“Don’t give me that addiction crap. Your generation’s always passing the buck, looking for excuses. If only you learned there’s no free lunch in this world.” –Some old guy in a gym responding to a columnist’s contention that gambling leads to addiction which “leads to embezzlement, bankruptcies, family problems, domestic violence and other social ills.”
Quote of the day, 12/23/04 Read More »
gambling & cultureI’m always fascinated by illegal gambling busts, and today’s news does not disappoint. Three illegal casinos in Hawaii have been discovered and closed.
Illegal in the 808 Read More »
news about gamblingThe Atlantic City Boardwalk used to be a tremendous showpiece for the city. The coming of casino resorts designed as insular, all-in-one destinations has translated into a steady decline for the boards. Now, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has a plan for its renewal.
“I think this country is rapidly embracing various forms of gambling. It’s not the NCAA’s business to be cultural critics or a cultural task force. Our job is to make sure it doesn’t influence college athletics.” –NCAA President Myles Brand, explaining why he continues to fight legal sports betting in Nevada, but has no problem
A movie about the Ultimate Fighting Championship would be cool, but apparently some people don’t think so.
I don’t know exactly why I started the casino carpet gallery. But I did, and it seems that other people also find the subject interesting.
Casino carpet talk Read More »
what's newThe Macau SAR is five years old today. Macau has been around for centuries, of course, but five years ago it reverted to Chinese rule.
The British government has released its plans for an expanded casino industry.
British casino plans Read More »
news about gamblingJust because you get a $2 million marker doesn’t mean you have the right to continue gambling as long as you want, according to a federal judge, who tossed out a suit brought by a high roller against a major Las Vegas gaming operator.
Gambler’s suit dismissed Read More »
news about gamblingAs I discuss in my forthcoming book about the Wire Act (the title is still evolving), the current US “prohibition” of online gaming is encountering significant challenges. This article discusses some of them.
Online gaming backlash? Read More »
gambling & cultureI got a player’s card here when I visited Biloxi, and I’m still getting emails with room offers, even though I didn’t play a nickel. Thanks to the magic of the web, you too can seeTreasure Bay… a pirate-themed casino resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Just because it’s cool Read More »
news about gamblingIf you read my bio, you know that I used to work in casino surveillance, so new stories about it are always favorites of mine. I’d read about this “incident” from Caesars before, but it’s back in the news again.
Surveillance under watch Read More »
atlantic cityI’ve always said that casino resorts evolved on the Strip as insular, self-contained businesses–if you’ve read Suburban Xanadu, you know as much. They could be in the Mojave desert or on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and their architecture remains much the same. A wonderfully undetailed news story about Antarctica casinos might be the most extreme
Casinos in a cold land Read More »
news about gamblingHow do you combine being an edgy comedian with bring a renowned casino performer? In George Carlin’s case, not so well. His farewell show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas might have been his chance to let off some steam, and I only hope that someone got all of this on tape.
Biting the hand that feeds Read More »
life in vegasAfter 9 days and I don’t know how many thousand miles, a well-received address at the International Conference on the Gaming Industry and Public Welfare in Macau, an interview on Macau TV, and loads of hospitality, I returned to Las Vegas today. And I’m not even out of my car before the fun starts.
In a sentence, I’ve seen a lot and had a really good time here. I’ve also got a links to Stanley Ho and Steve Wynn’s thoughts on Macau.
Greetings everyone. I”m at the University of Macau right now, thanks to the benevolence of a few people, and I’ve got web access, which means a quick update. It was a very long, no frills plane ride. In the past my trans-Pacific flights have been on planes with TVs built into the seat and video
In Macau and Hong Kong Read More »
what's newI’m going to be posting sporadically at best for the next ten days or so, as I’m flying to Macau to attend a conference on gambling and the public welfare. I’ll try to post updates as I get web access, but as usual I have a vague idea at best of where I’ll be going
As came up in a discussion at the local United Blood Services center yesterday, people who move to Nevada know what they’re getting into–gambling, and lots of it. Gambling at supermarkets, at gas stations, and even at casino coffee shops thanks to the magic of keno. But Nevada Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins is showing why
Better late than never? Read More »
news about gambling