Australian billionaire Kerry Packer is denying reports he lost $20 million playing baccarat at Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip last July. Packer said reports in the Australian media about the magnitude of losses were "absolutely ridiculous," according to a Reuters news story.

"This has become so blown out of proportion. The amounts of money spoken about are nowhere near the true figures," said Packer.

Packer's comments followed an attack in the national parliament by opposition Labor MP Mark Latham, who said the extravagance of the reported losses would upset many Australians.

Dear Mark: Does the bet size ever influence the house advantage? For example, does in make any difference if you bet $5 on red in roulette or $500? Clay S. Albuquerque, NM

None whatsoever, Clay. Every single casino game has a built-in edge working for the house. This house edge does not discriminate against the size of a wager. With your example, the casino will hold the same 5.26% advantage on a red wager in roulette whether you bet $5 or $500. Friend of mine invented a game in which the dealer could do just what you suggest-alter the odds during play. Chance that his invention will see casino life: Zilch, Zip, Nada.

Get more expert tips from Mark at http://www.dealmein.org

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to the glamour and neon of the Strip - but if you're looking for better odds you're more likely to find them in the Downtown area at some of the older casinos.

Gambling online is no different -- you can have the beauty and excitement provided by some of the better download-based casinos, but in a couple of instances the better odds at video poker and blackjack are found in the no-download casinos, which are usually Java-based.

Read the article at http://www.got2bet.com/articles/ltopart7.shtml

The folks at First Web Casino are so sure you'll love winning on their classic casino games, that they're offering to give you your money back if you lose!

That's right! Simply deposit up to $50 at First Web Casino and play for real cash winnings on 25 great games. If you haven't hit the big bucks by midnight the next day, they'll refund your losses up to the full $50!

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This week marks the arrival of two Las Vegas casinos to the online gaming scene: MGM Mirage and Harrah's.

On August 23rd MGM Mirage announced an agreement with WagerWorks, a subsidiary of Silicon Gaming to jointly create, launch and operate an online entertainment venture that will feature the MGM Mirage brands. While the site will not accept real-money bets, it positions MGM Mirage for online gaming in future.

Also this week, Reuters reported that casino operator Harrah's Entertainment and online games company iwin.com have formed a two-year cross-marketing partnership.

Read more at http://www.winneronline.com/articles/september2000/mgmharrahs.htm

Armchair quarterbacks and toilet seat coaches take notice: The Great MAXIM Football Challenge is underway. You could win a trip to the Big Game in Tampa in their Individual Challenge and $5000.00 in their Team Challenge. It's free to enter.

Here's how it works: You start off with one million points and wager your imaginary fortune on every game of every week. There are hundreds of weekly prizes, so it's never too late to get in the game.

Go to http://football.maximonline.com/maxim/

We recently stayed at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas -- an outstanding hotel and casino. The restaurants were very good and the casino games were varied and gave you good play for your money.

Staying downtown is an excellent choice for the average gambler. There are 10 casinos all within a few minutes walking distance. The Main Street Station's buffet compares with any in the city, but lacks the half hour waits in line. With so many casinos so close together, they are forced to keep their machines a bit looser, offer drinks more regularly and over all give the average gambler more play for his/her money.

PS My wife says the nickel video poker at the Plaza Hotel and Casino can keep you busy for hours with a ten dollar bill plus their lounge act "The Sun Spots" are as entertaining performers as you'll find for the cost of a 99 cent margarita. -- KH

Send your trip reports to . If we publish your report you'll receive a certificate for 2 nights free accommodation redeemable at a number of U.S. hotels. Some blackout periods and other restrictions apply, but it's free!

Park Place Entertainment Corp. has announced the opening of its new hotel check-in facility at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport. This free service provides added convenience for guests of Park Place's four Las Vegas casino resorts: Bally's, Paris, Caesars Palace and the Flamingo.

The facility provides guests the opportunity to check into their hotel rooms at the airport and receive their room keys. Guests may also purchase show tickets, and future amenities include the option for guests to check their baggage at the facility for delivery to their rooms. The facility is modeled after a full-service hotel lobby and is located in the south baggage claim area near the exit from the C and D gates. It will be open initially from 10 a.m. to midnight daily.

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Want to win a copy of the famous American Casino Guide? Send me an email answering the questions below and you'll be entered in a draw to win one of 5 copies! Winners will be announced next week. Please note that you must reside in the United States to be eligible. Now here are the questions:

What do you like best about this newsletter?
What do you like least about it?
What could we do to improve this newsletter?
Have you ever gambled at an online casino?

Good luck and see you next week!

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