January 2009 Archives

In the new, Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino is changing their name to Hollywood Casino.

We wrote up the proper rules and etiquette for craps.

In other news, a smoke free casino opened up in Nevada.

Continuing our craps theme, we gave you the history of craps.

We also broken down the complete craps board for you!

Comtropolis is now on Twitter!

We wrote up the rules and History of Keno.

Yesterday we removed the aura of mystery surrounding baccarat!

Mohegan Sun has 4 of these machines and there are lines in order to get a chance to play.

The game is built around the Wizard Of Oz movie theme, complete with catchy music, animated icons and rich bonus round experiences.

There is quite a bit of buzz online surrounding this game. Have you had the opportunity to try it out yet? Be sure to comment here.

And we have yet another posting about Trump (is today their press release day?) This is really short notice but this Saturday night at Casbah Nightclub in Trump Taj Mahal, MTV is holding a casting call for a brand new untitled, reality TV series based in the New York area!

The casting call is for men and women, ages 18-25 (but you must be 21 to enter... Yeah, I don't know either). I would try to put what type of people they're looking for in my own words, but I just can't beat what is said in the press release:

"Single ladies...Are you Sexy? Dress to impress? We're looking for ladies who are the complete package, yet are still in competition with your man's wandering eye. Guys: Do you pride yourself on being a "Bad Boy"? Do you date only the hottest girls? Do you always have the freshest style and utmost confidence? Are you the alpha-male of your crew? If you feel you fit the profile and want to participate, MTV wants to meet you."

The doors open at 10:30 pm on January 31st and the party rages until 6:30 am.

You can't make this kind of stuff up. If I lived closer, I would totally go down to check it out first hand. It sounds like MTV wants their own Tool Academy.

For more information, check out the full press release after the jump!

We started this website last year because casinos and resorts give away a ton of free stuff. Especially so if you are a member of their player club or frequent guest programs. Now I believe we have an exclusive find that is great for everyone. How does a free night at Trump Taj Mahal sound? I know, you're thinking there must be some kind of catch. Here's what you need to do:

1. Visit Trump One Playaway and sign up for your own Trump One Card.

2. Get a complimentary voucher for an over night stay.

3. Visit Trump in Atlantic City to redeem your complimentary voucher.

That's it!

This may be limited and we are unsure of the amount they are giving out through PlayAway.

Has anyone here tried this offer? Are there any additional perks connected to this? If so, give us feedback and let us know!

About Baccarat.... 

While a staple in American casinos, Baccarat has an aura of mystery about it. Traditionally associated with high rollers, Baccarat is about both the game and the ritual of it. With three dealers and elaborate procedures, regular people were kept away from the game. For many players, the game has been streamlined into mini baccarat which strips away some of the more elaborate aspects to speed up the process while maintaining the game.

            Baccarat is French for the Italian word for zero, baccara. Named after the value given to face cards, the game has been around for over 500 years. During the reign of King Charles VIII, it was a favorite among nobles. It wasn't until 1959 when baccarat first appeared in casinos in Las Vegas.

Can you believe that 2009 is already a one-12th over? Time flies when you're having fun (or it's because the casino don't have clocks in them, maybe that's why...)

All the weekly tournaments are still there, along with the weekly shows in the City.

Check out the full listing after the break!

How to Play

        Each player is given a card with 80 squares, arranged in eight rows of ten. These squares each have a number between 1 and 80 on them. The player then marks up to 20 of the squares that they believe will be called in the upcoming game. Once all the players have selected their numbers, the numbers are drawn.

        Some places use electronic random number generators, others use elaborate contraptions that release ping pong balls with numbers on them. Payouts are based on the number you correctly guessed. Payout scales vary between establishments so check when playing somewhere new. Keno has proven popular at casinos because it is relatively cheap considering the amount of entertainment you get.

Read about the history of Keno after the jump!

That's right, Comptropolis now has our own Twitter page!

Check us out and follow us at http://twitter.com/comptropolis!

As the month draws to a close, the deals and tournaments sure aren't! The same four poker tournaments are being offered weekly, so you can keep going there to play!

Looking for something new? Argosy Lawrenceberg is giving you the chance to win a brand new tv! Casino Aztar is hosting the $5,000 Blizzard of Cash slot tournament!

It's all listed after the jump!

January's coming to a close, but we've had some fun. What's new this week? I think I can answer that.

Philly Park is holding their Winter Wonderland, giving you a chance to spin the wheel and win up to $500 in slot dollars!

Trump Marina is hosting a sweepstakes to win a 2009 Lincoln MKS!

If you're looking for entertainment, Showboat AC is putting on Musiq Soulchild, known for his gospel and soul music!

Check out the full listing after the break!

Another week and still nothing new for promotions or tournaments. This is getting downright depressing. I miss the days when we had dozens of promotions, though it makes running this blog much, much easier.

Same as always, poker tournaments at Mohegan Sun, Seneca Salamanca, and Seneca Niagara. You can qualify at Newport Grand for their slot tournament.

Nothing terribly exciting. Whole list repasted after the jump.

It's been quiet since New Year's Eve in Las Vegas, maybe they partied a little too hard.

Check out the Sirens of TI down at Treasure Island or the Blue Man Group at the Venetian. Prefer playing blackjack? Head to the Sahara for their weekly tournament. If you prefer Texas Hold 'Em poker, there are plenty of places to play, like Binion's, Vegas Club, Monte Carlo and more!

The only new offering is the Topsy Turvy Slot Tournament at the Golden Nugget.

Oh and don't forget, you're almost out of time to win a free bathrobe at Plaza Casino. Wow.

Full listing after the break.

            To a new player, the Craps table can easily appear the most complicated game on the floor. The complexity of the table and the intimidating crowds can make it difficult for a player to feel comfortable getting involved. While we can't help you work up the courage to stand next to the cute girl at the craps table, we can give you enough information to be comfortable enough at the table so she'll be impressed when you play.

            For Craps, the most basic wager that can be placed is called the "Pass Line Bet." A wager is placed on the Pass Line and is known as a series bet, which means the shooter (the person rolling the dice) may have to roll multiple times before arriving at an outcome. The first roll is known as a "Come-out roll" and determines how the rest of the series is played.

            If the come-out roll is 7 or 11, the pass line bet pays 1:1 and the series ends but the shooter keeps the dice. If the come-out roll is 2, 3 or 12, the pass line bet is lost but the shooter retains control of the dice. This is known as rolling craps. If any other number is rolled, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the shooter's point and is marked on the table with a buck.

Another week has passed and we're continuing to bring you the best in events, promotions and tournaments!

The weekly tournaments haven't changed this week, the same four are being offered at Hollywood Casino Aurora, Majestic Star, Blue Chip Casino and French Lick Casino.

But there are plenty of other things to do! You can win your share of $50,000 at Casino Aztar or some of the $180,000 being given away at the Majestic Star!

All the details and more after the jump!

Unlike some places, the new promotions keep coming in Atlantic City! Weekly poker tournaments are just the beginning of the fun to be had there!

Caesars AC is beginning The $1,000,000 Conquer the Empire game, giving you the chance to win prizes of tremendous value.

Bally's AC is giving away a muscle car in their most recent sweepstakes, along with a sizable amount of cash!

If you'd prefer something more unique than a muscle car, Trump Plaza is having a giveaway for boxing memorabilia!

What are you waiting for? Check out the full listing after the jump!

Nothing new this week for promotions in New England and New York. Yep, it's a straight repost of last week's. Good thing you all are reading this for my witty banter, right?

You can play in any of the daily poker tournaments at Mohegan Sun, Seneca Salamanca and Seneca Niagara Falls! If you prefer slots, you can still qualify for the Newport Grand Slot Tournament!

There's still time to try to win a trip to Mexico from Hollywood Slots in Bangor or to win a snowmobile from Seneca Allegany.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and play!

It's still oddly quiet for new and exciting promotions. The standard shows are all present, Rita Rudner at Harrah's, The Tournament of Kings at Excalibur and the Mentalist at Hooter's.

At the same time all the daily poker tournaments are being hosted at The Flamingo, Planet Hollywood and Monte Carlo. Or you can play in the weekly blackjack tournaments at the Sahara.

The big new event is part of Las Vegas Hilton's Passport 2009 event, the $75,000 Yin Yang Slot Tournament!

Check out the rest after the break.

        Craps history has become muddled over time, with two different stories claiming its origin. Many historians agree that the game is derived from Hazard, but Hazard's creation is up for debate.

        During the Crusades, Sir William of Tyre claims to have played the game with his knights during the siege of the castle Hazarth, or Asart depending on translations, in 1125 AD. Some believe the name is a corruption of the castle's name. The Encyclopedia Britannica claims the name was derived from the Arabic words "al zar" or "azzah" which translates to "the dice."

Outside of Reno, a new type of casino has opened up: one that is completely smoke free. In Fernley, Nevada the Fernley Nugget opened up last month and is turning heads throughout the industry. In a time when casinos are struggling against the economy, many are also being pressured or, in some cases, forced to ban smoking in their facilities. Laws are being passed in Atlantic City to attempt to ban smoking, which is forcing some gamblers to go elsewhere.



Like any good businessman, Scott Tate the owner of seven gaming places, noticed a shift in consumer trends and a chance to capitalize off of it. As more people learn about the risks associated with second hand smoke, they continue to look for new alternatives. Up until now, casinos had no such alternative.

Ever wonder what all the commotion is over at the craps table? It looks like everyone is having so much fun but that can be a little overwhelming, so we've created a list of rules and etiquette to keep in mind while you're throwing the dice! If you're looking for the actual rules of how to play the game, click here for our video post! If you're interested in learning how to play at the casino, we have a list of free gaming lessons in Las Vegas!

Superstitions

1.    It is taboo to say the word "seven" after the come-out roll, common nicknames include "red" and "big red."

2.    Switching the dice in the middle of a series is considered bad luck.

3.    It is considered bad luck for the shooter to leave the table until he or she sevens out.

4.    It's considered bad luck to throw both dice in the air before rolling, tossing one of them up before hand is permitted.

View the rest of them after the jump.

The final piece for our new listing breakdown! Illinois and Indiana are now going to have their own listings to make it easier for you to check them out!

Weekly poker tournaments are being offered at Hollywood Casino Aurora, Majestic Star, Blue Chip Casino and French Lick Casino.

Prefer a good sweepstakes or giveaway? Hoosier Park is giving away up to $30,000! And Argosy Lawrenceberg is giving you a chance to win a Toyota Camry Hybrid!

Full list after the jump!

As Argosy Lawrenceburg is in the process of a $300 million expansion and renovation, more than just a few new coats of paint are being discussed. The current barge only can hold 3500 passengers, which can create bottlenecks on weekends. The new barge they're constructing can hold about 10,000 which should eliminate that issue.

The new barge is scheduled to have its grand opening on July 4th, 2009 but is looking like it will open with a new name.

General Manager, Tony Rodio, explains why after the jump.

As part of the new set up for the new year, Atlantic City, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia are now all under one postings. New York and New England will be listed the day before now!

So what does this new year have to offer? Many of the same poker tournaments are being held daily in Atlantic City, at places like Caesars, Showboat, Tropicana, and Trump Plaza!

If you're looking for a new set of wheels, Tropicana is giving away a new BMW. Or if you prefer American cars, Hollywood Casino and Harrah's Chester are giving away Cadillacs! That's not all, you can win a Dodge Charger at Trump Taj Mahal or a Ford Explorer at Mount Airy!

As always, check out the full listing after the jump.

This is up a little late because of the holidays but here are the highlights of December!

-Hollywood Casino at Penn National made a huge mistake on their December Mailing.

-Criss Angel and Cirque Du Soleil's latest show, BeLIEve, was met with some less than stellar reviews.

-Our four-part series on general casino rules and etiquette has been compressed into one page.

-We listed the best places in Las Vegas for free lessons on gaming.

Starting this year, we're breaking up our old East of the Mississippi post into smaller, more manageable chunks. New for this year is New England & New York!

So what's being offered this new year? We've got the list to let you know!

Eager to play some poker? Check out the daily tournaments at Mohegan Sun, Seneca Salamanca and Seneca Niagara Falls! If you prefer slots, you can try to quality for the Newport Grand Slot Tournament!

Looking to escape from the cold? Try your luck winning a trip for two to Mexico from Hollywood Casino in Bangor, Maine. Or if you'd rather escape into the cold, Seneca Allegany is giving you a chance to win a snowmobile!

As always, the full list after the break.

We're back from a brief winter break to bring you the best in casino shows, promotions and tournaments! Our weekly schedule may be slightly different, but it will all work out in the end.

The city of sin is being pretty quiet this week for new promotions. Many of the regular daily poker tournaments are still being offered at places like the Wynn, Bellagio and Luxor. The same shows are still being offered including Cirque du Soleil presents O at the Bellagio and Blue Man Group at the Venetian. BeLIEve by Criss Angel is still showing, but the reviews haven't been that great.

For new offerings in our listings, check out The Mentalist at Hooter's Casino or head over to Las Vegas Hilton for their $30,000 Winter Wonderland Video Poker Tournament!

As always, check out the full listing after the jump!

We don't often talk about non-promotional aspects of casinos here, but this story caught my eye and I'm hoping we can do something to help.

At 8:20 am on Tuesday January 6th, Anthony Vastardis, a 70-year-old man, cashed out his $10,000 of winnings at blackjack. On his way to his vehicle, he was assaulted and robbed of his winnings while coming out of the elevator. The suspect then escaped in a cab and was dropped off at Exit 41at the Rite Aid at Cross Keys Road and Johnson Road (map here) in Sicklerville, NJ.

The suspect is described as a black male, mid 20s to early 30s, approximately 5'10" and between 150 and 200 pounds. He has brown eyes and close cropped brown hair. He may have an injured right hand. The suspect was last seen wearing a striped gray and white sweater. For an image of the possible suspect, visit ABC6 Action News.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Atlantic City Police Department Detective Bureau at 609-347-5766. Detective Thomas Holton is investigating.

Callers may remain anonymous by calling Crimestoppers at 1-800-658-8477(TIPS) or the Atlantic City Crime Stoppers line at 609-652-1234. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

If you have any information, please do your part and help out. We want to do all we can to make casinos safe and fun.

Continuing our series on how to behave in a casino, we bring you the next six pieces of advice. Check out our past entries here.

19. When playing a game where the cards are dealt face up, do not touch them. If you are playing a game and cards are dealt facedown, you may handle them.

20. Always wait until the dealer has lifted the marker during roulette before placing your next bet.