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Friday, June 30, 2006

Pauma Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Team Up

As reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune: "Indian gaming in San Diego's
North County is about to get a whole lot bigger. "Confirming rumors that
have swirled for months, the Pauma Indian band and Connecticut's
Mashantucket Pequot tribe, operator of the world's largest casino, Foxwoods,
are to announce today a development partnership that will build a $300
million hotel-casino at Pauma.

"The Pauma-Foxwoods project will have 2,000 slot machines and a 500-room
hotel, making it one of the largest in California, but still a fraction of
the size of the Pequots' massive East Coast gambling complex, which has
7,100 slots and 1,400 hotel rooms.

".The casino is expected to open in 2009, and will replace Pauma's
1,050-slot facility. It will make inland North County by far the state's
pre-eminent Indian gaming corridor, with four large casinos operating more
than 7,400 slots on or near a 15-mile section of state Route 76. Two smaller
casinos, with 349 slots each, are scheduled to open next year on the La
Jolla and Santa Ysabel reservations near Lake Henshaw."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:07 AM

New Obstacle in Thunder Valley Casino Lawsuit

As reported by the Gold County Press-Tribute: "A new legal wrangle unfolded
Tuesday in a Placer County Superior Court harassment and discrimination case
filed by seven former female Thunder Valley Casino employees. "Casino
manager Station Casinos is asking that Commissioner Margaret Wells be
replaced with a judge. "The move by Station Casino attorneys comes after
Wells issued a tentative ruling stating that while Thunder Valley's owner -
the United Auburn Indian Community - was exempted from proceedings because
of the tribe's sovereign status, the suit against Station Casinos may
proceed.

"What was initially scheduled to be a hearing on Wells' tentative ruling on
the Nevada-based Station Casinos status as a possible employer of the woman
has now become further entangled in submissions over the commissioner's
presence on the bench.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:06 AM

Centrebet Closes Float Oversubscribed

As reported by the Australia Herald Sun: "Online sports betting shop
Centrebet has closed its $70 million float oversubscribed after strong
demand from retail and institution investors. "The privately-owned online
wagering and gaming company plans to sell 35.11 million shares, or about 40
per cent of the company, at a share price of $2. "Proceeds of the initial
public offering will be used to pay down debt and position the company for
future expansion in both domestic and international gaming markets.

".It is expected Centrebet will have a market capitalisation of $174 million
when it lists on the Australian Stock Exchange on July 12.

"Centrebet managing director Con Kafataris said investors had embraced
Centrebet's online business model as well as its expertise in book keeping
and risk management.

".The company expects to pay a 4.65 per cent, fully franked dividend for the
2007 financial year."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:06 AM

Down to the First Final Table at the WSOP

Three World Series of Poker events (WSOP) will run simultaneously today, a
sign that the momentum is building here at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and
Casino as players gear towards the Main Event and poker immortality. The
final table for Event # 2, the 3-day $1,500 No Limit Hold'Em tournament that
began on Tuesday, will be the main draw for the rail birds. Former Main
Event winner (2001) Carlos Mortensen will vie for his third bracelet from
the sixth chip position. The Spaniard, who is nicknamed "El Matador" was the
chip leader after day one, but suffered consecutive devastating hands to
lower his position late on day two.

Mortensen has 337,000 chips going into the final table. The buzz around the
gallery is that Mortensen's big tournament experience makes him a viable
candidate to take home the bracelet. He also has one World Poker Tour (WPT)
title on his mantle.

Professional poker player Ron Stanley, in 8th position with $283k also has a
WSOP bracelet, winning his first piece of hardware in 1991. The long-time
pro has multiple final table appearances in WSOP Circuit Events and WPT
tournaments.

Don Zewin, in 6th place with $342,000 chips also has some big-time final
table experience, placing 4th at the WPT Doyle Brunson North American Poker
Championship in 2005.

The final table looks like this:

1.) Brandon Cantu $753k

2.) Lee Padilla $753k

3.) Drew Rubin $573k

4.) Mark Ly $516k

5.) Mark Swatz $359

6.) Don Zewin $342k

7.) Carlos Motensen $337k

8.) Ron Stanley $283k

9.) Brent Roberts $260k

WSOP Event # 3, a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold'Em affair, is also scheduled to
start today at 2 p.m. PST with 71 players to battle all day until only nine
player remain for tomorrow's final table.

John Juanda and Victor Ramdin sit near the top of the leader board in 3rd
and 6th place respectively. Juanda is the owner of three WSOP bracelets and
is currently one of the top ranked players in the world on most media outlet
polls.

Ramdin is having a life-changing year, winning $1.3 million at the 2006 WPT
Foxwoods Poker Classic and finishing 11th this spring at the Bellagio in the
WPT World Championship.

The final major tournament of the day is Event # 4, a $1500 Limit Hold'Em
Tournament. Play began today at noon and will continue until there are less
than 100 players. It will conclude sometime this evening. The tournament is
a three-day event.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:05 AM

Hellmuth Record Under Review

For now, news from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has Phil Hellmuth as the
all-time leader in cashes with 50 after he made the money in WSOP Event # 2
and received an appreciation ovation for his accomplishment. The
announcement was made late on Tuesday in front of the player and spectators
filling the Amazon Room of the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, but a record
review is underway and it may be that Hellmuth has only have 49.

Hellmuth himself is unsure. After speaking with all-time cash-leader Men
"The Master" Nguyen, Hellmuth was under the impression that he was tied at
49. Nguyen told him they are tied for the lead and Hellmuth believes "The
Master" for now.

Whether 49 or 50 cashes, Hellmuth at least has a share of the record. WSOP
Media Director Nolan Dalla said the matter will be cleared up and become
official within a day or two.

"I always like to make poker history," Hellmuth said a little steamed after
busting out of the event in (65th?). "Whether I did it today or not, I have
a good chance to take it because my game is in tip top shape."

Before the 2006 WSOP started, Hellmuth was one behind Men "The Master" and
tied with TJ Cloutier and Berry Johnston at 48. Of the four, Hellmuth is
second on the all-time money list running neck and neck with TJ Cloutier.

The next closest competitor is Chris "Jesus" Ferguson with 42 cashes.

While others are sorting out the statistics, Hellmuth said he didn't want to
reflect on where the all-time cash leader places him in the poker pantheon,
preferring instead to speak about his plans for 2006.

Last year, Hellmuth said he spent too much time with outside distractions.
This year, he plans to run the gambit with his full attention and try to
capture his 10th gold bracelet, a historical mark he covets more than the
cash mark.

"My problem is I can't beat all the fuc#*g one-day superstars," Hellmuth
said.

Playing in Event #2's second day caused Hellmuth to miss out on Event # 3, a
$1500 Pot Limit Hold'Em tournament. One fan asked Hellmuth if the players in
that tournament felt lucky he wasn't playing. He responded with "that's what
all those guys are.lucky."

Hellmuth said he plans to play in either Thursdays Limit Hold'Em event of
Friday's shorthanded No'Limit Hold'Em tournament, both bracelet events in
the World Series schedule.

Ryan McLane is a gaming industry reporter for Casino City and is assigned to
the poker beat. He is currently covering events at the World Series of
Poker. Email your comments and questions to him at ryanmclane@casinocity.com

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:05 AM

Column: 'F'in Ridiculous

The logistical nightmare of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) makes for an
interesting scene that is best described with the word "zoo." Basically,
it's a bunch of poker starved animals caged inside a box not equipped to
handle them. It's quite a hilarious picture, with grown men and women
shouting about "fairness" and people generally berating each other for
mistakes in play. Add in the people who have to run the mile and a half to
the bathroom in order to make it back before the blinds come and you have
the perfect recipe for ridiculousness. In short, the WSOP is awesome and any
person who claims to be a poker fan must consider making the pilgrimage to
poker Mecca before calling their career complete.

But before you come and make poker history, remember this - leave the "f"
word at home. Perhaps the most ridiculous rule in the zoo is that just one
cuss word, of the hundreds that exist, is illegal, and said word is deemed
vile enough to give you a 10 minute penalty.

Mike Matasow made the controversial "F" bomb rule famous in the 2005 Main
Event when he dropped more bombs than the Bush family did on Baghdad. In
2006, the rule is important enough to include in the preamble to every
tournament, including the lowly $125 satellite tournaments and side cash
games.

I'm not saying I don't understand why the rule is in place. Cleary, Harrah's
wants to make the WSOP more TV and family friendly, drawing the young and
the conservative old into the booming poker world at the same time.

But seriously, when you've plopped down thousands to play in the Series and
some donkey sucks out on you and laughs, don't you have the God-given right
to drop America's favorite word several dozen times?

You'd do the same if you've stubbed your toe. For many of us, it's a natural
thing to cry out when we're hurt and there is nothing that hurts more than
watching your top-two-pair fall prey to the horrible human being that
paddles to the river.

Before I explain why the "F-Bomb" rule is obnoxious, consider this - there
is no specific rule against using any other cuss words, including racial
slurs and the alphabet of swears beginning with "a, b, s and yes, even c."

There is a provision that allows dealers to deem attacks on another person
so crass, that a penalty can be assessed, but if you get sucked out on and
scream "Sh*t" at the top of your lungs, the "F Bomb" rule does not apply. So
be sure poker players, if you're going to let fly a word, make sure it
begins with anything but "F."
I think this rule needs to be reevaluated. In my opinion, the intent of the
rule is to keep the game clean and honorable. By eliminating a word that is
offensive to many, Harrah's is trying to keep players from berating each
other with profane language.

I like that idea. Poker should be a gentlemen's game and people should not
be allowed to harass people just because they feel like being an ass (I can
say that word, mind you).
The intent is the key. If a player mutters the "F Bomb" to themselves, a
common occurrence when someone is upset, there is room to deem the action a
mistake and should be treated as such.
Most dealers and players are aware of this, and if a violator truly did not
mean to offend, he usually covers his mouth in mock shame and everyone lets
it go. But if one player deems the word offensive, no matter how it's used,
the bosses must enforce the rule and penalize the player.

You all know a player who would be willing to use this to their advantage.
He's the same guy who constantly refers to the rulebook and throws it in
everyone's face, especially when he's holding a poor bluff.

This is where the rule becomes ridiculous. Dealers and bosses have the same
powers of common sense as the rest of us. I say, change the rule to match
its original intent. If the cuss was accidental, don't let Mr. Rulebook use
his annoyingness as power. And if you think Captain Rules doesn't exist,
believe me; he's all over the Rio.
Let's do the best we can to keep the zoo clean, but at the same time, let's
remind the keepers that keeping animals inside a tiny little cage can
sometimes be a recipe for ridiculousness.
Even the best men and women makes mistakes. Let's give the animals a chance
to be human.

Ryan McLane is a gaming industry reporter for Casino City and is assigned to
the poker beat. He is currently covering events at the World Series of
Poker. Email your comments and questions to him at ryanmclane@casinocity.com
.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:04 AM

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Stanley Leisure to Stay in Liverpool

As reported by icLiverpool: "Stanley Leisure's headquarters will remain in
Liverpool even if a proposed merger with a rival London-based casino
operator goes ahead, the Daily Post can reveal. "Stanley this week confirmed
it was in talks with London Clubs International (LCI) over a possible tie-up
that could be worth more than £700m. ".A merger between Stanley and LCI has
been on the cards since the shake-up of gaming laws paved the way for
international operators to run new super-casinos proposed by the
Government."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:43 AM

Loto-Quebec, Bally Team Up

As reported by the Montreal Gazette: "Loto-Quebec has signed a
ground-breaking deal to develop new 'casino game offerings' with Las
Vegas-based Bally Technologies, one of the world's oldest and largest
gambling systems companies. "The long-term strategic alliance between
publicaly traded Bally and Ingenio, the crown corporation's research and
development subsidiary, was announced yesterday in a joint news release.
".The deal, which is non-exclusive for both parties, would see Ingenio
tender game designs and concepts to Bally, which could buy them. Its product
line now includes casino slot machines and video-slots sold the world over."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:42 AM

Island Resort Signs Picks VCAT System

Venture Catalyst Incorporated, announced today that the Hannahville Indian
Community, dba Island Resort & Casino, has licensed Mariposa, VCAT's
customer relationship management (CRM), marketing and business intelligence
software system for use at its Island Resort & Casino located in Harris,
Michigan. "We are excited to add the Hannahville Indian Community and Island
Resort & Casino to our growing family of Mariposa clients. We believe
Mariposa is an excellent choice to complement the casino's current expansion
effort and will help them strengthen relationships with their customers,"
said Greg Shay, Chief Executive Officer and President of VCAT. Mariposa is
an award-winning software solution that provides a fully-integrated
marketing and business intelligence system for the gaming industry.
Developed to work in conjunction with existing player tracking, slot
accounting, hotel management and other data collection systems, Mariposa can
dramatically improve the way casinos do business. By providing gaming
properties with tools to create, execute and track sophisticated
multi-channel, targeted marketing campaigns, as well as analyze both
customers and products on the casino floor, Mariposa can significantly help
increase revenues and operating efficiency. Mariposa consists of a
proprietary modular suite of applications, including Campaign Management,
Data Visualization, with easy-to-read mapping features, a Data Warehouse,
including predictive modeling, reporting and analytics, and a Player Contact
System.
Mariposa clients include: Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino; Hard Rock
Hotel and Casino; Greektown Casino; all six Resorts International casinos,
including: the Las Vegas Hilton, Resorts Atlantic City, Atlantic City
Hilton, Resorts Tunica, Bally's Tunica and Resorts East Chicago; Thunder
Valley Casino; Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino; Stratosphere Casino Hotel &
Tower; Arizona Charlie's Boulder and Arizona Charlie's Decatur; Don
Laughlin's Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino; San Manuel Indian Bingo &
Casino, Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley.

"The management and staff of the Island Resort & Casino are pleased and
excited to join VCAT's Mariposa family. We believe that Mariposa, coupled
with our existing staff's expertise and enthusiasm, can guide us to the next
level of customer service. Additionally, the system will enable the
management staff to make that next leap forward in efficiency and effective
decision making so crucial to the success of our expanding business," said
Tom McChesney, General Manager of Island Resort & Casino.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:42 AM

Ellis Gaming, Hopland Band Contract Approved

Ellis Gaming and Hopland Band of Pomo Indians have been granted approval by
the National Indian Gaming Commission to move into a five-year management
contract in which Ellis Gaming will oversee all operations of the tribe's
current casino in Northern California, Hopland Sho-ka-wah Casino. Located 82
miles north of San Francisco in Hopland, Calif. in the heart of the
California Wine Country, the current casino has 600 slot machines, six
tables, bingo and two restaurants. Plans to renovate the property are
underway.

"Through our dedication to the tribe and their property, we will implement a
training program which allows the employees to develop useful leadership
skills that will enhance the property's success," said Rick Richards, Chief
Operating Officer for Ellis Gaming.

"We are pleased to have an approved management agreement in place with Ellis
Gaming. Our ultimate purpose of this relationship is to inspire and maximize
the efficiency of our tribal members. This venture will further stabilize
the foundation of the tribe's economic development," said Tribal Chair Wanda
D. Balderama.

Tribal Governmental gaming generated revenue of approximately $20 billion in
2004. There are 354 Tribal Governmental gaming operations in the United
States, in which 30 of those are under management contracts. Ellis Gaming
manages operations for two Tribal Governmental properties and is awaiting
approval of a third property, which will make Ellis Gaming the second
largest Indian gaming management company in the country.

"On a very personal level I am honored to be affiliated with the Hopland
Band of Pomo Indians, a group for which I respect so much, in one of the
most beautiful places in the country," said R. Shawn Ellis, President of
Ellis Gaming. "Ellis Gaming will work every day to improve the profitability
of the enterprise."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:41 AM

GWIN Reports Media Sponsorship Deal

GWIN Inc. Chairman & CEO Wayne Allyn Root announced today the largest media
sponsorship deal in company history. ThePIGPoker.net has signed to be a
title sponsor of GWIN's television and radio shows, "Wayne Allyn Root's
WinningEDGE(TM)," airing on Saturday mornings starting Sept. 9.
ThePIGPoker.net is a newly launched informational poker Web site for fun,
entertainment and prizes only, owned by Legendzsports, one of the largest
private gaming companies in the world. ThePIGPoker.net is the newest venture
by Legendz into the lucrative world of poker. The agreement includes
sponsorship of "Wayne Allyn Root's WinningEDGE" national TV and radio show
as well as the poker sections of its Web sites winningedge.com and
ewinners.com. ThePIGPoker.net joins co-sponsor Hooters Casino Hotel Las
Vegas, who continues its sponsorship of The WinningEDGE after a successful
2005 Season.

Root said, "This deal with ThePIGPoker.net is the largest sponsorship deal
in GWIN history. And, it is a further indication that in addition to
continuing to build our core sports handicapping services business, we are
able to generate significant new revenue streams from media sponsorship and
advertising partners. This sponsorship deal, combined with the Hooters
Casino Hotel Las Vegas sponsorship, lends more credibility to the power and
branding of our WinningEDGE(TM) products and personalities. When it comes to
sports gambling advice and information, GWIN is clearly a global leader."

Said Legendz CEO Luke King, "Legendz is a big fan of Wayne Allyn Root and
The WinningEDGE brand name and media properties. Wayne has been called 'The
King of Vegas' and 'The Face of Las Vegas Gaming.' His TV show 'King of
Vegas' and the upcoming release of his new book, 'The King of Vegas' Guide
to Gambling,' reinforce Wayne as the most positive personality and brand
name in gaming. We are excited to be able to work with him and The
WinningEDGE to introduce our new ThePIGPoker.net product to American
consumers. Poker is exploding in popularity and we believe attaching our new
online poker information and entertainment site to a nationally recognized
gaming personality like Wayne Allyn Root and The WinningEDGE is a winning
formula."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:41 AM

Pennsylvania Board Approves Licenses

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today voted unanimously to approve
licenses for three companies that filed applications to be manufacturers of
slot machines and associated equipment in the Commonwealth. Separately, the
Board voted unanimously to approve licenses for 12 companies that filed
applications to be suppliers of slot machines and associated equipment. All
licenses are subject to a series of conditions set by the Board to ensure
that the requirements of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming
Act, and Board rules and regulations are met. "Approving these licenses is
another major step forward for gaming in Pennsylvania," said Tad Decker,
chairman of the Board. By considering the manufacturer and supplier licenses
today, the Board fulfilled its statutory obligation to consider manufacturer
and supplier licenses at least 90 days before it votes on any operator
licenses, Decker said. Today's votes keep the Board on track for considering
operator license applications as early as September 2006, he added.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 10:40 AM

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Staff Cracks Down on Hong Kong Inmates' Gambling

As reported by the Hong Kong Government News: "Correctional Services staff
will increase surprise searches, night raids and joint searching operations
in penal institutions during the World Cup to stem soccer gambling
activities, the department says. "The department today reiterated that
gambling in any form was strictly prohibited inside institutions, adding
newspaper supplements containing horse racing, soccer and basketball betting
odds will be withheld before distribution to prisoners.

"...The department has carried out 71 soccer-related gambling paraphernalia
seizures since June 9. It has discipined 19 prisoners for their involvement
in soccer-related gambling activities and having gambling paraphernalia..."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:52 AM

FullContactPoker.com, Negreanu Launch WSOP Promo

What does it take to win big at the World Series of Poker (WSOP)? A lucky
bluff? Great cards? What if it was just ... wearing the right clothes? Fresh
off Daniel Negreanu's second place $325,000 cash at the 2006 WSOP Tournament
of Champions, FullContactPoker.com (FCP) announced today the "WEAR THE NAME,
SHARE THE FAME" promotion, set to run throughout the 2006 WSOP. The
promotion offers FCP members who play in WSOP events the chance to share in
potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars, just for wearing FCP apparel.
FCP has announced that they will generously match five percent of Negreanu's
gross winnings and award it to eligible FCP community members. With over 30
events remaining at this year's WSOP, today's cash already guarantees
$16,250 to FCP promotional participants. Negreanu, a three-time WSOP gold
bracelet winner, will play almost everyday throughout the six-week WSOP as
he tries his hand at sweeping tournaments and winning the 2006 Main Event's
$10 million prize. At the end of the tournament, the five percent from FCP
will be split into two prize pools, divided equally. One prize pool will be
shared amongst online members that wear FCP branded apparel exclusively
during any of the WSOP events they play. The second prize pool will be given
to any FCP- apparel-wearing community member that makes it to a televised
WSOP final table.

"The 'Wear The Name, Share The Fame' promotion is FullContactPoker.com and
Daniel's way of showing support for the FCP community. We're thrilled that
Daniel's gotten off to such a great start at this year's WSOP and that
eligible FCP members have the chance to share in his success just by wearing
FCP apparel," said Henry Chu, President of Big Stack Enterprises. "Keep up
the great play Daniel and best of luck to the FCP community at this year's
World Series."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:51 AM

Red Rock Promotes the Great Outdoors

As reported by the Las Vegas Business Press: "Outdoor enthusiast David Bert
is working seven days a week on a new venture and he couldn't be more
excited. Since March, he's been building and operating Red Rock Casino,
Resort & Spa's 'Adventure Spa,' and he says it's the fulfillment of a dream
he's been pushing for 10 years. "As the eco-tourism and wellness center at
the new Station Casinos' resort in Summerlin, the spa offers a wide range of
outdoor activities at the Red Rock National Recreation Area and on the
Colorado River below Hoover Dam, as well as conventional services such as
exercise and massage. "Bert credits Red Rock Casino President and General
Manager Scott Kreeger with the idea of creating an adventure spa. Kreeger
said he got the idea when he was staying at a similar outdoor recreation
spot in Utah. "I saw that it was a very successful spa, and what we had in
Red Rock was just as good." Red Rock Casino-Resort guests can now hike or
bike in the National Recreation Area..."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:50 AM

Pagcor Expansion Criticized

As reported by the Manila Standard Today: "Despite jobs for residents and
millions to the city coffers, one official thinks that Manila has one casino
too many. "The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is set to
open more gaming tables in fun houses and exclusive clubs with VIP rooms
which translate to better lighted streets and well-paved roads. "The
windfall, according to a city official, who requested anonymity, was not
justified. ".Manila is host to casino and slot machine operations at the
Manila Pavilion Hotel, Gran Boulevard Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila Hyatt
Hotel and selected arcades."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:50 AM

Smoking Ban Burns Windsor Bingo Parlours

As reported by the Canadian Press: "Nearly a month into Ontario's smoking
ban, Windsor bingo hall operators say many Michigan customers are staying
home. "Business has dropped so much at some bingo parlours that owners are
considering layoffs and at least one may close its doors, according to a
report Monday in The Detroit News. "...Bingo parlour operators predicted a
drop in customers when Ontario enacted a ban on smoking in all public
buildings on May 31. "No specific figures are available on just how many
fewer Michigan customers are visiting the bingo halls, but owners contend
it's a substantial number..."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:49 AM

Aristocrat Leisure Completes Sale

As reported by the Aristocrat Herald Sun: "Gaming machine company Aristocrat
Leisure has completed the sale of a 28 per cent interest in its African
operations to a local partner. "Aristocrat said it would record a net profit
of about $6 million on the partial sale to Yabohle Investments -- a
consortium led by Matemeku Investments. "The consortium was established
under the South African Government's Black Economic Empowerment initiative
and it has interests in mineral, technology, hospitality and tourism.
".Aristocrat's poker machine business has undergone a resurgence. It
recently invested in new forms of electronic gaming machines and is seeking
to add to its gaming technology and intellectual property."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 9:48 AM

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Greek Sportsbook Offers 2007 College Football Odds

The Greek Sportsbook, a leader in online sports betting, continues its
prominence in college sports with more offerings on college football for the
upcoming season. This week, The Greek Sportsbook is the first to release
odds on the #1 recruiting class for incoming freshman for 2007. The Greek
will use the rankings that are found at Rivals.com one, of the premier
recruiting services and websites for grading of the wager. The battles that
take place on the field are sometimes secondary to the battles that occur
for players in their parents homes. Serious college football fans following
the recruiting trail all year know that one key player may enable a team to
move up the rankings. The Rivals.com rankings are updated daily during the
academic year and change rapidly, all of which should make for competitive
wagering and exciting action during the recruiting season.

The 2006 Heisman Trophy is awarded in early December but its outcome can be
wagered on now. The Greek posted the odds on the Heisman award immediately
following the 2005 ceremony and the current odds reflect player suspensions
or other events that may have affected the market.

Senior quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame is the current favorite at
+250. Quinn, who considered entering the NFL draft in the off-season, should
make a good case for the award with a manageable schedule and weekly
national television coverage.

Adrian Peterson of the Oklahoma Sooners is the second choice at +400. The
junior running back was hampered by injuries last season, but if he can
duplicate his freshman season's performance he may be taking home the award.

Ohio State's do everything offensive weapon Ted Ginn appears a generous
+1500. The Buckeye's are one of the favorites to appear in the Fiesta Bowl
and Ginn has to figure heavily in their offensive plans. Ginn's quickness
and ability to return punts for touchdowns should afford him plenty of
"highlight reel" footage for the voters to see before they cast their
ballots.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:16 AM

Lindgren Wins Poker Pro Showdown

It took nearly four hours for Erick 'E-Dog' Lindgren and Mike 'The Mouth'
Matusow to get heads up at the FullTiltPoker.Net Pro Showdown at Red Rock
Casino, but just one hand for Lindgren to claim the victory and the $600,000
first-place prize. On June 22, Lindgren and Matusow outlasted five other
Team Full Tilt members, including Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, John Juanda,
Erik Seidel, and Clonie Gowen who each paid $120,000 to enter this
invitational poker tournament broadcast live on FOX Sports Network. 'E-Dog'
and 'The Mouth' went head-to-head after Lindgren knocked Clonie Gowen out of
the tournament. On their first hand of heads-up play, Matusow moved all in
after picking up Ace-Jack against Lindgren's Ace-King. Matusow couldn't
improve, and Lindgren walked away from the table with the title and a
$600,000 check. Matusow collected an impressive $280,000 for second place,
while Gowen recouped her $120,000 buy-in for her third-place finish.

The FullTiltPoker.Net Pro Showdown at Red Rock Casino was the latest in a
string of live televised poker tournaments created by Full Tilt Poker, and
continued the tradition of exciting play and large prize pools established
by their other events: The FullTiltPoker.Net Championship at Wynn Las Vegas
and the FullTiltPoker.Net Invitational from Monaco.

"It was a privilege to be able to call the action live as these great pros
all brought their "A" games to the table" said Team Full Tilt member Howard
Lederer. "Erick Lindgren played beautifully and is a deserving champion."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:15 AM

Online Bingo Championship Attracts Record Numbers

After week two of the Bingohall.com World Championship of Online Bingo, 70
lucky players have already qualified to compete for what looks set to be the
most coveted prize in the history of bingo on the Internet. The first two
weekly Semi Final Freerolls attracted a record number of participants, all
trying to win their way to the World Championship of Online Bingo Main Event
on July 20, 2006, where the World Champion of Online Bingo will be crowned.
"We've been overwhelmed by the level of player interest in this promotion",
said Bingohall.com VP Marketing Scott Logan.

"Entry into the World Championship Main Event on July 20 has become the
hottest ticket in town and players are very excited about the huge cash
prizes on offer."

The 6 week event will give away over $250,000 in cash and prizes, with
$10,000 being awarded to the champion along with the highly sought after
trophy.

Players can qualify for the weekly Semi Final Freeroll simply by winning the
special Crown pattern which plays every hour in the dimes, quarters and high
roller rooms at Bingohall.com.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:14 AM

PartyGaming.com Launches Backgammon Product

PartyGaming Plc (LSE: PRTY), operators of PartyPoker.com, The World's Largest Poker Room(TM), today announces the launch of its new backgammon product, PartyGammon.com. Known as "the game of kings" and requiring skills of timing and calculation, backgammon is one of the world's most popular games and one of its oldest, with variants dating back more than 5,000 years. PartyGaming has now brought this history to the modern world of the internet, enabling new and existing customers to play backgammon, poker and casino all from a single PartyAccount.

"The launch of backgammon, a truly international game of skill, is a natural evolutionary step in our strategy to become the global gaming portal of choice," said Mitch Garber, CEO of PartyGaming. "We are very pleased to add it to our portfolio of games." PartyGammon.com offers games to play for free or for cash for a variety of gammon versions, including Hypergammon and Nackgammon. As with all the products in the PartyGaming portfolio, customers can access PartyGaming's 24/7 customer support for any questions about getting started or using the product. PartyGammon.com features cutting edge technology and was developed entirely in-house.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:14 AM

Bodog.com Sponsors Poker Fundraiser

Bodog.com, the online gambling and entertainment giant, has signed on as the
official sponsor of Baron Davis and Paul Pierce's "A Midsummer Night's
Dream" A Magic Night of Poker, Players and Stars Friday July 7th. For this
private event, the Avalon and Spider Club in Hollywood will be transformed
into a Las Vegas-style casino. Top celebrities, hot NBA players and VIP's
will test their luck competing in a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament.
Entrepreneur and CEO of Bodog.com, Calvin Ayers, will host the celebration
along with Pierce and Davis and together they will pay special tribute to
Magic Johnson.

"We are thrilled to be part of this event that brings together both sports
and poker," says Bodog.com's founder and CEO Calvin Ayre. "We often support
charities that support education and other services for underprivileged
young people such as building schools in Costa Rica through my Calvin Ayre
Foundation and the work done by team and player foundations such as Baron,
Paul and Magic's organizations."

The All-Star charity weekend will continue with A Midsummer Night's Glam
Jam -- a night of music and fashion fusion at the House of Blues on Sunset,
as well as, Game Day: celebrity and NBA-sanctioned All-Star basketball games
downtown at the Staples Center. The weekend will close with the Champion
Celebration Sunday night at a renowned LA hot spot.

The weekend is presented and hosted by L.A. Stars, a charitable event group
composed of the Baron Davis Foundation and Paul Pierce's Truth Foundation. A
portion of the weekend's proceeds will also go to The Magic Johnson
Foundation.

Tickets are on sale to the public at all Ticketmaster locations.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:13 AM

Saratoga Gaming, NYRA Reach Simulcast Deal

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has come to an agreement with the New York
Racing Association to simulcast the entire six week Saratoga Race Course
meet beginning July 26. The agreement between the two tracks gives visitors
to Saratoga Springs, NY the opportunity to wager and view the popular
Saratoga races in two locations just minutes away from each other.
Additionally, the convenience of having two Saratoga locations to wager and
view the thoroughbred races will provide better service to the summer horse
bettors and is expected to raise the overall handle for the Saratoga Race
Course meet.
"We are very excited about covering the summer Saratoga Race Course meet and
begin a new working relationship with the New York Racing Association. The
level of horse racing that NYRA offers is second to none and we're pleased
that our loyal and new guests will be able to enjoy their races at our
location," said George "Skip" Carlson, Vice President of Racing at Saratoga
Gaming and Raceway. "We further anticipate this agreement will build an even
greater summer crowd for Saratoga and bring additional tourism dollars to
the area," he added. "Nothing beats the experience of being at the races at
Saratoga Race Course," said NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward. "But
there are many people who have to work during the summer or who can't stay
for the entire card. Now, if they can't make it to the track, they can pop
in at the Raceway and even advance wager on their selections."

To ensure bettors have a wonderful experience while viewing the Saratoga
thoroughbred races at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, the Raceway has developed
a special $9.95 lunch buffet in Fortunes restaurant where every table has
its own LCD television, and mutuel betting windows and automatic betting
machines are conveniently located for easy wagering. The lunch buffet at
Fortunes will be offered everyday from 11:30am to 3:30pm, with the exception
of Tuesdays, July 26 through September 4. With the addition of the Saratoga
Race Course coverage, the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway simulcast schedule
will include ten different tracks daily and provide race coverage seven-days
a week. Parking and admission are always FREE at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway
and wagering on all races is at track prices. Saratoga Gaming and Raceway
also offers two different air-conditioned areas to wager on simulcast races.

The first gaming facility to open in New York State, Saratoga Gaming and
Raceway boasts over 1,300 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, a full
service restaurant with buffet, a fine dining restaurant, three full-service
bars, a food court and deli, a point boutique, and a variety of guest
services including valet parking and coat check. Patrons can participate in
our player rewards program, Player Extras Club, while visiting the property.
The 55,000 square foot gaming floor cost $15 million to construct and
employs an additional 300 local residents. Fortunes, our full service
restaurant, overlooks the excitement of live harness racing with seating for
400 guests and can accommodate large group events. Video gaming and food and
beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware
North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management
group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.

Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga
Springs, NY. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.,
seven days a week. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming
machines. Please play responsibly. Simulcast races can be viewed Tuesday
through Sunday. Live Harness races run Wednesday through Saturday evenings
in July, and Tuesday through Saturday evenings in August. Post time for all
races is 7:20 p.m. Must be 18 or older to wager on horses.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 11:13 AM

Monday, June 26, 2006

PharaohsPokerPalace.com Adds Webcam Option

We all like the option of playing poker in our pajamas with no one watching
us, but sometimes it would be nice to have a more interactive alternative as
well. Soon there will be. For quite a while people have been talking about
adding webcam to internet poker. Now a new site, PharaohsPokerPalace.com,
has committed to making this concept a reality. In his Super System 2, the
legendary Doyle Brunson suggested that "just a couple of years down the
road, you may well be able to see real opponents on your screen. Poker will
be like a video conference, and you'll be able to focus on the players
across the table from you and read them.tells will be everywhere, and then
full-scale psychological warfare will come to the online poker battlefield -
and nothing will be missing." When this book was published last year, Mr.
Brunson was certainly correct in stating that the internet poker industry is
at least a few years away from adopting webcam as standard practice.
However, the opportunity to engage in the type of interaction he describes
will be available this year - at least at one innovative poker site.

When they initially introduce webcams, Pharaoh's Poker Palace intends to
make them completely optional at all tables, allowing players an opportunity
to become acquainted with the concept. After the introductory period,
however, a subset of tables will be designated as "webcam only". At these
tables, all players will be required to have a webcam on themselves to play,
creating a level playing field for those wanting to see and be seen. The
majority of Pharaoh's tables will remain open to webcam and non-webcam
players, allowing the option of using either live video or a static avatar.
Pajamas are still a viable option for either set of players, so long as they
are not offensive.

Pharaoh's Poker Palace opened its site to the public for beta testing on
June 15, 2006, and plans to launch real-money tables in July 2006. Once they
are live, the site will be offering real-money depositors free webcams, to
help ensure that hardware is not an impediment to players being exposed to
the next level of internet poker.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:53 AM

PinnacleSports.com Offers Odds on US Coach's Future

Following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Ghana that eliminated the U.S. team
from the World Cup, speculation quickly arose about Bruce Arena's future
coaching the Americans. Head coach of the team since 1998, Arena has become
a fixture in American soccer, but after directing the fifth-ranked U.S. team
to a winless trip in Germany, his future with the team is murky at best.
With his coaching decisions questioned throughout the World Cup,
PinnacleSports.com released odds on Bruce Arena returning to U.S. men's
soccer just minutes after the team failed to advance out of their group. The
largest sports betting site on the Internet, PinnacleSports.com posted odds
on the coaching future of Arena immediately following the U.S. loss to
Ghana. The oddsmaker strongly believes Arena will become a casualty of the
Americans' disappointing World Cup trip, listing the odds on his dismissal
as an overwhelming 1/12 favorite (i.e., win $1 for every $12 bet).
Meanwhile, PinnacleSports.com lists the odds that U.S. Soccer will remain
loyal to the coach that guided the team to its highest ranking ever as a
10/1 long shot. "Whenever a team's high expectations go unfulfilled, the
coach usually becomes the scapegoat for underperforming play," said Simon
Noble of PinnacleSports.com. "So despite leading the U.S. into the World Cup
as the fifth-ranked team by FIFA, Arena's tenure managing the team will
almost certainly draw to a close after accumulating only one point in group
play in Germany."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:51 AM

Pokagon Gamine Authority Closes Financing

The Pokagon Gaming Authority, a wholly owned, unincorporated instrumentality
of the Pokagon Band of Potowatomi Indians, has successfully closed its
financing of $305 million in Senior Notes due 2014. The proceeds from the
notes will be used to partially finance the construction of Four Winds
Casino Resort. "We are excited to have completed our senior note financing,"
said Tribal Chairman John Miller. "We are also very pleased that the
financing was well received by investors. With this financing, we can
complete the construction of the 51-acre casino development as we have
envisioned it." "We look forward to working with the Pokagon Band in
developing a successful enterprise," said Tim Cope, President and CFO at
Lakes Entertainment, Inc. "Four Winds Casino Resort will provide first class
gaming entertainment."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:51 AM

Nebraska Tribes Stop Using Paid Petition Circulators

The coalition of Native American tribal governments in Nebraska circulating
the petition proposing to allow casino-style gaming for economic and
community development purposes has chosen to discontinue the use of paid
petition circulators. Recent controversies arising from the methods used by
paid circulators employed by other petition sponsors contributed
significantly to the tribes' decision, including reports of circulators
offering to pay or give prizes to voters for signing petitions. An
opposition campaign targeting an unrelated petition has also led to a
hostile environment in which all petition circulators have been identified
as villainous out-of-towners intent on misusing personal information
required on the petitions. The tribes have been working with FieldWorks LLC,
a reputable political consulting firm based in Washington, DC, to hire,
train and supervise the paid petition circulators. FieldWorks provided
professional oversight of these paid circulators, who were paid hourly wages
for their work. Although all of the paid circulators hired by FieldWorks
were local residents, many were treated disrespectfully by law enforcement
officials, property owners, and others. Regrettably, this behavior suggested
that the tribes' paid circulators were likely being confused with those
circulating more controversial petitions sponsored by out-of-state special
interest groups.

"This issue is too important to the tribes and to Nebraska for it to be
tarnished by the deceptive tactics used by other petition circulators and
paid civic activists," said Ben Thompson with Affirmative Public Policy
Solutions, the Omaha-based consulting firm hired by the tribes to organize
the initiative campaign. "Members of the public have been misled and are
understandably frustrated by what they perceive to be a misappropriation of
their right to exercise the initiative power."

The tribes will continue to use volunteer petition circulators in an effort
to meet the July 7th deadline for turning in signatures to the Secretary of
State. Many of the volunteer circulators are tribal members that more fully
understand the initiative proposal and can better explain it to potential
signers. Thompson stated, "We hope the exclusive use of volunteer petition
circulators will increase the level of respect accorded to them as they
exercise the first amendment rights shared by all citizens of Nebraska."

Affirmative Public Policy Solutions is a consultancy whose business is
helping public and private entities achieve extraordinary results in public
policy.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:50 AM

French Lick Partners File Second Suit

As reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal: "A legal feud between the
partners in the Orange County casino project apparently has expanded with
the filing of a second suit. "A subsidiary of Indianapolis-based Lauth
Property Group has filed a lawsuit against Bloomington businessman Bill
Cook, its partner in the French Lick project. The filing comes after the
casino subsidiary of Cook Group filed a suit against Lauth earlier this
month. "Both companies have remained mum about their conflict, and Orange
County Circuit Judge Larry Blanton has sealed the lawsuits, blocking their
content from the public.

"Blanton has scheduled a July 31 hearing to consider whether the suits
should remain sealed.

".Cook and Lauth are partners in Blue Sky Casino LLC, which is developing
the $382 million casino project that includes the restoration of two
historic hotels in French Lick and West Baden. The casino is expected to
open in November."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:50 AM

Hopefuls Seek Buffalo Casino Job

As reported by the Buffalo News: "Nearly a thousand prospective blackjack
dealers, pit cashiers, food service workers, security guards and even
accountants packed an employment preview for the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
in downtown Buffalo Thursday. "Hundreds of job-seekers gathered at the
Adam's Mark Hotel, site of the job fair, more than an hour before the doors
opened - and about 18 months ahead of the Buffalo casino's expected debut.
".Corey Dickens of Buffalo, who previously worked at the Seneca Niagara
Casino in Niagara Falls, attended the job fair to get his name on the list
for a slot machine operations position. ".A steady stream of 'casino
curious' locals snaked their way through a ballroom at the downtown hotel,
taking the opportunity to have a quick chat with Seneca Gaming Corp.
managers about future employment at the planned gambling facility. While
they were not able to drop off resumes or schedule interviews, they were
able to pick up information sheets on various job titles and get their names
on a list to get a call when formal hiring begins.

"By the end of the four-hour employment fair, 927 area residents had put
their names on the list.

".The Buffalo job preview was aimed at giving local residents information
about the wide range of jobs that will be available when the Buffalo Creek
Casino opens in the city's Cobblestone District in late 2007, said Christina
Jimmerson, human resources director at Seneca Niagara Casino."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 3:49 AM

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Bodog.com Releases NBA Draft Odds

With the Miami Heat knocking off the Dallas Mavericks to capture their first
NBA championship, the attention of the basketball world and sports bettors
shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the futures of the top amateur
players in the world will be decided. The Bodog.com Sportsbook has
positioned Texas Longhorns power forward LaMarcus Aldridge as the odds-on
favorite to go first overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, which takes place
Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Eastern. In keeping with its tradition of
providing the most innovative online sports betting in the industry, the
Bodog.com Sportsbook offers pick-by-pick odds as the draft unfolds.
Currently, there are five favorites for the top spot in the draft - Aldridge
(11/10), Italian League forward Andrea Bargnani (6/5), Gonzaga Bulldogs
small forward Adam Morrison (3/1), Washington Huskies guard Brandon Roy
(12/1) and LSU Tigers forward Tyrus Thomas (7/1).

The Toronto Raptors hold the first overall selection in the draft. Bettors
will be able to place wagers on what player will be selected first,
regardless if Toronto chooses to keep the pick or trade it to another team.
The Chicago Bulls hold the second pick, followed by the Charlotte Bobcats,
Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston
Celtics and Houston Rockets. Wagers are currently available from picks one
through eight.

"The NBA Draft gives fans the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow
embark on the first step of their professional basketball careers,"
explained Calvin Ayre, Bodog.com Founder and CEO. "With all the drama and
intrigue associated with past NBA Drafts, implementing wagering
opportunities as the picks unfold seemed like a natural fit - and another
way sports fans can be entertained by the event."

The 2006 NBA Draft holds special meaning for Bargnani, who could be the
first Italian-born player to be selected first overall. Aldridge, an early
entrant who left Texas after his sophomore year, was a third-team NCAA
All-American in 2005-06 and is widely considered the chief rival to Bargnani
for top spot in the draft.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:43 AM

Keith Urban Joins Mohegan Sun Celebration Line-Up

By now, everyone knows that Keith Urban will marry Nicole Kidman this
weekend in Australia. But - just days before the happy event - he has also
agreed to join in Mohegan Sun's 10th Anniversary celebration in Uncasville,
Connecticut, October 19th-22nd. Urban will take center stage in the Mohegan
Sun Arena on Friday, October 20th. Might Nicole be cheering him on? Might
the honeymoon continue in Uncasville? Urban joins some of the entertainment
industry's biggest names for the weekend celebration. They include Jerry
Seinfeld and Lily Tomlin, as well as surprise guest appearances, celebrities
and VIP parties.

Radio legend Don Imus will kick-off the weekend celebration on Thursday,
October 19th with a live broadcast of his WFAN-AM morning show "Imus in the
Morning" from Mohegan Sun's Wolf Den. On Saturday afternoon, October 21st,
guests will be treated to a rare reunion of the original Laugh-In cast.
Celebrating an anniversary of their own (40th), the show will feature live
appearances by Lily Tomlin, Arte Johnson, Joanne Worley, Ruth Buzzi and
more.

The co medy continues on Saturday evening with a special performance by
Craig Ferguson, host of CBS-TV's Late Late Show in the Cabaret Theatre and a
special private show by legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld in the Uncas
Ballroom.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, October 21st, the popular alternative-rock band
Barenaked Ladies, who have performed numerous, sold out shows in the Mohegan
Sun Arena, will perform a special intimate concert in the Wolf Den.

Additional weekend highlights include the Boston Celtics versus New York
Knicks pre-season basketball game in the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday night
and surprise musical guests and events to be announced at a later date.

Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan Tribe, is one of the largest, most
distinctive and spectacular entertainment, gaming, shopping and meeting
destinations in the United States. Situated on 240 acres along the Thames
River i n scenic southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is within easy access
of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the
museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. What began with the
Casino of the Earth in 1996 has evolved into a legendary destination that
now includes: the Casino of the Sky and over 300,000 square feet of total
gaming space; The Shops at Mohegan Sun, featuring more than 60 retail shops
and dining venues; the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena for world-class
sporting events and concerts, an intimate Cabaret Theatre; and a 34-story
luxury hotel, featuring 1,200 guestrooms and suites, premier meeting and
convention space and a world-class spa.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:43 AM

eCOGRA Launches New Website

The online gaming industry's award winning independent standards authority,
eCOGRA has launched a new website www.ecogra.com, to provide the online
gaming population with a tool to find out reliable information on
trustworthy poker and casino sites. The new website which has details on the
rigorous inspection processes and a list of the safest online casino and
card rooms, includes features such as: -Player Opinion Poll: Each month
players can debate the issues that matter most and suggest new poll topics.
eCOGRA will reveal the results of each poll on the website.

-eCOGRA News: Subscribers to the quarterly newsletter gain access to
information about newly approved "Play It Safe" sites, responsible conduct
training programs for operators, new jurisdictions that recognize the eGAP
standards and eCOGRA-supported events.

-Dispute Resolution Service: Through its Fair Gaming Advocate (FGA), eCOGRA
continues to offer its acclaimed dispute resolution service to any player
encountering problems with a site bearing the "Play It Safe" seal.

-Online Media Room: A tool for journalists to arrange briefings and download
information, press releases, upcoming events and statistics about the online
gaming industry and player issues by visiting eCOGRA's online media room.

"We're responding to the needs of players, and finding ways to make their
voices heard - within the industry, by eCOGRA certified operators and among
one another," said eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge. "Our goal is to help players
find the safest and most enjoyable experiences when gambling online."

The new Website follows the launch of the organisation's '100 Seals
Campaign', challenging operators who have not started the process of
obtaining eCOGRA 'Play it Safe' certification to start the compliance and
inspection process. This year, eCOGRA aims to increase the number of sites
bearing the seal from 76 to 100.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:43 AM

UK Firm Bets on Blackpool

As reported by This is Lancashire: "A solicitors firm in Bolton has revealed
how a local property firm is gambling on Blackpool winning the right to
build a new super-casino for the region. "Mike Beaumont, property partner at
KBL solicitors in Mawdsley Street, says his client, Sagon Holdings, is just
one firm buying up swathes of residential property near the beach front in
Blackpool. ".The company has rapidly purchased 100 flats in the last 14
months and is planning to buy a further 40 in the near future. "Blackpool is
among the last eight on the shortlist to win the right to site a Las Vegas
style super-casino, containing slot machines with unlimited jackpots, which
will be the only one in Britain of its kind."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:43 AM

Treasure Bay Casino Re-opens

As reported by the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger: "Eighty-one slot machines
and a restaurant that features Asian Cajun crawfish as its signature dish
attracted a steady stream of customers to Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in
Biloxi on Wednesday, its first day to be open after Hurricane Katrina.
"'We've had a lot of regular customers and former employees stop by,' said
Susan Varnes, chief operating officer at Treasure Bay.

".Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission,
said Treasure Bay's history as an established Gulf Coast casino merited
giving the go-ahead for it to reopen with just 81 slots.

".Treasure Bay plans to add additional slots and open hotel rooms by the end
of October, Varnes said."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:43 AM

Auburn Council Votes for Seneca Casino

As reported by the Auburn Citizen: "One by one, speakers in the Auburn City
Council's public comment period praised Mayor Tim Lattimore for his
passionate pursuit of economic development. "But the majority of the
speakers - 12 of the 16 - said Thursday night they don't want economic
development to take the form of a Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma casino and
convention center. Lattimore invited Paul Spicer, the chief of the Miami,
Okla. tribe, to present about situating a gambling and entertainment resort
in the city.

"And yet, despite the public comments, the council voted 3-2 to pass a
resolution that the city would be the 'host community' for the gambling
pursuit depending upon a compact with the state, federal approvals and
submission of studies satisfying questions of the socioeconomic, traffic and
environmental impacts of the proposed facility.

".The Seneca-Cayugas say they would pay $4 million to the city in the first
five years of the complex's operation, pay $8 million for six to 15 years,
and then begin paying property taxes on the company's assessed value. They
also promise to pay state sales taxes, give 25 percent of the slot drop to
the state and establish a $10 million venture capital fund to finance new
business ventures in Cayuga County."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 2:42 AM

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Missouri Numbers Flatten

As reported by the Kansas City Star: "Spending by gamblers in Kansas City
and elsewhere flattened out in May. " 'We are seeing a bit of a slowdown'
industrywide, Merrill Lynch gaming analyst David Anders warned investors
last week. "Locally, riverboat revenues were up just 1.2 percent from May
2005, at $57.8 million. Though modest, that gain was stronger than the 1
percent average growth statewide at Missouri's 11 riverboat casinos. ".St.
Louis was down 0.6 percent, Detroit was up 1.1 percent, Indiana was up 1.4
percent, and Atlantic City was up 2.9 percent. Results were stronger in
Illinois, up 5 percent, and Iowa, up 7.5 percent. Mississippi was down 18.3
percent in May, as coastal casinos continue to rebuild and recover from
Hurricane Katrina.

".Averages statewide were dragged down by Kansas City's Isle of Capri
Casino, where revenues fell 16 percent, to $7.4 million, and by the
President and Ameristar St. Charles casinos in the St. Louis market, which
each dropped around 3 percent.
"One of Missouri big gainers was Harrah's North Kansas City Casino and
Hotel, up 10 percent from May a year ago with its $15.9 million month. That
double-digit gain, however, was inflated compared with May 2005, which was
one of the casino's weakest months in years, coming during a disruptive
period of remodeling and expansion that wrapped up last fall."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:18 AM

Argosy Riverside Replaces GM

As reported by the Kansas City Star: "Penn National Gaming has fired its
general manager at Argosy Riverside Casino and replaced him with a Kansas
City market veteran. "Penn officials announced Wednesday that Gary Johnson,
who had headed the casino staff since July 2002, had been replaced by Thomas
P. Burke, general manager of Penn's Bullwhackers Casino in Black Hawk, Colo.
He is also a former general manager at the Ameristar Kansas City Casino and
Hotel. "Penn National spokesman Eric Schippers declined to comment on
reasons for Johnson's departure. "Reached at home Wednesday, Johnson said he
wished he knew why he was let go."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:17 AM

Tribal Casino Legislation Dies

As reported by the Albany Times Herald-Record: "Long-shot legislation to
give two Wisconsin-based Indian tribes casinos in the Catskills and settle
land claim lawsuits the tribes have against the state, died in the
Legislature just days after it was introduced. "Senate leaders who
introduced the bill early this week decided late Wednesday it wouldn't even
be brought up for a vote. It was never considered in the Assembly. ".The
bill, originated by Sen. Majority Leader Joe Bruno, R-Brunswick, would have
given casino rights to the Wisconsin Oneidas and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band
of Mohicans. "It also would have legalized the New York Oneidas' successful
Turning Stone casino near Utica, by validating a required compact with the
state in what was considered a strong-arm ploy to leverage revenue from that
tribe."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:16 AM

St. Eugene Resort Partners Celebrate

As reported by the Kootenay News: "June 14 marked a special day for the St.
Eugene Resort, as many came together to celebrate the First Nation partners
assuming operational control for Casino of the Rockies. "According to Dan
Shilling, president of SEM Resort Ltd., the celebration will mark the end of
a remarkably smooth transition process. "SEM Casino Limited Partnership
includes three First Nations: Ktunaxa Nation of Cranbrook, the Samson Cree
Nation of Hobbema, Alberta, and the Rama Mnjikaning First Nation of Rama,
Ontario. The Chiefs of the three groups all expressed their excitement over
the venture and the partnership which as first formed in November of 2004.
It happened when Samson Cree and Rama Mnjikaning purchased equal one-third
shares in the St. Eugene Mission Resort from the Ktunaxa Nation.

"The move now brings resort operations under one umbrella which Shilling
says will provide better tailored packages to customers, more responsiveness
to the tourism marketplace and new growth in programming for the facility.

".Shilling said he believes the community to have incredible tourism
potential, and they plan to develop and promote packages that will appeal
and attract tourists not only to the resort and casino but the entire
province. He is confident that the management experience in place will
develop and implement strategic planning programs essential to make St.
Eugene Mission Resort a tourism destination for travelers from throughout
Canada and the United States."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:16 AM

Empress Casino Report Dampened by Layoffs

As reported by the Illinois Herald News: "An enthusiastic report on the
Empress Casino Thursday was dampened a bit by questions about recent
layoffs. "Empress management, city officials and other community leaders
extolled the value of having the casino in Joliet during a formal request
for a renewal of its operating license. "The Illinois Gaming Board heard the
Empress' case for license renewal during a regular monthly meeting at the
Joliet casino. A vote on the license could come at the board's July meeting.
"While board members praised the Empress for an excellent presentation on
the good being done by the casino, they also had questions about 19 layoffs.
"The layoffs came this week as the Empress drops several table games and
replaces them with slot machines, which require fewer workers."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:15 AM

Harrah's Closes Reno Hilton Sale

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. said today that the previously announced sale
of the Reno Hilton hotel-casino to Grand Sierra Resort Corp., and certain
gaming assets to an affiliate of the Navegante Group, has closed. Harrah's
Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino
entertainment through operating subsidiaries. Since its beginning in Reno,
Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new
properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah's Entertainment is focused
on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique
combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution,
operational excellence and technology leadership.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 5:15 AM

Friday, June 23, 2006

BetUS.com Releases Geographic Research

A week has passed in World Cup 2006 and spectatorship has reached
astronomical heights all over the world. Even US viewership has exceeded
expectations. Before the Cup started the United States grabbed the #4 World
ranking, and US fans logged on in droves to the online sportsbook BetUS.com
to wager heavily on the US team to move well beyond the first round. With
their first round shellacking however, those numbers have shifted, and
intense research by the website has shown that wagering now more accurately
depicts the ethnic make-up of the melting pot that is the USA. The largest
most respected sportsbook on the web, BetUS.com released the following
statistics today. "Extensive research shows that people from every state in
America have wagered on the World Cup this year at BetUS.com," stated
analyst Matt Ross. "Whereas at the start of the Cup we had bets for the US
absolutely flooding our site, now that a few games have been played, support
is much more widespread illustrating the diversity of cultures that make up
the US."

How the US is Betting for World Cup

-New York: Italy 45%, Germany 15%, Brazil 40%

-California: Mexico 60%, England 30%, Brazil 10%

-Florida: Portugal 30%, Spain 10%, Germany 10%, Brazil 25%, Mexico 25%

-Texas: Brazil 55%, Mexico 20%, USA 1%, England 9%, Argentina 15%

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:26 AM

Stardust Not Accepting Reservations

The Stardust no longer is accepting hotel reservations past Nov. 1, and some
industry observers expect that to move up to Oct. 1. Industry observers say
the Riviera, Circus Circus and Palace Station can expect to see a bump in
hotel reservations as regular guests at the Stardust look for similarly
priced accommodations on the Strip. The Stardust, which will be torn down
early next year to make way for Boyd Gaming's $4 billion Echelon Place, has
stopped taking room and event reservations for Nov. 1 and beyond.
Previously, the company said it would accept reservations into December.
However, the Strip resort's catering staff last week began calling
organizations that had scheduled events or were in discussions about holding
them at the Stardust after Nov. 1 and told them that the hotel would close
on that date. Boyd Gaming spokesman Rob Stillwell confirmed that no
reservations are being accepted for the property after Nov. 1, although the
company still intends to keep the resort open past November if it can be
staffed properly.

"We're hoping to continue operation (unless) employee ranks become a
problem," he said.

Stillwell said the company is concerned that it will not be able to maintain
customer service standards after Nov. 1 because of employee migration to
other properties, retirements and other factors.

Stillwell said the Stardust even could move the date for not accepting
reservations forward to Oct. 1 if too many employees leave the property
quickly.

"We're just being extremely cautious about the last two months of the year,"
Stardust general manager Tony Taeubel said.

The company is in the process of relocating workers to other local Boyd
Gaming properties, but it is unclear how quickly the transfers will take
place, Stillwell and Taeubel said.

Stillwell said several events planned after Nov. 1, which he did not
identify, had been canceled, but no room reservations have been canceled
yet.

"It's easier to turn the tap back on (if we decide to stay open longer) than
it is to turn it off," he said.

Stillwell also said the company has been particularly sensitive to event
planners because meetings and conventions require more elaborate planning
beyond hotel reservations.

Stillwell also said Boyd Gaming has 11 other resorts in the Las Vegas area
to which it can refer customers.

Industry insiders long have speculated that the Stardust would be closed by
Halloween, and now they are speculating that it will be shut down by Oct. 1.

"It's no easy trick to keep booking rooms when the market knows you're going
to close any day now, date uncertain," said one competitor who asked not to
be named.

He and other Stardust neighbors are marketing themselves actively to Boyd
Gaming customers in light of the development of the 5,300-room Echelon
Place, although they are hesitant to discuss their promotional efforts
publicly.

"I wouldn't call it poaching. They're going to be closed for a good four
years, and I'd rather pick up their customers than have one of our
competitors get them," another competitor who asked not to be named said.

Jim Medick, chief executive officer of the MRC Group, Nevada's largest
market research firm, said Circus Circus and the Riviera, each just to the
south of the Stardust, are both actively trying to pick up customers who
ordinarily would stay at the Boyd Gaming property.

Medick said neighboring hotel-casinos will pick up added customers when the
2,431-room Stardust closes and probably before.

"People who go to the Stardust go out of habit. They'll feel themselves
frustrated wherever else they stay, but they wouldn't stay at Wynn or The
Venetian. They're not that kind of spenders," he said.

The Riviera and Circus, as well as the Sahara and Stratosphere clustered at
the north end of the Strip, are all offering room rates of less than $100 a
night in November.

Rooms booked on the Internet at Wynn Las Vegas and The Venetian, by
comparison, average more than $350 a night, and no rooms are available in
November at less than $250.

"Regular Stardust customers will check in at the Riviera or Circus Circus,
but a lot of them will be disgruntled as those properties raise their rates
(to meet the newly created demand)," Medick said.

Riviera spokesman John Neeland said his company had no comment about whether
it is getting a bump in reservations from Stardust customers or whether it
is marketing actively to attract them.

Alan Feldman, spokesman for MGM Mirage, which owns Circus Circus, said it is
logical that some Stardust customers will migrate to Circus Circus because
the two properties are similarly priced.

However, he said that Circus Circus is not targeting Stardust customers and
that the closure will have the unfortunate effect of cutting walk-in traffic
in the area.

Station Casinos spokeswoman Lori Nelson said her company has not yet seen a
direct effect on reservations and is not doing anything to target specific
Stardust customers.

She also said it is probable that Palace Station will see an increase in
reservations over time because it is close to the Stardust and offers
similar room rates.

Jackie Brett, spokeswoman for the Imperial Palace which also offers rooms
for less than $100, said her company hasn't gone after Stardust business
aggressively, largely because her property's convention space is smaller and
could not accommodate much of the Stardust business.

And while it is taking bookings through July 4, 2007, for now, its fate also
is in doubt as owner Harrah's Entertainment plans the redevelopment of the
block on the east side of the Strip north of the Flamingo.

Spokesmen for the Sahara and the Stratosphere did not respond to questions
about their properties' responses to the pending closure of the Stardust.

Still, Medick said the Stardust must be closed to make way for Echelon Place
and should be closed quickly.

"Every day they drag it out, it gets worse in terms of workers looking for
other jobs, service and customers being lured to nearby properties," he
said.

Marketing programs in the works to lure Stardust customers are said to
include price discounts, bonus player program points, entertainment tickets
and personal appeals involving customer service.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:26 AM

BetUS.com Posts Odds on Coulter Controversy

Infamous Ann Coulter, known for her crudeness, took it a step further in her
latest book "Godless: The Church of Liberalism." In the book she calls the
9/11 widows who have criticized President Bush, selfish "broads" looking for
fame. While a number of conservatives have criticized Coulter's statement,
many other Republicans rallied to her defense. BetUS.com - a leading online
sportsbook and gaming site - has taken it a few steps further and has posted
odds on Coulter's destiny. Analysts at BetUS.com posted favorable 4-6 odds
that the Widows of 9/11, who were also called "self-obsessed women," will
sue Coulter for defamation. However, the chances of Ann Coulter retracting
her remarks are slim with only 1-2 odds. Either way, Coulter's
outrageousness has shot her new book to number one on Amazon.com.

Executives at BetUS.com have posted the following odds:

Will Ann Coulter retract her remarks?

Yes: 6-4

No: 1-2

Will the 9/11 Widows Sue Coulter for defamation?

Yes: 4-6

No: 11-10

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:25 AM

Mohegan Sun Adds to Sales Team

Mohegan Sun is expanding its hotel sales and marketing team to serve the
needs of its burgeoning meetings and conventions business. To support this
continued growth, Mohegan Sun has added new positions to its sales force and
hired several new personnel to streamline operations and effectively serve
clientele. "We attribute our success in the meetings and conventions market
to our superior product and strong commitment to service," said Christopher
R. Perry, vice president, hotel sales & marketing at Mohegan Sun. "Being
able to expand our resources and services with the superior team we have
assembled is a rewarding part of this business and we are delighted to
welcome our new staff aboard our award-winning team." Joining the team is
Gary Baker who has been named National Sales Manager. In his position, Baker
will represent the hotel in the Mid-Atlantic association market to drive
long term group business for the property. With this addition, Mohegan Sun
adds a second sales professional to assist the lucrative Mid-Atlantic
association market.

With 20 years of sales industry experience, Baker most recently spent five
years as National Sales M anager at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in
Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Baker is the incoming president of the New England chapter of the
Professional Convention Management Association as well as co-chair of the
membership committee and chair of the Associate Member Task Force for the
International Association of Association Management Companies. In 2002, he
was voted "Supplier of the Year" by Meeting Professionals International,
Connecticut River Valley Chapter.

Additional promotions include: Elizabeth Horner as sales manager covering
the New England corporate market; Krista Dodge and Angel Montano, who have
both been appointed as executive conference managers handling corporate
groups of 75 rooms or less; and Matt Burris, who has been promoted to sales
manager for Mohegan Sun's on-site destination services department.

The hotel at Mohegan Sun and Convention Center has become a major player in
the meetings, conventions and expositions industry with more than 100,000
square feet of flexible, high-tech meeting and function space.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:25 AM

MGM Mirage Appoints Tom Peck as Senior VP

MGM Mirage has announced the appointment of Tom Peck as Senior Vice
President and Chief Information Officer. Peck will be responsible for the
overall management and leadership of the company's Information Technology
(IT) department, including technology, software development, operations and
project management. He will report to Jim Murren, MGM Mirage President and
Chief Financial Officer, and will be based in Las Vegas. "Tom's expertise
and proven ability to drive peak performance will be of great value to our
company as we continue to integrate the IT operations of the former Mandalay
Resort Group with MGM Mirage," Murren said. Peck joins MGM Mirage from NBC
Universal where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Information
Officer of the Global Entertainment Division. He also served as the
company's Corporate Quality Leader focusing on driving digitization, organic
growth and process optimization.

Previously, Peck held IT management positions at General Electric (GE), NBC
Universal's parent company. Prior to joining GE Corporate Headquarters, he
served for nine years as a United States Marine Corps Officer in various
financial and IT positions.

Peck is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with extensive experience in the
standardization of business practices into a centralized service model. Six
Sigma is an overall enterprise improvement methodology that strives for near
perfection in any process.

Peck has a Bachelor's of Science degree in economics from the U.S. Naval
Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and a Master of Science degree in management
from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:24 AM

PokerTek Signs Contract with Hollywood Park Casino

PokerTek, Inc. today announced that Hollywood Park Casino, one of the three
largest card clubs in California, has agreed to install an initial six
PokerPro(TM) tables for a 90 day trial period. After announcing in April
that Hollywood Park Casino agreed to be the first location in California to
install PokerPro(TM) tables, this contract provides for PokerTek to
initially install six tables under a 90 day trial period, with Hollywood
Park having the ability to install additional tables at its discretion. The
agreement also provides that the 90 day trial period will automatically be
followed by twelve month renewals unless terminated by either party in
accordance with the terms of the agreement. Lou White, Chief Executive
Officer of PokerTek stated, "We are excited about this initial installation
and look forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship. Hollywood
Park Casino's savvy management team and our technology will be a
revolutionary union to introduce PokerPro(TM) into the California Card Club
market."

In an earlier statement, Leo Chu, President and Owner of Hollywood Park
Casino, said, "The impact that this technology will have on our industry is
enormous. In addition to being more efficient, PokerPro(TM) allows us the
ability to attract a new segment of poker players to our casino."

California hosts the largest concentration of poker tables in the world with
approximately 1,300 poker tables operating in over 100 large card clubs,
small card clubs and Native American casinos.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 7:24 AM

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Wisconsin Ranks High in Tribal List

As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Wisconsin's $1.2 billion in
2005 tribal gambling receipts ranked it ninth among 23 states with Indian
casinos, while the nearly $71 million that Wisconsin collected last year in
casino revenue-sharing payments from tribes ranked fourth among those
states, according to a report released today. "The payments from Wisconsin
tribes were definitely at the higher end of (casino) revenue sharing,
compared with other states,' said Alan Meister, a California-based economist
who wrote the report. Only Connecticut, California and New York, whose
casinos draw from much larger populations, collected more than Wisconsin,
Meister found. ".The new study findings were cited as evidence by Democratic
Gov. Jim Doyle's administration that the payments Doyle negotiated with
Wisconsin's 11 tribes in 2003 were favorable both to the state and the
tribes.

"If a $30 million late payment the Ho-Chunk tribe made last month for 2005
is added to the tally, Wisconsin's ranking moves to third, behind only
Connecticut, at $421 million in 2005 payments, and California, with $252.9
million, said Sean Dilweg, executive assistant for the state Department of
Administration."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:48 AM

Bingo Is Still Alive

As reported by the Buffalo News: "Bingo isn't dead yet. "The smoking ban was
bad for bingo's health. And competition from high-stakes games and casinos
was the death blow for many games. However, the traditional form of the
game - for decades, a popular means of fund raising among churches,
volunteer fire companies and other nonprofit groups - continues to limp
along and sometimes do quite well. Recently, bingo received a transfusion,
allowing larger payouts. 'Progressive' and 'share the wealth' games can add
thousands of dollars to the payout beyond the $3,000 limit. ".St. Andrew
Catholic Church in the Town of Tonawanda operates a bingo game four nights a
week that brings in $180,000 a year for the school, according to chairwoman
Diane Kirchberger."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:48 AM

Station Casino Looks for Community Feedback

As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "Station Casinos Inc. is submitting
initial plans to the city for its planned $500 million south Reno project,
Mt. Rose Station Casino Resort, but is asking the community to help fill in
the details. "Station sent a mailer to south Reno residents, as it has
previously to announce the hotel-casino, but now is surveying people for
what they would like to see at the property. "Options on the mailer and at
the company's online survey include Mexican, Asian or seafood restaurants,
movie theaters, ice-skating rink and other amenities. ".Plans call for the
casino to begin construction within as much as three years, opening with
about 300 hotel rooms, and 500,000 square feet of casino, restaurants and
entertainment -- essentially the same size property as the company's Green
Valley Ranch in Southern Nevada, Nielson said. That property opened with 200
rooms but has expanded to nearly 500, and the Reno property could expand to
600 within a decade, he said.
".The mailing also attempts to relieve nearby residents' concerns about
traffic, proximity to schools and quality of life around the resort."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:48 AM

Negreanu's Protégé Finishes Second in WSOP Event

After just seven weeks of understudy with one of poker's most successful
tournament players, Brian Fidler of Derby, Connecticut, a member of the
FullContactPoker.com community, finished second late last night at the 2006
World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Event in Lake Tahoe. In the days
leading up to the Lake Tahoe event, Fidler flew to Las Vegas and spent
several days with Negreanu formulating a strategy. During the final table,
Negreanu sat in the front row and provided Fidler with suggestions during
breaks in the action. Fidler, who had the chip lead at several points during
the final table, ultimately got knocked out after his opponent, Clint
Baskin, made a straight on the final hand. Fidler, who played against
several more experienced players throughout the entire tournament, took
second place for $206,800.

"Brian's composure and self-confidence throughout this tournament has been
unbelievable," explained Daniel Negreanu, a three-time WSOP gold-bracelet
winner. "His progress over the last seven weeks since becoming my protégé
shows that he has the tools to become a top player on the professional
tour."

"This has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," exclaimed Fidler,
shortly after taking the largest pot in his young career. "How many players
in the world get to learn from one of the game's greatest competitors?
Thanks to Daniel and Full Contact Poker, I just won over $200,000."

Negreanu, one of the most successful and well-respected players in the game
today, has been giving Fidler his invaluable expertise since he became his
protégé seven weeks ago. Fidler, who won the opportunity to be Negreanu's
protégé by being a member of the www.fullcontactpoker.com community, just
finished playing in his second of four professional $10,000 buy-in
tournaments under Negreanu and is currently living life like a poker pro.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:47 AM

Bodog.com Conference Roster Released

Bodog.com, a global leader in online gaming and digital entertainment,
announced today its roster of blue-chip sponsors for the upcoming Bodog.com
Marketing Conference hosted by Bodog Founder CEO Calvin Ayre. The 20
sponsors include some of the biggest names in the online gaming world.
Future Bet, Chalk, Sports Direct and The Online Wire are all serving as Gold
Sponsors for the event. Taking place July 23-35, 2006, at the Wynn Las
Vegas, the third annual Bodog.com Marketing Conference is focused on
providing attendees - advertisers, affiliates, investors and suppliers -
with the tools necessary to "Ignite Your Online Gaming Business." The event
is fast becoming the premier trade show for the $13-billion online gaming
industry, with major names Pro Cappers, Gateway, Pentasia, VSL Innovations,
CardPlayer.com and Nine.com also sponsoring the conference. In addition to
sponsors, the conference has announced six new panel speakers to discuss
various aspects of the online gaming industry. Topics range from marketing
and customer service to financing and management. Joining the keynote
speaker, Magic Johnson, as well as Ayre, are the following new speakers:

RONN TOROSSIAN, CEO and President - 5W Public Relations

ERIK HAUSER, Founder - Swivel Media

ALISTAIR ASSHETON - VIP Management Services

KAREN LELAND, Author - Customer Service for Dummies

CHRIS TRENEMAN, Managing Director - Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein

MIKE FAITH, CEO - Headsets.com

"The strong support we are seeing from our peers in the industry is a
testament to the continued growth of online gaming in general. We are an
industry that has learned the benefits of coming together and working toward
common goals," says Ayre, who is featured in the current issue of People
Magazine as one of the world's "Hottest Bachelors". "Marketing and Branding
have taken over as the key differentiators in this industry. The most
well-attended conferences in online gaming are now marketing-focused - and
we did it first. Because of that, the Bodog Conference continues to set
attendance records for an online industry event."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:46 AM

Mega Millions Winner Steps Forward

As reported by the Press Enterprise: " The winner of a recent $34 million
jackpot from the Mega Millions California Lottery has stepped forward to
collect his prize, according to a lottery news release. "Thomas Thornton,
who bought the winning ticket for Friday's drawing at La Quinta Liquor &
Deli, chose the cash option and will receive a lump-sum payment of about $17
million, before taxes. ".Thornton is the state's fourth Mega Millions
winner."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 6:46 AM

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

South Dakota Video Lottery Case May Head to Supreme Court

As reported by the Argus Leader: "Secretary of State Chris Nelson and
Attorney General Larry Long are willing to have the challenge from a group
that wants video lottery repealed to bypass the circuit court and head
straight to the state's Supreme Court. "Since the challenge involves an
interpretation of the state constitution, the high court probably would have
been asked to rule, even if the case had started in circuit court. "Daniel
Brendtro of Lennox brought the challenge. He led the petition drive to place
video lottery on the ballot."

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 4:59 AM

Looking in on: Gaming

While the Cosmopolitan and Palazzo resorts have spent millions to build
multilevel underground parking garages, the planned Montreux resort at the
New Frontier has enough extra land to park 5,600 cars - 2,850 more spaces
than hotel rooms at the property. And there will be enough space left over
for a bus depot. Going underground would have cost too much time and money,
says Paul Steelman, the Las Vegas-based architect designing the Montreux.
And let's face it, time is money - especially for tourists who have only
three days in which to blow their budget. Customers decide which casinos to
patronize based on traffic and parking more than any other factor, Steelman
said. Steelman said Clark County commissioners are likely to come up with
some solutions to the Strip's growing parking problems that will include
some kind of satellite parking lots. "We have a Los Angeles-planned city,"
he says. "Everybody drives."

. . .

Some companies just don't get it.

Rob Dondero, a member of the R&R Partners team who made Las Vegas one of the
top five brands in the world with the "What happens here, stays here" ad
campaign, knows what that brand stands for.

And it doesn't stand for families.

But that message apparently hasn't filtered down to the many companies
offering family-oriented products. Those companies call R&R Partners for
sponsorship deals and other promotional opportunities with the company's
client, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Dondero reports.

But the LVCVA doesn't do families. It markets to adults.

"That's the F word for us," he said. "We don't have families in our TV
spots. We never have."

The MGM Grand theme park is long gone, and the Treasure Island pirate show
has replaced burly men with scantily clad women. In spite of our sky-high
"sex sells" quotient, the LVCVA says nearly 4 million of Las Vegas' annual
visitors are kids. Many more are parents or relatives of those kids.

But it just wouldn't look right to have an ad for frozen pops on the side of
a hotel building, no matter how hot it is.

. . .

Hey kids, too hot for the pool? Let's check out that indoor water park!

That's what they'll be up to soon enough at the Reno Hilton.

Harrah's Entertainment's sale of the property to private company Grand
Sierra Resort Corp. is expected to close by July 1 after the Nevada Gaming
Commission signs off on the deal later this month.

Next year, owners are expected to break ground on the resort's signature
feature - the country's largest climate-controlled water park.

The 150,000-square-foot water park will set a precedent not only in
outdoorsy Reno but the rest of the casino and resort industry, predicts
Larry Woolf, the casino veteran appointed to run the Grand Sierra Resort.

"It used to be, 'Is there a pool? Is there a health club? Is there a
casino?' " Woolf said. "In the future, it's going to be, 'Do they have a
water park and is it indoor-outdoor?'

"Everyone has great pools, but those pools don't go year-round."

These water parks wouldn't necessarily be of your Wet 'n' Wild, kiddie
variety, Woolf said.

Think indoor wading pools where adults can lounge in wintertime. Going
topless would be optional.

posted by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker at 4:59 AM

Washington Lottery Winner Still Missing

As reported by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "Somewhere in a wallet, in a
purse, or maybe in a Dumpste