Las Vegas News

Las Vegas This Weekend:

It's going to be hot hot hot this weekend, with temperatures consistently in the 100-degree range, so if you want to be outside, take advantage of all the pool parties (we’ll be listing them all on our home page from tomorrow) or else catch some al fresco jazz or check out the local arts scene downtown at First Fridays (if you're there, be sure to swing by the launch party for our latest publication, Beneath the Neon -- see "Other" for details. Music:) Local boys The Killers play the Hard Rock (06/01/07); Clint Holmes’ Original Musical Just Another Man , starts this weekend at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre (06/01/07-06/24/07); Creedence Clearwater Revisited will be at the Orleans (06/01/07-06/02/07); James Darren performs at the Suncoast (06/01/07-06/03/07); Viva! will be at the Cannery (06/01/07), along with the KWNR Country Summer Bash (06/02/07); Wayman Tisdale plays Green Valley Ranch (06/01/07); and The Sax Pak performs inside their new Ovation venue (06/03/07); Jazz in the Park will be at the Clark County Amphitheater (06/02/07); pianist Lang Lang will be on the floating stage out at Lake Las Vegas (06/02/07); The Higher plays at Mandalay Bay (06/02/07); The Ohio Players are at Boulder Station (06/02/07); The Stylistics will be at the Silverton (06/02/07); and The Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam 2007 will be hosted by Planet Hollywood (06/03/07) Comedy: Howie Mandel's still at the MGM Grand (05/28/07-06/13/07); Ray Romano performs at the Mirage (06/01/07); and Robert Schimmel's at the Monte Carlo (06/01/07-06/02/07) Other: The 7th annual Vegas Cruise, featuring classic cars and free concerts, will be downtown on Fremont Street (06/01/07-06/03/07); also downtown it's First Friday time again (06/01/07) -- check out the book-launch party for Beneath the Neon: Life and Death in the Tunnels of Las Vegas from 6-8 p.m. at the Arts Factory (107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 201); there will be a fashion show at Tangerine inside TI to celebrate the launch of Copawear's 2007 summer swimwear line (06/01/07); the Ride for Tom Urbanski is happening at Hogs & Heifers (06/03/07); World Extreme Cage Fighting will be at the Hard Rock (06/03/07); the Las Vegas Best in Dog Show will be at the Orleans (06/02/07), as will the Gladiators vs. Arizona game (06/03/07); and over at the Miracle Mile Shops V Theatre at Planet Hollywood it’s the grand opening of Mamis Las Vegas the new Latin night club (06/01/07) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Happy Birthday Monti Rock III!:

Yes, it's Monti's birthday and the "Most Colorful Character" in Vegas (as voted by the R-J will be celebrating at the Rock House Bar (where else?) in front of the Imperial Palace, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. this evening. Expect showgirls, cupcakes, strippers, and magic at this free but space-limited event.

Rehab Lunch Box:

The retail store at the Hard Rock Retail is now offering the "Rehab Lunch Box," a spinoff from the famous pool party's. The kit, which sells in a stainless steel box for $1,200, includes a VIP pass to the entire 2007 Rehab season for the member and two guests, with no wait or cover charge. This box also includes logo'd ribbed tank, lip balm, sunscreen, wristband, condoms, mirror, and luggage tag.

New Country Venue Comin':

Stoney Gray, one of the operators behind Gilley's in the New Frontier, will be opening a massive new country venue this summer on Las Vegas Blvd. Sth., three miles south of Mandalay Bay. Stoney's Rockin' Country will feature over 20,000 square feet of live music, line-dancing, mechanical bull riding, and two full-service bars.

Roller Coaster Promotion:

In celebration of their millionth run, The Roller Coaster at New York-New York is extending a special $1 re-ride offer all day (10:30 a.m.-midnight) Friday, June 1. Tickets are $12.50 and re-rides are regularly $6.

New Pool Party:

Platinum Hotel and Spa, the new non-gaming resort on E. Flamingo, has joined the ever-swelling ranks of venues offering summer pool parties. Platinum's "Dine and Unwind" events are free and open to all (no age restriction) and take place from sundown on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring movie screenings and concert videos from 8:30 p.m., plus specialty cocktails, appetizers, gourmet popcorn, and candies. The Restaurant also offers a special four-course prix fixe menu for $39 per person. For more details about upcoming events call 702/636.2525.

New Look "Vegas TV" Listings:

If you haven't seen it already, hit the "Vegas TV" link under the "Vegas Info" section on our home page and check out our all new-and-improved weekly television listings. From poker to Penn & Teller, crime shows to cookery, and movies to magic, if it's gambling- or Vegas-related, we list it. And while before you had to scroll through a whole week's worth of information on one continous page, our new system means it's easily searchable by the day of the week. If you don't know about this feature and are a fan of Vegas, you should definitely add it to your "favorites;" and if you're already a regular, then we hope you like the redesign (we've already had one vote of confidence, so that's a good start!)

777:

With the big 777 less than a month away -- July 7, 2007 -- casinos are unveiling plans to capitalize. Some of those plans are discussed in an article in today's USA Today. They include a $1,777 wedding package at Madalay Bay, and a $7,707 package at the Ritz at Lake Las Vegas that offers two nights on the 7th floor, 7 hours of spa treatment, and a $777 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus.

Jacko Auction at Hard Rock:

This Wednesday and Thursday, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will host what's being called the largest auction of Jackson family memorabilia ever. Costumes, documents, and other mementoes belonging to Michael, Janet, and other members of the famous family are expected to fetch millions of dollars from bidders from around the globe when they go under the hammer later this week. The sale comes following a settlement with Michael Jackson, who had originally tried to block it from taking place.

Project Proceeding:

The Texas businessman who has proposed building a 1,888-foot hotel-condo project on the site of the former Wet 'n Wild park on the Strip has reportedly made a $40 million land-option payment to retain control of the 27-acre site. If completed, the tower would be 739 feet taller than the Stratosphere; however, many issues, including getting FAA permission, remain to be settled.

Cannery Blood Drive:

Donate blood at the Cannery on Monday, May 28 (10 am-6 pm) or Tuesday, May 29 (9 am-5 pm) and receive 2 free buffets, 1000 American can Club points and a special t-shirt. Walk-in or call ahead at 702-228-8400, ext. 241.

Ivana's Condo Site Up for Sale:

The site that was to be the site of Ivana Trump's condominium tower is about to go up for sale. The price for the two-acre lot located on the NE corner of Sahara and the Strip is reportedly $50 million.

Town is Packed:

The three-day weekend has created another overflow weekend in Las Vegas. Almost 300,000 visitors and 96% occupancy were projected. Expect long lines at, coming and going, at the airport.

Toto at Boulder:

Toto plays the Railhead at Boulder Station today. This is one of our favorite small venues to see a concert; tickets are $27.50-$62.50.

Bet21 Overlay Possible:

The monthly Bet21 $25,000 guarantee runs today at 8 pm EST; entry is 200+15. The tournament needs 118 players to be even equity and with 3-1/2 hours till start, there are currently fewer than 60 signed up.

Summer Monorail Deal:

Beginning today, May 26, the Las Vegas Monorail will be offering a promotional summer fare for its one-day pass. Usually $15, the new summer rate will be $8, plus to launch the new promotion, all locals will be able to travel for free throughout Memorial Day weekend. From 1 p.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow, there will also be a series of festivities at all stations, including live music, entertainers, contests and giveaways, and opportunities to meet with performers from several Vegas shows.

Trump Tops Off:

The ceremonial topping off of the first Trump tower took place yesterday. Trump indicated that the 1,282-unit condo came in under its $600 million budget and made $1.3 billion in sales. The buyers won't begin moving in, however, until the middle of 2008 at the earliest.

This Weekend in Vegas:

This Memorial Day weekend is big on parties and small on memorials, we have to say. There's an eruption of big-name comedy, some equally big players in the music section (check our full listings for the smaller ones), plus the Las Vegas marathon, among other things – watch out for extensive road closures and even bigger traffic snarls than usual. Music headliners: The Mandalay Bay Events Center hosts Tiger Jam X with Bon Jovi (05/26/07), while Styx are on stage at Mandalay Bay Beach (05/27/07); Liza Minnelli's back at the Luxor (05/25/07-05/28/07); old-time offbeat rappers Digital Underground perform at Polly Esthers inside the Stratosphere (05/27/07); old-time favorites The Checkmates will be performing at Arizona Charlie's Boulder (05/22/07-05/27/07); Gino Vannelli's at the Flamingo (05/23/07-05/27/07); Air Supply's at the Orleans (05/24/07-05/27/07); soulstress Anita Baker will be at the Hard Rock (05/25/07), while Dread Zeppelin performs as a part of the Friday Night Live concert series (05/25/07) former American Idol Bo Bice will be at Santa Fe Station (05/25/07); Collective Soul performs at Green Valley Ranch (05/25/07-05/26/07); at Boulder Station it's Delbert McClinton (05/25/07) and Toto (05/26/07); the Little River Band will be at the Silverton (05/26/07-05/27/07); and the Cannery hosts a free Summer of Fun Kick-off concert (05/26/07) Comedy: Jay Leno's still at the Mirage (05/25/07-05/27/07); Mike Epps performs at Mandalay Bay (05/25/07); Tony Orlando will be at the Suncoast (05/25/07-05/27/07); Andrew Dice Clay's at the Wyrick Entertainment Complex (05/26/07-05/27/07); Robin Williams headlines at MGM Grand (05/27/07), followed by Howie Mandel (05/28/07-06/13/07); Orny Adams and Craig Robinson will be over at the Playboy Comedy Club at the Palms, featuring a live jazz trio (05/26/07) and Beacher's Madhouse returns to the Hard Rock (05/26/07); and Don Rickles (is he really still alive?) will be signing autographs at Borders on Rainbow Blvd. (05/26/07) and will perform at the Golden Nugget (05/25/07-05/27/07) Parties: It's Summer of Love at the Palms (05/25/07-05/27/07); Fun with Dick, Ron, and John at Polly Esther's inside the Stratosphere (05/25/07); Andrei Arlovski and Bruce Buffer's after-fight party will be at Scores (05/26/07); Chuck Liddell's after-fight party's at Studio 54 inside the MGM Grand (05/26/07); Erick Morillo DJs at Tao inside the Venetian (05/27/07); and Lil John DJs at Body English at the Hard Rock (05/27/07) Other: Aaron Kwok will be at the Orleans (05/27/07); UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson will be at the MGM Grand (05/26/07); as will David Copperfield (05/23/07-05/27/07); the Las Vegas Marathon starts and ends at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (05/26/07); Hogs & Heifers downtown hosts Blues, Brews, & BBQ (05/27/07); and the 2nd Annual Drop Dead Gorgeous Beauty Pageant will be around the corner and down the street at the Beauty Bar (05/27/07) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Free Buffet for Military:

Active or retired Military can show their ID on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 at the Garden Buffet at South Point for a FREE breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet.

BetonSports Pleads Guilty:

BetonSports, PLC, admitted today to its involvement in a racketeering conspiracy. As part of the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri agreed that as long as the company lives up to its obligations under the plea agreement, including supplying witnesses and evidence in the pending cases against co-defendants, no further criminal prosecution will be brought in that District. By pleading guilty to the racketeering conspiracy charge, the company admits that it conducted an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering acts, including repeated mail and wire fraud, operated an illegal gambling business, laundered money, and admitted to multiple state gambling felony charges. The fines are likely to be substantial.

Movies and Money:

South Point Casino is giving away $20 in free slot play for new slot club members who sign up for the club from May 25-31 with any Century South Point movie ticket stub. Complete rules are available at the Club and the offer expires May 31 at midnight. Must be 21.

New Display at Bellagio:

It's time for a seasonal change in the Bellagio conservatory and lazy days cruising Route 66 is apparently the theme for the summer display, which will be on show through September 15. The centerpiece is a colorful country fair featuring sunflowers, tent tops, and a 42-foot Ferris wheel, plus a 1962 Corvette convertible on loan from the National Corvette Museum.

Trump Terminates A.C.:

Nope, Donald Trump hasn't yet pulled out of Atlantic City, but he has fired our very own Anthony Curtis. Tomorrow's QoD was to have consisted of a chance for you all to send in questions for our fearless leader to pose to The Donald, who had invited him (among only a handful of others) to a one-on-one interview session as part of the topping-off ceremony for his new Vegas tower. But before he even got there, A.C. was fired. Yup, it seems that in the wake of his resignation from "The Apprentice," the Donald is taking every last opportunity to terminate anyone within a five-mile radius of him and without warning has canned all but two of tomorrow's appointments. Our suspicion is that he got cold feet when his aides warned him of Anthony's razor-sharp intellect and acerbic wit; all that we can say is that the loss is his. Instead, we shall have to revert to Plan A and the lurid history of prostitution in our fair city, which is obviously far less interesting than 15 minutes with a balding builder. Sorry.

Latest on Tracinda Move:

MGM Mirage's board of directors met for the first time yesterday since Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. announced its desire to buy Bellagio and Project CityCenter. So far no one on either side has commented publicly, but MGM Mirage is expected to form a committee of non-management, non-Tracinda board members to consider the proposal. Meanwhile, shares rose 27%, or $17.98, to $79.98 yesterday, before retreating 46 cents in after-hours trading to $79.52.

Today's QoD:

If you enjoyed today's Question of the Day about the ultimate list of Vegas/gambling songs, then be sure to check back during the day, as new suggestions are still coming in and being added. And also be sure to check in for tomorrow's QoD -- it's something a little bit different and presents an opportunity that many of you might like to take advantage of...

Fiesta Poker Update:

Further to yesterday's item about the closure of the Fiesta Rancho's poker room, note that the noon tournament has been taken over by Texas Station. They have no plans to run the midnight session, however.

Poker Room Closed:

The Fiesta Rancho has closed its 5-table poker room. More slots will fill its void.

Open Bar at Almaza Tonight:

In celebration of hookah lounge Almaza's first anniversary today, spyonvegas.com's Open Bar series will be hosting ... yup, you got it, an open bar with hors d'oeuvres, plus fashion show, at the venue tonight. Location: 9890 S. Maryland Pkwy. For more info. call 702/450-1030.

Melting Magic Stunt Halted:

High winds and high temperatures halted magician Nathan Burton's quest to spend 24 hours inside a giant M-shaped block of ice in front of the Miracle Mile Shops on the Las Vegas Strip yesterday. Burton entered the 15-ton block of ice Monday at 10:45 a.m. but was forced to exit after only seven hours and 30 minutes as temperatures in the high 90s, stronger-than-anticipated UV rays, and wind gusts reaching 30 miles an hour apparently all combined to melt the ice at an unexpectedly fast pace. The ill-fated stunt was part of the campaign to "de-theme" the shopping mall formerly known as Desert Passage.

New AA Flights Direct From JFK:

American Airlines has just announced the launch of a new nonstop service between New York's JFK and Las Vegas' McCarran International airport. The service will begin September 5, offering one daily flight in each direction.

Kerkorian Moves on Bellagio and CityCenter:

Kirk Kerkorian has announced intentions to "enter into negotiations" for Bellagio and Project CityCenter, the two high-end jewels of MGM Mirage. Given that Kerkorian owns 56% of MGM Mirage, the move is being viewed as something similar to recent deals by several companies to go private. However, the carving out of these two assets leaves questions regarding the fate of the rest of the company's casino inventory (Mirage, Mandalay Bay, etc.), which could also go private if conditions dictated.

Magician Encased in Ice:

From 10 a.m. this morning, magician Nathan Burton will encase himself in a 10-ton ice 'M' for 24-hours to celebrate Miracle Mile Shops' (formerly Desert Passage) new name. During his ordeal he will be kept company by 96 showgirls, including Miss Alaska, who will rotate in and out of the ice in their swimwear. Only in Vegas.

Gambling in Parade:

Today's Parade magazine, which is bundled with many Sunday newspapers, contains an article titled "Is Gambling Good for America." The article presents arguments on the positive and negative side (economic benefits vs. costs associated with addiction), but doesn't side either way.

Casting Call at Bare Pool Today:

"Beauty and the Geek," the hit MTV show produced by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, will be holding an open casting call today from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Bare Pool Lounge at the Mirage. They're searching for "beautiful, sexy, and social-savvy women who can turn a geek into a stud."

Southwest Vegas Deals:

As part of its "summer of LUVing you" promotion, Southwest Airlines is offering a range of deals for vacation packages (flight and accommodation) to Las Vegas, with savings of up to $75 per booking, plus discounts on show tickets, Grand Canyon Tours, shopping, and other activities. Participating resorts include Bellagio, The Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons, MGM Grand, THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and Signature at MGM Grand. For more information or reservations, visit http://southwestvacations.com/ or call 800/423-5683

Locals Deal at TI Spa:

Wet, the spa at TI, is offering locals 20% off spa and salon treatments Sundays through Wednesdays. Reservations are suggested. Call 888/702-6777 for more information or to book.

High Roller Martini:

Through June 30, The Capital Grille (located on the 3rd floor of the Fashion Show Mall) will be serving a $1,000 "High Roller" martini. The drink price includes a pave diamond stack ring and for each martini sold, the restaurant will donate $500 to Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit organization that fights hunger.

Ralph Nader Book Signing:

Consumer activist Ralph Nader will be signing copies of his latest book, The Seventeen Traditions, in which he passes on lessons learned from his parents, siblings, and wider community from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. today in The Reading Room at Mandalay Place.

Double Dose of Vegas:

Today's USA Today contains two brief Las Vegas references, both in the "Life" section. The first is an article about crowd congestion. The second is a selection of the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas as one of the "10 Great Places to Rekindle Connubial Passion."

Another Pool Party:

...at Suncoast on Sunday, May 20th from 4-8 pm. The "Island Bash" features craft tables, vendors, and free entertainment by Danny Estocado & Friends. Admission is free but you must pick up a ticket from the Suncoast Box Office.

Vegas This Weekend:

It's definitely hotting up early this year and this weekend looks set to be a scorcher, so here are some ideas of how to have fun and stay cool: Music: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be performing at the new Ovation Lounge inside Green Valley Ranch (05/18/07), as will Emerson Drive (05/19/07); Buddy Guy's at the House of Blues (05/18/07) and Ziggy Marley and Robert Randolph will be at the Mandalay Bay Beach (05/19/07); Chazz is performing at Jerry's Nugget (05/18/07); The Gathering featuring The Bravery, They Might Be Giants, Shiny Toy Guns, Silversun Pickups, and Plain White T's were scheduled to play the Orleans but it's been moved to the Hard Rock (all tickets will be honored, no exchange necessary) (05/18/07); Third Eye Blind also play the Joint at the Hard Rock (05/19/07) while Everlast and DJ Muggs will play the 'Rock as part of the poolside Friday Night Live concert series (05/18/07); Joe Bonamasa will be at the Canyon Club inside the Four Queens (05/18/07-05/19/07); John Legend's out at Lake Las Vegas as a part of the Bon Appetit Culinary and Wine Festival (05/18/07); Quest for the Best (05/18/07) and Paul Rodgers (05/19/07) will be at the Cannery [look out for Anthony Curtis at that one!]; Hello Goodbye will be at the Henderson Pavilion (05/19/07); The Australian Bee Gees Show's at the Suncoast (05/18/07-05/20/07); The Whispers will be at Texas Station (05/18/07); and .38 Special and Kansas play Sunset Station (05/19/07) Comedy:Howie Mandel's headlining at the MGM (05/17/07-05/22/07); Steven Wright's at the Orleans (05/17/07-05/20/07); Jay Leno's still at the Mirage (05/18/07-05/19/07); and Lisa Lampanelli's at the House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay (05/19/07) Other: The Helldorado Days Parade will be downtown (05/19/07); Bon Appetit's Culinary and Wine will be featured at four locations this weekend starting with Caesars Palace (05/17/07-05/18/07); the Bellagio (05/18/07-05/20/07); then the Wynn (05/18/07-05/19/07); and last but not least the Lake Las Vegas Resort (05/18/07-05/19/07) [check out the QoD archives for a big prior feature on this one]. For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

More Titanic & Bodies:

Both Bodies...the Exhibition and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will be extending their run at the Tropicana once again and now will run through Labor Day weekend to Monday September 3.

Criss Angel Book Signing:

Illusionist Criss Angel, who's working on a new collaborative show for the Luxor with Cirque de Soleil, will be signing copies of his book, Mindfreak: Secret Revelations at The Reading Room at Mandalay Place from 7:30-9:30 p.m. this evening.

New Bid for the Riv:

The number has been raised again in what has turned into a bidding war for the Riviera. Riv Acquisitions has offered $34 per share, upping the $30 per-share bid recently submitted by Bruce Eichner and Dune Capital Management. Stay tuned.

Preakness Perk:

Receive a Triple Crown t-shirt with a $20 wager at Terrible’s on Preakness Race Day, Saturday, May 19. At Arizona Charlie’s Boulder or Decatur, place a $20 or more bet on the Preakness and receive a free Race Hat.

Poker Pros Defeated at WSOG:

A day trader from Newport Beach has out-matched some of the world's greatest poker pros to be crowned champ of the inaugural World Series of Golf, which concluded today. In an event that combines the wagering format of Texas Hold 'Em with the skill of golf, Mark Ewing successfully knocked out poker pros Phil Ivey and Rhett Butler and sealed his victory by betting "all-in" on his approach shot on the 373-yard par-4 16th hole at Primm Valley Golf Club. He'll split the $250,000 top prize with his caddie. Other participants in the event included HP's own Blair Rodman (of "Kill Phil" fame) and Max Rubin (author of "Comp City" and host of CBS's "Ultimate Blackjack Tour"), UBT founder and former WSOP champion Russ Hamilton, poker pro Phil Gordon, and actress Tanya Roberts. The World Series of Golf will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports June 23 and 24.

Promo Changes at Stations:

Two multi-property Station Casinos promotions have changed for June. The $600,000 Shop Til You Drop giveaway at Fiesta Rancho, Santa Fe Station, and Texas Station has been cancelled. The $250,000 Cash & Free Slot Play Blow Out Drawings has been moved from Boulder Station, Fiesta Henderson, and Sunset Station to Fiesta Rancho, Santa Fe Station, and Texas Station, with drawings to be held every Friday & Saturday at 8:15 p.m., for prizes ranging from $100 in free slot play to $2,000 cash. Must be a Boarding Pass or Amigo Club member to participate. For more details please visit the Rewards Center.

New Frontier Sold:

Rumors earlier this year that the New Frontier would be sold to Israli-owned El Ad Properties have come to fruition. El Ad will reportedly purchase the 36-acre resort for $1.2 billion, setting the price-per-acre at more than $33 million. The new owners intend to demolish the existing buildings and erect a new resort themed on New York City's Plaza Hotel. Seven adjoining acres that house the Trump Towers were not included in the deal.

New Web Coupon for Members:

We're again pleased to offer a 2-for-1 deal from Successful Pleasure Painting Tours. If you fancy trying your hand at landscape painting, the company offers day-trips to Red Rock Canyon or Mt. Charleston and provides all instruction, equipment, materials, and a picnic. Check out our "Daily Deals" section in the "Members" area for for information about this and our other printable Web coupons.

ICE Discounts for Locals:

From now through the end of June, Clark County residents can get half-price tickets for ICE: Direct From Russia, the new show at the Riviera. The discounted tickets are available for 8 p.m. performances only, Saturday through Thursday through June 30. The half-price offer will be taken from regular ticket prices -- $59.95 and $69.95 -- plus applicable fees and charges. To receive the offer, you must purchase your tickets in person and present a valid drivers license or state ID card at the box office. For further information call 702-794-9433, or visit www.rivierahotel.com.

$10 savings on Lance Burton:

Save $10 per ticket to see "Lance Burton: Master Magician" when you prurchase tickets online at: www.monte-carlo.com It's rare to ever find a discount on his show!

Wynn Dealers Vote for Union:

Dealers at Wynn Las Vegas have voted to unionize by a tally of 444-149. They will be represented by the Transport Workers Union of America. Ongoing disgruntlement over imposed tip-sharing (with floor personel) is credited for the landslide result.

Foreigner at the Beach:

Foreigner plays at the Madalay Bay pool tonight. Tickets are $65 and include an after-party in the Moorea Beach Club.

Maloof Scores:

The "Free Paris" marquee at the Palms that's referenced in an earlier "Today's News" item is part of a promotion for the casino's new Bistro Buffet. While "Free Paris" dominates the billboard, the word "Trip" appears below in very small print. Now, in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, a similar add appears with the phone number 942-6840. When you call it, you get a recording of Palms owner George Maloof talking about a contest for a free trip to Paris, France for eating at the buffet. Good campaign.

Mother’s Day Video Poker:

Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13: ---Hit 4 queens at the Eldorado or Joker’s Wild Casino (both in Henderson) and receive a 100 coin bonus. See rules and limitations posted in the casinos. ---Four queens pays double at the Fiesta Rancho. On Sunday, May 13, get those four lucky ladies (a 4 of-a-kind in queens) on your favorite video poker machine, and the casino will double your win. You must be playing maximum bets and playing with your Amigo Club card inserted to collect on the promotion. Also, some machines are excluded from the promotion so be sure to check ahead with an attendant before playing. ---On Sunday, May 13th, gamers visiting the Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino will have the chance to double their payout by hitting a natural four of a kind in queens. Winners must be Club Nugget members to participate. For complete rules and details visit www.pahrumpnugget.com

Jam For a Wish Canceled:

Due to changes in participating artists' schedules, Station Casinos and KWNR (95.5 FM) have announced the cancellation of "Jam for a Wish," a benefit concert for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, that was to have taken place at Green Valley Ranch Monday, May 14. Those who have purchased tickets can go to their original point of purchase for a full refund. All phone and internet orders will be automatically refunded to the credit card with which the purchase was made.

Another Bid for the Riv:

A new bid of $30 per share has been tendered for the Riviera by Bruce Eichner, developer of the Cosmopolitan resort. The bid tops the most recent offer of $27 by Riv Acquisition Holdings, which was rejected.

W Canceled:

The big mixed-use casino and condo project, W, has been officially canceled. This is the third Harmon Avenue project to be scuttled in the past two years, following the cancelations of Las Ramblas and a build-out of the Hard Rock (though a second Hard Rock project has been announced by its new owners). The Edge Group, which was behind W, is said to be seeking a buyer for 47 acres of land it purchased for $5- to $10-million per acre, which could now draw as much as $12- to $20-million per, depending on how it's sold.

Palms and Hilton:

Evidence of the stong link between the Palms and Paris Hilton can be found on the casino's marquee. In response to Hilton's sentencing to serve 45 days in jail for a probation violation, both sides of the big sign on Flamingo read "Free Paris."

Las Vegas This Weekend:

After the madness of last week's big fight and all the other hullabaloo, this is a slightly more sedate weekend, which is probably a good thing as it's too darned hot for anything too strenuous. There's plenty going on for moms, from free swimming and dinner dances to ballet and Johnny Mathis. Not to mention extreme cage fighting and a Motorhead festival. Happy Sunday, moms! Music/Comedy: The VH1 Rock Honors will be held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (5/12/07); Foreigner will be at the Mandalay Bay Beach (5/13/07); Chicago headlines at the MGM Grand (5/11/07-5/16/07); Elton John will be back at Caesars with his Red Piano (5/11/07-5/13/07); Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers Rock will perform a free gig at Harrah's (5/10/07-5/12/07); Chris Isaak's out at Lake Las Vegas (5/11/07); Jimmy Hopper will be at the Suncoast (5/12/07-5/13/07); The Donnas will play the Hard Rock as part of the poolside Friday Night Live concert series (5/11/07); Johnny Mathis will be at the Hilton (5/11/07-5/12/07), as will Paul Anka (5/11/07-5/12/07); Stringfever's at the Suncoast (5/11/07). Comedy-wise, you've got Jay Leno, who continues his run at the Mirage (5/11/07-5/12/07); and Paul Rodriguez will be appearing at the Orleans (5/11/07-5/13/07). Mothers Day: Moms are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne and a flower from McMullan's Irish Pub (5/13/07); Nevada Ballet Theatre is presenting Bruce Steivel's Peter Pan (5/11/07-5/13/07); The Reed Whipple Cultural Center will celebrate by having a lunch and concert for all (5/13/07); the Municipal Pool will offer free recreational swimming for mom when accompanied by her children, starting at noon (5/13/07); the 2nd Annual Mother's Day Dinner & Dance will be held at the Charleston Heights Arts Center (5/12/07); a Mommy Day Dance will be held at the Veterans Memorial Leisure Services Center and offer special prize basket raffles (5/12/07), and they're also hosting For Your Mom Craft (5/12/07); finally, the West Community Center will host the Mother’s Day Brunch and Fashion Show (5/12/07). Other: The World Extreme Cage Fighting champs will battle at the Hard Rock (5/12/07); The Mirage will be hosting the 2007 Miss Hawaiian Tropic International Pageant (5/10/07-5/14/07); the 12th Annual Motorhead Festival will be at Hooters (5/11/07-5/12/07); the 1st Annual Lee's Beer Experience will be at the Tuscany (5/12/07); and the Suncoast will be hosting the West Coast Regional Finals Rodeo (5/11/07-5/12/07) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Venetian Blackjack Tourney:

The Venetian's Ultimate Blackjack Tour Circuit Event takes place tomorrow, with registration tonight from 4 to 7 pm. UBT Circuit Events are open to the public and have reduced buy-ins -- this one is $500+$40, and there will be up to two $250 re-entries. Following tonight's registration, there will be an Elimination Blackjack seminar conducted by Ken Einiger, Hollywood Dave Stann, and Anthony Curtis. Then the usual Friday-night Venetian sit-n-gos will begin around 8. Lots of Elimination Blackjack at the Venetian this weekend. Come play or just check out the action.

April Worst Month for A.C.:

Atlantic City's casino revenues continued their downward spiral with April's take declining by nearly 10 percent on the same period last year. The city's 11 casinos reported taking in $396.8 million in April, with several observers speculating that 2007 could actually be the first losing year for New Jersey's casinos, since the first one opened in 1978. The results are attributable to a number of factors, including competition from the newly legalized slot parlors in Pennsylvania and New York, the stringent new smoking restrictions, and unseasonally bad weather this spring.

Sin City Spread:

Today's USA Today contains a big story titled "Sin City Uncovered," that discusses the racy side of Las Vegas. It's a good overview with quotes from several on the scene, including LVA's Anthony Curtis. One telling statistic: There were 13 topless/nude clubs a decade ago, 31 today.

Selleck Coming to "Las Vegas":

It's been announced that Tom Selleck will replace James Caan as the focal character on the NBC TV show "Las Vegas." Selleck will play the new owner of the fictional Montecito casino, which will make a bit more sense than Caan's role as the "surveillance chief" who, for some reason, was in charge of all resort operations.

One-Hundred Cars Per Day!:

According to a story in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, 100 extra cars per day are added to the Las Vegas traffic mix. This statistic helps put into perspective the city's growing traffic problems and the fast-approaching need for a transportation overhaul.

US Gambling Revenues Up:

According to a survey released yesterday by the American Gaming Association and reported by the Associated Press, gambling revenues at U.S. commercial casinos rose 6.8 percent to a record $32.4 billion in 2006. The survey collected data from state regulatory agencies on 460 commercial casinos in 11 states. The biggest gambling states by commercial casino revenue were Nevada at $12.6 billion, New Jersey at $5.2 billion, Indiana at $2.6 billion, Mississippi at $2.6 billion, Louisiana at $2.6 billion, and Illinois at $1.9 billion. The survey did not include the gambling revenues from 372 American Indian casinos in 28 states, 713 card rooms in five states, or 11,567 video lottery terminal locations in six states.

Game-Fixing in the News:

Today's USA Today contains another big story on sports-betting-related game-fixing. This one's notable for its comments from Henry Hill, the famous subject of the movie "Goodfellas," who was involved in the Boston College point-shaving incident in the '70s.

QoD Archives Close Tonight:

Here's a reminder that at midnight tonight, the Question of the Day archives will revert to their members-only status, so don't forget to visit them if there's something you missed and haven't yet read. And also don't forget to send us your favorites and any past questions that you'd like us to revisit and update. We hope you've all enjoyed the opportunity to view the back catalog -- now that you've had a chance to see all the things we've already addressed, just remember to keep those great new questions coming!

Beardless:

Las Vegas restaurants and chefs were shut out of this year's James Beard Awards. A few chefs with Las Vegas connections, including Joel Robuchon and Thomas Keller, were honored, but none for their restaurants here.

Road Closed:

A radio announcement this morning indicates that the road through Boulder Dam will be "closed tonight through tomorrow morning." We don't have any additional details, but be forewarned if you were planning to use that route.

New Poker Show Premieres:

A new comedy poker series premieres 9 p.m. ET/PT on the new MOJO hi-def channel (formerly INHD). The show's hosted by pro poker players Phil "the Unabomber" Laak and Antonio "the Magician" Esfandiari anda apparently involves the duo traveling round the country making outrageous bets with each other.

Luxor Bomb Kills One:

A bomb left on top of a car in the Luxor's parking garage exploded early this morning, killing the hotel employee who picked it up. A police spokesman said the blast was not a suspected terrorist act but an apparent act of murder and that the employee who lost his life was the intended victim. The parking structure did not suffer damage and has reopened since the police, firefighters, and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have completed their investigations.

Job Fair for New Nightspot:

From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today through May 9 ASIA, the new restaurant and nightspot located inside the Shops at the Miracle Mile (formerly Desert Passage) is holding a job fair seeking chefs, line cooks, cocktail waitresses, bartenders, bar backs, food runners, porters, cashiers, VIP hosts, security personnel, and dishwashers. If you're interested in any of these positions, call 702/794-2582 to schedule an appointment.

Israel OKs Flying Casinos:

Israel has given the go-ahead for "flying casinos" -- specially fitted planes that get around the country's gambling embargo by leaving Israeli airspace. The airborne casinos, operated by an Icelandic airline, will operate three flights a day, giving gamblers a four-hour spin. The project's due to commence next year.

Cinco de Mayo at MBay:

From noon to midnight enjoy food specials, Mexican beer, chilled tequila shots and free frozen tequila pops at the Border Grill restaurant at Mandalay Bay.

Ditch Fridays - Mini Report:

We just popped over to check it out and here's the word on the Palms' pool party. Allegedly there's a $20 cover for non-hotel guests but whether because it's the first of the year or whether it's because of the weather -- it's windy -- we weren't charged. There are $12 burgers, $6 beers, and plenty of beautiful people.

Beneath the Neon Signing:

If you're heading downtown to First Friday tonight, be sure to drop by the City Life stand for a chance to meet Matt O'Brien, author of our latest title, Beneath the Neon. It's a haunting title about the real Vegas underworld -- the people who inhabit the miles of storm drains beneath the city -- and it's already garnering rave reviews. The stand's on Casino Center Blvd., north of the Funk House, and Matt will be signing copies from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

Fiesta's New Party Pit Opens:

As part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Fiesta Rancho is launching its new fiesta-style party pit today. The pit will be open from 7 p.m.-4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights featuring music, prizes, and drink specials.

MGM Exec Blasts All-Star Game:

Terri Lanni, Chief Executive of MGM Mirage, has in part attributed blame for a drop in the company's anticipated first-quarter earnings on the rowdy crowds that invaded Las Vegas for the NBA All-Star Game. The event coincided with Chinese New Year, a big draw for Asian high rollers, but Lanni said many big players felt uncomfortable and stayed away from the tables and in their suites all weekend. The financial impact has soured the company on an NBA franchise coming to Vegas, Lanni stated.

New Direct Flights Vegas to A.C.:

A new nonstop flight connecting the nation's two main gambling hotspots began operating yesterday. Spirit Airlines will now be offering one flight each day each way to and from Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

DUI Saturation Patrols:

In light of all the events taking place in town this weekend, Metro will be conducting DUI saturation patrols throughout the weekend targeting drunk drivers. So do the smart thing and if you're out drinking, either have a designated driver or call a cab. You can find numbers for all the cab companies serving Las Vegas, including those now accepting credit cards, plus Designated Drivers, a company that offers a service transporting you and your vehicle home, in our Transportation section under "Vegas Info" on the home page. Have a fun and safe weekend.

Global Gaming in the News:

Today's USA Today ("Newsline" section) has a brief article titled "Legalized Gambling Branches Out Across Asia." It provides a good thumbnail of the burgeoning (and potential) markets in Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan, along with a cool photo of the Wynn marquee in the gambling center in Macau.

Vegas This BIG Weekend:

Of course the event this weekend is the big fight, but if you're after something a little more sedate or family-friendly, there's a heap of cultural stuff going on too with Cinco de Mayo, San Gennaro, and First Fridays all coinciding on one weekend. And it's the Kentucky Derby. And the beginning of pool party season. And, and … Aaggh! We’re going to explode! Headliners: Elton John's back at Caesars (5/8/07-5/9/07); Tom Jones will be at the MGM Grand (5/5/07-5/9/07); Kenny Chesney's performing at the Mandalay Bay Events Center (5/4/07); David Sanborn will appear at the Suncoast (5/4/07-5/6/07); and Ray Romano will be performing at the Mirage (5/4/07-5/5/07) De La Hoya vs. Mayweather: The actual fight takes place at MGM Grand, but if you don’t have a ticket and don't want to cough up the super-big bucks the scalpers will be asking to see it live, the following venues are all hosting closed-circuit viewing parties: Carmel at Bellagio; MGM Grand Pavillion, the Mirage, and TI (generally $50 per person, but call ahead as some, if not all of these events are likely sold out too); after-fight parties will take place at various venues including rumjungle, SCORES, and the Beach at the Hard Rock; and Rockstar will host a Cinco De Mayo, Supercross, & Fight Party at Paris Arts & Culture: It’s Jazz in the Park at the Clark County Amphitheater and it’s free! (5/5/07); the 5th Annual Tastes & Tunes Festival takes place in North Las Vegas (5/5/07-5/6/07); The San Gennaro Feast continues on the west side (5/4/07-5/6/07); and as for Cinco De Mayo, Mi Casa Grill Cantina, Agave in Summerlin, Casino Monte Lãgo at Lake Las Vegas, Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at Treasure Island, and the V Bar at the Venetian will all be celebrating (5/5/07) Other: As a warm-up to the big one on Saturday, the Cazares vs. Perez fight takes place at the MGM Grand (5/4/07), while the Palms' new Pearl venue will host its first fights with Eddie Chambers vs. Dominick Guinn and Cristobal Arreola vs. Malik Scott (5/4/07); South Point hosts a Kentucky Derby Party (5/5/07); Maxxis MiniMoto SX 2007 will be at the Orleans (5/4/07) along with the Gladiators vs. Los Angeles (5/6/07); Supercross 2007 will be taking place at Thomas and Mack (5/5/07); Hogs & Heifers hosts the 2nd Annual Hog Wild for Kids event (5/6/07); and over at Palace Station it's the Grand Prix Vegas Open Euchre, Spades, & Pincochle Tournament (5/5/07-5/6/07) Pool Parties: Bare Pool Lounge at Mirage will start off Cinco de Mayo weekend with an official Dos XX, 944 Magazine party (5/4/07) followed by leading local clubber Jack Colton’s 20 Most Beautiful People Party (5/6/07); LL Cool J will be performing as part of the Friday Night Live Pool Concert series at the Hard Rock (5/4/07) and the famous Sunday Rehab parties kick off (5/6/07); Ditch Fridays returns to the Palms (5/4/07); and Vince Neil celebrates Cinco De Mayo by performing poolside at the Flamingo and promoting his new tequila -- and it’s free! (5/5/07) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Euchre Tourney Tonight:

There will be a round robin euchre tournament at 7:30 p.m. tonight at MVP's -- expect a big crowd as plenty of euchre enthusiasts will be in town for the Euchre, Pinochle and Spades Grand Prix at Palace Station this weekend. For more information about either event, check out the listings under "Other" in our Tournament Search section under "Gambling Info," where you'll also find details of ongoing and upcoming poker, blackjack, slot tournaments, plus other casino games.

Armand Van Helden at Jet:

World-renowned DJ/remixer Armand Van Helden plays tonight at Jet nightclub at the Mirage. A not-to-be-missed event if you're a house fan.

Spider-Man Marathons:

Both the Galaxy Cannery Theatres and the Brenden Theatres at the Palms will be featuring marathon screenings of the new Spider-Man 3, commencing at 11:59 p.m. tonight. Both properties will be showing the movie for 72 hours straight, with the first 1,000 customers at the Cannery receiving a free T-shirt. The Palms will also be screening the IMAX version (the 6:10 p.m. screening on May 4 is a sold-out private viewing). Contact the box offices for exact times: 702/693-9779 (Galaxy) or 702/507-4849 (Brenden/IMAX).

New Backing for Online Gaming:

Papua New Guinea has just joined the growing ranks of countries supporting a regulated online gambling industry. Michael Somare, Prime Minister of the Pacific nation, was the driving force behind the new legislation, which passed by 61-0 votes. Under the new Gambling Control Bill, there will also be fees to enter into land-based casinos, which would be refunded at exiting. This is aimed to prevent those with gambling addiction or money problems from wagering.

Bette To Replace Celine - Official:

Bette Midler, has officially announced that she has signed a two-year deal to replace Celine Dion next February as the resident performer at the Colosseum, Caesars' 4,100-seat theater. Midler has signed to play five nights a week for 20 weeks of the next two years. Her shows will run 90 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $95 to $250 a seat, organizers said.

Poker in WSJ:

Today's Wall Street Journal has a front-page feature about a gathering of "game theorists, statisticians, law students, and gambling lobbyists" at Harvard that convened to debate whether poker is a game of luck or skill. Representing the poker players was Howard Lederer and Annie Duke. The article discusses the strong movement afoot to have poker recognized as a game of skill and legalized for play on the Internet and in other places that it is currently not legal.

Harrah's New Mega Beat Jackpot:

Harrah's Las Vegas has just launched a multi-property poker progressive Mega Beat Jackpot, giving poker enthusiasts the chance to earn $50,000 or more playing Texas Hold'em at any one of six participating Harrah's casinos during the promotion. Starting today, poker rooms at Harrah's, Flamingo, O'Sheas, Bally's, Paris and Harrah's Laughlin are introducing this jackpot promotion that makes designated losing hands a winner. The new Mega Beat Jackpot starts at $50,000 and increases daily the more the game is played without a winner. The initial qualifying hand to win is when four 10s or higher is beaten by a higher four-of-a-kind or better. Each week the Mega Beat Jackpot isn't won, the qualifying hand will drop numerically until the Mega Beat Jackpot is won. Once the jackpot's claimed, the prize will reset at $50,000 and the qualifying hand will return to four 10s.

Spider-Man Spotted in Vegas:

If you're driving down the Strip and think you saw Spider-Man out of the corner of your eye, you're not mistaken: He -- or at least a life-size replica of him -- is hanging off a ledge of the Venetian, where he'll remain through this weekend as part of Madame Tussaud's celebration of the new movie's premiere this Thursday. Watch out for our "Vegas This Weekend" item in this column tomorrow for a lowdown on all the Spider-Man events that will be taking place around town, including marathon screenings of Spider-Man III.

MTV Awards Come to Palms:

Christina Norman, President of MTV, has just announced that the company will be bringing the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards to The Palms in Vegas. For the first time ever, the event will not be confined to a conventional four-walled venue but will instead be staged throughout resort, from the hotel suites to the rooftop. And the show will only be broadcast once in its original form, so what happens in Vegas that night really will stay here. The event will will air live on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 9 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Poker Diva in Midwest Gaming:

The May issue of Midwest Gaming & Travel features a cover-story feature on poker diva Liz Lieu, who was followed around for 48 hours as she juggled cash games and a major tournament with family life, marketing, fan relations, and international business ventures.

MGM Abandons NYRA Project:

MGM Mirage has pulled out of its contract with the New York Racing Association to develop and run video lottery terminals at the Aqueduct race track. The company was originally slated to loan NYRA $180 million for the project, cut delays and obstacles have pushed that price tag up to $250 million and company spokesman Alan Feldman stated that, with all the other huge projects they have in the works, this one just wasn't worth the hassle anymore. The pullout could be a major blow to NYRA's chances of retaining its franchise to run Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct, although it says it can and will find a new VLT partner.

Filming on Fremont Street:

Downtown's Fremont Street is the location for the season finale of the "Metric Revolution" TV series on ESPN2. The series features builders of classic and custom motorcycles competing for $111,000 in cash prizes and the season finale's being filmed today and tomorrow night from 8 p.m., with a free autograph signing with the contestants this evening from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

San Gennaro Festival:

If you like Italian food, then head on over to the annual San Gennaro Feast, taking place from today through May 6 from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. daily in the shopping center at Flamingo and the intersection with the 215. The festival features a host of food vendors, plus live national acts and amusement rides. It's become so popular that this year there will be a second festival in September, so if you can't make it to this one, check back in the fall for details of the sister event.

Celebrate Lei Day at Roy's:

Chef Roy Yamaguchi's Pan-Asian restaurant in Summerlin is celebrating Lei Day with a month of Hawaiian festivities, featuring live music, flower leis, and a special island-inspired four-course prix fixe menu ($55 per person). Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 702/838-3620 or online at www.roysrestaurant.com

Palazzo Gets Jersey Boys:

The much-anticipated opening of The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, sister and adjacent property to the Venetian, just got bigger with the addition of the Tony-Award winning smash hit musical, Jersey Boys. The perennially sold-out show, based on the life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, has taken Broadway by storm and now has set its sights on Las Vegas, with a planned opening on the Strip set for early 2008.

Win a Lincoln at Charlie's:

Today through June 29, Arizona Charlie's Decatur and Boulder locations will be running their "Play Lincolns -- Win a Lincoln" slot promotion for Rewards Club members, with drawings at each property on June 29 for a new 2007 Lincoln MKZ. For more information about the promo, visit the ACE Rewards Club booth at either casino.

Beacher's Talent Auditions:

From 5 p.m.-9 p.m. today, the Hard Rock will be hosting auditions for the upcoming series of Beacher's Madhouse. The auditions will take place inside the Joint and they're looking for dancers, go-go dancers, female hosts, variety acts (they want crazy and offbeat), and karaoke and dance contestants. The shows will take place on the last Saturday of every month and will be filmed for TV. For more info. call the audition hotline on 1/888-862-7108.

$500K Station Poker Tourney:

Beginning today, Boarding Pass and Fiesta Rewards members at all Station Casinos and Fiesta properties can begin logging hours to qualify for Station Casinos' $500,000 Poker Plus Tournament, to be held August 18 and 19 at Texas Station. To qualify, players must log a minimum of 75 hours of live poker play between May 1 and midnight on Tuesday, July 31. Players who meet the minimum qualifying hours will be eligible for the two-day tournament and a first place prize of $70,000 cash.