Columnist John Katsilometes: A high roller who attempts to exact revenge on Las Vegas

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005 | 8:35 a.m.

Fabulous Las Vegas runs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the Las Vegas Sun. Reach John Katsilometes at 259-2327 or 812-9812, or by e-mail at kats@lasvegassun.com.

Even after losing more than $3 million in a gambling frenzy over a three-year period in the late '90s, Daren Leverenz still thinks he can beat Las Vegas. He's even constructed a TV series around that belief, "Man Vs. Vegas," which debuts Friday night at 10 on CMT (Cox cable channel 57).

Leverenz is the star of this eight-show series, in which he attempts to win back the fortune he lost from 1997 to 1999. He has since repaired his finances and liquidated all of his assets to build a nest egg of about $1 million for his made-for-TV venture.

In the series Leverenz grabs tourists at random -- at ATMs and in elevators -- and hands them several thousands of dollars to play on his behalf.

"If they win, I give them some of the profits," Leverenz said during a phone interview from his office in L.A. on Monday. "But they never lose their own money. I want them to share in the experience of being on this roller coaster."

Leverenz, who made a fortune through investments in the dot.com market in the '90s, became a self-described adrenaline addict during his gambling forays. A birthday bash in which he turned $2,000 into $180,000 got him started; near the end he lost $250,000 in a single day the week Bellagio opened.

The 35-year-old resident of the San Fernando Valley town of Calabasas has filmed the series at the Plaza and Aladdin. His favorite forms of gambling are blackjack and baccarat, and he's learned to enjoy craps and poker. But he'll wager on any form of gambling -- even betting on NHL games -- and is unafraid of trying to beat the Vegas odds.

"It's all about attitude," he said. "You have to always be positive."

Sounds good, but our money is on Vegas.

NoteMart

Vegas history: The 10th Old Timers' Reunion at the Stardust Ballroom on Sunday night drew a healthy crowd of about 900. Dennis Bono served as master of ceremonies, and dignitaries on hand included Kirk Kerkorian, Thalia Dondero, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Bob Stupak, Burton Cohen and Lonnie Hammargren ...

Creative use of the expense account: The third annual Chicks for Charity Bachelorette Auction is scheduled for Saturday at Celebrity, downtown across from the Lady Luck. Organizers have dubbed this year's event "Year of the Blonde" (which, for some, is every year), and all participants will be dyed blond if not born so. Globe Salon is handling that task.

Those up for bid include Carolyn Goodman (for what is billed as Tea With the Mayor's Wife), author Donna Sue Boxcar, Peggy Wiggins (the assistant to Amazing Johnathan), Hogs & Heifers owner Michelle Dell and artist Jerry Misko (you'll have to show up to see how he's being utilized). Emcees are Dayvid Figler and Ginger Bruner, and funds will be used to help stage First Friday.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets cost $30, or just $25 by clicking the Paypal link on the whirleygig.org Web site. For information, call 384-0092 ...

Seating chart: It is informally known as the Rusty Rule: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays, patrons at all Las Vegas Blueberry Hill restaurants are not allowed to hold a booth or table unless he or she is accompanied by an entire dining party. The reason for the new policy is because of a man named Rusty, who regularly set up shop in a large booth as his wife, a waitress, worked her shift.

As Blueberry Hill President Lester Quam explained Monday, Rusty would not budge from his post and became a problem for those waiting to be seated -- frequently families with young children and older customers leaning on canes and walkers. Quam finally drafted a formal policy, which was printed on small cards and placed on tables at every Blueberry Hill restaurant in town. Today, Rusty, the waitress and the problem are all in the past.