Out of the Blue and into the Big Easy

I'm not sure what force possessed my lovely wife but whatever it was I'm okay with it since it compelled her to head South on Saturday evening to (gasp) the Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center! The casino, which I've mentioned before is the 3rd Casino in the state of West Virginia to offer up to the gambling degenerate masses (like us) the opportunity to play poker and now the various other table games that we've all come to know and love. Several members of the NDPT (N Debt Poker Tour) had previously made the trip to check out all of the action, but this made the first time for Big Red and I.

I was impressed by the poker room, which has been dubbed The Big Easy Poker Room. This room is a much more traditional type poker room to me than I have experienced in many other locations. The room is "inset" into a larger room/area, but has been separated by a rail which goes all the way around, and opens only at the main desk. It feels less confined even than the Wheeling Island Poker Room. Additionally, Tri-State boasts a greater overall area and more poker tables. Another thing impressed me a great deal... when several players were on a waiting list, and a table was vacant, an additional dealer was called for and the players were gathered together and ushered to the empty table, for their respective game. I've seldom seen this happen, at least, not that quickly. Also, their is a bar quite close (which is also close to a bathroom, for after you break the dam.) And as luck would have it, the table at which I found myself seated along the outer perimeter of the poker room, was very close to the dogtrack betting window, and a number of TV's were clearly visible so I could watch my mutts head for the finish line. I think I probably paid too much attention to that and probably the "large" Amber Bock drafts that continued to come my way. I would say that had a bit to do with my loss at the tables, but I did okay, and maybe only lost like $25 or so the whole night. I recall precisely where $20 of that went, when I bet out with two pair, and then was probed by my opponent, who was interested in getting me all in. I had the sense to lay down to him. He wasn't that subtle... and I remembered a line from one of the books I have read, which quoted a bit Sun Tzu, which I'll paraphrase to say "...figure out what your opponent wants you to do, and then disappoint him." He desperately wanted me to call. I turned loose my hand, and kept the additional $75 I had. I made back a little of that on a few subsequent hands. Then, it was time to go.

Others who came along for the trip were Frank and Julie, and already there we met up with JR and Vince. We all had a really good time, I think, although Big Red admits that she would have had more fun had she brought home a pile of money. Sadly, the dealers at the table games were on fire, and just killing the competition on Blackjack, Let It Ride, etc... My only criticism of the Tri-State Racetrack and Casino is that the table gaming area is a bit skimpy. They have provided thus far only a minimal area for traditional table games. They were full, and there were people waiting in line, for their chance to play. In any book, that's money walking! I'm hopeful that the decision to limit this playing area is directly related to the delayed expansion plans, which will ultimately break ground to provide for a hotel and overall greater complex at Tri-State. Still, one wonders what the additional profit margin would be provided additional tables were set up and getting cards, dice, chips, etc... in the hands of the folks who are standing in line. Tri-State management if your listening, there's money to be made. Take the plunge!

I'm sure in the very near future we'll be returning for another shot at our fortunes. All in all, the play at the poker tables was not highly skilled. I had to raise an eyebrow more than once at some of the plays that I was seeing. There is money to be made in this room, and I'll be happy to give it a shot again. The dealers are still struggling just a bit, but I found no mistakes, just a little bit slower in a few cases, in order to make sure that they were getting things right. I'm okay with that, there's no sense getting all rushed about anything. Patience when dealing with poker is always a good thing.

Tri-State Poker Room, congratulations on a well-run, and enjoyable environment. Poker is alive and well in the Mountain State!

Regards,

cheer_dad

To all you nay-sayers...

Well you thought the day would never come. Two outa Three ain't bad huh!?! Well what's been nearly a year in the making is finally going to happen. "What's up, cheer_dad," you ask, "what's the earth shattering news?" Well according to this article http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1846891047/W-Va-racetrack-given-OK-to-offer-poker/index.html?printview=true Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center will FINALLY be opening its doors to offer poker to the masses! That's right people the third West Virginia casino will finally be offering something other than slots and dogs. This comes nearly ONE YEAR after the initiative was passed by Kanawha County to allow the casino to open poker and table games at the existing casino. Wheeling Island and the Mountaineer jumped on that bandwagon long ago and has thrived at least as far as my personal observations and the various articles have thus far suggested. I wish Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center good luck, and yes eventually I'll be down to give it a go, but I'm still a little irritated that it took so long to make it happen. The people of Kanawha County were none to happy either, and even the Governor weighed in on it you'll recall from a previous post I threw out here on the blog. But anyway, today's the day following 2 days of successful "charity" poker tournaments to get the ball rolling, the Lottery Commission gave their blessing and a quiet sigh of relief which says, "sheesh, it's about friggin' time Tri-State!!!" Anyway, read the article, and make plans to visit this new poker room when you can. My buddy Frank, was headed down to indulge in the madness of the first day/night, this evening. I haven't talked to him since I left for vacation so I'm not sure how all that's panning out.

I'm back in town now, having just arrived home after that long drive back from Myrtle Beach, SC. It's good to be home, but as usual there's already a lot to get done after a vacation. So rather than sitting here pecking away at the keyboard, I better get to it.

See some of you later this evening at the Eagles drawing, and others I'm sure over the weekend. It's good to be home.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Governor Manchin wants answers from Tri-State Racetrack

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin is not happy with Tri-State Racetrack, according to the following article http://www.dailymail.com/Business/200807170126 which appeared yesterday in the Charleston Daily Mail. In the article by Jake Stump, titled Manchin says racetrack owners need to be accountable for delays; it seems clear that the governor is upset over the time which has elapsed thus far in which Tri-State Racetrack owners have failed to open their table gaming operations which were approved last August. Not only has the track not opened table games they have not even broken ground on a promised "$250-million-plus expansion much less the creation of 1,000 jobs." It is mentioned that Tri-State had initially planned to open its table games by the end of 2007, but according to management plans were stalled because of "financial reasons and because of difficulty in finding instructors."

Oddly, I've never seen a lack of people on my visits to the casino/dog track, so "financial reasons" seems to be a weak excuse. In addition, my (and my friends') trips north to Wheeling Island Casino for poker and table game fun could have just as easily been turned 180 degrees and headed south to Charleston, which is a closer trip from Parkersburg. So, I know it's not due to a lack of interest. But, I know it's not all about me. As for the "difficulty in finding instructors" what kind of horse-hockey is that?!? Uhhhm, maybe you boys at Tri-State haven't been paying attention but two casinos in the northern panhandle of West Virginia were able in very short order to get their operations up and running, and from all reports PROFITABLE!

The latest report is that Tri-State will open its doors for Poker by Labor Day. The Poker Room is still under construction. Frankly though, there has been no official announcement or advertising effort on the part of the casino, so what gives?

The casino also only recently applied for its 1.5 Million Dollar license for its first year of operations. That cost will go up to 2.5 Million thereafter.

I'm not sure what the real reasons for Tri-State's delays are, and neither is Governor Manchin. If he gets his answers I sure hope he shares them with us all. For something that the casino owners and the public fought so hard for and for such a long time the current management is allowing it all to fall flat.

C'mon guys get the cards in the air already!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Uber posting time my minions

It's been many moons since my last post, but to be absent from the blog is to be present in the depths of the workforce! TGIF has never sounded so good to me. I've had enough. I spent the vast majority of my waking hours at work dealing with a server security initiative that was dropped in our lap. First, let me get some acronyms out of the way for you. (Oh yeah, you know the gub-ment just luvs it some abbreviations.)

CIS = The Center for Internet Security

NIST = National Institute of Standards and Technology

The agency which I find myself employed with has mandated (or has had it mandated upon them) compliance with security configurations as outlined by CIS and NIST. The lines between those two "initial-sporting" agencies is blurry to say the least. Let's just say that standards and best practices for securing computers/servers/ and the applications and data which reside on them is admittedly of absolute importance. I take it serious. Very Serious! This week I've proven my obsessive nature, and dug into the utter bowels of the method behind the madness. Yes, my inner-geek has been fully embraced and given the reach around to boot!

What CIS and NIST establishes are the benchmark solutions for locking the computer world down. They formalize standards and best-practices, and analyze the hell out of the pros and cons for each configuration setting. This all sounds really great doesn't it. I'm with you, I'm all about tightening the screws down, and locking her down... but here's where things get messy. CIS and NIST think tanks have a degree of common sense, and readily assert that some of their settings have NEGATIVE IMPACT on some applications and technologies. So, they point out degrees of security and what trade offs must be faced. Unfortunately, in the "real-world"... managerial types don't tend to read the FUCKING FINE PRINT!!! Instead they treat these benchmarks as absolutes, and demand total compliance and adherence to standards they have no hope of understanding! And thus pass off to the underlings in the trenches (that'd be your lowly civil servant "cheer_dad") and say get it done... and not only get it done, do it faster than the speed of light AND then prove that you did it in a simple report, and while you're at it report on that in the form of a monthly compliancy check. Are any of you still with me so far? Well thanks, but I fear for your mental well-being.

Anyway, so someone other than the administrators gets to make the decisions about what will be done, and the tools to be used for verification and the report that they'll get in the end. As luck would have it, we've been directed to use the CIS-CAT or the Configuration Assessment Tool. OOOOh AAAAh!!! Before demanding its usage... no one in the agency really bothered to take it out for a test drive. NOW, I applaud the tool in some areas, but like a lot of things in life it still needs some work. But time is not a luxury that I really have, since despite the problems being encountered, the demands and the deadlines have NOT SHIFTED in the least.

So, I've had to educate myself quickly (down and dirty) on a compliance tool I just had thrown at me, on a project I just inherited, which is looking at new standards that are frankly a moving target. They are ever-morphing to make things more and more secure. The powers that be in the organization, simply want the check marks in place right next to the dotted i's and crossed t's. I know, I know... cheer_dad quitcherbitchin'!!! I'd say it's enough to drive me to drinking, but that's a habit that well we've established I'd long/long ago acquired and refined to the level of High Art!

I've gotten pretty good at setting up the tool and making it run in ways that many others have not. And I've put it through paces that I don't think anyone else bothered with. I've been in contact with one of the Developers of the tool and she's been great, and very receptive to feedback and suggestions and to her I am VERY GRATEFUL! Thanks Nancy! But even she recognizes where some improvements can be made. My management or the BIG GUY beating the drum at the front of this little slave ship... doesn't need to or want to hear much of it though. I'm still hearing a lot of this work harder, better, longer, faster, and be perfectly accurate.

Lucky for me I'm beginning to see at least some light at the end of the tunnel on this and along the way have picked up some valuable allies in my plight. Eventually I do believe this will get better. Eventually I think I can help to make it work better. I also think I'll have a decided impact on how secure things can be, and more to the management point... documentable. I'm learning more lately that it's more about the process than the result, at least in this stage of the game that we're in.

Anyway, I've bored you, thanks for listening, but feel free to pat me on the back and buy me a drink at the bar to congratulate my efforts. Remember, I'm with the government and I'm here to help you! (You are all so in trouble!)

While I've been away from the blogosphere though, the world has continued to spin on its axis. I've tried to play some cards online to keep my sanity at night, before heading back to work. But that hasn't been all that pretty. JR and I have been trading bad beat stories each morning when we first get to work. We've both had Kings and Aces stories to swap. JR really got to feel the warm and squishy feeling when he got it all in with pocket rockets, only to meet up against someone else's pocket rockets, and then watch as 4 cards line up all pretty like on the board of the same suit... as his opponents ACE and not his. Checks on table friggin' ONE!!! Ouch buddy, I've had that happen to me. I'd tell you I feel your pain, but frankly I don't feel like feeling that sick right now. I can do without the feeling of having my nuts yanked off! : ) I've dropped $$$ considerably, but ehhh, I've been here before. Feel the grind of the tilt-o-whirl!

In other corners of the web, there have been some really cool things that have happened that only this evening have I been able to catch up with. So, here goes:

Hillary Clinton took the state of West Virginia in the primary election. (cheer_dad shudders!) I wish I could tell you I was excited about someone running for the top office... but I'm not. I've got something not to like about all the contenders. But frankly... Hillary Clinton just friggin' scares me. People that power hungry need it, want it, and will do anything to get and keep it! In the words of Forrest Gump, "that's all I've got to say about that."

Still close to home, MTR Gaming Group (headquartered in Chester, WV) has appointed a new CFO and Executive Vice President, David R. Hughes. He's no stranger to MTR, having worked with them since 2003, in other capacities, but in total brings 24 years of experience in the gaming industry to the proverbial table. He replaces Edson R. (Ted) Arneault who recently announced that he was stepping down. Read all about it here.

According to this article from the AP Wire that I just found, Charles Barkley could be facing charges on failing to pay back $400,000 in casino markers to the Wynn Casino. Hmmm. IDIOT! Jock/celebrity that didn't do much for me before, and now does even less. If you can't pay, don't play. When you can pay, and don't... shame on you!

This article from Pokerlistings.com let me know that GSN is opting NOT to renew "High Stakes Poker." Thank goodness they'll be able to get back to showing those reruns of Family Feud! Oh wait, I forgot one thing... friggin' 'tards!

Pennsylvania is conducting hearings on House Bill 2121 which would allow Pennsylvania to enter the "casino table gaming" market. Recall it's been only a few months that the state of WV opened table games at existing racetracks... 2 of which are VERY near to PA, and causing residents to make a run for the border. Read all about it here.

Well, it's time to wrap up. I hope this makes up for my absence. Hope you all understand. I'll see many of you tomorrow night at JR's for our latest in the NDPT series. Not just cash folks there's points for this one too! : ) I for one could use a little (or a lot) of both!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Ted Arneault stepping down as MTR Gaming's front man

According to a variety of sources Ted Arneault will at the end of the year step down as chairman and chief executive officer of MTR Gaming. Recall I've written before of MTR Gaming, as they are the company which operates the Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack to my north in Chester, WV. Despite the good fortune which allowed the Chester based casino to open first a poker room and then later full casino gaming, and what would appear to be record crowds the greater corporation conglomerate has continued to see declining profits. In fact when a company reports in its 2007 annual report that it lost $11.4 million, well that tends to suggest a losing session. At least that's what I'd tend to call it. Heck, I lose $11.40 in an online session and I feel like a failure, but I digress.

Read the rest of the coverage here:

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44461

It must be pointed out that MTR has "unloaded" a number of its other properties already in an attempt to focus on more of its closer-to-home properties, right here in the hills of West By God Virginia. I hope the move leads to greater stability for both MTR and the region's gambling as a whole. We'll just have to stay tuned.

Ted Arneault has held the CEO spot of MTG Gaming now for 13 years. Oddly enough that was always a lucky number for me. MTR and Mr. Arneault seem to be a bit tight lipped on additional details of his departure from the company. Regardless though, in the interest of good karma, I wish the man well... it's a tough market for the unemployed. : )

Sorry this is about as serious as I get on the journalistic front gang. If you came here looking for cutting edge reporting, boy is your search engine outa whack!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Methinks trouble's a brewin'!!!

You see Google Alerts are good for something. I got my daily Google alert email related to MTR Gaming and what do I find but the following articles which report that some of the Mountaineer Casino's employees may very well go out on strike THIS SATURDAY! Read all about it:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5650059.html (oddly enough I found it in the Houston Chronicle.)

http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=24164 (and subsequently found a similar story back in West Virginia.)

According to the articles 206 employees are set to go on strike in protest of "poverty wages." Included in these workers are the cashiers, slot technicians and money room employees, all of which are represented by Local 23 of the United Food & Commercial Workers. I won't requote all of the particulars of dispute (when you can read them in the articles above) but in my estimation I would kind of agree with the workers in this labor dispute. The fact that the wages being paid do seem a bit skimpy is an understatement. Add to it that the same Union Local represents the employees at Wheeling Island, which is the only other casino in the state of West Virginia currently offering table gaming and poker. The wage differences between the two casinos are as much as $2.00 per hour. And according to the article Wheeling employees insurance is paid 100% by the casino. This in a casino less than an hour away. Sorry MTR Gaming, that's going to be a difficult position from which to offer up any legitimate argument! Face it, if Delaware North Companies Inc. (owner of Wheeling Island is doing it and remaining profitable then I think there can be little excuse, that MTR cannot do the same.)

Recall that poker and table gaming only recently came to the Mountain State, and the voters in each of the counties where casino/racetrack establishments existed had to approve it. One of the arguments was that increased revenue for the state and new jobs would be a positive result of passing the initiative. But as the Union Representative Tony Helfer is quoted from the MetroNews article as stating, "...our members qualify for a lot of state assistance benefits and we think it's wrong that the residents of West Virginia should be subsidizing a racetrack." I for one would have to agree, pumping money into the state's coffers via taxes only to suck them right back out to the people employeed by the casino. Well, something just doesn't seem right about that, particularly when both Wheeling Island and Mountaineer Casinos are both boasting such profits and successes directly related to the recent addition of table games.

MTR Gaming, I think you can do better! In fact, I think I'd bet you on it!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Grumblings in Kentucky

Huntington, WV's Herald Dispatch ran the following editorial Ky. must decide how far into the gambling race it is willing to go. According to the article Kenucky's Governor Steve Beshear wants his state to join the likes of Indiana and West Virginia and begin to allow casino style gaming. The Kentucky Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment to permit casino gambling in the state. A proposal by Gov Beshear would allow up to 12 casinos to open up, but some other proposals making their rounds in the House of Representatives would further restrict these numbers.

It is obviously a heated issue, and being hotly debated in the state that brings us the world-famous Kentucky Derby. : ) Some officials have expressed various objections ranging from the ills of gambling and also, questioning the potential benefits and beneficiaries.

BUT, I think the article states it best with the following passage: "...a significant expansion of casinos in Kentucky would be another step in the ongoing arms race that government-sanctioned gambling has become. Each time one state gets more gambling, neighboring states must up the ante." Emphasis added, especially for the line "ongoing arms race" which is what this whole state gambling competition has become. How true...how true... I'd credit the author if it were listed, but the link'll have to do.

I wish the Bluegrass State luck in their endeavors, whichever direction ultimately they decide to go after all the debate ends. I'm not a resident...their's is not my fight...and either way I wouldn't be playing there anyway. I've got way too many options here in the Mountain State.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Friday uber-posting

At one point last evening, Big Red turned to me and asked, "...so are you winning?" My answer, "...uh no." Short and to the point. Those best laid plans, just ain't gonna pan out there people. Ah but it was fun to pretend. I'd like to be able to say that I've been distracted and too interested in winning and getting the $$$'s to head to Vegas with but I can't say that's been the problem. No really. I honestly can't blame it on... well... anything at all. It is what it is. I can't even particularly say that those others at the tables have been donks or sharks. I can't say that I've been playing badly or well either. In hindsight, I can't even pinpoint anything that I might or might not have done. Most of my reads have been very good, but unfortunately they've been reads which tell me that I'm beat! The reads which are most disturbing are those hands, when I start with an AK or AQ, and big PP, and I get a caller or so, just calling my bets, pre and post flop. All-too-often I've found these guys are "just" calling or "smooth" calling and they got or get the goods. I've had sense and the presence of mind to get away from it, but not without giving away good money on good cards all for naught. Also, lately it's been my experience that when I opt NOT to fire the third bullet on after the Turn card, and the guy to act after me, tosses out a pot or larger than life bet...he really does have it. I've been fortunate in the fact that I've normally had at least one other guy in the hand that invariably makes the call so I've been able to witness the slaughter, and have proof positive that I was in fact beat! Yes, it provides comfort to know that I'm not winning but I'm losing the RIGHT way. (interpret thick layer of sarcasm) I did contribute a bit of extra loss to the affair last night with another $10-spot to the evils of blackjack. Okay, I get it...it's a guilty pleasure. The ring games last night didn't do me any good. I did however hit 3rd in an el cheapo SNG. It was a miracle. I am mystified by how some people severely over value hands. I've watched bets and reraises out there by guys who you can just feel actually believe they have a great hand, and I get to watch from the sidelines as they get butchered. In most cases the hand that I already dropped was superior to the one they are out there gunnin' with...but I had the presence of mind to step away from it knowing that the NUTS hand is there just itchin' to felt me. I've avoided those traps. I've seen guys slow playin' their pocket aces, with 4 and 5 people in the pot. This just floors me. I've had my all-ins called down by J-8s type hands, and I sit in awe. Don't confuse awe for admiration!

I'd like to start shadowing some players at the tables. But picking the players is a bit of a mystery. I've wandered YouTube and found postings of extended virtual table cams, where a player is recording his own session to show how and what they are doing. One I thought was very interesting to say the least was Annette Obrestad's video of her playing a SNG with a post-it note covering her holecards from her own view (in the video you the viewer could see her holecards of course.) I watched her early on fold pocket Kings, unbeknownst to her at the time. She was playing primarily by position...to an extreme, regardless of her cards or stack. I had heard some on the forums attest to how well she played position and that this video was a testament to how important that is, and how truly great annette_15 really is. And while I admire Annette's accomplishments and continued success and repeatability, what I saw in the video was some monstrous good luck. I recall several KEY hands in which she used her position to raise big but should have been clobbered when pushed, but she sucked out! BAD! I'm not saying that we all don't do it from time to time, but man she was runnin' hot at the right times. Not all the time, but just at the right time.

I'm also struck by the fact that my play does typically allow me to win "a little." But NEVER "a lot." I know that's subjective, but here's what I mean. Sure I'm down a few bucks on PokerRewards, but I can drop back and hunker down and over time I'll rebuild back to where I was before. But I'll approach and reach a glass ceiling. And then it'll begin to drop off again. My online and offline sessions are typically punctuated by SLOW starts. No cards, early on, blinding off and giving away 1/4 to 1/2 of my stack in blinds and bets on my good cards, but not connecting. Then I'll hit something...that'll JUST get me back up, just shy of where I started out and I'll just kind of tread water at the table. I never hit big. I never weight my end of the table down with a copious amount of chips. Baby Steps...lotsa baby steps, but never a big or medium profitable run. Reading some guys out there routinely 8-12 tabling at $.50/$1.00 or $1/$2 NLHE tables and turning up profitable sessions nearly all of the time. Now you KNOW 8-12 tabling they're not paying an enormous amount of attention to any one table or any specific players, or taking meaningful notes. They're playing "by the numbers" poker. And I think many of you would classify MY GAME as such. Not a lot of bluffs, very few hands, played, usually no more that 30-35% played preflop, which I don't think anyone would argue that is too many or few, but is probably about right. As of late however, my showdown wins have been under 60%. I would think that number needs to be A LOT higher. Getting rivered, sucked out on, blahblahblah, accounts for some of it, but I would think I need to be closer to around 80+% win rate at showdown. So there's a hole in there somewhere, I just gotta find it. I don't think I'm taking mediocre holdings too far, but it is possible and I'll have to admit it. I need to be tracking progress better. I really do need to get Poker Tracker or some equivalent up and cranking in a useful fashion. Rather than speculation, I need some cold hard facts to point to. So that'll be my next goal on the road to Pokerdom. I need better notes and session tracking information to look back to. I need to pick a style and stick to it exclusively! No mish mash of my method, as it usually just frustrates no one but me.

I also need to pick my poison. Ring Games and levels, SNG's or MTT's.
I need to get some money out on Full Tilt Poker, because I'd really like to try my hand at the Mookie tourneys and some of the other blogger goodness tournements that I keep reading about. Some of my favorite bloggers that I read daily are playing there, and I think I should give that room a shot again. : ) I didn't do so well there once upon a time, but then again it was a very long time ago AND I risked more than a fair share with a really good hand that encountered the nuts and sent me to the rail. At the time I had money on a lot of different sites and I just opted to slink away to one of them instead of redepositing. It made more sense, and it seemed to me that if I'd deposited again, I'd feel like I was playing from behind and I'd be trying too hard and ultimately I'd give way to the forces of TILT! So there was a thought process...and maybe I'm not as all ZEN as all that, but I was at least trying to control my heart beat and rate of breathing, so at least give me the "A" for effort people. Speaking of Zen, I'm currently reading "Zen and the Art of Poker" by Larry Phillips. I know...weirdo, geek, card playerey type shtuff. I'll probably finish it and something else while I'm in Shepherdstown, WV for the next couple of weeks for training. Incidentally, I'm STILL mad at you voters in Jefferson County for not approving "table gaming" at Charles Town Races and Slots, which I'll be within 15 minutes of for this trip. You know where I'd have been every night after class don't you! My prediction in like 3-ish years that you'll be reversing this decision and rolling in the tables and chips. But you know you'll have to wait the full 4 years before putting it back on the ballot now, don't cha! : ) That wasn't a very Zen thing to say now was it! : P

But enough about poker... (pant, pant)

The other topic I wanted to at least give "some" attention to is the SEASON FOUR PREMIERE of LOST!!! Wahoo!!! At least the next 8 episode installments that the writers have decided to grace us with in this mid season/year time to be releasing a series on tv. Whatever it is, I for one am EXTREMEMLY grateful! As always there were more questions than answers in this episode. So much to continue wondering (obsessing about.) The Oceanic 6, Jacob, Charlie, Daniel Faraday, Christian, and a new mystery Matthew Abbadon! I loved the intermingled Oceanic Airlines commercials! THIS is what TV should be! I won't try to cover it for anyone in depth. If you haven't watched it, that's your own fault, go rent it starting from Season 1 and get caught up. For those of you who are avid fans, you know I could spend days out here writing and theorizing about what all is going on on the show. Instead, I'll point you to http://losteastereggs.blogspot.com/ or the homepage proper for it http://darkufo.blogspot.com/. This is a blog/site that I thoroughly enjoy. Visitor participation is great and the Hi Rez screencaptures are fantastic. These guys are workin' hard. Thanks for feeding the addiction and keep up the good work!

And oh there's JR's email announcing NDPT Tourney #2 of the year! February 16th at 6:00pm, this time at his house. I've responded...how about YOU!!!

I've got to wrap this up now...got a few loose ends to deal with before leaving!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Casino gaming articles from The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register

A couple of articles in The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register that I missed regarding table gaming and associated tourism. The first: http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/503740.html discusses the award of grant money to "local tourism hot spots" including Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, in addition to Oglebay Park and the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau. Of the $766,073 being awarded in Wheeling, the Wheeling Island casino will receive $145,587. This grant package in Wheeling is part of a larger $5.1 million funding being handed out by the West Virginia Tourism Commission. The goal is to target more tourism to the various destinations within the state. Trying to turn "day-trippers into overnight visitors," is one of the major goals of floating money into this advertising effort. In any case, the grants awarded are matching funds, so it is clear that double the capital will be utilized in attracting tourism.

The second article: http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/503958.html discusses West Virginia tracks getting table gaming...well yeah, we know. However it does further outline, that one of the cornerstone arguments employed by officials to bring casino gaming to the Mountain State (at least in the Northern Panhandle was the creation of jobs and battling the competition presented to video lottery gambling, as the Pennsylvania General Assembly moved to allow the machines in Pennsylvania as well, cutting into that WV market. Well the argument did in fact work, and Chester and Wheeling have both enjoyed an incredible shot in the arm as far as increased revenues AND new jobs. Wheeling Island, according to the article, has created 500 new jobs and Mountaineer has added 725 new jobs, following the opening of casino style table games at each of the locations.

Check out the articles for yourself...I don't want to steal the thunder of the original writers Shelley Hanson and Joselyn King. They did all the leg work and deserve the credit. I think it's even more interesting to read through the list of comments following each of the articles. Not everyone supports the state's "gambling ways, and are letting their voices be heard. Regardless of the opinions the state is beneficiary to the gambling revenues to the tune of 35% of the profits. Not to mention, the initial $1.5 Million table game licensing fee, which when renewed the following year will increase its price tag to $2.5 Million.

Dollars and cents of this magnitude cannot be ignored!
The boost to a struggling West Virginia economy is much needed!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Opening Day

The Wheeling Intelligencer has the following two articles detailing the opening of table games at both of the northern panhandle casinos.
Chester http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/503642.html?nav=515
Wheeling http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/503641.html?nav=515
Sounds like both casinos are off to a great start with their table games.

I want to go up to see it all (especially Chester) but I just don't know when that's going to happen seeing as things are so busy with the Holiday Season, the kids, and a few big home poker games to be played in a short amount of a remaining hear. Then, not long after that, in 29 Days, 2 Hours, 36 Minutes...we're headed to VEGAS! So, who knows when I'll make it North.

The day's almost DONE!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Drum roll please!

According to reports in less than 10 minutes, the dice will roll, and the cards will be dealt from the shoe, at Chester, WV's Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. According to the news release on their site: http://mtrgaming.com/news/07/12_19_07.html, the West Virginia Lottery Commission gave them the go ahead to go live with full casino gaming on Thursday, December 20th. The ribbon cutting will be at 10:00am.

As more is posted, I'll let you know!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Wheeling site follow up...and other plans

Hmmm, now I'm hopeful that the picture shown here, is actually the Wheeling Island website redesign... Now the bigger question, was it complete before? Were they still working on it? Or is this another friggin' site that the accursed PROXY servers are shredding before displaying?! Say it ain't so, Del!!! Frank have we merely been duped by surfing at work? OR...did your screenshot come from home? I'm still not really all that sold on the idea of the Ford F-150 dwarfing the rest of the home page... maybe a DODGE!!! : ) Blush, is that my hemi showing? Anyway, it is an improvement over what I was seeing earlier. If it was that way earlier today, I guess I'll look foolish again. But after 39 years on the planet, I've been getting used to it by now. I did browse through the rest of the site, and it is better looking than it used to be. It has a little more glitz, and some pictures, and I'm hoping they'll quickly fill in the "blanks" for the other table games as soon as they open on the 20th. BUT, keep in mind that up until this change the news posts on the website were usually at least a month old. Until some time passes, the jury will hold its verdict. Maybe, just maybe I spoke too soon. We shall see.

In other topics Big Red says this Friday night a "bunch" of us are going to dinner and a movie. Adults and children this go 'round. Quickie dinner after work, I'm guessing it'll be somewhere Mexican (think quick.) And then we'll all head to the mall, and the adults are going to indulge ourselves in I Am Legend, while the kids check out the new Alvin and the Chipmunks flick. I've got to confess, I will probably end up watching that one too, later, in disguise. I grew up with these rodents, and honestly the commercials look pretty funny. Now back to "Legend." I read the book by Richard Matheson at Frank's urging. It was short, and I enjoyed it...and I'm curious to see how HollyWeird will modify it to their liking. Nonetheless, the previews look good, and they may make an exciting, interesting film in their own right. Again, jury's still out. I'll let you know later, and this won't be an Ebert and Roper critique. I genuinely love movies...but I'm not all about the director/actor intention and vision. I EXPECT to be entertained. Get it done, and the popcorn better not be stale. End of story...

Regards,

cheer_dad

Wheeling Island website!?

I visited the Wheeling Island website yesterday, to see if there were any news to be found. There was something new, but it wasn't good. Their website is "new." I cannot say improved, and honestly it would not have been hard to improve upon it. I actually crossed my fingers and hoped they were "in the process" of updating it when I visited, but finding it again in this state I'm guessing the powers that be in charge of advertising at Wheeling Island are content with it as a finished product. I decided to echo Frank's comments and email my comments to them as well, I hope it makes an impact, and soon. Here are my comments, and I hope they do NOT go unheard:

What have you done to your website!?! The redesign, if that's what it is, doesn't even have your name at the top of the home page. The old site was amateurish, at best, but at least it had the basic elements of a web presence. Please tell me that the web designers are NOT doing a redesign while in production...if so you should fire them now. With the enormous advertising campaign that Wheeling Island is currently involved in (what with advertisements in CardPlayer and Bluff Magazines, billboards, radio and television commercials) it should be realized that you are doing yourself a disservice with your website. A number of my friends, colleagues, and fellow bloggers continue to track the progress and experience of the newly opened poker room at Wheeling Island, and as well will continue to report on our blogs as the additional table games are formally opened next week, BUT your website definitely needs an overhaul!

Regards,

cheer_dad

http://ndebtpokertour.blogspot.com/

carpe viam :-)

Dreary day...but despite this fact, I managed to get in my walk up Market Street at lunch. I haven't posted much about this BUT I've actually been giving an honest effort at trying to get "active" again. Decided to work up slowly for a while and walk, instead of jumping right back into the running thing, and frustrating myself. Ticker might have given out on me...and I thought I should spare the world from that much blubber flappin' in the breeze. I read a while back that one of the Bloggers I read frequently was none too pleased with the body staring back at him in the mirror, and was going to get back on a diet and lifestyle change. I started to post a comment to his blog, wishing him well, and tell him we were pulling for him, but then I thought...his decision (like mine) is a very personal one. You're not doing it for anyone but yourself. It's the one time that it might be okay to be selfish. It's yours and no one can force it on you, or want it enough for you. So, I stayed out of it. I didn't even bother to tell him that I've been walking for about the past 3+ weeks. Honest. Around 3-4 times a week, when I started. No it's nearly every work day. AND now in the past week or so, I've also added in a treadmill walk/run for around 30 minutes. I'm working my way back up to where I'll easily be able to run that first mile without being winded, or in pain. I gotta stick to this. Lotsa reasons. I think the mysterious abdominal pain I had a while back was due to carrying around too much tonnage. My cholesterol is still high, despite medication, and the doc already told me that my cholesterol levels were "directly" tied to my weight, and that yes that sucks, but it does empower me to at least do something about it. I just needed to stop living a sedentary life, and get up and fargin' MOVE! I've seen that same type of comment from some of the pro poker players as well. You have to work at your own physical and mental well-being in the same fashion that you would work on your poker game. So, I've been trying to do something about it. I've made some "small" modifications to my diet, trying to limit the overindulgence, but I'll admit, that I still occasionally dive into a little junk food. Sadly, when I used to run ALL the time, so many years ago, I ate just about whatever I wanted. I was burning off the calories quickly and easily. I want that body back again. I want to fell that "good" again. Why did I stop? Life... I don't know, I wish I had an answer. Now I have the "privilege" of going through the long and arduous struggle of getting back to where I was. Feels like a back at zero proposition. I'm also convincing myself that efforts in this physical fitness realm are going to have a very real and profound affect on my poker game. I'll become more happy, more confident, eager and aggressive, or so I'm telling myself at least. I may be fooling myself BUT as with other tricks we play on ourselves, it just might work. Sometimes when you feel lucky, or your confidence level is high, a great many good things happen. I'm tired of moping around about the weight...and for that matter my run of cold cards. It's time to take the bull by the horns. It's time for me to get off my "fat" ass and get moving again. In keeping with the motto of the Dead Runner's Society of which I spent a great deal of time reading and discussing a passion for running it's time to:



-translation from the Latin: 'Seize the Road!' or specifically 'Seize the Way!'





Words to live by, at least for a runner. I wish I'd never lost the passion for the thing. I'm hoping I can get it all back. I think it is absolutely essential at this point to my mental and physical well being. No need to comment, this is about me, for me, and not for any of you. I've gotta do this thing. It's not only going to be healthy for me, but it may lift the "brain-cloud." Now how many of you know what that means? Where it came from? Hell I think I may have even mentioned it one other time, in a past blog post.

Enough about my turning over a new fitness leaf...on to other things.

A few more articles in the press regarding poker in WV:

http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Business/2007102213
http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/501292.html

High points (quotes) from these articles:

"Seats in the poker rooms were filled to capacity until at least 5 a.m. Sunday, and even then the rooms remained largely filled, officials said."

"He added that from an operations standpoint, the opening went 'very well.'"

"Neither Marshall nor Mountaineer track officials would say just how much revenue was taken in over the weekend, but West Virginia’s state coffers are awaiting their take."

"The tracks are responsible for paying the state taxes equaling 35 percent of their gross revenue."

“Even during our very busy opening this weekend, guests only experienced a 45-minute wait time," he said. “We are confident players will be able to be accommodated throughout the gaming day at Wheeling Island.”

I wish them all luck, in continued successful operations. May my well wishing, contribute to the "karmic-well" and some of the will flow back to me in spades, or aces, or just some nice friggin' starting hands!

Enough uber posting for the day.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Additional news coverage

Here's a shot of the Wheeling Island Poker Room. Wow, the carpet really was that loud...and not just my beer-goggles! You cannot see the cashcage in this picture, is way in the back, to the right. This picture is from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Also, check out all of the following articles on this past weekend's opening of poker rooms at Wheeling Island & the Mountaineer Racetracks and Gaming Centers...

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501172.html
http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501173.html
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007101924
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07293/827003-336.stm

I'll keep following the story. But it's difficult since the local Parkersburg News and Sentinel doesn't seem interested in providing news about it at all. I think they should probably rethink the mindset that no one is interested.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Buckle up...here we go!

I posted the bulk of the following to the HPT forums as well, with a few modifications, and a little something extra for all you here on the home team!

An early bustout on Saturday night, at my own home game, left me feeling in the words of Teddy KGB, "so unsatisfied," to the point, that with minimal coercion by some of my fellow poker lackeys, a ROAD TRIP was in order! Yup...3 of of piled in the car and headed for Wheeling Island, to behold the newly opened West "by God" Virginia poker room addition to the Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center. We arrived at MIDNIGHT. All 20 tables were FULL! We put our name on the waiting list signup boards. How popular is poker?...well the waiting list for 1/2 NLHE had 94 players on it, and 2/4 Limit had 74! There were 40 on the waiting list for 2/5 NLHE, I couldn't tell you how many there were on the Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo, but I do recall that there were 25 on the waiting list of the 7-card stud game. There was even an "interest list" forming for a 10/20 NLHE table! I'd like to report a winning session, but it just didn't come together for me. Hands of note for me for the night. My first two dragged pots, were lackluster, since I had to split 'em!!! 1.) Late position I look down at AJc. The board comes Kc-Qc-9h. Like I'm EVER gonna get away from this one. The river brought the 10...unfortunately not the elusive 10 of clubs! I've got my straight, and table it proudly, only to watch 2 OTHER GUYS turn over their AJos as well, for a 3-way split! ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! 2.) From late position AGAIN, everyone limping in, I join 'em, with a KJos. Flop K-2-2 feel pretty good about it...the turn is a blank...the river is another KING, and makes a flush possible for someone, but my boat feels really good now! But I get to split it as well with the lady from Florida to my right, who also has a KING...and had me dominated up to the river with her KQ! Splittin' sucks, but I did dodge a bullet there! I dragged a small pot, with a straight, and then proceeded to lose with a set of 5's...a set of 6's...and I got pounded on 2 flopped straights, when the river flushed someone other than me, once by the schmuck with the 72s, who just "had to keep me honest." But hey...I had a great time, and I think they've made a great start with the poker room. The table "features" were very nice, with the LED screens which display for the dealer everyone's name. When you sit, the dealer swipes your players card. When you leave, they press a button for your seat, and it is immediately vacated by the system, and updates the floor and they go to the waiting list. Call buttons for chip runners, another for cocktails, and another for "floor decisions." I give them high marks in that regard. I'm sure they'll be adding some additional waitresses, who were doing their best to keep 'em coming, throughout the night. The bar is just outside of the poker room, and next to it is the restroom, which are both a BIG plus in my book. I expect that the the poker room at Wheeling will continue to be a hot spot, although around the first of the year, when the rest of the table games open people will have additional options at their disposal. Of course, by then the poker room will be running more tournaments, SNG's, etc... If you have the chance, I highly recommend checking it out. We wandered out into the world the next morning, when the sun was coming up, and headed for home. There were a few empty tables at that point, but the room was still very much occupied! I don't think I actually saw an empty table in the room until after 3:00AM.

As soon as I make it to Chester, WV to visit Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Center, I'll report on it as well. And then later on when Cross Lanes, Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center opens it's poker room and table games I'll head there as well. Wow, maybe I've got issues...but until I pass that final judgement, in the meantime I've got OPTIONS!!!

Also, all the results from NDPT #10 and the points race are all updated on the homepage. Visit and enjoy! BIG THANKS and LOVE to BIG RED for allowing me to head to Wheeling on the spur of the moment...and letting me back in the door, despite coming home with fewer dollars than I left with. Next on the conquest list...Chester, WV! What's that about a weekend road trip? Did I hear something...from someone...anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller... Oh and eerie similarities were discovered on the drive to Wheeling. John Cusack...that's all I'm sayin'... AND sadly Frank now understands what snoring is all about! JR already knew from Vegas. I'm sure Frank will have things to add as well on his blog, check it out.

Regards,

cheer_dad

There's just so much going on.

West Virginia is truly "Open For Business" with the launch of Poker at two of the state's racetrack and gaming centers. First, at 10am this morning, Wheeling Island opened its poker room to the public, by now I'm sure they've had too many suckouts and bad beats to count. Easy on the hillbillies can't count thing...since we don't wear shoes anyway, we can at least get up to 20. So back off! Second, Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Center will open their poker room at 4:00pm!

Visit both of the following home pages for each of the WV casinos now offering POKER:
http://www.wheelingisland.com
http://www.mtrgaming.com/index2.html

I noted yesterday the passing of Joey Bishop.

And now today, I read that they imploded the SANDS in Atlantic City. It's like overload for the gambler in me. Not to mention the fact that I played last night at Bob's house, tonight at the Yanok's and tomorrow night at my house. Big Red says I better win, tonight if I plan on playing tomorrow. No pressure there, especially after losing $59 last night. Friggin' CARD DEAD!!! I swear, just ask JR!!! I've posted some additional commentary on last night's game on the HPT forums, some of which I suppose bares repeating here:

I attended the Kress game again last night. JR came along too. I asked him to pay attention to my play, and help me to fill some holes in my game, that I might not be aware of. We played for around 6-hours, and for my efforts I finished down $59. UGH... JR bought in for $50, cashed out for $370-ish! Way to go...congratulations! We rode together so on the way home, we had an extended conversation about the game in general and how each of us played specifically. The vast majority of his stack came in the last 10 minutes of play. He was up, most of the evening, and perfectly content, but he made nearly $250 in that last 10 minutes!!! Two hands did it for him. He hit KK on the first one, and was re-re-raised preflop, and got paid off well. Then, the next hand. JR bumps it preflop, and Bob is the next to act, who had also bled off part of his stack in the previous hand. He looks down...and immediately shoves it all-in, for like another $90-ish. The rest of us fold, at what has now dwindled to become a 5-6 player table. It goes back to JR who says whatever it is I have to call you, and shoves all in, and displays his rockets. Bob reluctantly turns over J-9os. ByeBye, see ya...and the rockets hold up in all their glory. Bob had nurtured a stack all night from $50, up to over $250, and donked most of it off in 10 minutes. OOPS. I think JR is still smiling! : )

But enough about him...it's my turn. Like I said we talked on the way home, and again this morning at work. Before I offered up any opinion of my own play, I asked him what he thought. His words, "you were card dead! You had Nothing, all-night-long!" AHHH, I feel vindicated, if nothing else. I was card dead, and the real sad part is, it wasn't even as bad as the last time I'd attended this game. The time before was MUCH worse! This time I actually had a couple of low pocket pairs and even Big Slick once. Granted none of those got me paid, but I didn't lose as much as I could have. I had the good sense to get away from another guy's flopped straight when I had Big Slick, and on each of my low pockets, both times someone else nailed their set. Once unfortunately another someone spanked them (not me) with a straight (hole cards 7-4os!!!) The guy who did that will be referred to as "Call-Station-Carl," he needs a name since I'm VERY focused on his play, for the rest of this post. Call-Station-Carl likes to see the flop...a lot. And when he sees the flop, he really likes to see what's in the river too! I counted the number of times that Call-Station-Carl did not see the flop, in six hours. Despite some hefty preflop raises, I think I counted only 4 or 5 hands that he folded preflop in our 6 hours of play! I'm NOT kidding! I recall seeing him go to "showdown" with a Q-3os, when it was bumped to $15-ish preflop, and he wasn't even one of the blinds! He made a straight on the river with his 3. In fact, I haven't seen as many straights in my entire poker career, as he hit last night. It was absolutely incredible! Absolute junk cards, turning to gold before our eyes. Unreal.
I was proud of myself, in getting away from "Call-Station-Carl" on one hand, when he smooth-called me through the turn, and then decided to go "crazy" and re-raise me on the river. Despite the fact that a healthy pot had materialized, I released my flopped 2-pair. Another guy decided to pay him off, and called, and he showed his hand, a flopped straight! Another 7-4os for "Call-Station-Carl". He was in the zone.

Matt J was there as well...albeit briefly. I talked to him just a little while ago, and he said, "...between how hot it was in the basement and the fuckin' suckouts, I was DONE!" Between Call-Station-Carl and JR...Matt's stack was divied up. Carl was called down a $20 preflop raise from Matt, and basically bent him over. A tilt move or 2 after that and well ...Nuff said...

I opted to play my standard game, like most of you suggested, sticking to reasonable hands only, and only occasionally playing something wacky from late position. I recall only winning 2 pots in 6 hours. A smallish pot when I hit an open-ended straight draw, against "Call-Station-Carl" on the turn. The other hand I was the BB with a J-3os, and turned it into 2-pair, on the river. Not much of a pot there either. When the table began to dwindle in the last hour and a half, to 6 players and then 5, I loosened up and just decided to see most flops, when they weren't raised, with just about anything. There was no point in even trying to steal anything. "Call-Station-Carl" was calling everything, and his sidekick Doug was usually in there too...so like I said you could ONLY win it, when you had it. End of story! You were getting called to the river by somebody, even if they only had bottom pair. I say that since I couldn't get Carl off of his 8-2os, once, against my pocket 3's, despite raising. He paired his 8, which was the lowest card on the board! Nice "2" kicker, sir! And by sir I mean fucker... So, my choice to start seeing most of the flops, was a dim hope of hitting something, and pull off a little hit and run. (The poker gods had their fingers poised over the "SMITE" button.) So, did I play tight yes, early on. Did I loosen up, oh hell yeah, BUT, if I had remained tight, I would have merely reduced the amount of my loss. I could NOT have won money for the night. I never got above my initial buy-in, ever...

So again, like I said earlier, I feel a bit vindicated, when JR told me I was truly card dead. It was a bit of a relief to me. Too much self doubt has been entering in to my game lately, regarding my general ability at playing this accursed game. In closing... (hold the applause, yes, I'm almost done) I'm glad I had a witness.

Regards,

cheer_dad

It's official!!!

The Wheeling Island home page http://www.wheelingisland.com/Sites/WIRT/ now states that its POKER ROOM will officially open this Friday, October 19th!!!

Shuffle up and Deal WV!

Regards,
cheer_dad

Additional information

Taken from the following at CardPlayer.com:

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/article/9933/west-virginia-poker-rooms-may-open-friday

"...The games spread at both rooms will be Texas hold’em, as well as Omaha and stud whenever demand dictates. They will be spreading limit and no-limit games starting as low as $2-$4 for limit and $1-$2 for no-limit. The rake will be 10 percent up to $5 per pot.
Daily tournaments at both rooms will eventually be spread, and World Series of Poker qualifiers will also take place, starting in January.This summer, residents in the two counties where the casinos are located voted to allow the tracks to add casino games and poker. Immediately after the vote, Wheeling Island started building a 20-table poker room and Mountaineer began building a 37-table one..."

These tidbits are very informative. Finally able to read up here at home, free from the bonds of the accursed proxy. In short people...it's GAME ON!

Regards,

cheer_dad

WV, really open for business (poker that is)

Two articles below speak more about the coming of table games (particularly POKER) and 24/7 operations in West Virginia casinos. I copied them here, in there entirety for the proxy challenged:

http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/2007101128

The Charleston Gazette

October 12, 2007

24/7 racetrack operation OK’d
By Phil Kabler Staff writer
With Thursday’s unanimous vote of the Lottery Commission, the state’s four racetracks can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
However, it could be days, perhaps weeks, before track employees and Lottery personnel are ready to do that, Lottery Director John Musgrave said.
“We have to make sure that they’re ready, and we have to make sure we’re ready, and that everyone is licensed who’s going to work the floor,” he said.
- advertisement -State Racing Association President John Cavacini said Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort in Chester and Wheeling Island Racetrack and Racing Center hope to test the waters with charity table games early next week.
Those test-runs would use tokens or play money instead of chips, and could help determine whether new table game employees at the tracks — as well as on-site Lottery personnel — are sufficiently trained and prepared.
The charity games would also let the tracks and Lottery make sure that surveillance cameras and other security measures work properly.
“Whether that happens Monday or Tuesday will depend on whether we’re ready and they’re ready,” Musgrave said of a test-run.
Commissioners Thursday also approved 292 pages of rules of play and standards of accounting and internal controls for table games — effectively, the Lottery’s handbook for supervising and regulating table games.
The rules cover everything from the proper manner for dealers to cut and shuffle cards to procedures for track personnel to report suspicious activity within the casino areas.
They also included detailed rules of play for seven-card stud poker, hold-’em poker, Omaha poker, five-card draw, five-card stud, three-card poker, four-card poker, pai gow poker, blackjack, craps and mini-craps, roulette, Big Six wheel, Let It Ride poker, Caribbean Stud poker and baccarat. Musgrave said the voluminous rules and regulations were prepared with the assistance of Spectrum Gaming, the international gaming consulting firm hired by the Lottery in August.
He said that once table gaming begins, the tracks will ease into daily operations. The tracks will begin with player-versus-player games such as hold-’em, before initiating games where the players play against the house, such as blackjack.
Eventually, the tracks will expand into more difficult games to supervise, such as craps and roulette.
- advertisement -While Thursday’s vote technically also applies to video lottery, Musgrave said it is likely to be six weeks or more before the Lottery has the technology in place to operate the video slot machines 24 hours a day.
The central computer system that operates the more than 12,000 machines at the tracks has to shut down the machines for about three hours each day to download and tabulate data, he said.
New software on order that would allow 24/7 video slot operations is being tested by the Lottery’s consulting firm, Gaming Labs International. The software will get additional in-house testing, Musgrave said.
“We would want to test it for several weeks to make sure it operates properly on our system,” he said.
Procedurally, the Lottery Commission would have to vote to approve the new software before it could go into use.
The 24/7 operation approved Thursday also applies to Charles Town Races and Slots, the only West Virginia track where county voters rejected table games.
To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.

*******************************

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/501046.html?nav=515&actionAlert=emailcontent

The Intelligencer/ Wheeling News-Register
POSTED: October 16, 2007

Tracks Deal Cards - Charity Poker Games Held at Casinos
By JOSELYN KING
WHEELING — He lives close to The Meadows, but Scott McKinnen of Washington, Pa., made the 35-mile drive Monday to Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center for a few hands of poker.
The racetrack opened the doors to its smoke-free poker room Monday for a charity event that benefited local organizations and served as a dry run training session for dealers and table gambling personnel. A second event is set for 4-8 p.m. today.
If all goes well, poker games for money will start at 10 a.m. Friday, according to Robert Marshall, president and general manager at the track. The track is to open at 7 a.m. that day and to remain open around the clock.
Similar games to benefit charity were held Monday and continue today at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort in Chester.
McKinnen was one of the first in line at Wheeling Island on Monday and said he came to the track “just to see what was going on.” He added he has been to The Meadows racetrack and video slot machine casino “a couple of times.”
“They don’t have table games,” McKinnen said. “I’m not much of a machine player.
“If The Meadows gets table gambling, I probably will go there,” he added. “It’s closer. But I’d still come down here once in a while.”
Though the dry run opening wasn’t widely publicized, visitors from Blacksburg, Va., and Canton, Ohio, were among the first to sit down at the Island gambling tables.
‘‘We learned about it just by chance,’’ said Julie Hoffman of Canton, who came with a friend. ‘‘We wanted to see the room.’’
Letha Penyak of Powhatan Point said it was curiosity that brought her out for the poker games, while Eric Knierim said the charity aspect was a major reason he came.
“It’s also a lot of fun,’’ Knierim added, saying he ‘‘absolutely’’ would be returning for more poker games at the track.
Proceeds from the poker events are to benefit the Wheeling Island WISH Foundation, Family Services Upper Ohio Valley, Wheeling Health Right, YWCA, The United Way-Upper Ohio Valley and the Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling.
Patrons are being asked to contribute $20. In return, they receive $100 in poker chips. Refreshments are provided to them, and their name is entered into a drawing for a door prize.
There are 20 tables in the poker room, and each can seat up to 10 players. This means as many as 200 can be at the poker tables at any given time.
And when the games officially start Friday, they will be non-stop, according to Marshall. Current plans call for the track to open at 7 a.m. Friday and to remain open 24 hours a day.
There will be daily poker tournaments at the track, and it will be a stop on the World Series of Poker Tour beginning Jan. 6.
“We’re not sure if we’ll have television coverage here, but we’d like to have it,” Marshall said. “They start with local tournaments, then it moves on to regionals.”
The poker room is on the lower level at the track, near the non-smoking area for slot machines and the new Jim Beam Sports Grill. Smoking is prohibited in the poker room, which is common in poker rooms in the United States, according to Marshall.
When roulette and blackjack games begin at the track in the coming months, these will be on the upper level of the track in the smoking areas. Smoking will be allowed at those tables, Marshall added.

Photos by Scott McCloskeyPatria Bledsoe of Wheeling, a new card dealer employee at the Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, deals during the first poker games at the track Monday night. The racetrack opened the doors to its poker room for a charity event that served as practice for its dealers and table gambling personnel, and a similar event is to happen from 4-8 p.m. today. The track is slated to open for actual poker play for money on Friday morning.

******************************

That's right boys and girls...it could be as early as this FRIDAY, October 19th, that the poker room in Wheeling will be in FULL swing. See you all there real soon, as a matter of fact, "some" of us may be headed up on Veteran's Day weekend.

In the meantime, however, there's a game to be played at the Yanok's on Friday...and at my house on Saturday.

Regards,

cheer_dad