Leading UK/Euro online casino, Virgin Casino, has announced their latest promotional giveaway (for the month of February), and let’s just say that if Tina Turner could get in on this promotion, she wouldn’t be asking, “What’s love got to do with it?”. Called “Valentopia Online”, Virgin Casino’s latest giveaway is all going down in the name of love.
For all you sweepstakes hunters out there, listen up, ’cause this one isn’t just about free bonus cash. Over the course of ten days in February, Virgin will be giving away Ј2,000 in Amazon.com cash vouchers. Beginning today, all players who wager Ј250 or more in a day will be entered into a draw for one of four Ј50 vouchers. Pretty simple, right? Especially if you were planning to do some gambling at the casino anyways.
Some things to keep in mind, ie., terms and conditions, is that certain games are exempt from meeting the Ј250 play-through requirement. These include all forms of Blackjack and Roulette, Craps, Baccarat and Multiplier. Furthermore, players are only allowed one entry per day, and these can not be carried over to future draws. In other words, if you don’t win a voucher one day, you will have to wager another Ј250 on the day of the next draw if you want to be entered again.
If you want my advice, brush up on your video poker strategy and hit up the online video poker machines. This will give you the lowest House Edge of any other casino game considering the exemptions placed on others.
Other February promotions at Virgin Casino include a 50% reload bonus up to Ј75 free at the top of the month, 10-20% cash back on losses and multiple match bonuses on deposits made on specific days of the month.
From the looks of it, players are definitely getting a good run for their money. The Recent Winners page on Virgin Casino’s website shows a steady stream of Ј7,000+ winners on games like Multi-Hand Blackjack, Three Card Poker and popular slots like Cleopatra II and Pyramid.
And if you do decide to sign up at Virgin Casino, don’t forget to rack up your V-Points, which can be redeemed for some very cool Virgin merchandise, like electronics, music and frequent flyer miles.
Read our Virgin Casino Review for more information…
Live dealer online gambling is thriving these days as more traditional online gaming providers expand their operations and services. Until now, a small handful of software developers and online casino providers, namely those under the Playtech brand, have offered a limited number of live dealer games. But as an increasing number of players begin to get wind of this innovative form of online gambling, more companies are beginning to offer live dealer solutions to their players.
No stranger to live dealer online gambling, MediaLive Casino has recently announced an apparent “first” in the live gaming sector. The Malta-based company says they are now hosting live Texas Hold’em Poker, and broadcasting the table action via webcams from its Malta gaming studio. On show at the recent International Gaming Expo (IGE) in London, MediaLive also announced they are working on developing more live dealer online casino games, including Chemin de Fer and Baccarat.
Also at IGE was the London-based Lucky 8 Ltd., which has apparently secured the first and only license (thus far) from the UK Gambling Commission to offer live dealer games via its website. Broadcasting live video feeds from its Birmingham card room, Lucky8 currently offers Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette, which just so happen to be the three casino games most commonly offered by live dealer online casinos.
Playtech Software, for example, offers live dealer Baccarat, Blackjack and Roulette (as well as Sic Bo). Their selection of Baccarat games is especially impressive. In fact, Playtech was the first to offer VIP Baccarat via advanced video streaming technology. Complete with Baccarat score cards, real time game history feeds (on demand video playback and up to 3 shoe histories), Playtech allows Baccarat high rollers to tip the dealer, interact in live chat and “squeeze the cards” as they say. Equally impressive is Playtech’s selection of Baccarat variations, including 7 Seat Baccarat, Mini Baccarat, Progressive and Japanese Baccarat. To see them for yourself, OCS recommends the live dealer casino games at Golden Palace Casino.
I suppose its also worth mentioning that all the dealers are young, exotic, beautiful women. Obviously, the live online casino sector is catering to men, not to mention anybody who just doesn’t trust software platforms or who wants the closest experience possible to the real thing in the casino. And despite the higher operating costs on the operators end, more live dealer online casinos are going to be seeking larger crowds.
When it comes to playing slots on the Web, you would think that an online casino going by the name of VIP Slots would offer something unique in the area of slots action. Me personally, I would think that a large variety of different types of machines would be available, not to mention special slots bonuses and a comprehensive tournament schedule. And not to sound too cheesy and promotional, the bottom line is that VIP Slots Casino delivers on all fronts.
VIP Slots has been an approved online casino here at OCS for some time now. As it is our policy to constantly check up on approved sites and update our reviews with new and pertinent information, we more than did a triple-take when we saw VIP Slots most recent tournament schedule. In addition to their normal lineup of tournaments guaranteeing thousands in winnings every week, VIP Slots is currently hosting daily free roll tournaments (with $2 rebuys) that award the top ten daily finishers a free entry in VIP Slots’ March Madness tournament during the month of, you guessed it - March.
The tournament is actually being sponsored by EH New Ventures, which is the parent company of Vegas Technology Software’s most popular, longstanding online casino network. Consisting of a poker room and six online casinos, including English Harbour, Millionaire and Super Slots casinos (all reviewed and listed here at OCS), EH New Ventures is certainly hoping to draw up lots of traffic at its newest site - the aforementioned VIP Slots Casino.
What makes this tournament newsworthy is the fact that it is giving out an unprecedented $250,000 in guaranteed tournament winnings. The only other slots tournament to dish out more was the $500,000 World Series of Slots tournament hosted by Microgaming’s the Jackpot Factory (five distinct online casinos). The only catch, so to speak, was that since the Jackpot Factory is so popular (they were still open to U.S. players back then), there was a flood of players vying for their share of the tournament winnings.
And not to say that EH Gaming Ventures isn’t popular. In fact they have been one of the most popular online casino networks with U.S. players for some time now. Let’s just say that many players believe that Microgaming has gotten too big in some respects. As for March Madness, it will produce 5,625 different winners over the course of the tournament - one month. First place will take home $100,000; second place with nab $25,000; third place: $15,000, fourth place: $10,000; and so on down the line.
To see a full payout schedule and a listing of daily free roll tournaments taking place right now, Visit VIP Slots Casino.
Thirty computers seized
Police in Malaysia continued their anti-online gambling drive last week with a raid on an Internet Café in the Jalan Air Itam area.
A police spokesman said: “We have been conducting anti-gambling operations statewide over the past week. We are going after the syndicates and not those who gambled with friends.”
Thirty computers were confiscated in the raid, although there were no reports of arrests associated with the operation.
PENNSYLVANIA — As reported by the Pocono Record: “Even as pressure grows on Louis DeNaples from a grand jury investigating perjury allegations, the Mount Airy owner’s machine keeps rolling along. For the second consecutive week, Mount Airy’s slots parlor posted strong returns.
“Wagers of $48.6 million at the casino far exceeded its closest rival, Mohegan Sun, which brought in $39.4 million. Last week’s performance followed a strong Christmas week when Mount Airy’s wagers topped $51 million.
“…Since it opened in October 2007, Mount Airy has produced the state’s highest payout, which this week exceeded 93 percent. That strategy, according to casino spokesperson Kevin Feeley, is a part of their plan to build a loyal customer base.
“…Speculation of impending charges against DeNaples continues after the arrest of Roman Catholic priest and close DeNaples friend Joseph F. Sica on perjury charges last week…”
MASHANTUCKET, Connecticut — (PRESS RELEASE) — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation today announced that John O’Brien, President of Foxwoods Resort Casino, has tendered his resignation, effective January 18, to pursue other interests.
Current Foxwoods Senior Vice President of Operations, Barry J. Cregan, 54, will serve as interim President of Foxwoods effective January 18. Mr. Cregan is currently responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Foxwoods as well as managing the growth and expansion projects underway at Foxwoods. He is also heavily involved with the pre-opening of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods scheduled for May 2008, working closely with Gillian Murphy, General Manager of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hotel and gaming industries, Mr. Cregan brings a wealth of industry knowledge and business expertise to his new position, as well as strong management skills needed to guide the continued growth and success of the enterprise. Prior to Foxwoods, Mr. Cregan held senior management roles at Tishman Hotels, Marriott International, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Mr. Cregan also served as President and COO of Trump Plaza Casino Hotel Atlantic City from 1994 to 1998. Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Cregan will work together to ensure an orderly transition.
Tribal Council Chairman Michael J. Thomas stated: “During his tenure, John made significant contributions to the success of Foxwoods, particularly during his nine years as CFO. We wish him well in his future endeavors. As we enter an exciting phase at Foxwoods, we are fortunate to have someone with Barry’s expertise and knowledge in the gaming and hospitality industry to fill the President position on an interim basis. Barry is a strong leader, focused on solid execution and delivering a positive customer experience.”
“Foxwoods is a strong organization with a great brand and great prospects for growth. I welcome this opportunity to work with the leadership team during this transition to continue to implement our strategy during an exciting period,” said Mr. Cregan.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will begin a search among internal and external candidates for a President to lead Foxwoods during the next phase of expansion and growth.
“It is truly an exciting period for all of us associated with Foxwoods, which includes the opening of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods destination resort in May. We will continue to ensure that leadership is committed to creating a positive environment for all of its employees and focused on providing our customers with memorable experiences,” said Patricia Irvin, CEO of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “During this transition, the leadership team will continue to passionately pursue our performance objectives and make every effort to execute on our key initiatives effectively. We will begin immediately to conduct a search to fill the President position at Foxwoods.”
“I’ve truly enjoyed serving as President of Foxwoods,” Mr. O’Brien said. “With a solid strategy and a strong management team in place, it’s the right time for me to move on to pursue other interests, including spending more time with my family. I wish Foxwoods and the Mashantucket Pequots continued success in the future.”
MICHIGAN — As reported by the Detroit Free Press: “As nearly every other industry in Michigan tightens its belt, casinos are booming.
“Detroit’s three casinos are making more than they did last year, and beautiful casino resorts are popping up all over the state.
“On the far west side, at Exit 1 off I-94 in New Buffalo, the Four Winds Casino & Resort opened in August, offering lodge-style construction, some pretty restaurants (check out the copper boulder in the Copper Rock Steakhouse) and a hotel and spa. It’s the first casino in the state and one of the few in the country to offer an all-electronic poker room, and it’s ideally placed for a stop on a trip down south or out west.
“The Little River Casino in Manistee (at the intersection of U.S.-31 and M-22) completed a massive renovation in the fall that includes a stone and water-themed exterior.
“…Farther north, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has been hard at work renovating nearly every facility it owns. Turtle Creek, 4 miles east of Traverse City in Williamsburg on M-72, is undergoing a huge transformation.
“The nearby Grand Traverse Resort & Spa finished its renovations in December 2006, so it’s an alternative place to stay…”
LAS VEGAS, Nevadaa — As reported by the Thoroughbed Times: “One Las Vegas race book has started accepting phone account wagers on Thoroughbred races.
“The race book at Wynn Las Vegas accepted its first out-of-state wager in December. While the state’s gaming control board and gaming commission approved such wagers in 2005, Wynn is the first Nevada race book to add interstate wagering. Wynn currently has just one out-of-state customer.
“…Wynn accepts only phone wagers as current Nevada law does not allow Internet account wagering.
“…Wynn can accept wagers from players in Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wyoming…”
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — (PRESS RELEASE) — Forbes magazine has named MGM Mirage(NYSE: MGM) one of the “Best Managed Companies in America,” as part of its annual Forbes Platinum 400 list of top-performing large corporations. MGM Mirage was one of nine companies recognized in the “Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure” category with casinos. The company also made the list in 2005.
“The commitment to outstanding performance from each of our employees made this recognition possible,” said Terry Lanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage.
The Platinum 400 list includes both American and foreign corporations that have significant presence in the U.S. Contending companies came from a pool of nearly 1,100 corporations that have at least $1 billion in revenue in the most recent fiscal year, a stock price of at least $5 per share and positive equity.
To identify leaders from each industry category, Forbes ranked companies within their industry by many financial metrics, including growth in sales and earnings, leverage, stock market returns and earnings forecasts. From these ranks, each company received a composite score. Next, a financial analytics firm determined an overall score on each company for accounting and governance practices, financial condition and earnings quality. Finally, Forbes’ editors and writers examined the top-ranked companies in each industry and considered factors such as management ability, innovation and leadership.
Number ten on the list is Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos located in Southern New England between New York City and Boston, 30 minutes of each other. They are claimed to be a favorite destination for college-aged gamblers flooding the region annually. You’ll be able to find one of the world’s largest poker rooms in Foxwoods, and world class entertainment and high-end shopping in Mohegan Sun.
The Bahamas are number nine on the list, the islands that are famous all over the world. The resorts located there such the Atlantis, The Westin Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya Resort and the One & Only Ocean Club are attractive not only as gambling spots, but also as bech-themed allure.
The Bahamas are followed by the Bicycle, Commerce, Hollywood Park the Hustler casinos – the major gambling attractions in Los Angeles. There are more than 30 other casinos located along the coast all the way to San Diego.
France is the seventh on the list. Being a wonderful tourist destination with such attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Cathedrale Notre-Dame, France is regarded to be a wonderful gambling destination. There are more than 450 casinos in the country. The Aviation Club de Paris is considered to be one of the world’s most famous poker rooms due to its exposure on World Poker Tour Broadcasts.
The Mississippi River area, the unofficial birthplace of American gambling, is the next on the gambling list. The immense gambling spirit comes from the casinos lining the Mississippi River coast from Louisiana to Canada.
Lots of famous gamblers come from Australia, home to more than 400 casinos and racetracks. So, Australia is number five on the list. Both the general gambler and the poker player can choose as their places of destination such casinos as the Crown Casino and the Star City Casino located in Sydney at top online casinos.
Cruise ships for gamblers are associated with only one thing – time to gamble. It doesn’t really matter where you are cruising as cruise ships feature some of the best gambling action. So, cruise ships are number 4.
Atlantic City which is the third on the list is the place where such pros as Johnny Chan, Erik Seidel and Phil Ivey made their millions and their marks playing cards at the Taj Mahal and the Borgata. The world’s major gambling brands (Harrah’s, Wynn, Bellagio, Sands) have a large presence in Atlantic City at top online casinos.
Macau has already been called the new Las Vegas. It is becoming bigger than the most famous of gambling destinations. The Venetian Macau, the largest casino in the world by far, has been opened this summer. The size of the casino is really impressive – it is bigger than four American football fields. Macau is number two on our list.
Thanks to the tourism and gambling industries Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in America, and number one on our list. It has become home for mega-casino resorts like the Bellagio, the Wynn, the Sands, Mandalay Bay and dozens of others. Even with Macau quickly becoming the world’s first choice for gambling, there is nothing like Las Vegas having a hotel room and gambling chair for everyone.