Businesswoman Carol Andrew from Surrey is celebrating what may be the biggest ever online casino win in the UK, after picking up a cool $137,000. Andrew's win came when playing the CashSplash game on King Solomon's online casino (www.kingsolomons.com).

"I'd noticed that the jackpot was higher than I'd ever seen it," Andrew remembers. "I told my husband, who was watching TV. Then he heard this little cry and we just sat there staring at the screen. We couldn't believe it."

The $137,000 payment was made on the working day following Andrew's win, though conversion to pounds meant the money was in her account a week later. "We've decided to take a Caribbean cruise next March," says Andrew, "and put a little aside for our retirement."

For years casinos have had one hard and fast rule: no clocks. They don't want you to know what time it is or you might decide it's time to leave.

But now an Atlantic City casino is breaking that rule, according to an Associated Press report. Coyote Kate's Slot Parlor at Bally's Park Place features a 30-foot clock tower in the middle of the room. It's the only clock in an Atlantic City casino, not counting those in restaurants, retail stores and public spaces.

"We thought a clock tower would fit the theme quite well, and it does," said casino president Kenneth Condon.

Dear Mark, It was my belief when playing blackjack that you always double down with an 11 against the dealer showing an Ace. A "self proclaimed" expert on the game informed me that I was playing that hand wrong. He said I should just hit the hand. Who is correct? Jeb C. Albany, NY

Both of you, sort of. You failed to mention in your question, Jeb, whether you were playing on a single or multiple deck game. The correct strategy would be to hit your 11 versus an Ace when playing multiple deck, but double down when on a single deck game.

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

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A judge sentenced former stripper Sandy Murphy and her lover Rick Tabish to life in prison for the murder of casino owner Ted Binion, says a CourtTV report.

"Many lives have been ruined and you have ruined them," Judge Joseph A. Bonaventure told the couple. The judge added additional prison time onto the 20-years-to-life sentence a jury handed down in May. Murphy will be eligible for parole in 22 years, and Tabish will be eligible in 25 years.

"Through your greed and betrayal you plotted an elaborate scheme to kill Mr. Binion and steal his money, as well as swap him for a younger boyfriend," said the judge. "You presented yourself as a caring and loving girlfriend only to lure your victim into a trap which ultimately cost him his life."

Faster, higher, stronger. The Olympic games have always brought the best in the world together. Children the world over dream of holding a gold medal aloft, their country's anthem playing in the background as their country's flag is raised.

In Sydney this year, dreams will be both realized and shattered. As always, when guts and glory are on the line, some athletes feel that the line everybody else has to toe isn't meant for them. In some countries, where Olympic gold is prized above all else, systematic drug doping programs have been undertaken in order to boost a country's athletic reputation. Today, many people claim that this is all behind us.

At Sportsbook.com you can bet on which country's gold will be taken away. China, with its army of swimmers and runners that came out of nowhere have been curiously silent of late; however at 5-6 odds, they're still pegged as early favorites to take home the most dishonor.

For our full list of odds and a highlight on this year's Olympics, go to http://www.sportsbook.com

My wife and I recently returned from Las Vegas, where we spent quite a bit of time at Arizona Charlies West. This casino is a perfect example of a well run, nicely laid out, friendly operation. We play only Video Poker machines, and we found quite a number of full pay machines throughout the building. Their employees were extremely helpfull and competent, and the Sourdough Cafe and upstairs Buffet were excellent.

During the week they have Video Poker Tournaments, and they are fun and exciting to play in. They only charge $5 per entry, plus the first 4 of a kind wins a $20 comp for the Cafe, and each entry gets a 2-for-1 ticket to the Buffet, and if you make the final 14, you get another 2-for-1 buffet ticket, plus a chance to win one of the top 4 prizes. I finished 3rd and got $65. Not bad for $5.

The only drawback is you need a car, because it is located near Charleston and Decatur Streets, though it is easily reached by taking the bus system. We will definitely go back again next trip. -- Bud and Sandy

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. destinations. Some blackout periods and other restrictions apply, but it's free!

1. Comparison shop on the Internet. For example, check out the prices at the Las Vegas Reservation System, Travelocity and Trip Reservations.

2. Check the LA Times. It's often loaded with casino deals. These deals are summarized online at http://www.americancasinoguide.com/Travel/LA-TIMES-DEALS.shtml.

3. Take your trip during the least expensive times of year. Rates are usually lower during July and August. The best deals can be found in December before Christmas.

4. Avoid convention weeks. Room rates go up dramatically during major conventions like COMDEX. This year COMDEX is held Nov. 13-17.

5. Join slot clubs and player rewards programs. That way you'll be on the casino's mailing list and will receive news of special promotions.

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I'm not much of a sports bettor -- I prefer blackjack and video poker. But after seeing the antics of Mike Tyson at a press conference last week I couldn't resist placing a $100 wager on his opponent, Polish heavyweight Andrew Golota. Tyson's the favorite but if Golota wins, I win 300 bucks!

This marks the first time I've placed a wager using an online sportsbook. The fight is on October 20. Wish me luck. Your editor, Steve Johnson, .

See you next week!

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