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A camouflaged hole occurs when someone is supposed to be an expert in a certain area but isn’t. They are thought to have the capability of completing the job and are being paid for it, but are not doing it. This can either be a partial or full job.

A good example is when a Surveillance Investigator is assumed to be knowledgeable of overall gaming, but is weak within a specific game. Since they continue to conceal this information from their supervisors, they are creating a camouflaged hole. The Surveillance Investigator is unable to handle the work but nobody is aware of this.

It is important for everyone be aware of this weak spot so it can be handled properly. There are several actions that can be taken once discovered including:

• Finding a partner
• Conduct coaching
• Further education

The individual can easily be partnered with a more experienced employee that knows the specific game well. Also, the supervisor can conduct coaching in which the individual will gain valuable tips and follow specific procedures. Finally by assigning the employee a tutor, they will gain the proper education needed to properly complete the job.

Since the employee’s supervisors are aware of the weakness in one area, the Pit Manager will often be pulled into the surveillance to review a tape and provide insight into speculative questions.

On the other hand, when an employee conceals this information, they will review a game they aren’t familiar with and often provide false information to upper management. This makes the whole surveillance department look bad, greatly reduces credibility and effectiveness. Even worse, it could put the whole casino at risk through false evaluation.

An even worse situation occurs when the employee believes they have extensive knowledge pertaining to a specific game but cannot identify crooked activity or bad procedure used to hide theft. The employee often has taken extensive courses but never put the ideas to practice; always finding a way to have someone else complete the task.

Another use of a camouflaged hole is to trap the unsuspecting. If the camouflaged employee is briefly covering your shift and an incident occurs they will incorrectly feed the information to the supervisor. When you return, you are responsible for that area even if another employee has covered for you.

Camouflaged holes can be considerably detrimental to co-workers as well as upper-management and even cause a liability issue for the casino. It is difficult to pinpoint these individuals as a manager. Perhaps monthly training sessions are the answer to weed these employees out.

There are multiple games available online that offers only a small house edge which in-turn maximizes your winnings over the long run when playing correctly. Wheel of Fortune is not one of those games. Although it is a fun and exciting game with excellent audio and visuals, the house makes big bucks from their edge.

The wheel is comprised of 54 slots, each containing a symbol which indicates the winner if the wheel falls on that symbol. Most wheels contain seven different symbols with the following;

• $1
• $2
• $5
• $10
• $20
• Joker
• Casino logo

In an online Wheel of Fortune game there are boxes to select the specific symbol you would like to place a wager (online casino interfaces vary). The dollar amounts indicate the monetary value9 you will win if the wheel lands on that slot. The rules of Wheel of Fortune are simple; you place your bet on the symbol (dollar amount) you would like to wager on and the dealer spins the wheel. Wherever it stops, the house pays out according to that dollar amount.

The average payout of hitting the Joker symbol is 40-to-1. This may appear to be a great return on a $1 investment. Unfortunately the odds of hitting are terrible since there is only a single Joker on the wheel. Therefore the odds are 53-to-1 to hit with the casino paying out 40-to-1. The house edge in Wheel of Fortune is 11 to 24 percent.  Some casinos offer a payout of 45-to-1 to hit the Joker symbol. This lowers the house edge a bit but it remains extremely high.

Next time you visit a land-based casino, take notice of how the Wheel of Fortune games are placed near the exit. Since this is a terrible way to make money because of the exorbitant house edge, casinos figure players will make one final Hail-Mary of a wager as they leave, hoping to recoup some of their losses. Usually this ends in even more of a monetary loss.

Although fun and exciting, the casino version of Wheel of Fortune is nothing like the game show. The odds are greatly against the player with poor payouts. Many visitors play this game for a short time due to never winning and losing a large chunk of their bankroll. A word to the wise, try to steer clear of this one unless you want some quick thrills with no payout.

Millionaire Online Casino maintains a brand image of elegance and VIP treatment to its players. The software provides cutting edge technology mixed with an extensive selection of casino games. Backing up its name, Millionaire Online Casino features high limit tables to attract those with large bankrolls but also plenty of low limit and free games for all classes of players.

There are a several notable advantages to playing at Millionaire Online Casino. These include:

• The signup bonus
• Accepts U.S. players
• Regular software updates
• Excellent customer support
• Extensive game offerings

As always, the bonus is what initially attracts a player to an online casino. Millionaire Online Casino features an excellent tiered bonus of $5000 on your first three deposits. This is a 100 percent matching bonus. Also, players are eligible to receive further bonuses when making future deposits.

With so many casinos not allowing players from the United States, it can be difficult to find those casinos that do. Luckily, Millionaire Online Casino accepts U.S. players. Additionally, there are little issues with depositing via credit card which is attractive to U.S.-based players.

Another advantage is that the casino regularly updates their software to provide new games to their players. In general, the casino adds a few new games each month, mostly in the slots category. Additionally, the customer support is unmatched in the industry. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Finally, Millionaire Online Casino features over 100 games; many of which are 3-reel and progressive slots and video slots. There are also several table games and video poker variants.

On the other hand, there are only a few disadvantages including:

• No multi-player casino games
• Only English
• Average graphics and sound

One of the biggest drawbacks of Millionaire Online Casino is the lack of multi-player casino games. Every game is single-player including table games. Also, customer support and software packages are only available in English. Finally, the graphics and sound are nothing impressive, average at best.

Millionaire Online Casino is a great place to play slots and video slots. Those looking to play slots or in slot tournaments will be in their prime setting. Also, the benefits greatly outweigh the limitations. However if you are looking for a place to play something other than slots, this may not be the casino for you.

Grand Vegas Casino is yet another online gaming entity that accepts players from the United States. Grand Vegas is powered by Vegas Technology software and is brought to you by the developers of GoCasino, Online Vegas Casino and Crazy Slots Casinos. The Casino is regulated in Curacao, a reputable gaming country.

There are a few advantages of playing at Grand Vegas Casino including:

• Weekly bonuses
• Well-rounded offering of casino games
• Accepts United States players
• Low wagering

The initial sign-up bonus for new players is 100% of their first deposit up to $555 with a minimum deposit of $25. Grand Vegas Casino offers reload bonuses every Tuesday and Friday with the option of a deposit bonus or cash back. Also, players can choose a prepaid gift card bonus.

Grand Vegas Casino also offers over 100 games categorized into four groups; Slot games, Table games, Video Poker games and Specialty games. The Slot games category is the largest and provides seven reel, five reel and three reel games in addition to progressive jackpots. Popular games like baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker and video poker are offered in addition to specialty games.

Another nice feature is the acceptance of players from the United States. This opens up a whole new market for Grand Vegas Casino while providing an additional gaming experience for U.S. players. Additionally, Grand Vegas Casino offers lower wagers for those new to the game or the online gaming experience.

Finally, the software and graphics are visually-rich and appealing to all players. The navigation around the site is easy due to the availability of the most important functions directly in the lobby. This adds to the ease of use of the site.

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages to playing at Grand Vegas Casino. First, the VIP Club is by invitation only. Other online casinos allow all players to enter their VIP Club to accumulate points. Another limitation is that bets can only be made in U.S. dollars. Therefore those overseas will have to use a currency calculator prior to making a deposit or withdrawal.

Due to being in a large network of casinos, Grand Vegas has a lot to offer with minimal limitations. With excellent promotions and a signup bonus, a variety of games with progressive jackpots, low wagering amounts and excellent software and graphics, Grand Vegas Casino will become an industry leader in the near future.

Equipment malfunctions occur in every type of operation imaginable. Having procedures in place to deal with these failures is the key to success. In casino surveillance rooms, there are many equipment issues that may arise. These include:

• Switchers (computer or keyboard)
• Cameras and recorders
• Power issues
• Monitors
• Dedicated cameras

If this occurs, surveillance operators need to immediately contact their supervisor. The supervisor will generally contact maintenance personnel. This is especially important for cameras and recording devices. If customers discover they weren’t being watched by the eye in the sky, chaos would ensue.

Games that offer progressive jackpots (like Caribbean Stud Poker) must have camera coverage at all times. If the camera dies or becomes unavailable in these areas, the Casino Manager needs to be notified of this issue immediately. This procedure is also applicable to pit areas for games like Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Roulette and High-roller Blackjack. These areas must also have constant camera coverage.

These departments will always ask whether the affected games be shut down. You must reply by informing them that these areas have no camera coverage until repairs are made and that this is a major violation of gaming regulations. Without cameras present, there’s no way to verify a win. The surveillance operator does not make the final decision to temporarily end any games; it’s more of a suggestion.

Managers of other departments should be familiar with gaming regulations so it is their job to assess the severity of the situation and make the decision as to whether the game should or should not be shut down.

If an isolated camera fails but can be covered with other equipment, an entry into the DSR should be made. In the entry, its common practice to describe the issue and any corrective actions. This is usually a requirement so the supervisor can add specific entries to the Maintenance Log. Again, notify the current supervisor immediately and the supervisor that’s covering the next shift.

The current supervisor will create a work order, inform the director and enter the camera issue into the Repair Log as well as the Maintenance Log. Of course if any questions arise, feel free to ask the supervisor or director for further clarification.

When surveillance equipment fails, if diligent, decisive action does not occur immediately, not only could the casino lose a significant amount of money but it could be in major violation of gaming control laws due to un-verifiable wins. It’s best to thoroughly know the procedures in case of an emergency.

Video poker is an extremely popular casino game because of the payouts. Some pay a return of over 100 percent while others pay close to 100 percent. When playing correct poker, over the long run, Video Poker has the potential to be profitable to many players. However, a few simple mistakes can take away the slight advantage you may have. Therefore it is vital to utilize strategy and play hands correctly throughout the course of each session.

Each video poker game has its own strategy in order to be successful. At a casino or online, it is beneficial to utilize a strategy card. It is similar to a cheat sheet, displaying the correct method of play for each hand. Utilizing this card will help you maximize your return. Practice at a play money table in an online casino using the strategy card prior to entering into a live game.

Once prepared for a live game, head to a real-money game with your strategy card. While utilizing the card, the main tactic to implement is the basic strategy. This is primarily used by beginners but is relevant to all players. The basic strategy can be used for three common Video Poker games including:

• Jacks or Better
• Deuces Wild
• Double Bonus Poker

The strategy is based on the odds given on the chart. To use it, simply glance at the hand you are dealt. Next start from the top of the strategy chart and move down the list until you reach your hand. The hand nearest the top is the correct hand to play. Many charts come color-coded to make it easy to find the correct hand. Also, lower-case letters such as “s” indicate cards of the same suit. For example, QJs indicates Queen-Jack suited (of any suit).

Strategy cards are an invaluable tool in Video Poker. They can give you an edge which results in maximized profits with the correct playing technique. It is always beneficial to have handy at a casino or at an online casino in the case there is a hand which you do not know how to play.

Video Poker can be a simple game if you are familiar with the rules and hand-rankings in poker. Strategy cards will help you a considerable amount. There are other Video Poker strategies available, but for beginners, focus on the basic strategy. Once mastered, move on to the advanced strategy which is more complicated but can slightly further improve your edge.

During the normal course of duty, a surveillance operator will eventually be witness to a crime. Some will be just about to occur, others in progress and more after the incident. Specific procedures have been implemented to ensure proper reporting to law enforcement agencies. This format is applied to all crimes; gaming related or criminal activity.

There are four primary steps to take when witnessing an illegal activity as a casino surveillance operator. These include:

1. Identity that a crime is being committed
2. Stay off security communication lines
3. Notify a supervisor
4. Give reports to proper individual

The first step a casino surveillance operator must take is to identify that the crime is occurring or about to happen. The first action to take when dealing with a crime that’s a threat to life is to notify security as quickly as possible. Most casinos have an emergency security number. Also, surveillance rooms typically have a security radio for these situations to enable rapid communication.

The second step to remember is stay off the security communication lines other than to answer questions from the dispatcher or supervisors. Full camera coverage will be provided to the security dispatchers.

When the threat does not involve the threat of human life or bodily harm, an investigator must immediately notify their supervisor who directs surveillance activities and contacts security, casino management and executives, the police and gaming control. If the supervisor cannot be reached, the investigator must know the procedure and take appropriate action.

The final step is to give all reports to the surveillance director. Attached will be written statements made during the investigation as well as surveillance and dubbed recordings of the incident. The primary purpose of a surveillance operator is to observe, provide recorded evidence and report the incident exactly how it occurred.

Surveillance operators are necessary for the proper functioning of all casino operations. Unfortunately casinos attract criminals with many different intentions. As a result, operators must be constantly trained on new cheating methods as well as procedural information. They should be able to spot a crime prior to it occurring and react accordingly when it does.

Casino operators are some of the most highly trained individuals in a casino. They must know how to deal with each situation by following procedure and dealing with the proper parties. As cheating methods and critical procedures continue to evolve, casino operators will become even more skilled at their job.

In the past, riverboat gaming was the only place to gamble outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Cruise ships would leave various ports across the United States and begin gaming once they were at least three miles offshore. For those that lived a great distance from either of the two gambling hubs, they enjoyed these trips. This has changed drastically with regulation of riverboat gaming and the addition of Indian-run casinos.

Riverboat gaming has been around since at least the 19^th century. Since this time, the industry has been in decline. This is primarily due to the construction of railroads and other advanced forms of transportation as well as the Civil War. Trains were superior to riverboats by speed and reliability. The Civil War interrupted most riverboat transportation and thus the industry.

Toward the end of the 20^th century, new methods of revenue were needed. Therefore laws were passed to allow riverboat gaming as a source of revenue for many states. In many cases, the boat is stationed on a body of water and never leaves the dock. States proposed this idea to the voters confirming that gambling is only legal on riverboats in the state. The limitations included a time restriction of only two to three hours and physical controls.

More recently, the time limitation has been lifted because of competing states and Indian tribes. The competition for customers between states also has resulted in a considerable raise in the gambling limits set during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The first modern riverboat became legal in Iowa in 1989 followed by Illinois shortly after. Next came Missouri, Indiana, Louisiana and Mississippi. States generally allow traditional casino table games to be played. A new twist on riverboat gaming is an overnight or weekend cruise past the three mile marker which consists of gambling, nightlife and dining.

Due to the returning popularity of this type of gaming, on-board casinos are growing large and becoming more elaborate. There are even themed gambling cruises such as, Caesar’s-at-Sea which is similar to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. There are other companies that offer gambling cruises such as:

• Carnival
• Holland America
• Princess

On-board gaming allows uses to relax, enjoy their cruise and do a little gambling while on board. The dealers are more patient and more willing to help beginners learn new games. Riverboat gambling is exploding in popularity and will see a continued increase in the future.

The opening of CityCenter Las Vegas brought fun and excitement. Month’s later statistics are showing that there are more hotel rooms in Las Vegas than people to fill them. Evidence is appearing that indicates CityCenter is stealing business from other resorts.

Single-Property vs. Multi-Property Owners

This information is much more detrimental to single-property casinos such as, the Riviera and Tropicana which have more to lose than their competitors like MGM International who own multiple establishments on the Las Vegas strip. In the end, the single-properties are generating less money and have a smaller customer base to market too.

Also, visitors are staying at fancier, more expensive hotels because they have lowered their rates (which are aligned with budget hotels) due to the global recession. Many properties are back in the black, but aren’t making as much as they would if CityCenter wasn’t open.

The Numbers

From January through May of this year there was a 1.5 percent increase in visitation to Las Vegas. On the other hand, the number of overall hotel rooms jumped by 5.6 percent over the previous year. The occupancy rate throughout the city from January to May was 80 percent which is a 10 percent decrease from 2007 when Las Vegas tourism was at its greatest.

The total cost of CityCenter is $8.5 billion. The whole complex continues to struggle, not yet turning a profit. In the second quarter of 2010, an operating loss of $128 million dragged down MGM International’s earnings.  MGM believes that its competitors are losing even more money due to decreased gambling and room revenue.

MGM’s Aria consists of almost 30 percent gamblers. This is higher than any casino and resort in the Las Vegas area. This is due to marketing specifically to the gaming community who are expected to take the place of the traditional business. The gamblers are MGM loyalty program registrants that receive discounts.

Causes of a Decrease in Revenue

The global recession is the primary cause for the decline in the leisure and entertainment business. Also, with the opening of CityCenter, there has been a huge influx of competition in a tight market. Additionally, there is currently an overabundance of convention space but not enough conventioneers to fill it.

The combination of these things adds up and results in a major decrease in business. Casinos and resorts will need to look to new methods if they want to attract new guests and retain the loyal. Promotions and offers don’t seem to have the same effect as they once did. A new idea must be implemented for the gaming industry to jump back on its feet.

Baccarat is an extremely popular game across the globe. Due to the exciting action and its simple rules, Baccarat is now being offered to customers at online gaming sites. Since it’s a card game, it’s difficult to trace back to the exact origin. There are many different versions depending on the country where it’s played. The first card game was invented approximately 2000 years ago in Asia.

In the 14^th century, crusaders brought back various card games to Europe from Asia. At this time, the first printed deck of cards was developed. Christopher Columbus is generally credited with bringing card games to the Americas. The suites were actually created to represent the feudal classes in society.

Like the suites, face cards also had significance. During one period, the faces on the cards were those of Kings, Queens and Soldiers. Some famous figures include:

• Charlemagne
• Alexander the Great
• Julius Caesar
• King David

Famous queens that were placed on cars include:

• Helen of Troy
• Joan of Arc
• Athena
• Rachel

Jacks represented famous knights:

• Roland
• Etienne de Vignoles
• Sir Lancelot
• Hodgier Le Danois

It is thought that around 1492 the game of Baccarat came to fruition in Italy. The original game was based on the Nine Gods, an ancient Roman tradition. As the story goes, 2000 years ago in Rome nine Gods were praying at the base of a virgin. The virgin threw a nine-sided die.

She needed to roll an eight or nine to be crowned as priestess. Rolling a six or seven meant she would lose her status. Anything less than that, she would walk into the sea. Baccarat uses these same numbers for specific actions and to claim a victor.

The first name associated with Baccarat is difficult to pinpoint due to the variations in the game across different European countries. In France, the game was originally outlawed in casinos since royalty felt they only had a right to play. This version migrated to South America, then north to Cuba. Around 1958, the game traveled to the Sands Casino in Las Vegas which is where it made its big American debut.

Currently Baccarat is offered in almost every casino in the world and many online. Although there are two primary versions (French and American), the rules are fairly similar. The game of Baccarat is quite diverse so it can be played at low limits or in the high roller room.