BJ21.com Newsletter
March 19, 2009   090319

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BJ21.com, the leading source of accurate information about casino games and conditions. Our free weekly newsletter archive contains back issues of our weekly newsletters.

Compiled by Al Rogers
 Al@bj21.com


Station Casinos to file for bankruptcy

LAS VEGAS - Station Casinos plans to file its prepackaged bankruptcy on or before April 15, according to a Monday filing in Nevada federal court.

MGM Mirage gets relief from lenders -- Auditors express 'doubt' on ability to continue  ...

The casino operator, in danger of defaulting on $7 billion of its long-term debt, announced Tuesday its lenders had waived requirements that the company be in compliance of its senior credit facility covenants until May 15. However, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that auditors have raised "substantial doubt" about MGM Mirage's ability to continue, Bloomberg News reported. The auditors' comments increase the likelihood that the gaming company will need to file for bankruptcy to restructure its debts, Bloomberg said.

... MGM Mirage could use aid -- Analyst: 60 days not enough time for restructuring

Even with a two-month reprieve from its lenders, MGM Mirage won't be able to weave its way through its current financial situation without the help of a bankruptcy court, Wall Street believes.

$23.1 billion debt hanging over Harrah's -- Gaming giant at risk of default as revenue continues to shrink ...

Harrah's Entertainment may not be able to generate enough cash flow or secure additional loans to service its $23.1 billion debt, the company said Tuesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

... Harrah’s owners offer to buy outstanding debt

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. today said the companies that took it private and now own it are increasing their investment in the gaming company by offering to buy up to $350 million of Harrah's outstanding debt.

Wynns’ breakup won’t break up company -- Their divorce is expected to be amicable, businesslike

Steve and Elaine Wynn are ending their marriage, but the business partnership that built Wynn Resorts into a Strip powerhouse is not breaking up.

Betting it all on bankruptcy? -- Strict regulation of industry, high earnings potential, make Chapter 11 a desirable option

Finally, a bit of good news for Las Vegas: Our casino behemoths might seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Hard Rock Hotel posts $282.3 million loss in 2008

LAS VEGAS - Hard Rock Hotel and Casino posted a yearly net loss of $282.3 million for 2008, according to a 10-K Security and Exchange Commission form filed today.

Police seek help identifying man who died in fall from Circus Circus parking garage

RENO - An autopsy was being done this morning on a man who fell from a fourth-floor parking garage after he ran from security who tried to contact him on the roof of a downtown Reno casino.

Downtown loses key patrol service


RENO - The program was axed as part of city negotiations with the Reno Police Protective Association during the budget crisis, when city officials threatened to lay off seven officers if the union did not agree to forgo raises. During the 2007 and 2008 fiscal year, the reserve program cost $276,000.

Ruffin approved to purchase Treasure Island 

The Nevada Gaming Commission approved Phil Ruffin's $775 million purchase of Treasure Island from MGM Mirage this morning.

N.J. regulators extend deadline for Tropicana sale


New Jersey gaming regulators extended the sale deadline for the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City once again on Wednesday.

Slot screw-up a 'first' -- OLG says malfunction that led retiree to believe he'd won millions never happened before

CANADA - A slot machine malfunction that told a Wasaga Beach retiree he hit a $42.9-million jackpot is the first of its type, the province's slot regulator said.

Bill Seeks to Expand Reach of Vegas Sportsbooks

Tough economic times are motivating governments across the country to consider innovative solutions to mounting revenue problems.


The Bear Growls


Long-time Las Vegas-based advantage player, casino critic, and frequent BJ21.com contributor LVBear offers his opinions on things that sometimes go wrong in the world of casinos.  Current and past growls can be read and comments posted at LVBear's website, TheBearGrowls.com


Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner by Bob Dancer         

Bob Dancer's real-life video poker successes are legendary, but he's also a world-class teacher. Now, after years of creating the industry standards in video poker reports, strategy cards, and software, Dancer has written the quintessential beginner's guide on the game. Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner is a how-to-win blueprint for players seeking the fast track to the upper levels of this beatable game. First, you'll master the techniques for finding and identifying the highest-returning games. Then you'll learn how to generate, understand, and implement the computer-perfect strategies that yield the ultimate goal: monetary profit!

In addition, Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner imparts Dancer's professional insight relative to the game's many nuances and related considerations, including in-depth coverage of slot clubs, casino promotions, progressives, team play, scouting, and tournaments. Plus, this book explains in detail how Dancer's powerful Video Poker for Winners! software can be employed to solve previously unanswered questions about bankroll needs, promotions analysis, and profit potential. 

The price is $24.95 (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address)   Order  Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner


Beat the Players - Casinos, Cops and the Game Inside the Game, by Bob Nersesian

This book should be read by everyone who sets foot in a casino: average casino patrons, skilled players, casino employees, and anyone else. It should be required reading for police officers, regulators, other public officials, and attorneys who may represent any of the aforementioned. Beat the Players was the subject of a feature in USA Today.

Bob Nersesian is an attorney who represents victims of casino wrongdoing against patrons. In an enjoyable writing style, he takes a look at the often too-cozy relationship between casinos, police, and regulators. He discusses specific cases and dispenses sound, practical advice that patrons, casinos and public officials would be wise to heed. Cases discussed are from Nevada and other jurisdictions.

Chapters include: Your Money or Your Liberty; Scary Cop Statements; They'll Take Your Liberty Anyway; Gaming Agents Speak; The Take of the State; Rules for Casino Patrons; Gambling at the Legal Limits; Cops Hate Card Counters; Griffin Investigations; Casinos Cheat With Impunity; A Judicial and Government Overlay; Finding a Nickel Brings Trouble; Names and Aliases; The Security Office and Surveillance Functions, and Casinos and Cops.

Appendices include Nevada Cheating and Detention Laws with Commentary; Other Nevada Gaming Laws of Interest; Gaming Cases of Interest, and Nevada Gaming Regulations with Commentary.

The 320-page book includes a bibliography and an index.

The price is $19.95 plus shipping (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address). Green Chip members get their normal 10% discount      .Order Beat the Players.


BJ21.com  Blackjack, Poker, Craps, other casino-related free message board and Green Chip membership

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Current Blackjack News

On the 1st and 2nd of every month, a couple dozen Pi Yee Press reporters visit casinos around the United States to check on the blackjack rules and playing conditions. Five of those reporters split up Las Vegas and visit every casino in town. Any changes in rules and playing conditions that they find, they email to the CBJN editor, who compiles them into a newsletter that is published late in the afternoon on the 3rd. That report is available as a single issue, your choice of e-mail or regular mail. The price of a single issue is $13 for electronic or $16 for regular mail.  Sample issue of  Current Blackjack News.

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