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Glamour, Glitz & Gold -- Planning Your Trip to Monaco

noreply@blogger.com (Bigado Networks) — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:55:00 -0600

Monaco, a tiny principality that sits atop a steep, rocky coastline overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, enjoys sunshine 300 days a year with mild winters and moderate summer temperatures. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the French Alps, France lies to the west and Italy to the east.

Well-known as a playground of the rich and famous, Monaco is also a perfect getaway when planning a trip to either the French or Italian Rivera’s. Whether driving or flying, getting to Monaco is easy. From the International Airport in Nice, you can even take a 7-½ minute helicopter ride to Monaco via Heli Air Monaco or Monicair. The price of your ticket includes free transport from the heliport to anywhere you want to go in Monaco and free pickup on your return. Having a car in Monaco isn’t really necessary, as you can walk to most districts within the city within twenty to thirty minutes at most, especially if you’re going to Monaco for business and not planning on doing much sight-seeing outside of the city.

The first thing you'll notice when you arrive are the cars! It's not uncommon to see a Rolls Royce double-parked next to a shiny Ferrari which is sitting in front of a Porsche near the casino, and the sheer number of expensive sports cars is amazing.

The next thing you'll notice is how clean it is. You'll seldom even see litter on the streets. And finally, you'll be delighted by the more than 100 statues, fountains and sculptures that are found throughout all five districts of Monaco. As you wander around you'll soon discover the narrow, winding medieval alleyways, stone arches and "secret" passageways, fragrant flowers and pastel-painted buildings with red tiled roofs so characteristic of the French Riviera.

Nicknamed "the Rock" by the locals, there are many things to see and do in Monaco, and thanks to the generosity and foresight of Prince Rainier III, the former Prince of Monaco, many of them are free. About the size of Central Park in New York City, Monaco is three miles long and one-half mile wide. Although it’s the second smallest country in the world (Vatican City is the smallest), Monaco nonetheless offers something for everyone.

During the tourist season, you’ll find fairs, festivals, rallies or other celebrations scheduled almost every day. Off-season has its charms as well, with less to do, but also less traffic, fewer tourists and the chance to really explore all that Monaco has to offer.

Helpful Information:

Currency: The European Euro

Identification and Length of Stay: To enter Monaco, you need the same identification used for gaining entry to France (passport, travel or identity documents), and you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

Principal Language: French, although many natives still speak the ancient Monegasque. Italian and English are also commonly spoken.

Nearest Airport: International Cote d’Azur Nice is approximately 15 miles away.

Transportation from Airport: Bus, train, helicopter, private limousine, taxi, rental car or motorcycle.

Basic Geography:

Monaco is divided into five districts.

1. The Ville on the Rock, which includes the Prince’s Palace, the gardens, the Ramparts, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum.

2. The Condamine, which is the second oldest area in Monaco. It’s name dates back to the Middle Ages and refers to the area of cultivatable land at the foot of a village or castle.

3. Monte Carlo, which was built in 1866 and named in honor of Prince Charles III. Monte Carlo is famous for its casino, luxury hotels and unique boutiques.

4. Fontvieille is the newest area of Monaco, and is actually "land" that has been reclaimed from the sea. The manmade harbor has hotels, shopping, restaurants, the stadium and sports complex and is a pollution free industrial area as well.

5. Moneghetti, which is a "must-see" district. It features the Révoires and the Exotic Gardens. Underneath the gardens is a prehistoric cave.

Pets: Pets are often allowed in hotels and restaurants, but it’s a good idea to check first.

There are currently 7 public elevators that will make it easier for you to go up and down Monaco's steep elevations and public areas.

Where to Stay:

Hotels and accommodations in Monaco range from the very inexpensive to the luxurious. Each year, more than 260,000 tourists come here for business and pleasure.

Monaco’s flagship hotel is still the “Hotel de Paris” with its almost unbelievable luxury and unparalleled attention to your every wish.

However, if spending upwards of $500 a night during high season isn’t in your budget, try the Hermitage, (which offers old-world charm and elegance), or the more modern Mirabeau, which is near the business center and close to night life attractions as well.

If you prefer being near the Med, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel provides all the amenities and breathtaking views.

A wonderful family hotel that even offers onsite babysitting is the Tulip Inn Monaco Terminus.

The Monte Carlo Grand Hotel is an imposing building, with seven polygonal terraces that overlook the Med or the Grand Prix race course. The hotel offers 30 suites, several restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool and, of course, a shopping arcade.

Although 750 hotel rooms have been recently added in Monaco, (increasing the previous number by one-third), if you’re hoping to get a room for next year’s Grand Prix, you may still be out of luck! Rooms for that event are usually booked a year in advance, and sometimes more.)

Where to Eat:

Arguably the finest restaurant in Monaco is the Louis XV. (It has a 3-star rating in the Michelin Guide). Elegantly formal, the restaurant is colored in gold – from the furnishings and architectural details all the way down to the plates and flatware. And the service is as superb as the food.

One of the “in” places to be “seen” is the Café de Paris. Sit back, have a drink and while you’re waiting for your lunch to arrive, enjoy the totally French atmosphere. Locals frequent the café as often as tourists, and if you are fluent at all in French, you might hear the latest gossip about one of the Royal family, or speculation about whom the huge white yachts lined up in the harbor belong to.

Visit the bar in the Hotel de Paris across the street and enjoy an aperitif in the late afternoon or early evening, and drink in the atmosphere. Located on the Golden Square of the Place du Casino, it is lavishly decorated in muted tones of gold, rose and maroon.

What to See:

The Monte-Carlo Casino: What would a visit to Monaco be without a stop in the famous district of Monte Carlo and its casino? Built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, it was Europe’s first gambling establishment. The atrium is paved in marble and is surrounded by 28 Ionic columns made from onyx. The casino (which charges a fee to enter and has a dress code of jacket and tie for men) also requires identification, so take your passport. Beyond the main salons is a private gaming room for high rollers.

The Naval Museum: The museum is like a three dimensional encyclopedia of naval history, dating from the Romans up to modern day. With one of the most diverse collections in the world, you can find over 250 models and other unique objects here.

Zoological Terraces: Opened by HRH Prince Rainier III in 1954, the zoo was built on the south face of the Rock of Monaco and overlooks the Port of Fontvieille. The collection of 250 animals (more than 50 different species) includes a Black Panther, White Tiger, Hippopotamus, Lemurs and a large variety of exotic birds. The atmosphere is peaceful and the views are as spectacular as the animals.

Princess Grace Rose Garden: Here you'll find the peace and serenity that Princess Grace herself was known for. There are over 4,000 rose bushes here.

The Exotic Garden: This garden, daringly landscaped against the rocky face of the cliff, features several thousand succulent plants, flowers and cacti from all over the world.
60 meters down from the garden accessible by a long stairway, is the Observatory cave. The stalactites and stalagmites and natural limestone sculptures are a wonder in themselves. Close by, the Museum of Prehistoric Antiquity not only traces the history of mankind, but features local archaeological finds as well.

The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium: This is another must-see, housing a permanent display of Jacques Coustou and one of the finest aquariums in the world. Or take the Seabus, a glass-bottomed submarine that gives passengers a birds-eye view of the Med.

You might come to Monaco for the gold, the glamour or the glitz, but you'll fall in love with the little kingdom by the sea.

A Matter of Winning and Losing: Tips on Playing Blackjack

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:42:00 -0600

Today, blackjack seems to be one of the most popular card games. This is because playing blackjack is so easy to learn and play. Unlike poker, blackjack does not have any combinations to remember.

In blackjack, the object of the game is to get the sum of the two cards close to 21. When a person gets cards that are over 21, he or she loses the game.

Normally, a player receives two cards. After the players see their cards, they have to decide whether they would hit or stand. When a person says “stand,” this means the player thinks he or she is closer to 21 already. When a player says “hit,” this means that he or she still needs additional cards just to get close to 21.

Players can draw as many cards as they want until they feel they are close to 21 already. A player who is nearer to 21 wins.

However, there are people who have devised some tips and strategies to get an edge over the other players. There are times that these tips really can help some people win.

Here’s a list of some tips that players may choose to use them so as to win the game.

1. If a player gets 17 or higher, it is always better to stand, and if the player has any number from 13 to 16 and the dealer’s card is 6 or lower, it would be better to stand. But if the dealer has 7 or more, it would be better for a player to hit.

The theory here is that, if the dealer is showing a card of six or lower, the dealer may take a card, assuming that the dealer’s card facing down is a ten. The players, then, assume that the dealer is banking on a bust hand, so the other players have the tendency to maintain a lower card number.

The rule of thumb: players should always assume that the dealer’s down cards is 10.

2. If a player has aces or 8’s, it would be better to split them regardless of the dealer’s showing card.

3. A player should remember not to split 10’s. Chances are, they might end up getting busted.

4. If the dealer is showing 4, 5, or 6, it would be better for a player to stand on hard 12, or hit hard if the dealer is showing 2, 3, 7, or higher.

5. In order to win, players should always remember not to split fours, face cards, and fives.

Indeed, gambling is a game of chance, but with keen observation, winning is possible.

Slot Machines - Know Before You Go

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 2 Jan 2008 13:13:00 -0600

Today is the day the new casino in town is opening their doors. You have been saving those quarters because you heard from the local gambling expert that the casino is going to loosen up their slot machines because on opening day they want everyone to win. It's good for business you know.

This is only one of the many myths about casinos and slot machines. This article is intended to shed some light on the top three most popular myths regarding slot machines.

Myth #1. Slot machines are loosened up during grand openings.

Fact. Slot machines are programmed to hold a certain percentage of the money put into them. If you go into any casino in the world they should be able to provide you with the hold percentages for each denomination of machine they offer for play. You will find that the higher the denomination of the machine the less percentage is held. For example, a dollar slot machine may hold 8% of the money put into it, whereas a quarter or nickel machine will hold 9-10%. If a casino gives you an average hold ask for specific percentages for each denomination of machines, you will be surprised at the differences.

When you see all those jackpots on opening day, take a look around, all the machines are in use. The more the machines are being spun the more jackpots are generated. It has nothing to do with "loosening" the machines up.

Myth #2. Casinos have the ability to manipulate a slot machine at will.

Fact. The gaming business is a very highly regulated industry. There is no legitimate casino that does not have some sort of regulatory body governing and maintaining the integrity of the operations. Probably the most well known regulatory body is the Nevada Gaming Commission. These commissions are there to ensure that casinos operate their business in compliance with the rules and regulations established for the industry. Casinos that attempt to operate business outside these established practices are dealt with quickly and severely, usually with a hefty fine and in rare cases gaming licenses have been revoked.

Myth #3. If a slot machine has been pumped with a lot of money without a jackpot it is going to hit big very soon.

Fact. There is no guarantee when a machine is going to hit. As mentioned before, slot machines are programmed through a computer system to hold a specific percentage of the money put into it over a specific spin cycle.

Let's say for argument sake that a slot machine is programmed to hold 9.14% over a ten million spin cycle. The actual percentage from the very first spin up to the ten millionth spin can vary slightly or drastically depending on the machine. The only certainty is that when this particular machine reaches its ten millionth spin, it will have a hold percentage of exactly 9.14%. Then the cycle will start over again.

Just because someone has put a lot of money into a machine and the machine has not hit a jackpot, it does not mean it is going to hit soon without doubt. Maybe this particular machine paid out the top prize jackpot twice last week and is now holding a larger percentage of the money to adjust the hold closer to the percentage the machine was programmed for.

The same can be said for machines that have been holding a larger percentage than it was programmed for. These machines may jackpot multiple times in a single day in order to get the percentages back in place.

Just about every gambler has a theory about how slot machines work. Take the time to get the information you need from the right sources, those who work in the industry or from the regulatory commissions governing gaming in your area.

Las Vegas – Shimmering Like a Mirage in the Desert

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:57:00 -0600

Most people believe they know all there is to know about Las Vegas – Sin City, founded by gangsters, a purely gambling-based economy, flowing with booze, feeding addictions, anything goes. After all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – right?

Oddly enough, the truth of Las Vegas is far stranger than what people believe.

Las Vegas celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005, making it one of the youngest cities in America. But people were coming to the Las Vegas Valley long before its official designation as an incorporated city.

It was, as many still see it, an oasis in the desert. Literally. An oasis with trees and a spring where wagon trains carrying supplies from Los Angeles to the Mormon capital in Salt Lake City could stop to rest and refill their water barrels in the mid- to late 19th Century. The first non-Indian settlement was a small fort built on the orders of Mormon leader Brigham Young in 1855; although abandoned two years later, it still stands today as a museum on Las Vegas Boulevard.

While Mormons always have played – and continue to have – a significant role in “Sin City” especially in the financial community, they are not alone in terms of religious influence. Las Vegas may have more ways and places to gamble than anywhere else on Earth, but it also is home to hundreds of houses of worship, representing an extremely wide range of religions.

Mining – especially silver – was the next major attraction bringing people to the area. As often was the case that was soon followed by a rail line. And that oasis of water made Las Vegas a major rail stop, where steam locomotives – and crew and passengers – could pick up water.

The railroad – then agriculture – joined mining as the linchpins of the Las Vegas economy for nearly half a century. And while all of those involved in those enterprises were known to play poker and other games of chance, the first formal gambling licenses were not issued until 1911.

But it was another new state law making divorce quick and easy that actually spurred the arrival of short-term visitors and money, most of them staying at small “dude ranches” – precursors, in a way, to today’s luxury hotel/casinos along The Strip.

A precedent of sorts was set in 1931, when Las Vegas first experienced what has seemed a near invincibility to the economic downturns that have affected the rest of the nation through the decades. With the Depression well underway, the Las Vegas economy experienced a boom with the arrival of thousands of workers building the giant Hoover (aka Boulder) Dam. Those in charge, however, didn’t want their workers losing all their money – and sleep – gambling, so they built the non-gambling town of Boulder City to house them.

The next boom was World War II and the construction of Nellis Air Force Base, which remains one of the largest and most important Air Force facilities in the country.

It was not until after the war that the foundation for today’s gaming industry came into being – along with the short but storied career of one "Bugsy" Siegel and the Flamingo, which still stands (albeit considerably changed over the years) at the heart of The Strip. It also was then that gambling and tourism took over as the engine for Las Vegas’ future growth.

And considerable growth it has been. As late as 1960, the entire population of Clark County barely exceeded 100,000. Today, it is pushing – if not already over – 2 million, with an estimated 5000-to-6000 net new residents arriving every month.

Which brings up another, major misconception: The vast majority of tourists who come to Las Vegas never actually set foot in Las Vegas. The city itself is a relatively small part of the greater metropolitan area – and does not include The Strip, McCarran International Airport, the Las Vegas Convention Center or even the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

McCarran is the nation’s fifth busiest airport; unlike those above it on that list, however, McCarran is not a hub, where many passengers are simply changing planes and never leave the airport. To paraphrase the city’s motto, those who fly into Vegas, stay in Vegas. At least, for an average of 3.4 nights.

The airport, which sits on the southeast edge of The Strip and has no room left to grow, will reach maximum capacity by decade’s end. A new airport has been proposed for about 30 miles outside Vegas, to siphon off much of the international and other long-distance flights. If built, their combined maximum capacity will be about 90 million passengers a year, sometime in the 2020s – about double the current rate.

Las Vegas is the world’s unchallenged king of hotels, boasting more than 140,000 rooms by the end of 2007 and more than 175,000 by the end of the decade. That tally includes 12 of the world’s 15 largest hotels – from current Number 1 MGM/Grand to soon-to-be new champion, the Venetian/Palazzo.

The same is true for convention space, with three of the nation’s largest convention centers plus hundreds of thousands of more square feet of meeting space in all those hotels. The result: More than 22,000 conventions and trade shows every year – a number that is expected to grow dramatically as the available convention space increases by 50 percent in the next three years.

The average life of a hotel/casino is Las Vegas is about 25 years – making implosions of these huge complexes practically an annual festivity. In 2007, that “honor” is scheduled for the Stardust and possibly the Imperial Palace, although the recent change of ownership at Harrah’s (which just bought the adjoining IP) could change that. Others reportedly being measured for wrecking balls include the New Frontier, Riviera, Las Vegas Hilton (next to the Convention Center) and Sahara.

With some coming down, others going up and existing hotels adding new towers all the time, anyone who hasn’t been to Vegas in two or three years isn’t likely to recognize it the next time they visit. That has been true for decades and almost certainly will remain true for decades to come.

At the moment, the biggest change in the skyline is the appearance of dozens of new high-rise condominiums – what some call the “Manhattanization” of Las Vegas. But all those new residents have to live somewhere – and, increasingly, they don’t want that to be 30 miles out in the desert. Which is why the bulk of the high-rises are going up within a block of The Strip.

With all those new residents, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Clark County – which comprises the Las Vegas metro area – is the fifth largest school district in the nation. About a dozen new schools open every year – many of them over-crowded on day one.

Las Vegas also is becoming a major medical center, not because of some 15 major medical facilities, but because of its expanding investment and growth in cutting-edge medical technology, training and development. In fact, the Nevada Development Authority predicts Las Vegas one day will be as well known as a center for high tech medicine as it is for gambling.

It already has become known as a major culinary center, with a goodly portion of visitors coming as much to enjoy dozens of world-class restaurants as to gamble. Or watch dozens of world-class shows, including five different productions by Cirque de Soleil. Or shop at some of the nation’s largest – and most unusual – shopping centers. Or play golf on some 60 courses, among them many by the world’s top championship designers.

Las Vegas remains – and almost certainly always will be – the world’s premier destination for gambling and adult entertainment. Always changing, like a shimmering mirage in the desert, it is a place that is always new, no matter how many times you visit.

Playing Online Roulette to Win

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:39:00 -0600

Casino gambling wouldn't be the same without the roulette wheel. Since the days of 007 and James Bond, the casino game of mystic is the game of roulette. Why players like the game really could stem from the game of roulette being shown on popular shows and movies. It certainly isn't from the thousands of dollars players win on the game. Or at least it wasn't until online roulette became available!

Online casino gambling introduced players to a game of roulette that finally offered the player the chance to win. Brick and mortar casinos have long since recognized the game of roulette as one of the most profitable table games for the casino. However, the game online is a different story. Players who play online with a strategy for roulette are finding the game is beatable when money management is implemented and some hints and tips are followed.

-Playing online roulette to win requires the player to either play the inside or the outside on the board. If you play both, then you will deplete your bankroll quickly.

-If you are going to play outside and choose to play one of the even money bets then choose to play the odd or even over the red or black unless you see a clear pattern developing.
-Players who choose to play inside numbers should choose a combination of six numbers and play these numbers consistently.

-Once you have a number hit - then remove your bet from the number.

-After two hits - you would be well advised to leave the game. The online casino game of roulette will allow you a couple of wins but that's about all. Remember, regardless of RNG (random number generators) and everything else you will hear. There are still real people behind the online casinos and these people will only allow a few losses on the game, which is the brick and mortar's number two cash cow - right behind the slot machines!

-Playing with a good solid bankroll can allow you some flexibility but in online gaming, whether you play roulette or any other game, it's not a good idea to play a negative progression system.
-The single zero wheel is more advantageous to the player online and offline but you will have to search for a single zero wheel in your online casinos.

-The best games of roulette are found on the sportsbook sites which also incorporate casino games to their website. Try out VIP casino and Five Dimes Casino. Both of these casinos are the little sister of two very prominent sportsbooks - Five Dimes and VIP Sports - these sportsbooks make huge amounts of cash in sports wagering so their casinos are a little more player-friendly than you might expect.

Remember, you should always play roulette for fun. You can beat the game of roulette if you watch what you are doing but often it is only for a limited time. One final tip, in closing, make sure if you ever lose three in a row on the roulette wheel to watch for a pattern and once you have lost five in a row, it would be smart to leave the game.

Gambling for Fun and Profit

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 17:34:00 -0600

Gambling is becoming more a part of the mainstream. People who would not go into a betting shop a few years ago are now placing bets on horses, or choosing numbers on their national lottery.

One reason for this is you no longer need to go into a betting shop. You can gamble all you want and people need know nothing about it! Of course this has its disadvantages as well as advantages, but if you are careful and follow sensible precautions there is a good chance you can turn this to your advantage.

Potentially the Internet has brought gambling into every house in the developed world -- just place your bets with an online bookmaker or betting exchange. To ensure you do not become a victim it is important to follow the two golden rules of gambling.

The first rule is to have a betting bank. This is a pool of money you can afford to lose that will be used for placing bets on the horses or greyhounds, for example. It is always possible that you will lose money, but if you follow the second rule your losses should be reduced.

Rule number two is to follow a staking plan. This will work if you have $75 in your betting bank, or $775. You just adjust your stakes according to your budget. Especially if you are just starting out a good tactic is to only stake 5 percent of your bank on each bet.

Do not change your bet because you have found a "sure thing", or because your favorite football team is playing in the Cup Final. By doing that you allow your emotions to affect your judgment too much, and if and when you lose it could break your betting bank. If you win, of course, it might put you into profit.

You do not need to be an expert at horse racing, for example, to succeed at gambling. There are many legitimate tipsters online -- some charge a monthly fee, but many provide free recommendations as well.

You can also find free tips in specialist newspapers. A good tactic is to compare the tips you find online with those in the newspaper, and then make your own decision. Many online tipsters also proof their results to a third party monitoring site, so you can see how successful they have been over the previous three months, or previous six months.

Of course, past results do not guarantee future performance but they will give you an indication whether their tips are worth following or not.

The trick is to limit your losses and to treat a win or loss just as impartially. This may not be completely possible because you will feel good when you win, and bad when you lose, but by remaining as objective as possible you will have more fun and make more profit over the long term.