2008 October
October 31, 2008
MONSTER MAYHEM AT TOWN SQUARE MALL IN LAS VEGAS
We were cruising the Las Vegas strip last evening and came upon this haunted village with numerous haunted houses and spooky characters. You can even have your photo taken by Don Parnal of Costello Photo with some dead guy in a coffin if you want permanent memories of Halloween. This place is the stuff of nightmares so be warned if you decide to go. One low price of $22 gets you into all the attractions and if you don’t like to wait in line an additional $10 will get you a R.I.P. Fast Pass. The Monster Mayhem Haunted Houses are located at the new Town Square Mall on South Las Vegas Boulevard and the 215 Fwy.
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RED ROCK HARLEY-DAVIDSON OPENS THIS WEEKEND
Use this direct link for more details and to pre-register for the event. On-site registration starts at noon on Friday, November 7th. Seating is limited.
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October 30, 2008
BUFFALO BILL’S SHUTS DOWN HOTEL MIDWEEK
If you’re a hotel operator in Las Vegas during an economy slowdown, what do you do when your open your doors and no one comes?
Some may reduce capacity by closing floors to reduce workforce.
Herbst Gaming’s Buffalo Bill’s in Primm Valley (aka Stateline) has made the unusual cost-cutting move of staying open weekends but closing midweek.
The Las Vegas Sun reports that reservations can be made at Buffalo Bill’s Friday through Sunday nights, but all midweek dates through December have switched to “sold out.”
Herbst purchased the trio of Primm casinos (including Whiskey Pete’s and Primm Valley) from MGM Mirage in 2007 and has since been struggling with its debtload.
The Primm Valley area is a bridge to Las Vegas, with drivers from California passing through to either try their first or last hand at luck.
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IGT ANNOUNCES EARNINGS
The casino industry has been rocked the past few months, with “how low can it go?” a frequent phrase while watching stock prices plummet to new all-time lows.
Slot manufacturer International Game Technology, based in Reno, Nev., provides slot machines to casinos and had their earnings call today. Everyone prepared for the worst.
Which was bad, but not as bad as expected.
Announced were layoffs, a hiring freeze, and other cost reductions that would amount to saving $100 million per year.
At the end of September, IGT earned $52 million for the quarter, which was down from $123 million in the same period a year ago. That’s less than half, but it’s still in the black.
The opening of MGM Mirage’s CityCenter late next year is widely anticipated for IGT’s involvement in the networking of their slot floor. MGM itself has been cutting projects lately. If something happens with CityCenter being delayed or a change in plans, IGT will be affected.
IGT’s stock opened at $12.91 and closed today at $12.01 (down 4.46 percent).
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60 MINUTES TO AIR INTERNET CHEATING SCAMS
Poker Player Newspaper online is reporting an upcoming 60 Minutes on CBS will feature a segment on the cheating scandals in Internet poker rooms. New York based poker industry insider, Wendeen H. Eolis, has published an exposé of the 60 Minutes news show’s effort to conduct an in-depth investigation into the apparent scams that have been used to separate unsuspecting Internet poker players from their money.
Eolis believes the show will probably air on Sunday, November 9th. If the date looks familiar it’s the same day the 2008 WSOP final table will be broadcast on ESPN. Whether this segment will help or hurt efforts to legalize Internet card rooms remains to be seen. Depending on the slant of the 60 Minutes’ producers, the piece could make a case for legalizing and regulating Internet poker or it could paint such a black picture it becomes politically untouchable. Much of the material for the segment was collected inside the Amazon Room, the WSOP’s poker room, during the 2008 WSOP at the Rio Resort in Las Vegas last summer.
If you have an interest in Internet poker returning to the US in a legal, regulated, and money safe manner then you won’t want to miss this edition of 60 Minutes or the latest Eolis’ article, Sixty Minutes: The Ultimate Gamble.
Read Wendeen H. Eolis’ article now using this direct link to Poker Player Newspaper online.
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October 29, 2008
LAS VEGAS DECLARES PHILLIES WINNER OF GAME 5
Despite the Game 5 of the World Series concluding tonight after a rain delay on Monday, Las Vegas has already decided the outcome — Philadelphia wins.
Monday night, Game 5 was in Philly with the Tampa Bay Rays at a 2-2 tie against the Philadelphia Phillies at the top of the sixth inning.
Then the heavy rains came, forcing a delay until tonight.
Even though the game is still unfinished, Las Vegas has its own gaming rules when it comes to suspensions, and it states that if the home team is winning after 4 1/2 innings, the game is done. It scores based on the last completed inning. So the score, Las Vegas style, is 2-1 Phillies.
That’s a win with relation to betting only. Because if Philadelphia does win tonight, they would win the World Series.
The rules have been this way for the past 20 years.
So what to do if you’ve bet on the Rays and are holding a losing ticket?
There’s always another bet to make tonight.
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October 28, 2008
BOYD GAMING HALTS ECHELON FOR ANOTHER YEAR
Boyd Gaming, which had stalled its $4.8 billion Echelon in the old Stardust lot, is expected to keep the project partially constructed for the near future.
Boyd foresaw the current down climate in August, when it halted construction for 9 months after spending $525 million. Construction is now not expected to resume until 2010, when it was originally planned to open.
The casino operator may choose to open Echelon in stages or downgrade. They may also take in some additional partners. (Boyd and MGM Mirage co-own Borgata in Atlantic City.)
Today, Boyd posted a 73 percent drop in profit for this quarter, though the announcement of continuing to hold on Echelon pushed shares up. Net income for Q3 was $8.7 million (down from $31.9 million this time last year).
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VOTE EARLY UNTIL HALLOWEEN
You only have 3 more days to vote early in Las Vegas, and there are almost 100 places around our fine neon city to do so.
The last day to place an early ballot is Oct. 31. Until then, you can vote at places including the Las Vegas Outlet mall, Albertsons, Smith’s, libraries, Vons, Food 4 Less, community centers, UNLV, churches, Whole Foods, and many more.
For a list of places and hours that they’re taking votes, click here.
After Oct. 31, you’ll only be able to vote with everyone else in line on Nov. 4 at your regular polling place.
Already 241,000 people of Clark County have voted early. That’s almost a third of registered voters.
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October 27, 2008
MICHELLE OBAMA TO RALLY IN VEGAS TONIGHT
Right after taping her “Tonight Show” appearance with Jay Leno, the wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will be whisked away to Las Vegas.
Michelle Obama will be in town for a rally tonight at Doolittle Park (1950 J St.).
Tickets aren’t necessary, but RSVPs are recommended at this link. There’s no charge.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the rally starts at 9 p.m.
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MGM MIRAGE RUMORED TO HAVE LAID OFF 4,000 EMPLOYEES
Last week various media picked up that MGM Mirage had laid off 2,500 employees, as a cost-cutting move in this economic downturn.
An MGM official denied this was the case, saying 2,500 employees were not laid off Friday morning.
And therein lies the dance around specifics. Was it more or less? Was it not Friday morning when it went down but Thursday night or Friday afternoon?
We have our own inside source at MGM Mirage who asked to be anonymous, as he’d prefer to keep his job. He claims while the statement was untrue as written, MGM has allegedly laid off even more than the reported 2,500 — he says as many as 4,000 employees got the boot. He says that managers of each department were asked to cut a percentage of their staff.
Whether true or not, we suspect we’ll be hearing more about layoffs — MGM and otherwise — in the coming weeks.
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October 25, 2008
HAWAIIAN TROPIC ZONE HOSTS COLLEGE NIGHTS
College Night at Hawaiian Tropic Zone (in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood) is held every Thursday between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. while school’s in session.
The study break will include $3 domestic drafts, $5 well drinks, and $2 shots for women. Bottles of Skyy vodka will also be reduced to $100, and all appetizers are 50 percent off.
Undergraduates can also enter weekly drawings to win free bottle service.
Waitasec, we know the economy’s bad and all, but last we checked, we were 21 in our senior year of college. Might this be encouraging fake I.D.s? And free shots for college girls may be a bit obvious in what they’re trying to accomplish.
Still, we’ll just leave by saying that you must be 21 or over and present a valid college I.D.
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October 24, 2008
THE PALMS NOW ACCEPTING BASKETBALL BETS
In case you’ve ever been to The Palms sports book trying to place a bet on basketball, you may have wondered why you were turned away.
The Maloofs, who own The Palms, also own the Sacramento Kings, and the NBA has always prohibited bets because of a seeming conflict of interest.
As of today, however, the NBA had a change of heart and basketball bets are now being taken at The Palms, just in time for the beginning of the season next week.
There’s one bet that can’t be made, however, and that’s on the Sacramento Kings. That would kinda be like betting in your own casino.
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October 23, 2008
GOLDEN NUGGET HAS OFFERS FOR NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
The annual National Finals Rodeo returns to Las Vegas in December, and Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas has roped in some offers.
Special rates for their South Tower rooms will be available throughout December, as low as $59 on weeknights. Call 1-866-946-5336 to reserve.
On Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m., all Team Roper contestants will hold an autograph signing.
From Dec. 3-13, Golden Nugget has a drawing for a Ford F-150 truck. You don’t have to be present, and you don’t even have to play — just sign up to the 24 Karat player’s club or redeem your WNFR ticket stub. But if you want to play, you’ll earn more entries when you play tables and slots.
On Dec. 4, 8, and 11, $50 will enter you into a Buckin’ Bronco Blackjack tournament. Each tournament offers $30,000 in cash prizes, with $5,000 for the grand prize. Call 1-800-777-5687 for a reservation.
And if you find yourself without tickets, drop by the Nugget’s Grand Event Center. Live, closed circuit monitors will show all the action for free.
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GEORGE WALLACE OFFERS FREE SHOW FOR VOTERS
Comedian George Wallace is showing his patriotism by offering up a free ticket to his show if you vote.After voting, pick up the sticker showing you voted, then pop on by to any of his 10 p.m. shows at Flamingo for free admission (until Nov. 11).You can even vote early and see a show before Election Day, just as long as you get the “I Voted” sticker. (Yep, that means you don’t actually have to vote, just get the sticker — but if you don’t vote, the terrorists will have won.)
Tickets are normally $75 each.
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CELL PHONE AMBER ALERTS
Hoping to broaden its range of coverage stemming from the Cole Puffinburger kidnapping a few days ago (the 6-year-old was later found), Nevada is instituting the addition of SMS on cell phones.
Currently, AMBER Alert messages appear on electronic billboards and on the news.
But by the time the public sees the message, it may not be enough time. Studies show that the first three hours after an abduction are the most important.
Now, to those who subscribe, an AMBER Alert text message will be sent out notifying everyone immediately of any news.
To sign up, enter your phone number at www.wirelessamberalerts.org.
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October 21, 2008
SPEARMINT RHINO GIRLS HOST HALLOWEEN PARTY AT PLAYBOY
This isn’t your ordinary Halloween party.
Sure, Las Vegas will be swarming with pretty boys and girls in elaborate costumes.
But on Oct. 26 at 10 p.m., check out what the gals at a gentlemen’s club will look like in their Halloween best.
The party takes place at the Playboy Club (at The Palms) and is hosted by the girls of Spearmint Rhino.
For tickets and for more information, email playboyclublasvegas.com or call (702) 942-6832.
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GOV. SARAH PALIN RALLIES IN LAS VEGAS
This afternoon, Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin stopped by Las Vegas for the first time in her Road to Victory Rally. She began the rally this morning in Reno.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at the Henderson Pavilion, the Alaska governor focused on equality for women and running mate John McCain’s ideas to create equal pay for men and women.
Palin promised she would be “an advocate and a defender” if elected.
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October 20, 2008
MGM MIRAGE ELIMINATES ANNUAL BONUS THIS YEAR
In another sign of hard times, MGM Mirage announced today that it is doing away with their annual end-of-the-year bonus for all employees, at least for 2008.
Falling revenues and income contributed, as the bonus is contingent on profitability.
Interestingly, the casino did specify it was the cash bonus that would not be given, leaving open to the possibility of bonuses in the form of stock or other forms of payment to top executives.
Earlier this year, MGM Mirage laid off over 440 managers that was expected to save $75 million. They didn’t state the expected savings from eliminating the bonus.
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MICHELIN GUIDE 2009 RELEASES WITH THREE-STAR LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT
Start making your reservations today.
Here’s an early peek at the 2009 edition of the Michelin food guide, which won’t officially be released until tomorrow.
Michelin’s star system is quite stringent, with a single star considered prestigious and three stars the highest honor.
One star: “A very good restaurant in its category.”
Two stars: “Excellent cooking and worth a detour.”
Three stars: “Exceptional cuisine and worth the journey.”
Las Vegas had over 10 percent of the guide rated at one star or above.
13 restaurants had one star (including the new DJT at Trump International).
Three restaurants earned two stars: Alex (Wynn), Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace), and Picasso (Bellagio).
And the restaurant with the three-star honor goes to Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, proving last year’s listing at three stars was no flash in the pan.
And in fact, Joel Robuchon is the only restaurant in the guide to earn three stars.
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FIVE SCARIEST LAS VEGAS HAUNTED HOUSES
Las Vegas haunted houses are ranked on a national scale with some of the scariest Halloween haunts in the country. Would you expect anything less than the best from the city known as the entertainment capitol of the world? Visit a Las Vegas haunted house and you’re guaranteed a face-to-face encounter with some of the ghastly creatures that shun the neon, preferring instead to lurk in the darkest shadows. Many long-time Las Vegans claim the city has some very real spooks that have existed here in the isolation of the desert centuries before Bugsy built the first glitter palace on the strip.
The five Las Vegas haunted houses featured in this post are offered in no particular order of preference or rating. We suggest you tour all of the haunts and decide what’s the best of the bunch. Parents can rest easy knowing there’s plenty of security on hand and all the haunted houses have been inspected by the Clark County Fire Department for compliance to the same strict fire codes imposed on the casinos and resorts. Cast members are trained to maintain a safe and orderly atmosphere while scaring the holy bejesus out of you.
The LasVegasVegas tour of the five scariest haunted houses in Las Vegas starts after the jump…
The Asylum is rated among the 13 scariest haunted houses in the US and for good reason. These are the people that have been scaring Las Vegans for years. They have brought many innovations to the fine art of fright. In addition to the Asylum they operate a second haunt, Hotel Fear. Click to visit the Asylum website.
The Asylum Quick Facts:
Location: Alta and Rampart across from the Suncoast Resort
Dates and times of operation:
October 23, 24, and 25 from 6:30 PM — Midnight
October 26, 28, and 30 from 6:30 PM — 10 PM
October 31 from 6PM — Midnight
November 1 from 6:30 PM — Midnight
Admission: $11.00
Henderson’s only haunted house is also one of the best. Freaklin Brothers’ Castle Vampye is guaranteed to terrify the most brave visitors to the castle. A coven of fanged blood suckers are waiting to scare the life out of you before they take your blood. You’ll meet Igor, the hunched backed greeter that guides visitors to the Castle’s entrance and don’t forget to be wary of the giant grim reaper wandering the grounds. It’s another of the don’t miss Las Vegas haunted houses. Visit the Castle Vampyre website for more details.
Castle Vampyre Quick Facts:
Location: 1300 Sunset Rd at Sunset Hotel & Casino
Dates and times of operation:
October 17 — November 1
Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM — 11PM
Friday & Saturday 7 PM — Midnight
Admission: $11.00 or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions
Click to print a $2 off coupon
If you’re one of those people that find clowns to be more evil than funny then this is the haunted house for you. Freaking Bros’ Circus of Horrors offering a collection of the most frightening, vile exhibitions of terror collected over the centuries from a dark age Eastern Europe. Once past the Ringmaster guarding the door be prepared for up close events guaranteed to make even the bravehearts scream. Conveniently located next door is another Freakling Bros. haunt, the Mortuary. Visit the Circus of Horrors website for more details.
Circus of Horrors Quick Facts:
Location: Rainbow and Smoke Ranch by United Artists Theaters
Dates and times of operation:
October 17 — November 1
Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM — 11PM
Friday & Saturday 7 PM — Midnight
Admission: $11.00 single, $18.00 for both Circus of Horrors and Mortuary, or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions
Click to print a Freaking Bros. $2 off coupon
Don’t let the black hearse parked out front affect you. Never mind the creepy, dank smelling troll with the shovel chasing people in the parking lot. The real journey of the dead begins inside the vermin infested passages of the Mortuary. Avoid tripping over the dead bodies and body parts as you try to avoid the demented perverts wanting to separate you from your body parts. The Mortuary is conveniently located adjacent to Circus of Horrors. Visit the Mortuary website for more details.
The Mortuary Quick Facts:
Location: Rainbow and Smoke Ranch by United Artists Theaters
Dates and times of operation:
October 17 — November 1
Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM — 11PM
Friday & Saturday 7 PM — Midnight
Admission: $11.00 single, $18.00 for both Circus of Horrors and Mortuary, or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions
Click to print a Freaking Bros. $2 off coupon
Fright Dome Quick Facts:
Location: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
Dates and times of operation:
October 23,24,25,26,29,30, and 31 – 7 PM — Midnight
Admission: $33.95 general admission, VIP Line pass adds an additional $15
The same macabre minds that produced the Asylum offer up Hotel Fear. You’ll be dying to meet the staff of this old world establishment that oozes all the charm and warmth of a moldy crypt. Many check in but few check out so stop by the Hotel Fear and come on in, if you have a strong heart. Visit the Hotel Fear website for more details.
Hotel Fear Quick Facts:
Location: Craig and Camino Al Norte (MLK) in the Home Depot parking lot
Dates and times of operation:
October 23, 24, and 25 from 6:30 PM — Midnight
October 26, 28, 29, and 30 from 6:30 PM — 10 PM
October 31 from 6PM — Midnight
November 1 from 6:30 PM — Midnight
Admission: $11.00
The following photos were shot on location at Hotel Fear, meet the staff…
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October 17, 2008
SARAH PALIN LOOKALIKE CONTEST AT STRIP CLUB
Not one to let Tina Fey get all the press, Club Paradise (across from Hard Rock) is also hopping aboard the presidential campaign by focusing on Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.Namely, a lookalike contest.The gentlemen’s club is soliciting other clubs around the country for their best Gov. Palin imitation. Just as long as that imitation involves a swimsuit. And heck, you don’t even have to be female to enter.
The beauty pageant takes place Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.
Patrons of Club Paradise will vote on the winner, who will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. The prize package is worth $10,000.
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THE REAL DEAL! PREMIERS AT THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS
The Venetian Showroom will be filled with poker’s elite next Tuesday evening, October 21, at 7 PM for the premier of the The Real Deal! interactive poker-themed stage show. Hosts for the event are funnyman Paul Rodriquez and insult-style comedian Vinny Favorito. They will be joined by The Real Deal! poker pros — Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harmon, Phil Hellmuth Jr., Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson.
According to the press release, “…a completely original live show format combines fast-paced action and humor with the latest in wireless technology and abundant prizes, including a chance to win $1,000,000.”
That’s right, $1 million in cash. The entire audience can interact with the players on stage through the magic of wireless technology so you may be one of the lucky winners just by being in the audience. The show was created Merv Adelson and Emmy™ Award-Winning producer Gary Smith.
Times for the show are 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday with 8 PM primetime shows added on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ticket prices for the shows at 5 PM are $75 and $85 for the 8 PM primetime performance. VIP packages are available and include an opportunity to meet the poker stars afterwards. Of course, you must be 21 years of age for stage participation. A special section without wireless interaction is available at $45 for underage guest. Call The Venetian Box Office at 1.866.641.SHOW or 702.414.9000 for ticket purchase information. You can also visit the website for tickets.
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October 16, 2008
STAY AT MGM GRAND, TAKE 25% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE
An interesting offer we haven’t seen before has just begun at MGM Grand.
Stay at the hotel-casino between now and Jan. 31, 2009 for the regular price, and anything you charge to your room will be 25 percent off (taxes and tip not included).
This includes room service, bar, spa, restaurants, bars, gift shop, and theater tickets. Just by staying one night, you could clean up in merchandise and sell it right back on eBay.
You must book by Oct. 27.
To book, call 1-800-929-1111 or visit this link and use code INB226.
We plugged in a few random dates just to check the price range of rooms, and it looks like the regular price for weekends are around $200 with weekdays at $90. Note you can’t use a room offer in addition to this 25 percent off offer.
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October 15, 2008
NEW TENANTS TO MOVE IN TO NEONOPOLIS
The lounge and restaurant are expected to open by the end of this year; Telemundo will move in February 2009.
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ENVY STEAKHOUSE + FACEBOOK = $100 RANDOM WINNER
Got a Facebook account?
ENVY Steakhouse at Renaissance Las Vegas (Paradise and Desert Inn) will be awarding someone a gift certificate worth $100 to their steakhouse.
Just Become a Fan of ENVY on Facebook, then email adrian.burfield@gmail.com with your name and address.
At the end of the month, one person will be drawn randomly and awarded the certificate.
Note that they currently only have 32 people signed up and the month is half over, so you have a good shot.
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