University of Nevada Las Vegas| Gaming Studies Research Center | Dave Schwartz |
University of Nevada Las Vegas |
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Casino [ptz]
formerly the Gaming Studies Weblog |
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 Friday, July 12, 2002 Everything is quiet here as Las Vegas gears up for another triple-digit weekend.
LAS VEGAS, NV: ASSORTED NEWS MGM Grand has received permission to open a private gaming salon. Story here from the LV Sun. Caesars Palace fired 45 dealers, most of whom were already working part time. Story here from the LV Sun. Hollywood Casinos has no shortage of suitors looking to buy the troubled casino chain...Story here. It's official: Strip slots are getting tighter. Story here from Yahoo. BILOXI, MS: CASINO HELP WORKERS BUY HOMES That's the story from the RGT Online, and they're sticking with it. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: ASSORTED NEWS EAST The Donald has bought a 9.8% stake in the Riviera, ostenisbly because it is a good investment. Story here from the AC Press. But what if this marks another effort on Mr. Trump's part to expand into Las Vegas? He's in talks with Phil Ruffin to develop a highrise condo near the New Frontier, which is located nearby, and there would no doubt be some synergy between that upscale development and a "Trump Riviera." All this, and the chance to compete with Steve Wynn again, makes this scenario not so unlikely. If this does come to pass, remember that you heard it here first. "You think you're better than me?" That's what Remy Martin should be saying to the Sands. Sands execs have scrapped the cognac ads from their felt blackjack tables, citing a need to avoid "diminishing the value" of their brand. Story here from the AC Press.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002 I would have updated this earlier, but I've been busy with some other site work.
I'm meeting today with Tex Whitson and others down at Binion's Horseshoe to discuss expanding my WSOP retrospective site. We'll be mostly looking at photos--Tex will be IDing players, and I'll be taking notes. So look for the WSOP retrospective to expand in the coming weeks. On to the news.... LAS VEGAS, NV: STRIP PIONEER PASSES, STRIKE OVER Herb McDonald, who invented the Strip buffet, passed away earlier this week at the age of 83. McDonald had a truly impressive career as a casino publicist. Story here from the LV Sun. Also, the Great Culinary Strike of 2002 is officially over--the Golden Gate and the Culinary Union inked a contract today. Story here from the LV Sun. RALIEGH, NC: BIG LOTTERY VOTE North Carolina, the only East Coast state without a lottery, may soon have a referendum that will allow a numbers game. Story here from journalnow.com. WORLD WIDE WEB Check out casinoman.net. They've added a link to this site, under the "Help Groups" category. If you feel generous, hit the link and rate this site a "5." Thanks.
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What is Casino[ptz]? In a sentence: "A weblog featuring news, notes, and opinions from the world of casinos and gambling." Casino is self-explanatory; ptz refers to a surveillance camera that can pan, tilt, and zoom, thus offering the operator a better perspective and more detailed shot. Casino [ptz] was maintained by Dave Schwartz, coordinator of the Gaming Studies Research Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. As of now, Casino [ptz] is not being updated. Instead, you can find Dave's wit and wisdom on his own website, www.dieiscast.com. \ Go there now, for casino carpets and more. The opinions expressed are those of Dr. Schwartz and not those of UNLV or any of its students, staff, or faculty. If you have any questions, please direct them to Dave at dgs@unlv.nevada.edu. ---------------------------------
Quizzes Test your knowledge with two quizzes I have devised for your enlightenment and entertainment. 1. Do you know gambling? If you've read this weblog, I'll bet you do. Take the... (view the Scoreboard) This quiz features ten questions about gambling, mostly in casinos.
2. Do you know casino history? Take the... (view the Scoreboard) This quiz features ten questions taken from the pages of Suburban Xanadu. If you've read the book, the quiz should be a snap. Or, take the quiz and see what you are missing. -----------------------
Classic posts Mystery
Creature from Maryland Dave's book quoted in Parliament Bird
gets Trumped Slots, urban design, and destination dreams Don't be afraid, the clown's afraid too Hastert blasts casinos/2 tiger tales --------------------------
In Memoriam
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Other blogs Alberta Gaming Research Institute Library Online Casino Legalization Blog
Email Dave if you want him to add your blog. --------------------------
Who is Dave Schwartz? Dave Schwartz is the coordinator of the Gaming Studies Research Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, which means that he spends most of his time at work doing three things: 1) Extending and improving the collection of books, journals, and primary materials about gambling known as the Gaming Collection. 2) Working on digital initiatives, such as this weblog and the GSRC site, that facilitate the understanding of gaming research and gaming issues. 3) Answering questions about gambling from media and researchers, or directing them to the answers.
Before coming to UNLV, Schwartz worked in the Atlantic City casino industry as a surveillance officer. He is also the youngest person known to have received a Ph.D. in History from UCLA.
Schwartz is the author of Suburban Xanadu: The Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip and Beyond, which is an intelligent, accurate account of the creation and legacy of the Las Vegas Strip. Click on the link for more information about this best-selling book, or just buy it from amazon.com. --------------------------
In his own words: "To answer the biggest question I get, no, I don't gamble. I know the odds and, having spent more hours than I care to remember watching people gambling, it doesn't excite me at all. So why do I study gambling? Because the industry and the interactions fascinate me. "Las Vegas is an interesting place to live, and my job gives me a good window on the city. In a typical day, I might go from talking about gambling books with a system player to answering a question from a reporter from a major newspaper to meeting with casino executives. So I think I can bring a unique perspective on the industry and the people who make it work." To learn more about Dr. Schwartz, go here. ---------------------------- The unofficial Casino[ptz] mascot
It's the mystery mammal, of course. Dave is currrently developing a "Mystery Mammals" cartoon idea. Hey, if "Father of the Pride" works, maybe animal cartoons will become the next big thing. ------------------------------ Just because Dave just likes these images, and hopes you do as well.
It's always important to remember your roots. Dave has chosen this image to constantly remind him just where he came from. It is a heraldic crest gone wrong.
Oh yeah, Dave also likes to see his name in lights. This is a genuine, non-photoshopped image...or is it?
Casino carpet is almost (but not quite) abstract art. This is from a real casino floor in a real Las Vegas Strip casino. Guess where and win a prize!
Here are some closing thoughts from Orff's Carmina Burana, "Fortuna, Imperatrix Mundi" (Fortune, Empress of the World): O Fortune, Somehow I don't think you'll find that in any casino advertisements. But Carmina Burana would be a great casino show, particularly sectons 2 and 3, which deal explicitly with gambling, drinking, debauchery, and sex. The opera is almost an adaptation of the 13th century version of "what happens in Vegas (or, in this case, Beuren), stays in Vegas. Certainly it has all the elements of a great revue extravaganza. |
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