BINION'S CHANGES HANDS
It came as no surprise that the Nevada Gaming Commission unanimously approved the license for the turnover of Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel. After all, the license application was from Terry Caudill, owner of the Four Queens, who is no stranger to the Commission or meeting the challenges of casino management in Las Vegas' once-thriving downtown. It will be the first time since 2004, when gaming regulators closed the facility in the wake of mounting debt, that a local manager will walk the floor of the casino, much like Benny Binion did back in the its heyday. But Caudill knows it will take more than a stroll past the tables or a reawakening of Binion's rich legacy to turn the property around.
ANTIGUA TO BE WHITELISTED BY UK?
Reports continue to circulate about the possible addition of Antigua and Barbuda to the UK government whitelist of nations whose regulatory oversight of online-gambling firms based meets UK governmental expectations. Antigua was denied earlier whitelist status by the UK, prompting complaints from Antiguan officials. This led to a meeting between a high-powered Antiguan delegation and Gerry Sutcliffe, the UK's Minister for Sport, one of the principals behind granting whitelist status. Following the meeting, Antigua's own Minister of Finance, Dr. Errol Cort, issued an optimistic quote hinting that the two countries might be near an agreement. Said Cort: "I was happy to learn that very little stands in the way of our approval for whitelisting, and I think I can express confidence that this issue will be resolved favorably in the very near future."
SEE YOU AT THE RIO THIS SUMMER
The PokerNews.com offices were abuzz this week, as we announced the renewal of our deal with Bluff Media for continuing to provide live reporting of World Series of Poker events, including this summer's preeminent poker get-together, the World Series of Poker at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The agreement also includes continuing coverage of WSOP Circuit events, all in support of Bluff's agreement with Harrah's and the WSOP as its official digital publisher and radio partner. Under terms of the agreement, PokerNews will continue to provide exclusive, top-level live reporting from the floor of WSOP events, including real-time chip counts and player status reports, exclusive video interviews and photos straight from the scene, and hundreds of timely recaps for the latest WSOP events. Look for me at the Rio this summer-I'll be the one collapsing on day 40.
GAMBLING CONTROL BOARD SHOOTS DOWN 'LADIES ONLY' EVENTS
Recently the California Bureau of Gambling Control determined that some gambling establishments in the state conduct "ladies-only" poker tournaments that exclude men from participating, or admit them on different terms from those accorded to women. The Bureau released the following statement: "It is the Bureau's view that such tournaments may violate California's anti-discrimination laws. Ladies-only tournaments or any other promotional events that fail to admit men and women to advertised activities on an equal basis regardless of sex are unlawful. It may also be unlawful under the Unruh Act to advertise tournaments as ladies-only even if men are in fact admitted."
Going forward, the Bureau will approve only those events that include the following features: the event will be open to all customers, the promotional gifts will be given equally to all participants, the fees and prices will be the same for all event participants.
