Gambling

It Pays to Play

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:10:20 -0500

In recent years, three card poker has become increasingly popular. Many players view it as a superior alternative to Caribbean stud poker because you get paid on strong hands even if the dealer doesn't qualify. Caribbean stud is a great game, but it's frustrating when you get a Full House or 4-of-a-kind and the dealer has nothing--you don't get the big payout that you deserve. There’s a secret to giving your self a chance to win at three card poker. You should raise your bet when you have Queen-6-4 or better. Playing with a Queen-6-4 or better has been mathematically proven to be the best strategy for winning at 3-card poker consistently. Three Card Poker is easy to learn and simple to play. Let's say you are at a $5 table. Place a $5 chip on "ante." Check your cards. If your hand beats Queen-6-4, place another $5 chip on "play", otherwise fold. There is one other key to maximizing your chances of winning: Pick a game with a good pay table. In addition to ante and play, pair plus gives the player one more betting option. Generally speaking, good games will pay 4-to-1 on your pair plus bet when you hit a Flush. Other games pay only 3-to-1. The pair plus part of the game at full payout gives the house an advantage of less than 3 ½ percent. That makes the game as attractive as any table poker game you can find. You should get a pay hand of some sort about 25 percent of the time. Most casinos allow you to make unequal bets on the two games. A conservative bet would be two units on ante-play and one unit on pair plus. In ante and play, you are playing against the dealer. After examining your three poker cards, and estimating the probability of beating the dealer, you must decide whether to fold or play. Suddenly, Strategy Entered If you have a winning poker hand, such as a pair, three-of-a-kind, a flush, or a straight, you should definitely play. Your odds of winning ante and play are very high when you hold one of these winning poker hands. If you do not have a winning poker hand, you should play anyway if you have a hand of Queen-6-4 or better. Remember that poker hands are ranked according to the highest card. The second card and than the third, are examined only to break a tie.

Gaming Expansion Continues

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:22:43 -0500

Hastings Racecourse, the famous Vancouver racetrack is getting a new look thanks to the Great Canadian Gaming Corp. When completed, the facility will be home to a 42,000-square foot entertainment facility that will include 600 slot machines, sports and entertainment lounges and several dining choices. The facility will be located in the grandstand. “We’re very excited about opening Hastings,” said Vincent Trudel, Chief Operating Officer. “This historic racetrack is a Vancouver landmark, and the installation of these brand new gaming offerings will allow it to offer its patrons a complete entertainment experience.” Hastings Racecourse is a thoroughbred facility that first opened on June 30, 1900. Great Canadian is a gaming and entertainment operator with operations throughout Canada and in northwestern United States. The company operates 10 casinos, five horseracing facilities and several theatres, conference centers and a hotel.

Great Retirement Plan

Florida man hits $2 million jackpot A Florida retiree playing the quarter slots at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek hit the $2,029, 595 jackpot on the Wheel of Fortune slot machine recently. Believed to be the largest slot machine jackpot ever paid out at the Coconut Creek, the 65-year-old can choose to receive either a lump sum payout or 25 annual payouts. The Seminole Casino Coconut Creek first opened in March 2000 with a goal of becoming a Las Vegas style gaming and entertainment destination.

Seashells And Slots By the Seashore

Economic downturn not slowing down casino development While the United States is slowly grinding through an economic downturn--with gas prices soaring, and home equity shrinking—the Pinnacle Entertainment Co. is moving forward with its plan to renovate the site of the old Sands Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The Sands, a 21-story boardwalk staple, was imploded on Oct. 18, 2007 in eight seconds. Even though ground has not been broken, Pinnacle claimed that it is in the final planning states and intends to develop the 18 acres of prime boardwalk property in a multi-entertainment facility. “We have a beach here, and that’s something that distinguishes us from our competitors,” company spokesman Pauline Yoshishasihi told Casinogamblingweb.com. Pinnacle Entertainment owns and operates casinos in four states, plus Argentina and The Bahamas.

The People Have Spoken

Buckeye State seeks casino Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner recently received a petition signed by over 800,000 residents seeking to have a new casino built in Clinton County. The proposed new casino will be put up for a referendum on the November ballot. Proponents of the $600 million casino believe that the initiative will result in much needed tax revenue, the creation of approximately 5,000 well-paying jobs that will include health benefits. The group behind the petition, MyOhioNow, expects opposition to the casino. “We look towards our opposition to come from casinos in states that neighbor Ohio, as they have enjoyed the economic benefits from Ohioans for many years,” said the organization in a statement.

Summer Sizzles With Fireworks and Jackpots

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0500

The Rockets Red Glare

Where to find fireworks in New York

Every 4th of July the skies above New York’s five boroughs are filled with the sights and sounds of fireworks, some carefully orchestrated and others, well, not so organized. However, if you are looking for a place to sit and see the rockets’ red glare in a colorfully choreographed manner here are a few choices:

TUESDAY, JULY 3

KENSICO DAM MUSIC FEST - VALHALLA, NY - A concert by the Westchester Philharmonic playing American favorites and patriotic music will be followed by a fireworks display. Admission and parking are free.

The Plaza opens at 5 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m. For more information call 914-864-PARK, or go to www.westchestergov.com/parks.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

ANNUAL MACY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS - LOWER MANHATTAN - The Big Daddy of all fireworks shows, the department stores’ annual celebration features 120,000 bursts of color with the greatest city in the world as a backdrop. The world-famous Grucci Fireworks Company is once again running the show. There are numerous traffic restrictions in place—which are strictly enforced--so mass transit is highly recommended. If you are unable to make the trek downtown, look for alternate sites on the other side of the river to watch.

For more information call 212-494-4495 or go to www.macys.com or go to www.manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/nycjulyfourth.htm

TOWN OF SOUTHEAST- BREWSTER, NY - There is music, dancing and refreshments for sale. For more information call 845-279-3915.

HARBOR ISLAND PARK- MAMARONECK, NY - The seven-day 60th Annual Fireman’s Parade and Carnival is highlighted by a fireworks display that begins at 9 p.m. For more information call 914-77-7700.

PIERSON PARK - TARRYTOWN, NY - With the Hudson River as its backdrop, the festivities start at 7 p.m. For more information call 914-631-8347.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

HUNTINGTON MANOR FIRE DEPARTMENT FAIR - HUNTINGTON, NY If you did not get your fill of fireworks on the 4th, the Huntington Manor Fire Department’s 105th Anniversary Fair is a five day event highlighted with three nights of fireworks (July 16-18) that will easily satisfy your craving. With an abundance of rides, carnival booths and food vendors all on hand, this fair has something for everyone. Located on several acres of grassy fields behind Stimson Middle School, the fair retains a small-town charm in a clean and safe environment. For more information go to www.hmfd.org.

Welcome to the Machine

It’s man versus the computer in poker showdown

The second Man Vs Machine Poker Championship will be held July 3-6 at the 2008 Gaming Life Expo at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The machine, a Polaris 2 is considered the most sophisticated poker Artificial Intelligence (AI) machine in the world and will take on a team from Stoxpoker.com. The team is comprised of poker professionals Nick Gruzdien, Uay Palansky and Matt Hawrilenko. Each player has surpassed the $1 million plateau in cash-game limit hold-em’ earnings and is up to the challenge.
“Against the current AI in Polaris 2, the average poker player would be completely dominated,” lead coach at Stoxpoker.com Bryce Paradis told PokerPages.com. “The Polaris 2 team has made incredible improvements since the match last year. The most powerful change is that the AI will now learn from and adapt to its opponents’ play as the match progresses.”

For match results and to watch match simulcasts go to www.stoxpoker.com.

Now That’s a Jackpot

Largest jackpot in online history won Down Under

On April 18, 2008, Klaus E. of Finland established a new record online payout, winning a $5.5 million jackpot. The Finn won the enormous sum after playing only 50 cents on Blackjackballroom.com.

“When I saw 5,556,753 flash on my screen I thought it was a US phone number,” he told CasinoRewards. “It couldn’t be a jackpot, I must be mistaken. So I just got up from my table, went outside to clear my head, and then came back in again for another look. . .and noticed $5.5 million sitting in my casino account.”

After flying to Australia to pick up his seven-figure check, the financially fortunate Finn shared his plans for the new found riches.
“I don’t want any sports cars, as I don’t even have a driving license, but maybe I’ll invest. Oh, and some holidays too.”

No Shortage of Winners

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:45:00 -0500

Hold That Bus

Retiree wins $4.2 million just before heading home

With only a few more minutes of playing time before his bus left, retired steelworker Robert Schaeffer hit a $4.2 million jackpot at the Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Schaeffer, 83, who was accompanied by two friends, won his bounty on the progressive Megabucks machine. Shortly before leaving, and with only a few dollars left in his pocket, Schaeffer played $3 and five eagles came up setting off the jackpot. The jackpot was also the largest progressive jackpot in Resorts Casino history. The grandfather and great grandfather intends on using the fortune to set up trust funds for his family.

Need for Speed Relay

Race to raise awareness coming soon

In an effort to defeat Domestic Violence, an epidemic that affects one in three women in this country, the Avon Need For Speed Relay is taking place on June 8. The 50-mile, 9-leg race is a team-event that begins at scenic Bear Mountain Park and winds its way through Westchester County and finishes in downtown New Rochelle. Organizers are hoping to surpass last year’s impressive numbers when 130 teams registered representing 20 states. All in all the participants raised $28,000. “We invite even more runners to sign up to have fun while helping such an important cause,” said Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation. “The Need for Speed Relay offers competition, camaraderie and the chance to help children affected by domestic violence. It is a win-win for everyone.” Already the event has registered over 100 teams, coming from as far away as Sylvania, Ohio. All proceeds from this race will go to five designated beneficiaries, including the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation and Shelter Our Sisters. The relay is held nationwide, with routes organized from Madison, Wisc. to Chicago, and Reno, Nev. to Tahoe, Calif. To register or for more information go to needorspeedrelay.org, or call 1-888-NFS-RELAY.

Loyalty Pays Off

Another Wheel winner

On March 31, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., Denise Brown was enjoying her day off by playing her usual machine, the Wheel of Fortune Special Edition, when she hit for $1.6 million. “I always play the same machine,” said Brown to the Indian Country Today. “It is my favorite.” To her credit, Brown plans to continue working as a home health care provider. “I love taking care of my patients,” she said. Brown also intends to by a condo with her ample winnings. Large jackpots are nothing new at Mohegan Sun, where five huge payouts have been made, including three, million-dollar plus prizes in the last month alone.

13 Is a Lucky Number

Oregon man hits for $29,000 on anniversary

Who says 13 is an unlucky number. Not Jeff Beers. Beers was playing the slots in the early morning hours at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, Oregon on the night of the casino’s 13th anniversary when he hit for $29,552. Beers winning spin came a few hours after the casino celebrated with an elaborate fireworks display and other fun promotions. Even more lucky for Beers, it was not the only prize money he has gone home with recently. “In a six-day, I hit 17 jackpots at Wildhorse, ranging from $400 to the big one Sunday morning,” Beers recounted to Indian Country Today. “Each time I was absolutely stunned. But when the big one hit I was floored.”

Grand Old Flag

Need to replace that torn and tattered Old Glory that hangs outside your front door? Remember Flag Day is Sat., June 14. Here are a few websites that offer a wide range of flags and poles:

Quote of Note

“The flag of the United States has not been created by rhetorical sentences in declarations of independence and in bills of rights. It has been created by the experience of a great people, and nothing is written upon it that has not been written by their life. It is the embodiment, not of a sentiment, but of a history.” - Woodrow Wilson

Empire's Best

Nathaly Soriano

If you are waiting in line at the Empire City promotions booth—and at times the line can get very long due to the many giveaways available—don’t get discouraged. At the end of the line are several hard working representatives such as Nathaly Soriano. The Yonkers native has been working at Empire City since July 2007 and is more than happy to explain the details of all the different giveaways and promotions being run at any one time. Nathaly does not work a typical 9-to-5 shift. Her hours vary depending on the day of the week, and she enjoys it that way. Nathaly particularly enjoys working on the busy days when Empire City is brimming with patrons. “It is more exciting to see people while working,” she said. Since joining the Empire City team, Nathaly has seen a great number of promotions and believes that two of the best promotions have been the “Get Up To $50 Back!” (now available) and the “Gas Card”. When not working at Empire City, Nathaly enjoys spending time with her family. So the next time you want to redeem your points for a gift, don’t get discouraged by the length of the line. Take comfort in knowing that Nathaly and many other promotions booth representatives are working as quickly and professionally as they can to make your time inside Empire City enjoyable.

Winners All Around

Sat, 03 May 2008 15:13:56 -0500

The High Life at Empire City

Expansion continues with a new room opened

On Friday, April 11, Empire City opened its High Limit Lounge to the public. General Manager Robert Galterio claimed that it was just the “first phase in the evolution of Empire City.” Before cutting the ribbon, Galterio said that ECYR was “just ramping up” in its goal of becoming “the kind of place for everybody.” Located near the entertainment lounge, the High Limit room is sectioned off from the rest of the casino by a short paneled wall with frosted glass on top, providing all guests with the kind of privacy that they enjoy. With dozens of machines to choose from, including the popular Wheel of Gold, Double Diamond and Stars & Stripes, the High Limit room features 88 machines that range from $1 to $100. Donna, a frequent visitor to Empire City, claimed that the High Limit Lounge was, “the best thing (Empire City) ever did.” Donna has stopped going down to Atlantic City to play because of the fun and excitement she gets at Empire City. She frequents ECYR about two or three times per week. Lena, another player at the lounge’s grand opening who was playing the Blazing 7s, thought the addition was a good idea because of the privacy it affords and that she can easily get to one of her favorite machines. The lounge features an area with a dozen comfortable chairs in front of three large flat screen televisions.

Oh Canada

Ontario woman wins $9 million jackpot

A 53-year-old housewife from Woodbridge, Ontario, recently earned the largest slot machine jackpot in Canadian history. Anna Falco was at the Casino Rama in Toronto with her husband playing the Megabucks slot machine. After about an hour of play and $200 later the machine started to ring and the mother of two was $8,920,622 richer. “When we called our two daughters to share the good news, they thought we were kidding,” Falco told The Winnipeg Sun. The newly minted millionaire intends on sharing the winnings with friends and family.

Wheel Spins a Fortune at Golden Nugget

Tourist leaves Las Vegas with $1.67 million jackpot

During the first week of April, Debbie Psychopedas, 37, a regular visitor to the Golden Nugget Las Vegas hit for a $1.67 million jackpot on only her third spin. The unnamed winner is from Stamford, Conn., and was vacationing at the Golden Nugget when she hit the progressive payout of $1.67 million jackpot after playing only $56 on the Wheel of Fortune. “We’ve been spending one night at the Golden Nugget every vacation for the past 15 years,” said Psychopedas. “This time we decided to come for a day trip. . .it sure paid off.” Psychopedas, who was playing a max bet on the $1 machine, told casino officials she is unsure of how she intends to spend the money. The office manager also indicated that she would return to work. The Wheel of Fortune is based on the popular television game show, and follows a standard three-reel format and associated pay tables.

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own
- Aristotle

Mother Knows Best

Find something special for your mom

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, here are a few websites that will provide some worthwhile gift ideas. Crafts: www.crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/mothers-day Gift baskets: www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com Jewelry: www.mothersday.collectiblestoday.com Spa: www.spafinder.com Tips and Ideas: www.800florals.com/care/mothers-day-gifts.asp

Empire's Best

Alexander Hill Empire City opens for business beginning at 10 a.m. daily. In reality, the doors don’t officially open until Peace Officer Alexander Hill, 38, announces “1-2-7 Hill, time to open.” From the main security office, Hill, a communications specialist, oversees the security of the entire facility. It requires constant communication with other officers in and around Empire City at all times. “I multi-task like people spell cat,” he said. Hill, a Mt. Vernon resident who served in the U.S. military in Germany for three years, is truly a communications specialist, having the ability to speak seven different languages, including Pennsylvania Amish-Dutch. At Empire City the professional security force is very visible at all entrances and throughout the gaming floor, which Hill believes is greatly appreciated by the guests. “The more (the guests) see (the security guards) the more comfortable they feel,” he said. It is obvious that Hill enjoys his job and is dedicated to making sure that the guests, staff and building are safe, secure and well prepared for any incident.

Many Happy Returns for A Few Players

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:48:09 -0500

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.

Bringing Down the House

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:52:54 -0500

You may have seen the Travel Channel documentary called "Bringing Down the House," based on Ben Mezrich's book about a team of M.I.T. trained card counters who took Las Vegas for millions. Mezrich's book sold over 1.5 million copies and was optioned by actor Kevin Spacey. Now six years later, Spacey has produced "21," which also stars Kate Bosworth and Laurence Fishburne , and is scheduled to open later this month. Jeff Ma was one of the M.I. T. card counters who advised Mezrich on the book, and also was a major consultant on the film. Senior writer Rich Podolsky interviewed Jeff recently and asked him what it was like to beat Vegas at its own game. Playbook: Basically, the idea of card counting is to know when the blackjack deck is rich with picture cards and to increase your bet at that time. If you're working with someone you can signal them, and they can join the table and start betting big while you stay inconspicuous. We asked Jeff Ma how card counting got started. Jeff: Edward Thorpe, a Cal Tech professor, invented card counting in the '70s or early '80s. He brought it to M.I.T. when he was a visiting professor. Playbook: The M.I. T. students would spend their weekends in Vegas then go back to school on Monday. How long was the team able to successfully play the cat and mouse game with the casinos? Jeff: We did it over a period of about seven years. I didn't get involved until 1994, after the team had been going for a number of years. I knew somebody on the team who became my roommate and he recruited me. At first I was just a spotter, but then the nerves kicked in when I started betting the big money. It was like having to take the winning shot, and even though you were nervous, you still had to take it. But after a while it was easy for me to metamorphosis into a high roller who enjoyed beating the house. Jeff: There was always the fear of getting caught. The casinos would study our play on tape and decide who they wanted to ban from their tables. That's why we had to keep switching casinos and recruit new team members. The attitude of the casinos was that everyone should lose. They reasoned that losing was the price of entertainment for playing. If you didn't lose you weren't paying your entertainment fee. Playbook: Doesn't it seem unfair that the casinos will let you play as long as you want as long as you're losing, but can ban you for playing by the rules if you're winning? Jeff: Unfair? I'd say it was un-American. Playbook: What was it like for a bunch of ordinary, average-looking students to fly to Vegas every weekend and get treated like superstars? Jeff: It was amazing. The casino hosts saw how high our level of play was and gave us anything we wanted - suites, limos, front-row tickets, anything. Playbook: How much did you take down before you knew your role was over? Jeff: I'm the type of person that doesn't like to get yelled at in a job. I won about $1 million -- enough so that I don't have to get yelled at ever again. Playbook: It was also enough for you to start a sports marketing company called "Pro Trade." What's that all about? Jeff: "Pro Trade" is a next generation fantasy sports community. And it's now part of a bigger company I started called "Citizens Sports Network." Playbook: Thanks Jeff, and good luck, if you can still use some.

Vegas Building Boom

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:00:00 -0500

Vegas' Latest Addition

The Palazzo becomes the strip's newest member

Don't tell Las Vegas that the U.S. economy is slowing down, or headed toward a recession. The world-famous Las Vegas strip recently welcomed the opening of another mega-hotel and casino, The Palazzo Las Vegas. The 50-story, 3,000-room hotel was built at a cost of $1.9 billion and features a 105,000-square foot casino with 120 table games and 1,400 slot, video and reel machines. With competition for the gaming and tourist dollars fierce along the Strip, the challenge for the owners of The Palazzo Las Vegas was to find a way to stand out and attract a large audience. "In The Palazzo Las Vegas, our vision was to develop a property of elevated luxury in Las Vegas," said Rob Goldstein, president and chief operating officer, months before the facility opened. "We're balancing sophisticated design and décor and luxurious experience with some of the simple comforts of home to cater to the preferences of the most discerning traveler." When not gambling, the huge facility also includes enough restaurants and shops to keep you inside the entire time, including an 85,000-square foot Barneys, and restaurants operated by Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck. Hip-hop mogul Jay Z opened one of his famed 40/40 Clubs on the premises, not far from the Lamborghini dealership, the first of its kind on the strip.

The Donald Arrives in Las Vegas

Trump International to open March 31

Real-estate developer and reality television star Donald Trump has staked his claim in Las Vegas with the opening of Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas. The 64-story, 1,282-room condominium hotel is the latest addition to the Trump Hotel Collection and is scheduled to open March 31, 2008. Located adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall, Trump International Hotel & Tower expects to attract guests who know and demand a high standard of service. "This hotel will be the destination of choice in Las Vegas for the cultivated traveler," said Steve Shalit, vice president and managing director. "Our guests will appreciate the immediate access our location affords to the full Las Vegas experience, while at the same time providing them with a sophisticated retreat a world apart from the action just outside our doors." In typical Trump fashion, no detail has been overlooked: from The Spa at Trump where an attache' will guide guests from start to finish; to the services of a Trump Attache, responsible for providing guests with 24-hour service and conveniences, no matter how large or small. The price tag on Tower I condos--ranging from $700,000 to $7 million--did not scare away many customers as the hotel boasts near capacity. In April 2007, in an effort to keep up with demand for the luxurious condos "The Donald" announced plans to construct a second tower of equal height and opulence.

New Museum? Fagetaboutit

Vegas recognizes Sin City's founding Godfathers

Las Vegas, which is known for its many attractions in all shapes and sizes, will soon be home to a museum dedicated to organized crime's history and influence in Sin City. The facility is expected to open in 2010 in a renovated brick Federal building. It is the perfect place to put the mob displays considering that the building once served as the venue that held the special investigation into the crime organization's activities in the 1950. Current Las Vegas Mayor Ron Goodman has spearheaded the project, enabling the city to buy the federal building for the discount price of $1. The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $50 million. In an effort to properly portray the gangsters, former FBI agent Ellen Knowlton, who retired in 2006, heads the non-profit museum organization. She feels her presence will not only give the museum an honest portrayal of both sides, but has helped the museum collect exhibits, such as old photographs and wiretap transcripts, to name a few. Dennis Barrie, whose resume includes serving as the organizer of Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will design the building.

The Best Buy Never Made

After fighting with girlfriend, man wins 800K

Sammy Zabib, 42, a limousine fleet manager from Astoria, Queens had been getting an earful from his girlfriend for not buying her a pair of expensive designer jeans when they were at Atlantic City. Fed up with the bickering, Zabib drove himself back down to AC early one morning - alone. Arriving at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa at approximately 8 a.m., before the boutique opened for business, Zabib decided to play some slots to pass the time. After about an hour playing the Brazil Slingo, wagering $4 per spin, Zabib hit the jackpot to the tune of $800,000. Zabib called his girlfriend to tell her the good news. "She wasn't mad anymore," he told a local Atlantic City paper. "She's waiting for me at home now." Before heading home Zabib picked up a pair of the "7 for all Mankind Jeans" paying $149.

Empire's Best

Alba Maria The expression "service with a smile" was never more appropriate then when it comes to describing Alba Maria, one of the many Beverage Servers delivering drinks to Empire City guests. Alba, 32, is from the Bronx and has worked at Empire City from Day One. The mother of two (Alex, 10, and Alexa, 5) enjoys meeting many new people while working at Empire City. When not working, Alba enjoys spending time with her family, shopping and music, especially merengue. How does a beverage server manage to keep all those drink orders straight when the gaming floor is brimming with patrons? For Alba it all starts with making eye contact and memorizing the customers' faces, followed by noting the machine's number. After delivering each drink, Alba offers a sincere "good luck" and of course it is accompanied by a smile.

Another Fine Mess

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:10:00 -0500

The website The Las Vegas Gambler dispenses a lot of worthwhile advice to those visiting the Silver Strip. According to the site, there are more than 23,000 traffic tickets issued each month. The fines can range from $95 for Jaywalking to $1,100 for driving twice the posted limit. One other thing to be wary of: with the building boom still in full effect in Las Vegas, fines are doubled in construction zones. Ouch. The Gambler encourages visitors to spend their money wisely on gambling, hotels and entertainment - NOT on the traffic fines.

Help from a Higher Power?

10 rules to play by

The Gambling Planet offers the following Ten Commandments when it comes to gambling in a casino:

Thou shall expect to lose.
Thou shall know thy local law
Thou shall not bet more than one can afford
Thou shall trust the odds
Thou shall not believe in 'betting systems'
Thou shall play to win
Thou shall exhibit good gambling etiquette.
Thou shall seek out the best rules
Thou shall not hedge bets or make side bets
Thou shall tip

We're not sure whether or not this will provide you with any divine intervention or help from high above, but hey, it can't hurt.

Talk the Talk

The meaning of the words bandied about the casino

As gambling becomes more main stream and reaches into America's daily life, there is an entire language out there that can sound confusing. In an effort to keep our readers current, The Playbook has found a few words and their definitions to help you understand your surroundings inside the casino. Cracking The Nut: Is when you earn enough money from your gambling to cover your expenses (nut) and then some. Flat Top: The type of slot machine with a fixed amount for a jackpot, as opposed to a progressive machine. Holding Your Own: Another way of saying your breaking even. Load Up: Playing the maximum number of coins per spin on a video gaming machine. Rack: the plastic tray used to hold coins or video gaming machine tokens. Slot Walker: A person who walks by slot machines looking for unclaimed coins. For more terms and definitions go to the Casino Gambling Glossary

A Winning Chicken Wing Recipe

A tasty treat to watch the BCS Championship

With Ohio State and LSU set to battle in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 7, 2008, for the national championship here is one tasty treat that will go perfect with you, the couch and the flat screen; as if you needed another reason to inhale a few buffalo style chicken wings. Ingredients: Three pounds of chicken wings, 1 stick unsalted butter, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp Tabasco, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1.5 cup blue cheese, 1 cup mayo, ¾ cup sour cream, 1tsp salt, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¾ tsp ground black pepper, celery sticks. Directions: Preheat the over to 350 degrees. Cut the wings into three pieces and discard the wing tips. In a glass mixing bowl melt the butter and add the cayenne, Tabasco, and salt. Place wings on a sheet pan a few inches below the heat. Brush the wings with the melted butter and broil for approximately 8 minutes. Turn the wings over and broil for an additional 4 minutes. Sauce: Put the blue cheese, mayo, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire, salt and pepper in a food processor; process until smooth. Serve wings at room temperature with celery sticks and the blue cheese dip. Enjoy.

Last Laugh:

Two women enter a casino. The first woman says to her friend, “My husband is going to a casino in central Asia.” The friend replies, “Tibet?” The first woman answers, “Of course, why else would he go!”

No Gamble Renting These Movies

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:50:00 -0500

Here's a list of The Playbook's Top 10 gambling films, to help you separate the sure from the sucker bets. 10. The Cincinnati Kid (1965): Steve McQueen is Eric Stoner, the "Cincinnati Kid." In New Orleans he takes on "The Man," a veteran gambler played by Edward G. Robinson. For the final hand, The Kid's full house falls to The Man's straight flush and a chastened Kid limps away to fight another day. 9. Guys and Dolls (1955): Frank Sinatra plays Nathan Detroit, who runs "the oldest established (permanent floating crap game) in New York," even though his girlfriend wants him to go legit. This film, and the 1950 play that preceded it, is probably best known as the only musical guys actually like. 8. Kawaita Hana (Pale Flower) (1963): Even if you hate subtitles, you'll like this film about Japan's yakuza, the organized crime syndicate. Romance tries to thrive against a backdrop of decadent gambling dens. It will make you appreciate the (relative) cleanliness of Atlantic City. 7. Atlantic City (1981): Speaking of AC, you should check out this film starring Burt Lancaster and a smokin' hot Susan Sarandon, which is set in the early days of legalized Garden State gambling. 6. Let It Ride (1989): Thanks to some privileged information, normal guy Jay Trotter (Richard Dreyfuss) can't seem to stop winning at the track. But will easy riches ruin his marriage? Great minor rolls turned in by Robbie Coltrane, Jennifer Tilly and Terri Garr. 5. The Sting (1973): One of two gambling-related films on this list to win the Best Picture Oscar, The Sting features Paul Newman and Robert Redford as a pair of con artists taking on mobsters with a scheme related to off-track betting. The All-Star cast also includes Eileen Brennan and Charles Durning. 4. Casino (1995). Yes, this is the film in which Joe Pesci's character repeatedly stabs a guy in the neck with a pen. Martin Scorsese's Las Vegas opus portrays both sides of Sin City: the gleaming paradise tourists see and the filthy sewer of mob influence that once fueled Vegas's dreams. Other Scorsese veterans appearing in this Silver City-based movie are Robert DeNiro and Frank Vincent. 3. The Cooler (2003): One of the best gambling films in recent years, The Cooler stars veteran actor William H. Macy as a man with terminal bad luck. His luck is so poor that a mob-run casino uses him to "cool down" players' good luck. However, Macy's love life heats up and he falls in love and his luck starts to change, displeasing the mob, led by casino director Shelly Kaplow (Alec Baldwin). 2. Rain Man (1988): Gambling forms a pivotal plot point in the other Best Picture Oscar-winning movie on this list. Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) learns he has an autistic brother (Dustin Hoffman), but it's not good news. Raymond Babbitt has been bequeathed all of their father's fortune. The two travel across the country in a vintage automobile, and Charlie learns to stop being selfish and to start loving Raymond. Though autistic, Raymond has uncanny mathematical abilities. At one point, strapped for cash, Charlie uses Raymond to win big at the blackjack tables in Las Vegas. 1. Ocean's 11 (1960): The original featured Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Enough said. Leave In The Rack: Leprechaun 3, The Sting II, Vegas Vacation.

Coquito: Classic Cuban Christmas Cocktail

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:15:00 -0500

Ingredients: (1) 12-ounce can of evaporated milk (1) 14-ounce can of condensed milk (2) egg yolks (2) cups fresh coconut milk (use 1 can of coconut milk instead if need be) pinch salt (¼) teaspoon true Ceylon cinnamon (1) cup Puerto Rican white rum ground cinnamon Directions: Place everything in a blender for 3 minutes at high speed, make frothy. Place in a glass container and chill, serve cold with a dusting of cinnamon.

Great Getaways and Legendary Loses

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:47:05 -0500

Thanksgiving is the country's most heavily traveled holiday weekend of the year, and for those wanting to head somewhere to win big with a price tag to match, these are the places for you: The Penthouse Suite in The Cove Atlantis, part of the Bahamas' Atlantis, Paradise Island resort and casino, will set you back about $15,000 a night. However, for that price you get a 10-seat dining room, 300-thread count linens, high definition televisions with 50-inch screens, and even a free daily newspaper. If $15,000 is small potatoes for a big wheel like you, then head to The Palms in Las Vegas. The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa will cost you $40,000. For that reasonable sum, you get a spinning bed, pop-up plasma televisions, and a fully-equipped gym. Alas, no Playboy Bunnies come with the suite. Maybe you'd like an economy big-wig suite. If so, head to gambling Mecca, Monte Carlo and Hotel de Paris' Winston Churchill Suite. It offers a panoramic ocean view and large terrace. At just $11,000 per night it's a real bargain. All-Time Sports Gambles Thanksgiving weekend is made for eating, visiting, and watching tons of sports. While you're convalescing from turkey overload, ponder these all-time sports gambles. Underworld legend Arnold Rothstein won $50,000 by betting that the shoe-in 1919 Chicago White Sox baseball team would lose the World Series. Surprise, surprise, they lost and he won. The only problem, he did it by paying eight disenchanted White Sox players - including the great "Shoeless Joe" Jackson - to throw the game. In 1989, Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hit king lost everything. In 1987, as manager of the Cincinnati Reds, "Charlie Hustle" allegedly wagered on more than 50 of the club's games. All of the bets were to win and not to lose, but he drew the ire of baseball commissioner Bart Giamatti nonetheless. For years Rose denied gambling on baseball, but he was banned for life from the game he loved and made ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. In 2004, Rose finally admitted that he had, in fact, gambled on baseball. Thanksgiving Drink Special Impress your holiday guests on a cool November afternoon with a hot apple cider with rum cocktail. Ingredients: 1 apple, 2 teaspoons whole cloves; 1 thinly sliced orange; 2 quarts apple cider; ½ cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon allspice; a pinch of grated nutmeg; 1 cup dark rum; and cinnamon sticks for garnish. Instructions: Place the whole cloves in the apple. In a medium pot, combine the apple and all the remaining ingredients - except the rum! Bring pot to a simmer over low heat, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add rum. Remove the apple, and carefully pour ingredients into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Big Payoffs and Strange Plays

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 18:50:30 -0500

Great Gambles in American History Seward's Folly. When Secretary of State William Seward requested that America purchase Alaska for $7.2 million from Russia in 1867, he was considered a chump. Then gold was discovered in 1896 in Canada's Yukon Territory, right next to Alaska...followed by oil reserves in Alaska itself. Hammond's Folly. John Hammond was a record producer for Columbia in 1961 when he took a gamble and signed a young man calling himself Bob Dylan. Other executives howled. This guy can't sing. Within a few years, Dylan had become the voice of his generation. Gettysburg Confederate General Robert E. Lee took a gamble that a planned attack on Northern soil would cripple the Union's war machine and lead to Confederate victory. He lost. Weird Times in the Cocktail Lounge Ronald Reagan was a popular B-movie actor from the mid-1930s until the early 1950s. To keep food on the table, Regan starred for two weeks at The Last Frontier in Vegas. The 1954 show was a hit, but Reagan decided he wasn't cut out for lounges. George Jorgensen was an Army veteran who underwent a sex change. As Christine Jorgensen, she became a controversial figure in 1950s tabloids. Jorgensen parlayed that infamy into a lounge act she performed all over the world. Soon after his role as Count Dracula, Bela Lugosi was typecast in horror roles, and parts for the proud, classically trained actor became scarce. Lugosi turned to a lounge act that he took throughout the world. He was not comfortable with this type of work, and his career ended with film roles in Ed Wood pictures. Weird Gambling and Weird Gambling Laws A popular form of charitable gaming in Alaska is the Canned Salmon Classic. Prize money is awarded to the person who comes closest to guessing the total number of cases of canned salmon to be packed at the Petersburg salmon canneries during a particular period of time. Arkansas's laws expressly prohibit gambling in outhouses. Bingo for charitable causes is legal in North Carolina…unless bingo sessions last more than five hours at a time. Penny-ante card games, the hands of which cannot exceed $10, are legal in Florida as long as no admission is charged to the games.

Erik Seidel

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:27:18 -0500

We asked veteran reporter Rich Podolsky to interview eight-time bracelet winner Erik Seidel for the second of a series of Q&A's we'll bring you with some of Poker's best. Seidel, 47, from New York, turned pro in 1988 and has won over $7 million in championship events. Playbook: How'd you become a pro? Erik: I was originally a backgammon player and came out to Vegas for backgammon tournaments here. I knew some of the poker players as well. I started playing tiny stakes games to try it and I enjoyed it and went back to New York and started to play a little there. Playbook: And how did you get from playing a little to playing professionally? Erik: At that time ('87) a game started at the Mayfair Club at the Gramarcy Park Hotel and some of the people in the game were Howard Lederer and Dan Harrington. They were both friends who had played in the World Series of Poker and they encouraged me to come out and try it. So I did in '88. Playbook: You finished second that year to repeating champion Johnny Chan. Tell us about it. Erik: Some of my friends staked me to play and I came in second to Chan. (out of 178 players). Second money was $280,000, but I didn't have that big a piece of myself. I was the chip leader going in but early on I lost a big hand where he was all in. Also, I was so inexperienced playing heads-up and I think he was able to take advantage of that, too. A few months later, I won a tournament beating Phil Hellmuth and I had 100% of myself, which gave me tremendous confidence that the World Series wasn't a one-shot deal. Playbook: What did you do before turning pro? Erik: I traded mortgages on the floor of the Amex but the firm I worked for went under in the '87 crash which took me into backgammon full time. Playbook: What was the hand you'll never forget from that game? Erik: I guess the last hand with Chan was pretty memorable. It was dramatized in the movie Rounders where Chan reeled me in. I flopped top pair but he flopped a straight. I didn't have a whole lot of money at that point and wound up getting it all in. They played it up in Rounders for dramatic effect.

Shaken, Not Stirred...

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:51:13 -0500

The Lady Luck: This drink is best suited for the ladies, as the name suggests. The fruity concoction is served in a Hurricane glass with two shots of gin, one shot of DeKuyper Blue Curacao and topped with orange juice. Garnish the glass with a piece of fruit cut into a star shape and if desired mix in another shot of gin. Go-For-Broke: Have a couple of these and you'll be willing to let it ride all night...at least until you've run through all your chips. Mix one ounce of extra dry vermouth with three-quarters-ounce of gin. Top it off with a dash of Cointreau and bitters. Combine in mixing glass filled with ice. Stir and strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of orange. The Vodka Martini: Perhaps you're interested in imitating the world's most famous and most suave spy...Bond, James Bond. In the very first Bond book, Casino Royale, author Ian Fleming introduces readers to 007's drink of choice. It's a dry martini, but it's not just any dry martini. Here's how it's got to be done if you really want a license to kill: Combine three measures of Gordon's Gin with one measure of vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet and garnish with a twist of lemon. You will probably have to substitute Kina Lillet for its more-mundane cousin, dry vermouth. Kina Lillet is a wine-based drink with quinine. Perhaps it's in stock at the Casino Royale, but you're not as likely to find it in your local casino's watering hole. Jockey Club: Many casino-created drinks were born in pre-Castro Cuba when the island nation was a gambling Mecca. One of these cocktails is the Jockey Club. Mix two measures of gin with one-third measure of Amaretto. Top it off with a dash of orange and Angostura bitters.