Steve’s Las Vegas Quickies

Congratulations to The Las Vegas Hilton as there Race and Sportsbooks came in second palce in the “Best Of Gaming” edition of Casino Player magazine. With all the new improvements Race and Sportsbook director Jay Kornegay is implementing, I am anticipating a first place finish next year.

Also congratulations to my friends at Bally’s Sterling Brunch for their # 1 ranking for Best Sunday Brunch.

“Tropical Heat Wednesday” pool parties at the Las Vegas Hilton have been cancelled. The “South Beach Sunday” pool parties are continuing from noon to 7 p.m.; cost is $10.

“Crazy Girls” at the Riviera Hotel & Casino new age restriction is 18 and older instead of 21 and up.

NBC has signed a groundbreaking deal with cable network TNT for syndication rights to the series “Las Vegas.”

The $40 million agreement allows TNT to air “Las Vegas” eight days after the original airing and gives TNT a first-ever video-on-demand right.

reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Doctors at a German clinic have confirmed that illusionist Roy Horn is undergoing stem cell treatment in hopes of walking again, according to published reports in Germany. Horn was severely injured almost two years ago when he was attacked during a show with longtime partner Siegfried Fischbacher at The Mirage. Horn entered the Leonardis Clinic in Bad Heilbrunn about two weeks ago and is “undergoing stem cell therapy using cells from his own body,” a doctor at the clinic told members of the German media. reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Michael Coldwell, a recent departee from the PR department at Caesars Entertainment, is writing the unauthorized biography of Caesars Palace. Word is he has a publisher, a late 2005 roll-out and that he’s going to delve into some of the old mob tales that the old-timers are telling him.

reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

Lawry’s The Prime Rib, 4043 Howard Hughes Parkway, is displaying a selection of historical Las Vegas photos through the end of August in recognition of the city’s centennial.

The South Coast casino construction continued Wednesday. The resort, the newest Boyd GamingCorp. project, is expected to open in early 2006. A second tower, which includes a spa and fitness center, will add 700 hotel rooms, bringing the total to 1,350. The project will cost about $600 million, Boyd officials said. Las Vegas SUN: South Coast construction continues

The latest on the retooling of “Le Reve,” the “O”-like show at Wynn Las Vegas: Creator Franco Dragone is in Europe, looking for what he’s calling “one more death-defying act.” Meanwhile, he’s cut one of the show’s most unsettling scenes, the pregnant-looking performers who were dropped into the pool from high above. reviewjournal.com — News: NORM

In a surprise move, the Barrick Gaming Corporation has sold 100% of its subsidiaries to the international organization, the Tamares Group. This includes The Plaza, the Las Vegas Club, the Western and the Gold Spike. This extends Tamares downtown stake which had already included the Nevada Club, the Four Queens and at least 40 other commercial and residential properties in the area.

The E! Network aired a program listing the top #20 ‘Hippest Hotspots’ in the country. Ranked #1 nationwide was Las Vegas’ very own Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Imperial Palace is searching for a new spoke model to bring their animated character Suzi Sake to life. They hope to have a new face to go along with scheduled remodel set for the end of summer.

The newest addition to the Tropicana Casino is the Las Vegas Historic Museum, an exhibit that allows customers to take a peek into Las Vegas’ underworld, focusing on gaming, mobsters, entertainers and the brothels of Nevada.

The Imperial Palace Casino announced the opening of its new, fine-dining restaurant, Fireside. Fireside, located on the Fifth Floor Dining Plaza, replaces the hotel’s Rib House and features a new look and menu. With its Southwestern flare, Fireside entrees range from $15 - $26.

Happy Birthday to the Las Vegas Monorail who turned one this past weekend. While the first twelve months have been troubled with low ridership and multiple shutdowns, execs now believe that the wrinkles have been ironed out.

Lance Burton will host the 2nd episode of “Criss Angel MindFreak: Wine Barrel” at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27th on A&E.

A&E will re-air it throughout July 27-Aug. 2 (check your TV listings). It was filmed at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino. “Criss Angel MindFreak” is a weekly series on A&E. —————– NORM: La Bete is dead; new club in works.

Steve Wynn has given the boot to The Beast.

Less than three months after the opening of the $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn is scrapping his featured nightclub, La Bete, French for “The Beast,” in favor of a name change, a multimillion dollar renovation and new management.

Wynn has tapped former Hollywood nightclub icon Victor Drai to turn the club around. The club will close in October for a four-week remodeling.

Drai, the father of Las Vegas’ after-hours scene, has become a partner and will manage the club with members of his staff and holdovers from La Bete.

“They know the hotel business better than anyone in the world,” Drai said Wednesday. “But I think you get lost in the club. They realized maybe they need a more personal operation.”

Why the name change?

“I think the name was related to a certain image of the club that isn’t going to be there anymore,” he said, referring to the illuminated beastlike statues in a lagoon outside the open-air dance area.

Drai left Hollywood eight years ago to open Drai’s restaurant in the basement of the Barbary Coast. Six years ago he began Drai’s After Hours, a concept that has since been copied at numerous venues.

“We have a real strong name in Las Vegas,” Drai said. “People like us. I think that was attractive (to Wynn). Hopefully we will have a great connection between L.A. and Vegas.” reviewjournal.com — News: NORM: La Bete is dead; new club in works ——- “No MSG — A Musical Variety Show in Good Taste” opens Friday in the Chinatown Mall with an ambitious schedule of 12 shows per week. It’s produced by Jerry Schafer, who was an

active force on the Strip from the 1960s through the 1980s.

The revue features veteran ventriloquist Sammy King, Chinese acrobats and the Janien Valentine Singers, fronted by Valentine, who as Janien Masse starred in “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” and “Notre Dame de Paris” on the Strip before working with Clint Holmes at Harrah’s Las Vegas.

All tickets for the show will be $75, but the price includes dinner with priority seating at one of six restaurants in the mall.

reviewjournal.com — Living - MIKE WEATHERFORD

——

Poker Madness The game is everywhere. By Len Butcher

WHEW!!!! Okay, enough said about the heat. As everyone now knows, poker has resurfaced as THE table game in casinos, thanks to TV coverage and the recently concluded World Series of Poker where the winner walked away with more than $7 million.

Since its inception, Binion’s Horseshoe downtown was the site of this annual major event until the property and the tournament were purchased by Harrah’s which moved it to the Rio, although the final table was played at Binion’s this year for the last time. But Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel, as it is now called, is now owned and operated by MTR Gaming Group, Inc. and it is not willing to step out of the poker spotlight.

This past week, it announced that it will introduce a new international tournament, Binion’s Poker Classic, next fall. The casino is hoping it will re-establish Downtown Las Vegas as the poker center of the world. Specific details of the tournament, such as the number of events and entries, buy-ins and cash prizes will be announced by August 1.

I’m happy to hear that, as the WSOP, and Binion’s were one of, if not the biggest attractions downtown and as downtown continues to struggle, it would be a shame to see them lose their ace in the hole completely.

Speaking of poker, I had a chance to visit the poker room at Bellagio the other day and I must say, I was a little more than impressed. Talk about elegance and style. How about a a Murano hand-blown glass chandelier hanging overhead marble flooring? Or artwork depicting the action of past Bellagio tournaments and previous World Poker Tour events? I’m told that celebrity painter Leroy Neiman has been commissioned to create a

painting representing the current high stakes poker greats battling it out around the green felt tables.

Like several poker rooms today, this one, which happens to occupy 7,000 square feet, is smoke-free and features 40 tables, as well as “Bobby’s Room,” the new two-table high-limit room named in honor of 1978 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Champion and Mirage Resorts President and CEO Bobby Baldwin. Bobby, by the way, once again participated in this year’s WSOP, but was knocked out in the early going.

Before I leave Bobby’s Room, let me tell you that it will host a variety of high action games and will require players to buy-in for a minimum of $20,000. You heard me right — 20 grand!

And listen to this. Bellagio’s poker room offers guests 24-hour tableside dining, complimentary beverage service, safe deposit boxes, a full-service cashier cage with five windows and an overhead state-of-the-art music system. There also are eight 32″ television monitors and 11 42″ plasma screens throughout the room to watch sports. A gambler’s dream.

reviewjournal.com

– Lenny’s Las Vegas ——— Labor Day Weekend In Las Vegas

Nobody does it like Vegas

A Federal holiday since 1894, Labor Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of American workers on the first Monday in September.Whether you are honoring the nation’s working people, celebrating the end of the summer or marking the beginning of the school year, check out the parties, pubs / restaurants and entertainment for the weekend.

Details will be added as information becomes available.

http://www.vegas.com/shows/abordayweekend.html?vc1=1&vc2=cal_txt_90

————-

Brett’s Vegas Views

Rock legend Stevie Nicks will be back by overwhelming demand to appear in a one-night concert experience created exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. “Dreams” will be presented jointly by Caesars Palace and AEG Live on Saturday, Aug. 6, and be the grand finale performance of her tour. Tickets are priced from $75 - $175 plus handling fee, call Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000.

On July 29, seven performers will take to the stage at the Riviera as American Storm. Billed as America’s Hottest Male Revue, the company will treat audiences to a thrill-filled journey through America’s greatest moments beginning with Columbus’ discovery and ending with a patriotic medley. Tickets will be $39.95 plus tax and fee with shows nightly except Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. and with 11 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday.

Ten sexy female performers from the adult-themed “Zumanity, Another Side of Cirque du Soleil” show at New York-New York unleashed their most erotic and uninhibited selves in a provocative eight-page nude pictorial in the August issue of “Playboy,” which is currently on newsstands. The edgy photos were shot on location in the Zumanity Theatre and depict cast members showcasing their respective acts from the show.

The Imperial Palace has opened of a new, fine-dining restaurant - Fireside. Located on the Fifth Floor Dining Plaza, Fireside replaces the hotel’s Rib House and features a new look and menu for Strip diners. With its Southwestern flare, Fireside features steak, ribs, chops, chicken and seafood with entrees ranging from $15 - $26.

The comfortable dining atmosphere has a brick wall interior complete with a decorative fireplace as the focal point facing an open room. The décor features a copper ceiling, lantern-style wall sconces and a water wall accented by burnt orange and golden hues with dark blue highlights. There’s romantic seating by the fireplace for couples.

Fireside is open Tuesday - Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. For reservations, call 702-794-3261 or toll free 888-777-7664.

“Lance Burton & Friends” fundraiser for the Shriners will highlight performances by magician Lance Burton, comedy-magician Fielding West, magician Nathan Burton, Drew & Angela Dicostanzo - a.k.a. DV8 Reality Magic and puppeteer Anthony Rais with Totolino. The annual benefit will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, at The Lance Burton Theatre in the Monte Carlo. Tickets are $27.50 for balcony seats and $35 for the

lower level, call 702-382-5554 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday - Friday.

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm

————

Slot Reviews

by Gayle Mitchell

The three slot reviews below are new IGT versions that offer Instant Wins of at least $100,000.

1) Dream of Jeannie Magic Spin: Barbara Eden’s voice is back with another Jeannie version. This time though, you will find a mechanical top box bonus displaying two bonus reels. Another first is that the progressive $100,000+ prize is one of the highest found at a multi-denomination game offering ‘pennies to play’. The main bonus event is triggered when Jeannie’s bottle lands on the second or fourth reel. The bottle then expands to fill the reel and payouts are doubled for any combo on paylines in this area. Another is the Magic Spin Bonus that occurs when 3 or more Bonus Symbols are spun thus revealing a group of genie bottles awaiting your selection and bonus credits. If the selected bottle reveals a Magic Spin

Multiplier symbol, the two-tiered top box comes into play providing multiplier amounts from 2X to 5X plus a bonus $ value for a total bonus reward. The ‘best of Jeannie’ is the top reward for five TV Hits symbols offering at least $100,000 and reset at that amount. This is the moment that you are truly, The Master.

2) Magic 8 Ball: IGT goes big for this game with a large 8-Ball hanging above you encased in the top box. Look up and you are sure to find this ‘Instant Winner’ slot on the casino floor. The main event is a go when three 8-Ball symbols land on the first three reels of an active payline, then a question mark appears on the screen. Your touch of the screen will provide two, three or four spins of the giant pool ball and a cue to begin the ball spinning. Among several bonus options, a stop of the 8 spot will give the player 8 free spins. One of the IGT Famous Games, this slot boasts frequent bonus rounds and high payouts. The top jackpot is yours for five 8-Ball symbols on the first payline with a payday of at least $100,000. It’s Instant Magic under ‘the Big Ball’.

3) The Dating Game: You will remember this golden oldie where a bachelorette questions three bachelors before choosing one for a dream date. The game is re-created with symbols of hearts, eager bachelors, beautiful bachelorettes and of course, the voice of your host, Jim Lange. One of two bonus rounds is The Dating Game Bonus that begins when three bachelor or bachelorette silhouette symbols appear on the first four reels. Your choice will determine a bonus amount. Secondly, two Jim Lange symbols in any position on the second and fourth reel trigger a free spin round titled Blow Me a Kiss Bonus. You are then rewarded with 10 free spins that may continue to a second round of free spins as the Kiss Me symbols accumulate. If you receive credit for five symbols, the game adds 10 more free spins and possibly more as $$$ continue to mount. This round ends when no free spins remain or when you have gone through a total of 200 free spins. The largest reward is reserved for five Dating Game symbols in a row with max coins in play. After an Instant Win, the game resets at $100,000. awaiting the next dreamy date.

Casino Players Ezine: Editor–Gayle Mitchell

View this issue online at: www.easycasinogambling.com/ezine.html

TO SUBSCRIBE: Send a blank e-mail to: CasinoPlayers-on at mail-list.com

————-

Ellis Island Coupon..Buy 1 Dinner, Get One Free

http://thedealersnews.com./Documents/EllisIslandCpn0405.pdf

————

Playing In Slot Tournaments by Bill Burton

Tournaments are fun to play. Competing against other players adds to the excitement for those with a competitive nature. For some players winning the title is almost as important as winning the prize money. Some players prefer tournaments because they know ahead of time what their potential losses will be. Since tournaments have a set entry fee the participants know how much it will cost them to play. They can only lose the amount of their entry fee.Slot tournaments are very popular these days because they easy to play.

Slot tournaments do not require a lot of special skills, which levels the playing field and makes them inviting to all players. Like all slot machines you will need a little luck to make it to the top. Here is how they work.

http://casinogambling.about.com/od/slots/a/slottourny.htm

—————

Wynn Las Vegas Earns $140.9M in 34 Days

June 02, 2005 Wynn Resorts today released operating details for Wynn Las Vegas through May 31st, 2005.

The casino segment earned $64.3M while non-gaming revenues totaled $76.6M. The average daily rate was $308 with 91% occupancy (room inventory was not 100% available at the time of opening).

In it’s first 77 days, Bellagio generated $3M of revenue/day. Based on the above figures, Wynn Las Vegas generated $4.14M revenue/day.

http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/2005/06/wynn_las_vegas_14.html

————–

FREE PRINTABLE COUPONS

Here are links to just a few of the free printable coupons available at Vegas4Locals.com!

Tropicana: $3 off Titanic Exhibit, $10 off show tickets, free cocktail & more

http://www.vegas4locals.com/Coupontropicana.html

Tuscany Golf Club: $15 off greens fees

http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupontuscany.html

Cowboy Trail Rides: $10 - $20 off horseback rides

http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponcowboytrailrides.html

Hard Rock Café: $5 off Food, Beverage or Merchandise http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhardrock.html

The Fab Four Show: 2-for-1 tickets http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponfab4.html

The Showgirls of Magic: 2-for-1 tickets http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponshowgirlsofmagic.html

Fashionistas The Show: Free bottle of champagne or free taxi ride http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_fashionistas.html

http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons.html

—————

Here is another site with lots of coupons

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

————–

Bigger Isn’t Always Better Easton, Dusk more successful after moving to smaller rooms.

Sometimes it pays to think small, even in Las Vegas.

Putting aside the issue of ticket sales, both ’80s pop star Sheena Easton and young retro-crooner Matt Dusk are faring better in smaller venues than they did on the big stage of the Las Vegas Hilton. Easton is singing in an enclosed lounge at the Aladdin through June 9. The 330-seat room is quite similar to her 2002 stint in the Hilton’s smaller room, now known as the Shimmer Cabaret Theater.

But when she moved into the Hilton’s big room the next year as a “weekday headliner,” it just didn’t translate. Easton certainly has some grandiose pop ballads to fill the big space, including her signature James Bond theme “For Your Eyes Only.” But what seems to work best for audiences is the likeable banter between the songs, the personality that’s better conveyed in the cozier room.

Nobody knows how Dusk got booked for the big Hilton stage last November. But boy, was it bad. We’re talking stare-at-your-shoes, cringe and feel-sorry-for-the-poor-struggling-guy bad. Now Dusk returns to the Golden Nugget, where he was linked via the short-lived reality show “The Casino,” for a limited run that continues Monday (after Tony Bennett) through June 20.

More Here:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/May-27-Fri-2005/weekly/1838732.html

———

Hilton pool parties a hot way to cool off

As you know, the weather here gets hot — VERY HOT! So you may want to cool off at one of the poolside parties at the Las Vegas Hilton. First off, the Hilton’s pool, which is on the third floor, overlooks the Strip and the Vegas Valley.

These parties, by the way, are for adults only. Tropical Heat takes place Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. There’s a cover charge ($15 for men/ $10 for women) but that includes a kick start to the party with a choice of a Bacardi Hurricane, Coors Light or Tecate, along with complimentary appetizers.

As with any party, there’s lots of music, with DJ’s or bands performing and I’m told there will be a number of surprise celebrity appearances. The hotel is also offering VIP bottle service that includes exclusive use of the VIP area and Jacuzzi.

Then there’s South Beach Sundays from Noon to 8 p.m. The cover charge ($20 for men/ $15 for women) also includes a choice of a Bacardi Hurricane, Coors Light or Tecate, along with complimentary appetizers. At this party, open auditions are held for NBC’s hit show, Fear Factor. For VIP reservations to either party, call Deborah at 702-785-2444. Tickets are available at the door, in advance at the Las Vegas Hilton Box Office, by

calling 732-5755.

http://www.reviewjournal.com

—————-

49 Cuban ‘Havana Night Club’ performers granted asylum.

The 49 Cuban performers who in November filed for asylum in Las Vegas received news this week from federal officials that they will be allowed to stay in the United States.

The singers, dancers and musicians in the Stardust’s “Havana Night Club” show had said they wanted to remain in the United States because they feared reprisals from Cuban authorities.

Nicole “N.D.” Durr, the troupe’s producer and director, said most of the dancers received letters Tuesday from federal officials confirming their petitions for asylum had been granted. Some received their notices on Wednesday, and the rest were notified Thursday.

More Here: http://www .reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-22-Fri-2005/news/26924338.html

———

PLAYER’S EDGE

Each weekday afternoon, The Venetian is giving a lucky player a chance to win up to $5,000 playing the “Wheel Deal.” Beginning at 5:01 p.m., Players Club members are eligible for one entry for every 25 points earned on their cards ($500 coin-in on slots, $1,250 points video poker). At 5 p.m. the next day, the casino will draw three names — one of whom will get to spin the wheel, and all three will at least win a gift certificate for the Grand Canal Shoppes. After the final participant gets his money, the casino will draw another ticket to award someone (who must be in the crowd) an identical amount of cash.

More PLAYERS EDGE here:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-22-Fri-2005/weekly/2572905.html

———–

SHOW REVIEW: Making an Impression Gordie Brown is good enough you’d like to see him dig deeper. By Mike Weatherford.

Gordie Brown probably still has a box of MAD magazines stashed away somewhere. And whatever he could get for them on eBay can’t be worth as much as his career.

For many of us, MAD was that precious first taste of satire and parody. It remains a cherished institution long after we grew up and moved on to SCTV or The Onion.

Keeping this in mind, you can see the singing impressionist’s act as a glass half-empty — for stalling at the MAD level — or half-full for delivering consistent laughs at any level.

On one hand, the Golden Nugget headliner could probably get away with less than the Alfred E. Neuman humor of Willie Nelson singing, “To all the plants I’ve smoked before …” or Michael Jackson being happy that “I don’t have to wear black-and-white stripes.”

More Here:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Jul-22-Fri-2005/weekly/2565751.html

————

Upcoming Las Vegas Entertainment

Folk-rock legends Crosby, Stills & Nash blend their vocal harmonies Sept. 17 at the Hard Rock Hotel, 4455 Paradise Road. Tickets are $53, $68, $88 and $98 and available through Ticketmaster. To charge by phone, call 474-4000. Tickets can also be charged starting Sunday through the box office, 693-5066.

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger, original members of the Doors, join former Cult singer Ian Astbury onstage Aug. 26 at Sunset Station as The Doors of the 21st Century. Tickets, $30, are on sale at the Sunset Station front desk, 1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson. To charge by phone, call 547-5300.

Blues Traveler runs around Boulder Station on Aug. 27. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $43 for reserved seating. They’re on sale at the hotel’s Boarding Pass Rewards Center, 4111 Boulder Highway, and at area malls. To charge by phone, call 547-5300.

Hot-blooded band Foreigner rocks Texas Station on Nov. 2. Tickets are $23, $30, $35 and $43 and go on sale Saturday at Station hotels Rewards Centers, and at the hotel, 2101 Texas Star Lane. To charge by phone, call 547-5300.

The Guess Who play “American Woman” and their other ’70s hits Sept. 17 at the Cannery. Prices are $14, $20 and $28. Tickets are on sale at the hotel, 2121 E. Craig Road, and through AllState Ticketing (ShowTickets.com). To charge by phone, call 507-5868.

Country popster Ronnie Milsap boogies into the Cannery on Sept. 27. Tickets are $14, $20 and $35 and go on sale today at the hotel, 2121 E. Craig Road, and through AllState Ticketing (ShowTickets.com). To charge by phone, call 507-5868.

reviewjournal.com — Neon - TICKETS

———–

Muscle Bound By Jerry Fink

Muscle seems to be in at the Riviera.

In addition to “American Storm,” a TV pilot for a reality series featuring strong men will be taped at the casino’s Le Bistro Theatre on Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

John Wooten (billed as “The World’s Strongest Man”) will host the show, which will be co-hosted by Kieran Kidder (president of the World Powerlifting Organization).

The premiere will feature special guests Ernie France, international power lifting champion; Floridian Pat Fugate, the world’s strongest senior citizen; “The Great Omar,” Hawaii’s strongest man, and Gary Frank, the 2005 world power lifting champion.

Las Vegas entertainer/TV producer Tony Sacca is directing the pilot, which is open to the public on a first-come basis. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Las Vegas SUN: Columnist Jerry Fink

————-

Meeting a Casino Host by Bill Burton

One of the most important members of the casino staff you will meet is the Casino Host. Establishing a good relationship with a host can save you hundreds of dollars. The job of a casino host is to cultivate relationships with players who will become loyal patrons to the establishment. The casino host has the authority to issue comps to players. Comps can range from free meals and show tickets up to full room and beverage.

The casino host reports directly to the marketing managers in most casinos. Marketing managers are constantly trying new ways to bring patrons into the casino. The host can help keep them coming back by assuring their needs are met while they are playing there. Casino hosts are outgoing and friendly individuals. They will try to accommodate player’s reasonable requests for comps.

More Here: http://casinogambling.about.com/od/comps/a/casinohost.htm

Posted on July 24th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter