Casino Vegas Odds, Arizona Casinos
Vegas Odds & Ends by Lynda Collins
Folks aren't necessarily talking baseball when they say World Series these days.
They might mean golf's old World Series, the long-running World Series of Poker or the relatively new Orleans Annual Horseplayer World Series, which begins Thursday, Jan. 21, and runs through Saturday, Jan. 23.
The event costs $1,000 to enter and players will compete for a $500,000 top prize, based on 1,000 entries.
"This is the big one," said Sam's Town handicapper and former Los Angeles Herald-Examiner turf editor Gordon Jones.
"I don't really like the contest at Bally's that's connected to the Daily Racing Form and the Hilton's (Pick the Ponies) contest is too small," Jones continued.
"This is the one where you'll see the big players and that lets you pick your own tracks.
"Half of it is being able to pick your own tracks."
The contest format requires contestants to make 11 $20 win and $20 place mythical wagers per day during the competition's three-day run.
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Churchill Downs is launching its Kentucky Oaks and Derby pools a month earlier than usual in 2006.
The two races will be run on May 5 and 6 this year.
Derby pool dates are Jan 26-29, March 2-5 and April 6-9, coinciding with some major racing dates.
The road to Lexington officially started last weekend.
Stevie Wonderboy remains among the favorites, despite his second-place finish to Brother Derek in last week's San Rafael Stakes.
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Jeff Pollack, Harrah's vice president of sports and entertainment marketing, has been named the first commissioner in World Series of Poker history.
The gaming giant also announced formation of a six-member Players Advisory Council that will provide input on a wide range of issues involving the WSOP.
Members are Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Scotty Nguyen, two former WSOP champions, Jennifer Harmon, Howard Lederer, David Negraneau and Robert Williamson III.
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The 2006 WSOP will be held June 25 through Aug. 10 at the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino, with the $10,000 Texas Hold'em main event slated July 28 through Aug. 10.
A $50,000 buy-in HORSE event has been added to the menu; the game combines aspects of Omaha, razz, stud and eight or better, giving the WSOP a total of 45 competitions.
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Currently, the AFC is listed as a 3 1/2-point favorite and the total at 45 in Super Bowl XL in Detroit Feb. 5.
The number had been as high as AFC minus 10 when Indianapolis and Peyton Manning were still in the picture.
About the Author
Lynda Collins is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of her articles at
Arizona Casinos by Adel Awwad
Arizona casinos are located in the "valley of the sun," in the Southwestern part of the United States. Arizona is known for its climate and magnificent scenery; from the desert to the mountains, the landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. The population of Arizona is over 5,000,000, and the capital and largest city is Phoenix, with a population of over 1,400,000.
Arizona casinos were legalized on Indian or Native American reservations in the 1990's, and tribes are given "slot allotments" for the number of slot machines allowed in each casino. There are 15 cities, with Arizona casinos, run by various Indian tribes. The minimum age for gambling at Arizona casinos is 21, and the majority of these casinos are open for 24 hours. Harrah's Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino Resort, in Maricopa, is open 24 hours and has 40,000 square feet of gambling space, with 950 slots, and eight table games. Casino Arizona, in Scottsdale, is open 24 hours, with 30,000 square feet, 500 slots, and 36 table games; and the Paradise Casino, in Yuma, has 30,000 square feet, 750 slots, and 15 table games.
The largest of the Arizona casinos, Casino Del Sol, is located in Tucson and is open 24 hours. This 240,000 square foot casino has 1,000 slots, 20 table games, and six restaurants. Another one of the larger Arizona casinos is the Desert Diamond Casino in Sahurita, with 185,000 square feet of gambling area, 498 slots, 15 table games, and four restaurants. The Desert Diamond Casino is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday. There are several other large Arizona casinos, including the Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, with 140,000 square feet, 575 slots, and ten table games; and the Gila River Casino - Vee Quiva in Laveen, with 89,000 square feet, 675 slots, and ten table games.
In addition, the Blue Water Resort and Casino on the Colorado River in Parker, Arizona, offers blackjack and poker, as well as slots, bingo, and keno. One of the most popular Arizona casinos is the Fort McDowell Casino in Fountain Hills, with daily no-limit poker tournaments, 24-hour tableside food service, and the highest poker jackpots in Arizona. Some of the smaller Arizona casinos include the Yavapi in Prescott, with 6,000 square feet, 250 slots, and eight table games; and the Spirit Mountain Casino in Mojave, with 9,500 square feet and 260 slots.
Arizona casinos offer great entertainment and non-stop gambling in true Las Vegas style.
About the Author
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Getting the best deal on a cruise by Tony Robinson
For many people, cruising is the ultimate budget vacation, since everything, from lodging to food to entertainment, is included in the basic price of the cruise. Cruises serve just about every part of the world, offering a great mixture of free shipboard entertainment, relaxation and pampering, all for an often great low price.
The beauty of cruises is that they are able to cater to every taste, and serve visitors of all socioeconomic levels. There are ultra luxurious cruise ships that cater to the very wealthy, and there are also budget minded cruise ships and cruise lines that cater to providing the greatest amount of value for the least possible amount of money.
Another great thing about any type of cruise is the huge variety of onboard entertainment that is available. Cruise ship activities range from simply lounging by the pool with a drink in your hand to hitting the slots on shipboard casinos. In addition, cruise ships provide plenty of other options, including swimming, volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, table tennis, gymnasiums, and even golf.
The fitness options for cruise passengers are many, and many cruise lines employ personal trainers and massage therapists in addition to offering all manner of workout and onboard sports options.
And the opportunities for excitement and adventure are not limited to the trip. Most cruise passengers love the off ship excursions that are offered at every port, and water sports enthusiasts will love the opportunity to water ski, jet ski and scuba dive.
Cruise ship operators pride themselves in offering a wide variety of dining options as well. The shipboard buffets available on cruise ships are renowned for good reason, and the number of buffets offers everything from burgers, French fries and hot dogs to veal cordon bleu and salad bars. And best of all, many shipboard buffets are open day and night.
Nightlife is another thing that makes cruises such a unique form of travel. The nightlife onboard a cruise ship is quite varied, offering everything from discos and bars to casinos and theatres. In addition, many cruise ships offer classes in everything from poker and bridge to ballroom dancing.
There are also myriad opportunities for enjoying a number of excursions at every port of call. For instance, guests on a Mediterranean cruise may enjoy a night at the opera or a day at a local soccer game, while visitors to Caribbean ports of call may enjoy diving and enjoying the local coral reefs.
Cruises are a favorite with travelers on a limited budget, since the cost is known up front. Unlike many other types of vacations, where the costs of lodging, meals and entertainment can quickly get out of hand, on a cruise everything is included.
There are often a great many specials on cruises available, particularly in the off season and the shoulder season. It is important to check the internet and your local travel agent frequently to get the best deal on the cruise of your dreams.
About the Author
Tony Robinson has travelled extensively throughout this wonderful planet with his family in tow. For great travel saving tips, techniques and articles on visit http://www.budget-travel-site.com
