By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Nestled on the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is a pleasure-seeker’s paradise. Sun, snow and slots make this lake and its surrounding communities the No. 1 travelers’ destination in the United States, according to the 2008 TripAdvisor Inaugural Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The majority of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline lies in California territory, though South Lake Tahoe, California and Tahoe City, California share the lake and its amenities with Stateline, Nevada. Gaming is legal on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, and it is this combination of scenic beauty and urban excitement that draws tourists to Tahoe’s shores.

The recent economic turbulence has threatened businesses and patrons alike, and Lake Tahoe has felt the effects, though not as severely as its casino counterparts elsewhere in Nevada. The most recent gaming win numbers showed the state down 15 percent, while Lake Tahoe casinos’ win was down 4.7 percent. This small drop in comparison with the rest of the state is due to the area’s economic diversity, according to Ward Bullard, vice president of marketing for Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe.

“I think we’ve all been impacted by the softness in the economy,” Bullard said. “Lake Tahoe, because of its natural advantage of being a national icon, has probably done more to support our business because of the destination. People find their way to Lake Tahoe for a whole host of activities, and that economic diversity has served us well.”

Tahoe draws visitors from all over the world for its mix of leisure and sport, glitz and glamour. The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, the destination marketing organization for South Lake Tahoe, targets 24- to 55-year-olds—a relatively youthful, sporty group with plenty of discretionary income (though that tide seems to have turned).

The LTVA markets to regional customers in the summer and national customers in the winter. While the summer months are calm and cool, perfect for those escaping the heat of Arizona or California, the snowy months are when the area comes alive with skiing and snowboarding aficionados.

The organization has partnered with Ski Lake Tahoe, the area’s official winter sports group, to craft a message for a large destination market. This collaboration, which will result in advertisements in ski publications and other targeted formats, will likely draw more winter sporting enthusiasts to the lake.

The LTVA is also developing its online presence, which will contribute to its summer campaign, the details of which have not been released. Executive Director Carol Chaplin said hopes to make the organization’s website more interactive, with special promotions to draw value-oriented guests during the recession.

“That’s what people are looking for: what deals are out there,” Chaplin said. “We’re taking a look at lodging partners and attractions and activities. This is the year to create value for the customer and see if we can’t incentivize them to travel. That would be different from the pure image advertising that we would do in the past.”

Resorts in the area are also looking to draw visitors through value packages and other incentives. The recent rise in area casinos has hurt Lake Tahoe properties—Northern Nevadan and tribal properties have drawn customers away from Tahoe, particularly during the summer 2008 months when gas prices were skyrocketing.

“I think that anytime there’s added competition in your industry, you’re going to experience challenge with that,” said Steven Lloyd, general manager of Tropicana Entertainment’s Horizon and Montbleu resorts. “We’re having a better January than we did last year. That would suggest there has not been an impact from [recently opened California tribal property] Red Hawk Casino. I believe the most significant impact on our business, especially during the winter, is whether or not we have an ample supply of snow.”

So far, so good. In late December, Lake Tahoe benefited from an ample amount of snowfall.

“We’re doing quite well,” Lloyd said.

Tropicana’s two Tahoe resorts appeal to different segments of the visitor population. The Horizon has history: between 1971 and 1976, when the property was called the Sahara Tahoe, Elvis Presley performed there regularly. Presley was such a frequent visitor that a suite was constantly prepared for his arrival. That suite remains at the property today, and the Horizon has used this connection as a marketing strategy called “Elvis Is in the Building.”

The Horizon is also a value-oriented hotel and casino, priced for locals and visitors who are looking for the most for their money. The Montbleu, said Lloyd, also has value, but is not necessarily a value-oriented environment. The resort is home to the only four-diamond restaurant in the region, Ciera. It also hosts two nightclubs, Blu and Opal, which draw different visitors than Horizon.

Tom Davis, Horizon marketing director and former mayor of South Lake Tahoe, said in the current economic climate, marketing Lake Tahoe is easier than marketing most other destinations.

“People come to Lake Tahoe because it is one of the 10 most beautiful places on Earth. It just happens to have a great gaming environment as well,” Davis said. “There’s many other things to do: cross-country skiing, fishing, backpacking, boating. Nobody else has that offer. We’ve done a better job at selling the sizzle as a destination. Hopefully.”

Along with both a value-oriented casino and a high-end resort, Tropicana Entertainment is also benefiting from the slip in gas prices, which hurt the company when they rose rapidly last year.

Now things are in flux. Casino operators and residents hope the experience of Lake Tahoe, from gambling to snowboarding to cliff diving and beyond, is enough to keep the region above water.

“Generally speaking, I think when we look at other destinations that are struggling with economic conditions, we tend to be in the middle of that pack,” Chaplin said. “I think Lake Tahoe is doing quite well.

“I think there’s a perception of value when you look at our product which not only includes gaming, but also includes recreation, the name entertainment that the south shore casinos are able to bring in. I think when you’re talking about people making a selection about a destination, I think that we have a well-rounded product that perhaps is perceived by the customer as providing a really memorable experience.”

The economy may fluctuate, but one thing that will always keep people coming back for more is the lake itself.

“It’s very engaging with customers of all ages and all types of people that want to come and feel refreshed or reenergized by the aura of the lake,” Bullard said. “It’s obviously a destination that attracts people in all different seasons—spring or fall, as temperatures change. Some come all four seasons, and some are strictly winter or summer guests.

“Because the experience of Lake Tahoe is so much richer than just a hotel or just a casino or just a showroom…there’s so much for a customer to do, that really makes it a unique value proposition to customers, even in a tough economic period. They can’t have it all in other locations as much as they can have it all here.”

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The sky is streaked with pink and gold as the sun sinks behind the cobalt-colored mountains. At a cozy candlelit table for two overlooking the Bellagio fountains, your lover presents you with a red velvet box of decadent chocolates, a dozen roses and a sparkling piece of jewelry. Could it be a diamond ring?

This scene is the artificial fluff of which romantic comedies are made, and Valentine’s Day celebrates just this kind of idealized love. However, the romance-themed holiday can also be a day to reflect on a relationship, giving lovers the impetus to celebrate the reality and the beauty of their lives together.

So even if it doesn’t include a diamond ring, Valentine’s Day brings with it every tool needed to spend the holiday wrapped up in love—and that’s always a good thing.

Seeing the Sights

A day of romance is nothing without atmosphere, of which Las Vegas happens to have plenty. Beautiful desert landscapes? Check. Man-made marvels? Check. Gorgeous architecture? Definitely.

For the adventurous types, this desert oasis has the whole Valentine’s Day package. Red Rock Canyon is one of Las Vegas’ hidden gems, and a romantic walk through the rust-colored stones is beautiful this time of year. If you’re not in the mood for traipsing along the trails, you can also drive the 13-mile road through the canyon for a meager $5 fee. The scenic drive is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. this season, perfect for early morning or dusky drives. You can book an overnight campsite for $10, if you’re into that sort of romantic nature thing. (Hint: The canyon hosts weddings, too.)

To escape the desert for a day, head up to Mt. Charleston. With traces of snow often seen on the ground in mid-February, the mountain offers cool temperatures and spectacular views. Stay at the Mt. Charleston Lodge for an alpine holiday to remember.

For city folks, there is beauty to be seen even on the streets of Las Vegas. Las Vegas Boulevard alone holds two of the world’s most spectacular sights: the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower (OK, it’s not the real thing, but it’s still amazing). The fountains, which are the site of dancing water shows every 15 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight, have also provided the backdrop for many marriage proposals. Plus they’re beautiful. And free.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, might be a bit more romantic than the one at Paris Las Vegas, but the view from the top is still breathtaking. The elevator ride to the tower’s observation deck is $10 for adults, and staff members even provide photos of the happy couple at the end of the tour.

Lap of Luxury

If checking out the city and its wonders is not your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day, perhaps indulging in life’s pleasures is more your style. Luckily, Las Vegas has variety to spare.

If the couple that shops together, stays together, then there are plenty of browsing opportunities in Sin City. Whether you’re admiring merchandise through the windows or trying on expensive garments, the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace offer plenty to see (and to try on). From lingerie (Agent Provocateur) to luggage (Coach), this palatial expanse of a shopping mall has everything a couple could need. And if you happen to wander into the Tiffany & Co. store to browse through rings…well, there’s no harm in that.

You can also check out The Shoppes at Palazzo, as well as retail spaces at Wynn Las Vegas and the Bellagio. But, let’s face it, shopping is not the most ideal romantic activity, which is why Las Vegas resorts serve up stylish ways to celebrate your love. Spa treatments are the ultimate in luxury, so if you want to splurge on your partner, there is nothing more relaxing (or romantic) than pampering for two.

QUA Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace has several indulgent couples rituals from which to choose. The Kama Sutra with Shirodhara treatment combines rose and sandalwood massage oils with chilled rose petals and tantric music for a sensual experience in a private suite. The Couple’s Lunaception ritual heightens fertility with teas, oils and breath synchronization during certain lunar phases. Both rituals are $450. The Venetian and Palazzo’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers a 50-minute couples massage for a slightly more affordable $300.

For a night to remember, book spa treatments and a suite at your favorite resort. The combined effect will be calming for busy couples on the go.

Dinner Du Jour

If we’re being realistic, extravagant spa treatments and expensive hotel rooms are probably out of reach for most of us. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a night on the town.

If a room at your favorite hotel is out of your price range, make dinner reservations at one of the resort’s fine dining establishments. A few entrees and glasses of wine might be all the relaxation you need this Valentine’s Day.

The home of Sin City’s Eiffel Tower is also the site of several romantic restaurants. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant and Mon Ami Gabi are both intimate eateries with spectacular views of the Bellagio fountains. And nothing says “I love you” like French food.

For an up-close view of the Bellagio’s lake, enjoy a Mediterranean dinner on the terrace of Todd English’s Olives. You’ll be right on the waterfront for the fountain shows. Further down the Strip lies one of Las Vegas’ most interesting restaurants, the Stratosphere’s Top of the World. In one hour and 15 minutes, the restaurant rotates 360 degrees, so diners can view the entire city while enjoying rack of lamb or salmon di parma.

Voted one of the 10 best places to pop the question by USA Today, the restaurant with panoramic views also features the Romance Lounge, an intimate bar that overlooks the city. Spending Valentine’s Day at the Top of the World could set the scene for the most romantic evening of your life.

You can also try out one of the several new restaurants at Las Vegas’ latest resort, Encore. Steve Wynn’s casino offers a variety of swanky fare, from Italian at Sinatra to pan-Asian at Wazuzu (and everything in between).

If creative menus frighten you, and meat and potatoes is more your style, head on over to one of the Strip’s many steakhouses. STRIPSTEAK at Mandalay Bay, Gallagher’s Steakhouse at New York-New York and Craftsteak at MGM Grand are the main high-end sources of filets on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Call ahead to make reservations and ask if any Valentine’s Day specials are in the works. A themed specialty dessert could heighten your dinner date to epically romantic proportions.

“I Do, I Do”

What Valentine’s Day would be complete without weddings? Sure, getting married on February 14 may be the world’s grandest cliché, but it’s Las Vegas, it’s romantic and it’s perfect for saying your “I do’s.”

Luckily, Las Vegas has perfected the art of the wedding, so there are plenty of options for brides and grooms-to-be. To up the kitsch factor, nothing is more romantic than a drive-thru wedding. It’s fun, it’s exciting and it makes for a great story to tell the grandkids (should the marriage last).

A Little White Wedding Chapel opened its Tunnel of Love on Valentine’s Day more than 10 years ago, and today countless couples have been married beneath the canopy of cherubs and stars, having recited their vows through the drive-up window. The drive-thru special is only $40 for brides on a budget.

Chapels of Love and A Special Memory Wedding Chapel also have drive-thru wedding packages, and for the complete Las Vegas experience, you can even add an Elvis Presley impersonator to your special day.

For a swankier service, many Strip resorts house wedding chapels. The Lilac Salon at Wynn Las Vegas is a simple, sweet room perfect for small weddings. The Bellagio offers two chapels and wedding services overlooking the fountains (even timing your first kiss as a married couple with the soaring water).

For a retro Vegas wedding experience, book a package at one of the city’s oldest chapels. Graceland Chapel has been a Las Vegas landmark for more than 50 years, and features guest appearances from an Elvis impersonator. Another option is Wedding Bells Chapel, which offers a Valentine’s Day candlelit ceremony in a chapel or an outdoor gazebo with limousine service for $506.

The Little Church of the West Wedding Chapel, located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Russell Road, has been voted Las Vegas’ best wedding chapel by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 14 of the last 15 years, and the reasons why are clear. Built in 1942, the historic chapel was the first of its kind on the Strip, and was also the site of countless celebrity weddings. For as little as $199, couples can exchange vows in the room where Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton tied the knot—a perfect way to cap the most romantic day of the year.

Valentine’s Day may be chockfull of cheese, but there’s only one place you can truly celebrate it in style. Viva Las Vegas!

By Joe Legato   Thu, Jan 29, 2009

Hippie jumps, finger flips and one-foots. While they may sound like happy hour appetizers at some restaurant chain, they’re actually just a few of the many new skater moves available in Electronic Arts’ Skate 2.

Similar to its predecessor, Skate 2 allows you to pick from a plethora of skaters and go out into a fictional city to take on a world of skateboarding challenges and trials. The city is called New San Vanelona, and it is a rebuilt version of the original Skate’s San Francisco/Vancouver/Barcelona hybrid city which had since been devastated by some disaster.

Successfully completing the trials builds up your street credit and gets you sponsorship from real-life companies, but you have to keep your wits about you because the corporation that helped rebuild the city does not take kindly to skateboarding.

While Skate 2 contains many missions and challenges that allow the player to follow the game’s story line, it is also just really fun to explore the skateboarding-themed city to find cool spots to try tricks. One new feature that enhances this style of play is the ability to get off of the board and move objects around to create your own skate “line.”

You’ll find yourself jumping off roofs and grinding off dumpsters—just because you can. Additionally, exploring the urban landscape becomes more entertaining, as Skate 2 gives players the ability to grab onto the bumpers of moving cars to get around (called “skitching”).

Skate 2 can be a lot of fun even if you don’t know anything about skateboarding. New San Vanelona is a pretty cool city to see, and it’s just fun playing games where your goal is to do stunts. You even have the ability to shoot videos and record your skateboard moves. Just don’t waste all your video on your best tricks. Sometimes the coolest replays are the wipe-outs that defy physics.

By Casino Connection Staff   Thu, Jan 29, 2009

Bartenders have all the fun, or at least that is what it looks like from the other side of the bar. They are the life of the party, and everyone wants to be their friend. And while everyone thinks they could do the job, the truth is that it takes a very special set of skills to actually be a good bartender. And it is even more difficult at a place like Frankie’s Tiki Room, where the sought-after specialty drinks can be comprised of 10 or more ingredients. Fortunately for those who visit Frankie’s, the staff consists of a number of very experienced bartenders, including Allison Hartling. She is the quintessential perfect fit to work at a tiki bar, with her love of tiki culture, rum-based drinks and a notebook with a growing number of recipe ideas. Hartling was not only an instrumental part in finding the original recipes that Don the Beachcomber used when he launched the tiki craze in the ‘30s, but she is also the driving force behind finding the ingredients that go into those drinks. This process involves weekly trips around Las Vegas to find natural fruit juices—hard enough when you’re looking for common juices like apple or orange, but more difficult when you’re looking for papaya or passion fruit juice—as well as hours in the kitchen at home making flavored syrups and falernum (a vital ingredient in almost every tiki drink). But as much work as it is, Hartling loves the end result. “We put a lot of work into staying true to the tiki tradition,” she said. “Seeing people enjoy these drinks—a lot of people are afraid of rum for some reason—makes it all worth it.”

By Caitlin McGarry  

Petra Niederle helps people have fun. As the special events and promotions supervisor for Bally’s, Rio and Paris Las Vegas, Niederle’s job is to provide people with a truly unique experience throughout their stay in Las Vegas.

Her team is responsible for “maintaining and managing current client base, the people that come here and play,” she said. That entails creating special events and promotions that will entertain guests, including giveaways and tournaments. She said poker tournaments are some of the most exciting events to organize and participate in—just one of the many positive aspects of working in her field.

Niederle moved to Nevada to attend the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2000. The Seattle-raised marketing major worked at the Bellagio upon graduating, then decided to move to the non-profit sector. The allure of gaming proved too great to resist, and Niederle went to work for the three Harrah’s properties.

“I missed the casino world,” Niederle said. “I think it has a lot to offer. There’s so much excitement. It’s glamour, glitz, everything all in one. You’re always having a great time because you’re helping people have fun on their vacations.”

Though Niederle’s ambitions lay in the casino world, her heart is still in volunteerism. She is a court-appointed special advocate for children, representing their best needs in cases that could get lost in the system. It was through the CASA program that she was introduced to Camp to Belong.

Camp to Belong is a program that reunites siblings who are in the foster system for one week out of the year. Niederle helps to facilitate the reunification, which requires additional classes and training on her part.

Camp to Belong was also featured in Ocean’s 13—a main character donates money to the program through Oprah Winfrey’s television show. Niederle and her coworkers were excited to see the program receive such a high-profile mention.

Niederle’s balance of civic life and work would be unmanageable for most people, but she enjoys being challenged in all aspects of life, especially her job.

“It’s always something new,” she said. “There’s never a dull or boring moment.”

Nieiderle said the most difficult aspect of her work is coordinating coworker and departments to achieve success on a project, though she enjoys the people and the tasks at hand.

“It’s hard trying to get every department to align with your thoughts and mentality to come together to create an event,” she said.

But the end result is worth it. At the end of the day, Niederle helps guests have the time of their lives in fabulous Las Vegas, enabling them to realize that “it’s a wonderful city that has a lot to offer.” As an employee with just as much to offer, Niederle understands this better than anyone.

By   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Franz Ferdinand is back with a new album showcasing the band’s artistic growth over the past couple of years.

Instead of the Euro-pop-alterna-punk-dance-rock that brought the band to the top of the charts with songs like “Take Me Out,” Tonight—the Scottish quartet’s third album—shows a more mature band delving into less familiar sounds.

Unfortunately, a number of people will be asking one simple question: Why did we have to wait so long for this?

The foot-tap-happy beats aren’t gone, they just have a richer, more sophisticated sound layered over them—a combination of funk, disco, electronica, classic rock and even dub.

These influences can be heard starting with the first track on the album—and the first single released—“Ulysses.” While it has the pop feel that’s familiar to fans, the bass departs familiar rock waters for something that would be more at home in a U.K. nightclub. The same feeling carries throughout the album on songs like “No You Girls,” “Send Him Away” and “Twilight Omens.”

The most notable songs are “Live Alone” and “Can’t Stop Feeling,” both of which feel like they were written specifically for play in a dark dance club somewhere.

Franz Ferdinand has put together a perfectly serviceable album in Tonight. But while the album certainly is good, it is not three-years-in-the-making good. Had this come out on the heels of You Could Have It So Much Better, expectations would be a little lower and Tonight might stand out better as an excellent album.

By Maya Mariner   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The title of this remarkable biography refers to the ruling principle of Warren Buffett’s life, which comes down to compounding. Be it money, expertise or insight, any commodity can be acquired and increased, and Buffett understood this concept early.

By age 6, he was selling chewing gum door-to-door. By 14, as a paper boy, he filed his first tax return (deducting his watch and bicycle as expenses). At 15, Buffett ran a working tenant farm, and by the time he left high school, had earned $5,000 ($53,000 today).

Numerous books have been written about the Oracle of Omaha, but this smart, intimate bio—a real armful at 976 pages—has got to be the most revealing. Shaped by both the Great Depression and a cruelly abusive mother, Buffett was also blessed with an uncanny gift for numbers and analysis, and he loved making money. When Harvard turned him down, he went to Columbia, and there met his greatest mentor, Benjamin Graham. Graham’s formula for value investing was such an influence on Buffett, the tycoon later remarked, “I’m 85 percent Benjamin Graham.”

It requires commitment to tackle a book this size, but its subject’s unpredictable personality (plus a string of memorable quips) keep it entertaining. Schroeder’s clear breakdown of fiscal complexities makes it smooth going even for the business-impaired, and these days, everyone will value Buffett’s take on deregulation, government bailouts and the dangers of derivatives.

When Warren Buffett handpicked his biographer, he demanded a warts-and-all portrait. So the personal side is here, too, including his lifelong reliance on maternal women, his affair with Washington Post chief Kay Graham, and his two “wives” (actually, Buffett had one wife but maintained two households, an arrangement accepted by both women until his first wife’s death).

This is a riveting book about a man as eccentric as he is successful.    

By Robert Rossiello   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

As long as there have been movies there have been Westerns, a distinctly American genre that explores the life and lawlessness of the frontier. Though the heyday of the Western has passed, there are always new films—Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven and last year’s 3:10 to Yuma come to mind—that infuse the genre with new life.         

Actor and director Ed Harris has now put his stamp on the Western with the excellent Appaloosa. Based on the 2005 novel by Robert B. Parker, the plot is relatively straightforward: murderous rancher Randall Bragg (played with vile panache by Jeremy Irons) allows his men to terrorize the town. The wealthy merchants of Appaloosa hire federal marshal Virgil Cole (Harris) and deputy Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) to enforce some frontier justice, but things get complicated when  Allison French (Renée Zellwegger), an attractive woman with a roving eye, comes to town. She turns Virgil into a lovesick pup and threatens to come between the marshal and his deputy.

At the center of this stately, well-crafted character study is the friendship between the lawmen. Cole and Hitch have an easy, laconic shorthand—they speak with actions more than words.

There’s plenty of exciting gunplay in Appaloosa, but it never seems gratuitous. This is one of the most realistic Westerns ever put on film. The movie has a dusty realism that gets all the period details right. Harris is especially good as a man of righteous honor whose inexperience with the opposite sex leaves him vulnerable.

Zellweger brings several shades to her character—she is not always likable but always compelling. And Mortensen is the moral center of the movie, a man who must compromise his principles to offer his friend a chance at happiness.      

Appaloosa proves that the American Western is still relevant and going strong.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Billy Joel is one of the true characters of pop music, his personal life a series of twists and turns and his career a guide for aspiring singers. Through all of his ups and downs, Joel’s songs always keep people coming back for more.

It wasn’t always that way. Joel started out as so many young artists do: trying his best to make it, with no luck to be had. But the album Piano Man changed the game, and Joel’s career began to crest upward.

Now his hits are timeless: “New York State of Mind,” “My Life,” “Uptown Girl,” “She’s Always a Woman” and the list goes on. His music inspired the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, and Joel also pens children’s novels when he isn’t busy singing to packed stadiums.

His off-stage antics may garner tabloid headlines, but he’ll always be, now and forever, the original piano man.

Billy Joel appears at the MGM Grand February 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $78.75, $131.25 and $183.75.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Like a countrified version of Fleetwood Mac, Nashville group Little Big Town has carved a niche in a world of vocal theatrics and solo stars with their relaxed four-part harmonies.

In the era of Taylor Swift, successful country bands seem to have gone the way of Garth Brooks (revered but seldom heard from). With their unique boy-girl dynamic, the guys and gals of Little Big Town are reinventing the wheel one down-home hit at a time.

A slightly sweet California vibe hovers around the group’s depictions of Southern life on their early hits “Boondocks” and “Bring It On Home,” and that trend continues on Little Big Town’s latest album, the recently re-released A Place to Land.

And unlike other famous groups (I’m looking at you, Destiny’s Child), all members of Little Big Town get a chance to display their vocal chops, a fact evident on the road with the A Place to Land Tour 2009. They may still be one of country’s underdogs, but given a chance, this band will brighten your day.

Little Big Town plays Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall February 28 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 and $38.50.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

It takes a certain kind of fan to love Cradle of Filth. The band’s death metal sound, Marilyn Manson-style stage antics and constant line-up changes make them a difficult group to pin down, but those are the types of bands that require the most devotion.

And devoted their fans are, following the British band from its early ‘90s metal days to its current operatic-tinged albums of fury. Cradle of Filth’s most recent record, released late last year, is a concept album titled Godspeed on the Devil’s Thunder. The LP’s songs detail the life and crimes of French murderer (and Joan of Arc comrade) Gilles de Rais.

With organs, choirs and thundering drums providing the tale’s soundtrack, Cradle of Filth raises the bar from amateur goth rock to slick storytelling with a side of screaming for hardcore metalheads.

So what if mainstream music lovers laugh at Cradle of Filth’s unintentionally cheesy song titles (“Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palette,” “Dusk and Her Embrace” and “Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids” among some of the best)? These rockers bring a flair for theater that few performers have mastered.

Cradle of Filth performs at the House of Blues February 14 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $23.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The Doobie Brothers are one of those classic pop/rock bands that keep the flame alive with constant touring. New albums are nothing compared to the thrill of live performances, and this California group knows it.

So once again, the Doobie Brothers are hitting the road for a pre-spring tour, and fans will delight in news of the band’s two-night engagement in Las Vegas this month. After all, who could resist renditions of hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Takin’ it to the Streets”?

The Doobie Brothers have had a long, laid-back career, full of Top 10 hits and line-up changes (like any other enduring band). However, unlike many other rock outfits of their generation, the Doobie Brothers recognize that whatever happens off the road, it’s the music that keeps fans coming back for more.

The Doobie Brothers play the Las Vegas Hilton February 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $53.90, $71.50 and $82.50.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are two of music’s greatest artists, having led their rock band Heart to the peak of success not once, but twice.

The ride began in 1975 with the release of Dreamboat Annie, the band’s debut album. “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man” catapulted the band to instant success, which was repeated with 1978’s Little Queen (and the classic “Barracuda”).

With Ann’s powerhouse vocals and Nancy’s intricate guitar work, the band seemed to be at the height of success. A few flops later, and the Wilson sisters were left to pick up the pieces, which they did with the release of a self-titled record in 1985. “What About Love?” and “These Dreams” defined the 1980s, giving Heart a softer, more ballad-oriented sound while retaining the band’s fierce originality.

These days, Heart remains one of music’s most enduring acts (though we’ll have to forget that unfortunate link between Sarah Palin and “Barracuda”). Several of the band’s classic albums have recently been reissued, giving new fans a chance to discover Heart’s talent. A continued live presence keeps the band in the spotlight, where they will hopefully remain.

Heart appears at the Las Vegas Hilton February 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75.90 and $97.90.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo’s songs are ubiquitous on radio stations across the country these days. His latest album, 2008’s Year of the Gentleman, propelled the Las Vegas local to the top of the charts, where he has remained with each subsequent single.

Las Vegas is proving itself to be a hotbed of musical talent, with Ne-Yo the latest in a string of Sin City hit-makers (The Killers and Panic at the Disco topped the charts before him).

The R&B star began his career penning hits for stars like Mario, Beyoncé and Rihanna, before eventually bursting onto the music scene with his own singles. In 2006 he released I n My Own Words, establishing his identity as a soulful singer in the vein of Usher and Chris Brown.

His second album, Because of You, was released the following year, and though Ne-Yo was becoming more popular, it wasn’t until Year of the Gentleman that the singer’s star truly began to shine. Songs like “Closer,” “Miss Independent” and “Mad” dominated the pop charts last year, and if those singles are any indication, 2009 may be this gentleman’s year as well.

Ne-Yo performs at the Palms February 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49, $59 and $69.

By Greg Jones   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

When Station Casinos announced that Zowie Bowie would be the headliner at the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock, there was some question as to what a “Zowie Bowie” was and, most likely, a large number of people thought it was David Bowie’s son.

But Zowie Bowie is a two-person act consisting of Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor. Their high-energy Top 40 and hip-hop drew sell-out crowds every weekend in Scottsdale. And since coming to Las Vegas, they’ve enjoyed a very similar level of success.

Rocks Lounge is at capacity when they play, they’ve sold out shows at Monte Carlo on New Year’s Eve, they’re bringing a new show to Ovation at Green Valley Ranch and they’re making the rounds in other venues, becoming involved in charitable organizations like Opportunity Village and entertaining crowds at the Nevada Ballet’s annual black and white ball.

Phillips recently spoke with Casino Connection Managing Editor Greg Jones about playing in Las Vegas, and his plans to once again make Las Vegas a destination for music lovers like it was back when Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack dominated the city.

What has it been like playing at Red Rock and how have people been responding to your shows?

We settled into the room and after a couple of weeks people started to come in and get a sense of what we were all about. For almost two and a half years now, we’ve been completely sold-out and packed on the weekends and it’s just getting bigger and better every day. What is so wonderful about it is it’s not just a show but an environment in which people from Las Vegas can come and it’s affordable and they feel comfortable. It’s a very welcoming atmosphere. If they wish to participate in the night they can. They can come up on stage and act a fool like we do. It’s a wonderful thing to act like a juvenile delinquent and get paid for it.

Things have been going extremely well out there, and what we were able to do is capitalize on that success and turn that into the other half of what we do which is a very hardcore, vintage Vegas, 13-piece big band show.

That’s your new show at Ovation, right?

We just started doing that a couple weeks ago at Ovation. It’s Sundays at 6 p.m. That is where we get to pay homage or tribute to what I think is the true spirit of Las Vegas, the old entertainers from Frank Sinatra to Bobby Darin, Steve and Eydie, Wayne Newton and those guys.

I felt like I came out here with a mission and an agenda to keep that brand of Las Vegas excitement alive, which you don’t find too much in the town anymore. There are a few pockets of things here and there but it is mostly tribute shows and impersonators, where as with us it is just Marley and I being ourselves and reveling in the old vintage songs and the old way of doing entertainment where there is no pre-rehearsed banter or choreography. We just go out there and drink too much and see what happens.

It’s very informal, even though it appears to be a very sophisticated, formal show with the attire and the songs. We really like to reflect what we think Vegas entertainment is supposed to be about. That’s entertainment that reflects the spirit of the people who come to see us. We’re loving that aspect of things. It’s a wonderful combination to do the current and edgy Top 40 stuff and then turn it around and do the old vintage stuff. Our goal and our mission out here is to kind of bridge the gap between what was and what is and try to bring the two things together.

Personally, where do you find your musical tastes lie? Is it the pop stuff or the older songs?

I am such a fan of like Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis Presley and the people who were kind of these flamboyant entertainers here and were kind of indigenous to Las Vegas. I came out here and wanted to be one of these overly tan, fake teeth, flamboyant guys that I used to see in the ‘70s and I thought that was so cool. I want to be an indigenous fixture to the town like Siegfried and Roy or Wayne Newton.

How does playing in Las Vegas compare to playing in Scottsdale?

I think it was easier for us to stick out in Scottsdale. However, my initial observation in terms of the difference between that area and Las Vegas is that people here are so nice and so cool. I think we’re all kind of in the same boat here, so to speak. Everyone is a little crazy, so we feel like we fit right in.

What is your favorite thing about playing in Las Vegas?

I think it really boils down to being able to carry on a tradition that is so important to this city. Just to be a small part of that is something that has been a dream since I was a kid. When I was growing up here, I would see all my heroes on the marquees on Las Vegas Boulevard and I thought what an interesting life that must be, staying up all night, sleeping all day, living in a tuxedo with a martini in your hand.

And now that you’re in Las Vegas, how close is the life you’re living now to the one you envisioned?

It’s been a whirlwind of appearances and red carpet affairs and various events and functions that we get to go to that allow us to kind of live out these Vegas fantasies. And we owe it all to the Fertitta family.

Zowie Bowie play the Rocks Lounge on Friday and Saturday nights at 11 p.m.. On Sundays Zowie Bowie plays Vintage Vegas at Ovation at 6 p.m. There is no cover for either show. 

By Dave Bontempo   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

College and high school sports call it “rebuilding.” Boxing calls it a pause to catch a breath.

There is a natural vacuum after a sport or a team feels stocked with talent and then loses it. Just as teams graduate scores of players, becoming temporarily weakened, boxing must rebuild after stellar campaigns in 2007 and 2008.

“You always want to see the best fight each other, and this really worked out well for the fans in 2008,” says Keith Kizer, the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s executive director. “I give the promoters a lot of credit for bringing the big fights together. You always used to hear that one fighter was a Showtime fighter and the other was an HBO fighter and they would never battle each other.

“Over the past two years, however, they did fight each other. There were so many great matchups, that now I guess they’ve been done. We’ll see a break and then hopefully it gets going again.”

The matchups were huge. Oscar De La Hoya fought a number of times. Bernard Hopkins and Joe Calzaghe christened Planet Hollywood’s casino. Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik staged their second fight. Manny Pacquiao became fighter of the year by throttling De La Hoya in December. Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto staged Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year in July.

In these cases, all roads led to Vegas. Now, the sport must replenish its talent pool. And it will.

While major battles abate, the area still sports attractions. On February 14, Roy Englebrecht brings a boxing/mixed martial arts combination to Buffalo Bill’s in Primm. The Southern California-based promoter has been able to prosper without major television exposure. Placing two combat sports on the same card illustrates an attempt to grow both industries.

BOXING CHESS PIECES

Nevada’s first 2009 mega-headliner was tabbed for May 2, involving Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, but a separate prop bet should exist to monitor it. The road was rocky. If nothing else, the event demonstrates the power of money, jockeying and potential bluffing. The fight was first pegged for London’s Wembley Stadium, then the Philippines and finally Las Vegas. Promoter Bob Arum helped start a local bidding war between MGM and Planet Hollywood by hinting the fight would end up in Dubai.

Neither property sought to be upstaged, so they announced their intentions to pursue it. This occurred despite the fact that Dubai hasn’t been friendly to foreign-based boxing promoters. Yes, the city will host an event, but no, the subsidy expected from the rich area never has never materialized. Promoters have gone to Dubai and essentially waged four-wall deals.

Would this have been the event that changed the trend? Las Vegas properties did not want to find out. MGM thus emerged as the front-runner.

The verbal jousting extends to the fighters. Pacquiao, on the basis of his De La Hoya triumph, sought 60 percent of the purse money. Hatton’s camp balked, creating a potentially acrimonious negotiation. At one point, the Philippines media said the fight was off. But everyone kept talking.

The soap opera could go back and forth, but it indicates how uncertain the economy is, that Pacquiao and Hatton feel financially flush and that too many negotiatiors often spoil the pot. Stay tuned to see how this plays out.

OTHER SPECTACLES

Las Vegas has become an NBA stronghold with its summer series and the All-Star game. Now it showcases the forerunners of modern-day hoops.

Think of showmanship, choreography, great athletic skills and comedy. The package represents the famed Harlem Globetrotters, who invade the Orleans Arena February 11.   In their 82-year-run, the Ambassadors of Goodwill have entertained everyone from presidents to popes. They have played more than 25,000 games. Among their fans was Soviet head Nikita Khrushchev.

Well here they come, into Las Vegas, with their blend of stunts. The Globetrotters represent terrific family entertainment and even have enough natural skills to please basketball purists. One of their early    players famed center Wilt Chamberlain, who later became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (and is now fourth).

Michael Wilson made the Guinness Book of Records with the most spectacular slam dunk. The Globetrotters were also instrumental in the NBA development of the slam dunk and fast-break offense.

READY, SET, RACE

Las Vegas Motor Speedway becomes a fan’s dream during the final week of February.

The USAC National Sprint Series and the World of Outlaw Series launches the festivities February 26 and 27. Then comes pole day for the Shelby 427 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition on the 27th, the Sam’s Town 300 February 28 and the Shelby Sprint on March 1.

For the diehards, weekend racing at 1:30 p.m. both days presents 200 laps via the Sam’s Town Race and 285 with the Shelby Sprint. 

Besides the normal hoopla, the weekend includes the 11th annual NASCAR Drivers Auction, held at Sam’s Town on the 26th. This year’s event will feature the circuit’s hottest drivers and an appearance by TV and film personality Mickey Jones.

The auction enables fans to mingle with their favorite drivers and contribute to the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which has raised more than $1 million for needy children.

By Caitlin McGarry   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Human beings are omnivores, and as such, any mention of vegetarianism is met with gasps of horror: “No meat?!” Yes, humans are at the top of the food chain, and sure, meat may taste good (to some people), but becoming a vegetarian is not the most terrible prospect. If done the right way and for the right reasons, a life without meat can be healthy and fulfilling.

Many people turn to vegetarianism for ethical reasons. Gone are the days when hunters killed animals and consumed or used each part so as not to be wasteful. In our modern world of convenience and capitalism, animals are factory farmed: placed in small cages, fed hormone-filled food to unnaturally fatten them and treated with little respect. Most people would agree that animals deserve kindness and compassion simply because they are living creatures with nerve endings and, like humans, experience pain and discomfort.

The state of factory farms is well documented, though some states (like California) are doing their part to police cruelty toward animals at these farms. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is one of many organizations that disseminate photographic and verbal evidence detailing animal cruelty, though this evidence is not for the faint of heart.

If your heartstrings don’t compel you toward vegetarianism, perhaps your wallet will. Meat is one of the most expensive products in the grocery store, and with the economy in a state of crisis, cutting back on meat can shave a chunk off your grocery budget. Even making only one or two meat-based dinners per week can save you money. Many fruits and vegetables are usually on sale at chain supermarkets, so making the switch can financially benefit you during these tough times.

There are also a wide variety of health benefits for vegetarians who eat healthy foods (not just chips and cheetos). Mainstream meat products contain hormones that have been either directly injected into the animal while it was alive or put in the animal’s feed to make it larger. Those hormones have been shown to cause cancer.

Most aspects of American lifestyle have links to cancer, but there are other benefits to avoiding meat. A lot of meat eaters eat too much meat and not enough fruits or vegetables, missing out on fiber, antioxidants and a host of vitamins.

If you’re worried about not being able to find vegetarian recipes or entrees at restaurants, have no fear; the world has become more accepting of the vegetarian diet, and there are usually plenty of options available (even at steakhouses). There are a plethora of vegetarian cookbooks and websites with plenty of creative recipes. And if you decide you miss the taste of meat, many brands have produced soy-based fake meat products that taste like the real thing.

Vegetarianism doesn’t have to be a difficult transition, and it doesn’t have to be about restricting yourself. Think of it as a new world of food options that can greatly benefit you, should you choose to make the change.

Shake and Bake

Make the switch to easy vegetarian recipes

Pasta Vegetable Bake

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Total cooking time: 45-50 minutes

Serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, crushed

3 medium zucchinis, sliced

3 1/2 oz button mushrooms, sliced

2 cups ready-made tomato pasta sauce

1 cup frozen peas

salt and pepper

1 1/2 cups dried pasta (penne or spiralli)

4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to slow 300°F. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and garlic to pan, cook over low heat for 4 minutes or until the onions are soft. Add zucchinis and mushrooms, cook for 3 minutes. Add the sauce and peas, cook for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Add pasta to a large pan of rapidly boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes or until just tender. Drain; add to the vegetables in the pan.

3. Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake, covered, for 20-30 minutes.

Note: Chopped fresh herbs can be added to this dish and the combination of vegetables varied, according to taste or availability.

Chili Polenta Cake

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Total cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Makes one 8-inch cake

1 1/3 cups plain flour

1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups polenta (cornmeal)

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 cup natural yoghurt

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

2 teaspoons chopped fresh chili

2 oz unsalted butter

1. Preheat oven to moderately hot 400°F. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Mix in polenta and cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk yoghurt, eggs, red pepper and chilli. Heat an 8-inch ovenproof frying pan, then melt butter. Stir butter into yoghurt mixture, then pour all liquid ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix well.

2. Pour into hot pan; cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Source: The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook, published by Bay Books

By Luther Tibbings   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Longer days and warmer temperatures can only mean one thing: spring is on the way.

Sure, in the Mojave Desert surviving winter isn’t an impressive feat of endurance, but it is still fun to welcome a new season, especially one that is so hard-wired into our primordial brain as is spring.

Spring is the time of rejuvenation. It is a time of renewal and a time when everything seems fresh. So what better time is there to liven up your home a little and make it feel fresh, too?

The first part of the process involves the annual day or two of penance that has historically been called spring cleaning. It is the time when we pay for our sins of sloth during the winter months by cleaning up clutter that has made its way into any available space throughout the house. Getting rid of all the clutter that has accumulated during the past couple of months will make your home look more open and spacious, it will feel more inviting, and as a result, you will feel more comfortable inside. If you can only do one thing to your living space this year, a solid spring cleaning is probably the best thing you could do.

For those looking to go a little further, a new coat of paint can really make things feel fresh and new. Whether you choose to go with the same color or change things up with a new color, this project will have some strong psychological benefits without breaking the bank. One gallon of paint costs about $20 and should cover about 300 square feet (paint makers say 400 square feet, but best to be on the safe side). If you are using good paint and aren’t making dramatic changes, you should be able to get away with a single coat. However, if you are going from a dark color to a light color, a second or third coat might be required.

You’ve already got the drop cloths and the paintbrushes out, so why not enjoy some of the nicer weather by painting your front door, too? This takes a little bit more work than simply painting a wall, but the results are worth it.

With the furniture moved around to accommodate your painting project, now is also the perfect time to see if you can rearrange how a room is laid out. Turn your sofa to face a large window and make sure you don’t have anything that is blocking out the light. You won’t even recognize the room with the bright light, the new colors and the new furniture arrangement, and that will give it a feeling of being fresh and new. It doesn’t matter if it is a living room, bedroom or kitchen, these changes will have the same effect.

You can also do some things to brings the experiences of the budding outdoors inside. Plants are excellent accessories in any room. A small tree in the corner, some flowers on the kitchen table and shelf plants will improve the air quality and the appearance of a room. Choose darker plants for the darker areas of a room because they usually require less light. And if your track record with live plants isn’t stellar—maybe you’ve got a couple empty clay pots sitting around as reminders of the dearly departed—get some good quality artificial plants. They won’t have the same effect of improving air quality and humidity inside—similarly, dead plants don’t either—but you still get the aesthetic benefits.

Speaking of aesthetics, spring is also a good time to look for some new artwork to adorn your walls. The pictures and paintings you’ve been looking at all winter have probably gotten tiresome by now. See if you can do something about that by either rearranging where a particular piece hangs, or getting something new altogether. If you have a digital camera, why not show off some of your best shots by hanging them in nice frames around the house. If you don’t have any great pictures, go out and take some. After all, the weather is improving and it’s a great time to be outside.

Lastly, is there a better way to enjoy the changing of the seasons than to sit outside on the porch and enjoy a refreshing beverage (maybe one with alcohol, maybe just some fresh lemonade)? Can you enjoy your porch sitting on the cheap plastic patio “furniture” you’ve been lugging around since college? You probably can if you have enough alcoholic beverages in you, but that won’t always be the case (hopefully), so maybe now is a good time to go out and buy something decent.

Of course, you’ll be limited to what you can buy by the size of your porch. If you live in an apartment, two nice chairs and a small table are great for enjoying the rising sun while having coffee and reading the newspaper (perhaps that should be changed to reading online news sites these days). If you’ve got a larger patio, a love seat is a nice upgrade, or, if you can swing it, a hammock. You’ll never feel more lazy and relaxed then when you are swinging in the cool spring breeze on a hammock.

And if you’ve got a whole backyard, well it’s time to buy a gazebo. You can pick these up starting at around $200. Gazebos are great for protecting you from the sun while you enjoy a picnic outdoors, and they look pretty good, too.

The options are really limitless, and there is no wrong way to make your home more comfortable to you and your loved ones.

By Greg Jones   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

“You  know  where you can stick it.” Well, why do we always assume everyone knows where they can stick it? Suppose you don’t know; suppose you’re a new guy. You have absolutely no idea where to stick it. I think there ought to be a government booklet entitled “Where to Stick It.”

Now that I think of it, I believe there is a government booklet like that. They send it to you on April 15th.

— George Carlin, Back in Town

The reality is that we don’t pay taxes. The government takes taxes. You get your check and the taxes are gone. It was not an option.

— Chris Rock, Rock This!

There are enough metaphors, aphorisms, quotations, quips and songs about taxes to choke a horse. It’s not surprising, when you think about it. You worked hard for your money, and once a year you have to sit down and figure out how big of a cut Uncle Sam is going to take. And there is no way of getting around it.

With April 15 approaching, now is the time to take action if you are going to need professional help with your 2008 return. And based on how the year played out both nationally and locally, there is a strong possibility that you will need some professional help this year. You’ll have to decide for yourself if you need help, and how much help you are going to need.

When it comes to finding a professional tax preparer, you have essentially two options. You can use one of the recognized companies like Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service or H&R Block, or you can find a certified public accountant. There is nothing to say one option is better than the other, and the decision is largely up to you. The important thing is to make sure that you are getting solid advice from someone who is knowledgeable about taxes. Don’t ask your friends or family for help just because they can do their own taxes.

“Don’t get advice from people who aren’t educated in the tax field,” said Gabriele Rojo, a division manager with Jackson Hewitt in Las Vegas. “You wouldn’t ask a doctor to fix your plumbing or a plumber to do brain surgery on you.”

Going Alone

The first decision you have to make is whether or not you need help with your return. This is actually a pretty simple question to answer. If you have any questions at all about your return, whether you think you are missing a deduction or you aren’t sure you qualify for a specific credit or deduction, the safest thing to do is to get help from a competent professional.

“If you don’t have a computer or you’re not comfortable navigating around a computer, I don’t think you should do your own taxes if their time is worth anything to them,” said Robert Brome, a shareholder with Kafoury, Armstrong & Co., a firm of CPAs. “You’ll end up reading the instructions for every line on the return.”

Michelle Maley, general manager of Liberty Tax Service in Las Vegas, offered similar advice, saying anyone who has questions might be second-guessing themselves and should find professional assistance.

Given the tumultuous economic situation in 2008, it is likely that there will be more people who should be looking at professional help with their return. That is because there are tax implications for people facing foreclosures and there are some credits available for people who lost their job and had to look for new employment. Additionally, those looking to take advantage of things like a depressed housing market should also seek help.

“If they know things are going to change in the coming year, maybe they’re planning on buying a house or they are planning on renting out some property, that might be something that is above their head,” Rojo said. “They want to start asking around about what they need and what receipts they will have to save.”

When it comes to finding help, it is always better to look sooner rather than later. If you need help with your 2008 return, it is best to start looking now. As it gets closer to April 15 there will be more and more people seeking assistance. If you can, it is best to try to beat that last-minute rush. And if you’re looking for help with your 2009 return, it is best to start looking for assistance around April 16. You’ll want to know as soon as possible what receipts and what kind of documentation you need to keep.

“I would say that you want to start finding someone as soon as you are done filing,” Rojo said. “You pretty much know what the coming year will be like. You’ve already got it in your mind what you want to do.

“Talk to a preparer and say, ‘I’m thinking about investing in a rental property or buying a house. What changes will that do to my taxes?’”

The other reason to start early is because it can take time to find a preparer with whom you are comfortable. Whoever is doing your taxes has access to some pretty personal information about how much money you make and where you spend it. If you don’t feel comfortable being honest with this person about such topics, you need to keep looking.

“I think what a prudent person does when they select a tax preparer is to interview several,” Brome said. “We’re dealing with people’s finances and we’re privy to information that is very personal. So you really need to find somebody who is competent, but also somebody you are comfortable with and can talk to.”

It is a relationship very similar to one you might have with a doctor. There needs to be a level of familiarity and comfort for the relationship to work.

“That’s what a CPA should bring to the table is an ongoing relationship,” Brome said. “You can call them during the year if you have questions about a specific situation. It is best to get that help or advice before something happens rather than afterward.”

One thing Maley with Liberty Tax suggested people ask about is how to fill out their W4 forms.

“Some people are withholding too much and get a large refund,” she said. “That is their money and they could be living off of that instead of letting the government earn interest on it. Ask a professional to make sure you’re withholding the right amount of money and make updates to your W4 on a yearly basis.”

Tackling Tips and Broken Records

Many people working in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada are in a unique situation of earning a substantial portion of their income from tips. Fortunately, almost all of the major casino companies have tip compliance agreements with the IRS that can simplify the process. You can opt into the tip compliance program and be done with it, but that doesn’t mean that is the best course of action.

Everyone contacted suggested that tipped employees who can enroll in the tip compliance program should do so. But at the same time, they should still keep a daily record of the tips they earned throughout the year. This record needs to be meticulous, and it has to be filled out religiously.

“Keep a daily record to make sure the tip compliance estimation is running at the right amount,” Maley said. “This will help ensure that you are not paying taxes on income that you didn’t earn.

“But you have to keep a daily log and it has to be used for the entire year. You can’t flip-flop back and forth.”

A daily log can come in handy for years like 2008 when revenues were down, visitation was down and it is assumed that tips are down as well. While the tip compliance agreement is based off of the revenue of a property, a drop in revenue might not be as drastic as a drop in tips, and the only way to know this is to record the figures yourself.

“The IRS frowns upon the estimation of numbers,” Rojo said. “They want to know actual numbers.”

Sound record keeping might very well be the most important thing that you can do to prepare for tax season. You need to have records of everything if you want to take deductions or credits.

“If you don’t have a record of it, you’re not going to get a deduction,” Brome said. “Or, if you do take the deduction and you do get examined, the IRS will not allow it.”

And for those who think throwing every receipt from the year into a shoebox is good enough when it comes to keeping records, they can get a nasty surprise when it comes time to prepare their return.

“Most preparers charge based on the amount of time they spend,” Brome said. “It’s a huge mistake to take a box of receipts to a preparer because you’re bound to experience some sticker shock when you get the bill for your tax return.”

In addition to keeping records of tips, those who have been laid off and are looking for work should also keep records of the expenses associated with doing so. While you can’t take a deduction for buying a new suit to wear to an interview, you can take deductions for things like printing or faxing resumes or for traveling to job interviews. And again, without detailed documentation of how much you spent, when you spent it and what you spent it for—along with the receipts to back it up—you’re asking for trouble if you try to take a deduction.

If you have any questions, call a professional. Some, but not all, will answer questions about basic subjects over the phone without making you come in. It is always best to be safe rather than sorry when dealing with the IRS.

“Be cautious that you’re not misreporting anything,” Maley said. “They’re really going after fraud this year, so make sure you have all of the documentation you need and don’t be in such a hurry.”

By Dave Bontempo   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Lee Rice has a personal dislike for two four-letter words: free time. The long-time Las Vegas gaming executive, now the director of player development for the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, remembers honoring a non-compete clause for Bally’s in 2001.

“I bravely told my wife that I would be entering retirement,” Rice said. “After two weeks, she wanted to throw me out of the house. After two months, I wanted to jump off a building!”

Aware he was designed to stay in motion, the Hailey, Idaho native moved to California, first to the Spa casino and now the Morongo Casino, 20 minutes west of Palm Springs.

As director of player development, Rice enjoys the business that nurtured him since the late 1960s. He spent nearly 35 years working in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget, Caesars Palace, the Mirage, Bellagio and Park Place. From cashier to vice president of marketing, and perhaps a dozen jobs in between, he grew along with Las Vegas.

Rice honed a multi-faceted vantage point. He watched the desert evolve from an informal, effective destination into a corporate giant. Rice witnessed the best of two worlds.

“This has been some business to be in,” Rice said. “Looking back, I’m glad I did not miss the chance to be schooled by some of the ‘wise guys’ or old-timers, tough guys, the mob guys, whatever you want to call them. I learned a lot from them. A lot of their basic ideas we still live with, especially the idea of really knowing how to take care of a customer. What really impressed me was that they were very good with their players. If a customer was in there playing, he was treated as an individual, not a commodity. In the gaming world today, so many people are treated as a product.

“I’m happy for what the old-time guys taught me, but at the same time, they could not have made Las Vegas what it is today. They didn’t understand anything other than tables. It took Atlantic City, actually, to show us the potential in slots.”

Rice learned from his mentors and was able to grow during a relatively informal time.  It was an ideal era to climb the gaming ladder. He was a credit expert during the utopian days when Caesars Palace ruled the gaming world. It was the most noted special-events destination in the world, and the first to realize the relationship between events like boxing and the potential to bring in high-rollers. Whether he was approving credit lines or dabbling in the unofficial world of hosting, Rice was at the heart of multi-million dollar action.

The jobs in credit helped him identify what players could handle and provided an foundation of ethics he retains now.

“It might be strange to say the old tough guys had a lot of integrity, but they did,” Rice recalled. “Let’s say you’re a customer from back east and I’m the host at Caesars Palace. I know that you have another host at the Dunes, and let’s say they brought you out to Las Vegas. I would never consider going over to the Dunes (which was only next door at the time; now it’s the site of the Mirage) and trying to take the business away. The Dunes had an investment in you and I’m not going to jump in.

“Today, it’s totally different. Now, not only will a host call on a player in another property, but will walk right in and hand out business cards. To me, that’s just not right.”

Hosting became a natural extension for Rice, because he grew into a position that had not existed before. The skill became invaluable to him as the gaming landscape changed.

“I was the first one ever at Caesars Palace,” he said, laughing. “Just prior to Atlantic City opening up, it really was the place in the gaming world. The excitement was incredible.”

Rice put it all together as the vice president of casino marketing for Caesars. Credit, special events, hosts and other departments reported to him, creating a staff of about 50 team members.

“My management style was to get somewhat personal with everybody,” he said. “No matter what a person’s level, he can talk to me at any time. I’ve never been one to manage by fear. You always take the view that there is a company to take care of and we are all going to be taking care of it. Let’s have that mutual understanding of doing what’s best for the company.”

Rice markets Morongo with the same open, unpretentious air of a man from a small town.

“Hailey (just below Sun Valley) doesn’t have too many people,” he said, chuckling about his hometown. “I was in the biggest high school graduating class they ever had. Forty-nine students.”

With small-town charm, Rice has enjoyed gaming’s big cities.

By Roger Gros   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Las Vegas is full of hidden gems, whether they are nightclubs, museums, shops or personalities. And there are many restaurants and bars that fall into that category. The newest of the Las Vegas gems is a restaurant that opened along with Aliante Station in November.

Pips Cucina and Wine Bar (named after a legendary club in Los Angeles) is the brainchild of Rino Armeni, another of those gems. The founder of the Epicurean Charitable Foundation, Armeni is a longtime Las Vegas resident who has worked behind the scenes for years as an executive with Southern Wine & Spirits and as vice president of food and beverage at Caesars Palace. With Pips, Armeni opens his first restaurant (but not his last, he assured us), with a true taste of Italy, the country of his birth.

Unlike those “American Italian” restaurants that are a large part of the Las Vegas restaurant community, Pips brings authentic Italian food to North Las Vegas. Armeni’s inspiration is his mother’s recipes and simple cooking.  

From a traditional vongole (linguine, baby clams, garlic, white wine and extra virgin olive oil) and matriciana (bucatini with guanciale, tomatoes and pocorino cheese) to pomodoro (thick spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce) and gnocchi (flour dumplings with blue cheese sauce), Pips has the basics covered. But for true “peasant” food, tria is truly special. A mixture of fried and fresh hand-cut pasta topped with a delicate cherry tomato sauce, tria is simplicity at its best.

Armeni imports many of his ingredients from Italy, an important element in his favorite recipes.

For meat and fish, Pips also takes great care in choosing the ingredients. The Milanese, a pan-fried and breaded pork chop, comes with arugula greens, red onions and roasted bell peppers. The scallopini is veal scallops with porcini mushrooms gently braised. And a special Napoletana is a truly unique meatloaf Armeni said his mother used to feed him for lunch. The tender loaf is stuffed with mozzarella, capers and mortadella, a uniquely surprising taste when you bite into it.

Armeni’s mother’s meatballs are featured on the polpette, which are meatball sliders along with a rosemary flavored patatine.

Although Aliante Station has a first-class steakhouse, you won’t find a more flavorful steak than is served at Pips, the bisetecca, a 12-ounce rib eye steak complete with parmesan potatoes.

Armeni’s executive chef is not Italian, however—he’s Chinese! But Gerald Chin’s pedigree, which includes a recent “Star Chef of the Year” award, guarantees that he can cook any food to perfection, which he certainly does at Pips.

For such quality food, you would expect prices to match. But at Pips there is no entré greater than $35 and most are much less than that.

The “wine bar” part of the equation ensures that your Pips server will be able to complement your meal with a wine that is both appropriate and reasonably priced.

The décor at Pips is stunning, matching and exceeding the quality that Station Casinos has established at Aliante. But Armeni’s personal touches such as quality linens, fine china and unique silverware make dining a Pips a real night out.

Because Armeni considers food an adventure, he has added special programs at Pips that truly involve his customers. In January, Pips launched a series of winemaker dinners. The first one featured Emanuel Nardi from Nardi Winery, located in Northern Italy. The events include five-course dinners prepared by Chin and include a champagne reception, all for less than $50.

And Pips has also started a list of two-for-one specials every day including pasta dishes (Sunday), chicken Parmigiana (Monday), rib eye steak (Tuesday), filet and shrimp (Wednesday), and 50 percent off all wine, house cocktails and appetizers in the lounge on Thursday.

So there really is no reason to deny yourself one of the best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas. Pips is a truly unique restaurant with a very special owner, who is there each night to meet and greet his guests. Say hello for me.

Pips Cucina and Wine Bar

7300 Aliante Parkway

Sunday-Thurdsay

5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday

5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

702-692-7477

Wed, Jan 28, 2009

What is today the oldest and smallest casino on Fremont Street was, more than a century ago, the newest and largest.

Given its prime location across from the rail depot at Fremont and Main Street, it didn’t take long for a hotel to spring up at 1 Fremont St. In January 1906, less than a year after the founding of Las Vegas, the Hotel Nevada opened its doors.

The two-story building towered over the tents and cottages that then dominated Downtown Las Vegas. The year after it opened, the hotel received the first phone in town and was given the appropriate number “1.”

By the time this photograph had been taken in the 1920s, the Hotel Nevada had plenty of concrete and brick company, but it was still a prominent landmark. 

When gambling was legalized in 1931, the Hotel Nevada added a third floor and changed its name to Sal Sagev (Las Vegas spelled backwards). The name was usually pronounced “Sal Sagee.” With the renovations came a casino.

In 1955, the casino changed hands and, since the new owners were from San Francisco, it was renamed the Golden Gate. The new owners added a modernist façade that lasted until 1990, when Mark Brandenburg emerged as the chief ownership figure.  Brandenburg restored the original brick façade and promoted the hotel as a boutique property for those nostalgic for old Las Vegas.

Even though it’s partially covered by the Fremont Street experience canopy today, the Golden Gate is one building that would be recognizable to the first residents of Las Vegas. It is a true piece of living history.

SOURCE: Squires Collection, UNLV Special Collections

David G. Schwartz (www.dieiscast.com), is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.  He is the author of  Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling.

Wed, Jan 28, 2009

While operators in Downtown Las Vegas are not immune to the current economic troubles, overall they are doing a good job of controlling the bleeding. Whether it is the money being invested in the properties, the competitive price points or the value-driven business model, the Downtown area is doing better than most other gaming areas in the state. In November, when statewide revenue was down almost 15 percent and revenues on the Strip were down 16 percent, the Downtown area saw only a modest 1.6 percent drop.

And while Harrah’s Entertainment announced it would delay the introduction of new rooms at Caesars Palace because of softening demand, the El Cortez is getting ready to bring new rooms online in the El Cortez Cabana Suites. The new suites are part of an ongoing renovation project that is bringing new life to Jackie Gaughan’s historic property.

Mike Nolan, general manager and COO of El Cortez recently spoke with Casino Connection Publisher Roger Gros and Managing Editor Greg Jones about what is happening at the property.

Casino Connection: How did you get your start working for Jackie Gaughan?

Nolan: I started working with Jackie Gaughan in 1978. I was working on the Strip operating hotels and I turned 21 and went to work for Jackie and moved around through many of his casinos. In March of ’04 we sold five of our casinos and we kept the El Cortez. This is where Jackie lives.

We kept this property and started on renovations. We had been working on things with the other properties and the Cortez probably got a little neglected. So our focus was here.

We started on several projects. Our initial and second phases of everything we wanted to do was completed, and we’re in the process of completing a third phase. We have several more things we want to do, and as the economy shifts, we’ll be able to start with those projects. But there is a lot we have been able to do in the last four years.

Do you think the independent owners Downtown help the area more than the big operators?

We’re used to that kind of competition.

I think everybody down here is very committed to Downtown. The mayor has done a wonderful job, not only in the casino district, throughout downtown.

Right now it has been a little bit tough. It’s been a little bit tough not only in the casino district but throughout all of Downtown, But we have spaces available down here, some new bars opened and so we’re bringing these things together.

This week we have a meeting with the Fremont Entertainment District (east of the Fremont Street Experience). We’re the largest property in the Fremont Entertainment District, and we’re going to be meeting with the Fremont Street Experience and the Downtown Alliance to see what we can do together.

I think that Jeff Victor, with the Fremont Street Experience, did a wonderful job on New Year’s Eve. This was the place to be. I think everybody who came down here had a great time. It was well organized. I went out on the street several times during the night. People were having a great time. There was great diversity whether it was older couples, younger couples or families. He really pulled it off and did a great job for all of Downtown Las Vegas.

Is the new Fremont East area improving connectivity between your property and the Fremont Street Experience?

It’s not just the entertainment; the entertainment is wonderful and we want to continue that—but it’s also continuing on with retail, bars and restaurants. We have this condominium project that has been completed and is now open here. There are several apartments that have opened and condos on Fremont Street. People are starting to move back into the area, which is very important. We’re seeing more residents moving in down here and if we combine that with some retail and food it just makes a complete experience.

You’ve done a $20 million overhaul of this property. Could you explain some of the details of that project?

It’s actually up to about $26 million and still going. We were able to do all of the rooms in the hotel itself. We did all the rooms in both the tower and also the 50 rooms that were from 1941 that were built at that time.

Remodeling and reinventing those rooms was a lot of fun. The 300 rooms here are done, and what we’re looking forward to now is our new Cabana Suites. They should open mid-February or the first of March. It’s a very boutique hotel with a large lobby, business center and fitness center. The rooms are ultra-modern with flat screen TVs, iPod docks, walk-in showers, modernistic fixtures throughout. We hope that will draw a younger crowd that is coming down and is very active with these new clubs that have opened here on the street.

Are you looking to attract more locals than tourists?

The El Cortez has always been around 70 percent local. We’re letting them know what we have and what we’ve always had; what we’re doing to improve, to keep it fresh but at the same time to keep what the gamblers are used to. And that goes to the table games. We have single- and double-deck blackjack, everyone has gone away from that. We still pay full price on blackjack, which everybody now has gone away from. Those are things we don’t want to change; we want to keep to historic Las Vegas.

Every time there is a change, of course the customers are concerned. As older machines go away, people ask why we got rid of them. Sometimes they just don’t make parts for those machines anymore and so we have to cannibalize them. We have to take a bank of 12 and bring it to six so we have the parts to continue.

They’re always concerned about a change but a lot of our feedback—whether it be luncheons we have with the customers, both local and out of town, or the comment cards we review every Tuesday—the people support what is going on. They don’t like to see change in a sense, but at the same time, they appreciate better food, they appreciate a cleaner, more secure atmosphere, and so it goes both ways.

They’re the ones that tell us what is going on. These are sharp people. These people know where the deals are. They know the best place to play.

A hallmark of any Gaughan property—whether it is Jackie or Michael—has always been customer service. Is that still something that you emphasize with your employees?

We’re very very lucky to have the employees we have. A lot of them have been here for long periods of time. We’ve got some newer employees and that combination is great. You have that responsibility from the older and the fresh ideas from the new people and so that is always been good.

Does Jackie still play a role in operations?

Jackie is here all the time. We have lunch together every afternoon and dinner together every night. His office is right next door and he does like to spend a lot of time on the floor with the customers. You might run into him a lot playing poker downstairs. He likes to be around the customers as he always has. He’s someone who is free to talk to both for the employees and the customers.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle said in January that one of her options to battle a huge budget deficit was to consider the introduction of gaming, and state Senator Donna Mercado Kim said she may propose a bill to introduce slot machines into Hawaiian resorts.

Kim said her proposal would apply only to Honolulu, prompting the city’s Mayor, Mufi Hannemann, to say he is opposed to gambling anywhere on the island. Joining the mayor in opposition are Police Chief Boisse P. Correa and City Councilman Romy M. Cachola.

“Gambling is not the answer to economic woes,” Correa told a local newspaper. “It’s just bringing in crime, corruption and social problems that we don’t want in our community.”

But Hawaii Budget Director Georgina Kawamura said the state needs to keep all options open.

“We see this list as a means to have this open discussion and continue our collaboration in assessing all viable options,” she said.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Boyd Gaming Corp.’s Blue Chip Casino opened its 22-story hotel January 22 with a weekend-long party to celebrate the resort’s 250 new jobs and its potential to rival nearby Four Winds Casino Resort.

The $130 million hotel is the last phase of an expansion project that included a Blue Chip riverboat.

The Blue Chip is home to a 15,000-square-foot event center, a 10,000-square-foot spa and a Las Vegas-themed restaurant called “It’s Vegas Baby.”

Boyd spokesman David Strow said the company hopes the expansion will boost the resort’s revenues, which fell last year from $26.7 million to $16.1 million, in part because of the Four Winds casino opening.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The Illinois Gaming Board December 22 chose Des Plaines and Midwest Gaming for the state’s 10th and last casino license, picking it over Rosemont and Waukegan. The vote was 3-1, ending four years of agonizing by the state board on what to do with the license. And the decision apparently came down to the only bid that was not tainted.

In doing so it passed over a much higher bid from a developer that wanted to build in Rosemont, which is still seen as having too much “mob” influence. A second bidder also suffered from problem relationships.

The winner was Chicago developer Neil Bluhm, who heads Midwest Gaming. Bluhm has recently become a true force in gaming, but has always been very well connected in Illinois. He has directly won a license for a Philadelphia casino, SugarHouse, and indirectly controls the sole license in Pittsburgh, that was originally awarded to Majestic Gaming’s Don Barden. Midwest Gaming won the bid despite the fact it may cannibalize the market for nearby casinos, Grand Victoria in Elgin and Hollywood Casino in Aurora.

Bluhm plans a 50,000-square-foot casino riverboat, parking garage, four restaurants and two hotels. He plans to start construction just as soon as the state process, which includes a background check on his investment group, concludes. Once building starts it will be about a year and a half before the riverboat opens for business. He will be redeveloping 20 acres of existing office buildings in the southeast corner of the city, which ironically borders near the village of Rosemont.

The runners-up were Trilliant Gaming (controlled by former MGM Grand President Alex Yemenidijian) for Rosemont and Waukegan Gaming. Trilliant’s bid was $435 million, Waukegan Gaming’s bid was $225 million and Midwest’s $125 million. Des Plaines and Rosemont, which are each near O’Hare Airport, had argued that they would be able to tap that large reservoir of travelers.

Rosemont’s seamy past and reputation kept it from being chosen.

“Rosemont is tainted by reputation,” commented one board member.

“Organized crime still controls much of the life of the village of Rosemont,” said another.

Four years ago the then-mayor of Rosemont, Mayor Don Stephens, was investigated by the state attorney general for alleged organized crime ties and the city later lost out on a casino, although not for that reason. The casino license was un-awarded during the interim.

Isle of Capri had bid over $500 million for the rights to the Rosemont casino, but was not implicated in any way in the alleged corruption.

One of the reasons Waukegan Gaming was passed up was also the “questionable associations” of some of its casino backers. Its revenue projections were also questioned.    Ironically, the board’s decision may not be popular with the citizens of Des Plaines itself, who in a 1994 referendum voted against a casino.

The city will reap $25 million annually from taxes, although to get the casino it promised to give $10 million of that to the state.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

With $4 billion in financing already secured, developers of the $2.9 billion Fontainebleau resort on the Las Vegas Strip have no concerns about cash.

Developers locked in the money in 2007, long before credit markets dried up. It has allowed the project to move forward while others have stalled (Harrah’s Caesars Palace expansion), defaulted on loans (Cosmopolitan) or taken on partners (MGM Grand with Dubai World at CityCenter).

The property is expected to open in October with 28 restaurants and lounges, as well as a 60,000-square-foot spa. It will also have 3,815 rooms decked out with the hottest technology available.

Each room will have an iMac computer which guests can use to surf the web, order room service and set wake up calls.

“We are building the Fontainebleau brand around technology and the customer’s experience with the technology,” Tim Rod, Fontainebleau’s chief information officer, told the Las Vegas Sun.

Fontainebleau will also have an antenna system that not only delivers wireless internet throughout the property, but it will also promise significantly better cell phone reception throughout the property. Many casinos throughout Las Vegas have dead spots where calls get dropped. With the expanded coverage, Rod expects that will not happen at his property.

The company will not be putting any large-scale marketing effort behind getting the word out on its better cell phone and internet reception. Instead, it expects word of mouth to work for it.

“When we sell a convention, it will be a differentiator,” he said. “We’re investing many millions of dollars so that customers will have a better experience at the property. You can’t put a dollar amount on that.”

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The famous Folies Bergere revue will take its final bow March 28, ending a nearly 50-year run at the Tropicana. The show opened December 24, 1959, and began a run that attracted millions of people from around the world.

“Folies Bergere enjoyed an amazing and unprecedented run on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Ron Thacker, president of Tropicana Las Vegas.

“We are extremely proud to have been part of such an iconic Las Vegas production and offer a sincere thank you to the cast, crew and support staff for their many years of excellence.”  

Tickets for the Folies Bergere begin as low as $35 plus tax and surcharge, and are available at the Tropicana Box Office or by calling 702-739-2411.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Berlin-based Bombardier Transportation has picked up a $58 million, five-year option order from the Las Vegas Monorail Company to continue its operation and maintenance of the monorail.

The company built the monorail, and has operated and maintained the monorail since it opened in 2004. The monorail runs on a 3.9-mile elevated track east of the Las Vegas Strip, and connects several Las Vegas resorts together, as well as linking to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Essential to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, this driverless transit system has carried more than 33 million passengers, and in 2008 operated at an on-time average performance of over 99 percent,” said Michael Shaman, vice president of operations and maintenance for Bombardier Transportation’s Systems Division.

Monorail operators eventually hope to extend the monorail to McCarran International Airport in order to draw more traffic to the transportation system.

Hopefully with the new money the Monorail can afford to once again staff the stations along the line. Currently, there are only two manned stations, one at MGM Grand and the other at Sahara. Of interest to locals is that these are the only two places where the discounted $1 tickets for locals can be purchased.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Las Vegas was once a hot bed of tennis activity. But that was back in the days when the $0.99 prime rib buffet was reality, not just a fond memory.

Owners of the new $10 million International Tennis Centre hope to change that.

“For years, Las Vegas was a popular spot for tennis enthusiasts,” said Jim Ahearn, CEO of ITS Las Vegas. “Over time, people started turning to other recreational sports because of the city’s desert climate and lack of indoor facilities. The opening of the International Tennis Centre is bringing tennis back to Vegas for visitors, residents and pros.”

The 90,000-square-foot indoor facility features eight Deco Turf II courts—the same courts used for the U.S. Open—which are illuminated by broadcast-quality lighting (read: it’s bright). The climate-controlled environment is perfect for everything from a serious match to lessons and corporate events.

Located at 5975 Topaz St. in Las Vegas, the ITC has a number of individual, family and corporate membership plans available. It is also open to the public based on hourly pricing.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

The popular southside country bar Stoney’s marked its venture into the north side of the Las Vegas Valley with the opening of Stoney’s North Forty at Santa Fe Station last month.

Like its sister to the south, Stoney’s North Forty follows the authentic country roadhouse tradition with things like the sawdust strewn floor and a mechanical bull.

One of the more interesting offerings at Stoney’s is a special breed of bottle service that includes Boone’s Farm. It’s part of a theme that permeates throughout Stoney’s that shuns the fancy and unnecessarily ornate. Even things like glasses are out, being replaced instead with plastic cups.

“If you bought a bottle of Boone’s Farm or if you buy a bottle of Dom Pérignon, you’re drinking out of a plastic cup,” Stoney Gray told the Las Vegas Sun back in December.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Harrah’s Entertainment announced in January that it will not finish the room component of the $1 billion expansion at Caesars Palace that will give the property its sixth tower.

The Octavious Tower was scheduled to have 660 hotel rooms when it opened this summer, but the rooms now will not be completed “until a period of stronger demand,” the company said.

Construction on the exterior will continue, and the expanded pool area and 100,000 square feet of new convention space will be completed as scheduled. Advanced bookings made it feasible to continue work on the convention space, but softening demand for rooms and an increase in room inventory ultimately led to the decision to delay the introduction of the new room product.

The exterior of the tower will be finished, and from outside it will be impossible to tell that the rooms are not ready. It is expected that as soon as the recovery begins, Harrah’s will be able to complete the rooms in only a few months.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

MGM Mirage announced that it will drop the condo component of the Harmon tower at CityCenter in a move that could save the company as much as $600 million.

Company officials said it was an economic decision that was reached because a redesign or retrofitting project would be expensive. Last year the Las Vegas Sun reported that an investigation by Clark County officials showed that rebar—metal rods that give strength and flexibility to concrete—was not spaced properly, and that the situation would have to be remedied if construction on the tower was going to continue. At the time, MGM Mirage made all indications that it would make the proper changes and build the Harmon as it was designed.

Now, the company will cap the building at its current height and abandon the condo component. At the time of the announcement, only 88 of the 200 condo units had been sold.

By Casino Connection Staff   Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Twenty years after Randy Black helped transform Mesquite into a resort oasis, the desert town is falling on hard times.

Black’s vision for a resort community “halfway between where you are and where you’re going” turned the sleepy town with a population of about 2,000 into a booming town of more than 20,000. There were about 1 million visitors coming through each year pumping money into the casinos and the city’s coffers.

But as the economy soured, so too has the outlook of Mesquite. Last month, Black laid off 350 workers at the Oasis and closed most of the property. The other properties, CasaBlanca and Virgin River Casino aren’t in much better shape.

If problems persist, observers expect Black Gaming to file for bankruptcy protection soon.

Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Has anyone looked at the fiscal year 2008 Gaming Abstract for Nevada? It paints a picture that somehow manages to be more grim and scary than the majority of news reports coming out about the state’s leading industry. According to the Gaming Control Board, Nevada’s casinos with revenue in excess of $1 million had a combined net income before taxes and extraordinary items of $721,181,848 in fiscal year 2008. It sounds pretty good until you compare it with the figure from fiscal year 2007, a year in which income was $2,297,481,525.

That is a whopping 68 percent decrease. The last time there was such a dramatic drop in net income was in fiscal year 2002, a reporting period that included September 11, 2001. Net income in that year was actually a negative number, with casinos losing a combined $33,541,881. Compared to the $554,428,416 in fiscal year 2001, that was a 106 percent drop. If you remove that one anomaly, you find a period of constant growth stretching back to 2000.

More troubling still is that those numbers only include the first half of 2008. The fiscal year runs from July through June, and considering that the last part of 2008 was worse than the beginning of the year, it seems reasonable to expect the fiscal year 2009 numbers to be worse, too.

So is the ride finally over? Is Las Vegas overbuilt?

This question comes up every time numbers from Las Vegas or Nevada are bad. So far, the answer every time has been a resounding “No.” Las Vegas has always proved the skeptics wrong and come back bigger, better and stronger than ever.

I was recently talking with Oskar Garcia, a reporter for the Associated Press, who put that same question to MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren. Garcia noted that perhaps at some point that statement could actually be true. Murren responded that the global population is increasing as well, that demand will grow accordingly and that ultimately he doesn’t think Las Vegas is overbuilt.

I don’t have the same expertise as Murren, but the way it looks to me is that the number of casinos seems to be growing at a pretty good clip, too. The directory in Tribal Government Gaming—a Casino Connection International publication—lists some 300 tribal casinos in the U.S. alone.

Gaming is no longer limited to Nevada, Atlantic City or Mississippi. And even states with no tribal presence are getting in on the game, too, as more and more municipalities look to gaming as a way to fill city coffers to provide essential services without increasing taxes. Add this to the growth of markets like Macau and Singapore and the new Wild West that is online gaming and you’ve got the possibility for supply to easily outpace demand.

That seems to be the major difference between now and the last time anyone asked if Las Vegas is overbuilt. When Life magazine asked the question in 1952 and concluded that the city was in fact overbuilt, it was the only gaming jurisdiction in the country. That is no longer the case.

There are some strong indications that at least in the short term, Las Vegas certainly is overbuilt. One needs to look no further than the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard for proof.

Harrah’s Entertainment is holding off on completing the 600 rooms in its sixth tower at Caesars Palace until demand increases. I can’t think of any better indication that the market is over-saturated than when a leading company like Harrah’s delays the introduction of more product.

Just because the answer to the question has historically been “No” does not guarantee that the answer will always be “No.”

The answer to the question of whether the sun will rise tomorrow has been “Yes” for several billion years (or at least 6,000 years if you think the verdict is still out on that whole science thing). The answer will continue to be “Yes” for some time to come, but some day it will be “No.”

Similarly, at some point, it is possible that Las Vegas will be overbuilt.

I find little comfort in the notion that history always repeats itself. To me, at least, it seems logically flawed. Past events do not necessarily provide any indication of what will happen in the future. They can be used to draw inferences and to build predicative models; past events can be used as supporting evidence in best-guess scenarios, but that is about the end of their utility.

We can learn a great deal from history. I do not intend to dismiss the cliché that those who don’t learn from history are destined to repeat it. This aphorism is quite different, however, from saying that history repeats itself.

Hopefully, as it pertains to Las Vegas, I am wrong. I wouldn’t expect proof to come in the fiscal year 2009 numbers, but maybe as the current round of development comes to a close we’ll see demand increase and the 10,000-plus rooms being introduced this year and next will be absorbed into the market.

I’m not saying that I hope Las Vegas is overbuilt. It is my home, too, and as it goes, so do I.

All I am saying is that it is possible that at some point Las Vegas will be overbuilt, and it is possible that we have already reached at that point.