BJ21.com Newsletter
February 2, 2012       120202

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Compiled by Al Rogers
Al@bj21.com


Fertitta Interactive files to include online poker in gaming license

LAS VEGAS - Fertitta Interactive LLC has joined a long list of gaming companies who have filed an application with state regulators to expand its gaming license to offer online poker in Nevada, the company announced Thursday.

Hundreds of Harrah's & Harveys Housekeepers Outsourced

RENO - Some employees are grumbling, and in some cases protesting where they suddenly find themselves working longer hours and paid vacations gone.

Guest who stayed at Luxor dies of Legionnaires’ disease


Three guests at the Luxor have contracted Legionnaires’ disease since last spring, including one who recently died as a result, the Southern Nevada Health District announced today.

Casino-ology: The Problem of Protecting Proprietary Games

In the last eight years I've analyzed, played, written and spoken about scores of proprietary games with vulnerabilities to card counting, hole-carding and other straightforward advantage play techniques.

Alleged Card Cheats Land Turkish Men in Jail -- Men were allegedly caught trading cards by surveillance video at Sands Casino


PENNSYLVANIA - Two men – one from Turkey and the other with apparent Turkish roots living in England – illegally won $1,300 by switching cards during games of three-card poker at the Sands Casino Resort in South Bethlehem, according to court records.

Lincoln cop guilty in assault case -- Accused of kicking woman in head


PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Guilty. That was the verdict handed down by a Providence Superior Court judge in the assault case against a Lincoln police officer.

Casino opponents: Gambling would lead to more crime

MIAMI - An anti-casino group released a study linking the arrival of casinos to increased crime. And that, they say, would lead to costing the state $3 billion to incarcerate more prisoners.

Federal judge hears would-be casino developer's legal challenge

MASSACHUSETTS - K.G. Urban Enterpise's legal challenge of the state's casino-enabling legislation got its first airing in U.S. District Court Tuesday, with Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton peppering both parties with specific questions on points of law.

Spirit Airlines says DOT ignoring cost impact to customers, adds ‘unintended consequences’ fee


The battle between discount air carrier Spirit Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation escalated today with the airline — the fastest growing carrier at McCarran International Airport last year — adding a new $2 fee to ticket prices to cover costs associated with new consumer regulations that took effect last week.

Higher fuel costs drive down Allegiant profits

Despite higher air fares and more vacation package sales, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co.'s sharply higher fuel and maintenance bills caused profits to drop in the fourth quarter.

Suit claims Whittemore embezzled millions ...

RENO - The former business partners of Harvey Whittemore — a well-known Nevada lobbyist, land developer, businessman and lawyer — filed a civil lawsuit Friday claiming he embezzled millions of dollars from the Wingfield company they ran together and misappropriated corporate funds and assets. ... Tom and Albert Seeno Jr., of California, are part-owners of Peppermill Casino Inc.

... Embattled developer files own lawsuit against former business partners

RENO - Embattled developer and gaming lobbyist Harvey Whittemore fired back at his former business partners Wednesday by filing his own multi-million dollar lawsuit, accusing them of death threats, racketeering and extortion.

$141M default at Legends -- Foreclosure notice part of broader refinancing plan, company says

RENO - Since March, the company that built the Outlets at Legends in Sparks has not paid the bills on $141 million in private loans used to construct most of the 148-acre retail development, resulting in its lender group filing a notice of default with Washoe County.

Las Vegas hotel performance back on track

After steep dips in performance metrics—including a 22% dip in room rates from 2008 to 2009—Las Vegas hotels are back on track.

UNLV study: Casino debt at highest level ever


LAS VEGAS — Nevada’s casinos have taken on more debt than ever before, shifting the finances of the state’s largest industry into unprecedented territory, according to an analysis of state gambling data by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

City officials to hear about Ohio casino collapse  ...

CINCINNATI - A casino construction site collapse that injured more than a dozen workers will be discussed at a Cincinnati city council committee meeting Tuesday.

... Casino construction resumes Wednesday -- Bolts may not have been fastened securely


Construction resumes today at the site of the future Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati, five days after part of a floor collapsed, as the city’s top building official discussed whether steel beams were securely fastened.

Sportingbet completes acquisition

U.K. - Sports betting firm Sportingbet (LON:SBT) has completed the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Danbook Limited ("Danbook") and Scandic Bookmakers Limited ("Scandic").

Singapore Casino Goes to Court to Recover $1 million From 2 Debtors

Casino operator Marina Bay Sands, seeking to recover about $1 million in debts from two gamblers, wants to grill one on the witness stand and slap a court notice on the other in his Malaysian home.

O.J. Simpson ‘dream team’ lawyer Robert Shapiro representing Wynn in fight with director

LAS VEGAS - Casino resort company Wynn Resorts Ltd. has hired influential attorney Robert Shapiro and his high-powered Los Angeles law firm to fight a lawsuit filed by disgruntled director Kazuo Okada.

Deadwood gambling revenues down 5 percent in 2011

Deadwood gambling revenues dropped 5 percent in 2011 according to state figures, though some casino operators said it could have been more but aggressive promotions and free play softened the blow.

Gaming firms 888, Caesars extend licensing deal to U.S.

888 Holdings Plc said a unit of private equity-owned Caesars Entertainment Corp extended its UK software licensing agreement with the British online gaming company to the United States.

British bookmaker Ladbrokes buys majority in Las Vegas online gaming company

Ladbrokes PLC has made its first purchase in Nevada as the company positions itself to take advantage of what it believes will be the eventually legalization of sports wagering in the United States.

Super Bowl Casino Betting Could Break Records


Nevada casinos are hoping to cash in on the Super Bowl this weekend. It's the largest single-day sporting event when it comes to betting and some casinos expect their crowds to be bigger than New Year's Eve. This year's Super Bowl is also heading into record territory for sportsbooks.

Atlantic City would receive upgrades under revival plan


A dazzling Boardwalk pulsating with light, music, recreation and entertainment, surrounded by pedestrian-friendly enclaves away from the casinos is the vision of Atlantic City's future adopted Wednesday by a state agency tasked with turning around the struggling seaside resort.

Casino defiant

AKWESASNE, NY — Three Feathers Casino is refusing to close their doors. They were ordered to cease gaming operations by the St. Regis Tribal Gaming Commission last week, but say the commission has no authority over their establishment.

Full Tilt Poker and United States DOJ Reach Settle on Forfeiture Agreement


According to a report by Gaming Intelligence last week, the owners of Full Tilt Poker agreed on the final terms of their forfeiture agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 24. The agreement could allow French investment firm Groupe Bernard Tapie to fork over the agreed $80 million to purchase the company from the DOJ.




Professional Blackjack Training Bundle for Windows


Available instantly by download after purchasing! Nothing is shipped to you. Everything you need to master card counting in blackjack, in one software bundle for Windows (any version of Windows, including Vista and Windows 7.) If you're serious about winning, this software package has everything you need to get an edge over the casino in blackjack. Developed by DeepNet Technologies, makers of a wide range of advantage gambling training products and software, and reviewed by BJ21.com. Also available for iPhone and other mobile device platforms. Includes all DeepNet training software (Mentor, Counter and Expert), blackjack simulator and count system creator (Audit), blackjack risk of ruin calculators and simulators, Wong's complete High-Low count system, Speed Count system, Count Master training e-book, detailed online help, and so much more!  Once you order this software bundle, you'll receive an e-mail with complete download and installation instructions. Nothing is shipped to you... be up and running on your computer in minutes!  The price is $95.00. Green Chip members get their normal 10% discount.   Order Professional Blackjack Training Bundle for Windows.


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 $7.50 shipping to U.S.;  $15.00 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.

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 $15 for electronic or $18 for regular mail.  Sample issue of  Current Blackjack News.

You can subscribe to download CBJN from the BJ21 web site. The price is $30 per quarter (three issues) or $99 per year (twelve issues) by Visa/MC/AmEx with automatic renewal. Minimum subscription is one quarter.   Order Current Blackjack News

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