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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 Thursday, August 08, 2002 SITE NOTES
I've been updated some sections recently; use the links at the bottom of the page to visit them: Subject Guides--a sleeker menu page, a few new subject guides, including an excellent one by Bill Ursel on problem gambling Reading Room--some cosmetic changes, and a few new articles. If you want something posted there, talk to me about it Graduate Research Guide--mostly cosmetic changes Press Room--mostly cosmetic changes I'm thinking about a major site redesign, to better organize the resources. I'll probably be eliminating the forum and guestbook and the affiliated faculty page, because no one really uses the first two, and all of the affiliated faculty already have UNLV pages. Or maybe not. In the news today... SHREVEPORT, LA: PENN NATIONAL BUYS HOLLYWOOD CASINO CORP Penn National Gaming bought Hollywood Casino Corp, whose biggest assets are casinos in Shreveport, Tunica, and near Chicago. Story here from the LV Sun. LAS VEGAS, NV: MANDALAY EXPANSION The county approved Mandalay Bay's plans to add a 1,126 hotel tower to accomodate the increased traffic that its new convention center will bring. Story here from the LV Sun. That's all for now.
Wednesday, August 07, 2002 No updates for the past few days because I've been working like crazy on a few projects. When the time is right, they will be announced.
LAS VEGAS, NV: PROBLEM GAMBLING RECOGNITION, NEW OPENING, TAX DEBATE The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and the casino industry are working together to help raise awareness of responsible gaming. Story here from the LV Sun. Ameristar, a Las Vegas-based company, has opened a new casino in St. Charles, MO. Story here from the LV Sun. The Nevada Resort Association has distributed a pamphlet called "The Facts About Gaming." Although I haven't seen it, the gist of it is, apparently, that higher gaming taxes will be bad. Story here from the LV Sun. In news that would affect all of Nevada, work card changes are being contemplated. Story from the LVRJ. GARY, IN: MAJESTIC DOCKSIDE GAMBLING The Majestic Star Casino in Gary has begun dockside gambling. Story here. Connecticut: MOHEGAN NUMBERS, TRUMP'S IRE Moghegun Sun's numbers are very good. Story here. Donald Trump will get very very angry if he is cut out of the Eastern Pequots' casino development. Story here. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: LOST AND FOUND, DEALER SCHOOL, JULY WIN This is a great human interest story about lost and found at Harrah's AC. Story here from Elaine Rose of the AC Press. Who wants to be a casino dealer? The Professional Dealers School has survived 17 years, and hopes to cash in on the Borgata's opening. Story here from the AC Press. AC July casino win numbers are in, and they're up. Story here from the AC Press. That's all for today. I'm back to working on my secret projects for now.
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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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