Casino environments and trends change, and in the last ten years, evidence shows a change in how players gamble, what players gamble and where players gamble.
At last year's Global Gaming Expo, John Acres said “Gambling at last is dead.” For support, the man who has been in the casino business for more than 30 years and invented the modern players-club card cited the plummeting appeal of spinning-reel machines for just about everyone under 40.
Many others are worried, too. Which is why, in the past five years, companies have been so eager to latch onto online gaming as a way to connect with new audiences. Even in New England, there is more and more interest in online gaming, since casino gambling isn't necessarily producing the revenue needed. But, as Acres pointed out in his talk, an old product in a new bottle isn’t really a new product, as new as it looks.
Could betting on video games be the last chance for gambling? In 2009, Woody Levin debuted BringIt.com, a website that let gamers open accounts and bet against each other on a host of Xbox, PlayStation and Wii games. Accepting bets from $1 to $100,000 per matchup, the service appealed to hardcore gamers and soon attracted more than 100,000 users. But encountering some technical challenges, Levin chose to shift emphasis toward the social-gaming space, hosting mini-games where players competed for virtual currency. But he believes that wagering on video games has an enormous potential.
Well, you might think, Levin’s just a fanatic gamer with delusions of video-game grandeur. But it’s worth mentioning that, in February 2012, Levin’s startup—the one that let players bet on video games—was acquired by a large company.
The name of the company? IGT. As in, the biggest slot-machine manufacturer in the world, a company that will live and die with the popularity of gambling.
Casinos, of course, are slow to change. “In 25 years,” Valerio says, “when casino attendance is suffering and for-money video games are thriving, there may begin a period of synergy. Casinos will want new blood and fresh business roaming the floor and video-game makers will want a unique ‘live’ experience, and easy access to people wandering around eager to spend money.”
Casinos might jump in soon if only because so many of them find themselves in dire straits. Atlantic City casinos recently received permission to run their own fantasy-sports leagues. When your revenues are down 40 percent over the past six years, it’s not so much about taking risks as trying to survive.
So, it’s not difficult to imagine video gaming becoming the next online poker, with casinos providing facilities and a guarantee of fair play in return for a cut of the pot. Table games ran most casinos until the first slot machines. The first reel slots gave into video slots, and table games began to wane a little. Today, young people visit casinos for entertainment, food and especially clubs - evoking the affect of social media.
Things change. Casinos must change with the times. New England must continue to change with the newest gambling, entertainment, and dining trends, or gaming saturation isn't what the only problem facing New England Gaming.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Showing posts with label Gambling History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gambling History. Show all posts
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Foxwoods Friday - The World's First exhibition of Authentic Pirate Treasure!
Real Pirates
An Exhibition from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Real Pirates tells the compelling story of the Whydah, the first authenticated pirate shipwreck in U.S. waters, and the stories of the diverse people whose lives converged on the vessel. Sunk in a fierce storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts in April 1717, the Whydah was located in 1984 and is still actively excavated today.
This is a one of a kind exhibition that features more than 200 authentic items recovered from the Whydah – real treasure last touched by real pirates. Ranging from canons and coins and the Ship’s massive bell to personal items that the pirates wore, visitors are given an unprecedented glimpse into unique economic, political and social circumstances of the early 18th-century Caribbean.
Hours:
Sun thru Thurs - 11am to 8pm (last admission sold at 7pm)
Fri & Sat - 11am to 10pm (last admission sold at 9pm)
Ticket Prices:
Adults (14 to 59) - $20
Senior (60+) - $16
Child (3 to 13) - $15
Foxwoods Rewards - $18
That's all for now.
Binbin
An Exhibition from NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Real Pirates tells the compelling story of the Whydah, the first authenticated pirate shipwreck in U.S. waters, and the stories of the diverse people whose lives converged on the vessel. Sunk in a fierce storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts in April 1717, the Whydah was located in 1984 and is still actively excavated today.
This is a one of a kind exhibition that features more than 200 authentic items recovered from the Whydah – real treasure last touched by real pirates. Ranging from canons and coins and the Ship’s massive bell to personal items that the pirates wore, visitors are given an unprecedented glimpse into unique economic, political and social circumstances of the early 18th-century Caribbean.
Hours:
Sun thru Thurs - 11am to 8pm (last admission sold at 7pm)
Fri & Sat - 11am to 10pm (last admission sold at 9pm)
Ticket Prices:
Adults (14 to 59) - $20
Senior (60+) - $16
Child (3 to 13) - $15
Foxwoods Rewards - $18
That's all for now.
Binbin
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Website / Podcast Recemmendation - "Gambling With an Edge"
Bob Dancer is a video poker expert and gambling author best known for his book "Million Dollar Video Poker," which recounts six years of video poker experiences. Currently he writes a weekly online article for www.lva.com. More than 400 of Dancer's articles are archived on www.bobdancer.com.
Whether it's in the car, by the pool, or at the fitness center, I like to listen to some of my favorite podcasts. Currently, Bob Dancer co-hosts, with Richard W. Munchkin, (Black Hall-of-Famer), a weekly hourlong radio program called "Gambling With An Edge," on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. on KLAV 1230 a.m. in Las Vegas. This podcast is for the serious gambler, or those who are very interested in the business and industry of gambling. It's purpose is to make you a more informed gambler and closer to being an advantage player - a player looking for the best positive advantage in gambling.
Every week, Bob & Munch host guests that give in depth looks into many aspects of the casino world that are not usually discussed. Here are some of my recent favorites:
The information provided is amazing. From looks into the historic "good old days" of Las Vegas gambling, to the latest suggestions on how to best maximize current promotions, such as Atlantic City's Revel and their recent $100,000 rebate.
It's a highly rated podcast by its listeners - obviously the serious gambler, gambling historians and the like. If you want to hear it live, the Live Air-Time is: 7 PM Thursday nights on KLAV Talk-Radio 1230am In Las Vegas. You can listen live http://www.klav1230am.com
As for me, I prefer to have my Bob Dancer & guests accompany me to work.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Whether it's in the car, by the pool, or at the fitness center, I like to listen to some of my favorite podcasts. Currently, Bob Dancer co-hosts, with Richard W. Munchkin, (Black Hall-of-Famer), a weekly hourlong radio program called "Gambling With An Edge," on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. on KLAV 1230 a.m. in Las Vegas. This podcast is for the serious gambler, or those who are very interested in the business and industry of gambling. It's purpose is to make you a more informed gambler and closer to being an advantage player - a player looking for the best positive advantage in gambling.
Every week, Bob & Munch host guests that give in depth looks into many aspects of the casino world that are not usually discussed. Here are some of my recent favorites:
- Michael Gaughan - owner of Southpoint Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and son of the famous gambler and Vegas entrepreneur Jackie Gaughan, famous for Binion's Casino and the World Series of Poker.
- Ray Konder, CPA - how to file taxes as a professional gambler; insights into promotion and legal problems with casinos; tax info for all gamblers
- "Old-Timer" - an anonymous Las Vegas professional gambler reminiscing about video poker teams and gambling promotions; changes in gambling and casino security.
The information provided is amazing. From looks into the historic "good old days" of Las Vegas gambling, to the latest suggestions on how to best maximize current promotions, such as Atlantic City's Revel and their recent $100,000 rebate.
It's a highly rated podcast by its listeners - obviously the serious gambler, gambling historians and the like. If you want to hear it live, the Live Air-Time is: 7 PM Thursday nights on KLAV Talk-Radio 1230am In Las Vegas. You can listen live http://www.klav1230am.com
As for me, I prefer to have my Bob Dancer & guests accompany me to work.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Strangest Bets Ever Made
After watching the betting furor last week in England concerning the Prince of Cambridge, I wondered, "What were the strangest bets ever made?"
Prop bets, or "proposition bets," are made concerning one-time events that have nothing to do with - well - anything's outcome. A good example can be seen in the Broadway musical "Guys & Dolls" when Nathan Detroit tries to set up a prop bet with Sky Masterson that Mindy's Deli sold more Cheescake than Strudel. Sky doesn't take the bait, but turns it around on Nathan, covering his tie and betting him the same amount of money on the color tie he was wearing.
Here are some of the craziest prop bets ever made - but I'm sure there are a lot more and a lot crazier!
Ashton Griffin, laid out 3:1 odds on himself of being able to run 70 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours, meaning if he’d lost, he would have paid out 3x the bet. By some miracle, he pulled this off, won $300K, and avoided having to shell out $900K and finished the 70 miles with 45 minutes to spare!
$10K for a Vegetarian to Eat a Burger - Yes, it's true.
Crazy Las Vegas Bets
It's almost impossible to decide which of legendary gambler Archie Karas' bets was the craziest. The man came to Vegas with $50 in his wallet and grew that stake to a staggering $17 million over the course of three years. Whether he was playing pool or poker, Karas' three-year streak is widely regarded as the most insane in Las Vegas history. By the end, after being banned from the poker tables at most casinos, Karas was just taking $100,000 bets on single dice rolls. And yet, just a year after that, he'd lost it all the same way he earned it.
Man Who Got Breast Implants on a Bet
This one, of course, is almost mythic by now, but we couldn’t not include the craziest bet ever made, bar none. Magician and high-stakes gambler Brian Zembic bet in 1996 that he would get breast implants and keep them in for a year for $100K wager. The craziest part of this story is that Zembic apparently became so enamored with his "additions," he never had them removed.
Some people come to Vegas to find a mythic transformation, to leave behind everything of their old life and be born again in the fires of chance. Britisher Ashley Revell sold everything he owned, emptied his bank account and put every penny he had—$135,000—on red. One spin of the wheel later and he'd doubled his money. He gave a $600 tip to a dealer and walked out of the casino a rich man.
In Vegas, people will bet on just about anything. 1979 saw a great example, as El Cortez owner Jackie Gaughan decided to start taking bets on where space station Skylab's wreckage would fall to Earth when it re-entered the planet's atmosphere. Jackie laid odds on everything from New York City to the El Cortez itself (which paid out 10,000 to 1), but the final resting place of the downed satellite ended up in Australia.
And here are some of the bizarre Super Bowl Prop Bets of the past:
Binbin
Prop bets, or "proposition bets," are made concerning one-time events that have nothing to do with - well - anything's outcome. A good example can be seen in the Broadway musical "Guys & Dolls" when Nathan Detroit tries to set up a prop bet with Sky Masterson that Mindy's Deli sold more Cheescake than Strudel. Sky doesn't take the bait, but turns it around on Nathan, covering his tie and betting him the same amount of money on the color tie he was wearing.
Here are some of the craziest prop bets ever made - but I'm sure there are a lot more and a lot crazier!
Ashton Griffin, laid out 3:1 odds on himself of being able to run 70 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours, meaning if he’d lost, he would have paid out 3x the bet. By some miracle, he pulled this off, won $300K, and avoided having to shell out $900K and finished the 70 miles with 45 minutes to spare!
$10K for a Vegetarian to Eat a Burger - Yes, it's true.
Crazy Las Vegas Bets
It's almost impossible to decide which of legendary gambler Archie Karas' bets was the craziest. The man came to Vegas with $50 in his wallet and grew that stake to a staggering $17 million over the course of three years. Whether he was playing pool or poker, Karas' three-year streak is widely regarded as the most insane in Las Vegas history. By the end, after being banned from the poker tables at most casinos, Karas was just taking $100,000 bets on single dice rolls. And yet, just a year after that, he'd lost it all the same way he earned it.
Man Who Got Breast Implants on a Bet
This one, of course, is almost mythic by now, but we couldn’t not include the craziest bet ever made, bar none. Magician and high-stakes gambler Brian Zembic bet in 1996 that he would get breast implants and keep them in for a year for $100K wager. The craziest part of this story is that Zembic apparently became so enamored with his "additions," he never had them removed.
Some people come to Vegas to find a mythic transformation, to leave behind everything of their old life and be born again in the fires of chance. Britisher Ashley Revell sold everything he owned, emptied his bank account and put every penny he had—$135,000—on red. One spin of the wheel later and he'd doubled his money. He gave a $600 tip to a dealer and walked out of the casino a rich man.
In Vegas, people will bet on just about anything. 1979 saw a great example, as El Cortez owner Jackie Gaughan decided to start taking bets on where space station Skylab's wreckage would fall to Earth when it re-entered the planet's atmosphere. Jackie laid odds on everything from New York City to the El Cortez itself (which paid out 10,000 to 1), but the final resting place of the downed satellite ended up in Australia.
And here are some of the bizarre Super Bowl Prop Bets of the past:
- Anthem Time Length Bet
- Improvised National Anthem Bet
- Opposing Coaches Hugs or Handshakes Bet
- Gatorade Color Bet
Binbin
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Casino Chips....What's Up With Them?
"The guy who invented poker was bright, but the guy who invented the chip was a genius."
Ever wonder about the the poker chip? .....I have. Here are a few questions that crossed my mind:
1) How were chips ever used in casinos? When gambling became widespread in the 18th century, one difficulty was that people who gambled had different types of coins or valuables for wagering. To solve this problem some gambling venues offered gamblers substitutes like pieces of ivory, bones or clay. In the USA, the humble origins of the modern day familiar casino chips were born out of necessity. The game of poker first developed in the mid 1800’s along the Mississippi and other saloons and bars throughout the West.
2) Were chips forged as fake in the early days? Yes. Gamblers began to forge substitutes. As a result, gambling establishments began to brand their substitutes, the only surviving relic of which is the large plate (check) with a printed value. The problem continued, so casinos responded in the same old way - each casino created specially designed, hard-to-replicate chips that were unique to their venue. Chips became standardized in size, but the materials used for them, such as clay or expensive ivory, still varied widely.
3) What are today's chips made of? Manufacturers now use high-pressure techniques combined with a mix of composite to produce chips. To hinder forgery the casinos even include a microchip in their chips
4) Can I use one Casino's chips in another casino? Sometimes, but it's always best to cash in before you leave. If the casino is owned by the same company, the chips might work at multiple properties. In Las Vegas, it’s common to see casino chips with the name of two different casinos printed on them - one on either side is the standard. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the pit boss or poker chip cashier first, just to make sure.
Casino chip collecting became increasingly popular during the 1980s, as evidenced by the sale of chips through several casino and collecting newsletters. Bill Borland's Worldwide Casino Exchange (early 1980s) had a casino story each issue and dozens of old chips for sale. There are many different ways to collect casino chips. Because of the amount of chips available and the increasing price of some, collectors have begun to specialize. A collector might choose to collect every chip from a certain casino or one from every Las Vegas casino.
As for me, I like to collect pens - yes, casino pens. But that's probably best saved for a future post.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Ever wonder about the the poker chip? .....I have. Here are a few questions that crossed my mind:
1) How were chips ever used in casinos? When gambling became widespread in the 18th century, one difficulty was that people who gambled had different types of coins or valuables for wagering. To solve this problem some gambling venues offered gamblers substitutes like pieces of ivory, bones or clay. In the USA, the humble origins of the modern day familiar casino chips were born out of necessity. The game of poker first developed in the mid 1800’s along the Mississippi and other saloons and bars throughout the West.
2) Were chips forged as fake in the early days? Yes. Gamblers began to forge substitutes. As a result, gambling establishments began to brand their substitutes, the only surviving relic of which is the large plate (check) with a printed value. The problem continued, so casinos responded in the same old way - each casino created specially designed, hard-to-replicate chips that were unique to their venue. Chips became standardized in size, but the materials used for them, such as clay or expensive ivory, still varied widely.
3) What are today's chips made of? Manufacturers now use high-pressure techniques combined with a mix of composite to produce chips. To hinder forgery the casinos even include a microchip in their chips
4) Can I use one Casino's chips in another casino? Sometimes, but it's always best to cash in before you leave. If the casino is owned by the same company, the chips might work at multiple properties. In Las Vegas, it’s common to see casino chips with the name of two different casinos printed on them - one on either side is the standard. Obviously, you’ll want to check with the pit boss or poker chip cashier first, just to make sure.
Casino chip collecting became increasingly popular during the 1980s, as evidenced by the sale of chips through several casino and collecting newsletters. Bill Borland's Worldwide Casino Exchange (early 1980s) had a casino story each issue and dozens of old chips for sale. There are many different ways to collect casino chips. Because of the amount of chips available and the increasing price of some, collectors have begun to specialize. A collector might choose to collect every chip from a certain casino or one from every Las Vegas casino.
As for me, I like to collect pens - yes, casino pens. But that's probably best saved for a future post.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Friday, July 5, 2013
Lottery & Scratch Tickets - Exercise of Hope or Futility?
Mohegan Sun is now a seller of Connecticut Lottery tickets, the Uncasville casino announced Monday. Effective June 28, CT Lottery tickets are being sold at the Sun’s Mobil Gas Station & Convenience Store and Riverview Essentials, which is located inside the facility’s Casino of the Sky.
So, what about lottery tickets. How much do I really know about the lottery, or rather, how much do I really WANT to know? First question I had was "are Scratch off tickets considered Lottery?" Yes, they are. And here are a few more interesting and fun facts about Lottery Tickets - some will definately make you think about buying them again!
Did you know that:
An Interesting Story....
...the U.S. Powerball lottery drawing of the March 30, 2005 game produced an unprecedented 110 second-place winners, all of whom picked five numbers correctly with no Powerball number. The total came out to $19.4 million in unexpected payouts. 89 tickets won $100,000, but 21 additional tickets won $500,000 due to the Power Play multiplier option. Powerball officials initially suspected fraud, but it turned out that all the winners received their numbers from fortune cookies made by Wonton Food Inc., a fortune cookie factory in Long Island City, Queens, New York. The number combinations printed on fortunes are reused in thousands of cookies per day. The five winning numbers were 22, 28, 32, 33, and 39. The sixth number in the fortune, 40, did not match the Powerball number, 42.
Now, Myths and Facts
Myth: There are “hot numbers” that are drawn more often than others.
Fact: Lottery draws are completely random, so there are no hot numbers. Every number has an equal chance of being drawn, so every set of lottery numbers has the same chance of winning.
Myth: “Fresh” or newly arrived tickets are luckier than tickets from a previous week.
Fact: The probability of purchasing a winning ticket is the same over the lifespan of a lottery game. Unsold tickets from a previous week have the same chance of containing a winning ticket as newly delivered tickets.
Myth: Players can control lottery outcomes by using various methods to forecast winning numbers.
Fact: Lottery results are completely random, so no one can control the outcome. It is impossible to predict a number beyond its overall probability of appearing among the winning numbers. A random guess has just as much chance at winning as playing birthdays, anniversary dates, or any personal system.
Probably more info you needed to know, but after all I found, I still wonder why play? Hmm.....
That's all for now. Tomorrow is a Mish-Mash" of New England Casino News.
Binbin
So, what about lottery tickets. How much do I really know about the lottery, or rather, how much do I really WANT to know? First question I had was "are Scratch off tickets considered Lottery?" Yes, they are. And here are a few more interesting and fun facts about Lottery Tickets - some will definately make you think about buying them again!
Did you know that:
- ...if you put $20 a month into buying lottery tickets from age 25 to 65, you'll likely come out with next to nothing. If you instead put that into a mutual fund, you would have $93,626.41, after taxes!
- ...when asked if you’d quit your job after winning the lottery, you should lie. It’s a fairly common question asked by job interviewers: If you won the lottery, would you keep working? Companies aren’t really concerned about the possibility this would happen, and on some level every hiring manager has to know that most people would quit if hundreds of millions of dollars fell into their lap. Nonetheless, the question is asked because the answer can reveal just how little the job applicant cares about work and his career or the company doing the hiring. It’s something of a trick question, so pause before answering — and when you answer, don’t blab on about how much you loathe the idea of having to get up in the morning to go to the office
- ...5 years or less is the typical amount of time it takes a lottery winner to burn through his winnings
- ...you’re far more likely to die a horrible death than win. The statistics say that, compared with winning the lottery, you are 33 times as likely to be killed by bees, 50 times as likely to be struck by lightning, 8,000 times as likely to be murdered and 20,000 times as likely to be killed in a car crash.
- ...the first recorded signs of a lottery are keno slips from the Chinese Han Dynasty between 205 and 187 BC. These lotteries are believed to have helped to finance major government projects like the Great Wall of China. (Some things never change)
...in America, The numbers game operated out of "Policy shops", where bettors choose numbers, were in the U.S. prior to 1861. By the early 20th century, the game was associated with poor communities, and could be played for as little as $0.01
An Interesting Story....
...the U.S. Powerball lottery drawing of the March 30, 2005 game produced an unprecedented 110 second-place winners, all of whom picked five numbers correctly with no Powerball number. The total came out to $19.4 million in unexpected payouts. 89 tickets won $100,000, but 21 additional tickets won $500,000 due to the Power Play multiplier option. Powerball officials initially suspected fraud, but it turned out that all the winners received their numbers from fortune cookies made by Wonton Food Inc., a fortune cookie factory in Long Island City, Queens, New York. The number combinations printed on fortunes are reused in thousands of cookies per day. The five winning numbers were 22, 28, 32, 33, and 39. The sixth number in the fortune, 40, did not match the Powerball number, 42.
Now, Myths and Facts
Myth: There are “hot numbers” that are drawn more often than others.
Fact: Lottery draws are completely random, so there are no hot numbers. Every number has an equal chance of being drawn, so every set of lottery numbers has the same chance of winning.
Myth: “Fresh” or newly arrived tickets are luckier than tickets from a previous week.
Fact: The probability of purchasing a winning ticket is the same over the lifespan of a lottery game. Unsold tickets from a previous week have the same chance of containing a winning ticket as newly delivered tickets.
Myth: Players can control lottery outcomes by using various methods to forecast winning numbers.
Fact: Lottery results are completely random, so no one can control the outcome. It is impossible to predict a number beyond its overall probability of appearing among the winning numbers. A random guess has just as much chance at winning as playing birthdays, anniversary dates, or any personal system.
Probably more info you needed to know, but after all I found, I still wonder why play? Hmm.....
That's all for now. Tomorrow is a Mish-Mash" of New England Casino News.
Binbin
USA vs WORLD - An Arbitrary Casino Competition on July 4th Weekend
This weekend I will be taking a break from highlighting CT casinos action (Foxwoods Friday and Sun Sunday) to take a look at some interesting casino facts (today) and a Mish Mash of headlines and commentary concerning New England Gaming on Monday.
This weekend, we celebrate America. For all it's trials and tribulations, the good old USA stands as one a the few great countries in the world.
When it comes to gambling in The US, it doesn't take much to conjure up images of steamboat gamblers, or the poker and faro tables out west. Where would the world's casinos be without the American slot machine? We have certainly made our mark in the history and industry of casino gambling. So, let's compare facts about USA casinos & the rest of the world. America vs. the rest. Here goes:
Largest Casino
America - Foxwood Resorts used to be the biggest casino at over 400,000 square feet but Winstar World Casino, in Oklahoma, is now the largest in the US at a whopping 519,000 square feet.
The World - the two largest casinos in the World are in Macau, China - Venetian Macao, and The City of Dreams, #1 & 2 respectively.
Winner - World
State vs. Country with Most Casinos/Parimutuels / Card Clubs
America - Obviously, Nevada is #1 with under 400. But it may surprise you that California (178), Washington (134) and Oklahoma (123) follow in order.
World - Australia (425) and Great Britain (419) barely beat Las Vegas, let alone the USA (1750 total in country).
Winner - USA!!!
Largest Casino Hotel
America - Las Vegas's MGM, 5960 rooms
World - no contest
Winner - USA!!! Out of the largest 12 hotels in the world, 8 are casino hotels in Las Vegas. The one hotel without a casino in the US in the top 12- Disney's All-Star Resort, Orlando.
Top Poker Player (this season of 2013 based on earnings)
America - Joseph Cheong (#5)
World - Marvin Rettenmeir (#1), Germany
Winner - Advantage world with top 4.
However we have 5 in the top 10!
Finally, the clincher - Top Gambling Jurisdiction
Considering all level gambling, all levels of amenities, best comps for all player levels, and most to offer in terms of, well, all that is gambling and entertainment.
Winner - Las, Vegas, Nevada, USA!!!!
No question about it. (However, there could be some personal bias here. Vegas, baby, Vegas!)
Haha, we win! U-S-A-! U-S-A!
Happy Independence Weekend!
That's all for now.
Binbin
This weekend, we celebrate America. For all it's trials and tribulations, the good old USA stands as one a the few great countries in the world.
When it comes to gambling in The US, it doesn't take much to conjure up images of steamboat gamblers, or the poker and faro tables out west. Where would the world's casinos be without the American slot machine? We have certainly made our mark in the history and industry of casino gambling. So, let's compare facts about USA casinos & the rest of the world. America vs. the rest. Here goes:
Largest Casino
America - Foxwood Resorts used to be the biggest casino at over 400,000 square feet but Winstar World Casino, in Oklahoma, is now the largest in the US at a whopping 519,000 square feet.
The World - the two largest casinos in the World are in Macau, China - Venetian Macao, and The City of Dreams, #1 & 2 respectively.
Winner - World
State vs. Country with Most Casinos/Parimutuels / Card Clubs
America - Obviously, Nevada is #1 with under 400. But it may surprise you that California (178), Washington (134) and Oklahoma (123) follow in order.
World - Australia (425) and Great Britain (419) barely beat Las Vegas, let alone the USA (1750 total in country).
Winner - USA!!!
Largest Casino Hotel
America - Las Vegas's MGM, 5960 rooms
World - no contest
Winner - USA!!! Out of the largest 12 hotels in the world, 8 are casino hotels in Las Vegas. The one hotel without a casino in the US in the top 12- Disney's All-Star Resort, Orlando.
Top Poker Player (this season of 2013 based on earnings)
America - Joseph Cheong (#5)
World - Marvin Rettenmeir (#1), Germany
Winner - Advantage world with top 4.
However we have 5 in the top 10!
Finally, the clincher - Top Gambling Jurisdiction
Considering all level gambling, all levels of amenities, best comps for all player levels, and most to offer in terms of, well, all that is gambling and entertainment.
Winner - Las, Vegas, Nevada, USA!!!!
No question about it. (However, there could be some personal bias here. Vegas, baby, Vegas!)
Haha, we win! U-S-A-! U-S-A!
Happy Independence Weekend!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Saturday, June 15, 2013
The Fathers of Gaming
After checking each website, and checking Facebook, I found very little Saturday night for a Father's Day post. So I decided to wrote the usual "Sun" Sunday post.
But, I was really disappointed that so little was offered. I mean, who wouldn't want to bring their dad, or grand-dad to the local casino for a great meal and kick in a few bucks for a little gambling? Oh, well......
As I continued to think about it, I wondered who might be considered "fathers" of certain areas of gambling. So, here's what I came up with:
The Father of Card Counting - Ed Thorpe
It was during his tenure at the MIT that he came up with the thought of using his knowledge of mathematical principles to come up with a model that could help decrease the house advantage. Unlike casino games like craps or roulette, the odds in blackjack can be varied to the advantage of the player
The Father of Modern Craps - It was American dice maker, John H. Winn, who developed the rules further to allow betting for or against the shooter, thus becoming the father of modern Craps.His influence on the game brought us the game as we know it today, a full table setup in the air-conditioned comfort of a casino.
The Father of the Slot Machine - Charles Fey
1895 was a year of slots invention when Charles Fey represented his own brainchild called Liberty Bell. It is significant to know that the popularity of the slot machine was so astounding that allowed the inventor to open the factory of slots manufacturing in 1896. The first slots were designed and manufactured by Fey himself. They were soon placed into the local gambling establishments on the basis of the 50 rent percent. Hence, in addition to being the first inventor, Charles Fey was recognizable as the first proprietor of the slots.
The Father of Roulette - Blaise Pascal
So, how did he get that title as the father of Roulette? At 16, Blaise Pascal actually presented a paper about geometry that blew away the best math minds in Paris during that period! He ended up making many math formulas and ideas that are still used today. More importantly to us, he was also the inventor of probability which led to his connection with Roulette. A friend of his, Chevalier de Mere posed a question to him about gambling. Blaise Pascal created a formula to show the probability of two people winning in a casino game, and this has become the essence of probability theory! Now, at one time, when Blaise Pascal was trying to invent a perpetual motion machine, he invented Roulette instead!
The Godfather of Texas Holdem Poker - Benny Binion. The reason why Binion earned this title is not just that he had a past with a few major question marks around it, but because he, more than anyone else, was responsible for putting the game of Texas Holdem Poker on the world map.
I'm sure there are more - interesting who might be other fathers of gaming. Maybe another post in the future.
That's all for now.
Binbin
But, I was really disappointed that so little was offered. I mean, who wouldn't want to bring their dad, or grand-dad to the local casino for a great meal and kick in a few bucks for a little gambling? Oh, well......
As I continued to think about it, I wondered who might be considered "fathers" of certain areas of gambling. So, here's what I came up with:
The Father of Card Counting - Ed Thorpe
It was during his tenure at the MIT that he came up with the thought of using his knowledge of mathematical principles to come up with a model that could help decrease the house advantage. Unlike casino games like craps or roulette, the odds in blackjack can be varied to the advantage of the player
The Father of Modern Craps - It was American dice maker, John H. Winn, who developed the rules further to allow betting for or against the shooter, thus becoming the father of modern Craps.His influence on the game brought us the game as we know it today, a full table setup in the air-conditioned comfort of a casino.
The Father of the Slot Machine - Charles Fey
1895 was a year of slots invention when Charles Fey represented his own brainchild called Liberty Bell. It is significant to know that the popularity of the slot machine was so astounding that allowed the inventor to open the factory of slots manufacturing in 1896. The first slots were designed and manufactured by Fey himself. They were soon placed into the local gambling establishments on the basis of the 50 rent percent. Hence, in addition to being the first inventor, Charles Fey was recognizable as the first proprietor of the slots.
The Father of Roulette - Blaise Pascal
So, how did he get that title as the father of Roulette? At 16, Blaise Pascal actually presented a paper about geometry that blew away the best math minds in Paris during that period! He ended up making many math formulas and ideas that are still used today. More importantly to us, he was also the inventor of probability which led to his connection with Roulette. A friend of his, Chevalier de Mere posed a question to him about gambling. Blaise Pascal created a formula to show the probability of two people winning in a casino game, and this has become the essence of probability theory! Now, at one time, when Blaise Pascal was trying to invent a perpetual motion machine, he invented Roulette instead!
The Godfather of Texas Holdem Poker - Benny Binion. The reason why Binion earned this title is not just that he had a past with a few major question marks around it, but because he, more than anyone else, was responsible for putting the game of Texas Holdem Poker on the world map.
I'm sure there are more - interesting who might be other fathers of gaming. Maybe another post in the future.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Foxwoods Friday today is Footwear Friday!
What footwear do you wear to work?
Probably, if you are required to wear a specific type of footwear to work, it's mostly because of safety. Or, maybe your profession requires best support and comfort, like a basketball player. Or maybe it's just plain practicality - bowling shoes for bowlers, cleats for baseball players, logging boots for loggers - dress shoes for office jobs - and on and on....
But is their any job that requires shoes that abuse the workers feet? Yup - at the casino!
For years and years,, even going back to pre-American European casinos, women wore high heels to serve beverages to casino visitors. You know what they say - "sexiness sells." Sometimes the skimpier outfits, the better the tips. (or so we are to believe.) But haven't we evolved past that? I mean, do we really go to a casino to watch the waitresses in skimpy outfits and two-inch heels? Really?
Well, this edition of Foxwoods Fridays takes a little detour to look deep into the "soles" of those endearing employees we depend on for our libation - the female beverage servers.
Waitresses (can I say waitresses still?) negotiating their first union contract at Foxwoods Resort Casino have made the heels an issue. They are painful and, over time, foot-deforming. The casino yielded on a recently imposed requirement for 2-inch heels, but it is insisting that servers wear polishable black shoes, subject to approval by management, according to union representative Keri Hoehne and members. Servers could be exempted with a doctor's note for up to a year, but would then have to resign or take another position. Some regard the requirement as a sneaky effort to get rid of older employees.
Cheryl Haase has been serving cocktails for more than two decades, and the 52-year-old waitress says she has a list of foot ailments to prove it. The miles she has walked carrying trays of drinks through the Foxwoods Resort Casino in high heels have sent her over the years to chiropractors and podiatrists for injections to treat inflammation. "Most of us girls have been here for 20 years, 15 years. This job has really done a number on our feet and they know it," Haase said.
"A 2-inch heel is bio-mechanically and structurally wonderful compared to a 4-inch heel," said Dr. Eric Levine, a podiatrist in Norwich. "Still, heels take their toll, especially as women age." (A high heel at a party now and then is OK, according to Levine.) Levine added "I'll never forget when I heard a patient say, 'No matter how much my feet hurt, the higher the heel, the higher the tip.'" As I said, sexiness sells!
But with the decline in patronage and revenue, waitresses have seen a big decline in tips. It's a high price to pay to forfeit fashion for comfort. These financial troubles have resulted in layoffs and pay cuts, facts that justify older waitresses' worries that the dress code restrictions are designed to force them out in favor of newer, younger employees who haven't yet experienced the downfalls of years of wearing heels to work.
So, maybe it's time to evolve once again. A safe, comfortable, happy employee would probably translate into less sick time, better and faster interaction with patrons, and more revenue from happy, thirsty visitors!
Dear Foxwoods, it's time to side with safety over maintaining the outdated waitress image of Vegas days gone by. It's time to evolve, or maybe just respect your longtime employees health? I bet they know more patrons on a first name basis than your pit bosses will ever know. Give 'em a break!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Probably, if you are required to wear a specific type of footwear to work, it's mostly because of safety. Or, maybe your profession requires best support and comfort, like a basketball player. Or maybe it's just plain practicality - bowling shoes for bowlers, cleats for baseball players, logging boots for loggers - dress shoes for office jobs - and on and on....
But is their any job that requires shoes that abuse the workers feet? Yup - at the casino!
For years and years,, even going back to pre-American European casinos, women wore high heels to serve beverages to casino visitors. You know what they say - "sexiness sells." Sometimes the skimpier outfits, the better the tips. (or so we are to believe.) But haven't we evolved past that? I mean, do we really go to a casino to watch the waitresses in skimpy outfits and two-inch heels? Really?
Well, this edition of Foxwoods Fridays takes a little detour to look deep into the "soles" of those endearing employees we depend on for our libation - the female beverage servers.
Waitresses (can I say waitresses still?) negotiating their first union contract at Foxwoods Resort Casino have made the heels an issue. They are painful and, over time, foot-deforming. The casino yielded on a recently imposed requirement for 2-inch heels, but it is insisting that servers wear polishable black shoes, subject to approval by management, according to union representative Keri Hoehne and members. Servers could be exempted with a doctor's note for up to a year, but would then have to resign or take another position. Some regard the requirement as a sneaky effort to get rid of older employees.
Cheryl Haase has been serving cocktails for more than two decades, and the 52-year-old waitress says she has a list of foot ailments to prove it. The miles she has walked carrying trays of drinks through the Foxwoods Resort Casino in high heels have sent her over the years to chiropractors and podiatrists for injections to treat inflammation. "Most of us girls have been here for 20 years, 15 years. This job has really done a number on our feet and they know it," Haase said.
"A 2-inch heel is bio-mechanically and structurally wonderful compared to a 4-inch heel," said Dr. Eric Levine, a podiatrist in Norwich. "Still, heels take their toll, especially as women age." (A high heel at a party now and then is OK, according to Levine.) Levine added "I'll never forget when I heard a patient say, 'No matter how much my feet hurt, the higher the heel, the higher the tip.'" As I said, sexiness sells!
But with the decline in patronage and revenue, waitresses have seen a big decline in tips. It's a high price to pay to forfeit fashion for comfort. These financial troubles have resulted in layoffs and pay cuts, facts that justify older waitresses' worries that the dress code restrictions are designed to force them out in favor of newer, younger employees who haven't yet experienced the downfalls of years of wearing heels to work.
So, maybe it's time to evolve once again. A safe, comfortable, happy employee would probably translate into less sick time, better and faster interaction with patrons, and more revenue from happy, thirsty visitors!
Dear Foxwoods, it's time to side with safety over maintaining the outdated waitress image of Vegas days gone by. It's time to evolve, or maybe just respect your longtime employees health? I bet they know more patrons on a first name basis than your pit bosses will ever know. Give 'em a break!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Monday, June 3, 2013
Table Games on the Horizon in Rhode Island This June!
It's Time to "Roll the Bones," Spin the "Little Wheel, " and "Color Up" in Rhode Island!
Table games at Twin River casino will be open to the public a full 12 days ahead of schedule. The chairman of the Lincoln, Rhode Island gaming venue confirmed that table games will be open on June 19, almost two weeks before the projected opening date of July 1.
Twin River will mark its progression to a full-scale casino with an invitation-only event Friday, June 14 at the new table gaming area inside the Lincoln facility. The tables games will shut for two days after the June 14 party, reopen for low-limit betting June 17 for up to 24 hours and shut down again for a day.
The table games kickoff will be celebrated with a formal ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m, at the entrance to the table game's first floor space, followed by a Blackjack tournament in which dignitaries will play for a charity of their choice. Twin River also plans to donate $20,000 to 6 Rhode Island charities as designated by the winning players.
"We're thrilled to open table games sooner than expected and it is a true reflection of the incredible level of cooperation we have received from our regulators, town officials, unions, Twin River staff and our construction team from Gilbane Building Company," said John Taylor.
Along with the new games comes new jobs. Twin River said the casino is adding 500 to 600 jobs with the addition of table games. As promised during the campaign leading up to Election Day, Twin River Chairman John E. Taylor, Jr. said 80 percent of those jobs created will go to Rhode Islanders.
Twin River officials say the addition of the tables is expected to help slot revenue increase by between $5 million and $7 million dollars a year through what's known as companion gambling.
Just a reminder, be knowledgeable of the table games rules and traditions before you go. Check out my "Etiquette on Table Games" post. It will give you a foundation for "do's & don'ts" at the tables.
Finally, be patient. If you're expecting the smoothness of Vegas, and the efficiency of other well known casinos who have had table games for years, then you'll be disappointed.
Anyway you look at it, a great month to visit your Rhode Island Casinos. Check out Wednesday's New England Entertainment post on Wednesdays to check out the entertainment Twin River and Newport Grand, which often includes Free concerts in it's Event Center.
That's all for now!
Binbin
Table games at Twin River casino will be open to the public a full 12 days ahead of schedule. The chairman of the Lincoln, Rhode Island gaming venue confirmed that table games will be open on June 19, almost two weeks before the projected opening date of July 1.
Twin River will mark its progression to a full-scale casino with an invitation-only event Friday, June 14 at the new table gaming area inside the Lincoln facility. The tables games will shut for two days after the June 14 party, reopen for low-limit betting June 17 for up to 24 hours and shut down again for a day.
The table games kickoff will be celebrated with a formal ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m, at the entrance to the table game's first floor space, followed by a Blackjack tournament in which dignitaries will play for a charity of their choice. Twin River also plans to donate $20,000 to 6 Rhode Island charities as designated by the winning players.
"We're thrilled to open table games sooner than expected and it is a true reflection of the incredible level of cooperation we have received from our regulators, town officials, unions, Twin River staff and our construction team from Gilbane Building Company," said John Taylor.
Along with the new games comes new jobs. Twin River said the casino is adding 500 to 600 jobs with the addition of table games. As promised during the campaign leading up to Election Day, Twin River Chairman John E. Taylor, Jr. said 80 percent of those jobs created will go to Rhode Islanders.
Twin River officials say the addition of the tables is expected to help slot revenue increase by between $5 million and $7 million dollars a year through what's known as companion gambling.
Just a reminder, be knowledgeable of the table games rules and traditions before you go. Check out my "Etiquette on Table Games" post. It will give you a foundation for "do's & don'ts" at the tables.
Finally, be patient. If you're expecting the smoothness of Vegas, and the efficiency of other well known casinos who have had table games for years, then you'll be disappointed.
Anyway you look at it, a great month to visit your Rhode Island Casinos. Check out Wednesday's New England Entertainment post on Wednesdays to check out the entertainment Twin River and Newport Grand, which often includes Free concerts in it's Event Center.
That's all for now!
Binbin
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Kentucky Derby for the Beginner
Churchill Downs Is Where It's Happening Today!
Are you one of those that plan for the date set ahead of time, planning your Derby party, making it as special as the Super Bowl? Or are you like me.... not aware until it's the weekend of the event?
I must admit, horse racing is not my favorite form of gambling. But the Kentucky Derby is so much more. It's one of the most famed horse races in the world, aptly named "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." It's step one of the famed Triple Crown in horse racing. For the state of Kentucky, The Derby draws an average of 150,000 visitors each year, including residents, out-of-towners, celebrities, presidents, and even members of royal families.
So, here are a few facts for you beginners out there like me:
1) The first Kentucky Derby race occurred in 1875
2) The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sweet syrup and is traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.
3) The Kentucky Derby is host to some of the longest standing racetrack traditions in the U.S. Each year, you will find fans sipping Mint Juleps (drink made from whiskey, mint and sugar) and eating burgoo (a meat stew) at the racetrack. Women appear in lavish outfits with big, elegant hats. The University of Louisville marching band plays Stephen Foster’s "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses are paraded before the grandstands.
4) This is actually a 2-week festival - The annual two-week series of events held in Louisville beginning with Thunder Over Louisville and leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Betting Rules
Depending on where and how you place your bets on the Kentucky Derby, the rules may vary a bit. Having said that, most times all bets must be made at least a few minutes before the race begins. This is why it's important to start doing your research about the 2013 Kentucky Derby now while you still have time. Knowing the specific rules for betting on the Kentucky Derby is important, so choosing how you are going to place your bets is also something you should do as soon as possible.
Types of Kentucky Derby Bets Available
Win - This is a bet for a single horse to win.
Place - This is a bet for a single horse to finish first or second.
Show - A bet the horse will place in the top three.
Across the Board (Win, Place & Show) - This is similar to a show bet, but if your horse wins second or first, the payout is much larger.
Exacta - This is a bet for the first and second places - in the exact order.
Exacta Box - This is like the exacta bet, except that the winners can be in any order.
Trifecta - This bet is for the top three finishers in a specific order.
Trifecta Box - Similar to the trifecta except the winners can be in any order.
Superfecta - This is the toughest bet but one with the biggest payout. It chooses the top four finishers in exact order.
Superfecta Box - This is the same as a superfecta except the order of the top four horses picked does not matter.
As you can see, there are quite a few options when it comes to horse races like the Kentucky Derby. Knowing the options and payouts is important for coming up with a good betting strategy to follow.
Betting Odds on the 2013 Kentucky Derby
If you are interested in placing some wagers on Kentucky Derby 2013, Of course, the big payouts this year will be for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets. With twenty horses in this year's race, there is a lot of data and information that should be gone through to see who the real 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders are going to be as the race grows closer. Also important is paying attention to the exact odds for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Keeping an eye on this data as the race grows closer is important when deciding which horses to bet on before the big race. With no clear winner picked yet, there is a lot of opportunity to have fun and make some money at the same time.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Are you one of those that plan for the date set ahead of time, planning your Derby party, making it as special as the Super Bowl? Or are you like me.... not aware until it's the weekend of the event?
I must admit, horse racing is not my favorite form of gambling. But the Kentucky Derby is so much more. It's one of the most famed horse races in the world, aptly named "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." It's step one of the famed Triple Crown in horse racing. For the state of Kentucky, The Derby draws an average of 150,000 visitors each year, including residents, out-of-towners, celebrities, presidents, and even members of royal families.
So, here are a few facts for you beginners out there like me:
1) The first Kentucky Derby race occurred in 1875
2) The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sweet syrup and is traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.
3) The Kentucky Derby is host to some of the longest standing racetrack traditions in the U.S. Each year, you will find fans sipping Mint Juleps (drink made from whiskey, mint and sugar) and eating burgoo (a meat stew) at the racetrack. Women appear in lavish outfits with big, elegant hats. The University of Louisville marching band plays Stephen Foster’s "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses are paraded before the grandstands.
4) This is actually a 2-week festival - The annual two-week series of events held in Louisville beginning with Thunder Over Louisville and leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Betting Rules
Depending on where and how you place your bets on the Kentucky Derby, the rules may vary a bit. Having said that, most times all bets must be made at least a few minutes before the race begins. This is why it's important to start doing your research about the 2013 Kentucky Derby now while you still have time. Knowing the specific rules for betting on the Kentucky Derby is important, so choosing how you are going to place your bets is also something you should do as soon as possible.
Types of Kentucky Derby Bets Available
Win - This is a bet for a single horse to win.
Place - This is a bet for a single horse to finish first or second.
Show - A bet the horse will place in the top three.
Across the Board (Win, Place & Show) - This is similar to a show bet, but if your horse wins second or first, the payout is much larger.
Exacta - This is a bet for the first and second places - in the exact order.
Exacta Box - This is like the exacta bet, except that the winners can be in any order.
Trifecta - This bet is for the top three finishers in a specific order.
Trifecta Box - Similar to the trifecta except the winners can be in any order.
Superfecta - This is the toughest bet but one with the biggest payout. It chooses the top four finishers in exact order.
Superfecta Box - This is the same as a superfecta except the order of the top four horses picked does not matter.
As you can see, there are quite a few options when it comes to horse races like the Kentucky Derby. Knowing the options and payouts is important for coming up with a good betting strategy to follow.
Betting Odds on the 2013 Kentucky Derby
If you are interested in placing some wagers on Kentucky Derby 2013, Of course, the big payouts this year will be for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets. With twenty horses in this year's race, there is a lot of data and information that should be gone through to see who the real 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders are going to be as the race grows closer. Also important is paying attention to the exact odds for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Keeping an eye on this data as the race grows closer is important when deciding which horses to bet on before the big race. With no clear winner picked yet, there is a lot of opportunity to have fun and make some money at the same time.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Friday, March 29, 2013
"Roll the Bones" is a MUST READ!
- If you gamble, buy it!
- If you are interested in the history of gambling, read it!
- If the correlation between history and social practices interest you, it should be in your resource library
- If you visit Las Vegas, AC, Monte Carlo (the one in Europe), or Asia, this book will make every visit more meaningful than ever before.
In Roll the Bones, historian David G. Schwartz tells the epic story of gambling, beginning with its early emergence from divination rituals and ending with today’s global gaming culture. In a sweeping, rollicking narrative, Schwartz looks at the betting games people have played since the dawn of history, and argues convincingly that gambling has always been a crucial part of the human experience.
It is referred to as "The first narrative history of gambling, spanning the Stone Age to the Internet era, examining how it evolved with—and influenced—human civilization."
I started reading it and I couldn't put it down - and I really don't like reading anything more than the sports page in the newspaper!
It opens with an introduction about the Connecticut Pequot / Mohegan history and how the immergence of these two giants in the industry of Casino Gambling follows along the vast history of gambling itself.
Dave Schwartz, or Dr. Dave as he is called on the Vegas gang Podcast, has a bio that includes:
- currently the Gaming and Hospitality Editor for Vegas Seven,
- is an active consultant. As Vice President of Research and Analytics for Santo Gaming
- earned his bachelor’s degree (a double major in anthropology and history) as well as his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania before earning his doctorate in US History from UCLA.
- was dubbed “gaming’s leading historian” by Global Gaming Business magazine & has been in charge of the Center for Gaming Research within Special Collections in UNLV’s Lied Library. In addition to overseeing the holdings of the Gaming Collection, Schwartz designed and maintains the university’s gaming studies portal
- he lives in Las Vegas. (where else?)
Card Player Magazine says “When you sit down to play poker, in a cardroom or online, you’re taking part in a drama that spans human history, and Schwartz has written the definitive account of that history in Roll the Bones.”
The book can be found easily at book stores or online, with copies available for Kindle, Nook, or iBook.
Dr. Dave himself says it all on his website, http://www.dgschwartz.com , "Ultimately, Roll the Bones explains how the human predilection for a wager shaped human history from the Ice Age to the Information Age. People spend nearly one trillion dollars worldwide on gambling a year–wouldn’t you like to learn a little about how we got there? "
Well, wouldn't you?.........Then, read the book!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
What is better than Vegas? You'd be surprised!
If anyone frequents Las Vegas, they will tell you about the clubs, the shows, the buffets, the shopping, the immensity of the hotels, etc. When did good gambling options become as much of an after thought? Don't get me wrong - Las Vegas is my favorite place in the world. However, to someone that loves Vegas as much as I do, there are some very annoying, if not aggravating, things about the place these days. My wife and I have witnessed the expansion of "Sin City" over the last fifteen years - both the good and not so good.
Some of our best memories include:
But, I'm afraid some of the fun just doesn't exist like that anymore. I mean, it's still gambling's "Mecca," (look out for Macau!), but with the porn slappers, the show / tour hawkers, those insane people in every costume imaginable for picture taking, and scantily clad women dancing above almost every blackjack table, yadda yadda yadda, it's just not the Vegas I prefer. (I guess they think the entertainment makes up for the lower BJ pays of 6/5).
(yea, yea, New England - read on....)
OK, so my third entry, and I'm already on a rant! But even my love for downtown, "Old Vegas," is tainted by a lot of the "Strip destination" crap. Call me crazy, but I prefer to go to Vegas for. well, the GAMBLING!!!! - but good VP pay tables & low limit table games with dealers that shuffle instead of machines, for example, is getting harder and harder to find. (I now prefer to gamble at the likes of Red Rock, Silverton, M Resort, Main Street Station, and El Cortez - away from the insanity of the strip ).
What does this have to do with gambling in New England? Well, for one thing, I'm glad to be back. Let's face it, the pay tables and % payback are comparable to the Strip (check Casino Player's monthly stats), and it doesn't cost an arm & and a leg to get here. And - it's class III gaming - unlike that in much of New York State (which is like playing bingo with 1000 people). So, I guess the point is simple: drive less, pick your games wisely, use the NE Casinos' bonuses and special offers during the holiday season and enjoy your recreational gambling closer to home.
This blog thing is tiring, I think I'll go take a nap before I look at Holiday specials at NE Casinos in my next entry. Until then, gamble responsibly and may all your flushes be royal.
Binbin
Some of our best memories include:
- roads to nowhere out in Summerlin
- stopping to spin for free airfare at Vacation Village
- drinking great brews at the "Holy Cow" across from the Sahara before the craft-beer-brewing craze
- the first time we drove through Red Rock Canyon without seeing the urban sprawl
- getting "fun books" at places like Lady Luck
- seeing "Mystere" for the first time
- finding 9/6 JOB almost everywhere
But, I'm afraid some of the fun just doesn't exist like that anymore. I mean, it's still gambling's "Mecca," (look out for Macau!), but with the porn slappers, the show / tour hawkers, those insane people in every costume imaginable for picture taking, and scantily clad women dancing above almost every blackjack table, yadda yadda yadda, it's just not the Vegas I prefer. (I guess they think the entertainment makes up for the lower BJ pays of 6/5).
(yea, yea, New England - read on....)
OK, so my third entry, and I'm already on a rant! But even my love for downtown, "Old Vegas," is tainted by a lot of the "Strip destination" crap. Call me crazy, but I prefer to go to Vegas for. well, the GAMBLING!!!! - but good VP pay tables & low limit table games with dealers that shuffle instead of machines, for example, is getting harder and harder to find. (I now prefer to gamble at the likes of Red Rock, Silverton, M Resort, Main Street Station, and El Cortez - away from the insanity of the strip ).
What does this have to do with gambling in New England? Well, for one thing, I'm glad to be back. Let's face it, the pay tables and % payback are comparable to the Strip (check Casino Player's monthly stats), and it doesn't cost an arm & and a leg to get here. And - it's class III gaming - unlike that in much of New York State (which is like playing bingo with 1000 people). So, I guess the point is simple: drive less, pick your games wisely, use the NE Casinos' bonuses and special offers during the holiday season and enjoy your recreational gambling closer to home.
This blog thing is tiring, I think I'll go take a nap before I look at Holiday specials at NE Casinos in my next entry. Until then, gamble responsibly and may all your flushes be royal.
Binbin
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Once Upon a time....
The Pequot and Mohegan Tribes were one tribe, but war with colonists, differences with other tribes, and different tribal and colonial alliances caused a split that continues to this day. Over 250 years later, a bingo hall in 1985 began the history of gaming in New England.
A quick little history lesson:
1992 - first New England Casino as Foxwoods opens its doors in Mashentucket, CT
1992 - Rhode Island approves VLT gaming machines (classII) at Lincoln Greyhound Park & Newport Jai Alai
1996 - the Mohegan Tribe opens the second NE casino in Uncasville, CT
2005 - Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway opens in Bangor, Maine
2007 - Lincoln Greyhound Park turns into Twin River Casino with class III gaming; Newport soon follows
2008 - MGM joins Foxwoods with additional hotel / casino
2011 - MA legislature approves construction of 3 casinos
2012 - Oxford Casino opens in Oxford, Maine
2016 - MA casinos to open
I should mention that casino gambling found a home in the 1800's in Newport, Rhode Island, not to mention the numerous greyhound & horse tracks, paramutuel parlors, and Jai alai frontons in Milford & Hartford CT, and Newport, RI.
I just returned from Vegas. The time is right to get this blog going. New England gaming is growing and there is much to share.
Until next time, may all your flushes be Royal!
Binbin
A quick little history lesson:
1992 - first New England Casino as Foxwoods opens its doors in Mashentucket, CT
1992 - Rhode Island approves VLT gaming machines (classII) at Lincoln Greyhound Park & Newport Jai Alai
1996 - the Mohegan Tribe opens the second NE casino in Uncasville, CT
2005 - Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway opens in Bangor, Maine
2007 - Lincoln Greyhound Park turns into Twin River Casino with class III gaming; Newport soon follows
2008 - MGM joins Foxwoods with additional hotel / casino
2011 - MA legislature approves construction of 3 casinos
2012 - Oxford Casino opens in Oxford, Maine
2016 - MA casinos to open
I should mention that casino gambling found a home in the 1800's in Newport, Rhode Island, not to mention the numerous greyhound & horse tracks, paramutuel parlors, and Jai alai frontons in Milford & Hartford CT, and Newport, RI.
I just returned from Vegas. The time is right to get this blog going. New England gaming is growing and there is much to share.
Until next time, may all your flushes be Royal!
Binbin
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