HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR MEMBERS !!!!!!!!!
Steve and Eileen

South Coast opens with flair.

There were plenty of bright lights on hand to mark Thursday’s debut of the South Coast.

But owner Boyd Gaming Corp. would have preferred to skip the illumination provided by a dozen firetrucks that responded to a small rooftop fire minutes after the $600 million resort opened its doors to thousands of eager customers.

Fireworks launched during a 15-minute pre-opening celebration ignited building materials stored atop the property’s 24-story hotel tower. Capt. Chris Grimes of the Clark County Fire Department said the flames were quickly extinguished.

No one was injured, and a damage estimate was not available.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-23-Fri-2005/news/5011889.html
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MIKE WEATHERFORD: Another wacky year winds down.

Loyal readers — at least four or five people I know of — may remember my ignoble December tradition of balancing the paper’s annual Top 10 lists (coming next week, on this very page) with a caustic gift list mocking the year’s entertainment lowlights.

But this year, Christmas comes on a Sunday. What are the odds? (Oh. Someone just said, “One in seven, if you don’t mess with leap years.”)

At any rate, it doesn’t feel right to be so mean on this day when we set such feelings aside. So let’s dredge up these nostalgic memories with a bit more kindness this year, looking at the bright side of things on a day that, like all others, has its saturation points.

More Here:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Dec-25-Sun-2005/living/4899194.html
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Vegas Values Report for 12/25/05

The below information is supplied by Scot Krause, our roving reporter, who supplies us each week with information on the best Las Vegas promotions. It’s only available here on the americancasinoguide.com web site so be sure to come back each Monday morning to find out about the best values in Las Vegas. Hello to all!

Welcome to “Vegas Values.” Here’s what we found this week:
http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Promotions/VEGAS-VALUES.shtml
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12 Days of Vegas
By Barry M. Horstman

As with so much else, when it comes to the 12 days of Christmas, there’s the normal way of going about things, and then there’s the Vegas way.

In this case, that’s not so bad. Because really, when it comes right down to it, other than the five golden rings, how many of the presents mentioned in the holiday classic would you really want to find under your Christmas tree?

Oh sure, there’s a certain cachet to a partridge in a pear tree and it might even be fun to play with on Christmas Day. But who’s going to start cleaning up behind it on the 26th? Same goes for those turtle doves, French hens and calling birds.

Before thumbing through the Yellow Pages feverishly searching for eight maids a-milking, nine ladies dancing and 10 lords a-leaping, think of how crowded your living room is going to be. And isn’t the holiday already hectic enough without the hassle of dealing with the Musicians Union to line up 11 pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming?

More Here:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/do/2005/dec/25/519871484.html
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JET arrives first class
By Robert Wiley-Brown

JET
Where: The Mirage
When: 10:30 p.m.-4 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday
Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

The newest “gotta go see” location while visiting Las Vegas also happens to be the latest offering from the creative minds of the Light Group, which is responsible for bringing Sin City the ultra-cool Caramel Bar and Lounge, the sophisticated Light Nightclub, and the intimate yet always-elegant Mist.

The arrival that seems to be on everyone’s lips is Jet, but don’t let the simple name fool you. Located in The Mirage, it takes partying in Neon City to an all-new, full-throttle plateau that is sure to please any fun-seeking tourist or local.

Tucked away directly off of the hotel’s registration area is the entrance to the 15,000-square-foot facility. Once patrons pass the velvet ropes and the main entrance, they encounter a maze of geometrically placed candles in rock walls with dark accent wood and soft spills of orange ambience that easily lend to the feeling of being in a mountainous Tibetan cavern or temple.

But the beauty of the hallway décor is quickly overcome by the beckoning rhythmic beats that draw those in attendance even closer into the dimly lit adventure that waits ahead. Finally, with the music careening from a state-of-the-art sound system, guests arrive in an area that can best be described as exhilarating.

However, before a person actually walks into the main room, they will find themselves intrigued as they notice a smaller room just to the left. Behind the heavy curtains that hang on both sides of this doorway is one of the three distinct rooms that Jet proudly features. Even better is the fact that each of these sections of the nightclub contains its own sound system, DJ, dance floor and style of music. The styles range from hip hop and house to classic rock ‘n’ roll.

The third room is located at the far end of the main room. Speaking of which, the larger part of Jet is a multilevel environment that has two bars running along the walls. This section also contains a top-of-the-line light show that, when combined with both local talents and guest DJs, easily gives patrons an ultimate nightlife experience. And with a total of four bars and exclusive European bottle service featured in all the rooms, you can’t help but enjoy feeling like you’ve, well, taken off.

However, as guests quickly learn, the main thing that spells success for Las Vegas’ newest happing is the warm, friendly, customer-driven employees that ensure Jet Nightclub as the “unparalleled place to party!”
http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature1.html
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La Femme
Graceful seduction

La Femme
Where: MGM Grand
When: 8 & 10:30 p.m. Wed.-Mon.
Cost: $59
Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

For more than three years, La Femme at MGM Grand has been turning heads. Not only because of the breathtaking statuesque dancers from around the word, but because of the show’s distinctive homage to the female form. Each act in the 90-minute production is a facsimile of Paris’ famed Crazy Horse revue.

Draped in erotic red velvet tones, the 340-seat theater creates an intimate setting where guests are fully enveloped in visual and audible sensations. The focal point in this replica of the French locale on Avenue George V is the letterbox stage that is home to 12 poised dancers who transform into living pictures as their natural beauty is bathed in a kaleidoscope of light during choreographed numbers. Because of the undersized stage, these girls measure about 5 feet 6 inches tall rather than the average 5-foot-10-inch showgirl.

Using typography, film, shapes and color, woman becomes art and art becomes woman. Since 1951, this was the goal of the originator, the late Alain Bernardin. Today, his daughter Sophie carries on her father’s legacy in Crazy Horse’s first import to the United States.

Across the pond, this sensual phenomenon has drawn international attention from celebrities such as Madonna, Warren Beatty and Sophia Loren. Here in Vegas, the show, which recently celebrated its 2,000th performance, is just a foundling compared to its sister production. But the same cultural aspect of the art of the nude, which both shows represent, is resolute.

Although numbers such as the vibrantly colored finale “You Turn Me On” and the toy soldier march “God Save Our Bareskin” show a humorous side, each dance evokes a spirit of powerful seduction. With a twinkle in her eye, the La Femme girls engage the essence of the female wiles. Each performer is highlighted as her astrological sign is revealed, and a dance number represents those stirring qualities.

From solos to rousing cabarets, every number is an artistic experience. The sassy blonde who winds her cat-like body around a lip-shaped couch contrasts the sorrowful lament of a lonely dancer’s tango. Few props are used, but when they appear, they, too, become part of the three-dimensional canvas. Poles, rings and stairs all transform into elements of composition.

La Femme evokes emotion, something that’s hard to find these days in a show. And the success that has followed proves that beauty goes far beyond the eye of the beholder.

http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature2.html
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Precise Preparation, Sparkling Production
A sneak peek behind the glamour.

By Marisa Finetti

Jubilee!
Where: Bally’s
When: 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Sat. - Thurs.
Cost: $65, $77, $82
Info: (702) 992-7970 or (866) 80-SHOWS

It’s 5:10 p.m., and the lights are flashing on the Jubilee! stage. Not the 40,000 bulbs that illuminate the set of Donn Arden’s smashing spectacle, but the freestanding beacons that indicate the crew is conducting its daily stage elevator safety checks. (Which also sends a clear signal that something dazzling is about to happen in the Jubilee! Theater.)

With her hair wrapped in a towel, showgirl Jane Zuniga sat before her mirror and applied her eyeliner. “If you draw the line below your lower lid and fill in the gap with white makeup, it makes your eyes look bigger,” said Zuniga, who has been a dancer all her life. “I’d say this is a dream job. I’m doing something that I love with all my heart.”

Two minutes prior to curtain, Zuniga and the rest of the Jubilee! girls pull on their tights and fasten their jeweled bikinis. From another dressing room, the dancing nudes appear and take their places on the circular stage lift, some of them chatting, others securing their hats, until the very moment the elevator raises them up on deck to reveal the thousand people in the audience.

The sheer size of Jubilee! commands that the 170-member cast and crew move about backstage swiftly and orderly, despite the dim lighting. Considering this spectacular’s magnitude, it’s not surprising to discover that the Jubilee! stage measures half the size of a football field and 15 stories tall from the bottom of the orchestra pit to the roof.

Last year, the unmistakably glamorous production flew past the 10 million-guest milestone, wowing crowds with its 85 beautiful performers, extraordinary sets and vibrant Bob Mackie costumes. Could it be time to see for yourself?

http://www.lvshowbiz.com/feature5.html
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Brett’s Vegas Views
By Jackie Brett

Entertainer Gordie Brown will continue to headline in the Theatre Ballroom at the Golden Nugget through March 2006, with his blend of engaging comedy, music and mastery of impressions. Brown writes his own material, which consists of more than 50 voices, original song parodies, jokes, and signature impersonations. He is backed by a live band Saturday through Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and also at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $45 plus tax, call at 866-946-5336.

The upscale Westin hotels will become the first 100 percent smoke-free hotel chain In January 2006. All 77 Westin hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean including the one in Las Vegas, will go smoke free in all guestrooms and public areas because of a clear demand resulting from customer data showing 92 percent of its guests request a non-smoking room. All Westin hotels will offer a designated outdoor area for guests who smoke and in areas not owned or operated by Westin Hotels & Resorts there may also be designated areas.

In preparation for implementation of the new policy, smoking rooms will undergo an extensive cleaning process replacing all soft goods, deep cleaning and treating all hard surfaces, walls and carpets to eliminate allergens, replacing air filters and deep cleaning all air conditioning units.

Air Play, the popular free variety show at the Tropicana will perform its final shows on Dec. 31, 2005. The show featuring specialty acts from around the world performing right in the main casino above the patrons enjoyed 6,900 performances and an estimated 2,788,800 visitors viewing the extravaganza since it debuted in September 2002. The hotel’s marketing department is developing a brand new promotion that will be interactive.

Renowned Chef Charlie Palmer will be contributing to Downtown Las Vegas when he opens his first food and wine market at Club Renaissance, a 62-story high-rise residential condominium tower. He will also oversee the food and beverage for the condominium’s private club level. When Club Renaissance is built, it will be a skyscraper in addition to one of the tallest residential towers in Nevada, reaching 705 feet. In Las Vegas, Palmer is no stranger to the restaurant business, as he has presence in two of the city’s premier hotels with Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons Hotel and Aureole at Mandalay Bay.

Harrah’s introduced a new buffet called Flavors on Dec. 16. The flavorsome fare is offered in a 21,000 square foot space designed by Friedmutter Group of Las Vegas. The bright, contemporary setting features an American motif of clear skies, rich earth tones, exotic woods and multi-tonal accents. Flavors features continuous live cooking stations and selections carefully prepared in small amounts to assure freshness and of course, flavor.

Breakfast is offered from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $12.99, lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $14.99, dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. for $18.99 and on Saturday and Sunday a Champagne Brunch is available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for $18.99.

Lush Puppy, Las Vegas’ first dedicated designer pet fashion boutique, open its doors on the Strip last Friday inside Mandalay Place at the Mandalay Bay Resort. From canine couture to extravagant jeweled accessories, Lush Puppy allows posh pets to stride the streets in today’s hottest trends and styles. The store includes specialty pet goods from favorite designers like Juicy Couture, Von Dutch, Donald Pliner and Lancel, and the boutique also carries its own exclusive private label. Lush Puppy opens at 10 a.m. daily and offers designer accessories and apparel at a wide range of prices, so even beagles on a budget can afford to dress in style.

Sin City Brewing Co., a unique microbrew bar and retail shop, opened last week at The Shops in Desert Passage at the Aladdin.

The new microbrew bar features four distinct beers - Sin City Amber, Sin City Light, Sin City Stout and Sin City Weisse, all brewed in small batches and distributed exclusively in the city for which it is named, Sin City Brewing Co. Already a hit in Las Vegas Strip resorts; this is the first stand-alone location.

In addition, the Sin City Brewing Co. pub features an expanded retail line for both men and women, including T-Shirts, bowling shirts, hats, visors, yoga pants, French cut T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, thongs, camisoles, glassware and more.

The company’s president, Rich Johnson, was the former Director of Brewing Operations at Gordon Biersch. He created the four distinct beer recipes and will feature limited edition specialty beers based on the season. The Sin City Brewing Co. opens daily at 10 a.m.

“Ring Out The Old; Bring In The New” is the theme for the two New Year’s Eve parties planned for the Riviera as it nears the end of its 50th anniversary during the Las Vegas Centennial.

The Royale Pavilion will once again house live entertainment with surprise ‘guest stars.’ A gourmet dinner, open bar, dancing to live big band music and party favors are featured for $150 per person, plus tax and fee.

The Top Of The Riv Ballroom where the view of Las Vegas is breathtaking will transform into a dancing disco with a deejay and open bar with party favors, featuring dancing until 2 a.m. Tickets are $100 per person, plus tax and fee, call the Riviera Box Office at 702-794-9433.

You can ring in the New Year with the bald and blue men of Blue Man Group, newly opened at The Venetian, as they celebrate the holiday with special performances at 6 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 31. To purchase tickets, call 702-414-SHOW.

At the same time, folks can bid for the Blue Man Group New Year’s Eve Package at Ticketmaster.com. The package includes: two VIP tickets to a special 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve performance, two nights in a luxury suite at The Venetian, a backstage tour and private meet and greet with the Blue Men in the exclusive Blue Man VIP Lounge, an autographed Blue Man Group program, a Blue Man gift bag with an Audio CD, The Complex 5.1 surround sound DVD, and a selection of limited edition Blue Man merchandise worth over $200. Bids begin at $1,000. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the non-profit charity of the auction winner’s choice.

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm
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Upcoming Las Vegas Shows & Events = January 2006

January 1 The Four Tops & Shirley Alson Reeves - Stardust Hotel, (702) 732-6111
January 1 Matchbox 20 - Hard Rock Hotel, (702) 693-5000
January 5-8 Jim Stafford - Orleans Hotel, (702) 365-7111
January 5 - Girls of the Internet 6 - Sapphire Gentlemen’s Club, (702) 796-6000
January 5-7 Adult Superstar Aurora Snow - Pleasures Gentlemen’s Club, (702) 873-8800
January 6-7 Jay Leno - Mirage Hotel (702) 791-7111
January 6-7 Harry Connick, Sr - Boulder Station, (702) 432-7777
January 6-8 Jeff Lorber - Suncoast Hotel, (702) 636-7111
January 7 Twenty Third Annual AVN Awards Show - Venetian Hotel, (702) 414-4300
January 9-13 Ryan Homes - Venetian Hote, (702) 414-1000
January 13 Kenny Rogers - Buffalo Bill’s, 1-800-FUNSTOP
January 13-14 Black Diamond - Cannery Casino, (702) 507-5700
January 13-14 Jay Leno - Mirage Hotel (702) 791-7111
January 13-15 Paul Revere & the Raiders - Suncoast Hotel, (702) 636-7111
January 13-15 Tower of Power - Orleans Hotel, (702) 365-7111
January 14 LV All American Classic - Thomas and Mack Center, (702) 739-FANS
January 14 Joan Rivers - Tropicana Hotel, (702) 739-2411
January 14 En Vogue - Silverton Hotel, (702) 914-8557
January 14 Kenny Rankin - Boulder Station, (702) 432-7777
January 14-15 Beauty Health & Fitness Expo - Cashman Center, (702) 399-3488
January 15 Social Distortion - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 15 Aaron Lewis - Rain @ Palms Hotel, (702) 474-4000
January 18-22 Disney On Ice Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo - Orleans Arena (702) 284-7777
January 19 UFC Ultimate Fight Night - Hard Rock Hotel, (702) 693-5000
January 19 Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger with Zebrahead - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 19-22 Ann-Margret - Orleans Hotel, (702) 365-7111
January 20 Keith Anderson - Boulder Station, (702) 432-7777
January 20 G. Love & Special Sauce - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 20 The Village People - Silverton Hotel, (702) 914-8557
January 20-21 Regis Philbin - Golden Nugget, (702) 385-7111
January 20-21 Ray Romano - Mirage Hotel (702) 791-7111
January 20-22 Rich Little - Suncoast Hote,l (702) 636-7111
January 21 2006 Miss America Pageant - Aladdin Hotel, (702) 785-5555
January 21 Herman’s Hermits Starring Pete Noone - Silverton Hotel, (702) 914-8557
January 21 B.J. Thomas - Boulder Station, (702) 432-7777
January 21 Lifehouse with Mozella - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 21 Keith Sweat - Texas Station, (702) 631-1000
January 21 Boxing Pacquiao vs Morales - Thomas and Mack Center, (702) 739-FANS
January 21 The Buckinghams - Cannery Casino,. (702) 507-5700
January 21 Pennywise - Hard Rock Hotel, (702) 693-5000
January 21-22 Americheer Viva Las Vegas Championship - Cox Pavilion, (702) 895-3761
January 24 Las Vegas All American Classic - Sam Boyd Stadium (702) 739-FANS
January 26 In Flames with Trivium, Devil Driver & Zao - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 26-29 Tony Orlando with Sammy Shore - Orleans Hotel, (702) 365-7111
January 26-30 AMZ Cheer & Dance Youth Nationals - Orleans Hotel, (702) 365-7111
January 27 Jagermeister Music Tour with Disturbed, Bloodsimple & 33 Degree - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 27 Ricky Martin - Aladdin Resort, (702) 785-5555
January 27-28 Jay Leno - Mirage Hotel (702) 791-7111
January 27-28 Bridal Spectacular Events - Cashman Center, (702) 368-0088
January 27-29 Sergio Mendes - Suncoast Hotel, (702) 636-7111
January 27-29 Go for It Classic Gymnastics Competition - Cox Pavilion, (702) 895-3761
January 28 INXS - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 28 Strunz & Farah - Boulder Station, (702) 432-7777
January 28 Disturbed - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 28 Jagermeister Music Tour with Disturbed, Bloodsimple & Six - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 29 Cake with Tegan & Sara, Gogol Bordello & Eugene Mirman - Mandalay Bay, (702) 632-7777
January 28-29 Paula Tsui - MGM Grand, (702) 891-7777
January 28-Feb1 Elton John - Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7110
http://lasvegasentertainment.8m.net/januaryevents.html
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The Slots Challenge by Gayle Mitchell

OK, Class, it’s test time.

I’ve created this test for novice and veteran slot players. I find that slot players possess different levels of expertise and education. There’s the group who believes that all you have to know is how to push a spin button or pull that handle. Some think all slots are alike and pay the same. Others got educated once with no continuing education and are bewildered by the newest slot versions arriving frequently in the casinos.

We all need to upgrade our slots education to stay current, myself included. I visit casinos at least once a week to get educated and work very hard researching any new versions or strategies. Tough work that must be done!

I offer up this quiz in the expectation that all slot players will forever hear the sound of ‘raining coins’.

Let’s get started…

1) What is an RNG?

A Really Nice Gambling?
B Random Number Generator?
C Right Number Gaming?

Answer: B. Random Number Generator: a computer chip placed inside each slot that is programmed to generate multiple combinations of symbols and payouts. A selection is picked randomly, thus determining the final outcome. A busy little drone.

2) What are the three types of slots?

A Basic, Progressive and Bonus slots?
B Red White & Blue 7’s?
C Flat Tops, Megabucks and Double Diamonds?

Answer: A. The three types of slots are basic, (aka straight slots or ‘flat-tops’) that have a constant jackpot. Progressives with an ever-changing jackpot and the latest gaming trend, bonus video slots that offer a bonus round for extra winnings. Although the RNG runs all three types, there are different playing strategies for each type.

3) Are the higher denomination slot payouts better?

A YES?
B NO?
C All the Same?

Answer: A. Yes, higher denominations ($5+) have a higher hit frequency, however, it is all relative when you are investing more of your gambling bankroll. Start off with quarter machines that account for 25% of total slot revenue and are the most popular slots. Streeetch those gambling bucks.

4) What are loose and tight machines?

A One has more graphic symbols, tight have fewer?
B Loose machines have better payouts, tight machines less?
C Loose machines offer more slot versions, tight machines fewer choices?

Answer: B. Loose machines are a slot players’ dream. They are programmed with more paying symbols and combinations resulting in better payouts. Tight machines are the opposite. Yikes, they’re stingy.

5) What is a slot-mix?

A Slots are placed back to back on either side of aisle?
B All the high denomination slots are in one area of the casino?
C Casino Management’s placement of loose/tight slots?

Answer: C. Also known as slot-placement. Casino Management places different slot versions that are loose and tight on the casino floor. Loose slots are to be found in high traffic areas that can be seen by ‘wannabe slot winners’ from many angles in the casino.

6) What is a hold percentage?

A Monies held by winning slot players?
B % of coins held by casino?
C % of coins through the slots?

Answer: B. Percentage of coins played that the casinos keep in their hot little hands. The looser 98% slots hold two dollars while returning 98 dollars to the player.
But, hold on, that percentage is over the long term–perhaps months, while short-term play return percentages can bounce around more than a roulette ball.

7) Do some slots have a higher ‘hit’ frequency?

A YES?
B NO?
C All the same?

Answer: A. With the introduction of the new bonus video slots, hit frequencies have been increased to a high of every 2-3 spins. While you don’t always get your original bet back, these graphic-rich slots provide the most entertainment for your money. Wager management is the key here. It’s not always wise to bet maximum coins every time and a higher hit frequency doth not necessarily a winning slot make.
What is a multiplier slot?

A Slot that has multiple graphics and symbols?
B Pays more for more coins played on certain winning combinations?
C Multiplies your win no matter how many coins played?

Answer: B. Stated simply, the more coins played, the better the winning payouts. Particular symbol payouts, as per slot schedule, are multiplied by number of coins played. This can mean the difference between a 2-coin payout and a 10-coin payout for max. coin in play. So, 1 bar, 2 bars, 3 bars–oh yeah!

9) What is a nudge slot?

A Wild Symbol combination pays?
B A certain combination nudges you to the Bonus round?
C Paying Symbol dropping up or down on center payline for win?

Answer: C. Come on baby, drop that paying symbol down and give mama a big win.
It could be a basketball, diamond, cherry or wild symbol. You just need a little nudge up or down to that center payline and you are in the money.

10) What’s a ‘hit and run’ winner?

A Slot Player who plays new Baseball Bonus Slot?
B Slot Player who uses a token slug, and grabs the payout?
C Slot Player who plays 3-5 max. coin spins testing for payouts?

Answer: C. Slot players who ‘test’ a slot before continued play by spinning the reels 3-5 times with maximum coins in play each time. If there are no payouts during that period, you are outta there.
By the way, suggest you not try B–the casinos don’t like it.

11) What’s a short win?

A A small jackpot?
B A win just before you are running out of money?
C A large win with a small cash outlay?

Answer: C. This happens all the time. A large jackpot is hit with a minimal cash outlay. 15 bucks gets you $1000’s. Now that’s a long win on a short chance. Take the money and run!

12) What is “flying solo”?

A Gambling alone?
B Slot Players who play one coin only.
C Only winner of a progressive jackpot?

Answer: B. I call them ‘onesies’. Slot players who play only one coin. I know I advocate wager management, but this is wager suicide. I suggest you drop down a denomination and play max. coins where at least you are in the running for the top jackpot without the ’slot bends’ of missing out because you should have played just one more coin. The only exception here is the bonus multi-line slots.

13) What is a ‘certified’ slot?

A A slot with a certificate from the manufacturer?
B Slot that is guaranteed to payback a large percentage, as high as 98%+?
C Slot that is certified to have a certain number of symbols?

Answer: B. Most casinos promote their ‘certified’ slots at a bank or carousel with flashing, large, neon lights generally near the entrance of the casino. Like carnival barkers, these round neons seem to say: “step right up, folks, see the slots with huge payouts, play the big winners, yowser, yowser, yowser”. Most ‘certified’ slots are at least dollar denominations.

14) Do ALL ‘certified’ slots in the carousel/bank offer high payouts?

A YES?
B NO?
C YES and NO depending on casino?

Answer: C. A casino can legitimately advertise a very high payback even if one of the machines has the advertised payback–sneaky right? However, the casino must tell you whether the payback is all or one. Ask the slot manager if all or one slot is ‘certified’. If the answer is not ALL–Run, don’t walk to another casino.

If there is only one or two, you could spend a lot of money looking for that ’slot in the haystack’.

15) Will all ‘certified’ slots payout their advertised rate all the time?

A YES?
B NO?
C Can I sell you some land in Pango Pango?

Answer: B. ‘Certified’ slots payouts; whether they are advertised at 98% or 100% are programmed over an average period of time that could be weeks or months.
As you know, timing is crucial in the slots game and the same goes for ‘certified’ versions. Don’t stay too long, determine the total amount you want to wager before you play, streeetch your gambling bankroll and have fun.

16) Which is better: pull the handle or press the spin button on slots?

A Handle?
B Spin Button?
C Neither, both the same?

Answer: C. There is no difference, fellow slot players. Manufacturers still add on the handles as a holdover from the ‘bronze-age’ days of slots. The day is coming when the handle will be eliminated entirely and we will surely yearn for the good ol’ days.

17) What is a Wild-Pay slot?

A Slot that has more wild symbols than 7’s?
B Slot types that offer double, triple and more with wild symbols?
C Only wild party animals are paid jackpot?

Answer: B. The Wild symbol substitutes for a win, double wild symbols multiplies win, and generally three wild symbols nets you the top jackpot on payline. There are many more wild slots out there to choose now. However, keep this in mind before selecting, the higher the payout multiplies, (e.g. 5x 10x 20x), the lower the probability of payouts. Therefore, seek out the double and triple wild slots.

18) How many Games/Hour does the average slot player play?

A 500/games/hour?
B 600/games/hour?
C 700/games/hour?

Answer: A. 500/games/hour on average. These stats can change dependent upon whether coins are manually inserted or credits used. There really is no need to hurry, unless you are playing in a Slot Tournament, at which time, accelerate to warp-speed for the win.

19) Are there higher dollar values for some Progressives in the casino?

A YES?
B NO?
C All the same?

Answer: A. Oh yeah. Most casinos have a selection of banks/carousels that consist of Progressive slots with different primary jackpot$. All savvy slot players will want to scout out these slots and play ‘large’.

20) EASY POINT. What’s ‘Call Attendant’?

A Large cash hand-paid jackpot?
B Machine is broken, needs maintenance?
C My slot club card points have reached their limit?

Answer: A. It’s party time! Big time payday with hundreds peeled off into your sweaty, winning palms. All casino players should get this one right and truly enjoy the experience.

Ratings: 20-15: Congrats. A veteran player with a slots education degree. Bravo.
14-10: A slots education should be in your future.
9 or less: Psst, over here. All is not lost, I can help.

Until next we meet, remember: ‘Not only do you have good luck with a gambling education, but you are making your luck.’

Gayle Mitchell is the author of Casino Gambling Made Easier books, EBooks, booklets & the Slots Trilogy. WEB: http://www.easycasinogambling.com
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The Las Vegas Podcast

In this edition of the original Las Vegas podcast:
Christmas in Las Vegas by Dr. Elmo
South Coast opens this week
Lady Luck is Grinch
The monorail raises rates
Las Vegas Hilton hires Reba
Ivana’s condo property goes on the sale block
Airplay closes
Christmas in Vegas by Dale Watson
Michele finds nazinuts and Vosges chocolate locally
Vegas Web site profile: Las Vegas Entertainment and Show Guide
No show next week
Anniversary show plans: Send us your favorite show moments
Christmas in Las Vegas by Clint Holmes and Lesley Gore

http://www.fivehundybymidnight.com/fhbm/
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“LOVE IS A PAIN” MUSICAL COMEDY TICKETS
GO ON SALE AT RIVIERA BOX OFFICE

Tickets for “Love is a Pain”, a hilarious new musical comedy, headlining at the La Cage Theatre, are on sale at the Riviera Hotel & Casino Box Office. The show premieres, Monday, December 26. Shel Shine Productions, an East coast conglomerate, is the producer. The production is a unique, fun and irreverent musical farce poking fun at the life of a divorced couple as they continue to live under the same roof.

“Love is a Pain” will be directed by Raymond Homer, who has produced and/or directed over 45 movies starring some of the major actors of all time, including Orson Welles, Yul Brenner, Anthony Quinn, Ray Milland and Rod Steiger. Homer has been active in the movie business for 50 years, starting as an assistant to the legendary John Ford. Homer began directing features for MGM/UA in his early twenties and also pro-duced and directed several Broadway and off Broadway plays and musicals.

“When I read the script for ‘Love Is A Pain’ I had to be involved because this is the FUNNIEST script I have ever read,” states Homer.

Shel Shine, a popular actress from China who has starred in many films, has written “Love is a Pain” and will perform in the musical comedy in the role of Fortune Cookie.

Marvin Lashever, the general manager of the show, comments “Instead of Broadway coming to Las Vegas, this show is being BORN here in Las Vegas with rumblings and negotiations for this show to go to Broadway! We are tapping into the great talent, right here in Vegas, for all the elements this entertaining show will encompass. We are so impressed with the brilliant actors, singers and dancers who have auditioned. We are in rehearsal and the performers in the show are magnificent!”

“Love is a Pain” will feature some of the newest cutting edge technology seen in Las Vegas theatre. Show goers will enjoy a stunning visual treat on stage including “virtual sets” and electronic wizardry developed by the technical crew.

Raymond Homer founded and built up Creative Color Inc. and established offices in several countries around the world, including the United States, UK, Germany and Japan. Through his success in this technical field, he also became Chairman of Republic Color a division of Republic Studios. His magic touch will be prevalent throughout the entire “Love is a Pain” production. “We look forward to enchanting Las Vegas audiences with our hilarious new musical comedy. We know that they will leave the theatre laughing and thrilled that they attended this funny show,” Homer concludes.

Showtimes are 9:30 p.m. Dark on Tuesday. Call the Riviera Box Office at (702) 794-9433. Tickets are $39.95 plus tax and fee. Ask about special food/show combos.
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THE POKER LINE FORM HERE!

Riviera Poker Room Manager JC Targon announced new NO LIMIT HOLD-EM poker tournaments at the Riviera Hotel and Casino and the lines started forming around the block.

Every Sunday through Friday at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., the tournaments are limited to 50 players. The entry fee is $55.00.

Targon said, “‘Word-of-mouth’ has brought back the die-hard fans in droves. Presently, we are located near the Splash Bar area. Texas Hold ‘Em, 2 & 4 Hold ‘Em, 4 & 8 Hold ‘Em, No Limit Hold ‘Em and Seven Card Stud are featured.”

Targon comes to the Riviera from Bally’s, where he oversaw their Poker Room. “I successfully opened Bally’s Poker Room and helped in their expansion. I also was responsible for training, writing and instituting policies. I look forward to developing tournaments, like the no-limit hold ‘em, at the Riviera during the coming months.”

For additional information, call the Riviera Poker Room at (702) 794-9620, or click on www.rivierahotel.com.
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‘HIGH STAKES POKER’ Featuring a $100,000 Minimum Buy-in Premieres on GSN

GSN is bringing viewers the first true cash game of poker on television with a $100,000 minimum buy-in. Unlike other poker shows where the most players can lose is their initial buy-in of up to $10,000, the stars on GSN’s newest series, HIGH STAKES POKER, have millions of their own cash at stake and will win and lose several hundred thousand dollars. HIGH STAKES POKER premieres Monday, January 16 at 9 PM ET/PT.

“High Stakes Poker is groundbreaking in that it is the first-ever look into the biggest private no limit Hold ‘em cash games in town,” said Rich Cronin, President and CEO of GSN. “This show is intense because players are winning and losing hundreds of thousands of their own dollars on single hands.”

The new hour long series features players from diverse backgrounds from all over the world. From the legends, to cash game players, to the young superstars that have been featured on “The World Series of Poker,” HIGH STAKES POKER is going to be the first ever cash game where viewers will see the ‘true’ game of poker.

Legends of the poker world are joined by elite poker playing businessmen in the 13-episode series recently taped at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The all-star line up features: * Doyle Brunson — considered by many the greatest poker player of all-time. * Johnny Chan — tied with Doyle for the most all-time World Series of Poker bracelets, 10. * Barry Greenstein — legendary cash game player. * Phil Hellmuth — one of the most recognized and successful players in the world. * Daniel Negreanu — 2004 Player of the Year. * Dr. Jerry Buss — Los Angeles Lakers owner. * Jennifer Harman — the only woman professional who competes in the highest cash games in the world on a daily basis. * Ted Forrest — five World Series of Poker bracelets. * Bob Stupak — one of the most legendary entrepreneurs in Las Vegas.* Antonio Esfandiari — A magician and the youngest ever to win over $1 million in a tournament. * Eli Elezra — cashed in 12 World Series of Poker events since 1999, owns several Las Vegas retail stores and partner in a construction company. * Todd Brunson — one of the top cash game players, son of Doyle. * Sean Sheikhan — “Sheiky” a high stakes cash game player and businessman. * Dr. Amir Nasiri — successful Las Vegas physician.* Freddy Deeb — a career poker playing professional, recently won $1 million at a WPT tournament in Aruba. * Daniel Alaei — up and coming star, who’s cashed in several tournaments and won the Heavenly Hold’em tournament at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles.* Mimi Tran — ranks in the top 10 among women on the WSOP all-time leading money list. * Fred Chamanara — Chicago restaurant owner. * Sam Farha — professional who specializes in high stakes cash games and was the runner up to Chris Moneymaker in 2003 World Series of Poker.

The cash game has been called the true version of poker due to the fact that players are allowed to buy-in and continue playing with more money if they lose their initial buy-in of $100,000. The chips on the table represent actual dollars compared to chips in a tournament that don’t equal the actual value of what is bet. The intensity is taken to a higher level when someone raises $50,000 or $100,000 which is more than the average American’s yearly salary in one hand.

Calling the high stakes action at the tables are two newcomers to GSN, AJ Benza and Gabe Kaplan. Benza will host the series and Kaplan, the former star of “Welcome Back Kotter” and a world class poker player, provides the analysis. Benza has hosted a variety of television shows and has appeared in movies including “Ransom,” “Conspiracy Theory,” and “The Deli.” He is best known as one of the most controversial New York columnists in the 1990’s as well as an author who published his memoirs, “Fame, Ain’t It a Bitch.”

Kaplan has previously provided analysis for the “World Series of Poker” and the “National Heads-Up Poker Challenge.” In addition to his hit television series, Kaplan is a successful stand up comedian and has starred in feature films, “Fast Break,” “Tulips,” and “Nobody’s Perfect.”

In addition to the play at the tables, HIGH STAKES POKER will also include a look at the players behind the scenes. It will include a look at Doyle Brunson’s lifestyle, going with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss to a game and traveling with Barry Greenstein to be a speaker at Michigan State about being a professional poker player. Each episode will also feature a behind the scenes look at one of the players away from the poker room.
SOURCE GSN
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Alex Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas Crowned With Five Diamonds From AAA

lex, the premier fine dining restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas (3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-770-3300) is now internationally recognized by AAA as a Five Diamond restaurant, one of only three in Las Vegas. Named for internationally acclaimed executive chef Alessandro (Alex) Stratta, Alex offers refined French cuisine in one of the most luxurious and opulent settings at Wynn. In the 2006 Five Diamond list, AAA has added seven additional restaurants and six more lodging properties, bringing the total number of Five Diamond properties to 150, worldwide.

“It’s extremely gratifying that Alex has been awarded a Five Diamond rating from AAA,” says Stratta. “Our vision for Alex was to create an elegant and thoroughly gracious dining experience, a true convergence of classic cuisine, faultless service and genuine hospitality. This prestigious rating is a welcome acknowledgement of all the hard work by a terrific staff and we will continue to try to remain worthy of this honor.”

Chef Stratta is no stranger to such accolades. Stratta was named “Best Chef Southwest” and subsequently one of the “Best Hotel Chefs,” both by the James Beard Foundation, and was cited as one of “America’s 10 Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine Magazine. While under his guiding hand, Renoir at the Mirage also received Mobil’s highest five-star rating, one of only 14 restaurants in the United States to be awarded the honor at that time. During his six-year tenure at Renoir, the restaurant maintained its Mobil five-star stature as well as garnering AAA’s Five Diamond award and Las Vegas’s top culinary rating in the Zagat Guide.

At Alex, Chef Stratta has created a seasonal menu inspired by the flavors of the French Riviera, influenced by the ingredients and traditions of the regions of Provence and Nice, among others. In the hands of this gifted chef, even the simplest ingredients are transformed, elevated to the summit of fine dining. The chef’s magnificent menu is served in an appropriately sumptuous setting.

For Alex, in-house Wynn designer, Roger Thomas created a space with a pronounced sense of theater and a luxe sensibility informed by haute couture. Influenced by classic designers like Balenciaga, Thomas evokes the drama and grandeur of a bygone era in a space that still manages to be warm and welcoming.

“Our goal for Wynn Las Vegas was to create one of the finest destination resorts in the world and clearly the Food and Beverage program played a very important role in the process,” says Elizabeth Blau, Vice President of Restaurant Marketing and Development. “We are extremely pleased that the exceptional talent and artistry of Chef Stratta and his team have been recognized by AAA and feel that this acknowledgement substantiates our belief that Alex is not only one of the finest restaurants in the country, but one of the best in the world.”

SOURCE Wynn Las Vegas
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About Casino Gambling: Play to Win: A World Champion’s Guide to Winning Blackjack Tournaments by Bill Burton

Blackjack tournaments are gaining in popularity. Play to Win: A World Champion’s Guide to Winning Blackjack Tournaments will teach you everything you need to get started competing in a blackjack torunaments. Here is my review.

http://casinogambling.about.com/od/bookstore/gr/play2win.htm
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I hope you enjoyed this issue of the newsletter. Feel free to post a comment.

Steve

Posted on December 27th, 2005 by MrVegas98
Filed under: Newsletter