I am not easily impressed, especially when it comes to new casinos. As the saying in Vegas goes, if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all.
Well last week I made my first trek over to the newly opened Cosmopolitan and, to say the least, I was more than impressed with this beautifully put together hotel and casino. The new Cantor boutique race and sports book is a perfect fit.
Located on the second level, this non-smoking race and sports book (all the Cantor books are non-smoking), this beautiful venue has the race end on the left side as you walk in and the sports side on the right. Every seat has its own betting terminal so you never need to leave your seat unless you need to make a potty run or take a cig break.
There is also a betting window facing the outside for people just walking by, which I thought was a great idea. Right across from the book there is Holsteins a great burger place and also a Chinese and Mexican restaurant. The Cosmo is very easy to get into and out of. Just stop over. I am sure you will love it.
So what can of worms have I started? The pool hustlers are coming out of the woodwork as they say. It seems like everyone wants a piece of “Orleans Bob” Scucci on the billiard table. I ran into Johnny Spot the head man at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall, who thinks if they do a remake of the movie “The Hustler” he would be the one to portray Minnesota Fats the character Jackie Gleason played in the movie.
Not to be slighted is Jimmy Croley over at the Bellagio who says he would be perfect for the role of Fast Eddie Felson. I know from some personal playing time with Fast Jim Croley that he loves a good hustle. So I think we need a little shoot off.
The idea would be to have a nine ball tournament held for charity with each book manager’s casino putting up a few bucks. The winner gets to donate to his or her favorite charity as we would not limit it to only guys. I know there are a lot of gals out there who can handle a cue stick.
I also know there are a lot of good pool players lurking in the shadows of their race and sports books, so let’s get them out. I also know Bobby Baldwin over at MGM International likes to pick up a cue and would be a nice added feature to the tournament.
“Orleans Bob” could get one of his big banquet rooms on the second floor. and maybe John Avello could get ESPN to come in and tape it and show it during the summer instead of a cricket game. There would be a lot of workers who would love to come in and cheer on their bosses. We could have a small charge to get in and serve some dogs and beers, with all the money added to the winner’s charity.
I would even offer myself up as the MC. The baseball All Star break in early July would be a great time to do it.
DERBY SEMINAR: The Kentucky Derby is closing in and we will be holding our first seminar this year in the Palace Station race book. Josh Pool and Vic Vivio are billing it as “Dinner with the Derby Preps.” The event will be Friday, April 8, the day before the Bluegrass Stakes.
Mark this date on your calendar and don’t be late. We will have a packed house, as usual, with free food and cocktail service and some great insights into the races. Be there at 5:30 p.m. and prep yourself with some food and drink for our 6 p.m. seminar.