Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'gambling'

Australian Gambler Sues Over Lost Millions

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Harry Kakavas is suing a casino in Melbourne. During a 14 month gambling spree, he lost nearly a billion dollars. Kakavas claims that at a time when he was already banned from every casino in Australia, managers at the Crown Casino deliberately lured him back to their baccarat tables, even offering a line of credit. He's charging them with breach of state gambling laws.

Casinos Gamble On Smoking, Osmonds

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

The nation's gambling palaces are setting their course for hard times. In Atlantic City, N.J., officials repealed a smoking ban less than two weeks after it took effect. Officials say they don't want to hurt the economy by driving smokers away from the tables. You may hurt your lungs: but you're helping your country. In Las Vegas, the Flamingo is asking two entertainers to do their part. Donnie and Marie Osmond have extended their variety show for two more years.

Conn. Gambling Industry Not So 'Recession-Proof'

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:13:00 EDT

The gambling industry has long been considered immune to downturns in the economy. But in southeastern Connecticut, two large casinos are feeling the pinch. One has laid off 700 workers, and the other is delaying an expansion that was to employ 1,200 construction workers.

California Tries To Raise $4 Billion In Bonds

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Officials in California begin selling billions of dollars worth of bonds Tuesday. The state held off until now because of turmoil in credit markets. But officials say other states have managed to sell bonds, and they are gambling that the money is out there to cover at least part of the state's needs. Julie Small reports for member station KPCC.

Defining Addiction And Its Many Forms

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:21:00 EDT

Whether it's drugs, shopping, or gambling, addiction can take control your life. Today, we kick off our month-long series about addiction. Farai Chideya speaks with Dr. Tim Fong — co-director of University of California Los Angeles' gambling studies program — and Dr. Jon Grant, associate professor of psychiatry at University of Minnesota.

Former NBA Referee Sentenced

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:38:00 EDT

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in a gambling scandal. Donaghy bet on games in which he officiated and tipped off other gamblers about inside-NBA information. He pleaded guilty last year.

Presidential Gambling

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 07:00:00 EDT

They can deliver speeches, they can talk trade policy, or bash Congress — but how do presidents do at the poker table?

Summary Judgment: 'Finding' vs. 'Wall-E'

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Writer Mark Jordan Legan examines the latest movies. Wall-E is an animated feature about a young robot searching for a home in outer space. Wanted is an action movie based on graphic novel about a team of assassins and Finding Amanda, is a comedy about compulsions we can't shake: drugs, booze and gambling, starriong Mathew Broderick and Brittany Snow.

House Holds Hearing on Thoroughbred Racing

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Drugs, gambling and horse deaths are at issue today when Congress considers thoroughbred racing. Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and one of today's witnesses, discusses the state of the sport.

Ex-Referee Says 2002 NBA Playoff Was Rigged

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:00:00 EDT

A former referee at the center of a gambling scandal has alleged that NBA referees rigged a 2002 playoff series to force it to seven games. Tim Donaghy also says the NBA routinely encouraged referees to ring up bogus fouls to manipulate results but ignore calls against star players.

How to Travel on $300

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Primm, Nev., is just across the California border, and it's a place to stop for those who just can't bear to drive another hour to Las Vegas to begin gambling.

Gambling Industry Suffering in Economic Downturn

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:39:00 EDT

Gambling revenues have declined in Clark County, Nev., by 4 percent, the first drop in revenue since Sept. 11, 2001. Robert Goodman, former director of the U.S. Gambling Research Institute, talks with Michelle Noris about how the U.S economic slowdown is affecting many industries in Las Vegas, including gaming.

Casino's Bankruptcy Signals Gambling Boom's Bust

Tue, 06 May 2008 08:17:00 EDT

Casino operator Tropicana Entertainment has filed for bankruptcy protection. And there are signs the economic downturn is spreading to the gambling industry.

Bottom Line: Are Casinos Recession-Proof...

Mon, 05 May 2008 13:00:00 EDT

In Michigan — a state with the highest unemployment rate in the nation — some officials are banking on the notion that casinos are recession-proof. While some Detroit gambling centers are doing well, however, others are laying off workers.

What's Taking a Bite Out of Atlantic City Casinos...

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:58:00 EDT

Atlantic City is at a loss. Last year, for the first time, its casino revenues declined when East Coast competitors cut into the gambling action. But at least one casino is hedging its bets by offering spas and cocktails served by the "Borgata Babes."

Ky.'s Options to Make Up Shortfall Unpopular

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EDT

As Kentucky lawmakers consider what to do about a projected $900-million budget shortfall over the next two years, most residents don't like the solutions they're hearing. Among them: steep cuts to higher education, a big hike in cigarette taxes and casino gambling.

How to Revamp the Oscars: A Genius Plan

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

This year's Academy Awards got the worst ratings in ceremony history. Madeleine Brand talks to comedy duo Frangela, former Seinfeld writer Peter Mehlman and others about how they'd fix the show. Prince, gambling and bare midriffs are part of the plan.

Dozens Charged in Mob Sting Spanning Five Years

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:43:00 EST

Federal prosecutors have rounded up as many as 60 people, many of them alleged members of the Gambino crime family, and charged them in a 170-page indictment with murders, drug trafficking, conspiracy, illegal gambling and extortion. The five-year investigation yielded one of the largest organized crime stings in decades.

Super Bowl Surprises Extend to Las Vegas

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:42:00 EST

With such an unexpected upset win by the New York Giants in the Super Bowl on Sunday night, how did purveyors of sports gambling in Las Vegas fare? The feeling on the street is that the house got beat up a little, says Anthony Curtis, president of LasVegasAdvisor.com.

Gambler Pardoned in White House Tradition

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:58:00 EST

William Charles Jordan Jr. ran into trouble 10 years ago for his connections to a pro-football gambling ring. On Tuesday, he was among 29 convicts pardoned by President Bush in an annual White House tradition.

Vick Sentenced to 23 Months for Conspiracy

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick is sentenced to 23 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

Macau: A Taste of Portugal in Asia

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:24:00 EST

The former Portuguese colony of Macau has recently overtaken Las Vegas as the world's gambling capital. But Anthony Kuhn, who covers China and Northeast Asia, says visitors would be missing out if they dined only at swish new casinos.

John Daly, Golfing (and Living) His Own Way

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:02:00 EST

Bad-boy golfer John Daly doesn't have an exercise regimen. He begins his day with a Diet Coke and a cigarette, and he has battled addictions to alcohol and gambling. But he sure can play. His new book is Golf My Own Damn Way.

Outlook Dicey for World's New Gambling Capital

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:09:00 EST

The Chinese territory of Macau surpassed Las Vegas in revenues from gambling for the first time last year. American companies are rushing in to open new hotels and casinos, but some observers are already wondering how long the gold rush can last.

Backlash Against Slot Machines in W.Va.

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:12:00 EDT

West Virginia is one of a handful of states that allows slot machines and other forms of video gambling in neighborhood bars, as well as at racetracks. But while other states are considering expanding their gambling options, many West Virginians are now having second thoughts.