In today's Question of the Day about the Caesars bankruptcy [1/26/17], you stated, "A series of fires and malfunctions at The Rio provided an inauspicious start to the new year." For those of us who don't live locally what were you referring to?

It seems to me that as the gulf widens between the Strip ripoff casinos and the locals' joints in terms of price and value, the latter might be missing out in terms of not marketing to out-of-towners. A weekend at South Point, Orleans, Red Rock, etc. will provide a visitor with all the standard Vegas amenities and gambling opportunities, but costs several hundred dollars less than a stay on the Strip. So why aren't the locals' casinos trying to pull in the tourists?

Could you inform us of any beer festivals etc coming up toward the last 2 weeks of February and the entire month of March?

Do you know anything about the two new three-story buildings being planned at the Las Vegas Country Club? I believe the buyers are in some sort of 60-day due diligence period, but that's about all I've read and know about it. I'm surprised there's not more news about it since it will impact traffic in the area as a whole, not to mention muddle up a peaceful community (yes, I live there).

In regards to today 1/8/17, how do you know what class video poker machine you are playing?

How long is appropriate to wait for a drink while sitting at a slot machine? The other day I wound up spending an extra $40 at the machine while waiting for my drink order. I should have just got up, but I feel bad about ordering and then leaving. Often times I don't order at all because I don't want to wait around. So, how long is appropriate to wait after ordering before I move on?

I have recently been cruising and enjoy blackjack, however, the cruise line is using the continuous shuffle machines, which I believe destroys the basic strategy. Has anyone looked into the statistics on that?

Why is Binion's hotel tower empty?

How was Phil Ivey using his knowledge of the cards’ discrepancies to win at baccarat if the game really has no decision to make other than player, banker, or tie?

Since the casinos are extorting millions due to the amenities fee, paid parking, outrageous rates during the holidays, and other hidden mechanisms to enhance profits, our question is this: To what extent are hotel grunts paid more money? Have housekeeping, food and bar servers benefited from these casino profit actions? Does hotel staff make more money for working holidays? Does trickle-down economics work for low-level casino workers?