Hail to the Skill of the Poker Player

A lot of people will say that gambling in any form is just pure luck. For some time the argument has been made that the skill of the poker player is beyond luck and that superior skill determines the outcome. Well in the time of need for think tanks and other great minds focusing on the ills of society, the economy, war and famine, leave it to the industrialized world to take time to sponsor a study that has some of the smartest people out there trying to determine the reality of this most important debate. 

Well as to not let too much time go by the professionals out there have determined that in fact the outcomes to poker matches are mainly due to the skill of the players involved. Yep it's that clear, believe it or not. 

The main people behind this study are the PPA, or to name the association group directly, the Poker Players Alliance, that has been pushing, for some unknown reality of a reason, to determine the legitimacy of this claim. The group, has been collecting information about the outcomes to games and tournaments for a long time to actually defend the fact that poker play is more skill than a gamble. 

Yep the reality of this study is about the legality of the issue and it is an attempt to make headway to allow poker to be played in the regulated environments of the jurisdictions across the country. 

The study, released by Cigital, Inc. in conjunction with PokerStars, used data acquired from 103 million hands of Texas Hold 'Em played online in December of 2008. According to Cigital's report, more than 75 percent of the cases saw an outcome determined with no player even seeing more than his/her own cards and the community cards. Nearly 25 percent of the games witnessed a showdown where the cards were revealed to determine the winner, but only half of the showdowns were won by the player who had the best five card hand. The other half of the showdowns were won by someone with an inferior hand because the player with the best hand decided to fold prior to showdown.

Poker tournaments are held in cities across the country such as Atlantic City, Las Vegas Casinos, and Biloxi. The push with the results of studies like this might be greater penetration in other geographic markets. 

Over the River and Through the Woods to Mountaineer Park

Yeah, I know a very poor Title for this blog post especially because of the timing of the year. For those of you with whom the title and play on words has been lost, it's from a song relating to Thanksgiving. That being said, however, the point is, the Mountaineer Park Casino in West Virginia is something of a place in the woods and it seemed clever to start off for this post.

The Mountaineer Park Casino and Resort is located at Route 2 Chester West Virginia and this resort is lock, stock and barrel of great entertainment. So let's talk a little about what they offer.

First and foremost even though Mountaineer Park started off as a race track it has definitely grown up to be a full service gaming property. As such the gaming offered at the property has something for everyone. Mountaineer Park offers full poker and poker tournaments, black jack, slots and lot's of promotions. 

Second, how could a great resort in gaming exist without great dining and restaurants. Well Mountaineer Park Restaurants have something for everyone. Dining is available in all of the key places around the resort including the race track and the hotel. Check out Gatsby's Dining Room. 

Third, the resort it self has something for everyone. From a first class hotel resort to a spa area to golf. Yep this place has just about everything you need.

Last, let's not forget about the world famous race track at Mountaineer Park. You can find great racing and events almost the entire year.

So if you're looking to get away over the river and through the woods Mountaineer Park is a perfect choice. 

Florida Gearing up to be Casino Capital of the South

Like a move out of the Godfather it appears that the consolidation of the gaming industry and it's major movers is becoming clearer than ever. No doubt in the minds of most Las Vegas reigns king of this commission and is being followed, very far mind you, by the likes of Atlantic City. To many, over the years Louisiana had been in the same game, but little by little the likes of the state of Florida taking over the vestige as the heir apair in the gaming world seems to be more realistic.

To that end and to add a little validity to this post we've recently come across the news that new legislation in Florida is being drafted to give the rulers of the Sunshine State gaming world a little more latitude in how they do business. What is it might you ask? Well quite simply the state legislature is very close to approving laws that will allow gambling in the Seminole casinos across Florida to have full fledged Las Vegas style gambling. This means complete roulette wheels, craps tables and other well known casino style games.

There are actually two bills being proposed and being done so by Florida's Senate Regulated Industries Chariman Dennis Jones. These laws should stike down a hard blow to what has been reported as a House that is anti-gaming in Florida. What's more, no doubt, Florida will most definitely begin to move itself into the forefront of the gaming industry as a premiere casino resort location.

This no doubt is bad news for other gaming jurisdictions across the country. Florida is a premiere vacation spot as it is, but by having Las Vegas style casinos this paves a way for an incredible competitive advantage not only for the casino operators but for the state itself.

The Seminole Casinos inlcude the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood Florida, the Seminole Coconut Creek and the Seminole immokalee.

More Casinos Planned for Pennsylvania - This Time Near Pittsburgh

At a time when it would seem that most are stepping back for a second to evaluate the current economic landscape, many others, in many different states and jurisdictions across the country are still strongly pushing and considering the development of casino gaming. One such area is near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, specifically Washington County.

Opponents of the plan to build and develop gaming and casino businesses in and around the Washington County area point directly to the fact that now is not the time to, for lack of a better term, "gamble", on such high investment projects. Vocal opponents site the fact that blue chip markets such as Atlantic City and Las Vegas are performing very bad and have been doing so for some time. 

Proponents and local business leaders in the Washington County area and Pittsburgh Metro region refute these arguments saying that the casinos will usher in hundreds if not thousands of new jobs. Not to mention many highly anticipated off shoot businesses such as outlet stores, restaurants and other entertainment attractions. "It is far more likely that this move will significantly benefit the region with a ripple effect. Capital intensive projects such as these bring jobs to construction, followed by jobs created by the casino itself. We anticipate that the economic slow down will turn around relatively soon and we want to be ahead of the curve when that happens", commented a high ranking business person in the area. 

Another opponent of the plan cited the growth in legalization for casino gaming across the United States. Such growth dramatically impacts neighboring markets. What was once a unique and highly differentiated business strategy has grown to be almost a commodity to the consumer. 

Clay Walker at the Beau Rivage Biloxi - These Tickets are Hottt and Cheap

Ok if you're looking for a great show, a headliner might I add, a place to go on a mini-vacation and to an area where lots of other fun can be had well we have it. Clay Walker, the hot country artist that has come to be a growing powerhouse in the world of entertainment, meets his audience head on for shows that are memorable as much as they are fun. Well he's appearing at the Beau Rivage Biloxi Casino this coming March 20th and tickets to the show are just outstanding. At about $19.95 a ticket you're not going to get a price better than this for a quality show. If you're interested in ticket prices check out the following link for Clay Walker Tickets. 

The Beau Rivage Biloxi Casino has a lot to offer beyond just this show of course. If you looking for a great way to build in a vacation and plan around it this is it and the property has it.  The Beau Rivage Hotel offers both rooms and suites. The rooms at the Beau Rivage come with either kings or double beds, have 32 inch LCD flat screen televisions, panoramic floor to ceiling windows and other great amenities to make your stay comfortable. If you're looking to upgrade to a better room, the suites at the Beau Rivage Casino are fantastic. Here you'll get marble foyer a wet or dry bar, walk in shower, big bath and other great amenities.

Horse Racing and Fun at Delaware Park

There are still several months until the official horse racing begins at Delaware Park Casino in Delaware of course, however, it's not to early to start getting a buzz about what's coming up.

First and foremost Delaware Park in Wilmington Delaware has one of the largest screens in its betting room on the East Coast. Ok so there is some fun things to see. Now the grandstand is out of the olden days, as my nephew now calls the days when I was a child, where there was grandeur and grace.

So the season is 116 days long and features a full list of great horses and trainers and the official opening of racing season is April 25th. If we follow it logically forward November 7th closes the season out.

If you happen to love the sport of kings and go to Delaware Park remember the property has a whole lot more. I've actually posted about this place before and said that this could be considered an Adult Disney World, or at best a theme park. Golf, casino, restaurants and of course horse racing. Try the Rail Restaurant where the dining is definitely close to upscale. That being said, back to the horse track if you go to the grandstand you can get a great meal and a great view of the track at the Terrace Restaurant that might something of great interest.

Regardless, horse racing season at the legendary horse track is about to begin its 72nd season so if you're near the area and love a great day with the ponies this is the place to be for it.

Pinnacle Entertainment Out of the Atlantic City Casino Game?

Yes it's true and it seems like the hits just keep on coming for the Atlantic City Casinos and the market it serves. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention it, Pinnacle Entertainment, one of the most aggressive and best brand names in the Gaming, Resort and Casino market. 

The Pinnacle Entertainment Group had plans of developing a mega casino complex near the boardwalk on the plot of land that is now the "burial site" for the Sands Atlantic City. The project was billed at an estimated $2 Billion and now it is nothing more than an idea that will never be. 

The reality is that Pinnacle still owns the land, but word from the Company Chairman Dan Lee has said, unofficially that is, that the company plans on selling the land for fair market value in this time of not so good fair market values.  The project was to be a mega resort in the theme of a beach house to rest on the boardwalk and really press a new era in the casino market for Atlantic City. 

Several issues were pointed out to be the reason behind the Pinnacle move. First the economy in general. People just don't have money and what they do have they aren't spending it. Second, the Atlantic City economy in general. With a double whammy of increased competition from neighboring states and jurisdictions the noose is tight for what customers they can get. Last, the move for Atlantic City to develop off boardwalk gaming halls, for example the development of the Bader Field area in the city. 

So what now for Atlantic City as the bloom is definitely off the rose. Keep tuned to see the continuing saga. 

Atlantic City New Jersey Meet Flint Michigan

You live long enough and certain things actually don't make you surprised. Actually, better stated, certain things happen that you are so overwhelmingly surprised that the situation in question doesn't make you surprised. 

Well such an incident happened today. Perusing the news, articles, blogs, and other sources of information about the casino industry, I came across an article related to the Atlantic City New Jersey Casino market. Specifically, the article was about the embattled Tropicana Resort and Casino. For those of you who are regulars to my blog, here's a little background. In the last 2 to 3 years the Tropicana has seen horrible reports about customer reviews, has had it's owner lose it's license to such issues due to Casino Control Act regulations and most recently has had the threat of layoffs due to a significant and terrible economic downturn. Ok, that brings things up to date for now. Well reading the article brought about the most glaring example of obliviousness that I have ever read. In the past year the American Auto Workers were able to organize the workers of the casino into a union. That same union has now settled to plan a strike for the Tropicana Casino workers for a date yet to be set, if certain concessions are not made. Yes this is all for real.

In one of the worst economic downturns I've ever seen in my life time, with the ever increasing competition from neighboring states, and the push by the employee organizations of the casinos, these numb nuts are organizing a strike should they not get what they want in their next contract !!!??? 

Have any of you ever seen the movie from the late 1980's called "Roger and Me"? To the point, the story is by famed documentary film maker Michael Moore, with whom I'm still up in the air about my opinion on, but no doubt made a poignant point about the downfall of one town that once stood strong. That town is Flint Michigan. It once was the crown jewel of the auto industry and almost the entire city was employed or benefited from it. Not recognizing the changing tide of the economy, competition and the world in general a slow deterioration ended with complete fall from grace. 

Is Atlantic City and it's casino industry there? Sadly I think so. Workers striking over conditions in a market that is evaporating. Legislation that hinders growth of the industry and competition that continually is knocking at the door.

I hope I'm wrong. The irony is the same people probably responsible for the fall of Flint Michigan are the same people that are now overseeing the labor unions for the Tropicana. Please God don't let history repeat itself.

The M Resort - Las Vegas' Newest Resort Gambles with a New Approach

The newest mega resort casino is set to open within the next week in Las Vegas. The name of this new resort is quite simply...the M Resort. This grand new resort property is located on a hill set on the corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard South. The only issue...well THE issue facing this magnificent structure is the harsh economic climate in which it is set to open and the massive price tag it took to build...to the tune of $1 Billion.

With the odds stacked against the M Resort, operator Anthony Marnell III insists that his property is set to succeed from day one of the official opening. Why? Marnell is betting on a whole new unique concept in operating his property. To begin, Marnell’s casino company is private. That is, no public financing, oversight or outside hands have a say in how the property is run. The funding was done with just one banker. Second, Marnell insists one of the biggest deficiencies with Las Vegas properties is the lack of customer focus. His solution, a detailed and precision hiring process that aims to screen out potential employees that don’t possess a high level of friendly personalities and once hired to put new hires through a rigorous multi-week training program. Third, he plans on owning each and every restaurant and eatery in the property, insisting that taking ownership will translate into superior operational efficiencies, create value-oriented menus and transfer cost-savings onto the resorts customers. The long and skinny, create an experience that is deep in customer service, personal relationships and value.

There are many that say such a vision is impossible to pull off in reality, while others concede that if such a feet can be accomplished the M Resort will be able to truly differentiate itself from the quagmire of the Las Vegas casino market.

Check out the official M Resort Las Vegas website for information about the property, player reward programs, entertainment and more. This writer is betting the M Resort has the right formula for success in this current economy to last a long, long time. 

Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Immokalee - Enjoy a Great Florida Casino

Florida comes with sunshine and beaches. Sure the state is sometimes equated with senior citizens and retirement, but you’d be foolish to really agree with that conclusion. Might I remind you that Florida is also home to South Beach Miami, considered to be one of the hottest spots on the globe for glitz and glamour not to mention Tampa Bay.

One thing Florida is coming to be known as now is a home to casinos. Our featured casino for this post is the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Immokalee. The Seminole Hard Rock is the third casino that is land based to be included in the Florida landscape. Recently the property has just undergone a $22 Million renovation and a switch in management in the last six months. So things are being shaken up a little for the Seminole property.

One of the biggest parts to the renovation is the addition of the table game black jack. The casino rolled this game out in December of 2008. The move is part of a larger plan by the Seminole trip to push for a more modernized approach to the style, look and operation of the casino.

Other big things to hit the casino are the increase in slot machines from 75 to 1,100 and other table games such as Let it Ride and 3 Card Poker.

On a side not be sure to say hello to Head of Security for the Property Mr. John MacDonald, a retired police officer from the Atlantic City Police Department.

All is going full speed ahead for the Seminole Hard Rock Seminole Casino in Immokalee, so get there to enjoy it. For Players Card information go to the associated link provided.

The Mirage Resort Las Vegas - Take a Vegas Vacation Today

Out front of this grand property is situationed an “active volcano”. Yes and active volcano and what else could you expect from the wonder makers in Las Vegas. The volcano erupts at the beginning of every hour. If that isn’t enough the back area of the property has real dolphins swimming in a make shift lagoon. This is Steve Wynnn’s Mirage Resort Las Vegas. Wynn is one of the most prolific names in the gaming industry if not all of Las Vegas itself.

The Mirage comes with a staggering 3004 rooms and suites. The standards rooms at the Mirage include wonderful bedding plus a 42 inch flat screen television. The layouts are large and cozy . The guest suites are a touch above the standard rooms and offer guests three different styles to choose from, including the Mirage Suites, the Hospitality Suites and the Tower Suites. The Mirage suites come with oversized king sized beds, a jacuzzi and refreshment area. The Hospitality Suites come with one or two bedrooms that are separated from what could be the living quarters and have all the amenities of the Mirage Suites. Finally the Tower Suites are the creme de la creme of the suites offering large living areas for those that really enjoy the good life.

The Mirage Casino and Resort is full of great dining options and entertainment. You’ll be able to enjoy a simple cheesburger to an incredible and scrumptuous feast. The entertainment comes with headliners like Jay Leno, Kevin James and Ray Ramono. So the laughs will keep on coming.

Make arrangements to stay at this featured Las Vegas Casino hotel today and call (702) 791-7111 for more information.

Bus Trips Great Way to Take Discount Casino Vacations

As the economy continues to take it's storied nose down businesses are continuing to find ways to stay viable and relevant. Casinos are no doubt being hurt from the turn in the overall economy as well as bus tour companies. A natural fit like peanut butter and chocolate, these two different types of businesses are working more tightly to see if they can help each other.

Officials at AAA or the American Automobile Association have commented that there has been a significant increase in relative local tours being offered as opposed to the reduction in much longer travel. As a result places like the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville Connecticut are working with more local bus tours to bring people to the property. Mohegan Sun had a greater direction for a more upscale and foreign player base, but the casino, like the rest of it's industry is struggling from the downturn in player drop.  The local markets that had never been providing bus tours to the Mohegan Sun now are being included. 

One such provider is Peter Pan Bus lines and tours. Tours include bus ride to and from the properties, plus accumulated comps for playing slots. Other tours have similar packages and the rates on average have been seen to be about $20 to $65 per tour. Very good way to travel. 

Check out more information about charters by actually visiting the official web site for the casino property of interest. Due to the way the tour operators and casinos are working together there is greater cooperation in marketing. 

Imperial Palace Las Vegas - Enjoy a Las Vegas Vacation at a Great Discount

Las Vegas is the brand name city when it comes to casino destinations in the world. Hundreds of songs, short stories, movies and any other type of homage has been made for this legendary city. Las Vegas is currently offering great rates for all its hotels, but our featured hotel for this post is the Imperial Palace Las Vegas located at 3535 Las Vegas Boulevard. Why do we suggest this casino out of the literal 100’s of options, well quite simple....unique packaging. The Imperial Palace Las Vegas is a class act in operations as it is part of the Harrah’s Gaming Company suite of casino properties.

Rates to the Imperial Palace Las Vegas are at incredible average prices from $45 to $115. Can you believe rates like this for a hotel that offers great amenities and other services. Check out complete Imperial Palace Las Vegas Reservation Rates with great discounts.

The value is with everything you get when you visit Las Vegas by staying at the Imperial Palace. You’ll find great events in the area including Cher, Anthony Cook, Penn and Teller and Legends in Concert. Call (702) 369-5111 for reservations.

As a guest you also get preferred access to local golf courses including Cascata Golf Course and the Rio Secco Golf Course. These are two of the finest and most acclaimed golf courses in the country. How about enjoying a relaxing time by the pool . You’ll get a big outdoor pool with an adjacent jacuzzi. If that’s not enough the Imperial Palace offers an onsite Spa.

With rates like the ones I mentioned taking a trip to Las Vegas may not be more reasonable than you could imagine.

Atlantic City Casinos - A Gaming Market at a Cross Road

If you are one to follow the casino industry on a whole, there's no secret that the current economic climate has had a significant and direct negative impact on every gaming jurisdiction in the United States. Sure, there are a few individual gaming companies that are holding their own, but across the board things are very shaky. No where does it seem to be worse, however, than in Atlantic City New Jersey. I've written for some time my disgust with crippling legislation that has handicapped Atlantic City such as smoking bans and not moving forward with legalizing sports betting, not to mention a chronic and long standing problem with city officials unable to recognize and support the industry like it should. Well, I find no joy in the result, but there's no way any one can say I was wrong. Atlantic City and it's casino market is in a lot of trouble.

The cities oldest casino, Resorts Atlantic City is in jeopardy of going into foreclosure not being able to meet it's debt payments, the Tropicana Resort Atlantic City has been embroiled, for almost two years, with drama surrounding it's ownership, and most recently the Don himself, Donald Trump, whose name itself has been a fixture in the resort by the sea, has shed any official involvement with the direct operation and oversight of the Trump casinos that still share his name. 

What's a head for one of the largest casino and gaming markets in the country? Not sure. The reality is things don't look good. No doubt ever increasing competition from neighboring jurisdictions like Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York are eating into Atlantic City's long time dominance in the casino market, but add in the free fall of the economy, loss of jobs that result in less spendable cash by customers and drying up credit markets, and the outlook is scary. 

Atlantic City may have missed the boat and lost it's chance to secure a foothold as a destination resort. Infighting, lack of strong political leadership and lack of long term vision by the areas decision makers are to blame. Shame on them.  

Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort

The Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or most commonly known as the FIGRA, was passed by the United States Congress in 1988. Since then the number of Indian Reservation casinos have popped up all over the country. One of the most significant properties to be established was in Connecticut back in the early 1990's at Foxwood's Casino.

Today there exists two casinos in the Connecticut landscape, and might I say, that the second one is absolutely the better of the two. What is it's name you ask? Why the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort of course.

The Mohegan Sun and Resort is located at 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard in Uncasville Connecticut.  Where talking about posh accommodations, upscale dining and some of the best casino play you'll find anywhere in the world. 

In terms of accommodations the Mohegan Sun hotel area is fantastic.  The property offers regular rooms and suites and each come with big comfy king sized beds, lounge chair with ottoman and marble bathrooms. 

Mohegan Sun also has one of the largest varieties of restaurants and dining available in anyone property I've ever seen. Whether it be upscale or simple cafe you'll find it here. Without listing them all check out the complete list of dining possibilities. 

There's so much more here to even get into right now. You'll have your choice of world class entertainment each and every week, some of the most exclusive retail shops you could ever visit and oh, yeah, let's not forget about the spa.

The choice is simple when  you're heading towards Connecticut and looking for a fun. Head to the Mohegan Sun Casino Resort and Spa. 

Casino Arizona

Arizona is the equivalent, to many, as the Florida of the West. In a lot of ways actually. Both states offer the idea of warm sunny skies, but also have become synonymous with retirement. Ok, to some degree that is true. I may be different, but when I think about both states a semblance of fun seems to creep into my consciousness. Oh, yeah, there's one other similarity between Florida and Arizona...they both have casinos.

In Arizona, the number is growing but the featured casino today is the none other than the Casino Arizona. Located at 9700 East Indian Bend in Scottsdale Arizona, but has several satellite locations. Our focus is the Resort and Spa, because what's better than a resort and spa right? The Casino Arizona Resort and Spa. Why not right? Enjoy the fun of a casino and the joy of a resort and spa vacation. The gaming and or casino area has about 1600 multi denominational slot machines, not to mention full sections of black jack, poker and keno.

Let's not forget about top notch entertainment that you should expect at your casino. How do the names Don Rickels or shows like Beatlemania sound to you? Pretty good right? Well Casino Arizona has such great entertainment and more, not to mention nightly entertainment at the Pima Lounge and the Casino Arizona Piano Lounge.

In case you didn't know also another great similarity that the state of Arizona has with Florida is Golf. Yes the religion of the links. Check out Scottsdale Arizona's Official Site of Tourism to see all the options available to you with golf.

Enjoy your next trip to the Arizona Dessert. I'm sure you're already making plans.

Siena Hotel Spa and Resort Reno

I can still remember watching a movie called "King Pin" many years ago now. It's a story about a bowling legend that fell from grace and the face of the earth, but in a path to rediscovery he came across an amish man that changed his world. Without getting too much into a story that has nothing to do with this post, they ended up in Reno Nevada, "The Biggest Little City in the World" for the annual bowling world championships. Well Reno finds us taking a look at a featured casino there, the Siena Hotel Spa and Resort. 

The Siena Hotel Spa and Resort is located at  1 South Lake Street Reno and is ranked, if such a rating system existed, would have the resort scored at about a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The property is located in the River District of Reno. There visitors will find great local attractions such as the Harrah's Automobile Museum and the Pioneer Performing Arts Center. 

That's all well and good, but the "gold" of your visit really is your stay at the Siena Hotel and Resort. This place is awesome. Almost every guest room is positioned to get a view of the mountains or river, the spa is first class, and the gaming is incredible, that offers about 23,000 square feet of casino space and the theme and decor is that of a Tuscan Village. Don't forget about the dining where you can get anything from gourmet and upscale at Lexie's on the River or visit the 24 Hour Contrada Cafe.

The Siena Hotel Spa and Resort surely makes Reno a little more upscale and nipping at the feet  of the joints in Tahoe. 

Buckys Casino and Resort - Prescott Arizona

Buckys Casino and Resort is the subject of our newest casino review. Yes, I said Buckys Casino and Resort. Haven’t heard of it before? Doesn’t matter. This property and casino gaming hall is a charming little casino you may not have heard about before, but if you’re in Arizona taking an excursion to this place will no doubt be some fun.

Buckys Casino and Resort is located at 530 East Merritt, Prescott, Arizona. More specifically the casino is located inside the Prescott Resort Hotel. The casino offers slots, video poker, blackjack and poker. The property it’s located at offers 81 guest rooms and 80 guest suites. The average room rate for the guest room is $99 to $209 and the average rate for the guest suite is $199. It also has three restaurants and a bar.

The charm of the city of Prescott is wonderful. We’re talking about a city that is very much off the beaten patch and hours away from the big city of Phoenix. You’ll find yourself in the middle of majestic South West with mountains and valleys and everything you could imagine from an old cowboy movie. In the middle of it all you find the oasis of the Prescot Resort Hotel and of course the fun of Buckys Casino and Resort.

One thing that casinos and properties like this offer is the ability to come with a recreation vehicle and park, refuel and dump. To the folks that are used to places like Atlantic City, New Jersey and/or Las Vegas, Nevada, this may seem very weird, but this really is a growing trend for gambling casinos as they are developed.

Enjoy a bit of the South West at Buckys Casino and Resort or call (928) 776-1666 for more information.

ACES Train Service.

Many, many years ago a train came from New York City, down the coast line to the then sleepy down of Atlantic City New Jersey. Well recently a new era, that is taking it's cues from the olden days, finds a rail line from New York City to Atlantic City once again. 

The light rail line is called ACES, and travels from New York's Penn station to Atlantic City's Rail Terminal.  Service started yesterday, February 6th, for the inaugural train trip. 

The rail line is newly remodeled and is a multi-level rail line that is supposedly very comfortable for passengers to enjoy. There is a 300 person capacity in the 4 cars that make up the rail line, but there is so much more. The seating is comfortable leather chairs, there are several food and beverage kiosks available and there is also a private lounge. 

There are a few catches though. There is a short stop in Newark New Jersey, and pricing can be a bit much where the low end one way tickets are $25 and the high end tickets where you have access to the lounge can be as much as $300. A bit more than the simple AMTRAK rail from Atlantic City to Philadelphia and points west.  Also the rail line only runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday twice daily. 

In a time where Atlantic City, and the Casinos that make up a substantial part of the market place, are really falling on hard economic times, something novel and unique like this should fire up some excitement. The thing is will New Yorkers "buy into" this concept and get on the train is the big test. Again, the rail line only offers two trips a day out of NYC for the three days and, at most, can only hold up to 300 people. So at most you're getting an additional 1800 people a week to Atlantic City to NYC. Only time will tell. 

Penn National Gaming.

I almost find it funny that I can even write this blog with an attitude of fun. The fact is that Casinos have been a haven for people. Good or bad as that might be, whether it be a person's only form of entertainment, a good investment or the very institutions that create jobs and opportunities for a region Casinos have something. 

Well with all the great vision in Atlantic City some 30 years ago, it seems like the bloom may very well be off the rose and the armor is starting to show it's vulnerability. Penn National Gaming, one of the Giants in gaming across the globe has announced that they will no longer be pursuing the development of a stretch of Route 30 in Atlantic City for a Gaming Casino. 

This is just another sad story in what could have been a very bright path that Atlantic City should have taken during the course of 30 years. Sure the economy is very much to blame, but the powers to be and the inability to see the magnitude of which the casino industry has helped not just the region but the entire state has been abysmal. Now Pennsylvania and every other state is adopting casino legislation. The workers in Atlantic City casinos pressed for a smoking ban also making the casino's lose there competitive appeal. Add in the big fact that they won't allow Sports Books to run in casinos and it almost seems like Atlantic City wanted to fail.

Penn National Gaming's decision to not pursue this development is a frightening look and glimpse into the future of where Atlantic City is headed. Today a major casino developer pulls out. Tomorrow an existing casino goes out of business. The trend is too unbearable to think about.

Spotlight on the Spotlight 29 Casino in California.

To add a little bit of irony to these posts I recently came across a casino named the Spotlight 29  Casino that is located in Coachella California. More specifically the casino is located at 46-2000 Harrison Place in Coachella.  The Spotlight 29 Casino is another beneficiary of the Indian Gaming laws and is owned by the 29 Tribal Bands that are descendents of the Chemehuevi Indians that once were located in the South West and Western United States. 

You'll find a very nice charming experience at the Spotlight 29 Casino. First the casino is centrally located to some great areas of California including San Diego, Fontana, Santa Anna and Ocean Side. For those of you that have been able to visit the San Diego area, I'm sure you can agree that the region is sun drenched, clean and beautiful. Second, the property has a lot of fun to offer. So if you're planning a trip to San Diego, although San Diego has several gaming properties in the area, the Spotlight 29 Casino is a nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city areas. 

As far as the gaming that is offered the Spotlight 29 Casino has it all. Table games include several versions of Black Jack, Pai-Gow and Mini Baccaret. There's also a complete selection of slot games to keep any one busy if that is your poison.  The Spotlight 29 Casino offers over 2000 slot machines from  penny slots all the way up to $100 machines. What would be a casino without poker? Well to me not much of one at all, but a glorified bingo hall. Fortunately by my standards the Spotlight Casino offers several versions of poker including great poker tournaments. 

The fun doesn't stop there as you can have your choice of great places to eat and have fun. For great upscale food check out the JEM Steakhouse. For great entertainment the Spotlight 29 Casino caters to great country western music. Some great headliners include Richie McDonald who was the former front man for the group LoneStar, Tracy Lawrence and Tracy Byrd.

As you can see the glitz and glamour of the casino life is not just found in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. The tiny town of Coachella California has shown us that. Take time to visit Spotlight 29 Casino when you find yourself out west. 

Happy New Year and Best of Luck for all Your Casino Visits.

I guess in the grand scheme of things I'm a little tardy getting to the official and obligatory "Happy New Year". It is only January 2nd, but it already seems passe. Regardless, better late than  never so Happy New Year to all my friends, family, followers and contributors. 

No doubt for the casino industry, 2008 has the same stigma as it has with the rest of the world....just bad. Workers were laid off in droves, many of the best performing and traditional powerhouses of casinos and gaming had not only losses, but some of the most significant in each of their respective histories. Destinations like Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Reno suffered major set backs. Yet here we all still stand. One such obvious point is that I still have a relative loyal following of readers and posters, and a regular barrage of emails and notes. Sure casinos cut back on work force levels, but they still stand. Better or worse, one thing I'd "bet on" in the long run is that casinos will weather the storms. My hopes and best wishes go out to all the down trodden and other business industries, but in terms of probability, casinos, games of chance or whatever you want to call it as a collective, has been around long before recorded history and will continue to do so. 

So let us all look to this new year, this year of 2009 with great anticipation. That through it all we'll weather the bad storms, and 2008 was a doosey. That fun and games are still important to the basic needs of the human spirit.