« Year 2003 Summary

Casino firm sues track - 31 December 2003
A Las Vegas-based casino company says it has long had a deal to run a slot machine operation at Maryland's Rosecroft Raceway should state legislators decide to legalize such gambling, according to court papers. The claim is at the heart of a lawsuit that the company, Park Place Entertainment, has filed against the owne - read more »

Rockford to pass on bid for casino license - 31 December 2003
Rockford won't bid on the state's 10th casino license next month because of the enormous price tag it's expected to carry. The 10th license could fetch about $350 million at auction, far exceeding anything Rockford could put on the table. The deadline for submitting bids for the license is Jan. 19. Those hoping to brin - read more »

Atlantic City casinos prep for biggest night - 31 December 2003
It's always party time in casinos. On New Year's Eve, though, the stakes are higher. Gambling halls roll out the red carpet -- and the champagne, and the shrimp and the surf 'n turf -- for lavish invitation-only parties for high-rollers.The parties, which can cost up to $500,000 each to stage, are aimed at thanking loy - read more »

Aspinall quits board of Avanti Capital - 30 December 2003
Damian Aspinall, son of the late John Aspinall, the casino owner and zoo-keeper, has stepped down from the board of Avanti Capital, a private equity investment group. Aspinall, an entrepreneur who made a string of investments during the internet boom, is to leave along with Daniel Taylor, non-executive chairman of Avan - read more »

Voters in Taiwan islands OK casinos - 30 December 2003
A small majority of people voted Saturday in favor of opening casinos on a group of islands in a local-government poll that critics say is aimed at putting pressure on the national government to lift a ban on gambling.Officials said 7,830 voters -- or 56.11 percent -- approved the proposal to open casinos on Penghu isl - read more »

Seneca Niagara Casino celebrates anniversary - 30 December 2003
The Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls celebrates its first anniversary this week.The gambling casino owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians turns one year old on New Year's Eve. The facility employs nearly 2,000 full-time workers, and casino officials said revenues and payroll have pumped more than $150 million int - read more »

Mega Millions jackpot estimate jumps to $155 million - 30 December 2003
Stronger than expected ticket sales in Texas and the 10 other states where the Mega Millions lottery is played prompted officials on Monday to boost the estimated jackpot to $155 million for Tuesday night's drawing.Initial estimates had the pot at $150 million."It's mind-boggling," said Texas Lottery Director Reagan Gr - read more »

'Last gasp' for casino hopefuls - 29 December 2003
It's put-up or shut-up time for communities and companies interested in landing Illinois' 10th and, for now, last casino license.New details about the license auction show an aggressive schedule on the deadline for bids and how the process will move forward.Initial proposals must be submitted to an investment banker Ja - read more »

Countdown New Year's With 'Idol' Host - 29 December 2003
'AMERICA'S IDOL.' "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest - who just turned 29 on Dec. 23, wish him a happy - returns for a second year to host "America's Party," the Fox New Year's special (WNEW/5, Dec. 31, natch, at 11 p.m.). Reality-show It girls Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are among his guests at the Venetian Hotel- - read more »

Governor wants Indian casinos to pay up - 29 December 2003
Twice a week, 83-year-old Mimi Shore giddily climbs aboard a van in West Covina for a free ride to San Manuel Bingo and Casino in San Bernardino.Shore usually joins six other bingo regulars in the van, one of about 30 shuttles going to the casino on the edge of north San Bernardino on an average weekday -- a migration - read more »

U.S.-backed $1 billion Las Vegas-style resort one step closer to reality in Vietnam - 29 December 2003
Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment has said "Viva Las Vegas!" to a proposal for the communist country's largest-ever resort and casino - but now it's up to the prime minister to place his bet on the venture, an official said Monday.The proposed $1 billion Las Vegas-style project would cover 1,112 acres, incl - read more »

You bet your bottom dollar, casinos pay off big for tribes - 28 December 2003
Twice a week, 83-year-old Mimi Shore giddily climbs aboard a van in West Covina for a free ride to San Manuel Bingo and Casino in San Bernardino.Shore usually joins six other bingo regulars in the van, one of about 30 shuttles going to the casino on the edge of north San Bernardino on an average weekday -- a migration - read more »

Gambling expansion not likely - 28 December 2003
The apparent economic recovery now under way may be lining some U.S. consumers' pockets with extra cash, but it's also slowing the spread of gambling around the country.On this, at least, American Gaming Association President Frank Fahrenkopf and the Rev. Tom Grey, a top gambling opponent and executive director of the - read more »

Oregon State trounces New Mexico in Las Vegas Bowl - 27 December 2003
Steven Jackson joined Barry Sanders in the NCAA record book -- not a bad way to end a college career.Now the Oregon State star is ready to see if he can succeed in the NFL, too.Jackson tied a bowl game record by scoring five touchdowns, and Oregon State's defense overwhelmed New Mexico in a 55-14 win at the Las Vegas B - read more »

James Caan's TV gamble paying off - 27 December 2003
James Caan is not good at sitting still. The star of the NBC series "Las Vegas' is talking, gesturing and fidgeting in a makeup chair while his face and hair are smoothed and a fake tattoo transfer wiped off his forearm.He's also flirting with female cast members, conferring with a stuntman and worrying about when he'l - read more »

Nebraska lawmakers face issues on casinos - 27 December 2003
The rancor and indecision over the push for a casino gambling measure is far from resolved as lawmakers ready for a new session starting Jan. 7.In an Associated Press pre-session survey of Nebraska's 49 lawmakers, only 20 said they supported the effort in the Legislature to ask voters whether they want to allow casino - read more »

Louisiana lawmaker opposes tribal casino plan - 27 December 2003
A northwest Louisiana congressman says he disagrees with a new federal ruling that opens the way for a new Indian casino in the state and may take measures to overturn it.U.S. Rep. Jim McCrery, R-Shreveport, who has opposed the Jena Band of Choctaw's plans for a casino in Logansport, said he is studying this week's U.S - read more »

MGM Grand celebrates first decade - 27 December 2003
With little fanfare and no public celebration, the MGM Grand, part of the MGM Mirage family, quietly turned 10 years old on December 18. David Van Kalsbeek, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing MGM Grand, says, "Internally, we honored our employees. We have a very storied past and are focused on the future, where we - read more »

Security is High at Tunica Casinos - 27 December 2003
You can expect tighter security at Mississippi casinos this holiday season.Since the country is on a higher terrorism alert, more security guards are walking around casino grounds. Officers are even stopping cars in parking garages and checking vehicle trunks for any suspcious devices.Some casino officials say their b - read more »

Court freezes poll results on Tinian casino initiative - 27 December 2003
The Superior Court has ruled to prevent the Commonwealth Election Commission from certifying the results on Tinian, particularly on the fate of a popular initiative that seeks to amend the Revised Tinian Casino Gaming Control Act of 1989."There is no logical reason for the CEC to certify an election result that may wel - read more »

Thunder Valley vs. Reno: Whose slots pay more? - 27 December 2003
Just who is regularly handing out more money to its customers is debatable. Is making the drive to Lake Tahoe or Reno a good bet? Or is it wise to stick closer to home and gamble that Thunder Valley Casino is the road to riches?Reno casinos routinely criticize Indian casinos, including Thunder Valley, for not paying en - read more »

As Tribe Plans Hotel for Casino, Niagara Falls Weighs Effects - 27 December 2003
After opening a casino in downtown Niagara Falls, N.Y., the Seneca Indian tribe will begin construction next spring of a $140 million hotel - the tallest building in the city skyline - as part of the gambling complex. The hotel is to stand 26 floors high and have 600 rooms, including those reserved for high rollers, an - read more »

New Park Board superintendent lost gambling license - 27 December 2003
The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association lost its license to sell pulltabs during Jon Gurban's time as its executive director.In 1998, the state Gambling Control Board pulled the trade group's license because of insufficient oversight of its pulltab operations. Gurban is now the incoming superintendent of the Minn - read more »

Legality of online gambling remains big question mark - 27 December 2003
The first reaction is amused bewilderment as the sports-talk host breaks from the morning gabfest to pitch an offshore sports book. Hey, I'm thinking this huckster is either: a) dumber than dirt; b) doesn't give a flip about pushing an illegal activity; c) is desperate for extra cash; or d) all of the above.Bet the hou - read more »

Seminoles Look to Hard Rock Casinos - 27 December 2003
It was here, on a run-down stretch of State Road 7, that the multibillion-dollar Indian gambling industry had its humble beginnings. Today, the Seminoles' original high-stakes bingo hall still stands, but the squat building seems a relic from the past. Just down the road, the tribe sees its future: A flashy Las Vegas-s - read more »

Gambling proposition revisited - 24 December 2003
A man who's trying to get casino-type wagering legalized in drinking establishments in Arkansas says he's scratching his first proposed constitutional amendment and will start over with a retooled version. Barry Emigh of Hot Springs said he hasn't stirred up enough support - including financial contributions - for his - read more »

Court upholds status of Indian-run casinos - 23 December 2003
A federal appeals court upheld California's tribal gambling law Monday, ruling that it violates no federal law even though it gives tribes special privileges to operate casinos. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld the July 2002 decision by U.S. District Judge David F. Levi in Sacramento, who r - read more »

Mandalay Bay opens new luxury hotel tower on Las Vegas Strip - 22 December 2003
Hoping to bolster its growing convention business, the Mandalay Bay megaresort has opened a new luxury hotel tower that's sleek in design and kitsch-free.The 43-story tower _ called THEhotel _ has 1,128 suites and cost about $230 million to build. The tower has a spa and fitness center, a lounge and two restaurants, in - read more »

Millionaire bids to keep Christchurch casino local - 22 December 2003
Millionaire hotelier Earl Hagaman has thrown his hat in the ring as the battle for control of the Christchurch Casino heats up. Hagaman, who lives in Christchurch, has rounded up five other investors to bid for British company Aspinall's 41 per cent stake in the casino, estimated to be worth $90 million. Hagaman said h - read more »

Las Vegas gaming giants warn tax take threatens UK expansion - 22 December 2003
American Casino operators are demanding that the Treasury introduce a tax rate of no more than 20 per cent on gaming profits before they will invest large sums in the gaming industry, which is to be deregulated next year.Las Vegas operators such as Harrah's and MGM Mirage will not build the large resort casinos, envisa - read more »

California Indian casinos hurting Reno resorts - 22 December 2003
Reno casinos continue to feel the pinch of growing competition from California Indian casinos.The Eldorado Hotel&Casino; reported a 63 percent drop in third-quarter net profit from a year ago, the latest sign of trouble for Reno resorts.The nearby Circus Circus Hotel Casino earlier reported a 60 percent decline in third - read more »

Seminoles gamble big on new enterprise -- a pair of casinos - 22 December 2003
The multibillion-dollar American Indian gambling industry had its start on a run-down stretch of State Road 7 more than two decades ago. Today, the Seminole Tribe of Florida's original high-stakes bingo hall is still there, but the squat, nondescript building looks like a relic from the past.Just down the road, the tri - read more »

Is Wichita casino still in cards? - 21 December 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has not ruled out Wichita as the site of a tourist-destination casino, her chief counsel said Friday.Wichita stands a better chance for a large-scale development than any other location except Kansas City, Kan., Matt All said."It's still the biggest city in the state," he said. "Whether Wichita e - read more »

Strip poker: Casino women bare almost all for calendar - 21 December 2003
First, it was the cheeky moniker and skimpy outfits. Now, the Borgata Babes are raising eyebrows for what they're not wearing.The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa's cocktail servers have been turned into pinup girls, starring in a glossy, full-color 2004 calendar that borders on soft porn.In "Babes of Borgata," eight of the - read more »

City to drop casino lawsuit - 21 December 2003
The city will drop its lawsuit against Thunder Valley Casino, the City Council decided Thursday in a special closed session.The suit had been filed in April 2002 by Rocklin, Roseville and a local group called Citizens for Safer Communities, seeking to halt construction of the casino, which opened last June.In September - read more »

Ban on casino signs takes full effect on New Year's Day - 20 December 2003
Gov. Bob Wise is issuing a final warning to video poker retailers who use “casino” or other gambling-related terms on outdoor signs.The governor's New Year's resolution: If video poker owners don't have the prohibited signs taken down by Jan. 1, their machines will be turned off. “The buck truly stops on the first,” sa - read more »

Call to probe note acceptor use in SA casino - 20 December 2003
The South Australian Independent Gambling Authority (IGA) is being asked to investigate how the Adelaide Casino is able to use a note acceptor on its roulette wheel.The devices which accepts notes rather than coins are illegal for poker machines in SA.But "No Pokies" MP Nick Xenophon claims the casino is exploiting a l - read more »

Evangeline slots casino opens in Louisiana - 19 December 2003
Evangeline Downs will become the third track in Louisiana to operate a slots casino on Friday night when it opens a 1,627-machine facility at its future site in Opelousas, La. Racing operations will not move to Opelousas until 2005, but revenues from slots will supplement Evangeline's purses immediately, beginning with - read more »

Large metro casino proposed to fund college financial aid - 19 December 2003
Touching off what promises to be the next big battle in Minnesota's political wars over casino proposals, an influential legislator said Wednesday that a giant Twin Cities-area gambling emporium would add $250 million a year to state coffers. She suggests that much of it to providing college and technical school schola - read more »

Galaxy unveils plan for casino operation in Macao - 19 December 2003
Galaxy Resort and Casino, one of the newest entrants into Macao's hospitality and gaming industry, unveiled here on Wednesday a 1.1-billion-US dollar plan for building casinos and hotels in Macao. The five-star Galaxy Star World Hotel, Galaxy's first purpose-built property, is due to open in 2005, said Francis Lui, cha - read more »

Hotelier targets stake in casino - 19 December 2003
Millionaire hotelier Earl Hagaman has thrown his hat in the ring as the battle heats up for control of the Christchurch Casino. Christchurch-based Mr Hagaman has rounded up five other investors to bid for a foundation stake in the casino, which estimates put at $90 million. That would make the whole casino worth about - read more »

Oneidas, Pataki squabble on sharing casino money - 19 December 2003
The leader of the Oneida Indian Nation yesterday accused top negotiators for Gov. George Pataki of bargaining in bad faith over land claims and other issues with the tribe.Tribal President Ray Halbritter said the Pataki administration during land-claim talks has made "11th- hour" demands for the tribe to turn over a po - read more »

Bet as You Watch Casino on TV - 19 December 2003
Kenilworth Systems Corporation plans to provide real time television broadcasts of live in-progress casino table games of Roulette, Baccarat, Craps and more to digital satellite and digital cable subscribers at home, hotel rooms/resorts, racetracks, pubs and public gathering places throughout the industrialized world, - read more »

Lottery bosses drop our draws - 19 December 2003
New-style tickets on sale from tonight are purely scratchcards, offering instant wins of up to £10,000.Gamblers can choose from two new formats, each with its own prize structure.The Superscratch, initially themed as a Lucky Dice game, will offer top instant prizes of £10,000 and a one-in-seven chance of winning a priz - read more »

Gaming Commission OKs mostly dry site for Greenville casino - 18 December 2003
In a state where most casinos are built over water, the Mississippi Gaming Commission has approved a Greenville casino site that normally stays dry most of the year.Commission chairman Len Blackwell of Gulfport said he thinks the site for the proposed Bali-Hi casino is fine under state law, which says casinos must be o - read more »

Harrah’s may have its eyes on Lincoln Park - 18 December 2003
Harrah's Entertainment Inc., the Narragansett Indian tribe's partner in the effort to win approval of a gambling casino in West Warwick, may have its sights set on troubled Lincoln Park. Spokesman Gary Thompson said Harrah's "primary goal, depending on what happens with the referendum next year, is to develop a full-se - read more »

London Clubs International bets on Expansion Moves - 18 December 2003
London Clubs International is looking to expand in advance of a shake-up in the gambling laws in the coming year.Exceptional trading at Les Ambassadeurs in Mayfair helped the casino operator boost half-year turnover by 17% to £88.3m and turn a £0.3m pre-tax loss into a £1.2m pre-tax profit.The group said its casinos at - read more »

Senecas choose name for new casino - 17 December 2003
The Seneca Nation of Indians has come up with a name for its second casino. The new gaming facility, under construction in the nation's Allegany Territory in Salamanca, will be called the Seneca Allegheny Casino. The casino is located just off Exit 20 along I-86 in Salamanca. The Seneca Nation leadership chose the mo - read more »

26 rail cars derail near Thunder Valley Casino - 17 December 2003
A Union Pacific train headed to Roseville from Portland derailed at 8:06 a.m. at Industrial and Athens avenues just east of the Thunder Valley Casino near Lincoln.Out of 86 cars, 26 went off the tracks including ones that were carrying lumber, lumber products and plastic pellets, according to Union Pacific, Placer Coun - read more »

State gets $32.8 million in casino slot money - 17 December 2003
Connecticut's two American Indian-run casinos contributed $32.8 million to the state Monday for their November slot machine revenues.Mohegan Sun gave $16.6 million off slot revenues of $66.7 million, while Foxwoods Resort Casino gave $16.2 million of slot revenues of $64.6 million.In November 2002, the two casinos comb - read more »

Casino will create lots of jobs, and Sentosa is an ideal location - 17 December 2003
The idea of developing a casino here is not new but is worth a second look. After all, there are gaming activities in Singapore like horse-racing, football betting and the lottery.All these activities synergise well with the concept of building a mega casino cum theme park and will help Singapore attain its goal of bec - read more »

Emerald Casino deal approved - 17 December 2003
The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approved a settlement Monday between the state and the bankrupt Emerald Casino that details how the sale of the casino would be handled.The plan, which was announced last month by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, has to be approved in bankruptcy court. The settlement allows investors - read more »

SkyCity interested in Christchurch casino - 17 December 2003
Casino operator SkyCity confirmed it is interested in buying into the Christchurch casino.London gaming house Aspinall's owns just over 30% of the Christchurch business which also has a stake in the Dunedin casino.SkyCity says it has had several discussions with Aspinall's about buying its shareholding but no agreement - read more »

State getting far less than projected from casino taxes - 17 December 2003
Almost halfway through the budget year, declining attendance and profits at riverboat casinos have virtually ensured higher gambling taxes won't produce the money officials had counted on to balance the state budget.Gov. Rod Blagojevich and state lawmakers hoped the higher taxes and admission fees would produce an addi - read more »

Nevada Gaming Control Board Expected to Revisit Problem Gambling Rules - 17 December 2003
Nevada gaming regulators plan next year to take another look at the state's 5-year-old problem gambling regulations, Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said.The Nevada Gaming Commission enacted new rules in 1999 that required casinos to educate employees about problem gambling, and to post notices ad - read more »

Casino brings city jobs boost - 15 December 2003
About 300 new jobs are to be created at one of Tyneside's newest leisure complexes. Casino firm Aspinalls and the pub company Centro are investing about £7m in the Gate complex in Newcastle. The £80m Gate site is already home to cinemas, bars and other leisure facilities. The Gate has also won an award for the way it h - read more »

Tribe aims for February opening of casino - 15 December 2003
Officials with the Meskwaki tribe have scuttled plans to reopen their casino by Christmas, and now say February is more realistic.The casino, one of Tama County's largest employers, has been shut down since May when federal regulators closed it for violating federal tribal gaming rules.Tribal attorneys say the National - read more »

Woman strikes gold with $5.5 million jackpot - 15 December 2003
Although she never has to again, Alvenia P. Stephens left Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio with plans to go to work this morning. But the same woman who arrived on a bus left in a limousine.On one of her twice-a-month bus trips to the casino, Stephens, 48, a teacher's aide and hospital nutritionist from Panorama City, w - read more »

Pennsylvania Senate Revisits Debate on Slot Casinos - 15 December 2003
Slot machines and racetracks have been almost-forgotten issues at the state Capitol for the past three months, but state Sen. Vincent Fumo wants to reignite the debate over expanded gambling in a big way.The powerful Philadelphia Democrat is seeking support from fellow legislators for a sweeping proposal to legalize as - read more »

Park Place, MGM Mirage consider casinos in Japan - 14 December 2003
At least two Las Vegas-based gaming giants seem be setting their sights on developing a major urban casino in Tokyo and have had recent discussions with representatives of the governor of Tokyo about development partnerships. Park Place Entertainment Corp. and MGM Mirage have each had discussions with representatives o - read more »

Warning signal on underage gambling - 14 December 2003
Concern expressed in recent months regarding underage gambling, as well as the state's possible role in fostering it, has been given additional substance by reports from another part of Fairfield County: Six percent of middle- and high-school students surveyed in Monroe said they gambled daily, twice the rate found two - read more »

Seminoles buy casino software - 13 December 2003
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has selected InfoGenesis, a hospitality information technology vendor, to provide the point-of-sale software for its two Hard Rock Hotel and Casino properties. The Tampa property opened in June and the second hotel in Hollywood is scheduled to open in spring 2004. The Santa Barbara, Calif. - read more »

Cirque du Soleil Celebrates 10 Years in Las Vegas - 13 December 2003
In December 1993, Cirque du Soleil planted a flower in the desert. Mystere, its first resident show presented in a custom-built theatre at Treasure Island, was to bloom with vigor and beauty. It has since become a favorite of the locals and the press worldwide. Mystere has been credited with changing the face of entert - read more »

Legislature Flooded With Calls Opposed to Gambling - 13 December 2003
Legislators meeting in special session don't have a gambling bill to consider, but a lobbyist has apparently been hired by casino interests in Tunica, Mississippi, to urge Arkansas voters to call their legislators and say they don't want legalized gambling. Officials from the House and Senate say the phone lines have b - read more »

Former Casino Executive Named to Indian Affairs Position - 13 December 2003
Former casino executive Dave Anderson is the new assistant secretary of Indian Affairs after being confirmed this week by the Senate.Anderson, 50, was included in a group of noncontroversial nominees approved Tuesday by voice vote in the Senate."There are many opportunities and challenges ahead, and my first order of b - read more »

Some see a jackpot in Phila. slot parlors - 13 December 2003
Developers are already expressing interest in licenses for two slot-machine parlors that could be located in Center City under the terms of a gambling bill now being negotiated by legislators in Harrisburg.Legislative leaders are trying to finalize a bill and might bring it up for a vote as early as Tuesday.Earlier thi - read more »

Governor's task force envisions casino in K.C.K - 13 December 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' gaming task force said Friday that Kansas should expand gambling opportunities, starting with a destination casino in Wyandotte County."Time is important," said Tom Wright, chairman of the Governor's Committee on Gaming. "Outside competition will take over if the state does nothing."The task for - read more »

Betfair and GamCare in ground-breaking new initiative - 13 December 2003
By the end of March 2004 all Betfair's customer-facing staff will be “GamCare qualified and registered”. The scheme, modeled on the FSA examinations required of all those who work in the financial markets, will see all of Betfair's customer-facing staff attending seminars and workshops run by GamCare and sponsored by B - read more »

Plans for Golden Nugget on hold until sale is complete - 12 December 2003
Professional tennis star Andre Agassi could soon be one of the new owners of the Golden Nugget in Laughlin and Las Vegas.Agassi and Chuck Mathewson, former chairman of International Game Technology, have invested $5 million each with Poster Financial Group, a company in the process of purchasing the Golden Nugget prope - read more »

Maine's Governor Plans Gambling Commission to Tightly Regulate Industr - 12 December 2003
Flanked by legislative leaders, Gov. John E. Baldacci promised Wednesday to deliver a new racino bill to lawmakers next month in an effort to craft some of the toughest gambling regulations in the country.The Bangor Democrat's remarks followed last month's voter approval of slot machines at the state's two major harnes - read more »

Anti-Gamblers Attack New Celebrity Poker Show - 12 December 2003
A new celebrity poker challenge on TV in America has come under fire for sending the wrong message about gambling to kids.BEN AFFLECK, DAVID SCHWIMMER and DON CHEADLE are among the stars competing in the CELEBRITY POKER CHALLENGE tournament, which debuted last week (ends05DEC03).And officials at America's National Coun - read more »

The world's largest betting company is making a charge for the Danish gaming market - 12 December 2003
The world's largest betting company is making a concerted push to run gambling operations in Denmark. On Thursday, Britain's Ladbrokes appealed to the Danish government for permission to run betting operations and establish gambing shops in this country. Danish-based Tipstjenesten currently holds a monopoly on gaming a - read more »

Cops and robbers play for high stakes in Mississippi casinos - 12 December 2003
A woman wearing a wig set the gift-wrapped package on the counter and told the casino cashier to hand over money or she would detonate the bomb hidden inside.By the time police arrived at the Grand Casino and determined the package was nothing more than an empty honey bun box, the bandit was long gone, along with more - read more »

Nevada's gambling revenues climb - 12 December 2003
The state's 350 casinos won $819.5 million from gamblers in October, up 1.5 percent from $807.2 million in October 2002, the Gaming Control Board reported Wednesday. Strip table game strength and better-than-expected results in Northern Nevada drove the positive comparisons. Still, Gov. Kenny Guinn said the state's gam - read more »

Gaming plans still need work - 11 December 2003
Winning at the ballot box was the easy part. Now, the horse track and the Sault Ste. Marie tribe casino, both approved Dec. 2 by Romulus voters, must clear formidable obstacles in Lansing and Washington. The yet-to-be-built Magna Entertainment Corp. racetrack must win approval from a recalcitrant state Senate, where le - read more »

Newcastle kit deal gives Robson muscle in next month's market - 11 December 2003
Sir Bobby Robson will hope to flex extra financial muscle in the market next month after Newcastle yesterday extended their kit sponsorship with Adidas until 2010. The deal is worth up to £25m.Robson wants to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens after adding only Lee Bowyer, on a free transfer, last su - read more »

Fox Gambling on Burnett's 'Casino' - 11 December 2003
Fox believes it has a sure thing in Mark Burnett. Hoping to hit the ratings jackpot, the network and the mastermind behind CBS' Survivor and NBC's The Restaurant are joining forces to ante up Casino, a new hourlong reality series that will document the grand reopening of Las Vegas' legendary Golden Nugget Hotel and Cas - read more »

Beyonce, R. Kelly Win at Billboard Awards - 11 December 2003
R&B; dominated Wednesday's 2003 Billboard Music Awards, as sultry singer Beyonce and crooner R. Kelly each earned four awards. Beyonce, who appeared at the ceremony in a sequined Versace dress, won new female artist of the year, new R&B; artist, Hot 100 female artist and a special Hot 100 award for most weeks at No. 1. T - read more »

Update: Jefferson County Gambling Case - 10 December 2003
A Jefferson County sheriff's deputy who was charged with Sheriff Boe Fontaine for allegedly failing to promptly shut down a gambling house says the state can't remove him from office. Dane Reed's attorney filed a motion in Jefferson County Circuit Court yesterday says the charge should be dismissed because it gives the - read more »

Largest casino company starts list to bar problem gamblers, even involuntarily in some cases - 10 December 2003
The world's largest casino company is creating a list of problem gamblers who would be barred for life from all Park Place Entertainment casinos, company officials said Tuesday.Problem gamblers on the list would also lose any jackpots they win on return visits to Park Place casinos, which include Caesars, Bally's and H - read more »

Wireless Gambling Revenue Expected to Reach $16 Billion by 2008 - 10 December 2003
While needing to overcome some significant regulatory and legal hurdles, worldwide revenues for all forms of gambling on mobile phones can reach $16 billion by 2008, according to a new research report: "Mobile Gambling: Casinos, Lotteries & Betting", now available from Alexander Resources, a leading research, consultin - read more »

Most oppose 'resort casino' - 10 December 2003
A gambling shake-up making it easier to place a bet is opposed by more than nine out of 10 people, a poll revealed.Gambling laws are to be relaxed, paving the way for the creation of new "super casinos".But 93% of people say there are already enough opportunities for a flutter, the NOP survey found.The Salvation Army, - read more »

Vegas casino's new aquarium features sharks - 09 December 2003
There's a new shark in Las Vegas - but this one isn't a card shark. A great hammerhead shark is now attracting tourists at the massive aquarium at the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino. The Shark Reef exhibit has a total of 15 other shark species on display. The hammerhead was captured off the coast of Florida more than two ye - read more »

A complicated gambling debate awaits lawmakers - 09 December 2003
A complex and contentious gambling debate awaits lawmakers, probably shortly after they convene the next legislative session on Jan. 12.Leaders have managed to steer clear of this very divisive issue for a few years, but it now has been placed squarely in front of them. Whether they actually will be able to settle anyt - read more »

China's online game makers reportedly bring in $250 million - 09 December 2003
China's Internet game makers are expected to make $250 million this year, earning respectability for an industry once "despised and scorned," the official Xinhua News Agency said Monday.The companies are riding the surging popularity of online games among an estimated 40 million of China's 78 million Internet users. It - read more »

Float for phone gambling firm - 08 December 2003
A mobile phone gambling firm is close to appointing advisers for a flotation next year. Million-2-1, which runs text message lotteries for charities and sports gambling games, is expected to be valued at about £50m. Chief executive Chris Sheffield is holding talks with Arsenal and its shirt sponsor mmO2 over match-day - read more »

Legalising casinos a 'threat to society' - 08 December 2003
Pro-democracy activists say some groups stand to cash in to tune of Bt100 billionThe Campaign for Popular Democracy yesterday blasted the government's proposal to open casinos in the Kingdom, saying it was contrary to Buddhism and a threat to society."We will fight to the end," its secretary-general Suriyasai Katasila - read more »

MPs scrutinise casino plans - 08 December 2003
Plans to build Las Vegas-style casinos in Blackpool are due to be considered by a committee of MPs and lords. The 18-strong committee was travelling to the resort on Monday to gather opinions about the plans. If the proposals are given the go-ahead, five hotel casinos along the resort's Golden Mile will form the centre - read more »

California tribe buys historic hotel - 06 December 2003
The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians has purchased the U.S. Grant Hotel, a 93-year-old hotel that has played host to presidents and celebrities.The San Diego County tribe took over the 284-room hotel Wednesday from Wyndham International for $45 million. The Dallas-based hotel chain paid $29 million for the property 2 1/ - read more »

Grand Ronde floats another gambling deal - 06 December 2003
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has once again proposed building a casino to help pay for a Portland construction project. Earlier this year, the tribe offered to pay for a $350 million dollar baseball stadium in return for a Portland casino. But Governor Kulongoski said he wouldn't approve it. The this time the - read more »

Maine Racing Commission Report Raises Concerns about Casino Developer - 06 December 2003
A draft report on Shawn A. Scott contains information about his past gambling ventures and business associates that could damage his efforts to develop a racino at Bangor Raceway.The report, compiled for the Maine Harness Racing Commission, became public Thursday when the Maine Supreme Judicial Court refused to block a - read more »

Challenge filed over casino site - 05 December 2003
Plans are going ahead for a casino on Caillavet Street in Biloxi, on property owned by state Sen. Tommy Gollott, even though the decision to approve the land as a gambling site is being appealed.The appeal over the Mississippi Gaming Commission's decision, filed by Gulfport attorney Reilly Morse on behalf of Mitch Kalo - read more »

Cherokees want to alter casino compact with N.C. to add new games - 05 December 2003
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians wants to amend its gambling compact with the state to expand the types of games it can offer at its casino, the tribal chief says.The tribe, which currently operates video gambling machines at its Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel on its reservation, would like to add gambling tabl - read more »

A.C. man indicted for slashing guard at Tropicana casino - 05 December 2003
A county grand jury indicted an Atlantic City man late Wednesday for allegedly slashing a Tropicana Casino and Resort security guard in the face last month.At 2:30 a.m. Nov. 1, Carlos Rosa, 50, allegedly used a three-inch carpenter knife to attack the officer.Rosa was indicted on one count of second-degree aggravated a - read more »

Harrah’s exec replaces Ribis on CRDA board - 05 December 2003
Gov. James E. McGreevey on Thursday appointed a senior executive with Harrah's Entertainment Inc. to represent the gaming industry on the board of the state Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.David J. Satz, vice president of government relations and development for Harrah's, fills a vacancy created by the resign - read more »

Web gambling pioneer sets sights on Internet pot - 05 December 2003
Warren Eugene, a pioneer of Internet gambling, sees a lucrative new on-line frontier in a Canadian law that allows people with certain illnesses to grow and smoke their own marijuana. Eugene, 43, says his firm, Amigula/Medical Cannabis Inc., plans to grow and sell the drug to people authorized to use it for medical pur - read more »

Hollywood Casino to sponsor Liberty Bowl - 04 December 2003
Hollywood Casino is placing its bets on a long-running Memphis tradition, the AXA Liberty Bowl Football Classic. This year's is the 45th, and on New Year's Eve Conference USA champs Southern Mississippi will face off against Mountain West champs Utah. Hollywood Casino will be a sponsor of this year's Classic, to be hel - read more »

Mandalay Resort Group reports record third quarter earnings - 04 December 2003
Mandalay Resort Group will raise dividends to 27 cents per share after reporting record third quarter earnings, company officials said Wednesday.For the quarter that ended Oct. 31, the company reported net income of $40.6 million, or 63 cents per share, compared with $32.2 million, or 47 cents per share, in the same pe - read more »

Legislature to miss deadline for video-gambling issue - 04 December 2003
Legislators will miss today's deadline to let voters decide March 2 whether video-gambling machines should be allowed at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks, including Toledo's Raceway Park."It didn't happen because people couldn't agree on how to spend the money," said state Sen. Louis Blessing (R., Cincinnati), the bill - read more »

Macau's gambling shake-up - 04 December 2003
The former Portuguese enclave of Macau in south-eastern China is preparing for its busiest weekend of the year. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected for the annual Macau Grand Prix. And when they arrive they will see two huge developments taking shape along the harbour front. The gambling industry has been opened - read more »

State limits gaming, tribes say: law allows higher payouts, more machines, tribal leaders say - 04 December 2003
Frustrated representatives from six of Montana's seven Indian reservations said Wednesday that they want the expanded gambling opportunities envisioned by a federal law, but the state refuses to allow them in negotiations. Roger Running Crane of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation told the state Gaming Advisory Council th - read more »

Aztar resumes work on Atlantic City casino expansion - 03 December 2003
Phoenix-based Aztar Corp. said Tuesday construction has resumed on its new hotel tower at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. Work on the project was halted a month ago, following the Oct. 30 collapse of a portion of a multistory parking garage that was being built. Four people died and 22 were injured in the i - read more »

Hubbard group beats out three contenders - 03 December 2003
The state Gaming Control Board on Tuesday granted a gaming license to Zia Park Partners to operate Zia Park, a new horse race track and casino in Hobbs.The gaming license was required under conditions set when the state Racing Commission granted a racing license to Zia Park Partners on Nov. 19.Zia Park Partners is comp - read more »

Supreme Court mulls gambling question - 03 December 2003
Gamble on a slot machine. Pay for education. To the state's ailing gambling industry, it's a winning formula for its proposed constitutional amendment that would allow voters in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to decide whether to legalize slot-machine gambling at seven parimutuel facilities.But gambling opponents told - read more »

Romulus voters OK new casino - 03 December 2003
Thousands of tourists could transform Romulus into a regional destination after voters passed proposals Tuesday to build two gambling establishments. But the fight to build a casino and racetrack still faces an uncertain future in the state Legislature and Congress, both of which must support aspects of the plan. Romul - read more »

N.C. Tribe Starts New Hotel In Gambling Town - 03 December 2003
A new hotel is being built by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians without money from the gaming company that helped build the tribe's first hotel. The tribe broke ground Monday on the new hotel tower and is planning to expand its gambling business without financial support from Harrah's Entertainment. The second hotel - read more »

Sky City details $A70m Adelaide casino upgrade - 02 December 2003
Sky City Entertainment today announced the $A20 million ($NZ23 million) first stage of a potential $A70 million redevelopment of its Adelaide casino. The first stage of the three-year plan involves the development of street-front food and beverage outlets. Final decisions on the extent of investment are conditional on - read more »

Gamblers dealing state a big windfall - 02 December 2003
Colorado casino-goers have left more than $5.4 billion at the tables in the past 12 years, but their loss is the state's gain.Thanks to poker, blackjack and slot machines, Colorado's coffers are $684 million richer, funding everything from highways and historical needs to tourism and the state's general fund.In fact, C - read more »

New Cocopah Casino to open Dec. 12 - 02 December 2003
The suspense is nearly over for the opening date of the new Cocopah Casino.The new 98,000-square-foot Cocopah Casino will have 475 slot machines, eight blackjack tables, a bingo room, a dining room, banquet facilities, a 24-hour snack bar, a sports bar and a stage for various productions. Photo by Charles Whitehouse "W - read more »

Cash-less casino pays off for clients - 02 December 2003
There's a new casino operating just north of Montreal and gamblers won't win money if they play.The cash-less casino in Terrebonne is believed to be the first of its kind in Canada. Its clients are about 140 problem gamblers who drop by whenever the mood strikes. They pay one dollar for a cup of coffee or buy a hamburg - read more »

Punter hits record on internet casino - 01 December 2003
A punter won a record £600,000 in two weeks through internet gambling, it was revealed yesterday.Stephen Johnson, 40, is convinced he hit a winning streak because he gave £1 to a homeless beggar.Hours after handing over the cash, he racked up £120,000 on a web casino.During the next fortnight he took the total to £600, - read more »

Icahn interested in buying Las Vegas Hilton - 01 December 2003
A company controlled by billionaire financier Carl Icahn is in negotiations to acquire the Las Vegas Hilton from Park Place Entertainment (PPE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , according to the latest edition of Barron's. The Icahn company, American Real Estate Partners, disclosed in its most recent quarterly filing with - read more »

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