A happy new year's eve

For those unfased by the patrolling helicopter gunships, New Year's Eve on the Las Vegas Strip was a good time had by all. Even though I missed Bennifer and Paris Hilton at Light, it was certainly worth the trip. The scene at Curve at the Aladdin, where I spent most of the night (and some of the morning) was awesome, though. I met some very interesting people and had a great time. I didn't get to see the fireworks show on the Strip, but I've never really liked fireworks, anyway, so that doesn't matter.
There's a full story about all of this (minus my personal observations) here: Las Vegas SUN: Las Vegas resorts enjoy safe, profitable holiday
I've just finished the first draft of the sixth chapter of Uneasy Convictions. This is the one that deals directly with Internet gaming and the Jay Cohen case. That isn't consequential news in the world of gaming or anything, but it's got me ready to party. Have a great weekend.
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posted by Dave at 5:00 PM

California Indian gaming

Originally, the commercial casino industry opposed the proliferation of Indian gaming. Now, they are in favor of it, because several tribes have inked management contracts with major casino companies. From the San Bernardino County Sun:

In recent years, companies like Harrah's Entertainment, Park Place Entertainment and Station Casinos have partnered with California tribes. Five such alliances have been approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission since 2000, compared to two the previous seven years.

And the momentum continues to grow, with more full-fledged partnerships pending, and a number of smaller consulting contracts being signed between tribes and traditional gaming companies.

``Now it is a whole different ball game,'' said Howard Dickstein, lawyer for the United Auburn Indian Community, which opened Thunder Valley casino outside Sacramento this year with the help of Station.

Station has also teamed up with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, which is trying to establish a reservation and casino in Sonoma County.

Harrah's has teamed up with four tribes in four states, including the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians north of San Diego in 2000.

Park Place made a deal with the Pauma Yiuma Band of Mission Indians south of Temecula in September for a $250Ｎillion, 500-room casino resort called Caesars Pauma.

Robert Stewart, spokesman for Park Place, said his company also is talking with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in northern New York state to build a casino in the Catskills.

Stewart said Park Place, which has 29 casino resorts around the world, has no problem venturing into the legal labyrinth of Indian Country.

``We have gone through more combinations and permutations of deals than you can imagine,'' he said. ``We are certainly used to dealing with regulatory complexity.''

FULL STORY

Several Reno casinos would gladly change places with Thunder Valley, which has siphoned off much of the northern Nevada casino trade. But many businesses are relocating to the Reno/Tahoe area to take advantage of Nevada's smaller tax burden and a host of other incentives. It is possible that within 10 years, northern Nevada will have any economy primarily based on non-gaming industries, and its residents will travel to California to gamble. Stranger things have happened.
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posted by Dave at 10:34 AM