Many Happy Returns for A Few Players
Machines paying off from coast to coast
Leavin’ Las Vegas with $2 million
California man hits big on penny machine
A California man, known only as William C., was recently in Las Vegas celebrating his 39th birthday and playing the penny slots at the Las Vegas Hilton. After about 15 minutes in front of the slot machine, the woman sitting next to him said that “you’ve just won over a million dollars.” Actually, he won $1,713, 561 to be exact.
After spending $59 and making nearly 2 million, the birthday boy plans to pay off all of his debts.
The bounty was won for the first time on the multi-site progressive Millioni$er Penny Slot by Aristocrat Technologies. Bob Stewart, The Las Vegas Hilton Senior Vice President of Casino Operations was happy for the winner. “It is nice to see someone’s life change in an instant,” he said.
Mohegan Not To Be Outdone
Guest wins $3.5 million
The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT recently minted another millionaire. This time the lucky slots player was Shana Kelley, a 21-year-old college student from Sommerville, MA. At first she did not believe her luck.
“I did not realize I won millions, I thought it was thousands,” she said. “I started to shake; (my) mom was going nuts!”
Kelley will use the payoff from her $100 investment to finish college and buy a new home. The $3.5 million dollar jackpot was the largest of the year at the Connecticut casino and was won on a Progressive Wheel of Fortune.
Change Your Evil Ways
Organization trying to help workers
The Macau Gaming Industry Labourers Association (MGILA) is attempting to address the problems of unhealthy social habits by its members and have introduced several “healthy” alternatives.
“Many of the dealers finish late and the only form of entertainment available to them is to go to a bar or disco,” Lawrence Tai, MGILA board secretary and director recently told the Macau Daily Times. “Those options combined with the high wages (14,491 patacas per month, almost double the city average) many are earning is leading to increasing use of alcohol and drugs by the workers.”
The program has developed athletic activities, from basketball and football tournaments to group walking days, as well as non-athletic activities such as karaoke and photography competitions; all with the expressed goal of presenting the workers with other social options that do not include alcohol or drug use.
Fox Holds Casino Charity Event
Help find a cure for Parkinson’s
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is holding a benefit on Tuesday, April 22 at New York City’s famous Puck Building located at 295 Lafayette St. in Soho. The event, billed as “Le Reve: Indulge the Dream” will include food, open bar, dancing, gift bags, poker parlor and flappers, the term to describe women dressed in 1920s style short dresses. Festivities run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $150. For more information call 646-467-4406.
Just Asking
Why is it that when the IRS loses a tax return, it is considered a mistake, but when you lose a receipt, it is considered tax evasion?
A Taxing Problem
Here are a few websites that can help you if you are struggling:
Internal Revenue Service: www.irs.gov
Free Tax Returns: www.irs.gov/individuals
Free Tax Software: www.idontpay.com/taxes
Won’t Quit Their Day Job
Powerball winners return to work
Talk about dedication. Eight Monogalia county Sheriff’s department tax office employees that recently shared the winning ticket on a Powerball drawing worth $276.3 million, intend to return to work. The eight ladies who have worked at the Charleston, W.VA. department, ranging from one year to 35 years, each contributed $5 into the pot and used the quick pick option to select the numbers. The ticket was purchased at a video poker bar in Weston. However, three other tax office employees chose not to join in.
The lucky ladies opted for the cash payout of $139 million and are each expected to receive $11.9 million after taxes.
Empire's Best
James Reagan
There is a great deal about his job as a VGM Attendant that James Reagan enjoys. James, 50, enjoys being on his feet and walking around the casino helping customers. He considers himself a “guest greeter” and that it is his job to serve as a “liaison between every department and the public.”
Before joining the Empire City staff, the Yonkers resident was a music buyer for Sam Goody’s for 25 years. James, who believes that “a smile is the universal language,” says that listening to the customers is the key to doing his job well, especially on busy Saturday evenings when the casino is filled to near capacity.
When not working, James enjoys traveling to sunny and warm locations (Egypt, Mexico and Morrocco) and architecture.
So if you have a question about the casino or machine, just look around for a VGM attendant, and if he or she is anything like James, you will be happy you asked.
Comments
I like going to ( we call it YONKERS ). My husband michael and I enjoy yonkers much better than mohegan or foxwoods. They are tooo high strung and we are just a hard working couple that enjoys a simple evening at the track and slots.
Posted by mary weber | September 24, 2008 21:27 | PermalinkI like going to ( we call it YONKERS ). My husband michael and I enjoy yonkers much better than mohegan or foxwoods. They are tooo high strung and we are just a hard working couple that enjoys a simple evening at the track and slots.
Posted by mary weber | September 24, 2008 21:27 | Permalink