2008 December 31 Gambling News, Events and Happenings

If Ellis Park is someday granted a casino license, it’s possible it would open its casino in Owensboro rather than at its Henderson racetrack, owner Ron Geary said Monday. “I certainly think Ellis Park would be a recipient” of a casino license if voters were to approve a constititional amendment next year allowing such gambling, Geary said.

Trump Entertainment Resorts, the casino operator, said on Wednesday it won more time from its lenders to negotiate or make interest payments on its debt.

In 2009, messaging motorists will pay. Hospital workers who snoop will face tougher penalties too. Californians must abide by dozens of new state laws taking effect Jan. 1, including bans on text-messaging while driving, electronic bingo machines and bidding on state contracts by companies that do business with the government of Sudan, which the U.S. has accused of genocide.

The Columbia Police Department says several community tips and complaints helped them to arrest four people Monday.

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford is openly opposing a plan created by Governor Bob Riley to crack down on gambling operations stating that the city could use the revenue that comes from some Bingo Parlors. Governor Riley created a task force to investigate gambling operations throughout the state.

BOSTON - A casino mogul who helped shape gambling destinations around the world is now focusing on his native Massachusetts.

While a barn in Fair Grounds’ stable area remains under a Louisiana State Racing Commission quarantine, horses will again be allowed to ship in and race at the track beginning with the Dec. 31 card.

In a year that brought us the writers’ strike, “National Bingo Night” and Sanjaya, it might seem difficult to look back with any sort of fondness. But this is that special time to look forward in anticipation (”The Wire” returns next week!) and celebrate past moments that worked. Here’s my New Year’s list of things from 2007 that I’m most thankful for: -TCM, the best thing to happen for movie …

HAGERSTOWN (AP) - A judge convicted the owner of a children’s cheerleading club yesterday of six gambling charges stemming from allegations she used proceeds from a bingo fundraiser to repay a parent who had bailed her out of jail.