Today's News
Compiled by LVA Research
• November 3, 2009 Card Counters Win in IN:
Last week, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled in favor of an advantage player who was banned from the Rising Sun riverboat for counting cards. Noting that the casino had not asked state regulators for explicit permission to '86' card counters, the court also held that barring advantage players conflicted with Indiana casinos' specific directive to "benefit the people of Indiana by promoting tourism and assisting economic development." Indiana casinos could still petition the state to issue a new rule addressing this gray area but for now it's 'game on' for advantage players in the Hoosier State.
• November 3, 2009 Another Buffet Cut-Back:
Last month M Resort axed breakfast from its buffet; now Silverton has discontinued breakfast during the week. They still serve brunch from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• November 3, 2009 Job Fair for New Bar:
Pete's, the new dueling piano bar that opens at Town Square later this month, is holding a 2-day open job fair for all positions today and tomorrow from noon to 5 p.m.
• November 3, 2009 Vote in Our Reader Poll:
Our current survey asks whether the economic climate (or other factors) will affect your travel plans to Las Vegas next year. It closes at midnight, when a new one will go live, so don't forget to vote if you haven't already. Thanks!
• November 3, 2009 Cirque Hearts Locals:
While the long-running Cirque du Soleil anniversary special for all (buy one ticket, get a second for $25) has expired, the group says it plans to offer holiday deals to locals for its Las Vegas shows. Customers who buy a regularly priced ticket for Mystere, O, LOVE, KÀ, Criss Angel Believe or Zumanity will get a second ticket for $25, plus a $25 gift certificate toward another ticket purchase or for use in Cirque du Soleil gift stores. The offer will run from sometime in November through February.
• November 2, 2009 Major Delays on I-15:
The northbound lane of the freeway is at a standstill from Sahara following a rush-hour horse-trailer crash. Avoid the area at all cost if you possibly can.
• November 2, 2009 Kaplan Gets 51 Months"
Betonsports Plc online gambling site founder Gary S. Kaplan has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for his role in the company's violation of U.S. laws banning the placement of bets by wire. The Federal Bureau of Prisons may award him credit for 31 months he's already spent in federal custody. In August Kaplan pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and forfeited $43.7 million. In 2004 Betonsports.com took in $1.25 billion, 98% of which was from U.S. customers.
• November 2, 2009 MGM Grand Buffet Update:
As we had suspected, the prices sent to us by MGM Grand this morning did not reflect the recent changes they'd implemented across the board. Check out the listing in our Buffet section for the correct prices for these and every other buffet meal in Las Vegas.
• November 2, 2009 Vegas to Go Child-Friendly Again: After the 1990s attempts to promote the city as a family-friendly destination were abandoned, Las Vegas focused on promoting itself as an adult playground once more. This could be about to change, with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority pressing for a county code change that would allow casinos to provide temporary day care for conventions.
Current Clark County regulations allow resorts to set up permanent play areas for children (you can find them listed in our Las Vegas Visitor Guide) but not the licensing of temporary child care at casino-convention areas, which it's feared could be a deterrent for some would-be business traffic.
• November 2, 2009 Hard Rock to Reimburse Boot It Victims:
Hard Rock Marketing Director Phil Shalala today announced that the property will reimburse drivers hit by $200 car booting fines and tow threats for using the parking lot across the street at Paradise and Harmon. The property's own parking lot has been severely reduced in size in recent months due to ongoing construction work, and patrons using the strip mall opposite have been hit by steep parking fines. The Hard Rock is complaining that "No Parking" signs are too obscure and hard to read and that the "Boot It" company employed by businesses in the mall has been using heavy-handed tactics against Hard Rock patrons. "It's just ridiculous. It's obnoxious and it's really not necessary," commented Shalala to FOX5 News. The casino will offer a $200 credit to anyone who can show their receipt after paying the parking fine.
• November 2, 2009 Vegas Top Ten Real Estate Values:
LasVegasAdvisor.com associate Robin Camacho has upgraded her unique "Las Vegas Real Estate Top 10 Values" feature to bring you the best deals in the Vegas real estate market in real time. Whether you're looking to move house, relocate here, or purchase a second home, Robin's constantly updated listings will give you the current lowdown, plus you'll find a link to a complete list of all Las Vegas properties currently in foreclosure. For Robin's analysis of the real estate market, check out her House Advantage blog.
• November 2, 2009 All-Dayer Canceled:
Effective immediately, MGM Grand has discontinued its all-day buffet special, that enabled diners to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a set price of $33.33 ($39.78 on weekends). Regular meal prices continue, with breakfast at $14.50, lunch $17.50, and dinner $25.99 ($27.99 Friday and Saturday).
• November 2, 2009 Boyd Still After Station: Boyd Gaming Corp. continues to pursue Station Casions, yesterday filing a motion in the bankruptcy proceedings asking the court to allow the company to submit a reorganization plan for its competitor.
Boyd was rejected earlier this year when it offered to buy a large portion of Station and is now asking the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Reno to appoint an examiner so other parties can offer competing reorganization plans. Last week Station asked for a four-month extension to propose its own plan to reorganize its finances. The current deadline is Nov. 25.
• November 1, 2009 Football Field Report:
Here's a report from Venetian/Palazzo. Lagasse's Stadium is a monster, with big screens and big crowds, but be prepared to pay $6.50 per beer. Oooph! Upstairs at First Food, the scene's not the same, but you can get a Bloody Mary with a Slim Jim garnish for $7.
• November 1, 2009 Pumpkin Disposal:
Talking of the Springs Preserve, the environmentally-friendly attraction is offering a complimentary pumpkin composting service through November 22. Alternatively, you can dispose of your unwanted Jack ‘o Lanterns by donating them to the North Las Vegas pig farm. R.C. Farms is located at 555 E. El Campo Grande Ave (702/642-0350).
• November 1, 2009 PT’s Promo:
Starting today, through November 30, the PT’s chain of pubs and taverns is giving away a portable 8.5" screen portable DVD player every day. Every 10 points earned by a Golden Rewards member grants them one entry into the drawings, which will take place at 10 p.m. nightly.
• November 1, 2009 Day of the Dead Festival:
From 3 to 9 p.m. today Las Vegas Springs Preserve will celebrate its first-ever Día de los Muertos festival, with activities including face painting, sugar skull decorating, Mariachis, dance performances, scary storytelling rides, and a Day of the Dead-themed play. There are cash prizes for the winners in the best altar contest, with $1,000 for first place, $650 for second, and $350 for third. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

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