NBA Playoffs Betting: Spurs attempt to even series with Hornets

May 11, 2008

The defending world champion San Antonio Spurs try to even their Western Conference semifinal series with the New Orleans Hornets at two games apiece, as the teams battle tonight at the AT&T Center.

Game 5 of this best-of-seven series is scheduled for Tuesday at New Orleans Arena.

NBA Playoffs Betting: Spurs attempt to even series with Hornets

May 11, 2008

The defending world champion San Antonio Spurs try to even their Western Conference semifinal series with the New Orleans Hornets at two games apiece, as the teams battle tonight at the AT&T Center.

Game 5 of this best-of-seven series is scheduled for Tuesday at New Orleans Arena.

NBA Playoffs: Jazz Deal Lakers First Loss of Postseason

May 10, 2008

Carlos Boozer had a huge night with 27 points and 20 rebounds, as the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 104-99, in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Deron Williams overcame a wrist injury to score 18 points and dish out 12 assists for the Jazz, who also got 22 points from Mehmet Okur.

NBA Playoffs: Jazz Deal Lakers First Loss of Postseason

May 10, 2008

Carlos Boozer had a huge night with 27 points and 20 rebounds, as the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 104-99, in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Deron Williams overcame a wrist injury to score 18 points and dish out 12 assists for the Jazz, who also got 22 points from Mehmet Okur.

Law Enforcement Charged with Stealing Money From Illegal Gambling Operation

May 11, 2008

The chief of the Triad Alcohol Beverage Control Law Enforcement was arrested Wednesday, and is charged with stealing more that $1000 in Federal Bureau of Investigation funds, according to papers filed in U.S. District Court.

According to the documents, ABC Chief Danny Ray Burton was under investigation for allegedly stealing money on separate occasions.

Law Enforcement Charged with Stealing Money From Illegal Gambling Operation

May 10, 2008

The chief of the Triad Alcohol Beverage Control Law Enforcement was arrested Wednesday, and is charged with stealing more that $1000 in Federal Bureau of Investigation funds, according to papers filed in U.S. District Court.

According to the documents, ABC Chief Danny Ray Burton was under investigation for allegedly stealing money on separate occasions.

Thirty Years of Gambling in Atlantic City - A Look Back

May 11, 2008

The ads were titled "Help Yourself, Help Atlantic City, Help New Jersey," and they made a series of promises, if only voters would pull the "yes" lever to legalize casino gambling.

Having casinos in Atlantic City would "balance taxes, create jobs, boost the economy, and cut down on street crime," the advertisements assured. Thirty years after singer Steve Lawrence tossed the first dice onto a green felt table to kick off legalized gambling on Memorial Day 1978, there is no question that casinos have transformed Atlantic City into a $5 billion-a-year powerhouse.

BetUS.com Posts Odds on Triple Crown and Preakness

May 11, 2008

Despite triumph and tragedy meeting at the Kentucky Derby this past weekend, fan interest and fascination in the possibility of a horse winning the Triple Crown is at an all time high.  Affirmed remains the last horse to win the triple crown in 1978 and fans are wondering how Big Brown stacks up – and what the field will look like at the Preakness.

WSOP Academy Ladies Only event with Annie Duke is set for June 6-7 in Las Vegas

May 11, 2008

The World Series of Poker Academy's Ladies Only Event, which last year saw one of its participants go on to win the title of Ladies World Champion at the 2007 World Series of Poker, is heading back to Las Vegas this summer. The two-day, intensive poker school designed for women poker players of all skill levels and hosted by Annie Duke will be held June 6-7, 2008, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, just ahead of the $1,000 buy-in Ladies No-Limit Hold'em World Championship.

WSOP Academy Ladies Only event with Annie Duke is set for June 6-7 in Las Vegas

May 9, 2008

The World Series of Poker Academy's Ladies Only Event, which last year saw one of its participants go on to win the title of Ladies World Champion at the 2007 World Series of Poker, is heading back to Las Vegas this summer. The two-day, intensive poker school designed for women poker players of all skill levels and hosted by Annie Duke will be held June 6-7, 2008, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, just ahead of the $1,000 buy-in Ladies No-Limit Hold'em World Championship.

Lindsay Lohan has been axed from a forthcoming film about Charles Manson

May 11, 2008

Lindsay Lohan has reportedly been axed from a forthcoming film about Charles Manson.

The actress was due to star in independent movie 'The Manson Girls' - playing Nancy Pitman, one of the cult followers of the notorious Manson who was convicted of seven counts of murder in 1971 - but was dropped after other actors refused to work alongside her. The 21-year-old actress signed up for the movie in March and was due to start shooting in Los Angeles in July.

Lindsay Lohan has been axed from a forthcoming film about Charles Manson

May 9, 2008

Lindsay Lohan has reportedly been axed from a forthcoming film about Charles Manson.

The actress was due to star in independent movie 'The Manson Girls' - playing Nancy Pitman, one of the cult followers of the notorious Manson who was convicted of seven counts of murder in 1971 - but was dropped after other actors refused to work alongside her. The 21-year-old actress signed up for the movie in March and was due to start shooting in Los Angeles in July.

NBA Playoff Odds: Boston D Party

May 9, 2008

Paul Pierce paced a balanced Boston attack with 19 points and six rebounds as the Celtics routed Cleveland, 89-73, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Kevin Garnett added 13 points and 12 boards for the Celtics, who took a 2-0 series lead with the win. Ray Allen, who was held scoreless for the first time since February 26, 1997 in the opener of this series, bounced back with 16 points for Boston, which is a perfect 6-0 at home in the postseason.

NBA Playoff Odds: Boston D Party

May 9, 2008

Paul Pierce paced a balanced Boston attack with 19 points and six rebounds as the Celtics routed Cleveland, 89-73, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Kevin Garnett added 13 points and 12 boards for the Celtics, who took a 2-0 series lead with the win. Ray Allen, who was held scoreless for the first time since February 26, 1997 in the opener of this series, bounced back with 16 points for Boston, which is a perfect 6-0 at home in the postseason.

NHL Playoffs: Red Wings Use Power Play To Get Past Stars in Game 1

May 9, 2008

Tomas Holmstrom posted a goal and an assist, as the Detroit Red Wings downed the Dallas Stars, 4-1, in Game 1 of their Western Conference finals series from Joe Louis Arena.

Brian Rafalski, Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula also scored for the top- seeded Red Wings, who will host Game 2 on Saturday night. Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall both had two assists, while Chris Osgood ran his playoff record to 7-0 by stopping 20-of-21 shots.  "It was a good win, but we know we have to be better in the next game," Osgood said.

NHL Playoffs: Red Wings Use Power Play To Get Past Stars in Game 1

May 9, 2008

Tomas Holmstrom posted a goal and an assist, as the Detroit Red Wings downed the Dallas Stars, 4-1, in Game 1 of their Western Conference finals series from Joe Louis Arena.

Brian Rafalski, Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula also scored for the top- seeded Red Wings, who will host Game 2 on Saturday night. Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall both had two assists, while Chris Osgood ran his playoff record to 7-0 by stopping 20-of-21 shots.  "It was a good win, but we know we have to be better in the next game," Osgood said.

Onex Eyes Move Into Gambling Industry

May 9, 2008

Onex Corp. is ready to place a bet on the U.S. gambling industry, with struggling casino icon Tropicana Entertainment LLC a potential target for Gerald Schwartz's buyout firm.

Onex has top-end help in its hunt for a gambling deal, teaming up with Alex Yemenidjian, the former president of Kirk Kerkorian's MGM Grand casino empire. The firm is employing the same strategy in another beat-up business, building products, where Onex has joined with Masonite International Corp. founder Philip Orsino to seek deals.In gambling, the focus isn't just on the neon and flash of the Las Vegas strip, where the Tropicana is a well-known name in lights, but in more out-of-the-way places.

Onex Eyes Move Into Gambling Industry

May 9, 2008

Onex Corp. is ready to place a bet on the U.S. gambling industry, with struggling casino icon Tropicana Entertainment LLC a potential target for Gerald Schwartz's buyout firm.

Onex has top-end help in its hunt for a gambling deal, teaming up with Alex Yemenidjian, the former president of Kirk Kerkorian's MGM Grand casino empire. The firm is employing the same strategy in another beat-up business, building products, where Onex has joined with Masonite International Corp. founder Philip Orsino to seek deals.In gambling, the focus isn't just on the neon and flash of the Las Vegas strip, where the Tropicana is a well-known name in lights, but in more out-of-the-way places.

BetUS.com Posts Odds on Triple Crown and Preakness

May 9, 2008

Despite triumph and tragedy meeting at the Kentucky Derby this past weekend, fan interest and fascination in the possibility of a horse winning the Triple Crown is at an all time high.  Affirmed remains the last horse to win the triple crown in 1978 and fans are wondering how Big Brown stacks up – and what the field will look like at the Preakness.

Britney Spears is considering buying a $6 million mansion in Encino, Los Angeles

May 8, 2008

Britney Spears is reportedly considering buying a $5.96 million mansion in Encino, Los Angeles.

The troubled singer–who was recently given back some of her visitation rights to her two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline - viewed the five-bedroom, six-bathroom property yesterday afternoon (07.05.08).

Britney Spears is considering buying a $6 million mansion in Encino, Los Angeles

May 8, 2008

Britney Spears is reportedly considering buying a $5.96 million mansion in Encino, Los Angeles.

The troubled singer–who was recently given back some of her visitation rights to her two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline - viewed the five-bedroom, six-bathroom property yesterday afternoon (07.05.08).

Spygate: Former Pats employee Walsh sends eight tapes to NFL

May 8, 2008

Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh has reportedly sent the NFL eight tapes showing that the team recorded play- calling signals by coaches of five opponents over six games between 2000 and 2002.

However, according to a report in the New York Times, the tapes do not include video of the St. Louis Rams walkthrough practice prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, which Walsh had been rumored to possess.

Spygate: Former Pats employee Walsh sends eight tapes to NFL

May 8, 2008

Former Patriots employee Matt Walsh has reportedly sent the NFL eight tapes showing that the team recorded play- calling signals by coaches of five opponents over six games between 2000 and 2002.

However, according to a report in the New York Times, the tapes do not include video of the St. Louis Rams walkthrough practice prior to Super Bowl XXXVI, which Walsh had been rumored to possess.

Top Card Gambling Scenes In Movie History

May 8, 2008
 
We first see the Cincinnati Kid (Steve McQueen) playing against amateurs on the wrong side of the tracks in 1930s New Orleans — Hood: “He ain’t going to put out $194 on a lousy pair.” Kid: “You did.” — but 11 minutes in, we know where this movie is going. The man, Lancey Howard (a pitch-perfect Edward G. Robinson), is coming to town and he’s going to play the Kid, the local favorite. Everything is build-up to this game. There are two women, of course, the good one (Tuesday Weld) and the bad one (Ann-Margret, the original cause of global warming), a mentor (Karl Malden) and the rich local boy who wants to see Lancey gutted (Rip Torn).

Top Card Gambling Scenes In Movie History

May 8, 2008
 
We first see the Cincinnati Kid (Steve McQueen) playing against amateurs on the wrong side of the tracks in 1930s New Orleans — Hood: “He ain’t going to put out $194 on a lousy pair.” Kid: “You did.” — but 11 minutes in, we know where this movie is going. The man, Lancey Howard (a pitch-perfect Edward G. Robinson), is coming to town and he’s going to play the Kid, the local favorite. Everything is build-up to this game. There are two women, of course, the good one (Tuesday Weld) and the bad one (Ann-Margret, the original cause of global warming), a mentor (Karl Malden) and the rich local boy who wants to see Lancey gutted (Rip Torn).

While Some Struggle, Business is Booming for Many New Casinos

May 8, 2008

Some credit the rise of foreign currencies like the euro and Chinese yuan. Others say it’s the need for escapism during difficult times. Either way, the casino business is booming.

In Atlantic City, MGM Mirage has finally promised to break ground on the $4 to $5 billion MGM Grand Atlantic City— located directly between the brand spanking new Borgata and the 44-story Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Tower, which just added 960 rooms in March. Las Vegas’ Echelon Place is opening gambling-friendly incarnations of the Mondrian and the Delano directly on the Strip.

Tropicana Casino Files for Bankruptcy

May 8, 2008

Privately held Casino operator Tropicana Entertainment LLC, which had its New Jersey casino license pulled last year, said it filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday.

The Chapter 11 filing marks one of the largest bankruptcies so far this year and underscores a decline in the fortunes of casinos as the gambling boom of the past few years fades in the face of an economic slowdown. Tropicana, which owns the famed Tropicana casino in Las Vegas, as well as eight other properties in smaller regional U.S. gambling markets, said its casino and resort properties "are more than adequately financed" and it expects to continue normal operations and staff levels.

BetCRIS.com Posts Odds on the End of the World

May 7, 2008

Nostradamus may have predicted that the world would end in the year 2012, but could the ominous population tally of May 10th, 2008 suggest otherwise?

The executives at BetCRIS.com offered up the following odds concerning the potentially catastrophic ramifications of that final birth on the 10th, and whether or not little Damian will cause the end of the world as we know it.

BetCRIS.com Posts Odds on the End of the World

May 7, 2008

Nostradamus may have predicted that the world would end in the year 2012, but could the ominous population tally of May 10th, 2008 suggest otherwise?

The executives at BetCRIS.com offered up the following odds concerning the potentially catastrophic ramifications of that final birth on the 10th, and whether or not little Damian will cause the end of the world as we know it.

Uma Thurman Stalker Found Guilty

May 7, 2008

Uma Thurman’s stalker has been found guilty of harassing the actress.

Jack Jordan, 37, showed no emotion as a New York City court convicted the former psychiatric patient of fourth-degree stalking and second degree aggravated harassment yesterday (06.05.08). After his ruling Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro said: "I've learned some disturbing things about this defendant during this case. I am going to remand him for a psychiatric exam."

Uma Thurman Stalker Found Guilty

May 7, 2008

Uma Thurman’s stalker has been found guilty of harassing the actress.

Jack Jordan, 37, showed no emotion as a New York City court convicted the former psychiatric patient of fourth-degree stalking and second degree aggravated harassment yesterday (06.05.08). After his ruling Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro said: "I've learned some disturbing things about this defendant during this case. I am going to remand him for a psychiatric exam."

NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett and the Celtics Hold off the Cavs in Game 1

May 7, 2008

Kevin Garnett scored 28 points, including the go-ahead layup with 21.4 seconds left, and the Celtics put a defensive blanket on LeBron James, holding the Cavaliers superstar to only two field goals, as Boston edged Cleveland, 76-72, in the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

It was an uncharacteristic contest for a few standout players, but most notable was James' horrific 2-of-18 night from the field. He totaled 12 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but had 10 of Cleveland's 18 turnovers.

NBA Playoffs: Kevin Garnett and the Celtics Hold off the Cavs in Game 1

May 7, 2008

Kevin Garnett scored 28 points, including the go-ahead layup with 21.4 seconds left, and the Celtics put a defensive blanket on LeBron James, holding the Cavaliers superstar to only two field goals, as Boston edged Cleveland, 76-72, in the opener of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

It was an uncharacteristic contest for a few standout players, but most notable was James' horrific 2-of-18 night from the field. He totaled 12 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but had 10 of Cleveland's 18 turnovers.

MGM Mirage Profits Fall 30 Percent As Economy Slumps

May 7, 2008

MGM Mirage Inc, the world's second-largest casino operator, said on Tuesday quarterly profit fell 30 percent as a slower U.S. economy hit spending in Las Vegas.

But the company's recently battered shares were up more than 6 percent after MGM said it is continuing to pursue ways to enhance revenue and reduce costs and suggested that the second quarter may see improved trends. MGM is the fourth large gaming company to report deteriorating quarterly earnings, following Las Vegas Sands Corp, Wynn Resorts Ltd and Boyd Gaming Corp last week.

MGM Mirage Profits Fall 30 Percent As Economy Slumps

May 7, 2008

MGM Mirage Inc, the world's second-largest casino operator, said on Tuesday quarterly profit fell 30 percent as a slower U.S. economy hit spending in Las Vegas.

But the company's recently battered shares were up more than 6 percent after MGM said it is continuing to pursue ways to enhance revenue and reduce costs and suggested that the second quarter may see improved trends. MGM is the fourth large gaming company to report deteriorating quarterly earnings, following Las Vegas Sands Corp, Wynn Resorts Ltd and Boyd Gaming Corp last week.

Tropicana Casino Files for Bankruptcy

May 7, 2008

Privately held Casino operator Tropicana Entertainment LLC, which had its New Jersey casino license pulled last year, said it filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday.

The Chapter 11 filing marks one of the largest bankruptcies so far this year and underscores a decline in the fortunes of casinos as the gambling boom of the past few years fades in the face of an economic slowdown. Tropicana, which owns the famed Tropicana casino in Las Vegas, as well as eight other properties in smaller regional U.S. gambling markets, said its casino and resort properties "are more than adequately financed" and it expects to continue normal operations and staff levels.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are engaged

May 6, 2008

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are engaged. The ‘Definitely, Maybe’ actor–who has been dating Scarlett for more than a year–popped the question to the actress who excitedly said "yes". Scarlett’s representative Marcel Pariseau confirmed: "They are both thrilled."

The couple are yet to set a wedding date.

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are engaged

May 6, 2008

Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are engaged. The ‘Definitely, Maybe’ actor–who has been dating Scarlett for more than a year–popped the question to the actress who excitedly said "yes". Scarlett’s representative Marcel Pariseau confirmed: "They are both thrilled."

The couple are yet to set a wedding date.

Prosecutor Admits To Being Gambling Addict

May 6, 2008

Michael Paul Shirley, 47, of Lindisfarne, had pleaded guilty to 50 counts of stealing and one count of false accounting by a public officer.  The Supreme Court in Hobart heard Shirley would go in person to collect the money from the Tasmania Police property store. The cash, seized from the proceeds of crime and mostly from drug dealers, was usually transferred electronically or by police officers. But prosecutor Mark Miller said Shirley's practice was never questioned because of the position he held.

Prosecutor Admits To Being Gambling Addict

May 6, 2008

Michael Paul Shirley, 47, of Lindisfarne, had pleaded guilty to 50 counts of stealing and one count of false accounting by a public officer.  The Supreme Court in Hobart heard Shirley would go in person to collect the money from the Tasmania Police property store. The cash, seized from the proceeds of crime and mostly from drug dealers, was usually transferred electronically or by police officers. But prosecutor Mark Miller said Shirley's practice was never questioned because of the position he held.

MLB Baseball: Santana Joins Saunders At 6 Wins

May 6, 2008

Ervin Santana threw a four-hit shutout, while Garret Anderson and Brandon Wood hit back-to-back home runs as part of a four-run ninth inning to lead the Angels to a 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series.

Santana (6-0) struck out nine and didn't issue a walk while needing only 97 pitches to notch the second shutout of his career. The first came May 23, 2005, when he blanked the White Sox in his second major league start.

MLB Baseball: Santana Joins Saunders At 6 Wins

May 6, 2008

Ervin Santana threw a four-hit shutout, while Garret Anderson and Brandon Wood hit back-to-back home runs as part of a four-run ninth inning to lead the Angels to a 4-0 win over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series.

Santana (6-0) struck out nine and didn't issue a walk while needing only 97 pitches to notch the second shutout of his career. The first came May 23, 2005, when he blanked the White Sox in his second major league start.

NBA Playoffs Betting: Billups, Pistons Hold Strong and Outlast Magic

May 6, 2008

Chauncey Billups scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half, including a controversial three-pointer in the final second of the third quarter, as the Detroit Pistons beat Orlando, 100-93, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Tayshaun Prince added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who have taken the first two contests. Rasheed Wallace also scored 17, while Richard Hamilton had 14 despite a 4-for-18 shooting night. Jason Maxiell had 11 points in the win.

NBA Playoffs Betting: Billups, Pistons Hold Strong and Outlast Magic

May 6, 2008

Chauncey Billups scored 20 of his 28 points in the second half, including a controversial three-pointer in the final second of the third quarter, as the Detroit Pistons beat Orlando, 100-93, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Tayshaun Prince added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, who have taken the first two contests. Rasheed Wallace also scored 17, while Richard Hamilton had 14 despite a 4-for-18 shooting night. Jason Maxiell had 11 points in the win.

Bodog Signs Poker Pro Justin Bonomo to Team Bodog

May 8, 2008

Today is a good day for Bodog Poker, for today 22-year-old poker pro Justin "ZeeJustin" Bonomo joins the roster of Team Bodog pros. The Los Angeles resident will join (now) fellow Team Bodog pros David Williams, Evelyn Ng and Jean-Robert Bellande as a donner of the black and red at the Bodog online poker tables and at major televised tournaments, including this summer’s World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Bodog Signs Poker Pro Justin Bonomo to Team Bodog

May 8, 2008

Today is a good day for Bodog Poker, for today 22-year-old poker pro Justin "ZeeJustin" Bonomo joins the roster of Team Bodog pros. The Los Angeles resident will join (now) fellow Team Bodog pros David Williams, Evelyn Ng and Jean-Robert Bellande as a donner of the black and red at the Bodog online poker tables and at major televised tournaments, including this summer’s World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Marvel turns Iron Man into gold with $100M-plus debut

May 5, 2008

Iron Man" was pure gold at the box office. The Marvel Comics adaptation, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the guy in the metal suit, hauled in $100.7 million during its opening weekend and $104.2 million since debuting Thursday night, the second-best premiere ever for a nonsequel, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The film also scored overseas with $96.7 million in 57 countries where it began opening Wednesday, putting its worldwide total at $201 million.

Marvel turns Iron Man into gold with $100M-plus debut

May 5, 2008

Iron Man" was pure gold at the box office. The Marvel Comics adaptation, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the guy in the metal suit, hauled in $100.7 million during its opening weekend and $104.2 million since debuting Thursday night, the second-best premiere ever for a nonsequel, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The film also scored overseas with $96.7 million in 57 countries where it began opening Wednesday, putting its worldwide total at $201 million.

NBA Playoffs: Bryant, Lakers silence Jazz in Game 1

May 5, 2008

Kobe Bryant scored 38 points, added seven assists and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-98 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Pau Gasol finished with 18 points and 10 boards for the top-seeded Lakers, who will also host Game 2 of this best-of-seven set, scheduled for Tuesday.

NBA Playoffs: Bryant, Lakers silence Jazz in Game 1

May 5, 2008

Kobe Bryant scored 38 points, added seven assists and grabbed six rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-98 win over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Pau Gasol finished with 18 points and 10 boards for the top-seeded Lakers, who will also host Game 2 of this best-of-seven set, scheduled for Tuesday.