One of my favorite things about writing for Vegas Seven is the chance to write extended feature pieces that give me a chance to do original research and learn a great deal about Las Vegas, present and past. In this week’s issue, I take a look back at the event which, 25 years ago, changed
The Conjuring of The Mirage in Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I take a look at what changes might be afoot on casino floors across the country: Since the recession, however, slot machines have lost ground to tables. Last year, tables statewide earned 35 percent of total gaming win. That doesn’t sound like a big shift—5 percentage points over just
The Coming Social Gaming Revolution | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I propose a possible solution to the current schism between pro- and anti-online gaming forces in Congress (and the gaming industry): With both sides ratcheting up their lobbying, though, it seems that Congress is painting itself into a corner without a way forward or compromise that will satisfy everyone.
The Online Gaming Debate: Not So Fast, Congress | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenI was honored to take part in the first Local Authors Panel as part of the big collection launch at the Paseo Verde Library on March 8. The panel was a fun, hour-long conversation about writing and Las Vegas.
If you weren’t part of the crowd, you can now see it in its entirety right here (sorry, I couldn’t find an embed option).
It was a good time had by all, and I’m hoping to take part in more events in the future.
Watch the Local Authors Panel from Henderson Libraries Read More »
eventsIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I take a look at FinCEN, the federal bureau that, I think is going to make a big impact on Las Vegas in the near future: Would-be high-rollers, take note: If you ever have a transaction of more than $10,000 at a casino, the staff there will gather information
Needs of High Rollers, Government Leave Casinos in a Bind | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenIn a little experiment on price sensitivity in the ebook format, I’ve decided to slash the price of the e-version of Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling by nearly 20%. The list price for all versions of the RTB ebook is now $7.99. You can learn more or buy it at your favorite ebook retailer:
New Lower Price for Roll the Bones ebook Read More »
Roll the BonesIf you missed your chance to get a signed copy of Grandissimo at one of the many events that I’ve been at lately, I have good news: there are several signed copies available for purchase at the Barnes and Noble on 567 N. Stephanie (info and directions). And here’s a picture of me signing one of them:
Thanks to everyone at the store who made this happen. I was very happy to hear that the book is selling well.
If you can’t find Grandissimo at your favorite bookseller yet, please ask them to stock it. Thanks!
Get signed books at Barnes and Noble in Henderson Read More »
authorHere is my latest in Vegas Seven, about two Caesars transactions that, I think, augur the future: It’s no secret that both online and social gaming are growing; millions of people play “for free” each day, and at least 10 states—including California and Texas—are mulling the legalization of straight-up online gambling. The two transactions show
Caesars’ Changing Empire | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenThe Sarno Roundtable event went off on Sunday at Lied Library. It was a tremendous experience, but don’t take my word for it. Here’s what KSNV has to say:
You can access that report here if the embedded video isn’t happening: Biography profiles Caesars Palace developer Jay Sarno
The Las Vegas Sun also covered the event:
David Schwartz, director of UNLV’s Center for Gaming, moderated the panel through discussions of Sarno’s life in Las Vegas during the 1960s. The panel members talked about Sarno’s court battles with the FBI, his legacy on the Strip and his eccentric lifestyle that made him a divisive figure in Las Vegas.
“There was nobody in Las Vegas who was neutral on the subject of Jay Sarno,” Schwartz said. “People loved him and people couldn’t stand him. There was no middle.”
Jay Sarno remembered for doing ‘something nobody had ever done before’
But you don’t have to take their word for it—you can listen to the entire roundtable right here, since it’s now a UNLV Gaming Podcast.
I’d like to thank everyone from Lied Library who helped plan and run the event, all of the panelists for showing up and being so candid, and everyone who attended. It was truly a great night, and a sign of just how important Jay Sarno was to the development of Las Vegas.
Reaction to Sarno Roundtable at Lied Library Read More »
authorOn Friday, Jay Sarno’s daughter September was the guest on KSNV’s Ralston Reports, in advance of the March 2 event at Lied Library:
It’s a great glimpse into Sarno’s life, and a chance to hear what one of his children thinks of the book.
September Sarno talks Grandissimo on Ralston Reports Read More »
authorIt’s always encouraging to see positive reviews, so I was happy to see that New England gambling blog NETime Gambling gave Grandissimo a nice write-up:
The book is a wonderful read. Whether you are a fan of Vegas or gambling history , or even if you enjoy reading about larger-than-life characters, this book will be a tough one to put down once started. The background of the self-made man who built Caesars is just the beginning of a roller-coaster ride through Jay Sarno’s life
The reviewer does a good job of summarizing the book, so if you’re on the fence about reading it and want an outside opinion, you might want to click over and see what he has to say.
Review on NETime Gambling Read More »
UncategorizedWhen Derek Stevens started accepting Bitcoin at The D and Golden Gate, I became curious: How did he make the decision to do this, and why? The result of my curiosity is this week’s Green Felt Journal: Sometimes a story about newfangled technology doubles as one about old-fashioned neighborhood gumption. When The D and the
What Does Bitcoin’s Downtown Presence Say About Las Vegas—and the Future? | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenThis morning, the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an op-ed piece I wrote about the ultimate futility of online gaming prohibition: The nation faces a dangerously seductive form of gambling, as cross-border, high tech telecommunications networks threaten to siphon money out of homes across the country. The problem is getting worse, and the states, with the
Prohibition not the right answer for online gaming in Las Vegas Review-Journal Read More »
news about gamblingLast Friday, George Knapp of 8 News Now’s I-Team ran a feature on Jay Sarno’s legacy and Grandissimo:
While some might think the father of the Las Vegas Strip is mobster Bugsy Seigel, or casino titans Kirk Kerkorian or Steve Wynn, the true architect of modern Las Vegas might be a self-described degenerate gambler named Jay Sarno.
While there is no statue to honor Sarno’s memory, there is a new book that tells his amazing story, warts and all
I’m glad that George reached out to me for this. Here is the video of the story:
And a link to the video if that embed doesn’t work.
The I-Team tackles Grandissimo Read More »
authorLast Thursday, I took part in Frequency, DTLV.com’s interview series. It was a great night, and I’m thrilled that the event was recorded so that you can see it for yourself:
Watch Frequency With David G. Schwartz, William Swaney and Wassa Coulibaly
I’d like to thank my friend and editor Greg Miller for being a great interviewer—wonderful questions and we could have talked for much, much longer.
Watch Grandissimo on Frequency Read More »
interviewLast Thursday, I took part in Frequency, DTLV.com’s interview series. It was a great night, and I’m thrilled that the event was recorded so that you can see it for yourself:
Watch Frequency With David G. Schwartz, William Swaney and Wassa Coulibaly
I’d like to thank my friend and editor Greg Miller for being a great interviewer—wonderful questions and we could have talked for much, much longer.
Watch Grandissimo on Frequency Read More »
interviewThis morning I received the flyer for next month’s event at the Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Rd).
On March 6, at 7 p.m., I”m giving a talk called “Grandisismo: How Jay Sarno’s Wild Life Changed Las Vegas” and signing books.
Here’s the flyer—would love to see you there:
Grandissimo at the Clark County Library, 3/6 Read More »
UncategorizedI’m thrilled to be taking part in the next Frequency event at The Beat in Downtown Las Vegas. Here’s all the info you need:
Just in case that image didn’t display for you, the event is on February 13 at 7 PM, live in The Beat, 520 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101.
I hope to see you there!
Live Event! Frequency @ The Beat Read More »
eventsI was one of many guests interviewed on Peter Greenberg Worldwide’s radio show. You can listen to the episode here:
Peter Greenberg Worldwide – Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace – January 18, 2014
It was a nice chance to talk about Grandissimo for a national audience, and I’ve got to say that Peter is one of the best interviewers I’ve encountered. Totally conversational, but always moving the show ahead, talking with him on air is just great. I also talk candidly about my past career as Mr. Peanut, among other things.
Grandissimo on Peter Greenberg Worldwide Read More »
life in vegasIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I take a look at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s decision to release less information about gaming win. I think it’s a bad thing: The industry is often misunderstood, partially because many people don’t grasp the nature of casino math. Some confuse the amount of money gambled
Numbers, Transparency, and the Health of Gaming | Vegas Seven Read More »
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