Action

Preakness betting doubtful in Florida

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:57:25 -0500

Here we go again. As things stand now (Monday afternoon), there will be no simulcast wagering on the Preakness Stakes or any other races from Pimlico in Florida this weekend. The lingering dispute over a purse contract between Calder and its horsemen has led counterparts at Pimlico, home of the Preakness, as well as Churchill Downs, Delaware, River Downs, Thistledown, Beulah Park and the new Presque Isle Downs (Erie, Pa.) to refuse to allow their signal to be simulcast to Calder. Since Calder is the Florida hub, this also shuts out every other pari-mutuel in the state. A Kentucky Derby eve truce allowed the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and their undercards to be simulcast into Florida pari-mutuels other than Calder. However, an encore is unlikely. Tampa Bay Downs, which had a contract with its horsemen, served as the hub for betting at Gulfstream Park and other sites. However, Tampa Bay Downs has ended its season, so that option is off the table. Calder officials have been working quietly behind the scenes to talk horsemen into lifting the ban for Preakness Day as a courtesy to horse players. Last year, Florida bettors wagered $4.6 million dollars on the Preakness card, so the horsemen in both states will be hurting themselves by losing this windfall, a substantial portion of which goes into purses. You might see ads promoting Preakness betting at area pari-mutuels but this is more based on what happened with the Derby than the actual situation. The same ads ran before the Derby and were erroneous until the truce was negotiated. Until you hear otherwise here or in the daily Sun-Sentinel, it would be a good idea to call first before making a special trip to any track to bet the Preakness.

Update on video poker quiz; and casino cars

Sat, 10 May 2008 09:30:38 -0500

Apparently some people had trouble getting to the video poker quiz we promoted in the print version of the Sun-Sentinel Friday. Sorry about that, my fault. We were going to do our own version of a quiz by Michael Shackelford, taking his math and his situations -- with his approval. After all, he's done the math. Over and over. But then we thought if we just linked to his page, it would have the same effect for readers. Didn't work. Lesson learned. Anyway, the video poker quiz we're referring to is about a dozen situations, and answers on what to throw away and what to keep. Go to http://wizardofodds.com/videopoker/quiz.html Meanwhile, you likely saw my story today about casinos and cars. Every time I was out there doing research, I swiped my card at each casino, just in case. I figured if I had won, it'd had messed up the story -- but hey, at least I'd have a car.

Mother's Day and casinos

Fri, 09 May 2008 12:55:20 -0500

More supporting evidence of how casino culture is permeating South Florida. It has become a place to take Mom on Mother's Day. Among the options: At Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, there is a "Stuff Your Purse" promotion, with up to $5,000 cash from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and a String of Pearls from Tiffany giveaway from, 2-6 p.m. with four winners each hour. Moms also get a free Berry Fusion Martini. Gulfstream is giving away spa packages and jewelry, including Tiffany jewelry from 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and spa days from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. The Isle Has a Mother's Day champagne brunch for $19.99 which includes a free family portrait. Mardi Gras has brunch and dinner specials, and is giving all moms a rose and a free dessert.

Take the video poker quiz

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:04:17 -0500

Actuary Michael Shackelford, also known as “The Wizard of Odds,” offers video poker and other gambling advice on his web site www.wizardofodds.com. And it's a step or two more advanced than the info I had in today's gambling section. He details video poker situations and what cards players should throw away and what they should keep. He ran the situations through a computer to determine the best percentage play, based on playing “Jacks or Better” machines and the accompanying pay table. “The correct way to figure out what to do is cycle through every way the replacement cards would come up and take an average what to win. There’s no practical way to do that with a pen and paper; there’s computer programs that do that for you,” he said.

WSOP press conference

Thu, 08 May 2008 14:50:52 -0500

Organizers of the World Series of Poker had a press conference last week, and spelled out some of the particulars of their format change. If you haven't heard, the WSOP is going to play the main event down to nine players, give them all ninth-place money, then invite them back in November, when they will tape it all for TV, with a one-day turnaround. Their main quote: "Instead of who won, you'll be asking 'who will win.?'" Also, that the event will now have 117 days of buildup. It also noted that: The WSOP has address the unsportsmanlike conduct rule and has tightened the rules on abusive language, though no specifics were provided. Cellphones must be silenced, but a player can use them as long as they're at least one table length away. One person asked if the time span before the final playdown would give opportunity for collusion, with players making deals. The WSOP said no, that people respect the game too much. There also will be more breaks, and the evening will end sooner, meaning no more playing until 2 a.m. As far as reporting the results in November, there's no sequestration. You see it, you report it. ‘It will only enhance the coverage,’ ESPN says. Another guy asked if they were worried foreign players wouldn't come back if they made the final table. Dude, what are you thinking? If I'm in that final nine, I'd swim across the ocean for a chance to play. C'mon.

Should horse racing be banned? PETA pounces on Kentucky Derby tragedy

Tue, 06 May 2008 09:05:04 -0500

I write about the tragic injury of the filly Eight Belles in the Kentucky Derby, the issues it raises for thoroughbred racing and PETA's uninformed response in my Mayo on the Side blog today. Click here to read it.

More on points and casinos

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:05:40 -0500

I wrote today about the Seminole casinos rolling out an expanded points rewards system, and it brings the question about other South Florida casinos. Mardi Gras declined to participate, and I'm still trying to hear from Gulfstream. But the Isle spelled out how it gives out points this way: According to Linda Powers, Senior Director of Marketing for the isle, slots players earn a point for every $10 of coin in. For video poker players, a point is equivalent to $20 of coin in. For racetrack players, a point is equivalent to $10 wagered. A patron earns 25 points for every hour of tracked poker play. So that brings us to what an Isle point will get you (still working on that one, any players out there willing to help?) And as far as I know, the Isle is the only place that offers points for poker and horse racing. Points may be redeemed for goods and services throughout the casino. During select dates, players may redeem their points for IslePlay."

Lost weekend: No Kentucky Derby betting in South Florida?

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:45:18 -0500

Here was my Saturday dream scenario: Hit the trifecta on the Kentucky Derby, then celebrate with a budget-busting dinner at Mark’s Las Olas. Oh well, so much for that. Mark’s abruptly closed its Fort Lauderdale flagship restaurant on Thursday, a loss to South Florida foodies who’ve long admired chef Mark Militello. And Kentucky Derby betting in South Florida remains up in the air because of an ongoing dispute between thoroughbred owners/trainers and Calder Race Course. There could be an 11th-hour change today or tomorrow. But as of now no bets will be taken on any races from Churchill Downs (including today’s Kentucky Oaks) at Calder or other local simulcast outlets, including Gulfstream Park, the Isle Casino at Pompano Park, Dania Jai-Alai or Palm Beach Kennel Club. (FYI, I just got an email blast at 1 p.m. from Dania saying betting is back on. //Nick Sortal) (UPDATE: As of 12:15 p.m. Friday, I just got word that Gulfstream Park and Magna Entertainment had cut a separate deal with Churchill Downs allowing Gulfstream to simulcast the Derby card on Saturday. It is unclear if this is legal, since thoroughbred simulcasting within 60 miles of a Florida track running a live race meet usually has to come from the live track's "hub." It is unclear if Gulfstream's move will prompt legal challenges from the local horsemen or competing tracks). The closest sure-thing simulcast outlet to bet the Derby card is the Naples dog track in Bonita Springs, across Alligator Alley, about a 90-minute drive from South Florida. For bettors, Derby Day is the holiest day of the year, with Breeders’ Cup day right behind. Getting shut out of the action because of intra-industry squabbling only leads to frustration and alienation. The confusion surrounding the Derby situation will make things worse. Gulfstream Park had an advertisement in today’s sports section saying it would take bets on the Kentucky Derby. If that’s not the case, bettors who make the trip have every right to be angry. I’m going to be real miffed if Bsharpsonata wins today’s Kentucky Oaks for fillies, or if Pyro wins the Derby, because that’s where my money was going to go. Feel free to share your picks below. With no betting available, this will be strictly for posterity’s (not prosperity’s) sake.
AP Photo (2007)

No Derby betting in South Florida

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:30:17 -0500

Dania Jai-Alai is among the places that will not be able to hold simulcast betting for the Kentucky Derby Saturday. As our Tom Jicha wrote in Friday's sports section, a snag between horsement and management at Calder has effectively blacked out betting on the race at South Florida parimutuel sites. But as Dania correctly points out, it can still show the race. You just can't bet on it. Small consolation. Other places, such as the Isle and Palm Beach Kennel had promotions planned. I haven't put in calls to them, but I'd bet they're scratching their heads over what to do now. Meanwhile, it's just another punch to parimutuels trying to keep up with a high state tax and a public that can take its entertainment dollar elsewhere. Not a good turn of events if you like to gamble in South Florida.

World Series of Poker delays final table until November!

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:15:12 -0500

Those days of knowing the result of the World Series of Poker in July, then waiting for the ESPN telecast in November are over. The WSOP is playing down to its final nine in July, then waiting three months to play the final table down and air it quickly on TV. The last nine players of the $10,000 World Championship of No-Limit Texas Hold’em, known as the Main Event, will compete on Nov. 9-10 instead of the originally scheduled date of July 16, the WSOP announced today. "Our intent is to provide an even bigger stage for our players," said Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, in a news release. (Nick's comment: And make more money. C'mon. Fess up. OK, back to the release...) All other 2008 WSOP tournament structures and schedules remain unchanged. This announcement affects only the final nine players of Event No. 54, the Main Event World Championship. "This is a huge step forward for poker and more specifically poker on television because it will help create more buzz around the final table and that is good for all of us,” said Daniel Negreanu, a three-time bracelet winner. The 39th annual World Series of Poker will take place from May 30th to July 14th at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The Main Event will begin on July 3, with the Final Table being determined on July 14. The nine players who advance to the Final Table will return to the Rio on Nov. 9 to play down to just two players. The final two will go head-to-head late in the evening on Nov. 10, the release said. The winner of the Main Event is expected to be crowned in the early hours of Nov. 11. ESPN will edit the two-day final table action and televise it in from 9-11 p.m. that night. ESPN will begin its coverage of the 2008 World Series of Poker on July 22. Viewers will see two hours of original poker programming every Tuesday through Nov. 11. Telecasts will be aired at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. July 22 through Sept. 30 and at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. from Oct. 7 through Nov. 11. Each of the players who make it to the WSOP Main Event Final Table will receive ninth place prize money on July 14, when the finalists are determined. Harrah’s will then provide each of those players with a trip for two for their return to Las Vegas in November to play the final portion of the tournament. The release points out that from July 14 to Nov. 9, players will have an opportunity to line up sponsorships, coaches, review the play of all their competitors, participate in other tournaments, and take advantage of the new publicity and promotional opportunities. My angle on this: I really, really need a local to make the final table (can you say Fred Goldberg?), so I can talk editors into a Vegas trip in November to cover our local. And, if you're playing in the WSOP, send me an email. I'm compiling a list.

The Isle promotions for May

Thu, 01 May 2008 08:49:28 -0500

Here's what's up at the Isle in May, according to the casino:

Win big cash with big races as the isle invites you to swipe your IsleOne card to receive a game piece during the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, and the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17. If the random numbers on the game piece match an official winning combination, you could win up to $10,000 in cash each time!

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11! In honor of mom, the isle buffet will serve a champagne brunch for $19.99 which includes a free family portrait. Bring the whole family to enjoy carved roast beef, turkey, and made-to-order omelets and crepes from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Tax and gratuity not included.

On Friday, May 16, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., win a share of $25,000 in cash and IslePlay in the $25,000 Spring into Cash Sweepstakes. At 10 p.m., the grand prize winner will receive $10,000 in cash.

On Sunday, May 18, $16,500 in random jackpots will be awarded during the casino’s Red Hot IslePlay promotion. Starting at 2 p.m., any IsleOne member playing their favorite slot machine with their IsleOne player’s club card properly inserted is eligible to win $500 in IslePlay every 15 minutes until 10 p.m.

Three lucky winners will drive home a brand new Mustang on Monday, May 26. Win a red Mustang at 3 p.m.; a white one at 6 p.m.; and a blue one at 9 p.m. Plus, five winners of $500 in IslePlay will be selected at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Guests can receive a free entry every day in May with your IsleOne card.

Further details and rules for each promotion are available at the IsleOne club or visit www.theislepompanopark.com.

Hard Rock promotions for May

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:46:25 -0500

Each month, casinos spell out their promotions for the next 30 days, and when I get them, I'll try to put them up on the blog. Here's what I got from the Hard Rock: $15,000 Cinco de Mayo Giveaway: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and take a shot at more than $15,000 in cash. On Monday, May 5, Player’s Club members can win $1,000 in cash every hour from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and $5,000 during the grand prize drawing at 9 p.m. Visit the Player’s Club booth for details. $40,000 Fourth Anniversary Giveaway: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is turning four, on May 10 and we’re celebrating our anniversary with cash giveaways. On May 10 and 11, Player’s club members can swipe their cards to earn entries for $3,000 in cash giveaways every hour from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and a $5,000 cash drawing is being held at 9 p.m. $130,000 Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Giveaway: Win your share of $130,000 in our exclusive giveaway with cash and prizes from $250 - $5,000 or trips to the most coveted sporting events of the year in May on Wednesdays (7, 14, 21 and 28) and Fridays (2, 9, 16 and 23) at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. A $40,000 Grand Finale drawing is being held on Friday, May 30. 2009 Jaguar XF Giveaway: Swipe and win on Tuesdays in May (6, 13, 20, and 27) for a chance to win a 2009 Jaguar XF. Hourly cash drawings will take place from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Grand Prize drawing occurs at 9 p.m. $60,000 Memorial Day Weekend Giveaway: May 24-26 with $1,000 cash drawings at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; $2,000 cash drawings at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m.; $3,000 cash drawings at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $5,000 cash drawings at 9 p.m. Redeem Your Points for Free Play: Redeem Player’s Club card points for free machine play in May on Wednesdays (7, 14, 21 and 28) and Fridays (2, 9, 16, 23 and 30) from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Isle now has electronic seat reservation setup

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:39:05 -0500

Apparently you can now reserve a poker tournament seat at The Isle online. A site called http://www.PTseats.com takes your credit card and saves you the wait in line, the company says. Isle director of poker operations Mike Smith said he thinks it will come in especially handy when The Isle Florida State Poker Championship comes June 16-23. I ran through the site, and when it came time to close the deal, it was $6 to enter a $100 tournament. Felt like Active.com or Paypal. (And nowhere in the release did PTseats mention that there's a fee. Nice.) But I'll grant that it keeps you from getting shut out. Kind of like buying insurance. So, if you play poker a lot more than me, is this something you would use?

AutoLoad next advancement in slots

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:05:31 -0500

You get a promotional coupon in the mail -- say, $25 in free play, maybe even more if you're a regular -- and head to the casino. Only you've forgotten the slip of paper. Or maybe you don't want to stand in line. Well, the Seminole Hard Rock has begun AutoLoad Free Play. The paperless credits program lets you redeem casino free play directly at the machines. It started April 1. Seminole Gaming officials say the new technology provides Player’s Club card members is fast, easy, secure, and personalized. Card members can skip waiting in lines and go right to playing by simply inserting their cards. A four-digit personalized PIN ensures security and only the Players Club card member can access his/her own account. Which brings me to the question: I'm gathering information about players' clubs, cards and comps. If you have a story to tell me, or just an opinion, I'd love to hear it. Either reply to this, or if you don't want it posted, email me at nsortal@sun-sentinel.com.

I'm gambling with Matt Damon

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:56:23 -0500

Gulfstream Park's racing season is over, but actor Matt Damon still had plenty to do at the racino Saturday, according to a release from officials there. Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, and guests played the horses via simlucasting, and had their picture taken with poker room manager Scott Poole. Damon, 38, has plenty of gambling connections: * He starred in Rounders, Oceans Eleven, Oceans Twelve and Oceans 13. * He played in a $10,000 buy-in Texas Hold ‘Em tournament at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and has played since. And 1998 started his pedigree: He was knocked out in the first round by Doyle Brunson. Damon had kings; Brunson aces. * He also made a funny video with Sarah Silverman, but that has nothing to do with gambling.