Gaming briefs for Sept. 9, 2003

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2003 | 11:05 a.m.

Mandalay Resort Group in deal with cable, Internet provider

Cox Communications has signed an agreement with Mandalay Resort Group to offer digital on-demand television service, high-speed Internet service and wireless keyboard access at five of the company's resorts in Las Vegas.

The service will be offered through Cox Communications' Hospitality Network, which offers in-room video and data technology services to the casino industry. In the past, Cox used a bank of VCRs and videotapes to provide on-demand television services. The new digital service, which runs off computer hard drives, replaces the tapes, Cox said.

"This new technology will continue to keep our resorts on the cutting edge of guest amenities while increasing the cash flow opportunities at our properties," said Mandalay Resort Group marketing chief John Marz.

Cox recently inked a deal with MGM MIRAGE to offer similar digital services for resort guests.

The Greenspun family, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, is a minority investor in Cox's Las Vegas operation.

Casino adding bingo hall

BLUE LAKE, Calif. -- Just one year after its grand opening, the Blue Lake Casino has announced plans to expand. The Blue Lake Rancheria, which operates the casino, will add a bingo hall, a new office and a storage facility to the complex.

Tribal Chair Arla Ramsey said increased interest in bingo prompted the Rancheria to begin plans for a new 10,000- to 11,000-square-foot structure. It also plans to provide 300 additional parking spots to accommodate increased traffic and construct a 20,000-square-foot building for offices and storage space.

City officials have expressed concern that the casino's expansion will increase traffic and further overload the city's sewer system. The casino has for months been running as high as five times the allowed limit of discharge of grease, liquefied grease and food solids.

The Rancheria has responded to the problem, adding a grease trap, a sampling well and a cooling system to help keep grease from liquefying. It has also hired two engineers to find a system to address the excessive discharge into the city's treatment ponds.