Casino

The internet’s ability to blur boundaries and society’s acceptance of casino gambling and sports betting ultimately shed light on the inconsistencies and loopholes of American gambling laws. From the makeshift sports book stalls in Nevada, most sports betting activities shifted operations and exploited the possibilities of cyberspace in the mid-1990s. At present, there are numerous online gaming sites catering to sports betting and casino gambling based in countries like Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Ireland.

Despite overseas-based operations, the lion’s share of the revenues and clients of these sites come from American states. In fact, recent studies show that these online casino gambling and sports betting sites earn more than legal casinos operating in Nevada. The profits of online gambling and betting sites are estimated at $70 billion for 2005 alone. This is a staggering amount compared to the reported $2 billion from Nevada casinos. This is enough to overthrow the three-decade reign of Nevada casinos from the 60’s to the early 90’s. Considering that sports book and casino sites have been operating for less than two decades, they are clearly a threat to the thriving Nevada gambling scene.

For decades, Las Vegas is the only place legal for gambling operations. Atlantic City followed suit and made casino gambling legal; the following decades saw the proliferation of state lotteries, card clubs, gaming ships, Indian casinos, and off-track betting salons across the nation. But still, these developments are not enough to compete with online gambling. The industry of online gambling is not even swayed by staunch opposition from legal US casinos. The gambling laws of the United States of America do not help, too. They vary widely from the different states. Most states ban all forms of gambling while some make exceptions. Inconsistencies like these make it easy for online operators to find and use loopholes in the law. The American Gaming Association maintains a defensive stand regarding online gambling. The association pushes for federal laws on the regulation of online gambling. According to them, the unregulated nature of the online gambling industry is its advantage over traditional casinos; regulating it puts both camps on even footing.

But despite this stand, some Nevada casinos are following the old stand-by : if you cannot beat them, join them. November 1998 saw the start of a new trend; traditional casinos started acquiring off-shore online casino gambling companies to improve their profits. An affiliate of the Hilton Hotels absorbed the Australian sports book Centrebet.com. Other Nevada casinos followed and this cycle again spawned a new barrage of debates.

Contrary to their earlier dislike of the online gambling industry, the traditional casinos set their sights higher. They are now pressuring the Congress to pass a law that legalizes online gambling. This is done in an effort to lower production costs; legalization means that they could now shift their operations in the US. Harrah’s and MGM Mirage, the two leading casinos in Nevada and undoubtedly owning their own online gambling sites, lead the casinos in requesting for the regulation of online gaming. Clearly, this move requesting for regulation does not intend to put traditional casinos at par with online sites anymore. The competition shifted between independent online sites and Nevada casino-owned sites. A move to regulate translates to double profits for the Nevada casinos.

Whatever comes out of this new development in casino gambling, gamers are still assured of their gambling fix. Possibly, if the proposed regulation is approved, there would be more security in betting online since it is now under US laws. Like before, casino gambling proves itself to be a dynamic and ever-changing industry.

By: Earl Talbot

Over the years, the various gambling games and the gambling joints or the casinos have undergone a change, making the experience riskier, adventurous and unique in itself. An often overlooked, but yet important component in the entire casino experience is the food. The casino towns have a variety of buffets and joints to offer to its tourist population. Cities like Las Vegas, Atlantic and Monte Carlo are revolutionizing their food regime.

Las Vegas, the God of all gambling cities has moved from being just a casino city to has now become a complete recreational hub. The city’s primary focus for ages had on casinos. Incidentally, it left out the entire food experience. Consequently, it lost many of its tourists who were non serious gamblers. Investors and casino owners have now realized that with state lotteries and Indian casinos soon catching up, they need to diversify. Many resorts and casinos have now come up which promise a complete holiday. If this is not enough, restaurants with celebrity chefs coming from all over the world have a wide range of cuisines to offer. While Caesar’s Palace now has two dozen restaurants, Bellagio has the one of the best cuisines of the place. Numerous other dining joints offer a mix of various cuisines, like the Olives which has exotic Mediterranean – American dishes on its menu.

Vegas also has the famous Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants. The renowned chef, who has an entire range of cooking accessories attributed to him, opened the New Orlean’s Fish House in the MGM Grand Hotel. The menu chiefly comprises of sea food. Delmonico’s Steakhouse, another grand experience is well known for its bar and cigar collection. This Lagasse brainwave specializes in steaks.

Wolfgang Puck is another brand name in food design. Spago, a chain of hotels opened by Puck started business in Vegas in 1992. This famous chain is the Synonym of wealth and style. Situated in the Caesar’s Palace, this hotel offers both, light dishes and dinner. The menu includes oven pizzas and pastas. Postrio another one of Puck establishments offer the New American menu. The list comprises of fish and other sea food dishes. It also has a good wine collection. Other Puck restaurants in Vegas include Lupo and Chinois.

A factor that perhaps forced Atlantic City to catch up with the ‘new casino experience’ was its geographic location. New York and Connecticut have both seen an escalation in the number of casinos in the past years. This in turn has forced many gamblers to stay home and visit these weekend joints. The first step in the evolution of the Atlantic City’s casino front was the opening of a casino cum resort in 2003. The sea food buffets in the Atlantic are similar to those found in the Vegas. The Caesar’s Palace is the venue of a number of award winning restaurants of the place. Some of them include the Primavera, which is hugely dominated by the Italian Cuisine, Bacchanal which is a mini Rome, and Nero’s Grill , a famous steak and seas food restaurant.

Monte Carlo is situated between France and Italy, along the French Riviera. The city is a luxury niche which advertises its luxurious gambling experience. It boast various villas and secluded beaches, providing ultimate European comfort. Louis XV, a name that stands for wealth, royalty and prestige is an exclusive dining experience. The menu comprises of fish and local vegetables cooked in French style. Le Grill, another restaurant, popular for its Mediterranean view has grilled sea food on its food list.

For years, the gambling destinations have offered cheap sea food and buffets for the serious gamblers who visit these cities. The new resort concept, complete with its multi cuisine dining rooms, now promise to offer something more than just slot machines.

By: Mansi Aggarwal