British bookmaking giant William Hill is coming to Las Vegas. Hill will purchase two established sports-book chains, Leroy’s and Cal-Neva, which between them run dozens of books throughout Nevada.
William Hill operates more than 2,300 betting parlors in the U.K. and has a strong online presence, which means it has experience booking nonsporting events such as the Academy Awards and presidential elections. This type of wagering was only recently legalized in Nevada, so Hill will have a distinct advantage in the new arena. The deal is pending regulatory approval, which is expected to be granted.
Ripple effect on poker: The Department of Justice moved in April to shut down three of the world’s biggest online poker sites: PokerStars, FullTilt Poker and Absolute Poker. The action put an immediate end to deals in the works that would partner Wynn Resorts with PokerStars, and a Station Casinos-affiliated company with FullTilt.
There were also concerns that ESPN would drop coverage of the 2011 World Series of Poker. While that’s unlikely, there’s a good chance that the number of participants in this year’s event will be significantly reduced, given that the online sites have traditionally been a prominent source of players for the WSOP. The tournament begins May 31.
Elton is back: Although he claimed he was “bored” the first time around, Elton John has signed to return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a three-year residency. “The Million-Dollar Piano” show will debut Sept. 28. Tickets start at $55 and went on sale April 25. There’s a limit of eight tickets per customer.
Joining Celine: It looks as though Sir Elton won’t be the only rock superstar alternating with Celine Dion in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Rod Stewart has now declared, and he’ll join Celine and Elton in a staggered rotation, probably beginning sometime in the fall.
Dolphins pricier: Admission to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage has been raised by $2 to $17 for adults and $12 for ages 4-12.
Brunch is back: Now through the end of June, the Springs Preserve, a noncasino attraction west of downtown, has reintroduced Sunday brunch at the Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. For $21, you get two choices each of appetizers, main courses and side dishes (the eggs Benedict and flank steak take entree honors). Make-your-own Bloody Marys are $7 per glass.
Cosmo happy hour: Beginning at 10 nightly, several gourmet items are half-price in Comme Ça at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Selections include steak tartare for $7.50 and a dozen oysters for $17.50 ($1.46 per). Drinks are full price, unless you go to an earlier happy hour there where beer, wine and mixed drinks are half-price.
Rare deal: The steakhouse Rare 120 Degrees at the Hard Rock has resumed a good 50-percent-off deal on Mondays. Everything on the menu (except alcohol) is discounted in the dining room or at the bar.
Question: I loved playing $1 blackjack at the Sahara. Where can I find low limits like that when it closes?
Answer: The downtown Western is dealing $2 blackjack from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and $1 craps from 3 to 11 p.m. daily. (It sells beer for a buck, too.)
Question: Is the seafood buffet at the Rio included in the Caesars Entertainment casinos’ all-day-buffet deal?
Answer: It can be. For $44.99, the Buffet of Buffets pass grants 24-hour access to the buffets at Rio, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Paris and Caesars Palace. At the Rio, the pass is good only for the Carnival World Buffet, but for $15 more you can add the Rio’s Village Seafood Buffet to the mix. Be sure to schedule the seafood buffet for dinner if you choose this option.
William Hill operates more than 2,300 betting parlors in the U.K. and has a strong online presence, which means it has experience booking nonsporting events such as the Academy Awards and presidential elections. This type of wagering was only recently legalized in Nevada, so Hill will have a distinct advantage in the new arena. The deal is pending regulatory approval, which is expected to be granted.
Ripple effect on poker: The Department of Justice moved in April to shut down three of the world’s biggest online poker sites: PokerStars, FullTilt Poker and Absolute Poker. The action put an immediate end to deals in the works that would partner Wynn Resorts with PokerStars, and a Station Casinos-affiliated company with FullTilt.
There were also concerns that ESPN would drop coverage of the 2011 World Series of Poker. While that’s unlikely, there’s a good chance that the number of participants in this year’s event will be significantly reduced, given that the online sites have traditionally been a prominent source of players for the WSOP. The tournament begins May 31.
Elton is back: Although he claimed he was “bored” the first time around, Elton John has signed to return to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for a three-year residency. “The Million-Dollar Piano” show will debut Sept. 28. Tickets start at $55 and went on sale April 25. There’s a limit of eight tickets per customer.
Joining Celine: It looks as though Sir Elton won’t be the only rock superstar alternating with Celine Dion in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Rod Stewart has now declared, and he’ll join Celine and Elton in a staggered rotation, probably beginning sometime in the fall.
Dolphins pricier: Admission to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage has been raised by $2 to $17 for adults and $12 for ages 4-12.
Brunch is back: Now through the end of June, the Springs Preserve, a noncasino attraction west of downtown, has reintroduced Sunday brunch at the Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. For $21, you get two choices each of appetizers, main courses and side dishes (the eggs Benedict and flank steak take entree honors). Make-your-own Bloody Marys are $7 per glass.
Cosmo happy hour: Beginning at 10 nightly, several gourmet items are half-price in Comme Ça at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Selections include steak tartare for $7.50 and a dozen oysters for $17.50 ($1.46 per). Drinks are full price, unless you go to an earlier happy hour there where beer, wine and mixed drinks are half-price.
Rare deal: The steakhouse Rare 120 Degrees at the Hard Rock has resumed a good 50-percent-off deal on Mondays. Everything on the menu (except alcohol) is discounted in the dining room or at the bar.
Question: I loved playing $1 blackjack at the Sahara. Where can I find low limits like that when it closes?
Answer: The downtown Western is dealing $2 blackjack from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and $1 craps from 3 to 11 p.m. daily. (It sells beer for a buck, too.)
Answer: It can be. For $44.99, the Buffet of Buffets pass grants 24-hour access to the buffets at Rio, Harrah’s, Planet Hollywood, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Paris and Caesars Palace. At the Rio, the pass is good only for the Carnival World Buffet, but for $15 more you can add the Rio’s Village Seafood Buffet to the mix. Be sure to schedule the seafood buffet for dinner if you choose this option.
