There are lots of fun new slots out there to enjoy. Be on the lookout and try the following:
WMS has come continued with it's flat top 5 reel slots with IRON MAN. It's look is very different from the traditional game and its bonuses are very different as well.
IGT introduced two versions of AVATAR. Players can actually customize the games, by changing the sounds and reel backgrounds and earn experience points to unlock bonus points, similar to the Star Trek theme slots.
IGT also introduced BACK TO THE FUTURE.
Bally Technologies continues variations on its U SPIN with TITANIC.
Aristocrat is introducing BATMAN, based on the 60's TV sitcom, using its wonder wheels series. Imagine running into old enemies like the TV Cat Woman, The Penguin, and the Joker.
Bam!
Crash!
Zap!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Showing posts with label US Gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Gaming. Show all posts
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Are Massachusetts and Anti-Casino Groups Making Casino Progress Impossible?
If a tree falls in the woods, yes it does make a sound. But if there are no casino industry licensees left in Massachusetts after all is said and done, does that state still have casino expansion?
Obviously, there will be someone left, but the industry players are finding it tougher and tougher - at times almost ridiculous to continue. But the prize is too big, (ca-ching!) so they trod onward through murky waters of anti-casino sentiment that is full of concern and just the right amount of exaggeration to spice things up. Here's the latest casino insanity to hit Massachusetts - the home of the 2013 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX (just had to get that in!):
Former Connecticut congressman Robert Steele is at it again.
He's calling it a fight between David & Goliath in Milford. He recited increased crime statistics in towns surrounding casinos, including arrests for drunken driving and domestic violence, and a 400 percent increase in arrests for embezzlement and 10 times the national average since casinos opened. Of course, this also gives him a chance to push his old book "The Curse: Big-Time Gambling's Seduction of a Small New England Town," based on Connecticut's experience with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Voters will decide Nov. 19 whether the application by Crossroads LLC, doing business as Foxwoods Massachusetts, will move forward in its developers' quest to obtain the sole resort casino license the state will award for Eastern Massachusetts. Foxwoods has proposed a $1 billion, 980,000-square-foot resort casino north of Interstate 495 at Route 16.
Anti-Palmer Casino Group Tried a Sneaky One This Week
According to Lori Stabile, bureau chief for The Republican, three pro-casino town councilors are blasting an anonymous flyer sent to residents that calls for a no vote at the polls on Nov. 5 regarding the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts casino question. Yes, that's right, anonymous. But treasurer of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos said it was just an honest mistake - they intended to put their name on it. That's a big mistake when all those flyers go out and they aren't aware until it's pointed out by those outside their group. It seems to me that the mistake was allowed to happen until they had to own up to it, but a "mistake" such as this with billions of dollars riding on the ultimate decision is just wrong. Councilors Paul E. Burns, Donald Blais Jr. and Mary A. Salzmann said in a joint statement “We are disappointed at those who hide behind a false and anonymous attack flyer, rather than engage in a truthful and transparent debate of the issues. You don’t have to be a supporter of the casino project to think that these kind of tactics have no place in an honest campaign."
And then there is Steve Wynn and the Gaming Commission
Mr Wynn, the casino mogul with extraordinary properties across the globe, as well as other industry executives have said regulators in the New England state are holding license applicants to uninformed standards, particularly after Caesars Entertainment Corp. took its hat out of the ring after regulators raised concerns about the US gambling giant’s suitability. Mr. Wynn told the Gaming Commission "Please try and keep your focus on the size and the rapidity of this expansion and the regulatory challenges it has created…we are here in Massachusetts presenting our credentials and wondering how will this young regulatory agency. How do we all get comfortable with one another so that we can make intelligent discussions on both sides? We’re scared to death, Chairman. We’re scared to death that – not that you won’t pick us, that you will and there goes a billion three or a billion five."
Tense times continue in Massachusetts as the license deadlines get closer.
It continues to sound like "royal" confusion. That's all for now.
Binbin
Obviously, there will be someone left, but the industry players are finding it tougher and tougher - at times almost ridiculous to continue. But the prize is too big, (ca-ching!) so they trod onward through murky waters of anti-casino sentiment that is full of concern and just the right amount of exaggeration to spice things up. Here's the latest casino insanity to hit Massachusetts - the home of the 2013 WORLD SERIES CHAMPION BOSTON RED SOX (just had to get that in!):
Former Connecticut congressman Robert Steele is at it again.
He's calling it a fight between David & Goliath in Milford. He recited increased crime statistics in towns surrounding casinos, including arrests for drunken driving and domestic violence, and a 400 percent increase in arrests for embezzlement and 10 times the national average since casinos opened. Of course, this also gives him a chance to push his old book "The Curse: Big-Time Gambling's Seduction of a Small New England Town," based on Connecticut's experience with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Voters will decide Nov. 19 whether the application by Crossroads LLC, doing business as Foxwoods Massachusetts, will move forward in its developers' quest to obtain the sole resort casino license the state will award for Eastern Massachusetts. Foxwoods has proposed a $1 billion, 980,000-square-foot resort casino north of Interstate 495 at Route 16.
Anti-Palmer Casino Group Tried a Sneaky One This Week
According to Lori Stabile, bureau chief for The Republican, three pro-casino town councilors are blasting an anonymous flyer sent to residents that calls for a no vote at the polls on Nov. 5 regarding the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts casino question. Yes, that's right, anonymous. But treasurer of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos said it was just an honest mistake - they intended to put their name on it. That's a big mistake when all those flyers go out and they aren't aware until it's pointed out by those outside their group. It seems to me that the mistake was allowed to happen until they had to own up to it, but a "mistake" such as this with billions of dollars riding on the ultimate decision is just wrong. Councilors Paul E. Burns, Donald Blais Jr. and Mary A. Salzmann said in a joint statement “We are disappointed at those who hide behind a false and anonymous attack flyer, rather than engage in a truthful and transparent debate of the issues. You don’t have to be a supporter of the casino project to think that these kind of tactics have no place in an honest campaign."
And then there is Steve Wynn and the Gaming Commission
Mr Wynn, the casino mogul with extraordinary properties across the globe, as well as other industry executives have said regulators in the New England state are holding license applicants to uninformed standards, particularly after Caesars Entertainment Corp. took its hat out of the ring after regulators raised concerns about the US gambling giant’s suitability. Mr. Wynn told the Gaming Commission "Please try and keep your focus on the size and the rapidity of this expansion and the regulatory challenges it has created…we are here in Massachusetts presenting our credentials and wondering how will this young regulatory agency. How do we all get comfortable with one another so that we can make intelligent discussions on both sides? We’re scared to death, Chairman. We’re scared to death that – not that you won’t pick us, that you will and there goes a billion three or a billion five."
Tense times continue in Massachusetts as the license deadlines get closer.
It continues to sound like "royal" confusion. That's all for now.
Binbin
Monday, October 21, 2013
Now It's Wynn vs the 'Woods - Caesars Forced to Drop out of Massachusetts
So, was I surprised by the withdrawal of Caesars Entertainment, formerly Harrah's, was out of the Massachusetts Casino Sweepstakes? Not really.
When Caesars bought up 1/3 of the Las Vegas Strip, they became even more in debt than there were. Wall Street analysts have suggested that the U.S.’ largest casino operator's debt could be headed down a path of debt worse than the entire city of Detroit. Caesars carries a gaming industry high of $23.5 billion in long-term debt on its books!
The world's top casino market is now Macau, China. Guess who can't afford to compete with Sands Corp., Wynn, and MGM? Yup - Caesars! Not competing in this lucrative market is absolutely keeping them in debt - besides poor choices in privatizing it's business and a reputation for not being able to keep up the properties it already owns.
To make revenue matters worse, the company is securing new debt with some of its newer Strip projects, including the 668-room Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace and the under-construction $550 million Linq development, which includes 300,000 square feet of outdoor retail, dining and entertainment attractions, and is anchored by a 550-foot High Roller observation wheel, embraces a belief that adding non-gaming elements offers a vehicle to grow company revenue outside of the casino.
And now, Suffolk Downs shook up the Massachusetts casino race announcing that, as a result of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission background investigation into its partner, Caesars Entertainment, it was dropping the gaming giant from its bid to win the single casino license the state will issue for the Boston area. But why? Indications were that there were a variety of issues, but the biggie seemed to be unsavory ties to a mystery unsavory character involved in a recent deal Caesars made with the Gansevoort Hotel Group, a boutique hotel outfit out of New York, to open a new hotel in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Downs intends to maintain its current vision and design for the project, which it has presented at numerous neighborhood meetings. Rumor has it that Hard Rock already has some background with Suffolk Downs officials dating back to connection in Tampa at the Hard Rock Seminole Casino.
So, Wynn's biggest competition is gone, with only Foxwoods and maybe Suffolk Downs finding a partner left for the one Boston area casino license.
It seems to be a royal mess for the old Harrah's Corp. In my opinion, Massachusetts is better off without them. I'm still staying with my original prediction - MGM in the west and Wynn in the central.
That's all for now.
Binbin
When Caesars bought up 1/3 of the Las Vegas Strip, they became even more in debt than there were. Wall Street analysts have suggested that the U.S.’ largest casino operator's debt could be headed down a path of debt worse than the entire city of Detroit. Caesars carries a gaming industry high of $23.5 billion in long-term debt on its books!
The world's top casino market is now Macau, China. Guess who can't afford to compete with Sands Corp., Wynn, and MGM? Yup - Caesars! Not competing in this lucrative market is absolutely keeping them in debt - besides poor choices in privatizing it's business and a reputation for not being able to keep up the properties it already owns.
To make revenue matters worse, the company is securing new debt with some of its newer Strip projects, including the 668-room Octavius Tower at Caesars Palace and the under-construction $550 million Linq development, which includes 300,000 square feet of outdoor retail, dining and entertainment attractions, and is anchored by a 550-foot High Roller observation wheel, embraces a belief that adding non-gaming elements offers a vehicle to grow company revenue outside of the casino.
And now, Suffolk Downs shook up the Massachusetts casino race announcing that, as a result of a Massachusetts Gaming Commission background investigation into its partner, Caesars Entertainment, it was dropping the gaming giant from its bid to win the single casino license the state will issue for the Boston area. But why? Indications were that there were a variety of issues, but the biggie seemed to be unsavory ties to a mystery unsavory character involved in a recent deal Caesars made with the Gansevoort Hotel Group, a boutique hotel outfit out of New York, to open a new hotel in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Downs intends to maintain its current vision and design for the project, which it has presented at numerous neighborhood meetings. Rumor has it that Hard Rock already has some background with Suffolk Downs officials dating back to connection in Tampa at the Hard Rock Seminole Casino.
So, Wynn's biggest competition is gone, with only Foxwoods and maybe Suffolk Downs finding a partner left for the one Boston area casino license.
It seems to be a royal mess for the old Harrah's Corp. In my opinion, Massachusetts is better off without them. I'm still staying with my original prediction - MGM in the west and Wynn in the central.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Monday, October 14, 2013
How Many Gamblers Really Do Win? Acceptance is the key to Gambling Happiness!
Three things make me laugh because I know how stupid and nonsensical they are:
1) Signs in the casino that proclaim the millions of dollars paid out - because it implies that players are such winners, and
2) People who say they rarely lose. LOL! I meet so many people who know these people that I'm surprised casinos are still in business.
3) People who are so unhappy that they never win - and yet they continue to play - unhappily.?
The fact is it is getting more difficult to win - lower VP pay tables, confusing bonus slots with higher volatility, and new table games without knowledge of correct strategies. So, what are we to do?
Mark Maremont and Alexandra Berzon at the Wall Street Journal analyzed new data that shows that on any given day, the chances of emerging a winner aren't too bad—the gamblers won money on 30% of the days they wagered. But continuing to gamble is a bad bet. Just 11% of players ended up in the black over the full period, and most of those pocketed less than $150.
This particular study, they said, used 4,222 casino customers of different levels of play. It showed that just 2.8%—or 119 big losers—provided half of the casino's take, and 10.7% provided 80% of the take. Such revenue concentration long has been quietly acknowledged in the casino industry because it does show that the casino industry takes advantage of high-end addictive gamblers. But that's a topic for another time.
The fact is, if you want to leave a winner, you need to leave after you win. Sounds obvious? Yes! But, although gamblers know the house has an edge, the average person doesn't understand that casino games are nibbling machines, and the more nibbles you have, the bigger your losses.
Bottom line for me is to approach gambling with the following acceptances:
1) The Casino Industry is in the business of making money. I should expect to leave a winner 25% of the time or less.
2) My bankroll is determined before I go and is what I play with - more than that I can't afford.
3) Gambling is recreation. Recreation should bring joy, but only if you accept the basic realities of the casino's take. If Gambling doesn't make you happy - find another recreational activity. Life's too short - and expensive!
That's all for now.
Binbin
1) Signs in the casino that proclaim the millions of dollars paid out - because it implies that players are such winners, and
2) People who say they rarely lose. LOL! I meet so many people who know these people that I'm surprised casinos are still in business.
3) People who are so unhappy that they never win - and yet they continue to play - unhappily.?
The fact is it is getting more difficult to win - lower VP pay tables, confusing bonus slots with higher volatility, and new table games without knowledge of correct strategies. So, what are we to do?
Mark Maremont and Alexandra Berzon at the Wall Street Journal analyzed new data that shows that on any given day, the chances of emerging a winner aren't too bad—the gamblers won money on 30% of the days they wagered. But continuing to gamble is a bad bet. Just 11% of players ended up in the black over the full period, and most of those pocketed less than $150.
This particular study, they said, used 4,222 casino customers of different levels of play. It showed that just 2.8%—or 119 big losers—provided half of the casino's take, and 10.7% provided 80% of the take. Such revenue concentration long has been quietly acknowledged in the casino industry because it does show that the casino industry takes advantage of high-end addictive gamblers. But that's a topic for another time.
The fact is, if you want to leave a winner, you need to leave after you win. Sounds obvious? Yes! But, although gamblers know the house has an edge, the average person doesn't understand that casino games are nibbling machines, and the more nibbles you have, the bigger your losses.
Bottom line for me is to approach gambling with the following acceptances:
1) The Casino Industry is in the business of making money. I should expect to leave a winner 25% of the time or less.
2) My bankroll is determined before I go and is what I play with - more than that I can't afford.
3) Gambling is recreation. Recreation should bring joy, but only if you accept the basic realities of the casino's take. If Gambling doesn't make you happy - find another recreational activity. Life's too short - and expensive!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Resouces for Gambling Part 3 - Pai Gow Poker
Today's post will try to explain Pai Gow Poker, which I have dabbled with on and off. First, a little background.
Pai Gow poker (also called Double-hand poker) is an Americanized version of Pai Gow (in that it is played with playing cards bearing poker hand values, instead of Pai Gow's Chinese dominoes). The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a single joker. It is played on a table set for six players, plus the dealer. Each player attempts to defeat the banker (who may be the casino dealer, or one of the other players at the table). The object of Pai Gow poker is for a player to create two poker hands out of the seven-card hand he/she is dealt by the dealer: a five-card hand, and a two-card poker hand. According to the rules, the five-card hand's rank must exceed the two-card hand's.
Sounds complicated? Kinda - until you start playing. (By the way, many dealers will help you with your hand if you have questions.) That's where this post comes in. I have found it to be a fun game, and I have played at low limits. But I'm only a novice. The following resources will help:
BEST WEBSITE
WIZARD of ODDS - Michael Shackleford.
If you haven't visited this website for anything and all concerning gambling, strategies, rules, odds, and the best mathematical edge, then YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK IT OUT!
Not only will it give the the how to play, why to play, and the nuances of rules and play, but Michael Shackleford provides a free play simulator to practice. The Wizard of Odds is the one-stop store for all recreational and advantage gamblers alike.
BEST APP (iPad or iPhone)
PAI GOW POKER FEVER by Arthur Min ($1.99)- while many of the apps for this game tend to be skewed toward the dealer, this seems to be the highest rated, after its latest revision to fix a few bugs.
BEST BOOK
PAI GOW POKER: UNDERSTANDING PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES by Bill Zender ($22.95 ) - Written for people who are interested in knowing the correct procedures, existing strategies, rules for proper play. 83 Pages, paperbound. I first heard Bill Zender on Bob Dancer's weekly podcast. Bill Zender is a published casino gaming consultant who specializes in table game protection, management training, table game performance evaluations, and court expert witness testimony. So why would he have one of the top books for Pai Gow Poker? - Bill entered the gaming industry in 1976 as a blackjack dealer at the now defunct Royal Inn Casino. He continued on through the gaming industry to hold a number of executive positions including, including Asian Games Manager at the also defunct Desert Inn Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. He knows his stuff from playing, dealing, managing, and these days specializing in casino security.
That's all for now. Tomorrow is Mohegan "Sun"day. On Monday we have part four of our gaming resources, taking a look at 3-card poker one of my favorites.
Binbin
Pai Gow poker (also called Double-hand poker) is an Americanized version of Pai Gow (in that it is played with playing cards bearing poker hand values, instead of Pai Gow's Chinese dominoes). The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a single joker. It is played on a table set for six players, plus the dealer. Each player attempts to defeat the banker (who may be the casino dealer, or one of the other players at the table). The object of Pai Gow poker is for a player to create two poker hands out of the seven-card hand he/she is dealt by the dealer: a five-card hand, and a two-card poker hand. According to the rules, the five-card hand's rank must exceed the two-card hand's.
Sounds complicated? Kinda - until you start playing. (By the way, many dealers will help you with your hand if you have questions.) That's where this post comes in. I have found it to be a fun game, and I have played at low limits. But I'm only a novice. The following resources will help:
BEST WEBSITE
WIZARD of ODDS - Michael Shackleford.
If you haven't visited this website for anything and all concerning gambling, strategies, rules, odds, and the best mathematical edge, then YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK IT OUT!
Not only will it give the the how to play, why to play, and the nuances of rules and play, but Michael Shackleford provides a free play simulator to practice. The Wizard of Odds is the one-stop store for all recreational and advantage gamblers alike.
BEST APP (iPad or iPhone)
PAI GOW POKER FEVER by Arthur Min ($1.99)- while many of the apps for this game tend to be skewed toward the dealer, this seems to be the highest rated, after its latest revision to fix a few bugs.
BEST BOOK
PAI GOW POKER: UNDERSTANDING PROCEDURES AND STRATEGIES by Bill Zender ($22.95 ) - Written for people who are interested in knowing the correct procedures, existing strategies, rules for proper play. 83 Pages, paperbound. I first heard Bill Zender on Bob Dancer's weekly podcast. Bill Zender is a published casino gaming consultant who specializes in table game protection, management training, table game performance evaluations, and court expert witness testimony. So why would he have one of the top books for Pai Gow Poker? - Bill entered the gaming industry in 1976 as a blackjack dealer at the now defunct Royal Inn Casino. He continued on through the gaming industry to hold a number of executive positions including, including Asian Games Manager at the also defunct Desert Inn Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas Nevada. He knows his stuff from playing, dealing, managing, and these days specializing in casino security.
That's all for now. Tomorrow is Mohegan "Sun"day. On Monday we have part four of our gaming resources, taking a look at 3-card poker one of my favorites.
Binbin
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Massachusetts Casino News - Casinos Opposition Gaining Support
Anti-casino Group Pushing to Vote on Initiative in Nov. 2014 Election
Casino construction plans around Massachusetts are in various stages of progress, but they may be reversed as an anti-casino group received a court injunction on Saturday. This development may put a question on the 2014 ballot to repeal the law that allows casinos to exist in the state.
“Repeal the Casino Deal,” the anti-casino group, filed a petition on Aug. 7 to repeal the state law enacted in 2011 that allows for three casinos and one slot parlor to be licensed in the Commonwealth. The group had to file for an injunction after Mass. Attorney Gen. Martha Coakley did not certify the initiative for the 2014 ballot on Sept. 4 due to conflicts with existing laws.
Ballot Question to Repeal Casino Law Gaining Support And Gets Second Look
A statewide anti-casino coalition has filed a court challenge of the attorney general's decision to bar a planned ballot question to repeal the 2011 law to allow casinos in Massachusetts.
Attorney General Martha Coakley will agree to the challenge, called an injunction, effectively allowing the coalition to collect signatures for the proposed ballot question while the challenge is pending before the state's highest court.
John F. Ribeiro of Winthrop, chairman of the Committee to Repeal the Casino Deal, said "People are even more energized to go out and collect signatures. This is about democracy. This is beyond the casino question. This is about people having the right to vote on a critical issue that could change the state forever." Ribeiro said the coalition is emboldened by Tuesday's vote in West Springfield to defeat the planned Hard Rock casino resort and other casino defeats around the state.
UMass Professor In Favor of Western Mass Casino for Graduating Students' Jobs
Hospitality & Tourism Management Department Head Haemoon Oh says that they have also added an online course, which is gaining popularity. Enrollment in some of these casino management courses has doubled in the last year.
Professor Oh added that 70% of the department's graduates stay in the state, and a western Massachusetts casino will only mean more jobs for graduating students.
“We, as a four year college, are targeting middle and upper-level managerial positions; in the long run, the high level senior management positions. We are looking at other job opportunities casinos can bring, like hotel resorts and restaurants,” he said. Oh says that UMass could provide a casino operator with a skilled solid workforce and potential for a co-op relationship. The UMass Hospitality Department offers five courses dedicated to teaching students about casino and event management.
State Rep Hopes House Blocks Tribe's Gaming Compact
With a committee vote clearing the path for legislative debate on a second gaming compact between the state and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, some in the southeastern region of Massachusetts are calling for lawmakers to reject the accord needed for the tribe’s Taunton casino bid. The new compact includes a sliding scale to determine how much the Mashpee tribe pays the state, granting 21 percent if no other casinos open in Massachusetts, 17 percent if a casino opens in one of the other regions, an additional 2 percent reduction if a slots parlor opens in the southeast, and zero if another casino opens in the region, a possibility since gaming regulators have opened the region to applicants.
Meanwhile, the town of Plainville, which is located in the eastern Massachusetts region, approved a ballot referendum to bring a slots parlor operated by Penn National Gaming to the Plainridge Racetrack.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Casino construction plans around Massachusetts are in various stages of progress, but they may be reversed as an anti-casino group received a court injunction on Saturday. This development may put a question on the 2014 ballot to repeal the law that allows casinos to exist in the state.
“Repeal the Casino Deal,” the anti-casino group, filed a petition on Aug. 7 to repeal the state law enacted in 2011 that allows for three casinos and one slot parlor to be licensed in the Commonwealth. The group had to file for an injunction after Mass. Attorney Gen. Martha Coakley did not certify the initiative for the 2014 ballot on Sept. 4 due to conflicts with existing laws.
Ballot Question to Repeal Casino Law Gaining Support And Gets Second Look
A statewide anti-casino coalition has filed a court challenge of the attorney general's decision to bar a planned ballot question to repeal the 2011 law to allow casinos in Massachusetts.
Attorney General Martha Coakley will agree to the challenge, called an injunction, effectively allowing the coalition to collect signatures for the proposed ballot question while the challenge is pending before the state's highest court.
John F. Ribeiro of Winthrop, chairman of the Committee to Repeal the Casino Deal, said "People are even more energized to go out and collect signatures. This is about democracy. This is beyond the casino question. This is about people having the right to vote on a critical issue that could change the state forever." Ribeiro said the coalition is emboldened by Tuesday's vote in West Springfield to defeat the planned Hard Rock casino resort and other casino defeats around the state.
UMass Professor In Favor of Western Mass Casino for Graduating Students' Jobs
Hospitality & Tourism Management Department Head Haemoon Oh says that they have also added an online course, which is gaining popularity. Enrollment in some of these casino management courses has doubled in the last year.
Professor Oh added that 70% of the department's graduates stay in the state, and a western Massachusetts casino will only mean more jobs for graduating students.
“We, as a four year college, are targeting middle and upper-level managerial positions; in the long run, the high level senior management positions. We are looking at other job opportunities casinos can bring, like hotel resorts and restaurants,” he said. Oh says that UMass could provide a casino operator with a skilled solid workforce and potential for a co-op relationship. The UMass Hospitality Department offers five courses dedicated to teaching students about casino and event management.
State Rep Hopes House Blocks Tribe's Gaming Compact
With a committee vote clearing the path for legislative debate on a second gaming compact between the state and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, some in the southeastern region of Massachusetts are calling for lawmakers to reject the accord needed for the tribe’s Taunton casino bid. The new compact includes a sliding scale to determine how much the Mashpee tribe pays the state, granting 21 percent if no other casinos open in Massachusetts, 17 percent if a casino opens in one of the other regions, an additional 2 percent reduction if a slots parlor opens in the southeast, and zero if another casino opens in the region, a possibility since gaming regulators have opened the region to applicants.
Meanwhile, the town of Plainville, which is located in the eastern Massachusetts region, approved a ballot referendum to bring a slots parlor operated by Penn National Gaming to the Plainridge Racetrack.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Are Slots Losing the Youth Market? NE Casinos To to Follow Trends
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
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
Saturday, September 14, 2013
New Hampshire Casinos Revisited
Here is the latest gaming stories from New Hampshire. I think they may be serious this time!
KENO, and ONLINE BETTING and CASINOS, oh my!
A central part of Gov. Maggie Hassan’s 2012 campaign was expanding gambling in New Hampshire. The Legislature, for its part, let Hassan’s plan die, spurring Hassan to criticize the (bipartisan) Legislature and create a special commission to work out the regulatory hurdles.
In a reversal of a 50-year precedent, the Department of Justice ruled that the Wire Act of 1961 did not prevent state lotteries from selling tickets online. In fact, the Justice Department said, states could go beyond selling lottery tickets online and open internet-based “casinos” including virtual table games – blackjack, roulette, etc. – and slots, all under the umbrella of the state lottery. This “state lottery” exemption also gives Hassan a new path to bring casino-style gambling to New Hampshire and repair the holes left in her budget by the Legislature’s refusal to approve a brick-and-mortar casino.
THEN...
New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has been the leading lawmaker in the state in efforts to get a casino bill passed. In fact, the bill he introduced and was passed by the Senate in the most recent session was strongly supported by new Gov. Maggie Hassan.
After the House rejected the bill, Gov. Hassan formed a commission to recommend regulations for any future casino. However, D’Allesandro reportedly is considering drafting a bill that would legalize video slots and plans to discuss his plans with the gambling commission.
AN INTERESTING (CHEAP) IDEA...
The Gambling Regulatory Oversight Authority, which is exploring what a casino regulatory structure ought to look like, heard that sentiment repeatedly last week. “We are trying to use an existing framework,” added Democratic Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, of Manchester, the legislature’s biggest casino proponent. The primary arguments for using the Lottery Commission to regulate casinos, then, seem to be twofold: That it already exists, and it already promotes and regulates games of chance. In other words, rather than create a separate entity dedicated to casino regulation, the state can do it on the cheap if it uses the Lottery Commission.
SQUARE ONE...
New Hampshire’s Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority will meet today, Aug. 15, in Concord in order to begin work on producing draft legislation and regulations for a casino plan by the middle of December.
The state legislature reconvenes in January. In an effort to keep pace with neighboring Massachusetts, that bill would have allowed 5,000 slot machines and 150 table games at an already existing gambling facility. Are we back to the pressure of Mass Gaming and a NH quick fix again?
MAYBE WE SHOULD GO TO THE PEOPLE?
Didn't we hear this already? This time, the commission charged with recommending regulations for future casinos in New Hampshire is seeking the public’s input on the issue. The commission is held a public hearing at the Statehouse in Concord on an issue that divided the House and Senate this year.
IS ROCKINGHAM READY ALREADY?
The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority held last Thursday in Concord. President & general manager Ed Callahan predicted, “We are going to be there,” Rockingham Park. Rockingham Park officials have said they are prepared to bid for a casino license. Las Vegas-based Millenium Gaming Inc., which has an option to buy the track, has plans for a $600 million-plus casino development, including a hotel, that would create an estimated 3,000 construction and gaming jobs. The key is still finding regulations that work somewhere and adapt them to New Hampshire’s revised statutes.
LEAVING YOU HANGING...
What did the NH Legislators hear from their public relation?
Is Rockingham still interested?
Could the Losers Bracket in Massachusetts set their sights on NH?
Will the NH Lottery be the gaming commission umbrella for all gaming in the Granite State?
Will NH be the first New England State to have legalized online gambling?
Will the Red Sox win the World Series?
More news after the weather forecast.....
"light today with darkness at night"
that's all for now.
Binbin
KENO, and ONLINE BETTING and CASINOS, oh my!
A central part of Gov. Maggie Hassan’s 2012 campaign was expanding gambling in New Hampshire. The Legislature, for its part, let Hassan’s plan die, spurring Hassan to criticize the (bipartisan) Legislature and create a special commission to work out the regulatory hurdles.
In a reversal of a 50-year precedent, the Department of Justice ruled that the Wire Act of 1961 did not prevent state lotteries from selling tickets online. In fact, the Justice Department said, states could go beyond selling lottery tickets online and open internet-based “casinos” including virtual table games – blackjack, roulette, etc. – and slots, all under the umbrella of the state lottery. This “state lottery” exemption also gives Hassan a new path to bring casino-style gambling to New Hampshire and repair the holes left in her budget by the Legislature’s refusal to approve a brick-and-mortar casino.
THEN...
New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has been the leading lawmaker in the state in efforts to get a casino bill passed. In fact, the bill he introduced and was passed by the Senate in the most recent session was strongly supported by new Gov. Maggie Hassan.
After the House rejected the bill, Gov. Hassan formed a commission to recommend regulations for any future casino. However, D’Allesandro reportedly is considering drafting a bill that would legalize video slots and plans to discuss his plans with the gambling commission.
AN INTERESTING (CHEAP) IDEA...
The Gambling Regulatory Oversight Authority, which is exploring what a casino regulatory structure ought to look like, heard that sentiment repeatedly last week. “We are trying to use an existing framework,” added Democratic Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, of Manchester, the legislature’s biggest casino proponent. The primary arguments for using the Lottery Commission to regulate casinos, then, seem to be twofold: That it already exists, and it already promotes and regulates games of chance. In other words, rather than create a separate entity dedicated to casino regulation, the state can do it on the cheap if it uses the Lottery Commission.
SQUARE ONE...
New Hampshire’s Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority will meet today, Aug. 15, in Concord in order to begin work on producing draft legislation and regulations for a casino plan by the middle of December.
The state legislature reconvenes in January. In an effort to keep pace with neighboring Massachusetts, that bill would have allowed 5,000 slot machines and 150 table games at an already existing gambling facility. Are we back to the pressure of Mass Gaming and a NH quick fix again?
MAYBE WE SHOULD GO TO THE PEOPLE?
Didn't we hear this already? This time, the commission charged with recommending regulations for future casinos in New Hampshire is seeking the public’s input on the issue. The commission is held a public hearing at the Statehouse in Concord on an issue that divided the House and Senate this year.
IS ROCKINGHAM READY ALREADY?
The Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority held last Thursday in Concord. President & general manager Ed Callahan predicted, “We are going to be there,” Rockingham Park. Rockingham Park officials have said they are prepared to bid for a casino license. Las Vegas-based Millenium Gaming Inc., which has an option to buy the track, has plans for a $600 million-plus casino development, including a hotel, that would create an estimated 3,000 construction and gaming jobs. The key is still finding regulations that work somewhere and adapt them to New Hampshire’s revised statutes.
LEAVING YOU HANGING...
What did the NH Legislators hear from their public relation?
Is Rockingham still interested?
Could the Losers Bracket in Massachusetts set their sights on NH?
Will the NH Lottery be the gaming commission umbrella for all gaming in the Granite State?
Will NH be the first New England State to have legalized online gambling?
Will the Red Sox win the World Series?
More news after the weather forecast.....
"light today with darkness at night"
that's all for now.
Binbin
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Springfield Says No to Hard Rock - And Then There Were Two!
Voters on Tuesday rejected Hard Rock International's proposal to build an $800 million resort casino with a live-music venue, retail and hotel on the campus of The Big E.
"We communicated our message and I think we were clear. But the message the voters heard wasn't enough to convince them that we were trying to bring them more than a casino," Tim Maland, president of the company's New England division said. "But they voted with their heart and conscience and it was close. I can respect that." said.
In the end, 7,578 residents or 45.68 percent turned out to vote, with the proposition losing by just 752 votes.
Many who live in the poorest parts of West Springfield felt this was their chance to change the impoverished conditions surrounding them with the promise of jobs and more community financial stability. But in the end, those from No Casino West Springfield group influenced more to believe that a casino was more evil than good.
Now, there are two - MGM Resorts International's Springfield casino proposal and Mohegan Sun's Palmer project to battle for the state's sole Western Massachusetts casino license. Supporters of many "No Casino" groups in the state are ready to mobilize troupes to Palmer before their November Vote.
I feel it's a draw, and The Gaming Commission should take a good hard look at what each -MGM & Mohegan Sun - will provide for the state, as well as the surrounding communities. Without major changes to the traffic infrastructure in the already night-marish drive through Springfield, I see Mohegan Sun as a better bet - especially for the economic recovery of an old mill town like Palmer.
If The "No Casino" groups want a Goliath to fight, then fight MGM. The huge gaming conglomerate who owns almost half of the strip properties in Las Vegas has no clue to the needs of New England. Give MGM credit - they got community support before the "NOs" had a chance to organize. But that just brings up more questions to me. Would they have a community agreement in this environment today? Are there reasons, insincerity, lies that would be seen now if there was more scrutiny?
That's all for now.
Binbin
"We communicated our message and I think we were clear. But the message the voters heard wasn't enough to convince them that we were trying to bring them more than a casino," Tim Maland, president of the company's New England division said. "But they voted with their heart and conscience and it was close. I can respect that." said.
In the end, 7,578 residents or 45.68 percent turned out to vote, with the proposition losing by just 752 votes.
Many who live in the poorest parts of West Springfield felt this was their chance to change the impoverished conditions surrounding them with the promise of jobs and more community financial stability. But in the end, those from No Casino West Springfield group influenced more to believe that a casino was more evil than good.
Now, there are two - MGM Resorts International's Springfield casino proposal and Mohegan Sun's Palmer project to battle for the state's sole Western Massachusetts casino license. Supporters of many "No Casino" groups in the state are ready to mobilize troupes to Palmer before their November Vote.
I feel it's a draw, and The Gaming Commission should take a good hard look at what each -MGM & Mohegan Sun - will provide for the state, as well as the surrounding communities. Without major changes to the traffic infrastructure in the already night-marish drive through Springfield, I see Mohegan Sun as a better bet - especially for the economic recovery of an old mill town like Palmer.
If The "No Casino" groups want a Goliath to fight, then fight MGM. The huge gaming conglomerate who owns almost half of the strip properties in Las Vegas has no clue to the needs of New England. Give MGM credit - they got community support before the "NOs" had a chance to organize. But that just brings up more questions to me. Would they have a community agreement in this environment today? Are there reasons, insincerity, lies that would be seen now if there was more scrutiny?
That's all for now.
Binbin
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Massachusetts Casino Updates
PENN GAMING STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME IN MASS
Spurned by Tewksbury voters, a Pennsylvania-based gambling company may reemerge in the state’s slots parlor sweepstakes at Plainridge Racecourse, a one-time favorite to win a slot machine license whose ownership team was recently ruled unsuitable to run a casino. Recently, the state Gaming Commission allowed Penn National Gaming to get back in the fold by relocating its proposal to Plainville. The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
BOSTON MAYOR & CAESARS REACH DEAL
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino reached a proposed deal with developers on Tuesday to build a $1-billion (U.S.) Caesars casino in the city’s East Boston section that he said would generate at least $32-million in annual revenue for the city and create thousands of jobs. “I have said from the start of this process that I wanted three things: a first-class, resort destination casino, an agreement that would benefit the people of East Boston, and a proposal that will be selected by the State Gaming Commission,” said Mr. Menino, who is in the last year of a 20-year tenure as mayor. “We are well on our way to that and more.” The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
FOXWOODS RAISES ANTE UNDER PRESSURE FROM OTHER PROPOSALS
Foxwoods Massachusetts has told Milford officials it will increase the size of the Milford casino development, in part to remain competitive with the Suffolk Downs proposal in East Boston.
The redesign is expected to incorporate some 200 more hotel rooms and an expanded gaming floor, and will result in taller buildings on the nearly 200-acre site, according to Selectmen Brian Murray and Bill Buckley, who said in phone interviews Thursday they were told about the changes. Foxwoods also is planning to increase its mitigation payments to Milford, as part of the plan, said selectmen. That's in response to pressure put on the developer to contribute more to the community, more along the lines of what is being promised to Everett, and now Boston, said selectmen.
MOHEGANS & PALMER INK DEAL
Mohegan Sun announced Thursday an agreement with the town of Palmer under which the town would receive more than $16 million in annual payments to mitigate the impact of hosting a proposed resort casino. Additional road, sewer and water infrastructure improvements totaling $23 million are part of the agreement. The $16 million includes fixed payments of $15.2 million and a percentage of gaming revenue equal to 0.25 percent of the first $400 million in revenue, with Mohegan officials saying the guaranteed payment alone exceeds the entire local tax revenue for the town in fiscal 2014. The town would also receive an additional 2 percent from every dollar of gross gaming revenue from the facility above $400 million a year.
Next Week I will include an updated list of proposals with the towns and players. Some of the faces have changed, but the game is still the same.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Spurned by Tewksbury voters, a Pennsylvania-based gambling company may reemerge in the state’s slots parlor sweepstakes at Plainridge Racecourse, a one-time favorite to win a slot machine license whose ownership team was recently ruled unsuitable to run a casino. Recently, the state Gaming Commission allowed Penn National Gaming to get back in the fold by relocating its proposal to Plainville. The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
BOSTON MAYOR & CAESARS REACH DEAL
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino reached a proposed deal with developers on Tuesday to build a $1-billion (U.S.) Caesars casino in the city’s East Boston section that he said would generate at least $32-million in annual revenue for the city and create thousands of jobs. “I have said from the start of this process that I wanted three things: a first-class, resort destination casino, an agreement that would benefit the people of East Boston, and a proposal that will be selected by the State Gaming Commission,” said Mr. Menino, who is in the last year of a 20-year tenure as mayor. “We are well on our way to that and more.” The agreement also includes up to $16 million in one-time investments in Revere, including capital commitments related to municipal projects such as a new football field and youth center. Suffolk and Caesars on Wednesday announced an accord with the city of Boston that includes $45 million in transportation and roadway improvements in East Boston and Revere. Host agreements and local voter approval of casinos are necessary precursors to winning casino licenses that will be awarded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
FOXWOODS RAISES ANTE UNDER PRESSURE FROM OTHER PROPOSALS
Foxwoods Massachusetts has told Milford officials it will increase the size of the Milford casino development, in part to remain competitive with the Suffolk Downs proposal in East Boston.
The redesign is expected to incorporate some 200 more hotel rooms and an expanded gaming floor, and will result in taller buildings on the nearly 200-acre site, according to Selectmen Brian Murray and Bill Buckley, who said in phone interviews Thursday they were told about the changes. Foxwoods also is planning to increase its mitigation payments to Milford, as part of the plan, said selectmen. That's in response to pressure put on the developer to contribute more to the community, more along the lines of what is being promised to Everett, and now Boston, said selectmen.
MOHEGANS & PALMER INK DEAL
Mohegan Sun announced Thursday an agreement with the town of Palmer under which the town would receive more than $16 million in annual payments to mitigate the impact of hosting a proposed resort casino. Additional road, sewer and water infrastructure improvements totaling $23 million are part of the agreement. The $16 million includes fixed payments of $15.2 million and a percentage of gaming revenue equal to 0.25 percent of the first $400 million in revenue, with Mohegan officials saying the guaranteed payment alone exceeds the entire local tax revenue for the town in fiscal 2014. The town would also receive an additional 2 percent from every dollar of gross gaming revenue from the facility above $400 million a year.
Next Week I will include an updated list of proposals with the towns and players. Some of the faces have changed, but the game is still the same.
That's all for now.
Binbin
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
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Casino Gambling & Human Perception - The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste
It is still amazing to me that many humans who play slots (not including video poker, although it may apply) come in two types:
1) The eternal victim of the voodoo-like force of the casino; never winning and expecting the casino to "give them something" for it
or
2) The Braggers who, according to them, always win, which, when hearing such things, we should logically apply the scientific knowledge we know and say "hog-wash!"
It all comes down to what we wish to believe and perceive compared to the science of the RNG - random number generator.
A few friends of mine were talking about winning and losing at casinos. These were some of the comments made by my friends, and then the reality of it all.
Perception: "I put $100 through this $1 slot (3 reels, Red White & Blue), left it to go to get a drink. A lady sat down at that machine and hit the $10,000 jackpot on the first pull. I should have stayed...."
Reality: It didn't matter. Slots are never "due," it wasn't going to hit on the next pull unless you pressed the button at the exact same moment, and the only way to get that payout is to pull on the exact nano-second of the RNG that provides that winning result. Be happy for that player and just move on, knowing that nano-second exists on all the slots and the next could always be yours.
Perception: "Whenever I play Caribbean Stud Poker, I always win."
Reality: Good for you - enjoy it while it lasts. Any casino that would introduce a game that lucrative would pull it off the casino quicker than you could order your next "free" drink. Depending on the table rules that are variable, the house edge is around 5.25%. Not bad, considering the house edge on slot machines vary between 80%-93%. But over the long haul, YOU WILL LOSE. The Wizard of Odds, Michael Shackelford, sums it up like this: "If you play long enough, the only results you will see is that you will lose all your money. Caribbean Stud Poker has a house edge of 5.22%, so if you're trying to stay in the game as long as possible, I would avoid that one."
Thank You Michael. (You can link to his website, the "Wizard of Odds" from my website faves on the right.)
Perception: "I played video poker at XYZ casino, and every machine seemed to have the same thing about it - whenever I needed a one card draw, the same card came up on the draw in a different suit. It must be programmed to do that!"
Reality: Near miss slot and video poker programming is ruled to be illegal in the states of New Jersey and Nevada and some other U.S. states. The near miss slot programming is the display of combinations that are closely similar to the winning combination that may frequently occur when the slot machine is played. Because the legality issue can affect the credibility of a casino, the near miss slot programming is no longer used in the gaming software of slot machines. When you believe this is your reality, try watching for other patterns. As humans, we will notice what we focus on, not necessarily what the scientific reality is nor what is happening in a long sequence of play.
The bottom line is to know your control on slots is minimal. The RNG is in control. Professional gamblers who play blackjack, poker and video poker expect the "steakiness" in gambling. It is expected and perceived scientifically because their reality includes time of play - lots of time! That is something the recreational player doesn't have. The house edge on slots cannot be seen in one day, one week or one month. They are programmed to payout at a certain percentage by the manufacturer using the RNG over a very long period of time.
So, check your perceptions and myths at the door and enjoy gambling for what it is for the vast majority of us - recreation. And if you win? Then it's even better!
That's all for now.
Binbin
1) The eternal victim of the voodoo-like force of the casino; never winning and expecting the casino to "give them something" for it
or
2) The Braggers who, according to them, always win, which, when hearing such things, we should logically apply the scientific knowledge we know and say "hog-wash!"
It all comes down to what we wish to believe and perceive compared to the science of the RNG - random number generator.
A few friends of mine were talking about winning and losing at casinos. These were some of the comments made by my friends, and then the reality of it all.
Perception: "I put $100 through this $1 slot (3 reels, Red White & Blue), left it to go to get a drink. A lady sat down at that machine and hit the $10,000 jackpot on the first pull. I should have stayed...."
Reality: It didn't matter. Slots are never "due," it wasn't going to hit on the next pull unless you pressed the button at the exact same moment, and the only way to get that payout is to pull on the exact nano-second of the RNG that provides that winning result. Be happy for that player and just move on, knowing that nano-second exists on all the slots and the next could always be yours.
Perception: "Whenever I play Caribbean Stud Poker, I always win."
Reality: Good for you - enjoy it while it lasts. Any casino that would introduce a game that lucrative would pull it off the casino quicker than you could order your next "free" drink. Depending on the table rules that are variable, the house edge is around 5.25%. Not bad, considering the house edge on slot machines vary between 80%-93%. But over the long haul, YOU WILL LOSE. The Wizard of Odds, Michael Shackelford, sums it up like this: "If you play long enough, the only results you will see is that you will lose all your money. Caribbean Stud Poker has a house edge of 5.22%, so if you're trying to stay in the game as long as possible, I would avoid that one."
Thank You Michael. (You can link to his website, the "Wizard of Odds" from my website faves on the right.)
Perception: "I played video poker at XYZ casino, and every machine seemed to have the same thing about it - whenever I needed a one card draw, the same card came up on the draw in a different suit. It must be programmed to do that!"
Reality: Near miss slot and video poker programming is ruled to be illegal in the states of New Jersey and Nevada and some other U.S. states. The near miss slot programming is the display of combinations that are closely similar to the winning combination that may frequently occur when the slot machine is played. Because the legality issue can affect the credibility of a casino, the near miss slot programming is no longer used in the gaming software of slot machines. When you believe this is your reality, try watching for other patterns. As humans, we will notice what we focus on, not necessarily what the scientific reality is nor what is happening in a long sequence of play.
The bottom line is to know your control on slots is minimal. The RNG is in control. Professional gamblers who play blackjack, poker and video poker expect the "steakiness" in gambling. It is expected and perceived scientifically because their reality includes time of play - lots of time! That is something the recreational player doesn't have. The house edge on slots cannot be seen in one day, one week or one month. They are programmed to payout at a certain percentage by the manufacturer using the RNG over a very long period of time.
So, check your perceptions and myths at the door and enjoy gambling for what it is for the vast majority of us - recreation. And if you win? Then it's even better!
That's all for now.
Binbin
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Is It Really About More Connecticut Casinos, or Is IT Just Plain Arrogance?
Anyone who knows me knows I don't like to talk politics, because....well......I don't like politics. But, the turmoil the Bureau of Indian Affairs's new proposal for tribal acknowledgment is causing in Connecticut bothers me from many points of view. Is economics really what worries us, or is it tied into a deeper bigotry & jealousy influenced by what we have actually created.
FIRST THE NEWS, AND THEN IT'S STORY TIME
Proposed rule changes that Native American groups say could help bring more casinos to Connecticut are coming under criticism from the state’s congressional delegation, which argues that the U.S. Interior Department is watering down the criteria for granting federal recognition to tribes.
In a letter sent to the department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, the state’s two senators and five House representatives wrote that the proposed changes would significantly affect state residents. The governor and local leaders in towns that host state reservations are also opposing the proposals, which could renew long-simmering battles over land claims by making it easier for local tribes to win acknowledgment.
The CT delegation argues Connecticut appears to be singled out unfairly, citing a proposal to require that tribes demonstrate continuity only since 1934 give Indian groups a pass on other requirements for acknowledgment. Connecticut of the few to have had state reservation lands in existence since 1934.
If approved, the changes could benefit three other Connecticut tribes _ the Schaghticokes of Kent, the Golden Hill Paugussetts of Trumbull and Colchester and the Eastern Pequots of North Stonington. Federal acknowledgment can bolster a tribe’s claims to surrounding land, eliminate regulatory barriers to commercial development and bring increased health and education benefits to members.
We worry about casino saturation in CT because of Massachusetts and their gambling proposals - and now THIS! Here's a little story from the twisted imagination of one blogger that over simplifies to the point of ridiculousness - but maybe borders on the real truth. (cue "Twilight Zone" theme music.......)
STORY TIME
Once upon a time, in neighborhood A, a group of three families lived happy together for years. Neighborhood B, also having three families, move into Neighborhood A for their own "personal" reasons. But instead of joining "A," they took over the neighborhood, buying the other houses except for one. Neighborhood B now calls the area, well, "NEIGHBORHOOD B!" And what happened to the original "A" families? - all of neighbor A families are told to stay in one house in the now "NEIGHBORHOOD B." "NEIGHBORHOOD B" tells them "We don't care what you do in there, but don't come out into our neighborhood."
Over the years, the three A families (now much smaller) create a restaurant that attracts neighborhood families from far away, helping the three families to survive in their little house. "NEIGHBORHOOD B" doesn't like that - besides, "B" decided long ago that restaurants were a bad way to feed their "B" families.
But the restaurants are so popular, that "NEIGHBORHOOD B", frustrated by the situation they created, gets together and physically moves two of the three families from their tiny reservation, (oops), I mean tiny house A (notice how the "A" house seemingly got smaller over time!) to other neighborhoods outside "NEIGHBORHOOD B." Once again, "B" says, ""We don't care what you do out there, but don't come into our neighborhoods. Stay in your reservation, (oops again, I mean house.)"
More restaurants flourish. But then times get hard, and too many restaurants are built. Neighbor A & B feel the pinch, and neighborhood B says "NO MORE RESTAURANTS!" But all the struggling family A members reply, "Hey, you made up these rules. We could have done this together, but you took over our neighborhood, and put us on tiny house to fend for ourselves. You set the whole thing up!"
Unfortunately, I have no ending. There is no ending.
The real question here is - "Is the problem the CT legislation and CT communities have with the BIA's new proposal really rooted in consideration for all, or does it all come from the arrogance in treating a native people badly 400 years ago and then finding them succeeding under the rules our system put upon them?"
That's all for now....but I'm sure this is just the beginning. Stay tuned.
Binbin
FIRST THE NEWS, AND THEN IT'S STORY TIME
Proposed rule changes that Native American groups say could help bring more casinos to Connecticut are coming under criticism from the state’s congressional delegation, which argues that the U.S. Interior Department is watering down the criteria for granting federal recognition to tribes.
In a letter sent to the department’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, the state’s two senators and five House representatives wrote that the proposed changes would significantly affect state residents. The governor and local leaders in towns that host state reservations are also opposing the proposals, which could renew long-simmering battles over land claims by making it easier for local tribes to win acknowledgment.
The CT delegation argues Connecticut appears to be singled out unfairly, citing a proposal to require that tribes demonstrate continuity only since 1934 give Indian groups a pass on other requirements for acknowledgment. Connecticut of the few to have had state reservation lands in existence since 1934.
If approved, the changes could benefit three other Connecticut tribes _ the Schaghticokes of Kent, the Golden Hill Paugussetts of Trumbull and Colchester and the Eastern Pequots of North Stonington. Federal acknowledgment can bolster a tribe’s claims to surrounding land, eliminate regulatory barriers to commercial development and bring increased health and education benefits to members.
We worry about casino saturation in CT because of Massachusetts and their gambling proposals - and now THIS! Here's a little story from the twisted imagination of one blogger that over simplifies to the point of ridiculousness - but maybe borders on the real truth. (cue "Twilight Zone" theme music.......)
STORY TIME
Once upon a time, in neighborhood A, a group of three families lived happy together for years. Neighborhood B, also having three families, move into Neighborhood A for their own "personal" reasons. But instead of joining "A," they took over the neighborhood, buying the other houses except for one. Neighborhood B now calls the area, well, "NEIGHBORHOOD B!" And what happened to the original "A" families? - all of neighbor A families are told to stay in one house in the now "NEIGHBORHOOD B." "NEIGHBORHOOD B" tells them "We don't care what you do in there, but don't come out into our neighborhood."
Over the years, the three A families (now much smaller) create a restaurant that attracts neighborhood families from far away, helping the three families to survive in their little house. "NEIGHBORHOOD B" doesn't like that - besides, "B" decided long ago that restaurants were a bad way to feed their "B" families.
But the restaurants are so popular, that "NEIGHBORHOOD B", frustrated by the situation they created, gets together and physically moves two of the three families from their tiny reservation, (oops), I mean tiny house A (notice how the "A" house seemingly got smaller over time!) to other neighborhoods outside "NEIGHBORHOOD B." Once again, "B" says, ""We don't care what you do out there, but don't come into our neighborhoods. Stay in your reservation, (oops again, I mean house.)"
More restaurants flourish. But then times get hard, and too many restaurants are built. Neighbor A & B feel the pinch, and neighborhood B says "NO MORE RESTAURANTS!" But all the struggling family A members reply, "Hey, you made up these rules. We could have done this together, but you took over our neighborhood, and put us on tiny house to fend for ourselves. You set the whole thing up!"
Unfortunately, I have no ending. There is no ending.
The real question here is - "Is the problem the CT legislation and CT communities have with the BIA's new proposal really rooted in consideration for all, or does it all come from the arrogance in treating a native people badly 400 years ago and then finding them succeeding under the rules our system put upon them?"
That's all for now....but I'm sure this is just the beginning. Stay tuned.
Binbin
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
What is a Casino Host, And Why Do I Need One?
Well, maybe you don't need one. But let's look at what a casino host does first.
A Casino Host
That last one is the tricky part. If you are spending a qualifying amount of money and time, it's good to have a host. If you feel you deserve one, ask a slot floor person who is the host on duty and speak to them. Be cordial, polite and expect some customer service. It is their job. There is no minimum level of play necessary just to talk to a casino host. However, unless you plan to direct a fair amount of play towards the casino that they work at, there's not likely to be a lot they can do for you. You should feel free to ask to speak to a host and they will politely tell you if they think they can be of service to you.
If you are a low to mid roller, and visit many different casinos, or visit one casino but not often, having a host will not necessarily help. You may be receiving the deserved comps in mailers or by email already. I'd say that unless you are already receiving full room comps based on players club figures, you're wasting your time seeking out a host. If you are consistently getting comped rooms for the duration of your stay and still feel that you are being under comped - contact a host. But believe me, if a host is not contacting you looking for your business, you are not on their radar.
Just for fun I called around a little. I spoke to someone at the Aria in Las Vegas, where I played very little my last trip. They said they need action of $150/ hand for 4-6 hours a day (minimum total bet of $36,000 yikes) or 3,000 slot points a day. Obviously, a large high end property like that have hosts that cater to the whales - the big bettors. Then I tried called Main St Station in downtown Las Vegas where loyalty and $5000 - $10,000 (maybe less) might get the same host services, depending on daily play & number of visits. So it depends on 2 things - time & money.
You see, the casino host reports directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. The Casino Host is the member of management that has the most contact with players and patrons. The job of a Casino Host can be very competitive as they are seeking the repeat patronage of players, a common goal that is shared with competing casinos and their own Casino Hosts.
Ask yourself "Where is my largest amount of play?" That's where you should look into any host services, if any are available.
By the way, there's nothing shady about working with a casino host. It's their job to make you happy and keep you coming back to the casino. If you're not a high roller working with a casino host can still be beneficial and make planning your trips easier. A host can reserve your room, make dinner arrangements, get show tickets and pretty much anything else you need from the casino with one email. That, in itself, can make hosts a great asset. If they can offer comps, even better.
That's all for now.
Binbin
A Casino Host
- delivers services to players at their casino who will become loyal patrons to the establishment.
- tries to fulfill any reasonable requests their clients might have
- has the power to issue complimentary services, ranging from complimentary meals, beverages, and show tickets right up to full accommodation in a hotel casino
- develops a relationship with every level of gambler
That last one is the tricky part. If you are spending a qualifying amount of money and time, it's good to have a host. If you feel you deserve one, ask a slot floor person who is the host on duty and speak to them. Be cordial, polite and expect some customer service. It is their job. There is no minimum level of play necessary just to talk to a casino host. However, unless you plan to direct a fair amount of play towards the casino that they work at, there's not likely to be a lot they can do for you. You should feel free to ask to speak to a host and they will politely tell you if they think they can be of service to you.
If you are a low to mid roller, and visit many different casinos, or visit one casino but not often, having a host will not necessarily help. You may be receiving the deserved comps in mailers or by email already. I'd say that unless you are already receiving full room comps based on players club figures, you're wasting your time seeking out a host. If you are consistently getting comped rooms for the duration of your stay and still feel that you are being under comped - contact a host. But believe me, if a host is not contacting you looking for your business, you are not on their radar.
Just for fun I called around a little. I spoke to someone at the Aria in Las Vegas, where I played very little my last trip. They said they need action of $150/ hand for 4-6 hours a day (minimum total bet of $36,000 yikes) or 3,000 slot points a day. Obviously, a large high end property like that have hosts that cater to the whales - the big bettors. Then I tried called Main St Station in downtown Las Vegas where loyalty and $5000 - $10,000 (maybe less) might get the same host services, depending on daily play & number of visits. So it depends on 2 things - time & money.
You see, the casino host reports directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. The Casino Host is the member of management that has the most contact with players and patrons. The job of a Casino Host can be very competitive as they are seeking the repeat patronage of players, a common goal that is shared with competing casinos and their own Casino Hosts.
Ask yourself "Where is my largest amount of play?" That's where you should look into any host services, if any are available.
By the way, there's nothing shady about working with a casino host. It's their job to make you happy and keep you coming back to the casino. If you're not a high roller working with a casino host can still be beneficial and make planning your trips easier. A host can reserve your room, make dinner arrangements, get show tickets and pretty much anything else you need from the casino with one email. That, in itself, can make hosts a great asset. If they can offer comps, even better.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Monday, August 26, 2013
Some Interesting "Bests" in Casino Player's Yearly Pole
It's difficult for new games at casinos to break in as favorites. I find it so curious how some things can change in popularity so quickly, as in restaurants and hotels, but the gaming - well, people like what they feel comfortable with.
Here is a VERY partial list "best games" in America from the magazine Casino Player. Which do you agree with? Which do you find curious? Enjoy......
Slot Machines
Favorite Reel Slot - Double Diamond (IGT)
Favorite Video Slot - The Original "Wizard of Oz" (WMS)
Favorite Progressive Slot - (What else ) "Wheel--Of--For-tune"
Favorite Table Game - Blackjack (however, more gamblers prefer electronic roulette than electronic blackjack
Favorite Video Poker - Dueces Wild
Interesting side - the progressive video slot "Quick Hits" was second in both of those categories.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Here is a VERY partial list "best games" in America from the magazine Casino Player. Which do you agree with? Which do you find curious? Enjoy......
Slot Machines
Favorite Reel Slot - Double Diamond (IGT)
Favorite Video Slot - The Original "Wizard of Oz" (WMS)
Favorite Progressive Slot - (What else ) "Wheel--Of--For-tune"
Favorite Table Game - Blackjack (however, more gamblers prefer electronic roulette than electronic blackjack
Favorite Video Poker - Dueces Wild
Interesting side - the progressive video slot "Quick Hits" was second in both of those categories.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Sunday, August 25, 2013
All I Wanted To Do Was See The Comedy Show at Mohegan Sun....
"THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."
There are a couple themes in this post, but you have to read the whole post to get them, and the last might be the most important of all.!
Last night just confirmed for me what I knew already....stay away from casinos on Saturday Nights!
It's probably why I stay away from the strip in Las Vegas, or never stay over on a Saturday night in Atlantic City. But there were other things that I did learn about Mohegan Sun, and it wasn't pretty.
TRAFFIC & PARKING - Wow, I have never seen so many cars at that casino in my life. I usually park in the winter garage, which is the last to fill up. IT WAS FULL! I parked in the parking lot outside so far away, I was closer to the Fire Dept. than the Casino Garage Entrance. Oh, and for all of you selfish people who consider yourself "Special" because your car so expensive it deserves two parking places, "YOU"RE NOT ALONE IN THE WORLD!!!" We counted at least 20-30 more spots in the garage alone taken up by these inconsiderate idiots.
DRUNKS - need I say more?
LOUD, OBNOXIOUS, "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" BACHELORETTE PARTIES - so many blood-curdling screams, you'd swear there was a horror movie being filmed. Oh no, it's just another arrival before they spend ten minutes in everyone's way taking their 34th "selfie" on their iPhone.
DRUNKS - maybe Maine has it right. You have to pay for alcoholic drinks in Maine at both casinos. Massachusetts, hello out there?
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE - AND NO ORGANIZATION or EXPERIENCED HELP TO AID WITH CROWD CONTROL - on a busy night like Saturday Night, when Styx & REO Speedwagon are in the Arena, and New York's favorite vulgar comedian Nick DiPaolo was at the Cabaret, there should more, knowledgeable staff available. (segue)
Arriving 40 minutes before the show, I was told I wasn't on the list for tickets. But, I had reserved them by phone through a mailer sent by email weeks previous. Not only did I not have tickets, but they didn't have enough tickets to hand out - and it wasn't sold out! So, a line formed behind me, waiting for the tickets to arrive. The staff were placed in a very awkward situation, since I over heard them say they didn't like their nightly assignment. Why would they, if they were on the phone contacting hosts because patrons names weren't "on the list," and they were obviously not taught skills to handle the variety of problems thrown at them, AND there wasn't the support and hosts available for them at the time of the comedy show to get their job done! It was a mess, to say the least. But it seems this is more the norm than I thought. Here are two stories that we were told by other patrons while we waited at the front of the line for tickets:
"I drive from a hour away. They say I don't qualify, yet I get the offer by email. They say I have no tickets, and this isn't the first time - the same thing happened two weeks ago."
"We drive from Darien. We were promised a suite, but have a regular room. My friends couldn't show, but we have to get in line and get all four tickets. Last time they charged us $25 each and I was afraid they'd do it again."
The problem lies with Mohegan Sun's Marketing and Hosts. Again, "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING." You see, offers are sent by email for events to patrons, and yet, if you sign into your Mohegan Rewards Account on their website, it says that you must purchase. When I called to confirm this event, I was told I had tickets, and reserved them. The agent I talked to said it was a problem, and "did I know I had other offers coming up as well?" This really needs to be fixed.
MORAL of the story - always check and recheck your comped offers before going to any casino event. Expect that "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."
AMONG THE VAST AMOUNTS OF HUMAN BEINGS, DRUNKS AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ALSO FIND AT CASINOS - GOOD PEOPLE. Thank you Bill & Rosemary for making lemonade out of lemons for us. You're ACES in our book.
That's all for now.
Binbin
There are a couple themes in this post, but you have to read the whole post to get them, and the last might be the most important of all.!
Last night just confirmed for me what I knew already....stay away from casinos on Saturday Nights!
It's probably why I stay away from the strip in Las Vegas, or never stay over on a Saturday night in Atlantic City. But there were other things that I did learn about Mohegan Sun, and it wasn't pretty.
CHAPTER I.
First. let's start with the obvious. Those of you who live Massachusetts, LISTEN UP! This is what you have to look forward to. These are general weekend occurrences at casinos all over the country, and to a casino coming to you.TRAFFIC & PARKING - Wow, I have never seen so many cars at that casino in my life. I usually park in the winter garage, which is the last to fill up. IT WAS FULL! I parked in the parking lot outside so far away, I was closer to the Fire Dept. than the Casino Garage Entrance. Oh, and for all of you selfish people who consider yourself "Special" because your car so expensive it deserves two parking places, "YOU"RE NOT ALONE IN THE WORLD!!!" We counted at least 20-30 more spots in the garage alone taken up by these inconsiderate idiots.
DRUNKS - need I say more?
LOUD, OBNOXIOUS, "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" BACHELORETTE PARTIES - so many blood-curdling screams, you'd swear there was a horror movie being filmed. Oh no, it's just another arrival before they spend ten minutes in everyone's way taking their 34th "selfie" on their iPhone.
DRUNKS - maybe Maine has it right. You have to pay for alcoholic drinks in Maine at both casinos. Massachusetts, hello out there?
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE - AND NO ORGANIZATION or EXPERIENCED HELP TO AID WITH CROWD CONTROL - on a busy night like Saturday Night, when Styx & REO Speedwagon are in the Arena, and New York's favorite vulgar comedian Nick DiPaolo was at the Cabaret, there should more, knowledgeable staff available. (segue)
CHAPTER II.
AND NOW, the real reason for today's post - All I Wanted To Do Was See The Comedy Show at Mohegan Sun.... TOPIC: EVENT TICKETS, or more apply titled, "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."Arriving 40 minutes before the show, I was told I wasn't on the list for tickets. But, I had reserved them by phone through a mailer sent by email weeks previous. Not only did I not have tickets, but they didn't have enough tickets to hand out - and it wasn't sold out! So, a line formed behind me, waiting for the tickets to arrive. The staff were placed in a very awkward situation, since I over heard them say they didn't like their nightly assignment. Why would they, if they were on the phone contacting hosts because patrons names weren't "on the list," and they were obviously not taught skills to handle the variety of problems thrown at them, AND there wasn't the support and hosts available for them at the time of the comedy show to get their job done! It was a mess, to say the least. But it seems this is more the norm than I thought. Here are two stories that we were told by other patrons while we waited at the front of the line for tickets:
"I drive from a hour away. They say I don't qualify, yet I get the offer by email. They say I have no tickets, and this isn't the first time - the same thing happened two weeks ago."
"We drive from Darien. We were promised a suite, but have a regular room. My friends couldn't show, but we have to get in line and get all four tickets. Last time they charged us $25 each and I was afraid they'd do it again."
The problem lies with Mohegan Sun's Marketing and Hosts. Again, "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING." You see, offers are sent by email for events to patrons, and yet, if you sign into your Mohegan Rewards Account on their website, it says that you must purchase. When I called to confirm this event, I was told I had tickets, and reserved them. The agent I talked to said it was a problem, and "did I know I had other offers coming up as well?" This really needs to be fixed.
MORAL of the story - always check and recheck your comped offers before going to any casino event. Expect that "THE LEFT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING."
CHAPTER III.
A HAPPY ENDING. There are a lot of kind and considerate people in this world, and we met two of them. Bill & Rosemary also had two extra tickets, and offered them to us to be their guests. We sat with them in the middle of the Cabaret, great seats, and met two wonderful people. The show was raw, vulgar, funny and not for the sensitive, but that's a review for another time.AMONG THE VAST AMOUNTS OF HUMAN BEINGS, DRUNKS AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ALSO FIND AT CASINOS - GOOD PEOPLE. Thank you Bill & Rosemary for making lemonade out of lemons for us. You're ACES in our book.
That's all for now.
Binbin
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Massachusetts Hears New Legislation to Stop the Casino Train
What is going on in Massachusetts? Remember a few months ago, New Hampshire said "NO" concerning intentions for a casino - then a few days ago a cry for gaming was heard again. In Mass, it was approved in 2011 and now there is a group that says "NO?"
A coalition of gambling opponents is pushing a proposed ballot question that would repeal the law legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts, after all the money has been paid by the licensees, background checks are still being made and communities have approved many of the casino company offerings. This couldn't have been done earlier?
The group, which includes Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, says casinos do more harm than good, and has filed the proposed question with the state attorney general’s office on Wednesday, the deadline for submitting questions for the 2014 ballot.
The law authorizing 3 casinos and one slot parlor was put into law in 2011 - now two years later, it's being questioned? It's like sending a man to the moon, only having a group in the pentagon say "Oh, I don't think this is worth it. Have them make a u-turn and come back home"
Activists must collect tens of thousands of signatures to get the measure on the ballot.
In Tewksbury, where there is interest for the one slots-alone facility, there is rising opposition to casinos - specific to Tewksbury and in general. Former State Sen. Susan Tucker slammed the casino industry by saying, "“How many other businesses come into town already promising paid litigation for all the negative impact it’s going to have?
“Whatever deals are made today are gonna change tomorrow. Casinos are in trouble all over the northeast," Tucker insisted. "Everything they promise is gonna go downhill, it’s a racket and it’s going on all over the country... Many communities have said go away... "
Suppose this anti-casino sentiment in Massachusetts grows and the 2011 casino legislation is appealed. Does the Gaming Commission pick up their pads of paper and pencils and tell the casino investors "Sorry guys, you'll have to go play in some one else's yard - my parents won't let you play here any more."
What happens to the money already invested, you know, the $400,000 each per licensee? I don't think MGM, for example, will just turn around and go home quietly. Will Massachusetts be able to withstand the litigation and law suits from all these companies?
Ironically, after paying off all these companies by, let's say 2020, they will need to look for new revenue to off-set those law suits.
Hey, I have an idea - how about casino gambling?
That's all for now.
Binbin
A coalition of gambling opponents is pushing a proposed ballot question that would repeal the law legalizing casino gambling in Massachusetts, after all the money has been paid by the licensees, background checks are still being made and communities have approved many of the casino company offerings. This couldn't have been done earlier?
The group, which includes Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, says casinos do more harm than good, and has filed the proposed question with the state attorney general’s office on Wednesday, the deadline for submitting questions for the 2014 ballot.
The law authorizing 3 casinos and one slot parlor was put into law in 2011 - now two years later, it's being questioned? It's like sending a man to the moon, only having a group in the pentagon say "Oh, I don't think this is worth it. Have them make a u-turn and come back home"
Activists must collect tens of thousands of signatures to get the measure on the ballot.
In Tewksbury, where there is interest for the one slots-alone facility, there is rising opposition to casinos - specific to Tewksbury and in general. Former State Sen. Susan Tucker slammed the casino industry by saying, "“How many other businesses come into town already promising paid litigation for all the negative impact it’s going to have?
“Whatever deals are made today are gonna change tomorrow. Casinos are in trouble all over the northeast," Tucker insisted. "Everything they promise is gonna go downhill, it’s a racket and it’s going on all over the country... Many communities have said go away... "
Suppose this anti-casino sentiment in Massachusetts grows and the 2011 casino legislation is appealed. Does the Gaming Commission pick up their pads of paper and pencils and tell the casino investors "Sorry guys, you'll have to go play in some one else's yard - my parents won't let you play here any more."
What happens to the money already invested, you know, the $400,000 each per licensee? I don't think MGM, for example, will just turn around and go home quietly. Will Massachusetts be able to withstand the litigation and law suits from all these companies?
Ironically, after paying off all these companies by, let's say 2020, they will need to look for new revenue to off-set those law suits.
Hey, I have an idea - how about casino gambling?
That's all for now.
Binbin
Monday, August 5, 2013
Massachusetts Casino Commission Proving to be Hardest Approval and Lincensing in Country
Normally, it would be hard for any company to get a gambling license. But in Massachusetts, it's been made to be like climbing a mountain - a very high mountain.
State gambling investigators have traveled to China to inspect casino operations there, studied more than 21,000 pages of background information on casino applicants, and spent $5 million in an attempt to weed out casino applicants who lack the personal integrity or financial strength to hold a gambling license in Massachusetts.
Some of the things being checked includes the background of company officers, key employees, and investors could result in one or more applicants being bounced from contention for casino development rights, even if they hold gambling licenses in other jurisdictions. Or, more likely, the gambling commission could insist that unsuitable people within the corporation be removed from the project. An example of that happened yesterday when The Massachusetts Gaming Commission disqualified the owners of the Plainridge Racecourse from pursuing the state's sole slots parlor license because Plainridge's owners failed to present "clear and convincing evidence as to business practices that will likely lead to a successful gaming operation."
And who is paying for all of these background checks? The Casino companies! You see, The Mass Gaming Commission was very smart with asking each company $400,000 so that none of the state's taxpayers would have to foot any of the bill - including money covering the communities involved and there preparation needs.
Meanwhile, the state gambling commission has billed the 11 original casino applicants more than $4.9 million for its investigations. The investigations are being performed by State Police, working with teams from two consulting firms, Spectrum Gaming and Michael & Carroll. The consulting teams include former FBI agents and public prosecutors, as well as forensic accountants. Everything is being considered important information, from family and friends, to even the tattoos of those involved.
As the deadlines continue to get closer, the commission continues to believe that the first casino chosen and built will be the slot parlor, by early 2015. They are running a tight ship in Massachusetts.
That's all for now!
Binbin
State gambling investigators have traveled to China to inspect casino operations there, studied more than 21,000 pages of background information on casino applicants, and spent $5 million in an attempt to weed out casino applicants who lack the personal integrity or financial strength to hold a gambling license in Massachusetts.
Some of the things being checked includes the background of company officers, key employees, and investors could result in one or more applicants being bounced from contention for casino development rights, even if they hold gambling licenses in other jurisdictions. Or, more likely, the gambling commission could insist that unsuitable people within the corporation be removed from the project. An example of that happened yesterday when The Massachusetts Gaming Commission disqualified the owners of the Plainridge Racecourse from pursuing the state's sole slots parlor license because Plainridge's owners failed to present "clear and convincing evidence as to business practices that will likely lead to a successful gaming operation."
And who is paying for all of these background checks? The Casino companies! You see, The Mass Gaming Commission was very smart with asking each company $400,000 so that none of the state's taxpayers would have to foot any of the bill - including money covering the communities involved and there preparation needs.
Meanwhile, the state gambling commission has billed the 11 original casino applicants more than $4.9 million for its investigations. The investigations are being performed by State Police, working with teams from two consulting firms, Spectrum Gaming and Michael & Carroll. The consulting teams include former FBI agents and public prosecutors, as well as forensic accountants. Everything is being considered important information, from family and friends, to even the tattoos of those involved.
As the deadlines continue to get closer, the commission continues to believe that the first casino chosen and built will be the slot parlor, by early 2015. They are running a tight ship in Massachusetts.
That's all for now!
Binbin
New Hampshire Casino Rumblings....Again?
Once again, states continue to look to gaming to bring in revenue to their state's economy. It's just a surprise that the concern(need) has risen out of the ashes again in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has rekindled talk of gaming in the Granite state saying he will file legislation in September calling for the Legislature to approve casino gambling to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the cash-strapped state.
If you recall my coverage months ago, his decision comes on the heels of a House of Representatives vote in May to kill Senate Bill 152, a proposal that would have permitted the establishment of a single casino in the state. And I thought after that defeat, the fight was over. But since then, D’Allesandro said he’s been contacting Democrats to discuss the issue with them so he can draft a bill that addresses their concerns.
"Residents need to tell their lawmakers that expanded gambling is desperately needed to boost state coffers and fund millions of dollars in repairs to the state’s deteriorating roads and bridges. They know the roads are falling apart, they know the bridges are falling apart and they know we don’t have the money to fix them,” D’Allesandro said.
But there is lots of concern that New Hampshire is just too late to the Casino Party - stating that there is so much gaming everywhere in America, let alone New England. Other New Hampshire legislators think it would be a mistake to be included in what is perceived as a soon to be saturated and declining industry.
Jim Rubens, chairman of the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, saying “The New England casino market is almost fully saturated, Internet gambling is already legal in three states, and taxpayers in three states are now subsidizing failing casinos. Why a New Hampshire legislator would want to hook our economy and state budget to this is beyond me.”
So, in New Hampshire, the DJ has had a request to replay an song previously played. Everybody on the dance floor, the last dance is about to start all over again. It's called "the Massachusetts Knee-Jerk.Reaction"
And we dance again........that's all for now.
Binbin
New Hampshire Sen. Lou D’Allesandro has rekindled talk of gaming in the Granite state saying he will file legislation in September calling for the Legislature to approve casino gambling to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the cash-strapped state.
If you recall my coverage months ago, his decision comes on the heels of a House of Representatives vote in May to kill Senate Bill 152, a proposal that would have permitted the establishment of a single casino in the state. And I thought after that defeat, the fight was over. But since then, D’Allesandro said he’s been contacting Democrats to discuss the issue with them so he can draft a bill that addresses their concerns.
"Residents need to tell their lawmakers that expanded gambling is desperately needed to boost state coffers and fund millions of dollars in repairs to the state’s deteriorating roads and bridges. They know the roads are falling apart, they know the bridges are falling apart and they know we don’t have the money to fix them,” D’Allesandro said.
But there is lots of concern that New Hampshire is just too late to the Casino Party - stating that there is so much gaming everywhere in America, let alone New England. Other New Hampshire legislators think it would be a mistake to be included in what is perceived as a soon to be saturated and declining industry.
Jim Rubens, chairman of the Granite State Coalition Against Expanded Gambling, saying “The New England casino market is almost fully saturated, Internet gambling is already legal in three states, and taxpayers in three states are now subsidizing failing casinos. Why a New Hampshire legislator would want to hook our economy and state budget to this is beyond me.”
So, in New Hampshire, the DJ has had a request to replay an song previously played. Everybody on the dance floor, the last dance is about to start all over again. It's called "the Massachusetts Knee-Jerk.Reaction"
And we dance again........that's all for now.
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
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