Issue 176
January 26 - February 3, 2004
Volume 4
page 2
 

Wheeling, Va., Hotel Guests May Be Able to Place Racetrack Bets at Bedside
As reported by The Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Hotel guests soon might be able to gamble from their beds at Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, according to a preliminary decision today by the state racing commission.

The commission approved in concept the racetrack's request to allow guests to watch races and place bets from their rooms.

"The key today for our guests is convenience," said Alex Tucker, director of gaming for Wheeling Island. "We think there is a demand for this."

The racetrack recently completed a 151-room hotel as part of a $67 million expansion that includes two restaurants, two lounges, a food court, and a new gambling hall.

Most of the visitors come for the racetracks 2,200 video lottery machines. Tucker said he hopes the in-room betting would revive interest in racing.

"We're trying to promote racing. We're still a racetrack," he said.

Guests would be able to bet not only on Wheeling's races, but other races from across the country, he said.

The Racing Commission approved the concept of in-room gaming today, and would likely have to approve a final plan before it could begin.

Tucker said he didn't believe the plan would require legislative approval.

The decision could affect the state's other three racetracks, such as Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center in Cross Lanes, if they built hotels as part of the facility.

Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort already has a hotel and allows betting in two or three rooms, according to spokeswoman Tamara Pettit.

 

 

 

 


Tribe wants casino complex in downtown Palm Springs
As reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune

LOS ANGELES - The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is seeking permission to turn a square-mile portion of downtown Palm Springs into a multibillion-dollar complex featuring high-rises, shopping malls, restaurants, a theme park and a second casino.

The controversial development plan will be submitted Wednesday to the city Planning Commission.

"The city should have a great run from this plan because it's in the downtown area, and it gives the city a focus in terms of what it is we're looking for," Agua Caliente Chairman Richard Milanovich told the Los Angeles Times.

The 412-member Agua Caliente Band is already the only tribe in the state with two casinos, with a $95 million downtown Palm Springs gambling palace that opened in November and a casino in Rancho Mirage.

"If everything in the plan manifests, it will be a glory day," Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said. "If only a third of it happens, it would have a huge positive impact on the entire city."

Not everyone, however, is thrilled.

Homeowners, hotel owners and others say they object to the size, design and location of the complex, which would be on a 640-acre site a short block east of Palm Canyon Drive and a mile west of the city's international airport.

The Agua Caliente tribe defends its plan, calling it a vision for "a unique and cohesive district with its own identity, which is separate but linked to downtown Palm Springs."

The tribe compares it to Pleasure Island in Orlando, Fla., an entertainment complex that includes eight nightclubs and evening street parties set off by music and fireworks.


Gaming Channel launches new Avago iTV game show

Interactive TV gambling firm The Gaming Channel has launched a new interactive game show on its flagship channel Avago. Called The Big Shuffle, the game, which uses a combination of red-button technology and presenter-led shows, offers viewers Play Your Cards Right-style higher-or-lower bets on the result of six card turns.

Mamma Mia!
Elton John

Caesars Palace: Elton John, one of the world’s most successful touring artists and one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, performs at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

 

Date: February 13 - 22, 2004

Price: from $100

Time: 7:30pm

 

For more information please call: (702) 866-1400

 
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