"Sun" Sunday

Virgil’s Real Barbeque To Open Inside Mohegan Sun

Famous BBQ Eatery opening this Spring
Barbeque lovers rejoice as Mohegan Sun announces a new addition to their restaurant offerings, Virgil’s Real BBQ, NYC’s original BBQ Restaurant since 1994. Virgil’s will be located on the upper level of The Shops concourse near The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House in the previous Big Bubba's BBQ. Virgil’s Real BBQ, which will have seating for 225, will boast something for everyone from comfort food favorites to regional cuisines to complement the famous smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork and even some vegetarian dishes. This will be their third location with restaurants currently in New York City and in 2001, a 650-seat restaurant at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas.

ABOUT VIRGIL’S
Virgil’s fired up its pits and opened its doors in 1994 serving up traditional Southern barbecue and hospitality. Virgil’s smokes all their meats at a low temperature over indirect heat for up to ten hours with a unique mix of hickory, oak and fruit woods in order to impart the most flavor and keep the meat from drying out. To complement the main menu of BBQ specialties, Virgil’s also offers a generous selection of traditional sides like barbecue beans, coleslaw and cheese grits and Southern-style desserts like Banana Pudding and Key Lime Pie. To wash it all down, Virgil’s beer list features 16 beers on tap including Virgil’s own recipe lager brewed by Magic Hat Brewery in Burlington, Vermont. They are available by the glass or pint along with 75 varieties of bottled beers in every style to match any mood or plate.


Jim Rice And Bucky Dent To Visit Mohegan Sun On April 4th
Batter up! Meet two of major league baseball’s heavy hitters on Thursday, April 4th when Jim Rice and Bucky Dent visit Mohegan Sun for a Signings & Sightings event inside Bow & Arrow Sports Bar. Jim & Bucky will be meeting fans and signing autographs for this free event that’s sure to be a “home run!”
*Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to time restrictions, signing items will be limited to headshots given out at event as well as two pieces of memorabilia per celebrity.


That's all for now.

Binbin

Powerball Realities

You Can't Win If You Don't Play.......

Yes, that's true. Let's review some other "You can't....if You Don't......" sayings:

1. "You Can't Win If You Don't Enter" (Still waiting for the balloons & GIGANTIC Check!)
2. "You Can't Sit If You Want to be Fit" (True! I'm glad I found that saying sitting in my recliner!)
3. "(If) You Can't Say Something Nice, Don't say ANYTHING AT ALL"
4. "You Can't Complain If You Don't Vote" (Just think - If we had a $1 National Complaint Jar, We'd turn that deficit around in no time!)
5. "You Can't Make Your Bed If You're a Tyrannosaurus Rex"(Ok, that's kinda off track, but pretty funny - trying picturing it)

So, today, POWERBALL is BIG! POWERBALL MANIA is out of control. (Really? I have to wait in line to pay cash for gas at Bin's Gas Station, Convenience Store, & Dry Cleaners?)

Well, it IS true - "You Can't Win If You Don't Play." So what chances do you have to win? Well, you have better odds in the following:

• Birthing identical quadruplets - Odds: 13,000,000 to 1
• Becoming an astronaut - Odds: 12,100,000 to 1
• Becoming a movie star - Odds: 1,505,000 to 1
• Getting a royal flush in a first hand of poker - Odds: 649,740 to 1
• Finding a four leaf clover - Odds: 10,000 to 1

One more thing is TRUE - THE ODDS DON'T CHANGE! YOU DON'T HAVE A BETTER CHANCE IF MORE OR LESS PEOPLE BUY TICKETS, OR WHATEVER THE JACKPOT IS!
I heard this said on TV this morning, "You'd think the odds would be better to win at a low jackpot since less people are buying tickets..." OMG! That type of thinking is the same as looking for a cold slot - it's bound to hit. WOW Gambling sure brings out the "smarts" out in people.

Here's the facts:

• There is a 1 in 175,223,510 chance of winning the jackpot, according to the website of the Multi-State Lottery Association.
• There's a 1 in 31.85 chance that a ticket holder could win something, including the smallest prize of $4.
• The pot is technically $320 million, but has a cash value after taxes of $193.8 million, according to the association.

Though sizable, tonight's pot pales in comparison with last year's $588 million Powerball jackpot.So, hey why bother. Afterall, most of us aren't even interested if the jackpot is only 8 digits!

So, it's true - You Can't Win If You Don't Play. Have fun with it, although, you're likelier to die getting struck by lightning than winning the Powerball jackpot: 1 in 134,906.

That's all for now. I have to rush down to Lotto Mart to buy "a" ticket.

Binbin

This Weekend's New England Casino Entertainment

Remember to Check Casino Websites before visiting the casino!

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Arena
Kenny Chesney
with special guests Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves
Friday, March 22nd - 7:30pm
Saturday, March 23rd - 7:30pm

Wolf Den
Friday, March 22nd - 8:00pm Robert Randolph and The Family Band
Saturday, March 23rd - 8:00pm - Foghat

Cabaret Theater
Saturday March 23rd 9:00
Dom Irrera
with special guest Peter Bales

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
COMIX at FOXWOODS
JULIAN MCCULLOUGH Friday, March 22nd & Saturday, March 23rd - 7:30pm
COMIX One Night Stand  - March 22, 10:30 PM
NASTY SHOW - March 23, 10:30 PM

Twin River Casino (RI)
Lighthouse Bar
Friday March 22nd - Amish Outlaws - 8:30pm
Saturday March 23rd - Blurred Vision - 8:30pm

Catch A Rising Star
Friday March 22nd - Dan Crohn - 8:00pm & Frank Santos Jr. - Comic Hypnotist 10:15pm
Saturday March 23rd - John Rineman and Dan Crohn @ 8:00 & 10:00

Newport Grand (RI)
Newport Grand Event Center
FREE CONCERT - Tribute to the Rolling Stones - The Glimmer Twins
Saturday March 23, 2013 9:00 PM

Grand Cocktail Lounge
Saturday March 23rd - 9:00 - Damaged Goods

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday March 22nd - Rockin Ron- 9:00PM
Saturday March 23rd - Rock Revelation - 9:00PM

That's all For now

Binbin

This Weekend's New England Casino Entertainment

Remember to Check Casino Websites before visiting the casino!

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Wolf Den
Friday March 15th 8:00 - The Rubix Kubes
Saturday March 16th 8:00 - The Irish Rovers

Cabaret Theater
Saturday March 16th 9:00
Joey Kola featuring Ophira Eisenberg
with special guest Martin Montana

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
COMIX One Night Stand
Bret Ernst - March 14-16 (3 Shows) - 8:00pm
Friday, March 15th - Isaacs & Baker, 10:30
Saturday, March 16 - Nasty Show, 10:30
Sunday, March 17th - Boston Irish Comix, 8:00

Twin River Casino (RI)
Twin River Event Center - Live Professional Boxing
March 15th - Manfredo II:Unfinished Business 7:00

Lighthouse Bar
Friday March 15th - Santa Mamba - 8:30
Saturday March 16th - D5 and After Fact - 8:30

Catch A Rising Star
Friday March 15th - Otto & George - 8:00 & 10:30
Saturday March 16th - Ron Laney @ 8:00 & 10:00

Newport Grand (RI)
FREE CONCERT - Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Fillmore
Saturday Mar 16, 2013 9:00 PM
Newport Grand Event Center - Newport, RI

Grand Cocktail Lounge
Friday March 15th - 9:00 - Matty B
Saturday March 16th - 9:00 - Summer School

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday March 15th - Backlash - 9:00PM
Saturday March 16th - Don Campbell Band - 9:00PM

That's all For now

Binbin

St Patrick's Day Specials In New Endland Casinos

Mohegan Sun
St. Patrick’s Day Begins And Ends At The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House Inside Mohegan Sun
On March 17th, catch the luck of the Irish at Mohegan Sun’s brand-new Irish pub
This March 17th, grab your green and join The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House inside Mohegan Sun as they host their first-ever St. Patrick’s Day party!
Opening at 11:00am, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House will have drink specials, giveaways, authentic Irish dishes and live entertainment throughout the day including Jediah at 4:00pm, bagpipers at 7:00pm and Kenny Mehler Band at 9:00pm.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so get to Mohegan Sun early to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like they do on the Emerald Isle.

Foxwoods-MGM
Thursday, Mar 17, 2011 6:00a
Block party at Atrium Lounge featuring Celtic Cross, a New York City based pop/folk band with a strong Celtic traditional influence, and the Guinness Girls will make a special appearance.
Stop by any Dream Rewards location between 6 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011 and receive your entry into the Pot O’ Gold Cash Giveaway. The drawings will be held at 8:00 p.m. at the Atrium Lounge in Rainmaker Square where ten lucky guests will each win $2,500 in CASH!

Twin River
St. Patrick's Day Party
Join them in the clubhouse for a celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There will be tons of food, beverages, and activities for you and your friends. You definitely do not want to miss out! Wear your favorite green outfit and meet us in the clubhouse at 7:00 pm.

Newport Grand
St. Patrick's Day Buffet
Sunday, March 17th
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hollywood Casino & Raceway
EXCLUSIVE DRAWINGS FOR OUR 55+ MEMBERS!
Start earning entries at 8am. Drawings every half-hour between 11am-2:30pm. Stop by Player Services on March 3 to obtain your official LIUC pin to use for a special Epic Buffet offer on March 27! Then, come in on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, for BONUS drawings at 3pm & 3:30pm for an additional share of $1,000 Free Slot Play! Visit Player Services for complete details.


Oxford Casino
Food ala carte specials at Oxford Grill
Sunday, March 17th
11:00 am. to 8:00 p.m.



Erin Go Bragh

Binbin

"Sun" Sunday

Mohegan Sun Promotions

Free Slot Play Mania
Sundays, March 10th & 24th
6:00am - Midnight
Simply insert your Player's Club card into your favorite slot machine.
Earn 1 Player's Club point* and receive $15 in Free Slot Play!

Double Points
EVERY TUESDAY IN MARCH!
Play your favorite slots* between 6:00AM - MIDNIGHT each day to receive your DOUBLE POINTS!     TUESDAYS | MARCH 19TH AND 26TH
*Select machines excluded.


MOHEGAN SUN'S $25,000 Best of the Bracket Giveaway
March 18th - 21st
Swipe your Player's Club card once starting Monday, March 18th through Thursday, March 21st at the designated kiosks in Earth or Sky Promotions, as well as Bow & Arrow Sports Bar, to choose which team you think will win the 2013 men's college basketball tournament! As your team advances, you will earn entries towards the grand prize drawing, a trip to see the final four teams play during championship weekend in 2014 in Arlington, Texas! Plus, you can win cash prizes or a home entertainment system from Brookstone!

Powerplay Bonusing
Virtual RacingFriday, March 22nd
Each hour from 10:00pm - Midnight
Simply play at least $20 on your favorite slot games* during the half-hour prior to each Virtual Race to be eligible. Choose the winning horse on the Mohegan Sun Circuit and receive $25 in Free Slot Play instantly!       *Select slot games excluded

Power Winners "Mystery" Instant HitWednesday, March 27th
Noon - 2:00pm, 4:00pm - 6:00pm & 8:00pm - 11:00pm
GUARANTEED TO WIN AT LEAST $10 IN FREE SLOT PLAY!
Simply insert your Player's Club card while playing your favorite slot games. Two Instant Hits will occur between Noon - 2:00pm, two more between 4:00pm - 6:00pm and three between 8:00pm - 11:00pm! But it's a mystery exactly when the Instant Hits will occur! For each Instant Hit, 50 Player's Club members will receive $100 IN FREE SLOT PLAY INSTANTLY! In addition, all other Player's Club members who have their card properly inserted in their slot game will receive $10 IN FREE SLOT PLAY INSTANTLY!


That's all for now!


Binbin

Mass Casino Suitors Unusual Requirements Part 2

A Look at Western Massachusetts Licensees & Their Approach to the Surrounding Communities

The ombudsman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission told local people Wednesday the state encourages communities surrounding a municipality with the potential to host a casino to speak with casino applicants.

“We encourage all surrounding communities to be in touch with applicants,” John Ziemba told the city’s Casino Commission and the Town Council’s Casino Mitigation Committee.

All Surrounding communities of the Binbin "Yo Eleven" companies will be courted in the upcoming months. Let's look at the Springfield trifecta of Hard Rock, Penn, and MGM:

Hard Rock International and the Bronson Companies would like to develop a $500 million to $800 million resort-style casino at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. Plans call for a 400- to 500-room hotel as well as a parking deck, a performance center and other amenities. Eastern States Exposition Chief Executive Officer Eugene J. Cassidy has said his organization is investigating having a casino on its property because of fears that a casino in Springfield would take entertainment, trade fair and other business away from it. That would threaten the existence of the exposition, he said. Locally, people have expressed concerns that a casino on the fairgrounds, which are off Memorial Avenue, would worsen existing traffic problems, particularly during the Big E annual agricultural fair. The yearly event that New Englanders equate as their "Texas State Fair" is difficult to consider changed by this casino development. I'm sure the Hard Rock's events will close for the weeks it's open, and Springfield traffic is bad enough at those times. An asset or a hindrance to New England's "State Fair?" I say a hindrance. The location is not the best for surrounding communities.

MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming, competing to build a casino in Springfield, plan to make new public presentations on March 11, designed to clarify their traffic plans, entertainment and non-casino components. The presentations are scheduled from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at City Stage, located at 1 Columbus Center. The presentations, announced by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, are open to the public.

“It is part of our continuing effort to get as much information out to the public as possible,” said Kevin E. Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer. “Both of these subjects – traffic and entertainment will be integral to a successful application for a gaming commission license.”

The purpose of the presentations is to allow the proposers to present and explain certain refinements in their proposals related to traffic and the non-casino aspects of their proposals developed in response to the city’s requests for clarifications and the updated draft evaluation criteria issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, officials said. While the public may attend, the presentation will not involve a question and answer period for the public. The areas targeted, especially entertainment, dining, and tourism, “really have a significant regional impact,” Kennedy said.

According to a prepared statement issued by the mayor's office, the city expects each proposer to send representatives of their companies to make the presentations in a format that is conducive to the audience in attendance, as well as an audience watching on a live web based video feed and/or television broadcast. The city will arrange for live stream through its website (www.springfield-ma.gov/casino) and has arranged a live feed through MassLive.com and its television partner, CBS 3 Springfield, and it will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 293. A recording of the proceedings will be posted to the Springfield Redevelopment Authority webpage. The presentations will be open to the public on a first come basis. CityStage doors will open at 2 p.m. The area seats approximately 400 people. There will be no reserved seating.

Saturday- a look at the Mohegan Massachusetts and an update on the Wampanoag's bid.
Tomorrow is Foxwoods-MGM Friday.

That's all for now.

Binbin

New England Weekend Entertainment

WELCOME TO MY 100th POST!
Not that much happening in CT it seems this weekend!
Check websites for ticket information.
Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
The Arena
Friday, March 8th - Matchbox 20 - 7:30pm

Wolf Den
Friday March 8th - 8:00 - Railroad Earth
Saturday March 9th - 8:00 & 10:00 - Herman's Hermits

Cabaret Theater
Saturday, March 9th - Vic DiBitetto featuring Marvin Bell
with special guest Bob DiBuono - 10:00

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
COMIX One Night Stand
Godfrey - March 7-9 - (3 Shows) - 8:00pm

Twin River Casino (RI)
Twin River Event Center -
Friday March 8th - Regis & Joy Philbin - 8:00

Lighthouse Bar
Friday March 8th - Steve Anthony & Persuasion - 8:30
Saturday March 9th - Great Escape (Journey Tribute) - 8:30

Catch A Rising Star
Friday March 8th - Funniest Comic in New England Contest Winners - 8:00
Friday March 8th - Frank Santos, Comic Hypnotist - 10:30
Saturday March 9th - Josh Rabinowitz - 8:00

Newport Grand (RI)
Grand Cocktail Lounge
Friday March 8th - 9:00 - The Merge
Saturday March 8th - 9:00 - Swerving Cadillacs

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday March 8th - Alison Ames Band - 9:00PM
Saturday March 9th - Vinyl Down - 9:00PM

That's all For now

Binbin

Unusual Requirements Continue to Become Part of Mass Casino Process - Part 1

Casino companies in Massachusetts face unusual requirement to negotiate deals with 'surrounding' communities

Casino companies in Western Massachusetts and municipal leaders are preparing for some high-stakes negotiations over impact fees and other measures to alleviate the effects of gambling projects on cities and towns that surround a community that would be home to a casino.

Massachusetts is among many states that require commercial casinos to negotiate contracts with municipalities where the resort would be built. But unlike other states, Massachusetts also requires developers to reach separate, written mitigation agreements with each community that might border or be close to a "host" community, casino executives said.


Below are artist renderings of Western Mass proposals:

Clockwise from upper left, Hard Rock International Resorts in West Springfield; MGM Resorts International in Springfield; Penn National Gaming in Springfield; and Mohegan Sun in Palmer. In the coming days, I will take a closer look at individual proposals.

In Western Massachusetts, that means up to a couple dozen different communities could eventually be negotiating agreements for fees, traffic or sewer improvements, school funds or other ways to offset the impacts of casinos in a nearby city or town.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the powerful five-member state agency that will issue licenses for casinos, would be ultimately responsible for designating some municipalities as "surrounding" communities, authorizing them to negotiate agreements with casinos.

The casino law mandates that casino developers reach written agreements with communities where they want to open a resort and then put the details in those agreements up for a vote. Casinos need voter approval before they apply for a state license.

The adjacent or surrounding communities don't get to vote on casinos, but they can negotiate with companies for fees, improvements to roads or other infrastructure and other protections. The agreements with surrounding communities need to be approved before the gaming commission grants a license.

Casino companies must reach mitigation agreements with surrounding communities as part of the process for applying for a state license from the gaming commission.

It's currently unclear what communities will be officially named as "surrounding" communities and allowed to bargain for agreements.

More to follow on this process during the next posts.  Tomorrow will still be Weekend Entertainment Wednesday.  That's all for now.

Binbin

Weekend Entertainment Wednesday

This Weekend’s Casino Entertainment - Check websites for ticket information.

Happy New Year! Let's see what brewing this weekend in New England's Casinos

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Wolf Den
Friday Jan. 4th 8:00 - The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Saturday Jan 5th 8:00 - Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon
The Arena
Saturday Jan 5th 8:00 - Reality Fighting: A Night of MMA Fights
Cabaret Theater
Saturday Jan 5th 9:00 - Treehouse Comedy Productions presents
RC Smith & Rich Ceisler with Special guest Joey Novick

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
Great Cedar Exhibition Hall
Now - Feb 24 – “Victory – an Exhibit of Red Sox History”; $10 - $15
Comix at Foxwoods
Saturday Jan 5th - Latino Comix First Friday; 10:30
Greg Warren - Friday - 8:00pm, Saturday - 8:00/10:30pm

Twin River Casino (RI)
Friday Jan. 4th @ Catch A Rising Star - Brian Beaudoin - 8:00 PM
Saturday Jan 5th @ Catch A Rising Star - Frank Santos, Comic Hypnotist 10:15

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday Jan. 4th - Stillwaters Band - 9:00PM
Saturday Jan 5th - Full Drive Band 9:00PM

Fiscal Cliff and New England Casinos

The Fiscal Cliff looms as New England Casinos already try to regain financial momentum, especially Connecticut casinos. Travel expenses will cut into available bankrolls, general funds for recreation will be diminished, and players will be forced to stay closer to home. Let's look at each states possible consequences:

MAINE - This may cause less of an increase in revenue for the two competing casinos (-) but many from the Pine Tree state may not be traveling elsewhere (CT, RI) to play (+). Maine Casinos could see the smallest decrease.

MASSACHUSETTS - Sending the economy over the fiscal cliff could cost Massachusetts more jobs than have been created in the past year(-). Jobs created by for the future casinos will be different from the jobs lost.job. These losses would be felt particularly in the state’s high-tech sector, where high-paying jobs in research and development would disappear. Moody’s Analytics, a forecasting firm in West Chester, Pa., predicted that the combination of tax increases and spending cuts would cost Massachusetts 74,000 jobs. “That is a huge job loss,” Clayton-Matthews said.(-) The change in jobs may cause the legislature to drag their feet in casino selection and postpone the decision to continue the process. Also, the players involved in getting licenced in Massachusetts (MGM, Caesar's, Wynn, Mohegan Sun) may get cold feet if the state seems to be more of a "gamble" for success.(-)

RHODE ISLAND - A decrease in available luxury spending may keep the Ocean State's faithful home, even in Newport! But their proximity to CT might not change where they gamble, just how much.(-)

CONNECTICUT - With both casinos having layoffs, and dealing with declining revenues over the last three quarters, the Nutmeg State may feel it the most. (--) New York still looms big, enticing CT's gamblers. And Rhode Island's Twin River continues to work on not only keeping it's players at home, teasing CT gamblers and working on future prospects and a base of clients in Massachusetts before their casinos are up and running. The future seems rather difficult for the Sun & Foxwoods, although they continue to try different promotions, add shopping outlets and continue to offer the best concert talent of all northeast casinos.

Economists predict.Casinos nationwide could see their profits fall by as much as 10 percent if Congress and the White House fail to reach agreement to avoid a budget crisis, a top credit ratings agency warned Monday. Moody’s Investors Service said the gambling industry would be particularly vulnerable if Washington’s budget negotiations falter, leading to a series of spending cuts and tax increases that could harm consumer confidence and drive the country over the “fiscal cliff.”

“The gaming sector’s economic health depends entirely on customers’ discretionary spending habits,” Moody’s noted in a research report. “Even as the severe downturn during 2008-09 has faded, U.S. consumers remain under pressure from weak growth in their disposable personal incomes, as well as increasing living expenses. Any further drop in consumer confidence would keep even more potential gaming customers from spending their money at casinos.” Moody’s predicted that casino operating profits could decline between 5 percent and 10 percent if wary gamblers stay home. Atlantic City’s casinos, already suffering in the fragile economy, have seen their gambling revenue sink 8 percent in the first 11 months this year!

Let's not forget hurricane Sandy that closed casinos in the northeast. Casinos are expected to take months to fully recover from the storm. Collectively, Atlantic City’s 12 casino hotels lost an estimated $5 million in gambling revenue each day they were closed in the hurricane’s aftermath.

Dear legislators, please do your job. We have enough economic "royal " pains to deal with.

Binbin

What are your Casino New Year's Resolutions?

Do people really make resolutions and stick to them? C'mon now - really?

I think we as human beings make resolutions on January 1st with all good intentions. I really do! They represent hope - change for the better - forward improvement. Whether we follow them or not, they represent what we think are important changes to make as individuals and as a society.

So resolutions are good, right? Let's look at some gambling resolutions for the new year:

1) I will stay withing my Bankroll! Know what you can spend. If you have a winning session, great! If not, stick to your limit. If losses approach the amount you're willing to spend, slow down. Take a timeout, get a snack - people watch! If you hit your limit, it's time to stop

2) I won't bother people near me - I will respect other players space and focus. Instead of bothering others, I will do my own homework and learn the games myself.

3) I will learn the games before I play: A little homework goes a long way in helping to cut the odds against you at casino games. Learn basic strategy in blackjack and for each video poker game you play. Know the rules and best bets in craps. No matter your game of choice, buy a good book and read about the best methods of play.

4) I will keep part of my winnings: Your winnings aren't "their money." As soon as you've won it, it's yours, and you don't have to give it back. On any sizable win, put at least half of it away. You can buy yourself a treat, go out for an evening on the town, put a little away for the kids' or grandkids' educations, pay bills --- whatever you want.

5) I will keep track of my gambling. Keeping track of stats such as time spent, casinos visited, promotions used, money won/lost, etc...will force you to look at your gaming experiences. Patterns of losing play, or machines played, may indicate that changes are needed.

6) I will play only with money I can afford to lose: When the losses come, make sure you don't have money earmarked for food, clothing, school, the rent or mortgage on the line. Play with money budgeted for entertainment, not for life's necessities.

7) I will never chase losses: What's worse than losing money? Losing even more in a desperate attempt to win it back. You're never "due" to win, and wins and losses don't have to even out in the time we play. A losing streak means it's time to ease back or quit, not bet more.

8) I will never use credit card cash advances for gambling money: Think the house edge is high on some games? Try comparing it to credit card interest rates. The house edge added to interest on borrowed money and ATM fees --- that's a tough combination to overcome.

9) I will go easy on the alcohol: If you want to have a drink while you play, that's your business. You don't want your judgment impaired with money on the line. Have a good time, but keep a clear head, too.

10) I will keep perspective and play for fun: Keep perspective and play for fun. Gambling in a casino is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Only a handful of blackjack and video poker players have the skill, discipline and bankroll to enable them to make money in the long run. Most of us will lose more than we win at any game. Most players are best off to treat losses as the price of admission for a day's entertainment. Casino gambling is a form of entertainment, a way to have a good time. On those days when we take a little extra cash home, so much the better. But even a losing day can be fun if you keep your expectations realistic.

11) I will pay attention to my TITO payments.Be careful with your money. There are people out there who look to take other players money, TITO vouchers (TITO = Ticket In, Ticket Out) purses and more. That's their job! Be careful out there

12) I will be more aware of my Rewards Account. Remember, all rewards clubs have different rules. 1 point in one club equals $1, but other clubs have 100 points equaling $1. And be aware of when your points expire.

I'm sure there are more. Whatever your resolutions may be, I hope you keep them as long as possible. I hope your New year is a prosperous one - make 2013 the best gaming experience yet. Get that royal!

That's all for now

Binbin

This Weekend’s Casino Entertainment - Check websites for ticket information.

Short listing this week.  Next week I'll include a long list of New Year's Eve Events in New England Casinos.
Binbin

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)
Wolf Den
Ronnie Specter's Best Christmas Party Ever
Saturday, December 22nd - 8:00pm
The Arena 
Straight No Chaser; Friday, December 21th - 8:00pm
Cabaret Theater
The Funniest Comic in New England Contest
Saturday, December 22nd - 9:00pm

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)
Great Cedar Exhibition Hall
Now - Feb 24 – “Victory – an Exhibit of Red Sox History”; $10 - $15
Comix at Foxwoods
Lenny Marcus - December 19-22 (4 Shows)
Thursday - 8:00pm, Friday - 8:00pm, Saturday - 8:00/10:30pm
MGM Grand TheaterDecember 21st, 8:00 PM - Kenny Rogers
December 22nd, 11:00 PM - Dai Nhac Hoi
 
Twin River Casino (RI)
Friday, December 21st @ Catch A Rising Star - Ben Hague - 7:30PM
Saturday, December 22nd @ Catch A Rising Star - Big P and the Pussycats featuring Vinny Pastore- 8:00PM

Hollywood Casino (ME)
The Sound Stage Lounge
Friday, December 21st- Kayla Wass Trio - 9:00PM
Saturday, December 22nd - Kayla Wass Band  9:00PM

Tuesday Tidbits

Random stuff concerning New England Gambling, US Gambling, and gambling in general.

• In this year’s election news, the biggest election-day casino issue was in Maryland which approved the addition of table games at its casinos, including a sixth resort that will be built near Washington D.C. As we remember in New England, table games were also approved for Rhode Island’s Twin River slot parlor, but were declined for the Newport Grand. And, a measure to escalate a casino presence in Oregon was defeated.

• Ever get "free slot play?" Ever play just the free slot play, then leave? Well, consider this.  Whatever your playing status (card tier) is - low, mid to high roller status - casino management looks at all of your play statistics - time played, denomination, bet amount, games - high or low house advantage - and time away (for example, Mohegan Sun looks at last 6 visits). If your "free slot play" only visit isn't incorporated in your usual amount of play, it may decrease your perks and your tier-status. Something to keep in mind on those days you go to eat and play your free slot play and leave, damaging your player rating!  Not that I would know, I mean, so I've heard.....

• Frank Scoblete, well known gambling author and teacher, gives the following suggestions about protecting your money in a casino - Men should never keep their wallets in their back pockets. Get a shirt with a pocket in front that buttons and keep your money in there. Some savvy craps players even keep a “dummy” wallet in their back pockets.  Women should never put your purse on the floor, or on the drink shelf that surrounds the craps table at thigh level, or between slot machines. Doing so is an invitation to long-armed thieves. Keep your purse wrapped securely around your shoulder, on your lap covered by your arm, or keep it in your hands. The bottom line is to make the thief realize that it is going to take quite an effort to dislodge you from your purse. Both sexes can protect their money by using a secure fanny pack or waist pack.

You can find more of Frank’s teachings at his site http://www.gamblingteachers.com.

• Promotion - Shop & Dine Anywhere at Mohegan Sun w/ a $25 Gift Card and $15 in Free Slot Play for $25 ($40 Value) Limit 1 per person, per Player's Club card. Voucher expires December 31, 2012. From ReferLocal. http://tinyurl.com/b76kqym

• A Doctor Poker Player - A doctor answers his phone and hears the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line. "We need a fourth for poker," said the friend. "I'll be right over," whispered the doctor. As he was putting on his coat, his wife asked, "Is it serious?" "Oh yes, quite serious," said the doctor gravely. "In fact, there are three doctors there already!"

• Finally, a Casino Myth from Frank Scoblete:   Casinos are not interested in low rollers. To get comps, you have to bet big money.   If you play the machines, even for quarters, you aren’t as low a roller as you think you are. Put three quarters in a machine every five seconds and you are putting through $540 per hour. Play four hours and you just gambled $2,160 -- wow! The casinos will be more than happy to recognize such action with free or discounted rooms, meals and other special promotions. If you play table games, you might not want to be a five-dollar bettor looking for comps in a casino where they only rate $25 action. However, there are plenty of casinos that will gladly comp five-dollar players if they play long enough. The bottom line is this: Most casinos want just about all players. Find the places that give your action the most in perks as possible...and then patronize them. 

That's all for now.  A-K-Q-J-10 all diamonds.  Diamonds aren't just a girl's best friend!

Binbin

Wednesday means NE Time Weekend Entertainment

This Weekend’s Casino Entertainment - Check websites for ticket information.

Binbin

Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino (CT)

Wolf Den

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild & Swingin' Holiday Party

Friday, December 14th - 8:00pm, Saturday, December 15th - 8:00pm 

The Arena

Albano's Nutcracker - 50th Anniversary

Saturday, December 15th - 7:00pm  
Cabaret Theater

Carole Montgomery featuring Pete Costello with special guest Paul Virzi

Saturday, December 15th - 9:00pm

Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT)

Great Cedar Exhibition Hall 

Now - Feb 24 – “Victory – an Exhibit of Red Sox History”; $10 - $15

Comix at Foxwoods

IAN EDWARDS - December 13-15 (4 Shows)

Thursday - 8:00pm, Friday - 8:00pm, Saturday - 8:00/10:30pm

MGM Grand Theater
December 14, 8:00 PM - Mannheim Steamroller

December 15, 8:00 PM - LISA LAMPANELLI

Twin River Casino (RI)

Friday, December 14th @ Catch A Rising Star - RC Smith - 8:00PM
Saturday, December 15th @ Catch A Rising Star - Frank Santos, Jr. - Comic Hypnotist - 10:15PM

Newport Grand Slots (RI)

Friday Dec 14, 2012 9:00 PM - Bruce James Comedy Hypnosis Show

Newport Grand Event Center - Newport, RI

Hollywood Casino (ME)

The Sound Stage Lounge

Friday, December 14^th -  Juke Rockets Blues Band 9:00PM

Saturday, December 15^th - Alter Igor 9:00PM

Tidbit Tuesdays in New England Gambling

Today includes random coverage of New England Casinos.  Some additional bits on Mohegan Sun since we missed "Sun" Sunday.  Here goes:

MOHEGAN SUN

Here's what I think is a hysterical promotion

SURVIVOR DAY T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY! - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22ND

Starting at 9:00am, the first 1,000 Player's Club members who visit the Summer Coat Check located in Casino of the Earth will receive a FREE "SURVIVOR DAY" T-SHIRT!

I think that only those who truly believe the world is not going to end should be in line for this shirt, because otherwise it would be rather hypocritical.

Gambling quiz question 1) What is the difference between American Roulette and European Roulette?" 

FOREVER YOUNG MONDAYS for 60 or over patrons. It's time to cut loose!

Every Monday, January 7th - February 25^th, the Sun offers promotions including Dining Specials, Friends & Family free slot play specials, Entertainment & Shopping Offers, as well as Bus Packages.  See website for details.

Answer to Question 1) - American =  zero & double zero, European = just zero

Gambling Question 2) - What is the "Dead Man's Hand?"

FOXWOODS

BRING FRIENDS TO FOXWOODS PROMOTION

Bring your Friends to sign up for a Foxwoods Rewards Card.  Once you and your Friends each earn one (1) point you’ll be rewarded with the same points up to 250.  Plus your Friends will receive a Complimentary Buffet when one (1) point is earned and a Complimentary Room Offer when they earn five (5) points.  Offer will be mailed. Offer valid on new accounts only.

Answer to Question 2) two pair - 8's and Aces.  Why?  Look it up, don't be so lazy.

 

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PROMOTION

SEPTEMBER 11 THRU DECEMBER 18, 2012 (Last Week?)

If you’re 60 or older, get ready to enjoy great perks, prizes and discounts.

TUESDAYS in the Food Court, adjacent to Panera Bread

MORNING COFFEE – 9am to 11am Giveaway items offered weekly during morning coffee

25% DISCOUNT at Veranda Café and Festival Buffet

FREE SMALL PLATE with a $15 purchase at California Pizza Kitchen

10% DISCOUNT at Craftsteak

HIGH ROLLERS – Buy One Game of Bowling, Get One Free 5pm to 7pm

25% OFF Services and Retail Purchases at the Norwich Spa at Foxwoods

DAILY PRIZE RAFFLE – Food Court adjacent to Panera Bread – 3pm

Prizes to include cash, BSP and gifts – There will be 10 guaranteed winners each week

Trivia - The four suits represent civilizations that have influenced our culture. Spades represent the Middle East of Biblical times, clubs represent Greece, diamonds represent the Roman Empire, and hearts represent the Holy Roman Empire.

TWIN RIVER CASINO

TRIPLE YOUR REWARDS PROMOTION

Every Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday at Fred & Steve's Steakhouse and every Tuesday at Wicked Good Bar & Grill!

All Twin River Rewards Club Members will be able to redeem their Rewards Points for TRIPLE their value.  Maximum $200 point redemption per day. Alcohol Excluded. Must be 18+.

More trivia - The bar symbol used on modern slot machines is derived from a Bell Fruit Gum logo. The gum was dispensed in slots designed by Herbert Mills in Chicago in 1910, and other fruit symbols on slots were derived from the gum flavors.

NEWPORT GRAND CASINO

12-12-12    $12,000 Giveaway

On Wednesday, December 12, 2012, from 11a.m. - 9:30 p.m. there will be a winner every 15 minutes.  Prizes will include 40 - $300 Prize Packages containing $200 Cash & $100 Free Play.

Yet, more trivia - Roly-poly was banned in England in 1745, but the horizontal wheel traveled well. By 1796, modern roulette was being played in France.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO

Test your lucky fate - 12.12.12

Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime date, come into Hollywood and test your lucky fate. 12 lucky winners will be chosen for 12 hours straight starting at 8am. Plus, 12 more winners from 10am-12pm & 2-4pm will be chosen to win an exclusive Snow Globe that could contain a free meal, hotel stay, and more! Visit Player Services for complete details.

That's all for now.  Have a royal 12-12-12.

Binbin

Maine Mondays

MAINE

 

Oxford Casino

OXFORD — Executives with the Oxford Casino say they havetaken in more than $30 million in net revenues in the six months since thefacility opened, but expansion plans remain in limbo.  General Manager and Vice President Jack Sourssaid there are no immediate plans to expand, but the casino would eventuallylike to build a hotel to attract overnight visitors and not just day-trippers.  Sours tells the Sun Journal that the casinoalso has to take into account planned expanded gambling opportunities in NewHampshire and Massachusetts.  The casinohas resulted in nearly $13 million in tax revenue to the state.

An expansion that opened in September bumped the numberof slot machines from 529 to 819. The number of table games increased from 12to 22.

Hollywood Casino

BANGOR, Maine — In spite of its new competition to thesouth and a drop in the take from slot machines, Bangor’s Hollywood Casino ispoised to surpass its revenue totals from last year, a feat managementattributes to new offerings at the facility and marketing aimed at neighbors tothe north.

The casino’s 923 slot machines are bringing in less thanthey did in previous years, with slot revenue dipping below $4 million for thefirst time since 2008. In November, the slots netted less than $3.8 million.  But Hollywood Casino has a new set ofattractions that are closing the gap, according to General Manager JohnOsborne.

“Table-game revenue has really had some traction …,”Osborne said in a phone interview. “In most months, it replaced the loss ofslot revenue.”  The table games,including blackjack, roulette, Lucky Ladies, and several poker variants, havebrought in $5.9 million since they opened in March. The addition led thefacility to change its name from Hollywood Slots to Hollywood Casino, as wellas cut about 80 slot machines from the facility to make room for 16 tablegames.

“We see table games getting stronger yet in 2013,”Osborne said, explaining that the casino is adding a craps table this month.

With its new competition from Oxford Casino just a120-mile drive down I-95, Hollywood Casino has been trying to keep up its patronageby looking to the north.  General ManagerJohn Osborne said the number of visitors coming from southern parts of thestate has “slowed down a bit” in recent years, but that more people from Canadaand northern Maine are making the trip to Bangor.  In years past, Canadian visitors accountedfor 3 percent or 4 percent of casino revenue, according to Osborne; this year,however, they are contributing more than 10 percent.

Hollywood Casino is owned by Penn National Gaming, whichoperates 29 gaming and hotel facilities across the country.

That's all for now.  Short and royally sweet.

Binbin