Senator Nick Xenophon was recently alerted to the existence of free iPhone casino games that let people enjoy simulated poker and slots on their mobiles. He believes the games are vulnerable to abuse by children, and wants the federal government to launch an inquiry. The games, he says, should be illegal for children to play.

International Business Times: Parliament junks iPhone gambling applications

Australian senator Nick Xenophon does not want “for fun” gambling applications to become readily available for download on the iPhone. The lawmaker said Australians are already overexposed to gambling.

According to Xenophon, free poker applications available on the iPhone allow, even children, to play for fake money. These games, he says, should not be allowed by the Australian government because they can expose children to gambling at an early age.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there’s no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction. Kids can become poker machine experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” said Xenophon. “….This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn eighteen.”

Xenophon understands that it would be impossible to ban these applications in Australia, but he still hopes to introduce measures that would make it illegal for Apple to provide free iPhone casino games to children.

Herald Sun: iPhone pokie apps targeted at children, says Senator Nick Xenophon

Free iPhone casino games that allow children to play poker are irresponsible and should be banned, says Senator Nick Xenophon.

Numerous iPhone applications can be downloaded for free, and are identical to machines in found in clubs, pubs and casinos, except they don’t pay real money.

Senator Xenophon said he wasn’t aware that the games existed until he was recently alerted to their availability.

“It’s irresponsible to allow these applications in the hands of children,” Senator Xenophon said. “We already have a big . . . gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

“Kids can become poker machines experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” Senator Xenophon said.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Ban iPhone gambling apps: Xenophon

Numerous free casino games, some promoted by gaming companies like Harrah’s, can be downloaded and played on the iPhone for free. The games are similar to real money machines found across Australia.

Senator Xenophon says the games are irresponsible, and could too easily fall into the hands of children.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

Some of the applications specifically state that they are for 12-year-olds and upwards, but others have no minimum age suggestions.

“Having a recommended age description of 12 is totally inadequate. This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn 18,” says Xenophon.

The senator hopes to alert the federal government, and to start an inquiry into the games, outlawing them for children.

“There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18,” Xenophon said.

“It’s not only promoting poker machines its conditioning people to use them.

Senator Nick Xenophon was recently alerted to the existence of free iPhone casino games that let people enjoy simulated poker and slots on their mobiles. He believes the games are vulnerable to abuse by children, and wants the federal government to launch an inquiry. The games, he says, should be illegal for children to play.

International Business Times: Parliament junks iPhone gambling applications

Australian senator Nick Xenophon does not want “for fun” gambling applications to become readily available for download on the iPhone. The lawmaker said Australians are already overexposed to gambling.

According to Xenophon, free poker applications available on the iPhone allow, even children, to play for fake money. These games, he says, should not be allowed by the Australian government because they can expose children to gambling at an early age.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there’s no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction. Kids can become poker machine experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” said Xenophon. “….This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn eighteen.”

Xenophon understands that it would be impossible to ban these applications in Australia, but he still hopes to introduce measures that would make it illegal for Apple to provide free iPhone casino games to children.

Herald Sun: iPhone pokie apps targeted at children, says Senator Nick Xenophon

Free iPhone casino games that allow children to play poker are irresponsible and should be banned, says Senator Nick Xenophon.

Numerous iPhone applications can be downloaded for free, and are identical to machines in found in clubs, pubs and casinos, except they don’t pay real money.

Senator Xenophon said he wasn’t aware that the games existed until he was recently alerted to their availability.

“It’s irresponsible to allow these applications in the hands of children,” Senator Xenophon said. “We already have a big . . . gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

“Kids can become poker machines experts years before they are legally allowed to set eyes on a real machine.”

“The use of money, albeit fantasy, drills home a false impression that poker machines can be a source of money or income,” Senator Xenophon said.

The Sydney Morning Herald: Ban iPhone gambling apps: Xenophon

Numerous free casino games, some promoted by gaming companies like Harrah’s, can be downloaded and played on the iPhone for free. The games are similar to real money machines found across Australia.

Senator Xenophon says the games are irresponsible, and could too easily fall into the hands of children.

“We already have a big enough gambling problem in this country and there is no doubt this will fuel gambling addiction.

Some of the applications specifically state that they are for 12-year-olds and upwards, but others have no minimum age suggestions.

“Having a recommended age description of 12 is totally inadequate. This is a training application for kids to lose real money when they turn 18,” says Xenophon.

The senator hopes to alert the federal government, and to start an inquiry into the games, outlawing them for children.

“There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18,” Xenophon said.

“It’s not only promoting poker machines its conditioning people to use them.

The former president of one of the world’s most successful gambling operators MGM Mirage Global, Lloyd Nathan, has been asked to run a new Vegas style casino resort which will operate 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Bloomberg Business Week: MGM’s Nathan to Run First ‘Vegas Style’ Viet Casino

Asian Coast Development Ltd. hired Lloyd Nathan, the former president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development, to run the first Vegas-style casino in Vietnam. Asian Coast has a 50-year license to build a $4.2 billion casino and resort 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam will be compete with neighboring resorts Macau, the world’s biggest gaming hub.

In an e-mail Nathan said, “The 16 countries in close proximity to Vietnam comprise almost 2/3 of the world’s population, but only 5% of the world’s licensed gaming establishments.”

The casino will be off-limits to the nation’s 86 million people. Singapore’s first casino opened on February 14 at the Resorts World Sentosa project. The government charges locals a $72 admission fee.

The new beachside Vietnamese resort will include 550 rooms, 90 gaming tables and 500 slot machines initially. The development is licensed for up to 180 tables and 1000 slot machines, he said.

The Associated Press: Development firm hires MGM Mirage’s Nathan as CEO

Officials say an MGM Mirage executive has left the casino company to lead a Canadian firm working on a $4.2 billion casino development in Vietnam.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Asian Coast Development Ltd. named Lloyd Nathan its chief executive and appointed him to its board.

Nathan was previously president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development and had been involved in the Ho Tram Strip project for the Las Vegas-based company.

Officials say the Ho Tram Strip is being developed on 420 acres along more than 1 mile of beachfront land on the South China Sea.

Reuters: UPDATE 1-MGM-branded casino planned for Vietnam resort area

Asian Coast Development Ltd says that it has named Lloyd Nathan, former president of MGM Mirage’s global gaming development, chief executive officer of the new project in Vietnam. The Vancouver-based investment group has hired Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage to operate the $400 million, 1,100-room resort, which will be called the MGM Grand Ho Tram.

Asian Coast, which holds a 50-year investment license from the Vietnamese government, said overall plans call for a $4.2 billion project that will encompass five resorts, two of which will include gambling. The license allows 180 table games and 2,000 electronic games (such as slot machines), split between the two casino properties.

China’s Macau, the only place in the area where gambling is legal, surpassed Las Vegas several years ago to become the world’s largest source of gambling revenue. MGM has a joint-venture project in Macau, and rival Wynn Resorts this week opened its second casino-resort in the Chinese enclave.

The former president of one of the world’s most successful gambling operators MGM Mirage Global, Lloyd Nathan, has been asked to run a new Vegas style casino resort which will operate 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Bloomberg Business Week: MGM’s Nathan to Run First ‘Vegas Style’ Viet Casino

Asian Coast Development Ltd. hired Lloyd Nathan, the former president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development, to run the first Vegas-style casino in Vietnam. Asian Coast has a 50-year license to build a $4.2 billion casino and resort 130 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam will be compete with neighboring resorts Macau, the world’s biggest gaming hub.

In an e-mail Nathan said, “The 16 countries in close proximity to Vietnam comprise almost 2/3 of the world’s population, but only 5% of the world’s licensed gaming establishments.”

The casino will be off-limits to the nation’s 86 million people. Singapore’s first casino opened on February 14 at the Resorts World Sentosa project. The government charges locals a $72 admission fee.

The new beachside Vietnamese resort will include 550 rooms, 90 gaming tables and 500 slot machines initially. The development is licensed for up to 180 tables and 1000 slot machines, he said.

The Associated Press: Development firm hires MGM Mirage’s Nathan as CEO

Officials say an MGM Mirage executive has left the casino company to lead a Canadian firm working on a $4.2 billion casino development in Vietnam.

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Asian Coast Development Ltd. named Lloyd Nathan its chief executive and appointed him to its board.

Nathan was previously president of MGM Mirage Global Gaming Development and had been involved in the Ho Tram Strip project for the Las Vegas-based company.

Officials say the Ho Tram Strip is being developed on 420 acres along more than 1 mile of beachfront land on the South China Sea.

Reuters: UPDATE 1-MGM-branded casino planned for Vietnam resort area

Asian Coast Development Ltd says that it has named Lloyd Nathan, former president of MGM Mirage’s global gaming development, chief executive officer of the new project in Vietnam. The Vancouver-based investment group has hired Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage to operate the $400 million, 1,100-room resort, which will be called the MGM Grand Ho Tram.

Asian Coast, which holds a 50-year investment license from the Vietnamese government, said overall plans call for a $4.2 billion project that will encompass five resorts, two of which will include gambling. The license allows 180 table games and 2,000 electronic games (such as slot machines), split between the two casino properties.

China’s Macau, the only place in the area where gambling is legal, surpassed Las Vegas several years ago to become the world’s largest source of gambling revenue. MGM has a joint-venture project in Macau, and rival Wynn Resorts this week opened its second casino-resort in the Chinese enclave.

Joeseph Baer, 39, was arrested on Tuesday while playing blackjack at a casino in Atlantic City. Baer was suspected of robbing three banks in Philadelpha during the past week. He has been convicted of robbing banks before, and has a history of gambling. Police suspected he might show up at casinos in the area to gamble away the money he robbed.

ABC News Philadelphia: Serial bank robbery suspect in custody

Joseph Baer, a 39 year old man wanted for robbing three banks in the US state of Pennsylvania last week, is now in police custody. He was spotted around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the blackjack tables in the Trump Plaza Casino, where he was apprehended.

Baer is an avid gambler, and police suspected that they would find him in one of the local casinos.

Baer is being charged with robbing approximately $1,000 from the PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13th. He is also a suspect in two other bank robberies: one at the Citizens Bank and one at the TruMark Financial Credit Union last Friday.

The FBI says that Baer was also wanted for escaping from a halfway house the day of the PNC Bank robbery.

Philly.com: Bank robbery suspect nabbed at casino

For Joseph Baer, a recent trip to gamble in Atlantic City turned out to be a losing bet.

Baer, who was wanted in connection with three bank robberies that happened last week, was spotted playing blackjack at the Trump Plaza Casino by New Jersey state troopers. The officers took the suspect into custody without incident.

On Monday, Baer was caught on camera robbing a Citizen’s Bank branch in Northeast Philadelphia. Last week, he allegedly robbed a different bank in the city’s Mayfair section, where he was also caught on security cameras.

Baer was also wanted for escaping from a federal halfway house on the day of the first robbery. He recently served six-year sentence for robbing two banks in 2004, and had been living at the Luzerne Community Corrections Center in North Philadelphia. His caseworker told authorities that he signed out on April 12 to go to work at a McDonalds.

CBS News Philadelphia: Serial Bank Bandit Found In A.C. Casino

A suspected serial bank robber is in custody after police spotted him playing blackjack a casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday morning.

New Jersey State Police detectives detained 39-year-old Joseph Baer on the floor of the Trump Plaza Casino without incident at around 10 a.m.

Baer was wanted for robbing a PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13. Security images showed Baer wearing a Donovan McNabb Eagles jersey when he robbed the bank of $1,000 – the images earned him the nickname “McNabb Bandit”. Baer’s identity came to light with a member of the public recognized him from the photos.

Baer is also suspected of being involved in the robbery of two other area banks that were committed last week.

FBI officials say Baer was convicted of two different bank robberies back in March 2004.

Joeseph Baer, 39, was arrested on Tuesday while playing blackjack at a casino in Atlantic City. Baer was suspected of robbing three banks in Philadelpha during the past week. He has been convicted of robbing banks before, and has a history of gambling. Police suspected he might show up at casinos in the area to gamble away the money he robbed.

ABC News Philadelphia: Serial bank robbery suspect in custody

Joseph Baer, a 39 year old man wanted for robbing three banks in the US state of Pennsylvania last week, is now in police custody. He was spotted around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the blackjack tables in the Trump Plaza Casino, where he was apprehended.

Baer is an avid gambler, and police suspected that they would find him in one of the local casinos.

Baer is being charged with robbing approximately $1,000 from the PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13th. He is also a suspect in two other bank robberies: one at the Citizens Bank and one at the TruMark Financial Credit Union last Friday.

The FBI says that Baer was also wanted for escaping from a halfway house the day of the PNC Bank robbery.

Philly.com: Bank robbery suspect nabbed at casino

For Joseph Baer, a recent trip to gamble in Atlantic City turned out to be a losing bet.

Baer, who was wanted in connection with three bank robberies that happened last week, was spotted playing blackjack at the Trump Plaza Casino by New Jersey state troopers. The officers took the suspect into custody without incident.

On Monday, Baer was caught on camera robbing a Citizen’s Bank branch in Northeast Philadelphia. Last week, he allegedly robbed a different bank in the city’s Mayfair section, where he was also caught on security cameras.

Baer was also wanted for escaping from a federal halfway house on the day of the first robbery. He recently served six-year sentence for robbing two banks in 2004, and had been living at the Luzerne Community Corrections Center in North Philadelphia. His caseworker told authorities that he signed out on April 12 to go to work at a McDonalds.

CBS News Philadelphia: Serial Bank Bandit Found In A.C. Casino

A suspected serial bank robber is in custody after police spotted him playing blackjack a casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday morning.

New Jersey State Police detectives detained 39-year-old Joseph Baer on the floor of the Trump Plaza Casino without incident at around 10 a.m.

Baer was wanted for robbing a PNC Bank in Philadelphia on April 13. Security images showed Baer wearing a Donovan McNabb Eagles jersey when he robbed the bank of $1,000 – the images earned him the nickname “McNabb Bandit”. Baer’s identity came to light with a member of the public recognized him from the photos.

Baer is also suspected of being involved in the robbery of two other area banks that were committed last week.

FBI officials say Baer was convicted of two different bank robberies back in March 2004.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

Four different casinos were raided on Monday by undercover police officers and their finding was a bit surprising. The disguised internet cafes offered casino-style games and failed to mention the undercover officers could use the internet. Over $22,000 in cash was seized as well as over 120 computers.

The Roanoke Times: Internet cafe raids netted computers, cash

Investigators raided 4 Roanoke County Internet cafes which allegedly harbored illegal gambling. Cash and computers were hauled away along with a pot of winnings from undercover gaming that officers used to build their case.

Some variation of gambling was going on at each of the 4 so called “internet cafes” and officers took a total of $22,580 in cash and 126 computers among other things.

At Bennett’s Internet, customers paid $6 per hour of online access, and got a card that enabled them to play 18 casino-style games until the points on the card ran out, or until the customer bought more Internet time and got more points. Players could win up to $3,000 but winners and losers were predetermined based on the card they bought.

Virginia’s General Assembly’s upcoming veto session may see the approval of legislation that will clarify the application of current anti-gambling statutes.

WDBJ 7: What police seized in “internet cafe” raids

Roanoke County police have cashed in their chips on last week’s gaming parlor raids. Search warrant returns indicate that police seized more than 100 computers from the four “Internet cafes” that were raided on Thursday.

Documents filed Monday indicate the undercover investigation began at Bennett’s Internet on September 3 of last year. The store’s owner claims that he was only selling internet time, at $6 and hour, and a chance to win sweepstakes. County detectives say there was no mention of the internet when they went in, undercover, only casino slots and card games.

The combined take from the four locations adds up to more than $22,000 in cash plus a total of 122 computers.

NBC News: Roanoke Co. Police detail reasons why they raided four Internet cafes

Four internet cafes in Roanoke County are at the center of a big investigation involving illegal gambling and money laundering. Search warrants were granted and an undercover operation was executed on Monday.

At the first business, a detective started with $20, played casino-style games and eventually won $82. At another business, an attendant made the detective sign a document explaining he was purchasing internet time and would be given free entries into a sweepstakes. The detective starting playing with $100 and left with only $13.

After a year-long investigation, police finally went in last week. This time they weren’t undercover. Over 120-computers, well over $22,000 and game cards were seized in the raid.

None of the business owners have been charged, but I spoke with two of them who maintain they were running a legitimate business and plan to fight the case.

Police are sifting through all the items taken from the internet cafes.

They say the investigation could take up to several weeks.

Gambling revenue in the great gambling state of Nevada has been all over the place over the last couple of months, but most notably in the gutter relative to the past. I bit of hope has once again been pumped into the system in that February gambling resulted in revenue gains being in the double digits.

The Associated Press: Nevada casino winnings jump 14 percent in February

According to casino regulators, special events in February attracted gamblers to the Las Vegas Strip and helped push statewide gambling winnings up almost 14%. The Gaming Control Board said casinos’ winnings went up to $946.6 million, compared with last year’s $831 million.

The increase was driven by the Strip, where casinos won around $568 million. It’s the largest increase in casino wins on the Strip since November 1999. February’s statewide posting is the largest monthly casino win increase since December 2006 and the first double-digit increase since July 2007. Las Vegas Strip casinos account for roughly 50 percent of statewide gambling revenues.

Casinos in northern Nevada’s Washoe County reported winning $60.9 million, up 2.7 percent for the first monthly increase in 32 months, Streshley said. In Reno, the $43.9 million was an increase of 4 percent.

Reuters: Casino shares up as Nevada gaming revenues rise

MGM Mirage and other casino operators’ shares shot above their year highs on Thursday after Nevada posted a double-digit percentage increase in gaming revenues for February.

On Thursday, The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that total gaming revenues were up to $946.6 million in February, up 13.9% from the same month a year ago. Gaming revenues on the Las Vegas Strip came to nearly $568 million for the month, up 32.9% from the year earlier.

In a note to clients J.P. Morgan analyst, Joseph Greff, said:”We think results were helped by the timing of Chinese New Year,” which was celebrated in February this year as opposed to January for last year.

MGM Mirage shares were up 8.8 percent to $14.53, above their previous 52-week high of $14.25. Rival Las Vegas Sands gained 5.9 percent to $24.29 and Wynn Resorts shares were up 5.4 percent to $86.04.

Bloomberg Business Week: Las Vegas Strip Casino Revenue Soared 33% in February

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue jumped 33% in February as baccarat play by Chinese New Year’s revelers boosted winnings. Strip revenue hit $568 million from $427.4 million in 2009 according to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board.

All Nevada’s casino revenue climbed 14% to $946.6 million. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas as well as the Strip, grew 16% to $827.8 million. The Chinese New Year is an important event in Las Vegas because visitors stay longer and spend more than average.

MGM Mirage jumped $1.38, or 10%, to $14.73 at 4:15 p.m. in the New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the biggest advance since September. Las Vegas Sands gained $1.30, or 5.7%, to $24.23. Wynn Resorts Ltd. added $4.57, or 5.6%, to $86.23 on the Nasdaq.

Gambling revenue in the great gambling state of Nevada has been all over the place over the last couple of months, but most notably in the gutter relative to the past. I bit of hope has once again been pumped into the system in that February gambling resulted in revenue gains being in the double digits.

The Associated Press: Nevada casino winnings jump 14 percent in February

According to casino regulators, special events in February attracted gamblers to the Las Vegas Strip and helped push statewide gambling winnings up almost 14%. The Gaming Control Board said casinos’ winnings went up to $946.6 million, compared with last year’s $831 million.

The increase was driven by the Strip, where casinos won around $568 million. It’s the largest increase in casino wins on the Strip since November 1999. February’s statewide posting is the largest monthly casino win increase since December 2006 and the first double-digit increase since July 2007. Las Vegas Strip casinos account for roughly 50 percent of statewide gambling revenues.

Casinos in northern Nevada’s Washoe County reported winning $60.9 million, up 2.7 percent for the first monthly increase in 32 months, Streshley said. In Reno, the $43.9 million was an increase of 4 percent.

Reuters: Casino shares up as Nevada gaming revenues rise

MGM Mirage and other casino operators’ shares shot above their year highs on Thursday after Nevada posted a double-digit percentage increase in gaming revenues for February.

On Thursday, The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that total gaming revenues were up to $946.6 million in February, up 13.9% from the same month a year ago. Gaming revenues on the Las Vegas Strip came to nearly $568 million for the month, up 32.9% from the year earlier.

In a note to clients J.P. Morgan analyst, Joseph Greff, said:”We think results were helped by the timing of Chinese New Year,” which was celebrated in February this year as opposed to January for last year.

MGM Mirage shares were up 8.8 percent to $14.53, above their previous 52-week high of $14.25. Rival Las Vegas Sands gained 5.9 percent to $24.29 and Wynn Resorts shares were up 5.4 percent to $86.04.

Bloomberg Business Week: Las Vegas Strip Casino Revenue Soared 33% in February

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue jumped 33% in February as baccarat play by Chinese New Year’s revelers boosted winnings. Strip revenue hit $568 million from $427.4 million in 2009 according to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board.

All Nevada’s casino revenue climbed 14% to $946.6 million. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas as well as the Strip, grew 16% to $827.8 million. The Chinese New Year is an important event in Las Vegas because visitors stay longer and spend more than average.

MGM Mirage jumped $1.38, or 10%, to $14.73 at 4:15 p.m. in the New York Stock Exchange composite trading, the biggest advance since September. Las Vegas Sands gained $1.30, or 5.7%, to $24.23. Wynn Resorts Ltd. added $4.57, or 5.6%, to $86.23 on the Nasdaq.

There have been a startling number of casino burglaries within the last month. The latest of the robberies took place early Sunday morning at Le Pharaon, a French high-brow casino located in Lyon.

United Press International: French Casino Robbed by Gunmen

According to police, a pack of masked robbers exploded into a crowded French casino, fired their rifles into the ceiling and made off with almost $39,000 on Sunday. Radio France Internationale reported that the grab and go at Le Pharaon Casino in Lyon took a total of just 3 minutes. Interpol’s international police agency headquarters are just down the street.

This has been the third high-profile casino robbery in Europe recently. The other two were executed in
Switzerland and Germany. At the Lyon gambling venue, 4 men used an angle grinder to gain access to the cashiers’ area, while an accomplice waited outside. They all fled in a black BMW. Two security guards received minor injuries.

Expatica.com: Masked gunmen hold up French casino

Police have announced that 5 armed and masked thieves held up a casino in the French city of Lyon early on Easter Sunday and made off with tens of thousands of Euros. The men allegedly walked into “Le Pharaon” casino around 3 am, fired a shot in the air and went on to empty the casino’s cash registers.

According to an investigator, “There were five of them, dressed in white overalls and wearing ski masks. They worked very quickly. They stayed for about two minutes.”

A security guard who attempted to intervene and stop the robbery was the only one injured throughout the duration of the incident. The men were in possession of machine guns, according to police, and fled in a BMW.

The Associated Press: Armed assailants rob French casino, get $38,000

Masked men brandishing assault rifles rushed into a crowded French casino early Sunday, fired shots into the ceiling and made off with roughly EUR 28,000 ($37,800) according to the casino and police.

Police said it took the thieves only 3 minutes to carry out their operation at “Le Pharaon” casino in the central city of Lyon. The casino is just down the street from the headquarters of Interpol, the international police agency.

The masked men allegedly wore white and carried AK-47 rifles. An angle grinder was used to break into the cashiers’ area. One man waited outside in a getaway BMW. Two security guards sustained injuries but none of the clients were hurt.

There have been a startling number of casino burglaries within the last month. The latest of the robberies took place early Sunday morning at Le Pharaon, a French high-brow casino located in Lyon.

United Press International: French Casino Robbed by Gunmen

According to police, a pack of masked robbers exploded into a crowded French casino, fired their rifles into the ceiling and made off with almost $39,000 on Sunday. Radio France Internationale reported that the grab and go at Le Pharaon Casino in Lyon took a total of just 3 minutes. Interpol’s international police agency headquarters are just down the street.

This has been the third high-profile casino robbery in Europe recently. The other two were executed in
Switzerland and Germany. At the Lyon gambling venue, 4 men used an angle grinder to gain access to the cashiers’ area, while an accomplice waited outside. They all fled in a black BMW. Two security guards received minor injuries.

Expatica.com: Masked gunmen hold up French casino

Police have announced that 5 armed and masked thieves held up a casino in the French city of Lyon early on Easter Sunday and made off with tens of thousands of Euros. The men allegedly walked into “Le Pharaon” casino around 3 am, fired a shot in the air and went on to empty the casino’s cash registers.

According to an investigator, “There were five of them, dressed in white overalls and wearing ski masks. They worked very quickly. They stayed for about two minutes.”

A security guard who attempted to intervene and stop the robbery was the only one injured throughout the duration of the incident. The men were in possession of machine guns, according to police, and fled in a BMW.

The Associated Press: Armed assailants rob French casino, get $38,000

Masked men brandishing assault rifles rushed into a crowded French casino early Sunday, fired shots into the ceiling and made off with roughly EUR 28,000 ($37,800) according to the casino and police.

Police said it took the thieves only 3 minutes to carry out their operation at “Le Pharaon” casino in the central city of Lyon. The casino is just down the street from the headquarters of Interpol, the international police agency.

The masked men allegedly wore white and carried AK-47 rifles. An angle grinder was used to break into the cashiers’ area. One man waited outside in a getaway BMW. Two security guards sustained injuries but none of the clients were hurt.

It’s April Fool’s day, and internet gambling sites across the net are taking advantage of this opportunity to have a little fun. We’ve been watching the news all day long, and have compiled a list of the wildest and wackiest April Fool’s pranks that different internet casinos have pulled this year.

Golden Tiger Casino: Get a free tiger!

Golden Tiger Casino, in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Tiger, is offering an unbelievable promotion this week. Anyone who creates a new casino account will not only receive a generous $1500 welcome bonus, but they will also be entered into a drawing to receive a real live Bengal tiger!

There are 15 tigers ready to be given away. Winners will have the tiger delivered to their home. Casino staff urge winners to keep their refrigerators well-stocked, because the tiger will probably be hungry after its long journey!

Blue Square Casino: Sir Geoff Hurst Makes A Shocking Revelation!

Sir Geoff Hurst, famous for scoring a hat trick in England’s 1966 World Cup Final, came out to the world today with a controversial confession: his second goal, he says, ‘did not cross the line’.

Goeff spoke today at a press conference to announce his new partnership with Blue Square’s online sports betting site as they renew their sponsorship deal with the conference league. The league will be changing its name to the Blue Square Bet Premier League.

32Red: Roulette Wheel Rotation at 32Red

Because of a recent change to 32Red’s Gaming Licence Terms and Conditions, the casino is now required adjust the rotational direction of the roulette wheels used at casinos operated by 32Red Plc.

Due to the Coriolis effect on the earth’s rotation, players who live in the Southern Hemisphere will see the wheels spin anti-clockwise, while players in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a clockwise spin. The outcome of spins will remain entirely random regardless of the direction of rotation, so players will not experience any difference in gameplay.

If a player feels that the roulette wheel wheel is spinning in the wrong direction according to their geographic location, they should immediately 32Red so that the problem can be rectified.

It’s April Fool’s day, and internet gambling sites across the net are taking advantage of this opportunity to have a little fun. We’ve been watching the news all day long, and have compiled a list of the wildest and wackiest April Fool’s pranks that different internet casinos have pulled this year.

Golden Tiger Casino: Get a free tiger!

Golden Tiger Casino, in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Tiger, is offering an unbelievable promotion this week. Anyone who creates a new casino account will not only receive a generous $1500 welcome bonus, but they will also be entered into a drawing to receive a real live Bengal tiger!

There are 15 tigers ready to be given away. Winners will have the tiger delivered to their home. Casino staff urge winners to keep their refrigerators well-stocked, because the tiger will probably be hungry after its long journey!

Blue Square Casino: Sir Geoff Hurst Makes A Shocking Revelation!

Sir Geoff Hurst, famous for scoring a hat trick in England’s 1966 World Cup Final, came out to the world today with a controversial confession: his second goal, he says, ‘did not cross the line’.

Goeff spoke today at a press conference to announce his new partnership with Blue Square’s online sports betting site as they renew their sponsorship deal with the conference league. The league will be changing its name to the Blue Square Bet Premier League.

32Red: Roulette Wheel Rotation at 32Red

Because of a recent change to 32Red’s Gaming Licence Terms and Conditions, the casino is now required adjust the rotational direction of the roulette wheels used at casinos operated by 32Red Plc.

Due to the Coriolis effect on the earth’s rotation, players who live in the Southern Hemisphere will see the wheels spin anti-clockwise, while players in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a clockwise spin. The outcome of spins will remain entirely random regardless of the direction of rotation, so players will not experience any difference in gameplay.

If a player feels that the roulette wheel wheel is spinning in the wrong direction according to their geographic location, they should immediately 32Red so that the problem can be rectified.

Louise Chavez of Denver, Colorado, was playing slots at the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City, Colorado on Friday night. She got excited when the machine she was on started flashing, displaying a message that she had won almost $43 million. The casino says the machine was broken, and gave Chavez some free meals and a hotel room instead.

BBC: $43m slot machine win a ‘mistake’ says Colorado casino

An American woman named Louise Chavez thought she had won $43m on a slot machine, but was later been told that a mistake was made.

According to the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City, Colorado, the slot machine had “malfunctioned.”
It seems Chavez will never see a penny of jackpot.

Chavez earns about $12,000 a year, so when the lights and bells went off, she was very excited.

“All of a sudden I saw the light come on on top of the machine. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God!’ I’d never had this feeling before in my life, never.”

Gaming officials blame an unfortunate computer glitch.

Chavez said she was given a free room for the night, and some food for compensation, along with the $20 bet she put into the faulty slot machine.

“My emotions changed from excited, thrilled, to very upset.”

ABC News: Woman Wins $42 Million Jackpot? Not So Fast

When the lights started flashing on a slot machine at the Fortune Valley Casino, in Central City, Colorado, Louise Chavez thought she had won $43 million.

Instead, the casino claimed the machine malfunctioned, and all Chavez got out of it was some free meals and a room for the night.

“I put my money in there,” Chavez explained on Good Morning America. “Whatever I won, I should get… There are dreams and there are things I’d like to do — helping my family, helping my kids. That’s why I’m disappointed. I just don’t know.”

Fortune Valley communications director Joe Behm said, “We’ve been open for 15 years at Fortune Valley and this is the first time we’ve had something of this magnitude.”

“It’s unfortunate when it happens,” said Don Burmania, spokesperson for the Colorado Division of Gaming. “We don’t like it to happen, the casinos don’t like it to happen and in this case, the patron didn’t like it, either.”

The New York Times: Colorado: Instead of $43 Million, How About Waffles?

A US woman won $42.9 million off a penny bet in a slot machine at a Colorado casino, only to have her dreams doused when the casino claimed that the jackpot message was in fact an error. Colorado gambling authorities are now testing the machine in questions, while the rest state’s 39 casinos struggle to reassure gamblers.

Louise Chavez of Denver got the jackpot on Friday while playing at the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City. The listed its top prize as $251,000. She said that she was given a free breakfast as compensation, but that she is owed much more.

Louise Chavez of Denver, Colorado, was playing slots at the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City, Colorado on Friday night. She got excited when the machine she was on started flashing, displaying a message that she had won almost $43 million. The casino says the machine was broken, and gave Chavez some free meals and a hotel room instead.

BBC: $43m slot machine win a ‘mistake’ says Colorado casino

An American woman named Louise Chavez thought she had won $43m on a slot machine, but was later been told that a mistake was made.

According to the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City, Colorado, the slot machine had “malfunctioned.”
It seems Chavez will never see a penny of jackpot.

Chavez earns about $12,000 a year, so when the lights and bells went off, she was very excited.

“All of a sudden I saw the light come on on top of the machine. I’m like, ‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God!’ I’d never had this feeling before in my life, never.”

Gaming officials blame an unfortunate computer glitch.

Chavez said she was given a free room for the night, and some food for compensation, along with the $20 bet she put into the faulty slot machine.

“My emotions changed from excited, thrilled, to very upset.”

ABC News: Woman Wins $42 Million Jackpot? Not So Fast

When the lights started flashing on a slot machine at the Fortune Valley Casino, in Central City, Colorado, Louise Chavez thought she had won $43 million.

Instead, the casino claimed the machine malfunctioned, and all Chavez got out of it was some free meals and a room for the night.

“I put my money in there,” Chavez explained on Good Morning America. “Whatever I won, I should get… There are dreams and there are things I’d like to do — helping my family, helping my kids. That’s why I’m disappointed. I just don’t know.”

Fortune Valley communications director Joe Behm said, “We’ve been open for 15 years at Fortune Valley and this is the first time we’ve had something of this magnitude.”

“It’s unfortunate when it happens,” said Don Burmania, spokesperson for the Colorado Division of Gaming. “We don’t like it to happen, the casinos don’t like it to happen and in this case, the patron didn’t like it, either.”

The New York Times: Colorado: Instead of $43 Million, How About Waffles?

A US woman won $42.9 million off a penny bet in a slot machine at a Colorado casino, only to have her dreams doused when the casino claimed that the jackpot message was in fact an error. Colorado gambling authorities are now testing the machine in questions, while the rest state’s 39 casinos struggle to reassure gamblers.

Louise Chavez of Denver got the jackpot on Friday while playing at the Fortune Valley Casino in Central City. The listed its top prize as $251,000. She said that she was given a free breakfast as compensation, but that she is owed much more.

Masked Robbers charged the Grand Casino, located in Basle, Switzerland, just 200 meters from the French border. The bandits made off with hundreds of thousands of franks and escaped across the border. Swiss and French police are working in a joint effort to bring the situation to justice.

BBC News: Switzerland casino is robbed by armed gang

According to prosecutors, masked men stormed a casino near the Swiss border city of Basle, and made off with hundreds of thousands of francs. About 10 raiders showed up in two cars and smashed their way in, brandishing machine-guns and pistols.

The gang spoke French and ordered the 600 guests and employees to the floor while they emptied registers. Reports say they couldn’t get into the strong room despite firing on the door. The gang escaped in their cars, silver Audis with French license plates, headed towards France. Basle lies on the Swiss border, with French territory just 200m from the casino.

According to the Basle prosecutor’s office, no-one was injured though several shots were fired. Managing director Michael Favrod said it was the first robbery at the casino.

The Guardian: Basle’s Grand Royal casino raided by armed gang

French and Swiss police have launched a cross-border manhunt for an armed gang which recently stormed a Swiss Casino and made off with hundreds of thousands of Euros. According to prosecutors, the raid was professionally executed at 4am in the Basle’s Grand Casino by about 10 masked raiders armed with machine guns and pistols.

One man burst through the door with a sledgehammer, and his partners ran inside and ordered guests to the floor while firing into the air. Some of the gang tried to break into the safe room but failed, despite firing bullets into the door.

The gang sped across the border in 2 silver Audis. The Grand Casino is just 200 meters from the French border. Witnesses said the gang members spoke in French.

The Wall Street Journal: Armed Gang Raids Swiss Casino

A gang of masked men raided a large casino in Basel and stole hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs just 1 week after the Swiss government approved the expansion of gaming.

The 10 men pulled off a daring heist at the Grand Casino of Basel. They pulled up to the casino in a pair of gray Audis bearing French license plates. Once inside, they brandished machine guns and pistols, and ordered the 600 guests and employees to drop to the ground. Investigators said the men spoke French.

Some of the men emptied registers, while others unsuccessfully attempted to break open a safe in the basement by shooting the door. A few guests and casino guards were lightly injured in a scuffle.

The theft happened just a week after the Swiss government gave the green light for regions that don’t currently have casinos to seek a license this spring. At the moment, there are 19 casinos in Switzerland.

Masked Robbers charged the Grand Casino, located in Basle, Switzerland, just 200 meters from the French border. The bandits made off with hundreds of thousands of franks and escaped across the border. Swiss and French police are working in a joint effort to bring the situation to justice.

BBC News: Switzerland casino is robbed by armed gang

According to prosecutors, masked men stormed a casino near the Swiss border city of Basle, and made off with hundreds of thousands of francs. About 10 raiders showed up in two cars and smashed their way in, brandishing machine-guns and pistols.

The gang spoke French and ordered the 600 guests and employees to the floor while they emptied registers. Reports say they couldn’t get into the strong room despite firing on the door. The gang escaped in their cars, silver Audis with French license plates, headed towards France. Basle lies on the Swiss border, with French territory just 200m from the casino.

According to the Basle prosecutor’s office, no-one was injured though several shots were fired. Managing director Michael Favrod said it was the first robbery at the casino.

The Guardian: Basle’s Grand Royal casino raided by armed gang

French and Swiss police have launched a cross-border manhunt for an armed gang which recently stormed a Swiss Casino and made off with hundreds of thousands of Euros. According to prosecutors, the raid was professionally executed at 4am in the Basle’s Grand Casino by about 10 masked raiders armed with machine guns and pistols.

One man burst through the door with a sledgehammer, and his partners ran inside and ordered guests to the floor while firing into the air. Some of the gang tried to break into the safe room but failed, despite firing bullets into the door.

The gang sped across the border in 2 silver Audis. The Grand Casino is just 200 meters from the French border. Witnesses said the gang members spoke in French.

The Wall Street Journal: Armed Gang Raids Swiss Casino

A gang of masked men raided a large casino in Basel and stole hundreds of thousands of Swiss francs just 1 week after the Swiss government approved the expansion of gaming.

The 10 men pulled off a daring heist at the Grand Casino of Basel. They pulled up to the casino in a pair of gray Audis bearing French license plates. Once inside, they brandished machine guns and pistols, and ordered the 600 guests and employees to drop to the ground. Investigators said the men spoke French.

Some of the men emptied registers, while others unsuccessfully attempted to break open a safe in the basement by shooting the door. A few guests and casino guards were lightly injured in a scuffle.

The theft happened just a week after the Swiss government gave the green light for regions that don’t currently have casinos to seek a license this spring. At the moment, there are 19 casinos in Switzerland.

A Milwaukee Man, Roberto Ruiz, has been charged with robbing three banks and stealing a total of $17,000. He may be charged for robbing another four that he apparently admitted to in a criminal complaint. His most recent robbery was executed on Wednesday so that he wouldn’t have to explain to his wife that he lost $3,000 gambling.

Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee man charged with robbing 3 banks of $17,000, allegedly admits to 4 other hold-ups

A Milwaukee man is accused of robbing three banks and making off with about $17,000.
Roberto Ruiz, 35, was charged three felony counts of robbing a financial institution on Saturday. Ruiz’s bail was set at a high $100,000 by the judge.

According to prosecutors has Ruiz robbed at least three banks since last December. The criminal complaint says he admitted to four other robberies since October in which he allegedly took over $13,000.

Ruiz told investigators that he attempted to rob a bank on Wednesday because he had just lost $3,000 at a casino and didn’t want his wife to find out. The complaint also states that he was caught after tellers gave police a description of his getaway vehicle and license plate.

NBC News: Father Suspected In Seven Bank Robberies

St. Patrick’s Day proved unlucky for a suspected bank robber who was caught after robbing the Bank Mutual at 2847 S. Howell Avenue on March 17th. Police now believe the same man is responsible for a total of seven Milwaukee County bank robberies.

Ruiz, a mechanic and father of three, apparently kept his alleged crimes secret from his wife and children. According to recently filed charges, Ruiz told detectives he started stealing in October of 2009. He robbed the U.S. Bank at 4333 S. 27th Street to feed a gambling habit.

This month, Ruiz says he squandered his family’s $3,000 tax refund at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. He told police that he was so embarrassed that he robbed the last bank to avoid telling his wife how he lost the money. He now faces charges with a combined maximum sentence of 120 years.

Police recovered most of the stolen money from the final robbery, but say cash from the other robberies has likely already been lost at the casino.

WTAQ News Talk: Milwaukee Man May Get More Charges For Bank Robberies

Roberto Ruiz of Milwaukee is due back in court in a week for allegedly robbing 3 banks of $17,000. Ruiz, 35, is facing 3 state felony charges. He appeared in court on Sunday where a judge set bail at $100,000.

The 3 alleged robberies occurred since December of 2009. Ruiz told police he robbed one of the banks Wednesday because he didn’t want his wife to figure out that he had lost $3,000 while gambling at a casino.

Tellers spotted Ruiz’s get-away car and gave police a description and license plate number. Prosecutors say he admitted to robbing 4 other banks since last October. At his next court appearance, a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial for the 3 latest hold-ups.

A Milwaukee Man, Roberto Ruiz, has been charged with robbing three banks and stealing a total of $17,000. He may be charged for robbing another four that he apparently admitted to in a criminal complaint. His most recent robbery was executed on Wednesday so that he wouldn’t have to explain to his wife that he lost $3,000 gambling.

Fox 6 Now: Milwaukee man charged with robbing 3 banks of $17,000, allegedly admits to 4 other hold-ups

A Milwaukee man is accused of robbing three banks and making off with about $17,000.
Roberto Ruiz, 35, was charged three felony counts of robbing a financial institution on Saturday. Ruiz’s bail was set at a high $100,000 by the judge.

According to prosecutors has Ruiz robbed at least three banks since last December. The criminal complaint says he admitted to four other robberies since October in which he allegedly took over $13,000.

Ruiz told investigators that he attempted to rob a bank on Wednesday because he had just lost $3,000 at a casino and didn’t want his wife to find out. The complaint also states that he was caught after tellers gave police a description of his getaway vehicle and license plate.

NBC News: Father Suspected In Seven Bank Robberies

St. Patrick’s Day proved unlucky for a suspected bank robber who was caught after robbing the Bank Mutual at 2847 S. Howell Avenue on March 17th. Police now believe the same man is responsible for a total of seven Milwaukee County bank robberies.

Ruiz, a mechanic and father of three, apparently kept his alleged crimes secret from his wife and children. According to recently filed charges, Ruiz told detectives he started stealing in October of 2009. He robbed the U.S. Bank at 4333 S. 27th Street to feed a gambling habit.

This month, Ruiz says he squandered his family’s $3,000 tax refund at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. He told police that he was so embarrassed that he robbed the last bank to avoid telling his wife how he lost the money. He now faces charges with a combined maximum sentence of 120 years.

Police recovered most of the stolen money from the final robbery, but say cash from the other robberies has likely already been lost at the casino.

WTAQ News Talk: Milwaukee Man May Get More Charges For Bank Robberies

Roberto Ruiz of Milwaukee is due back in court in a week for allegedly robbing 3 banks of $17,000. Ruiz, 35, is facing 3 state felony charges. He appeared in court on Sunday where a judge set bail at $100,000.

The 3 alleged robberies occurred since December of 2009. Ruiz told police he robbed one of the banks Wednesday because he didn’t want his wife to figure out that he had lost $3,000 while gambling at a casino.

Tellers spotted Ruiz’s get-away car and gave police a description and license plate number. Prosecutors say he admitted to robbing 4 other banks since last October. At his next court appearance, a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to order a trial for the 3 latest hold-ups.

A San Diego resident has finally been nabbed for leading a cheating gambling ring on a very prosperous tour of the US. The group conspired with dealers and ended up winning over $7 million dollars since 2002. The leader, Phuong Quoc Truong, will spend 7 years in prison due to his schemes.

Today Online: ‘False shuffles’ won him $9.8m

A U.S. man who led a card ring that cheated many casinos out of $7 million (C$9.8 million) was sentenced to nearly 6 years in federal prison. Phuong Quoc Truong admitted to leading the ring, that targeted 27 U.S. casinos. The operation began in 2002.

Truong was ordered to pay $5.7 million in restitution, $2.8 million in fines give up 2 homes, property in Vietnam, a 2001 Porsche Carrera, and a Rolex watch. The ring targeted table games and involved “false shuffles” which created groups of unshuffled cards that group members could successfully bet on, knowing the card order in advance.

The ring made their biggest score in 2005; $868,000 in 90 minutes at a table, according to indictments. So far, 37 people have pleaded guilty to participating in the organization.

The Associated Press: Calif. man sentenced for bilking $7M from casinos

A San Diego man who led a card-cheating ring that bilked 27 casinos out of $7 million was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison on Monday. Phuong Truong admitted to leading the “Tran Organization.” The operation began in 2002.

In federal court, Truong pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in 2008. On Monday he received orders to pay $5.7 million in restitution and forfeit nearly $2.8 million in fines plus several properties and possessions both home and in Vietnam.

According to prosecutors, the organization used hidden transmitters and software to predict the order in which the cards would appear in blackjack games and payed off dealers in other table games.

The Province: Casino scam cashed out

An U.S. man who set up an elaborate conspiracy to cheat U.S. and Canadian casinos of millions of dollars was sentenced to 70 months in prison Monday, according to the Justice Department.

Phuong Quoc Truong will also forfeit nearly $3 million, repay nearly $6 million to several casinos and forfeit assets including several U.S. and Vietnamese properties, a Porsche, a Rolex watch and a diamond-encrusted pendant.

Truong was convicted of having set up a criminal enterprise known as the “Tran Organization,” based in San Diego, which bribed card dealers and supervisors in casinos to help them execute an elaborate cheating scheme.

A San Diego resident has finally been nabbed for leading a cheating gambling ring on a very prosperous tour of the US. The group conspired with dealers and ended up winning over $7 million dollars since 2002. The leader, Phuong Quoc Truong, will spend 7 years in prison due to his schemes.

Today Online: ‘False shuffles’ won him $9.8m

A U.S. man who led a card ring that cheated many casinos out of $7 million (C$9.8 million) was sentenced to nearly 6 years in federal prison. Phuong Quoc Truong admitted to leading the ring, that targeted 27 U.S. casinos. The operation began in 2002.

Truong was ordered to pay $5.7 million in restitution, $2.8 million in fines give up 2 homes, property in Vietnam, a 2001 Porsche Carrera, and a Rolex watch. The ring targeted table games and involved “false shuffles” which created groups of unshuffled cards that group members could successfully bet on, knowing the card order in advance.

The ring made their biggest score in 2005; $868,000 in 90 minutes at a table, according to indictments. So far, 37 people have pleaded guilty to participating in the organization.

The Associated Press: Calif. man sentenced for bilking $7M from casinos

A San Diego man who led a card-cheating ring that bilked 27 casinos out of $7 million was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison on Monday. Phuong Truong admitted to leading the “Tran Organization.” The operation began in 2002.

In federal court, Truong pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in 2008. On Monday he received orders to pay $5.7 million in restitution and forfeit nearly $2.8 million in fines plus several properties and possessions both home and in Vietnam.

According to prosecutors, the organization used hidden transmitters and software to predict the order in which the cards would appear in blackjack games and payed off dealers in other table games.

The Province: Casino scam cashed out

An U.S. man who set up an elaborate conspiracy to cheat U.S. and Canadian casinos of millions of dollars was sentenced to 70 months in prison Monday, according to the Justice Department.

Phuong Quoc Truong will also forfeit nearly $3 million, repay nearly $6 million to several casinos and forfeit assets including several U.S. and Vietnamese properties, a Porsche, a Rolex watch and a diamond-encrusted pendant.

Truong was convicted of having set up a criminal enterprise known as the “Tran Organization,” based in San Diego, which bribed card dealers and supervisors in casinos to help them execute an elaborate cheating scheme.

Brick and Mortar gambling has become a hot issue in the state of Indiana and a few different bills are currently in writing or have recently been voted on. Most notable was a proposal to allow floating casinos to move inland, but there’s also been legislation indicating that parents must give gambling profits to their kids.

Fox News: Staying wet: Casinos not allowed to move inland

An amendment in the Indiana House that would have allowed the area’s floating casinos to move inland was defeated, and the issue appears dead. Representatives voted 57-42 Tuesday and shot down the amendment to a broader Senate casino bill. The bill was pulled from further consideration in the House.

The deadline for Senate bills to be amended in the House is Wednesday and the bill could be reconsidered by then, but the bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Bill Crawford has no such intentions for it.

Rep. Crawford was angered that amendments to boost Indiana’s “racinos” won support but not the inland casino language that was aimed primarily at helping riverboats in Gary, Hammond and East Chicago.

WBIC News 93.1 FM: Inland Casino Bill Rejected

Indiana’s House has voted against amending a gaming bill to allow existing riverboat casinos to convert to land-based operations. The gambling industry and individual casinos struggling to compete with growing operations in neighboring states were split by the issue.

Rep. Matt Bell argued that the amendment would protect an established industry in Indiana from outside competition. He said, “It can be an important part of making our properties competitive, so they can attract individual investment into the state.”

Rep. Mike Murphy, on the other hand, countered that casinos are asking for special treatment, saying: “They don’t want to be treated like a business. They want to be treated like a monopoly.” The point that the gambling industry contributes millions of dollars to the state economy while creating thousands of jobs was argued by Rep. Charlie Brown.

A legislative summer study on gambling indicated that the state could lose over $100 million in gambling tax revenue if it disregards Ohio casinos, which were authorized by voters in November.

The Assosciated Press: Indiana House Backs Taking Deadbeat Parents’ Winnings

The Indiana House recently passed a bill that would require gambling parents who hit big slot machine jackpots at casinos to give winnings to their children.

The bill was approved unanimously and would withhold gambling winnings from parents who are behind on child support payments. It all makes sense in a state where just 58% of child support payments are collected.

Over 165,000 non-custodial parents owe more than $2,000 for back child support in more than $2 billion of delinquencies. The withholdings would generally kick in on slot machine winnings of $1,200 or more. The bill must return to the Senate for consideration of changes the House made.

Brick and Mortar gambling has become a hot issue in the state of Indiana and a few different bills are currently in writing or have recently been voted on. Most notable was a proposal to allow floating casinos to move inland, but there’s also been legislation indicating that parents must give gambling profits to their kids.

Fox News: Staying wet: Casinos not allowed to move inland

An amendment in the Indiana House that would have allowed the area’s floating casinos to move inland was defeated, and the issue appears dead. Representatives voted 57-42 Tuesday and shot down the amendment to a broader Senate casino bill. The bill was pulled from further consideration in the House.

The deadline for Senate bills to be amended in the House is Wednesday and the bill could be reconsidered by then, but the bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Bill Crawford has no such intentions for it.

Rep. Crawford was angered that amendments to boost Indiana’s “racinos” won support but not the inland casino language that was aimed primarily at helping riverboats in Gary, Hammond and East Chicago.

WBIC News 93.1 FM: Inland Casino Bill Rejected

Indiana’s House has voted against amending a gaming bill to allow existing riverboat casinos to convert to land-based operations. The gambling industry and individual casinos struggling to compete with growing operations in neighboring states were split by the issue.

Rep. Matt Bell argued that the amendment would protect an established industry in Indiana from outside competition. He said, “It can be an important part of making our properties competitive, so they can attract individual investment into the state.”

Rep. Mike Murphy, on the other hand, countered that casinos are asking for special treatment, saying: “They don’t want to be treated like a business. They want to be treated like a monopoly.” The point that the gambling industry contributes millions of dollars to the state economy while creating thousands of jobs was argued by Rep. Charlie Brown.

A legislative summer study on gambling indicated that the state could lose over $100 million in gambling tax revenue if it disregards Ohio casinos, which were authorized by voters in November.

The Assosciated Press: Indiana House Backs Taking Deadbeat Parents’ Winnings

The Indiana House recently passed a bill that would require gambling parents who hit big slot machine jackpots at casinos to give winnings to their children.

The bill was approved unanimously and would withhold gambling winnings from parents who are behind on child support payments. It all makes sense in a state where just 58% of child support payments are collected.

Over 165,000 non-custodial parents owe more than $2,000 for back child support in more than $2 billion of delinquencies. The withholdings would generally kick in on slot machine winnings of $1,200 or more. The bill must return to the Senate for consideration of changes the House made.

Gambling regulators in Pennsylvania are fining Mount Airy Casino Resort a whopping total of $100,000 on the basis of underage gambling charges. Gamblers between the ages of 17 and 20 have caught at the casino 6 times in the last year, four of which were reported by the casino.

Bloomberg Business Week: Pa. casino fined $100,000 over underage gambling

Pennsylvania gambling regulators fined a Poconos resort casino $100,000 for underage gambling. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says gamblers between 17 and 20 years of age were caught playing slots 6 times at Mount Airy last year. In four of those cases the casino didn’t report the violations.

In an agreement with regulators Mount Airy also purchased 8 electronic scanning devices to check gambler driver’s licenses and other ID cards. Mount Airy’s vice president, Matthew Magda, says the casino is working to prevent future incidents and will report them if they occur.

In the last two years regulators have fined Pennsylvania casinos 9 times totaling $332,500 over underage gambling.

Pocono Record: Mount Airy hit with record fine by state

Mount Airy Casino Resort received a record $100,000 fine from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for 5 instances of underage gambling at the casino’s slots. Out of 5 instances, 4 were discovered by resort security yet never reported to the gaming board.

The incidents occurred between July and September 2009 when Pennsylvania’s gaming act made it illegal for anyone under 21 to operate slots and barred individuals under 18 from entering the gaming floor.

Eight identification-scanning devices were also bought by Airy to help prevent underage individuals from accessing the floor in the future. During the past 2 years, the board has levied fines 9 times for violation of underage gambling or minors on the gaming floor totaling $332,500.

The Morning Call: Underage gambling violations at Mount Airy result in $100,000 fine

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved a $100,000 fine against Mount Airy Resort Casino for underage gambling violations that occurred in the last year. According to a news release from the Gaming Control Board, 6 gamblers between the ages of 17 and 20 were caught playing slot machines at Mount Airy Resort Casino last year.

Under Pennsylvania gaming laws, it’s illegal for those under 21 to use or operate a slot, and those under 18 are forbidden from the gaming floor. The law has changed and now dictates that no one under 21 years of age can enter the gaming floor.

The Gaming Control Board described the violations that occurred at Mt. Airy: Two 18-year-old males accessed the gaming floor and played slots on July 18; an 18-year-old male played slots on the gaming floor July 29, a 17-year-old male gained access to the gaming floor and played slots on Aug. 19; a 20-year-old female entered the gaming floor, cashed a large bill at the main cashier’s cage and played slots on Sept. 10; and a 20-year-old male played slots and was served alcohol in the bars located within the resort.

Gambling regulators in Pennsylvania are fining Mount Airy Casino Resort a whopping total of $100,000 on the basis of underage gambling charges. Gamblers between the ages of 17 and 20 have caught at the casino 6 times in the last year, four of which were reported by the casino.

Bloomberg Business Week: Pa. casino fined $100,000 over underage gambling

Pennsylvania gambling regulators fined a Poconos resort casino $100,000 for underage gambling. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says gamblers between 17 and 20 years of age were caught playing slots 6 times at Mount Airy last year. In four of those cases the casino didn’t report the violations.

In an agreement with regulators Mount Airy also purchased 8 electronic scanning devices to check gambler driver’s licenses and other ID cards. Mount Airy’s vice president, Matthew Magda, says the casino is working to prevent future incidents and will report them if they occur.

In the last two years regulators have fined Pennsylvania casinos 9 times totaling $332,500 over underage gambling.

Pocono Record: Mount Airy hit with record fine by state

Mount Airy Casino Resort received a record $100,000 fine from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for 5 instances of underage gambling at the casino’s slots. Out of 5 instances, 4 were discovered by resort security yet never reported to the gaming board.

The incidents occurred between July and September 2009 when Pennsylvania’s gaming act made it illegal for anyone under 21 to operate slots and barred individuals under 18 from entering the gaming floor.

Eight identification-scanning devices were also bought by Airy to help prevent underage individuals from accessing the floor in the future. During the past 2 years, the board has levied fines 9 times for violation of underage gambling or minors on the gaming floor totaling $332,500.

The Morning Call: Underage gambling violations at Mount Airy result in $100,000 fine

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved a $100,000 fine against Mount Airy Resort Casino for underage gambling violations that occurred in the last year. According to a news release from the Gaming Control Board, 6 gamblers between the ages of 17 and 20 were caught playing slot machines at Mount Airy Resort Casino last year.

Under Pennsylvania gaming laws, it’s illegal for those under 21 to use or operate a slot, and those under 18 are forbidden from the gaming floor. The law has changed and now dictates that no one under 21 years of age can enter the gaming floor.

The Gaming Control Board described the violations that occurred at Mt. Airy: Two 18-year-old males accessed the gaming floor and played slots on July 18; an 18-year-old male played slots on the gaming floor July 29, a 17-year-old male gained access to the gaming floor and played slots on Aug. 19; a 20-year-old female entered the gaming floor, cashed a large bill at the main cashier’s cage and played slots on Sept. 10; and a 20-year-old male played slots and was served alcohol in the bars located within the resort.

Five men in the US state if Indiana face felony charges for operating what they called a charity casino. The proceeds from the games they offered were supposed to go to a local learning center, but instead went into the pockets of the operators and the men they hired to act as dealers.

News Sentinel: 5 face charges in ‘Poker Palace’ probe

The Indiana Gaming Commission has been keeping an eye on the Parnell Poker Palace since it opened back in 2008. After months of investigation, criminal charges have been filed against its owners and organizers who face three gambling-related felony charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful charity gaming contracting.

Parnell Poker Palace is legally licensed as a nonprofit gambling operation. They offer games like blackjack, poker, dice games and roulette, and have always claimed to donate all their proceeds to the local White’s School of the Arts, a nonprofit group that helps troubled inner-city kids.

The establishment grossed $100,000 every month, but it was recently learned that deposits meant for the charity were actually being placed into a personal bank account. Quick action was taken to put a stop to the operation.

Journal Gazette: 5 men face felonies in charity-run casino hall

In the US state of Indiana, five men face multiple felony charges for operating a now-defunct charity gambling casino.

The case revolves around Ralph White, 54, who runs White’s School of the Arts Community Development Programs. It is a non-profit organization that offers 24-hour day care and educational programs for around 90 children in the town of Fort Wayne. White is also listed as an operator of Parnell Poker Palace and Casino, which offered poker, craps, roulette and blackjack three days a week from noon to 3 a.m.

While Parnell Poker Palace was legally licensed, it is now clear that its operation broke several laws. White and his partners hired dealers and pit bosses and paid them cash, which is against state laws since the casino was listed as a charity organization. They also enlisted “investors” to help finance the gambling den, and then split the revenue between themselves and White’s School of the Arts. According to state officials, however, White’s School of the Arts never filed a charity gaming report.

As it turns out, Poker Palace proceeds were deposited into White’s personal bank account, even though the money was supposedly being donated to White’s School of the Arts.

The Indiana Gaming Commission investigated the case.

Indiana News Center: Criminal Case Filed Against Former Parnell Poker Palace

Three men in Fort Wayne, Indiana, face criminal charges related to a charity gambling center that state officials say operated outside the law.

The building that is now home to a bar called Rick O’Shay’s used to house the Parnell Poker Palace.

The gambling center was run by Larry York, Charles Keller, George Kotsopoulos, Ed Miers and Ralph White. All are now being accused of illegally profiting from poker, blackjack, and other gambling activities at facility.

Court papers detail their crimes. Dealers and pit bosses were hired as volunteers, but were in fact being paid thousands of dollars under the table.

Larry Rollins of the Indiana Gaming Commission said, “When people then decide that they can profit for themselves by conducting charity events, that’s when it really crosses the line.”

The men face several felony charges including promotion of professional gambling, unlawful charity gaming contracting and corrupt business influence.

Five men in the US state if Indiana face felony charges for operating what they called a charity casino. The proceeds from the games they offered were supposed to go to a local learning center, but instead went into the pockets of the operators and the men they hired to act as dealers.

News Sentinel: 5 face charges in ‘Poker Palace’ probe

The Indiana Gaming Commission has been keeping an eye on the Parnell Poker Palace since it opened back in 2008. After months of investigation, criminal charges have been filed against its owners and organizers who face three gambling-related felony charges, including conspiracy to commit unlawful charity gaming contracting.

Parnell Poker Palace is legally licensed as a nonprofit gambling operation. They offer games like blackjack, poker, dice games and roulette, and have always claimed to donate all their proceeds to the local White’s School of the Arts, a nonprofit group that helps troubled inner-city kids.

The establishment grossed $100,000 every month, but it was recently learned that deposits meant for the charity were actually being placed into a personal bank account. Quick action was taken to put a stop to the operation.

Journal Gazette: 5 men face felonies in charity-run casino hall

In the US state of Indiana, five men face multiple felony charges for operating a now-defunct charity gambling casino.

The case revolves around Ralph White, 54, who runs White’s School of the Arts Community Development Programs. It is a non-profit organization that offers 24-hour day care and educational programs for around 90 children in the town of Fort Wayne. White is also listed as an operator of Parnell Poker Palace and Casino, which offered poker, craps, roulette and blackjack three days a week from noon to 3 a.m.

While Parnell Poker Palace was legally licensed, it is now clear that its operation broke several laws. White and his partners hired dealers and pit bosses and paid them cash, which is against state laws since the casino was listed as a charity organization. They also enlisted “investors” to help finance the gambling den, and then split the revenue between themselves and White’s School of the Arts. According to state officials, however, White’s School of the Arts never filed a charity gaming report.

As it turns out, Poker Palace proceeds were deposited into White’s personal bank account, even though the money was supposedly being donated to White’s School of the Arts.

The Indiana Gaming Commission investigated the case.

Indiana News Center: Criminal Case Filed Against Former Parnell Poker Palace

Three men in Fort Wayne, Indiana, face criminal charges related to a charity gambling center that state officials say operated outside the law.

The building that is now home to a bar called Rick O’Shay’s used to house the Parnell Poker Palace.

The gambling center was run by Larry York, Charles Keller, George Kotsopoulos, Ed Miers and Ralph White. All are now being accused of illegally profiting from poker, blackjack, and other gambling activities at facility.

Court papers detail their crimes. Dealers and pit bosses were hired as volunteers, but were in fact being paid thousands of dollars under the table.

Larry Rollins of the Indiana Gaming Commission said, “When people then decide that they can profit for themselves by conducting charity events, that’s when it really crosses the line.”

The men face several felony charges including promotion of professional gambling, unlawful charity gaming contracting and corrupt business influence.

Governor Bob Riley of Alabama continues to go on an escapade claiming that Bingo machines in a new local entertainment center are actually illegal slot machines. Rallies are being held over the issue and in a recent rally against the facility, Riley was drowned out by cries of “Let us Vote.”

Bloomberg Business Week: Bingo proponents drown out Ala. governor at rally

Gov. Bob Riley attempted to address casino opponents gathered in front of Alabama’s Statehouse, Monday, but was drowned out by the shouts of casino supporters. Shouts of “Let us vote” made hearing Riley say electronic bingo machines are illegal slot machines difficult.

Inside the Statehouse, proponents of pro-electronic bingo casino legislation decided not to seek a vote in the Senate. They didn’t have the required 21 out of the 35 senators’ votes. If passed by the Senate, legislation won’t take effect unless approved by the House and then by Alabama voters in a statewide referendum.

The legislation would tax, regulate and protect 3 facilities that were shut down under the threat of raids by the Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling. It would also allow 2 dog tracks, additional casinos and 4 new casinos.

More than 1,000 people overflowed the Statehouse lawn and spilled over onto the Capitol lawn during the Governors speech. Riley and his wife were surrounded by a dozen uniformed and plainclothes officers as they tried to speak over the shouting of casino proponents.

CBS News: Bingo Rallies

It was a spirited and tense day in front of the Alabama State House as 2 rallies ran – 1 for and 1 against bingo. The pro bingo crowd’s cries delayed an appearance by Gov. Riley. After the crowd calmed the governor addressed his loyal supporters.

Many Alabama residents believe that if gambling is allowed, crime, poverty, unemployment will increase. Others believe allowing gambling in any form will destroy Alabama families. Others turn to the Bible for their beliefs on gambling.

The pro bingo rally message is simple, they just want a chance to vote on the matter. One of the main reasons supporters want to see electronic bingo facilities stay open is because for many, it’s their livelihood. The gambling facilities provide communities with hundreds of jobs, if nothing else. A lack of support in the Senate kept the Bill from reaching the floor.

AL.com: Bingo forces clash in competing rallies on the State House steps

More than 1,000 protesters for and against bingo are amassed on the steps of the Alabama State House trying to out-shout each other. Bingo supporters chant “Let the people vote,” while opponents chant, “Enforce the law.”

Gov. Bob Riley was supposed to speak at 12:30, but it’s unclear whether he will appear as hundreds of protestors swamp the steps and both sides try to shout each out other in a chaotic clash.

Employees of the state’s major bingo casinos went to the State House to show support for bingo legislation being considered this session. They began arriving at 10 a.m. and have a rally set for 2 p.m. Anti-bingo protestors arrived for their rally simultaneously.

Many people are proponents to the many gambling facilities because they depend on it. The different gambling centers throughout Alabama provide hundreds of jobs to local residents and are a financial staple to society.

Governor Bob Riley of Alabama continues to go on an escapade claiming that Bingo machines in a new local entertainment center are actually illegal slot machines. Rallies are being held over the issue and in a recent rally against the facility, Riley was drowned out by cries of “Let us Vote.”

Bloomberg Business Week: Bingo proponents drown out Ala. governor at rally

Gov. Bob Riley attempted to address casino opponents gathered in front of Alabama’s Statehouse, Monday, but was drowned out by the shouts of casino supporters. Shouts of “Let us vote” made hearing Riley say electronic bingo machines are illegal slot machines difficult.

Inside the Statehouse, proponents of pro-electronic bingo casino legislation decided not to seek a vote in the Senate. They didn’t have the required 21 out of the 35 senators’ votes. If passed by the Senate, legislation won’t take effect unless approved by the House and then by Alabama voters in a statewide referendum.

The legislation would tax, regulate and protect 3 facilities that were shut down under the threat of raids by the Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling. It would also allow 2 dog tracks, additional casinos and 4 new casinos.

More than 1,000 people overflowed the Statehouse lawn and spilled over onto the Capitol lawn during the Governors speech. Riley and his wife were surrounded by a dozen uniformed and plainclothes officers as they tried to speak over the shouting of casino proponents.

CBS News: Bingo Rallies

It was a spirited and tense day in front of the Alabama State House as 2 rallies ran – 1 for and 1 against bingo. The pro bingo crowd’s cries delayed an appearance by Gov. Riley. After the crowd calmed the governor addressed his loyal supporters.

Many Alabama residents believe that if gambling is allowed, crime, poverty, unemployment will increase. Others believe allowing gambling in any form will destroy Alabama families. Others turn to the Bible for their beliefs on gambling.

The pro bingo rally message is simple, they just want a chance to vote on the matter. One of the main reasons supporters want to see electronic bingo facilities stay open is because for many, it’s their livelihood. The gambling facilities provide communities with hundreds of jobs, if nothing else. A lack of support in the Senate kept the Bill from reaching the floor.

AL.com: Bingo forces clash in competing rallies on the State House steps

More than 1,000 protesters for and against bingo are amassed on the steps of the Alabama State House trying to out-shout each other. Bingo supporters chant “Let the people vote,” while opponents chant, “Enforce the law.”

Gov. Bob Riley was supposed to speak at 12:30, but it’s unclear whether he will appear as hundreds of protestors swamp the steps and both sides try to shout each out other in a chaotic clash.

Employees of the state’s major bingo casinos went to the State House to show support for bingo legislation being considered this session. They began arriving at 10 a.m. and have a rally set for 2 p.m. Anti-bingo protestors arrived for their rally simultaneously.

Many people are proponents to the many gambling facilities because they depend on it. The different gambling centers throughout Alabama provide hundreds of jobs to local residents and are a financial staple to society.

Records from December 2009 indicate that the gambling business is once again on the rise. Though revenues fell in comparison to the year before, December was the second straight month on the rise after many months of decrease.

The New York Times: Gambling Revenue Rises in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue rose a solid 5.9% in December for the second consecutive month and may be a fresh sign that the casino slump might be coming to an end. According to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board, the amount in bets that Vegas casinos won climbed to $502.2 million in December from a year earlier. Revenue for the entire year declined 9.4%.

Las Vegas Strip Casinos won $5.55 billion last year, down from $6.13 billion the year before. Resort operators in Las Vegas slashed room prices and created special offers to encourage visitors to come, as companies canceled conventions and consumers spent less.

Winnings for all Nevada casinos dropped 3.2% to $859.3 million in December. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, slid 2.4 % to $753.2 million, according to the board.

Bloomberg Business Week: Vegas Strip Gambling Rises for Second Straight Month

Las Vegas Strip revenue seems to be coming out of one of the worst 2 year slumps its ever seen when analysts take Decembers figures into consideration. Nevada’s Gaming Control Board announced that strip proceeds climbed to $502.2 million in December from a year earlier. Revenue for the full year declined 9.4 %. Baccarat winnings led the casinos gains, particularly at Aria casino.

The Las Vegas Strip won $5.55 billion in gambling revenue over the last year, down from about $6.13 billion in 2008. Resort operators were forced to make special budget deals to encourage tourism and it appears that their efforts paid off. Some times less really is more.

Nevada’s State casino revenue dropped 3.2% to $859.3 million in December. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, slid 2.4 % to $753.2 million, according to the board.

According to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, roughly 36.4 million people visited Las Vegas last year, a 3% decline from 2008. Convention attendance tumbled a nasty 24% and average daily rates at Vegas hotels dropped 22% to $92.93.

KXNT: Gaming Revenues Show Record Decline

Nevada gaming revenues dropped 10.4% in the year 2009, the largest annual decline in state history. State Gaming Control Board figures show casinos netted about $10.3 billion last year, compared with $11.6 billion in 2008. It’s the lowest single-year total since 2003.

Las Vegas Strip casino revenues were off by 9.4% last year, and Clark County as a whole saw a decrease of 9.8%. In what might be a modest sign for optimism, new figures show Strip casino revenues increased in December for the second straight month in a row. Weak gaming numbers continue to drive the state’s budget shortfall, and total gaming tax revenues are down by more than 5% for the first seven months of the current fiscal year.

Records from December 2009 indicate that the gambling business is once again on the rise. Though revenues fell in comparison to the year before, December was the second straight month on the rise after many months of decrease.

The New York Times: Gambling Revenue Rises in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip gambling revenue rose a solid 5.9% in December for the second consecutive month and may be a fresh sign that the casino slump might be coming to an end. According to Nevada’s Gaming Control Board, the amount in bets that Vegas casinos won climbed to $502.2 million in December from a year earlier. Revenue for the entire year declined 9.4%.

Las Vegas Strip Casinos won $5.55 billion last year, down from $6.13 billion the year before. Resort operators in Las Vegas slashed room prices and created special offers to encourage visitors to come, as companies canceled conventions and consumers spent less.

Winnings for all Nevada casinos dropped 3.2% to $859.3 million in December. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, slid 2.4 % to $753.2 million, according to the board.

Bloomberg Business Week: Vegas Strip Gambling Rises for Second Straight Month

Las Vegas Strip revenue seems to be coming out of one of the worst 2 year slumps its ever seen when analysts take Decembers figures into consideration. Nevada’s Gaming Control Board announced that strip proceeds climbed to $502.2 million in December from a year earlier. Revenue for the full year declined 9.4 %. Baccarat winnings led the casinos gains, particularly at Aria casino.

The Las Vegas Strip won $5.55 billion in gambling revenue over the last year, down from about $6.13 billion in 2008. Resort operators were forced to make special budget deals to encourage tourism and it appears that their efforts paid off. Some times less really is more.

Nevada’s State casino revenue dropped 3.2% to $859.3 million in December. Monthly proceeds for Clark County, which includes downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, slid 2.4 % to $753.2 million, according to the board.

According to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, roughly 36.4 million people visited Las Vegas last year, a 3% decline from 2008. Convention attendance tumbled a nasty 24% and average daily rates at Vegas hotels dropped 22% to $92.93.

KXNT: Gaming Revenues Show Record Decline

Nevada gaming revenues dropped 10.4% in the year 2009, the largest annual decline in state history. State Gaming Control Board figures show casinos netted about $10.3 billion last year, compared with $11.6 billion in 2008. It’s the lowest single-year total since 2003.

Las Vegas Strip casino revenues were off by 9.4% last year, and Clark County as a whole saw a decrease of 9.8%. In what might be a modest sign for optimism, new figures show Strip casino revenues increased in December for the second straight month in a row. Weak gaming numbers continue to drive the state’s budget shortfall, and total gaming tax revenues are down by more than 5% for the first seven months of the current fiscal year.

Singapore’s first casino opened its doors to the public on Sunday. It targets foreigners, who are exempt from paying the steep entrance fee levied on locals. The casino is part of a massive resort that also includes a Universal Studios theme park, plus several hotels and restaurants.

The Washington Post: Singapore’s first casino opens on Chinese New Year

Singapore’s first casino opened on Sunday as part of a plan to increase tourism revenue. The day was Lunar New Year, an important day on the Chinese calendar.

The new Resorts World Sentosa was built by a unit of Malaysia’s Genting Group at a cost of $4.7 billion. It is in fact the first of two new casinos that hope to transform Singapore’s current reputation as a manufacturing and banking centre.

Genting’s Singapore resort is more than just a casino. It also houses a Universal Studios theme park, plus several hotels and large convention centre.

The facility is on Sentosa island, and its opening marks the end of the government’s longstanding opposition to gambling. It will, however, remain quite strict. An admission fee equal to about $70 is required of all guests, as part a government campaign against gambling addiction. Further restrictions include a bar on entry to anyone under 21, a ban on bank cash machines on the casino floor and a blacklist of gamblers with known addiction problems.

During the opening ceremony, Genting Group chairman Lim Kok Thay made a statement alluding to possible US expansion. “Going forward, we are actively looking at the U.S. because the last financial crisis has brought some pain, but at the same time we see great opportunities there, in terms of buying into existing resorts that (are) down on their luck.”

Bloomberg: Genting Opens Singapore’s First Casino, Plans U.S. Expansion

Genting Bhd. opened Singapore’s first casino on Sunday as Lunar New Year celebrations began. Chairman Lim Kok Thay said the group may also expand operations to the U.S.

“We are actively looking at the U.S. and we see great opportunities,” Lim told during the opening ceremony. “Singapore’s project would be a good model for our future investments going forward.”

The new $4.7 billion Resorts World Sentosa casino houses 530 tables, 1,300 slot machines, and a 12-table poker room. The resort also includes an adjoining Universal Studios theme park.

“We will be the most exciting gaming resort in the world,” Lim said.

Genting, Asia’s largest publicly traded gambling operator, opened the casino in the wake of a global financial crisis that began in 2008. It will be followed by Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s $5.5 billion casino complex in Singapore later this year.

Singapore’s new casinos are expected to encourage economic growth this. The country hopes to attract 17 million visitors and triple annual tourism revenue to S$30 billion by 2015.

NPR: Singapore Tries Luring Foreigners As Casino Opens

Many foreigners and a few Singaporeans flocked to card tables and slot machines Sunday at 12:18 p.m. — the lucky hour when Singapore opened the doors of its first casino.

Singapore is banking on the Resorts World Sentosa to lure tourists and expatriates, and hopes to do it while maintaining their hard-earned reputation as corruption-free.

The line reserved for foreigners had grown long by the midday opening, while only a few Singaporeans were ready to pay the steep entrance fee.

The casino is part of the new Resorts World Sentosa, built by Malaysia’s Genting Bhd for $4.7 billion on a small island just off Singapore’s coast.

The opening will be followed by Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands in May. The government hopes the casinos will increase the country’s GDP growth by 1% and add 35,000 jobs.

“They recognize they have to evolve,” said David Cohen, an analyst with consultancy Action Economics in Singapore. “Some of their traditional industries are no longer going to be competitive as Singapore climbs the ladder into a higher income, higher cost location.”

After long debate, government decided to go ahead with the casino projects for their economic benefit while implementing measures to minimize social harm. Locals must pay huge entry fees, and more than 34,000 residents — including those on welfare, in bankruptcy, with criminal records or flagged by family members — are barred from the casinos.

“It’s a way to mitigate and ameliorate, to have the goodness without all the badness,” said Lim Hock San, chairman of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Singapore’s first casino opened its doors to the public on Sunday. It targets foreigners, who are exempt from paying the steep entrance fee levied on locals. The casino is part of a massive resort that also includes a Universal Studios theme park, plus several hotels and restaurants.

The Washington Post: Singapore’s first casino opens on Chinese New Year

Singapore’s first casino opened on Sunday as part of a plan to increase tourism revenue. The day was Lunar New Year, an important day on the Chinese calendar.

The new Resorts World Sentosa was built by a unit of Malaysia’s Genting Group at a cost of $4.7 billion. It is in fact the first of two new casinos that hope to transform Singapore’s current reputation as a manufacturing and banking centre.

Genting’s Singapore resort is more than just a casino. It also houses a Universal Studios theme park, plus several hotels and large convention centre.

The facility is on Sentosa island, and its opening marks the end of the government’s longstanding opposition to gambling. It will, however, remain quite strict. An admission fee equal to about $70 is required of all guests, as part a government campaign against gambling addiction. Further restrictions include a bar on entry to anyone under 21, a ban on bank cash machines on the casino floor and a blacklist of gamblers with known addiction problems.

During the opening ceremony, Genting Group chairman Lim Kok Thay made a statement alluding to possible US expansion. “Going forward, we are actively looking at the U.S. because the last financial crisis has brought some pain, but at the same time we see great opportunities there, in terms of buying into existing resorts that (are) down on their luck.”

Bloomberg: Genting Opens Singapore’s First Casino, Plans U.S. Expansion

Genting Bhd. opened Singapore’s first casino on Sunday as Lunar New Year celebrations began. Chairman Lim Kok Thay said the group may also expand operations to the U.S.

“We are actively looking at the U.S. and we see great opportunities,” Lim told during the opening ceremony. “Singapore’s project would be a good model for our future investments going forward.”

The new $4.7 billion Resorts World Sentosa casino houses 530 tables, 1,300 slot machines, and a 12-table poker room. The resort also includes an adjoining Universal Studios theme park.

“We will be the most exciting gaming resort in the world,” Lim said.

Genting, Asia’s largest publicly traded gambling operator, opened the casino in the wake of a global financial crisis that began in 2008. It will be followed by Las Vegas Sands Corp.’s $5.5 billion casino complex in Singapore later this year.

Singapore’s new casinos are expected to encourage economic growth this. The country hopes to attract 17 million visitors and triple annual tourism revenue to S$30 billion by 2015.

NPR: Singapore Tries Luring Foreigners As Casino Opens

Many foreigners and a few Singaporeans flocked to card tables and slot machines Sunday at 12:18 p.m. — the lucky hour when Singapore opened the doors of its first casino.

Singapore is banking on the Resorts World Sentosa to lure tourists and expatriates, and hopes to do it while maintaining their hard-earned reputation as corruption-free.

The line reserved for foreigners had grown long by the midday opening, while only a few Singaporeans were ready to pay the steep entrance fee.

The casino is part of the new Resorts World Sentosa, built by Malaysia’s Genting Bhd for $4.7 billion on a small island just off Singapore’s coast.

The opening will be followed by Las Vegas Sands’ Marina Bay Sands in May. The government hopes the casinos will increase the country’s GDP growth by 1% and add 35,000 jobs.

“They recognize they have to evolve,” said David Cohen, an analyst with consultancy Action Economics in Singapore. “Some of their traditional industries are no longer going to be competitive as Singapore climbs the ladder into a higher income, higher cost location.”

After long debate, government decided to go ahead with the casino projects for their economic benefit while implementing measures to minimize social harm. Locals must pay huge entry fees, and more than 34,000 residents — including those on welfare, in bankruptcy, with criminal records or flagged by family members — are barred from the casinos.

“It’s a way to mitigate and ameliorate, to have the goodness without all the badness,” said Lim Hock San, chairman of the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Singapore has issued a license to Resorts World Sentosa, which will put into operation the country’s first casino. Singapore is hoping to broaden its financial horizons with this project and is looking forward to being a popular tourist destination. So far, all seems to be going according to plan.

The Business Times: Casino license puts spotlight on Genting

Investors will be devoting a lot of attention to Genting Singapore shares today, after Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) received a casino license from Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority, Saturday.

RWS gave a strong presentation, Friday even before the awards announcement. In fact, Genting stock gained as much as $0.10 in the afternoon, reaching an intraday high of $1.18. A whopping 275.96 million shares changed hands, making it Friday’s most heavily traded stock on. Genting was also the only gainer among 30 STI component stocks.

Four hotels and more than 20 restaurants and shops have opened at Sentosa’s integrated resort. RWS hasn’t indicated when the casino and the Universal Studios theme park would open. Market watchers are betting the casino will open for the Chinese New Year, which arrives this Sunday.

Bernama Business: Resorts World Sentosa Gets License To Run Casino

The new Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore’s first integrated resort with a casino, has received a license from the Singapore’s authorities to operate the casino. RWS chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said the award was made possible by the dedicated team, consultants, contractors and government officials, especially on the Casino Regulatory Authority, “which worked tirelessly to set up the regulatory framework within a very aggressive timeline”.

He did not mention when the already completed casino in the resort will start its business. The resort, which is located on Sentosa Island, opened its doors to the public last month with the launch of four of its six hotels including Hard Rock Hotel and Crockfords Tower.

RWS is still waiting for another license to operate the Universal Studio theme park in the resort, dubbed the biggest in Southeast Asia.

Bloomberg Business News: Singapore approves license for first casino

Resorts World Sentosa was issued a license Saturday to operate Singapore’s first casino, according to the city-state’s regulators. Approval was delayed after the Casino Regulatory Authority asked Resorts World for more information about the casino in December.

Resorts World was built by Malaysia’s Genting Bhd for 6.6 billion Singapore dollars ($5 billion). They declined to say when the casino would open. Officials previously stated that they planned to open it as soon as the government issued the license.

The 49-hectare resort opened 1,340 rooms in four hotels last month. They plan to open a Universal Studios theme park by March. The resort is on an island a quarter of a mile (about half a kilometer) off Singapore’s coast.

Singapore has issued a license to Resorts World Sentosa, which will put into operation the country’s first casino. Singapore is hoping to broaden its financial horizons with this project and is looking forward to being a popular tourist destination. So far, all seems to be going according to plan.

The Business Times: Casino license puts spotlight on Genting

Investors will be devoting a lot of attention to Genting Singapore shares today, after Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) received a casino license from Singapore’s Casino Regulatory Authority, Saturday.

RWS gave a strong presentation, Friday even before the awards announcement. In fact, Genting stock gained as much as $0.10 in the afternoon, reaching an intraday high of $1.18. A whopping 275.96 million shares changed hands, making it Friday’s most heavily traded stock on. Genting was also the only gainer among 30 STI component stocks.

Four hotels and more than 20 restaurants and shops have opened at Sentosa’s integrated resort. RWS hasn’t indicated when the casino and the Universal Studios theme park would open. Market watchers are betting the casino will open for the Chinese New Year, which arrives this Sunday.

Bernama Business: Resorts World Sentosa Gets License To Run Casino

The new Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Singapore’s first integrated resort with a casino, has received a license from the Singapore’s authorities to operate the casino. RWS chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said the award was made possible by the dedicated team, consultants, contractors and government officials, especially on the Casino Regulatory Authority, “which worked tirelessly to set up the regulatory framework within a very aggressive timeline”.

He did not mention when the already completed casino in the resort will start its business. The resort, which is located on Sentosa Island, opened its doors to the public last month with the launch of four of its six hotels including Hard Rock Hotel and Crockfords Tower.

RWS is still waiting for another license to operate the Universal Studio theme park in the resort, dubbed the biggest in Southeast Asia.

Bloomberg Business News: Singapore approves license for first casino

Resorts World Sentosa was issued a license Saturday to operate Singapore’s first casino, according to the city-state’s regulators. Approval was delayed after the Casino Regulatory Authority asked Resorts World for more information about the casino in December.

Resorts World was built by Malaysia’s Genting Bhd for 6.6 billion Singapore dollars ($5 billion). They declined to say when the casino would open. Officials previously stated that they planned to open it as soon as the government issued the license.

The 49-hectare resort opened 1,340 rooms in four hotels last month. They plan to open a Universal Studios theme park by March. The resort is on an island a quarter of a mile (about half a kilometer) off Singapore’s coast.

A recent change to Russian gambling laws saw the closure of all casinos and gambling halls in the country, with the aim to relocate all legal gambling to four specified “gambling zones”. On Saturday, almost 7 months after the law took effect, the first new casino opened in the Azov City area. Tragically, the death of a prominent Lawmaker as he returned from the opening ceremony sparked concerns over the decision to locate the casino zones far from major metropolitan areas.

Fox News: Russia Casino Opens Under New Gambling Plan

Six months ago, Russian officials shut down all casinos and gambling halls across the country as part of a scheme to limit legalized gambling to four specific areas and relatively remote areas. On Saturday, the first new casino operating under the new plan opened its doors to the public.

About 500 people showed up for the opening of the Oracle Casino in Azov City in southern Russia. Only around 100 visitors seemed to be actually gambling – the rest where just there to check things out. The casino is housed in a large shed-like building situated in the middle of a snowy field, and houses about 200 slot machines and 10 table games.

Azov City is one of four new gambling zones in Russia. It is located about 60 miles from Rostov-on-Don, the nearest sizable city, and 120 miles from Krasnodar.

It is not yet clear how many Russian gamblers will be willing to travel such long distances to gamble, but the casino’s operators are convinced that there is a market. In fact, they plan to start building a four-star hotel this summer.

Casinos quickly spread across Russia’s cities after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, while slot machines found their way into shops, malls, and other public places. The law that brought about the new scheme was signed in 2006, but many people expected that it would never be enforced. The law limits all gambling to Azov City, the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea, the Altai region of Siberia and the Primorsky region of Russia’s Far East.

RIA Novosti: First casino to open in Russian gambling zone

The first casino in one of Russia’s new gambling zone opened Saturday, more than six months after all existing casinos were forced to close or to relocate their services to one of four designated areas.

Under a law drafted in 2007, which didn’t come into force until July 2009, all casinos and other gaming establishments in Russia can operate only in four somewhat remote areas: the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, south Siberia’s Altai Territory, Primorye in the Far East, and in southern Russia.

The new casino is operated by a company called Royal Time, which based in Russia’s Volga Republic of Tatarstan. It offers a slot machine arcade, a full casino and a seperate VIP hall. A restaurant and a free bar is also available.

Royal Time also intends open a small 11-room hotel by mid-2010. A much larger four-star hotel is expected to be completed in 2017. Royal Time will also operate free busses between the casino and two southern Russian cities: Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don.

The Azov City gambling zone, located on the Azov sea coast some 70 km (44 miles) from Rostov-on-Don, is now far ahead its three “rival” zones. Construction of its second casino is due to begin in March.

The Moscow Times: Lawmaker Killed in Car Crash after Opening of First Casino

A senior Russian lawmaker died this weekend in a car crash as he was traveling home from the grand opening of the first casino to open under Russia’s new “zone” system. The accident promises to strengthen concerns about government’s decision to limit all legal gambling to four remote areas of the country.

Nikolai Kotlyarov was speaker of the Krasnodar city legislature. He and his driver were killed when their Toyota Camry hit a car parked on the side of the Krasnodar-Eisk Highway at around 1 a.m. on.

Kotlyarov was one of about 500 people who showed up for the opening of the new Oracle Casino in Azov City, a gambling zone located about 200 kilometers from Krasnodar and 100 kilometers from Rostov-on-Don, the nearest sizable city.

Casinos and other gambling halls across the country were closed down on July 1 of last year, under a government plan to limit gambling to four specific regions: Azov City, the Kaliningrad exclave, the Altai region in Siberia and the Primorye region in the Far East.

Sunday’s car crash highlights the risks associated with the decision to locate all casinos in remote areas, and draws new attention to the country’s dangerous roads. President Dmitry Medvedev described Russia’s high road-accident rate as a problem, and has resolved to work on making roads safer.

Investigators have already announced that they believe the accident was caused by a violation of traffic safety rules, and an investigation has been opened into the matter.

A recent change to Russian gambling laws saw the closure of all casinos and gambling halls in the country, with the aim to relocate all legal gambling to four specified “gambling zones”. On Saturday, almost 7 months after the law took effect, the first new casino opened in the Azov City area. Tragically, the death of a prominent Lawmaker as he returned from the opening ceremony sparked concerns over the decision to locate the casino zones far from major metropolitan areas.

Fox News: Russia Casino Opens Under New Gambling Plan

Six months ago, Russian officials shut down all casinos and gambling halls across the country as part of a scheme to limit legalized gambling to four specific areas and relatively remote areas. On Saturday, the first new casino operating under the new plan opened its doors to the public.

About 500 people showed up for the opening of the Oracle Casino in Azov City in southern Russia. Only around 100 visitors seemed to be actually gambling – the rest where just there to check things out. The casino is housed in a large shed-like building situated in the middle of a snowy field, and houses about 200 slot machines and 10 table games.

Azov City is one of four new gambling zones in Russia. It is located about 60 miles from Rostov-on-Don, the nearest sizable city, and 120 miles from Krasnodar.

It is not yet clear how many Russian gamblers will be willing to travel such long distances to gamble, but the casino’s operators are convinced that there is a market. In fact, they plan to start building a four-star hotel this summer.

Casinos quickly spread across Russia’s cities after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, while slot machines found their way into shops, malls, and other public places. The law that brought about the new scheme was signed in 2006, but many people expected that it would never be enforced. The law limits all gambling to Azov City, the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea, the Altai region of Siberia and the Primorsky region of Russia’s Far East.

RIA Novosti: First casino to open in Russian gambling zone

The first casino in one of Russia’s new gambling zone opened Saturday, more than six months after all existing casinos were forced to close or to relocate their services to one of four designated areas.

Under a law drafted in 2007, which didn’t come into force until July 2009, all casinos and other gaming establishments in Russia can operate only in four somewhat remote areas: the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, south Siberia’s Altai Territory, Primorye in the Far East, and in southern Russia.

The new casino is operated by a company called Royal Time, which based in Russia’s Volga Republic of Tatarstan. It offers a slot machine arcade, a full casino and a seperate VIP hall. A restaurant and a free bar is also available.

Royal Time also intends open a small 11-room hotel by mid-2010. A much larger four-star hotel is expected to be completed in 2017. Royal Time will also operate free busses between the casino and two southern Russian cities: Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don.

The Azov City gambling zone, located on the Azov sea coast some 70 km (44 miles) from Rostov-on-Don, is now far ahead its three “rival” zones. Construction of its second casino is due to begin in March.

The Moscow Times: Lawmaker Killed in Car Crash after Opening of First Casino

A senior Russian lawmaker died this weekend in a car crash as he was traveling home from the grand opening of the first casino to open under Russia’s new “zone” system. The accident promises to strengthen concerns about government’s decision to limit all legal gambling to four remote areas of the country.

Nikolai Kotlyarov was speaker of the Krasnodar city legislature. He and his driver were killed when their Toyota Camry hit a car parked on the side of the Krasnodar-Eisk Highway at around 1 a.m. on.

Kotlyarov was one of about 500 people who showed up for the opening of the new Oracle Casino in Azov City, a gambling zone located about 200 kilometers from Krasnodar and 100 kilometers from Rostov-on-Don, the nearest sizable city.

Casinos and other gambling halls across the country were closed down on July 1 of last year, under a government plan to limit gambling to four specific regions: Azov City, the Kaliningrad exclave, the Altai region in Siberia and the Primorye region in the Far East.

Sunday’s car crash highlights the risks associated with the decision to locate all casinos in remote areas, and draws new attention to the country’s dangerous roads. President Dmitry Medvedev described Russia’s high road-accident rate as a problem, and has resolved to work on making roads safer.

Investigators have already announced that they believe the accident was caused by a violation of traffic safety rules, and an investigation has been opened into the matter.