One of the most important things in journalism is to grab the reader with a strong first paragraph, or lead. Well, a story in today’s Las Vegas Review-Journal proves this. If you think like me, you can’t help but click through the read the full story after reading this lead-in: OVERTON — This whole town […]
It’s Vegas Week on the Travel Channel, which means that they’re going to be having lots of shows giving you the inside scoop on Vegas. Kind of like they do the other 51 weeks of the year. Since I live in Vegas, I don’t think I’ll be watching much, but if you like this kind
Just in time for the end of ’04, I’ve added a new photo gallery–Macau–and added images to “Casino Fun.” The challenge is to see if you can find my picture of boxing cats somewhere else on this site. It will not disappoint. Have a great New Year’s. I’ll probably be w/out fireworks here in Las
Happy New Year’s Eve Read More »
life in vegasIf you read the New York Times, you might have read yesterday’s edition (Sunday, 12/26/04). If you read yesterday’s edition, you might have read the business section. If you looked at the front page of the business section, you might have started reading a below-the-fold story entitled, “Is there Life After Blackjack? Ask MGM.” And
Just 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.
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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.
I guess that’s the pessimistic way to look at this story, but since no one in the media mentioned that aspect, I figured it was my duty. MGM Mirage has announced it will build a 4000-room casino resort and urban complex on the site of the Boardwalk casino. From Forbes via AP: MGM Mirage officials
Goodbye to the Boardwalk Read More »
life in vegasLocals casinos in Las Vegas often cash paychecks, which can be viewed as a convenient amenity or an inducement to gamble, depending on your humor. Since they don’t do this in New Jersey, it’s a practice I’ve always looked askance at, but what do I know? Here, Adam Goldman of the AP dissects the issue:
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life in vegasOften, people from other countries or even other states think that government regulation of gambling is faintly repressive–that the Nevada Control Board works hard to limit gambling in Nevada. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. As this story from the Sun shows, the GCB actually is pushing casinos to attract more gamblers: State
In a real crazy day, where I’m already stretched to the limit, I get this breaking news from the VegasResource.com newsletter: The Key Largo Hotel and Casino, on Flamingo, just 2 blocks east of Bally’s, is closing permanently on January 17, 2005. A developer has bought the property and will demolish the Key Largo and
Some casinos chase high rollers, which can be risky–a lucky weekend for them can turn into a quarterly loss, something that shareholders hate to see. The Hard Rock casino (right down the street on Harmon Ave.), apparently burned once too many times by lucky whales, or mega-high rollers, has decided to stop catering to the
Turning whales away Read More »
news about gamblingWhen I first read about this, I thought it was a joke. The Westward Ho, long a favorite of low rollers on the Strip, is adding a locals-oriented expansion on Industrial Road. It will be styled “The HO: Your Get Lucky Casino.” Click the link if you don’t believe me. This is all happening in
Get lucky at the ho Read More »
life in vegasTons of articles about G2E 2004. Here’s a few: GLOBAL GAMING EXPO: Experts take ideas for a spin Marketers eye young crowds, branding Slot makers feel celebrities’ pull at expo Gambling expo highlights glitz Survey: Casinos shifting to younger designs BusinessWire news archive for entire show I haven’t seen anything specifically about the Wire Act
The much-anticipated “Legal Limbo” panel at G2E 2004 is now history. I’m blogging from the expo floor, so this will be quick–look for an update tomorrow with links to any media coverage. Bascially, I said hello, then introduced Bob Blumenfeld, who spoke about the Wire Act and the “March Madness” prosecutions of March 1998. Bob
G2E was much as I anticipated it–very large, with many new machines. Here’s a few: Click on it–you can see it in full size, the fruit of my brand new Minolta 5.0 megapixel camera–look for more great images soon. Anyway, I know that gaming manufacturers don’t target their machines towards kids, but when’s the last
After a year of preparation, the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is back in town. Let’s see what the LVRJ has to say: Pennies and celebrities promise to be two persistent themes weaving together what for the third year in a row will be the biggest show on earth for the gaming industry. Running through Thursday,
Global gaming in Vegas Read More »
gambling & culture, life in vegasThe Hard Rock casino is at it again, and snap reporting by the LVRJ has ruined a Die Is Cast exclusive. The Hard Rock has gotten into trouble for its racy billboards in the past, and they are at it again. You can see for yourself, and read a little of the RJ’s take on
I don’t have any news story about this: it’s just personal observation. There are too many speed bumps in Las Vegas. They just put three of them in the driveway that leads out of my apartment complex, probably because the hammerheads that live there were speeding around the curving road that leads to Howard Hughes
I was a guest on KNPR 88.9 (Nevada’s Public Radio) this morning, in particular on State of Nevada, the daily public affairs show hosted by Gwen Castaldi. The subject was gaming expansion, and I think the panel gave a very good summary of where the industry is and will be going. You can read about