Featured Articles Archive - Page 400

Top-10 things that make you go "hmmmm" after the PokerStars/Wynn partnership

When news broke late last week that Wynn Resorts and PokerStars reached a deal that called on both companies to lobby for regulated online poker in the U.S. AND for a jointly operated PokerStarsWynn.com online poker room to be created once online poker could be licensed and regulated in the U.S., my response was "Hmmmmm."My ambivalence had nothing to with the importance of the news...read more

Who holds the cards in the online poker legalization debate?

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The issues surrounding a potential legalization of Internet poker in Nevada became both clearer and more complicated in the same day.The crux of the debate?Supporters of Assembly Bill 258 want Nevada to legalize Internet poker, opening the state to a new industry that would provide thousands of high-tech jobs, $1.8 billion in economic impact and upward of $60 million in new tax dollars.The state's largest casino operators, however, believe Nevada should wait for the federal government to bless the activity, opening online wagering nationwide.Another in a long line of bills was introduced in Congress two weeks ago that would establish federal licensing and regulation of Internet poker...read more

Do people (you, for instance) gamble for the fun or the money?

Casino gambling has advocates and detractors. Boosters deem it to be an enjoyable leisure pursuit; they picture the cognoscenti seeking the excitement offered, hoping that chance will bring them a profit but not really expecting this to happen...read more

Nevada Gaming Commission approves Caesars, 888 relationship

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The Nevada Gaming Commission on Thursday approved the first ever business relationship between a state-licensed gaming company and a foreign-based Internet gaming operator. Commissioners said they didn't think this would be the last time Nevada gaming agents will investigate a deal such as the arrangement between Caesars Entertainment Corp...read more

Internet poker legalization debated in Nevada

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Despite the promises of jobs, increased tax dollars and the potential of technology businesses locating to Nevada, a lobbyist for the casino industry told lawmakers Thursday one important aspect would keep them from approving Internet poker in the Silver State.Gambling on the Internet is illegal in the United States.The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard almost two-and-a-half hours of testimony from supporters of Assembly Bill 258, which would allow the Nevada Gaming Commission to adopt regulations for Internet poker.Opponents of the bill, namely lobbyist Pete Ernaut of R&R Partners who was representing the Nevada Resort Association, took only 30 minutes to lay out their arguments.Ernaut expressed his belief that Internet gaming will eventually be legalized in some form...read more

Deal Me In: High hit frequency doesn't necessarily mean higher payback

Dear Mark: Is it better to play on a machine that offers a high hit frequency or one with a higher payback percentage? Or, am I to assume that slot machines that have a high hit frequency by design offer a higher payback percentage as well? Mike R.There is usually no direct correlation, Mike, between payout percentage and hit frequency...read more

PokerStars, Wynn Resorts reach partnership

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Wynn Resorts Ltd. announced a partnership with PokerStars to operate an a U.S.-based online poker website should federal legislation allowing Internet gambling be passed.In a statement released late Thursday by Wynn Resorts, Wynn officials said the companies will work to secure passage of federal Internet gaming legislation...read more

Nevada executive in favor of online poker

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- South Point Hotel Casino and Spa owner Michael Gaughan became the first high-profile Nevada gaming executive to voice his support for bill that would legalize Internet poker in Nevada.In a statement expected to be released Tuesday, Gaughan said the Nevada Legislature should pass Assembly Bill 258, which would allow the Nevada Gaming Commission to adopt regulations for Internet poker."There is no doubt in my mind that online poker and other games are coming," Gaughan said...read more

Analyst skeptical on Texas casino legislation

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- One gaming analyst isn’t putting much stock into Texas legalizing casinos anytime soon. And that’s good news for Las Vegas-based regional casino operator Pinnacle Entertainment. In a note to investors, Morgan Joseph gaming analyst Justin Sebastiano said a handful of bills were introduced in the Texas Legislature that support different forms of casino gambling legalization. The legislation proposals call for amendments to the state constitution, which require a two-thirds vote from both the House of Representatives and the State Senate...read more

Vin's top-10 poker rooms

The Gold Coast Hotel and Casino shut down its poker room recently and suggested customers head over to The Orleans to play instead. I have to admit, I'm not going to miss the Gold Coast poker room. It was tiny. It was filled with curmudgeons -- at least when I was there...read more