Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Maryland Live - Interview with Adam Kuznia


Maryland Live is shuffling the deck in the Mid Atlantic Gaming Market.
They are currently the leader in Maryland slot revenue. They operate over
4,000 slots and are in a great location. Maryland Live has enhanced their
position by opening table games to their patrons. They have approximately
122 table games that include blackjack, craps, roulette and three card poker.
This will have a tremendous impact on Atlantic City and Delaware.
 
The unique advantage that Maryland Live has is a website like no other in this region.

 
After the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress two weeks ago, I was able to meet with Adam Kuznia. Adam is the Social Media Manager for Maryland Live. We met at the Fox and Hound in downtown Philadelphia to talk about the website and other related issues.
 
 
1). What is your role at Maryland Live?  Adam - "I am the Social
Media Manager. That includes our social media program, along with our website and our free,
play for fun, online casino."
 
 
2). What is the goal of the website?  Adam - The goal of the site is
to educate the customers and allow them to play for free." It's a place
where people can play a plethora of games including slots and table
games. The site is a great place to learn how to play the games before
they come to the casino."
 
3). What is the name of the website?  Adam - "The website is myliveonlinecasino.com."
 
4). Tell the readers a little about the site?  Adam - The site is strictly
play for fun. The customers can log on from anywhere. When the
patrons logs in, they receive a daily credit for doing so."

5). What games are offered on the site?  Adam - "The site is a mixture
of slots and table games. Blackjack and Roulette are two of the table
games featured."
 
6). How long has the site been in operation? Adam - " The website was
up and running prior to our opening. This enable us to promote the
Maryland Live brand."
 
7). What is your opinion of Zynga and their interest in online gaming in
Atlantic City? Adam - "Zynga has a great business model. They have a
tremendous following of active users. If social gaming takes off in AC, they will have all of their ducks in a row."

I want to thank Adam for taking the time to answer my questions. Check out the website below for more Maryland Live.
 
                        http://www.myliveonlinecasino.com/
The following article previews the table games debut at Maryland Live.
 
 http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-04-11/business/bs-bz-maryland-live-table-games-20130411_1_cordish-cos-maryland-live-joe-weinberg/2

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                                      @GamingGuyM

 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Wynn Philadelphia - Interview with Gamal Aziz

Wynn Philadelphia gave a presentation at the Pennsylvania Gaming
Congress at the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia. They were represented by Gamal Aziz.
Gamal Aziz has been appointed president and COO of Steve Wynn’s new company, Wynn Resorts Development LLC. Aziz has known Wynn for decades and helped Wynn open the Bellagio as that hotel’s senior vice president, a post he held from 1998-2000.
 
Mr. Aziz joined MGM Resorts International in 1998 as Senior Vice President at Bellagio and played an integral role in the resort's opening and early success. In 2001, he was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of MGM Grand, where he has overseen a multi-year evolution in the resort's offerings that has led the property to debut more than 36 major new venues since 2001. He also has held executive positions at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the Plaza in New York, the Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C., and the St. Francis in San Francisco.

He has expertise in the developing of new sites and plans to oversee the
proposed projects here in Philadelphia and Boston. At the conclusion of
the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress in Philadelphia last week, I was able
to ask Mr. Aziz several questions regarding Wynn Philadelphia and other
gaming related issues.

Mr Aziz started his presentation with the following quote. "We dream up
a wondrous place and then have a wonderful time bringing them to life."
- Steve Wynn

1). Will Wynn Philadelphia be developed in phases?  Mr. Aziz - "This entire
project will be completed in one phase. Financing is in place where incremental development will not be necessary."
 
2). Would Wynn Philadelphia be comparable to the casino hotels in Las Vegas and Atlantic City?  Mr. Aziz - "Yes. It will have over 300 rooms, fine dining, a nightclub and other amenities. Wynn Resorts is the leading casino resort operator in the world. Wynn Philadelphia would reflect that."
 
3). Would you look at this property as a destination? If so, what is the hook for the local guy?  Mr. Aziz - We will target tourists and affluent customers.
We will also appeal to the residents of Philadelphia by building a 22 acre park and opening up the riverfront for public access."
 
4). Would Wynn Philadelphia cannibalize the current casino market?
Mr. Aziz - "No. We will grow the market. We would compliment what is
presently available."
 

5). Wynn Resorts are currently bidding for the site in Boston. If successful,
how will that effect Wynn Philadelphia? Mr. Aziz - "Building two properties at approximately the same time will not diminish our efforts. The two destinations will not take away from each other. The designs will be similar but the details entirely different. The amenities will be inspired by the cities they are located."

6). What is consistent about the properties you develop? Mr. Aziz - "We believe in
blended space. We mesh outdoor and indoor environments in all of our
restaurants and spas."

7). New Jersey is embarking in the area of online gaming. How do you think they will do? Mr. Aziz - "I believe they will do very well."
 
The following are an site renderings of what Wynn Philadelphia will look
like.
 
 


                  Compare the rendering above to the following Las Vegas Hotel.
                                                     Look familiar?

 
I want to thank Mr. Aziz for taking time for my questions. I also want to thank Sarah Lindsay and Braithwaite Communications for making this possible. Additional information about Wynn Philadelphia can be obtain by
contacting Sarah at slindsay@gobraithwaite.com.
 
Correction. In my original post, It was implied that 60% of the revenue from Wynn Philadelphia would come from non - gaming amenities. This is consistent with Las Vegas properties. This was not the projection associated with this project. When that information is available, I will post an update. 
 
                        Follow me for more Twitter at @GamingguyM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Friday, April 19, 2013

NBA Playoff Preview 2013

I am scared of Lakers - Spurs series. Lakers coming in hot and I like that.
Spurs are limping in and have injuries. With a slight lean to Los Angeles
and much respect for San Antonio as a well coached team, I 'll be smart
and NOT make a series selection.

I do like the Celtics over the Knicks. They have played well without Rondo and are a better defensive team than New York. The emotion of this week's
events will galvanize Boston for the final run for Garnett and Pierce. Melo
is my man but does not shine in playoffs. Live by 3, die by three. Celtics in
5.

Heat are ready to defend their title. Lebron will make his team win this series.Bucks will stagger right out and be lucky to win a game. Heat in 5.

I like OKC over Houston. Durant and Westbrook best Harden and Lin.
Houston will die by the love of the 3. Harden did not shine in playoffs last
year and his woes continue. Houston may get one game. I wonder what type of odds are available for a sweep. I'll play it safe and say Thunder in 5.

Denver should handle Golden State in 6 games. Each of these games should go over the stated total.

Memphis should shock the world and take out the Clippers. Chris Paul is the difference maker. He is the best player in this series. Blake Griffin
had back spasms in the final game of the season. The Grizzlies style is better suited for the playoffs. Zack Randolph will dominate his match up.
Gasol will play good too.My upset special. Grizzlies in 7.

I don't pick every series.  I go broke that way and make selections just to have action. NOT.

If you must have action in two of the other series, Go with the Pacers and
Bulls. I 'm just not making a definitive selection. Follow #GTLivechat
                              and see how I do. Take me out Rihanna!
                       Pick the best dunk and tell me your selection.
                                http://youtu.be/NqVDVeTv0tY
                           Follow me on Twitter at @GamingGuyM

Beyonce's New "Image"

Beyonce is causing a stir with some of her 2013 moves. First, the deal with the Star Bangle Banner at the inauguration in DC. Did she sing or didn't she? No big deal. We all know she can sing. She proved that when she sang
at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. She really proved it before that with the
Grammy winning CD's and number 1 songs.

Then, Beyonce is called into the fire for her new single, "Bow Down." She refers to other women as B_____. Now it only a song, but not a song we expect from her. She drew critisism from Keshia Coles as being self righteous. Keshia is a good artist but not on BK level. Beyonce can dismiss and ignore her. She was politically correct and did not repond.

Now this. Beyonce starts her European Concert Tour by appearing in a costume with golden nipples prominently displayed. This is tame for +Rihanna but risque for Beyonce.

When you are a exceptional talent, you must do exceptional things. "B" can live off her legacy. She is the best performer alive. One of the most beautiful women in the world. +Beyonce doesn't have to do anything to promote or stir things up. When the President and the First Lady have you as a role model to their daughter, you can just keep doing what you're doing. Don't change "B".  Everybody wants to be you.


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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Alicia Keys & Revel Hotel Y Casino Review en Espanol

Un día en el Revel hotel y casino empieza con registrarse a las cuatro de la tarde. La habitación tenía una vista hacia el mar, camas doble, baños de mármol, pantalla plasma y una pequeña barrita para completar este lujoso espacio. El precio de una noche en el hotel es $250 durante el fin de semana, los días de semana tienen tarifa más económica.


Este lugar es grandioso estilo Las Vegas el Resort tiene cinco diferentes áreas de piscinas aptas para familias, áreas de adultos, niños y recreacional con mesas de juegos pool, ping-pong y juegos electrónicos.
 

En la tarde pase por el mussel bar a donde disfruté un rico cóctel de camarones y ostras antes de ir al concierto camine por el area de casino donde ofrecían mesas de juegos desde 10 y 15 dólares. El salon High Limit del casino ofrece impresionante vista al mar es muy elegante y tiene pisos de madera con decoración estiló plush o ultra lounge.

Alicia Keys se presentó en el teatro Ovation Hall. El teatro esta diseñado para que todos los hacientos tienes vista interumpida hacia el stage con una capacidad de cinco mil, También tiene la más alta technologia en sonido lo cual hace que los conciertos suenen extraordinarios.
Alicia estuvo en tarima alrededor de dos horas cantando todos sus éxitos a casa llena entre los más recientes como "Girl On Fire" y "A Woman's Work" populares como "Unthinkable" y "Fallen".
 
Vengan a descubrir el Revel Hotel &Casino por ustedes mismos no se arrepentiran! Rihanna estara en concierto en dos semanas no dejen que se lo cuenten!
 
 
 
                                                               Gracias!!
                                      Sígueme en Twitter @gamingguym

Monday, April 15, 2013

Israel Posner - Atlantic City and Online Gaming


Atlantic City is mounting a comeback. This time there is a strategic plan
behind the scenes The DO AC marketing plan is the start. This is a concept
that highlights all things in Atlantic City and New Jersey other than gaming.
This has resulted to an increase in the spend at restaurants,bars and retail outlets.The Atlantic City Alliance is headed by Liza Cartmell.

The next part of the plan is to promote online gaming in New Jersey. I
sought out Dr. Israel Posner,Executive Director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.
He is also a professor at Stockton College. Dr. Posner does a newsletter
and conducts surveys and opinion polls that gauge the trends for Atlantic City. He was kind
enough to sit down for a series of questions about I Gaming.


How much revenue do you think I Gaming will generate? IP - "I think that
approximately 250 million dollars can be made in the first year. Most of that is money currently being spent in Pennsylvania. The residents of North Jersey that go to the casinos in PA will have a reason to play in New Jersey."


Do you think this alone can save Atlantic City?  IP - "No. I see the non -gaming amenities as being the keys to revitalization. Festivals, conventions and entertainment events. These things
promote the region and bring masses of people."


The Sports Betting Initiative for New Jersey has made it's way to the court
system. What do you think of the chances of the ban being removed?
IP - "This will be a heavy lift. I don't see Sports Betting in the future. The
Professional Leagues are oppose to allowing it. It would change the
gaming landscape. It would give Atlantic City two events that ocurred during our slow season.The Super Bowl and the NCAA tournament.We had a chance in 1992 that we should have taken to enact it."



Will the smaller boutique hotels become the new norm for Atlantic City?
IP - "Yes. Although no one has offered to develop a new project that would fit this mode, I see that as the way to go. An investor could look at an existing property and renovate it."

Will Online Gaming hurt the current brick and mortar properties?
IP - "No. The I Gaming concept will grow the market and bring a younger
demographic to Atlantic City."

I want to thank Dr. Posner for his time and candor.  Please check out his
LIGHT Newsletter and the 2013 Tourism Promotion Survey. This month features an article on the aforementioned Liza Cartmell and the Atlantic City Alliance.
It should be noted that the current campaign does address the gaming in Atlantic City.This concept is in anticipation of the summer season.


Dr. Posner's book, "Casino Gaming in Atlantic City: A Thirty Year Retrospective" is available at         www.comteqpublishing.com

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Sunday, April 14, 2013

Revel & Alicia Keys - Hotel and Concert Review from Atlantic City

A day at Revel Hotel and Casino starts with a 4:00 check in. The room had a
beautiful ocean view.
You could see clearly all the way to Brigantine. The room had two
double beds and a marble shower. A wet bar and plasma tv set were two amenities that made the room luxurious.The price was $250. The rate is cheaper during the week.







 
This place would fit perfectly on the Las Vegas Strip.
Revel has 5 different swimming pools. One is for families and younger children. The recreational area is phenomenal.
It has pool tables,miniature golf, ping pong and Wei.


Later, I checked out the Mussel Bar. I would recommend the coastal shrimp cocktail or the mussels.







Before going to the concert , I surveyed the gaming floor. Tables were available at
all denominations.
This included 10 and 15 dollar games. The high limit area was very plush.
The lounge is small but elegant. Nice hard wood floors with plush white couches. Great view of the ocean.
There are 6 BJ games along with 1 Roulette.
On to Ovation Hall where Alicia Keys is performing. Every seat has an unobstructed view of the performer. Add a state-of-the-art sound system. Such an extravagance place requires a dress,pocketbook and shoes that accent the occasion.













 
Alicia Keys performed for approximately under two hours. Keys wowed a crowd of 5,000 by showcasing her all-world musical abilities.
Awesome rendition of "Girl on Fire". Her play list also included "A Woman Worth", "Unthinkable" and her debut hit, "Fallin". She sang "You Don't Know My Name" to her husband, Swiss Beatz, who appeared on a screen in back of her.
 
I would tell you more but I 'm back on the clock tomorrow. Come check out Revel for yourself. Rihanna is there in two weeks.
.
Here is a video of my favorite song by Alicia Keys.
 
                                                       Thanks Gaming Guy *:) happy
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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Alicia Keys and I'll Try Something New

Since I started doing my blog, I have done every post. Attended every
event and wrote about each thing that I thought was entertaining.
I want to expand now and give another perspective other than my own.
So this weekend, the blog entry, a Day at Revel starring
Alicia Keys, will be seen through the eyes of another. Tell me what
you think of it. The Alicia Keys Post will appear on Sunday Night. It
will also post in Spanish.

For now, enjoy this picture of Alicia and her video with Jay Z.

 
 
Follow me for more on Twitter at @GamingGuyM and like me on
Facebook.com

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

NCAA Men's Final - Louisville over Michigan



Last night's game between Louisville and Michigan was one of the best final games in years. Both teams played at a high octane pace. Role
players stepped up and made significant contributions on both teams. Before this Final Four, nobody mention Luke Hancock or Spike Albrecht.
Hancock wound up being the Most Outstanding Player of the finals, the
time a sub has ever received that honor.


Some questionable decisions by Michigan Coach Beilein played a part
in the outcome. During the first half, the decision to sit Burke so long while
Louisville was making a run to get back in the game. I gave him a pass
on that one because Michigan had the lead. At the end of the game,he
should have removed Burke and Mcgary because they had 4 fouls each.
They could not foul and the team was trailing with under a minute left.
I can't give him a pass for that one.



Congratulations to Louisville Coach Pitino for being the first to win a
national title with two schools. Pitino was also elected to the basketball
hall of fame. He has always been one of my favorite coaches and is
deserving of his selection.

Louisville won this game because they played smarter down the stretch.
Michigan seem to run out of gas and could not pull down a key rebound
after playing good defense. Speaking of good defense, was this a foul?


                             Louisville over Michigan  82 - 76

              Follow me for more on Twitter at @GamingGuyM
Join GTLivechat during the NBA playoffs. We talk about the games and
match ups. We also make a selection with the point spread. Check us out.


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Tyler Perry's "Temptation" Review


I saw Tyler Perry's "Temptation" and left the movie surprised. Not the way
you would think he would end a movie. The film is about a married woman
who falls into a business relationship that changes into an affair with a
wealthy single man. The story line is typical. A couple that has been together for quite some time begins to drift apart. The single guy gives attention to the married woman.  She attempts to resist but slowly succumbs
to his advances. 



The single guy shows glimpses of a dark side that go unnoticed by the married woman. The mother of the married woman has her suspicions
about the relationship and the single guy, but her warnings go unheeded.




The husband does not attempt to stop the wife until things are spiraling.
He finds himself drawn into a friendship with a co worker that may have
complications.

Members of the cast include Robbie Jones as the single guy, Lance Gross
as the husband and Jurnee Smollett - Bell as the wife.

Other supporting players include Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Williams,
Brandy Norwood and Ella Joyce. Some humor in spots but the movie takes
a dark tone near the end. You will talk about this film after you leave.

Check out the trailer below and make your decision.
http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi636069657/

            Follow me for more on Twitter at @GamingGuyM

Friday, April 5, 2013

NCAA March Madness Final Four in Atlanta


The Men's Final Four is being held this year in Atlanta. The site is the Georgia Dome. The teams are Louisville vs. Wichita State and Michigan
vs. Syracuse.
Louisville is the only number one seed remaining. They are coming in
without one of their key players, Kevin Ware. Ware, a sophomore and
team sixth man, suffered a devastating injury in the Elite Eight game
against Duke. The Cardinal's ball pressure will suffer slightly because of his
absence.Peyton Silva will have to avoid early foul trouble. Russ Smith
is the leader and will set the tone for the game.
Wichita State will dominant the glass.Carl Hall must have a good game
and score inside. Wichita State must limit turnovers and withstand the
opening out pour of emotions that will erupt for Ware.
Michigan has the most talent of the remaining teams. Trey Burke, Tim
Hardaway Jr. and Glenn Robinson III are potential pro prospects.Mitch
Mcgary must hit the mid range foul line jumper and go to the hole to
give the Wolverines a balance attack.

Syracuse's vaunted zone defense will give Michigan some problems. They
will keep the game low scoring early and only run off long rebounds or turnovers. Syracuse's Achilles heal is the lack of a proficient scorer. They
shoot better in transition than set up offense. Michael Carter - Williams
and Brandon Triche are better suited in the up tempo game.

I will give my picks prior to the games. So follow me on Twitter.
Join the discussion about the games on #GTLivechat. Enjoy the games.

                          Follow me at @GamingGuyM
 
See the NCAA Finals recap below.
 
Follow me at @GamingGuyM