Las Vegas taxis increase 45 cents per mile

The cabbies got their way, and after today's approval, taxis in Las Vegas will be 45 cents more right after the Independence Day weekend (July 6).

This includes 20 cents more per mile plus a fuel surcharge of 25 cents per mile.

Thankfully, five people can still ride for the price of one, unlike other cities.

If gas soars above $5 for five days in a row, the Nevada Taxicab Authority can review and increase the surcharge.

If gas drops below $4 for 20 days in a row, however, they can get rid of the surcharge.

Cold Case Cards Distributed in NY Jails

The concept is a good one. Give decks of playing cards to inmates in prisons and jails, and on each  card print the photographs and facts having to do with unsolved homicides. Who better to ask for anonymous clues than criminals?
It has been a highly successful program thus far in Florida, with two homicide cases solved and six fugitives arrested. Other states have followed suit (so to speak) to implement the program, which is relatively inexpensive, in their correctional facilities to help with cold cases. Now, the state of New York has started to use the playing cards in the hopes of reviving some cold cases.
The New York State Sheriff’s Association is assisting in the distribution of more than 7,200 decks of cards from Effective Playing Cards, the company that has supplied cold case decks to other cities and states. Inmates at 57 county jails are currently in possession of these cards, which were partially paid for by a state grant. In addition, the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services is allowing its toll-free hotline to be used so that inmates can call free of charge and provide anonymous tips. Rewards of up to $1000 are being offered for helpful information.
One of the counties that have implemented the system is Onondaga, and County Sheriff Kevin Walsh is positive about the program. “This may seem whimsical and insignificant, but one little card, one little piece of information, could help solve any of these cases,” he noted.
The idea for the cards was pushed by Doug Lyall and his wife, whose daughter Suzanne disappeared from a New York college campus ten years ago. The couple founded the Center for HOPE and think the playing card project might net some results. “Inmates like to talk,” he said. “They have different motivations… They are in a unique position to know, hear and see things that may not reach the eyes and ears of law enforcement. When they play cards, they will be looking at pictures of missing people, victims of homicides, and unidentified deceased. We hope to spark a memory or spark some conscience.”
With the success of the program in other states, law enforcement officials, along with families of missing or murdered persons, hope that some answers will emerge as the cards become a regular part of the inmates’ routines.

Tribal casinos outpaced Nevada casinos in ‘07

Indian tribes saw 5% growth in their casino revenue in 2007, which was a slow down but kept them ahead of the revenue of casinos based in Nevada, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Tribal casinos brought in $26 billion in the last calendar year.

According to an NIGC press release:

NIGC Region V, which includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, had the largest percentage increase in revenues. The region generated revenues of $2.6 billion in 2007, a 20% increase from the $2.1 billion generated in 2006. The region has experienced active growth, more than doubling revenues in the three-year period from 2004 to 2007, climbing from 83 operations generating $1.3 billion in 2004 to 100 operations generating $2.6 billion in 2007. Region II, consisting of California and northern Nevada, had only a 1.6% increase in revenue but still saw the biggest revenues of NIGC’s six regions, increasing to $7.8 billion in 2007 from $7.7 billion in 2006.

Hard Rock to unveil “poker lounge”

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will introduce a new concept to live poker, opening a “poker lounge” this August.

The lounge plans to change the dynamic of a poker room, trying to give it the same edge and style that typifies Hard Rock endeavors while making the game a more laid-back experience, according to a story at cardplayer.com:

“It’s going to be half poker, half nightclub, and I don’t think that has ever been done before — not on a scale as big as this,” said Steve Cyr, Poker Lounge marketing manager.

In the Poker Lounge, which will be located across from the famous Mexican restaurant the Pink Taco, the clatter of chips will be muffled by loud party music to set the mood for fun, and instead of sidestepping between crowded tables, players will be able to easily navigate the 18-table room that’s spread out over a 7,000-square-foot area.

“The Hard Rock Poker Lounge philosophy is that we welcome any action,” said Poker Lounge Manager Houston Waldie. “We will spread any game our players want, and we will have knowledgeable staff to be able to do that.”

Tournaments will feature more than just cash prizes — bar tabs tickets to concerts and the like will often be offered, according to Hard Rock.

There will also be five private tables that can be reserved, in addition to bathrooms and bars inside the lounge.

The poker lounge is part of a $1.4 billion expansion/renovation at Hard Rock.

Crazy Horse Too loses temporary liquor license

June 30 is D-Day for Crazy Horse Too.

Last year, the strip club went into foreclosure, having been seized by the government because of tax evasion by owner Rick Rizzolo.

To pay back what it owes, including a hefty settlement to a man paralyzed as a result of being beaten up until paying a bill, Crazy Horse Too will have to be sold by June 30.

But yesterday, the Las Vegas City Council refused a temporary liquor license.

That brings down its value, along with the fact that pretty soon the property will no longer be able to operate as a strip club. Prior grandfathering got the club through zoning laws, which will expire unless the club can open. And without a liquor license, that's less likely to happen.

Assuming the liquor and adult entertainment licenses are intact, one buyer is interested for $32 million. That would cover the $9 million settlement, $17 million in government fines, and a $2 million lien.

What remains would be enough to get a few lapdances.

PokerRoom hosts poker reality show online

It was probably only a matter of time until reality TV entered the realm of poker.

PokerRoom has created a promotion called “Poker Island,” which has a top prize of a $100,000 sponsorship package.

The show, which will be web cast at bwin.com and TV.PokerNews.com, will take place in Ibiza, Spain in what the site is calling a ‘Poker Villa’. The contestants will take part in poker and other challenges during the show.

Free gas card, stimulus package at Nevada brothels Archives

It's a tough time for Nevada brothels.

Not only is the economy downturned, but with gas prices as high as they are, there's been a significant dropoff in the number of visitors. With the majority fueled (so to speak) by Las Vegas tourists, many brothels are beginning to advertise along the Strip.

Because why tantalize when you can travel 125 miles west and pay for the real thing? And all on the up and up (ahem).

Shady Lady Ranch will even pay for your gas. Beginning July 1, head over to U.S. Highway 95 and you'll get a $50 gas card for $300 in services or a $100 gas card for $500 in services. $300 will get you one hour. The offer expires July 31.

Moonlight Bunny Ranch in Carson City is offering a stimulus (ahem) package (err...) that will double the first 100 customers' stimulus checks. Bring in your IRS stimulus check for a maximum of $600, and get $1200 worth of services.

Bodog Announces Poker Room Upgrades and Open Beta Testing

Bodog Poker made an announcement today about the release of a new and improved, resizable beta poker client for public testing. Bodog Poker's newest version features full screen mode, resizable tables, embedded chat and game details and on-demand player tools.
These changes were brought about with a lot of help from those who know best; Bodog's poker players. This release features the most sought after feature - resizing ability. This marks the first time all of the Bodog community can be involved in a public beta test. Feedback is encouraged as future versions will reflect the input received from you, the player. With every update, each beta version of the Bodog Poker client can be run independently, giving players the ability to choose between the established and beta clients during each session. Upcoming features, including the ability to play on more than three tables simultaneously, will follow the same process.
Morris Mohawk Gaming Group CEO Alwyn Morris had this to see in a press release "When Bodog Poker players asked for new features like resizable game play windows and full screen mode, we listened, integrating those features into the new beta client. These new features are just another step in Bodog's on-going evolution and players can look forward to much more in the future."

WSOP on ESPN TV Schedule

In case you were wondering when you can watch the 2008 WSOP on ESPN, here's a quick guide to the WSOP broadcast schedule which will appear on Tuesday nights. Check local listings for specific times.

Tuesday Night on ESPN:

July 22 - $10,000 Pot Limit Hold'em (2 hours)
July 29 - $1,500 NL (2 hours)
Aug 5 - $1,500 Pot Limit Hold'em (2 hours)
Aug 12 - $1,000 NL w/ Rebuys (2 hours)
Aug 19 - $50,000 HORSE (2 hours)
Aug 26 - $10,000 PLO (2 hours)
Sep 2 thru Oct 28 - $10,000 Main Event Championship (18 hours)
Nov 4 - Main Event Final Table