Gaming news briefs for January 2, 2004

Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 | 11:33 a.m.

Vegas management company closes neighborhood casino

SPARKS -- There was no New Year's revelry for people at Duke's Casino in downtown Sparks.

The neighborhood club across the street from John Ascuaga's Nugget abruptly told its 52 employees it was shutting down, effective Thursday.

The reasons for the shutdown were not spelled out, and all questions were directed to the casino's Las Vegas-based management company. Officials at Archon Corp. could not be reached for comment.

Duke's is the latest incarnation of the old B Street Gambling Hall. It opened Feb. 6 with 4,500 square feet of gambling space, about 180 slot machines, a bar and one restaurant.

Slow business and questions about ownership have plagued it since.

State eases rule on display of licenses

BILOXI, Miss. -- The Mississippi Gaming Commission will no longer require casino employees to wear gaming licenses that contain their full names.

Larry Gregory, executive director of the Gaming Commission, issued an industry letter on Wednesday, a day after Cathy Netto, a blackjack dealer at Grand Casino Gulfport, presented a petition signed by more than 250 co-workers asking that employees no longer display their badges.

Netto told The Sun Herald newspaper that she started seeking signatures after a gambler called her at home on Dec. 31. She believes the gambler got her full name from the badge and called directory assistance.

Gregory's letter said licensed casino employees, which include dealers, bartenders, technicians and cocktail waitresses, won't have to wear their license as long as they wear a name badge. The employees must have their gaming license in their possession while working.

Beverly Martin, executive director of the Gulf Coast Gaming Association said she was pleased with the change.

"We know the employees are very grateful, just as we are," said Martin, noting that the association had received complaints about the policy.

Leonard "Len" Blackwell II, chairman of the Gaming Commission and a Gulfport attorney, said under his interpretation of the law, a gaming license was like a driver's license. "You're not required to wear your driver's license on your shirt," he said.