many Americans enjoy the activity, even if it means placing an illegal bet. So what will happen in New Jersey?