Indiana sports books generated $35 million in handle last month, translating to $8.5 million in revenue, taxed at 9.5%. “Indiana’s sportsbooks are in their infancy, but their ability to 
capitalize on the Chicago market did not take long to produce dividends,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for PlayIndiana.com. “This is the largest handle we’ve seen in a state’s first month of legal sports betting, and it happened without the benefit of online sports betting, which didn’t launch until October. Participating casinos were Horseshoe Hammond ($2 million in revenue), Ameristar East Chicago ($1 million and change), Hollywood Lawrenceburg ($1 million-plus) and Harrah’s Hoosier Park ($1 million-plus). Blue Chip, Indiana Grand, Tropicana Evansville, Caesars Southern Indiana, Belterra and French Lick Resort—listed in descending order—mostly posted handsome handle but failed to crack the $1 million mark in revenue.
* Terry Caudill has bought Backstage Bar & Billiards, which occupies the former Sears building and comes with an acre of surface parking across from the El Cortez. Caudill is not going to be just another landlord. Vegas Eater reports that the site “might become a mixed-use tower with hotel and residential units, retail space, entertainment, restaurant facilities, bar facilities, and more.” That’s a large vote of confidence in Downtown‘s future.
* No more coin change at the TITO machines at Wynncore. You can either donate the money to charity or ask for it at the cashier’s cage. This is an annoying idea that Wynn Resorts test-flew at Encore Boston Harbor before bringing it to the Strip.
* The Golden Gate is making a play for the Northern California crowd. Through Oct. 15 it’s discounting any available room 25%, offering half-priced drinks all day and giving two tickets to a show of your choice at The D. Gather ye rosebuds, NoCal denizens, while yet ye may.
* Red Rock Country Club thinks it’s back in the Fifties. After a tight-assed club member complained about tennis instructor Carmel Hill having a biracial child, Hill got the sack. She’s already racked up one victory against the troglodytic country club before the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. Now she’s suing in federal court and if the club isn’t regretting its actions already, it should.
* On a happier note, they’re shattering the glass ceiling at the American Gaming Association. Four new executive hires have 
been announced and they’re all women. Cait DeBaun (right) will be senior director of strategic communications, Jessica Fell is the new senior director of government relations (a key position at the AGA), Meredith Pallante will be senior director of events and Gabrielle Voorhees is senior director of finance. DeBaun and Voorhees also come from outside the gaming industry, which should ensure some fresh thinking at AGA HQ.
* Wayne F. Newton continues to be great for real estate values. His old Casa de Shenandoah just changed hands for $10.5 million. That works out to $292,500 an acre.
* Mob Museum-branded moonshine will soon be available for purchase in Las Vegas liquor stores. Be warned it’s mighty strong stuff, or so I’ve read.
