$5

ANTHONY CURTIS’ November 2016 Vol. 33 LasVegasAdvisor Issue 11

CELINE HITS 1,000 Show milestone hit and more than 4 million tickets sold … pg. 8

STATION TAKES CONTROL Will the Palms get better? … pg. 1

SUPER SUSHI At half the price … pg. 5

DRINKING IN HISTORY Tonopah/Goldfield bar parlay … pg. 8

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COUPONOMY NEWS

Station Takes Over at the Palms Casinos Lucky Dragon—The Nevada by Anthony Curtis Gaming Commission has granted final approval for the opening of It’s real all right. our new book, The Essentials of Game the Lucky Dragon on Dec. 3. The has moved into the Palms. Judging Design—From the Cocktail Napkin to casino on Sahara Ave. just west of from customer feedback, many were the Casino Floor, is for you. Simply the Strip will have 300 machines taken by surprise (and some were put, no other source on Earth will an- and 40 table-games, with an em- downright nervous) when Station swer your questions about this arcane phasis on baccarat and pai gow bought the Palms earlier this year. sector of the gambling industry more in keeping with its Asian theme. What would change? From what I can completely. If you have aspirations in W—The giant “W” now in place see, not much. this area, this is your blueprint. at SLS is for the W Las Vegas hotel As I write this, the only significant For those with just a casual inter- tower. The 289-room hotel-within- change to date appears to be that est, here are a few excerpts from the a-hotel is accepting reservations the Club Palms players card is being book that answer the most common beginning Dec. 1 and a grand replaced by Station’s Boarding Pass. questions I’m asked about creating opening is planned for February. The timing is good, as Station is in the and marketing a new game. Sands Stadium—The plan to process of introducing improvements Without question, the catalyst for finance a $1.9 billion stadium on to its program that allow customers to the accelerated interest in game-de- the Strip has been approved by accumulate points for non-gambling sign in recent years was Ernie Moody, Nevada lawmakers. The key point activities, such as eating at a restaurant the former stockbroker who quit his of the plan is a new .88% room tax or staying in the hotel—a good fit for job and developed Triple Play video that will raise $750 million of the the amenities-laden Palms. All banked poker. Essentials author Dan Lubin price tag. Now the focus moves Palms points will transfer. describes the phenomenon. to the NFL, where the Oakland As you’ll read in Dining, there’ve Raiders need league approval to also been some adjustments (down- “While the numbers vary according move to Las Vegas. Still no solid ward) in the buffet prices to bring them to whom is quoting them, it’s safe to say information on timelines, or even in line with Station’s best-in-Vegas that, at their zenith, Moody was raking in where the stadium will be located, buffet pricing. Otherwise, though, I multiple millions per month in royalties for have been divulged. don’t see changes. The casino name is his multi-line video poker products (a 2003 Skyline—The Skyline on Boul- the same. The table games and video article in Cigar Aficionado speculated it der Hwy. is adding a hotel wing poker inventory are the same. The was “as much as $15 million”). Ernie has with 51 rooms, 18 of which will restaurants are the same. And mailers a 500-plus-acre ranch with a horse racing/ be suites. The hotel is expected and other promotions don’t appear to training track outside of San Diego and an to debut in February. have been altered. The question we’re office with a Gulfstream jet parked inside Golden Palm—The building getting most is if the LVA Member that borders a runway at McCarran Inter- that was the Golden Palm casino Rewards offers are still being honored national Airport in Las Vegas. Yep, a whole (and before that, Howard Johnson) and they absolutely are. lot of prospective game designers are in it at Tropicana and Dean Martin Dr. It’s a good start. Palms fans don’t for a shot at Moody-esque success.” has been demolished. There was have to sweat anything yet. no announcement of the demoli- Another question I get concerns tion, nor anything made public Game Design how difficult it is to get a new game onto about what may be planned for Have you ever thought about casino floors, which is addressed here. the site. creating a casino game? If you have, continued on next page continued on next page Couponomy continued The Essentials of Game Design is this is also a recommendation we can available from Amazon.com or from make with complete confidence that ShopLVA.com for a 50% discount this it’s all massage (and no funny) busi- “Altogether, 930 games have been month only (see the wrap). ness. With the opening of the Happy approved in the history of casino gambling Feet spa at El Cortez, we’re planning in Nevada, of which just 16 were original Or Hit the Spa on a future feature that will compare legacy games such as craps, basic black- Here’s something I’ll bet you options, but for now 4M Thai at 2340 jack, roulette, etc. This leaves approxi- weren’t expecting. Dan Lubin’s wife, E. Tropicana, Ste. 37 (702-895-8898) mately 914 sponsored, proprietary, and Prapaisri, recently opened 4M Thai is our top pick if you’re looking for a inventor-attempted efforts. Perhaps 200 Massage, specializing in Swedish good massage at the best price in Ve- game designers made some headway, (deep- tissue) massage, Thai mas- gas. Tell them you’re an LVA member earning the inventor back his investment, sage, and hot-stone therapy. The rate and they’ll drop the rate to $60, and plus some profit, by achieving 40 or so “in- is $70 per hour, which is a discount if you have Dan’s book in tow, I’m stalls” (tables with actual player participa- of close to 50% from the spas at the pretty sure you’ll be able to wrangle tion on the casino floors) in various niches, major Strip resorts. That’s nice, but an autograph. n with a couple of dozen doing really well, meaning about 700 games in the history of this gambling state have crashed and News burned. Who’s ever heard of or played continued China Doll, Benny’s Roulette, China Town, Bar-Boot Dice, Catalina Dice, Deluxe 21 Silverton Timeshare—The new game tournaments. The arena is being Madness, or Tommy’s Way Pai Gow Jack- tower at the Silverton is open. It’s a built on the third floor in the converted pot, compared to games that we’ve all timeshare called the Berkley Las Vegas. venue that was formerly a movie the- heard of and played, such as Ultimate Tex- —The Miracle ater and a nightclub. It’s expected to as Hold ’em, Lucky Ladies, the craps Fire Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has be completed by the end of this year. bet, Crazy 4 Poker, and Blackjack Switch? been sold to Institutional Mall Investors Moulin Rouge—Another plan to “The point is that the differences be- LLC. The sale price is being reported revive the Moulin Rouge has come tween Benny’s Roulette and Ultimate Texas as slightly below $1.1 billion, almost and gone. A London-based developer Hold ’em are in the design effectiveness the same amount as in the recent sale who floated the idea of building a $1.9 based on forethought, directed technique, of The Crystals at CityCenter. The billion resort and convention center and expert review—practices generally un- 200-store mall is ranked among the neglected to put up a necessary $1 known to most wish-to-be designers operat- top 10 busiest malls in the U.S. million deposit, citing a “lack of civic ing in a trial-and-error vacuum.” —The Bo- support” for the project. No one was nanza Gift Shop, which sits on a 2-acre surprised. Of course, what everyone wants to parcel at the corner of Sahara and the Siegel Gardens—The Siegel know is how much (cost and income)? Strip, has been sold for $50 million. Group has acquired the 40-unit Som- “The World’s Largest Gift Shop,” as its erset apartment complex, a 1.2-acre “With a designed game, you’ll pay marquee describes it, was purchased parcel just east of the Strip near the for mathematicians to run computer simu- by its operator, who says he plans to site of the former Riviera, for $6 mil- lations of your game, lawyers to protect keep the store open. lion. Siegel says it will create another your intellectual property, designers and —The long-awaited extended-stay complex called Siegel graphic artists to assemble your game kit, Phase 2 of the Tivoli Village shopping Gardens, but will also explore rede- travel, and time off from work expenses, district is expected to debut this month. velopment options in the area that will and the like. Qualifying for a field trial rep- It will add 350,000 square feet of retail benefit from the $1.4 billion expansion resents $20,000 by the time you’re either and office space. of the Las Vegas Convention Center. accepted onto or pulled off of the casino —Downtown’s Neo- The Somerset apartments were built floor. nopolis complex is getting a new in 1961. “Looking realistically at the upside, if e-sports arena designed to host video- continued on next page your game does well after introduction and grows to, say, 100 installs (which is con- 3665 Procyon St. • Las Vegas, NV 89103 • (702) 252-0655 • (702) 252-0675 Fax LAS VEGAS ADVISOR e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: LasVegasAdvisor.com siderable, as it represents tens of thousands Publisher: Anthony Curtis Research Assistant: Brenda Stewart Henderson, Scot Krause, Bradley Peter- of gamblers playing your game), you can Senior Editor: Deke Castleman Customer Service: Audrey Johnson son, Blair Rodman, Jean Scott, Michael Accounting: John Leitner Shipping & Receiving: Gustavo Escalante Shackleford expect to make, via a distributor, $100 Production Manager: Laurie Cabot Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Compton, Bob Cover Image: Caesars Entertainment per table per month times 100 tables, or Lead Researcher: Tanya Maynard Dancer, Stewart Ethier, Bob Fuss, Scotch $10,000 a month, a cool $120,000 a LAS VEGAS ADVISOR (ISSN 1064-167X USPS 008602) is published monthly and is available for $50 per year ($60 Canadian; $70 foreign purchasers) and $5 per single issue at 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV, 89103. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Las Vegas Advisor, 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV 89103. All information is year.” current at press time. Listed offerings are subject to change at any time. Huntington Press ©2016

2 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • NOVEMBER 2016 LAS VEGAS’ TOP TEN VALUES

The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island remains in the 1. Steak Dinner • Ellis Island • 24 hours • $7.99 #1 spot this month. Served 24/7 in the Café, the filet-cut sirloin comes with soup or salad, choice of potato, and 2. Shrimp Cocktail • Skyline • 24 hours • $1.49 green beans. To get the $7.99 price you have to print out 3. Beer • Casino Royale • 24 hours • $1 two coupons from an EI kiosk, the second after playing at least $5 in any slot machine with your club card inserted. 4. Oysters • Venetian • Daily • $1 It’s been announced that db Brasserie is closing at 5. $500 Rebate • Plaza • Daily • Free the Venetian, and with it will go the city’s best $1 oyster deal (#4). But that’s not happening until January, so get 6. Hot Dog • South Point • Daily • $1.25 ’em while you can. The oysters are available daily from 5 7. Breakfast • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $1.49 to 6 pm in the bar area. 8. Mac King • Harrah’s • Tues.–Sat. • $29.46 (for two) The “Pick the Pros” football contest (#10) is the best gambling freeroll in town—it’s easy to play, there’s a pos- 9. Breakfast/Burger • Arizona Charlie’s • 24 hours • $4.99 sibility of a big score, and there’s zero risk. Swipe your 10. Football Contest • Boyd Casinos • Weekly • Free B Connected card on a kiosk at Gold Coast, Suncoast, Orleans, Sam’s Town, Fremont, California, or Main Street Station before the kick-off of each week’s first Sunday game and get three contest cards for a shot at the $30,000 first prize. Notes: The shrimp cocktail at Skyline (#2) is served at the main bar. Michelob in the bottle is $1 and draft Coors Light is 75¢ at Casino Royale (#3). The Plaza rebate (#5) is a reimbursement of up to $500 in losses, paid in free-play via two installments on the first and second day after playing; must be a new club member. The hot dogs at South Point (#6) are sold from a cart in the sports book from 10 am until they close down the cart around 5 pm. The $1.49 bacon or sausage & eggs breakfast at Klondike Sunset (#7) is served every day from 7 to 11 am. Get two tickets to the Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah’s for $29.46 at the players club booth (#8). Get steak & eggs, ham & eggs, or a hamburger & fries for $4.99 when you show your club card in the Sourdough Cafés at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Boulder (#9), served 24 hours, except 6 am-mid. Mon.-Fri. at Boulder.

News continued has proposed an adult-activity theme opment side of the gaming industry, park called Xpark Vegas. The park is Scientific Games has acquired DEQ planned for an area near Sloan, the Systems. Both are big players in /Strip Corner—The Har- small town located about 12 miles west game-design sector and are discussed ley Davidson Cafe will close at the end of Las Vegas where the Speed Vegas at length in our new book The Es- of this month. The restaurant/bar at raceway recently opened, and will in- sentials of Casino Game Design (see center-Strip has been rumored to be clude speedboat channels, a dirt-bike Couponomy). closing before to make way for other obstacle course, a heavy-equipment- Revenues—Nevada’s statewide projects (including an Elvis-themed operation zone, and a bungee tower. gambling win was down 5.2% in Au- casino), but continued to operate for If approved, Xpark would open next gust compared to the same month last nearly 20 years. summer. year. The Strip win was down 14.8% Flamingo/Valley View Corner— Labor Talks—Employees at while downtown was up 7.0%. The An 8.6-acre parcel on the southwest Boulder Station voted 355-177 via win was also up on the Boulder Strip corner of W. Flamingo and Valley View a secret ballot for representation by (+22.2%), in North Las Vegas (+12.6%), has been sold for $13.5 million. The Culinary Local 226, making it the and in the Balance of County (+6.5%). buyer plans to build a non-gaming first Station Casinos property to join South Lake Tahoe posted strong hotel, apartments, and retail space the Culinary union. Shortly after, numbers again, up 26.7%. Two fewer on the land located just east of the employees at Palace Station voted weekend days in the month contrib- Palms. The parcel was last sold for 266-262 against representation. The uted to the overall drop. $50 million in 2004, when it was the union is disputing the Palace Station Visitor volume was up 1%. The planned site of a flashy condo tower result (claiming “manipulation”) and year-to-date count is 1.7% ahead of called Vegas 888. is expected to push for votes at other last year’s record pace. Adult Park—The owner of the Station properties. Airline traffic was up 2.3%, making shooting range Machine Guns Vegas Scientific Games—On the devel- continued on next page

NOVEMBER 2016 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 3 News continued California—Hollywood Casino Online—It was a quiet month for Jamul has opened in the San Diego online-gaming developments, with area. The $360 million resort has eight merger talks between Amaya (Poker it 21 straight months of year-over-year restaurants, an indoor/outdoor bar, Stars) and William Hill grabbing the increases. International visitation con- and a casino with 1,700 slots and 50 headlines. That deal didn’t happen, tinues to be a focus and a $51 million table games. but a merger between DFS market project is underway that will double Maryland—MGM Resorts Interna- leaders FanDuel and DraftKings ap- the number of gates at McCarran for tional has announced that the open- pears to now be close, with reports foreign carriers. ing date for MGM National Harbor in that the only hang-ups are logistical, Maryland will be December 8. Touted as in deciding the name of the new Gambling in the as the “first luxury gaming resort ex- company, where the headquarters will U.S. and Beyond perience to the Capital Region,” it’s be located, and similar considerations. Atlantic City—Trump Taj Mahal located close enough to Washington In New Jersey, Golden Nugget/Betfair has closed, due to the inability of D.C. to have views of the city and its led all online operators with $3.7 mil- management to come to an agreement monuments. Originally planned with a lion in revenue, contributing to a total with the UnitedHERE labor union. The $700 million budget, the final price tag of $16.2 million. closing is the fifth in Atlantic City since doubled to $1.4 billion. 2014 and leaves only seven casinos Macau—The $2.9 billion Sands Gambling in the Media now operating there. The Taj was Parisian has opened on Macau’s Cotai The Oct. 3 issue of Bloomberg considered the most opulent casino in Strip. The resort features 3,000 rooms, Businessweek contains an article titled Atlantic City when it opened in 1990 multiple restaurants, shopping arcades “Australia Battles its Gambling Addic- and gained notoriety for the on-site (yes, plural), and a water park. The tion” that says Australia leads the world scenes filmed for the poker movie Parisian is Sands Corp’s fifth resort with a per capita annual gambling loss Rounders. in Macau. of US$761. n

DINING

Nora’s db Brasserie at the Venetian is closing $28, but now start at $28 for a 7-ounce The new Nora’s Cuisine is open in early 2017. The biggest loss will be filet and top out at $49 for a 28-ounce at 5780 W. Flamingo, less than a mile the daily oyster happy hour that’s in tomahawk ribeye. Plus, everything’s a east of the original location. Except the Top Ten, but replacements may la carte, with soups, salads, and sides for a few added items (where’d that already be in place. New $1 oyster running $6-$8. While not the bargain it $43 veal chop come from?), almost nights have been initiated at both used to be, it’s still reasonable com- everything on the menu is still less Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock. pared to most steakhouses in town than $20 and pastas are under $15. At GVR, Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca and that prime rib is still a banger. A The big change is the setting. The runs dollar oyster nights on Tuesdays, good play is the daily 4-6 pm happy new restaurant was designed and and at RR, Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar hour, with appetizers a couple bucks built from the ground up and includes does the same on Wednesdays. That’s off regular prices. Particularly good are outdoor dining (with a bocce court), two nights out of the week covered. the oysters Rockefeller (4 for $8) and a bar and lounge separate from the We’ll get to work on the other five. the craft beer and cheese bisque ($5). main dining room, and a second story Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips that isn’t open yet, but will likely host Reviews ( Promenade)—This one’s live music. Nora’s has always been Cornerstone (Gold Coast)—The received a lot of hype and why not? Ev- popular and we’ve recommended it new Cornerstone steakhouse at Gold eryone wants to try a real English-style many times over the years, but since Coast replaces the Cortez Room. It’s fish & chips restaurant, and that’s what the new place opened, it’s been wall located in the same spot and is laid was promised. We’ve experienced the to wall every night. This is an excellent out the same way, with a big dining real thing in London and this isn’t that, non-casino option for drinks or dinner, room and a bar area where you can eat but it’s not bad either. Two pieces of but be prepared for the crowds and watching sports on the TVs, but prices battered Alaskan cod plus “natural make a reservation if you want a table. are significantly higher. For example, hand-cut” chips (fries) is $11.99, or the 14-ounce prime rib that was $20 is for a value no-brainer, you can get Oyster Shuffle now $28 and the 22-ouncer that was three pieces for a dollar more. If you Long a rumor and now confirmed, $25 is now $32. Steaks used to be $23- continued on next page

4 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • NOVEMBER 2016 Dining continued LOCAL CORNER—Hiroyoshi 5900 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-823-2110 don’t want chips, fish alone is $7.99 for two and $8.99 for three. Orders come We’re sushi-sensitive around here. While appreciative of the bargain with a choice of two dipping sauces AYCE deals, we understand that there are multiple levels of sushi quality and there’s vinegar near the utensils and a deal on the high end is also something to watch for. Lucky for sushi if you want to do it the way the Brits purists, something about this town attracts top sushi chefs, and accordingly, do. Shakes are $8.99 and lemonade is Las Vegas has some of the country’s best sushi houses, even when Los $3.99. It’s a good option for lunch at Angeles and San Francisco are considered. The latest is Hiroyoshi, named The LINQ, but we’ll stick with Crown for owner Hiro Yoshi, a former sushi chef at Blue Ribbon. & Anchor, where it’s all-you-can-eat Hiroyoshi serves the Tokyo-style sushi (“Edomae”), which John Curtas on Mondays and free for video poker in Eating Las Vegas 2017 describes as, “Fine fish, finely cut, and served players. on rice so pure, you can count the grains in your mouth.” This is the same Cheesesteak (Straight From exquisite product you get at Las Vegas’ other sushi standouts, but at a Philly)—Whoa, we’ve finally got a 33%-50% discount. For example, the omakase (chef’s tasting) menus at challenger to Capriotti’s for Las Vegas’ Kabuto or Yui Edomae are $120 and at the new Morimoto Las Vegas, $180. best cheesesteak. A little shop called At Hiroyoshi, an equally good assortment is $85. Unlike the others, here Straight From Philly offers about 20 you can justify ordering individually, with edamame or sunomono for $3, variations, beef or chicken. The basic most nigiri sushi for $3.25-$6 (two pieces), and a yellowtail hand roll for $5. sandwich is steak and cheese for $8.55 If you’re into more common rolls, you won’t be left out. They don’t go in (we asked for mushrooms and peppers for the crazy, crunchy, sauce-laden concoctions, but you can snag a fine and they were added for no charge). We rainbow roll for $11.50. We went the individual-order route without concern often hear comments about the cheese for price (including four kinds of tuna sushi from $6 to $9) and the tab for “being wrong,” which is a matter of two with tax, including $65 in drinks, was $162.50. preference, but there should be no Hiroyoshi is located on W. Charleston about five miles from the Strip. problem here. The default is American, It’s non-descript, but don’t let that put you off. It’s small, so absolutely call with provolone, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz ahead for reservations. If you go on a Monday, you can parlay with the available on request. Good price. Good “Vegas Underground” meet at the Tap House across the street (LVA 6/12). cheesesteak. The only problem is the The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner, with lunch seatings place is located way out in Henderson on Thursdays and Fridays. at 65 W. Lake Mead Parkway. Bubba Burger (Loose Caboose W. Flamingo)—We report on good bar close at the end of this year, but you Zingerman’s Coffee Company out burgers when we find ’em and you can can still get the famous deli sandwiches of Michigan has opened the Coffee add Loose Caboose to the list. The at its Las Vegas outpost at Stand at the D. Bubba Burger ($8.99) is a standard (there’s another in Bethlehem, PA). A second location of Honey Pig, bar burger, but a little bigger than most Morimoto Las Vegas, from “Iron the good Korean barbecue restaurant and cooked rare if requested, which is Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, has on W. Spring Mtn. Rd. (LVA 1/13), has a quality we’re finding more and more opened at MGM Grand. opened on the east side at 9550 S. difficult to come by. Caesars Palace has opened the Eastern Avenue. Like the original, it’s Caviar Room inside Restaurant Guy open 24/7. Dining Notes Savoy. Three-star Michelin chef and Las Vegas’ second Cracker Barrel All the prices for the Bistro Buffet restaurant namesake Guy Savoy will has opened on the east side at 2815 at the Palms have been changed to be there Nov. 2-6 to christen the new E. Craig Road. reflect Station Casinos ownership. addition. Turmeric Flavors of India has Breakfast is now $8.99 and $6.99 with The former Redwood Bar & Grille opened downtown near Container a club card, lunch is $10.99/$8.99, has reopened at the California; it’s now Park. dinner is $14.99/$12.99, and brunch called the Redwood Steakhouse and Aureole at Mandalay will close for a is $22.99/$12.99. the long-running off-the-menu porter- renovation on Nov. 27 and is scheduled Last month we incorrectly reported house special is no longer available. to reopen in late December. that the price of the Sterling Brunch The Big Mess Bar-BQ has opened HK Star has closed and is now at Bally’s had been raised by $5; it’s at Sam’s Town in the space that was Chubby Cattle, serving Mongolian- still $90. formerly Billy Bob’s. We haven’t tried it style hot pot. The Carnegie Deli in New York City, yet, but we give it points for coming up I Love Burgers has closed at Ve- an institution for nearly 80 years, will with yet another way to spell barbecue. netian and . n

NOVEMBER 2016 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 5 ADVANCE PLANNER HEADLINERS AND EVENTS NOVEMBER 11/18 • Lukas Graham • SLS LV • $35 12/1–12/10 • Rodney Carrington 11/5 • Asia w/John Payne 11/18 • Tenderloins MGM Grand • $65.39–$98.09 Sunset Station • $30–$50 MGM Grand • $39.99–$69.99 12/2 • Alabama • Cosmo • $49/$99 11/5 • Cabrera Conducts the Classics 11/18–11/19 • Jim Brickman 12/2 • Bill Engvall • TI • $52.27/$81.70 Smith Center • $30–$109 Smith Center • $37–$59 12/2–12/3 • Sandler, Schneider, & Swardson 11/5 • Comedy Get Down • MBay • $35 11/18–11/19 • John Cheese & Eric Idle Hard Rock • $62.95–$436 11/5 • Jay and The Americans Venetian • $49.95–$150 12/2–12/3 • George Strait Cannery • $24.95/$29.95 11/18–11/20 • Stayin’ Alive T– Mobile • $75–$200 11/5 • Luenell • Aliante • $17.50–$32.50 South Point • $30–$40 12/2–12/3 • Josh Turner 11/5 • Pacquiao vs. Vargas 11/18–11/20 • Steel Magnolias Orleans • $59.90–$81.70 T&M • Starting at $54 Smith Center • $34 12/3 • Andrea Bocelli 11/5 • Richard Cheese 11/19 • Anderson, Rabin & Wakeman MGM Grand • $82–$418.25 Red Rock • $35–$60 Palms • $45.87–$119.27 12/3 • Bobby Caldwell 11/5–11/6 • Fab Four • Suncoast • $22–$44 11/19 • Bob Newhart Sunset Station • $29–$49 11/6 • Attila • Hard Rock • $20/$35 Smith Center • $29–$99 12/3–12/4 • Home for the Holidays 11/7 • Belanova • MBay • $35 11/19 • Colin Kane Smith Center • $30–$109 11/7 • Celtic Thunder Hard Rock • $20–$35 12/5 • Chase Rice • Cosmo • $20–$50 Smith Center • $27–$79 11/19 • Kovalev vs Ward 12/7 • Lady Antebellum 11/8 • Wonder Years and Real Friends T– Mobile • $55–$1005 Cosmo • $49–$129 Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 11/19 • Pennywise • MBay • $25/$28 12/8 • Dwght Yoakam 11/9 • Lon Bronson w/Larry Braggs 11/19 • Queensryche Cosmo • $29–$69 Smith Center • $15–$35 E. Cannery • $15.95–$32.95 12/8–12/9 • Holiday Havoc 11/10 • Jam Nation w/Denzel Curry 11/19 • R.M. Bros w/Turbo $ Skull Palms • $69.73–$143.12 Hard Rock • $18/$35 Cosmo • $45–$200 12/9 • Benjamin D. Hale & Zach Ryan 11/11 • Lou Gramm 11/19 • Tribal Seeds Smith Center • $25–$45 GN • $31.61–$107.91 Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$35 12/9 • Justin Moore • Cosmo • $20–$80 11/11 • Marc Cohn • Silverton • $20 11/19–11/20 • Reo Speedwagon 12/9 • Maxwell and Mary J. Blige 11/11 • Whoopi Goldberg Orleans • $76.25–$98.05 T– Mobile • $69.50–$250 TI • $57.18/$98.05 11/20 • Epica • Hard Rock • $25/$35 12/9 • Toby Keith 11/11–11/12 • Ana Gasteyer 11/22–11/27 • Irving Berlin’s White Christmas MGM Grand • $35–$100 Smith Center • $39–$59 Smith Center • $29–$127 12/9 • Zeppelin USA 11/11–11/13 • Donny Edwards 11/23 • Interrupters • Hard Rock • $12/$20 Sunset Station • $24 South Point • $25–$35 11/23 • Switchfoot & Relient 12/9–12/10 • Gary Allan 11/12 • Amy Grant / Michael W. Smith MBay • $33.50 Hard Rock • $39.50–$125 MGM Grand • $30–$85 11/25 • Eric Burdon & The Animals 12/9–12/10 • Kelsea Ballerini w/Cam 11/12 • Animals as Leaders GN • $31.61–$162.41 Orleans • $43.55–$76.25 Hard Rock • $20/$35 11/25–11/26 • Dee Dee Bridgewater 12/10 • Frank Moreno 11/12 • Candlebox Smith Center • $45–$75 Smith Center • $30–$42 Suncoast • $43.55–$54.45 11/25–11/26 • Steven Wright 12/10 • Jim James 11/12 • Hanoch Daum • Venetian • $40 Orleans • $49–$70.80 Brooklyn Bowl • $31–$56 11/12 • Ms. Lauryn Hill • SLS LV • $67 11/25–11/27 • Chubby Checker 12/10 • Tim McGraw 11/12 • Ohio Players South Point • $50–$60 MGM Grand • $79.50–$130 Silverton • $24–$54 11/26 • Carrie Underwood 12/10–12/11 • Nutcracker 11/13 • Bre Lawrence as Diana Ross T– Mobile • $49.50/$79.50 Smith Center • $29–$179 Smith Center • $25 11/26 • Postmodern Jukebox 12/11 • Jeff Dunham 11/13 • Ringo Starr Hard Rock • $39.50–$150 Caesars Palace • $49.50–$89.50 Smith Center • $39–$154 11/26–11/27 • Queen of the Night! 12/11 • Mercedes w/OneRepublic 11/14 • Daniel Emmet/Philip Fortenberry Suncoast • $17.50–$33 Hard Rock • $59.50–$200 Smith Center • $25–$45 11/30–12/4 • Steve Solomon 12/11 • Shall We Dance On Ice 11/14 • For Today • Hard Rock • $18/$30 Smith Center • $35/$40 MBay • $39.50–$99.50 11/16 • Mon Laferte • Hard Rock • $25/$45 11/30–12/10 • Reba, Brooks & Dunn 12/14 • Cirque Musical Holiday 11/18 • Il Divo • Palms • $67.8/$150.46 Caesars Palace • $59.50–$205 Orleans • $29–$85 11/18 • Gogol Bordello 12/1 • Asking Alexandria 12/16 • Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Brooklyn Bowl • $30–$45 Brooklyn Bowl • $22.50/$25 GN • $31.61–$118.81 11/18 • Little River Band 12/1 • Miranda w/Colleen Ballinger 12/16–12/17 • Deana Martin GN • $42.51–$162.41 Smith Center • $25–$99 Smith Center • $35–$59

6 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • NOVEMBER 2016 ADVANCE PLANNER • Solid Gold Soul has opened at Bally’s; tickets are $87.66/$111.25. DECEMBER • The Bronx Wanderers has opened at Bally’s; 1–10 National Finals Rodeo—60,000 4-8 Am. Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists—20,000 tickets are $65.51/$77.41/$94.76. • Tony Sacca’s Vegas the Story has opened at Bally’s; tickets are $53.61/$65.51. JANUARY • Jeff Civillico at the Flamingo is dark until Febru- 5-8 CES 2017—177,000 ary. 8-12 Promo Products Assoc. Int’l—20,000 17-20 Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show—64,500 • Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding has closed at Bally’s. 17-20 World of Concrete—60,000 • Cherry Boom Boom has closed at the Tropicana. 18-21 Adult Entertainment Expo—25,000 22-26 Int’l Surface Event—25,000 22-26 Las Vegas Market—50,000 30-2/1 Int’l AC, Heating, Refrigerating Expo—60,000 KEY FEBRUARY 1-4 Safari Club Int’l Annual Hunters Conference—21,000 7-9 WPPI Wedding & Portrait Photographers Expo—13,000 19-22 Off-Price Specialists—11,500 DATES 21-23 MAGIC Marketplace—85,000 DECEMBER WEEKDAY WEEKEND Four Queens • $29 AZ C. Decatur • $45 El Cortez • $32 El Cortez • $49 Wild Wild West • $35 California • $60 Palace Station • $42 Circus Circus • $58 Circus Circus • $46 Palace Station • $60 Sam’s Town • $49 Orleans • $76 Hard Rock • $78 Palms • $104 SHOW NOTES Palms • $84 Red Rock Resort • $130 Paris • $91 Paris • $131 JANUARY WEEKDAY WEEKEND Four Queens • $39 AZ C. Decatur • $72 California • $40 Four Queens • $99 NOVEMBER Fremont • $40 California • $100 Mean 53° Avg. Max. 65° Avg. Min. 40° Pools: Closed Temperatures drop dramatically this month. Crisp days, Palace Station • $46 Circus Circus • $93 Circus Circus • $48 Silverton • $94 cold nights. Sam’s Town • $54 Palace Station • $96 Attire: Bring something warm, especially for evenings. Palms • $104 Mirage • $169 Hard Rock • $118 Hard Rock • $178 DECEMBER Mirage • $131 Palms • $184 Mean 46° Avg. Max. 58° Avg. Min. 33° Pools: Closed FEBRUARY Evening temperatures dip into the 30s and even into the WEEKDAY WEEKEND 20s. The sun makes an occasional showing. ROOM Four Queens • $39 AZ. C. Decatur • $63 Attire California • $40 El Cortez • $104 : Desert or not, it’s wintertime and it’s cold. Dress Fremont • $40 Four Queens • $109 warmly. Circus Circus • $48 Circus Circus • $93 Palace Station • $50 Silverton • $94 JANUARY Sam’s Town • $54 Stratosphere • $95 Mean 45° Avg. Max. 57° Avg. Min. 32° Pools: Closed Mirage • $117 Palms • $154 Cool and dry. Days are crisp, but pleasant. Cold eve- Hard Rock • $124 Hard Rock • $178

WEATHER nings. RATES Palms • $124 Paris • $191 Best rates at press time from sample of 54 Las Vegas casinos. Rates NOT guaranteed, subject to Attire: Sweater or jacket—desert winters are cold. change without notice, and do not include tax. Lower prices may be available online.

NOVEMBER 2016 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 7 ENTERTAINMENT

Historic Bar Crawl mining town, Goldfield is a semi-ghost tainment writer Mike Weatherford put Last month, we detailed our trip town now (population 275 or so), but the milestone in perspective, writing to Lake Tahoe, complete with extol- it’s also home to the Santa Fe Club that Frank Sinatra played 425 shows ling the virtues of flying Allegiant for Saloon, billed as the longest continu- in Vegas and Elvis Presley a devilish savings and valuable coupons from its ally operating bar in Nevada, having 666, though Penn & Teller clock in at in-flight magazine. But many make the opened in 1905. You have to turn east about 3,300 and Mac King’s 17 years trip by car, as we did coming back. In off the highway and drive about a mile of two-a-days puts him way out front, a nutshell, the trek from Reno/Tahoe and a half to get there, partway on dirt. at nearly 8,200 shows. to Las Vegas is seven hours (roughly And it’s open only from 2 to 9 pm, so 450 miles) of mostly straight, flat, and you have to time it right. In addition Cher desolate—unless you love mountain to longevity, the bar also promotes What looks like the last hurrah for views—driving down US 95, but there its “world’s meanest bartender,” but Cher in Vegas, and possibly anywhere, are some interesting diversions if you it was her day off when we were there. is set for an 18-show run from Feb. 18 don’t mind stretching it out a bit. The Her protégé started off snarly when we to May 25 at the soon-to-debut Park two primary stops are historic land- asked about a drink comp, but soon Theater at Monte Carlo. Cher said, marks, both with drinking possibilities gave it up, lamenting that “being mean “This is the last show and we’re going involved. isn’t easy.” A portion of the bar is the to give people something they want to The first is in Tonopah, almost original Brunswick from 1905 and see. I’ll sing all my biggest hits.” Cher exactly at the halfway point of the trip. there’s a guestbook to sign. As you’ll first performed in Las Vegas as a soloist The Mizpah Hotel, right in the center read in Gambling, there’s also some in the Circus Maximus showroom at of town, opened sometime between good video poker for low denoms. We Caesars Palace in 1976. 1905 and 1908, depending on which can’t recommend the three-hour drive source you use (we think 1908); at from Las Vegas to check this bar out, Park Theater five stories, the Mizpah was the tall- especially when you can get a similar The new 5,300-seat theater at the est building in Nevada till 1929. You experience at the Pioneer Saloon in Monte Carlo (soon to be Park MGM) can look at the old photos on the wall, Goodsprings (LVA 9/15), but if you opens Dec. 17 with a concert by Stevie collect a bunch of literature about the find yourself in the neighborhood and Nicks and the Pretenders. Bruno Mars hotel (it’s supposedly haunted), and have the time, you’re crazy to pass it will perform for New Year’s, then return there’s a restaurant if you want to grab up. Check out the photo on the wrap. for two dates in March, along with the a bite. The drinking involves the long just-referenced Cher engagement. wooden bar in the lobby. The video Celine poker sucks (see Gambling) and there’s Celine Dion has hit the 1,000 mark Strip Club Variance nothing special price-wise (see “Bars for her shows in the Colosseum at People go to strip clubs for differ- and Happy Hours”), but somehow you Caesars Palace. Given that she plays ent reasons, but if it’s to drink, take just feel like you want to be one of the to sold-out crowds in a 4,200-seat note. One of the best drinking deals half-million or so people that have had theater, that puts the ticket count at you’ll ever come across, at least if a drink there over the last century-plus. more than 4 million, with proceeds you’re a Las Vegas local, is at Déjà Vu. (Anthony did!) that exceed the $658 million gross Every day from 6 to 10 pm, domestic The next stop is Goldfield only of Titanic, the movie that made her beer and well drinks are free, and on about 30 miles away. Once a thriving famous. LV Review-Journal enter- Monday nights it’s a free open bar. There are no strings attached. You Reader Leader can watch Monday Night Football and drink all the top-shelf booze you want We were in Las Vegas last month and tried Uber twice. From Paris to at no charge. If you don’t have local Palms: $6.90 in a nice Chrysler Town & Country. Paris to airport: $10.90 in a ID and you drive yourself (no cabs Hyundai mini-van. Pickup was on the north side of Paris. Wait time was two or ride-sharing), the entry fee is $22, to four minutes. Fast, convenient, and inexpensive. but that’s still worth it if you plan on LVA: We’ve heard nothing but good things about the ride-sharing services hoisting a few. Uber and Lyft, which seem to be faster and less expensive than using taxis. On the other side of the coin, we We’re looking into what we can do at LasVegasAdvisor.com to help new users dropped in on opening night of the become familiar with these services. new Centerfolds Cabaret, which has continued on next page

8 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • NOVEMBER 2016 Entertainment continued Alto Bar has opened at Caesars Notes Palace, replacing the Seahorse Lounge. Born and Raised Craft Pub has • Willie Nelson will play the Venetian replaced the former Club Paradise, and opened in the Grand Bazaar Shops for a five-show mini-residency, all beers and house wine by the glass at Bally’s. Jan. 28-Feb. 4; tickets for his were $18 (and a soda was $9). Urp! SG Bar has opened on W. Fla- “Vegas on My Mind” shows start mingo Rd. near the 215 Beltway. It’s at $50. Bars and Happy Hours part of a new brand called Sierra Gold • Donny & Marie Osmond have (Note: These types of deals can Elevated and is the 52nd tavern in the extended their residency at the change quickly. Call to verify.) PT’s Nevada chain, 50 of which are Flamingo through the end of 2017. Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca at GVR in Las Vegas. The Osmonds have played more has a happy hour Mon.-Fri. from 5 to 7 The former Lahaina Grill is now than 1,200 shows since they began pm, with $6 appetizers and drinks and Bubby’s University. It’s has the same their Flamingo run in 2008. half-price bottles of wine on Thursdays. owners, but no more of “that sushi • Cindy Williams has extended her Mr Chow at Caesars Palace has a thing.” guesting stint in Menopause the Champagne happy hour Sun.-Thurs. Fieldhouse has opened at 2973 Musical at Harrah’s through Dec. from 5 to 7 pm, with glasses of Moët Sammy Davis Jr. Dr.; it’s an Iowa 3. Chandon Imperial for $15, Moet Chan- Hawkeyes bar. • Ghostbar Day Club is open for don Rose for $25, and Krug Grande The gentleman’s club StripTease the winter season at the Palms. Cuvee for $35. has reopened at 3750 S. Valley View. It runs Saturdays from 1 to 6 pm; José’s taco cart at Silver Sevens This one’s had its share of openings admission is $10 for men only. has a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 pm, and closings, but it’s back for another See the Advance Planner for dates, with $3 food specials, and you can add swing. prices, and additional show updates. a beer for $2. A new gentlemen’s club called Las Vegas’ three Nacho Daddy’s Centerfolds Cabaret has replaced the have 2-for-1 wine and Sangria on former Club Paradise across from the At SG Bar, a Bud is $5. At Saddle ‘N Mondays and 2-for-1 tequilas (65 se- Hard Rock. Spurs, a Heineken is $5. At Paradise lections) on Tuesdays. “Brainstormer Larry’s Villa strip club has closed Cantina, a draft Dos Equis is $4.87 and Trivia” starts at 7 pm on Wednesdays after ongoing problems and infrac- a Tecate is $4.33. At Fieldhouse, a Bud at the W. Sahara location only. tions resulted in its liquor and gaming is $4. At Blue Ox Tavern, a Bud is $4. Johnny Fontane’s has happy licenses being revoked. At Tap House, a draft Stella is $3.50. hours daily from 3 to 6 pm and 11 pm Sophia’s gentlemen’s club has In the bar at the Mizpah (Tonopah), a to 4 am, with $2 domestic beers, $3 closed after just two months. Bud is $3.50. In the main bar at Stage- well drinks, $4.75 call drinks, and $5 At Hiroyoshi, a bottle of Karatamba coach Casino (Beatty), a PBR is $3.25. for a shot and a beer. sake is $18.39 and a draft Sapporo is At Emerald Island, a Bud is $3. At the Paradise Cantina has a daily happy $5.95. In Bottigila at GVR, a Peroni is Santa Fe Club Saloon (Goldfield), a hour from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am, with $4 $7.57. At Nora’s, a Jim Beam Black is Bud is $2.75. At Four Kegs, a draft Bud Tecate and $4.50 Jim Beam, Gilby’s. $7.03 and a Maker’s Mark is $6.76. At is $2.75. In the sports bar at Bodines Bacardi, and other call brands; it’s a Kopper Keg East, a draft Stella Artois is Casino (Carson City), a draft Bud Light low-key Cleveland Browns bar. $6 (this is a Michigan Wolverines bar). is $1.50. n GAMBLING

WSOP Final Table break tends to push this event out of a field of 6,737. Ages range from 27 Normally played during the first the public consciousness and that’s (Gordon Vayo) to 51 (Cliff Josephy), week in November, every four years never been more evident than this a much more narrow span than last the World Series of Poker final table year. Over the entire three months we year’s 23-72 and including the old- convenes early to avoid conflicting with saw nothing in the national press and est youngest player ever since the the presidential elections. This year the next to nothing locally about the event November Nine format has been in final table began in the Penn & Teller or its players. place. Since 2008, all Main Event win- Theater at the Rio on Oct. 30, as this The field includes five Americans, ners have been under 28 (23, 22, 21, issue was going to press. along with one player each from Bel- 21, 24, 23, 27, and 24)—which leaves We’ve made the point in previ- gium, the Czech Republic, Canada, it to Vayo and Michael Ruane, who’s ous years that the three-month-plus and Spain. The finalists came out of continued on next page

NOVEMBER 2016 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 9 nd Gambling continued and 52 members of the Poker Hall Nevada to offer 2-team 6-point teasers of Fame. Mortensen was the World laying -110, compared to -120 to -140 Series of Poker Main Event champion at other books. 28, to continue the streak. As the old- in 2001. Brunson completes the first VP Bonus—Wildfire Valley View is est player in the field, Josephy looks ever father-and-son tandem in the now awarding two spots on its Mon- to reverse the trend in a big way and HoF, joining his pop, poker legend day Night Football squares board for he’s the favorite to do so. Along with Doyle Brunson. hitting a natural 4-of-a-kind in video the chip lead, Josephy’s also the only poker. Each square is worth $2.50, player in the field to have previously Ivey Ruling so it raises the return on a 25¢ game won a WSOP bracelet. A federal judge has ruled that poker by about 1%. The best schedule is The chart below shows the chip notable Phil Ivey and his female playing 7/5 Bonus Poker, which becomes a counts and the current odds on each partner violated state laws when they 99% game. player to win (from Ladbrokes). The won $10 million playing baccarat at the Team Bars—As we check out the odds in parentheses are from July and Borgata in Atlantic City in 2012. It’s a city’s various team bars, we’re review- are included to show how the lines decision with which many gambling ing them at GamblingWithAnEdge. have moved. experts will take issue, and we believe com. Some of the better parties are with good reason (he got an advantage at Crowbar Flamingo (Lions), Noreen’s Cliff Josephy 74,600,000 +240 (+340) by exploiting a defect in the cards be- (Steelers), and Blue Ox W. Sahara Qui Nguyen 67,925,000 +400 (+500) ing used). But for now, Ivey won’t be (Vikings). Another bar that leans to the Gordon Vayo 49,375,000 +500 (+600) paid. A similar ruling went against him Steelers, but has a good Monday Night Kenny Hallaert 43,325,000 +500 (+600) on a big win in London. party (with an impressive selection of Michael Ruane 31,600,000 +900 (+1000) complimentary food provided by the Vojtech Ruzicka 27,300,000 +1000 (+1100) Entity Betting staff and customers) regardless of Griffin Benger 26,175,000 +800 (+1100) Early results from the legalization who’s playing is Money Plays. Jerry Wong 10,175,000 +3300 (+3400) of entity betting—the practice of a Parties—Add Tommy Rocker’s Fernando Pons 6,150,000 +5000 (+5100) single “entity” making sports bets on and Klondike Sunset to the list of places behalf of a fund representing multiple serving $1 hot dogs during games. The biggest move shows support investors—have been underwhelm- Klondike also has $1 Bud and $1.50 for Griffin Benger, who’s third lowest ing. As predicted, a major problem is PBR. Westgate is no longer running its in chips, but has the second highest that sports books must apply and be Sunday viewing parties in the theater. lifetime win in tournaments behind approved to accept entity bets, and It was the only viewing venue in town Josephy. Aside from Benger moving as of now, only CG Technologies has charging an admission fee ($5), which up two places in the betting preference done so. With only one betting “out,” may have had something to do with there were no other significant moves. the entities’ options are too limited for its cancellation. The champion will win a little over them to be effective. $8 million this year, while the other Weak Move at Jerry’s eight places will all take home more Football Updates The sports book at Jerry’s Nugget than $1 million. Here’s a quick round-up of foot- pulled a bush-league move recently ESPN is airing the final table in ball-related deals that have shown up when it refused to pay several winning its entirety over three days, beginning this month. tickets that had gone a couple of days on Oct. 30. There will be a 30-minute Mesquite—The biggest develop- past expiration. Some (but not all) delay. If you miss it, ESPN will air a ment took place outside of Las Vegas, of the players involved are pro-level final-table encore on Nov. 20. where the CasaBlanca and Virgin River sports bettors and Jerry’s decision in Mesquite expanded their -105 pric- was surely aimed at them, but it also Poker HoF ing to include sides and totals and affected regular players and it’s a bad Carlos Mortensen and Todd even first halves for all college and pro way to do business. Here’s why. Brunson have been voted the 51st games. They’re also the only books in 1. Jerry’s has always had the short- est expiration period of any sports book Leaving Money on the Ground we know of: 45 days. Other books have According to a new report from a group called GamblingCompliance Research expirations of 120 and often 180 days. Services, legalizing sports betting throughout the United States would create $11.9 bil- 2. Within the 45-day window in lion in gross gaming revenue and make it the world’s largest sports betting market with question, Jerry’s shortened its sports more than four times the revenue generated by the current leader, the United Kingdom. book hours. We know of one player who Nevada plus the pseudo-legal markets in Delaware, Montana, and Oregon currently actually realized that his tickets were a generate just $300 million. day away from expiration and went to continued on next page

10 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • NOVEMBER 2016 Gambling continued Video Poker Lost and Found The Silverton has downgraded the schedules get slightly better, but cash, but couldn’t due to the change. all of its 8/5 Bonus Poker and 9/7/5 nothing’s good enough to choose Even after explaining this, he was still Double Bonus games on 100 Play over the 25¢ progressive. denied. (This same player offered to machines. These were the games of The famous old bar at the Mizpah take the payment in comps rather than choice for many who played Silver- in Tonopah has only six machines cash and was still turned down.) ton’s good coin-in promos. and there’s not much reason to play 3. Perhaps most importantly: No The quarter 8/5 Double Double them. Despite offering schedules as other sports book in Nevada does this. Bonus 4-way progressive continues bad as 6/5 JoB (95.00%) from 25¢ Similarly, you can bring back expired to be the best game at the Downtown to $1, and a best of 6/5 BP, they’ll TITO tickets and casinos will bend over Grand, with the meters consistently only discount drinks by $1 if you’re backward to pay them, even when it high; it was returning 100.44% when playing. The best bet here is the 5¢ means overriding their systems. we last checked. game with 6/5 BP. By the letter of the terms, Jerry’s Kilroy’s on W. Spring Mtn. Rd. At the equally famous Santa Fe had the right to refuse payment, and has converted its players club to the Saloon in Goldfield, there are only the casino was backed by the Gam- Sagos proprietary system and in the two machines at the bar, but they ing Control Board when some of the process improved its Bonus Poker to have 8/5 BP and 9/7/5 Double Bonus players complained. But in terms of 7/5 (98.01%). (99.11%). The best game for nickels reputation, Jerry’s strikes out big-time The best game at Boulevard Bar is 6/5 BP. They don’t comp drinks with this move. It sends a message that & Grille across from South Point is 6/5 (and the bartender will yell at you if if you play there and a judgment call BP (96.87%), but new club sign-ups you ask). comes up, it’s not gonna go your way. get $10 in free-play after $25 coin-in. At the not-so-famous main bar (Note that Jerry’s now has a 120-day The best game at the new at the Stagecoach Casino in Beatty, cashing period, but in one of the gam- Bubby’s University (see Entertain- stay away from the Bonus Poker ing hearings, casino representatives ment) is also 6/5 BP, but there’s a game that pays even money for two expressed an intention to go back lose-$20-get-$20 rebate. pair (94.18%). The best-returning to 45 days when its software allows.) The best game for quarters at schedule from 25¢ to $1 is 20-10- Bodine’s in Carson City is 8/5 Jacks 8-4-4-3 Deuces Wild, which is still Gambling Notes or Better (97.30% at reset) with a terrible at 95.96%. Stadium Blackjack—The Venetian progressive RF. This is the classic Bob Dancer’s free video poker has introduced a new blackjack plat- schedule that used to be the standard classes at South Point have con- form called “Stadium Blackjack” that on progressive machines and was cluded for the year. Be sure to check melds a live dealer with 44 electronic always quoted as going positive at out Bob’s weekly Tuesday column betting stations. All players are dealt $2,200, though the actual breakeven and the Thursday “Gambling with an the same hand, which they can then point is $2,166. The meter was at Edge” podcast, with Bob and Richard play individually as they choose. $1,327 for a 97.98% return when Munchkin, both at GamblingWith Roulette—El Cortez is testing a we were there. At higher denoms, AnEdge.com. new roulette layout. The E-Z Reach Roulette table has additional spots for CG Technologies was hit with $22.5 World Series—The Chicago Cubs betting the 0 and 00. million in penalties and forfeiture to opened -175 favorites over the Cleve- PTs—PTs bars have added a the U.S. government for “its involve- land Indians to win the World Series. video-table-games system to their ment in illegal gambling and money The line climbed to -210, before closing bartop-machines mix. The new ma- laundering.” at -190. n chines offer baccarat, roulette, and craps, along with traditional blackjack Presidential Line and video poker with a different look. With a little more than a week till the election, Hillary Clinton is a -360 favorite to Casino DFS—The pari-mutuel- win the presidency at the offshore sports book 5Dimes. Donald Trump is +475. Through- based daily fantasy sports system out most of the last month, Clinton was steady at -600, prompting Irish bookmaker available in casino sports books is now Paddy Power to seize a promotional opportunity by pre-paying $1 million in bets on offering bets on the NBA and the NHL. Clinton before the third debate. Comp Cap—The sports book at It’s too bad for Trump that the election isn’t being decided by gamblers: Our poll Wild Wild West caps drink tickets at LasVegasAdvisor.com that garnered more than 2,400 votes was 51% for Trump and at four per day no matter how much 33% for Clinton (the other 16% was split among several choices, including “none of the you’re betting. above”). We’ll post the line on election eve at LasVegasAdvisor.com. CGT Fine—Sports book operator

NOVEMBER 2016 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 11 FAST TRACK LAST SECOND FLASH Deals million. The price tag for hosting was Strip Switch Show your players card on Tues- about $8 million, but the publicity days and get a 2-for-1 buffet at either value for the city is estimated at over After decades on Las Ve- Arizona Charlie’s through December $100 million. gas Blvd., the Olympic Gardens 27. The dreaded “Car-nado” portion gentlemen’s club (OG) abruptly South Point is offering double gift of the $1 billion Project Neon road- closed last month. But the OG card redemption in November; redeem widening project is underway, caus- isn’t gone. From what we hear, the $25 in points for $50 in Smith’s gift ing several normal routes through the club has moved its operation to the cards. Spaghetti Bowl to be closed through building behind the Cosmopolitan Du-par’s at Suncoast is serving February. that recently housed Sophia’s strip five pre-dinner specials from 4-6 pm Dean Martin Dr. (formerly Indus- club and is open nightly. daily and the price is determined by the trial Rd.) will be closed near Tropicana Lucky Lucky Dragon time on the clock when you’re seated. at least until late December. Detours So if you come in at 4:30 and want are in place, but until it reopens, it’s The soon-to-open Lucky almond chicken, the price is $4.30. If not its usual good alternative to the Dragon is pulling out all the stops it’s 5:15, you can order grilled salmon Strip or I-15. in the luck department. The LA tapenade for $5.15. Show up at 4 pm Resort fees have been raised Times wrote that “no Chinese for the best value. again at Aria, Bellagio, and Vdara. superstition has been left un- Vegas Seven magazine has been Previously $32 per night, the base fee turned,” with an eight-sided main running an ad with a coupon for 35% is now $35 and with tax, $39.20. bar, no “unlucky” number 4s on off food at Twin Peaks near Planet room or phone numbers, and no The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) th Hollywood. drew more than 27,000 attendees this designated 4 floor (it jumps from Seniors get 2-for-1 entrées on Sun- year, a 7% increase over 2015. 3 to 5). The casino’s CEO was days from 5 to 7 pm in Bottiglia at GVR. Similar to DJs, Las Vegas regulars quoted, “This place is heavily feng Minus5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Place occupied the first three spots in a shui’ed.” has a program called “Kids are Cool” Forbes list of “highest-paid magi- for ages 5-12. For $10, kids get a parka An Opening for cians,” with David Copperfield first Sports Betting and gloves and an “ice bar experience.” at $64 million annually, Penn & Teller Kids 10 and under eat free with the at $31.5 million, and Criss Angel at A congressional committee purchase of an adult meal on Mondays $19 million. is preparing to review federal at the three Nacho Daddy’s in town. Congratulations to long-time laws that outlaw sports betting. The Plaza has discontinued its newspaperman and Huntington Press The head of the movement, U.S. birthday free-play promotion, but it’s author John L. Smith for his induc- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., told ESPN, still honoring our Member Rewards tion into the Nevada Newspaper Hall “I plan to continue discussions birthday offer. of Fame. with the key stakeholders [the Cigar Aficionado’s 21st annual “Big professional leagues] and then Miscellaneous Smoke” Las Vegas weekend is Nov. will introduce comprehensive The third presidential debate, 11-13 at the Mirage. Get information legislation to finally update these held at the Thomas & Mack Center, at thebigsmokes.com. outdated laws.” was a big winner for Las Vegas, with A Man for All Markets is the name Holiday Events 71.6 million tuning in and thousands of a new book by one of gambling’s of journalists coming to town. It was most famous figures, Edward O. Events for the holiday season the third largest audience ever for a Thorp. After authoring the seminal are already being announced, presidential debate, trailing only the book on card counting, Beat the Dealer, including the arrival of Santa at first Clinton/Trump meeting with 84 Thorp went on to great success in the Town Square on Nov. 11, the million and Reagan/Carter with 80.6 financial markets. n Ethel M Chocolates lighting of the cactus garden on Nov. 15, Sunday Funday 34 and the return of Sam’s Town’s Mystic Falls holiday display on This month’s Sunday Funday online poker tournament will run November 13. The prize Nov. 25. Monitor “Today’s News” pool includes $100 for the winner, plus LVA memberships and our new books. There’s no th at LasVegasAdvisor.com for an- charge to play. See you at noon PST/3pm EST on the 13 at Play.LasVegasAdvisor.com. nouncements as we get ’em.

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