Casinos

09/02/2010

Balloon over Vegas gives a bird's eye view of The Strip
view the strip from cloud 9

Cloud Nine will be back in the air Friday, Sept. 10, giving rides to those who want a bird's eye view of The Strip.

The huge helium balloon is tethered at the south end of The Strip. High winds at the beginning of the year battered the balloon and it has taken time to get it back to flying status.

Sam's Town and Mirage rated best Vegas casino buffets
Bing has rated many of the buffets in Las Vegas, and USA last weekend published a list of the best ice cream parlors in the U.S., including one in Nevada.

Bing has given a five-star rating to five buffets in Las Vegas with only two of them being inside a casino.

Burning Man Festival this weekend in northern Nevada
The annual Burning Man Festival is running through Monday, highlighted by the lighting of the man on Saturday, at Black Rock City in the Black Rock Canyon in northern Nevada. Tickets at the gate are $360.

The weeklong festival is a participant-driven outdoor art demonstration. It is dedicated to community, art, self-expression and self-reliance.

New Vegas resort Cosmo taking reservations for soft opening
Cosmo prepares for soft opening

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas formed an agreement with Marriott International that will allow rooms to be booked through Marriott. The Cosmo will be listed as one of Marriott's Autograph Collection. The collection is a group of luxury independent hotels and resorts.

Get free passes to two upcoming Las Vegas conventions
According to SaveLV.com, anyone can apply for, and usually receive, free admission tickets to two of the largest exhibits in Las Vegas.

The Global Gaming Expo runs Nov. 16-28 in the Las Vegas Convention Center while the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show fills the center Jan. 6-9.

Good hiking tours at Nevada's Spring Mountain Ranch
Last week, Spring Mountain Ranch in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, hosted the first Full Moon Hike at Sandstone Canyon in Nevada.

Hopefully future hikes on each full moon will be held through the fall.

Three-day holiday means busy weekend in Las Vegas
This is a three-day Labor Day weekend and Las Vegas is expecting it to be very busy.

If you hunt around, you can still find lots of hotel bargains around town.

For example, the MGM Grand is offering two free drinks and two free passes to the Wet Republic pool scene to guests who register for a minimum two-day stay.

Penn Jillette chops his signature ponytail for charity
Penn chops his 'tail for charity

Penn Jillette, the larger of the Penn & Teller magic act, lost his signature ponytail last week in the Locks of Love Cut-A-Thon held at the Rio.

The hair is used for wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness.

Las Vegas the site of upcoming movie about Tupac Shakur
vegas site of tupac movie

Director Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") is preparing to film a movie on rapper Tupac Shakur. Screenwriters Stephen J. Rivele and Chris Wilkinson have signed on for the project.

Rather than being a biopic, the film will concentrate on the last 24 hours of the rapper's life, which ended in a fatal shooting in Las Vegas.

What pays, what doesn't at Vegas casinos
In a recent issue of Casino Player, Basil Nestor wrote on how to spend less and get more while playing at a casino.

Of special interest was a chart of the various games available, the casino advantage in that particular game, the maximum win for a $5 bet, decisions a gambler will make in an hour of play, and the average hourly cost for a player with an average $5 bet.

Mary J. Blige performs in Indio on Sunday
The 411

R&B superstar Mary J. Blige plays Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Sunday.

She became a powerful force in the genre in the early 1990s, with hits such as "Real Love," and "You Remind Me." But then Blige also gained cred in the hip-hop world, collaborating with Nas, Lil' Kim, Method Man, 50 Cent and more.

Doobie Brothers keep it classic with Pechanga stop
After 40 years with the Doobie Brothers and concerts around the world, guitarist Pat Simmons still gets excited touring the United States. He said he always tries to see something new, even in communities he has visited repeatedly.

Pala's Oak Room expands wine list
Pala Casino Spa Resort has been beefing up its wine list in its steakhouse The Oak Room.

The restaurant has expanded to more than 350 labels in the steakhouse, adding more than 100 this summer.

The resort plans to keep expanding the wine list throughout the property as well, specifically at Italian restaurant Mama's Cucina Italiana.

Chickenfoot lands at Fantasy Springs Sept. 10
Chickenfoot in Indio

Chickenfoot, the rock supergroup with Michael Anthony, formerly of Van Halen, guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fontana's native son, the Red Rocker Sammy Hagar, makes its Riverside County debut with a show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Sept. 10.

08/31/2010

Pearl explodes into Fantasy Springs on Saturday
Pearl describes herself as a person who bottles up emotions when she's not on stage.

But in her music and on stage her voice explodes in pure rock fury with melody, emotion and edge that hasn't been heard from a female rock vocalist since Heart cut "Barracuda."

"It's like a primal thing for me," she said in a telephone interview from a tour stop in Dallas.

08/28/2010

Pepe Aguilar celebrates independence with show at San Manuel
With 21 albums to his name and two more on the way, the ranchera and mariachi singer Pepe Aguilar has an interesting way of culling his extensive catalog.

"It's very much about the concept that I decide to take," Aguilar said in a telephone interview earlier this week.

08/26/2010

Casino Cocktails: Dan Dan the Beverage Man shares cocktail secrets
Dan Thomas, beverage manager for Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, doesn't just come up with new drink recipes for the resort -- sometimes he dreams about them.

"I'll wake up at night with a cocktail in my head," he said.

Casino Cocktails: Fantasy Springs uses fresh ingredients
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

New cocktails are always appearing at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. When Dan Thomas, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino's beverage manager, comes up with a new one, it gets tested out on customers.

Casino Cocktails: Pechanga preps drinks for all occasions
Pechanga Resort & Casino

Creating a drink on paper is one thing at Pechanga Resort & Casino, but the bottom line is that it has to taste great, too.

"We want to make sure from the first sip to the last sip it goes down very smoothly," said Dennis Khanh, vice president of food and beverage.

Casino Cocktails: San Manuel builds on the classics
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino in Highland's drink menu is all about the customer.

Whatever the customer requests, the bartenders will make, said Steve Lengel, executive director of operations for the complex. He said people like the classics as well as drinks inspired by pop culture, like Red Bull and vodka.

Casino Cocktails: Spa offers poolside drinks
Spa Resort Casino

Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs offers a number of drinks, like Day at the Pool and the Bahama Mama at the Pool Bar.

Day at the Pool

42 Below vodka

Alize Wild Passion fruit

Pineapple juice

Serve on the rocks with a lime wedge.

Bahama Mama

Coruba spice rum

Pineapple juice

Orange juice

Casino Cocktails: Morongo's Manhattan
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon puts its own spin on a Manhattan, called A Gentleman's Manhattan. It is served at Mystique Bar and The Pit Bar.

A Gentleman's Manhattan

1 package of sugar

1 orange wheel

A dash of bitters

1 cherry

1 ½ ounces of Gentlemen Jack

Casino Cocktails: Pala sticks with the classics
Pala Casino Spa Resort

At Pala Casino Spa Resort, the classics rule cocktails.

"We do a few specialty cocktails. Our emphasis is more on quality than on variety," said Steve Whisler, manager of The Oak Room at Pala Casino Spa Resort.

"The classics are always going to be a mainstay," he said.

Casino Cocktails: Spotlight 29 gets blue
Spotlight 29 Casino

Casino Cocktails: Agua Caliente gets wild
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

At Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage, new drinks come around every six months.

"When it's hot we come up with about 12 different summer drinks," said Sandy Josephson, director of food and beverage for the resort.

Casino Cocktails: Go all in with Inland casino beverages
Getting a drink at a casino isn't limited to bottles of beer and a martini merely shaken or stirred.

Inland casinos have been creating and perfecting their cocktail menus, dreaming up potent potables that match a theme or are a take on an old favorite.

Some are dreamed up using local ingredients, like the prickly pears of the desert, and others aim to be the perfect poolside thirst quencher.

Paris by Night extravaganza coming to San Manuel
Paris by Night returns to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland for a one-night-only variety spectacular on Thursday, Sept. 9.

Secret's out
The latest addition to the menagerie at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden is twin white-striped tiger cubs.

The cubs were born June 22 and last week became the newest residents of the mini-zoo in the rear of the Mirage resort.

Melissa Etheridge sells out Morongo
SHE'S THE ONLY ONE

Singer Melissa Etheridge is playing Morongo Casino Spa & Resort on Wednesday, but it won't be so easy getting in.

The show is sold out.

Of course, you can always hang out in the parking lot and play "Come to My Window" over and over and hope she appears, but that would be more than a little creepy.

You can always try your luck at StubHub.

Eat meatloaf and see Meat Loaf at Fantasy Springs
A MEATY SATURDAY

If you're passing through Indio on the 10 on Sept. 4, you might see paradise by the dashboard light if you stop at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino to check out Meat Loaf.

The singer and actor will perform a special set of favorites, and probably a handful of songs from his new album, "Hang Cool Teddy Bear."

Miss Latina USA to be crowned at Spotlight 29
Miss Latina USA to be crowned at Spotlight 29

As part of the casino's celebration of El Grito!, the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence, 20 women will compete for the crown in the Miss Latina USA pageant on Sept. 11 at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella.

The finalists will compete for the right to be named the "Most Beautiful Latina in the World."

08/19/2010

Morris Day brings the funk to San Manuel
A FUNKY GOOD TIME

Looking for the funk? Head to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino on Thursday for Funk Fest.

The Bar-Kays, Lakeside, Slave and Klymaxx fill a bill that's topped by the one and only Morris Day, above right.

That means it's time for the Time and the choreographed dance to "Jungle Love," oh-wee-oh-wee-oh.

Billy Idol leaves fans wanting more, more, more
Billy Idol is ready for a fight.

With his fist pumping in the air, showing off shadowboxing-like moves and flashing that famous sneer that was the face of the original MTV generation, the 54-year-old rock icon delivered blow after blow of rock fun during his show at Pechanga Resort and Casino on Aug. 11. He performs at Agua Caliente Casino Spa Resort Friday.

Photo Gallery: Billy Idol performs at Pechanga Resort & Casino

Huey Lewis takes the plunge into R&B
Huey Lewis and the News have done something they've always wanted -- gone back to their R&B roots.

With 1980s pop-rock hits "Heart of Rock & Roll," "Power of Love" and "Hip to be Square," the group isn't known for an R&B sound.

Chris Isaak at Pechanga: That's a good, good thing
Chris Isaak made his debut in 1985. But he didn't hit it big until 1990 when the single "Wicked Game" was featured in David Lynch's "Wild at Heart."

08/11/2010

Pechanga welcomes The Beach Boys on Sunday
The Beach Boys bring the fun of the sun, surfing and groovy dance parties to Pechanga.

08/13/2010

Steel Pulse performs to own beat
Reggae legends perform at Spotlight 29 on Friday.

08/12/2010

Gary Hoey brings guitar talents to Pala Casino
Rockin' on guitar

08/11/2010

Audio File: Stray Cat struts into Indio
Rockabilly bass master Lee Rocker has noticed an evolution in his music over the years.

"Every time you play a song, you tend to change it a little bit," Rocker said in a recent telephone interview.

He said it was especially true for the songs made famous with his band the Stray Cats.

08/10/2010

Lewis Black on the sarcastic attack at Pala
Conservatives and those who offend easily, beware. Comedian Lewis Black considers himself a socialist, so fair warning -- and a bit of a foul-mouthed one at that.

Black is probably best known for his sarcastic appearances on "The Daily Show" and in such films as "Accepted" and "Man of the Year." He is also a best-selling author and has written more than 40 plays.

Michael Bolton will bring the classics to Morongo
For much of the past dozen years, Michael Bolton had shifted his focus from doing original songs to being an interpreter, as he made four albums that featured his versions of other artists' songs.

However, Bolton's latest CD, "One World, One Love" became the first Bolton album since "Only A Woman Like You," to be weighted toward original songs co-written by Bolton.

08/09/2010

Michael Bolton comes to Morongo Casino
Not slowin' down

Sarcasm follows Lewis Black to Pala
Sarcasm follows Black to Pala

Lewis Black's sly wit and stinging sarcasm will take the stage Saturday at Pala Casino Spa Resort.

Black has been seen on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," in films, including "Man of the Year" and "Unaccompanied Minors," and on numerous HBO comedy specials.

Ted Nugent to unleash animal instincts at The Show
Motor City Madman Ted Nugent rocks The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Aug. 13 for the latest stop on his "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead" tour.

A famed guitarist, avid hunter, author and hilarious late night show guest, The Nuge found some time to do an e-mail Q&A with us from the road.

08/05/2010

Billy Idol to rock Pechanga, Agua Caliente
WITH A REBEL YELL

Billy Idol is playing not one, not two, but three dates in the Inland region in the upcoming weeks. That means he'll be dancing with himself (and longtime buddy Steve Stevens on guitar) from Temecula to Rancho Mirage between Wednesday and Aug. 20.

Practice your sneer and get ready to rock the cradle of love.

08/03/2010

Frankie Avalon and the Golden Boys play Morongo
More than a Beach Party

Frankie Avalon's career spans three generations of music, television and motion pictures. And he hasn't retired yet, still playing nightclub and guest-starring on TV series. He will perform with Fabian and Bobby Rydell as one of the Golden Boys at Morongo Casino

08/04/2010

B.B. King and Buddy Guy get blue at San Manuel
A classic night of blues

Enjoy a night of blues and incredible guitar playing with two legends. One has defined the blues for more than half a century. The other is a pioneer of Chicago's fabled West Side-sound. B.B. King, above, and Buddy Guy will perform at two Inland casinos next week.

08/03/2010

Motor City Madman Ted Nugent plays The Show
CAT SCRATCH FEVER

Lock up your daughters and hide the vegetarians, because Ted Nugent is coming to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

The Nuge will perform Aug. 13 as part of his "Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead Tour," which might be the best darn tour name since Motley Crue's "Route of All Evil Tour" in 2006.

07/27/2010

Rob Thomas brings intimate shows Inland
So smooth

Rob Thomas is spending his summer vacation getting close to his fans.

07/29/2010

Bret Michaels has Saturday concert at Pala
Bret Michaels says a key reason he won the "Celebrity Apprentice" television show in May is that he doesn't underestimate anyone - including himself.

07/24/2010

McEwan wins decision at Pechanga
Scottish southpaw Craig McEwan survived a test from Carlsbad's Danny Perez, winning their middleweight bout at Pechanga Resort and Casino by majority decision.

The scores were 97-93 twice, and 95-95.

McEwan, bleeding from a cut near his right eyelid throughout the fight, improved to 19-0 with 10 KOs. Perez is 34-8 with 17 KOs.

07/23/2010

Test your knowledge of 1980s musicians
The 1980s are back with a vengeance, so put away your DVD set of "Square Pegs" and try our quiz about little-known facts surrounding 1980s musicians coming to the Inland region.

1. Michael J. Fox and this musician played siblings in a band in the movie "Light of Day."

A) Bret Michaels

B) Joan Jett

C) Rick Springfield

Nice drive, good deals at Casino Pauma cafe
Among other things, Southland Indian casinos are known for their dining specials, and Casino Pauma in northern San Diego County has a couple of good ones.

The tiny casino rests in the hills a few miles above its more awe-inspiring neighbor, Pala Casino, a pleasant 40-minute drive out of Temecula.

Back in time: Upcoming concerts feature 1980s stars
Break out your legwarmers and rock out with your Walkman, because the 1980s are invading the Inland region for the next week.

With a plethora of performers (some with big hair, others with big dreams), the soundtrack is something out of a fictional Time-Life infomercial for "Sounds of the '80s"-- or at least a John Hughes film.

Audio File: Evans Blue, Red Line Chemistry plays free show in Fantasy Springs
NO DOUGH SHOW

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting a "no dough" (read: free) show of original music at the Rock Yard today with desert radio station 93.7 KCLB.

Evans Blue and Red Line Chemistry will perform at 8 p.m. The show is open to guests 18 and older.

Evans Blue is a Canadian band that sounds like P.O.D. -- minus the hip-hop influence and plus a Finger Eleven vibe.

07/22/2010

Happenings around region's casinos
Win big in Pala game show promotion

Pala Casino is giving away $200,000 through Aug. 29 in its "Show Me the Dough" promotion that's part casino play and part game show.

07/16/2010

Nice drive, good deals at Casino Pauma cafe
Among other things, Southland Indian casinos are known for their dining specials, and Casino Pauma in northern San Diego County has a couple of good ones.

The tiny casino rests in the hills a few miles above its more awe-inspiring neighbor, Pala Casino, a pleasant 40-minute drive out of Temecula.

07/19/2010

Enrique Iglesias gets euphoric at Morongo
BAILAMOS

07/15/2010

Las Vegas: Flying down, driving up
Flying down, driving up

Air traffic at McCarran International Airport was down again in May, for the fourth month in a row. Traffic was off 1.6 percent in May, according to figures released by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

However, according to figures for the first quarter of the year, vehicle traffic into Las Vegas is up 2.9 percent.

Only in Vegas: Election winner by a draw
Election winner by a draw

Where but in Nevada could an election be decided by the draw of a card?

It happened in the Republican primary election for a seat in the Nye County Commission. The vote was tied at 381 for two candidates. State law requires tie votes to be broken by a draw.

Allegiant Airlines to Vegas: Bring a gambling buddy
Allegiant Airlines: Bring a buddy

Allegiant Airlines is offering special fly and stay packages with a free seat for a companion. The packages are for three nights and can include one of more than 50 of Las Vegas best hotels.

Booking for this deal must be made by July 28 with travel scheduled through the end of September.

NFL betting season nearly year-round
NFL betting season nearly year-round

Baseball just got through its mid-season All-Star break and Las Vegas is touting football contests already. It's still summertime!

Anyway, for pigskin nuts who can't wait, Wynn Las Vegas has opened up its Pro Football Survivor Contest, with a $100,000 guarantee.

Laughlin: Room plus buffet deals
Laughlin bargains

The Colorado Belle and the Edgewater in Laughlin have put together two interesting room and buffet packages for guests.

They are offering a Steak Buffet Package on Sundays through Wednesdays and a Prime Rib and Crab Legs Package on weekends.

Vegas happy hours brighten economic frowns
Happy hours seem to keep expanding in the down economy.

It appears to have infected all of the bars in the Monte Carlo.

The Pub, Diablo's Cantina and the Brand Lounge seem to be dueling for the most hours of happiness.

Real deal at The Mirage
Real deal at The Mirage

The Mirage is offering guests who book rooms online before the end of July a $50 per night resort credit, which can be used for dining, entertainment, or shopping.

Eateries in Las Vegas: Win two, lose one
Eateries: Win two, lose one

The Social House has opened in the Crystals Shopping Center at CityCenter. The popular sushi house was previously in TI. It is open for lunch from noon to 3 p.m., Friday through Sunday and dinner nightly from 5 to 10:30 p.m., 11 p.m. on weekends.

World Series of Poker: A winning hand
World Series of Poker: A winning hand

Predictions for setting records for the 41st annual World Series of Poker were right on when 7,319 players entered the last event of the year, the Main Event.

Contest at Soboba Casino combines fun, fundraising
It wasn't exactly American Idol, but 11 acts took the stage at AC's Lounge at Soboba Casino recently to "sing" their hearts out in hopes of winning money for their favorite charity.

The third annual Lip Sync Contest provided a wide variety of song choices, costumes and choreography at the packed venue.

Soboba tribal center helps preserve history, culture
Accurate information on the ancient history and culture of Native American Indian tribes can often be tough to find.

But a cultural center on the Soboba Reservation is a growing resource for both amateur and professional researchers in the Inland area and beyond.

07/14/2010

Jackson Browne performs at The Show on Sunday
RUNNING ON THE SHOW

If your favorite part of "Forrest Gump" is when he's running across the United States, you might want to check out Jackson Browne at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Sunday.

Browne, whose hit "Running On Empty" was featured in the film, also had radio staples with "Somebody's Baby," "Doctor My Eyes" and "The Pretender."

Paul Rodgers discusses songwriting and some of Bad Company's biggest hits
Rock star Paul Rodgers has made a name for himself with Free, Bad Company, The Firm, solo work and a recent stint with the surviving members of Queen. His bluesy voice and songwriting prowess have become rock staples.

On Friday, he'll be performing with Bad Company at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

07/08/2010

Gaming publication holds contest to rate casinos
It's that time again. It is your annual chance to rate the casinos of California, praising the ones you liked best.

Alejandro Sanz to perform at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino
HOT MUSIC

Alejandro Sanz, the Spanish singer and songwriter who has modernized Flamenco music, will perform Thursday at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.

Gaining even more popularity for his work with Shakira and Juanes, Sanz is an accredited artist in his own right with more than a dozen Grammy awards and 25 million albums sold to his name.

You've got a friend in the Gipsy Kings at Pechanga
Los Amigos

First the Gipsy Kings were known to movie fans for recreating the Eagles' "Hotel California," used in the Coen brothers' trippy, foul-mouthed bowling comedy "The Big Lebowski."

Now the group has done a Spanish language version of Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend in Me" for "Toy Story 3."

Bad Company lives a rock and roll fantasy that's lasted nearly four decades
Nearly 40 years after Bad Company's inception, and after a half-dozen albums that have sold at least a million copies each in the U.S., and many world tours, front man Paul Rodgers believes the band has just completed some of its best work -- in live shows at London's Wembley Stadium in April.

Keep 29 in mind at Spotlight 29
SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO, Coachella

Every Saturday in July, players earn entries for drawings to pick a square in the "Secret Cash Splash" promotion. Eight drawings will be held. The spots will reveal a cash prize from $100 to $1,000. Drawings will be held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entries are earned by slot and table play.

07/07/2010

Pechanga giveaway features Audi TT
PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO, Temecula

Fantasy Springs creates reasons for members to swipe cards
FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO, Indio

Drawings will be every Saturday in July, starting tomorrow, for the $100,000 Bank Busters promotion. Players earn entries in the drawings for slot and table play but must swipe their player cards at special kiosks before the drawings begin at 4 p.m.

Harrah's Rincon teams with Home Shopping Network
HARRAH'S RINCON, Valley Center

San Manuel celebrates 24th anniversary
SAN MANUEL INDIAN BINGO & CASINO, Highland

To celebrate its 24 years of existence, the casino is giving away $10,000 a day for the first 24 days of July in a 9 p.m. drawing. All slot club members are eligible by simply activating their card between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the daily drawing.

Casino Pauma's slot promotion runs weekdays in July
CASINO PAUMA, Pauma Valley

Every remaining Monday through Friday in July a randomly selected slot club player in the casino will be selected to play random games for random prizes. The Random Fun promotion will be held hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

KC & the Sunshine Band bring positive vibes to Morongo
Disco still gets a bad rap, according to Henry Wayne Casey, front man for KC & the Sunshine Band. He also eschews any genre label, be it disco or dance.

"I just make music," Casey said in a recent phone interview.

07/04/2010

15th annual Pow Wow celebration brings together culture and fun
The steady beat of drums and ceremonial songs pulsated through the Pechanga Pow Wow grounds as dancers from American Indian tribes throughout the United States celebrated culture and tradition Saturday.

Pechanga's 15th annual Pow Wow drew hundreds of visitors for the busiest day of the three-day event. More than 100 vendors sold traditional food, jewelry, clothing and other items such as dream catchers.

Photo Gallery: 15th annual Pechanga Pow Wow

07/01/2010

Things to know about Jason Derulo, singer to perform at Morongo
Jason Derulo was a music video kid.

The 20-year-old grew up watching videos on MTV, dancing and singing along, becoming one of the first steps that shaped Derulo's burgeoning career of songwriter, actor, singer and dancer who has worked with P. Diddy, Pitbull and Kara DioGuardi.

Fireworks, dining specials and more at Inland casinos
Local casinos are putting out the red carpet for July Fourth revelers with celebrations, fireworks shows and specials.

Here's a look at this weekend's casino highlights. Check the websites for details and restrictions.

Agua Caliente

06/30/2010

Online gambling effort slows
A California lawmaker's bill to make the state the first to legalize online gambling has bogged down in the face of strong opposition from Inland tribes with casinos and other critics.

A Senate committee led by the measure's author was scheduled to vote on the bill Tuesday. Its approval would have generated momentum to the effort as lawmakers prepare to head home to their districts later this week.

06/29/2010

Travelin' band: Creedence Clearwater Revisited performs at Soboba
To Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, time is the ultimate test in a pop medium.

More than 40 years after the launch of Creedence Clearwater Revival, the music is still attracting new generations of fans. Although the classic band split in 1972, original drummer Clifford and bassist Stu Cook still perform with other musicians as Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

06/25/2010

Harrah's Rincon buffet goes for drama
Harrah's Rincon's newly remodeled buffet is the latest addition to Southern California casino dining scene.

But to call it a buffet deflates its ambitions. When diners arrive at the entrance, videos on high-definition TV screens tell them they are in for "modern food theater."

The claim seems to be based on its "action stations": that is, more servers than at the usual carving station.

06/24/2010

Sushi Sake caters to everyone from adventurous diners to novices
Sushi Sake provides an authentic Japanese sushi bar experience with a Southern California influence.

Here's the deal: Howie Mandel at Morongo
Here's the deal, catch Howie Mandel at Morongo

Howie Mandel is the newest judge on "America's Got Talent," but on Saturday you can be the judge as the longtime comic takes the stage at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

Old-school hip-hop legends performing at Spotlight 29
KICKIN' IT OLD SCHOOL

Every summer, Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella puts on a show of classic hip-hop artists. On July 2, it's time for Old School No. 5.

The lineup includes Afrika Bambaataa's Soul Sonic Force, Connie, Cover Girls, Debbie Deb, Sugar Hill Gang, Trinere and Young MC.

Soboba Reservation lip sync contest benefits charities
A lip sync contest to raise money for local non-profits is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Friday at AC's Lounge at the Soboba Casino, according to a news release.

Tickets are available for $20 each from the non-profits or by calling 951-203-4589. Contestants for the third annual event are competing for more than $5,000 in prize money.

06/23/2010

To all the girls he's loved before, Julio Iglesias is at The Show
LADIES MAN

At 66, Julio Iglesias still makes the women swoon with his smooth vocals and charming ways.

Iglesias represented Spain in the famed Eurovision Song Contest (the contest that later spawned Swedish popsters ABBA and Finnish costumed metalheads Lordi) in 1970, but lost.

06/21/2010

Backstreet Boys are still giving all the love they have
A.J. McLean sounds fully prepared for the demands of touring this year with his bandmates in the Backstreet Boys.

"I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, so I can actually perform it and look good, too," McLean said in a recent phone interview.

06/17/2010

Casinos lure dads with dinner deals, golf and more
Looking for something different to do with dear ol' dad on Father's Day this Sunday?

How about a stop at one of our local casinos? Plunk him down at the slots for an hour (your treat, of course), maybe set him up with a round of golf, then take him out for a memorable meal.

Paul Anka does it his way at Pechanga
Times of Your Life

Paul Anka's road from teen idol to icon has included working with big names like Tom Jones and Michael Jackson along the way.

He first came onto the scene in the 1950s, with the hits "Diana" and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." Expect to hear those hits and more as the crooner stops at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula on Saturday.

06/16/2010

Comedy is rocket science with Shayla Rivera
What do you get when you cross rocket science with humor? Shayla Rivera, a former NASA aerospace engineer-turned-comedian. Rivera is returning to the Pechanga Resort and Casino at the Comedy Club for the "Handle Your Business" tour.

Donna Summer brings the language of love to Fantasy Springs on Saturday
Dubbed the "Queen of Disco," Donna Summer has outlasted many of her contemporaries from the genre, moving past the glittery carnage of a Studio 54 nightlife where people loved to boogie and developing into a bona fide pop star with forays into rock, R&B and gospel.

She credits the humanity behind the songs for making the music timeless.

06/12/2010

Pechanga Pow Wow set for July Fourth weekend
The 15th annual Pechanga Pow Wow will be held July 2 through 4 at the Pechanga Indian Reservation.

The free event will feature American Indian dancers, drummers and singers. A fireworks display is set for July 3. More than 60,000 attended last year's Pow Wow.

The event starts at 5 p.m. on July 2 and 11 a.m. on July 3 and 4.

Information: 951-770-4769.

--Jeff Horseman

06/10/2010

Harrah's Rincon heats up the pool with summer parties
Guests are expected to "dress to impress" at Harrah's Rincon's Eclipse, even if that means wearing a bathing suit.

Eclipse is billed as a "nightclub pool experience." The club runs Saturdays from May through October. The action starts at 9 p.m. and carries on into the wee hours, with guest deejays.

Art Laboe brings annual Summer Jam to Morongo
Kool with the Summer Jam

Radio legend Art Laboe is hosting his annual summer jam on June 19 at Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

Kool & The Gang, Deniece Williams, The Impressions and the Mary Jane Girls are all on the bill.

Bluesmasters B.B. King and Buddy Guy announce Inland date
BLUES AHEAD

Calling all blues fans, masters B.B. King and Buddy Guy have announced a date at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on Aug. 12.

You can also catch them at the Hollywood Bowl on Aug. 11 or Harrah's Rincon Open Sky Theater on Aug. 14.

06/11/2010

Sweat with Keith Sweat at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino
SEE A SWEAT IN HIGHLAND

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that New Jack Swing and genre icon Keith Sweat brings his R&B sounds to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on Thursday.

Sweat, known for hits such as "I Want Her," "I'll Give All My Love to You," "Twisted" and "Nobody," also helped the careers of female R&B groups Silk and Kut Klose.

06/10/2010

Watch for Vegas sites in "Get Him to the Greek"
LAS VEGAS IN THE MOVIES

Las Vegas is a predominant location in another movie being released this month. "Get Him to the Greek" may not make it to the Oscars but the city gets some exposure in this raunchy comedy starring Russell Brand.

Micky Dolenz isn't just Monkee-ing around
Before there was such a thing as Bieber Fever, there was Monkee Mania.

Micky Dolenz, who played the drummer of the lovable madcap The Monkees, a band that started as a television show and then became recording stars of the 1960s, will come to San Jacinto on Sunday.

06/05/2010

Reba goes straight for the heart in Agua Caliente show
The tickets at Reba McEntire's Friday night concert at the show identified her only as "Reba." It's true -- she has reached the status of the one-name star. And she proved why to the full house at the venue in Agua Caliente Casino.

Photo Gallery: Reba McEntire at The Show

06/04/2010

Masked Warriors make MTV debut in the IE
The fierce and colorful entertainment sport of Lucha Libre is making a crossover from Latin television to American media with its live broadcast debut from The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Sunday.

Pechanga to honor military with free Flag Day meals
Veterans and active military personnel will be able to eat for free at Pechanga Resort & Casino on Flag Day.

On June 14, the casino is offering a complimentary buffet at Kelsey's or The Buffet restaurant between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The price for non-military guest is $10.49 for lunch and $14.95 for dinner.

Harrah's Rincon heats up the pool with summer parties
As anniversaries go, this one is a tip of the hat to a more swinging era.

The Playboy Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. And next Thursday, Eclipse at Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort will become a Playboy Club, just for the night. No Club Key required.

Eclipse is billed as a "nightclub pool experience."

Multiples of Elvis take the stage at Pechanga this weekend
Elvis has left the building -- and his mortal coil -- but his legacy continues.

The Elvis impersonator has become almost as ubiquitous in our culture as the King himself. Far from shunning the phenomenon, Elvis Presley Enterprises -- the guardians of all things Elvis -- is presenting The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, a series of competitions to find the best pretend Elvis in the world.

06/03/2010

Summer Concert Guide: Hit big with music at area casinos
The best bet to see music in the Inland region this summer is at area casinos. From crooners to classic rock icons, country stars and radio favorites, casino headliners offer something for everyone.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, www.hotwatercasino.com/theshow

San Diego County casino debuts new buffet in June
The task is to get the people into the casino and every promotion department of every casino takes the task very seriously. Inducements used to fulfill that task include all types of prizes, meal deals, entertainment, gaming offers and even transportation.

Donate food, receive free casino play in San Jacinto
The Soboba Casino is offering a player promotion each Monday in June, where the first 2,500 people to donate canned foods valued at a minimum of $5 will receive $15 in free play, according to a news release.

05/27/2010

Fantasy Springs adds Asian fare to dining choices
The menu available at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio is about to broaden its dining options with the addition of Joy, a Chinese noodle house with an emphasis on popular Korean barbecue and Vietnamese dishes.

Joy will be located where the Players Steakhouse currently sits. The steakhouse will close after May 30, and the new restaurant will open in September after some kitchen renovations.

Johnny Mathis brings standards to San Manuel
Wonderful, wonderful

Chances are that if you love the Great American Songbook, the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino has a show for you.

Johnny Mathis performs on Thursday, and you might get "Misty."

Speaking of "Misty," that song, along with "Chances Are" and "The Twelfth of Never," always make his set list, Mathis said in a 2008 interview.

Boz Scaggs to perform at Fantasy Springs
Smooth Boz Scaggs

Attention Boz Scaggs fans and anyone who owned "Silk Degrees" on vinyl or an 8-track: Scaggs is returning to the Coachella Valley for a performance Tuesday.

That's right, the man, the myth, the legend behind such hits as "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" will perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

05/26/2010

Tower of Power brings decades of music to Pechanga
Legendary soul and funk band Tower of Power is kicking off a 2010 U.S. tour with a concert at the Pechanga Resort and Casino after a mere two week breather from touring Japan.

05/20/2010

Life is a Queensryche cabaret, old chum
Queensryche always has had a theatrical element to its music, but the metal band only recently enlisted the help of jugglers, contortionists and burlesque dancers.

"It's definitely a step in a different direction," singer Geoff Tate said in a recent telephone interview from his Seattle home.

Danny Gokey and James Otto set sights on Soboba
An "Idol" Ride

Danny Gokey, who went from a "P.Y.T."-singing "American Idol" season-eight contestant to country crooner, is coming to Soboba Casino in San Jacinto on May 31 with fellow country star James Otto.

The concert is part of the West Coast Thunder motorcycle ride, which benefits the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.

Steve Miller lends a hand and a text to Fender Center
Rock icon Steve Miller is going on tour and the Kids Rock Free program, based at Corona's Fender Center for the Performing Arts, is getting a helping hand from it.

Miller, a longtime supporter of the program, is launching a text-to-donate campaign to raise money for program development.

Classic rock hits the Inland region with The Eagles, Steve Miller, Heart and Crosby, Stills & Nash
Over the next 10 days, Inland Southern California will play host to some of the biggest names in classic rock as The Eagles, Steve Miller, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Heart perform in the area.

But if you can't get to the real stars, tribute bands are the next best thing, and a number of bands pretending to be rock icons visit the area on a regular basis as well.

Cowboys ready to ride at Pala casino
Reno Rosser has seen both sides of the bull riding business.

As a college student, Rosser took a stab at bull riding. But after a few tries, Rosser decided "the most dangerous eight seconds in sports" was not for him -- at least not the riding side.

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Spin the slots, then hit the links
Perhaps when you think of gambling, you think of going all-in at the poker table or placing a winning roulette bet.

Or perhaps you think of going for the green over the water on 18, as you might be tempted to do at The Country Club at Soboba Springs? Or taking direct aim at the pin on the deceptive, downhill eighth hole at the Journey at Pechanga?

Maybe all of the above?

Photo Gallery: Journey at Pechanga

Photo Gallery: Golf courses near Inland casinos

05/14/2010

Mammoth. Mean. Roughs up his co-stars. And that's why he gets the big bucks
It's kind of a showbiz cliché. Father's a big star. Sonny boy is a Grade A flake, a loser.

But this star's son is doing Daddy proud.

Meet High Octane Hurricane. He's a handsome beast with chocolate brown eyes. And is this star big - he weighs in at 1,500 pounds.

05/13/2010

Bucking bulls: Even their names are nasty
Like other pedigreed animal (think thoroughbred horses and champion dogs), names of bucking bulls can be an amalgam of their scions' monikers.

But the names can be funny too, considering their size (about 1,500 pounds), brute strength and mission - to knock that cowpoke off their backs.

Giveaways carry Inland casinos into June
Fantasy Springs Casino is giving away a car, Spotlight 29 Casino is giving away ATVs, and Pala Casino is giving away cash -- a lot of it.

05/06/2010

You can't lick Lique when it comes to ice cream
Lique is not pronounced "li-cue."

It's not "li-kway."

It's pronounced "lick," as in what you do to the ice cream on your cone at this '50s-themed ice cream shop.

05/20/2010

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Journey at Pechanga

Pechanga Resort & Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula

866-991-7277 | 951-770-4653 | journeyatpechanga.com

At a glance: 18 holes, par 72. Men's tees, 4,842-7,194 yards. Women's tees, 4,842-7,194 yards.

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Harrah's Rincon
HARRAH'S RINCON

760-751-3100

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: The Country Club at Soboba Springs

1020 Soboba Road, San Jacinto, CA 92583

951-654-4300 | sobobaspringscc.com

At a glance: 18 holes, par 72, 7,101 yards

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Eagle Falls Golf Course (Fantasy Springs Casino)

Fantasy Springs Casino 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway Indio

92203-3499 | 760-238-5633 | eaglefallsgolf.com

At a glance: 18 holes, par 72. Men's tees, 5,729-6,715 yards. Women's tees, 4,917-5,729 yards

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Spotlight29

SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO

760-775-5566

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Morongo

MORONGO CASINO RESORT AND SPA

1-800-252-4499

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Spa Resort

SPA RESORT CASINO

1-888-999-1995

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Agua Caliente

AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA

1-888-999-1995

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Casino Pauma

CASINO PAUMA

1-877-687-2862

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near San Manuel

SAN MANUEL INDIAN BINGO AND CASINO

1-800-359-2464

NEARBY COURSES

YOUR INLAND CASINO GOLF GUIDE: Courses near Pala

PALA CASINO SPA RESORT

1-877-946-7252

NEARBY COURSES

05/13/2010

Cowbells in Cabazon with Blue Oyster Cult
DON'T FEAR THE OYSTER

How many people go to a Blue Oyster Cult show just to yell "More cowbell!" during the classic hit "Don't Fear the Reaper"?

Find out for yourself when the band plays Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa in Cabazon on Saturday in something dubbed "Mark and Brian Bongo at Morongo II."

05/06/2010

Odds are the Triple Crown will be a mess for gamers
A horse race

With a 20-horse field of non-favorites and a sloppy tract, the Kentucky Derby was a perfect set up for long shots. Not one of the top three finishers had better than 15 to 1 odds in early action at the race books.

Spas, restaurants have Mom in mind
Inland casinos are primed to take care of your mom.

Most have multiple restaurants as well as a buffet. Some have spas as well, just footsteps from the eateries.

And they all have Mother's Day specials in place.

Here's a look at what's out there. Prices don't reflect any discounts that might come with membership cards.

Agua Caliente Casino

Take the gamble out of dealing with sticky situations in casinos
Even regular casino patrons are unsure how to act or react in unusual situations in the casino. Here are a few situations that occur and how to deal with them.

SAVING A SEAT

05/05/2010

Right music at the right time
Over the past 40 years, Earth, Wind & Fire has gone on to become one of the most influential acts across funk and R&B.

The band is still highly regarded for its energetic performances, like the one scheduled for Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on May 14.

04/29/2010

No help allowed in blackjack tournaments
Last week's column dealt with poker tournaments. Two other types of tournaments are frequently available at casinos: blackjack and slots.

Blackjack

Gin and juice and comedy with Snoop Dogg and Mike Epps
BOW WOW WOW

Snoop D-O-double G hits Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Saturday with comedian Mike Epps.

They're billing it as a "hip-hop comedy experience" and that has definite promise, especially considering Snoop's work on his MTV show "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle," which was lightyears ahead of its time before getting the boot.

04/22/2010

Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino: Jackpot!
The explosion of tribal casinos in Inland Southern California in the past decade has also sparked a burst of splendid steakhouses.

The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino is no exception. Even without the blur-and-whir of gaming machines lining its walkway, this place would have an allure that would rival the best desert nightspots.

It's not that hard to be part of tournament action
Tournaments present a block wall to many gamblers. They have played table games and poker but feel intimidated by tournaments so they hesitate to get involved.

It really isn't that difficult if a few rules are followed and dealers are usually helpful for neophytes.

Following are a few guidelines for anyone wanting to get involved in No Limit Texas Hold 'Em tournaments.

Economic pressures still weigh down Nevada
feeling the pressure

Nevada made it to the top of another list, although it isn't one it was aiming for.

The Associated Press has listed Nevada as the most stressed state in the nation in its Economic Stress Index. The index uses factors including job losses, foreclosures and personal bankruptcies.

Las Vegas arrest made over Internet gaming
Arrest made

At least one Australian has found Las Vegas inhospitable.

Daniel Tzvetkoff was recently arrested in Las Vegas by federal agents on four charges relating to the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act of 2006.

Champions grace Caesars Palace poker room
The World Series of Poker Circuit Tournament is in full swing at the classy Caesars Palace Poker Room. The event, with 18 tournaments, 15 of which are WSOP ring events, runs through the end of the month.

The Circuit event is the tenth of 11 events to be held prior to the 2010 WSOP event, which runs May 27-July 17 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel.

04/18/2010

P-E wins 'General Excellence' first place in state contest
The California Newspaper Publishers Association has awarded The Press-Enterprise with a first place for "general excellence" among newspapers with circulations of 75,000 to 200,000.

Announced over the weekend, the award was among 15 the newspaper received in the association's CNPA Better Newspaper Contest. Seven of the awards were first places.

04/15/2010

Harrah's offers 24-pass to visit its buffets
Buffetmania

Harrah's properties in Las Vegas are offering something that should happen nowhere near the aforementioned prize sundae.

Friendly happy hour prices at M Resort's Hostile Grape
Happy hours

Once you have recovered from the gorging at the buffet lines, there are a couple of happy hours you may to hit. They are both offered on Tuesdays.

Anniversary gives Caesars Palace customers chance to get a $1,000 dessert for free
For those who have a sweet tooth (and who doesn't?) Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace is offering a chance to partake in the most expensive dessert in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

And you won't even have to pay for it. That's a good thing because the price tag is $1,000.

04/16/2010

Darius Rucker just wants to have fun
Darius Rucker had no expectations for his debut country album, "Learn to Live."

"With the first one it was like throwing some paint on the wall and seeing what would stick, and hopefully I will stick," Rucker said, laughing, in a recent telephone interview.

04/08/2010

Inland casinos offer antidotes to April 15 blues
Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella is giving away 20 Mexican Riviera cruises for two in April. Five winners will be selected every weekend.

Club card members can receive one entry per day by swiping their cards at a special kiosk. Additional entries are earned at the rate of one per 50 points earned on slot and table play.

Las Vegas booking site offers room discounts of up to 50 percent
Cheap rooms

Station Casinos puts 13 properties on sell list
Casino for sale

Station Casinos has filed a plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that calls for divestiture of 13 of its 17 local casinos, according to a statement released by the company in late March.

Encore provides a coda to Steve Wynn's marriage
Wynn neighbors

Steve and Elaine Wynn were recently divorced after a long union but they are now neighbors in the Wynn-Encore resort complex that was developed while they were still married.

Tiger's return, and Elin's whereabouts, keep sports books busy in Vegas
Nevada sports books reportedly had a very successful March and early April due to March Madness, the college basketball contests. Upsets were limited and there was a broad field so bettors had a lot of choices. Although local bettors were the predominant players, there were a lot of visitors in town betting on their favorites. The variety of betting opportunities helped in the volume of bets.

Broadway veterans bring Four Seasons sound to Inland casinos
Big men in town

The Boys in Concert, billed as an event "reuniting the original cast of Broadway's 'Jersey Boys,' " will bring the good-time sounds of the '60s to Inland casinos next weekend.

The "Boys" are four actors who played the Four Seasons in the hit musical and discovered they have harmony offstage and well as on.

04/02/2010

LAS VEGAS DEALS: ORBITING PLANET HOLLYWOOD
ORBITING PLANET HOLLYWOOD Planet Hollywood is running the $100,000 Phamous Escape promotion April 9-19.

04/01/2010

Cyndi Lauper just wants to have fun at The Show
SHE BOP? YES, SHE BOP

How many people can claim Jeff Goldblum, Paul Reiser and Captain Lou Albano as costars?

Perhaps this is more evidence why Cyndi Lauper is so unusual.

Lauper, who is the reason all bridesmaids are forced to dance to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" at the hand of every bad wedding DJ, comes to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on April 9.

Can't-miss room packages in Las Vegas
Las Vegas hotels keep coming up with unique packages to bring in visitors. Two of the more unusual ones are at the MGM Grand's Signature Hotel and at the Luxor.

The Signature, a suites-only tower with no casino, has three special offers available.

Las Vegas' Hard Rock resort hosts adults-only events
ADULTS ONLY

Las Vegas' Hard Rock resort has activities for, well, grown-ups on the calendar:

The resort will host the world's first XB12 outdoor adult expo on June 10- 11. The expo will be held in the pool area with parties, exhibitions and the Miss Summer 2010 Bikini Pageant.

HANG ON, BULL-RIDERS BACK IN LAS VEGAS
BULL RIDERS BACK

Professional bull riders will be in Las Vegas on April 16-18 to vie for the Bull Riders World Cup. The U.S. has dominated the cup but riders from Canada, Mexico, Australia and Brazil will be competing against the U. S. at the Thomas & Mack Center to upset the front runners (or riders).

Las Vegas dimmed the lights, but party wasn't over
Dim the lights, but party isn't overIf anyone was in town last Saturday night and noticed the dimming of the lights throughout the valley from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., it wasn't caused by a lack of water over the Hoover Dam. It was a preplanned dimming sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness of climatic changes.

Garth Brooks returning to Las Vegas' Encore Showroom
COWBOY'S RETURN

Mark your cowboy calendars. The next scheduled appearance for Garth Brooks at Las Vegas' Encore Showroom is April 9-11.

Rockabilly rocks Las Vegas hotel
VIVA ROCKABILLY

This is a Viva Las Vegas! Rockabilly Weekend at the Orleans Showroom. Actually the show started on Thursday evening and lasts through Monday nights. Who knew the weekends were so long in Las Vegas?

Shooters have a blast at new Vegas gun park
HAVING A BLAST

The Clark County Shooting Park opened last week at 11357 N. Decatur Boulevard. The park has ranges for pistol, rifle and archery advocates. And, hopefully, no close neighbors.

Worst casino bets
Frank Scoblete, author and columnist, in an article in the March issue of Casino Player added a wider variety to his list of worst bets in a casino.

His best bet list only covered table games and specifically ignored poker and Sic Bo.

In the worst bet list, slot machines and keno were added into the mix, but video poker was ignored - on purpose.

Hitting the casino tables? Arm yourself with the odds
It's always nice to know the best bets to make at the casino tables.

What better source to use than the advice of Frank Scoblete, a gambling author and columnist. A column in the March issue of Casino Player outlines his recommendations on the best 10 bets at casino table games.

His list follows, sometimes with my personal observations.

Poker Deli in Rancho Mirage goes all in for a quick bite
Nestled next to the poker room and just a few steps from the main drag of table games, the Poker Deli at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa offers a quick bite while you take a break from the gaming action.

There's nothing too fancy about it -- you can take your order to go or eat at one of the handful of food court-like tables -- but the food is affordable, quick and good.

Usher brings confessions to San Manuel on April 8
USHER'S CASINO CONFESSIONS

Fresh off his stint as a mentor on "American Idol," Usher will hold court at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on Thursday.

03/25/2010

San Manuel bingo contest ranges across Southern California
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino is returning to its roots with an April promotion.

"Lucky Seven Bingo" invites participants to search for bingo numbers daily at the casino, Southern California entertainment venues and on Facebook and Twitter.

Prizes range from a $50 voucher for the casino to a drawing of $100,000.

Caesars Palace opens Garden of the Gods to guests
Pool opens at Caesars

It is springtime, and the outdoor pools of Las Vegas hotels are ready to let guests take advantage of the sunny skies and warm temperatures. Pool parties will be planned for weekends at most hotels.

Vote for your favorite World Series of Poker player
Fave poker player

On-line voting is open for fans to vote for their favorite qualified poker players to compete in the World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions.

03/18/2010

Keep track of gambling wins; IRS will
The good fortune of a big win at the casino is tempered with a bit of bad. The bad is either a W-2G or 1099-Misc. These forms are required by the Internal Revenue Service when there is a big win. The reported win form is sent to the IRS, which shares this information with state tax boards.

These forms are used differently by the casinos and the state lottery.

Beer pong championship floats into history
Beer Pong

In case you were curious about the results of the Beer Pong V Championship held at the Flamingo Las Vegas at the start of the New Year, and couldn't find any media coverage, I unearthed the results.

At the end of three grueling days of competition, the winning team of two became the first winner for the second consecutive year.

Where do you go to find luck in Nevada?
Finding luck

Many gamblers need the extra boost of luck. USA Today recently published the 10 luckiest places for "All You Need is Luck" list. Two of the places are in the Las Vegas area, a place where luck is certainly needed.

One is a natural: The bronze statues of the half-dozen Crazy Girls located at the front entrance of the Riviera Hotel & Casino.

Poker advocates raise money for Haiti
Poker for Haiti

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of players and enthusiasts from throughout the United States who have joined to promote poker and protect players' rights.

Spring forward to these Las Vegas happenings
Spring forward

Conan O'Brien, who recently lost a battle at NBC for "The Tonight Show," will present a stand-up show at The Pearl at The Palms on May 1-2.

There will be an auction of Michael Jackson's furniture and wardrobe items at Planet Hollywood on June 25. There is another white glove in the inventory. Julien's will handle the auction.

Laughlin has a busy Spring calendar
Cooks, cowboys, motorcycles, blues singers, softball players and those who enjoy seeing and hearing them have a great opportunity to do so in the next few months.

Oh, what a night with Frankie Valli at Fantasy Springs
JERSEY BOY

Frankie Valli and his falsetto find their way to Fantasy Springs for a show this Saturday.

Go to the show to listen to Valli sing some of the hits that inspired the Broadway smash "Jersey Boys." You might even hear "Grease."

Chicago aims to make you smile at Fantasy Springs
JUST YOU 'N' CHICAGO

If only Chicago were playing March 25 so we could make the "25 or 6 to 4" reference ... It won't even be a "Saturday in the Park."

However, the brassy band will visit Indio on March 26 -- a Friday -- for a show at Fantasy Springs.

03/16/2010

Tic-tac-toe-playing chicken stumps challengers at Spotlight 29 Casino
Some people take it quite personally when a chicken beats them at tic-tac-toe.

That's what folks at Spotlight 29 Casino are discovering this month as Ginger the Chicken takes on challengers from within her brass-and-neon booth.

March Madness is a good hook to draw gamblers into casinos with sports books. This promotion is more like March silliness.

03/15/2010

Carlos Mencia tells Inland audiences don't worry, it's only standup
Carlos Mencia's edgy ethnic humor may ruffle some feathers, but he does it to make a point.

Mencia performs Thursday night at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland.

"I really want to be a good reflector, a mirror of society and what we're thinking," Mencia said in a phone interview. "I want to say the things that people are thinking but can't say."

03/12/2010

Gambling experts question online poker, an idea promoted by Inland tribe
Compulsive gambling experts had a ready opinion Thursday on whether California should legalize online poker to raise money along the lines of what an Inland tribe proposes: Bad idea.

Annie Duke triumphs in Heads-Up championship


There were two firsts for women this past Sunday.

Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to win an Oscar in the director category Sunday evening.

At about the same time in Las Vegas, Annie Duke became the first woman to win the National Heads-Up Poker Championship.

03/11/2010

Bellagio installs docents in gallery
Gallery guides

Docents (trained guides) have been added in the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art to educate visitors about the art on display.

The docents are available from Wednesdays through Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Each group is limited to the first 20 attendees. The docent led group tour lasts about 45 minutes and are complimentary with the purchase of any Gallery admission.

What are your odds at blackjack?
Now deal

Most people have played it but few know where the name came from and other facts about the game.

Here are a few bits of information from author and columnist Henry Tamburin.

Martin Short makes 'em laugh at The Show
SHORT FUN

Martin Short brings a one-man party to The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage tonight.

The man made people laugh as Ed Grimley and creeped out celebs as Jiminy Glick and should have won some kind of award for his fine work in "Three Amigos" and "Captain Ron." In his show, he has a mix of comedy, songs, dance and more.

Paul Anka does it his way at Fantasy Springs
Paul Anka has gone from teen idol to living legend.

He's worked with Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and Michael Jackson, among dozens of others.

Construction advances on Las Vegas performing arts center
New center

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts recently celebrated its topping out of Reynolds Hall. The world-class center will be the home of the Nevada Ballet Theater, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and first-run touring attractions.

Reynolds Hall is 170 feet tall.

Construction of the center began in May of last year. Completion is planned for early 2012.

Las Vegas is awash with wine and dining events
Taste of wine

The downtown Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host the second annual Spring Wine & Jazz Fest on March 26-28.

The Fenians bring the luck of the Irish to Pechanga
IRISH LISTENING

The Fenians play Pechanga Resort and Casino on St. Patrick's Day, bringing a blend of contemporary and traditional Irish music.

The band mixes folk, rock, jazz and blues with Celtic influences. In 1999, The Fenians were inducted into the Guinness Wall of Fame.

Cheers!

Natalie Cole to sing at Morongo resort
Still unforgettable

It seems like it was just yesterday that Natalie Cole was headed to the Inland region. Wait, it was just last month when she was at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside.

This time she will be without the backing of the Corona Pops, but Cole will bring a show of hits to Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa on March 19.

03/05/2010

Festival of native film and culture at Agua Caliente
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum's "Festival of Native Film & Culture" runs from Mar. 10 - 14, and will kick off with a screening of the documentary "Sing Birds: Following the Paths of Cahuilla Power."

03/04/2010

Poker series comes to Rincon
Two local casinos are hosting big time poker tournament is March.

The World Series of Poker comes to Harrah's Rincon in Valley Center in a Circuit Event for the fifth year in a row and the Coachella Valley Poker Championship will be held at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella.

WSOP CIRCUIT EVENT

Another Lake Las Vegas casino is closing
The only remaining casino in Lake Las Vegas is scheduled to close on March 14, according to its owners.

Although the U.S. Department of Labor requires a 60-day notice by employers to employees, the casino owners, CIRI Lakeside Gaming, is using an exception to the labor code to cut the notice time in half.

TV-themed slot machines generate play in Las Vegas
Two new slot machine games have started to appear in the casinos and have been drawing a lot of interest and a lot of play.

Both new games are based on TV series. Sex in the City and The Amazing Race slots have been very popular, according to the manufacturers. Some casinos have even reported that players have actually been standing in line for a chance to play the machines.

Tony Bennett picks up his heart in Rancho Mirage on Thursday
STEPPIN' OUT

Tony Bennett left his heart in Rancho Mirage and might pick it up during his performance at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Thursday.

Bennett was one of the first artists to perform at The Show when it opened last year, and he sold it out then, as well as this week.

Martin Short to play Agua Caliente Casino
For a one-man performance, the stage at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage is going to be pretty full when Martin Short performs March 12.

Ed Grimley will be there. Jiminy Glick will be, too.

03/03/2010

The Commodores zoom into San Manuel
William King of The Commodores doesn't remember one night where he didn't get that rush of performing before an audience.

"When the lights come on, it's time to go," he said in a recent telephone interview.

King and The Commodores, Charlie Wilson and Kool & the Gang will feel that rush again when they perform at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland Thursday night.

Photo Gallery: Kool & The Gang at San Manuel Casino

Sinbad will perform at Morongo casino on Saturday
Family. Politics. Marriage. The economy.

Stand-up comedian Sinbad looks for - and finds - something funny in all of them.

This Saturday, Sinbad brings his show to Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

Sinbad's good-natured, clean humor has brought comparisons to Bill Cosby, but he takes mild exception to that.

03/02/2010

Teena Marie celebrates her birthday with a concert at Pechanga
Birthday bash

Teena Marie celebrates her birthday tonight at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

So, if you're celebrating your birthday during a show, do you lead the crowd in a chorus of "Happy Birthday" or do you have to just hope a bandmate or an audience member does?

Find out as Teena Marie plays her hits.

02/28/2010

Young at heart--Adam Lambert's 89-year-old fan
Isabel Paquette wasn't able to travel more than 10 feet at a time at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio without someone stopping her to chat, take a photo or give her a hug.

The 89-year-old from Marinette, Wis. smiled under her glasses and curly white hair and obliged every time.

Paquette is the newest Internet celebrity, at least in the Adam Lambert community.

Photo Gallery: Adam Lambert and his 89-year-old fan

Former 'Idol' winner David Cook draws a crowd at Morongo Casino
David Cook's fans will brave lightning, thunder, hail and rain for his shows, and that's just what happened at a Saturday night show at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

The seventh-season "American Idol" winner last played the Inland region for a New Year's Eve celebration at Pechanga Casino in Temecula.

Tracy Runco traveled from Michigan to see Cook for the 46th show.

Photo Gallery: David Cook at Morongo

02/25/2010

Weekly Casino Digest
Las Vegas

Cirque du Soleil "O," 7:30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $93.50-$150, 888-987-6667.

Cirque Du Soleil "Zumanity," 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, New York - New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $60-$129, 866-815-4365.

Cheap Trick wants you to want them in Rancho Mirage
TRICKY ROCK

Mommy's all right, daddy's all right, Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick seems a little weird, or at least, eclectic.

The guitarist will bring out his fancy axes for a show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage tonight.

Expect the big hits, such as "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me," "Dream Police" and "Hello There."

San Manuel concert is a summit of funk
San Manuel books a boogie night

San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino will be celebrating all things funky next week with that "Celebration" group Kool and the Gang (above), Charlie Wilson ("Uncle Charlie") and the Commodores ("Brick House").

The R&B summit takes place next Thursday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Martin Lawrence brings laughs to Pala
HE'S SO CRAZY

Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence makes his way to Pala Casino Spa Resort on March 5.

Lawrence became a household name after his hit sitcom, "Martin," skyrocketed in the early and mid-1990s.

'American Idol' winner David Cook performs at Morongo on Saturday
David Cook doesn't want to settle.

The musician, who won season seven of "American Idol," is working on the follow-up album to the platinum-selling self-titled album and he wants it to be the best that it can be. However, that requires some patience, too.

"I'm an impatient man," Cook admitted in a telephone interview earlier this week.

David Cook and Adam Lambert spend their Saturday nights in the Inland region
The Idols are invading the Inland region this weekend with two big shows on Saturday night.

In one corner, "American Idol" season seven winner David Cook brings his guitar and nice guy ways to Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon.

In the other corner, season eight runner-up and fashion plate Adam Lambert packs up his mascara and powerful voice and heads to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

02/19/2010

Blues Brothers wow in rare performance at San Manuel casino
Jim Belushi danced through the aisles of the showroom at a Blues Brothers concert Thursday, jumping up on chairs and proclaiming "I love my job!"

Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, in the guise of Zee and Elwood Blues, had fans on their feet when they came on stage at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino near Highland in San Bernardino County.

Photo Gallery: The Blues Brothers

02/18/2010

Gary Farmer brings trouble to Soboba
THE FARMER TAKES A BAND

Actor and musician Gary Farmer will be getting into some trouble at Soboba Casino in San Jacinto on Wednesday, but there's no need to worry.

Farmer and his band, the Troublemakers, will bring a bluesy set to AC's Lounge in the casino.

Cheap Trick's axe man Rick Nielsen shares the rules of rock
Cheap Trick wants you to want them at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage on Feb. 26.

With hits like "Dream Police," "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender," Cheap Trick might be the greatest power pop band to ever walk the Earth.

A lot of that has to do with the guitar work (and the crazy guitars) of Rick Nielsen.

Weekly Casino Digest
Las Vegas

Cirque du Soleil "O," 7:30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $93.50-$150, 888-987-6667.

Cirque Du Soleil "Zumanity," 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, New York - New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $60-$129, 866-815-4365.

Country legend George Jones rides to Pechanga
POSSUM AT PECHANGA

Want to see a country legend? Head down to Pechanga Resort and Casino where George Jones will tell you about how he stopped loving her today, how she thinks he still cares and more songs that will brighten up your post-Valentine's Day spirits.

Luckily, the man known as "The Possum" shrugged off his old nickname of "No Show Jones."

New system of 'counting' in blackjack gets a push
"Counting" has always been a "system" that is said to be a way to beat the casino at the blackjack tables. It has a few varieties but all are fairly cumbersome for the average player.

Basically "counting" means keeping track of high and low cards so the player knows when the odds of a winning hand are best. It is no guarantee of winning but does give the player an edge over the house.

Digging in at Inland area casinos' buffets
Visiting a casino buffet is like revisiting the best part of your childhood.

No mother to tell you to clean your plate (unless you bring her).

No one to force you to eat your vegetables.

All the plates you want; if you don't like your foods touching, they don't have to.

More desserts than in "Hansel and Gretel" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" combined.

Shrimp is big on the menu at Agua Caliente buffet
Agua Caliente Casino



What: Grand Palms Buffet

Where: 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage

San Manuel buffet makes midweek special
San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino



What: Serrano Buffet

Where: 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland

Layout: The buffet is on the ground floor of the two-story casino.

Stand-out features: Specialty nights midweek as well as weekends.

Went there for: Specialty nights.

Morongo action is in the buffet as well as the casino
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa



What: Potrero Canyon Buffet

Where: 49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon

Layout: Long, serpentine serving area with lots of dining tables near the action.

Stand-out features: Lower prices than usual.

Pala's buffet goes for size
Pala Casino Spa & Resort



What: Choices, The Buffet

Where: 11154 Highway 76, Pala

Layout: The 20,000-square foot dining room seems to go on forever, and the south wall offers a picture-window view of the rock-covered mountains that surround the resort.

Pechanga buffet provides a long dining experience
Pechanga Resort & Casino



What: The Buffet

Where: 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula

Spa Resort buffet satisfies meat lovers
Spa Resort Casino



What: Oasis Buffet

Where: 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs

Layout: Serving stations take up the back wall, plus an island for salads, desserts and cold items.

Spotlight 29 café doubles as a buffet
Spotlight 29 Casino



What: Café Capitata

Where: 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella

Layout: Casino's casual restaurant doubles as a buffet for lunch and dinner, with the regular menu also available. Food service is from a raised island in the middle of the dining.

Dine inside or out at Fantasy Springs buffet
Fantasy Springs Resort Hotel & Casino

What: The Fresh Grill Buffet

Where: 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio

02/11/2010

Super Bowl created winners, losers and weirdness in Las Vegas
Super bets

Well, its over and the Saints are the unlikely champions. The books had the Colts as a 4 ½-point to 5 ½-point favorite and a total score exceeding 50. If the proposition bets didn't end up on the plus side by a huge margin, the books will have suffered a disastrous end of season.

Casinos offer dining specials for Valentine's Day
Most Inland casinos are observing Valentine's Day in their restaurants this weekend. Here are some specials they told us about.

To learn more about February promotions, see Bruce Camenga's article on S13.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Chances are you'll hear a love song at Johnny Mathis' Feb. 13 concert
This Saturday, the headliner at The Show is Johnny Mathis. On Feb. 20, it's Larry the Cable Guy.

That's like the difference between love and marriage.

Mathis, the smooth singer responsible for "Chances Are," "Wonderful, Wonderful" and a slew of other wistful ballads, performs at 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$100.

Get Romantic with The Romantics at Pala
There's probably no better time to see 1980s band The Romantics than on Valentine's Day.

Weekly Casino Digest
Las Vegas

Cirque du Soleil "O," 7:30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $93.50-$150, 888-987-6667.

Jersey Boys, 7 p.m. Monday, Thursday-Friday, Sunday, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, 3255 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $62.70-$150.70, 702-607-7777.

Inland casinos build promotions around Lunar New Year
Sunday is Valentine's Day and the start of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger.

Several local casinos are hosting celebrations for each of the special days.

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Blues Brothers are coming to San Manuel
Some people go to Blues Brothers concerts to see Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi.

But Belushi, in a phone interview, was talking about the rest of the band.

"They're all just big-deal guys. Hot shots," he said.

02/10/2010

Get cozy with John Legend at Fantasy Springs
Visit the Coachella Valley on Sunday and you might be John Legend's valentine.

The R&B and soul singer performs at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Sunday for his second year of Valentine's Day weekend shows.

So what is the main quality that a love song needs to be great?

02/05/2010

Cupid swoops down on Las Vegas
For those looking for a romantic place to dine while in Las Vegas over the Valentines Day weekend, I have a couple of divergent suggestions for downtown.

Hugo's Cellar in the basement of the Four Queens Hotel is a romantic setting and the restaurant will be giving a rose to every woman who enters on Feb. 14.

02/04/2010

Inland casinos bring big laughs
The entertainment landscape at Inland casinos is dotted with a lot of laughs these days.

"Comedy and casinos have been hand in hand since casinos were built," said David Swift, entertainment director at Pala Casino Spa & Resort, mentioning the comic greats who have passed through Las Vegas over the years.

Casinos alive with comedy
The Show



Larry the Cable Guy: 8 p.m. Feb. 20, $65, $95, $125

Martin Short: 9 p.m. March 12, $30, $45, $65

Gabriel Iglesias: 8 p.m. May 5, $25, $35, $45, $55

Jay Leno: 8 p.m. June 12, $50, $85, $125

Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage

Christopher Titus brings new material to Morongo
Comedian Christopher Titus thinks the American people are never going to revolt.

"We all have big-screen TVs now," he said in a recent telephone interview. "We may talk about revolution but it's never going to happen because 'Oooh, what's on channel 312?' "

Joel McHale brings tasty sarcasm to Pechanga
How could anyone this mean be so nice?

You see Joel McHale each week on the E network's "The Soup," that weekly carpet bombing of all things TV, burst loose with rude quips that make you wonder if the censor was stuck somewhere in traffic. And all with that wry little "oh, yes I did" smirk of his.

Valentine's Day at the casinos
Here's what's going on Valentine's Day at Inland casinos.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Fantasy Springs is doing its best to be the kind of place where love is like breathing.

That's where John Legend will supply the romance on Valentine's Day.

Weekly Casino Digest
Las Vegas

New York - New York Hotel & Casino, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $60-$129, 866-815-4365.

Criss Angel "Believe," 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Luxor Resort Hotel and Casino, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $86.90-$176, 702-262-4444.

02/01/2010

Super Bowl Sunday at Inland casinos
Here's what's going on Super Bowl Sunday at Inland casinos.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa

The Show: Football party complete with AstroTurf, couches and recliner chairs on the orchestra floor. Giveaways at the end of each quarter plus halftime. Prizes include 37-inch LCD high-def televisions.

Pala Casino Spa & Resort

01/28/2010

Weekly Casino Digest
Las Vegas

Mario Lopez, 10 p.m. today, Planet Hollywood -- Privé, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $20-$30, 702-523-6002.

George Strait, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $73.50-$125, 702-891-1111.

To San Diego County and beyond
Tim Allen, soon to be featured as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's "Toy Story 3," will tell his own stories this weekend at Pala Casino Spa & Resort.

Nelson twins play Spotlight 29
FAMILY AFFAIR

Twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are the third generation of the Nelson family to have a No. 1 hit single, following grandparents Ozzie and Harriet and father Rick.

01/21/2010

A weekend of chocolate, wine
What could be better than a chance to sample luxurious nibbles and fine wine? How about doing it two days in a row?

Pechanga Resort & Casino will showcase its cuisine and wines from around the world at back-to-back festivals later this month, the Chocolate Decadence tasting event on Jan. 29 and the Pechanga Wine Festival the next day.

This Week's Casino Digest
Las Vegas

Cirque du Soleil "Viva Elvis," 7 p.m. Sunday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 22-28, Aria Resort & Casino, 3730 Las Vegas Blvd., $99-$175, 866-359-7757.

Cirque du Soleil "O," 7:30 and 10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $93.50-$150, 888-987-6667.

01/18/2010

Come sail away with Styx
The philosophy of Styx's live show is to have fun, according to bassist Ricky Phillips

"It's fun for us to go out there and be the center of the party," he said in a recent telephone interview. "That's a big thing with Styx. And what's so fun about this band is that it isn't, 'Dig us. Check us out' -- we're there for everybody to join in the party."

01/14/2010

Casinos cash in on WSOP
Local casinos are catering to poker players to keep the flow going.

Even though the World Series of Poker is several months away, some local casinos are already offering special tournaments with top prizes being seats at the WSOP.

01/13/2010

Aaron Lewis makes a plan for Pechanga
Aaron Lewis has finally given in to making a set list.

The Staind frontman, who comes to Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula tonight, has taken requests at his solo acoustic shows and sometimes has played longer than three hours.

Now he has a set list for those times when he is limited to a 90-minute performance, he explained in a recent telephone interview.

01/07/2010

Headliners visit Inland for shows
Casinos are a big part of the concert landscape throughout the region. Take a look at the acts that will be playing a few walls away from a slot machine near you. Tickets for most of the shows are on sale now.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage

Jan. 22, Styx, $40-$80

Feb. 13, Johnny Mathis, $50-$100

World Series of Poker kicks off May 27
It was only two months ago that Joe Cada played his way to the Championship in the Main Event of the 2009 World Series of Poker, becoming the youngest player to do so, while pocketing $8.5 million.

Side action transforms game of blackjack
Casino have different blackjack rules

Blackjack has been such a standard in casinos since there have been casinos that many think the rules are the same everywhere.

Merle Haggard brings hits to Pechanga
MUSKOGEE, MEET PECHANGA

Merle Haggard, one of the original outlaws of country music, takes a trip to Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula tonight.

Haggard doesn't actually write a set list for his shows. He has about 250 tunes ready so he can see where the night takes him.

8 p.m. Jan. 8, Pechanga Resort and Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, 877-711-2946, $55-$85.

Ronnie Milsap lands at San Manuel
Runnin' with Ronnie

Ronnie Milsap performs in Highland on Thursday. If you're a country music fan, you won't want to miss it.

Milsap is right behind George Jones and Conway Twitty in accomplishments topping the country charts. His hits include "What Goes On When the Sun Goes Down," "Smoky Mountain Rain" and "Any Day Now."

01/01/2010

Merle Haggard gets real
The Taylor Swifts, the Carrie Underwoods, Keith Urbans and Rascal Flatts popularizing the country music universe on the pop radio dial are a far twang from the Outlaw country of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard.

However, Haggard still thinks there's rebellion in country music.

Restaurant review: Waters Café hot fudge sundae orders have domino effect
I had a surprising and perhaps unrepeatable experience at the Waters Café a few weekends ago.

The Waters Café is one of the restaurants in Rancho Mirage's Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa.

I was attending a Brian Wilson concert in the casino's theater, The Show, and decided to dine in the café's bar rather than wait 15 minutes for a table on a busy Friday night.

12/25/2009

New Year's Eve: San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino
SAN MANUEL INDIAN BINGO AND CASINO

777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland, 800-359-2464, www.sanmanuel.com

New Year's Eve: Pala Casino & Resort
PALA CASINO SPA & RESORT

11154 Highway 76, Pala, 877-946-7252, www.palacasino.com

New Year's Eve: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO

84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, 800-827-2946, www.fantasyspringsresort.com

The Penthouse, a luxe cocktail lounge and wine bar on the twelfth floor, will host the cool jazz sounds of El Amin Collective from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

New Year's Eve: Agua Caliente
AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA

32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, 888-999-1995, www.hotwatercasino.com

Looking for variety on New Year's Eve? Check out Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, where there are three major parties going on.

What are you doing New Year's Eve?
What are you doing New Year's Eve?

There's no reason to sit at home watching Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest talking about how cold it is in Times Square, ringing in 2010 three hours early.

There are plenty of alternatives where you can celebrate the new decade on the West Coast with big time entertainment in Inland casinos.

12/17/2009

Robert Wagner to talk about memoir
Morongo Casino Resort and Spa is launching a celebrity authors series with Robert Wagner, who has starred in three TV series and appeared in notable films from the 1953 "Titanic" to "Austin Powers."

Wagner will discuss his 2008 memoir, "Pieces of My Heart" at 2 p.m. Saturday. His daughter Katie Wagner will join him.

New Year's Eve calendar, Dec. 18, 2009
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

Riverside

Decadent New Year's Eve Bash, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Club Sevilla, 3252 Mission Inn, Riverside, $25. 951-778-0611.

Harvest New Years Eve Car Show, Dec. 31, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Harvest Christian Fellowship, 6115 Arlington Ave., Riverside, Free entry, 909-687-6902.

12/10/2009

Casino Listings - 12/11
Las Vegas

World Stars Of Magic, 7 p.m. today and Sunday, $19, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111.

Blue Man Group, 7 and 10 p.m. nightly; Wayne Brady, 9 p.m. Thursday-Monday; Jersey Boys, Thursday-Tuesday; Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 877-883-6423 or 866-641-7469.

Inland casinos tempt gamers with New Year's winnings
The holiday season means casino promotions and New Year's Eve parties.

CASINO PAUMA

Say you, say me, say Lionel Ritchie at Fantasy Springs
Hello, it's Lionel

Hopefully Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio has dance-proofed their ceiling at the Special Events Center because Lionel Richie is coming on Jan. 15.

So say "Hello" to Richie because "You Are" a fan who will be partying "All Night Long."

Former Starship guitarist lands in Rancho Mirage
FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR

Craig Chaquico is playing The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa tonight.

He's probably most famous for his work with Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Starship, but he has also released a number of solo albums.

Dave Koz counts his blessings
Saxophonist Dave Koz figures he has good reason to smile as he closes out the year with the latest edition of his annual "Smooth Jazz Christmas" tour.

In one respect, he's smiling because this year's outing reunites a familiar lineup for his tour, as he is joined by singer Brenda Russell, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White and trumpeter Rick Braun.

Boogie Woogie Christmas with Brian Setzer
Who's that rockin' Santa Claus?

Why it's Brian Setzer, back again for his Christmas show at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella on Wednesday.

The guitarist and bandleader, who first found fame with '80s rockers the Stray Cats and then with khakis from the Gap and a cover of Louis Prima's "Jump Jive An' Wail."

12/09/2009

Nelsons share musical bond
Willie Nelson and family are hitting the road and their appropriately titled tour "On the Road Again" is making a stop at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino for a night of country music goodness.

Calling from their tour bus, where they were headed to a show in Arizona, Willie's sister Bobbie recalled her and Willie's childhood and the special musical bond they share.

12/07/2009

The Show gets applause from concert industry
The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage has been nominated for the prestigious award "Best New Major Concert Venue" by concert trade publication Pollstar Magazine.

The 2,000-seat showroom opened in February with a concert by Billy Joel. In the months since, it has sold out shows with a wide range of musicians and comedians, from Social Distortion to Tony Bennett to Jay Leno.

12/03/2009

The soundtrack of your life, according to Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson, as a member of the Beach Boys, defined California culture for the rest of the country in the 1960s. His production techniques brought him critical acclaim. He also wrote some of the most perfect pop songs of all time.

Motown in Coachella
Motown moves

Motown giants The Supremes and The Temptations are playing Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella on Saturday. Sort of.

In a show billed as "Temptations Review with Dennis Edwards and Scherrie Payne & Lynda Laurence Formerly of The Supremes," the casino's showroom will become a time warp to some of the biggest hits of the 1960s.

Morissey is coming to Fantasy Springs
This charming man

The master of mope himself, Morrissey, makes a triumphant, er, sulking return the Coachella Valley this weekend.

The ex-frontman of seminal 1980s British band The Smiths played the 2009 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and complained about the smell of burning flesh, creating one of the best underscored hissy-fit moments in concert history.

11/25/2009

Halls ringing with versions of 'Jingle Bells'
The holidays are the time of the year when artists trot out albums they recorded in July, and halls are filled with the ringing reinterpretations of "Jingle Bells."

Here are the big-name holiday concerts to catch in the Inland region.

Sara Evans

CASINO CALENDAR
Las Vegas Variety Live! 7 p.m. today-Sunday, $19; HNLV Band, 10 p.m. today-Saturday; Sonny Turner, Former Lead Singer Of The Platters, 7 p.m. Dec. 4-6, $19, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111.

11/20/2009

Casino calendar
Las Vegas Brandon Bennett, 7 p.m. today-Sunday, $19; Chaze, 10 p.m. today-Saturday, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111.

Hiroshima "30th Anniversary Tour," 8 p.m. Saturday, Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, $27-$39, 702-658-4900.

11/17/2009

Bennett, Etheridge, Leno top Agua Caliente schedule
Just in time for Christmas, Agua Caliente Casino has released its 2010 concert schedule.

Think of it like the "Twelve Days of Christmas," but instead of six geese a-laying, five golden rings and a partridge in a pear tree, this is 12 days of showbiz with six musicians musing, five comedians laughing and a "Mr. Roboto" rock band.

11/10/2009

Julio Iglesias brings velvet voice to Pechanga
Latin lover

The last time we talked to Julio Iglesias, in advance of his summer tour stop in San Jacinto, he expounded about living in the moonlight and how his voice comes from the sound of the sea.

With talk like that, it's no wonder he had to dedicate a song to all of the girls he loved before.

Joe Perry has a guitar, will travel
Have guitar, will travel

Guitarist Joe Perry wrote his new album, "Have Guitar, Will Travel," as the backbone of a live show. Some of the songs were intended for Aerosmith to record, but when the classic rock band put its recording process on hiatus, Perry took the songs for himself.

11/05/2009

Poker player, host Sexton elected to Hall of Fame
Mike Sexton, poker player and host and analyst of the World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel, has been elected to the Poker Hall of Fame. He was the only nominee receiving enough votes by the election committee to qualify for induction.

In his 30-year career of playing poker, Sexton has won more than $3.7 million.

Casino offers cocktail recipe book
It's the great pumpkin martini, Charlie Brown

Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino is celebrating the season with a pumpkin martini. The resort will be serving it through Thanksgiving. It goes for $9 in three restaurants: POM, the Bistro and Players Steakhouse. However, the resort is sharing the recipe:

1½ ounces Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

3 ounces apple cider

Casino Listings - 11/06
Las Vegas

Martin Niviera, 7 p.m. today-Sunday, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, $19, 702-636-7111.

Blue Man Group, 7 and 10 p.m. nightly; Wayne Brady, 9 p.m. Thursday-Monday; Jersey Boys, Thursday-Tuesday Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 877-883-6423 or 866-641-7469.

311 gears up for fall tour
For 311's latest tour, the alternative rock band is getting all mixed up.

On its summer jaunt, the group played similar set lists each night.

"When you do a set list, it allows for a show," explained guitarist Tim Mahoney in a recent telephone interview.

10/30/2009

Celebs, poker pros come to Highland for charity tournament
Nearly two dozen celebrities and professional poker players came to Highland on Thursday to participate in the Ante Up for Africa charity tournament.

It was the second time hosts Don Cheadle and pro player Annie Duke brought their event to San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino, and the second time the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has chipped in $500,000 for the cause.

Video: Ante up for Africa

Photo Gallery: Ante up for Africa

10/29/2009

Morongo casino Halloween costume contests have big payouts
The Horns & Halos Slot Tournament is today and Saturday at Morongo Casino with seven sessions each day. The top prize is $1,300, and prizes are awarded immediately after the sessions. The buy-in is $20, with a $10 discount for seniors. Each entry receives a free wild-card drawing ticket.

Southland gamblers rate local casinos
There are 23 Native American casinos in Southern California ranging from Highland to the north to Winter haven in the southeast corner of the state.

Recently the Southern California Gaming Guide, a monthly publication distributed free throughout Southern California in markets and other retail stores, asked its readers to participate in a survey of the best of the casinos in 22 categories.

Casino Listings - 10/30
Las Vegas The Scintas, 8 p.m. today-Sunday, $29; HNLV Band, 10 p.m. today-Saturday, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111.

Rio Suites wants guests to tweet
twitter for rewards

The Rio has a Twitter promotion that has a goal of enrolling 20,000 tweeters by Dec. 4. Entries must include #riovegas in tweets to qualify. The Rio will reward up to 500 Wild Weekends at the Rio to qualifiers. If the goal is reached, it will award one randomly selected tweeter a grand prize of a VIP Rio New Year's Eve package.

Exhibit captures famous entertainers
Caught on film

'Shot in the Dark" is a photo show by Ed Foster and is on exhibit at the Whitney Library on Tropicana Ave. at Nellis Road through Dec. 6.

Photos in the exhibit include shots of Robert Goulet, Jack Jones, Buddy Greco and Joe Williams.

Vegas has got 'America's Got Talent'
"America's Got Talent Live" is midway through a 10-week run at Planet Hollywood. It is hosted by Jerry Springer and features this season's winner Kevin Skinner and runner-up opera singer Barbara Padilla.

It's the truth! Lily Tomlin is coming to MGM Grand
Lily Tomlin is coming to town. The recipient of Emmy, Tony, Peabody and Mark Twain awards is bringing her comedy act to the MGM Grand Hollywood Theater Nov. 10-18.

Tickets are $58.50 and $80.50, $168.50 for "Golden Circle" meet-and-greet.

Alice Cooper to make Rockaoke appearance
Alice Cooper isn't just going to die four times on stage at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio tonight; he's also going to make the rock-star dreams of someone come true.

After Cooper's gig, he'll head over to the Rock Yard outdoor party area for the "Rockaoke" competition finale.

There are four finalists left, and Cooper is going to announce the winner.

10/23/2009

Stone Temple Pilots bring intense show to Highland
Stone Temple Pilots' show at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on Thursday night can be summed up in one word: intense.

The alternative rock band, which broke out of San Diego amid the grunge era of the early 1990s, packed the showroom at the casino and had Inland rock fans shouting "S.T.P." during breaks between songs.

Photo Gallery: Stone Temple Pilots concert

10/22/2009

Alice Cooper brings Halloween to Indio
In his latest stage show, shock-rock superstar Alice Cooper is going to die four times.

Cooper said the show, which comes to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio on Oct. 30, will go through the phases of Alice Cooper the character, including one segment where Cooper is put to death by a giant hypodermic needle.

10/20/2009

Rob Thomas looks for honesty in music
Some nights when he's on stage, Rob Thomas taps into an energy with the audience he said is almost spiritual.

And on the nights when the audience isn't feeling it?

10/22/2009

Casino Listings - 10/23
Las Vegas

Blue Man Group, 7 and 10 p.m. nightly; Wayne Brady, 9 p.m. Thursday-Monday; Jersey Boys, Thursday-Tuesday Venetian Hotel and Casino, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 877-883-6423 or 866-641-7469.

10/14/2009

Roger Daltrey sure plays a mean solo concert
There were plenty of Who T-shirts and Union Jacks on display at San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino for Roger Daltrey’s concert. There were also plenty of empty seats. But the audience was filled with fans, and Daltrey, usually the Who’s front man, said he liked the vibe.

Photo Gallery: Roger Daltrey at San Manuel

10/15/2009

Tickets for Garth Brooks in Las Vegas go on sale Oct. 24
Garth Brooks is getting back in the dance.

The 47-year-old country star held a press conference Thursday morning to announce he's coming out of retirement.

Casino resort developer Steve Wynn made the news official that afternoon with the announcement that Brooks will "present a series of special engagements" in the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas beginning Dec. 11.

Casino Listings - 10/16
Las Vegas

Billy Dean, 8 p.m. Saturday, $19-$29; Michael Lington, 8 p.m. Oct. 23, $15-$25, Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, 702-658-4900.

Clint Holmes, 8 p.m. Oct. 23-25, $29; San Fernando Band, 10 p.m. Oct. 23-24, Suncoast Hotel & Casino, 9090 Alta Drive, 702-636-7111.

Las Vegas Advisor: Manilow wraps up 5-year run at Vegas Hilton this December
Barry Manilow will conclude his five-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton at the end of December. There is speculation that he'll perform at another casino, but nothing has been announced.

Casino plans

At a time when most analysts contend no new projects will be initiated in Las Vegas for several years, a new casino may be in store for Harmon Avenue, just east of the Strip.

Laughlin rocks rock-lovers' world with petroglyphs
Those who trek to Laughlin for a few days often go for fun on the Colorado River.

But there is more to Laughlin than boating, fishing and swimming.

There are, of course, a dozen casinos in the area with the normal staples of gambling, dining and entertainment. But there is still more.

Laughlin is like The Strip, only with water
Laughlin was not always Laughlin.

When the only access to this spot on the river was by dirt roads, Don Laughlin spotted it from the air and later visited, then purchased the six-room motel and restaurant.

Here are the best routes to Laughlin
the back way to Laughlin

The standard way to get to Laughlin, Nev., is to head north on Interstate 15 to Barstow, then east on Interstate 40 to Highway 95, then north to Highway 163, then east again to Laughlin. It's a boring drive competing with Las Vegas-bound traffic and lots of trucks.

Options aplenty among Laughlin's casinos
There are casinos along Laughlin's Casino Drive and more along the river side of the road, all but two with hotels.

Wild burros make their home in Oatman
Oatman is burrotastic

Before heading to Oatman, Ariz., about 30 miles southeast of Laughlin, stop by the grocery store for a few carrots. They will be much appreciated by the wild burros of Oatman.

London Bridge is at home in Lake Havasu
No need to go to England to see the famed London Bridge. It is located about 65 miles south of Laughlin. The bridge was dismantled in London, with each part labeled, and reassembled in Lake Havasu in 1964. An English village compliments the bridge with plenty of shops and restaurants in which to spend some time. Access to London Bridge and the English Village is by London Bridge Jet Boat Tours from Laughlin or by auto on Highway 95 on the Arizona side of the river.

Scott Weiland's extreme makeovers
Stone Temple Pilots, which formed in San Diego and had major hits with songs such as "Plush," "Interstate Love Song" and "Big Empty," will perform at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland on Thursday.

Expect some kind of stage getup from front man Scott Weiland, whose various looks have only rivaled Boy George and Madonna over the course of his career.

Add San Manuel to the list of players in the fight to save Sudan
Poker champ Annie Duke and actor Don Cheadle are bringing back the "Ante Up for Africa" tournament on Oct. 29 to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.

Their non-profit organization, also named Ante Up for Africa, has put on seven major events, Duke said Wednesday at the casino. Among them are on three big tournaments in Las Vegas, one in Monte Carlo, and a prior one at San Manuel in May 2008.

10/14/2009

Steely Dan keeps coming back to its old school sound
Music is the best thing that ever happened to Walter Becker.

"It's so full of feeling ... It's a really unique mode of expression and enjoyment. It's just so powerful, the ability to communicate musically with people is so strongly wired into us, as though it was our first language or something," the guitarist said in a recent telephone interview.

Get excitement at Roger Daltrey's feet
If you're in the front row at Roger Daltrey's show Thursday at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland, you might want to duck.

Daltrey, voice of The Who, will be practicing his wild microphone swinging in a performance at the casino.

Daltrey has announced that he will present tunes from his solo catalog as well as some tracks The Who doesn't often play live.

Rob Thomas goes solo in Temecula
Matchbox on the 23rd

Rob Thomas is a busy guy. He has his success with Matchbox Twenty, he's touring to support his solo career (with a stop at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula on Oct. 23), and he seems to be dealing with a Twitter addiction.

Willie Nelson on the road again to Indio
American country music icon Willie Nelson will perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Dec. 4.

10/09/2009

MGM Grand packages discount the resort's shows
MGM Grand discount

The Signature Suites at MGM Grand is offering a Naughty or Nice package for visitors. Both packages offer a 40 percent discount on Crazy Horse Paris show or KA by Cirque du Soleil.

The Naughty package also includes two entries to Studio 54 and Tabu nightclubs, a $75 beverage credit, an in-suite vodka station, and a special surprise turndown romantic gift.

Promotions tie in to World Series of Poker
Play poker, win a trip

Even though the Final Table of the World Series of Poker Main Event does not begin for another month, there are current events tying into the 2010 games.

One of the main sponsors of the WSOP, Milwaukee's Best Light, is offering two seats for the 2010 Main Event for the winners of a poker competition online.

The Strip gets scary for Halloween
Las Vegas is turning into Spooky Town for the rest of October.

If you are looking to be scared, there are a number of places to go.

Circus Circus has its Fright Dome. That is five acres of extreme scare zones with fog, strobe lights, multicolored lasers, five haunted houses, 23 rides and attractions, and roaming mutant creatures.

New resorts' restaurants plan their menus
New menus

With openings slated for December, chefs for the restaurants at Vdara and Mandarin Oriental hotels have been busy getting ready.

Chef Martin Heierling, is preparing the menus at Silk, a modernistic restaurant with private dining booths, BarVdara, a lounge with an outdoor patio, and Sky Pool and Lounge. The Pool offers food with a fantastic view of the city.

Balloon takes passengers 500 feet above the Las Vegas Strip
Get a lifT

If you want to get high while still being a law-abiding person, check out Cloud Nine, across Las Vegas Boulevard from Mandalay Bay.

Fall season brings incentives
Fall is a time casinos find it necessary to add extra incentives for players to frequent their establishments.

Although, from my observation, weekends seem to have a good turnout at the casinos, weekdays are off quite a bit.

Some of the promotions of the casinos are:

Regional casinos offer incentives
PALA CASINO: Pick your pigs for cash and free-play awards in the casino's Squealing for Cash promotion. Every slot club member can swipe their card at special kiosks in the casino once every 24 hours and select the pigs of their choice for prizes and entries into a Dec. 2 drawing for a total of $100,000.

Deal gives feds role in casino oversight
California tribes and casino regulators are close to ending a long-running disagreement over safeguards in the state's $8 billion tribal-casino industry.