Rage over casino visit led to death, jury told

September 9, 2008 at 2:43 am · Filed under Online Gambling

A Korean man's rage at his partner's visit to the Sky City Casino led to him starting a fire at her workplace in which she died, a jury was told today.

Chul Jun Cho is on trial in the High Court in Auckland for the murder of Misook Kim, at the dental surgery where which she worked in west Auckland on February 3 last year.

Cho is also accused of attempting to murder his brother-in-law, Choonsik Moon, and of arson. He denies all three charges.

Opening the Crown case, prosecutor Christine Gordon said Cho was angry at the visit Ms Kim made to Sky City Casino in Auckland two days before her death with Dr Moon and his wife, Cho's sister Yeon Jun Cho.

Ms Gordon said Cho visited her at Dr Moon's dental surgery on February 3, with a crowbar and a container of liquid accelerant. He smashed a printer and the wall with the crowbar, and poured the liquid on the floor.

Ms Gordon said he then sparked a cigarette lighter, which ignited vapour created when pouring the liquid. Ms Kim burned to death in the ensuing fire.
Ms Gordon said the Crown did not believe Mr Cho's assertion to police afterwards that he only meant to scare Ms Kim and did not meant to start the fire.

Evidence is expected to be produced from at least 39 Crown witnesses in the trial, which is scheduled for up to three weeks.

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Seminole Gaming Selects FutureLogic as a Preferred Technology Partner for All Seminole Casinos

September 8, 2008 at 2:07 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

FutureLogic, Inc., announced today that Seminole Gaming has selected FutureLogic as a preferred technology partner. According to Seminole Gaming, their selection was based on the printer’s superior performance in an extensive product-comparison analysis.
Seminole Gaming operates seven casinos on behalf of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with more than 8,000 games installed across its properties. Seminole Gaming has directed its slot machine vendors to make FutureLogic the preferred printer for all new purchases by the Seminole Casinos. FutureLogic’s GEN2 Universal™ printer is currently being used in all of the casinos’ Class III slot machines and will remain the standard printer as Seminole Gaming adds more slot machines.

“In addition to demonstrating their reliability over time, FutureLogic printers offer designed-in software and hardware that give us the flexibility we need now and for future gaming platforms,” said Paul Tjoumakaris, Senior Vice President of Gaming Operations for Seminole Casinos. “We are also pleased with the service FutureLogic has provided throughout our casinos.”

“FutureLogic is proud to be a preferred technology partner of Seminole Gaming and we look forward to a continuing and prosperous partnership,” said Nick Micalizzi, VP of Sales & Marketing for FutureLogic. “This selection is another testament to FutureLogic’s commitment to providing first-rate customer support along with innovative new products.”

About FutureLogic

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Glendale, Calif., FutureLogic designs and builds high-reliability electromechanical assembly solutions for nearly every printing need. As the undisputed leader in super-robust thermal printer technology, FutureLogic is the industry's premier supplier of thermal printers for casino gaming, promotional equipment, kiosk, industrial, RTAL, gas pumps and medical applications. FutureLogic has installed more than 900,000 gaming printers, which produce approximately 4 billion vouchers annually. In July 2004 the company founded FutureLogic Europe Ltd to provide direct sales and engineering support for the growing OEM thermal printer markets in Europe. In October 2006 FutureLogic expanded its global support network into the Asia Pacific market, with a new sales and service center in Macau, China.

About the Seminole Tribe of Florida

More than 3,300 members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida live on and off several reservations located throughout the state. A sovereign government with an elected Tribal Council, the Tribe is headquartered on the Hollywood Seminole Reservation. The Seminole Tribe pioneered Indian Gaming in 1979 with the opening of a high-stakes bingo hall, later renamed the Seminole Casino Hollywood. In 2004, it opened the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa. In 2007, the Tribe acquired Hard Rock International, the global restaurant and hotel company with the world’s largest collection of authentic music memorabilia.

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Namibia: WAD Warns Women on Gambling

September 8, 2008 at 2:03 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

In its effort to complement Government's programmes aimed at reducing the high rate of unemployment in the country, Women's Action for Development (WAD) recently trained 143 young people in the Karas Region.

Over hundred young people graduated in different fields, among them office administration and typing, computer literacy, civic education, basic and advanced tailoring and nutrition and personal hygiene.

The new graduates bring the number of young people trained at the WAD Karas Training Centre in Keetmanshoop, sponsored by Namdeb Diamond Corporation, to 330.

WAD Executive Director Veronica de Klerk urged the graduates to use their knowledge acquired to uplift their standards of living.

Training offered by the organisation for free improves the chances of young people to land a job or start their own business.

"A certificate alone will not put bread on your table. The important point to consider is to what extent you will be prepared to utilise the knowledge and skills which you have gained during your training with the necessary dedication and commitment," she said.

The WAD executive director expressed concern over the abuse of alcohol, especially among women in that part of the country.

Alcohol abuse, as publicly known, has contributed to poverty and high levels of crimes such as stabbings and rape.

She believes that her organisation has a special calling to this region that is endowed with a lot of natural resources that can bring about economic prosperity. Instead, high levels of unemployment, po-verty, alcohol abuse and domestic violence haunt the region.

De Klerk discouraged women from engaging in gambling activities, adding that some mothers use the money meant for the maintenance of their children to gamble.

"With the legalization of gambling in certain entertainment facilities, women have simply taken over," she said.

She urged women not to squander away the little they have while the owners of such facilities run after riches that will continuously evade the gambler.

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Moulin Rouge buyouts stalled

September 8, 2008 at 1:57 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

Six months after the Las Vegas City Council approved plans for a gambling resort on the site of the historic Moulin Rouge casino, the area remains blighted and property owners accuse developers of reneging on promises to purchase their homes.

The developers insist they are pressing forward with the project and say eventually they will make good on promises to buy out the remaining occupied units of the near-empty Treeline condominiums.

In the meantime, the condo complex at 901 W. McWilliams Ave. has lost value as a place to live for remaining tenants and owners due to neglect, vandalism, crime and nuisances from drug users and vagrants who break into abandoned units at Treeline and neighboring properties.

And with the credit markets showing no interest in making commercial property loans at rates Moulin Rouge developers can live with, it could be a while before condo owners get compensation and the surrounding neighborhood gets something to replace the dangerous, blighted property.

The owners of the project -- Moulin Rouge Development Corp. of Las Vegas and Republic Urban Properties of San Jose, Calif. -- have acquired all but nine of the 60 units in the Treeline complex.

They've also bought up the former Desert Breeze apartments and have designs on more property between J and H streets and Bonanza Road and McWilliams Avenue.

Clark County property records show Moulin Rouge Development Corp., which is headed by Las Vegans Chauncey Moore and Dale Scott, has spent nearly $15 million acquiring property.

Moore and Scott did not respond to an interview request through a representative.

Republic Urban joined the project in February and has since become a lienholder on the land, according to Michael Van Every, the company's senior vice president of development.

But some folks who have dealt firsthand with the two companies are skeptical there's any money left.

They say Moulin Rouge and Republic Urban have backed off pledges to buy remaining condo units and aren't making good on promises to pay the owners money and extend sales agreements.

"I hope they can do it, I just don't see how," said Amy Groves, former manager of the Treeline homeowners association.

Groves, who is also a real estate broker, said after Moulin Rouge acquired most of the Treeline units from Bart Maybie, Moore and Scott raised hopes among remaining owners by promising them large sums for their modest homes.

When the purchase money didn't materialize, the two men offered to pay owners thousands of dollars per month to keep the sales agreements alive.

The purchase money never came and the extension payments dried up.

Once Republic Urban joined the project the promises stopped, Groves said.

"They are well within their rights to pay their earnest money and walk away," Groves said. "That is exactly what they did."

The problem is, until Moulin Rouge developers can complete the purchases, remaining owners in Treeline are forced to watch their property deteriorate in appeal and value.

During a recent visit, the entry gate from McWilliams Avenue was bent and propped open.

Inside the complex there was an overflowing community trash bin. The security guard on duty wore no uniform and the only evidence of law enforcement was two Las Vegas police officers who happened to ride through on motorcycles.

The units are adjacent to two lots with completely abandoned buildings. The abandoned buildings have broken windows and provide haven for squatters, thieves and illegal-drug users.

"Anybody who would wander in here would say it has lost its value," said Socorro Keenan, who owns one of the Treeline units but doesn't live there. She rents it to a tenant.

Keenan bought the unit in 2004 for $45,000. She says it is worth more despite the condition of the community because of the City Council approval that allows gambling and other business on what had been residential property.

She also says the Moulin Rouge developers stand to benefit the longer the complex stands mostly empty.

"I'm getting less (rent) because of the valuation of this area," she said. "This is the worst condition it has ever been in."

Van Every says it is "absolutely false" that the developers want to hold out to force sellers to take a lower price.

"If we had financing those deals would close," he said. "We paid them a lot of money in nonrefundable extensions."

Eventually, the developers intend to build a project that will cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Van Every says in a transaction of that size, "$300,000 for a unit there isn't going to make or break a deal."

The real problem is securing financing for the big loans at favorable rates, Van Every said.

The only loans now offered to the developers are at interest rates so steep they would undermine the viability of the project.

"This is a market that is very severe," he said. "We are seeing market factors that are not pretty."

Van Every also said tearing down the abandoned structures isn't as easy as it would seem. The buildings contain asbestos and possibly other material that would require special precautions to remove, he said.

That would cost money the group doesn't have.

"It is just not as easy as bringing a bulldozer down there and knocking it down," Van Every said. "We don't have a lot of resources now; we are doing the best we can."

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Gambling Dawgs steamroll Tigers

September 6, 2008 at 1:07 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

With just less than two minutes left in Friday’s game, the Berwick Bulldogs snapped the ball on fourth down and kicked away their final possession.

It was conclusive proof that the Bulldogs really can punt.

“We do have a punter,” Berwick coach Gary Campbell said.

That would have been hard to tell otherwise, as the dice kept coming up lucky sevens for Berwick during a 42-20 thumping of Tunkhannock.

Call it luck if you will, but Berwick’s ability to convert key fourth downs from anywhere on the field may have been as much of a result of hard work as the 146 yards and three touchdowns Bulldogs junior quarterback A.J. Mihaly put up.

“I’m very aggressive with that,” Campbell said. “I just think, sometimes, teams let down on special teams and we want to be the aggressor. It’s a dumb play (punting), when you think about it. You’ve got to give up the ball, give the ball to the other team, and give them a chance to score.

“Why?”

Good question, if you happen to be a member of the Bulldogs.

Berwick reached into its bag of tricks early, found some success, and kept going for more.

On the game’s first possession of the game, the Bulldogs (2-0) faked a punt as Brandon Welch took a direct snap 7 yards for a first down. Later in the drive, Alec Ladonis bashed his way for 8 yards on another fourth-down play and, eventually, John Jola knifed for a 3-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 Berwick lead.

“Coach is aggressive in his play-calling,” Mihaly said. “We know even if it’s fourth-and-3, fourth-and-4, we have a good chance of keeping it going.”

Hey, if it’s working, why stop?

Early in the fourth quarter, Berwick again rolled the dice on a fourth-and-4 play from its own 35-yard line. Louis Hampton cashed it in with a 10-yard run as the riverboat gambler Campbell hit the jackpot again.

Of course, by that time, the Bulldogs had already built a commanding 42-20 lead.

Mihaly, making only his second varsity start, lobbed a pretty 5-yard touchdown pass to Zach Powell and found Ryan Sitler with a sweet 33-yard strike to the end zone as Berwick took a 21-0 lead late in the opening quarter.

Mihaly also found Cory Davenport streaking down the sideline for a 57-yard touchdown bomb with seven seconds left in the first half.

And when Davenport scooped up a fumble and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff, the game changed for good, as Berwick took a 42-12 lead as time expired on the second quarter.

“They made those plays,” Tunkhannock coach Frank Berardelli said. “Hats off to them – first of all to call them, second of all to make them.”

Then again, that’s Berwick’s style.

“We’re going to be aggressive,” Campbell said. “From day one, that’s what we want to do. It’ll happen on the 20, it’ll happen on the 50. Sometimes, I’m going to get burned. I’ve got to live with that. But we have to be aggressive.”

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Patrick rejects casino proposal

September 6, 2008 at 1:03 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

The Patrick administration yesterday rejected a request by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to negotiate an agreement for a $1 billion resort casino in Middleborough, saying talks would be premature until the federal government places the tribe's land in trust.

"Until we know the extent to which the Bureau of Indian Affairs approves the Tribe's land-in-trust application, and the Tribe's jurisdiction over the land located in Middleborough is established, any agreements we might reach would be purely hypothetical," wrote Governor Deval Patrick's chief legal counsel, Ben Clements, to tribal chairman Shawn W. Hendricks Sr.

Clements urged Hendricks to continue ongoing "informal conversations and meetings" with administration officials.

Earlier this week, the tribe delivered a letter to the governor requesting that negotiations begin "at the earliest mutually convenient date."

The tribe won federal recognition last year, the first step toward building a resort casino with 4,000 slot machines, a 1,500-room hotel, and a golf course in the Southeastern Massachusetts town.

But before it can build a casino, it must win federal approval to declare land it owns to be sovereign and place it in trust.

Tribal leaders believe they will receive approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs next year, but the process can take much longer.

In its letter to Patrick, the tribe said that having a compact with the state could help the Wampanoag win federal approval of their land-in-trust application.

Patrick, whose proposal to license three casinos in Massachusetts died in the House of Representatives last March, repeatedly argued the state should license casinos because - with or without state approval - the tribe is likely to build one.

Without a state compact with the tribe, the state would lose any control over the casino and the share of revenues it would receive in a partnership.

In its letter to Patrick, the Wampanoag tribe said that if the state doesn't approve a compact, it will pursue its federal rights under the Indian Gaming Act to develop a Class 2 casino, which is limited to less-lucrative slot machines and limited forms of other gambling. Upgrading to Class 3, which allows slots with bigger jackpots and table games like Black Jack, would require state approval.

"No matter what ultimately happens with the negotiations, please know that it is the tribe's intent to operate America's most successful casino resort in Middleborough," wrote Hendricks on Sept. 3. "We hope that we do so in a manner which benefits all of us to the fullest extent possible."

Scott Ferson, a spokesman for the tribe, said the governor's response was not a surprise since he had indicated previously that he wanted to delay discussions until the tribe's application had made its way through the federal bureaucracy.

He said the tribe "looks forward" to ongoing discussions with Daniel O'Connell, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development who has been the administration's point man on gaming.

"The tribal chairman had a very good conversation with Secretary O'Connell yesterday," Ferson said. "The tribe has been in discussions with the state over infrastructure issues and looks forward to having further discussions in the near term on police and fire, and social service issues."

He said the tribe would rather team up with the state to build a Class 3 facility than build a Class 2 casino on its own.

But hammering out an agreement "takes time," said Ferson, "usually six months or longer. The Bureau of Indian Affairs encourages tribes to work these out in anticipation of the land being taken into trust. That's the way it was done in Connecticut."

Any deal between the tribe and the governor would probably also need the approval of the Legislature.

Patrick, in legislation he filed last year for three casinos, argued they would create tens of thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in state revenue.

He is expected to file a new casino bill when the Legislature reconvenes in January.

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Golden Gate Hotel & Casino Selects POS, PMS from Agilysys

September 6, 2008 at 12:59 pm · Filed under Online Gambling

The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas selects the Visual One property management solution and InfoGenesis POS solution from Agilysys to streamline operations at the 106-room property.

"The Visual One property management solution and InfoGenesis POS solution will play an important role in the transformation of Golden Gate into a premier boutique property in downtown Las Vegas," says Lon Jerome, director of information technology at Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. "These systems give our smaller hotel the same types of technical abilities and reporting that the larger mega-resorts enjoy, but in a way that works for our scale. What's more, Agilysys provided expert onsite assistance during the installation process, and their employee training enabled us to provide a consistently high level of guest service during what would otherwise have been a disruptive process."

The Visual One property management system, which operates under Microsoft Windows NT with a Microsoft SQL server database, offers a variety a features and functionality including front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, night audit, reservations management, room maintenance and travel agent management. The hotel also is implementing the accounts receivable module, which automatically imports direct bill check-outs from the property management system to the appropriate account receivable; and the web booking module, which enables guests to view room rates and availability, make a reservation and obtain a real-time confirmation number.

InfoGenesis POS is an enterprise-ready point-of-sale solution that combines powerful reporting and configuration capabilities with an easy-to-use touch-screen terminal application. The system's centralized database pulls together food and beverage functions, enabling total management of dining, bar and room service operations. Real-time access to information enables food and beverage managers to provide more efficient service and reduce potential losses.

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Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino welcome new executive

September 5, 2008 at 3:35 am · Filed under Online Gambling

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino introduces Michael Connors as Vice President of Casino Operations and General Manager for Casino Royale. In his new position, Mr. Connors will be responsible for the overall direction, administration, marketing and coordination of all the company’s gaming activities.

With more than 15 years of casino management throughout the United States, his career is highlighted by consistent increase in revenues through creative marketing initiatives and team leadership. Past duties also include overseeing slots, general gaming and loyalty programs.

As vice president of operations and general manager for Casino Royale, Connors will formulate budgets, create marketing plans and promotional strategies, oversee employee development, lead managers in all aspects of operations and be responsible for the future growth strategy of the company’s gaming division

Connors previously served as vice president of gaming at Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi where he held ultimate authority over all casino operations, including marketing and special event- and promotion-based initiatives. Prior to that, Connors worked as director of slots at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, Nevada and at Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. A graduate of Purdue University in Indiana, Connors holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino’s Casino Royale welcomes Connors with host of recent renovations, revamping it to create the ultimate Caribbean gaming experience. Four-hundred state-of-the-art slot machines have been added and coinless gaming now makes it easy for travelers to play at their leisure. The newly renovated casino also contains a Royale Players Club with sleek VIP booths. Whether a high roller or just an intrigued traveler, everyone wins big at the Casino Royale!

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Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino Announces Appointment of CFO

September 5, 2008 at 3:23 am · Filed under Online Gambling

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino (“IMGRC”), a business enterprise of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, announced today that Mr. Daniel A. McCue entered into an agreement whereby IMGRC hired Mr. McCue as the Chief Financial Officer of IMGRC effective September 1, 2008.

Mr. McCue has more than 15 years’ experience in financial accounting. From July 1999 to the present Mr. McCue served as the Director of Finance & Administration at Seven Feathers Hotel & Casino Resort (“Feathers Resort”), Canyonville, Oregon, directing all financial activities of Feathers Resort with direct reports from Accounting, Purchasing, Warehouse, Count Team, and Cashier Cage. Mr. McCue supervised an accounting staff of 12, a cage staff of 73, and a Warehouse/Purchasing staff of 11. As Director of Finance & Administration Mr. McCue had the following duties and responsibilities: budgeting; forecasting; developing and maintaining internal control standards; reporting to Feathers Resort’s Board of Directors, Cow Creek Tribal officials and certain other regulatory bodies; coordinating and preparing for independent audits; developing and maintaining statistical reports and other financial reports in a more efficient manner than previously utilized; preparation and recording of general ledger entries; analyzing continuing financial information; and compiling financial information for a bond offering.

From October 1992 to June 1999 Mr. McCue served as the Assurance Manager at Grant Thornton LLP, Colorado Springs, Colorado. As Assurance Manager, Mr. McCue acted as the lead auditor and manager in audit engagements with various types of entities requiring financial and compliance audits, with an emphasis on casino audit engagements in Colorado limited stakes gaming establishments, and certain commercial, governmental and non-profit clients.

Mr. McCue received a Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting Option from Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana (1992).

Commenting on this change, COO Douglas Lentz, said, “I am confident that Mr. McCue’s valuable experience will be pivotal to IMGRC’s future success.”

About Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino
IMGRC is a business enterprise of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, a federally recognized Indian tribe with an approximately 725-square mile reservation situated in the Sacramento Mountains in south-central New Mexico. IMGRC includes all of the resort enterprises of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, including Casino Apache Travel Center, Ski Apache and IMGRC’s newest resort, which opened on March 15, 2005, and features a 273-room hotel, a 38,000-square-foot casino, a fitness center and indoor swimming pool, and a 37,000-square-foot convention and special events center, which includes capacity for 17,000 square feet of divisible meeting room space.

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Golden Gate chooses Agilysys

September 5, 2008 at 2:29 am · Filed under Online Gambling

Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative IT solutions, including specifically-designed hospitality software solutions, has announced that Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has selected the Visual One property management solution and InfoGenesis POS(TM) solution to streamline operations at the 106-room property.

"The Visual One property management solution and InfoGenesis POS solution will play an important role in the transformation of Golden Gate into a premier boutique property in downtown Las Vegas," said Lon Jerome, director of information technology at Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. "These systems give our smaller hotel the same types of technical abilities and reporting that the larger mega-resorts enjoy, but in a way that works for our scale. What's more, Agilysys provided expert onsite assistance during the installation process, and their employee training enabled us to provide a consistently high level of guest service during what would otherwise have been a disruptive process."

The Visual One property management system, which operates under Microsoft Windows(R) NT with a Microsoft SQL(R) server database, offers a variety a features and functionality including front office operations, guest history, housekeeping, night audit, reservations management, room maintenance and travel agent management. The hotel also is implementing the accounts receivable module, which automatically imports direct bill check-outs from the property management system to the appropriate account receivable; and the web booking module, which enables guests to view room rates and availability, make a reservation and obtain a real-time confirmation number.

InfoGenesis POS is an enterprise-ready point-of-sale solution that combines powerful reporting and configuration capabilities with an easy-to-use touch-screen terminal application. The system's centralized database pulls together food and beverage functions, enabling total management of dining, bar and room service operations. Real-time access to information enables food and beverage managers to provide more efficient service and reduce potential losses.

"The combined power of the Visual One property management solution and InfoGenesis POS system will provide Golden Gate Hotel & Casino exceptional flexibility and a wide range of capabilities," said Tina Stehle, senior vice president and general manager of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. "These solutions will enable the property to be taken to a new level of effectiveness by streamlining operations, minimizing operating costs and enhancing guest service."

Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is located in downtown Las Vegas and is part of the world-famous Fremont Street Experience. Established in 1906, Golden Gate is Las Vegas' most historic hotel and casino and is the home of Las Vegas' 'Original Shrimp Cocktail'. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino was named 'Best Downtown Hotel' in 2008 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

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