Gaming Today

BetMGM’s Mitchell has rolled with ups, downs

Longevity can be a beautiful thing when it comes to carving out one’s career. It can also be challenging, especially when that career is in the casino industry. Lamarr Mitchell has worked at MGM Grand Resorts International since 2000. He has been the senior director of the property’s race and sports book since 2005. Suffice […]

Off to fast start in New Hampshire

When opportunity knocks, you open the door, even if you’re not quite sure what’s going to happen. Chris Robichaud took that leap of faith at his place of employment — The Brook Casino in Seabrook, New Hampshire. The 44-year-old from Windham, Mass., was content working at the casino’s manager for poker and table games when […]

Suncoast’s Lewis stays optimistic

For Mike Lewis, the arrival of the NFL season has brought joy as well as trepidation. As the race and sportsbook manager at the Suncoast, Lewis is thrilled to have his customers frequent his place of business to watch and wager. But Lewis is also a Detroit Lions fan and that means another season of […]

Caesars Palace re-opens to togas, face masks

Ciara looked great as usual. Her hair done up, her toga outfit clinging to every curve. Her tray filled with various beverages. But Ciara had an even more alluring look. Her face was covered with a mask. She still makes a hell of a cup of coffee. Like all employees at venerable Caesars Palace, wearing […]

Bookies managing during quarantine

Like virtually everyone in the casino industry, those who work in sportsbooks have been on an unwanted hiatus for more than two months as the coronavirus forced properties across the country to turn out the lights. It has been difficult and the fear of the unknown is a common thread for everyone in the business. […]

Tony Alamo’s proud of his service

Tony Alamo has never been afraid of a fight. The Las Vegas physician has always been there for his community. He has served the state of Nevada admirably, chairing two of the most important commissions — the Athletic Commission and the Gaming Commission. He has been working for the benefit of the state ever since […]

Nevada horseplayers still stuck in gate

My friend Chuck who I play the horses with at Red Rock Resort must be going nuts. So are Dennis, Pete, Bill, Larry and Nick, the other guys who are regulars in our row. Like tens of thousands of Nevada residents who frequent the state’s 85 race books, Chuck has been unable to make a […]

Vegas legend John Laurice passes away

John Laurice, who spent a couple of decades in the Las Vegas race and sports book industry, died March 19. He was 85 years old. Laurice was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. but grew up in Paterson, N.J. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955 and was stationed in Korea until his discharge in 1957. […]

NCAA Tournament will play to empty seats

The show will go on. Even as the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States. The NCAA announced Wednesday that its men’s and women’s basketball tournament will be played as scheduled. However, spectators will not be allowed at any of the sites. Only immediate families and essential staff from the participating teams will be admitted. The […]

Piccolo from Bayonne to Boulder Station Book

It never hurts to have been on both sides of the counter when you’re working in the sports betting industry. Steve Piccolo made a few wagers in his day growing up in Bayonne, N.J., where he lived around the corner from legendary heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner. He always understood the value of information, and, when […]