Back around the mid-’80s, I remember one of the casinos in downtown Las Vegas had a massive, eightreel slot machine that was called "Big Bertha." Can you dig up any info/trivia?

A friend and I are starting to get more into playing poker in Las Vegas, on the Strip and downtown. Could you recommend a few books on poker that might be helpful and entertaining? Those we've looked at are too detailed for our level of experience and written in a pretty dry and boring style.

I saw that The D has a mechanical horse racing game. Do you know if they have any thing planned for the Kentucky Derby with this game? Only the Tropicana. It's near the race and sports book.

I heard a rumor that Green Valley Ranch is getting bingo. If true, when and at what location in the casino?

Do you have any information yet on specials at casinos with regards to the March Madness basketball tournament later in March?

Whatever happened to the Megabucks winner from the Aria that was contested because there was a dispute as to whose money was actually used when it won. This was between the boss and his secretary. He gave her some money with instructions on how to play the Megabucks. Apparently, she won but then the dispute started when she said she was using her money when she hit.

At the end of year the Silverton Casino stated with the upgrade of it's sports book that they would be reopening the poker room next door. Can you give us an update as to when it might open and any details about the room.

Coming into town for the Super Bowl and we would like to watch the game at a party for just 49ers fans only. Are any party places specific to one of the teams playing?

I really need your help! Just returned from a Holland America Cruise (Nieuw Amsterdam) where I won a $2K video poker jackpot (4,4s plus kicker, triple double bonus $1 machine). The casino manager told me "federal law" required them to file an IRS tax form, even though I won the money in international waters. I asked what the specific "federal law" was and they could not answer me. I refused to provide my SS# and they refused to pay me my $2K. This is NOT about me wanting to avoid paying taxes. I know full well I must report all income regardless of where I earned/won it. This IS about tax law and principle, however. I don't know what to do at this point and would very much appreciate your advice/opinion. I am out $2K and a new tax year is starting on top of that. Thanks for any help you can provide.

How and what is involved in getting a win/loss statements from casinos that you play at?