April 29th, 2009 by admin

A judge will announce June 3 whether she’ll overturn a $1,000 fine she levied against a Woodstock attorney.

Judge Sharon Prather fined defense attorney Dan Mengeling after finding that part of the allegations he raised on behalf of convicted murderer John Cumbee were not “well grounded on fact formed after a reasonable inquiry.”

Mengeling, a private attorney appointed to defend Cumbee after his conviction, asked to overturn the fine, arguing that Prather needed to hear evidence on Mengeling’s research and the allegations before issuing a fine.

“He ought to have the opportunity to attack the evidence submitted by the state,” Mengeling’s attorney, Thomas Gooch, argued Wednesday.

But Assistant State’s Attorney Donna Kelly argued that point was moot because area defense attorneys donated about $1,200 to cover the fine.

She also said Prather had plenty of information on the case that could be helpful in determining if a fine was appropriate.

“The record reflects that this Court not only reviewed the pleadings in this case, but also reviewed the trial transcripts prior to rendering the judgment,” Kelly wrote in a legal memorandum.

Cumbee twice was convicted of his former girlfriend’s 1992 slaying, but Mengeling requested a new trial on his behalf for more than a dozen reasons. The fine related to allegations that former prosecutors withheld evidence and suborned perjury relating to the murder weapon, a fireplace poker.

Mengeling charged the county $24,344 for the 137 hours he spent on the case; his payment came from the county’s general fund.

April 24th, 2009 by admin

iGaming News reports exclusively on the unveiling of California poker legislation on Friday. Gambling911.com has been reporting on state legislators attempts to pass measures that would ultimately legalize the activity within state borders.

In its current form, the bill instructs the California State Gambling Commission, in conjunction with the state Department of Justice, to draft and adopt regulations for the implementation of an online intrastate poker network, according to iGaming News.

Key points of the measure include stipulations that limits licenses to current gaming establishments, licensed by California, as well as to California tribes with compacts. The operations must also be based within the state itself.

Additionally, The legislation recommends a gross receipts tax structure that mirrors the structure currently imposed on land-based card rooms in California.

Internet Web sites would be required to have an individual, when opening an account, place a limitation on the amount of funds that may be transferred into that account within a 24-hour period and withdrawals from the wagering account can only be made by check.

April 23rd, 2009 by admin

November of last year saw two very talented young poker players facing off at Rio’s Amazon Room in Las Vegas fighting for prestige, respect and US$9 million jackpot that went with the World Series of Poker main event. Both Ivan Demidov and Peter Eastgate won over thousands of entries for the biggest event in professional poker and their championship clash certainly fulfilled expectations at the event.
Eastgate eventually emerged the winner in the closely-fought final round but both players can claim victory with their greatly enhanced reputations as poker sharps. These two gentlemen will add to the fascination of the world’s biggest on-line poker site when they join Team Poker Star Pro. They will be expected to play in a series of events around the globe under the aegis of the Poker Stars banner
According to Demidov, the poker tour will let him travel by playing in several off-line live events and he looks forward to playing other great poker players belonging to the team.
On the other hand, Eastgate continues his winning streak and announced he will not squander away his winnings by investing wisely in businesses that will provide good and consistent returns. Like his rival Demidov, he had started playing via the Internet and graduated to live events as his expertise grew.
Both of them will see action at the Poker Stars’ EPT San Remo and EPT Grand Final to be held at Monte Carlo. However, only Demidov will take part in the upcoming Russian Poker Tour in Moscow in May. Not surprisingly, both players expect to compete again in the 2009 WSOP.
For the week, an interesting bit of news is that banned Justin Bonomo can compete again in the Spring Championship of On-line Poker. Poker Stars hopes he has matured and will not repeat his transgressions anymore. Bonomo has incredible talent and determination and plays as a pro sponsored by Bodog.

April 22nd, 2009 by admin

onarch Casino & Resort, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRI) (the “Company”), owner of the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (the “Atlantis”) in Reno, Nevada, today announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

The Company reported net revenue of $32.6 million, 4.9% lower than the $34.3 million reported for the comparative quarter in 2008. The Company announced quarterly income from operations of $1.9 million, EBITDA(1) of $5.1 million and diluted EPS of $0.06 which represent decreases of 41.0%, 3.2% and 50.0%, respectively, when compared to the prior year’s first quarter. Revenue generated in the casino, food and beverage, and hotel operating units decreased by 4.0%, 1.7% and 7.7%, respectively.

Casino operating expense increased approximately $160 thousand, or 1.8%, over prior year’s first quarter primarily due to the cost of increased complimentary food, beverages and other services provided to casino patrons (”Complimentaries”). As a percentage of casino revenue, casino operating expense increased to 39.1% as compared to 36.8% in the prior year’s first quarter primarily due to the higher Complimentaries expense and the effect of the decrease in casino revenue.

Operating expense in the food and beverage operating unit as a percentage of revenue remained relatively flat at 48.3% for the first quarter as compared to 48.0% in the first quarter of the prior year. Hotel operating expense as a percentage of revenue increased to 37.3% from the 36.1% reported in prior year’s first quarter due primarily to the decrease in hotel revenue partially offset by a reduction in hotel operating expense of $99 thousand, or 4.7%.

The Company reported that selling, general and administrative expense decreased by approximately $1.5 million, or 11.3%, due to reductions in payroll, benefits, marketing, legal and other general expense, all of which were the result of various cost reduction programs. Depreciation expense increased by approximately $1.2 million, or 58.5%, over prior year’s first quarter due to the completion of the Company’s previously announced expansion, remodel and Atlantis Convention Center Skybridge capital projects.

Interest income decreased from approximately $251 thousand reported in the first quarter of 2008 to approximately $35 thousand in the first quarter of 2009. The decrease resulted from the Company’s use of its excess cash in 2008 for the capital projects and share repurchases. First quarter 2009 interest income represents interest earned on a note receivable.

At March 31, 2009, the Company had $55.9 million outstanding under its $60 million credit facility. The resultant interest expense recognized during the first quarter of 2009 was approximately $550 thousand, a $546 thousand increase over the first quarter of the prior year when the Company had no debt outstanding under its credit facility.

Monarch’s CEO and Co-Chairman John Farahi commented on the Company’s performance: “The challenging economic environment we experienced throughout 2008 continued into the first quarter of 2009. Even though we successfully increased our market share throughout the quarter, we could not overcome the erosion of the market as a whole, the result of which was lower revenue for each of our operating units compared to the first quarter of 2008.”

Mr. Farahi continued: “Despite the disappointing decrease in revenue, we were pleased with the reduction in expenses we achieved. Through completion of our expansion and skybridge capital projects, and the implementation of numerous cost reduction programs, we were able to drive expenses down throughout the Company.”

In July of 2008, the Company completed and opened several new phases of an expansion project which includes over 10,000 square feet, or approximately 20%, of new casino space comprised of a significantly upgraded and expanded race and sports book, an enlarged and upgraded poker room and additional general gaming space. The first floor expansion also includes a new “Manhattan Deli,” a New York deli-style restaurant. The expanded facilities on the second floor include approximately 27,000 square feet of new ballroom and convention space incorporating fresh, new, upscale design and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.

In November 2008, the Company completed and opened the Atlantis Convention Center Skybridge providing guests with a convenient, traffic-free stroll between the Atlantis and the 500,000 square-foot Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Next, in January 2009, the Company opened the final phase of the expansion project, the new Spa Atlantis featuring an atmosphere, amenities and treatments that are unique from any other offering in the Company’s market. During construction of the expansion project, many of the pre-expansion areas of the Atlantis were remodeled to be consistent with the upgraded look and feel of the new facilities.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which are subject to change, including, but not limited to, comments relating to (i) future operating performance, (ii) economic and market conditions, (iii) ongoing expansion and upgrade plans, and (iv) the liquidity requirements of the Company. Actual results and future events and conditions may differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available on the Company’s web site.

April 21st, 2009 by admin

New survey estimates e-gambling draws away up to $7 billion from US state lotteries

Small wonder there are US states alarmed by the popularity of Internet gambling; the results of a survey released last week by Frost & Sullivan indicate that lottery sales have the potential to increase by 127 percent, plugging holes in state budgets….but that online gambling could be drawing away up to $7 billion due to its popularity with the punters.

The survey recommends that lotteries need to retain the exisiting player base whilst attracting new blood from younger generations. The Baby Boomer generation and generations before that grew up playing lotteries, but there is an entire - and younger - generation that does not view lottery as a primary form of entertainment. And this younger set may be more active in online gaming for “free,” enjoy virtual experiences on the Internet, and even indulge in online wagering.

Holding existing players could also be under pressure, the survey found. Baby Boomers are passing beyond their primary lottery spending phase as they near retirement. In the United States, peak spending years on lottery games are between the ages of 50 to 64, which means that the mainstay players of lotteries - those who buy the most numbers on a regular basis - could be on the wane.

It is therefore necessary for US lotteries to develop a broader player base using more up-to-date demographics.

Currently, the most frequent (as opposed to biggest spenders) among US lottery players are 35 years of age or older, with 18 to 24 year-olds having the lowest levels of participation. In addition, women generally have lower rates of participation than men. On average, those who play the lottery have been playing for 12.5 years.

A UCLA study of a cross-section of California players showed that 74 percent of total sales for 18 to 24 year-olds was from scratch tickets. In general, as age increased, interest in scratch games decreased and interest in jackpot games increased.

A 2007 survey of 1 000 U.S.online adults showed that 56 percent “strongly” or “somewhat” believe that it is desirable for lottery gaming to be accessed via the Internet.

Overall, Internet gambling is estimated to be about a $15 billion industry worldwide. It is estimated that half of that comes from U.S.players. Although financial transactions with online gambling companies are in general illegal, the numbers show that U.S.players are still participating in widespread Internet wagering. Legalising Internet gaming in the U.S.could raise money, and protect consumers by requiring regulated licensed providers….and lotteries can benefit from actively participating in the national debate regarding legalised US Internet gambling.

The study found that prize payout flexibility has been shown to be a key factor in increasing state lottery per capita participation. Logically, better odds and bigger prizes encourage more lottery participation and increase overall sales.

The state with the highest per capita sales and profits in 2007, Massachusetts, also had the highest prize payout allocation, returning more than 70 percent (significantly higher than the average) of sales to prize money.

When prize payout reforms are implemented along these lines, the results are overwhelmingly positive: In Florida, sales and profits from scratch tickets more than tripled between 2002 and 2006 after legislation was passed to allow the lottery to increase prize payouts. Furthermore, a 2003 study found that a dollar in additional advertising for lotteries was accompanied by an average $56 in additional sales. And in New York, after the lottery boosted prize payouts for scratch tickets during 2000, sales grew by 223 percent over seven years, and profits increased by 257 percent from approximately $188 million to $671 million.

More recently, North Carolina increased prize-payout percentages in 2007, and during July through September of 2008, the lottery transferred $20 million more to state education than for the same period in 2007. Georgia, which has the third highest per capita sales in the nation, also has one of the highest prize payout percentages at 62 percent.

April 20th, 2009 by admin

There are now even more ways for food and wine lovers to secure tickets to the 3rd Annual Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit. Beginning April 20, tickets may be purchased at select Travelocity On Location kiosks throughout Las Vegas. This is the second year Travelocity has teamed up with Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit as the epicurean extravaganza’s Official Travel Provider. In addition to the option of purchasing event tickets at select Travelocity On Location outlets, visitors are encouraged to make travel arrangements for the May 7-10 food and wine festival.
“Travelocity plays an important role in bringing visitors to our city and we are proud to announce them as the official travel provider of Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit,” said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Our continued relationship with Travelocity allows us the opportunity to expose a broad range of travelers to Las Vegas’ many culinary delights — just one of the reasons our destination remains at the top of Travelocity’s list for leisure travel.”

Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit features a roster of Las Vegas’ top culinary talent and is made possible by the LVCVA and co-sponsors Travelocity and Southern Wine & Spirits. Anchored by Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit is known for creating an extraordinary culinary experience for visitors and showcases a selection of star-studded events across the city.

“Vegas Uncork’d is a first class event and we’re looking forward to doing our part in making it a huge success,” said Cady Wolf, vice president partner marketing, Travelocity. “With all of the great deals to Las Vegas right now, this is the year to come out and experience this fabulous event — and rumor has it that the Roaming Gnome will be making a guest appearance.”

Highlights of the 2009 event include a pool-side Grand Tasting with 75 celebrated chefs and vintners; a high-stakes culinary competition; after-hours blackjack; tour-de-force Masters Series dinners with internationally acclaimed chefs such as Bobby Flay; an exclusive culinary experience featuring Chef Joël Robuchon fused with performances by the cast of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; an all-star interactive luncheon with first-hand instruction from star chefs like Paul Bartolotta; wine immersion seminars and a gala evening celebration featuring chefs such as Michael Mina.

Tickets to the Grand Tasting, Culinary Challenge - Vegas Style pro-am event, the Gala Dinner and much more are available for purchase at the following Travelocity On Location Las Vegas sites:

Alexis Park Resort Hotel
Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino
Fashion Show Mall
Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
Las Vegas Convention Center
McCarran International Airport
Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
Sahara Hotel & Casino
Stratosphere Hotel & Casino
The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa

April 18th, 2009 by admin

The brand new PokerStars Macau live poker room at the Grand Lisboa Casino is from the world’s biggest poker site, PokerStars which is integrated from the land poker industry. Located just on the second floor of the world renowned Grand Lisboa in the heart of Macau, this PokerStars will be considered as the largest live poker room in continental Asia that has 22 tables available for exciting Texas Hold ‘em poker tournament action with 24 hour cash games.
Every week, PokerStars Macau will be hosting the largest poker tournaments in Asia. There will also be a premiere “Macau Poker Cup” series that will be held every month and annual Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) Macau Poker Festival. These are all revealed by the casino’s spokesman.
They have an exciting promo offers for new players such as free roll tournaments with free entrance. They also have amazing events waits to all poker players from different skill levels- be it amateur or professional. Interested players can register or get qualify through online or live at the poker room.
On March 19 to 22, 2009, they will be celebrating the return of their “Macau Poker Cup” and their very own “Red Dragon”, the 10,000 HKD buy-in events. It will be for the first time that Red Dragon will have a guaranteed minimum HKD 500,000 as the prize pool. There are also other events during the Macau Poker Cup like HKD 1,000 buy-in charity event, in which the proceeds will be donated to Caritas Macau.
Former poker World Champion and member of Team PokerStars Pro, Joe Hachem said “PokerStars is committed to the development of poker across Asia, and this new room will be its heart. It has been extraordinary for me to watch the growth of poker culture in the eighteen months since the PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour first brought poker to Macau, and I’m excited about playing in my third APPT there in August.”
PokerStarsMacau is a new website in support to its new land venture.

April 11th, 2009 by admin

Virus awakes, does a P2P update and drops a mysterious payload

The capabilities of IT boffins throughout the worlkd continued to be stretched this week by Conficker, a largely mysterious computer virus that has so far defied full understanding but is believed to have infected millions of PCs.

Speculation that the virus was powerful enough to disrupt the biggest networks through DDoS activity when it was activated reached a climax on April Fool’s Day (see previous InfoPowa report) but the sinister threat did not materialise.

IT experts continued to study and monitor the threat, and this week reported that there was a brief and mysterious spark from the virus, which apparently updated via peer-to-peer transactions between infected computers and dropped a mystery payload, according to anti-virus house Trend Micro in a statement.

Researchers are analysing the code of the software that is being dropped onto infected computers and suspect that it is a keystroke logger or some other program designed to steal sensitive data off the machine, said David Perry, global director of security education at Trend Micro.

The software appeared to be a .sys component hiding behind a rootkit, which is software that is designed to hide the fact that a computer has been compromised.

April 11th, 2009 by admin

Times may be tough, but the Italian betting market continues to deliver growing revenues, according to the latest numbers from the Italian regulator AAMS which announced this week that the latest quarterly statistics show that overall wagers rose 9.2 percent to Euros 13.2 billion.

Italian gaming company Lottomatica shares rose nearly 4 percent and those of SNAI were up more than 6 percent when the numbers were made public.

“The figures are still positive if not at the rate of last year…. but they are still growing,” a Milan analyst noted, referring to Lottomatica’s scratch-card concession.

Sports betting data is positive for Lottomatica, too partly because it is less exposed to horserace betting, which has suffered a decline since 2008.

SNAI benefited from the upward trend in overall bets, analysts say.

April 11th, 2009 by admin

The PokerStars Latin American Poker Tour Mexico, a live tourney by online poker company Poker Stars was disrupted and halted and then got banned by local Nuevo Vallarta bureaucrats late last year. The company was required to reorganize the main event to ensure that it will be fairly concluded to the 89 players who are still in action.
The firm arranged an online free roll for the survivors for a play down to a final table of nine. As generous gestures to the players, $50,000 was added to the original prize pool by Poker Stars.
Rory Cox, 26 from San Francisco started the game with a significant chip lead. He dominated the final table facing off Alex Brenes, Helen Prager, Victor Ramdin, Bolivar Palacios, Pavel Naydenov, Martha Herrera, Steven Thompson and Leonardo Emperador across the felt.
Most of his opponents were eliminated, and so Cox went into the heads up with his fellow American Helen Pragger with a five to one chip lead. Talented and spirited Prager, doubled up twice to catch Cox and at one stage which actually take the chip lead. But the leading didn’t last long, after two hours Cox was declared as a winner. Cox pocketed $15,000 from his original $2,500 main event buy-in, while Prager took home $11,000 as a second place.