Is there a service or a way to redeem the slot tickets/vouchers once you have returned home? I just found a ticket for $25 in my wallet and do not know anyone going to Vegas in the next 30 days before it expires.

With the passage of four California Indian tribal compacts to increase the number of slot machines at their casinos, it raises the question: What impact have Indian casinos had on Vegas gaming? What do you expect will happen with the slot machine increase? Do you foresee hotel-rate decreases, increased comps, or more generous paytables to attract the California crowd?

We will be traveling to Las Vegas next month. Are there any Web sites that tell you what the current jackpots are for various slot machines?

In your answer to the question on 2/18/08 about the procedures for dealers in the event of a fire or blackout, your source claims that dealers are instructed to sweep up all the bets on the layouts, then surveillance will do a tape review "to verify what belongs to whom." That seems highly unworkable to me. I mean, how long would it take surveillance to review the bets of hundreds of table-game players? And how would they know who everyone was? Would everyone have to come back to the tables and sit exactly where they were in order to be identified? Are the dealers, floor people, or security supposed to take names and numbers during the evacuation? Wouldn't it be a nightmare? Isn't it easier just to have everyone take back their bets and call it a dead hand? Or is the casino so greedy that they grab the money ("for your own protection, of course!") and hope that people won't bother with their last bets?

What is the procedure at the casinos when there is a power outage or emergency (think Monte Carlo fire) concerning the gaming area? How are games stopped and money secured?

In response to QoD 1/17/08. You wrote, "It's safe to assume that all the casinos that fall under one corporate umbrella share information and, in fact, often have the same databases. It's not a stretch to imagine that competing casinos, as well, pass information back and forth, especially when it comes to surveillance, which, as we understand it, is a small, secretive (to the outside), but cooperative (to the inside) universe." Though this information is true, there’s a small gap (the difference between Death Valley and Mount Everest) of useful information that was not provided to the reader.

Your question on Las Vegas race tracks [QoD 1/22/08] reminded me that years ago I went to the then-MGM Grand and watched Jai Alai. I believe it was in 1980, but it could have been 1982. Was I dreaming or was Jai Alai there? I've stayed at Bally's my last three trips to Vegas (my host comps me a suite, so why not?) and I'm curious where it was located, and why was it there? I assume there was gambling involved, but I don't remember, I just know the group I went with wanted to go so, I just tagged along. Thanks.

Are any casinos issuing commemorative chips for the Chinese Year of the Rat?

Now it’s official: the Patriots and Giants in the 2008 Super Bowl. Taking into account the huge New York-Boston rivalry, how much additional security will be required for the lounges, casinos, and race & sports books throughout Las Vegas?

Which casinos have Super Bowl parties and how much do they cost?