BJ21.com Newsletter
January 20, 2011       110120

Presented as a public service by 
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


Hackers are gambling that casino databases will have big payoff

Hackers are targeting Las Vegas casinos’ customer databases in order to gain access to personal financial information or steal players club points, according to gaming regulators.

Lake Tahoe's Cal Neva to reopen casino next month -- GM of Baldini's in Sparks to take over; future of entire property still murky

CRYSTAL BAY, NV — Clinking coins, singing slot machines and shouts of joy and dejection should soon be emitting again from the Cal Neva Resort, Spa & Casino as operators of the historic location plan to reopen its casino, officials have confirmed.

Hilton casino foreclosure hearing put on hold; discussions turn to possible sale


ATLANTIC CITY — A foreclosure hearing for the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort has been called off while both sides try to work out an agreement to possibly sell the money-losing Boardwalk gaming hall, a court official said.

River Rock Casino plans to close poker room

SAN FRANCISCO - North Bay poker players are bracing themselves for the impending loss of one of their favorite spots, as River Rock Casino in Geyserville plans to close its poker room at the end of this month.

False Shuffle Trips Up Blackjack Players

Frankly, those policing casinos do a better job than those policing our stock markets.  Yeah, I know, there’s gambling and then there’s investing — but, c’mon, loaded dice or Bernie Madoff, a rigged game is still a rigged game.

Thanks to Green Chip member Spokanimal for providing the above link.

Casino Commission OKs ex-gang boss from New York to gamble in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY - Robin Chee made no attempt to hide his notorious past as a leader of the Ghost Shadows, a Chinese street gang involved in extortion, drug trafficking and illegal gambling in New York.

Annie Duke Discusses New Professional Poker League


On Tuesday, news broke that Federated Sports and Gaming and the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, had launched a joint venture to create a new professional poker league. Also involved in the project were former World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack, chairman and co-founder of FS+G, and poker professional Annie Duke, who would be commissioner of the new league.

Biloxi women arrested for robbing casino guests

BILOXI – Biloxi police have arrested two women accused of robbing casino guests.

Man arrested for urinating in casino lobby

A drunken patron urinated in the lobby of the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs casino early Wednesday, then shouted profanities at security and police who confronted him, according to arrest papers filed.

State of Nevada technically lacking ...


The state’s casino industry continues to choke on the dust created by the rapid responses of other gaming jurisdictions to new developments among technology oriented companies.

... BlackBerry to the future: Gaming takes step ahead

If Nevada's gaming industry is to grow again, it must be allowed to use new technologies.

Deutsche Bank Gambles on Vegas' Newest Hotel and Casino -- Can The Cosmopolitan Survive in the Struggling Sin City?

The hottest party in Las Vegas this New Year's Eve was not at any of the monster casinos people know so well. In fact, it had nothing to do with magicians or show girls.

Primm Valley casinos betting on Hispanics -- Although its competition focuses on Asians, casino group pursues own niche by engaging Spanish speakers of Southern California

PRIMM, NV - Last year, the head of marketing for Primm Valley resorts pitched his boss on an $85,000 entertainment act to fill the 6,500-seat arena at Buffalo Bill's, one of three budget hotels the company operates in Primm.

Legalized gambling in Texas: Why and when it could happen

Cautiously following in the footsteps of other states seeking a source of additional income, Texas is entertaining the option of expanded gaming. The Legislature reconvened on Jan. 11 and if a proposal passes, gambling could be Texas’ newest version of black gold.

Biloxi casino says it's laying off nearly 3 dozen

The Isle Casino Hotel in Biloxi notified almost three dozen employees Monday morning that they are being let go.

Hammond named GM at Aquarius Casino Resort

LAUGHLIN — Sean Hammond has been named general manager of the Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin, according to a statement from the casino’s parent, American Casino & Entertainment Properties.

Wynn nightclub workers say management committed to tip-sharing


When it comes to Wynn Las Vegas nightclub workers having to share tips with managers, employees say the casino’s attitude about the arrangement is that it’s never going to change.

Hundreds seek jobs at Station Casinos

LAS VEGAS - For Chris Roberts the opportunity to interview with a recruiter from Station Casinos Inc. for 10 minutes meant a chance to finally get back to work.

MGM  M Life loyalty program

MGM Resorts last week rolled out in Las Vegas its upgraded M Life customer loyalty program

Why Is Upselling Important? How Can Hotels Improve Revenue Directly from the Front Desk?

The importance of upselling at the front desk has increased over recent years due in large part to the changing methods of booking rooms. A well-managed upselling program can benefit all parties involved if done correctly.

Blackjack dealers train before the opening of Gun Lake Casino

WAYLAND, Mich. -  Card dealers for the new casino in Wayland are getting ready for next month's grand opening.

Las Vegas tourist sues for refund after sex act led to ‘tragic’ arrest threat


A tourist says he was traumatized when Las Vegas police threatened to arrest him after he complained about an act of prostitution in his hotel room.


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



SPECIAL NEWSLETTER OFFER -- THREE PI YEE PRESS DVDs FOR ONLY $59.95
:   Order No Holes Barred, Poking Surveillance in the Eye, or Casino Abuse of Skilled Players at the regular price, and receive the two other DVD's for $15.00 each.  In the Special Instructions section of the order form, specify Three-DVD special.  The three DVDs will be shipped together for a total price of only $59.95 (plus $5.00 shipping to U.S. or Canada, $10.00 per item shipping elsewhere).  The price adjustment will be made when your credit card is charged at time of order fulfillment in our warehouse.  The adjustment and additional DVD's will not show on the automated order acknowledgement you'll receive. 

No Holes Barred, presented by Pi Yee Press.  Tony Dalben discusses his involvement in a frightening case of casino abuse of the judicial system.

Tony Dalben is famous for being part of a Nevada Supreme Court case that defines the line between legal hole-card play and cheating. He spoke at a Las Vegas Green Chip party. We filmed his 35-minute presentation, and it is available as a DVD.

Tony Dalben and his partner, Steven Einbinder, were playing blackjack at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in 1983. A sloppy dealer was checking the hole card under aces and 10s in a way that Dalben could see it. Dalben signaled his knowledge of the hole card to Einbinder, who was betting large.

Rather than correcting or replacing the dealer, the casino chose to involve the Gaming Control Board, whose agents arrested Dalben and Einbinder. The two were charged with various felonies. After the case was dismissed, the prosecutors appealed. The case went to the Nevada Supreme Court, which vindicated Dalben and Einbinder. The Nevada Supreme Court said: "... the evidence showed that respondent Dalben was lawfully seated at his position at the blackjack table, that he did not use any artificial device to aid his vision, and that he was able to see the dealer's hole card solely because of the admittedly sloppy play of the dealer. Respondent Dalben then communicated his information to respondent Einbinder. The district court ruled that respondents' conduct did not constitute a violation of the cheating statutes. We agree." Dalben subsequently sued the Golden Nugget.

In the DVD, Dalben explains what happened and how the case affected his life during the five years it made its way through the Nevada judicial system. The DVD concludes with a question and answer session moderated by Stanford Wong.  The price is $29.95 plus shipping (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address).  Order No Holes Barred.


Poking Surveillance in the Eye, presented by Pi Yee Press.

This eighty-two minute video contains excerpts from a BJ21.com seminar presented by a long-time casino surveillance professional. It gives tips and information on how to avoid attracting the unwanted attention of pit personnel and surveillance. Every level and type of skilled casino patron should be able to benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of the seminar presenter.

A full-time professional player commented that something he learned in the seminar changed one of his standard operating methods in a casino, and has already been validated by his avoidance of a backoff that otherwise would have occurred.

The price is $29.95 plus shipping (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address).  Order Poking Surveillance in the Eye.


Casino Abuse of Skilled Players, presented by Pi Yee Press.

BJ21.com presents a video of a panel discussion regarding casino abuse of skilled players which was recorded at a Green Chip party. The video includes frightening footage obtained from casino surveillance cameras of a law abiding, skilled player being handcuffed, forcibly backroomed and detained by casino employees. This timely topic should be of concern to all players. The panel included Stanford Wong, and featured prominent players who are part of the BJ21.com community including DD', MathProf, and Harry B. Advantage player attorney Bob Nersesian and Las Vegas Advisor publisher Anthony Curtis were also on the panel. The video runs approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes in length.

Skilled players speak of the harassment and mistreatment each has received at the hands of casino employees. The three victims each sued the casino that employed their assailants. One victim won a large jury verdict, another victim's case was settled, and the third case is still pending.

The price is $29.95 plus shipping (plus sales tax if sent to a Nevada address).  Order Casino Abuse of Skilled Players.



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, Sports, other casino-related free message board and Green Chip membership

If you are serious about beating casinos, you like to talk about it once in a while. You like to discuss strategy, and you like to discuss what is going on in casinos you plan to visit. If you are like most of the gamblers of the world, your family and neighbors and coworkers prefer to talk about things other than casino games. If you want to broaden your circle of friends to include more people willing to discuss real casino winning principles, Green Chip is for you.

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Green Chip members receive a complimentary three-month membership to Blackjack Insider, a blackjack newsletter published monthly by e-mail since 2001.

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.

You can subscribe to download CBJN from the BJ21 web site. The price is $27 per quarter (three issues) or $89 per year (twelve issues) by Visa/MC/AmEx with automatic renewal. Minimum subscription is one quarter.   Order Current Blackjack News

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