I have asked this question a couple of times and cannot get an answer from LVA. My wife and I play blackjack at several different places. When we have the opportunity to double down, we find that many casinos give us the card face down, but others do not. Can you explain this variation of conduct?

What is the oldest Strip hotel-casino that still exists? I know that none of the original Flamingo is still around. I've heard that part of downtown's El Cortez is from the original 1941 building.

I’ve seen the big neon cowboy downtown, I think he’s called Vegas Vic? Is it true that there are other versions of him elsewhere in state? I’ve heard of a Laughlin Larry.

What do casinos do to "clean" the chips used at their table games? The issue of disinfection/sanitization of these multi-handled items has to be of interest to many people. What's the scoop -- or are you afraid to annoy your casino friends if admitting they do nothing about germ-laden chips?

I’ve seen a few references to Claudine Williams recently passing away. They say she was a gambling pioneer in Las Vegas. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I thought she was a French torch singer married to Andy Williams. Who was Claudine Williams and what did she have to do with Las Vegas?

If you are lucky and win a huge jackpot, one that pays annually, say, $50K or so, what happens if the casino or game manufacturer files bankruptcy or goes out of business?

I've noticed that many casinos have great old rock and roll playing continuously in the background. I've enjoyed this terrific music at casinos ranging from El Cortez to South Point and even at The Aquarius in Laughlin. Is this from a service like satellite radio, a great collection of CDs, iTunes or what?

A friend of mine was staying at the Tropicana during NAB/BEA convention this past April. While he was at the Convention Center, he saw a TV report that one of the towers at the Trop had been closed because it didn't meet "code." He wasn't affected where he was staying. Which tower was it? Used to love the Tropicana till the last owners took the fun away and got rid of a lot of very experienced dealers, waitresses, pit bosses. What's happening with it now that they are in bankruptcy?

One of my memories of my first trip to Las Vegas was seeing the picketers outside of The New Frontier. I remember hearing that they had been there for years. Can you tell me about the history of the labor action, how long it went on for and how is was resolved?

You mentioned in your April 28, 2009, QOD that there are current and former employees who retain casino hotel room key card codes. If that is the case, is the room safe a secure place to keep your valuables or are those compromised as well?