Online Casino Spotlight

A 52-year old gambler who reportedly gambled over five million dollars a day, and lost a grand total of $127 million dollars in one year, has taken civil action against a popular Las Vegas casino. According to the gambler, Terrance Watanabe, the casino is to blame for his incredible loss, and he wants his money back.

How Terrance Watanabe Got Here

Terrance Watanabe made a fortune running an import company that sold party favors started by his father. Around 2000, Watanabe started frequenting Las Vegas casinos, particularly ones owned by Harris, aimed at spending that fortune. Watanabe didn’t start out small, after all the man had a fortune to spend, but Harris employees say his gambling didn’t become a problem until almost five years later.

In 2005, Watanabe had developed a heavy drinking problem. He was also visiting the casinos more frequently. Some reports say he was gambling on five million or more a day.

Two years later, in 2007, Harris casino employees took a keen interest in Watanabe. Steve Wynn personally reviewed the gambler’s history and spoke to him about what Wynn considered to be a serious gambling addiction. Watanabe was eventually banned from the casino.

Las Vegas’ Big Loser

Between 2000 and 2007 Terrance Watanabe lost a good deal of money. In fact, his losses added up to 5.6% of Harris total revenue in one year. That year marked the longest loosing streak in Las Vegas history. Watanabe lost a total of $127 million dollars in the Caesars Palace and Rio casinos.

Unfortunately, most of those losses were on credit given by Harris; a credit that Watanabe didn’t repay. In April of 2007 he was charged with four counts of intent to steal when he failed to repay Harris a $14 million dollar debt. He faces up to 28 years in prison if he is convicted of the charges.

Terrance Watanabe Sues Las Vegas

In lieu of just repaying Harris, Watanabe elected to file a civil suit instead. According to him, employees of the casino alternated between feeding him pain medication and alcohol in an attempt to keep him gambling.

Pierce O’Donnell, Watanabe’s lawyer, told reporters that Harris “preyed” on Watanabe’s drinking and gambling addiction, and that the failed to follow protocol. (In Las Vegas, a casino is supposed to ask anyone who has had too much to drink to stop gambling.) However, he admits claims that Watanabe knew he had a problem when he lost the $127 million.

The civil suit has caused the Nevada gaming commission to open an investigation in to Harris’ treatment policies.

The results of the civil case may not be in for months. In the meantime, Watanabe’s debt is on hold and he is still banned from the casino.

The corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard is, arguably, the most famous intersection in the world and at that intersection the Tropicana Hotel and Casino stands tall.  This intersection has the most hotel rooms of any intersection in the world and the Tropicana has been its cornerstone since it opened in 1957.  Today the Tropicana offers 1,876 rooms and is attached to a 61,000 square foot casino. The Tropicana also boasts of 100,000 square feet of convention and exhibit space.

Back in 1957 the building was much smaller.  The original building only offered 300 rooms. In 1959 another 150-room wing was added.  Again in 1962 another 116 rooms were added surrounding the swimming pool.  The Paradise Tower shines with 21 floors, which hold 600 well appointed guest rooms and suites. In 1985 the 22-story, 806-room, Island Tower was constructed.

The Tropicana has also seen its fair share of memorable shows and performers over the years including the famous Folies Bergere production, Roger Williams, Count Basie and Guy Lombardo.

The Present

When the Tropicana first opened it was tagged as the “Tiffany of the Strip”, but in recent years it has lost much of its luster.  This hotel once catered to the affluent, but now offers some of the cheapest rooms on the Strip.  The once impressive décor of the 1960’s has not been updated since then.  Many of the Tropicana’s amenities that were considered luxurious in past decades have now become obsolete.  The once upscale shopping has been replaced with trinkets and a strip mall-like shopping area.

Future Plans

In late 2009 Alex Yemenidjian, Tropicana’s new CEO, announced a robust plan to invest $100 million to develop a South Beach Miami theme, which will be completed in several phases. The first phase is nearly complete and features the renovation of the 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention areas.  The Island Tower walkway is also undergoing extensive renovations that include imported Grecian marble.  The second renovation phase will include room renovations and upgrades to common areas. The third phase, including restaurant overhauls, is still in the design phase.

Overall, the owners plan to invest more than $100 million to renovate the 1,876-room property.  The $100 million renovation will include a makeover of every room, a new poker room, new sports book, new restaurants and even a new nightclub.

A popular UK based online casinos-Crazy Poker-will be hosting a tournament to benefit the people of Haiti in late January. Proceeds from the tournament will go directly to a grass-roots organization devoted to providing relief for the people of need in the island nation.

An Earthquake Hits Haiti

On January 12^th, 2010 an earthquake struck the island of Haiti in the island’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. The earthquake was a 7.0, the highest the island has seen in more then a decade. Aftershocks were felt for hours across both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Strong winds and turbulent weather were felt as far as the island of Jamaica.

The death toll from the earthquake in Port-au-Prince was massive, with some estimates reported over 50,000. Thousands more are suffering from serious injury, living on the streets with no home after the earthquake caused hundreds of buildings to collapse.

A Nation in Need

Haiti issued a distress call and was unheard by an unlikely source- A UK based online casino. Crazy Poker has decided to host a poker tournament in honor of Haiti and has promised to send all of the casino’s proceeds to the cause.

The tournament named, “The Help for Haiti Poker Tournament,” will feature an additional $1,500 for the pool as well as an additional $1,500 earmarked for the Haitian Health Fund. The buy in for the tournament is the standard $10 with another $10 to support the cause. Crazy Poker has promised to donate the entire $10 from each player, as well as the $1,500 to the Haitian Relief Fund.

About Crazy Poker

Crazy Poker is a UK based online casino that hosts both regular games and several tournaments throughout the month. Crazy Poker is part of the Microgaming Poker Network. Some of the regularly scheduled tournaments include monthly and weekly events. The site also hosts an interactive guide to poker where beginners can learn the ways of the game and develop skills. In addition, there are several bonuses and incentives featured on the site, especially for newcomers.

The disaster in Haiti is monumental. People are still missing, the city of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas took a major blow and most homes, and buildings are destroyed. Crazy Poker stepped up to the challenge, offering not only to donate funds received by their tournament players, but also to match them. The result will easily be in the $1,000s.

May 27^th, 2010 marks the inaugural day for Las Vegas’ World Series of Poker’s 41^st annual tournament year. The tournament will run from May 27^th through July 17^th.

All About World Series of Poker

The World Series of Poker tournament started in 1970 and has grown to become the longest standing poker tournament in the world. It is hosted once every summer; with the largest tournament game hosted by the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. To date, the tournament has handed out over one billion dollars in prizes.

People from all over the world come to the World Series of Poker tournament (WSOP.) The tournament hosts some of the most well-known poker players in the world, but players from all walks of poker sign up to compete. Recently, the WSOP has expanded to include online tournaments. The online tournaments are played on the 4^th of July via satellite.

The World Series of Poker tournament hands out a large amount of prize money each year, however, the WSOP is also home to the “gold bracelet.” The gold bracelet may be one of the most coveted prizes in poker tournament history.

The World Series of Poker- Beyond Las Vegas

The WSOP has expanded well beyond its humble beginnings in the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino. There is also a WSOP Europe tournament hosted in London. The WSOP Europe tournament runs in the fall.

The WSOP also has a traveling tour which hosts tournaments at Harris casinos across the nations. These touring tournaments run from October to through May each year. The touring tournaments offer a lower buy-in, and give less experienced poker players a chance to compete.

The World Series of Poker in 2010

The WSOP kicks off on May 27^th of this year. Any player 21-years of age or older is invited to join in. The WSOP will be hosting games like Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Pot Limit, Stud, and Horse to name a few.

There will be a total of 57 gold bracelet events for the tournament year. The first gold bracelet will be given out on May 28^th. The buy-in for the first gold bracelet game is $50,000; the most expensive buy-in the WSOP has ever had. The game will include a series of eight rounds of poker. The Chip Reese Memorial trophy will also be handed out at this event.

The 4^th of July will be the only off day for the WSOP. However, the games will still be run via satellite for anyone who wants to attend online.

The World Series of Poker will come to a close with a $10,000 no-limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. The Texas Hold ‘Em tournament will begin on July 5^th and come to a close on July 17^th. The last nine remaining Texas Hold ‘Em players will compete in the “November Nine.” The November Nine is a televised poker event held in November.

The World Series of Poker is expected to have over 60,000 participants and will last most of the 2010 summer. Millions of dollars of prizes are set to be given away, and most of the event will be televised by ESPN and other networks.

Thousands of slot-machine enthusiasts, poker players, and thrill-seekers were on-sight in Las Vegas for the opening of the new Aria Resort and Casino.

The Aria Resort

The Aria Resort and Casino is a 61-story resort, and part of the most expensive destination on the Las Vegas Strip- CityCenter; costing $8.5 billion. The Aria is set to be the biggest part of Las Vegas’ new CityCenter. The Aria resort has nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. The resort also has a 2,000 seat theater that will be playing a permanent Elvis attraction put on by Cirque du Soleil. A three-story convention center hosts four large ballrooms. There is even a 70,000 square foot spa with a salon, barber shop, and fitness room. The salon also features several private and group rooms. There are three pools outside of the resorts hotel rooms as well.

The Aria Casino

The casino is taking on a new direction from traditional casinos by incorporating natural light in with fluorescent lighting. The casino is 150,000 square feet and features high-end slot machines and poker tables. Many of the high-end options at the casino are featured in private rooms and offer a high-tech level of gaming that is new for Las Vegas.

Opening Night Festivities

Opening night for the new casino was truly Las Vegas style. The grand opening started the evening before opening day with gala hosted for 5,000 guests. The gala served Perignon champagne and caviar among other high-quality food. Around midnight, guests were allowed to enter the Aria for the first time. They were greeted by models and executives, all cheering for the new casino. A fireworks show was held outside for guests who were still awaiting entrance.

Viva Elvis: Truly a Las Vegas Show

The Aria even put on a show for their grand opening. The resort hosted a preview of their soon-to-be permanent attraction; Viva Elvis. Viva Elvis is put on by Cirque du Soleil. The show includes 75 performers reliving the life of Elvis through his songs. The production is a mix of performance art, dance, and acrobatics.

The Aria Resort and Casino promises to be an excellent center attraction for Las Vegas’ highly anticipated CenterCity. Since it will be one of the biggest, and most expensive, project Las Vegas has ever under-took, the Aria may be the trick to turning around the recession slump in the city that never sleeps.

It seems like there is no end to the United States recession’s reach. People are cutting back on everything from everyday luxuries to Christmas presents, and now it appears that casinos are starting to feel the burn of a small pocket book

American Indian Casinos starting to see a Decrease in Profit

At first glance it appears that American Indian casinos are doing well, certainly better then Las Vegas casinos, and this is true to some extent; a few states seem to be recession-proof. However, while the American Indian casinos did see an increase in profit in 2008 from the previous year, a 1.5 percent increase across all 28 states that have American Indian casinos, that profit margin is slim compared to past years. Between 1993 and 2006, American Indian casinos had an average growth of 20.3 percent. Even in 2006, when the nation’s economy started to make a turn for the worst, these casinos still saw a 4.6 percent growth.

Oklahoma and Recession-Proof Casinos

Oklahoma may be the exception to the rule when it comes to a decrease in casino spending. Overall, Oklahoma has 110 casinos, (the largest collection in any state,) and saw an 18 percent increase in revenue in 2008. The biggest reason for this may be location. Oklahoma borders Texas, a state that has mostly escaped the recession and does not allow casino gambling establishments. With locations like Winstar World Casino, Oklahoma is able to draw in thousands of Texas residents daily.

The Future of American Indian Casinos

While American Indian casinos may have seen a drop in sales in 2008, it is unlikely that the set-back will be anything but temporary. Most casinos are still getting the same number of annual visitors as any year prior to the recession; those visitors are just spending less. Chances are when the United States recession starts to turn around, those visitors will return to spending as much, or more, as they were before.

Also, American Indian casinos are still on the rise, there was a 3 percent increase in casinos nationwide in 2008. Several states like California and Oklahoma are building new casinos and making additions to their existing ones. Winstar World Casino was one of the many American Indian casinos in Oklahoma to get a face-lift in 2008 and 2009. Winstar expanded their casino, added an adjacent hotel, and even a few restaurants. All of these attractions are likely to mean more visitors overall.

The United States recession can be seen everywhere, even at the casino, but overall the American Indian casinos are still making a profit. These same casinos are likely to see a bump in profits each year as the recession starts to turn around.

Poker enthusiasts have long been anticipating the North American Poker Tour to make its debut. Since the poker tour was created by poker players, it offers low buy-ins and a chance for almost anyone to play. Thousands are expected to participate in this year’s tour hosted by Poker Stars.

What is Poker Stars?

Poker Stars is the largest online poker site, with millions of registered users. Pokerstars.net offers beginners a chance to learn in an easy online environment.

Pokerstars.net has the best environment for beginners and experienced poker players to practice their skill through their free poker games. These games are for practice only and no winnings can be had at the site.

The North American Poker Tour

The first annual North American Poker Tour kicked off on January 5^th, 2010, with the Pokerstars.net Caribbean Adventure held in the Bahamas. Players will get a chance to play in a highly anticipated poker tournament in one of the most beautiful places on earth. From there the North American Poker Tour makes its next stop in Las Vegas where Poker Stars is hosting the Venetian event from February 20^th-24^th. Next, the tour heads to Connecticut for the Mohegan Sun in April. So far only four tour dates have been announced, but Poker Stars plans to add more events in 2010.

The main events have a $5,000 buy-in. Several smaller events will be hosted throughout each tournament to give every poker player a chance to play. The North American Poker Tour will also be televised and hosted by Joanna Krupa. In addition to players of all skill levels, several famous poker stars are expected to attend the tournaments including, Vanessa Rousso, Daniel Negreanu, Greg Raymer, and Joe Cada.

Poker Stars is offering a chance for players to win a set in the main events held through out the North American Poker Tour. Players can register for a chance to win on Poker Stars website.

The North American Poker Tour expects to pay out millions in winnings to poker players of all skill levels through out 2010 while they make their way across the nation. More tour dates are expected to be announced as the tour progresses. More information about joining the North American Poker Tour is available at the Poker Stars website. This highly anticipated tour promises to be entertaining for anyone interested in joining, or just watching the televised events.

Veteran online casino InterCasino has launched an impressive lineup of new games to keep players busy over the holiday season.  These games are based on two classic MGM movies and one of the most beloved comic book heroes of all time.

Medieval warriors are sure to love Brave Heart, a slot game centered around the sword slashing movie starring Mel Gibson.  This game even incorporates the memorable battle for Scotland’s freedom into the format.  Led by Gibson’s character William Wallace, the better the Scotts do in battle, the more points the player gains.  Brave Heart also offers a nice selection of progressive jackpots that are strategically named after different levels of movie success.  Ranging from Smash and Epic to Acclaimed and Blockbuster, each jackpot is individual but can be targeted by the player within a single game.

Forest Gump is another new slots game you can find in the Intercasino lobby.  This one is based on the historical film starring Tom Hanks and comes with two full bonus games.  Forrest Gump serves up many famous quotes from the hit film and caters to interactive fans with “Run Forrest Run” feature that provides players with control over Gump’s incomparable dash.

Fans of DC comic books will have a filled day with InterCasino’s new super hero-themed slots game – Superman.  This is an epic game based on the alter ego of Clark Kent.  It features an amazing 50 paylines and calls for players to court the lovely Lois Lane while thwarting the evil attempts of the sinister Lex Luthor.  This game is action packed because all this goes on during your pursuit for a wealth of free spins and prosperous jackpots.

In addition to the movie and comic book-themed virtual slot machines, InterCasino also has a new game called Perfect Pairs Blackjack.  This game is largely based on the classic hole-card variant known as Atlantic City Blackjack.  While very similar to traditional Atlantic City, the differences add a uniquely fresh touch to the game.  The most notable difference is the inclusion of an optional side wager that offers bonus payouts based on the first two cards the player receives. Another catch is that these bonuses only apply to pairs.  For example, mixed pairs payout 5 to 1, colored pairs payout 15 to 1, and Perfect Pairs pay out 25 to 1.  Perfect Pairs offers the highest quality graphics you will find in an online casino game, boasting brilliant animation and 3D graphics that give it a realistic look and feel.  It also includes dealer voice-overs that liven the flow of the game and keep the action moving.

Powered by CryptoLogic, InterCasino is one of the oldest casinos in the online gambling industry, first emerging on the scene in 1996.  In fact, it is the very first casino to utilize CrytopLogic software.  InterCasino is well known for welcoming customers with generous deposit bonuses and more exciting games than they know what to do with.  Unfortunately, due to the controversy surrounding online gambling in the United States, this casino does not accept U.S. players.

The NFL is one of the biggest opponents of legalized sports betting, telling U.S. citizens that it will only lead to the increased manipulation of game outcomes.  However, research conducted by an investigative reporter shows that regulated sports wagering could actually help prevent match fixing and corruption.

Declan Hill, an independent British investigative journalist and author, stated that the hundreds of manipulated outcomes from soccer games being revealed in Asia and Europe is not due to the regulation of internet casinos and sportsbooks, but the extensive underground gambling market that operates in Asia and Eastern Europe.  Hill, who is perhaps best known for his 2008 release of “The Fix,” a book in which he predicted that international soccer would soon be the victim of a major scandal, recently made the bold statement that game fixers are placing their bets with unregulated and illegal sportsbooks with connections to organized crime rings.

In a December interview with The New York Times, Hill said that the gambling industry in Asia is much larger than it is in Vegas and Europe combined.  He also noted that because most of it is filtered through illegal operations, concealing fraud and money laundering within a covert, criminal industry is considerably easier.

Experts in the gaming industry state that it is very difficult to manipulate the industry with corrupted outcomes when regulated internet gambling sites are involved.  This is primarily because the online records containing customer identities and transactions create a level of transparency that works to the criminals’ disadvantage.  In addition to this, advanced technology provides for the rapid detection of suspicious wagering amounts and patterns, particularly on more obscure sports that are often vulnerable to corruptible influences.

It has been reported that as many as 200 matches could have manipulated outcomes across international borders, many of them speculated to involve a number of referees and well known players.  However, legal, fully regulated sportsbooks have come out to say that their respective services were not targeted by cheaters, claiming that both the fixed matches and participating parties would be easy to identify.

The revelation made by Hill speaks highly of the desperate need for fully regulated and licensed internet gambling, sports wagering included.  With the lingering threat of corruption and criminal activity, this is the best way to ensure the integrity of the games and most importantly, protect the players.  The NFL seems to be high on its position that illegal sports betting is not a frequent thing, claiming that legalizing and regulating it would only tempt cheaters.  However, it is becoming clearer to see that regulation may be the only way to keep incidents such as the soccer scandal that has rocked international headlines from infecting the NFL and other major sports in the United States.

The grueling year long battle between James Giordano and U.S. officials has finally come to an end.  Early this month, the 55 year old resident of Pinecrest, Florida pleaded to the charges of illegal gambling associated with a sports betting ring operated in offshore jurisdictions.  While Giordano stressed that none of his employees ever accepted wagers on America soil, simply allowing U.S. residents to gamble on internet sites appears to be all the ammunition authorities needed to take legal action.

Ironically, the United States government permits wagering on slots, poker, horse and dogs across the South Florida area, which is unfortunate for offshore gambling mavens the likes of Giordano.  It also interesting to note that the crackdown comes in light of the 2007 Nevada Legislature that legalized online gambling within state borders. Utterly disgusted, Giordano describes the entire ordeal as “hypocritical.”

No stranger to the law, Giordano has previously been in hot water for running sportsbooks in the state of New York.  In the late 1990s, the crafty offshore gaming mogul decided that he could evade legal ramifications by setting up shop with his own internet gambling operation on St. Maarten, a jurisdiction that openly allows sports wagering.  Giordano was able to run a legit gambling operation under a license provided the Netherlands government – or so he thought.

Destined to claim his stake in the online gambling realm, Giordano brought renowned maverick Al Goldstein onboard to help promote the operation and from there, the popular gambling site PlayWithAl.com was born.  Raking in tens of thousands of dollars every week, Giordano purchased a lavish mansion in Florida while maintain gaming servers in St. Maartens and expanding his operation to the jurisdiction of Costa Rica.  Despite the rapid success, U.S. lawmakers set a precedent with Mr. Giordano as his company represents the first offshore online gambling operation to be accused of criminal activity in the U.S., without actually having any operative base on U.S. soil.

According to the plea agreement, Giordano will receive a five-month sentence the infamous Riker’s Island in addition to a hefty fine of a whopping $1 million.  This is one top of an estimated $1 million that had been seized by authorities.  Initially, authorities claimed that the sports betting website had booked more than $3.3 billion in wagers in just over two years, a figure Giordano says is simply ridiculous.  This leads some to believe that the plea and relatively light sentence shows federal officials’ urgency to quickly close out a weak case.

Giordano reports that all of his business was conducted in a legitimate manner, citing that all his taxes were paid and that he violated no laws. However, he is concerned that the illegal and unethical practices conducted by prosecutors could eventually result in a much stiffer sentence.

As for making a return to the online gambling business, Giordano says that he is done and looking for another line of work.