Heard it on the River
by Rudi Schiffer
It’s time for Mississippi legislators and our 33 casinos to get up to speed on legalized sports betting initiatives and legal online gambling as others are moving aggressively in these important areas. Why wait any longer when the handwriting is on the wall.
Most recently, NEVADA became the first state to adopt online gaming regulations in a unanimous vote by the Gaming Commission, according to a story on casinocitytimes.com, via KSNV TV3 in Vegas. Nobody is quite sure if this might happen but the state wants to the “gold standard” for gaming in the country. The idea is the make sure Nevada is able to get the business when and if it is legalized. Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about it here, New Jersey moved closer to legalizing sports betting, seeking new revenue for the cash-strapped state. I would guess the same conditions apply in Mississippi, so someone should be at least thinking on starting the push. Uncle Sam will play a big part on both issues and a federal court will be the battle field in the future.
Some new developments at PEARL RIVER RESORT. The EPA has awarded the Choctaws $368,000 for rehabilitation of wastewater pump stations on the Reservation with a match amount coming from local funds. CHIEF PHYLISS ANDERSON said the grant award will provide a solid infrastructure for tribal families in the Tribes’ communities and improve the standard of living for the growing population, which now numbers around 10,000. In another development, Chief Anderson has accepted with regret the resignation of BRYCE WARREN as president/CEO of the Resort. He is leaving for personal reasons. At the same time she announced TONYA TARRANT has joined the team as chief financial officer. A new Resort president is being aggressively sought. In the few months that the new Chief has been in office, she has moved decisively with changes, thus setting a positive path to a stronger operation. Don’t forget the big $200,000 CASH giveaway at SILVER STAR on Dec. 30-Jan 1. On first day of the new year, $20,000 will given away every hour from 7 to midnight. WOW!
Talk about community support….MGM RESORTS reports that its employees have raised $4.6 million this year to support more than 1,000 community-based nonprofits in Mississippi, Nevada and Michigan. Over the past decade, that number swells to $44 million. Among the company’s 61,000 employees, an average of 46 percent has donated money through cash and payroll deductions and Foundation-hosted fundraising events. MGM covers all the administrative costs, so every dollar contributed goes directly to the community. Yes, there is a SANTA CLAUS, and he wears an MGM costume.
I can’t think of any place to be on New Year’s eve than in a casino. The noise and fun are infectious. It’s one big party, but remember that long drive home, my friends. You just know the troopers are covering the main exit roads from Tunica, so don’t be stupid and be a loser boozer.
How did you fare in the past year? It was a tough one for lots of folks and the future looks bleak, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not shine as bright, though, what with the economy still ragged — too many unemployed and a bunch of numbskulls in Washington who are supposed to be our leaders but turn out to be a bunch of do-nothings, more concerned about themselves than their constituents. I didn’t see any confetti parades down Broadway for our returning troops from Iraq. Do we now take our conflicts for granted, viewing them from the comfort of the couch, where we watch the mayhem on TV while we blather away non-stop on our cell phones. I keep thinking it can’t get any worse, only better. Turn the billions not being spent on war into research on cancer, a bigger enemy that strikes one of three in America.
GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT has a big entertainment line-up for the New Year. The casino has become a market leader, bringing in one headliner after another. The Lonesome Stranger, WILLIE NELSON, comes to Gold Strike on Friday, Jan. 13. Prices are $79.95 and $89.95. See Willie in the intimate setting of the Millennium Theatre. There is not a bad seat in the house. The legendary B.B. KING comes to Gold Strike on Friday, Feb. 17 and country music great LORETTA LYNN performs at Gold Strike on two nights, Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17. Tickets are $49.95 and $59.95 to see Loretta. The Frontmen perform on Saturday, April 21. The group consists of Richie McDonald, formerly of LONESTAR; LARRY STEWART, formerly of RESTLESS HEART and TIME RUSHLOW, formerly of LITTLE TEXAS. Tickets are $24.95 and $32.95. Others on tap include RICK SPRINGFIELD (“Jesse’s Girl”), Saturday, June 9, $34.95 and $49.95; Oak Ridge Boys, Saturday, Aug. 18, $39.95 and $44.95 and The Charlie Daniels Band on Saturday, Sept. 22, ticket prices to be announced. Almost Famous will bring in the New Year at Gold Strike. This is a great band. Almost Famous members have performed for PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH, POPE JOHN PAUL II, at the SUPER BOWL and on 23 platinum records and have numerous TV appearances.
Also at Gold Strike, THE DELTA GOLD POKER CLASSIC is set for March 23-April 2. This tourney series features 19 numbered events with buy-in amounts ranging from $30 to $200. Most are in the $100-$200 range. The championship event begins on March 31 and the buy-in for it is $1,000 with an $80 entry fee. There is a “Farewell Shot Tourney” on April 2 with a $100 buy-in. This one features a drawing for a $3,000-plus-$125 entry into the WPO Main Event, which is set for August. KAREN KAEGIN is the poker room manager and ERIC COMER is the tournament director. For information, call (662) 357-1135.
LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER
Listen for the latest casino news on the GOODTIMES radio show every Friday night from 6-8 on 730 YAYHOO! SPORTS & GAMBLING AM, Memphis.
